Happy Holidays and welcome to Day 9 of the Moda Bake Shop's Countdown to Christmas!  My name is Jen Daly and I'm so happy to be here today to share my "Christmas Flower" block.  This striking block is fast and fun to make, and I especially love how the green sashing resembles ribbon criss-crossed on a gift—perfect for Christmas!

This blocks finishes at 6" or 12" square.  

  The following instructions are for the 12" block.  The 6" block is made exactly the same way, but the 6" block patch sizes are listed in the brackets []. Make Flower Petal Units

1.  On the wrong side of 8 white 2½" squares [1½" squares] use a pencil to lightly draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.  Layer a marked white 2½" square [1½" square] atop a red print 2½" x 5½" rectangle [1½" x 3" rectangle] with right sides together as shown and stitch the pair together on the drawn line.  Be mindful of the orientation of the stitching line.

2.  Trim seam allowance to ¼" and press toward red print.  Repeat to make 4 long flower petal units. 3.  In the same manner, repeat steps 1-2 with 4 white 2½" squares [1½" squares] and 4 red print 2½" x 3½" rectangles [1½" x 2" rectangles] to make 4 short flower petal units.  Once again, pay careful attention to the orientation of the stitching line.   Make Flower Units

1.  To make 1 flower center unit, gather 1 pink print 2" square [1¼" square], 1 white 2" square [1¼" square] and 1 white 2" x 3½" rectangle [1¼" x 2" rectangle].  Stitch the white 2" square [1¼" square] to the pink print 2" square [1¼" square].  Press the seam allowances toward the pink.  Stitch the white 2" x 3½" rectangle [1¼" x 2" rectangle] to the left side of the white/pink square unit.  Press the seam allowances toward the pink.  Repeat to make 4 flower center units.

2.  To make 1 flower unit, gather 1 flower center unit from step 1 above, 1 short petal unit and 1 long petal unit.  Stitch the short petal unit to the bottom of the flower center unit.  Press the seam allowances toward the short petal unit.  Stitch the long petal unit to the right edge of the flower center/short petal unit.  Press seam allowances toward the long petal unit.  Repeat to make 4 flower units.   Assemble Block:

1.  Lay out 4 flower units, 4 green print 2½" x 5½" rectangles [1½" x 3"] and 1 pink print 2½" square [1½" square] in 3 horizontal rows as shown.  Stitch together the pieces in each row.  Press the seam allowances toward the green.

2.  Stitch together the rows.  Press the seam allowances toward the middle row to finish the block.   This blocks finishes at 6" or 12" square. Thanks so much for following along with me today and have fun making your blocks!  And if you're looking for even more holiday stitching, check out my Merry Little Christmas Stitch-Along—it's not too late to join us! Jen Daly {blog: JenDalyQuilts.com} {instagram: /jendalyquilts} {shop: Etsy.com/shop/JenDalyQuilts} {facebook: /jendalyquilts}