October Block Instructions

I'm super excited about October's blocks because we'll be using one of my favorite new fabric collections, LillyBelle by Bari J for Art Gallery fabrics! So here's the deal:Each of you will be receiving a little bundle containing a fat eighth of two different LillyBelle prints, plus a fat quarter of a DS Quilts by Denyse Schmidt print. I'm reaching outside of my comfort zone here - this is the first time I've not chosen a solid as my background fabric!

 

I loved how Anna allowed us each to choose a fabric from our stash to add a little bit of ourselves to her quilt.  I also LOVE the look of sampler quilts, so I'm asking you each to make a 12" traditional block of your choosing.  It would be extra fabulous if you picked a block that represented you in some way (you'll see what I mean in a bit).  Quilters Cache has an amazing array of 12" patterns if you need some inspiration. 

 

The first block I chose was a Churn Dash, which I selected because it's also called a Monkey Wrench.  I fancy myself to be a bit of a mechanic, and my friends have been known to call me a Grease Monkey (a somewhat derogatory term for a mechanic around here, but I wear the badge with pride):

Since my first block only used one color, and I had two LillyBelle prints to work with, I decided to make a second block (I figured some of you would choose three-color blocks so I included two prints.  You don't have to make two blocks, but you're totally welcome to if you want to).

I chose a Maple Leaf block because my very first quilt was a Maple Leaf quilt:

I have to admit I was really nervous about using a patterned background fabric, but I really love the way it works with the LillyBelle!

How to design a block.

Well, the fabric for the September blocks on their way to whole of the UK and the USA. So very exciting!

I thought it would be helpful though to explain the process of design for the new quilter members of the quilting bee.

There are a few things that will help with designing a block:

• Always have a pencil and paper to hand. If you have an idea plot it out first, write notes, play with your ideas before you grab the rotary cutter.

• When you are desiging, make sure you remember the 1/4" seam allowance. It is a costly mistake to forget - speaking from experience! Plus make sure you have a 1/4" patchwork foot for your machine too!

• If you fancy using a block designed by another quilter, that is fine. There are plenty of books, blogs and website for inspiration, but make sure you ask permission if appropriate and always reference the design on this blog. We need to respect other quilters creativity, by acknowledging their hard work.

• One you have worked out your design on paper, take photos as you go when you are putting together your block. This will make it easier when writing your instructions. More photos are better than too few.

• Make sure you plan in advance, ideally the fabric for the blocks need to be in the post in the first week of the month - 3 bee members are in the USA, so postage to there will take quite a bit longer!

• Don't be afraid of using simple designs, there is no judgement, ANYTHING GOES!

• The last tip is to have fun! This is going to be an exciting 12 months!

Designing September's Block

I know we are still in August - the sun is finally shining for more than 30 minutes in the UK - but we are running towards the start of September very fast!

September is going to be crazy for me - I have 3 new adult classes starting 4 after school clubs and 2 scout groups to run - so I thought I would design my block nice and early.

The block design was inspired by bookcases - I am a book worm and I have a huge passion for gorgeous books! I wanted to design a block that wouldn't scare the newbie quilters in the bee, but one that followed my inspiration of book cases.

Bookcases hold books of varying sizes and their spines face out to the world in a mosaic of colours.... prefect for patchwork.

At the Festival of Quilts I had a mission to buy the fabric for the bee. Initially I had thought I would use Kona solids for the book spine element of the blocks, but then I came across Tula Pink and her fabulous Prince Charming collection... I kinda fell in love!

After buying the Candy and Twilight packs I matched them with a grey back ground.

Today I complete the block, taking photos along the way for the instructions for the rest of the bee. This is how it came out:

The patchwork book spines are varying width and heights. Everyone in the bee will be sent a range of fabrics from Tula Pink's collection, but you will notice there is a Nel Whatmore Katherine's Wheel fabric in the too (6th fabric from the left).

This is my personal 'book' in the block. I am going to request that everyone in the bee add a 'book' from their fabric stash so I not only have blocks with different book heights, but also a 'book' that is special to them....

What do you think?