Tumbling Blocks the Easy Way with Christine Porter
Fabulous Tumbling block floor tiles are seen all over the Italy in various colors. Tumbling block quilts are often made up of tedious set–in seams. Not so here!

This striking design has the same features as the Attic Windows block in that it appears three-dimensional but it also has the added element of appearing as though you are looking down into boxes. This is entirely due to the shading and the split diamond at the top of the box. The dark colors are placed to the right of the box and the lighter colors to the left, with the small dark diamond at the point where all the lines intersect.

The secret to piecing this quilt, however is that it is made up of simple strips. There are no set-in seams! It couldn’t be easier to achieve an impressive three-dimensional effect.

Each horizontal row of boxes is offset from the rows above and below which gives an added dimension of steps going downwards. This is a true tessellation and it could go on into infinity.

Tumbling Blocks
I used batiks as they give a certain intensity to the colors. You can choose any colors you like, either as the original floor colors in terra cotta, black, peach and cream or in bright contemporary colors. The name of the game is CONTRAST between the lights and the darks to bring out the impression of being three dimensional.

Cutting Instructions

A. Dark	12 strips	44 x 1 7/8
B. Dark/Medium	6 strips	44 x 2 3/4
C. Medium	6 strips	44 x 1 5/8
D. Medium/Light	6 strips	44 x 2 3/4
E. Light	6 strips	44 x1 5/8

Chevrons with Christine Porter
This quilt was inspired by a fascinating setting of floor tiles seen in both Venice and Rome which is made up of pairs of vertical diamonds; one light and its partner dark. The colors range from pastel tones to richer, darker shades. The matching pairs go across the quilt and the effect changes from vertical diamond design to a horizontal zigzag. These undulating patterns create a stunning tessellated three-dimensional impression of a concertina shape. The dark sashing frames the intricate design and is also echoed in the binding. The light border gives a resting place from the more complex interior of the quilt and also gives an opportunity for a complimentary quilting design.

Although this quilt looks complex, it is made by simple strip piecing, cutting on an angle and comes together easily. It can be made in colors to represent the original floor tiles or in contemporary colors and remember that contrast is the name of the game, so lots of lights and lots of darks. It is easier to go for a range of fabrics with many colors in it such as Moda Marbles, Bali Rain from Blank Textiles, Forest Ferns or Dimples.

Fabrics
1/4 yard each of 11 assorted light fabricfor chevrons (Fabric A)

1/4 yard each of 11 assorted complementary dark fabricfor chevrons (Fabric B)

7/8 yard dark fabricfor inner border and binding (Fabric C)

1 3/4 yards of light fabric for outer border
(Fabric D)

3 3/4 yards of fabric for backing

66" x 68" piece of batting

Cutting Instructions
Number the fabrics and place in separate plastic bags

Assorted light fabrics 1 – 7 (Fabric A)

Cut 2 strips each, 3" x fabric width (14 total)

Assorted dark complementary fabrics 1 – 7 (Fabric B)

Cut 2 strips each, 3" x fabric width (14 total)

Assorted light fabrics 8 – 11 (Fabric A)

Cut 1 strip each, 3" x fabric width (4 total)

Assorted dark fabrics 8 – 11 (Fabric B)

Cut 1 strip each, 3" x fabric width (4 total)

Dark fabric (Fabric C)
Cut 6 strips, 1 3/4" x fabric width.
Cut 7 strips, 2 1/2" x fabric width.

Light fabric (Fabric D)
Cut 4 strips, 5" wide from the lengthwise grain (parallel to the selvage).