5 Little Pumpkins - A Glorious Autumn Block Tutorial and Giveaway

Introducing . . . 5 Little Pumpkins - A story book block :)

So here is the story behind the block.  I was asked by Michelle of Quilting Gallery if I would like to  participate in the Glorious Autumn Block Party.  Of course!!!  I have so much fun creating new blocks!  And it helped that I knew instantly what I wanted to design.

Have you read this story before?  If not, you have probably sung it.  You know  . . . 5 little pumpkins sitting on a gate, the first one says, oh my it's getting late, the second one says . . . and so forth though all the pumpkins.   Well my kids love it!! And  I thought, hey, I bet the kids would love a cute little pillow (which my block will be soon) that they could remove pumpkins from as we chant the story together.

And so I drew it up, sewed it up, and now just have to turn it into a pillow.

But for today . . . Let''s show you how to make your own 5 Little Pumpkins Block!

You Will Need:

(2) Orange 10" x 10" Squares  (or large orange scraps)
(1) Blue 8 1/2" x 12 1/2" Rectangle
(4) Yellow 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" Rectangles
(1) Yellow 1 1/2" x 12 1/2" Strip
(3) Green 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" Rectangles
(2) Green 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" Rectangles
Scrap batting pieces
5 black buttons

STEP 1 - MAKING THE BACKGROUND

Start by laying your 4 yellow rectangles and 5 green rectangles out as follows with the small green rectangles at the beginning and end of the row.  Place the yellow rectangles on the green rectangles with right sides together and sew a 1/4" seam along the aligned edge.  Press.  Finish sewing the row together by placing the second pieced set onto the first pieced set with right sides together and sewing a 1/4" seam along the aligned edge.  Press.  Continue adding the third, fourth, and then 5 piece.

Now layout the blue rectangle, yellow strip, and pieced strip  as follows.

Sew the three rows together using the same method employed to piece the strip together.   The background to your block is now complete and can be set aside for the moment.

STEP 2 - MAKING THE PUMPKINS

Print out the following template.  Just save the image to your computer and then add it to a word file.  You will want to size your fabric template to about 3 1/2" x 4".  You can also choose to just make your own pumpkin template or just free hand your pumpkins making them each unique.

Trace the pumpkin template onto your orange fabric.  Trace 5 template pieces with the template right side up and 5 template pieces with the template right side down.  I use a water soluble pen to do this but you can just use a regular pen.  Cut your 10 pumpkins out.

Now trace 5 pumpkins onto scrap batting using the batting template.  If you want your pumpkins super puffy then double up your batting.  Cut out the batting pumpkins.

Lay a right side up and a right side down fabric pumpkin together with right sides facing each other.  Then place a batting pumpkin on top.  Stitch a 1/4" seam around the entire edge of the pumpkin leaving a gap in the side.  Remember to back stitch at the start and finish.  Turn your pumpkin right side out through the hole. Use a pencil or pointed tool to push the edges out.  Press.  Fold the raw edges under and pin.  Sitch a 1/8" seam around the entire pumpkin closing the hole.  Repeat to make 5 pumpkins.

Now to make the pumpkins removable.  Stitch a button hole into the center of all 5 pumpkins using the buttonhole foot for your machine.  If you machine doesn't have a buttonhole foot (yes, I used to have one like this) you can make a buttonhole using a zig-zag stitch.  It is a bit of a pain but works :)

STEP 3 - ATTACHING THE PUMPKINS

Lay your pumpkins onto your background fabric and move them around until you get them placed in a manner pleasing to you.  Using a marking pin, mark through the center of the buttonhole onto the background block.

Now simply stitch a button onto each of the 5 markings.  I just use a zig-zag stitch with my feed dogs down to sew on my buttons.

Now, just button your pumpkins onto your block!!

And when you read the story, your kids can take the pumpkins off and roll them away!!

I hope you enjoy the tutorial and enjoy your own 5 Little Pumpkins Block!!  If you make a block, I would love to see it!!  You can add it to my Inspired by Happy Quilting Flickr group or email it to me :)  You can also add it to the Glorious Autumn Block Party Flickr Group :) 

Now for some extra fun tidbits that go along with the Glorious Autumn Block Party!!!

