Welcome to the Party!
 Best Ways Set A PDF |
 Fabric Key PDF |
 Template Cutting Tricks PDF |
 Party Blocks Planner PDF |
Here are a few tips to help make this the best party ever been to! If you've been to the Patchwork Party before, please review this information, as some of it is new to this Party.
Even when you're working with small pieces of fabric like the ones in your block kits, we recommend that you cut strips first, then cut the triangles, etc., from strips. To determine the strip widths needed for the various shapes, refer to the cutting layouts in the patterns, to the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set A or C product sheet, or to the full-size patterns in each block kit. More information is included in The Best Way to Measure and Cut Strips PDF, which you may download from this page.
Cutting layouts are drawn to scale. Pieces are arranged to show you how they fit on the fabrics in your block kits. Cut carefully, as there is little extra fabric, and save all your scraps in case you need a small piece later.
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Please note that we have allowed a 7" square for the center square in all the blocks because Fabric C is a large print. Move template #15 around on the fabric and cut the square where you like it the most.
Template Cutting Tricks - Several of the blocks feature pieces that are cut with one template and altered with another template to create a new shape. Follow the cutting layouts in the block instructions. More details are shown in the Cutting Tricks PDF.
Triangles can be cut with the legs or the hypotenuse on the straight grain of the fabric. This decision on where to place the grainline is based on the construction technique and the position of the piece in the block. If you are using the templates, the grainline arrows printed on them are the recommended grainlines for most blocks. When you see an arrow in the cutting layout for a particular piece, ignore the arrow on the template and cut as shown on the cutting diagrams. Paper patterns show the proper grainlines for this group of blocks.
Several of the blocks in this Party feature "swirl pressing". The same technique(s) apply to any instances (in these blocks and any other quilting projects) where swirl pressing will enhance pressing and distribute excess bulk.
We suggest making the blocks in the following order to build skills:
| 1. | Square One | 7. | Savannah Squares | ||
| 2. | Liberty Square | 8. | Trafalgar Square | ||
| 3. | Lemon Squares | 9. | Rocking Square | ||
| 4. | Square Knot | 10. | Fair and Square | ||
| 5. | Pi R Square | 11. | Square Feet | ||
| 6. | Scarborough Square | 12. | Pershing Square |
It is important that you sew with an accurate quarter-inch seam allowance. All blocks are 12" finished.
Feel free to print this page for reference as you collect your block kits. We have also prepared a downloadable Color Fabric Key, which may be helpful in identifying the fabrics in your block kits, and a color page showing all the blocks that you can use as a checklist to keep track of which blocks you have ordered.
Don't forget the Party closes on November 30th, after which block kits (and by extension, block patterns) will no longer be available. Have fun making your blocks and selecting a finishing kit for your beautiful quilt!
Marti Michell
September 1st through November 30th, 2009