It’s less than one month until Quilt Market so an easy-ish block seemed in order.

Fig Tree - Low Volume!  Okay, so the four-patches are a little scrappier than in the pattern.  I cut squares... close enough, right?  As usual, the fabrics are from Fig Tree & Co.'s Farmhouse and Chestnut Street collections and the background is my favorite tiny stars from Liberty Gatherings by Primitive Gatherings.

But... okay, I just couldn't leave well-enough alone.

Eight four-patches that finish at 1-1/4".  Cut 2 strips - 1-1/8" wide by 20".  (I found it easier to work with 10" strips - just twice as many.) . Join the strips on the long edge and cross-cut 16 segments measuring 1-1/8" wide.  Make eight four-patches that measure 1-3/4" x 1-3/4".

I liked it so much... I did it twice.

As always, the two light prints are from Snowberry by 3 Sisters and the blue prints are from Union Blues by Barbara Brackman.  The gold center square is from Rachel Remembered by Betsy Chutchian.

At least Tammy got the block right!

It's going to be a beautiful addition to her fall-themed blocks.  These fabrics are from from Rachel Remembered by Betsy Chutchian.

CLICK HERE for the link to Block 30 – Four-Patch Dash.

Question of the Week ~ Name a "famous" quilter that inspired-taught you of the past twenty years that you hope quilters will remember twenty years from now.  (Not including any of us, of course... that's a given.)

It's a very, very long list - there are so many quilters who have written, said or made something that left an impression on me, one that influenced my work, my thinking and my approach to quilting.  Yes, all five of the Blockheads are on the list.  To that, add Barb and Alma, Gerri Kimmel Carr, Sue Garman, Linda Brannock, Barbara Brackman, Harriet Hargrave, Gwen Marston, Roberta Horton and Mary Mashuta, Jean Wells, Kim McLean and on and on.

But the voice that I sometimes hear in my head is that of Freddy Moran.  I will ask you to indulge me while I share two stories.

The first story is about a quilt featured in a book that I can't remember the title of.  On one of the pages was an up-close picture of a house quilt.  It was colorful and lively but wow... those seams don't match... and that point is just a bit whacked off.  Simply put... I noticed the imperfections.  Then I turned the page and WOW! - Freddy's quilt was a gloriously vibrant quilt bursting at the seams with energy.  It was my first lesson in seeing the whole quilt, not just one or two blocks - especially a couple of blocks up-close.

Most of us are too good at seeing the imperfections in our own work, knowing where every missing point and off-kilter seam can be found that we sometimes don't realize that nobody else sees that.  Or maybe that's just me.

The second story to share about a few things that Freddy spoke about in the first class I was fortunate enough to take with her.

• Quilts are the size they're supposed to be.  As in, it doesn't have to fit a bed or sofa or a specific space on the wall.  Create something that fits the idea you have in your head... that has it's own aesthetic.
• If you can't find the right fabric, create your own.  If you can't find the perfect "yellow" for this space, piece a dozen yellows and make your own fabric.
• Borders aren't always required - and they don't have to be one fabric.  I think you know I love pieced borders, setting triangles and sashing strips - thank you, Freddy!
• Show your work - anywhere, anytime - you never know who you will inspire.  Freddy shared the story of her first quilts, how they were a bit "different" than what was showing at most quilt shows.  We forget that what we see at our local quilt shows is a tiny part of what we're all making.  ALL of our quilts matter and they should all be shown, seen, admired, and used to inspire.

Just in case you missed it - CLICK HERE for the link to Block 30 – Four-Patch Dash.

Don't forget that there is a Blockheads Archive with links to all of the published blocks and blog posts.

That's it for today, September 27.  Be sure to visit Lisa, Betsy, Lynne, Jo and Jan to see their blocks and all the lovely blocks and extra things they have made:

• Lynne’s Blog / Facebook / Website
• Betsy’s Blog / Facebook / Instagram
• Jo’s Blog / Instagram
• Jan’s Blog / Website
• Lisa’s Blog / Website / Instagram

Don’t miss the blocks being posted to #modablockheads on Instagram and Facebook.

If you're not already a member, you can still join the Moda Blockheads Facebook group.  It's a busy group with lots of tips, suggestions and support.

Happy Blockhead Wednesday!