Week #3 SBS Giveaway

Sewcial Bee Sampler Giveaway Friday

Each Friday, throughout the Sewcial Bee Sampler sew-along which Maureen Cracknell and I are co-hosting, will be a Giveaway Friday. We've coordinated special giveaway prizes with some amazing sponsors. 

If you're just now joining us, welcome, it's never too late to start sewing along! Please take a moment to catch up by reviewing all my earlier posts, beginning with the January 30th, 2017 post The Start of Something Sewcial.

Aurifil      Circa 15      The Intrepid Thread      Fat Quarter Shop      Omnigrid      Llama Fabrics      Color Girl     Lady Belle Fabric      Needle in a Fabric Stash      Dritz      Knotted Thread    NeedleandFoot

Today's featured Sewcial Bee Sampler sponsor is Color Girl

Color Girl Quilts is run by Sharon McConnell, a talented maker with a passion for designing and sewing unique quilts! In her shop you'll find designs for beginners and advanced quilters, projects for pre-cuts, scraps or for showing off a favorite collection of fabrics. Sharon has been blogging her quilty adventures since the Summer of 2012 as a way to both document the quilts she creates and to share things she learns along the way. The Color Girl Quilts blog will always be filled with positive energy, colorful images, and exciting quilting projects, and we invite you all to visit her blog and to check out her wonderful line of quilt patterns available for PDF download here!

Shop  *  Blog  *  Instagram  *  Facebook  *  We hope you enjoy visiting Color Girl Quilts!

For this week's Sewcial Bee Giveaway, Color Girl Quilts is offering the winner's choice of any TWO PDF quilt patterns in her lovely shop!

Congratulations to Lisa Stevens is the the winner of Week #3 SBS Giveaway

{This giveaway is now closed} 

Visit Maureen Cracknell's blog Friday February 24th, 2017 for the next chance to win!

 

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #3

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #3

Hello, friends! It's Wednesday and that means a new block is available for the Sewcial Bee Sampler sew along co-hosted by myself and Maureen Cracknell. If you're just now joining us, welcome! Please take a moment to catch up by reviewing all my earlier posts, beginning with the January 30th, 2017 post The Start of Something Sewcial.

The rest of you, let's get sewing! Block #3 is called Flock. You'll enjoy it because we're reviewing the two different half-square triangle (HST) techniques we've learned about in blocks #1 and #2. You've got this, but if you'd like a refresher, follow these links to my tutorials: 8-at-a-time HST units and the traditional HST units (2-at-a-time). 

#3 Flock Sewcial Bee Sampler featuring Bountiful fabrics by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics

I've started a series of tutorials to accompany this sew along that covers very basic patchwork sewing skills. If you've missed the first installment and want to perfect your strip cutting and seam allowance sewing skills, pop over to my Perfect Patchwork post here.

Just so you know, there's always several ways to accomplish the same end result in patchwork piecing and quilting. The methods I give you are my go-to methods and have served me well over the years. I'm not saying this is the absolute and only way to do things--this is just how I prefer to sew my patchwork quilts. 

Perfect Patchwork

Pressing and Pinning

A question I'm asked a lot is do I wash my fabrics before I sew with them? The answer from me is, NO. Again, this is a personal preference. I like to sew with fabric that still has the mill sizing finish on it. I feel the fabric is easier to handle and work with in a crisper state. Yes, I could pre-wash and then starch--but why go through that extra work?

Second big question is about pressing seams to one side or pressing them open. If you'd have asked me this question 6 months ago I would have gasped in horror at the very thought of pressing patchwork seams open. But, this fall as I was sewing a quilt for my Utility Style quilt book, (in print later this year) I had a scrap quilt project that I just HAD TO press the seams open for it to work. This was the first quilt I ever, ever had done that way and was pleasantly surprised how it really helped make this particular quilt go together so nicely. 

I've since been using a hybrid of pressing seams to one side and pressing seams open. If you put a little thought into the construction of each section of your block and how they fit together like a puzzle, you can get into a bit of a rhythm when piecing and start to instinctively know when to fold them (press to one side) and when to hold them (press open). 

Let's Practice on the #3 Block

1. Always start cutting and sewing with wrinkle-free fabric. When piecing you'll want to press not iron. Pressing is the motion of picking the iron up and putting it down rather than sliding it across the surface. Use the correct setting for the type of material and keep the iron clean. When pressing a unit or block press the seam from the back first to set the seam then open the unit or block and press the piece open. Press as you piece so the block stays true to size. I do not recommend using a steam iron. Steam could distort the shape of pieces by loosing the weave. I inevitably burn my fingers from the steam and it just messes up my iron no matter what, it's not been my friend.  

2. To press the seams for the #3 Flock block like I've done, press the seams on all the HST units open. Trim the dog ear corners to reduce bulk.

