Quilt Along By The Sea Block 8
Hurray! Block 8 for the Quilt Along By The Sea is available today. Kathleen McCormick designed this classic paper-pieced Mariner's Compass Block and I'm so glad she did. I've always wanted to make a Mariner's Compass and this was a lovely opportunity to finally accomplish that goal. You can find the block pattern and tutorial on her website at Kathleen McMusing.
This block also wraps up Segment 2 of the Quilt Along so check out my Segment 2 Wrap-Up Post for details on how to be eligible for the Segment 2 prize drawing.
My Version of Block 8
The pattern has templates for either a framed and an unframed version of the block. I chose to make the unframed version. I'm still only using bits and pieces of fabric from my stash in this QAL. I think these orange and aqua fabrics distinguish the compass points nicely and the colors will coordinate well with my other blocks.
My Tips for Block 8
You were introduced to foundation paper piecing in block 4 so I hope you are ready to kick your skills up a level in this block!
Remember to print the templates at actual size and measure the 1 inch test block. Also write your colors on the templates to help keep your piecing organized.
Kathleen links to several good video tutorials on foundation paper piecing in her pattern. I often use a freezer paper technique for my foundation piecing. In my post for Block 4, the Sunshine Block, I linked to a couple of tutorials on freezer paper piecing. There are many ways to approach paper piecing and you will eventually settle on your favorite technique.
Foundation paper piecing allows you to get beautiful sharp points on your compass, but we are not going for perfection. If you look at my block the units are not perfectly lined up, but I think the overall impression is still awesome!
More Tips from Hosts
Visit the other segment QAL hosts to get more tips. And don't forget to share your finished block. We love to see what you create!
Segment 2 Hosts
- Abbie Danahy @ Sparkle On!
- Becca Fenstermaker @ Pretty Piney Quilts
- Jennifer Fulton @ Inquiring Quilter
- Karen Thurn @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
- Laura Piland @ Slice of Pi Quilts
- Sherry Shish @ Powered by Quilting
Fabulous Prizes
See my initial Quilt Along By The Sea blog post to review the QAL schedule and details on how the prize drawings will work. Also keep up with our Partners in Design Facebook Group for announcements.
US Winner
A Fat Quarter fabric bundle of the Island Batik line Cascadia by Claudia Pfeil.
Quilters Dream Poly batting; a throw size 60” x 60”. Dream Black is a beautiful true black quilt batting that enhances the integrity, richness, and warmth of vivid and dark fabrics and ‘quilts like a dream’.
International Winner
A six month subscription to the e-magazine Make Modern. A magazine for quilters, by quilters, filled with beautiful patterns and articles to inspire quilters like us to make more modern quilts!
A PDF pattern of your choice up to $10.00 from these designers:
- Laura of Slice of Pi Quilts
- Sandra of Sandra Healy Designs