BOM - Techniques Sampler Block 1

Really, it's a variation on "Rail Fence." Most Rail Fence blocks have 4 strips, and some only 3. I have 6 rails on this fence.

If you are just now joining us, check my previous post for fabric amounts and cutting instructions.

Prepare your FQ's by pressing and steaming very flat. Fold in half and "square up" one side, then line up on your cutting mat. I stack and cut 3 or 4 at a time.

Lets start with cutting 12 Fat Quarters (18 X 21).  These are the "stand out"  fabrics that we will use to construct all the blocks.  The background fabrics will be in all the remaining blocks.

The first cut is down the middle at 12 1/2 inches. (red line). Then cut across to get 6 ea. 2 1/2 X 12 1/2 strips (blue lines). You will have 72 strips when finished cutting. Set the remaining fabric aside for rest of the blocks. Now you arrange your strips in groups of 6 and stitch together on the long side using your best 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press seams in all in the same direction. You will end up with 12 blocks that measure 12 1/2 inches square. Pair each block with a 14" square backing/batting, centering carefully to form your "quilt sandwich."

Time to Quilt! I used my walking foot to quilt a rectangle in each of the strips, following the seams and perimeter line with the edge of the foot. These 12 blocks will act at the "connector" blocks to frame the remaining 13 blocks. Check back soon for the first "technique" block. Hint: 4 patch and simple applique.

The first and very important note before you start quilting is that you must leave at least 3/4 inch around the outside of the block top so that there is plenty of room to join your quilted blocks in the end. Do not make any quilting stitches within this perimeter.

Some of my finished blocks

Please leave any questions in the comments section and I'll answer them for everyone since you are probably not the only person wondering and needing that answer. Would love to hear what you like and don't like about this pattern as we go.