Welcome back to the last week of our ModBlossom QuiltAlong! This week is all about putting it together so whether you’ve just made a few blocks or all (12) blocks – I’ve got some different layouts to share with you.
There’s no companion video to share with you this week as the pictures below kinda say it all! So let’s get started!
Now that you’ve made Flower & Leaf Blocks it’s time to put them together. You’ll note that the pattern does not call for any sashing strips in between blocks but if you’d like to add one – absolutely, it’s your quilt and you can do what you want 🙂 – it will make the blocks “float”.
If you’ve made (6) of each block or a total of (12) – you’ll of course have way more layout options, but I’ve given you some ideas below if you’ve only made two or three of each so let’s take a look! Please note that these pictures DO NOT have the outer border – of course once you decide your layout add 3″-4″ outer border strips on all four sides of your quilt top which will again make the blocks appear to ‘float’ in the background.
Layout #1 – A Small Baby Quilt (6 blocks) – this will measure 36″ x 54″ without borders
Not pictured – you could also just place (4) blocks together in a four patch and have a nice sized baby quilt as well measuring 36″ x 36″ without borders.
Layout #2 – A Small Lap Quilt (9 blocks) – this will measure 54″ x 54″ without a border
Layout #3 – Large Lap Quilt (12 blocks) – this is the pattern cover quilt and will measure 54″ x 72″ without borders
Layout #4 – Large Lap Quilt “On Point”
Lay out the blocks “on point” – I love this version and just wished I had planned this out more to make additional blocks in other color ways – To fill in the side triangles, from your background fabrics, cut 19″ x 19″ squares – cut each background square in half diagonally to create 2 triangles; and then stitch the triangles on to the beginning and end of each diagonal row! Looks complicated but it’s not!
You could use this “on point” layout even if you made fewer blocks!
Layout #5 – Table Runner (5-8 blocks)
This will measure 18″ x (x)” without a border pending how long you want your table runner.
Of course you can also make large throw pillows from each block. I would plan on adding a small outer border and use a 24″ pillow form so the actual block is showing on the front of the pillow and is not being wrapped around the edges of the pillow form.
So whatever way you choose to layout your completed ModBlossom blocks – I hope you’ll share a few pictures with Carl and I of your finished creations! Thanks so much for stitching along with me!
This concludes out ModBlossom QuiltAlong – I hope you enjoyed it!
Welcome back to another fun week of making beautiful bodacious blossom blocks! This is Week #4 of the ModBlossom QuiltAlong and this week is all about making the Flower Block! I think you’ll find this week’s block goes together much faster than its counterpart: the Leaf Block from Week #3!
Here’s this week’s companion video. You’ll also want to follow along with the diagrams and steps in the ModBlossom pattern – you’ll find those on pages 8-12.
GATHER THE FLOWER BLOCK PIECES: To make just (1) FLOWER BLOCK you will need the following units: • (4) Template A (2 cut from each of your (2) coordinating fat quarters); • (4) Background Fabric Template B Shapes; • (2) 6″ squares (1 cut from each of your (2) coordinating fat quarters); • (2) Background Fabric 6″ squares; • (4) 3″ squares & (4) 1-1/2″ Flower Center squares; • (4) 3-1/2″ Flower Cornerstone Squares (2 cut from each of your (2) coordinating cornerstone fabrics); • (4) Background Fabric 2-3/4″ squares; • (4) Background Fabric 2-3/4″ x 5″ strips
STEP ONE – Make Half Square Triangles: We’ll be making half square triangle units (HST) from our 6″ squares and our 3-1/2″ Cornerstone squares.
1. Start by pairing up (1) 6″ Background Square to (1) 6″ colored square – make 2 pairs. Also pair up the 3-1/2″ Flower Cornerstone squares with one fabric color to the other in each pair – create (2) pairs.
2. Draw a diagonal line down the Wrong side of the lighter square in each pair.
3. Matching the pairs Right Sides Together, stitch a 1/4″ seam down both sides of that drawn diagonal line.
4. Cut each pair of squares apart on the line and press to the darker fabric.
5. Trim down and square up the HST units as follows: — Flower 6″ HST – trim down to 5″ – make a total of (4); — Cornerstone HST – trim down to 2-3/4″ – make a total of (4)
STEP TWO – Make the Cornerstone Units: 1. Gather the (4) 2-3/4″ HST Cornerstone units created above, the (4) Background 2-3/4″ squares and the (4) Background 2-3/4″ x 5″ strips.
2. Following the instructions and diagrams in the pattern on page 9, stitch the 2-3/4″ Flower Cornerstone HST to one 2-3/4″ Background square.
