I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long: Block 11

Today is release day for Block 11 in the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long. If you are new to the QAL visit the Facebook Group for the details and join the community of quilters who are getting in the spirit. All of the block patterns will be available for free until January 16. Block 11 is a North Star block designed by Kathleen of Kathleen McMusing. This is a gorgeous star block and I especially love how the piping in the corner units makes this star shine!

Fabric Choice

My scrappy blue and green palette was fun to use in this block. Whatever colors you decide to use make sure you have good contrast in the fabric values. I added a solid lime green for the center and the piping to really bring out the shine in the star.

My Tips for the Block

The pattern uses simple foundation paper piecing for the star points. If you haven't done paper piecing before this is a great introduction. You will love the super accurate points! Getting started with paper piecing can be a little bit confusing so look at the pattern instructions carefully and double check the direction when you make the angle cuts for the right and left star points.

Finishing up Soon!

The 12th and final block pattern will be released on Tuesday Dec. 5. Oh the excitement and suspense! On that day the QAL hosts will also be sharing our approaches to the finishing up the quilt. There will be examples of various ways to lay out the quilt blocks and suggestions for quilting. I'm looking forward to having a new quilt for this holiday season!

Enter the Block Prize Giveaway

As always there is a great prize drawing for Block 11 . If you are the lucky winner you will receive a pdf pattern of your choice from Jennifer Fulton of The Inquiring Quilter and an adorable Binding Baby from Shari Butler of Doohikey Designs. To be entered in the prize drawing just post a picture of your finished Block 11 in one of three places:
  1. Facebook Group
  2. Instagram with hashtag #iwishyouamerryqal
  3. Or link up your blog post of your finished block with the linky party on the designer's post.
You must post your block in one of these locations by midnight EST on Monday December 4. Good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing how you make it your own!

Grand Prize Drawing in January

Remember, there will be a drawing for an amazing grand prize in January. To be eligible for the grand prize drawing you must post a completed quilt top using all twelve of the QAL blocks by January 16. Even if you miss deadlines for some of the individual block giveaways you can still post for the grand prize. Look at these amazing sponsors for the grand prize!

Blocks and More Tips From Other QAL Hosts

Visit the other QAL hosts to see more versions of the block and read their tips. I am learning so much from everyone's different approach to the blocks! ~ Sandy