Destination: Quilt Along Block 11!

Block 11 is released today and I'm the 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 lots of grunge to make this super fun Hot Air Balloons block in celebration of Balloon Fiesta that starts on Saturday in Albuquerque!  Balloon Fiesta is my favorite time of year in Albuquerque, and I'm definitely going to miss it once we move.

Here are my top tips:

The background of the block uses foundation paper piecing and traditional piecing. Don't forget to oversize your pieces to make sure there aren't any gaps in your mountains or sky.

For foundation paper piecing, you will the need following supplies:

• 1 copy of the template A and B printed at 100% (Do not scale), use the 1" block to check the sizing.
• Double-sided tape
• Paper Scissors
• Add-A-Quarter Ruler (optional)
• Normal sewing supplies (sewing machine, thread, rotary cutter, ruler, etc.)

I did a step-by-step tutorial of how to Foundation Paper Piece last QAL with my Sun Block.  You can sew along with the video to learn my technique or read my tutorial here.

Once you've pieced together the mountains, sew the grass onto the block to finish the background.

This hot air balloons are appliqued on top! For the applique, I used Lite Steam a Seam 2 and a pencil.  Trace the templates onto the paper side of the Lite Steam a Seam 2.  I nest my figures to save adhesive and to make my fabric not so stiff when layering.  Then iron to the BACK of the desired fabric.

Once you've cut out the shapes, place them on the block in your desired location and iron in place.  Instead of using Aurifil monofilament thread with white thread in the bobbin, I used a normal straight stitch on the edges of my balloons to secure them down.  I used some Aurifloss and did a backstitch for the ropes holding the basket in place.  The last step is to trim the block down to 12.5"!

Ta Da!  All finished!

Download Hot Air Balloons Block Pattern

Please note:  I use Payhip to manage all of my PDF patterns, even the free patterns.  It will ask for your email as it will email you a link to download the pattern.  For best results, use Google Chrome on a PC to get the download to work.  If you are having trouble, respond to the email that Payhip sends you and I'll be in touch!

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!

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 #DestinationQAL 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 3 prizes are as follows:

• Six Month Subscription to Make Modern. An online 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 pattern from each of these designer's shops:
  • Becca Fenstermaker of Pretty Piney https://prettypiney.com/shop
  • Sherry Shish of Powered by Quilting payhip.com/poweredbyquilting ($10 shop credit)

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

Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter
Karen @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts
Sherry @ Powered by Quilting <- That's me!

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