---
title: "My Happy Place – the Seams to be Sew Row-a-long"
date: 2018-09-27
author: "Phoebe Moon"
featured_image: "https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/butterfly-block.png"
categories:
  - name: "New Ideas"
    url: "/category/new-ideas.md"
  - name: "New Pattern"
    url: "/category/new-pattern.md"
tags:
  - name: "How to make a 3D Bow Tie Quilt Block"
    url: "/tag/how-to-make-a-3d-bow-tie-quilt-block.md"
  - name: "How to make a 3D Pinwheel Quilt Block"
    url: "/tag/how-to-make-a-3d-pinwheel-quilt-block.md"
  - name: "How to make a 3D Square in a Square Block"
    url: "/tag/how-to-make-a-3d-square-in-a-square-block.md"
  - name: "How to make a Faux Cathedral Window Block"
    url: "/tag/how-to-make-a-faux-cathedral-window-block.md"
  - name: "Three-Dimensional Elements for Quilts"
    url: "/tag/three-dimensional-elements-for-quilts.md"
---

# My Happy Place – the Seams to be Sew Row-a-long

Use the Print Friendly button under that list to print this page. If that doesn’t work, try Ctrl-P or Flower-P. That should bring up the Printer Dialog box. The complete pattern is available to subscribers at the bottom of the page.





.

I am delighted to present My Happy Place row in the Seams to Be Sew Row Along Blog Hop. It is my garden! It might be dormant this winter but those three-dimensional flowers will bob and smile until the new season begins.

I hope you have been reading the tutorials this past month because this row is going to use most of them! If you need help, go back to the first tutorial and just keep reading. I do have [a video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvXUvKIzYZY&t=66s), but I did it in 2008 so it doesn’t specifically reference this pattern. But you might find it helpful.

This row finishes 12″ x 30″. It is made in three sections, each section having a three-dimensional element. Read through the directions before you begin, and practice on scrap fabric if you don’t understand something. Like any new technique, you probably won’t do it perfectly the first time. A 1/4″ seam allowance is assumed.

![Cutting Directions for the My Happy Place Row](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cutting-directions.png "Cutting Directions for the My Happy Place Row")

## Three-Dimensional Element: the Bow Tie

![3D Bow Tie](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/3D-bow-tie.jpg "3D Bow Tie")

When I started the tutorials, I started with the three-dimensional bow tie above because it really is the easiest to understand. Can you see how the knot in the center of the block above is actually a dimensional element? It’s a square block, folded and inserted into the seam of a four-patch.

![3D-bow-tie-handout](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3D-bow-tie-handout.png "3D-bow-tie-handout")

A three-dimensional square-in-a-square is made using the same method as a three-dimensional bow tie with the exception of the size of the center square, which is much larger. You will use this in the Long Tall Sally block below. I demonstrated this technique in a video in 2008, so it might help to watch it first at [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvXUvKIzYZY&t=51s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvXUvKIzYZY&t=51s)

The size of the center square (the one squished in the middle) is cut to the same size as the unfinished size of the final block. In other words, if you are using 1-1/2″ squares for your four-patch, your unfinished block would measure 2-1/2″ square so your square-that-will-be-squished should be cut 2-1/2″.

![Square in a Square Graphic](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SNS.png "Square in a Square Quilt Block")

When you sew your four-patch together, the center square will NOT reach to the end of the block. It stops 1/4″ from the edge, giving you a perfect seam allowance.

Did you notice that when you made your square-in-a-square block, the edges of the center square were on the bias? Roll them in toward the center to create a curved effect. The Big Flower, which is the first block we are making, uses this technique in the center of the block. I also used it in the [Pumpkin Spice Latte Mystery](https://scrapdash.com/pumpkin-spice-latte-a-mystery-quilt-in-three-dimensions-clue-four/).

![Faux Cathedral Window Graphic](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/rolled-edges.jpg "Faux Cathedral Window Graphic")

So, let’s get started!

## The Big Flower

![Big Flower Block with 3D Center](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Big-Flower.png "Big Flower Block with 3D Center")

The big flower is actually made of four blocks with a three-dimensional element in the center.

**Assemble:**  
(24) lt blue 2″ x 2″ squares  
(16) lt blue 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares  
(4) pink 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares  
(4) pink 2″ x 2″ squares  
(4) purple 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares  
(4) purple 2″ x 2″ squares  
(8) green 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares  
(1) dark blue 3-1/2″ square

I’m sure you noticed the Half Square Triangle blocks in these squares. Here is the method I use to make them, but if you prefer another method, use that one!

