Sew Let’s QAL Block 8!
Block 8 of Sew Let's QAL is released today! 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! Block 8 is designed by me! It's a nice break from all of the precision piecing we have been doing so far! I present to you the iconic tomato pin cushion! Remember that all patterns for the QAL will be free until September 24, 2019 (the end of the QAL).
Here are my top tips for constructing this block:
- Use a lightbox when tracing the applique pattern. Remember that the patterns are reversed for applique! I use a Daylight Wafer 2 Lightbox and it's awesome!
- I use Heat and Bond Lite for my raw edge applique adhesive. I maximize my usage by tracing smaller shapes inside bigger shapes!
- Cutting out the middle of the shapes help the blocks not be so stiff with adhesive! Use a hot iron to iron the applique to the wrong sides of the fabric. I use Karen Buckley scissors to cut my shapes out. The serrated edges make a nice crisp cut.
- Position the pieces on your background. You can put the pinheads wherever you'd like! Check out the other host's posts to see the different styles of backgrounds you can make!
- Once you have the pieces in place, iron them to the background. I found matching Aurifil 50wt thread to blanket stitch around the raw edges.
- Lastly, add the embellishments for the pin cushion lines and the pins themselves. You can use a backstitch or a whipped backstitch (links bring you to tutorials). I've also been using Fabric Markers this QAL and I opted to use a blue and black fabric marker this time. I may choose to go back and embellish with embroidery at a later date.
- Ta Da! All done! I can't wait to see your pin cushions!
Remember, we are doing prizes by segment for this QAL rather than by each individual block. The current segment ends after Block 9 and the entry window will be open from 12am Eastern on July 2 to 11:59pm Eastern on July 15. 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 Warm 100 queen size batting from the Warm Company.
- A fat quarter selection from Dear Stella, “Can You Dig It?” collection.
- Three printed table runner patterns from Shabby Fabrics, the Vintage Series.
- And, a free PDF pattern from each of these “Partners in Design”
- Inquiring Quilter
- Powered By Quilting *up to $10
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 and to see the other variations of 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
Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter
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Great pattern!! I enjoyed making it. Thanks.
I had so much fun making this block! It really was a nice palate-cleanser after all the piecing, and a good start to the summer break here in NJ. Thanks for another great pattern!
Thank you for this big, bold pin cushion design! I love Karen Buckley scissors for cutting shapes too!
Why do we cut a 13 inch background when we want a 12 1/2″ at the end? Thanks
Hi Susie, that’s a great question. Typically for applique, the fabric has a tendency to shrink a bit when you sew the edges regardless of needle turn or raw edge. It also helps give you a little wiggle room to center your applique pieces when you trim the excess. I hope that makes sense. Good luck!
I love this block so much! It’s the perfect pincushion to add to our quilt. It’s amazing to me that this style of pincushion has been around for so long and is still common today.
Also, I love the picture you took of your block. The color of that wood background is beautiful.
That’s a great block, and one that could be used to make all kinds of sewing and crafty presents for friends. Thanks for your work on designing and making this example. Love the blue!
Great block, Sherry!!
Awesome design and pattern Sherry!
I so enjoyed making your Pin Cushion block 😊🍅💕
Another great pattern!