This one comes with written instructions! They were written on a card and the drawing was so congested (and edited too many times) I decided to draw the diagram on the computer by following the card.
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LET’S PRETEND…
Imagine that, unlike me, you want to make a project—sew squares together and arrive at something useful. Our imaginary project involves weaving “Companion Squares” that, when combined, contribute to a “Bigger Picture.” (The terms “Companion Squares” and “Bigger Picture” will be used throughout this article to describe the type of squares referred to—see photo caption.)
Example of a “Bigger Picture” made by combining “Companion Squares.” (Squares woven and photo by Bonnie Visser; used with permission. Pattern design by Suzanne Eakin.)
It’s helpful to know which corner is which when reading my blog posts because I often refer to corners and sides of the loom (or squares).
This information is also useful when it comes to joining your squares.
Please note: Corner 1 (cr1) and Corner 4 are usually interchangeable. There may be times when it matters that your squares are right side up (meaning cr1 at the bottom left), so please take care!
Have to say, this one didn’t turn out as I’d hoped. (It’s been redesigned and needs to be rewoven.) In its defense, I designed it on graph paper–long before I began designing with charts on the computer–using the palest pencil imaginable. It was hard to see the diagram to transfer it to digital media, so I can only imagine (because I can’t remember) how difficult it must have been to design. Apparently I had no trouble following my nearly imperceptible graphite marks because I wove what I wrote. Nevertheless, while transcribing the pattern I decided to make some improvements (untested at this point, but I’m certain they’re improvements).
Before I could transfer the semi-visible drawing to the computer, I thought I’d better get a look at the original so I could know what I was trying to copy. Here’s a rough sketch of what Road to Tennessee looked like in my quilt block book.
Road to Tennessee sketch
I think this pattern is pretty cool; turned out exactly as I’d hoped. Combined with other blocks it would make an interesting overall quilt design.
Split Step, front
This pattern deserves its own name, but I can’t think what to call it. I already called something else Churn Dash and I have a more pinwheel-like pattern waiting to be posted. Since it’s more or less a variation, let’s just call it that. I think it looks pretty front or back.
Whirling Diamond var 2 or Pinwheel, front
Though I’ve listed this pattern as a variation of Whirling Diamond, I decided to give it the name it had in my quilt block book. There are online quilt block designs called Churn Dash that look very different, but I suppose one woman’s churn dash might easily differ from another’s. Churn Dash and the pattern that follows (Whirling Diamond variation 2) look like their namesake, but their diagrams are dissimilar.
Churn Dash, front