Hello April and a new quarter for the 2021 Monthly Color Challenge!
The dark, shiny red skin of the cherry is our color inspiration this month.
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Picture from: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-cherries
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I love a good cherry, and could sit and eat them until I had a very impressive pile of cherry pits. At least they are healthy!
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This block looks like it might be more difficult, and if you are making the 6" finished size those seams are awesome ha, but with some strip piecing and careful pressing you will be done in no time! Don't forget the recipes the 2021 Monthly Color Challenge bloggers share, too. It's going to be a great month!
**Reminder! Each month there is a How-to Video included at the bottom of the instructions. Simply click on the link provided to watch.**
April Bloggers
Ashli - Quilt2endalz
Sarah - A Quilted Diary
Crystal - Daybrook Designs
Andi - True Blue Quilts
Raylee - Sunflower Stitcheries and Quilting
Joanne - Everyone Deserves a Quilt
Sheila - So This is Kentucky
Kris - Scrap Dash
Kathy - Penny for my Thoughts
Don't forget: This year two block sizes are offered, you can choose to make the 12" finished blocks or the 6" finished blocks, or both! If you have enjoyed the Monthly Color Challenge, but are looking for a bit more of a challenge, the 6" blocks are for you!
Quarter 2 Sponsors
There's a new group of sponsors! The Monthly Color Challenge has a great group of sponsors who have given generously to make this year an amazing year for you. Winners are chosen quarterly; April 1, July 1, Oct 1 and Jan 1, 2022. To enter you simply add your block to the Link Up at the end of each month. One entry per quilter and it needs to be the block from the current month. Finish each month and you will have 3 entries each quarter!
Patterns By Jen - Tucker Trimmer 1® ruler*
Those marked with * are for US residents only. Prize laws vary throughout different countries.
Tips
Here are my top tips for keeping those pieced strips straight.
When strip piecing always sew the strips in opposite directions. In this case I sew with the same color strip on top every time, that way I know my stitching is going the opposite way each time. This keeps the fabrics from bowing. See more in this month's How To Video included with the instructions.
Once you have sewn your strips together, set the seam with a hot iron, then open up the strip and finger press before finishing with the iron.
Trim as little as possible for your starting cut.
Line up the lines on your ruler with the seams when you sub-cut your units. Do not use the outside edges.
If your stitching on your corner is off and doesn't' come to the corner. . .
. . . it will effect the look of your center unit. Use your seam ripper and stitch that line accurately for a nice center.
To have the block sent directly to your email sign up HERE.
It's too late to have the January through April blocks emailed to you but you can download them from Payhip and get ready to have the rest of the year arrive in your email inbox.
Make something Extraordinary!
Jen
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