Scrappy September - Free 6" Paper-Pieced String Block Template

A quick and easy Autumn table runner

The Fat Quarter Shop is hosting a Scrappy September giveaway with free scrap happy block patterns and the chance to win a Fat Quarter Shop token.  So I thought I would join in.

I like to make small projects so I am using my scraps to make an autumnal table runner for my coffee table.  And here is how I did it.

A large scrappy pumpkin block

Firstly, you will need two 12" (finished size) pumpkin blocks of your choosing.  I chose to enlarge the 6" Orange Pumpkin block from my Sampler Quilt Block pattern book - if you want to resize the block from my book you will need to cut the block pieces as follows:

Piece A:         2½” x 10½” rectangles

Piece B:         2” x 2½” rectangle
Piece C:         2½” squares
Piece D:         3¾” x 2½”  rectangles
Piece E:         2½” squares
Piece F:         2” squares  

You will also need six 6" String Blocks (finished size). 

You will need six of these blocks

I have creased a FREE Paper-Pieced String Block Template which you can download by clicking on the image below.  Just print it onto ordinary printer paper or trace it onto baking parchment.  There are lots of tutorials and videos online showing how to paper-piece if you are new to this method.

The Patchsmith's 6" String Block Template

I  decided to keep my colour palette to autumnal greens and browns for this project.

You will need six string blocks for the runner

Then it was a simple case of putting the blocks together starting with stitching four of the string blocks together to create one large 12½" central string block.  You don't need to match seams but you can if you want.

One large block of scrappy strings

To make the side sections of the runner I stitched the two remaining 6" string blocks together to create one string rectangle measuring 6½ x 12½". 

Which I then cut in half lengthwise to create two 3¼” x 12½" rectangles.

Next I flipped one of the rectangles so the sidebars were a mirror image of each other.  

The finished table runner top measures 42" x 12½" and is all ready for quilting and binding. .

I love bringing the seasons into my home.

Even if you don't want to make a runner, it is worth putting together some scrappy blocks and posting them on Instagram with the hashtag #FQSScrappySeptember for a chance to win one of three $25 FQS tokens.  

And of course, tag me #thepatchsmith so I can see all your lovely scrapilicious blocks too.  Until next time .......

Chevron Brick Wall

A pattern is seldom just one way of making something.  It is often a starting point.  You can follow the pattern exactly or your can play with it and make it uniquely yours.  And that might be as simple as changing the order of fabrics.

Take my Brick Wall block from The Patchsmith's Sampler pattern book.  In the book I use different fabrics for each brick and I love the scrappy look.

I even used the pattern when making a gingham road for a sew-along a few years back.

Who wouldn't love a gingham road?

But today I wanted something a little more co-ordinated so, this time I used just three fabrics.  And what a difference! 

You wouldn't think it was the same pattern.  That is the fun of this scrap happy block (and that there is no seam matching required).

If you want to mimic the chevron brick wall you will need to choose three contrasting fabrics.  From each of them cut five of block A and two of block B as detailed in the pattern.

Tip 1:  Lay the cut blocks out on your sewing table in the order you want them before stitching.

Tip 2:  For a slight variation rotate the block a quarter of a turn as shown at the top of this blog.

Until next time....

Scrapilicious Patchsmith Sampler Blocks

It has been a while.  Truth be told I broke my elbow mid February and haven't been unable to do much of anything.  But I have just started to ease myself gently back into some sewing.  

I need to practise both cutting and sewing but cutting is proving the most difficult and painful. Thankfully, I have a stash of scraps and a couple of favourite blocks from my Sampler Quilt Blocks pattern book.

Available via Amazon

First up is the Chunky Log Cabin.  

Block 32 - Chunky Log Cabin Block

This is block 32 in the book.  I remade this block with the offcuts that I had available and, I have to say it turned out lovely.

Chunky Log Cabin Block

There is also a Night and Day Log Cabin block in the book but I am building up to cutting thinner strips as my elbow progresses.  

Block 25 - Night and Day Block

However, I did take the opportunity to play with Lori Holt's Haystack Block turning it into a night-and-day version.

A 'Night-and-Day' Haystack Block

Next I thought I would try a little bit more cutting and sewing and chose block 33 from The Patchsmith's Sampler Quilt Blocks book - the Scrap Box.  

Block 33 - Scrap Box

I did have four small half-square triangles already in my scrap box together with another eight perfectly sized squares.  So the cutting was too difficult. 

Scrap Box alternative with HST corners

I will remake this block very shortly using an alternatively to the Kona Snow background fabric - just for fun.

