Back in February, I was approached by the National Quilt Museum to help kick off their Block of the Month Club. And after reading how rad this was, it was totally a no-brainer to say HECK to the YES! It’s this really neat-o idea where each month’s free 10 x 10 inch block will represent one of their traveling exhibits and will result in a 12 block sampler. I was asked to design a block inspired by the traditional Bow Tie block, which is the theme of our 2018 New Quilts From An Old Favorite competition. They’re also encouraging the use different techniques, so of course I immediately thought of English Paper Piecing. Enter Mister Domestic Bow Ties.
Yes I made two versions even though I was asked to make one. I just gotta be me. Honestly, after I made Version 1, I knew there might be some of y’all out there that wanted something that was a smidge more challenging, so I whipped up Version 2. And like I totally know that I didn’t just paint the Mona Lisa, but I made the center of the bow ties smaller than traditional, which I felt gave it more dimension and a modern feel.
Colors
If you’re digging on the colors I used, these are the Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Elements Solids that I used:
- Cozumel Blue
- Fresh Water
- Parisian Blue
- Tile Blue
- Nocturnal
- Tranquil Waters
- Ocean Waves
- Icy Mint
- Warm Wave
Mister Domestic Bow Ties
Here are my two versions of the blocks. Honestly, I’d never played with this block before and I was blown away by it’s versatility.
To snag my free pattern and templates that you can cut out, head over to the National Quilt Museum Block of the Month Group, which is where all the action will be taking place for the club. If you prefer to buy the pieces pre-cut, you can head over to Paper Pieces who has done the cutting for you.
In the event you don’t have access to a printer, here are the dimensions for the two sizes of Bow Ties that you can draw and cut directly from card stock without printing.
And of course I had to play around to see how these blocks looked on repeat and I was actually blown away, so Paper Pieces also has kits available to make 60 x 80 inch quilts. Once I saw Version 1, I knew that I had to make that one for myself. Thanks to technology, this isn’t the full layout of the quilt versions, but this is what they look like on repeat.
TIPS
If, by chance, you are brand spanking new to English Paper Pieces, I have a pretty thorough playlist on my YouTube Channel that’ll walk you through all the steps.
And here are some supplies that you might need:
While I don’t promote anything unless I legit love it, this post contains affiliate links.
How do you use the vellum? I see it in your recommended supplies. Thanks!
That’s what I use to print the free templates to cut out the paper pieces.
I’ve always feared EPP, but your blocks and videos are inspiring me to give it a go!
Yaaay. Super stoked you’re going to give it a go.
are there any instructions to do this block by machine? I can’t do much hand work.
There aren’t. To my understanding, this block club is encouraging trying different techniques.
what size pre-cut pieces should I order from Paper Pieces to make this block. I have never done EPP before.
I found it using your name.
Awesome. There’s a link in the blog post. Sorry I didn’t see this sooner.
If doing the EPP the final block is specific with no 1/4 inch seam around the four sides. Correct? Therefore block is finished as is and measures 10 inches. How does this get sewed into other blocks?
Incorrect actually. The seam allowance is folded over on the papers. When you pop the pieces out and iron the seam allowances, they appear and will be the same size as the other blocks. You’d sew this block into the other ones the same way you sew all the others.
I figured that out once I I thought about it and thinking of how you press it thanks for your reply.
You neglected to state the finished size of the block, either version……I make it to be 4″.
It states that it’s a 10” Block on the top of this post and on the top of the pattern.
Great videos!
You’re the greatest -do you know that? Thanks for posting this happy block for the peeps!
Reading on my phone…where do I find info on amount of fabric to purchase? Thanks!
Are you asking about this block or the whole quilt? It’s a 10 inch block so it doesn’t take much. As for the whole quilt I have no clue. I’d check with the National Quilt Museum. Maybe they have that info?
Thanks! I’m sure lots of people are now hooked on EPP! It is so enjoyable and easy to take anywhere!