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Frosty Friends #9 ~ Putting the Quilt Together!

 

You did it ~ you made it to the end!

Thank you for joining me!

A couple of tips for putting the top together ~

  • Have you ever made a quilt with vertical rows? This is how Frosty Friends is assembled. Two of the rows begin and end with those half blocks that you made. That’s how the Snowmen are a half step down from each other.
  • Some of the seams will nest, some will not. Many of the seams are pressed open to reduce bulk where they meet another block. There are suggested pressing directions in the pattern on the lay out page. Follow the arrows, or if something else works for you, go for it!

Accent and Float Borders

  • After the center of the top is sewn together, then it’s time for the Float Border (use your background fabric). These strips are cut WOF (width of fabric) and pieced with a diagonal seam.
  • Be sure to measure your quilt top before you add the borders.

  • I recommend pinning each side before you sew. If you take the time to do it this way, your borders will fit your quilt and it will lay flat.
  • I always sew the side borders on first. Just my preference, I like the top and bottom borders to be longer than the center of the quilt.

  • Next is the Accent Border. These strips are also cut WOF and pieced diagonally.
  • This quilt has cornerstones, so you need to cut the borders for BOTH the top and bottom, AND the sides before sewing any of the borders to the top.
  • Add the cornerstones to the top and bottom border strips, press toward the border.
  • Sew the side borders on first, then the top and bottom.

Outer Border

  • Repeat: Be sure to measure your quilt top before you add the borders. I recommend pinning each side before you sew. If you take the time to do it this way, your borders will fit your quilt and it will lay flat.
  • The outer border is cut on the Length of the Fabric. I cut these 6″ wide, but really, it’s personal preference. Cut them narrower if you like them that way.
  • There is enough to cut the binding on the length as well. You’ll need to piece these strips diagonally also.

Quick Links…

If you need to work at your own pace, no worries! I would love to see your progress! Please post in the Sewing with Celine group on Facebook!

Frosty Friends #8

We are on the home stretch now!
Next week will cover assembling all of the blocks!

Introducing Beanie Hat Snowman!

  • Background: Be sure to press the 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. The background is bigger than the finished block. Appliqué the snowman first, then trim the block to size. This accomodates any shrinking from the appliqué process.
  • Template making Video: Here is a quick video on how I make cardstock templates using freezer paper and file folders. Click HERE.
  • Fusing the Applique Shapes:
    • Use an applique pressing sheet or parchment paper to build and fuse your snowman. Then fuse the entire snowman with hat and scarf to the background fabric. The hats are all different heights and will affect the vertical placement of the snowmen on the background block.
    • Fuse the Hat pieces togther lightly where they overlap, then fuse the Hat to the Snowman.
    • Fuse the scarf pieces together lightly where they overlap, then fuse to Snowman.
    • Mark the button and eye placement lightly with a pencil before fusing to the background.
    • Note where FABRIC #1 is positioned before you fuse. 
    • Finger press the vertical centers of the snowman body and place on the background; align with center vertical seam.
  • 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. See the video below.

  • Trimming the blocks:  The background block that the snowmen are fused to is oversized. When you are finished machine stitching the fused applique shapes, trim the block to size as directed in the pattern. Use the vertical and horizontal seam lines to give you landmarks for the center of the block. A 12-1/2″ ruler is helpful to get this job done!

 

Pieced Block #8 ~ Long Pinwheel 

The Part 8 block is a Long Pinwheel block; you will make three of these.

  • There are lots of half-square triangles in this block but the assembly is simple. Follow the diagrams and lay the pieces out before you sew them together.
  • The seams in this block are all pressed open. This makes it sooo much easier for it to be a good neighbor when sewn into the quilt.

Quick Links…

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! 

Frosty Friends #7

Introducing Baseball Hat Snowman!

  • Background: Be sure to press the 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. The background is bigger than the finished block. Appliqué the snowman first, then trim the block to size. This accomodates any shrinking from the appliqué process.
  • Fusing the Applique Shapes:
    • Use an applique pressing sheet or parchment paper to build and fuse your snowman. Then fuse the entire snowman with hat and scarf to the background fabric. The hats are all different heights and will affect the vertical placement of the snowmen on the background block.
    • Fuse the Hat Brim to the Hat first, then fuse Hat to the Snowman.
    • Fuse the scarf pieces together lightly where they overlap, then fuse to Snowman.
    • Mark the button and eye placement lightly with a pencil before fusing to the background.
    • Note where FABRIC #1 is positioned before you fuse. 
    • Finger press the vertical centers of the snowman body and place on the background; align with center vertical seam.
  • 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 Video: Here is a quick video on how I make cardstock templates using freezer paper and file folders. Click HERE.

Pieced Block #7~ Pinwheel Star

The Part 7 block is a Pinwheel Star block; you will make two of these.

  • This is a traditionally pieced block, triangles are cut then sewn ~ mind the bias! You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy the block goes together.
  • Be sure to pay attention to the pressing directions! Some are pressed open and some are pressed to one side.

Quick Links…

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! 

 

Frosty Friends #6

 

Introducing Bomber Hat Snowman!

  • Background: Be sure to press the 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. The background is bigger than the finished block. Appliqué the snowman first, then trim the block to size. This accomodates any shrinking from the appliqué process.
  • Fusing the Applique Shapes:
    • Use an applique pressing sheet or parchment paper to build and fuse your snowman. Then fuse the entire snowman with hat and scarf to the background fabric.
    • Fuse the Hat together first, then fuse Hat to the Snowman.
    • Fuse the scarf pieces together lightly where they overlap, then fuse to Snowman.
    • Mark the button and eye placement lightly with a pencil before fusing to the background.
    • Note where FABRIC #1 is positioned before you fuse – this snowman background is rotated. 
    • 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 Video: Here is a quick video on how I make cardstock templates using freezer paper and file folders. Click HERE.

