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| Mystery Quilt Block 7 |
Quilters Welcome Back! WE HAVE CHATTERING THORNHILL, MONIQUE DILLARD OF OPEN GATE QUILTS AS OUR DESIGNER FOR THE MISTERY QUILT, BLOCK 7 – ALL 7. Can you imagine we are on the last step of our 8 blocks journey? This is an exciting milestone! After this block, there is only one block left and the mystery is so close to being solved. You probably have beautifully cohesive blocks all over your design wall and this is the last and most important design bridge before our great assembly this week.
Technical Focus: Precise Intersections and Final Sizing
Monique Dillard's patterns have been known for their ingenious geometry, and Block 7 requires a high level of attention to detail. This week's block is a big structural anchor. It adds complex units which combine multiple points in one intersection. These blocks will be sewn right beside others and perfect point preservation is a must.
A slight difference in seam allowance will lead to warping or shrinking of the block. It can be really frustrating to end up with a block that is misread for the final assembly. We want to make sure the block is crisp and flat and the size is the exact size it will need once it is cut to shape by the pattern. A regular $1/4"-1/2"" seam allowance will ensure that your star points and corner units will match exactly.
Success Tips for Block 7
Here are three tips to help you make the process of sewing this important block a soothing and rewarding experience:
- Pay attention to the pattern's pressing directions when pressing for Nested Seams: You can alternate seam directions so that the intersections "lock" together and with nice matching points and less bulk.
- Double-check Your Value Layout: Stitch before you lay-out your units on a design board. When moving fast, it's very easy to accidentally rotate a block or flip a dark accent fabric with a light print.
- Keep the block flat and square, do not pull or stretch block while pressing. To avoid the outer bias edges from being bent by the weight of the iron, let it do the job.
Final Thoughts
This is a really spectacular step up to the very end of our final reveal and is Block 7. Almost all the pieces are cut and pieced!
What was your experience with all your custom colours coming together? Have you begun to figure out how Monique will want us to use these blocks in the end layout? Share your speculations in the comments below!
Full Post: Mystery Quilt Block 7 Free PDF Pattern
