Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #14
We're officially past the halfway mark on our Sewcial Bee Sampler quilt. I thought I would throw this virtual rendering of the quilt back up to remind you how the quilt will be set into sashing when finished. I've already deviated from my original color and fabric placements, how about you? It's so interesting seeing all the different ways the same block can be sewn by experimenting with fabric placements, a quilter could probably work with a block for a week and not come up with the same look twice.
My co-host, Maureen Cracknell and I've been seeing Instagram postings showing off your makes to date, and my goodness, your quilt blocks are looking good! Use the hashtag #SewcialBeeSampler when posting to Instagram and take a look at your fellow SBS Maker postings for block variation ideas and meet other sampler sewists. We've created such an amazing virtual sewing bee community because of this event and it's all because of your wonderful participation and interaction with each other.
As we keep getting more blocks made, start thinking about what sort of sashing you will want to use to tie all the blocks together. The frames (white frames around the block in the example image above) bring any block smaller than 12-1/2" up to size. Once all the blocks have been set into the sashing, they will finish at 12".
If you're just joining us on the Sewcial Bee Sampler (SBS) you may want to start at the first post, working your way forward and taking advantage of the in-blog tutorials. Otherwise, let's get started sewing this week's block! Download the free Star and Cross block from my Sew Along page.
Block #14 is called--Star and Cross. I really don't know where the star is on this but that's what this traditional block was called so I kept the traditional name for our sampler.
Just like Four Square in week #11 , this block has no units to make--just cut and sew! There's no need for a tutorial with this block but if you're still trying to achieve a perfect quarter inch seam allowance, you may want to take a moment and read my Perfect Patchwork post so your piecing comes out at it's best.
I've sewn my Star and Cross block using prints from my new Art Gallery Fabrics collection called Bountiful and mixed in some AGF Pure Element solids. Use my Shop Fabrics page to find an online quilt store that carries Bountiful!
This was such a quick block I took a little extra time and made two just because I wasn't sure which variation I liked better to mix with my other blocks. Again, I could see so many more possibilities but I've also got other sewing to do to get ready for Quilt Market in a couple short weeks! So just two for now.
Variation 1
The first block I pieced was per the PDF instructions with four colors and all squares. Since my Four Square block #11 had a very defined cross center I thought I'd let this one act almost like sashing and used the same solid white as my frame.
Variation 2
For my second try at this block I wanted to use my Scenic Blue Sky print but not break up the directional print. Instead of cutting all squares, I cut (4) 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangles for the cross. If you want to use this variation and are also using a directional print be sure to cut (2) 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangles and (2) 4-1/2" x 2-1/2" (directional) rectangles so the print is going the same direction. I still went with four different fabrics for this variation.
Can't wait to see what you come up with for this block!
Don't forget that this Friday's Giveaway Friday and this week my co-host Maureen Cracknell will be hosting the giveaway from her blog. We've got a great giveaway planned from Omnigrid you won't want to miss!