Place a 2-1/2″ dark square right sides together with a 2-1/2″ light square. Draw a diagonal line on the back of the top square. Sew 1/4″ on both sides of that diagonal line. Cut on the line and press the seam allowance to the dark. Square up the block to 2″. *Don’t skip this step!*

![Half Square Triangle Graphic](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/HST.jpg)

**Using this method, create:**

(8) pink and blue HSTs  
(8) purple and blue HSTs  
(16) green and blue HSTs

![How to Piece a Flower Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/flower-piecing.png "How to Piece a Flower Quilt Block")

Use these HST blocks and the squares you cut previously to make (4) rows of each row as shown. Press as directed by the arrows. This will help you keep your seams facing opposite directions when you sew the rows together. Create four blocks as shown above. Press and square up to 6-1/2″ if necessary.

I am a fan of the [Quilt in a Day Fussy Cut Ruler](https://amzn.to/2Dreean)[ ](https://amzn.to/2Dreean)Set. As you can see below, it fits perfectly on the block, and there are lines marking both diagonals as well as the seam allowance.

[![Quilt in a Day 6-1/2" Fussy Cut Ruler](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/squaring-up.jpg "Quilt in a Day 6-1/2" Fussy Cut Ruler")](https://amzn.to/2X6DkCy)

If you have a [Rotating Mat](https://amzn.to/2prhGYl), you will be quite pleased with yourself. It makes squaring up a block much easier when you can just rotate the mat instead of picking up the block, turning and repositioning it.

[![Using a Rotating Mat to Square Up a Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/squaring-up-1-768x1024.jpg "Using a Rotating Mat to Square Up a Quilt Block")](https://amzn.to/2prhGYl)

To create the three-dimensional effect of the center, you need to pretend that the four blocks you just made are the four squares used to make a bow tie block.

![How to Make a Dimensional Flower Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/flower-block.jpg "How to Make a Dimensional Flower Block")

Lay the blocks out with all the purple squares in the middle so you can properly position the 3-1/2″ dark blue square. Sew the four blocks into a pair of pants…

![How to Make a Dimensional Flower Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/pair-of-pants.jpg "How to Make a Dimensional Flower Block")

then open them up and sew the center seam, just like you did with the bow tie block. Take your time and use pins to keep everything straight. If you get a wedgie…

![How to Make a Dimensional Flower Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wedgie.jpg "How to Make a Dimensional Flower Block")

pick it out and reposition it, just like you would do in real life:-))

Roll the bias edges into the center to create the curve and hand sew them in place to keep the dimensional element.

![How to Make a Dimensional Flower Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_4010.jpg "The Big Flower with a Faux Cathedral Window Center")

## The Butterflies

This is NOT a three-dimensional element. The bigger block is made from smaller pieced blocks.

![How to Make a Butterfly Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/butterfly-block.png "How to Make a Butterfly Quilt Block")

**Assemble:**

(24) lt blue squares, 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″  
(16) 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ squares: (4) pink, (2) red, (4) yellow, (4) dark blue and (2) purple

Draw a diagonal line in pencil on the back of the small colored squares. Place a colored square right sides together in one corner of a light blue square so that the pencil line connects the two sides as shown to the left. Stitch using a scant 1/4″ or a 3/16″ seam. Make (16.)

![Making a Butterfly Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/butterfly-line.png)

Flip the small square over the seam and press to the corner. The edges should match. Trim the excess on the underside.

![This fabric fold makes the butterfly](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/butterfly-fold.png)

In the picture below, I am using the edge of the [Fussy Cut Ruler](https://amzn.to/2Dreean) to cut off the excess, leaving a 1/4″ seam. That tiny center line makes it easy to position the ruler properly.

![Quilt Tutorial: Trimming the Butterfly Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/butterfly-cut.jpg "Quilt Tutorial: Trimming the Butterfly Block")

 Using those blocks and the remaining (8) light blue 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares, create the butterfly design shown above. Remember to press the seams of the odd rows to the right and the seams of the even rows to the left. This will help you keep your seams facing opposite directions when you sew the rows together. Press the seam rows down toward the bottom of the block.

![Quilt Tutorial: Trimming the Butterfly Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/butterflies.jpg "Quilt Tutorial: Trimming the Butterfly Block")

## The 3D Pinwheel Flowers

 **Assemble:**

(6) yellow 3″ x 3″ squares  
(6) green 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares  
(6) lt blue 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares

Using the same method of making HST blocks as above, make (12) dk blue and yellow Half Square Triangle blocks.

