Adjourn QAL: Weeks 3-8

Written By Annette

Over the next few weeks, we will be hanging out here while we build the rest of our blocks! I will be spending these weeks answering frequently asked questions and adding any content that might be helpful as you continue to piece, so make sure to come back each to week to see if there’s something new that will make things easier for you in the process. If you have a question, make sure to ask it in the comments below or in the Facebook Group!

Make sure to also check out each week’s new sponsor and prize! We’ve got so many good ones on the way!

If you’re just joining us, make sure to check out the Adjourn QAL introductory post. This has all the information you need to know about the QAL before jumping in to the weekly posts.

And don’t forget, Emily from Brown Eyed Quilter, Lilo from Trace Creek Quilting, and Rosie Girl Quilting will be offering 25% off longarm quilting on all Adjourn Quilts up to 2 months after the quilt along!

Adjourn Quilt Along Schedule:

Weeks 3-8 goal: Make 2 blocks

We’re making two blocks each week through Week 8, and we’re using all the same techniques from Week 2. So head on back to the Week 2 post if you need a refresher. Don’t forget that Week 5 is a catch-up week, so if you’re all caught up, take a break or work ahead if you’d like!

Tips & Tricks

LINING UP THE CENTER CROSS

In Week 2, I talked about how to line up the C1 strip units to create the center cross, but sometimes pictures can only show you so much, so here’s a video of how I do this to help you make your piecing more accurate.

If you’re still struggling with getting these lined up, I recommend adding a couple more pins to the center. I like to pin into the seam allowance as seen in the photo below to secure the seams into place. You also might notice that I specifically pin into the seam allowance that will go through the sewing machine first, this means I don’t have to constantly tuck that piece under the presser foot as I sew!

LINING UP THE STRIP PIECES

I also talked about pinning in Week 2, but I wanted to give you a closer view on the edges and how a strip is pinned evenly all the way across to help you improve your overall piecing.

When I pin a strip, I always start with the outside edges, making sure that the edge of the strip is flush with the edge of the block, even if the strip is slightly longer or shorter than the unit it’s being pinned to!

Then I use my fingers to slightly pull the two ends apart while pinning into the middle of the strip. I continue to pin this way until I’ve added all the pins I want for that section. This ensures that the fabric is evenly distributed throughout the unit and will keep it from buckling as you sew.

Here’s a video that shows my pinning and sewing process for strips, going through each strip throughout the block:

Pressing

This is not anything new, but I had a question last week about pressing, so I thought I’d share how I press my completed blocks. I promise it’s not life changing, but in case you were wondering, here it is...

Workspace Setup

If you’re looking for a way to make your setup more efficient, check out mine below! I like to have my pressing mat, cutting board, and sewing machine all accessible within a small space so I can be more efficient. Everything is easily within reach! My setup looks like this:

QUESTIONS?

If you have comments or questions about anything QAL related, let me know in the blog comments below or check out the Adjourn QAL Facebook Group!

The answers to questions will continue to be posted each week as they come in, so please let me know if there’s anything you’d like clarity on or anything you need help to troubleshoot!

Week 8 Sponsor & Prize

Say hello to Lilo from Trace Creek Quilting! I connected with Lilo just recently and she helped me quilt one of my QAL Adjourn Quilts! (You’ll see the finished quilt next week, but check out the sneak peek below!) I don’t send out my quilts often, but when I do, my favorite part of the process is the collaboration, and Lilo was so much fun to work with! I always feel out of my depth with longarming and it was so fabulous to work with her to put together the perfect design for my quilt. I highly recommend working with her if you’re at all interested in getting your Adjourn Quilt longarm quilted.

Congrats to Macy (@macys_makes) who won the longarm quilting from Trace Creek Quilting!

Week 7 Sponsor

Say hello to Rosie Girl Quilting! Rosie Girl Quilting is a modern quilt shop with a great selection of woven and printed fabrics. They offer yardage as well as pre cuts and quilt kits so go check out their beautiful bundles!

Congrats to Rhonda (@rhondalkl) who won the longarm quilting from Rosie Girl Quilting!

Week 6 sponsor

Say hello to Kendra from Piece Fabric Co! Kendra is always up to something fun in her quilt shop - making quilts, garments, and other quilty crafts, and of course, putting together beautiful fabric bundles and quilt kits! I’ve worked with Kendra on several projects and love her creative and incredibly joyful spirit. Go check out her shop and follow her account because she is absolutely wonderful!

Congrats to Amber (@amber.vanderlinden.9) who won the backing & binding fabric bundle from Piece Fabric Co!

Week 5 Sponsor


Say hello to Katie from Zahm Co! I first met Katie when she tested my very first pattern, The Spectrum Quilt! Since then she’s written her own amazingly beautiful patterns, created her own blog, and makes the most adorably fun stickers! If you’re not already, go follow her on Instagram and check out her site, because she is an amazing quilter!

Congrats to Casey (caseyj.quilts) who won the pattern bundle from Zahm Co!

WEEK 4 SPONSOR

Say hello to Jennyth from Pasadena Quilt Studio! If you haven’t seen all the beautiful quilt kits that Jennyth puts together, you’re missing out! She puts together some of the most beautifully curated colorways I’ve seen, and my current favorite is the sprout wovens bundle for the Adjourn Quilt! Go to her site now and check out all her fabulous bundles and kits!


Congrats to Lindsey (@naptime.notions) who won the gift card from Pasadena Quilt Studio!


WEEK 3 SPONSOR

Say hello to Steph from Bookends Quilting! Steph and I have been testing each other’s patterns for a couple years now and let me tell you, she has some of the most fun, beautiful and accessible patterns to quilters of all abilities. Her patterns are inspired by the beauty of nature and, seriously, if you haven’t made one of these yet, do yourself a favor and check them out! My absolute favorite (so far) has been working on her Ridges Pattern, which reminded me of the Blue Ridge Mountains here in the Appalachians, and I made a crazy double-sided version of it!

Congrats to Meghan (@whirlwindquilting) who won the 2 pattern bundle from Bookends Quilting!

HOW TO WIN:

To be eligible for prize this week, we have a special prompt for your Instagram post (since some of you are caught up and may not be making blocks this week):

Let us get to know you!
Post a photo of yourself with one of your Adjourn blocks and tell us a little bit about yourself: how you started quilting, your favorite color schemes or kinds of patterns, or anything else you’d like us to know!
(A photo of yourself is not required, merely encouraged.)

You will also be eligible by posting as usual:

  • Post a picture of your QAL progress to Instagram using the hashtag #AdjournQAL.
    You must have a public Instagram profile to participate.

  • You do not need to be caught up to the current QAL week to enter, all progress is celebrated!

  • Your photo must be posted by 12am on Monday, March 13th. The winner will be picked randomly from all qualifying posts and announced on the 6th. Good luck!

Here are my finished blocks so far from both of my colorways. I can’t wait to see yours!

Annette
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Adjourn QAL: Week 9
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Adjourn QAL: Week 2