Spring-time Chunky Log Cabin

These blocks are perfect for beginners as it really doesn't matter if your seams, or cutting, aren't accurate - the blocks will still look good.

So I better get back to practising some more as I have new designs I want to create.  Until next time....

Patchsmith Sampler Quilt

I have been waiting for nice weather to take some pictures of the finished Patchsmith Sampler Quilt.  Unfortunately, it is still raining here in England!  But I can't wait a moment longer .......

Complete with a scrap happy border.

I used left over scraps from fabrics used elsewhere in the quilt to make the scrap-happy border.  It pulls all the blocks together to create a unified quilt.

The scrappy border couldn't be any easier.

The blocks were created using some of my favourite fabrics from my stash and scrap box.  After all - that is what sampler quilts are all about - using what you have.

So many favourite blocks

Every time I look at the quilt I see a favourite block and then another and then another.  Here I love the cactus, the moonlit star, the ladybird, the beehive - oh heck - I just love them all.

Can you see the Saltbox House?  I would love to live there1

If you want to have a closer look at each and every block then click on the Patchsmith Sampler Blocks tab above.  You will find a photo of each block and, if you click on the photo, you will go through to the blog post for that block.  You will find hints and tips and some cool ways to use the blocks together with bonus blocks.

Combine Block 9 'Bullseye' with Block 17 'London Roads' for a fun mug rug

The blocks don't have to be made into a quilt - they are great in all sorts of projects.  So head on over to Amazon and grab yourself a copy of The Patchsmith's Sampler Quilt pattern book.

Until next time ......

Patchsmith Sampler Block 50 - Yacht

Block 50 - Yacht

You could be excused for thinking that this final block in the Patchsmith’s Sampler sew-along will have us sailing off into the sunset but that just isn’t true.  Every block in the book, together with its respective blog post/tutorial can be found HERE.  They are not going anywhere.  And I am just an email away from providing help and assistance should you need.

The Patchsmith Sampler pattern book is available from Amazon

So the final block is a lovely little make.  There is nothing difficult or new with this block as it is made up of quick corners and straightforward patchwork. 

It is also a lovely block to add to a project or quilt intended for a male recipient, whatever their age.  But remember, women like to sail as well (I was taught to sail when I was at school).

Red, white and blue can create a pretty yacht.

I particularly like using red, white and blue for this block making it a great Labour Day or 4^th of July block. 

Whatever use you find for it, I hope you will share your blocks over on Instagram (#block50yacht) so that we can all share inspiration and fabric fun. 

So there we have it – a year-long project comes to a close.  I will be back with a couple of new mug rug books this year, together with an exploration of how quilting/stitching can help us find a little bit of peace in a hurried world.  I will also be using some of my Sampler Blocks in projects throughout the year. So I hope to see you back here again real soon. 

Click on the photo to see all my FW 1920s blocks

p.s. Don’t forget to check out the Farmer’s Wife 1920s blocks on Pinterest.  Just click on any of the photos and you will go through to the hints-and-tips for that block.

Patchsmith Sampler Block 49 - Tea-Time

Block 49 - Tea-time

As we approach the end of the Patchsmith’s Sampler sew-along it is time to share a cuppa together.  But before we do let me remind you that all the blocks and their blog postings are available by clicking the ‘PatchsmithSampler’ tab above.  So don't worry if you havn't made all the blocks yet – this is not a race!

So on to this week’s penultimate block – Block 49 ‘Tea-time’.  It is a relatively simple patchwork block that lends itself to playing with three co-ordinating fabrics (and one background fabric). 

Click on the template to download a PDF version

I added steam swirls to the top of the block (you will find a template on page 65 of the paperback book) or you can download it by clicking on the spirals above.  

First I marked the swirls using a Frixion pen.  Here in England these are widely available from all the major supermarkets.  They have the benefit of disappearing once pressed with a hot iron.

Marking the block with steam spirals

Once marked I used two strands of embroidery cotton and a simple running stitch to create the swirls.  

A simple running stitch is all it takes!

However, you could always quilt the swirls when quilting the finished project  or leave them off totally.

Spiral-less Tea-Time Block 49

My finished quilt is waiting for good light so that I can photograph it.  In the meantime please share you blocks over on Instagram (tag me @thepatchsmith or with the number and name of the block i.e. #block49teatime). 

The final block in the book - Block 50 'Yacht'

Next week will be sailing into the sunset with the last block of the sew-along – but hoepfully not our last week together as I have lots of other plans to share with you this year including a new book or two of mug rug patterns.