3. To complete the unit, stitch the 2-3/4″ x 5″ Background strips to the top edge. The unit should now measure 5″ x 5″. Make (4) units EXACTLY ALIKE taking note of the orientation of the Cornerstone HST. Trim and square the units if necessary.
STEP THREE – Stitch Template A to Template B: 1. Gather the (4) Template A and the (4) Background Template B.
2. Following the instructions and diagrams in the pattern on page 10, line up the notched ends of template B even to the edges of template A – pin in place – and stitch down the diagonal edge.
3. The unit should now measure 9-1/2″ x 5″. Make (4) units EXACTLY ALIKE. Trim and square the units if necessary.
STEP FOUR – Create the Flower Block & Snowball the Center: 1. Following the diagrams in the pattern on page 11, lay out the (4) template A/B units, (4) HST units and (4) 5″ Cornerstone units.
2. Sew each quadrant together .
3. The quadrant should now measure 9-1/2″ x 9-1/2″. Make (4) units. Trim and square the units if necessary.
4. Select the (4) 3″ Flower Center Squares and draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each square. Do the same to the (4) 1-1/2″ squares for the inner Flower Center squares.
3. Following the diagram on page 11-12 pin a 3″ Flower center square in the center corner of each Flower Unit. Make sure the diagonal line is orientated the right way – refer to the pattern.
4. To ‘snowball the corner’ – stitch on that line – BUT HERE’S A TIP: I like to stitch just a hair to the right side of that line. That way when you flip and press that corner over to center, the tip will match the center corner exactly. If you stitch right on the line, you’ll find that thread and the fabric folding over take up precious seam allowance and the tip of the 3″ square will never meet or match the center corner of the Flower unit. By stitching just a hair over to the right of that drawn line, you’ll ensure that it will.
5. Once you have pressed the 3″ square over to meet the center edge of the Flower Unit, trim away excess fabric layers below leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance. Repeat the above on all (4) Flower units.
6. Repeat the above steps with the 1-1/2″ Flower Center Inner squares – snowballing each to the center corner of the Flower Units. Repress the snowballed seams of (2) opposing Flower blocks in the opposite direction so the center seams will nest nicely.
7. To finish your block stitch the units together to form 2 rows and then stitch the rows together to create the block. When complete the block should measure 18-1/2″ x 18-1/2″.
That’s it for Week 4 and wow! we are almost complete! Next week is our last week – in Week 5, we’ll put it all together ! So go forth and make more Leaf and Flower Blocks!
Feel free to ask questions, share your progress and of course, post pictures over in the Colourwerx QuiltAlong Facebook Group – here’s the link just in case:
Welcome back to the ModBlossom QAL !! This is Week 3 already and this week we’ll be making these gorgeous huge Leaf Blocks!
Here’s this week’s companion video and again I can honestly say, I think the video shows you a lot more tips and tricks than what you’ll probably get by reading this post. You’ll also want to follow along with the diagrams and steps in the ModBlossom pattern – you’ll find those on pages 5-8.
GATHER THE LEAF BLOCK PIECES: To make just (1) Leaf block you will need the following units: • (8) Background Fabric Template C (L shapes); • (4) total Leaf Fabric 10-1/4″ squares (2 each of 2 fabrics); • (4) total Leaf Center 4-3/4″ squares (2 each of 2 fabrics) • Template D Shape
STEP ONE – MAKE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES: We’ll be making half square triangle units (HST) from both our 10-1/4″ squares and our 4-3/4″ squares. 1. Start by pairing up the same size squares together with one fabric color to the other in each pair – you’ll create (2) pairs for each size.
2. Draw a diagonal line down the Wrong side of the lighter square in each pair.
3. Matching the pairs Right Sides Together, stitch a 1/4″ seam down both sides of that drawn diagonal line.
4. Cut each pair of squares apart on the line and press to the darker fabric.
5. Trim down and square up the HST units as follows: — Leaf Fabric HST – trim down to 9-1/2″ – make a total of (4); — Leaf Center HST – trim down to 4″ – make a total of (4)
STEP TWO – CUT OUT TEMPLATE D 1. Gather template D and the (4) 9-1/2″ Leaf HST units. Lay Template D along the diagonal line of one Leaf HST unit matching tip to tip. Trace with a washable marker, the curved edge of Template D onto the RIGHT side of first HST unit. Also transfer and copy the markings onto the Right side as well – there will be 6 markings: three on each side – one in center and one to the left and right of that center mark. These markings will guide your placement of the L Shape (Template C) in the next step.
