Real or artificial, big or small, laden with ornaments or adorned only with sparkling lights, trees are one of the symbols of the holidays.  Who hasn't made at least one family outing to find the perfect tree?  The iconic tree at Rockefeller Center is a classic holiday image - and a centerpiece of at least one holiday movie.  So when it came to a block for this year's Countdown to Christmas, I decided I needed a tree.  (It helps that it's one of my favorite pieced quilt blocks.)

Making the Half-Triangle Squares. The squares used to make the HTS units for this block have been cut ⅛” larger to allow for trimming the finished units to size - and square. Use the following sizes of squares to make the HTSs: 6” block - 2” x 2” squares 9” block - 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” squares 12” block - 3” x 3” squares All seams are a scant 1/4” unless specified otherwise. Step 1. For the HTSs, make the following pairs of squares using 1 square of each:

• Green #1 & Background - 3 pairs
• Red/Pink #1 & Background - 4 pairs
• Red/Pink #1 & Red/Pink #2 - 2 pairs

      Step 2. On the wrong side of the lighter square of each pair, draw a line from one corner to the opposing corner. Step 3. Using a scant .” seam allowance, stitch on both sides of the drawn line. Step 4. Cut the squares apart on the drawn line to yield two pieced HTSs. Press the seams toward the darker fabric. Step 5. Trim the HTSs as follows:

• 6” block: Trim to 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” - 1” x 1” finished.
• 9” block: Trim to 2” x 2” - 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” finished.
• 12” block: Trim to 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” - 2” x 2” finished.

Step 6. Lay out the pieces as shown. Step 7. Begin joining the squares, HTSs and rectangles to make rows - work vertically or horizontally, that’s entirely up to you. Press the seams in one direction - or press them open. Step 8. Join the rows to complete the block.  Press the seams in one direction - or press them open. The block will now measure 6 1/2” x 6 1/2” or 9 1/2” x 9 1/2” or 12 1/2” x 12 1/2”. A huge, huge Thank You to Moda's Tammy Vonderschmitt for piecing this block!  Sometimes it really takes a village. CLICK HERE - Printer Friendly Version - It Just Needs Tinsel