Pieced Block #6~ Double Sawtooth Star

The Part 6 block is a double Sawtooth Star block; you will make two of these.

  • This is a fun block made from Flying Geese units and squares. It’s all in how they are arranged.
  • Be sure to pay attention to the pressing directions! The seams will nest like magic.

Quick Links…

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! 

Frosty Friends #5

 

Let me introduce Top Hat Snowman!

  • Background: Be sure to press the 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. The background is bigger than the finished block. Appliqué the snowman first, then trim the block to size. This accomodates any shrinking from the appliqué process.
  • Fusing the Applique Shapes:
    • Use an applique pressing sheet or parchment paper to build and fuse your snowman. Then fuse the entire snowman with hat and scarf to the background fabric. The hats are all different heights and will affect the vertical placement of the snowmen on the background block.
    • Fuse the Hat Band to the Hat first, then remove paper backing and fuse Hat to the Snowman.
    • Fuse the scarf pieces together lightly where they overlap, then fuse to Snowman.
    • Mark the button and eye placement lightly with a pencil before fusing to the background.
    • Note where FABRIC #1 is positioned before you fuse. 
    • Finger press the vertical centers of the snowman body and place on the background; align with center vertical seam.
  • 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 Video: Here is a quick video on how I make cardstock templates using freezer paper and file folders. Click HERE. 

 

Pieced Block #5~ Double Pinwheel

The Part 5 block is a double Pinwheel “half” block; you will make two of these.

  • This is a fun block made from Flying Geese units and rectangles. It’s all in how they are arranged.
  • Be sure to pay attention to the pressing directions!

 

Quick Links…

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! 

Frosty Friends #4

 

Let me introduce Ski Hat Snowman!

  • Background: Be sure to press the 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. The background is bigger than the finished block. Appliqué the snowman first, then trim the block to size. This accomodates any shrinking from the appliqué process.
  • Note where FABRIC #1 is positioned before you fuse. 
  • Use an applique pressing sheet or parchment paper to build and fuse your snowman.
  • Mark the button and eye placement lightly with a pencil before fusing to the background.
  • 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 Video: Here is a quick video on how I make cardstock templates using freezer paper and file folders. Click HERE. 

 

Pieced Block #4 ~ Checkerboard

The Part 4 block is a checkerboard “half” block; you make two of these.

  • Strip piecing is featured in this block.
  • Take care when pressing long strips. Set your seams by pressing flat with a hot dry iron, then lightly finger press the strip in the direction indicated in the pattern. Finish the press with the iron. A shot of steam is ok as long a you don’t pull or distort your strips.

Quick Links…

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! 

Frosty Friends #3

 

Let me introduce the Slouchy Hat snowman!

  • Background: Be sure to press the 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. The background is bigger than the finished block. Appliqué the snowman first, then trim the block to size. This accomodates any shrinking from the appliqué process.
  • Note where FABRIC #1 is positioned before you fuse. 
  • Use an applique pressing sheet or parchment paper to build and fuse your snowman.
  • Mark the button and eye placement lightly with a pencil before fusing to the background.
  • 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 Video: Here is a quick video on how I make cardstock templates using freezer paper and file folders: Click HERE.

Pieced Block #3 

  • All seams are pressed open.
  • The video shows how to spin seams in the center of the pinwheel units for a flatter intersection.
  • Trimming with the Quilt in a Day Triangle Square Up Ruler is demonstrated in the video as well, for both half and quarter square triangle units.

Quick Links…

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! 

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.

Quick Links…

Patterns are discounted for just a few more days (free shipping on the paper pattern too!)

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! 

Frosty Friends #1

  

Welcome!

These blocks should be an easy start for the sew along. You only need to make one of each.

Fusible Appliqué Tip

  • All of my snowmen were made using the same fabric.
  • For the sake of efficiency, I traced all 8 snowmen bodies and heads at one time.
  • I traced the bodies and nested the head shape inside. When you cut the shapes out, leave about 1/4″ or so outside the traced line.
  • I also like to cut excess out of the center of the shape and “window pane” it so the fused fabric isn’t so stiff.
  • Save scraps to use later with something small.

Snowman Block

  • 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! Decide which of your four patch fabrics is #1 and which is #2 – 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. Fuse and 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 eyes and buttons lightly with a pencil (see the video below).
  • 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 Video: here is a quick video on how I make cardstock templates using freezer paper and file folders: https://youtu.be/5VmEqfLR0Oc

Flying Geese Block

  • This is where you want to gather a variety of prints (4-5) that contrast with your background fabric.
  • Cut the rectangles as directed from the prints.
  • Cut the squares as directed from your background fabric. 
  • Once the geese units are complete, sew them together and press as directed.
  • Sew the segments together and press this center seam open.
  • You only need one of these blocks. 🙂

 

Quick Links…

Patterns are discounted for just a few more days (free shipping on the paper pattern too!)

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! 

 

Frosty Friends Sew Along Starts Next Week!

Are you ready?

Red and Gray Frosty Friends

Any ideas about what fabrics you’re going to use? I can’t wait to see what you come up with!  I’ve got a short video on how I chose the main fabrics for my project. I hope it helps. Getting started is the first and hardest step.

Quick Links…

Patterns are discounted for just a few more days (free shipping on the paper pattern too!)

The fun starts next Thursday, February 6th. 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!