ModBlossom QAL-Week 5: Putting It All Together!

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!

Look for more Colourwerx QuiltAlongs on our Colourwerx Facebook page or on our website under QuiltAlongs!

Until your next colour fix – happy quilting!  Linda & Carl xxoo

ModBlossom QAL-Week 4: Make the Flower Block

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:

COLOURWERX QUILTALONG FACEBOOK GROUP HERE

Until our final week together, happy #colouricious quilting!

xxoo Linda & Carl

ModBlossom QAL – Week 3: Make the Leaf Block

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:

COLOURWERX QUILTALONG FACEBOOK GROUP HERE

Until Week #4, happy #colouricious quilting!

xxoo Linda & Carl

ModBlossom QAL – Week 2 : Make the Templates and Cut Your Fabric

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….

Purchase the ModBlossom Paper Pattern here!

Purchase the ModBlossom PDF Pattern here!

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:

COLOURWERX QUILTALONG FACEBOOK GROUP HERE

Until Week #3, happy #colouricious quilting!

xxoo Linda & Carl

ModBlossom QAL – Week #1 – Gather Your Materials & Your Pattern

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!

JOIN THE COLOURWERX QUILTALONG FACEBOOK GROUP HERE

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….

Purchase the ModBlossom Paper Pattern here!

Purchase the ModBlossom PDF Pattern here!

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!   

L&C xxoo

View my Episode on The Quilt Show!

At long last, my episode of The Quilt Show – Wonky Piecing & Easy Appliqué: Episode #3012 – has been released! Carl and I had so much fun filming this on location in Austin, Texas with Alex Anderson & Ricky Tims!!

Here’s what Alex & Ricky say:
Love color? This is the show for you. Linda Sullivan of Colourwerx joins Alex and Ricky to demonstrate her method of wonky piecing. First, she shows Alex how to create a “wonky piecing building block” which can be used in any number of quilts. She then builds on that idea by demonstrating to Ricky how to use that building block to create fun and adorable machine appliquéd motifs. Linda continues her demonstration by highlighting the use of decorative stitches on the pieces of appliqué. Then, stick around until the end where Linda surprises Alex and Ricky with a “TV treat”.

Watch a preview of the episode right here:

Wanna watch the whole episode??
You can and for free — as well as experience all the benefits Alex, Ricky & The Quilt Show’s website and tutorial videos offer you in a free 7 day trial. Watch other quilt artists’ episodes! Shop for the latest and greatest patterns and notions! And tune into to see what Alex and Ricky are working on in their sewing studios! You can jump into your free 7 day trial at any time that is convenient for you through the special link below…

Click here for your seven day free trial to ‘The Quilt Show’!

I hope you have as much fun watching the episode as we did in filming it! Happy colouricious quilting everyone!

The Quilt Show Taping with Alex and Ricky!

We just returned from Austin Texas and a fun filled couple of days taping a new episode of The Quilt Show featuring ‘moi’ (me) with quilt show hosts and industry royalty, Alex Anderson & Ricky Tims.

If you are unfamiliar with The Quilt Show, Alex or Ricky – then I urge you to check out the website here!

The Quilt Show is the #1 rated, best online quilting website and online show. To view many of the episodes – past and those coming in the future – you need to subscribe as a member – but believe me, that membership has perks! It’s a good thing!

With each new episode Ricky and Alex bring you quilting artists from around the world to teach you new techniques, new tools and of course new quilting ideas! It’s also a fantastic website filled with the newsest quilting books, tool and patterns as well as a great resource for everything quilting!!

Alex also hosts live Facebook tutorials and chats- check out the Facebook page right here!

Carl and I were so thrilled to be invited and be part of this new series of shows which will air sometime in June 2022. We’ll be sure to announce the exact dates in our newsletter and on our social media channels!

For some episodes, they film in a studio and for others they take the show ‘on location’. We were “on location’ in a beautiful rented home in the Texas Hill Country which is located right outside of the busy and ever growing city of Austin.

First, we packed the Mini Cooper and set off on our 2 day journey to Austin. Our drive was for the most part uneventful and that was a good thing! Although this Cracker Barrel near Phoenix was hopping!

