Summer Sampler 2018 // Block #3 // Southwest Highway
You can sign up for the Summer Sampler anytime! I loved making this block, Southwest Highway, designed by Katie Pedersen of Sew Katie Did. Katie was inspired by the colors of the Southwest, especially from her time in Flagstaff, Arizona. You can read more about the block on her blog post here. Katie mentioned to me that this would be a really cool border for a quilt, and I agree! Katie co-wrote one of the first quilting books I ever purchased, and Quilting Modern remains a favorite today.
Katie Pedersen made her quilt block into a boxed pouch--such a great idea for orphan blocks! She has a boxed pouch pattern, and its on sale this week.
photo by Katie, on her Instagram page
This block is paper pieced--I recently made a #loveloudquilt block for Johnny Barfuss [more on that later this week] and joked that I hadn't paper pieced since last year's summer sampler. It's true! I love paper piecing for its precision, and ability to create blocks I could never piece traditionally. I know paper piecing is a little intimidating for some people, so we have put together some links for anyone who might need some pointers or a refresher.I have two paper piecing tips:
Figure out which fabrics you want to go where, and then mark your templates with the color or fabric names. Because the finished blocks are opposite of what you see (i.e. 1A is in the top right hand corner, but when the block is finished, it will actually be the top left hand corner.]
Buy a scalpel/seam ripper. It is sooo much easier to rip seams if you make a mistake. I love this inexpensive one by Havels.
Have fun sewing!
Paper Piecing Round UpFaith put together some paper piecing videos here--make sure to check them out if you are new to paper piecing or need a refresher. Her blog post is also located here. She also has a paper piecing tutorial for new paper piecers here.This week, Lee shared how she uses prints with paper piecing [and gets them straight!]Lee also has a super helpful post about paper piecing on the Bernina blog--make sure to check it out, even if you have been paper piecing for a long time. Its an "aha" moment for sure.