First, As part of the Block Party, Michelle has written up a little Designer Profile on me.  Just some quirky and fun facts about me and my quilting.  You can go the the Quilting Gallery Blog to read more about it :)

Second, with each new block in the party there is also a Super Quilter's Deal at the Quilting Gallery for your to take advantage of.  So check that out as well :)

Third, To see all of the amazing blocks in the party so far just visit the Glorious Autumn Block Party Headquarters!!!  There are some stunning blocks there!!!

And Finally, Fourth!!!   What would a Block Party be without a GIVEAWAY!!

Leah from Burgundy Buttons has graciously offered to sponsor this giveaway.  So a huge thanks goes out to her for providing the prize!!!

And what is the prize???  I thought something Fall-ish was in order.  So one of you lucky readers will win a Give Thanks Layer Cake by Deb Strain!!!  

Here's How To Enter

1 - Leave me a comment of one thing you can give thanks for.

2 - For a bonus entry you can follow Burgundy Buttons Blog and then leave me a comment that you do so.

3 - For a second bonus entry you can sign up for the Burgundy Buttons Newsletter and then leave me a comment that you do so.

That's it!!!  The giveaway will be open until October 23nd and I will announce a winner then :)  Good Luck!!

P.S.  If you are looking for the TNT Thursday Post it is below this one :)

TNT - Detachable Squishy Pumpkins :)

So this week I worked on a block for the Glorious Autumn Block Party.  (See post above).  And I tried something new with it.  I made detachable stuffed 2 sided appliques.  (or at least that is what I am calling them, I am sure there is an actual name for them :)  I have used the whole sew around the edge, turn through the hole, stuff, and close technique before but never with adding a buttonhole to the center to allow you the ability to attach and detach.

Here's the block.  Cute huh!!  It goes along with the story 5 Little Pumpkins.

So now, when we read the story, we can remove each pumpkin as the roll away :)  I just have to turn it into a pillow now so it is a little durable for the kids :)  Here's hoping I get to that before Halloween!!

So that's what I have been doing . . . How about you???

Link on up :)

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So Close!!

I am so close to finishing my 2 Braided Irish Chain's.   I got the bindings all prepped and now I just need to get them sewn onto the quilts.  And I know you are thinking that will take forever to do . . . but remember, I don't hand stitch bindings thanks to my horrible hand stitching skills and my lack of patience. (And honestly, I think the bindings are more durable when machine done and durable is huge around this house :)  These have been a long time in the works so I am so happy to just about move them to the Completed part of the WIP List.

And since I am just about finished with those two . . . I figured it was probably time to cut out my next WIP.  I love Marmalade!!  This is going to be a lot of piecing but I think it will go really fast.  I am super excited to see how this one turns out :)

And I was having so much fun cutting, I just kept going, cutting into my Simply Color pre-cuts.  Ah, these vibrant colors just make me smile.  Can't wait to start piecing!

I have to say . . . I think this is the best my list has looked in a while.  I almost feel like things are sort of in control, sort of :)  But don't worry, I am sure the soon approaching holiday's will throw a wrench into all of that :)

Designing Stage

• Circle Meets Square Quilt
• Super Shabby Spin
• Scruncy Stripes

Piecing Stage

• Jessi and Me Quilt 
• Turnovers Quilt
• Modern Blocks Quilt

Quilting Stage

• Solids Quilt for Free Motion
• Tetris Quilt-A-Long
• Braided Irish Chain - Queen and King 

Completed Stage

• WIC with MSS Quilt
• Starburst
• October Bee Blocks
• Baby Blocks Quilt

Bunny Blocks Baby Quilt - A MBS Tutorial

Today, I am excited to share another Moda Bake Shop Tutorial with all of you fabulous readers!!!!  I fell in love with the panel from Anne Sutton's Windsor Lane collection and knew I just had to incorporate baby blocks with it.  The blocks in the center and corners are done trapunto style so they are super puffy, which totally adds to the adorable factor!! 

The quilting is really what makes the trapunto pop!!  The more dense the quilting around the applique the more the applique pops :)  Pebbling, it doesn't get much more dense than that!

