Random Sampler QAL – Manor House
January 17, 2013 § 16 Comments
Here is the next block in the Random Sampler QAL, the Manor House. I love house quilts. So I had to include a house block, right? Plus, we are hooked on the Downton Abbey series. Are you?
I’m sorry it has taken me so long to get this posted. I just couldn’t decide on what size to make it. 8-inches seemed too small. 12-inches seemed to big. And every time I started to draw it, I came up with weird sizes. Still, this one isn’t perfect. But it will do. I hope you like it!
This block will measure 10 1/2 -inches including seam allowances when finished.
I’ve started making a pile of fabrics that include scraps I’ve used and scraps that might go with everything for future blocks & quilt parts. Also, I’ve started digging through the dollar bin at work – which are smaller pieces left at the end of bolts. It’s a great way to gather a variety of fabrics without investing in a whole fat quarter!
1. Cut the following fabrics. I don’t know if it is easier to list them or to just follow the chart below.
From the Background fabric cut:
- 3 – 3″ x 2″ rectangles
- 2 – 3 1/2″ x 4″ rectangles
From the Chimney fabric cut:
- 2 – 1 3/4″ x 2″ rectangles
From the Roof fabric cut:
- 1 – 3 1/2″ x 10 1/2″ rectangle
From the Left House Side Trim fabric cut:
- 1 – 5″ x 1 1/2 rectangle
From the Left House Side fabric cut:
- 1 – 5″ x 1 1/2 rectangle
- 2 – 1 3/4″ x 4″ rectangles
From the Right House Side Trim fabric cut:
- 1 – 6″ x 1 1/2 rectangle
From the Right House Side fabric cut:
- 2 – 6″ x 1 1/2 rectangles
- 1 – 2″ x 3″ rectangle
- 2 – 1 1/2″ x 3″ rectangles
From the Door & Window fabric cut:
- 1 – 2 1/2″ x 4″ rectangle
- 2 – 1 1/2″ x 3″ rectangles
Here’s a diagram for you to copy & print out if you feel it is easier to follow.
2. Make the Right Side unit of the house. Sew the 1 – 2″ x 3″ rectangle and the two 1 1/2″ x 3″ rectangles from the house fabric to the two 1 1/2″ x 3″ rectangles from the window fabric. Sew the two 6″ x 1 1/2 rectangles from the house fabric to the top & bottom of the window unit. Sew the 6″ x 1 1/2 rectangle from the house trim fabric to finish the unit.
3. Make the Left Side unit of the house. Sew the two 1 3/4″ x 4″ rectangles from the left house fabric to each side of the 2 1/2″ x 4″ rectangle from the door fabric. Sew the 5″ x 1 1/2 rectangle from the left house fabric to the top of the door unit. Sew the 5″ x 1 1/2 rectangle from the left house trim fabric to finish the unit.
4. Sew the left & right sides of the house together.
5. Make the Roof unit. Measure 2 1/2″ from the top left and top right corners of the two 3 1/2″ x 4″ rectangles from the background fabric. Draw a pencil line from the 2 1/2″ mark to the opposite corner. Place one in each corner of the 3 1/2″ x 10 1/2″ rectangle from the roof fabric.
As a side note, I think the 3 1/2″ x 4″ background rectangles could be a little smaller for less waste, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I hate it when there isn’t enough fabric & then I need to rip & re-do!
6. Stitch along the pencil lines. Trim away the corner leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance.
7. Press the background fabric open and trim the unit to 3 1/2″ x 10 1/2″.
8. Make the Chimney unit. Sew the three 3″ x 2″ rectangles from the background fabric to the two 1 3/4″ x 2″ rectangles from the chimney fabric.
9. Sew the house unit, roof unit and chimney unit together to complete the block.
I don’t have a photo of the house block with all the rest of the blocks in the sample. Sorry! My sewing room is a mess and my low volume quilt parts are hanging on the design wall. I think my sewing room is starting to take on the atmosphere of our kitchen remodel. It’s coming along, but boy is it messy!
Happy early weekend to you all!












I like your litte house block. Have to try one.
I love house quilts, too, I think partly because my mom loved them so much. Thank you for this block, I know how much time it takes to draft a pattern like this and keep all the pieces straight. This is going to be another fun one to create.
I thought that was your LV quilt fabric peeking through
Cute manor house! Love the fabrics you choose. I might have to whip up a few of these. Thanks for the recipe!
I can’t wait to make this house block Anita! Very cute block to add to our QAL.
Yes, we are hooked on Downton Abby too!
Downton Abby is delightful and the costumes are wonderful. Isn’t Maggie Smith a hoot? I haven’t made a house block in a long time. Thanks for sharing your talent with us, Anita!
Downton eh? Yes, I’ll admit I’m watching it with ardor. Maybe your and your husband will have more costumes this year???
Finally I have a chance to get started on the manor house block
Great idea about the dollar bin at your quilt shop…I’m going to try and remember to tell my friend here about it (she owns our local quilt shop).
This block is similar to one I just did called Emily’s Cottage. I assumed there were more house blocks but wasn’t sure. It’s nice to see this one. Now my head is spinning with ideas for another quilt. Thanks.
Lovely! Thanks for the tutorial and pattern!
Also, the fabric you used on the chimney or something similar would make a great choice for a window with mullions (the wooden dividers between individual windows). Just center the divisions by cutting on the lines and fit.
How fun!
Love your little house. Will use it for my next apron pocket. Thanks. Shirldoon
The house block is so cute. I’m looking forward to making one, or two. I’m a scrap-a-holic often making quilts for the less fortunate.
I’m currently working on a house quilt, just making lots of houses, in all sorts of sizes and styles, once I have enough squares I’ll decide which ones I want to group together, but right now I’m just having fun making houses.
Love this little “castle” I will add it to the houses with beautiful doors that I am planning and may dress this one up a bit…..Thanks for sharing.
beautiful house, thanks for the pattern. I will help me with my block for a bee!