Tutorial – Reaction or Night and Day Quilt

As part of a 30 blocks in 30 days challenge, I stumbled on today’s tutorial last year.  It is called Reaction and it comes from Carla at Creatin in the Sticks.  I have heard the block or quilt also referred to as Night and Day.  In her tutorial for the block, Carla shared two different ways of constructing the block.  I chose one of the methods to share with you today, but please check out the second method in the link above.  The difference between the two methods is basically when the pieces are cut to size.  Either before or after sewing the fabrics together.

Reaction Block:

Reaction or Night and Day block

I just love the fabric Carla used in her Reaction block.  It looks like Moda Grunge to me with a nice crisp white.  Here is how I would construct the block which is her second method.

Reaction Ingredients:

For each block in 2 contrasting colors:

1 – 3″ x 11″ fabric

1 – 5.5″ x 6″ fabric

First you cut each of your fabrics in the sizes listed above.  Then you will sew a seam along the 11″ side of the rectangle and along the 6″ side of the nearly-square piece.  Next, you will cut them in half as pictured on the right above.  You will then rearrange the pieces into the final arrangement for Reaction:

Sew all the seams together and you will have your first Reaction block complete in all its glory.  Isn’t she beautiful?!

Reaction Layouts:

Carla shared two different layouts, and one of them she also made into a model.  Here are just two of the possible layouts you could choose:

I am of course drawn to the rainbow version.  I also love the sashing and cornerstones used to separate and highlight each block.  Here is Carla’s finished quilt top for inspiration and temptation.

You can easily see that not all solids were used for all of the blocks or the cornerstones.  There surely will be some leftover fabrics from the Regatta quilt in many different shades of blues and greens.  Nineteen if I recall correctly, and this quilt has twenty blocks.  Hmm.  Perhaps this might be a good use for that leftover fabric?  It would almost be a freebie when sashed with leftover fabric from John’s Pinwheel Rail Fence quilt, and cornerstones pulled from stash.

What do you think?  Have I tempted you into adding another quilt to your make-soon list?  If you do make one, I would LOVE to see it.  Our other Linky Parties can be found by clicking the link for more quilting fun – check out what our friends are up to.  Like/follow us on our Facebook page and you can share your photos of what you’re working on.  We would love to see them!