January block lotto

Winter Tree

This month we are doing improv! 

You will need:
one 13″ x13″ square of beige/cream/ivory/ecru etc. Solid fabric or print that acts like a solid.
one 2″ x 14″ strip and about eight 1″ assorted length strips in a purple print.

First cut is the main trunk, approximately centre of the block, but try not to do it exactly there, can be on a slight angle, but not too much.  If you are unsure, cut a straight line one inch off the center.
Separate the two pieces and begin cutting primary branches( those that come off the trunk). Cut three or four.  Next cut secondary branches( those that come off the primary branch).  (You will be putting it back together in reverse order).
Remember that improv means your tree doesn’t have to be a duplicate of mine, but generally the same. But word to the wise, don’t get too excited and do too many branches.  It can get muddled up and not look clear as to what you have made.
Hopefully this isn’t too confusing.  the photo should help to clarify. You should now have something like this:

 Now it’s time to put it back together.  Take some of your 1″ wide strips and join a section of the secondary branches. Make sure to trim so that your primary branch space is a straight line on both sides.

Next is the primary branches, still using the 1″ wide strips. Again, trim so that where you will add the trunk is a clean, straight line.

And finally connect the trunk. This is your 2″ x 14″ strip.