Life has been busy. I've been working more so have less time to post. But I have been keeping up with my quilting and blocks. So for the next few days I'm going to try to post them to catch you up.
Here's July:
July's block is in celebration of the 4thof
July and gives the illusion of fireworks.
You can use any appliqué technique you are the most comfortable with -there is no right or wrong
with this block! If you are unfamiliar
with appliqué, you can look up YouTube tutorials on the different techniques on
the internet. For those totally unfamiliar
with appliqué, here are just two of the many ways to appliqué.
July
2012 Fireworks Star
12 1/2” unfinished block
#1
Fabric (background): Blue Stars
Cut
1 14" X 14”
|
#2,
3, and 4 Fabric: Your Choice White, Bright
Reds and Blues
Cut one square of each color, larger than the templates
|
Note: Fabric #1 is intentionally larger than 12 ½
inches as sometimes there is shrinkage when appliquéing. Position the stars
on the background in any arrangement that is pleasing to you, but make sure the
stars are at least 1 1/2 inches from each edge.
Hand Appliqué:
1. Trace
templates onto paper-side of freezer paper.
Cut out templates and iron, wax-side down, onto the wrong side of chosen
fabrics 2, 3, and 4 with a hot, dry iron.
Cut fabric around the freezer paper. Make sure you cut a 1/4 inch from
the edge for a seam allowance.
2. Turn
seam allowances over the edge of the star and press. Pin your star to the background fabric #1. You may find it easier to first fold the seam
allowances under and sew them down to the star using a basting stitch. You can then sew this unit to the background
block and remove the basting stitches once it is sewn down.
3. Once
your star is attached to the background block, cut a slit in the back of the
background block and remove the freezer paper. Repeat for remaining stars. Trim block to 12 1/2 inches.
Heat and
Bond/Machine Appliqué:
1. Trace
the templates onto the paper side of Heat and Bond and cut out on the
lines. Place with plastic side down on
the wrong side of fabric 2, 3, and 4 and iron according to manufacturer’s
instructions.
2. Cut
out on your traced lines. Peel paper off
the template and position your star on the background fabric #1. Iron according to manufacturer’s
instructions.
3. Sew
along the edges of the star with white thread using a button-hole stitch using
either your sewing machine or by hand.
You could also use the zigzag stitch on your machine, but please use
thread that matches each of your fabrics.
