Texas Monthly - Month 9

  It's a new month and that means a new block in  the  Texas Monthly Block of the Month program!   This BOM is hosted by Stitchin' Heaven  and is so much fun!!!    And we are moving on to Month 9 today, only a few more to go :)   

So let's get going!!   There is only 1 set of blocks this month and we are going to make 2 of them.    And we are back to Paper Piecing!!!  So let's get piecing!!!  

Cutting

I like to start out by pressing all of my fabrics.  Then it is time for cutting!!!  I like to cut all of my pieces for all of my blocks at the start.  This month is super easy because there are only 2 fabrics to cut in two basic sizes.  

And with all your pieces cut . . . you are ready to move on to piecing.

Cardinals in Winter Block

And we are back to Paper Piecing!!!  So grab your Add a Quarter Ruler and Folding template, and make 2 copies of the Cardinals in Winter Paper Piecing Template.   Oh, and just a side note, double check your template that it measures 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" on the outer lines before you start stitching.  Some copiers can "shrink to fit" making your piecing off, ask me how I know ;)   

And we have done a lot of Paper Piecing by now, So I will just skim over that part.   But if you need a refresher course on Paper Piecing, see the Month 2 post and some helpful hints in Month 3 post ;)    Just remember, its all about Trim, Stitch, (using a smaller stitch length) Press, and Repeat.   And remember, we are making 2 blocks so you can chain stitch both blocks at the same time.  

Once all of your Paper Piecing is complete, trim the 2 Blocks along the Outside Line to create your 2 Cardinals In Winter Block.  

And just like that, you are done!!!   Wasn't this a fun and fast month ;)  You now have 2 beautiful Cardinals in Winter Blocks that will measure 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" unfinished.    

And now that your blocks are made all that is left for this month is to take those blocks and sew them into into Center Section of the quilt!!  

Center Section

So to do that, start by laying out your 2 Churn Dash and 2 Watercolor Blocks from last month with your Cardinals in Winter Blocks from this month as shown below.   

Place the Cardinals in Winter Blocks onto the Left Hand blocks with right sides together.   Align and pin the edge.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge taking care to stitch through the thread X's on the edges of your Cardinal Blocks  for perfect points. 

Now place the Right Hand blocks onto the Cardianl blocks with right sides together.   Align and pin the edge.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge again,  stitching through the thread X's.  

Press the seams of both rows outwards towards the Churn Dash and Watercolor Blocks.  

And all that is left is to add your Texas Applique block from Month 7.  Layout the two Pieced Rows you just made with the Texas Applique Block in the center as shown.

Place the Top and Bottom rows onto the Applique Block with right sides together.  Align and Pin the edges.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edges.  Again, if you take care to stitch directly along the bottom of the Fabric V and thread X's at the seams, you will ensure perfect points.    Press the seams inwards towards the Texas Applique Block.  

And now you are all done with the Center Section of your Texas Monthly Quilt and also with Month 9!!   Way to go!!! 

Wasn't  Texas Monthly Month 9 just so fun!!!  I know I sure liked it :)

If you have any questions on this tutorial, please don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com or leave a comment.  

Hope y'all enjoy making this month's blocks! 

 Looking forward to Next Month!