WIP Wendesday - QAYG BOM

So I've finally decided that I will quilt all my BOM's for the Sugar Block Club Block of the Month, using the QAYG (quilt as you go) technique.

After I've added the sashing and starched the blocks really well I made sure to get rid of all the little thread tails at the back before I basted the blocks.  The background fabric is white, so I don't want any of those nasty threads showing up through the quilting.

I used basting spray to sandwich these blocks, and my blocks are ready to quilt!

I first started with February's block - North Star.  I am using coloured thread that completely blends with the background.

I did not really give the FMQ much thought, I just went along what felt right at that moment.

I think using the QAYG method to FMQ these blocks allows me to explore a lot more FMQ designs as I have a lot more control over the block while quilting it.  Having the space to move the block around gives me the guts to try out different designs, and I love it!

I have not yet added any quilting to the sashing.  I first want to look at ways to add the blocks together before deciding what designs to use.

For those who missed it, I am having a giveaway to celebrate my blog's 1st anniversary this coming Friday, 1 March 2013.  You can read about it HERE

Linking up to WIP Wednesdays @ Freshly Pieced.

Happy quilting

Sugar Block Club - BOM February "North Star"

I was so eager to start with the Sugar Block Club's BOM for February called "North Star".  I jumped right in and started cutting.  Little did I know that this block would really test my patience.  I honestly felt like giving up at times.  

The paper piecing part of it, was not hard at all.  Matching up those points and straight lines with no guides was a the real frustration.  Remarkably the center star block was NOT the issue.  It was when trying to add the side pieces of the star that made me want to scream...  I used my seam ripper so many times, and in fear that I'm causing too much damage to the fabric I decided to sit back for a few minutes, and just think.  

And that's when it hit me - GLUE!!!  I will use glue...  I was sure as hell not going let this block, or rather my impatience get the better of me.  What did I have to loose anyway?  I was already making a mess of it, it cant get any worse.

What I did was fold the piece that was going on top of the other's seam allowance over a little bit less than ¼ inch.  I checked to see if the lines will meet in a straight line and not have the seams overlap and make the 'star point' look wonky.  I then put a few dots of fabric glue on the 'star center block' and placed the other piece on top playing around until I got the lines straight, I had to work a little bit fast as the glue set rather fast.  Until I was happy with it I then ironed it to set the glue.  I then folded the piece open, and sewn as neatly as I could inside the crease line.  

IT WORKED!  I was so relieved!

When it came to adding the strip to the center piece, I used pins to secure it, and then only removed the pin at the place where I wanted to add the glue not to have the fabric shift around too much.

 My block is NOT perfect, but it's pretty close.  I'm so glad I did NOT give up.

(Left) Snow Blossom - Jan and (Right) North Star - Feb

I am still considering if I should use the Quilt as You Go method.. Undecided!

Go to The Sugar Block Club @ Stitchery Dickory Dock if you want to join in.

To see 100's of other BOM's go to the flickr group.

Happy quilting.