2. Cut out the curve on both sides of the Leaf HST. Use scissors if you are not confident using your rotary cutter to avoid a mishap – eek!
3. Repeat the above steps on all (4) Leaf HST units.
STEP THREE – ATTACH AND STITCH ON THE L SHAPE (Template C) 1. Select (2) L Shapes and (1) Curved Leaf unit. Press the L shape in half to crease a center mark for yourself.
2. Align (1) L Shape Right Sides Together with the Leaf Unit – matching the center marks; pin in place. Next take the end of the L shape and align it to the mark on the left; pin in place. Do the the same with the remaining L Shape end on the right side of center. You may pin more but I find these 3 pins work fine when stitching the L Shape to the Leaf Unit. Repeat on the opposite side of the Leaf Unit.
3. Maintaining your “best” 1/4″ seam, stitch the L Shape on the Leaf Unit. Do not remove the three pins if at all possible. It is important for the L shape to begin and finish on the hashmarks you transferred from Template D. The video tutorial shows me stitching this curve in real time for you with some helpful tips and tricks – and the patterns also has helpful tips on page 6.
4. Once both L Shapes are stitched to the Leaf Unit, press the seams out toward the L Shape Background fabric. Repeat the above steps on the remaining Leaf units and L Shapes to create a total of these (4) units.
5. Place (1) Leaf unit on the cutting board and trim the to 9-1/2″ x 9-1/2″. You will find that most of the outer corners of the L Shape will be trimmed away. Do this same step to all (4) Leaf units.
STEP FOUR – SNOWBALL THE CENTERS (OR CHOOSE NOT) 1. Lay out the 4 Leaf units in formation on your cutting mat.
2. Select the (4) Leaf Center 4″ HST units you created above and draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each unit in the OPPOSITE DIRECTION of the seam line.
3. Following the diagram pin a 4″ HST unit in in the center corner of each Leaf Unit.
4. To ‘snowball the corner’ – stitch on that line – BUT HERE’S A TIP: I like to stitch just a hair to the right side of that line. That way when I flip and press that corner over to center, the tip will match my center corner exactly. if you stitch right on the line, you’ll find that thread and the fabric folding over take up precious seam allowance and the tip of the 4″ HST unit will never meet or match the center corner of the Leaf HST. By stitching just a hair over to the right of that drawn line, you’ll ensure that it will.
5. Once you have pressed the Center HST over to meet the center edge of the Leaf Unit, trim away excess fabric layers below leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance. Repeat the above on all (4) Leaf units.
To snowball the center corners of the Leaf units or not to – is entirely up to you. Notice on the pattern that some Leaf blocks have a double pinwheel center(far left photo below and what we learned above) and some have a single pinwheel (center photo below and created like above but just using (4) 3″ squares) and some do not have any snowball center at all (far right photo below).
Check out page 8 in the pattern for more info on this and diagrams.
STEP FIVE – ASSEMBLE THE LEAF BLOCK 1. Once the centers of each Leaf unit have been snowballed (or not), place the 4 blocks in formation. Stitch the units together to form 2 rows and then stitch the rows together to create the block. When complete the block should measure 18-1/2″ x 18-1/2″.
That’s it for Week 3! Week 4 will construct and stitch together that beautiful Flower Block!
Feel free to ask questions, share your progress and of course, post pictures over in the Colourwerx QuiltAlong Facebook Group – here’s the link just in case:
Welcome back! Today we start Week #2 of the ModBlossom QAL ! This week is all about making the template shapes and cutting your fabrics.
But first – if you’re just joining us, there’s still time to hop in! Here’s what you’ll need to join in on the stitchin’ fun – • The ModBlossom Pattern! You can purchase it in either paper or PDF formats buy clicking the links below….
WHAT YOU MAKE DETERMINES HOW MUCH FABRIC YOU WILL NEED Now you need to decide what you want to make while you join me in stitching up these fun blocks over the next few weeks….here’s two options to choose from:
THE LAP QUILT: (which finishes at 62″ x 80″) is fat quarter friendly so all you need is a fat quarter bundle with at least (18) fat quarters plus background yardage of 3 yards.
• I Want to Make Just a Block or Two – If you’re unsure and just want to ‘dip your toes in’, making just a block or two of each leaf and flower version is a great fun, and you can always turn these large 18″ x 18″ blocks into pillows or a table runner when complete.
For just making a block or two – you’ll need to gather 6 fat quarters plus about 1/2 yard background yardage.
