2024 Quilt Along or Block of the Month. My journey in recreating Billie’s Sampler from Great American Quilts 1989 page 38. This is a 24 Block Sampler with mixed techniques. Piecing, Foundation Piecing, Applique, etc Going to be Fun. I have decided to use Anthology Batiks Love Fat Quarters mixed Reds.
Tree or Tree of Life block is one of my favorite. I again paper pieced as I wanted all my points to be accurate and also discovered Electric Quilt 8 doesn’t like to define cutting instructions for unusual shape pieces with more than 4 sides, I discovered this is a major issue.
6 x 2 1/2 x 2 1/2″ squares (I cut mine squares 3″) 1 x Background (White) 2 x color 2 (dark red), 2 x color 3 (orange), 1 x color 4 (dark red)
16 x 2 7/8 x 2 7/8″ squares cut into HSTs (cut mine 3 1/2″). 14 x Background (White) 14 x color 2 (Dark Red) and 2 x color 3 (orange). All the squares should be cut into HSTs, total 32 HSTs.
1 x 6 1/4 x 6 1/4″ square cut into QSTs (cut mine 7″) Background Fabric
2 x 10 1/2 x 2 1/2″ strips (cut mine 11 1/2 x 3 1/2″)
1 strip not defined for stem cut mine 3 1/2″ width of Fat quarter
Assembly
paper piece all the HST strips Note of caution make sure all the HSTs are turned all the correct direction.
paper piece the base triangle.
trim on the cut line on all the sub pieces.
assemble all the sub pieces forming the tree.
Now add the strips on the two sides
Oh My we have completed all 24 blocks in the Billie’s Sampler Amazing and a huge Congrats.
This was a quick easy block. I again chose to paper piece, as I wanted all my points and colors to be perfect. It is basically I simple 4 patch which I paper pieced each sub block. The sub blocks are all the same except for the direction in which they are turned into the block, creating the windmill effect.
Above is the cutting instructions . The Foundation Paper Piecing templates. However if you choose to piece using traditional methods the last document is the actual templates that can be used.
This block has a weird cutting instructions. I just cut half square triangles to convert
2 x 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inch square (I cut mine 4 1/2″) cut into half square triangles (HSTs). 2 squares second color (gray in the example) or 4 HSTs
4 x 5 1/8 x 5 1/8 inch square (cut mine 6″) cut into HSTs. 2 square color 3 and 2 squares color 4, should be 4 HSTs each color for a total of 8 HSTs
2 x 3 1/2″ strip Width of Fabric (WOF) (I used Fat Quarters (FQs)) this is background fabric (Yellow in example)
Assembly
All the HSTs have been cut out
Using Seam Align Glue to secure the first triangle which was orange. I then added the second triangle red secure seam with Seam align glue, then stitched using 150wt Saba from Amann Mettler with a 1.8mm straight stitch. Note: I made all 4 sub blocks at one time exactly the same
after pressing the second triangle into place, I secured my background strip to the long edge .
and finally adding the smaller corner HST to the sub block.
Now trim the 4 sub blocks on the cutting line.
with the 4 complete sub blocks arrange them in proper order and assemble as a standard 4 patch block.
Success your 23 Block Windmill Variation is complete only one more block in the Billie’s Sampler wow can’t believe we made it this far.
Kansas Dugout in my opinion was the most difficult block. Let me say there were was some choice words spoken while assembling this block. The entire block was partial and y seams. Not one seam is traditional. But this is a beautiful block and it was a huge learning experience.
Cutting
2 x 2 1/8 x 2 1/8″ square cut background fabric into Half Square Triangles (HSTs) , since I paper pieced this using templates cut the squares 3″ cut into HSTs.
6 x 1 3/4 x 5 15/16″ strips of background fabric, paper piecing size 2 1/2 x 6 1/2″ strips
13 x 2 1/4 x 2 1/4″ squares of mail fabric. paper piecing size is 3″ squares
16 x specialty pieces. 8 second and 8 third fabric colors. I used straps and pasted the pieces to my scraps and cut them out on the cutting line. Note: again some reason Electric Quilt ignored these pieces in the cutting instructions.
