Week #21 SBS Giveaway

Week #21 SBS Giveaway

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 our amazing participating sponsors for each and every week! If you've happened to miss any of the Sewcial Bee Sampler posts, take a look back from the first post The Start of Something Sewcial to get caught up to the present. Feel free to start sewing with us at anytime--it's never too late to join in, and it's free! 

Today's featured Sewcial Bee sponsor is Needle & Foot!

Our sponsor Needle and Foot is run by Bernie, a wife, mom, quilter, fabric shop owner, and gardener, living in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. The Needle & Foot blog features Bernie's inspirational quilting, sewing and crafting experiences, as well as a bit of random family musings. We invite you all to stop by!

Shop  *  Instagram  *  Facebook  *  Blog   We hope you enjoy visiting Needle & Foot!

For this week's Sewcial Bee Giveaway, Needle & Foot is offering one lucky commenter a pretty bundle of my fabrics for Art Gallery Fabrics that includes ELEVEN beautiful prints. Bernie has curated this special bundle by mixing prints from Gossamer and Bountiful. You can find this collection available in the Needle & Foot shop HERE!

As an additional promotion, Bernie has a special coupon code: SEWCIALBEE15 which gives you 15% off your order through Sunday, June 25th!

 

{THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED}

CONGRATULATIONS TO Joan M FOR BEING THE WINNER OF THE SEWCIAL BEE SAMPLER fabric bundle from Needle and Foot!

xxxx Sharon

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #9

Hello SBS makers, it's Wednesday!

My co-host Maureen Cracknell and I are having so much fun with this 26-week sampler quilt event. For those just joining, you'll want to start the sew along in chronological order because we build off past techniques and with each new block release I've added helpful, in-blog tips and tutorials. Start with the first SBS post and work your way to the present. 

Did you like last week's post about sewing half-square triangles and controlling the direction of the fabrics? I saw some pretty amazing blocks being posted to Instagram and love seeing your progress. I apologize for not commenting on everyone's blocks but had a very good excuse--I was on vacation in New York! 

While in the Big Apple, I had the experience of visiting Mood! Here I am with a very tired Swatch (the store mascot). 

Time to start sewing block #9--Wedding Ring. Download the free PDF pattern from my Sew Along page.

Wedding Ring uses the 8-at-a-time half-square triangle (HST) technique we've used in several of our blocks so far. If you need a review, follow the step-by-step tutorial, here. Block #9 is another 12-1/2'' (unfinished) block that doesn't require any frames to get it up to size. Be mindful of your seam allowances to keep this block true to size. 

The only tip I have for you this week is number of fabric options. The PDF instruction is written for a 2-fabric block. If you're looking to add more fabrics to your block, here's information for a 3-fabric and a 4-fabric option. 

Remember, if you like to have all your prints running the same direction in your block, visit block #8 blog post here.

3-Fabric Option:

CUT:

  • (2) 5-3/4'' squares, (1) 4-1/2'' square, and (4) 2-1/2'' x 4-1/2'' rectangles fabric A
  • (1) 5-3/4'' square and (4) 2-1/2'' x 4-1/2'' rectangles fabric B
  • (1) 5-3/4'' square fabric C

Sew block per PDF instructions.

Don't ask me why, but with a block name like Wedding Ring, I thought there should be a little bling in the photos so I included some fun vintage jewelry bugs and flower pins. I have two sampler quilts going. This 3-fabric option is made using Haymow prints from my new Bountiful fabrics collection for Art Gallery Fabrics and Pure Element solid Snow for the background. I'm using the same fabric for the background as I would normally use in my frames. 

 

4-Fabric Option:

The 4-fabric option is a perfect place to showcase I fussy cut center square. 

CUT:

  • (2) 5-3/4'' squares and (4) 2-1/2'' x 4-1/2'' rectangles fabric A
  • (1) 5-3/4'' square and (4) 2-1/2'' x 4-1/2'' rectangles fabric B
  • (1) 5-3/4'' square fabric C
  • (1) 4-1/2'' square fabric D

Sew block per PDF instructions.

