I Wish You a Merry Quilt Along Block 10

Here we are block 10 already. We're on the home straight now!

This is a block I designed, its a Christmas Lantern.You can get the pattern here.

 It is a pieced and appliqued block, with a template pattern.

 So supplies at the ready

• pattern
• scissors
• pins
• fabric of choice
• pencil for tracing applique pattern pieces
• ruler for squaring up finished block
• fusable web, such as Bondaweb for applique

Cut the pattern pieces noting that the broken lines denote the seam allowance of 1/4" included where necessary.

There is one exception to this rule as follows:

For the background top and background bottom pieces, the fabric must be
folded and the edge of the pattern placed at the fold, as shown by the direction of the arrow. Just make sure you don't cut along the solid line at the edge!

This is what the pattern and fabric should look like before cutting.

This is because when the fabric is unfolded it runs the width of the block.
 

Cut out the pattern pieces along the broken line-where included or the solid line where there is no broken line.

Start by sewing together the lantern windows taking a 1/4" seam allowance, press open.

Sew the rows together making sure they are in order, top, middle and bottom left and right. This is important since the windows are shaped to fit the lantern.

Add on the top and bottom, then the sides of the lantern as per instructions, this middle section just needs the background pieces added left and right for completion.

Following the diagram included in the instructions, sew the lantern base to the background fabric.

Repeat for the lantern roof and background fabric, trimming the seams and pressing open.

When the three sections are complete, sew them together to make the block.

Trace the applique shapes onto the fusable web, making sure you trace on the paper side. Please note that all the pieces are already reversed.

This is so that when they are cut out and pressed onto the wrong side of the fabric, the paper backing can be removed and the pieces are ready to fuse straight onto the lantern.

I think a good tip at this point is to leave the lantern snow pieces labelled until you are ready to press them onto the background, it's surprising how they all look alike when the paper backing is removed!!!

Remove the paper backing by scoring through the paper in the middle of the piece, this avoids frayed edges when trying to separate the fabric from the paper.

Applique the edges of the shapes using your preferred method.

Finished block!

Here are the prizes for block 10:

Many thanks to The Warm Company for 2 steam-A-seam packages and also to Vanda from Quilt In Piece for a pattern from her collection!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

• Post your finished block on the 'Quilt A Long' Facebook page

• Post your finished block on Instagram using the #iwishyouamerryqal

• Link your blog post with your completed block to Cwilt linky party

The deadline for entries is Monday November 20th 2017 11:59 (EDT)

Loads of luck everyone!

You can take a peek at the other hosts posts, for a different take on the block:

Abbie at Sparkle On
April at JANDA Bend Quilts
Becca at Pretty Piney
Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting
Diane at Cwilt - You are here!
Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter
Karen at Tu-Na Quilts
Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts
Sandy at Sandy Star Designs
Sherry at Powered by Quilting
Vanda at Quilt in Piece

 

An InLinkz Link-up

I Wish You A Merry Quilt Along Block 9

Week 9 is a cute block designed by Bobbi Bridgeman. This famous face needs no introduction! 'Rudolph', instantly recognisable. What says Christmas more than everyone's favourite reindeer?

Fabric chosen, pattern printed, let's get started!

I'm beginning to think it might've been a good idea to label the pieces as I cut them. This could be a long afternoon.

Do you ever get the feeling you're being watched??

This block is going together easily. Thanks to Bobbi for the detailed instructions including directions for pressing seams, can't go wrong!

Don't you just love this cute face?

I know, I know since when did Rudolph have silver antlers? Well ever heard of artistic licence? I just couldn't resist giving him silvery Christmasy antlers. Since I found this fabric I intend to make the most of it.

Finished! I love this block. There was no guesswork in construction, it came together beautifully. Many thanks Bobbi for this great design and great instructions too!

Here are the prizes for Block 9:

The deadline for entries is Monday November 6th 2017 11:59 (EDT)

Many thanks to Beth for the pattern prize and to RJR Fabrics for the fat quarter bundle.



HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

• Post your finished block on the 'Quilt A Long' Facebook page

• Post your finished block on Instagram using the #iwishyouamerryqal

• Link your blog post with your completed block to Snowy Days Quilting linky party

Loads of luck everyone!

You can take a peek at the other hosts posts, for a different take on the block:

Abbie at Sparkle On
April at JANDA Bend Quilts
Becca at Pretty Piney
Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting
Diane at Cwilt
Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter
Karen at Tu-Na Quilts
Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts
Sandy at Sandy Star Designs
Sherry at Powered by Quilting
Vanda at Quilt in Piece

I Wish You A Merry Quilt Along Block 8

We have two blocks to complete this time, this has been done in order to complete the quilt in time for Christmas.

Block 8 has been designed by Olusola Ajisafe 'Sola'. Christmas gifts, a lovely pieced block!

I have chosen one red and one green fabric for my 'gift boxes'. All tied together with a silver ribbon. I have been looking for this particular fabric since the Quilt Along began. I think a bit of sparkle never goes amiss when it comes to the festive season!!

