Saturday, December 18, 2021

My Favorite Color is Moda Sew Along - Blocks 18, 19, & 20

 I know, I know. The sew along ended quite a while ago.

Life has been crazy. I won't go into details, but I'm trying to wrap this quilt up (no pun intended) by the end of the year.

Disclaimer: Sometimes I will change the pattern instructions a little bit because a different way works better for me. This does not mean that the pattern won't work exactly as written. If you follow the pattern, your blocks will still turn out fine.


Tips/Instructions:


Blocks 18 & 19 are basically the same block, just with different fabrics and different sizes.

The only tip I have is seam direction. Press the seams on two sections toward the outside triangles and the other two toward the center sections. This will allow for nesting of the seams.


Sew everything together.


Block 20

1. Pressing the HSTs:
Fabric 2 & 7 - press toward fabric 7
Fabric 2 & 5 - press toward fabric 2
6 1/2" HSTs - press toward fabric 2

2. Pay attention to the 4 patches. They are not all identical.

3. Lay out everything as you go.  This will definitely save time and effort since this this is a pretty intricate block.


All the blocks are now done!!! Next up, assembly.

NOTE: I still have patterns for sale individually if you'd like to make your own version. I also have a couple of Grunge Trading post kits left. They are 40% OFF and shipping is FREE.


I'd love it if you join the Facebook Group and/or post pictures on Instagram and mention the blog (and tag @twiddletails) if you find this post helpful.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

My Favorite Color is Moda Sew Along - Blocks 16 & 17

Two identical blocks using different fabrics.

Disclaimer: Sometimes I will change the pattern instructions a little bit because a different way works better for me. This does not mean that the pattern won't work exactly as written. If you follow the pattern, your blocks will still turn out fine.

Tips/Instructions:

1. Making quarter square triangle blocks:

First make 4 HSTs.

Draw a diagonal line on the back of two identical HSTs as in the photo below. Place pairs right sides together as shown below.

The most important thing is to ensure that all the seams come together where they cross in the center.

I like to pin on either side of the center to ensure there's no slippage. Yes, I need new pins...
Sew 1/4" away from the diagonal line on both sides just like you would when making an HST. Cut on the drawn line and press. Here's the back.

2. Lay out all the pieces before you start sewing and every time you've sewn a seam(s) and take a photo.
 This will save you a lot of headaches and seam ripping. An example:                                                                                                

3. Take your time. It will save you time.




NOTE:  All remaining kits are on 30% OFF in both the Etsy shop and main store. I also have patterns for sale individually if you'd like to make your own version.


I'd love it if you join the Facebook Group and/or post pictures on Instagram and mention the blog (and tag @twiddletails) if you find this post helpful.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

My Favorite Color is Moda Sew Along - Block 15

This block looks very scary but really isn't. It's all HSTs and, because it's 27" x 27", it fills up a lot of space.

Disclaimer: Sometimes I will change the pattern instructions a little bit because a different way works better for me. This does not mean that the pattern won't work exactly as written. If you follow the pattern, your blocks will still turn out fine.

Tips/Instructions:

I don't have many tips for this block.

Be sure to double check your fabric combinations because there are 4 different HST combos.

I always lay everything out on the table as I go.

Nesting seams is hard when there are this many pieces in the block.

I did manage to do a little when making the smaller square units.


Make the 16 individual squares and sew them together in groups of 4.

Then sew these together in pairs and, finally, sew the pairs together to complete the block.


NOTE: As of the writing of this post, I still have a couple of kits left in the Trading Post and Pink Lemonade colorways.  I also have patterns for sale individually if you'd like to make your own version.


I'd love it if you join the Facebook Group and/or post pictures on Instagram and mention the blog (and tag @twiddletails) if you find this post helpful.

 

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Sampler Spree - Week 10

This is the final week! I really loved making these little orange blocks.  After 105 (I skipped Block 60) blocks, I am glad it's over though.

Now to choose a sashing color. Any suggestions?


The blocks are:

  • #9 - Tussy Mussy
  • #11 - Lacy Lattice Work
  • #26 - Gift Box
  • #45 - Courthouse Steps
  • #53 - Cheyenne
  • #57 - Checkers
  • #61 - Maple Star
  • #70 - Spinning Tops
  • #74 - Nine-Patch Star
  • #77 - Thrifty
Tips:

1. If EVER there was a block that requires you to lay out everything ahead of time and be methodical, it's Block 9. As you may notice, I flipped the bottom right corner at one point.
Here are my steps:





2. Block 57: I used strips for this block as follows.
Cut 3 strips 2" x 6" out of orange fabric and 2 strips 1.25" x 6" out of white. Make a strip set as below and sub cut it into three 2" sections.
Cut 3 strips 2" x 1.25" out of white fabric and 2 strips 1.25" x 2.5" out of green. Make a strip set as below and cut into 1.25" sections.



3. Block 77: I never make four patches by cutting squares. Cut strip(s)of background fabric and strip(s) of navy fabric 1.5" wide by a little more than 15". Sew them together along the long side and cut into 1.5" sections. Make four patches using these sections.




I hope my tips have helped.

Here are my orange blocks:






There is another free project this month - a table runner for Halloween. It uses Block 56.

I have uploaded the PDF pattern to the Twiddletails Quilt Alongs Facebook group.
All the other free projects are in the "files" section too.

Moda's blog post is over here.

It's not too late to join in:

1. Join the Twiddletails Quilt Alongs Facebook group (free projects will be uploaded here.)
2. Join the Moda Blockheads Facebook group
3. Follow on Instagram: #samplerspreeqal@yardgrl60@modafabrics@martingaletpp, @twiddletails
4. Share your progress on Instagram using #samplerspreeqal

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Sampler Spree - Week 9

Only one week left! This week's color is grey/black. How do you spell it? Grey or gray? I grew up in a country where we were taught "British English", so lean towards "grey".

I skipped block 60 because I just couldn't figure out how to cut the sections without wasting an enormous amount of fabric. I have NEVER not been able to figure out how to make a block so I'll definitely be getting back to that one.

I also accidentally made a block in navy during "navy week". Oh, well.




The blocks are:

  • #7 - Fan Blades
  • #13 - The Kitchen Woodbox
  • #25 - Dandy
  • #38 - Summer Solstice
  • #44 - Winter Panes
  • #51 - Whirligig
  • #52 - Wheels
  • #60 - Market Square
  • #66 - King's Crown
  • #79 -Double Plain
  • #104 - Roman Stripes

Tips:

1. How to assemble Block 44:




2. An assembly sequence for Block 79:





3. Block 104:





I hope these help.

Here are my grey/gray/black blocks:







Moda's blog post is over here.

It's not too late to join in:

1. Join the Twiddletails Quilt Alongs Facebook group (free projects will be uploaded here.)
2. Join the Moda Blockheads Facebook group
3. Follow on Instagram: #samplerspreeqal@yardgrl60@modafabrics@martingaletpp, @twiddletails
4. Share your progress on Instagram using #samplerspreeqal