The next morning we arrived at the home where we would film the episode. It was a gorgeous large cottage perched up on the hillside and had beautiful landscaping and flowers.

What was great about being on location was that we were able to film the entire episode outside! The weather was lovely – not too hot, not too cold, not too windy and no humidity!

The Cosmos & Dazzle quilts as you can see from the pictures below looked right at home outside on the back deck! After a brief “Getting to Know You” interview with Alex and Ricky, we shot three teaching tutorial segments which were ‘Wonky Piecing, Easy Appliqué and Decorative Stitches”.

Even though Carl and I had previous careers in film and TV, I must admit I was a bit nervous. Carl, of course, did not want to be on camera so he stayed off camera (where he likes it) and set up all of my samples boards and organized the quilts and step outs for each tutorial…that was a real time saver and helped to ease some of my nerves.

Also Alex, Ricky and especially show producer, Shelly and production manager, Lilo had everything so organized and planned out. With their thorough vision of where, how and when each shot should look like and their leadership through the day, all went very smoothly! Plus the exceptional camera and audio crew also were so professional and made us feel right at home. And just like that with a 1-2-3, bang! – all the segments were taped and we were complete for the day!

At the end of the episode, I also presented Alex, Ricky, producers Shelly & Lilo with their very own ModTV block that I made especially for each of them! I printed pictures from the show on photo fabric and then appliqued them as the TV screen on each ModTV block. They came out oh-so-cute!

After we packed up all the quilts, hugged our hosts numerous times and said farewell, Carl and I took ourselves out for a celebratory dinner at a restaurant near the filming location in Lakeway, Texas that looked out and over the huge lake that many of the homes are perched over. The sunset was gorgeous that night!

All in all it was a grand time in Austin and now we can’t wait to see our episode and all the other guest teachers’ episodes they filmed that week in Austin! Again it should air sometime in June 2022 but we’ll be sure to let you know exactly when and where! Until then, please check out The Quilt Show – it is truly a marvelous resource and Alex and Ricky are really oh-so-much-fun!!

Until your next colour fix! xxoo L&C

ModBox QAL – Week #3 – Piece the Block

Hello, hello! Welcome back to Week #3 of the ModBox QuiltAlong! Finally – the week we’ve been working for – this week we start to piece the blocks together and let me tell you, they go together in a breeze!

By now, you should have decided upon the colour order of your fabrics, precut the fabrics and then grouped the colour combinations together. If you are need to refresh or are just joining in, check out Week #2’s blog post right here!

As always there is a short companion video tutorial as well. You can view the video here!

STITCH YOUR FIRST BLOCK –
Grab your first set of Fabric “A” blocks combined with Fabric “B” strips. Remember: All seams are scant 1/4″ (which is a hair less than a full 1/4″ seam). Following the directions on pages 3 of the ModBox pattern, stitch the Fabric “B” short strips to the top and bottom edges of the Fabric “A” block. Press the seams towards Fabric “B” – then stitch the remaining Fabric “B” longer strip to the left edge of the unit. Be sure to measure the block and trim it to match the benchmark measurements included in the pattern on page 3.

• 

• 

That’s it! Super easy! Now continue on piecing blocks in this manner until you have pieced all the blocks and strips together. Make sure you keep the fabric combinations together of blocks and strips you created in Week #2!

LAYOUT FIRST VERTICAL ROW FOR PREPARATION OF WEEK #4 –
In preparation for Week #4 (where we put the whole quilt together), begin to layout the first vertical row of blocks. Follow the diagrams on page 5 of the ModBox pattern.

Once you have the blocks for the first vertical row in place, begin to place the background fabric strips in place between the colored blocks. This can get a bit confusing because if you are like me, I am using (2) purple fabrics for my background and the pattern diagrams show the background fabrics in black and white.

To make it easier to follow the diagram and avoid confusion – I code my background fabrics and label one white and the other black.

Then I can place the correct background fabric around each colored block like so!

