Welcome to month 9 of the 2018 Quilter’s Planner Block of the Month Sampler Sew Along! We’ve made such amazing progress, haven’t we? The finish line is in sight! This month, our block is on page 36-37 in the Quilter’s Planner Magazine. Block 9 is a traditional block known as the Old Maid’s Puzzle from the late 1800s.
For our Block 9, we used the following feature fabrics by Alison Glass for Andover: Latitude in Anemone from Diving Board with Compass in Lapis and Depths in Aster from Sun Print 2018.
QP Insider Tip #1:
In step 3, you will be sewing cut triangles to a HST. Match one of the shorter edges (one of the edges that touches the 90 degree corner, not the long bias edge) of the cut triangle with the the top of the HST (the point of the triangle will extend beyond the HST). Sew one cut triangle and press the seam open before sewing another triangle to the other side. I find it’s easiest to sew from the 90 degree corner and work toward the point.
QP Insider Tip #2:
If you look at step 5 and can’t recall the definition of hypotenuse, it’s the longest edge of a right triangle (a triangle with a corner that measures exactly 90 degrees).
QP Insider Tip #3:
If you are worried about managing the bias edges on the cut triangles, you can mark a line on the diagonal of the square and stitch ⅛” away from the cut line on both sides. The stitching will help minimize stretch on the bias edge. Once stitched, go ahead and cut the square into 2 triangles as instructed. Proceed as directed.
QP Insider Tip #4:
In Block 5, we included a tip about using spray starch or a starch alternative like Flatter by Soak or Mary Ellen’s Best Press on the background squares that will be cut into triangles. It’s a good option on this block too.
QP Insider Tip #5:
If you’ve chosen to follow the Modern Bliss layout, there are 2 versions of Block 5 in the quilt pictured on the cover of the magazine (the rightmost block in rows 4 and the leftmost block in row 5). Also, don’t forget that the Modern Bliss layout uses blocks set on point (rotated 45 degrees), so that may be something to consider when selecting fabrics.
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Guidelines to enter your sewn blocks into our monthly challenge (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 tag @thequiltersplanner and use the #QP2018sewalong hashtag) and/or to the Facebook Group (using the same #QP2018sewalong hashtag). We will have prizes for both, but you are only eligible to win the monthly prize once.
Rules for for Entering your Sewn Blocks to Win Prizes Online:
When you post a photo of your block on Instagram or in our Facebook group by each deadline set for the month (usually the first of the next month), you’ll be entered into a drawing for some great prizes from our sponsors: Andover Fabrics, Aurifil, OLFA, and the Quilter’s Planner.
Each month’s entry must be posted by 12:01 am Central Time to be eligible.
You MUST tag @thequiltersplanner on IG or post your block in our Facebook group with your entry and use the hashtag #QP2018sewalong (please be sure to use the hashtag on Instagram AND Facebook) so we can track your entry.
If you win one month’s prize, you will be eligible to win again at 6 months and 12 months, if you complete and enter each month’s block on time.
Some prizes may not be available for participants outside the US due to shipping costs. Winners will be contacted via social media and asked to provide an email address and shipping address.
If a prize alternative is required, it will be sent via email.
If you do not receive your prize within one month, please contact us at [email protected] so we can contact prize sponsors and help coordinate a new shipment.
These contests are not affiliated with Instagram or Facebook in any way.
General Tips for Sewing the 2018 QP Block of the Month Pattern:
Fabric requirements are listed for the whole project on p. 26 of the pattern magazine. They are also listed per block, if you do not plan to sew the entire sampler.
Along the way, we will provide you with tips and tricks on Instagram, in our Facebook group, and via email for success and to answer your questions as they arise.
If you’re worried about missing Sew Along dates, we’ve got you covered – reminders will be posted on Instagram, on our Facebook page, and in our Facebook group as we move through the different phases of the Sew Along.
While these aren’t required, 3½” and 4½” square rulers may speed up the process of trimming and squaring your blocks. If not, there’s no need to worry. Many quilting rulers have 45 degree lines printed on them. These handy lines are great for helping you to align your seams.
Happy Sewing! Please contact us on Instagram or in our Facebook group and tag us if you get stuck or have questions!
