I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long: Block 12

Today is release day for Block 12, the very last block in the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long. You can visit the Facebook Group to share with the community of quilters who have been quilting along with us on this fun journey. All of the QAL block patterns will be available for free just until January 15. After that many of the designers will be adding the designs to their pattern shops. Block 12 is Christmas Lights designed by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts. Visit her blog to find the block pattern and tutorial. Laura has been a wonderful partner in our little group bringing you this QAL. This talented woman designed two of the QAL blocks, is a QAL host, and is the administrator for our Facebook group. Laura's festive appliqué block is such a fun way to wrap up our QAL. It reminds of the old-fashioned light bulbs we had on the Christmas tree when I was a child. I've seen them in the stores recently so this must be an on-trend retro fashion now.
Christmas Lights block, designed by Laura Piland

Fabric Choice

The colors for the light bulbs really make the statement in this block and I loved picking bright scraps from my previous blocks. I even had one scrap left of my favorite blue polka dot fabric! Just make sure your lights will pop out on whatever background fabric you pick.

My Tips for the Block

I've enjoyed learning and practicing fusible appliqué techniques during this QAL. One tip that came in handy this time is to use a pin or needle to score the fusible backing to make it easier to peel the backing away. This tip is particularly helpful on small pieces like these Christmas light bulbs.
Using Needle to Score Fusible Backing
Another convenient tip is to use commercial fusible bias tape instead of making your own bias strip. What a time saver!
Clover Quick Bias, 1/4"

Finishing Up!

The QAL hosts are also 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. See my I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long: Layout post for the wonky layout I used. 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 12 . If you are the lucky winner you will receive a 6 month subscription to Make Modern magazine a pdf pattern of your choice from SandyStar Designs (that's me!). To be entered in the prize drawing just post a picture of your finished Block 12 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 18. 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 before midnight on January 15th. Even if you have miss deadlines for some of the individual block giveaways you can still post for the grand prize. We are so grateful to our Grand Prize sponsors and I sure do envy the quilter who wins this amazing collection of prizes! Please visit our sponsor sites and explore their offerings to show your appreciation.

Blocks and More Tips From Other QAL Hosts

Also please visit the other QAL hosts to see more versions of the block and to read their tips. I am learning so much from everyone's different approach to the blocks! ~ Sandy Day 4 of The 2017 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge
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