Michael Miller provided the binding and backing fabric, Cotton Couture Hi-Density Cotton in Love (sku SC5333-LOVE-D), to finish the quilt.
Tempus Fugit Quilt Pattern
DESIGNER: Unknown
OWNED BY:
Phyllis Hoffman DePiano
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ INTERMEDIATE
FINISHED QUILT SIZE:
72¼” x 87¼”
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE:12⅜” x 12⅜”
You may see Tempus Fugit on the faces of some clocks, particularly grandfather clocks. It is Latin for “Time Flies,” and it is our take on the traditional Double Hourglass quilt. Multiple triangle squares are what rank this block in the intermediate level. Cutting and sewing accuracy is important so that you don’t chop off any points, as seen in the photo. Our method of sewing triangle squares slightly oversize and then trimming them down to size helps ensure accuracy.
Instructions:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read through entire pattern before beginning project. Use ¼” seam allowances with fabric right sides together. Pressing arrows are included with diagrams. Basic quiltmaking supplies are assumed. Fabric requirements include extra yardage for shrinkage and insurance. If working with directional prints, you may want to purchase more fabric than called for. Pattern based on an antique quilt and has been simplified as needed for ease of construction and may differ slightly from original.
WOF = width of fabric
HST = half-square triangle unit
FABRIC:
Fabric A: 6⅛ yards white fabric
Fabric B: 2¼ yards blue fabric
Backing: 5½ yards (for 44/45″-wide) or 2½ yards (for 108″-wide)
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES:
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Marking pen/pencil
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Ruler with 45° marking
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Batting: 81″ x 96″ piece
CUTTING:
From Fabric A, cut:
• (6) 12⅞” x WOF strips. Cut strips into:
• (17) 12⅞” x 12⅞” squares
• (5) 5½” x WOF strips for borders
• (8) 5¼” x WOF strips. Cut strips into:
• (54) 5¼” x 5¼” squares. Cut squares in half diagonally to make 108 HSTs.
• (7) 4⅝” x WOF strips. Cut strips into:
• (54) 4⅝” x 4⅝” squares
• (11) 2½” x WOF strips. Cut strips into:
• (162) 2½” x 2½” squares
From Fabric B, cut:
• (11) 2½” x WOF strips. Cut strips into:
• (162) 2½” x 2½” squares
• (10) 2¼” x WOF strips. Cut strips into:
• (162) 2¼” x 2¼” squares. Cut squares in half diagonally to make 324 HSTs.
• (9) 2½” x WOF strips for binding
Block Assembly
Referring to Diagram 1, draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (1) Fabric A 2½” square. Place marked square over (1) Fabric B 2½” square. Sew a ¼” seam allowance on each side of drawn line. Cut in half on drawn line and press to make (2) HST Units. Trim to 1⅞”. Make 324.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (3) 1⅞” HST Units, (3) Fabric B 2¼” HSTs, and (1) Fabric A 5¼” HST as shown in Diagram 2. Sew into rows. Sew rows to (1) Fabric A 5¼” HST to make (1) Triangle Unit. Trim Triangle Unit to 4⅝” square, if needed. Make 108.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (3) Fabric A 4⅝” squares with (6) Triangle Units rotating Diagram 3. Sew into rows. Sew rows together to complete (1) Double Hourglass Block. Make 18.
Quilt Assembly and Finishing
- Paying attention to orientation, lay out (17) Fabric A 12⅞” squares and (18) Double Hourglass Blocks, rotating blocks as shown in Quilt Assembly Diagram on page 5. Stitch blocks into rows. Join rows to complete Quilt Center.
- Piecing end to end, sew together (5) 5½” x WOF Fabric A border strips to make one long strip. Cut strip into (2) 5½” x 87⅛” lengths. Referring to Quilt Assembly Diagram, sew lengths to each side of quilt top. Press toward Fabric A.
Trim selvage edges from 5½ yards of backing fabric, fold yardage in half lengthwise, and cut into (2) 2¾ yard x WOF pieces. Sew pieces together along LOF; press seam to one side.
Center and layer backing, batting, and quilt top together to make a quilt sandwich; baste layers together and quilt as desired.
Trim batting and backing even with quilt top.
Using diagonal seams, make Fabric B binding from (9) 2½” x WOF strips. Fold binding in half lengthwise, matching wrong sides; press length. Sew binding to quilt top and miter corners; join binding ends as desired. Press binding away from quilt top and fold over quilt’s edge to back of quilt. Hand-stitch binding in place to finish.
This quilt top caught my eye at an antiques dealer booth who carried quilts. I had to have it! After all, it’s blue and white, my favorite color scheme. The top was hand-pieced, so I decided that it should be hand-quilted. A friend of mine knew of an amazing hand quilter, and away it went. When it returned, I marveled at the beautiful work. This quilt is a prized possession that brings me much joy.
—PHYLLIS HOFFMAN DEPIANO
