Welcome to block 11 of Fall into a Quilt Along. We only have one block left! On October 16, we will release the final block, as well as setting ideas for finishing your quilt. I’ll be sharing a fun setting that works well even if your blocks didn’t all come out the same size. I can’t wait to show you!

This week we have a lovely barn designed by Abbie Danahy of Sparkle On. You can find the free pattern on her blog post. Remember, all block patterns will be free until the quilt along ends on November 13, 2018.

Tips for Success

Seam Test

I always recommend testing your seam allowance before you start. That way you can be sure your block will come out the right size.

To test your seam allowance, cut two 2" squares and sew them together. Press to one side, and measure the resulting rectangle. The rectangle should be 3 1/2" long. If your rectangle is shorter, you need a narrower seam allowance. If your rectangle is longer, you need a wider seam allowance. Adjust your seam and try again. Once the rectangle is exactly 3 1/2" long, you're good to go.

Stitch and Flip

Stitch and flip corners are super versatile for making all sorts of blocks. The secret to making a successful stitch and flip corner is to stitch just outside of the drawn line. The line you drew isn't the stitching line - it's actually where the fabric needs to fold! By stitching just outside of the line, you give yourself the extra fabric you need to reach all the way to the corner when you flip it over.

Just to be safe, I always test to make sure my corner is covered before I cut away the excess fabric from the back.

Choosing Colors

I don’t know about you, but choosing fabrics often takes me as long as making the block. One technique that helps me visualize my choices is to place the fabric roughly as it will appear in the block. That way I can see how everything will play together.

Trimming the Pinwheels

I love that Abbie has us make our pinwheels and then trim them down. I usually trim the half square triangles before sewing a pinwheel, but this saved a lot of time! For best results, line up the 45 degree line on your ruler with the diagonal through the center of the pinwheel. Line up the 1 3/4” lines with the horizontal and vertical centers of the pinwheel. It should come out perfectly!

Spinning Seams

I love to spin my seams whenever possible. In this block, I spun the seams of the pinwheels to avoid bulk at those center points.

I just love my Autumn Harvest Barn. I can’t wait to see yours!

My Fellow Hosts

I am joined by 6 other wonderful ladies in hosting this quilt along. They’ve each made their own barns and are sharing tips on their blogs. Be sure to check them out!

Abbie Danahy at Sparkle On
April Adams at JANDA Bend Quilts
Bobbi Bridgeman at Snowy Days Quilting <--- That's me!
Jennifer Fulton at Inquiring Quilter
Karen Thurn at Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Sherry Shish at Powered by Quilting
Vanda Chittenden at Quilting with Vanda

Prizes

As always, we have some fabulous prizes this week. Anyone over 18 is eligible to win, including international participants. To be entered in the drawing, simply share your completed acorn block by 11:59 pm Eastern time on October 15, 2018. You can share on Instagram with the hashtag #fallintoaqal, in the Partners in Design Facebook group, or in the linky party on Abbie’s post.

Our prizes for this block are the Christmas Tree Farm table runner pattern by April Adams of JANDA Bend Quilts, and 1/2 yard each of 4 Boundless solids by Craftsy.

At the end of the quilt along, we will have a grand prize drawing for anyone that has made a complete quilt top with all 12 blocks. There's no need to have it quilted for the drawing. To be eligible to win, finished quilt tops must be posted by 11:59 pm Eastern time on November 12, 2018.

Fall into a Quilt Along: Barn