It’s time to start! Here’s this week’s companion video and I can honestly say, I think the video shows you a lot more tips and tricks for cutting than what you’ll probably get by reading this post:
Step One – Make the Template Shapes Depending upon which format you bought the pattern in, (whether that be a paper pattern or an electronic PDF download) you’ll need to trace and cut out these template shapes to make each of the blocks we will be working on.
• Paper Pattern: Find the Pattern Insert and unfold. Then just trace the shapes onto template plastic or heavy card board and cut out.
SIDENOTE: Sometimes I like to make a copy of all of the pattern shapes – you can do this at Staples or an Office Depot.Then I use an adhesive spray (like 505 or a Photo Spray). I spray the adhesive on cardboard or a file folder- fuse my paper copies to the cardboard and then cut the shapes out.
• PDF Pattern: If you bought the PDF pattern, print out the last 4 pages of the pattern. Make sure your printer is set to 100%. Check the scale ruler on each pattern page for accuracy and adjust your print settings if needed. Then tape together where indicated the (2) shapes that make Template D. To complete your templates, either cut out each shape or trace the shapes onto template plastic or heavy card board and cut out. Or print extra copies and adhere as explained above to heavy cardboard using spray adhesive.
Regardless, once complete, you should have four template shapes prepared: Templates, A, B, C & D.
Step Two – Assign Duties to the Fat Quarters & Cut If you’re making the Lap Quilt which requires (18) Fat Quarters + 3 yards Background, you’ll probably want to follow the cutting directions in the pattern on pages 1-4.
The cutting directions below assume you are making (1) Leaf Block and (1) Flower Block. However, if you want to make more blocks during the quiltalong just repeat the below (x) the desired number of blocks you want to make.
First, let’s assign our Fat Quarters their duties. Last week, I mentioned that you’ll want to pair up coordinating fat quarters. These pairs will either make flower/leaf petals, OR be the centers of the blocks OR be the cornerstones in the Flower Block. See the diagram below.
I’m stitching right along side you so here is how I paired my ‘Stitchy’ Fabric (designed by Christa Watson at christaquilts.com). I added the extra pair of orange Fat Quarters as I am making extra blocks.
Remember anything goes here and there is no right or wrong pairing so if it looks good to your eye, then its good to go!
Lap Quilt – If you’re making the Lap Quilt follow the diagram below to help you divide up the 18 fat quarters into pairs. Notice that a few pairings are only making either (1) Leaf Block or (1) Flower Block (and not both) and the remaining fabric will be used for Flower Centers or even Leaf Centers.
Step Three – Cut the Fat Quarters 1. Cut Pair #1 – Flower/Leaf Block Fat Quarters – Each Fat Quarter that is assigned to make Flower & Leaf Blocks is cut exactly the same.
• First make sure the Fat Quarter is a FULL 18″ x 21″. Lay the FQ on the cutting board with the 21″ side running vertically and the 18″ side running horizontally. Also gather template Shape A. Keeping the pairs together: cut the following from EACH Fat Quarter:
2. Cut The Background Yardage – this is assuming you are making just (1) Leaf Block and (1) Flower Block: – also gather Template Shapes B & C. Refer to the pattern on how to lay the Template Shapes on to the fabric strips and to cut the templates out of the fabric. Remember to cut Template B with the strip UNFOLDED!
3. Cut the Remaining Pairs of Fat Quarters – These are for the Flower centers, Leaf Centers & Flower Cornerstones so you could use scraps too!
That’s it – all cutting is complete and we are ready to go!! Next week for Week #3 we’ll dive right in and start stitching the Leaf Block. Also feel free to ask questions, share your progress and of course, post pictures over in the Colourwerx QuiltAlong Facebook Group – here’s the link just in case:
Hello! And welcome to the ‘first week’ of our ninth Colourwerx QAL (quilt along) where we’ll be making these large 18″ bodacious blossom blocks called “ModBlossom”. This is a super fun quilt to make, and it’s a great project to scour your stash for fat quarters and scraps. We’ll also be learning a litlle curved piecing and fine tune our 1/4″ seam piecing along the way!
JOIN THE COLOURWERX FACEBOOK GROUP: First, I want to thank you so much for joining us here. If you want to meet with other Colourwerx quilty friends and aren’t yet a member of our Facebook group, I invite you to join our free QAL Facebook group where you can ask questions, share your progress and of course, post pictures of your finished projects so everyone can share in the fun! Also feel free to share this invite and any other QAL news with quilty buddies and invite them to join along in the fun!