![Three Dimensional Pinwheel Blocks](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/HST-YB.png "Three Dimensional Pinwheel Blocks")

Press them in half along the seam.

![Three Dimensional Pinwheel Blocks](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/HST-yw.png "Three Dimensional Pinwheel Blocks")

![Three Dimensional Pinwheel Blocks](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/HST-fold.png "Three Dimensional Pinwheel Blocks")

Fold back one corner …and place them on top of either a lt blue or a green 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ square, aligning the raw edges. Stay stitch the edges.

![Three Dimensional Pinwheel Blocks](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/flower-petals-867x1024.jpg "Three Dimensional Pinwheel Blocks")

Create four pinwheel blocks. Press the top seams to the right and the bottom seams to the left. Press the block seams down to the bottom of the block. Be gentle, you don’t want to squish the three-dimensional elements.

Sew this row to the bottom of the butterfly row.

![Three Dimensional Pinwheel Blocks](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_4011.jpg "Butterflies and Pinwheel Flowers")

## **The Long Tall Sally Flower**

![Long Tall Sally Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/LTS.png "Long Tall Sally Quilt Block")

**Assemble:**

(4) lt blue rectangles 2-1/2″ x 1-1/2″  
(10) lt blue squares 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″  
(1) yellow square 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″  
(4) dk blue squares 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″  
(2) green squares 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″  
(12) red squares 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″  
(4) pink squares 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″

Using the (4) lt blue 1-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ rectangles, (4) lt blue 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ squares and (4) dk blue 1-1/2″ squares, create (4) blocks like this one. Press to the dark. These are the 2-1/2″ square corners of the flower.

![blue-fourpatch](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/blue-fourpatch.png)

![Long Tall Sally Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/red-yellow.png "Long Tall Sally Quilt Block")

The flower part of the Long Tall Sally block is created from [3D square-in-a-square blocks](https://scrapdash.com/perfect-square-in-a-square-blocks/). Using the (1) 2-1/2″ yellow square and (4) of the 1-1/2″ red squares, make (1) block with the yellow in the center as shown.

![Square in a square quilt block with red corners](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/red-yellow.png)

Using (3) 2-1/2″ pink squares, (6) 1-1/2″ red squares and (6) 1-1/2″ light blue squares, make (3) blocks with the pink in the center as shown.

![](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/red-blue.png)

Notice that when you make the “pair of pants”, one leg will be blue squares and the other will be red squares.

Using (1) 2-1/2″ pink square, (2) 1-1/2″ red squares and (2) 1-1/2″ green squares, make (1) block with the pink in the center as shown.

![](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/red-green.png)

Notice that when you make the “pair of pants”, one leg will be green squares and the other will be red squares.

![Long Tall Sally Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/flower-arrow.png "Long Tall Sally Quilt Block")

You now have the pieces to put the head of the flower together as shown. Sew the rows first, then sew the rows into the block shown. Use pins to keep the intersections straight. Press gently and try to keep the squares dimensional. It should measure 6-1/2″ square.

![Long Tall Sally Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_4013.jpg "The Big Flower")

## **Long Tall Sally Stem** 

 Assemble:**

(6) lt blue rectangles 2-1/2″ x 3″  
(2) green squares 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″  
(1) green rectangle 6-1/2″ x 1-1/2″

Just like you did with the butterflies, draw a diagonal line in pencil on the back of the 2-1/2″ green squares. Place it right sides together in one corner of a light blue square so that the pencil line connects the two sides as shown. Notice that one diagonal line is drawn right to left and the other is drawn left to right.

![Long Tall Sally Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_4015.jpg "Long Tall Sally Leaves")

Stitch on the line. Flip the square over the seam and press to the corner. The edges should match. Trim the excess on the underside. Press to the green.

Sew this block between two 2-1/2″ x 3″ lt blue rectangles as shown. Make (2) sets. Sew the 6-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ green rectangle between these two blocks and you have made a stem. Square up to 6-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ if necessary.

![Long Tall Sally Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_4016.jpg "The Long Tall Sally Stem")

Sew the stem to the bottom of the flower you made above.

![Long Tall Sally Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_4018.png "Long Tall Sally Pieces")

## **Putting it all together**

 You are in the home stretch now. All you have to do is gather the three blocks that you made and sew them in a row! Press gently. Your row should measure 12″ x 30″.

![Long Tall Sally Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MHP-RAL.jpg "My Happy Place - My Garden")



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