Monday, 5 November 2018

Patchsmith Sampler Block 36 - Moonlit Star

Block 36 - Moonlit Star
Before we start on this week’s Moonlit Star block I just want to remind you that there is a typo in paragraph 9 and R9 of the pattern – it should read “With right sides together place a marked (J) square .....” - the diagrams are correct.

Okay - let’s get on with this gorgeous block. The directions in the book allow you to have the moon facing to the West as shown above or facing to the East as shown below. Either way the steps are the same up until step 9.
Block 36 - East Facing Moonlit Star

To begin with, for either direction, you will need to make three flying geese units and one slightly larger ‘goose’ unit as detailed at steps 1 to 4 of the pattern.
Three regular flying geese and one fatter goose!

Once this is done you can construct the star unit with the moon on the right-hand side.
Follow steps 5 to 8 with the moon on the right-hand-side.

Then if you want a West facing moon just continue with steps 9 to 12 of the pattern. But, if you want an East facing moon, you will need to flip the star unit and follow steps R9 to R12 detailed on page 39.
Flip the star if you want an East facing moon.

East or West you should end up with a lovely 6½” Moonlit Star block (unfinished size) which should light up any project or quilt. Once done pop over to Instagram and share a photo (#block36moonlitstar).  Or post one in the Flickr group.  

Next week we make the hardest block in the book - Block 37 - Elephant. Until then .....

Monday, 29 October 2018

Patchsmith Sampler Blocks 35 and 44 - Topiary Tree and Autumn Daisy

Block 35 - Topiary Tree

There isn’t much to say about this week’s block, Topiary Tree, except that it is quick and easy to make as it uses the quick fuse applique method.

If you are new to fusible webbing and raw-edge applique then you will find this page, on Quick Fusible Applique, helpful.
You can see the center crease in the background square at the top of the tree.
This helps when placing the applique pieces

The Topiary Tree can be made in seasonal colours or Christmas fabrics for a holiday specific project.  Otherwise scraps will hang nicely from these branches.

If you enjoy making this block then you will also enjoy making Block 44 – Autumn Daisy as it is very similar in construction.
Block 44 - Autumn Daisy

Next week we are back to patchwork as we make Block 36 - Moonlit Star.  Just be aware that there is a correction to paragraphs 9 and R9 of Block 36 - they should read: "With rights sides together place a marked (J) square .........".

To see all the blocks and links through to the tutorials just click on the 'Patchsmith Sampler' tab above.  You will also find the blocks made to date over on Instagram (#block34topiarytree and #block44autumndaisy) or in the Flickr group.

Until next time ......


Sunday, 28 October 2018

*** NEW *** Swimmer Mug Rug

Swimmer Mug Rug Pattern
It may be too cold to go into the sea here in England but I am enjoying a little bit of sunshine on my sewing table with this fun mug rug.  

Fancy dipping your toe into the mug rug making waters of The Patchsmith?  All mug rug patterns are available for immediate download and are priced so everybody can afford one.  

The Swimmer Mug Rug pattern is no exception - you can find it for immediate download in the Patchsmith's Pattern Store so you can dive right in!