COMPANION VIDEOS: Each week of the quiltalong, also look for a companion video to be posted within the blog post like this one below. If you’d like to receive alerts to when the videos are posted and other neat tutorials and replays of our Fab Friday Live broadcasts, then subscribe to our Colourwerx YouTube channel right here!
If you’d like to view this week’s companion video to Week #1 of the ModBlossom QAL, view it here:
So this is Week#1 of the ModBlossom QAL – First let’s review our super easy going 5-week schedule! • Week 1 (this week) we’ll gather our pattern and our fabrics together… • Week 2 is all about precutting our fat quarters and background yardage as well as making the template shapes included ion the pattern… • Week 3 we’ll be piecing the large Leaf Blocks and learn a little about curved piecing…. • Week 4 we’ll be piecing the super fun Flower Blocks and fine tuning our 1/4″ seam piecing… • …and Week 5, we’ll be putting it all together!
Here’s another picture of both the Leaf & Flower Blocks we’ll be making during the QuiltAlong. Of course, if you want to make more of these blocks, you can!
Week #1 – GATHER YOUR PATTERN & MATERIALS — Here’s what you’ll need to join in on the stitchin’ fun – • The ModBlossom Pattern! You can purchase it in either paper or PDF formats buy clicking the links below….
Just a note on the pattern: The pattern is written assuming the sewist will make the large lap quilt on the cover – that would be (6) Leaf Blocks and (6) Flower Blocks. So when you receive the pattern and start to glance through it – you may find the directions just a tad confusing or overwhelming as it speaks to cutting and making (12) blocks total. No worries….if you’re just dipping your toes in and want to make only a few of each block, just look below for yardage requirements and check back in here each week for specifics!
Pattern Insert with Templates: Also, depending upon which format you buy, (whether that be a paper pattern or an electronic PDF download) you’ll want to review the Pattern Insert page. You’ll need to trace and cut out these template shapes to make each of the blocks we will be working on. • If you bought the pattern pattern, just trace the shapes onto template plastic or heavy card board and cut out. • If you bought the PDF pattern, print out the last 4 pages of the pattern. Make sure your printer is set to 100%. Check the scale ruler on each pattern page for accuracy and adjust your print settings if needed. Then tape together where indicated the (2) shapes that make Template D. To complete your templates, either cut out each shape or trace the shapes onto template plastic or heavy card board and cut out.
WHAT WILL YOU MAKE DETERMINES HOW MUCH FABRIC YOU WILL NEED Now you need to decide what you want to make while you join me in stitching up these fun blocks over the next few weeks….here’s two options to choose from:
• I Want to Make The Lap Quilt (as shown on the cover) — I’ll be making this version as we stitch together using Christa Watson’s newest fabric collection called “Stitchy” from Benartex Fabrics. It’s a super fun collection and you can order these fabrics directly from Christa at her website www.christaquilts.com.
The lap quilt (which finishes at 62″ x 80″) is fat quarter friendly so all you need is a fat quarter bundle with at least (18) fat quarters plus background yardage of 3 yards. Here are some pictures of different versions of the Lap Quilt:
• I Want to Make Just a Block or Two – If you’re unsure and just want to ‘dip your toes in’, making just a block or two of each leaf and flower version is a great fun, and you can always turn these large 18″ x 18″ blocks into pillows or a table runner when complete.
For just making a block or two – you’ll need to gather 6 fat quarters plus about 1/2 yard background yardage.
HERE’S HOW TO THINK ABOUT YOUR FABRICS TO START PLANNING FOR WEEK #2 Start thinking about your fat quarters in terms of pairs. • Each pair of fat quarters will yield the petals for (1) flower block and (1) leaf block. If you glance at the blocks below, notice that the (2) magenta fabrics are in both my Flower and my Leaf block.
• You’ll also need a pair of fat quarters for your Leaf Centers & Flower Centers (these could also be an variety of scraps varying in size from 3″ – 4-3/4″ squares;
• And one more pair of fat quarters for your Flower Blocks Cornerstones (the 2 greens pictured).
** If you’re using a Fat Quarter Bundle with at least (18) fat quarters – you have endless pairings and options.
So go forth, get the ModBlossom pattern, and raid your stash for fat quarters or grab that bundle off the shelf that’s just been yearning to be used!
That’s it for Week #1 – that was fun! And I can’t wait to see all of your fabric selections! Week #2 we’ll cut our fabrics and preapre our template shapes!
Until then, please be sure to email us at colourwerx@yahoo.com if you have any questions. Or feel free to post questions or progress pictures on our Colourwerx QAL Facebook Group.
Until your next colour fix and next week’s QAL post ~ happy and bright quilting always!
Colourwerx 