Tag: quilt along

RBD Block Challenge: Block 6, Bloom Where You Are Planted

~ Life of Momma B ~ Leave a comment

The RBD Block Challenge continues.  If you are keeping track we are up to block number six, Bloom Where You Are Planted.  This block was designed by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story.  And I think it is my favorite so far.

While the design seems complicated, Jennifer did a great job of breaking it down with step by step instructions. I am always amazed how a few rectangles sewn together with a couple of stitch and flip corners can create a stunning block. I can see a quilt made completely from this one block. It could even be done in a scrappy version.

One thing I dislike about stitch and flip style blocks is the waste. I want to share with you one thing I do to minimize the waste.  Whenever I have a large (which is a relative term), I sew an additional line 1/2 inch from the required line to create and extra square that can be used in another project.  Here let me explain. When creating the leaves in the flower, two wonky looking square are sewn together on a diagonal.   

Step 1. Per the block instructions, draw a line diagonally (Line 1).
Step 2. Draw a line 1/2 inch away from the required line (Line 2).
Step 3. Sew on lines 1 and 2.
Step 4. Cut between lines 1 and 2. (Line 3)
Step 5. Press the blocks open as usual.

Here are the two squares that this creates. The first square is used in the Bloom Where You Are Planted Block, and the extra square can be used in other blocks. This smaller block is 2.5″. I find that I can use a small square in a scrappy block easier than I can two odd triangles. I hope you find this tip helpful.

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

Momma B

RBD Block Challenge: Block 4, Framed Star

~ Life of Momma B ~ Leave a comment

The RBD Block Challenge continues.   As I see it, the purpose of this type of challenge is 1) help you improve your skills,  2) introduce you to different pattern designers and 3) allow you to create a stunning quilt that is broken down into bite size pieces.   

This weekend I completed the fourth block in the series, the Framed Star, designed by Fran of Cotton and Joy. I have to admit that I am not very familiar with her work so I spent a little time checking her out.  If only my kiddos were little I would definitely be making the Annabelle quilt, and I still might because it looks so fun.  If you are not familiar with her work head to her website and check it out.  

In addition to completing this most recent block,  I was also able to begin cutting the fabric for all of the remaining blocks.  At the request of many of the participants, Riley Blake has now released the complete cutting instructions for the quilt.  This allows me to cut the fabric more efficiently.  All the information can be found here. 

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

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