Sew Let's Quilt Along Block 1

Block 1 for the Sew Let's Quilt Along is here! What better way to start off than with a fun sewing machine block designed by Sandra Healy. You can find the complete block pattern and tutorial on her website at Sandra Healy Designs. If you are just discovering this quilt along you can find more information in my Sew Let's Quilt Along Introduction Post. This is a large block, finishing at 24" x 18". You may want to use this large block in the center of a quilt layout or in a special project. The other twelve blocks will each be 12" square.

Fabric Choices

For this quilt along I plan to feature Blueberry Park fabrics in each of the blocks. I love this line of fabric and have quite a bit in my stash. I will also add solids and blenders from my stash as needed to fill out the block designs. That vibrant orange for my sewing machine is a Blueberry Park fabric, as are the light gray background and the darker gray accents. I would truly love to have a real orange sewing machine, wouldn't you? I think any fabrics you choose could work in this block as long as there is good contrast between the different elements.

My Tips for Block 1

There are many pieces to keep track of in this block. I use little sticky dots to label pieces because the dots are inexpensive and easy to find in office supply stores. As I cut each piece I add a label that corresponds to the master diagram in the pattern. I also double check the dimensions of my cut pieces against the cutting instructions as I stack them up, just to make sure everything is correct. Prepping this way makes it very easy to follow the sewing instructions.

You should also have the master diagram from the pattern handy as you follow the sewing instructions. Refer to it frequently to help you keep pieces oriented in the right directions.

This pattern uses flipped corners on several pieces and it is one of my favorite piecing techniques. Read my Flipped Corners Tutorial for some tips on making your flipped corners behave.

I don't do much embroidery so i had to buy some brown and silver thread for the spools and the metal bits on the sewing machine. Those clever little embroidery details were so worth it!

More Blocks and Tips from Hosts

Visit the hosts for this block to see a variety of sewing tips and fabric choices from the Partners in Design team.

Abbie Danahy @ Sparkle On!
April Adams @ JANDA Bend Quilts
Becca Fenstermaker @ Pretty Piney Quilts
Bobbi Bridgeman @ Snowy Days Quilting
Jennifer Fulton @ Inquiring Quilter
Karen Thurn @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Kathleen McCormick @ Kathleen McMusing
* Sandra Healy @ Sandra Healy Designs
Sandy Maxfield @ SandyStar Designs
Sherry Shish @ Powered by Quilting

Community

You will find announcements and plenty of other quilters to cheer you on in the Partners in Design Facebook Group.

On Instagram you should use #SewLetsQAL on your posts. Be sure to follow the hashtag so you can see what everyone else is making.

The absolute best thing is sharing and seeing what everyone is making. Even if you are not keeping up with the schedule or posting for the prize drawings we still want to see what you are making!

Amazing Sponsors

We are lucky to have amazing sponsors on board with some fabulous prizes for this QAL! In addition, many of the block designers are donating quilt patterns for the prize packages.

Prize Drawings

There will be a prize drawing at the end of each segment and then a grand prize drawing at the end of the whole QAL. The prizes are open to participants who are at least 18 years old.

Segment Prizes

To be eligible to win a segment prize, you need to make all of the blocks from that segment. Then share a photo (or photos) of your blocks in a single post to be entered in the drawing at the end of each segment. We are currently in Segment 1 which includes Blocks 1-5 and will run from March 12-May 20. So plan to post for the Segment 1 prize after Block 5, between May 7 and May 20.

Grand Prize

To be eligible to win the grand prize, you need to make all 13 blocks and turn them into a quilt top or other projects. Quilt tops don't need to be quilted, but projects do need to be finished. Share a single post at the end of the quilt along that shows all of the blocks in a quilt top or other projects. It doesn't matter how many projects or what projects you make, or how many blocks you use in each project, as long as you show that you have used all 13 blocks in a finished quilt top or projects.

How to Enter the Prize Drawings

There are three places you can share your blocks to be entered in the random prize drawings. Each participant will only be entered once in each drawing, even if you post in multiple places.

• Facebook - share your blocks in the Partners in Design Facebook Group
• Instagram - Share your blocks with hashtag #SewLetsQAL
• Blog Linky - The hosts will share a link-up on their wrap-up posts at the end of each segment.

~Sandy