Author: Life of Momma B

RBD Block Challenge: Block 3, Daylesford

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I am all caught up with the RBD Block Challenge, and have completed the first three blocks.  Each Tuesday, except the last week of the month, Riley Blake Designs releases another block in their 2024 Block Challenge.  And I must say, this block was a challenge!

The Daylesford block was designed by Amy Smart from Diary of a Quilter.  It is a variation of the traditional eight-pointed star block with a pinwheel in the center. Lots of little pieces, but it is really just joining half-square triangles and flying geese.  For some reason, I struggled with this block. It just was not my day, and I had to use my seam ripper more than once.  

That brings me to the tip of the day… Seam rippers become dull and should be replaced periodically.  I frequently hear expert quilt teachers reminding us to replace the blade on our rotary cutters, but they don’t tell us to replace our seam rippers.  Just like any blade, it will become dull with use.  A dull seam ripper requires more force to cut treads, and you have an increased risk of cutting your fabric by mistake.  Seam rippers are inexpensive, do yourself a favor and buy a new one.  You will likely be surprised when you realize just how dull your blade is.  

If you are just joining me on the 2024 RBD Block Challenge, check out my first post (here). All the details about this free quilt along are included.  

Until next time, take life one stitch at a time.

Momma B

RBD Block Challenge: Block 2

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Block 2 is completed, This block, Sparkle and Shine, was designed by Beverly McCollough of Flamingo Toes.  

I love the block pattern.  Like the previous block it uses half square triangles and stitch and flip corners.  It’s all about the right combination of pieces to create a stunning block.  Not to brag but I feel I did a decent job of matching all the points.  

However, the one thing I dislike is the colors in the center of the block.  I am considering re-doing this block with a different color combination. But, I think I will wait to the end and make sure there is enough fabric.  One thing about this quilt along is even though they tell you how much fabric you need, they do not give cutting instructions.  This means I am not able to cut the fabric efficiently, I would hate to run short.  

The pattern for block 3 was released this week.  I am already running behind on the quilt-along, but since there will not be a block the last week of the month, I will be able to catch up. 

Until next time, I’ll be taking it one stitch at a time.

Momma B

Texas Christmas Quilt – Stocking Block

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In addition to completing the first block of the RBD Block Challenge last week, I was also able to finish another block from the Texas Christmas Quilt.  The pattern for this Stocking Block was provided by Downtown Dry Goods in McKinney, Texas.  

If you are not familiar with this shop,  it is worth the trip.   Located in historic downtown, it features a wide selection of reproduction prints.  Additionally,  they share a space with the McKinney Knittery. This means there are lots of pretty things in the shop to admire.  

This is the first of several blocks in this quilt that use applique to achieve the desired look.  But, what makes this block so cool is the fact that you can actually stuff items into the stocking.  I used a piece of TenSisters EasyPiecing Grid. OMG, the Easy Piecing Grid is a game changer for quilters. This fusible foundation allows for effortless joining of squares.  And since the foundation is left in place, the stocking is lined and the fabric squares will not fray.  

Gee whiz, this quilt is taking forever,  but quilting is not a speed sport, it is for marathon crafters. But, I am determined to complete this UFO so I can clear some space for my next project.  You can find the first post in this series here. 

Thank you for joining me on my quilting adventure.  I hope to see you when the next block is complete.  

Momma B

RBD Block Challenge: Block 1

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Block 1 of the RBD Block Challenge has been released and it is by no other than Lori Holt. This block, Vintage Delight, features multiple stich-and-flip units that are joined together to form one cohesive block.  

If you are not familiar with Lori Holt, she is an amazing designer that has a flair for taking vintage patterns and making them new again. Check out her newest pattern, Mercantile Sampler, where she places traditional blocks inside circles giving them a new look.  She is the designer behind many of the quilt alongs hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop. In addition to being a fabric and pattern designer she also creates cross stitch patterns that coordinate with her quilts and is an avid crocheter. I am especially looking forward to her upcoming Christmas pattern that will be released this summer featuring Christmas baubles. While she does have a blog, I follow her on YouTube.  

Back to the block at hand and stitch-and-flip blocks. These are not very hard to create and are often used when you want to cover only a corner of a larger block, like when creating snowballs. They can also be used to create flying geese. After the pieces are sewn together, usually on a diagonal, the excess is cut off, and the seam is flipped open to cover the part that was removed. 

Like the old adage of do as I say not as I do. You can save yourself a lot of time and heartache by marking the part you will cut and discard. In addition to marking the diagonal sew line on the back of the fabric, placing a small X on the waste side makes it easier. This is something I usually do, but in a moment of over confidence, I opted not to and cut on the wrong side of the sewing line. As you can see below there is no way to fix this mistake and I had to redo one corner of the block.  You can bet I marked it the second time through. So, do as I say not as I do. and mark the waste before you cut. 

If you missed the beginning of this series, click here to go to the introduction and a link to get all of the patterns in this series. While I wait for next weeks block to be released, maybe I can tackle some of my overdue projects from my UFO list. Here’s to taking life one stitch at a time.

Momma B

RBD Block Challenge 2024 – getting ready

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The 2024 RBD Block Challenge releases the first block tomorrow. Are you ready? I am!

I have downloaded the fabric requirements and pulled fabric from my stash that matched the recommended colors. All the fabric has been washed, starched, ironed and is ready to go.  

I did make one slight adjustment. They recommend using a multi color dot. I didn’t have anything in my stash that worked well with this color palette. I did, however, have a yard of silver dots but not the 1 5/8 yards they recommend. I also viewed the sneak peak of the finished quilt and I think I will be able to make it work with a few minor changes. 

I am most excited about the black and white striped binding.  I have seen several quilts that used striped binding. What an impact it makes! I purchased this striped fabric a few months back for the purpose of binding with no project in mind. I guess we will have to wait until summer to see how it turns out.

If you want a sneak peak of the final quilt or would like to join me on this quilt along head to Riley Blake Designs blog to find all the information you need. 

I will post my completed first block in a few days. Until then, take life one stitch at a time. 

Momma B