My second sampler quilt is made from a curated collection of prints from my first four fabric lines for Art Gallery Fabrics and two newly recolored Fusion prints from my Gossamer fabrics. Here I've used prints from Sketchbook and Coastline. 

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      Stash Builder Box

Also, don't forget that Friday is Giveaway Friday and this week I will be hosting the giveaway from this blog. We've got a great giveaway planned from Aurifil I know you'll not want to miss! 

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #6

Hello Sewcial Bee Sampler Makers, it's time to start our second row of blocks!

Since this week's block will be using techniques we've already used in the first five blocks I thought I'd have a little fun and give you some construction options. Go ahead and download block #6--The Seasons from the Sew Along page.

Of course the PDF pattern download has everything you'll need to make the block but I like to add extra tips and hints into my blog post to support beginning quilters. If you're just joining the SBS sew along then you may want to start at the very beginning with the introduction post and work your way up to the present. 

Now that we're on our sixth block, you're probably realizing there's more than one way to make patchwork units. I want to take everything we've learned so far and show you four options to make this week's block using those different techniques. Please excuse my photos this week, I made these at the end of a rainy day yesterday (Tuesday) and the lighting was terrible!

The Seasons

The Seasons block is made up of (4) 2-1/2" squares and (12) 2-1/2" half-square triangles (HST) units for an 8-1/2" block (unfinished and before frames). There's a lot of seams in this block. With that said, I will continue to sound like a broken record each week, and stress the importance of a true 1/4" seam allowance. If your seams are off, even a fraction, that will amount to a big discrepancy in the end because of all the seams involved. If you need to review my tips on how to check your seam allowance refer back to the Perfect Patchwork post. Also remember that if you're not comfortable cutting the pieces to the exact sizes needed per the instructions and would rather square up your units after sewing to size, refer to the SBS Extras post. Just note that if you are adding 1/8" to the squares on the Flying Geese units from block #5, be sure to add 1/8" (.125) to the large square as well to keep everything in porportion.

Option 1:

To make the block as written in the instructions with two different fabrics, follow along with the 2-at-a-time half-square triangle tutorial and make according to the instructions.

Option 2: 

To make the block look more like a compass I decided to add additional fabrics and visually divide up the center of the block in a checkerboard effect. To achieve this I used the 8-at-a-time HST technique from block #1 and the 2-at-a-time HST technique from Block #2.

Cut:

(1) 5-3/4" square fabric A

(1) 2-7/8" square fabric A

(1) 5-3/4" square fabric B

(4) 2-1/2" squares fabric B

(2) 2-7/8" squares fabric C

(1) 2-7/8" square fabric D

This will yield 8 matching HSTs (2-1/2" square unfinished), 2 matching HST units (2-1/2" unfinished) of one combo (mine are navy and weave print) and another 2 matching HST units (2-1/2" unfinished) of another combo (navy and peach) for the center of the block. Assemble the block in the same way as given for block #6 in the PDF.

The Seasons block made with my new Art Gallery Fabrics collection Bountiful and Pure Element solids. Here's what all six of my Bountiful fabrics sampler looks like so far with PE-433 Snow Pure Elements solid frames.

 

Option 3:

The third way I wanted to play with dividing the four points into four different fabrics. To achieve this look I used the 2-at-a-time HST technique as given in the PDF instructions for this block and from Block #2. 

Cut:

(2) 2-7/8" squares fabric A

(1) 2-1/2" square fabric A

(2) 2-7/8" squares fabric B

(1) 2-1/2" square fabric B

(2) 2-7/8" squares fabric C

(1) 2-1/2" square fabric C

(2) 2-7/8" squares fabric D

(1) 2-1/2" square fabric D

(8) 2-7/8" squares fabric E

Note: This options will leave 4 unused HST units. Sew units and pieces together as given in PDF.

