Free 12" Block: Old Maid's Puzzle

This weeks free 12" block is Old Maid's Puzzle. This once again is a simple block - made up of only 2 different blocks, however it can look so different using a mixture of colours and fabrics.

From only using two fabrics you can have the positive and negative look. (I just love that brown fabric in these two blocks)

In this sample I used 3 different fabrics for the centre block and then used 2 different fabrics for the outside borders (directions for the borders) This sample will be made up as a cushion for the display in the shop.

And then lastly, I went a bit funky with my fabric choice. I had a charm pack that I didn't know what to do with and this pattern is perfect to use a charm pack in as they are 5" squares - you just have to trim them down to your desired size. I then just added two borders and sewed it up into a cushion. See how the different fabrics changes the whole look.

This week we also have included a cutting tip with the tutorial. This explains how I cut my 4 7/8" pieces.

For a computer tech question - we did have some people email me last week that they had trouble using the link - you need to allow pop-ups from our site as this link will open up in a new tab/window.
So here is the link for the pattern. If you have a picture of your finished block we love to receive them - you can email them to use at sales@berrimapatchwork.com.au or if you are following us on facebook you can just post them on there. Don't forget our giveaway which ends this Wednesday (15th June) - you got to be in it to win it, just leave a message on our giveaway blog listing to which giveaway you would like to win.
  Till next week - which is a Canadian themed block, happy sewing.

OLD MAID'S PUZZLE FREE PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/oldmaidspuzzle/

Free Card Trick Block: Photos and Finishing Instructions

I'm so excited we had Dianne last night emailed me a picture of her Card Trick block. Well done Dianne. 

This is a free pattern project that we are posting every Monday on here. You view the previous block Card Trick 12" Block Here

I have also finished the block sample off by adding borders to it. Below is the instructions and the sizes of the borders that I added. I turned the block into a cushion - it looks so good wish I could take it home, but it's home will be in the shop up on display. Tomorrow we will be posting our next free 12" block, it is another simple block but you can have so much fun playing around with the colours. 

To Finish the block with borders

First border you will need 10cm, cut this piece into 2 strips measuring 1 ½” wide x the width of the fabric. Cut  from  the strips 2 pieces measuring 1 ½” x 12 ½” and 2 pieces measuring 1 ½” x 14 ½”.

Second (outside) border you will need 20cm, cut this piece into 2 strips measuring 3”.  Cut from the strips 2 pieces measuring 3” x 14 ½” and 2 pieces measuring 3” x 20”.

To sew the pieces onto your block, take the two pieces of your first border which are 12 ½” in length. Sew this to either side of your block. Iron. Take the other two pieces of your first border and sew these to the top and bottom of the block. Iron.

Take the 2 pieces of the second border measuring 14 ½” and sew these to either side of the block, iron. And then finally add the remaining 2 pieces of the second border fabric and sew these to the top and bottom of your block.

Iron.

The finished size will now be 19 ½” or 49cm approximately. This makes the block  the perfect size for a cushion – as I have made up this first block as, or as a mini quilt, or part of a larger quilt. In the coming weeks we will be posting ideas on how to use these blocks in other projects.     

FIRST GIVEAWAY

Welcome to our first giveaway.
You have a choice of three different giveaway items
The first is this bundle of Fabric from Robert Kaufman. There are 8 fat quarters in this bundle (American size fat quarters)

The Second is the bundle of Fabric from Andover Fabrics. There are 6 fat quarters in this bundle (American size fat quarters)

And lastly there are three patterns from Jaybird Quilts.

It is simple to enter - either like us on Facebook and get a bonus entry ticket or leave a comment on this post (with your email addres) as to which giveaway item you would like to win. You can only enter once and we will be drawing the winner next Wednesday 15th June.

Free Pattern 12" Block - Card Trick

This is a new feature that we will be bringing to you every Monday. A free 12" block pattern. The patterns will vary from traditional blocks to modern blocks using an array of methods from applique, piecing, paper piecing and more. A 12" block is very achievable each week (only a small amount of sewing and cutting) and by the end of the year just think of how many blocks you will have made.

Every couple of weeks will we also be publishing a free pattern to use up your blocks e.g table runners, small quilt, a bag, which are perfect for a present.

The blocks will not only be created by us (Berrima Patchwork) but we will be having our "friends" create some special blocks for you as well.

The 12" blocks are a great way to use up your stash, and those small pieces of fabric that you just can't bare to throw away but you don't have enough to make a quilt with.

We hope that you will join us in making a 12" block every week and you can publish pictures of your blocks on our facebook page or you can email them to us and we will put them on the blog.

The blocks will be on display in the shop and mini kits will be available for purchase from us. To get your free pattern simply click on the name of the block below.

CARD TRICK FREE PATTERN

Our first block is a traditional and well known block - Card Trick. This block looks fantastic in a range of fabrics - I chose to use Asian/Metallic fabrics for this block. We have also chosen to only use 3 different fabrics (2 for the cards) however you can use 4 different fabrics for the cards and a separate background. It is totally up to you, it's your block and your rules.
Make sure you check back here next Monday for our next free block. Happy sewing.

Bernina Club - Aurora Borealis Cushion

Today's Bernina Club Class featured a great project - Aurora Borealis Cushion which the Bernina Circular Embroidery Foot was used.
The Bernina Circular Embroidery Foot is one of my favourite feet and it is always great when we have the opportunity to use this foot. The cushion's designed is based around the Drunkard Path pattern. Here are some samples of the blocks as they were sewn together.

Dianne used some decorative ric rak around her block.

 

Two of Sandra  Blocks

 

Kerry's Block

  

Christine working on her 820. As it has a large stitching area, her blocks feature a larger decorative stitches (up to 9mm across). The Bernina 820 also has a large selection of stitches to choose from.

Once all the blocks are cut up, this is what the finish products look like. They then just need to have a back to them and to insert a pillow and they are all done.

This is Sandra's Pillow top ready to be sewn together

Dianne's Pillow top got re-designed after we tried two different layouts

 

Christine's cushion top all stitched up, just needs it borders add and backing and all done.

Today we had the bonus some of the ladies brought in their finished work from the previous Bernina Club Classes. It is always great to see these projects finished. Most of the projects are nearly completed in the class - so when the ladies go home they only have a small amount of work to do to complete the projects. Bernina Club projects are all achievable and small projects so that they don't take a long time to complete, however you learn new skills and techniques in the class. The projects are also great as presents. The class fee includes the starter kit for the project which is why the samples are in similar fabrics.

These are Dianne's pieces from the Ruffle Bag Class and Zipper Class

This is Christine's Bag from the Zipper Class and her bag from the Ruffle Bag Class

  

And lastly this is Sandra's Bag from the Ruffle Bag Class

Next month's Bernina club we will be doing Bobbin Drawing using the new Razzle Dazzle Threads and also Shirring - which is using elasticated thread in the bobbin.