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CORRECTION! Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 11

Page 1 of the written instructions of the Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 11 have an error! Under Contructing each block, the instructions errorneously say to sew together a Red scrap 2 1/2-inch square and a Blue scrap 2 1/2-inch square. The instructions should say Red scrap 1 1/2-inch and Blue scrap 1 1/2-inch square. The cutting instructions and on-line tutorial are correct.

To download a copy of the NEW PDF, click here-->Download Thrifty Block-Block 11 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1

We have posted a new PDF file to the original instructions and mentioned it on our Corrections Page; all downloads are current as of 19:42 EDT 29 April 2013.

We graciously apologize for any confusion and wish thank Lucille (of Lucy Sews Everyday) for her quick note catching the error.

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 11

 

Published in his own print shop, Ben earned great success with his yearly Poor Richard's Almanack! Along with dates, times, and moon phases, Ben included distances, world events, and of course, words to live by. Some were Ben's maxims and some were translated or borrowed or even enhanced with Ben's wit...many are heard still today: "Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a Man healthy, wealthy and wise" and "A penny saved is two pence clear" or "A penny saved is a penny earned"...

To print a copy of Page 1, click here-->Download Thrifty Block-Block 11 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1

To print a copy of Page 2, click here-->Download Thrifty Block-Block 11 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 2

To print a copy of Page 3, click here-->Download Thrifty Block-Block 11 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 3

(We strongly advise downloading all three of these pages)

 

Thrifty block tutorial

Begin making the Four-Patch corner unit A's. They are assembled in typical Four-Patch style. The cutting instructions list all of the pieces you need to cut to make all four blocks for the quilt. Each block goes together the same way...make each block one at a time...

Lay the block out so you can see how it will go together. We placed matching Blue scrap blocks in the center, touching the Center C Blue scrap. This made our pattern visible in each of the four blocks. You can do it this way, or mix it up as you like! Laying out the block will help you avoid mistakes when you sew the block together...

then sew each row together. This block is like a Nine-Patch...press the seams opposite so they nest together.

Sew the rows together (matching seams) and one Thrifty Block is now complete! Repeat with the remaining pieces you have cut to make three more blocks!

Make four Thrifty Blocks for your quilt! Each block should measure 6 1/2-inches square. Add a final press with a quick spray of starch and your blocks are finished! We will see you next month with another new block!

More from Poor Richard and Benjamin Franklin:

Well Done is is better than well said.

Fish and visitors stink after three days.

Observe all men; thyself most.

No gains without pains

A true friend is the best Possesion.

Beware of little Expenses: a small leak sinks a great ship.

To err is human, to repent divine; to persist devilish.

A lie stands on one leg, Truth on two.

Ne'er take a Wife till thou hast a house (and a fire) to put her in.

Haste makes waste. 

If you are missing a page or need further copies of any of the instructions posted to date, click on the Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt button under DON'T MISS A STEP to find what you need. If you have a question, or need further assistance, please contact Erik HOMEMADE®. 

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Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 10

Coming this Summer! Our 'Farmhouse' Make-over!

Have you read the news?

It seems that not everyone has! So just to make sure....

Here is the corrected Page 1 for the Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt Block 10!-->Download Our Editor-Block 10 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know! 

UPDATE! CORRECTION! Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 10

The cutting instructions on Page 1 of the Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 10 have an error! The written instructions mistakenly say to cut a 7 1/4-inch Red scrap square. A Beige scrap 7 1/4-inch square should be used in its place. The online tutorial and photographs correctly show a Beige scrap square.

We have uploaded a new PDF to the original post and made mention of the same on our Corrections Page at 23:54 EDT on 27 March 2013.

To download a copy of the NEW PDF, click here-->Download Our Editor-Block 10 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1

We apologize for any confusion any thank Vera for notifying us so quickly!  

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 10

Life was going well for Benjamin Franklin! A few business partners and various endeavors later, Ben finally took sole proprietorship or his print shop on High (Market) Street. With the birth of his second son, Franky, and Ben's own ideas of "Thirteen Virtues"*, Ben began to publish a yearly almanac under the pen name Richard Saunders called "Poor Richard's Almanack" (1732-1758) which would earn Ben not only criticism but also fame and fortune...

To print a copy of Page 1, click here-->Download Our Editor-Block 10 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1

To print a copy of Page 2, click here-->Download Our Editor Block-Block 10 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 2

To print a copy of Page 3, click here-->Download Our Editor-Block 10 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 3

(We strongly advise downloading all three of these pages)

Our Editor block tutuorial

Start the Our Editor block by drawning an 'X' through the center of the 7 1/4-inch Beige scrap square, then sew 1/4-inch to each side of the line.

