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Wednesday, February 10, 2016

MYSTERY SHUFFLE - BLOCKS 2 & 3

Block 3
Block 2


We are releasing 2 Mystery Shuffle blocks this week, and from here on out we will release 3 at a time once each month.  So look for the next set of 3 Mystery Shuffle blocks in March. 
 
Remember you have only 2 weeks in which to download the FREE instructions.  So be sure to do that before 2/23/16 for both Blocks 2 & 3. 
 
Block 2 was designed by Me & My Sisters Designs.  As you can see it just entails straight cutting and straight seams.
 
So this is a great opportunity for you to pay attention to your strip cutting. Pay attention to where you cut your fabric edge - on the inside or outside, or right on the line on the ruler? It doesn't matter, but the key here is be consistent throughout this whole quilt. The other key is to use the same ruler because sadly there can be variations in the markings between different brands. The same applies when sewing your 1/4" seam - do you consistently place your fabric on the inside, outside or right on the line marking on your machine. Again, it doesn't matter, just be consistent.

Also pay attention to your pressing. Generally the standard rule of thumb is to press both seams to the darker fabric. However if you are going to have many seams come together, you may wish to press your seam open. That helps to reduce the overall bulk.

Here are some suggested tools:

• We're so happy to see this product! It is my favorite tool. It lives on my machine to help me sew a straight line. I truly can't live without it -
Sew Straight. And for Block 2 this would be invaluable.
• Or you might like to use the
Qtools Sewing Edge. These are acrylic strips that you can lay right onto your sewing machine. The strip is thick enough so that you can guide your fabric through without it slipping over the edge. This again should help with seam allowance accuracy.

Here's the link to
Block 2.   Scroll down to find where you download the FREE instructions.
 
Block 3 is designed by Sandy Gervais.  And as you can see with this block you will be creating pieced angles.  But don't worry, this is not as hard as it looks.   Everytime you see
 
 
Instead of cutting your fabric on the diagonal, you will be sewing on the diagonal.  Here's one hint - you might wish to sew ever so slightly to the right of your seam guide - just one or two threads width - which will allow you to fold/iron over more fabric thereby keeping your piece square.
 
After you've sewn your line, you then have the option of cutting away the excess fabric in the back or not. Again you might consider whether you want to cut it or not because it helps to keep the piece square, or to size.

Here's the link for Block 3.  Again, scroll down the text until you find the link for the instructions.

Remember you have until 2/23/16 to download both instructions for free.  If you miss a free download, don't worry all of them will be available for purchase at the end of this program.


 


Wednesday, February 3, 2016

MYSTERY SHUFFLE - BLOCK 1



Just now realized that I could be posting this new program onto our blog. Sorry for the delay, but we have a new Block of the Month type program, called the Mystery Shuffle. Here goes:

This is THE MYSTERY SHUFFLE. This program will run for about 15 months, that is if we stay on top of this. It might run a month or two longer. The reason - there are 30 six inch blocks you must make first. Therefore our game plan is to release a new 6" block every week or every other week. And quite honestly - we might find releasing 2-3 blocks at one time each month might prove easier for all of us in the long run. But we'll start with Block 1 today. The instructions for putting these blocks together is FREE, initially. And since these blocks are so small - you may want to use your own stash. However we have put together small kits (just 1/8 yd strips of fabrics together) that you may purchase from us if you wish. The pricing for each optional kit will vary depending on how many strips are required. Also with each block we will provide you with a few tips and/or notions and tools that might help in making these blocks. This could be a good program for a quilter who is just learning. So the block instructions and finishing kit instructions will all be FREE - initially. All kits, notions and tools are optional. 

But, yes, there is a catch:

• Each new Block (or set of blocks, etc.) will be available for a FREE download for only 2 weeks! Therefore, since today is the launch date of Block 1 - you have until 2/12/16 to download. After February 12, we will remove the downloadable pattern. Kits, notions and tools will still be available though. But don't worry, if you miss a download - at the end of the program they will become available again for purchase. 

  A. Keep in mind, YOU must download the instructions yourself. We will not email it or print it out for you. And if you miss the download even by a minute, please do not ask us to email or print it for you, because we will not.

  B. The other trick, is initially the FREE download will only be accessible via our Facebook page. However for those that do not use social media, after one week, we will provide access to the Block's instructions via one of our eNewsletters. Just remember though - you only have a week to download.

We're looking forward to this. We think this will be fun. Please be sure to tell your friends. "Like" us on Facebook and/or sign up for our enewsletters, so you and your friends don't miss out. So have at it - Block 1 is now available.  You'll find the link to download the free pattern way down towards the bottom of the text.  This download will be available until 2/12/16. For those who do not use social media, the link will become available sometime this week so be sure to read your emails :) Enjoy!!