And now that this Moda Bake Shop Tutorial has been published for a while, I can now post it here on my blog for your convenience ;)   So just follow along below for the full step-by-step tutorial.  And if you love it, you can get the printerfriendly version here :)  

You will need:

1 Windsor Lane Junior Jelly Roll  (Junior rolls have 20 strips vs 40)
1 Windsor Lane Alphabet Panel
1 1/3 yard of the Taupe Bunnies – print 2844 15
2/3 yard of Bella Slids Off White – 200
1/2 yard of Bella Solids Stone – 128
3 Yards of Backing

STEP 1 – CUTTING


Sort your Junior Jelly roll into the following piles of strips.  Put the scrap strips away (you can use them in a pieced backing if you desire) and your binding strips aside.

Separate your block strips into the 5 different prints and the one repeat print.  From the 5 different prints cut (16) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares from each of the 5 strips.  From the repeat print strip cut (8) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares.  Set 4 of these repeat print squares aside to be used for the corner blocks.  Place the remaining piece of repeat print with your binding pile.  Lastly, trim the selvages from your 4 sashing strips and then subcut them into 1 1/2″ x wof strips, scrapping the remaining 1″.

And now onto the yardage.

From your taupe bunny yardage cut a 5 1/2″ strip.  This should leave you with a 39 1/2″ piece, so be careful.  There’s no wiggle room.  Subcut your 5 1/2″ strip into 4 squares 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″.  Scrap the remains.  Then square up the remaining yardage into a 39 1/2″ x 39 1/2″ square.

From your off white yardage cut (56) 2″ x 2 1/2″ rectangles, (60) 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ rectangles, and (28) 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ rectangles.

From your stone yardage cut 10 strips 1 1/2″ x wof

I find it easiest to piece my borders now so they are ready when I get to that stage of the quilt.  Sub-cut one stone strip into (2) 1 1/2″ x 6″ strips and (2) 1 1/2″ x 14″ strips.  Subcut a second strip into (2) 1 1/2″ x 20″ strips.  Now add each subcut piece to the end of a stone wof strip.  You will have 8 strips total now at the sizes listed below.

STEP 2 – BUILDING BLOCKS

First, we will build the top half of the block.  Start by taking a print square and placing an off white 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ rectangle on either side.  Lay the right hand rectangle onto the square with right sides together and stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge.  No need for pins :)  Press.  Now place the left hand rectangle onto the square with right sides together and stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge.  Press.  Make 28 sets.  (See below for chain stitching instructions)

Chain Stitching wills save an enormous amount of time on this quilt, so when doing the step above (and steps to come), go ahead and place the right hand side on your block, stitch your seam, and then without clipping your threads, add another set, and another set, and keep stitching until you have done 28 sets. Then clip your threads, press them all, and then repeat on the left hand side.

Now, the bottom of the block.  Lay 2 squares and an off white 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ rectangle out as shown below.  Place the white rectangle onto the square on the right with right sides together and stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge.  Again, no pins needed   Press.  Now place the left hand square onto the pieced rectangle with right sides together and stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge.  Press.  Once again, chain stitch 28 sets.

Now to finish making the block.  And like before, you will be chain stitching each step for 28 sets.   Lay your top and bottom pieced sets out along with your (2) 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ white rectangles as follows.  Place a long white rectangle onto the top pieced set with right sides together and stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge.  (Once again, I didn’t use pins, but you do what you are comfortable with.   Press.  Lay your bottom pieced set onto your now pieced white rectangle and with right sides together stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge.  Press.  Lastly, place the white rectangle onto the right hand side of your pieced block and with right sides together stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge.  Press.

Take your 28 pieced blocks and remaining 4 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ rectangles and lay them out as follows into 4 rows.  Place the remaining rectangle onto the right hand side of the first block in each row and with right sides together stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge.  Press.  Now, place the first block in the row onto the second with right sides together and stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge.  Repeat for each block until all 7 blocks are stitched into a row.  Repeat for all 4 rows.  Set pieced rows aside.

