Welcome to Day 1 of the Cloud 9 New Block Blog Hop, and welcome to Melva Loves Scraps! I hope that you will take some time to look around... My block is a Dragonfly... Did you know... Dragonflies are not your average insects. These mysterious and ancient creatures have lived on earth for millions of years, far longer than humans. They sometimes appear fearless and maybe even a bit nosey, not hesitating to land on a nearby twig or even on a gardener’s hat. (from Dragonfly Symbolism) If a dragonfly repeatedly flies alongside someone as they take a morning walk, following the passing of a loved one, what would it mean to them? For those involved, these real life experiences symbolize hope, immortality, and the afterlife. They provided comfort during a time of need. On to how to make the block... Cutting instructions – Background – Cloud 9 Sky 1 – 4-7/8” square 4 – 4-1/2” squares 7 – 2-1/2” squares 1 – 1-1/2” strip (at least 9” long) Body – Cloud 9 Shadow 2 – 2-1/2” squares 1 – 1-1/2” strip (at least 9” long) Large Wings – Cloud 9 Lilac 1 – 4-7/8” square Small Wings – Cloud 9 Iris 2 – 3” x 6-1/2” rectangle ******************************************* Join strips together. Cut to 1-1/2” sections Sew sections together to make three 4-patch blocks Join 4-patches with 2-1/2” squares as shown Sew 2-1/2” squares together as shown to create the head of the dragonfly. Arrange and sew blocks accordingly to create 4-1/2 inch squares to create the body of the dragonfly For the wings mark 4-7/8” square on the diagonal – 1/4” from center Stitch on the marked lines - cut. Press open – mark 2-1/4 inches as shown Place the rectangle on the mark and the center seam – Sew 1/4” from rectangle edge Press open (I left the entire background portion on the back of the block so that there would be less chance of the fabric pulling because of the bias edge.) Trim to make square Place 4-1/2” background squares in place and assemble rows as shown. Join rows together. Press the seam with the wings open to reduce bulk. Thanks for stopping by! I hope that you like my block. I believe the assembly instructions to be complete, as they were tested by a few quilters. BUT, should you encounter a problem, please let me know so that I can answer any questions you may have or make any necessary adjustments to the instructions. Also, please be sure to check in with Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl. There are prizes to be won!!! Some lucky winner will win a fat-quarter bundle of Cloud 9 Cirrrus Solids. And be sure to visit all today's participants to see what blocks they created. There will be, no doubt, a wide variety of blocks, styles and techniques. I know I will be checking them all out! Abigail @Cut & Alter Janice @Color, Creating, and Quilting! Lorinda @Laurel, Poppy, and Pine Renee @Quilts of a Feather Kathryn @Upitis Quilts Kim @Leland Ave Studios Amanda @this mom quilts Holly @Lighthouse Lane Designs Irene @Patchwork and Pastry Jennifer @Dizzy Quilter Karen @Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats Anne @Said With Love Suzy @Adventurous Applique and Quilting Sharla @Thistle Thicket Studio Kathleen @Smiles From Kate Amanda @Gypsy Moon Quilt Co. Sarah @Sarah Goer Quilts Chelsea @Patch the Giraffe Jinger @Trials of a Newbie Quilter Anja @Anja Quilts Daisy @Ants to Sugar Dragonflies have always reminded me of lazy, laid back summer days at the cottage that my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law had in Michigan. So, tell me... What does the visit of a Dragonfly remind you of? May you find hope as you work on the Dragonfly. Blessings, Melva Head on over to Quilter Blogs to see what other quilters are doing!