Hey Sewing Friends,
It's already Week 7 of the Community Sampler Sew Along and we are starting to see our quilt come to life! Last week I got to sew up the Square Dance Block with my fellow marketing team member, Sophia! Sophia is one of the newest additions to the AGF team and after three months of working here she was totally ready to hop on a sewing machine and sew up a quilt block! Getting to sew with each one of the girls from AGF Team has been such a blast and my hopes are to teach them the sewing basics, tips and tricks they can use for future projects, and to turn them all to the quilty side. So far it's going better then I ever hoped for! Our team is full of very talented ladies all coming from different backgrounds and are all so special and unique.
Take Sophia for example, with her outgoing and determined mind, having very little sewing experience didn't make her hesitate one bit. Read more about her and the creation of the Square Dance Block below!

Our Block is made with Splendid Fusion Fabrics
This block came together super fast! With the giant 8 1/2" square center this block is perfect for fussy cut fabrics.
Meet Sophia! (below) Spread the quilting love and comment below letting Sophia know what you think of her block.

Prior to starting your quilt block did you have any sewing experience?
In art school, I took a few fashion classes that involved basic sewing with garments. After graduating, most of my sewing experience was learned “on the fly” when I took on various freelance projects. The most memorable sewing experience involved a “Paris is Burning” themed event at a nightclub, where I had to sew a huge (10 ft x 15 ft) French flag to hang at the entrance. I also had one day to make it, and it had been a while since I had sewn. No pressure, whatsoever. :]
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?
My first impression of quilting was that it required extreme accuracy, patience and a very detailed eye. I was right! Haha! While making the quilt block, I felt like I had to keep telling myself to be patient, not to rush, and be gentle with the fabric.
What was your favorite part about creating your first quilt block?
Having all the pieces come together and seeing the finished product, of course! So satisfying.
What was the most difficult part about creating your quilt block?
Finding the right amount of pressure with the tools and handling of the fabric! For example, I felt like I didn’t know how much pressure to apply to the rotary cutter, and had to go back a few times to apply more pressure to cut the fabric, properly. The same thing happened when I was feeding the fabric through the sewing machine, where I was gripping it too hard and it was started to stretch. Whoops!
What advice would you give someone who is new to quilting?
SLOW DOWN and double check your seam allowance.
How does it feel to have created your first quilt block?
Great! I always enjoy learning anything that involves creativity while working with your hands. It always leads to new discoveries and inspiration.
How has your idea of quilting changed after learning more about it?
After making my first block, I honestly have more admiration for quilting because it requires a interesting combination of “right brain and left brain thinking!”
Do you see yourself quilting in the future?
Absolutely! The thought of creating a quilt for someone special seems like the most wonderful, unique gift to give! A lot of my close friends are having babies, so I would love to make quilts to match their nurseries.
Who are you making your Community Sampler Quilt for? Giving it to a friend, donating it to charity, or keeping it for yourself? Comment below to share.
Happy Sewing,
Meli