Spring Brook Blossoms Block 1: Larkspur Block

It is release day for the first block of the Spring Brook Blossoms quilt along.  If you’ve missed my previous posts about the quilt along…you can read more about it here.

Block number 1 is the Larkspur block:

The PDF pattern for this block is available here.

Each month we will use the same pattern to make two blocks using different fabrics.  As you read down through the pattern, you will notice I suggest constructing the “flower stem” portion of the block in advance if you’d like to.  This portion of the block is the same each month so you could easily work ahead if you wanted to.

The trickiest part of the piecing each month is going to be when you attach the outside flower petals to the center block.  The seams don’t nest in such a way as to allow us to know by feel that they are matching up.  The way I like to check to see if these are matching is as follows:

In step 7 on the second page, I lay one petal pair unit, right sides together with the block center as you normally would.  Then, I gently fold back my 1/4″ seam allowance and make sure it’s lining up right.  If it is, I will pin in place–if not, I adjust the top petal pair slightly left or right and check again.  You can also finger press your center block in half horizontally and vertically–then you will know where the center seam on the petal pair should fall.

I will do this same sort of checking when I am sewing together the pairs in step 6 as well.  It’s so nice when we can feel if our seams are matching when we place them RST, but sometimes we need to do a little peek test. =)  

Following the pressing instructions will help with getting everything to line up nicely.

The centers of our blocks change each month but the flower petals and flower stems are constructed the same way each month.  If you wanted to get a jump start on your flower petals and work ahead, you certainly could!

You are welcome to request to join my Facebook group if you’d like to see what others are making during this quilt along.  You will find the group here.  Please make sure to read the group rules and answer all of the questions when requesting to join so I can approve you.

And, if you are following along on Instagram, use #springbrookblossomsqalbom to share your progress there.  I post every day on Instagram @corianderquilts ( https://www.instagram.com/corianderquilts/ )

If you want to mark your calendar, the next block will be released on May 17.

Happy Sewing! Corey