Bountiful Charity Quilt Along: Release 2

Good morning friends!  The second block pattern for the Bountiful Charity Quilt Along is now available.  We are making 4 Wildflower blocks plus the Center block this month.

You can find the block pattern available here.

If you missed the first pattern release, I shared it here.

The first thing I did, before I started piecing my blocks, was to write down which fabrics I was using where on my cutting chart.  To do that, I looked through the piecing instructions to see where each letter was used and then matched the letter to the fabric in my layout guide.  If you are using fabrics different than the original Bountiful quilt kit, I think this step is essential.  You might not have access to a program to lay out your fabrics in advance as I do (I use EQ) but you can still plan out your blocks and choose where you’d like your fabrics to go in advance and then label your cutting diagram accordingly.

For this release, we are essentially making 9 blocks.  Each Wildflower block is made up of two flower blocks plus the center block.  So, prepare yourself for both the cutting and the piecing to take a bit of time.  I think I probably spent a good 8 hours on my blocks.

When I was cutting my fabrics, I straightened up my dot fabrics before cutting out the pieces I needed for these blocks.  To do that, I placed a long ruler along the bottom edge of my fabric (selvage to selvage) making sure that the row of dots ran even with the bottom edge of my ruler.  I then trimmed the bottom edge so the dots were running straight across from selvage to selvage.  This resulted in a slightly angled cut across the bottom but nice straight dots.  I think it’s so visually pleasing when a print like this runs straight across rather than angled across the patchwork pieces.

My white background fabric has those same dots but I don’t worry about straightening them up as I go.  I find there is not enough contrast on that white on white for the extra step to be necessary.

After completing the 4 Wildflower blocks, I moved onto the center block.

I think, on this center block, you can see how if the dots were running uphill or downhill it would be fairly noticeable.

It’s really been a lot of fun to see these blocks come together in the Camille Roskelley fabrics I’m using.  I can’t wait to keep on working on them some more. =)

I also wanted to let you know that Fat Quarter Shop has released a free block setting pattern for reaching a new charity milestone.

Photo Courtesy of Fat Quarter Shop

You can find the instructions to make this pillow here.

If you’ve not yet donated to Make A Wish for the use of the Bountiful patterns, you can do so here.  And there are still kits available  using Sunwashed fabrics here.

Have fun sewing up your blocks and have a wonderful Easter weekend! Corey