ESSENTIAL GUIDE Mastering the Storm at Sea Block

“This month, we look at different methods for making a Storm at Sea block. We also explore some of the ways that the block can be arranged.”
– Lin Clements

THE STORM AT SEA BLOCK

Storm at Sea is an old block, with the pattern dating back to around 1897. It may also be referred to as Ocean Waves and Rolling Stone. Its enduring popularity is in large part due to its ability to create very different looks, depending on how the block is coloured and shaded. In addition, when many blocks are grouped together, a pleasing illusion of curves can be created. In this article, we will look at two different ways of making the block. We will also illustrate some of the different layouts that can be achieved. Some foundation paper piecing templates are supplied on page 85 to make a 12in and also a 9in finished block. A previous Essential Guide will be useful – Basics of Foundation Paper Piecing (Issue 41).

ANATOMY OF THE STORM AT SEA BLOCK

Storm at Sea is a nine-patch block made up of three different units. The centre unit (number 1 on ) is a square-in-a-square. The units at each corner (2 on ) are a smaller square-in-a-square) are a diamond within a rectangle. Some versions of the block have the corner units identical in layout to the centre unit (see ). Regardless of the layout of the units, you will see that the squares and diamonds are placed within the units, so the points occur at the halfway points (). These points should touch when the block is assembled. As each unit is pieced, there needs to be a ¼in seam allowance at the edges, as shown in .