ALSO AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON FIGURE 12 IN THE PATTERN –
There is an updated Figure 12 for page 6. Especially for those of you doing the ModBox Large Lap and using half yards, please be sure to download the new Fig 12 (file PDF below for you to print) – this revised Fig 12 gives you the correct color sequence and block layout – again, especially if you are using half yards and making the Large Lap. You can retrieve the updated diagram here.

That’s it – we are ready for Week #4 where we will put it all together! See ya next week and until then, happy colouricious quilting! XX00 L&C

Splendor QAL: Week #4 – Layout and Finish the Quilt Top

Whoop!  Whoop!  We are almost complete with our Splendor Quilt!  This is the final week of our quilt along and I do hope you all have been enjoying making these fab flower blocks!

This week – Week #4 – is all about laying out all the blocks and pieces and stitchin’ up that quilt top.  Relax and enjoy the process – it’s easy stitchin! 🙂

1. But first, just a reminder that all of your petals (large and small) should be appliqued stitched to their individual background blocks at this point. If you need reference, refer back to Week #2 & Week #3 of our Splendor QuiltAlong posts.

Read Splendor QAL Week #2 – Applique the Small Flower Blocks
Read Splendor QAL Week #3 – Applique the Large Flower Block

Also be sure to remove all of that stabilizer from the backside of your blocks.  I like to score mine with a straight pin and carefully tear away the stabilizer using tweezers if needed in the narrower sections between the petals. 

2. Next, following the Splendor Background Diagram on page 2 of the Splendor pattern, lay out all of your pieces on your design board or floor.  Take special note of which way some of the smaller flower blocks are orientated (look at the large petal on the small flower block – is it pointing  up, down to the right or to the left??  – these differences in orientation  give the circle of small flowers movement and rhythm around the large center flower block.

Once you are satisfied with your layout, stitch the background strips to each background corner block. Refer to the page 2 of the Splendor pattern again.

Next, stitch the single background  strip to its corresponding small flower block.

Not so hard right!?!

3.  And to finish your quilt top, refer to page 5 in the Splendor pattern and begin to stitch blocks together to form a row.  You’ll have a top row, a middle row (which will consist of the larger center flower block we created in Week #3) and a bottom row.

Watch the video below for how easy!!

Once all three rows are stitched together – your Splendor Quilt top is complete!

Great job and bravo! Now you’re ready to machine quilt some awesome designs in all of that negative space in the background or  send the top to your favorite machine quilter to do the same!

I’ll be sending this off to my favorite machine quilter, Teresa of Quilting is my Bliss who also machine quilted the first Splendor quilt! Below  are some up close photos of the fabulous quilting Teresa did on the first Splendor quilt!!  I’ll be sure to post the photos of the second Splendor quilt when she completes it!

This now concludes our Splendor QuiltAlong – send me your pictures so we can see your beautiful quilts!

Thank you so much for following along and for your continued support!  Look for more Colourwerx QuiltAlongs on our Colourwerx Facebook page or on our website under QuiltAlongs!

Until your next colour fix – happy quilting!  Linda & Carl xxoo

Splendor QAL: Week #3 – Appliqué the Large Center Flower Block

Welcome back!  
It’s Week #3 of our Splendor QuiltAlong and it’s time to start to work on that bold, beautiful large center flower block!  And this week can also be a make up week – if you need it – to finish off the (12) small flower blocks from Week #2!    For more on that in case you’re joining us, check out Week#2’s Splendor QuiltAlong Blog Post right here!

I hope you are enjoying this quiltalong as much as I am!  Please don’t forget to post pictures of your projects over on the Facebook Colourwerx QuiltAlong page or send me your pics at colourwerx@yahoo.com!

Also, to view this week’s companion video tutorial , click on the link below!  Be sure to “Like” it and also drop us a comment on YouTube to let us know how we’re doing!!

View Week #3’s Splendor Companion Video Tutorial

On to Week #3 of Splendor —
1.  First arrange those (9) center squares and start to stitch them together to form a 9-patch.  Stitch blocks together to form (3) rows. 

Then stitch the (3) rows together, pinning and matching the seams that butt together.  Refer to Page 1, Step 2 in the Splendor Pattern.

