PICK A PETAL -- MONTH 2

PICK A PETAL is the 2024 Block of the Month quilt designed by Jen Kingwell exclusively for The Quilt Show. It is FREE to Star Members, join today to take advantage of this great bonus. WATCH Jen's Show to see how she makes this quilt--it is FREE for EVERYONE all of 2024: Jen Kingwell Show 3401

It's Month 2 and we start making a simple block, the Improved or Glorified 9 Patch :

Jen's Block 1 from the sample quilt

Jen does mostly hand piecing. The acrylic template set makes this block easy to cut out for that purpose. I prefer to machine piece when it's easier and faster, as it is with this block:

My Block 1, machine pieced, hand appliqued

MY METHOD  should you wish to try it:

1. Make an uneven 9 Patch:

         Cut 1 center square 2.25" 

         Cut 4 rectangles 2.25" x 3.75" 

         Cut 4 squares 3.75" 

         Sew the 9 pieces into a 9 Patch:

2. PREFER TO HAND APPLIQUE?:   Add Crescents, Template H, to the four sides of the block. I did it by needle turn hand applique. After showing you my method I will show how to machine applique, if you prefer.

        

Use Template G to add the 3 Dots to the two sides and bottom corner of each of the large squares. I used a Micron pen but be aware it is permanent so you have to be sure to cover it when sewing:

 

3. I made a plastic template of Crescent shape H without the seam allowance on the top curve so I could easily draw the sewing line--I like to have a line for hand applique drawn lightlty with a mechanical pencil. I also added extra to the bottom edge so I can "trim to perfection" when the block is done:

4. I used Template H to draw the dots on the fabric Crescent, again, if using a permanent marker be careful:

5. I finger pressed the curved edge under 1/4", using the dots as a guide. Pinned in place I am ready to hand applique this first Crescent:

6. Once all 4 Crescents are sewn, carefully cut away the excess fabric under the Crescent, keeping a 1/4" seam allowance, repeat with the remaining 3 sides:

7. Press the block as flat as possible, use Flatter or Sizing or Starch or Best Press if you like. Spray, let it dry, press firmly with a DRY iron.

Using an 8.5" square ruler, CAREFULLY TRIM TO PERFECTION. Fiddle a bit to be sure you have the four outer corners accurately aligned with the diagonal line on the ruler and the opposite corners:

45 degree line from upper right to lower left

Get the 1/4" mark exactly at the finished corner

Before and After Trimming

PREFER TO MACHINE APPLIQUE?:   I recommend Print N Piece Fuse Lite by Quilters Select as a pattern and stabilizer. It mostly washes out when the quilt is finished, and does not add bulk or weight.

Place fusible side on the back side of the fabric, allow 1/4" seam allowance at the curve

 Press with a dry iron following package instructions

Cut out 4 Crescents including the seam allowance on the top curve. Use a fabric glue stick to turn the seam allowance over and glue in place. A  nice curve on the back will give you a nice curve on the front:

Quilters Select Fabric Glue Pen is the best I have found for this process

The Appliquik tool really helps turn that curved edge flat

Use your favorite machine stitch for the applique: Blanket, Zig Zag, Edgestitch, there are several on most machines, try a variety to find your favorite. Use the SEARCH BOX on The Quilt Show to find MANY shows that feature this technique:

If you don't want the stitches to show much:

 

    Use fine thread--I like Quilters Select 60 or 80 wt depending on the color I need.

    Match thread color to the applique as closely as possible.

   Try a few different size stitches to find what looks best.

So there you have it, an alternative method to make Block 1. It's your quilt, you get to decide.

There are a total of 20 of these in the entire quilt. The machine piecing method I described here works great as Leaders/Enders. I made all 20 of the 9 Patches while making other things. Using many of the Kit fabrics, I simply cut out 80 each of the small and large rectangles, and 20 center squares. They sat beside my machine to be pieced over time.  

Then I cut 80 Crescents, Template H, again from many of the Kit fabrics. Now I am doing the hand applique in the evenings, while "watching" TV. No rush. And totally portable so they go with me on travel.

Don't agonize over which fabrics to use together--they ALL go. Look at Jen's quilt to get the idea, more fabric choice is better:

Next month we move on to Block 2--I have some interesting ideas about that one.

See me on the Facebook LIVE Friday February 2, 2024, noon central time. All the LIVE broadcasts are recorded so you can watch any time: LIVE BROADCASTS

Let's quilt.

Barbara