Sew Let’s QAL Block 1!
Today kicks off Block 1 of Sew Let's QAL! Read all the details of the QAL here. Don't forget to bookmark my quick links page for easy access to all of the designers' and hosts' blog posts! The first block is a Sewing Machine by Sandra of Sandra Healy Designs. You will need to go to Sandra's post to download the pattern for this block. All patterns for the QAL will be free until September 24, 2019 (the end of the QAL).
The sewing machine is a rectangle block that finishes at 18"x24". I plan on using this block in the center of my quilt top, but I hold my right to change that as this QAL goes along! There are a lot of pieces for this block and it uses applique and embroidery techniques.
Here are my top tips for constructing this block:
- Label all of the blocks that you cut. I used a pencil on the back of each piece of fabric and labeled in the seam allowance. This will help you keep track of all of your pieces! (Click on the image to zoom in to see my labels).
- Use a design board to lay out all the pieces of the sewing machine block. If your design board is not big enough, you can double/overlap the boards. Check out my design board tutorial to make your own.
- With lots of pieces in a block, make sure to check your seam allowances. Scant 1/4" or 1/4" seam whatever works for you so that your pieces are correct after you sew them together. You can test your seams by sewing two 2-1/2" squares together. The rectangle should measure 2-1/2"x4-1/2". If it's too small, your seam is too large. Conversely, if it's too big, your seam is too small.
- For the applique, I used raw edge applique. Trace the circles on the paper side of the adhesive (I use Heat-n-Bond Lite). Use paper scissors to cut out the shape and the inside of the shape to reduce bulk.
- Using the manufacturer's instructions, iron the adhesive on the wrong side of the fabric. Then use your fabric scissors to cut the shapes out. I used my Karen Buckley scissors because the serrated edges are great at giving me accurate cuts!
- Iron the applique on the block and use a zig-zag stitch or a blanket stitch to secure all of the raw edges. Go SLOW around the curves to make them smooth.
- To add the embellishments, instead of a single big stitch for my spools, I used a whipped backstitch. You can see my backstitch tutorial here and the additional whipped backstitch tutorial here.
- For the thread, I picked an Aurifil thread that matched my top spool and used my sewing machine to sew the thread onto the block. I embroidered the metal hook with some gray thread.
- I did not sew my buttons on my machine yet because I haven't decided if I am going to send this quilt out to be quilted. If you are not planning on quilting the top yourself, ask your longarmer if the buttons can be sewn on prior to quilting.
Good luck on your block, I can't wait to see it!
We are doing prizes by segment for this QAL rather than by each individual block. The current segment ends after Block 5 and the entry window will be open from 12am Eastern on May 7 to 11:59pm Eastern on May 20. There are 3 ways to enter, all of which require a photo of all finished blocks in the segment:
- If you are on Facebook: Join the Partners in Design, Where Friends and Fabric Meet Facebook Group, and post a photo of all the blocks in the segment to be entered to win.
- If you are on Instagram: Use the hashtag #SewLetsQAL on the photos of all the finished blocks in the segment to be entered to win.
- Each host will have a Linky Party on their last block of the segment for you to link up the photo of all finished blocks for that segment in order to be entered to win.
The prizes for this segment include:
- A newly released item from Omnigrid® (a Prym Company) -Large Folding Cutting Kit that includes an 18 x 24" mat, a 3" x 18" ruler and a 45 mm rotary cutter
- Timeless Treasures Tonga Treat Strip Jr. "Orchid" -20 pc 2 1/2" strip pack
- 2 Shabby Fabrics Vintage Blessings printed table runner patterns and a packet of Sunflower laser-cut appliqués (small.)
- And, a free PDF pattern from each of these “Partners in Design”
We also have a new sponsor for the prizes, Paintbrush Studio Fabrics! Thank you so much to all of our sponsors!
Don't forget to check out the other awesome hosts of the QAL for more tips and tricks on this block!
April @ JANDA Bend Quilts
Becca @ Pretty Piney Quilts
Bobbi @ Snowy Days Quilting
Sherry @ Powered by Quilting <- That's me!
Abbie @ Sparkle On!
Karen @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Sandy @ SandyStar Designs
Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
Sandra @ Sandra Healy Designs
Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter
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Your machine looks so classy! I really like the little pops of color from the thread, too.
You created a very sophisticated sewing machine, Sherry!
Thank you for the tips.
Great job and pretty colors. How fun to see our love machines in all different colors. Thanks for the tips.
That little blue machine could be real! So cute.
Great looking sewing machine block!! And great tips!! I should have thought of just printing the letter in the seam allowance. It would have saved me lots of time and trouble.
Love the grunge machine! Perfect color and perfect fabric collection.