Parting Ways Quilt Block

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I've had this block stuck in my head for a long time and finally decided to bring it to life. This block takes quite a bit of trimming but the end result is worth it. The finished block size is 6.5" but I will try to come back later and post a size chart for larger blocks. If you make this block, use #partingwaysblock on Instagram so I can see!



The cool thing about this block is that you can mess around with it and create different layouts. I settled on the "kaleidoscope" effect for the pink quilt that I made.











Here is what you'll need:



- Two 5" squares
- Two 7" squares

First, you'll need to draw a diagonal line across the smaller squares to create your HSTs.



Stack both 5" squares on top of each other, right sides together, and sew at 1/4" on each side of the penciled line.



Slice in half along the diagonal line you drew.



Press open and trim at 4.5"



Now slice each of your HSTs diagonally, perpendicular to the line you have sewn.



Place one of the halves on a corner of the larger 7" square, right side up.



Line up your ruler to 1/4" over your corner.



Holding the ruler down, fold over your corner and mark a line along the ruler's edge on your 7" square.



Now draw a line onto your corner 1/4" from the long edge.



Place the corner on top of the 7" square, wrong side up, making sure to line up the two lines you drew. Pin in place.



Trim off the excess corner of the 7" square and then sew down the line you drew. You should be left with a 1/4" seam.



Repeat with other corner and both corners of remaining 7" square. Press seams open and square off to 7".



Draw a line diagonally on the wrong side of one of your squares.



Stack your two 7" squares, right sides together, and sew at 1/4" on each side of the penciled line.



Slice in half along the diagonal line you drew.



Press seams open and trim finished square at 6.5".



And you're finished! I hope this wasn't too confusing. Don't forget to use the hashtag #partingwaysblock on Instagram if you make this block. I'd love to see different variations of this! Happy sewing :)

Paper Piecing

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It all started with this little block.


I hadn't anticipated the corners being chopped off as I was piecing it together. I ended up making a quick zippy out of it but was still unsatisfied with the result. I posted the picture on Instagram in search of some advice and was pointed towards paper piecing. Deep down, I knew this was the solution but was hoping there was another way. I have been terrified of trying paper piecing! The more I thought about it though, the more I realized how silly I was being. I started sewing as a way to challenge myself but somewhere along the way, I stopped doing just that. I stopped teaching myself new things and stuck to playing it safe. So I looked up a few YouTube videos and this foundation paper pattern by Patchwork Notes and I practiced until I got it right!




After awhile, it wasn't so scary anymore! In fact, it was quite addicting. I went over and bought the Sew Ichigo "Latte To Go" pattern and sewed it right up!






Could this pattern be any more perfect for a mug rug?? I didn't think so. I hope you've been inspired to face your sewing fears and challenge yourself to try new things! Have a fabulous weekend!

Progress on Quilt

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I'm really loving how these blocks are turning out. This fabric line is gorgeous!


I've finished 16 blocks so far, working during nap times and late into the night. I probably would have more done by now but I've been watching episodes of Felicity on Netflix and I'm hooked. The show totally takes me back to my high school/ college years. Good times...




I noticed my etsy shop is looking pretty empty so I'll be working on some more iPad and Kindle cases in between blocks. Here's one that I completed earlier.




My scrap bin is becoming pretty unmanageable so I'm going to be doing some patchwork cases in lots of colors. This one uses mostly purples and greys (one of my favorite combos).




I've listed it in the shop. I need to start using up my ever-growing pile of scraps. Time to hit the Pinterest boards for ideas! Enjoy your Sunday!

One block

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I am so excited to finally get started on a new quilt. I knew I wanted to use Liz Scott's new Domestic Bliss fabric collection but I was so undecided on a pattern. After much deliberation, I settled on simple bowtie blocks.


I am taking it slow. I spent last night cutting up the fabric into 4.5" and 2.5" squares. The finished blocks will be 8". I'm pairing them with Kona Sand as the neutral.


I also finally finished up the bag I was sewing up for my dear friend, Nicke. This was supposed to be a Christmas present but, being the procrastinator that I am, it has turned into a very belated New Year's gift. I'm stuffing it with goodies in hope that she'll see past my lateness.


You might recognize the pattern as Anna's 241 tote. They're all over blogland and I've made five of them already. I'm in the midst of making a sixth for myself and then I'll probably be retiring the pattern for awhile.

Well, better get back to piecing if I want to make any progress on these blocks today. Have a wonderful weekend!