May 2021 Prompt
Welcome back, QALers! It looks like the Florida Flyover is turning out to be the bee’s knees! I’ve been so happy to see how amazing your first two months are turning out. Don’t forget to keep posting your awesome progress on our Facebook page and Instagram to keep your motivation and momentum going.
Last month, you should have finished making your WATER component and have an approximately 18.0 inch triangle using all your blue scraps. Time to put them back in your scrap bin and start pulling out your SAND scraps.
First, let’s talk a little bit about sand. Sand throughout the state of Florida looks different wherever you go. Some sand is tan to brownish; other sand is eggshell to almost solid white (like in the panhandle). You get to decide how you want your sand to look.
You should have scraps ranging from dark tan to whitish. Solids work well, but a blend of fabric (prints, solids, and yes, pull out those batiks you’ve hidden away). You will need a LOT of sand colored scraps for this and variety looks the best, so plan accordingly (and perhaps plan a trip to your local fabric emporium).
So. . . . you have your scraps and you’re raring to go. Relax. . . the sand component will take two months to complete. Right now, we are going to talk about completing the units you will need, and next month, we will assemble them to form your expanse of sand.
ASSIGNMENT FOR MONTH #3
You will be creating the blocks needed in order to assemble your sand component. Remember that this is an improv quilt so feel free to “make it your own”. Also, you may need more units than noted, so I suggest you make extras.
You will need to create blocks of sand-colored fabrics that measure approximately 7.5 to 8 inches square. This is an estimate. Your blocks should be at least this size. While you are creating your blocks, keep in mind that some of them will be cut in half – so plan accordingly.
You may use any kind of shape to make your sand blocks; triangles, strips or squares of any size, etc. You get to decide. I will show how I put my blocks together as an example.
While you are making your sand blocks, you may customize them in any way you wish. This is a graphic quilt, so what about a couple of skinny rectangles symbolizing beach towels? A small fussy cut seagull or tiny pieced bird? Small appliqued ovals representing people walking along looking for shells? A fussy cut crab scrabbling around the sand? The world is your oyster when it comes to making it yours.
Here are examples of the blocks I made. I cut my sand colored fabrics into strips and did a “courthouse steps” type pattern. I was able to make my blocks fairly quickly because I strip pieced. I did vary the colors of my fabrics in a random pattern (because sand is random, based on the mineral content and light).
Another example of triangle blocks – these are left over from another project – feel free to “make do” and use any orphan blocks that fit the bill. Also, your sand can have different pieces, i.e. triangles, strips, squares, etc. Variety is the spice of life!
You will need approximately 24 blocks measuring 7.5-8.0 inches. Don’t put your scraps away, because you may need to make more, depending on size. This should keep you busy for the next month. I suggest making a few blocks here and there over the next month (unless you’re like me and like to sit and strip piece).
PREVIEW FOR NEXT MONTH: We will be putting your SAND squares together to make a long strip of sand. It will require trimming and cutting of your sand blocks. This pic gives you an example of how some of my Courthouse blocks were assembled: (note – the blocks are on the diagonal!)
Let’s get ready to get our sand on!!
Remember to use this hashtag when you share #sfmqg2021qal
3 prizes to be sponsored by guild member and supporter Jen at Red Thread Studio.
Any questions? Problems? Wanna share? Please feel free to email me at patriciaauten@bellsouth.net or shoot me a message on our SFMQG Facebook page (or message me).
Let’s get sewing!
Patti