Before We Get the Sew-along Started

Tomorrow, my second Pocket Patchwork Sew-along begins, and I'd like to take a few moments to tell you a few things about it.  First, I'd like to thank all of you who ordered a Forget Me Not kit!  Your response was overwhelming! I had no idea what to expect, and you all blew me away....and I thank you so very much!!  After a second round of kit cutting to meet the demand, I have just a handful of kits left, so if you're thinking about getting one, don't delay.  Once they're gone...they're gone.

Whether you purchased a kit, or have pulled fabrics from your stash...you should know the yardage amounts given have been tested.  You will use some fabrics only once, and others multiple times....so please, cut carefully and sparingly.  In case of a mistake, there's adequate fabric to make a few substitutions.  I really watched the fabric amounts, trying not to overdue, because fabric is so expensive, and I wanted you to have enough, of course, without too much left for scrap. 

All twelve of the quilt blocks will finish to 4.5 inches, and the quilt measures 18" x 27". 

Several of the blocks have Half Square Triangles and Flying Geese units.  To save repetitive instructions, follow the directions below when making these units, unless instructed otherwise.

For Half Square Triangles

*Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the light print.  Sew 1/4 inch on each side of the drawn line.  Cut apart and press to the dark, unless instructed otherwise.  This will yield 2 Half Square Triangles (HST).


Flying Geese

*Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of your light print connector corner squares. 

*Position at the end of a base rectangle and sew (scant) on the drawn line.  Notice my red thread is positioned just a scant bit "inside" the seam allowance....helps a ton with accuracy!

*Fold and finger press the triangle first to check it against the base, then press with your iron.  If it doesn't match the base exactly, rip it out and do over.  (I know....but it's a small seam and it's worth it!)

*Trim 1/4 inch seam allowance of both the base and the connector corner fabric.  If it's a perfect match to the base, like it should be, there's no need to keep the fabric as it's just unwanted bulk!!

I have lots more tips about working with connector corners and oodles of other stuff in my Heartspun Quilts Hints Book.  Click here to read more about it.

Please tell your friends that it's not too late to join the sew-along!!  And...remember, the best and easiest way to receive all of the sew-along patterns (free!!) is via email!  To do this, simply enter your email address in the "Follow by Email" icon, located in the right column of my blog.  My blog posts will come as an email, and you can easily print them.

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As many of you know, I love working with small blocks, and I know not everyone does.  That started me wondering.....what is the smallest Nine-Patch block you are comfortable making?

Vote your answer in my poll, at the top of the blog, in the right hand column!

Your answer will give me a lot to think about in upcoming projects!

Well....that's about all for now!  Tomorrow is a big day,when I will be sewing along

with many quilting friends!  Oh how I love it!

Until then......

Pam