Community Sampler Sew Along: Block 3 - Ribbon Star
March 22, 2018
Hey there sewing friends,
I am having a blast teaching the girls to piece together the blocks of the Community Sampler and I love seeing all of your gorgeous blocks on Instagram. Last week I got to put together the Ribbon Star Block with Michelle from the Graphic Design team. We had a fabulous time stitching up the block and dancing to Shania Twain. The most wonderful part of this process so far has been individually hanging out with each one of the girls from the AGF team and finding out things I never new about them before. Like for example, Michelle is a lefty! It was definitely a learning process for the both of us when it came time to teach her how to cut the fabrics! Sewing with Michelle filled me with so much joy because of her eagerness to learn and the excitement on her face when she finished her first quilt block. It's such a pleasure to be a part of Michelle's first quilting experience and I think it's safe to say she caught the quilting bug and we will be seeing a lot more quilty things from her in the future. Below read all about Michelle's introduction to quilt making.
Made with Splendid Fusions
Sewing with Michelle was so much fun! Read about her favorite and most difficult parts in the process of creating her first quilt block.
Prior to starting your quilt block did you have any sewing experience?
I did! My great grandmother owned a small craft store and taught my mom how to sew. My mom later taught me. We’ve sewn small bags, fun 50’s style aprons, and little gifts for friends so sitting by the sewing machine for this project felt familiar.
Before starting your first quilt block lesson, what was your impression of quilting and how did you feel about doing this for the first time?
I felt like quilting was very intimidating. It seemed like a massive project to take on but breaking it down block by block definitely makes it a more manageable project, mentally and physically.
I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I feel like making anything with your hands is a rewarding experience and I can’t wait to see what the full quilt will look and feel like!
What was your favorite part about creating your first quilt block?
Unfolding the first triangles after sewing them!
What was the most difficult part about creating your quilt block?
I felt a little stressed about cutting down the fabric to the precise measurements because anything less than what was called for would mean the final block wouldn’t match up! But you measure twice, cut once and hope for the best. And it turned out great!
What advice would you give someone who is new to quilting?
I would say make sure you read the instructions to your pattern beforehand to have a mental map of how the process will go, kind of like reading a new recipe before actually baking it.
How does it feel to have created your first quilt block?
Accomplished! Makes me excited to make another one!
How has your idea of quilting changed after learning more about it?
Like I mentioned earlier, breaking down a quilt into “bite-sized” portions makes it more manageable. So doing this block helped make quilting less intimidating for me.
Do you see yourself quilting in the future?
It’s already on my calendar!
Isn't Michelle the cutest! Snapped a pic of her holding up her first quilt block make!
The next block of the Community Sampler is up and I can't wait to get together with Jess from Graphic Design and whip up this fun looking block. Make sure to pop back next week to see the reveal of the Cactus Block!
If you haven't joined the Community Sampler yet don't worry it's not to late to join. To keep you up to speed check out out the blocks you might of missed below.
Happy Sewing,
Meli