 

The Seasons block made using fabrics from my Gossamer, Sketchbook, and Tapestry fabric collections for Art Gallery Fabrics. Here's what my Tiny Dancer sampler quilt looks like with all six blocks that also include fabrics from my Coastline collection and the two newly re-colored Gossamer prints in the new AGF Fusions fabrics. These blocks are framed with Speckled Lapis from my Sketchbook fabric collection. Again, sorry about the terrible photography!

 

Option 4:

This is for all those fussy cutting lovers out there that may want to have a solid center block for to showcase a special print. This option uses the Flying Geese technique from block #5 and a variation of the Quick Corner units from Block #2.

Cut:

(1) 5-1/4" square fabric A

(1) 4-1/2" square fabric A (for center square) Note: This fabric could be a third print (fabric C)

(4) 2-7/8" squares fabric B

(8) 2-1/2" squares fabric B

Make four matching Flying Geese units that measure 2-1/2" x 4-1/2". 

When adding the Quick Corners to the 4-1/2" square, work on diagonally opposite corners when adding fabric. Stitch the small square to the corner of the fussy cut square, trim, and press corner open before adding additional corners. 

To sew an Option 4 block, arrange the Flying Geese units, center square unit, and (4) 2-1/2" squares into 3 rows of 3 units/squares each. Join the rows.

The Seasons block made with my Tapestry and Bountiful fabrics for Art Gallery Fabrics. This is a bonus block and I don't have a third sampler quilt going so this orphan block with get put into something down the line.

I hope with wasn't too confusing?!? I just wanted to show you that the power of knowing different patchwork techniques can help you customize your sewing experience on this sew along. Each week you will have the chance to continue to perfect those skills and grow as a quilter. My co-host Maureen Cracknell and I are continually amazed by the beautiful blocks being posted every week and the joy and excitement each of you bring to our virtual community. Thank you for making this sew along so special. Please be sure to visit Maureen's blog and see the progress she's making on her sampler quilts, she's making two as well using her beautiful AGF fabric collections. 

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      Stash Builder Box

Also, don't forget that Friday is Giveaway Friday and this week Maureen will be hosting the giveaway from her blog. We've got a great giveaway planned from Intrepid Thread I know you'll not want to miss! 

Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #5

Can you believe week #5 puts us a fifth of the way through the Sewcial Bee Sampler sew along!?!? Time flies when you're having fun.

Don't worry if you're just joining us, it's never too late to start sewing along. You may want to start at the beginning SBS post and work your way to the present. That way you won't miss any of my tips and tutorials for piecing the block and perfecting your patchwork skills. 

My co-host Maureen Cracknell and I cannot get over how different the same block can look with all the variations of fabrics and placement. You guys are amazing! Keep on posting and using the hashtag #SewcialBeeSampler so we can see all the makes (on your public account) and of course using the hashtag will also keep your name in the hashtag pool for the weekly giveaway drawings. Don't forget to head over to Maureen's blog to see the blocks she's working on with her AGF fabric lines she's designed!

Download the free PDF pattern for the July Fourth block on my Sew Along page. 

July Fourth Block

Be sure to cut all pieces accurately and square. Use a true 1/4" seam allowance when piecing your patchwork. For a cutting and sewing review, see my Perfect Patchwork post. 

No-Waste Flying Geese Units

This week we introduce a new technique. There's several ways to make Flying Geese units and during the course of the SBS sew along we will work with two different piecing techniques. Block #5 uses the no-waste method to make 4 Flying Geese from the most economical cuts of fabric. 

1. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of (4) A squares (see block instructions for sizes). Noting placement and orientation, place 2 marked A squares on the diagonal corners of the B square as shown. Note that the small squares should overlap in the center. Pin pieces in place, if desired, however do not sew over the pins. Instead, sew up to the pin, stop with the needle in the down position, remove the pin, then continue sewing. 