Once again I have decided to use my frixion pen to mark seam lines before sewing. This is another pieced block that needs to be precisely cut and accurately sewn for the whole block to work.

Sola's instructions are very detailed but I am still struggling to see how these strips will become boxes!

Before I cut and sew, I have decided to do a 'mock up' of how the block comes together. I must admit I am really pleased with what I see and have had a 'eureka' moment after doubting that I have understood the instructions!

Finished block!! I love this block and even though the silver fabric does not stand out in the photographs I am really pleased with it.
I think I could've added a third dimension by making the left hand side of the gift boxes with a slightly darker fabric, but overall I am really pleased with it. Thank you to Sola for this lovely design!

Here are the prizes for block 8:

The deadline for entries is Monday October 23rd 2017 11:59 (EDT)


HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

• Post your finished block on the 'Quilt A Long' Facebook page

• Post your finished block on Instagram using the #iwishyouamerryqal

• Link your blog post with your completed block to alicesamuelsquiltco.com linky party

The prizes for this block have been kindly donated by Warm Crochet. They are also offering a 10% discount in their shop with the following code: 'Christmas QAL' and Yvonne Fuchs of Quilting Jet Girl. Many thanks for their super prizes!
  

I Wish You A Merry Quilt Along Block 7

Here we are already at block 7! This time its the turn of Sandy Maxfield. Sandy
has designed a poinsettia block, which symbolises Christmas perfectly.

Here is my fabric choice, of course it has to be red, but the different patterns add another dimension.

I have decided to mark my sewing lines this time and not rely on instinct, it's important that the seams are exact so that the block comes together as Sandy intended.

I have used a frixion pen, it's one of my favourite tools to use and so clever. Once the lines are sewn, the marks are erased by pressing with an iron, even on white fabric!

 Pieces ready as per instructions, ready for construction.

I found it useful to mark the printed instructions to make piecing easier.

I love this design, the instructions, the colours and the finished effect. Although I think my piecing of the 'leaves' could've been a little more precise! I don't think though that this in any way detracts from the overall effect of the flower.

I have decided to 'needleturn' the centre of the flower. This is my preferred method of applique even though it can be time consuming I always think the result is well worth the effort!

Block 7 all finished, I am very pleased with this block, I love the freshness of it. Big thank you to Sandy for this design and the easy to follow instructions.

Share your block to win one of the following prizes:

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

• Post your finished block on the 'Quilt A Long' Facebook page

• Post your finished block on Instagram using the #iwishyouamerryqal

• Link your blog post with your completed block to Sandy Star Designs linky party

Super prizes from Carol Hopkins and The Inquiring Quilter. Open to entrants worldwide!

The deadline for entries is Monday October 23rd 2017 (EDT)





Good luck everybody!

I Wish You A Merry Quilt Along Block 6

Block 6 is a cute angel block and has been designed by Sandra Healy.

It's called 'Hanging Stars Angel Block' which brings us to the halfway point of the Christmas Quilt Along already!

Background pieces are cut and ready to piece.

Time to trace the angel onto fusable web ready to transfer the pieces onto the block.

Oops wings are upside down, just as well I haven't yet pressed the pieces onto the background fabric! 

Applique the edges with blanket stitch. There are lots of curves in this piece making it slow going.

French knots for eyes using two strands of embroidery floss and winding around the needle three times. This gives the little angel some character. She's so sweet! 

Block 6 complete and ready to be added to the quilt top!

Share your block to win one of the following prizes:

The deadline for entries is Monday October 9th 2017 11:59 (EDT)


 HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

• Post your finished block on the 'Quilt A Long' Facebook page

• Post your finished block on Instagram using the #iwishyouamerryqal

• Link your blog post with your completed block to Sandra Healy Designs linky party

Super prizes from Island Batik and Sandra Healy Designs. Open to entrants worldwide!

Good luck everybody!!

There is a prize too for a finished quilt top showing all twelve blocks. The deadline for entries is January 16th!

I WIsh You A Merry Quilt Along Block 5

Block 5 is brought to us by Sherry Shish Powered by Quilting. It wouldn't be a Christmas quilt without a snowman, so this is exactly what Sherry has designed for us!

This is a pieced block with a tiny piece of applique and embroidery features....here we go!

Download the pattern from Sherry's site and follow the cutting list to make sure you have all the pieces ready.

The instructions are excellent for beginners and the more experienced alike. It was lovely to see the snowman take shape from the outset.

Seeing the snowman under construction is very satisfying.

After putting together the three middle sections and adding the sides he's all ready to add some character.

Back stitch eyes and twig arms and he's good to go!

Finshed! I'm really happy with this block. It was super easy to put together thanks to Sherry's instructions and I love the expression on his face, he's super cute!

Upload your finished block to win the following prizes!

The deadline for the competition for block 5 is September 25th at 11:59 (EDT)



HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

• Post your finished block on the 'Quilt A Long' Facebook page

• Post your finished block on Instagram using the #iwishyouamerryqal

• Link your blog post with your completed block to Powered by Quilting linky party

Good luck everybody!!