I paper pieced this block However, each piece is separate. I used scraps, using seam align glue, I attached all the individual pieces to scraps. This block is great for scraps. But it is nothing but partial and y seams. so take your time.
using pins and seam align glue to match the points and then stitching on the stitch lines on the paper templates. Note: since it is possible for the seams not to cross, you much lock the beginning and end of each seam. Also you need to be accurate on the stitch lines. if you stop short of the point then you could have a hole and if you over shot the end would cause a pucker. so take your time and be very very accurate. This block is a great skill builder in accuracy and control of your machine.
added lots of photos of the assembly This is a slow process and requires lots of patience. And lots of colorful adjectives spoken in the assembly, keep easy access to the seam ripper.
Wow Block 22 Kansas Dugout is complete. This block took lots of time and patience. All those Y seams. And must do each and every sub block individually and accurately. I added lots of photos so you can see the slow process. If you find a easier way please share?
Mexican Star Block 21 looks simple, but is more complicated than it looks. as the corner strips continue into the center Nine Patch. I tried to make it as a large nine patch but couldn’t work it out because of angles. Therefore, again ended up paper piecing.
Cutting
4 x 2 7/8 x 2 7/8″ square background fabric, cut into Half Square Triangles (HSTs), since paper piecing I cut mine larger. Again rounding to nearest 1/2 plus adding 1/2″ so cut 4 squares 3 1/2″ cut into HSTs
5 x 1 15/16 x 1 15/16 square background fabric. paper piecing cut 2 1/2″ squares
1 x 7 3/16 x 7 3/16″ square background fabric. cut into Quarter Square Triangles (QSTs). paper piecing size 8″ square cut into QSTs
8 x 1 15/16 x 5 1/8″ strips of second and third color. again paper piecing cut 8 strips 2 1/2 x 6″ strips 4 of second color and 4 third color
4 x strips 3″ x 10″ , I cut the strips from a fat quarter narrow width. 18″ Note: there is a error in the cutting instructions from Electric quilt. For some reason it ignored Fabric A .
Above are the templates for the block if you choose to use traditional piecing methods.
Assembly
using traditional paper piecing methods with seam align glue to secure starting pieces.
after finishing all the individual pieces. it is time to assemble the block.
wow congratulations. Block 21 – Mexican Star. This block went together rather quickly since I paper pieced it. I tried traditional piecing methods but it failed. Paper Piecing really make this block a great deal easier to assemble.
I always knew this block as Blazing Star. There are many names some would call it a mini Lone Star etc. But the book says it is a Morning Star, so that is what we will use.
Cutting
36 x 2 1/2 x 1 3/4 inch 45 degree diamonds. This is 8 diamonds of each of your chosen 4 colors If you choose 3 colors then one color you will need 16 diamonds.
4 x 4 x4 inch squares for the corners of this block using your background fabric.
1 x 6 3/16 x 6 3/16 I cut my square at 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 and trimmed after stitching into the block. However cut your large square into quarter square triangles (QSTs). there should be 4 equal triangles.
I was going to piece my block the old fashioned way, like you would assemble if you were hand piecing. This didn’t work. Also had major issues cutting accurate 45 degree diamonds. So I eventual broke down and paper pieced this block. There are many little nuances and notes about paper piecing all these diamonds. I will explain as the block develops.
I originally cut my 45 degree diamonds using the markings on my cutting mat. eventually realized the diamonds were 45 degrees but not the correct size
Using seam align glue. I stitched my center diamonds in pairs to create a 8 pointed star, or Lamoyne Star.
Again using seam align glue I stitched the 4 pairs into a set of 2 pairs with 4 diamonds each.
Then I stitched the 2 half’s into a single 8 pointed star block.
When I tried to add the next row of 45 degree diamonds, using Y seams This failed miserably with the sewing machine. I either had a hole at the intersection or a pucker. This would have been so easy nudging and smashing if using a needle and thread and your hands. So I broke down and decided to just paper piece.
now when I started looking at my diamonds i really noticed how off they were compared to the paper piecing shapes. But lucky each diamond was too large and worked with paper piecing so I didn’t have to recut my diamonds.
with all your colors diamonds laid out you are ready to start paper piecing.
