Sew Along - Week Two

Week Two of the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along: Make blocks 7 - 12 on pages 43 - 45 of  the Schoolgirl Sampler book. Two easy blocks this time!

(Blocks by Sue Bennett)

Go to the files in the groups or check my website (sew along page) for more info on making the blocks for this week. There's a sewing tip in the file for Week 2 that may help if you have trouble with basket blocks. It's all about lining up the pieces correctly so your points don't get cut off. 

If you haven't yet, it's not too late to join the sew along. Just get the book and jump in and start with the blocks for Week One. We're making them in numerical order. 

It's been fun to see all of your finished blocks from last week! I can't believe there were so many pretty fabrics I had never seen before. Enjoy your weekend!

Ready, Set, Sew . . .

Happy New Year! If you're joining the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along, you'll find all of the block patterns in my Schoolgirl Sampler book.  

Week one (January 1) - Make blocks 1 through 6 on pages 40 - 42 of the Schoolgirl Sampler book. Have fun! 

(Blocks made by Sue Bennett) 

If you're making the quilt as shown in the book, there are 92 half-square triangle blocks used in the sawtooth border. If you have time, make a few of these each week or whenever you can. It will make it a little easier to have some finished when you put the borders on the quilt. 

If you're interested in sewing along with new friends, join my Facebook Schoolgirl Sampler group. Each week I will also list the blocks we'll be making for that week on my website Sampler page. 

Oh! Wait - There's another new project for 2021! Join me in making the 2021 Mystery Quilt in my Facebook Small Quilt Lovers group. It's simple, fast and easy (and scrappy!). We'll make a few blocks each month and finish up in April or May. This month, make some half-square-triangle blocks.  The monthly patterns will be posted in the Facebook small quilt group files and also on my website on the Mystery Quilt page. If this doesn't keep you busy and distracted this year, I don't know what will . . . . 

My best to all of you in 2021. New year, fresh start, new quilting adventures. 

Stay safe and healthy. Be kind; be grateful. 

Take time for yourself and enjoy the  journey! 

Have a Merry Christmas

No snow here yet . . . . but I'm still hoping.

Have yourselves a very Merry Christmas!

See you in the Sew Along group on January 1!

 

Practice on Some Simple Blocks

Less than two weeks left until the Sew Along begins! I suspect some of you have been secretly making blocks since you purchased the book  . . . . 

But for those of you who may be beginning quilters or who are anxious about making this quilt, let me reassure you - These blocks are simple and pretty much a piece of cake. Not one is really that difficult. Some may require a little patience but for the most part they are straightforward. Nothing fancy.

When we begin the sew along on January 1, we'll start with Block number 1 and then go on making the others in order. That's how I started making the blocks for my Dear Jane quilt. Please - I am in no way comparing my quilt to the awesome Jane Stickle quilt, but it does have some similarities (small blocks, similar fabrics) and yes, I modeled one after seeing and working on the other. 

I fell in love with that quilt the first time I saw one. Then I started seeing them more and more so I knew everyone else was as entranced as I was. I liked sampler quilts and, being a lover of small quilts and 1800s reproduction fabrics, the fact that Jane's sampler was comprised of small blocks and made in the 1860s with fabrics from that time really drew me in.

Dear Jane quilts on display at a show in France. 

A few of Jane Stickle's blocks.

A few of my blocks. 

Unfortunately, when I started making the Dear Jane blocks in order I quickly ran into difficulties. I was not a very good piecer, hand piecing was just not my thing, my applique left lots to be desired and I had no idea how to paper piece. So, when I ran into challenging blocks, I became frustrated and often set them aside. However, by skipping around and making some of the easy blocks first, I was able to warm up to the small piecing. I gained confidence and polished up my skills. I found it was a great way to practice precision and patience. The difficult blocks became less difficult because I practiced. It was my journey to becoming a better quilter as I picked up quite a few new skills. My blocks are far from perfect but I still think they're pretty good. And, I can now paper piece with ease and my applique doesn't stink. I can even do reverse applique. Who'd have guessed?? 

I think making any sampler quilt is bound to do this for you. Anyway, the point I am making is that the blocks in my quilt are MUCH easier than those in the Dear Jane quilt. There are no difficult blocks, just blocks that take a little patience and practice.

So, if you're a beginner or a quilter who is just not used to working with smaller pieces, you may want to spend a little time practicing on some of the easier blocks. 

This will allow you to gain some skills for putting the small pieces together and may make the others a whole lot easier. If you have the book, please read the section on page 8 - Tips for Sewing Small Blocks. Try making a few of these blocks first - # 9, 11, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 37, 38, 40, 43, 68. And probably a few others.  These blocks are mostly made from squares and triangles. A few larger half-square triangles. If you follow the directions, they should give you no problem. And, if you have that scant 1/4-inch seam down, they will go together easily. After this, you may even want to start a Dear Jane quilt or go back and finish the one you started. 

Have a good weekend. I hope some you are able to take some time to enjoy the holiday season! No snow yet here in the Chicago area but I know some of you out east are cursing it as we speak . . . . .