I’m happy to announce the release of the Block 11 “By the Bolt” by Becca Fenstermaker of Pretty Piney. Visit Becca’s blog to view the block tutorial and download the free pattern!
This is a pieced block where you can showcase your favorite fabrics on bolts. Becca’s pattern is fun and easy to follow. For my block I am continuing to feature my Sew Let’s QAL fabric selections, some fabrics from “First Blush” by It’s Sew Emma for Windham Fabrics and Kona Solids.
My 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.
- Pressing seams open can be bit of a challenge, I use my sewing machine screwdriver, with its flat edge it is easy to press the seams apart to get the iron tip between the seam.
- I have learned that pinning is your friend! Very often I think that I can hold fabrics together in a straight line with one hand while sewing. Recently I have started pinning more and more closely together and it has helped me achieve more accurate 1/4″ seams.
Enjoy sewing your bolts of fabric, it is always fun to see the variety of color and fabrics of everyone’s blocks.
Visit the Segment 3 hosts to see this block in a variety of fabric and color inspirations. Hosts also provide their own tips to sewing the block, as well as answer any questions you have.
Segment 3 of the Sew Let’s Quilt Along:
During this segment, running from through blocks 10 through 13 will be released for a total of four blocks. This is the final QAL segment! ….
♥ Segment 3 Prizes ♥
From our Sponsors!
A Craft Storage Tool Box from Everything Mary.
4” Needlecraft Scissors from Omnigrid (a Prym Company).
A 5 Piece Fat Quarter bundle from Paintbrush Studio Fabrics of the “Ring Ring” collection by Hoodie Crescent (color Cinnamon).
A 13 piece Fat Quarter Bundle from Timeless Treasures of the Colette Collection.
and
A free digital pattern from each of our Segment 3 designers!
Laura Piland from Slice of Pi Quilts
Becca Fenstermaker from Pretty Piney
Sandy Maxfield from SandyStar Designs
April Adams from JANDA Bend Quilts *Christmas Tree Farm table runner
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
To enter Segment 3’s contest giveaway:
Complete all four of the blocks in Segment 3 and post one photo showing all of your completed blocks on our FB page, IG #sewletsqal, or the ending linky party by September 9th 11:59 pm (EST).
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. Photo entries for the Grand Prize must be posted by September 23rd.
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.
All patterns are free during the duration of the QAL.
Block 12 designed by Sandy Maxfield of SandyStar Designs will be released on August 13th.
Thank you to all our QAL Sponsors!
Timeless Treasures
Dear Stella
Bluprint
Everything Mary
Island Batik
Shabby Fabrics
Warm Company
Prym Co.
Learn all about this Partners in Design’s mystery QAL here. Please quilt along with us! We are enjoying this fun journey with you!
~Abbie
Sparkle On! 
I’ve never thought of using a screwdriver before. That’s clever!
I’m with you on the pinning. I still tend not to pin for relatively small pieces, but as soon as I need to sew something longer or match points, I pull them out. I’m always surprised how much they help, even with nested seams.
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Thanks Bobbi!
I agree. Pins help more than I like to give them credit for ;)
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Thank you for your tips about sewing and pressing straight seams. I have not been pinning some of my longer seams and I think it’s creating “wonkiness” (is that a word?). ALSO….love the tip about the screwdriver because I have been burned by my iron more times than I can count! It just sits in the drawer, so why not use it for something important?
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Thanks Cindy! Wonkiness is a word I am quite familiar with!
I’m happy you liked the open seam tip :)
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Hi Abbie! Great tips you shared today. Especially using your little screwdriver to “press” open the seams. Way to avoid the hot tip of your iron or even the steam that always gets me. I have started pinning more – mostly to ensure that the nested seams stay where I want them to stay. ~smile~ Roseanne
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Hi Roseanne and thank you!
Trying to pry those seams open with an iron drives me crazy! Pins do too *lol* but I agree they really make the difference with nested seams.
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Oh, I never thought of using the screwdriver that way! I often use a stiletto. I’m not a big fan of pressing seams open, but sometimes it’s the best way to get a block to lay perfectly flat. Your block is beautiful in these fabrics!
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Thank you Becca! I so enjoyed making your block and picking my fabrics for it.
Open seams really get rid of bulk, I haven’t tried a stiletto thanks for the tip :)
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Good tip on using a tool to help press seams open. Your block is so sweet!
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Thank you Sandy! :)
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Great tip with the screwdriver! I had never heard that one.
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Necessity is the mother of invention -lol-:)
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