Cut apart the 2 resulting squares on the drawn line.

Open both squares and press in one direction. We pressed ours to the Beige...

Redraw the diagonal line all the way out to the corner on one piece.

Layer both squares, colors opposite and matching seams. The seams should fit together nicely down the center.

Sew 1/4-inch to each side of the drawn line. Make sure your seams fit together where they meet in the middle.

Cut apart on the drawn line...

you will have 2 center A units that measure 6 1/2-inches sqaure. Keep one for this block and set the other aside!

Make the side B units by drawing a diagonal line down across the center of 4 Beige scrap 3 7/8-inch squares and layering them each with a Red scrap 3 7/8-inch square. Then sew 1/4-inch to each side of the drawn line!

Cut apart on the drawn line...

and press each piece. You will need to make 8 side B units that are Red and Beige that measure 3 1/2-inch square!

Make the corner C units in the same way! Draw the diagonal line through the remaining Beige scrap 3 7/8-inch squares and layer with the Blue scrap 3 7/8-inch squares and sew 1/4-inch to each side of the drawn line... 

and cut apart on the drawn line as before with the side B units.

Press each piece and make sure it measures 3 1/2-inches square! Make 4 corner C units of Beige and Blue.

Lay out the block following the diagram on Page 2. Make sure to place the side B units and the corner C units in the right direction! (Can you see all of the little points we will trim off...sometimes they help us match seams!)

Sew the block together in rows, matching seams, of course! (We will have to trim our little points off!)

The Our Editor block is finished! A good pressing, with a little starch if you like, and your block is ready to go into the quilt! We will be back next month with another block for our Benjamin Franklin Mystery quilt! Please note that there are more than 12 blocks in this quilt!

 

*Thirteen Virtues of Benjamin Franklin: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Tranquility, Cleanliness, Chastity, and Humility.

 

 

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 9

Now back in Philadelphia, it was time for Ben to settle down and start a family. While Ben was in London, Deborah Read had wed...and by now her ne'er-do-well husband had dissappeared. On September 1st, 1730, Ben took Deborah as his common-law wife...and she accecpted to raise his first-born child, William (Willy), as her own. Deborah and benhad  two more children: Sarah (Sally) and Francis Folger (Franky) that they raised in the family home on High (Market) Street, above the print shop, "close to the heart of things".

To print a copy of Page 1, click here-->Download Happy Home-Block 9 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1

To print a copy of Page 2, click here-->Download Happy Home-Block 9 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 2

To print a copy of Page 3, click here-->Download Happy Home-Block 9 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 3

(We strongly advise downloading all three of these pages)

 

Happy Home block tutorial

Start the Happy Home block by drawing two diagonal lines across one Blue scrap 5 1/4-inch square. Layer the Blue scrap square on top of the Beige scrap 5 1/4-inch square. Sew 1/4-inch to both sides of the line.

Cut down the sewn line (between the stitching), open, and press each unit. This is the first part of the (hourglass) A units that go around the block.

Draw one diagonal line across the Red scrap 5 1/4-inch scrap square and layer it with the remaining Blue scrap 5 1/4-inch square. Sew 1/4-inch to both sides of the drawn line as above...then cut down the line, open, and press just like above. This makes the second part of the (hourglass) A units!

You will need to draw the missing part of the diagonal line across the Beige scrap; this makes it easier to sew!

Layer a Blue/Beige unit on top of a Red/Blue unit as shown matching center seams. Don't be afraid to re-press one of the seams so they nest, if you need to.  

Sew 1/4-inch to each side of the drawn line...Open the (hourglass) A units and make sure they are sewn correctly (the Red and Beige will be opposite!) before you cut them apart...if they are incorrect, rotate the layered squares until they are right.

Once you are sure the unit is sewn correctly, cut on the drawn line, open, and press. Repeat with the remaining squares to make 4 A units!

Use the 16 Beige scrap 2 1/2-inch squares to make the 4 four-patch corner B units... 

and the 4 Blue scrap squares for the center four-patch C unit.  

Lay out the units in the block, making sure to place the Red part of the A units towards the center! Each unit in the block measures 4 1/2-inch square; adjust any measurements you need to before you sew the block together!

Sew the units together in rows: this block goes together like a big nine-patch--press your seams opposite so they will fit together nicely!

Sew together each row and the Happy Home Block is finished! If you like, give it a spritz of spray starch and a good pressing! See you next month for the next block!

