Finished blocks that hang, sit on a stand and travel.

This large tote has a dozen finished blocks and easily could hold another six... It is stored in a closet at home but can be taken out at a moment's notice to display the blocks.... The following information is from a post from a year ago but really should be a tutorial.

I always have trouble explaining what I do so I hope this makes sense. It seems the easier things are the harder they are to explain... So any input would be appreciated so I can finalize this as a tutorial.

Using the heavy pellon was Jo Newsham's idea and she wrote about it in the CQMag online. To read her approach http://www.cqmagonline.com/vol07iss04/articles/848/index.shtml But I wanted mine to have trim around it and be able to hang or sit on a stand so I made some modifications. The most important thing to me was that the blocks looked nice and traveled easily..

I measure the area of the block that I want to trim. I mark that on the heavy pellon and add 3/4" for the trim... Then I put the block face DOWN on a heavy blanket so the embellishments won't be crushed. I put the pellon adhesive side down on the block, lining up and pinning the corners. Then I cover it with a damp cloth and press slowly until the pellon is firmly adhered to the back of the block. I trim off any excess fabric up to the edge of the pellon. Then I sew a piece of 3" bias strip down each side. press it back and sew a 3" bias piece across the top and bottom.... And end up with what is above right...

 

Then I turn it over and put a strip of Heat and Bond on the backs of the bias strip. I pull the strips firmly against the edge of the pellon and when I turn it over I have what you see on the right. I tuck under the corners and finish them by hand...

Then as finishing touches I added a strip of gold cording on the inside of the trim. I secured the tassels with loops with a button so if I have to hang the block it can be done with pearl-headed pins so it hangs nicely.. or I can just display it on a stand.

I bought a bunch of these tall stands at the dollar store which are lightweight and fold neatly..