Destination: Quilt Along – Block 1

Are you ready to travel with Partners in Design on the Destination: Quilt Along? I sure hope so because today we begin Segment 1 – posting blocks for 4 Tuesdays in a row at 8 a.m. EDT. Up first is Sandy Maxwell, of Sandy Star Designs, with a delightful block. This block has a lot of seams so jump down to the next section and pay attention before you CUT or SEW!

Patterns are available on the designers blog. As in prior years, the posts go live on our blogs and our Facebook Group at 8 AM, EDT.

I really wanted to make this block, but time slipped away from me, so I am going to sew along with you this first week. However, there are a few hints I do have for you.

Above are the blocks the hosts made for this week. Do be sure to check out their blogs for hints. Although I have given you some, they are part of the good practices I use when making complex blocks.

Abby @ Sparkle On
Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter
Karen @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Laura @ Slice of PI Quilts
Sherry @ Powered by Quilting

Hints:

1. Print a second copy of the cutting sheet and cut it apart for each color and pieces.
2. Label your pieces with the cut apart paper.
3. Check your seam allowance before you start. We all know we have good quarter inch don’t we? But starting a new project allows you to check!
   1. Index Card method:
      f you are not sure take and index card and sew along one of the lines. The next line to the right tells you where your 1/4″ is. Here’s a tutorial on it.
   2. Ruler method:
      Place a ruler under your foot with the needle on the 1/4″. Place tape up against the ruler or draw a line with a sharpie on your foot bed, you won’t regret having it and you can remove either with rubbing alcohol.
   3. Use this Diagonal Seam Tape*:
      This tape is really helpful and works well for not marking HSTs (half square triangles) as you have the center line and the 1/4″ on either side.
4. Starch:
   Please starch your fabric before you cut! I usually use Mary Ellen’s Best Press* and love it. You can wet your fabric or lightly spray; it will depend on how stiff you want it. It will help your seams stay flat as you sew and make getting that 1/4″ much easier.
5. Use a Design Board or Piece of Batting:
   You can lay your pieces or sections out and really keep track of them. A 14″ square of batting will do the trick if you don’t have a small design board.

Calendar

The schedule below is pretty simple – 4 weeks on and one week off to catch up. At the end there will be a linky party for the segment 1 prize. You can be from anywhere and post a picture of your 4 completed blocks…that is it!

The segment 1 prize will be awarded on August 10. Anyone who has completed all 4 blocks, substantially like the designers pattern, are eligible to win. You must post your picture on our linky page, Facebook or instagram. Links and more particulars will be in my Block 4 post.

Prize Sponsors include many of our designers and many terrific quilting companies and magazines. Their links are below…be sure to check them out.

Island Batik Fabric
Make Modern
On Line Quilt Magazine
Quilter’s Dream Batting 

Good luck to all who are sewing this week. If you need anything, feel free to email the designers or ask questions in the Facebook group!

Coming Up on the Blog:
estination QAL – 7/13, 7/20 and 7/27
Tips and Tutorials on the 22 – 7/22

Link Up: