QAYG Sampler - Week 3 - Nine Patch Block - Part 2

   First I think I should say a little bit about batting. I must admit I am not an expert as I have used old blankets, old flannel sheets, polyester batting and cotton batting.  I have even been known to cut up old flannel nightgowns, sewn together to make the inside of a lap quilt. That being said, there are some wonderful places on the web to find more detailed information such as Sew, Mama, Sew where I found a post about batting from Amy of Happythings.

Batting Guide from Amy of Happythings

   In the interest of keeping things from getting too overwhelming, the following are the basics to get you started.  

QAYG Sampler - Week 1 - Nine Patch Block

Quilt As You Go Sampler Quilt - Week 1

   Quilt as you go (QAYG) is a quilt making technique that allows you to quilt most of each block as you piece it. I like the fact that I can carry in my purse the makings of one block to work on in waiting rooms, in front of the television, sitting in the sun when the weather is nice. I am never overwhelmed by a big project as I am only working on and (mostly) finishing one entire quilt block at a time. One is a very easy number to work with.  In this case, I am making a very simple beginners quilt to be completely finished before Christmas. 
   
   The first two weeks of a four week rotation will consist of piecing the quilt block and various tips, the second two weeks will explain the quilting process for that block. Along the way I will show how to sew together the blocks we make. You can either sew them together as we make them or you can wait until the amount of blocks you wish to make for your size project is finished to begin the final step. Twelve blocks should take us 48 weeks. 

   Of course, you could opt to just make one quilt block and use it as a hot plate or wall hanging. Make a few of them for a table runner or baby quilt. I will be discussing how to complete all of these options. You may decide to use only one of the quilt block patterns to make an entire quilt of any size.  Those are all totally acceptable and doable goals.  My goal is to show you that this is something ANYONE can do quite easily and for "as little money as possible" to "the sky is the limit" budgets.

Nine Patch Block

Nine Patch Block

Before You Start Sewing or Quilting

Flying Geese Rainbow

   As with anything in life, there are a few guidelines you should know about when starting any new endeavor or before starting on the 'good parts' instructions.  These are not inclusive, nor are they everything you need to know on each item (I will attempt to further elaborate in future posts), it is simply a starting point.  The very basic necessities. Along the way I will inevitably discuss tools that might save time or increase accuracy once you have the basics down pat.

Are we there yet? No. Not yet, grasshopper.