If you are missing a page, step, or block, or need further copies of any of the instructions posted to date, click on the Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt button under DON'T MISS A STEP to find what you need. If you have questions or comments, or need further assistance, please contact Erik HOMEMADE® and we will be happy to help.

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Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 8

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 7

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 8

In London for some eighteen months, Ben longed to return to his homeland, even though he had made friends and learned to be a better printer. When Thomas Denham, a wealthy merchant in London, offered Ben a job in Philadelphia, he jumped at the chance! It was back to America as a new man and a new lease on life!

To print a copy of Page 1, click here-->Download Philadelphia Pavement-Block 8 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1

To printa  copy of Page 2, click here-->Download Philadelphia Pavement-Block 8 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 2

To print a copy of Page 3, click here-->Download Philadelphia Pavement-Block 8 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 3

(We strongly advise downloading all three of these pages)

 

Philadephia Pavement block tutorial
To make the Corner units A, start by drawing an 'X' through one Beige scrap 4 1/4-inch square and one Red scrap 4 1/4-inch square.

Layer the Beige scrap 4 1/4-inch squares and sew 1/4-inch from both sides of one of the drawn lines. Then cut along the drawn line to make two squares. Press the seams to one side.

Repeat for the Red 4 1/4-inch A squares.

Press these Red scrap A seams to one side.

Finish drawing the diagonal line on the back of the Beige scrap pieces.

 
Layer the Beige scrap units on top of the Red scrap units and stitch 1/4-inch to each side of the unsewn line. Then cut apart as before...

Press each corner A unit open and trim to 3 1/2-inches, if necessary. Verifying and trimming each unit to 3 1/2-inches square will ensure a proper finish to your block. 

Use four 2-inch square Beige squares to make one side unit B. Make four side B units, pressing seams opposite. Each unit should measure 3 1/2-inches square!

Lay the block center out placing the 3 1/2-inch square C in the center. Pay careful attention to the placement of the Red scraps! (These peices haven't been trimmed yet).

Sew the rows together...

then sew the rows together to finish the center of the block.

Layout the border strips D and the cornerstones E. They are cut wider than needed, but you can trim them later...

Sew the side border D pieces in place. Next sew the cornerstones E to each end of the two remaining border unit D pieces, then sew them to the top and bottom of the center block as they are placed above.

Philadelphia Pavement block is finished! Give your block a final press with spray starch, if you like. You may trim your block to 12 1/2-inches square now, or wait until you put the entire quilt together. We will be back next month for block 9!

If you are interested in reading more about Benjamin Franklin, click on our Studio Store button (on the upper left of our Main/Home Page) and browse books we are using from our Amazon.com Store. You may purchase these same books right from our AStore Page!

If you are missing a page, or need further copies of any of the instructions posted to date, click on the Benjamin Franklin Mystery quilt button under DON'T MISS A STEP to find what you need. If you have a question, or need further assistance, please contact Erik HOMEMADE®. 

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Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 6

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 7

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 7

Ben quickly made friends in busy Philadelphia! He was a fine printer and soon his reputation made it to the ears of Sir William Keith, the colony's governor. Govenor Keith wanted to see if Ben was the printer he was said to be, and sent Ben to London England to buy the equipment necessary to set up his own shop! When he got to London, Ben realized there would be no equipment nor shop...the governor had sent no money, letters, or notes, only empty promises.

To print a copy of Page 1, click here-->Download London Roads-Block 7 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1

To print a copy of Page 2, click here-->Download London Roads-Block 7 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 2

To print a copy of Page 3, click here-->Download London Roads-Block 7 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 3

(We stongly advise downloading all three of these pages)

 

London Roads block tutorial 

Start the London Roads block by drawing diagonal lines across the back of one Beige scrap 4 1/4-inch square. Layer with the remaining Beige scrap 4 1/4-inch square. Then sew 1/4-inch to each side of one of the drawn lines. Cut on the sewn line and press the two resulting squares open.

Do exactly the same with the colored 4 1/4-inch squares: draw two diagonal lines across the back of the Red scrap 4 1/4-inch square, layer on top of the Blue scrap 4 1/4-inch square, sew, cut, and press the two resulting squares open.

You will need to finish drawing the diagonal line across the back of the Biege units...this will guide your sewing as before! Layer these Beige squares on top of the Blue and Red squares; sew 1/4-inch to each side of the unsewn line, cut and press open just like before. Repeat with remaining squares to make 4 Corner units.

The 4 Corner units are pressed and ready to be sewn into the block. Each one should measure 3 1/2-inches square. (They are actually 'hourglass' blocks.)

