Block of the Month: April

April's quilting blocks have been the most challenging to date.  This month via Craftsy's free course, Amy Gibson walks you through English paper piecing and it's quite a process!

First, you cut out your shape based on the templates provided.  These quilting blocks featured a series of hexagons in three different sizes.  For the paper backing, I used scrap chipboard from cereal boxes and some cheesy postcards.  Then, using the chipboard hexagons,  the fabric scraps are cut down to match the shape adding a healthy 1/4" seam allowance.

hexagons w/basting and paper still inside them

Then you baste the fabric by sewing through both the fabric and the paper.  The pieces are then arranged and sewn together if needed.  I took Amy's advice and starched them before pressing.  Once they were cool and dry, the basting stitches and paper is removed and the pieces are appliqued to the block.

 I used a top-stitch to attach them to the base block.  I was a bit disappointed in my brown cotton.  It's a bit thin, but hopefully the rest of the blocks will make up for it.  If not, I may sew it atop another square of scrap cotton.

These were a really portable project which was nice.  It's the first time I take my sewing project over to the S'nB group.  Overall, challenging and educational blocks!