Welcome to October!
We have been seeing your amazing blocks all year, and we are so proud of everyone who has joined us making this beautiful quilt. We’re getting close to the end, friends!
If you’re sewing along with us and want to enter to win prizes each month, post your finished blocks to Instagram or in our Facebook group (between October 15th and October 31st) with the #QP2019sewalong hashtag.
Each month, we post tips and tricks to help you with your blocks. To see past months’ Tips and Tricks, visit our 2019 Block of the Month Landing Page here.
Which Block Should I Sew in October?
The block for October is Outer Ring Block 3. Instructions for this block are on page 21 of the QP magazine.
Snowflake Layout: Make two.
Pyramid Layout: Make three.
Tips for making Outer Ring Block 3:
Tip #1: Last month, we did a refresher course on everything we’ve learned about HST units over the course of this year. If you missed it, make sure to check it out as we will be working with HST units again this month.
Tip #2: When you are assembling this block, it can be tricky to get all the HST units facing the correct direction. Lay everything out before sewing and carefully check that your units are turned the same way as in the pattern diagram. As you sew each row, press the seams and lay the row back out on your table to double check the block before sewing the rows together.
Tip #3: Pressing your final seams open can really help this block sit flat.
We have enjoyed seeing all your blocks along the way, but we know many of you may be behind schedule as we come into the final months. You may be feeling overwhelmed, but we want to encourage you that you CAN do this!
Because we want you to be successful in achieving the goal you set, we decided to focus this month on ways that you can make time to sew during this busy season. Here is a list of ideas (in no particular order) to help you catch up.
-
Set a timer for 20-30 minutes and see how much sewing you can get done. Do nothing else in that time! You’ll probably be surprised at the progress you make when you are 100% focused on the task at hand.
-
Block out time on your calendar to sew. Treat it with as much respect as you would a doctor’s appointment or work meeting.
-
Think through how you work best and decided what will work better for you: a short sewing session every day, or a marathon day of sewing. Either way, mark it in your planner!
-
Visit The Quilter’s Planner Facebook group for encouragement and accountability. Feel free to post which blocks you have left to complete and ask the other members to keep you accountable.
-
Come up with a reward for each block you finish… a cookie, bubble bath, yoga break… whatever makes you feel pampered!
-
Schedule an at-home sewing retreat with a quilty friend. Order takeout, put on a movie, and enjoy each other’s company as you sew.
-
How often do we start sewing and then think of all the other things we need to do? Keep a list as you work on your blocks of all the things that distract you. Commit to dealing with those things AFTER your sewing session is done.
-
When you are done sewing for the day, set yourself up for success when you start your next sewing session. Tidy your space, make sure your bobbin is full, lay out the fabric and notions you will use. The next time you enter your sewing space, you will be able to get right to work!
Guidelines to enter your sewn blocks into our monthly challenge (and win prizes on Instagram and Facebook)
- Between the 1st and the 7th day of each month, you’ll find the pattern for that month’s block and select your fabrics.
- Between the 8th and the 14th, you’ll get your fabrics prepped and cut.
- Between the 15th and the end of the month, sew up your block and post it to Instagram (please use the #qp2019sewalong hashtag) or to the Facebook group (using the same #qp2019sewalong hashtag).
As always, feel free to contact us on Instagram or on our Facebook group if you need any help or have questions about the block!
