Wednesday 27 September 2017

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 Instagram using the #iwishyouamerryqal
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!

Tuesday 12 September 2017

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 Instagram using the #iwishyouamerryqal

Good luck everybody!!

Tuesday 5 September 2017

I Wish You A Merry Quilt Along Block 4


This is block 4 designed by Jennifer Fulton the inquiring quilter. Jennifer has called her block Christmas Memories. The instructions and downloadable pattern for making this block is over at Jennifer's blog.

It's a sweet block made of applique pieces, with detailed instructions from Jennifer on how to construct it. This is my version of the block.


  







Tracing the pieces onto fusable web making sure each one is labelled to make placement easier!



This is the first step after cutting the shapes out in the selected fabric, making sure the right baubles are in the right order.



After removing the backing paper from the fabric it was fun to build the 'picture' by placing each bauble onto the background fabric and pressing them in place



 All the pieces are now in place ready for the finish.



I have decided this time to use the raw edge applique method to sew the pieces down. I rarely use this method but there were so many small edges in this block design I felt this was the best option this time.



One disadvantage of using raw edge applique is that the edges of the pieces are in danger of fraying with use, although sometimes this can actually enhance the pieces too!


By sharing your block you can be entered into a prize draw to win one of the following prizes!


The deadline for entries is Monday September 11th 11:59 (EDT)



HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

  • Post your finished block on Instagram using the #iwishyouamerryqal

Good luck everybody!!