“Sew, Let’s Quilt Along” Block 5 Release!

“Sew, Let’s Quilt Shop” 12″ x 12″ block designed by Abbie Danahy

Welcome! Today is the release Block 5 of the Sew, Let’s Quilt Along and it is my pattern called “Sew, Let’s Quilt Shop.”  When we, the Partners in Design, were planning this all things sewing QAL, I kept thinking one of my and most quilter’s favorite places to go is a local quilt shop, so I designed a little one for you to make that can be your own!

My post today has tips with photos to accompany my written PDF pattern. The pattern includes all the exact fabric cutting sizes with complete assembly and sewing directions.

To start making your very own quilt shop block, download my free pattern here!

This is a 12” x 12” pieced block with optional decorative appliques. It’s your shop so have fun choosing your fabrics and adding any embellishments to make your shop shine!

General Tips:

• I always review a pattern completely before cutting. It helps me know what techniques will be used and get a feeling of how the pieces go together.
• A pieced block requires precision. Check your 1/4” seams for continuity as you go along.
• Starch! Stiffer fabric keeps smaller pieces from stretching out of shape.

Pattern tips and methods:

This pattern uses the Stitch and Flip method to create triangles in the corners of a piece of fabric using square pieces. Mark each square diagonally from corner to corner with a chalk pencil or disappearing ink fabric pen. Align the square as pictured in the pattern. Sew just beside the line on the side indicated. Trim to ¼” from seam and fold half of the square back on the drawn line toward the corner.

Once you are comfortable with the process, chain piecing makes the awning fringe piece assembly line faster!

In the pattern, the awning fringe piece, awning top, door and path all use the stitch and flip method.

Awning fringe and top

Door

 

 

Path on sidewalk

Pinwheel Blocks

The windows in my pattern are little 2 ½” square pinwheel blocks. If you prefer to have a solid piece of fabric for your window, cut two 2 ½” x 2 ½” pieces.

A pinwheel block is made up of four half square triangles (HSTs). HSTs are made from placing two same size squares of fabric right sides together and then sewing a seam ¼” from the center on the diagonal on both sides. I draw a diagonal line and use my ¼” sewing foot to sew the seams. You can also draw a center line then draw a line on each side ¼” away from the center to use as a sewing guide.

The square is then cut on the center line and the two separate pieces are opened. You now how two HSTs! Repeat above with two more squares to make two more for a total of four.

Half Square Triangle (HST)

It is important to trim your HSTs to size. Set a square ruler on top of the HST and measuring 1 ½” on both sides aligning the diagonal line along the seam line. Trim excess. Rotate fabric and trim off the dog ear on the opposite end.

Arrange the HST’s as shown to make a pinwheel:

Sew the three sections together to complete your block!

Also, I have also provided some small applique templates in the pattern that you can print and use for your shop.

Coloring appliques with crayons is fun!

Or decorate it your way! It is so fun and inspiring to see all of the QAL participant’s blocks!

Visit the hosts to see this block in a variety of fabric and color inspirations. Host’s also provide their own tips to sewing this block, as well as answer any questions you have and encourage you!

Abbie Danahy of Sparkle On! →Block Designer :)

April Adams of  JANDA Bend Quilts

Becca Fenstermaker of Pretty Piney Quilts

Bobbi Bridgeman of Snowy Days Quilting

Jennifer Fulton of Inquiring Quilter

Karen Thurn of Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats

Kathleen McCormick of Kathleen McMusing

Sandra Healy of Sandra Healy Designs

Sandy Maxfield of SandyStar Designs

Sherry Shish of Powered by Quilting

To quilt along you can:

• Follow my blog for the latest block release, including links for the featured designer and hosts and to see my version of each block, along with tips to help you make it.
• Join the “Partners in Design” Facebook group . Here you see other participants blocks, post your photos and ask any questions.
• On Instagram, use the hashtag #sewletsqal

♥ Segment 1 Prizes ♥

Check out this awesome prize package we have for the winner of Segment 1! A great thanks to our wonderful sponsors.

• A newly released item from Omnigrid® (a Prym Company)
  Large Folding Cutting Kit that includes an 18″x 24″ mat, a 3″x 18″ ruler and a 45 mm rotary cutter.
• A Timeless Treasures Tonga Treat Strip Jr. “Orchid” -20 pc 2 ½ strip pack.
• Two Shabby Fabrics Vintage Blessings printed table runner patterns and a packet of Sunflower laser-cut appliqués (small.)

And! A free PDF pattern of your choice from each of these Partner’s in Design:

Sandra Healy Designs

JANDA Bend Quilts

Powered by Quilting *up to $10.00

To enter Segment 1’s contest giveaway:

If you complete all five of the blocks in Segment 1 and post one photo showing all five of your completed blocks on our FB page, IG #sewletsqal, or the ending linky party, by May 20, 2019 by 11:59 pm (EST), you will be entered into the random drawing for the segment prize.   

Also, don’t forget there is a super duper Grand Prize that will be awarded to one lucky winner who completes all 13   blocks and uses them to make small projects or one quilt top.

The prizes are open to international  participants and all participants must be at least 18 years old. Please make your blocks your own in fabrics and embellishments, but only those that make the designer’s pattern are eligible for prize entry.

Please quilt along with us! We are enjoying this fun journey with you!

~Abbie ✨