Until then ……

Patchsmith Sampler Block 48 - Love Focus

Block 48 - Love Focus

Great timing – this month is the month of love and this week’s block is all about love.

Using quick-fuse applique you have the option of adding the universal symbol for love – a heart – to this week’s patchwork block.

Or you could choose a specific fabric that you love and make that the focus of your block.

Fussy Cut the middle using a much loved fabric for a simpler version

Whichever you choose – this week’s block is quick and easy and is a great block to repeat throughout a quilt. Or you could combine it with one of the ten sidebars from my One Block Mug Rugs pattern book:

Heart Sidebar - a great addition to any 6" block
from The Patchsmith's One Block Mug Rugs book

With only two blocks left in the sew-along I am thinking I might start a new series entitled “A Patched Mind” once the sew-along finishes.  “A Patched Mind” will focus on sewing as a means of keeping well mentally and soulfully.  It will be a very relaxed affair with a monthly blog posting sharing links and ideas about how patching and sewing can help us cope with everyday issues (i.e. time, compassion, friendship, etc).  What do you think?      Let me know in the comments below or by emailing me.

Block 49 - Tea-time

Come back next week when we will be sharing a cuppa together in The Patchsmith’s Sampler sew-along.  In the meantime I look forward to seeing the focus of your love this week over on Instagram (#block48lovefocus) or in the Flickr group.

Patchsmith Sampler Block 47 - Counterpane

Block 47 - Counterpane

I would rate this week’s Patchsmith Sampler sew-along block as a block for the intermediate patcher.  The block isn’t difficult in itself but the pieces are small. Having said that though, if you are a beginner then give it a go – just remember the number one tip for Block 47 ‘Counterpane’ 

“PRESS ALL SEAMS TOWARDS 

THE SAME FABRIC THROUGHOUT”

For the beginner press towards the darker fabric throughout although it doesn't really matter whether you press towards the lighter or darker fabric just so long as you are consistent throughout the block.  

With Block 47 I finger pressed whilst constructing the block and once the block was complete I gave it a good press.  This gave me a bit of wiggle room when matching seams.

Just two fabrics is all that is needed for Block 47

Regardless I would urge you not to worry if your seams do not match exactly.  The most important thing when sewing sampler blocks is to have fun doing so.   And, just so you know that I too have trouble matching my seams sometimes, here is Day 61 from my 2015 BAD (Block-a-Day) challenge where my seams are not ‘perfect’ but I love the finished block. 

My Block-a-Day (BAD) 2015 block for Day 61 - not perfect but pretty enough

And here is another BAD 2015 block where the seams do not meet exactly in the center. 

Another BAD 2015 block where the center seams are not exact.

So try to enjoy the journey - after all there are just three more blocks to go in this sew-along.  In the meantime I look forward to seeing any blocks you make from the book over on Instagram (just tag "@thepatchsmith" or the block number and name #block47counterpane).  This applies anytime - not just during this sew-along.

Until next week when we will put a Valentine spin on Block 48 .......

Patchsmith Sampler Block 46 - Simple Home

Block 46 - Simple Home

The Christmas decorations are packed away and our homes are restored to a simpler version.  So it is with this week’s Patchsmith Sampler block – Block 46 ‘Simple Home’.

There is nothing difficult with this block – it is a simple patchwork house.  Fussy cut the window if you like or add a night-time background.  Regardless this is one house you will have done and dusted in no time at all.

I look forward to seeing your version over on Instagram (#block46simplehome) or in the Flickr group.

Block 47 - Counterpane

Next week when we will be adding a Counterpane block to our quilt.  Until then......

Patchsmith Sampler Block 45 - St Louis Star

Block 45 - St. Louis Star

This week’s Patchsmith Sampler block is a traditional block dating back to the 1930s.  It requires some careful matching of points but this is easily achieved by following the pressing instructions in the block pattern.

And, as a bonus, you can stitch this block together in a slightly different order to create a St. Louis Cross. 

St. Louis Cross is a rejig of Block 46 - St Louis Star

To make a St Louis Cross follow the pattern but at Step 3 place a marked (E) background square onto the top left-hand corner as shown (make four):

And at Step 4 place a marked (E) background square onto the top right-hand corner as shown (make four):

Then, at Step 5 of the pattern stitch the units together as shown to create four St Louis Cross 'points' sections.  Complete the block pattern. 

An extra block - what a bonus!  I look forward to seeing any blocks you make over on Instagram (#block45stlouisstar) or in the Flickr group.  We are nearing the end of our journey together.  I am still waiting for my quilt to come back from the longarm quilter but it shouldn't be much longer.

Until next week ......