Welcome to the First Block in the One Block Wonders BOM

Welcome to the start of the One Block Wonders BOM!!
I thought a review of what this is and isn't would be a great way to start.....

This is a one block pattern a month for a year BOM

This is Not designed to be a sampler quilt BOM. The block sizes vary, and each is a stand alone type block pattern, that has either multiple layout options and/or create a sub-pattern when connected.

This is Not a beginning to end information BOM, there are just too many variables you can choose, I will try to give you general fabric requirements for a quilt top mini or lap sized quilt top. (from EQ7 which tend to be generous) I will share a tutorial on constructing the block and show you some of the layout options. Then you are on your own to create, and maybe even come up with your own version!!

Mostly I hope This is fun and a good way to start your creative juices flowing.
I know I have had a lot of fun coming up with these patterns in EQ7!! I have started looking at layouts and colour placements within a pattern differently, and how simple changes can turn a single pattern block into multiple different quilts ... how cool is that!!!!

Here's a button if you want to let your blog followers know what you are doing, or just a direct link back for the BOM

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On with the first block...

Whispered Dreams Pattern can be found in my Craftsy Pattern Shop

This months block is all about geese, flying geese....which is surprising to me because this has never  been one of my favourite blocks. Truthfully, next to curved piecing, flying geese were the 2nd on my list to avoid.

Mine never seemed to work out, and I really couldn't figure out why, which I think is the most frustrating part....but

That all changed after receiving the Accuquilt Go Big for my 50th birthday from my husband.

(big present for my big day.....number... lol) 

Another honest confession, I was not thrilled that the unit came with the flying geese die, of all the cutters why that one??? :| That was short lived though, as I cracked open the box and gave it a go, and to my utter amazement it sewed together perfectly!! I have since purchased 5 more dies, which I love. Not only are they great for building blocks, but awesome for scrap busting!!!

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Whispered Dreams 

This months block was sewn with a beautiful line called Soft Dreams by P&B Textiles. It is the perfect name, because it is truly dreamy.  I loved working with it and creating what I think is a perfect block to showcase its softness!! 

With 18 different fabric in 7 patterns and 4 colour ways, it was a perfect choice for a scrappy type block.

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Piecing your Geese:
(For the tutorial I'm using another fabric from P&B Textiles called Nomad designed by Jen Fox Being as I made my blocks with the AccuQuilt cutter, and used up all the Soft Dreams fabric, eek, I had to show you how to cut your blocks with something. I wish this was still in print, love it!!)

Choose left or right it doesn't matter which one you start with, just keep your blocks all consistent,  and lay a square over the rectangle, right sides together, matching the outside edges

Draw a line from corner to corner diagonally from centre top to outside bottom corner. So you don't waste any fabric, I draw another line 1/2" away towards the top outside corner (picture below)

Sew along both lines. Tip: I sew a scant inside the centre line, just to be safe. (I can always trim down, but if I make it too small, I can't get that back). The second line doesn't matter this is an extra 1/2 sq triangle, so sew right on the line.  I keep a plastic shoe box and have been collecting these extras for awhile. I see a scrappy 1/2 sq triangle quilt in my future!!

Cut down the centre of your 2 sewn lines. I usually measure from the block stitch line (centre one) to make sure my block has the full 1/4" seam)

Press the triangle back (I actually pressed all my seams open)

and repeat the above steps for the other side.

Tip: Remember to check your geese to make sure they are the correct size once sewn. If they need a bit of trimming, and it does matter, you may think it is just a scant amount, but multiply that by the number of geese in a block or row and that could equal an inch or more in no time. The section where the wings cross is the most important to watch if you want to keep your points, so make sure you have a 1/4" there.

And that is the geese construction part!! Now lets get the block itself together:
(switching back to the Soft Dreams fabric)

Get your geese all laid out:

Sew the centre section together first:

 TIP:
One way to check if your points are lining up is to insert a pin along the 1/4" seam

 and flip your top fabric back to see were your seam will hit.

Then attach the side sections.

 I have pressed all my seams open, but that is my preference, when there are a lot of seams meeting.

Join the top and bottom rows

TIP: Another way to pin a point is to stick your pin through each fabric piece right at the point. This gives you a sewing reference too. You know where the top of the pin went in is the top of your point!

Add the top and bottom row to the centre section:

That's your block. 

Well one version of the block anyway.....

There are so many ways to put this block together.  

I'm going to share a few, but I bet once you get thinking you'll come up with a few of your own...

and that is the fun of One Block Wonders.....one block does so much more than ONE quilt.

Pattern Can be found here

Tutorial Version of Whispered Dreams

A Mini:

Just start playing around with the blocks and see what other layouts you might find!! Isn't that fun!!

Not to mention other ways to sew the geese together, into a totally different block with the same base pieces!! 

That's it for this month, I will be sharing a few more ideas with the FaceBook Group. As well as some colouring sheets that should help with the colour placements. It's not to late to join. So click on the link to go over and request enterance!!

Oh and one more thing, P&B Textiles is offering one lucky sewer this month a chance to win a FQ Bundle of  Soft Dreams. So get sewing, you will need to link up a picture of at least one block before the end of the month. The link up party will be the last week of the month, so be watching for that post. The easiest way not to miss anything is to follow my blog and join the FB Group, but no pressure!! Enjoy ;)

And Some more Good News

Fabric Please is offering you all a discount!!!

                        
*This post contains affiliate links