Snowball Along!

 

 

So apparently this is what I do when I'm sick.  Start a couple of new quilts.  I've been battling a cold for a week and the last few days it's getting the better of me. 

 

So first I started my polka quilt out of my asterisk block. 

 

 

I have three of the blocks completed and that's a quilt I will be taking my time on.

Now, I'm starting a Snowball quilt.  Contrary to my Asterisk blocks, these blocks are super quick.  And because it's hard for me to sit still even when I'm sick, I've started a Snowball Along.

There are several ways you could do these blocks, and it's probably no surprise to you that the easiest way for me is to foundation piece them.  So that's the technique I'm going to share with you today. 

But first, a few details.

• each snowball block finishes at 4" square
• the solid I am using is connecting threads "verdigris"
• this is the perfect block to use up your scraps
• my finished quilt will consist of 288 snowball blocks (16 across and 18 down)

 

 

Here we go!

What you will need:

• Print off this pdf that has 4 snowball foundation patterns on it and then cut each snowball pattern out separately.
• solid fabric cut into 2 1/2" strips and each strip cut into 3" lengths.  Then cut these 2 1/2" X3" rectangles in half, into triangles.
• scraps that are at least 5" square for the center of the snowball

 

Choose your center fabric (scraps work really well for this!) and trim it at least 1/4"  past all edges of the pattern.

 

With the right side of the pattern up, and the right side of the fabric down, align one of your solid triangles in one of the corners so it overlaps the corner mark by at least 1/4", and sew through the layers along the line. 

 

Repeat with the other 3 corners.

 

Turn the corners of the paper pattern in and trim the center print fabric somewhat even with the edges of the solid fabric.

 

Fold the paper corners back out

 

then press the solid fabric out to cover the paper corners.

Turn the block over, and trim the edges, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance of fabric past the edge of each side of the paper pattern.

 

Now all you have to do is make 287(!) more (that will give you a 64"X 72" quilt) and I'll meet you back here in a few days and we can assemble them!  I can't wait to see your fabric choices!

 

xo,

Penny

 

Comments

[Katie]

Love this! I've never known how to foundation piece, so maybe this would be a good quilt to start on!

[Celeste Johnson]

I just finished a charm swap. What a great use! Thanks so much for the tutorial. Hope you are feeling better soon.

[Amy]

Penny, I'm sick too--I hope you feel better soon. This is day 4 for me. It's spring right? Shouldn't these awful winter colds go away??? Hope the snowball along soothes you :)

[elsa]

I've got a bunch of charm packs that I'm going to use. Just have to think about the corner fabric ~ I'm sure I've got some of that too.
Do hope you're feeling better ~ I'm pretty impressed with what you do when you're sick. I've got allergies and have been knitting a lot ~ knitting some lacy socks and have one almost done!

[Samantha]

I don't need a new project, but now I want one! Thanks for sharing :-)

[Ann Champion]

Wow..you're super productive even when you don't feel well. I feel like such a slacker. I hope you're feeling better fast!
Thanks so much for sharing this project. I'm off to dig through my fabrics....