I love the Aurifil Designer of the month day, I am constantly inspired by the designer that I interview! This is my 9th year hosting and I never tire of it.
Each year I pick a theme and give the designer a set of color criteria for their challenge block. Then I interview the monthly designer at the Aurifil blog.
Our February designer is Natalie Barnes of Beyond the Reef. This is her block, its a gorgeous showcase of scrappiness that will use up your tiniest of pieces.
And each month share your block at the Aurifil interview page to be in the running to win a box of thread!
Below I have some of my tips for making this block along with a small switch up.
I always select a different color group to make my blocks in.
This year I'm working with
- A Feeling Peachy Bundle
- A set of Green from 'Well Said'
- 2 or 3 Navy fabrics like this Dot & this bow tie
- With some White.
To get the pattern - DOWNLOAD it at the end of the interview and come right back as I have a tip!
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Pat's Tip
- These blocks are 1" finished square and HST. If you are not used to small patchwork you might want to starch your fabric first. A lot of people like to do that
- Natalie gave you oversized HST to trim down, which is nice if you are not used to this size.
Pat's Tip
- Cut the strips 6.5" x 1.5" and subcut the 1.5" units.
- Make 2 sections for variety
- Do the same for the Peach strips. There are only 3 blocks so cutting those 5" x 1.5"
Pat's Tip
- Use a design board to keep track. It becomes confusing quickly if you don't keep the pieces orderly.
Pat's Tip
- I decided to cut the 1.5" triangles with my Gemini Die cut machine because they will not need any trimming.
- I did 6 layers at a time, right sides together.
- Pull them out of the die and sew!
- SUCH a time saver with this many.. I ALMOST did the peach ones as HST too.. almost.. wink!
LEARN about the GEMINI Die cut machine I'm using
Pat's Tip
- The guidebeam on my baby lock Destiny II is amazing for sewing these. I look towards the tip and I always have a perfect 1/4" seam allowance
- And since the pieces are die cut, I have no trimming to do!
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Pat's Tip
- I piled pieces into the quadrants to keep them together.
- They are small and easy to lose track of
Pat's Tip
- You make 4 identical units
- I pressed all my seams open, it made the block lay nice and flat
- my OLFA Mat and OLFA Splash cutter are my best friend
I REALLY love how mine turned out with LOTS of color!
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- Each month the Interview, download & Challenge Block entry are done at the Aurifil Website.
- Download the pattern at the end of My interview
- NEW HERE? Enter your email for my fun free weekly tips & finds!
- Prior Block INFO
Oliso iron, I have a coupon for you! use PATSLOAN20 for 20% off + free shipping. CLICK HERE.
