The Mango Block

A while back along my quilting journey, I joined the For the Love of Solids Swap. At the time, it was a really big deal for me - a challenge to come up with something unique, all in solid fabrics of course. After much trial and error, self-questioning, and debating, I came up with this quilt.

I have always thought of it as "Mango," since that was my partner Tina's favorite color and what started me on this palette. At the time I posted the finished quilt, I got quite a few inquiries about a pattern. But that was nowhere on my radar at the time - it was only by guess and by golly that I even got Mango put together, making it up as I went along.

But I've thought off and on since that I should at least make up a pattern for the basic block, and thanks to the efforts of my friend Marci/Marci Girl Designs, that is now a reality. Though the block is my design, Marci has created easy-to-use templates for us all. {You can find them here and here.}  Let me take you through construction and then I'll share a mini quilt I made to showcase the block.

Each block measures 6" finished. Start with a 7" square of both your background fabric and corner feature fabric. Right-sides together, mark a line diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. Stitch 1/4" on either side of the marked line, and then cut on the diagonal line. Press your two half-square triangle blocks, with seams open

This time around, I chose to make the center of my block in the same fabrics as the corner, with fabrics reversed. In that case, you can cut templates A and C from the same square. (If you'd like template A in another fabric, start with 4 1/2" squares and make hsts in the same way.)

Cut your block arc using template B.

Here's what you'll have for 1 block. Note that the arc is pressed in half.

If you are experienced in stitching curves, you may choose to do it without pins. But if not, start with 1 pin in the center.

Match up one edge and pin carefully. Match and pin the opposite edge, and then continue to pin with edges even. I found a couple more on each side was plenty. Stitch center triangle and arc together.

Press well. I chose to press towards the arc.

Add corner piece in a similar fashion, beginning with a single pin in the center.

Press well. 

Tutorial available in pdf format

And that's it! As a sample of how the block can be used, I made a mini quilt using 4 blocks in alternating fabrics. 

Prints are from Jeni Baker's Nordika; solids are Couture Cottons in Charcoal and Mermaid combined with Kona Snow. I find that the Couture Cottons and Art Gallery fabrics are an especially good mix texture-wise, and they both have a similar sheen. In my limited experience with both, I find them luxurious to quilt. I took this opportunity to try a few new patterns, quilting-wise. I used Aurifil 50wt Spring Green Acquarelli #4662, whose variations in color added such a visual interest that I wish you could see in person. As an added touch, I added a binding flange a la Jaybird Quilts.

I feel a little guilty, but I just had to use the Nordika panel on the back. I'm really glad I did, though, as it and the quilting compliment each other and just plain make me smile.

If you use The Mango Block in a project of your own, I'd love to have you share it in the Quilting with A Quilter's Table flickr group. And Marci! Thank you again!!

This project was listed on my FAL Q4 list. Linking up with Little Quilt Monday, Fabric Tuesday, and Finish It Up Friday.