Welcome, Block of the Month Stitchers!
At last we have lift off, it has taken longer than we expected but we are now underway, yippee! Thank you for you patience, now let the stitching begin.
Let's start with block number 1, as Julie Andrews would say, a very good place to start.
So, the first block is the centre of this quilt and is comprised of a little piecing and some appliqué. I think the most important part of this block is the cutting of the background.
The first step is to Sellotape your templates together to make one complete template, then cut it out around the outside line. You will have one right angled triangle.
The adjacent photo shows the template positioned correctly on the fabric.
The long side of the triangle is closest to the hemmed edge of the toweling.
The template is close to one cut end of the toweling, the point of the triangle is almost touching the end.
Makes sure the printed line on the template is lined up with the colour change on the toweling. In this photo I am pointing to where they match.
Pin the template on to the fabric with flat head pins, so you can place a ruler over the top. Once your template is positioned correctly, then use your ruler and rotary cutter to cut around it.
I leave the hemmed edge on, we can trim that off after the appliqué is completed. It also gives you an edge that won't fray or distort, while you are completing the appliqué.
Please cut carefully around the template, don't zoom your cutter too far past the right angled corner of the triangle or you will cut into the fabric you need for the next triangle.
In this photo I have used 2 templates to show you how to place the second triangle. nest them up close and make sure the printed line on the template is in the correct place, lined up with the colour change on the toweling. The long side of the triangle is closest to the opposite hemmed edge from the first triangle.
The other method, which I prefer to use is outlined in your pattern.
Cut the first triangle, using your paper template as described above.
Then use the fabric triangle, cut from step 1 as your template. Place it in the same location as the second paper template in this photo. Match the stripes. Cut around it carefully.
Use the first triangle as a template to cut all 4 triangles.
You can also view my video from a previous project on how to cut triangles from toweling.
Once you have cut four triangles, join them together in 2 pairs, pinning the stripes together along the seam. Then join the two pairs together to make a square.
You need to trim the square to be 18 ½" 18 ½". I prefer to do this after my appliqué is complete for the reasons I have already outlines above.
Now it is time to appliqué, yippee!
You can use either fused or needle turn methods. We have supplied you with enough fabric that you can choose your colour placement. This is where you can really make the quilt your own. If you wish to follow my fabric placement, then use the photo as a guide: changing up the fabric placement in the appliqué is great too. Be as creative as you wish.
I have put together a few videos for you about how I like to sew my needle turn appliqué.
Here I have talked about my favourite appliqué tools. This is totally unsponsored, it is just the ones I like to use, after lots of trial, error and experience. Please contact us if you would like to purchase any of these products and we will see if we can help you out.
Tracing the location off your bias stems is the next step.
Fold the appliqué template into quarters so the circle is folded exactly on top of itself. Where the fold lines meet in the middle, is the centre of your template. Draw a small dot, with a pen or texta at this point. Place your template on a light source, like a light box, or sunny window and lay your pieced fabric on top. Position the point where the seams meet in the centre, exactly over the dot marked on your template. Pin the fabric to the template to prevent it moving.
Trace the bias vines with a fine Pigma Pen, just draw a thin line down the centre of the thick line on the template, this way you can easily cover it with your ¼" bias vine.
The instructions for making bias tape is in the pattern but if you would like to see a demonstration of how I make my bias tape then click here.
Once your bias tape is on and stitched in place, it is time to complete the appliqué. I have two videos for you to watch, one is how to sew needle turn appliqué. I have used a different project as a demonstration, but the techniques are applicable to all shapes.
The second is how to appliqué perfect circles. Using this method for your circles makes them so easy to complete and you do finish up with perfectly round circles.
If this is your first foray into needle turn appliqué, then make sure you take your time and keep persevering. After some practice and a little rest away from the project, your brain will process the information and you will ultimately perfect the skill. So keep going, you can do it, just enjoy the journey.
I hope you enjoy starting our Block of the Month. If you have any questions please add them to the blog post or send me an email at admin@piecestotreausre.com.
If you make a giant mistake and need more fabric, or we have forgotten something, don't panic we will send you more fabric.
Please enjoy this sewing journey and happy sewing.
Jenelle