Make the Side units by sewing together the Biege, Red, and Blue scrap 1 1/2 by 3 1/2-inch rectangles. You will need to make 4 Side units that measure 3 1/2-inch square.

Use the Page 2 diagram to lay out the three rows of the block. Make sure that your Beige triangles are placed in the right direction! Sew the units together.

Then sew the rows together matching the corners carefully!

Sew the top and bottom borders to the block; triming as needed.

Next, sew the side borders, trimming as needed.

The London Roads block is now finished! Give your block a spritz of spray starch, if you like, and a good press. See you next month for another block!

If you are missing a page, or need further copies of any of the instructions posted to date, click on the Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt button under DON'T MISS A STEP to find what you need. If you have a question, or need further assistance, please contact Erik HOMEMADE®.

Do not forget to visit  OUR READERS SHARE Photo Album and  see what blocks our readers have made! To share photos of your own work, simply send a jpeg photo to the email address listed on our Contact Us Page--we will be happy to post them!

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Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 6

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 6

Arriving in Philadelphia with just a few pennies in his pocket, Benjamin Franklin bought three rolls of bread and continued along busy Market Street. Along his way a young lady, Deborah Read, was standing in the doorway of her family's home and caught his eye. John Read, Deborah's father, allowed Benjamin to lodge in their household...what may turn out to be the biggest adventure in Benjamin's life.

(You will need copies of all three pages to make your block)

To Print a copy of page 1, click here-->Download Market Square Block-Block 6 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1 

To print a copy of page 2, click here-->Download Market Square Block-Block 6 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 2

To print a copy of Page 3, click here-->Download Market Square Block-Block 6 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 3

 

Market Square block tutorial

Sew together the Beige 2-inch squares and the Blue 2-inch squares. Then sew those together to make 4 Four-Patch A units that will be in the corners. Make four of these. 

Sew together the 2 by 6 1/2-inch rectangles to make the B units. Press the seams and set the units aside. You will need to make 4 of these. 

For the center C unit, lay out the Blue and Red scraps as you like... 

then sew them together in rows...then sew the rows together to make a 6 1/2-inch center square C unit. 

Lay out the block by units. You may need to re-press some of the seams so they nest together. 

Following the diagram on Page 2, construct the block in vertical rows: start with the sides, then the middle...matching corners and seams as you go, just like a large Nine-Patch. 

The Market Square block is now finished! See you next month for a new story and a new block!

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Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 6

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 7

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 5

In Colonial times, New York City was not the metropolis bursting with opportunity known today. William Bradford was the only printer in town and he had no work for Franklin. He suggested that the young man go south to Philadelphia where Bradford's son Andrew had just lost his assistant. A six day journey and almost fifty miles on foot, Benjamin Franklin arrived in the Colonies' largest city, Philadelphia...in William Penn's utopia, Pennsylvania...

(we strongly recommend downloading all 4 pages to make your block)

To print a copy of Page 1, click here-->Download Pennsylvania Block-Block 5 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1

To print a copy of Page 2, click here--Download Pennsylvania Block-Block 5 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 2

To print a copy of Page 3, click here--Download Pennsylvania Block-Block 5 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 3

To print a copy of Page 4, click here--Download Pennsylvania Block-Block 5 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 4

 

Pennsylvania Block Tutorial

Start off by sewing together four 2 1/2-inch Beige scrap squares 4-patch style to make the center unit A.

Sew together 3 Red scrap strips that make up the B units; press the seams in one direction.

Cut the B unit pieces into 2 1/2-inch pieces...you will have some scrap left over.

At this point, the B units are longer than needed. Trim all 4 units to 4 1/2-inces wide. Center the units if you like, trimming equal amounts from both ends, although perfection isn't really that important since these act as one 2 1/2 by 4 1/2-inch unit. Set the B units aside.

Make the C units the same way, sewing together 5 Blue scrap strips and pressing in one direction.

Cut the sewn pieces into 2 1/2-inch pieces, having a scrap left over...

and as before, trim to the necessary width (8 1/2-inches). The C units are oversized as well, so trim them the same way you did for the B units. Set these units aside for right now.

2 B units get a Biege scrap square on each end...

As well as 2 C units!

 
Following the Page 2 diagram, assemble the block. Pressing the seams in the opposite direction will help the corner squares match perfectly...

The Pennsylvania block is now complete. A new block will be coming next month!

Click on the Our Readers Share Photo Album to see what other readers have made for their Benjamin Franklin Mystery quilts! 

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Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 7

Benjamin Franklin Mystery Block 6