Sailing Away Block

JUNE...

Holiday time is coming... can it really be here!!

That time of year when being active doesn't mean layers and layers of clothing just to keep warm. But now, opportunity to cool off! Water is where many people enjoy their summers, and why not try this block for JUNE to signify those special days.

PLEASE NOTE:

For any more instruction to prepare the block, please visit my Craftsy page for the PDF pattern (available usually within a few days of this posting). These three blocks that will remain free for the duration of this series: BLUE MOON, IS THERE COFFEE?, and OH...LOLLIPOP!

FABRIC SELECTION

5.) BLUES

I have chosen my blue block to embellish for my fifth quilt block in this series. This color theme fits perfectly with the water theme that dominates our summer activities. 

Because we are thinking of water, why not add machine stitching using a wave stitch along the strips. Be careful that you don't stretch the block out of shape.  

BLUE BLOCK - FRONT

BLUE BLOCK - BACK

BLOCK APPLIQUES -- SAILBOAT

Even our scraps can produce a colorful section once selected and sewn together to create this delightful sailboat. Whether your memories are of toy boats from your childhood or real adventures on the ocean, have fun selecting your fabric strips to create this appliqued block.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE APPLIQUE

A.) Instead of using fabric, why not use Rattail satin cord (2mm) to create the mast. Here I've used two pieces cut from a 12" length and stitched separately using a zigzag stitch to fasten each down. 

B.) Before stitching, place the sailboat on the block to place the cord in the proper location. Once it is stitched, replace the sailboat pieces; and fuse and stitch them in place. 

THE MAST

THE FLAG

THE FINISHED BLOCK

SAIL AWAY BLOCK

This block may be added to the others and joined into a larger quilt once all my blocks are completed. That process will be featured soon.

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Enjoy this project... and find the pattern soon at my Craftsy store page, where all applique templates will be included. SAIL AWAY will be available to download for free for the month of June 2015. 

Although this means that the previous month's block: Outdoor Adventure will no longer be available for free. All templates will be available together in one pattern, once the series has run its course. Each new block will replace the previous one until all blocks have been posted. 


Happy piecing...

Outdoor Adventure Block

May 2015...Getting there. Spring heading towards summer....

Time to....

     enjoy planning-planting the garden, 

          taking a trip to the lake on the long weekend, 

               or just an outdoor excursion on the weekends through the countryside. 

Anyway, you enjoy this time of year...
     it's time for the next design for MAY that is inspired by the change of seasonal activities.

PLEASE NOTE:

For any more instruction to prepare the block, please visit my Craftsy page for the PDF pattern (available usually within a few days of this posting). The three other blocks that will remain free for the duration of this series are:

BLUE MOON, IS THERE COFFEE?, and OH...LOLLIPOP!

FABRIC SELECTION

4.) ORANGES

I have chosen my light orange block to embellish for my fourth quilt block in this series. This color theme works fine with this applique design. Not really very much color in the outdoors, yet the grass is greening up; and the planning of the gardening season is underway. 

FRONT OF BLOCK

BACK OF BLOCK

These blocks can be made from scrap fabrics and scrap batting pieces. Making these blocks economical and easy to construct; and perhaps giving you opportunity to learn some new skills in the process.

BLOCK APPLIQUES

A) SIMPLE TREES

These triangles are easy to make if you begin with a square; and then cut each square into two triangles. For the top three triangles use a 4" square; and for the bottom triangle use a 3.5" square. 

Cut these out of fabric or create a more colorful triangle by using pieced strings. If using strings you can first cut squares out of paper to find the size necessary for the triangle shapes. 

TREES

B) THE TENT

The tent can be made from existing scraps or cut from pieced strips constructed from the fabric colors you select. Add fancy or decorative stitching to the tent to embellish it, if desired. The flag and flag pole are cut from scraps.

TENT

My block posted here will not be finished with a binding, as I wish to consider combining several of these blocks into a larger project, that I will share once all my blocks have been stitched. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Block

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Enjoy this project... and find the pattern soon at my Craftsy store page, where all applique templates will be included. OUTDOOR ADVENTURE will be available to download for free for the month of May 2015. 

Although this means that the previous month's block: Country Cabin will no longer be available for free. All templates will be available together in one pattern, once the series has run its course. Each new block will replace the previous one until all blocks have been posted. 


Happy piecing...

Country Cabin Block

April 2015.... Good-bye Winter Blues

After what always seems like the longest winter ever, spring is here; and this brings renewed energy as we can enjoy more outdoor activities. Winter weather may not be entirely gone, and the signs of snow are still fading from the landscape, however, we can be confident that the cold weather gear can soon be put away for a time.

Ready to plan a trip to the cabin; or enjoy a walk in the woods! Here's my next design for APRIL that is inspired by the change of the seasons.

PLEASE NOTE:

For any more instruction to prepare the block, please visit my Craftsy page for the PDF pattern (available usually within a few days of this posting). The three other blocks that will remain free for the duration of this series are: BLUE MOON, IS THERE COFFEE?, and OH...LOLLIPOP!

FABRIC SELECTION

3.) BEIGE, TAN, AND BROWNS

I have chosen my light brown block to embellish for my third quilt block in this series. This color theme fits the transition we see when the seasons change from winter into spring. 

FRONT OF BLOCK

BATTING SIDE OF BLOCK

To hold the front and batting layers together; this time I've stitched two triangle shapes on this block. I just realized that these triangles that were stitched on this block match the shape of the trees. For extra security, you may also use temporary glue spray or pins to achieve stability when creating this block.

BLOCK APPLIQUES

A) SIMPLE TREES

Inspired by my scraps, I found leftover triangles that were the perfect colors to create a lovely group of trees. If you don't have any of these; they are easy to cut from your scrap basket fabrics. Cut a two-inch square; and then cut the square into two triangles. (You will need 15 triangles.)

ADDING TREES

B) THE CABIN

The cabin can be made from existing scraps or cut from pieced strips constructed from the fabric colors you select. Embellish the cabin as you wish; and use either scraps or pieced-string sections to add to this block. I've also used a fancy stitch to cover the roof to give it added texture.

THE CABIN

PLACEMENT OPTIONS

Depending on how many trees you wish to add; you also have options to how you want to place them on the block. I've provided several variations and it will be up to you to decide on your own layout. This step was fun; but it can be hard to make a final decision, as they all have their own charm. 

MY VERSION
I love to change things up; and sometimes have a hard time making up my mind; so this was what I finally chose to do for my layout. This is a very quick block to sew up; and perhaps you will want to make more than one!

COUNTRY CABIN BLOCK

My block posted here will not be finished with a binding, as I wish to consider combining several of these blocks into larger projects. And share this will you at a later date.

************************

Enjoy this project... and find the pattern soon at my Craftsy store page, where all applique templates will be included. COUNTRY CABIN will be available to download for free for the month of April 2015. 

Although this means that the previous month's block: Flower Patch will no longer be available for free. All templates will be available together in one pattern, once the series has run its course. Each new block will replace the previous one until all blocks have been posted. 


Happy piecing...