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Traditional Design for Today's Quilter

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Frosty Friends #2

Snowman Block

  • If you haven’t already done so, I would go ahead and cut all of the background squares and stitch them into four patches – totally up to you, but one less thing to do with each assignment. Be sure to press these seams open! You will avoid any issues with blocks that are neighbors, it will make pressing the top much easier when you get to the quilt assembly steps.
  • IMPORTANT! Note the position of Fabric #1 in the background block. Background blocks are rotated depending on which snowman is used, the four patches form a chain.
  • Assemble the two different background squares into a four patch – it will be bigger than the finished block. Appliqué the snowman first, and at the end, trim the block to size. This helps accomodate any shrinking from the appliqué process.
  • Optional: Use an applique pressing sheet or parchment paper to build and fuse your snowman.
  • Mark the button and eye placement lightly with a pencil.
  • Finger press the vertical centers of the snowman body and place on the background; align with center vertical seam. Wait until you have the hat on to fuse to the background. The hats are all different heights and will affect the vertical placement of the snowmen on the background block.
  • Machine Applique: I waited until all of my Snowmen were fused before I did the decorative stitching. That way you can set your machine up, get your tension, thread and needle size right and go for it. More on that later.
  • Template making tip; here is a quick video on how I make cardstock templates using freezer paper and file folders: https://youtu.be/5VmEqfLR0Oc

Ohio Star Block

  • This is a traditional block that uses four Quarter Square triangle units and solid squares.
  • A few tips for you:
    • When you draw your diagonal lines for the half-square triangle units, if you don’t have a 1/4″ foot or can’t move your needle, you can draw the sewing lines rather than the center diagonal line. Center your 1/4″ line on your ruler on the opposite corners of the square or use a tool like the Quilter’s Magic Wand.
    • When pressing the HST Press toward the darker fabric. It doesn’t matter which fabric you press toward, just be consistent and press toward the same fabric on all of them.
    • For trimming at the end of step 1 and step 2, I like to use the Quilt in A Day Triangle Square Up Ruler. There are many tools on the market, including your regular ruler that will work just fine. The key is to watch your seam lines when trimming – they need to hit the corners of your units.
    • Follow the pressing instructions in the pattern, they will allow your seams to nest and make it easier to have an accurate finished block.

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I’ll be posting every week on Thursday and we will be on track to finish in early April. If you need to work at your own pace, no worries!