I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, but the Block of the Month is actually over!
Now, I know that “over” isn’t exactly what it is…you’ve still got quilting and binding and labeling to do, but the heavy lifting of creating the top is done.
Amazing job everyone!
Well hello there! Today I want to bring you a post that was inspired by a sweet customer of mine. She’s a newer quilter and had a few questions on how to use ombre fabric (like the fab V & Co Fairy Dust on the cover) in her Christmas quilt. I gladly answered her email and figured since I’ve done the work already, that I’d share with you as well.
Before we dive in, I did want to let you know that a virtual mini-class will be available on May 1! You can join today and be ready to go when it releases.
I’ll be using the ombre fabrics and explain all of this in more detail, so if you prefer video, make sure to subscribe for updates from me so that you can be the first to get your hands on the class!
Great question!
On the back of my pattern you’ll see a note saying that if you plan to use an ombre fabric for the trees, you’ll need additional yardage:
I then go on to be a little vague about the border yardage, because it really depends on how you want to do it. Your choice will decide how much fabric you’ll need to buy. SO, here are your choices:
If you:
✔️ Like the idea of your borders going from light to dark and back again ALL the way around your quilt
✔️ Want to save some money
✔️ Want to make this as simple as possible
…then you’re going to use the fabric requirements as listed and cut as instructed…easy peasy!
If you:
✔️ Want to get the same look as the cover quilt borders
✔️ Don’t mind paying more
✔️ Can follow a cutting diagram
…then you’re going to follow the instructions for your size below:
QUEEN Cutting Diagram – Borders 1 & 3 (assumes both borders are the same color)
If this is too small, right click the image and click “open image in new tab” – then you’l see it nice and big!
QUEEN Cutting Diagram – Border 2
If this is too small, right click the image and click “open image in new tab” – then you’l see it nice and big!
…and YES, you’re could waste an enormous amount of fabric doing this OR you could use it as an awesome accent in the backing of your quilt.
KING Cutting Diagram – Borders 1 & 3 (assumes both borders are the same color)
If this is too small, right click the image and click “open image in new tab” – then you’l see it nice and big!
KING Cutting Diagram – Borders 2 & 4 (assumes both borders are the same color)
If this is too small, right click the image and click “open image in new tab” – then you’l see it nice and big!
…and YES, you’re could waste an enormous amount of fabric doing this OR you could use it as an awesome accent in the backing of your quilt.
Now that you’re home from the store, you’re probably wondering how to tackle this…
Hey – never fear! We got this. Let’s break this down:
Cutting the trees is no more difficult because of your fabric choices. You just want to make sure that you’re cutting it in a way that allows you to get the ombre effect you’re after.
✔️ Cut lengthwise strips (this will be OPPOSITE what you are used to). This way you’ll end up cutting your Shorthand Template pieces so that the gradient runs horizontally across the curved triangle. You’ll get six strips (3 sets of mirrored fabrics) out of each cut.
✔️ Then you’ll cut your Shorthand Templates as usual: alternate the A shape from right-side-up to up-side-down (Check out a video here) Read the next part before cutting!
✔️ Carefully keep each type of cut in it’s own pile and label them! You’d be shocked at how easily these all start to look the same.
For example, working from left to right in the photo below, I have 6 piles:
1: Strip 1, right-side-up
2: Strip 1, up-side-down
3: Strip 2, right-side-up
4: Strip 2, up-side-down
5: Strip 3, right-side up
6: Strip 4, up-side-down
✔️ I suggest cutting out a few extra triangles. This will allow you to really get the ombre effect that you’re looking for.
Next it’s time to piece!
Now that you’ve got the ombré figured out, it’s time to stitch this puppy together!
I know, I know…so many of you prefer video instruction and I’ve got it for you! The mini class will be available on May 1, so make sure to join today so you’re ready to go!. I’ll be sending out an email when the class is ready. Here is what I CAN tell you about the class:
This will be a mini class, I plan to go through step-by-step, covering all important details and techniques such as:
We are finally here! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?
This month is the one we’ve all been looking forward to – the finish!
I will say that this month is a little more labor-intensive, but think of it as the final push at the end of a year-long run…
We are finally here! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?
This month is the one we’ve all been looking forward to – the finish!
I will say that this month is a little more labor-intensive, but think of it as the final push at the end of a year-long run…
It’s our final block! Can you believe it?! Next month we’ll be finishing off this quilt by sewing together rows, adding borders, and putting on final details like vines and leaves!
