150th Blog Post GIVE-AWAY and Sawtooth Border Tutorial #1

Today is my 150^th blog post and to celebrate I’m giving, yep that’s right GIVING away this fat quarter bundle.

Pretty isn’t it? The fabric line is Prairie Paisley by Minick and Simpson from Moda. It’s from 2008 so if you want a nicer picture go here to check it out. To enter the contest, leave a comment telling me your favorite quilt block name. Sometime tomorrow I will pick a winner using my handy dandy random number generator.

Now, on to adding sawtooth borders to the feathered star block I made earlier this year.

The first disclaimer, I am not an expert on doing these borders. The second disclaimer is that this does waste fabric…sorry. I have come up with this method because it allows me to be reasonably accurate and not get hopelessly confused. I’m sure other people do this way better than me, all I can say is that this is what works for me. That being said, here we go.

Here’s what you need.

1 to 1 ¼ yards background fabric

½ to ¾ yard of the dark sawtooth fabric.

I strongly recommend an Add-a-Quarter ruler for my method. If you don’t have one a smaller quilting ruler works just fine.

Cutting:

From the light fabric you need to cut 116 rectangles 1 ½”x2 ½” AND 4 squares 1 ½”x1 ½”. Set the remaining fabric aside for the border we will appliqué on.

From the dark fabric you will need to cut 116 rectangles 1 ½”x2 ½” AND 4 squares 1 ½”x1 ½”.

Here is how I start:

The first step is to mark a diagonal line on the wrong side of the light fabric from one corner to a mark 1 ½” up on the opposite side as shown.

Place this rectangle on top a dark rectangle as shown. Make sure the sides and corner line up.

Sew on this drawn line like this

Then use a ruler (I’m using my Add-a-Quarter ruler) to cut ¼” from the seam as shown.

After this press like this

Next we repeat this process with a dark rectangle marked like this.

And press like this.

So that’s a glimpse at the process. Check back tomorrow for specifics on the first border.

Comments

[Dixie Hedrick]

As a fairly new quilter I do not have a favorite block yet. I like all of them.

[Eileen Keane]

Because I introduce new people to quilting, I guess my favorite block would be Rail Fence. I love the way their eyes light up when they "get it". 9 out of 10 times they're hooked.

[Karen]

For pieced blocks I have always liked the log cabin and I believe have made 5 of them over the years.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

[Kim Q]

Like lots of other quilters, I'm really partial to stars. I'd have to choose the Ohio Star as my favorite I guess. No paper piecing necessary, no special tools required. And it looks great in any color too.

[Tammie Bivins]

My favorite is the Log Cabin, it can be changed in size in so many ways! I have seen a whole quilt done in very small narrow
log cabins and it was just so beautiful! Congratulations on your 150 blog! I admit it is the hightlight of my day to see what is going to be waiting for me! You make a lot of people happy! Please continue your passion with quilts and bring joy into the life of other quilters!

[Dianne]

Stars, stars, stars! Ohio star, especially because its so easy and variations for the center - and even the points - are wonderful to do.
Love your blog!
Dianne

[Bobbi H]

Feathered Star, but have never made one yet but still think they look great. Bobbi

[Deanna]

Probably sawtooth star. It was the first quilt block I ever made. One does not forget life-changing moments.

I read your blog daily and am working on my first applique project. Still rough, but getting better. Thanks for the inspiration and the giveaway.

[Beatrice]

Like many readers, I love Ohio Star, easy & many variations but also Basket blocks.I always wanted to buy this line of fabrics so I will be very happy to win this wonderful giveaway !Hugs from France.

[Cheryl McWilliams]

Thank you for your blog and your tutorials. this is a great way to learn from others . I like the old fashion quilt blocks, especially Grandmother's Fan.

[Diane]

I am a sucker for a churn dash. I just can't pass them up, but I love a nine patch also so I usually combine the two.
You have great tutorials, thanks.

[Elyte]

Thank you for all your applique advice and congratulations on your 150th blog post. I so love the Storm at Sea block. Have not made one yet but have seen it in a miniature and one day I will try it.

[Stephanie]

My favorite quilt block is Sawtooth Star. I love your blog!

[Pamela Pokragac]

Hi Erin! What a generous prize!! Prairie Paisley ia such a great fabric line. My current favorite block is the Hidden Nine-Patch. It's easy to piece and very versatile. Also, I'm wanting to make a Drunkard's Path quilt (little scared of those curves) just because the name is so silly! Thanks for the tutorials too! I LOVE Florabunda and I'm trying to scramble up some fabric to make it . . . hmmmm . . . maybe some Prairie Paisley???

[DiahRothman]

My most favourite is Pinwheel but I love Grandmother's Flower Garden too. Thanks for sharing.....

[Lena Karen]

Hi, My favorit block have always been the nine patch.... don't know why... I just like nine patch quilt's. Thank you !

[Michele]

I've always been a sucker for basket blocks, but recently wonky house blocks have entertained me.

[Deb G.]

I love dresden plates and log cabins. I really enjoy your blog and tutorials. I want to make Florabunda, but have too many UFO's to start something new right now, but hopefully, later this year. Thanks!

[Lori M]

Ooh what pretty fabric! My favortie block is the wonky star. I guess just because I like the sound....WONKY....just makes me relax, no fuss no stress no matching points....what's not to love? Can't wait for the next Floribunda block. Thanks so much for the terrific patterns!

[Rebecca Ball]

Congratulations on your 150th post. My favorite block is a split LeMoyne Star. If it's inside a feathered star, so much the better, but the feathered star has to be based on a LeMoyne. I fell in love with feathered stars at the first quilt show I ever attended,long ago. Any star is good, but I just love the proportions of the Le Moyne.

[Ferne]

I made one called 'Frolic' that I just loved. I got it from the McCall's website. That fat quarter stack sure looks amazing...that will be one lucky winner!

[Sandra]

My favorite block is the nine-patch. I love the various ways you can put different fabric together with it. I enjoy your blog. You have inspired me to try applique. I was always afraid to try, but you make it look easy and fun. Thanks!

[Heather]

Congrats on 150 posts!! that's fantastic. As for a favorite block.... humm well that's a big hard. I tend to have an eye for kaleidoscope blocks. They just fascinate me. However a block done in applique is actually my favorite.

[Martha deHoop]

Right now I am working on two quilts with my current favorite blocks: hidden nine patch and drunkard's path. Love your website and your quilt patterns. A friend and I are going to do your applique blocks for a block of the month quilt. Thank you for all of your tutorials.

[Amy Austin]

My favorite quilt block is Miss Amy :)...