The paper piecing units are in sub blocks of 2 diamonds. Take notice that these blocks are directional and need to take extra caution in the direction you assemble your color diamonds and there is a top and bottom of each sub block.
now that stitching each of the sub blocks into the next level sub block of 4 diamonds making a larger diamond. the assembly is simple like i showed originally. stitch in pairs and then stitch again in pairs and then stitch the 2 half together.
The notice is how the seam lines and colors interact to keep them all going the correct direction I warn that you must take caution when assembling the sub blocks. I had to remove several of my diamonds to put them in the correct arrangement so the colors and seams all align properly.
You star is complete. Now we must add the background squares and QSTs to finish the block off
I marked each point in the block with a pencil showing where the 1/4″ seam was. Also marking 1/4″ on the background squares and triangles so the points can be accurately matched. As you must use Y and partial seams for this step . Also the seams must end exactly at the 1/4″ mark or you get a pucker. if the seam is too short then you get a hole.
after marking the 1/4′ mark in the points using seam align glue I added my corners and middle triangles.
The photo of the finished block is before I trimmed. You will notice the extra fabric in the middle triangles where I cut my large square a little to larger before making into QSTs. and you can also notice some of the pencil marks added so that my seams were accurate. I use true graphite #2 pencils The graphite will brush off and will definitely wash out. Be cautious many modern pencils use polymers mixed with the graphite. These polymers are difficult to remove. So I avoid them.
Card Trick Block 20 Billie’s Sampler. This is a interesting block. I paper pieced this block to keep my colors and point accurate.
Cutting
Follow the cutting, it is very unique as you need so many different triangles, I cut my blocks to make the triangles rounded to nearest 1/2″ plus 1/2″ for overlap. There is also Part 1 and Part 2 of the paper piecing pattern. This is so that it fits on A4 or Letter size paper. each paper piecing template should be 4 1/2 inches wide.
I used my Martelli Templates to cut my squares to make my triangles. Some are Half Square and others are Quarter Square. i used the 5.5 inch template for the Half Square Triangles and 6.5 template for the quarter square triangle.
using standard paper piecing techniques assemble your block. it goes together really quickly.
Wow we just finished Block 20 Billie’s Sampler Card Trick. Almost to the finish line
Bridal Wreath is a applique block. I would have loved to turn the edges. But age and limitation can no longer turn the edges on small shapes. Therefore, using raw edge techniques. This was a fun block.
Cutting
1 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2″ inch block background fabric
scaps for various shapes. 8 hearts, 20 leaves and a bias band for the wreath ring.
The PDF are the templates to make the block Bridle Wreath
Assembly
Using templates and scraps I cut all the individual pieces out on the stitch line as I used raw edge techniques. however if you are able to turn the edges I included cut and stitch lines.
I looked at using a satin stitch or bias strips to make the wreath ring. I choose bias. I cut my fabric on the bias and double fold. I cut a 1″ inch strip then folded both sides to the center which gives you 1/2″ strip then fold in half again for a 1/4″ bias strip.
using the large circle template and temporarily securing to the center of the 12 1/2″ square background fabric. I placed the bias strip I made around the edge of the circle. I used my Elmer’s purple glue stick. slowly apply the strip around the edge.
the bias ring can be treated at turned edge applique. So I again used the Shelly Tobasche Method. using a modified 0.8mm x 1.0 mm long Balance +20 modified Blanket Stitch. Stitching around the outside and inside of the ring. Remove the center circle template.
Gluing the leaves down around the center ring. ( note: Hind sight i would have added the hearts first) I stitched the leaves using a standard blanket stitch 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm.
adding and stitching the hearts using the same 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm blanket stitch.
Success Block 19 Billie’s Sampler Bridal Wreath is finished. I really enjoyed the applique.
Dutchman’s Puzzle Block 18 Billie’s Sampler. This is a simple fun fast block. There are so so many ways to make Flying Geese sub blocks. However, I paper pieced mine. As I wanted my point to be perfect and accurate.
