Any desperate housewives out there?

Jane (Want it, Need it, Quilt!)  is running a really fun program of block tutorials called the Desperate Housewives Quiltalong at the moment.  You can make some or all of these 8" blocks, as desired.  This week it's my turn and I will be showing you how to make a paint chips block.  

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1.   Pick 15 fabrics in five piles of similar tones (eg bluey purples) but different values (darker, lighter).  I used Kona solids for this block but you could also try it using prints.   


2.   Cut a 2 1/2" X 1 1/2" rectangle from each one.  From the background fabric (mine is white), cut 2 WOF strips 1" wide and then cut these as follows:  10 pieces 1 1/2" long; 6 pieces 7 1/2" long and 2 pieces 8 1/2" long.  Lay out the coloured rectangles in the order in which they will lie in the block.  


3.   Sew the coloured rectangles into rows with the 1 1/2" white strips as separators.  


4.   Sew these rows together using 4 of the 7 1/2" strips as separators.  


5.   Sash the whole block by sewing the 2 remaining 7 1/2" strips down the sides then the 8 1/2" strips along the top and VOILA you have an 8" paint chips block.  



If you make this block, I would love it if you would add a picture of it to both the Desperate Housewives Flickr group as well as my Lily's Quilts Flickr group.  To find all the other block tutorials from this Desperate Housewives series, click on the button below.

Comments

  1. What a great block. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  2. What a super fun block - gosh you must have a stash of fabric that FILLS a room at home

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  3. Love this block, need to get more fabric I don't think I have enough of one colourway yet!! I'll save it for a later date ;)
    The blocks on the desperate housewives quiltalong are unbelievable - really inspiring! Thanks Lynne
    x

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  4. This is a smashing wee block - have pinned it for later (impressed?)

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  5. It' s such a great block. Thank you for participating in DHWQ. I love your work and I always get so much inspiration from your blog.

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  6. Lynne,
    Thanks for the tutorial over at Madame Sams. Beautiful blog!!

    Nancy

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  7. Neat block. Also loved your post at Sew We Quilt. I need to make that pillow now.

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  8. Brilliant block! You're getting great use out of that amazing box of wonder you showed us a while back :-)

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  9. I LOVE this - how simple but amazingly clever and effective. One to add to the list.

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  10. Lovely block Lynne!
    Just read your guest post on sew we quilt, very entertaining as usual and your pillow is beautiful!! Great job!

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  11. Super cute idea! Lots of possibilities!

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  12. Loved your tutorial on Mme Samm's site, thank you.

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  13. A lovely block that I would have trouble with! I can't seem to sew a straight seam at the moment - and that has a gazillion!

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  14. What a great little quilt! I also love the pillow at your guest blog! I'm a new follower here.

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  15. Loved your post at Madame Samms! That pillow is on my list, now!

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  16. That's so calming on the eye. (Which I think is a good thing)

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  17. I've put a link and picture on my blog, I hope that's ok?! I'm linking up to the Thurday Think Tank by makingrebeccalynne so had to include it!

    have a gander:
    http://charmaboutyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/ttt-22nd-sept-where-is-this-month-going.html

    Lucy xx

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  18. Great block Lynne! I also stopped by Madame Samms' blog to see your pillow tutorial. Love it and the preview for DSQ!

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  19. Great posting at Mme. Samm's - thank you.

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  20. great block tutorial. and i love your blog. :>)

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  21. Hahahahaaaa! I have a stack of Kona purple colorway (flying people eater) that I received for my birthday and it has had no real purpose...yet. This would be perfect! Thanks Lynne!

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  22. Cool Block!
    I thought I was already following you but I clicked to follow again! Great post at Sew We Quilt! Love the stripes!

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  23. great block lynne. i also wanted to tell you that i almost wet my pants this morning when i read the comment you left for Katy on her "interesting reading" post. you totally cracked me up!

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  24. Here I`m.Love your block,is beautiful and the color is great.Thanks Lynne for the tuto at Sew we quilt.

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  25. Followed you over from Sew We Quilt. Loved your tutorial and the colors.

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  27. Great block!! Also, I loved your post on Stash Manicure!! Thanks!

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  28. Great glock Lynne! And I loved your SWQ post :)

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  29. love love love
    cushion & paint chips AND your comment on Katy's post ... xx

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  30. Love this block! I am sorting through my fabric now and organizing by color so I can make a paint chip block!

    Loved the pillow tutorial at Sew We Quilt, too! And I found your follower button so now can keep up with what's happenin' at your blog.

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  31. Saw you at stash manicure today. Love the pillow, especially with using a zipper.

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  32. Love the block - that bounty box (or two?!) is making itself useful, maybe it would like to come and stay with me for a while?! Loved your comment on Katy's blog - made me laugh so hard I stopped making a noise!

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  33. Thanks for the post at sewwequilt. The pillow was lovely, and this paint chip block is wonderful! You must have lots of fabric to use when selecting combinations.

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  34. Love your pillow tut on Stash. I think your paint chips block would also make a neat pillow!

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  35. This looks great! I can't wait to make it... got some catching up to do in the quilt along. I know it's a quilt-as-you-wish-along, but I don't even seen to have time for the ones I wish!

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  36. You did a wonderful post over at Sew We Quilt!! I love the quilt you've done here too ... thank you so much for sharing :)

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  37. I am a new follower. You have an amazing blog. Thanks for all the inspirations. Love your tutorial over at Sew We Quilt. I have to finish up all my UFOs to start on your paint chips block.

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  38. Fun block. It has me dreaming up a hardware store sampler quilt. You know, with spanners and everything ;)

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