Month: November 2018

MINI BLOCK QAL | Block #9: Octagon Rosette

PATTERN SHEET: MiniBlockQAL – BLOCK9

It’s the last one, my friends. The very last block in this QAL! 😭

For our final block, we’re flexing our English Paper Piecing skills and taking a dabble in making octagons! (Something I’ve never done before!) Our sweet little 1″ octagons are then hand sewn into a circle, or rosette (another thing I’ve never done before!) to complete the block. Easy!

I then amped the skill level up a notch by using a directional print fabric to create a fun geometric pattern within the rosette. Such fun!

As I mention in the video, if you’re unable to source pre-made 1″ octagons, I’ve included a template in the pattern sheet for you to trace around and use. A basic lightweight card stock will do the trick as a paper template.

Also, you don’t have to use a Fabric Glue Stick like I have to baste your octagon templates and to applique your rosette to your fabric. There are plenty of other ways to do it and you’re more than welcome to do it the way you best feel confident!

I think one of the great things about this block is that there is such a freedom in how you choose to construct and finish it. For example, when sewing the edges of the rosette to the background square, you can do it either by sewing machine (straight-stitch, zig-zag stitch or something fancy and fun) or by hand (a buttonhole or blanket stitch might be nice!).

Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy making this block (It’s so much different compared to all of the other blocks we’ve made!) and you become more confident in your EPP skills! 😊

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So, the next video in the series will be the last tutorial…

I’ll be wrapping it all up by showing you how:

Piece in the sashing and borders

Sandwiching the top with a batting/pellon and a backing

Whizzing it through the machine with a few quilted lines here and there

Sewing on a simple binding

Attaching a rod pocket to the back

And then finally labelling the finished wallhanging

Phew! I definitely have my work cut out for me! It’s gonna be an intense tutorial to make! But I’m excited though!! I can’t wait to see everyone’s finished projects!!

REMEMBER: Keep on sharing those blocks! (#AmandasMiniQAL / @3and3quarters)

Happy Sewing, Friends!

xx

MINI BLOCK QAL | Block #8: Cake Stand

PATTERN SHEET: MiniBlockQAL – BLOCK8

Can you believe it?!

We’re slowly getting to the pointy-end of the series with our second-to-last block to make!

Today’s block is another one of those traditional types that I’ve always wanted to make but just have never got around to doing it! Not anymore though! This sweet delicious little block is called Cake Stand and is sooo scrumptious and lovely, I just want to make a whole quilt out of it!

As I was coming up to the colour ‘brown’ in my own theme for this QAL, I just had to combine chocolate + cake to equal a yummy block design! The added pink and white are supposed to loosely resemble sickly sweet spiking icing on top of the cake. 😋

So, my advice when making this block…

Be patient and take your time. And double check the position of all of your units more than once before sewing them together, just to avoid any stressful unpicking moments! (I know this from personal experience!!) This block can be deceptively tricky if you’re not paying attention!

Best of luck and enjoy making!

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So, yep! The next block to come will be the last in the series before we start sashing all of our beautiful blocks together!

I can’t wait to see what everyone’s will look like!!

Remember, if you want me (as well as all of the other equally talented and creative people joining in on the QAL) to see what you’re making, share them with us on Instagram using the hashtag #AmandasMiniQAL and tagging me with the handle: @3and3quarters 👍🏻

Block 9 is a super-duper simple design. We’ll be using some techniques and tools that I’ve never used before in any of my previous QALs.

Should be fun, I think!! 😊

Until then…

Happy Sewing, Friends!

xx

MINI BLOCK QAL | Block #7: Dollhouse

PATTERN SHEET: MiniBlockQAL – BLOCK7

Who’s ready for block seven?!

On our slow descent to the final stages of this QAL, block seven is a real cutie!

This one is called Dollhouse (can also be called: Mini House or Little House) and features an array of many squares and rectangles. To add a bit of character to my block, I’ve added a red door (I’ve always wanted to have a real house with a red door!!) as well as a grey-scaled print to act like curtains for the windows.

In this tutorial, I break down the block into manageable sections for you to follow so that you don’t feel too overwhelmed by all of the different sized squares and rectangles! Just take your time piecing together each section, keep to a 1/4″ seam allowance and press, press, press!!

And don’t worry too much if your finished block turns out a bit wonky… Mine did. It just adds a bit of charm and character!! 😊

Enjoy making this little darling!

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We’re now in a race to get this lovely little QAL finished before Christmas (or by New Years Eve at the latest! But I promise, it won’t come to that!). Blocks eight and nine will be out before you know it! Each pattern is about 98% complete, I just have to film and edit them! Happy days!

Annnd, I know I keep harping on about it, but please keep on sharing your beautiful blocks with me! I love seeing how each one of you interpret the blocks with your choices of colours and prints! And your little Dollhouses are gonna be super cute!!! 🏠

The best place to share is on Instagram using the hashtag: #AmandasMiniQAL and tagging me @3and3quarters.

(You can also share them with me on Facebook too!)

Until next time,

Happy Sewing, Friends!

xx