3. After sewing the 2 small HST units together, press the seams to one side so they can be nested when joining the two rows of two small HST units. I find when joining sections like this the nested seams are invaluable for locking the seams in place. Nesting seams before sewing means the seam allowances of each unit are going in the opposite direction. After joining the small HST units, this now becomes a section of the block; press the seams open on all sections.

Pressing tip: When the pressing direction is important, place the fabric to be pressed toward face up when pressing and opening. This trick will save time and result in the seams being pressed in the direction of the face-up fabric.

Pinning tip: I always pin when nesting seams and joining sections. Pinning helps to keep pieces and units from shifting when sewing. Pin seam allowances on a diagonal from right to left as shown, locking the seams in place. Do not sew over pins. Instead, stitch up to the diagonally placed pin, catching the leading seam allowance. With the needle in the down position, stop and remove the pin before proceeding.

4. Join the 2 large HST units and 2 HST sections into 2 rows of 2 units/sections each. Press seams to one side for nesting. Pin, stitch, and press the seams open.

5. When adding the frames, I press after each frame is added toward the frame strip because it will have the least amount of bulk in that direction.

Once my entire block is pieced and if I feel it needs to be flatter, I have a spritz bottle of regular tap water. The water, reactivates the mill sizing that will now act like starch (without the mess to your ironing board and iron). Your block is now (hopefully, a square) and if the pieces have been cut on the straight-of-grain, the straight-of-grain outside edges of the block will help to keep the shape of the square. I lightly mist my block and give it a good pressing with a hot iron (be sure to use the appropriate setting for your fabric). Remember, do not iron, this will distort and pull the block out of shape. Instead, press with an up and down motion and the block will remain true to size. If you'd prefer to use a steam iron, this would be the time to use it to make your block nice and flat instead of the spray bottle technique. 

I've enjoyed watching your blocks as you post them to Instagram. Be sure to use the hashtag #SewcialBeeSampler when you post and tag @maureencracknell and myself @sharonhollanddesigns so we can see all your hard work. Any public IG account posting that uses the official hashtag will automatically be entered into the hashtag pool for our weekly giveaway drawings. 

This Friday, February 17th, 2017 is my turn to host the weekly giveaway. I'll have a new post introducing you to this week's sponsor Sharon McConnell of Color Girl Quilts and all the details on how to enter on Friday. 

P.S. I love you sew! Photo by Sharon Holland

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #2

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #2

So, how'd everyone like the first week of the Sewcial Bee Sampler sew along? Both Maureen and I are blown away by the response and all the beautiful week one Patience Corners blocks. You guys are amazing! Keep up the posting to Instagram and be sure to use the #sewcialbeesampler hashtag so we can easily keep track of all the posts AND public IG accounts that use the official sew along hashtag are automatically entered into all our IG giveaway drawings!

It's been so fun to see the personal touches you've put into fabric choices and fabric placement on the first block. Many of you even made more than one! A question that came up a lot last week was about selecting the framing fabric. I suggested to several to possibly hold off in making that decision now, and rather wait till you've made more blocks to get the bigger picture. My co-host Maureen Cracknell and I are constantly monitoring Instagram to help you with your SBS sewing. We try to see it all and comment in someway, but bare with us as we are getting a bit swamped by the huge success of the sew along!

Ready for block #2--It's a dandy!

Get the free download for block #2 A Dandy on my Sew Along download page. Remember, you can start the Sewcial Bee Sampler sew along at any time, just download the available patterns and jump right in!

This week we will be utilizing two patchwork sewing techniques in block #2. I've prepared some step by step images for you and of course, this same information is illustrated and written down in the download material. 

I was lucky enough to get the advance yardage rolls of my new Bountiful fabrics for Art Gallery Fabrics! I'm making my sampler in my new collection and will also use AGF Pure Element solids for my frames and sashing. Bountiful will be in shops next month.

Tutorials

Half-Square Triangle Units

Since we only need 4 half-square triangle (HST) units in this block, we will be using a more traditional, 2-at-a-time HST method. 

1. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of a square, as indicated by the pattern. Place a marked square right sides together with a same-size square. Sew a 1/4" seam on each side of the drawn line. I like to press my stitched squares so everything's nice and flat before moving on to Step 2.

2. Cut apart on the line. Open and press. Trim dog ears. Makes 2 half-square triangle (HST) units. 

Quick Corner Units

I'd rather waste a little bit of material than sew on a bias cut edge. Quick corners allow you to sew on straight-of-grain pieces before trimming and flipping out the triangle corners. Here's how to sew them:

1. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of a square as indicated by the pattern. Noting orientation of the drawn line, place the marked square on a corner of shape indicated in the pattern. Sew on the drawn line. Tip: Sewing just outside the line on the corner side will keep the unit square.  Trim 1/4" past the stitch line. Press corner open. 