Tip: If you're uncertain about your seam allowance being a true 1/4" then draw seam lines on either side of the center diagonal seam. Use a fine tip fabric marking tool as thick marked lines can cause you to sew too wide of a seam. Test marks on scrap material before using, some marking tools will become permanent once exposed to the heat of an iron. Read the manufacturer's instructions before using. 

2. Sew a 1/4" seam on each side of the center drawn line. Press. Cut apart on the line. Press seams open. Note: The pressing instructions in this post are the way I pressed my block and totally optional if you press your seams open or the the side. I like to use a mix of the two types of pressing in my patchwork. Trim dog ears. This makes 2 Flying Geese sections.

3. Noting orientation of the drawn line, place a marked A square right side together on the fabric B side of the Flying Geese section as shown. Sew a 1/4" seam on each side of the drawn line. Tip: When sewing on either side of the drawn line, the sewing machine needle should enter where the "V" or valley created by the square placed on top of the Flying Geese section. See tip of the awl in the close-up photos below.

4. Press flat then cut apart on the centerline to make 2 Flying Geese units. Press seams open and trim dog ears. Repeat Step 3 with the remaining Flying Geese section and remaining marked A square for a total of 4 Flying Geese units. The Flying Geese units should measure 2-1/2" x 4-1/2". 

5. Refer to the step-by-step Half-Square Triangles tutorial from the Block #2 post for making the HSTs for this block. Press HST seams open and trim dog ears. HST units should meause 2-1/2" square.

I've divided block #5 into quarters rather than sewing the pieces and unit into rows. Arrange one Flying Geese unit, one HST unit and one 2-1/2" square as shown to make a quarter section. 

6. Sew the HST unit to the 2-1/2" square. Press seams toward the square. Sew the HST/square section to the Flying Geese unit. Press seams toward the Flying Geese unit. In the same manner, make a total of 4 identical quarter sections. Tip: By pressing the seams as I've done the seams will nest and lock when piecing the block in Step 7.

7. Referring to the Block Assembly Diagram on the instruction PDF and noting placement and orientation, sew the quarter block sections into 2 rows of 2 sections each. Tip: Nest and lock the seams of the sections and place a pin diagonally across the two seams when sewing. You can sew right up to the pin, stopping with the needle in the down position, remove the pin and continue sewing. Note: To achieve a sharp point on triangles, have seam lines intersect when crossing, landing exactly on the 1/4" marks.

Press seams on rows to one side for nesting. Join rows then press the row seam open.

8. Your patchwork block should measure 8-1/2" square. Add the frames. It's okay if you're still unsure about what material to use for the frame, after all, we are just five blocks in. Just remember that the blocks are different sizes and the frame sizes will also vary accordingly. The blocks should measure 12-1/2" square once framed (if applicable) and before being set into the sashing and quilt top. 

I've started two sampler quilts because it's just too much fun playing with all the possible fabric combos and placements. The materials used in this tutorial block are part of my newest fabric collection for Art Gallery Fabrics called Bountiful. I'd picked up this sweet pot of jonquils over the weekend and this July Fourth block made me think of looking at the petals of these happy yellow spring flowers. 

The second SBS sampler quilt is being made from a curated selection of fabrics from my first four Art Gallery Fabrics collections: Gossamer, Sketchbook, Coastline, and Tapestry with the addition of two newly recolored prints for the new AGF Fusions lines. You can see my fabric lines and find your favorite online shopping source for my prints on the new Shop Fabrics page on this blog. Here I've organized links to shops by collection. If you're a shop owner or have a favorite fabric shop that carries my prints, drop me a line if you don't see their name on my lists. 

Also, don't forget that Friday is Giveaway Friday and this week I will be hosting the giveaway on this blog. We've got a great giveaway planned from Dritz I know you'll not want to miss! In fact, you saw just a few of the goodies we'll be giving away already in the tools I was using in today's tutorials.  

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      Stash Builder Box