Goin' Around the Block with Blockbuster #21 - part 1

Allison, MeadowRoseQuilts
2 days ago
2 min read

I signed up for the April 2025 Monthly Block Challenge with other Studio 180 Design Certified Instructors. The rules/guidelines:

Week 1: Fabric Pull - what fabrics I am planning to use for the block
Week 2: Sneak Peek - Show part of the block being put together or trimmed down.
Week 3: The Reveal - Show your completed block.

It's Week 1 and I'm to show you my fabric pull.

Have you checked out the Studio 180 Design Free Blockbuster blocks? They can be found on the Studio180Design.net website under Free Downloads. Blockbuster #21, Around the Block makes use of the Wing Clipper and the Tucker Trimmer tools as well as the Non-Mirror Combo Units Technique Sheet.

I've read through the instructions and see that there are at least 3 arrangements of the fabrics and units in this block. So, I opened my quilting design software (EQ8) and started playing. That was a big mistake. That rabbit hole was very dangerous, and I had to make some decisions as to what fabrics I'll use (values and prints) as well as how I would arrange the units in the blocks.

I've settled on two block layouts to use and hopefully make a quilt with these 2 layouts alternating in the time allowed.

I am using a bundle of fabrics that I inherited from my Mum's fabric stash. They are pretty and will make a lovely spring quilt. The Block instructions include 3 sizes of blocks (4", 8" and 12"). I had planned for 8" blocks, but once I opened these fabrics, I realized I will be pushing the limit of available fabric. So, 4" blocks it will be! Yikes! I'll be making 1" x 2" Flying Geese units and 1" HSTs! Wish me luck!

I know that using the Studio 180 Design tools and techniques will guarantee that I can sew these small units with precision.

One thing I've learned when working with Studio 180 Design tools and techniques is to starch my fabrics well. I made a big mistake and will need to clean my iron before I start working on this project. Rule 1 when using starch is to let the fabric air dry before pressing. I have some clean up to do.

My Fabrics are pressed. My machine is clean. I have a fresh needle and 60wt thread all ready to go. I've also put a fresh new blade in my rotary cutter so that any cuts will be nice and crisp.

See you next week: April 17 and the final week, April 24 for progress posts and the final result.

Check out what these Studio 180 Design Certified Instructors are doing with Blockbuster 21