Block 1: "Beautiful" Stars

Ok, so apologies are in order first for the delay in posting this first block. With all my good intentions it did not happen on time. If you watched my Instagram Stories earlier today, you'll know my husband's father passed away 2 weeks ago and we are still reeling from that (and in the middle of a move to help out my mother-in-law), my darling, squishy baby boy has been fussy, and to top it all off, my Internet upload/download speeds here at the family cabin have been slower than a dinosaur (you guys, it took me 20 minutes to receive an email!), so PLEASE forgive me for posting this so late. Even with the plethora of valid excuses, I feel enormously guilty, so go easy on me!

You are all so important to me, and I'm trying to keep all my promises that I made months ago despite some of the life changes that are currently happening. This has been a welcome distraction, though, and I am over the top THRILLED to be quilting with you all.

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​Pre-Quilt Along Giveaway!

First of all: Congratulations to Peggy Pirillo in winning this FQ bundle of Rainbow Shimmer Fabrics (left pic) from Andover! Peggy chose a variety of fabrics from Andover designed by Libs Elliott (see picture below). Anyone who still posts their fabric pull for the quilt along on Instagram or Facebook and tags me @madi_hastings will receive an emailed prize, so make sure to do that!

Download Fabric Requirements

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Cutting Guide
File Size:	33 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Fabric Guide
File Size:	280 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Before we dive into Block 1, please download the Cutting and Fabric Guide (above) that will help as a reference for each block.
Below are ALL of the applique template files (for blocks 1 through 6). They are organized by color. For Block 1, you'll ONLY need some of the "Caribbean Shimmer" file and the "Graphite Shimmer" file.​

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Caribbean Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	34 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Noir Shimmer- Applique Templates
File Size:	80 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Citron Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	40 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Peacock Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	25 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Dusty Orchid Spectrastatic - Applique Templates
File Size:	17 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Pearl Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	31 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Graphite Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	29 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Pink Coral Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	14 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Magenta Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	27 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Raspberry Shimmer, Gunmetal Spectrastatic - Applique Templates
File Size:	19 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Mandarin Shimmer, Sunset Spectrastatic - Applique Templates
File Size:	14 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Star, Dawn, Apple, Moon Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	14 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Marigold Spectrastatic, rest of Pink Coral Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	13 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Wasabi Shimmer - Applique Templates
File Size:	21 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Without further ado...let's get started!

Here is the download link for the Block 1 instructions that you can print off and reference:

Block 1 Instructions - Beautiful Things QAL
File Size:	44 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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 A total list of what you'll need to cut:

Blizzard Shimmer:
14 1/2" x WOF (for the applique background)
(2) 10 1/2" x 6" rectangles
(2) 6" x 9" rectangles
(2) 2 1/2" x 8 1/2" strips
(8) 2 1/2" squares
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Citron Shimmer: (2) 4 1/2" squares

Wasabi Shimmer: (2) 6" x 9" rectangles

Caribbean Shimmer: Applique Templates only

Graphite Shimmer: Applique Templates only

If you'd like, print 2 of my "madi loves HSTs" pages (download link below) to create your HST units. Use a short stitch length and print the file off at 100% to-scale on lightweight paper. If you have your own favorite way of creating half-square triangle units , feel free to digress from my method :) However you choose to make them, your HSTs should be 2" finished (to create an 8" finished star block).

madi loves HSTs
File Size:	64 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Make sure to press half your HST units to the white side, and half to the green side. That way, they nest nicely when you stitch them together :) 

​Assemble your rows of HSTs and 2 1/2" squares (as shown to the right). Sew with a 1/4" seam. Press your seams out. 

Ignore the fact that I was obviously having a mom brain moment when taking the picture to the left :D Your finished star block should look like the one on the right, and measure 8 1/2" unfinished.

​Add your white strips to the sides and the 10 1/2" x 6" rectangles to the tops of the star blocks.

For the applique bit, make sure your WOF cut is squared up and at least 14 1/2 x 43." 

I traced my templates on FlexiFuse (and used some of the FlexiFuse pre-printed templates (AMAZING!)), ironed them in place on high heat with no steam for 10 to 20 seconds, and then cut them out with regular scissors.

In future blocks, you'll want detail scissors for things like the butterfly cutouts, etc. 

I found that 5" of white space on either side of the block was perfect and then I evenly spaced my applique pieces and placed my pieces 1 1/2" from the bottom of the block. 

The Graphite Shimmer lettering "shadows" underneath the Caribbean Shimmer lettering, so I offset mine by 1/8" to 1/4," just by eye.

I didn't want to disturb my perfectly placed pieces, so I slipped this Cutterpillar tempered glass top under my project, right on top of my cutting mat, and it worked wonders! It did take a little longer to fuse in place because the glass absorbs some of the heat. But I checked my cutting mat and it didn't get hot underneath!

I stitched my applique in place with a blanket stitch. I also love using a straight stitch 1/16" away from the edge of the piece. DON'T FORGET to trim your WOF piece after you're done with the applique. Stitching the applique will cause it to shrink a little so measure twice, and cut once ;) 

Your background piece will need to be cut down to 14" x 42 1/2." Ensure that you trim from the top and equally on the sides, if need be, and that as you trim, it's square with your applique lettering.

Finally, I added my star blocks to the side of the applique block. ​

I WILL have the video link later today...it will be posted shortly. I had to finish editing it somewhere where I actually have decent wi-fi! You'll be able to find the link here, and I'll send out an email update as soon as it's ready.

Thanks for following along...and don't forget you have until Monday, October 26th to finish your block and post it on IG or FB to enter to win the next GIVEAWAY! Don't forget to tag me @madi_hastings so I know you posted.

Annnnd I'll be sending out guaranteed prizes via email for every single person that posts their block. Show me all the quilty goodness!

Thank you all for your goodness, patience, and love. It means a lot!