QAYGFMQAL – Block 3 – Loop the loop

It’s time for block 3 of the QAYGFMQAL!

Are you ready for Block 3?

This block is inspired by Judi Madsen of Green Fairy Quilts. Judi is one of my quilting idols. I want to BE Judi when I grow up. If you are serious about free-motion quilting, Judi’s book Wide Open Spaces is a fabulous one to have in your collection. Give Handcrafter’s House a buzz and ask whether they have one with your name on it…

Back to your block.

Using your favourite disappearing marker, mark 1/4″ down from the white/colour seams and rule a line. Then mark 1 1/4″ down from each of those lines (or 1.5″ down from the seam).  You’re going to want to mark two blocks like this – one for now, one for later

You can see how this goes can’t you? start at a corner, sew down to the central line, loop around in a circle (or oval really) to hit the top line, then do two more circles inside, finessing at the bottom.  I have done another little video if you are stuck….

Head up to the top line and then circle down from there.  Practising on paper first is a great way to train your brain to remember how to do this when you are actually sewing!fmqal2block3start

Repeat for the bottom line. You could vary this by putting a petal in the second set of circles but I forgot this genius idea when I was quilting mine.  I played a bit in the white, instead of keeping the loops in a straight line. I’m not sure I like the effect, but the white space is for practice an playing!

fmqalblock3
Don’t forget, you can come and join us in the QAYGFMQAL Facebook group (or the PMQG Facebook group if you are a member) and show us your blocks so far – and maybe even chat with quilting guru Leah Day! Happy quilting!