Prepare your Large Flower Petals and the Small Flower Insets Appliqué Shapes–
You’ll be cutting out (1) each of the large flower shapes which also includes the center of the large flower plus (1) each the small flower insets shapes.

1.  First, gather the pattern page (included in the Splendor pattern) and following the directions on your adhesive fusible web, trace the larger and smaller flower inset shapes plus the center separately and apart from each other on the smooth side of the fusible web. Be sure to transfer all the numbers and markings from the Master Pattern Page.   Use a #2 pencil for tracing.

Rough cut these shapes out at least 1/4″ beyond the drawn line.

Again, I like to use the adhesive fusible web Heat ‘n Bond Lite.

2. Next select your flower fabrics, and fuse the shapes onto the wrong side of each fabric.

Cut the shapes out neatly on the drawn line and be as exact as possible.  Use a sharp pair of scissors for this step.

3. Continue on and cut out all the shapes.

4.  Once you have all (9) large (this includes the center) and (8) small inset shapes fused onto your fabrics and cut out, you are ready to appliqué.

Just a note on the center of the large flower — Sometimes I like to “fussy cut” this center flower shape from a fabric that contains all the colors of my flowers so that it really pulls together the petals of the large center flower.  You could also choose a fabric that resembles the look of a flower center like a dark brown or black fabric that has little dots that might resemble the center of a sunflower.  Just a thought!

Fuse (or Iron) Your Small Flower Petal Insets to Your Larger Flower petals and Stitch —

Whenever I have smaller shapes that are fused onto larger shapes (such as these small inset flowers onto the larger flower petals), I like to set those pieces up first and then appliqué stitch around just the smaller shapes BEFORE fusing that larger piece onto my background fabric.  That way I am only having to deal with the petal shape under my needle and not having to wrestle with the background fabric as well while appliqué stitching.  My appliqué stitching is much neater this way and of course, that makes me much happier!

1.  So to begin – fuse the small flower insets onto their larger petal counterparts.  Be sure to leave the release paper on the wrong side of the larger petals shapes when fusing the small shapes onto them.
2. Next get ready to appliqué stitch around the small flower insets.  Prepare  your machine up for appliqué stitching by changing your presser foot to an open toe foot and choosing some fabulous matching thread.   Set your machine to your desired appliqué stitch.  Again, I usually choose the Zig Zag stitch (#2) and set my Bernina to stitch width 2.5-3.0 and stitch length to just below 1.0 .
   

   
   
   Test, test test!  If needed refer to my previous Wonky Piecing QAL video for the how to’s on appliqué stitching right here at  Wonky Piecing and Easy Appliqué- Week #4 QuiltAlong here.
3.  Appliqué stitch around each small flower inset shapes.   VERY IMPORTANT TIP AGAIN – Be sure to still leave the release paper on the wrong side of the larger petals shapes when you stitch around the small flower insets.  The release paper will act as a stabilizer for your stitching and once you are complete you will just peel it off.
   

   

   

Fuse (or Iron) the Large Flower Petals to the Center Background 9-Patch —
1. Referring to the Quilt Top Diagram on page 5, ‘eyeball’ and place the large petal shapes and the large flower center in place. If needed, I have found that that the petal edges at the top, bottom, right and left are about 5-5-1/2″ in from the outside edge of the background.  Peel off the release paper from the wrong side of each shape and fuse (or iron) the shapes onto the background 9-patch.

2.  Place a piece of stitching stabilizer (like Sulky Totally Stable Iron On Tear Away Stabilizer) on the WRONG side of each of the Larger Flower Petal Shapes or over the entire background block.   The stabilizer will help to “stabilize” your stitching especially if you are using a zigzag, satin stitch or decorative titch around each of your shapes.

Test, test, test before you begin. Once satisfied, applique stitch around each of the larger petals and the center on your large center flower.

Once stitching is complete, be sure to tear away the stabilizer from the backside and lightly press the 9-patch Large Center Flower Block.

That’s it for Week #3!!  Next week, our final week – Week #4: we’ll be stitching all of blocks together to complete our quilt top – woohoo!

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!    L&C xxoo