Yesterday I had some time on my hands so I went into my sewing room and shut the door. I was on a mission:)
You may recall in my last post I explained how I wash my finished blocks. Once that step is complete, and the blocks are dry, it is time to trim the blocks to the correct size. Since these blocks finish at 12″ x 12″, I simply used my 12 1/2″ square ruler. I placed the ruler on top of the block and centered it. Take your time with this step. You don’t want to mess it up:)
Next, I carefully trimmed the excess fabric away. Easy Peasy!
The pattern calls for 20 appliqued cornerstones, which didn’t take nearly as long as I thought it would. I cut my sashings and away I went!
So far, so good!
Right now the quilt measures 52″ x 68″. Once the appliqued borders are on, it will measure 71″ x 87″. I am intending to hand quilt this beauty and I am excited to get started! So scrumptious…
“Hugs and Kisses” is a Block-of-the-Month that will begin in January 2018…that is just next month! Each month you will receive the pattern and fabric (same fabric as shown) so that you can complete one block a month. Also, as a bonus, I am including (free of charge) 5 spools of Mettler 60 weight to match the fabrics. You have until the end of December to sign up on the website. Also, for those that have asked, you are able to purchase a full set of patterns to stitch along with us, using your own fabrics. I am wondering what this quilt would took like in Civil War fabrics. Or browns and pinks. Or totally scrappy. I could go on and on!
Til next time…
Kerry
Simple Bird Applique 
It is beautiful. I note how nice and flat it lays. You are inspiring me to do more applique.
It’s beautiful, Kerry! About trimming the finished blocks: The appliquéd bits raise the ruler so it isn’t in full contact with the outer edge of block fabric that you need to trim, right? How do you keep your ruler from slipping or the fabric edge from wiggling as you cut? I’ve seen a set of acrylic squares with the centers open from Karen Kay Buckley for trimming appliqué blocks and her system does appear to address this issue, but it’s really pricey.