Texas Monthly - Month 10

 Its October and along with a Chill in the air, we also have a new block for the Texas Monthly Block of the Month program!   This BOM is hosted by Stitchin' Heaven  and I am thrilled to share tutorials for the blocks each month.  

Month 10 is more Paper Piecing!  And by now, you are hopefully really starting to get the hang of paper piecing ;)  .  If you need a reminder, you can check out Month 2 and Month 3 for helpful hints.   This is going to be great.   So get your fabrics pressed and grab your  Add a Quarter Ruler, straight edge, rotary cutter, seam ripper, and thread scissors. So let's get going!!!  

Cutting

First off, we need to cut out all of the pieces.  Use the guides in your instructions as well as the color sheet you received with your first block to cut out all of the pieces you will need for your two blocks.  

And just a reminder, it is super helpful to write the placement of each piece on the wrong side of the fabric.  It will make piecing go much faster so you aren't constantly having to look up again what piece you need next ;)

And while we are talking reminders, remember, chain piecing is your friend.  You are making 4 units for each block so chain piecing each step for all 4 units will save you lots of time!

The Galveston Block

First up is the Galveston Block.   You need to Paper Piece 4 Units.  

Trim your units to 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" using the dotted outer line as a trimming guide. 

Layout the 4 units as shown below.  

And now, finishing the block is just like sewing a four patch.    Place the right hand side units onto the units on the left hand side units with right sides together.  Align and Pin the edges and then sew a 1/4" seam along the pinned edges.

Press the seams open.  And now you can sew the rows together.

Place the top row onto the bottom row.  Again, align and pin the seams, especially the center seam.   Sew a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.    Press the seams open. 

Now, all that is left is to add a border.  Layout your 4 border strips around your block as shown with the shorter strips along the top and bottom of the block.

Place the top and bottom strip onto the block with right sides together, aligning and pinning the edge.  Sew a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.

Press the seams outwards towards the background strips.  Then repeat for the two side background strips . . .  aligning, pinning, sewing a 1/4" seam and pressing outwards. 

And just like that . . . you have a beautiful Galveston Block!!!  It should measure approximately 14 1/2" x 14 1/2".   Isn't it just so pretty!

And that means it's time to move on to the

All My Ex's Live in Texas Block

For the All my Ex's Live in Texas block you need to Paper Piece 4 Units.  

Again, you will trim your units to 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" using the dotted outer line as a trimming guide. 

Layout the 4 units as shown below.  Now, using the same instructions from the Galveston Block, Sew the 4 units together like a 4-patch.   Take care that you align the seams highlighted below when you sew the units together.  Press the seams open.  

And once again, using the directions from the Galveston Block, add the border to the block.

And just like that . . . you have a beautiful All My Ex's Live in Texas Block!  It should measure approximately 14 1/2" x 14 1/2".   

And that is it for Texas Monthly, Month 10 :) 

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!  Just remember, have fun with it!

 Looking forward to Next Month!