Part Four

This time we're making four Snail's Trails blocks using the background along with two colors. I love the look of these blocks, because you're sewing straight lines, but it gives the illusion of a circular/spiral shaped design. I first used it to represent a wave in a ships quilt I made for my brother.

I find it helpful to lay out all my pieces once I've cut them out.

If I check my layout as I piece the block together, I'm less likely to accidentally sew the wrong piece to the wrong side.

I begin by turning over the piece for the seam that I want to sew. With the first round of pieces, it's pretty easy to line it up - the triangle should line up with the seam line of the 4-patch, and there should be at least 1/4" of the triangle hanging off each side of it.

However, I like to sew from the side where I can see the seams, so I flip the pieces over, being careful not to shift them. It's perfectly fine to pin if that helps you. Sewing from this side is more important in later steps.

Remember to trim your bunny ears between rounds.

Here's the reason I sew from this side - I can see that X intersection - and in this case, I want to sew either through the X or just inside of it. If I sew to the outside of it, as I have done here, I won't have a smooth "curve" from one piece to another.

 

Instead of picking out that seam, I just sewed over it and adjusted when I got closer to the X. I press toward the triangle that I have just sewn (not open seams), so that little extra bit of thread isn't a big deal in this case.

Remember again to trim your bunny ears and square your block to 8 1/2".

And here are my blocks for this month, all pieced together.

Original Mystery

Tula Pink

Dark Autumn

I'm making 3 versions of this quilt, so you can see a variety of colorways, and because I'm a glutton for punishment. 😄

• Original Mystery: this version uses the fabrics I referenced in the instructions.
• Tula Pink: this version uses all Tula Pink fabrics, with the exception of the background fabric. I used a larger number of fabrics and mixed all kinds of colors together.
• Dark Autumn: this version uses a Fall-ish palette, with Moda's Grunge fabric in black as the background fabric - it definitely gives a very different effect.

If you're looking for the instructions for this part, check your email. The instructions will be sent out to all of the members of Lebanon Piecemakers, similar to the newsletter.

I will bring these blocks to our next meeting so you can see them in person, since photos often don't quite capture colors accurately. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at lissylaine@yahoo.com. I look forward to seeing everyone's blocks!

~Melissa