2. Noting orientation of the drawn line, repeat on the other corner as shown. Trim seam allowance and press corner open. Note: It's very important you press open the first corner before sewing on the second corner. Let's just put it this way, you'll know exactly why I mention this if you've forgotten :)

Here's my finished block # 2, I can't wait to see what you make! Don't forget to visit Maureen Cracknell's blog to see how she's sewn her A Dandy block. Maureen will be also be hosting this week's Giveaway Friday from our sponsor The Intrepid Thread--I know you'll not want to miss that!

Happy sewing xxxx

Thanks to our generous sponsors, each Friday Maureen and I will alternate hosting a giveaway of amazing prizes. Be sure to follow this blog and at Maureen Cracknell Handmade so you never miss a single SBS thing!

Aurifil      Circa 15      The Intrepid Thread      Fat Quarter Shop      Omnigrid      Llama Fabrics      Color Girl     

Lady Belle Fabric      Needle in a Fabric Stash      Dritz      Knotted Thread

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #1

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #1

Hello, I'm so happy to welcome you to the first week of the Sewcial Bee Sampler sew along! My dear friend and sister Art Gallery Fabrics designer Maureen Cracknell and I have teamed up to co-host this event. Every Wednesday, for the next 25 weeks, we will be releasing a new block PDF, share piecing techniques and tips for making the block, and provide inspirational photos as both Maureen and I stitch using the different fabric lines we've created. So, after you've read this blog post, head over to Maureen's blog to see what she's posted!

To make it easier and not miss a single thing, be sure to sign up for my email notifications and add my blog to your Bloglovin' feed (use the handy link at the top of my right sidebar).

Check back here on Friday as I am this week's host for our first Sewcial Bee Sampler giveaway. There will be several way to enter across two social media platforms—so lots of opportunities for everyone. More details on Friday.

Let's Get Started!

Today I have two PDF downloads you'll want to pick up from my Sewcial Bee Sampler page. The first is the Introduction handout. Please note: Print out the Introduction and all block PDFs in landscape (horizontal) printing orientation and select Fit to Page, if applicable.

In the Introduction PDF you'll find what's needed for selecting your fabrics. Here’s a tip for gathering your material: Since we have no idea how many different fabrics you will want to use in your quilt, the yardage for this project will be broken down into total amounts, rather than specifics fabrics and amounts. We want this to be a personal experience for you to make your sampler with your own unique aesthetics. So, if you want to make this quilt entirely from scraps, just work block to block with the exact cutting requirements for each block. If you want to limit your palette to just a few fabrics, then divide the total yardage by that number. Remember, a scrap quilt can be a great way to use scraps and stash fabrics, substitute any material you run out of with similar-hued fabric and it will be wonderful! Included in the Introduction PDF is a handy coloring sheet so you can start planning your quilt.

I plan to make my quilt from strike-off prints of my new Bountiful fabrics for Art Gallery Fabrics. Strike-offs are small samples of the prints from the mill and what we use to until the actual yardage is available. Sadly I have about a fat quarter or less of each print so until my advance yardage comes in, I may be adding some prints from some of my other collections. Many Gossamer, Sketchbook, and Tapestry prints go beautifully with Bountiful so it may end up being a blessing in disguise to run out and have to make substitutions. The more (prints) the merrier!

The second PDF you will be able to download today is our first block—Patience Corners. The block instructions come complete with cutting information and step-by-step illustrations. If you've not had a chance to try the eight-at-a-time half-square triangle (HST) technique, now's your chance. You will be able to make the necessary 16 HST units for this block from just four squares of fabric in no-time flat.

Eight-at-a-Time HST Units Tutorial

1. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the lightest fabric square. Draw another diagonal from the remaining corners. 

2. Place the marked square right sides together with another same-size square. Sew a ¼” seam on each side of the drawn line. In the same manner, stitch on each side of the remaining diagonal line. Press.

Tip: Tape the corners of the stitched squares to a rotary cutting mat to hold in place while cutting.

3. Align the short end of a ruler with the straight edge of the squares and the long side centered at the intersection of the diagonal lines. Cut the square in half, but leave the cut pieces in place. Without disturbing the shape of the original square, cut the square in half again in the same manner, dividing it into quarters.

4. Cut the square quarter-sections apart on the drawn line. Open and press. Makes 8 half-square triangle (HST) units. Trim dog ears on the individual HST units.

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #1 Patience Corners

We can’t wait to see what your first block looks like so when posting your block to social media and especially on Instagram, don’t forget to use the hashtag #sewcialbeesampler and tag @maureencracknell and myself @sharonhollanddesigns so we can follow your work. Using the official hashtag will also automatically included your name in the weekly IG giveaway drawings! Please note: Your Instagram account needs to be a public account for your hashtags to show up in an Instagram hashtag pool. Hashtags are also wonderful for our purposes of following each other's work. But don't worry, we respect your desire to have a private account, that's why we will also hold the same giveaway prize, alternately between our blogs, and on Instagram so you can choose how and where to enter. Again, more about giveaways this Friday.

Happy sewing!