Destination Quilt Along - Block 1
Welcome to the Block 1 release for the Destination Quilt Along. Oh the places we will go now that the pandemic travel restrictions are easing up! I am thrilled to present the first block in your quilt along journey. Keep reading to get the pattern and tips for making my Canyon Block.
Click Here to Download Canyon Block Pattern
Canyon Block
The quilt block pattern was inspired by one of my all-time favorite vacation destinations, the Grand Canyon. I have visited the Grand Canyon five times and would love to go again, and again, and again!
Fabric Choices
In the pattern I suggest a mix of earthy colors for the canyon cliffs, and yes I do consider purple to be an earthy color. I used a mix of prints and solids in my version, but you should use whatever fabrics sing to you.
I do suggest that you use a darker color, solid brown in my version, for the shadowed formations that are in the distance. Then choose your lightest color, peachy gold in my version, for the top surface of the cliffs in the foreground.
My Tips for the Canyon Block
This pattern uses traditional piecing with half square triangles and various size rectangles for the background with fusible appliqué to add the sun. There are lots (lots!) of pieces, but the construction technique is relatively easy.
>> Use the fabric cut list as a checklist to keep track of the pieces as you cut. Stack your pieces and label with a sticker or post-it note for fabric A, fabric B, etc. I keep sheets of sticky dots in my sewing room for labeling fabric pieces.
>> Confirm that your seam allowance is exactly 1/4". There are so many pieces to assemble that your rows will end up too short or too long if the seam allowance is off by a little bit. See my post on How to Sew an Accurate Quarter Inch Seam for a foolproof method on getting an exact 1/4" seam.
>> The pattern gives instructions for making half square triangles (HSTs) with the two at a time method. Try using chain piecing for efficient sewing. It is always fun to see the string of patches come off of the machine.
>> After sewing along both sides of the diagonal lines, cut the HSTs apart on the lines and press the seam allowances toward the darker side. The HSTs will be just a bit oversized so you can trim them to exactly 1 1/2" x 1 1/2". To trim them accurately, place the corner of your ruler with the diagonal lined up along the seam. Make sure the HST edges extend to or beyond the 1 1/2" square made by the corner of your ruler. Trim the first two edges then turn the HST so that the trimmed edges line up exactly with the 1 1/2" lines. Trim any excess from the other two edges.
>> Assemble the rows and sections as shown in the pattern. This is where that accurate 1/4" seam allowance is oh so critical. It is helpful to measure each row to make sure it turns out to be 12 1/2" across.
>> Print out the page with the sun template at 100% or actual size, and measure the 1" test block for accuracy. Trace the template onto the paper side of your fusible, or if you prefer you can just use a compass to draw a 2 1/2" circle. My favorite fusible web is Lite Steam-A-Seam 2.
More Tips from Hosts
Visit the amazing segment QAL hosts to get more tips. And don't forget to share your finished block on Facebook or on Instagram, #DestinationQAL. We love to see what you create!
Segment Hosts
- Abbie Danahy @ Sparkle On!
- Jennifer Fulton @ Inquiring Quilter
- Karen Thurn @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
- Kathleen McCormick @ Kathleen McMusing
- Laura Piland @ Slice of Pi Quilts
- Sherry Shish @ Powered by Quilting
About the Quilt Along
Destination Quilt Along is a mystery quilt along running from July 6 through November 16. There will be twelve blocks released on Tuesdays at 8:00 am, Eastern time zone. There is a one-week break between each segment to allow everyone to catch up.
| Segment 1 | Block 1 | July 6 |
| Block 2 | July 13 | |
| Block 3 | July 20 | |
| Block 4 | July 27 | |
| Segment 1 Prize! | August 10 | |
| Segment 2 | Block 5 | August 10 |
| Block 6 | August 17 | |
| Block 7 | August 24 | |
| Block 8 | August 31 | |
| Segment 2 Prize! | September 14 | |
| Segment 3 | Block 9 | September 14 |
| Block 10 | September 21 | |
| Block 11 | September 28 | |
| Block 12 | October 5 | |
| Segment 3 Prize! | October 19 |
Fabulous Prizes
- Entry is open to both U.S. and International participants.
- Entry is limited to one per person per prize.
- You must be at least 18 years old to enter.
Keep up with our Partners in Design Facebook Group for block releases, prize announcements, and to see the blocks that other participants have posted. There are many fabulous destination blocks to come. Enjoy the journey!
~ Sandy
p.s. If you missed my blocks from our previous quilt alongs they are now available here in my shop.