STEP 3 – APPLIQUE & TRAPUNTO

Trapunto is a technique in quilting that makes a chosen part of the quilt, normally applique, puffier.  Start by gathering your 4 taupe bunny 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ squares and your (4) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ repeat squares.  Cut (4) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares from a fusing agent, I use Heat N Bond.  You will be repeating these steps for all 4 corner squares.  Fold the taupe square into 4’s and finger press to find the center.  Fuse the Heat N Bond squares to the repeat print squares.  Then, fuse the repeat print squares to the center of the taupe square using the fold lines as a guide.

Now, for the puffy part.  I like to use 2 squares of batting to make it extra puffy.  Cut (8) 3″ squares from cotton batting.  Spray them with a coat of spray baste and then stick them to the wrong side of the applique.  You can see through the print to know where to place the batting.  Try to center it directly on top of the applique.  Simply stack the 2 squares on top of one another.  If you don’t have spray baste you don’t need to run out and buy some.  Just pin around the very edges of the batting to hold it in place.

Now to tack it down. On the right side of your print, sew a blanket stitch (or zig zag or straight stitch, whichever you prefer) around the edge of the applique tacking it down.  You will start to see it get puffy.  Once stitched, flip your square over and trim away the excess batting so it is nice and close to the stitch line. Be super careful here not to cut your fabric.  You will need to pull the fabric back so it no longer sticks to the batting before trimming :)  Once you have your 4 corners done you can move to the center of your quilt.

Cut your applique blocks from your panel.  Lay them out in a pleasing manner and use the same applique technique as above to fuse them in place.  If you don’t like Dream Big, you can use other saying with just one panel such as “Tuck Me In”, or “Precious” or “Charming” or “Rock A Bye” or “Love Bug” or any other phrase that only uses each letter once :)  

Once your applique is fused in place, cut your batting into 5″ squares and adhere it to the wrong side of the fabric directly over the applique blocks, just like before.

And once again, stitch a blanket stitch or preferred stitch around the edge of the applique.  I added an extra straight stitch around the inside border of the blocks.  Once you are done stitching trim your batting. It won’t be super puffy yet but don’t worry, it really pops up once you are done quilting!

STEP 4 – ADDING BORDERS


Now that the applique and trapunto is done you can finish piecing your quilt.  Start by adding the white and blue striped borders.  I added the bunny ones to the top and bottom and the plain stripes to the side.  Lay them out as follows.

Lay the top and bottom border onto the edge of your quilt top.  Sew a 1/4″ seam along the edge aligning as you go.  Trim the excess fabric and then press towards the border.  (Word of warning here, the trapunto makes the quilt a little heavier than usual and want’s to pull your quilt, be sure to align nice and tight or you will end up with wrinkles like I did.  But if you do get wrinkles, don’t worry, you can smooth them out when you baste :)

Now, lay the side borders onto either side of the quilt with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4″ seam along either side aligning as you go, trim the excess, and them press towards the border.

Now, lay your 2 wof stone strips along the top and bottom of your quilt and your 2 46″ stone strips along the sides of your quilt.  Add this stone border using the same process as above.

Now, you are ready to add your block border.  Start by laying out as follows.  Place a corner block onto the top and bottom of each of your side rows.  With right sides together stitch a 1/4″ seam along the edge and then press towards the corner blocks.

Now it is the same border adding process except you will want to pin these borders rathern than alignign as you go.   Start by adding the top and bottom borders.  Then add the side borders, taking care to match and pin your seams at the corner intersections.

Lastly, using your remaining 4 grey strips, add the final border using the same process, trimming the excess and pressing towards the border.  And your top is finished!!

STEP 5 – FINISHING

So now it is time to turn that finished quilt top into a finished Quilt ;)  Time to  Baste It, Quilt It, and Bind It!!!  Which is a whole lot in one little sentence.  If you are new to quilting, you can see my Finishing Your Quilt Series of video tutorials that will walk you through Basting, Quilting, and Binding step by step ;)

I choose to do some custom quilting.  You will want to do a rather dense quilting stitch around the trapunto to really make it pop!! 

One adorable Bunny Blocks Baby Quilt measuring 55″ x 55″ with cute puffy blocks that any little one will enjoy playing with for hours!

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and if you make your own Bunny Blocks Quilt I would love to see it!!  You can email me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com, post it to social media with #happyquiltingwithmc  or or add it to my flickr group here ;)  I can't wait to see your Bunny Blocks Quilts!!!