QAL by the Sea Block 1!

Today's the day we start!!!!  Becca of Pretty Piney is this week's designer for Block 1 of QAL by the Sea.  Be sure to bookmark my quick links page so you have easy access to all the blocks and hosts!  You can also find the quick links page by clicking the button on the right side of my page.

I picked out 2 blues, 2 tans, and a white for this block, all in Moda Grunge.

Here are my top tips:

When cutting the pieces, make sure that you check for size PRIOR to topstitching the pieces together.

Use color matching thread for your topstitching to make it blend in well.

Once you've topstitched, make sure to use scissors to cut away the excess fabric to reduce the bulk in the block.  Do NOT trim the block once the pieces are topstitched together.

For the applique portion, I used a Daylight Wafer, Heat and Bond Light, and a pencil.  Trace the templates onto the paper side of the Heat and Bond Light.  Then iron to the BACK of the desired fabric for the shells.

Cut out the shapes and place them on the block, iron in place.  I used monofilament thread with white thread in the bobbin to zigzag stitch the applique in place.  The monofilament thread helps me not need to change thread colors for each shell!

Once the raw edges have been appliqued, square up the block to 12.5".

Ta Da!  All finished!

Get the pattern from Becca's blog post here. 

Don't forget we are doing prizes by segment and region this time!  To be eligible for Segment Prizes, you must complete all the blocks in the segment.  Share a photo or photos in a single post with all the blocks in the segment to enter!  Be sure to indicate your location, so you can be entered into the correct prize pool!

There are several ways in which you can enter to win prizes!

1. If you are on Facebook: Join the Partners in Design, Where Friends and Fabric Meet Facebook Group. Each Designer will be posting links to their tutorials there, and it will be used as a place to ask questions and post photos of your finished block for prizes.
2. If you are on Instagram: Use the hashtag #QALbytheSea on your finished block to be entered to win.
3. Each Designer will have a Linky Party on their block tutorial post so you can link your progress to their blog to be entered to win.

Segment 1 prizes are as follows:

For US Residents:

• Dream Green 60" x 60" batting from Quilter's Dream. An earth friendly polyester batting made from 100% recycled plastic bottles! https://www.quiltersdreambatting.com/products/dream-green/
• A Fat Quarter fabric bundle of Island Batik "Kismet."  This line by Tammy Silver of Tamarinis has a bohemian vibe with vibrant colors!  https://islandbatik.com/

For International Residents:

• A 6-month subscription to Make Modern.  A magazine for quilters, by quilters, filled with beautiful patterns and articles to inspire quilters like us to make more modern quilts! https://www.makemodern.com.au/
• A PDF pattern of your choice from these Designers!
  • Becca of Pretty Piney
  • Jennifer of Inquiring Quilter
  • Sherry of Powered By Quilting (ME!) (a $10.00 shop credit) 

Be sure to visit all of the other hosts to pick up other tips and tricks for this block!

Abbie @ Sparkle On!
Becca @ Pretty Piney Quilts
Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter
Karen @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts
Sandy @ SandyStar Designs
Sherry @ Powered by Quilting <- That's me!

Good luck on your block!  I can't wait to see it!