I Wish You a Merry QAL Block #11 Release!

Block #11 the “North Star” is brought to you by the talented Kathleen Scargle McCormick of Kathleen McMusing where you will find her complete block pattern and tutorial.

This is a pieced block, that includes half rectangle triangles you can make using either the paper pieced or Tri Recs ruler instructions included in the pattern. There is also the added detail of piping. I love that this pretty sparkily block incorporates all these techniques!

I wasn’t planning on the yellow background, but just love the fabric combinations I chose. I decided that it would be in keeping with the darker solids backgrounds I have used in several previous blocks.

My Tips:

The center square is pieced together using the “flip and stitch” method. We are all old pros at this now, aren’t we?!! 😉

The four corner square pieces have a piping strip through the middle. What a neat idea! After you fold your 3/4″ x 8″ strips in half, sandwich each between the triangle pieces (the four 5″ squares cut in half on the diagonal.) Sew 1/4″ seam and voila!

 

 

 

If you follow the paper pieced option, Be sure to place the dark and light pieces a 1/4″ over the folded center diagonal line on the backside of the template then pin in place. Flip it over and sew through the printed diagonal line. Trim along the very outside edge of the template.

 

 

 

Several years ago I made a quilt entirely from Thangles but other than that I am new to paper piecing. Kathleen provides great instructions with photos to help guide you through the process. I was amazed at how  accurate the results of this technique are and understand now why so many of you quilters are fans of paper piecing.

I also plan on making this block again with my new Tri Recs ruler, thank you to  Bobbi of Snowy Days Quilting who encouraged me to try another new to me technique!

Congratulations everyone! When we started this QAL, Christmas seemed like forever in the future but now the holidays and the final block are just around the corner!!! I’m excited and sad at the same time. Excited to see all of your finished blocks together in a truly unique and original quilt but sad because I don’t want the fun to end!

Visit all the other hostesses to see their North Star block and read all their expert tips:

April at JANDA Bend Quilts
Becca at Pretty Piney
Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting
Diane at cwilt
Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter
Karen of Tu-na Quilts
Laura atSlice of Pi Quilts
Sandy at SandyStar Designs
Sherry at Powered by Quilting
Vanda at Quilt in Piece

The prize for Block #11 includes an adorable Binding Baby from Shari Butler of Doohikey Designs and a pattern of your choice from Block #  designer Jennifer Fulton of The Inquiring Quilter.

Be sure to enter your chance to win both prizes by posting a photo of your finished block on:

1. I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long Facebook Group
2. Instagram, be sure to include the hashtag #iwishyouamerryqal in your photo comment.
3. The linky party on the featured designer’s blog.

Entries are limited to one per person and the winner will receive both prizes! This block’s giveaway starts at 12:00 AM EST November 21st and runs through 11:59 PM December 5th 2017. The winner will be announced on the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-a-Long Facebook page.

*On December 5th the FINAL!!! mystery block #12 will be revealed! Also each host will present her completed quilt top with setting ideas.

~Abbie ✨

***All block patterns are free until the end of the QAL. Anyone that completes a quilt top containing all twelve blocks from the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-a-Long will be entered to win a Grand Prize!!! You’ll have until January 15th 2018 to make a quilt top and post it to IG and/or FB.