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Block Lesson #9 // Skill Builder BOM

This post is part of a series of posts for the Skill Builder BOM (Block of the Month). To learn more about the block of the month or to see a list of all posts click here.

Who can resist a beautiful appliquéd quilt? There are many methods and techniques that can be used to appliqué a quilt such as starch appliqué, raw edge appliqué, needle turn appliqué, etc.

For Block Lesson #9 of the Skill Builder BOM we will be making my two favorite quilt blocks: Liberty Floral and Modern Beauty. I designed these blocks last year and have been anxiously waiting to make them!

We will be using an innovative machine appliqué technique which was taught to me by my friend and Pile O’ Fabric sponsor Cristy Fincher of Purple Daisies LLC. Cristy was taught this technique by her mother, Sharon Schamber, and together they co-wrote the book Piece by Piece: Machine Appliqué. Cristy and Sharon teach machine appliqué classes all over the country. In fact, Cristy just taught at our local PHXMQG meeting. Cristy has offered to share a few video tutorials on this technique specially for the Skill Builder BOM which is a real treat since their classes are usually never free! I am also providing (as usual) my written step-by-step PDF lesson to go with the videos.

Video Tutorials by Cristy Fincher

This streamlined approach to machine appliqué achieves truly outstanding results! Being new to the technique myself, I want to share some feedback before we begin.

The Details Matter!

It is very important that you sit down and read through the instructions in this PDF lesson before you begin working on your blocks. This technique requires some very important details such as the preparation of your fabric, specific supplies needed, machine settings, and important tips along the way. This is not a good lesson to improvise on, so watch for these details and follow the instructions carefully!

Press on toward the finish line!

When you try this method for the first time, some of you may instantly fall in love and some of you may feel strongly discouraged halfway through. For those of you who are discouraged, don’t let these blocks become another w.i.p. in your closet. Press on and ask questions along the way. I promise, you will be very impressed with the final outcome and all the hard work will be worth it!

The Kits

For more information on the supply kits used for this month's lesson or previous lessons please refer to this supply kits post.

Lesson Download

I am very excited to see your version of the Liberty Floral and Modern Beauty blocks, they could possible be my favorite blocks so far!

Share Your Blocks

Alyssa

Alyssa Williams

Alyssa Williams

Creator of Pile O' Fabric

Alyssa Lichner is a graphic designer turned avid sewist. She writes modern quilting tutorials and shares techniques and inspiration on her blog, Pile O’ Fabric. Alyssa has a passion for exploring different techniques and applying them to modern designs. She is thankful to have the opportunity to share these techniques, through her tutorials, patterns, and classes with quilters around the world. She always encourages her readers and students to challenge themselves to try new things and to approach quilting with a fearless attitude.

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