QAL by the Sea Block 2!

Block 2 is released today!  Jennifer of Inquiring Quilter is this week's designer.  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 an assortment of blues, greens, yellows, and everything in between for this block!  This would be great for scrappy turtles!

Here are my top tips:

When tracing your applique pieces, draw the smaller pieces inside the large ones.  This helps reduce the bulk of a heavily layered block.  Plus you save on fusible.  I use Heat and Bond Lite.  Be sure to LABEL each piece close to the cut line.

Cut out each of the pieces that you traced but only with 1/2" or so of fusible on the inside of each piece.  I didn't measure, I just eyeballed the cutting.  For the smaller pieces, I did not cut out the centers.  Fuse the pieces to the wrong side of the fabric.

Cut each of the pieces out and start arranging for fusing.  I use a Fusamat to help pre-fuse the pieces together.  The Fusamat allows the bottom-most piece to retain the fusible on the back while NOT fusing to the mat.  It's an awesome tool for complicated applique.  For the shell of the turtle, be sure to adjust the shells so that the pieces fit to your liking.  That was the one I had the most trouble with.

Once you have your 4 different pieces, start ironing them to the background.  Please note:  I made the pattern while in draft for testing and her instructions now have you trim the block after applique.

Remember last week when I suggested using monofilament thread?  Well using it on this block will definitely be a time saver!  Be sure to use REGULAR thread in the bobbin, the monofilament is only for the top thread.  Make sure to adjust your tension so you can't see the bottom thread on the top.

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

Ta Da!  All finished!

Get the pattern from Jennifer'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!

Did you catch my announcement in the Facebook Group?!  I am offering 25% off edge to edge Longarming Quilting Services for all Partner's In Design QAL quilts!  Motivation to finish these quilts!  Check out my Longarm Services here.