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.

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.

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.

 

My Favorite Color is Moda Sew Along - Blocks 12, 13, & 14

We are making 9 blocks this month but don't panic.  They are very simple blocks.

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:

Block 12: Press the Fabric 8/10 HSTs' seams toward Fabric 10 and the Fabric 9/10 HSTs' seams away from Fabric 10. This will allow all the seams to nest nicely when you assemble the block.

Block 13: Instead of cutting the squares into triangles, I used the traditional way of making hourglass blocks.

1. Use all the squares to make HSTs. You will have 4 HSTs.

2. Draw a diagonal line as below on the back of 2 of the HSTs.

3. Place 2 HSTs (one with a line and one without) right sides together as below and sew 1/4" away from the line on both sides. Check that the seams line up where they cross over.

4. Cut along the drawn line and press. Trim to 9.5".

Repeat for the other 2 HSTs. You will have 4 hourglass blocks but will only be using 3.

Block 14: Press all seams toward Fabric 7.

NOTE: As of the writing of this post, I still have a couple of kits left in the Primrose Garden, 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.

My Favorite Color is Moda Sew Along - Blocks 10 & 11

A quick month.

This month's blocks are really easy and I don't have too many tips that I haven't mentioned before.

I'm planning a post on how to decide which direction to press seams, so stay tuned.

 

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:

Remember to make TWO of block 11.

NOTE: As of the writing of this post, I still have a couple of kits left in the Primrose Garden, 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.

My Favorite Color is Moda Sew Along - Blocks 7, 8, & 9

 And there goes another month! Is it just me or is time flying faster than usual?

This month's block is really simple. You'll make the same block in 3 different sizes.

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. Pin the larger half square triangles before sewing. It really helps keep the layers together.

2. You can do a lot of chain piecing here, which will speed up the process significantly.

3. Press all seams away from the HSTs and the center square.

4. When sewing the rows together, press toward the center or the block.

and last, but not least,

5. Remember to make THREE of block 9.

NOTE: As of the writing of this post, I still have a couple of kits left in the Primrose Garden, 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.

My Favorite Color is Moda Sew Along - Blocks 4 & 5

 I'm thinking I may need to find another sew along to join because making one block a month is driving me crazy.

Block 4 & 5 are simple half square triangle blocks.

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.

What will make this block lay much flatter is paying attention to your pressing direction.

Tips/Instructions:

1. Pin. I'm not a big pinner but it really helps for larger HSTs.

2. What will make this block lay much flatter is paying attention to your pressing direction.

Press your HSTs as follows:

Block 4:

Fabric 3&5: All toward fabric 5

Fabric 2&5: 2 toward fabric 2 and 2 toward fabric 5

Fabric 7&5: 4 toward fabric 7 and 4 toward fabric 5

Block 5:       

Fabric 3&10: All toward fabric 3

Fabric 3&9: 2 toward fabric 3 and 2 toward fabric 9

Fabric 2&3: 4 toward fabric 2 and 4 toward fabric 3            

3. "Fanning" the seams whenever possible will help too. (I have a tutorial on YouTube over here: https://youtu.be/hsWG44hXLy8)

A little diagram for assembly. The arrows indicate the seam direction:                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                             

Here are the two blocks on the quilt top:

Moda's blog post is also up now. It talks about high and low contrast.

Look at the Tropical Getaway colorway actually made up. I love it!!

NOTE: As of the writing of this post, I still have a couple of kits left in each colorway.  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.

My Favorite Color is Moda Sew Along - Cutting Tips

Ready to cut your fabric?

To get started, find a bin or tub to store everything in and put a new blade in your rotary cutter.

Here are a couple of helpful things I learned during the cutting process:

1. Baggies are a must. Get 20 baggies and mark each with a block number (1-20). I marked mine with a Sharpie and, even though this was completely coincidental, it made it easier to see numbers through the bags than a label would have done.

3. Use the biggest bags you have - within reason. If they're too small, you'll have to fold your pieces and have to re-press them before you can sew. At least 8" square would be ideal.

4. Rearrange your baggies in numerical order after cutting each color or they'll get so mixed up that you'll have a hard time finding the one you need.

5. Save your scraps.  You never know what mistake you may make when you start making blocks. I'm pretty sure I will need to cut at least one or two replacement pieces in this process.

6. PLEASE NOTE: The cutting instructions for some colors flow over 2 pages. Pay close attention.

7. To avoid cutting the wrong fabric, cover the side of the pattern you're not using with a piece of paper.

8. When you're done cutting, arrange your baggies from largest to smallest in your bin so you can just grab the next one each month. I'm ready to sew!

My Favorite Color is Moda Sew Along - Introduction

An introduction:

Moda is hosting a sew-along in 2021 using Bella Solids - the "My Favorite Color is Moda" quilt.

Kits are available in 6 colorways or you can purchase a pattern and use your own fabrics.  This would be so pretty as a scrappy quilt!

Aren't they beautiful?

I'm a little late in posting, but right now we are cutting our fabric and sewing hasn't started yet.  We start sewing on February 2nd. Moda will have a blog post with tips for each block every month and I will also post over here with tips and the link to the Moda blog posts.

Moda's Intro post is over here: https://my.modafabrics.com/inspiration-resources/my-favorite-color-moda-1

The quilt is 81" x 99" finished.

I have kits for all the colorways as well as individual patterns available on the website.

I will be posting regularly on Instagram as well as the Twiddletails Quilt Alongs Facebook group.