Cutting
8 x 3 7/8 x 3 7/8″ squares of background fabric. Cut all 8 squares into Half Square Triangles. (Note: I cut my square 4 1/2 inches)
2 x 7 3/16 x 7 3/16″ squares, cut both squares into Quarter Square Triangles (QSTs) (Note: I cut my squares 8 1/2 inchs. and only used 2 colors. Therefore, only needed 2 squares as you only need 8 QSTs for this block. if you choose to use more colors then adjust accordingly.)
I found it much easier and faster to simply paper piece. You will need 4 of these paper piecing templates and while printing each should measure 6 1/2″ square.
Assembly
Using seam align glue. Start with a QST and secure. then add a HST on each side using standard paper piecing methods. since I cut my pieces a little too large then alignment was fast and easy. then proceed to the QST 2. Now repeast for the 4 units.
now that all 4 units are complete, Trim on the cutting lines of your paper piecing templates.
Using standard methods assemble as a 4 patch Note of caution to keep your pieces turned correctly to form the puzzle design.
Congrats – Block 18 Dutchman’s Puzzle is now complete.
I cut my 6 blades using the templates in the PDF. Using seam align glue secure the templates to your fabric. I used scraps from previous blocks.
I assembled my blades one at time. wanting to keep my color order correct and for accuracy. using seam align glue again with pins align each of your blades in the proper order. The stitching line on the template helps with accuracy.
after assembling all 6 blades. and pressing properly.
wanting a smooth edge, I decided to turn my edges. Using a piece of waster soluble mesh stabilizer. laying on top and stitching a 1/4 seam on the stop and bottom curve of the fan.
Trim excessive stabilizer away
because both sides are left open. Turning was no issue. it was fast and easy.
using low heat on your iron press your fan smooth. Be careful that your iron is not too hot as it can melt the stabilizer on the back. Because you used water soluble you do not need to remove the stabilizer. This gives you are good clean perfect edge to applique your fan to the background square.
I used my Elmer’s Purple glue stick to secure my fan to the background. it is easy to align just align so that the two sides are even with the edges of the 12 1/2 inch background square.
I used a special applique stitch. A modified blanket stitch. which is 0,8 mm wide by 1.0 mm length with a Balance adjusted to +20 This makes the blanket stitch look very similar to a blind hem but with only one stitch forward. Also this allows me to use my straight stitch 1/4″ foot and plate on my sewing machine. (Note I use a Bernina) This method also worked on my Pfaff but had to use my 9mm stitch plate because the machine automatically recognized my stitch plate
I also had a Janome. I could not just adjust the stitch like the Bernina and Pfaff as my Janome didn’t have balance setting for the stitches. However I could make the stitch in the Horizon Link Stitch Composer. (Note: my Janome was a Horizon Memory Craft 12000)
Night and Noon is a nine patch based block. Also a variation on the Ohio Star The corner blocks are angled strips and the center blocks are Quarter Square Triangles (QST). However, I paper pieced this blocks because wanted my angles and points to be perfect.
Cutting
Need 4 Fabric Colors and a background Fabric
4 x 4 inch square minimum. 2 x colorway 1 and 2 x colorway 2. Now cut squares corner to corner making a total 8 half square triangles (HSTs). Note: when I paper piece I make my pieces a little larger so I would cut my squares at 4 1/2 inches.
8 x 1 1/2 x 7 inch strips 4 x colorway 3 and 4 x colorway 4. Again I would cut my strips a little larger like 2 x 7 1/2 inches
2 x 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 inches square. 1 x colorway 4 and 1 square background. Cut square in to 4 x QSTs for each square making 8 triangles. And once again, would cut a little larger so I would make 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch square.
1 x 6 1/4 x 6 1/4 inch square. This is your center block, I choose colorway 4.
Paper Piecing each of the corner blocks I assembled starting with one of the middle strips of the corner square block.
once all the corner units are pieced it is time to assemble the entire unit. I assembled my pieces by working around the center block by sewing opposites sides first to the center and then adding the other two sides.
