Hi Friends!
How are your Jingle Bell Pines blocks going? This week we are chatting about Block 4 Gifts Galore!
Block 4 Gifts Galore
For block 4 Gifts Galore you will be making 2 blocks- but they are in different colors!
Using 2 different colors for the body of the present gives the quilt a little more interest.
This block is fairly easy piecing – just some HST units and then squares and rectangles!
Week 4 Tip
Our tip for this week has to do with piecing. It is something you can apply to any block you are making.
When sewing 2 pieces together that aren’t the same size, sew with the smaller piece on top.
That seems so simple, but we can often reverse that order. Why sew with the piece on top?
If the smaller piece is on top, you can easily see it if it shifts out of line. If it moves when it is underneath the other piece, it is harder to see.
And yes, pinning can help, but eventually we remove the pin (at least we should remove the pin before sewing over it!) and let’s be honest, things shift and move!
Often our feed dogs shift the lower piece off to the left. Look at your machine and look at where the fabric lines up on your feed dogs. Often the right edge of the pieces are barely on the feed dog on the right side, so it tends to push them off to the left!
I removed my presser foot so you could see my piece under the needle!
Of course, I could use a plate that allows me to move my needle but… well, I just want to turn on my machine and sew! Something to look at if you are struggling with your seam. I actually use a different foot, which automatically sets the needle in a different position and then the right edge of my fabrics are all the way off that right feed dog. No more struggling!
Can you always sew with the smaller piece on top? No, of course not! There is nothing absolute here, just a suggestion that when you can, it can help!
Block 4 Gifts Galore in other colors!
Let’s see what these blocks look like in the other backgrounds we have been playing with!
Here they are in khaki.
And here they are in navy.
Always fun to see how a different background gives a different look to the quilt!
Be sure to check out Kris’ posts – I think she has a lot of helpful images for you.
Have fun and next week we will work on Block 5!
happy quilting,
Kate
Please note: we are not sharing any cutting information or sizes; you must have the pattern to make the block.
