Best Tactics

Are there actually best tactics? Not entirely. I’ve found that block assembly is a deeply personal choice and often left ambiguous in the final steps of a pattern. Mine is no exception. I encourage you to assemble the blocks into rows, then the rows into the final quilt.

My method for making this all come together in the most efficient fashion was to chain piece blocks together, and then join pieces further to make the rows come together. Seems like a “no-duh” scenario, but believe me that there was once a time where I would stop and start to make sure I stayed in order.

So let your inhibitions go and get to piecing those rows! My quick videos here show me chain piecing and pressing to achieve maximum awesomeness… I mean, efficiency.

Finish the Top

Now that all of those rows are pieced, let’s get it finished!

Once that quilt top is pieced, I do recommend doing some tidying up on the back side. Believe me, it is obnoxious. You just want to be done, right? But give future you a head start and make sure all those seams are pressed, those extra threads are trimmed, and all of your seams have enough seam allowance. This is the time to fix anything that has potential to be bothersome later.

I’ve found that some of my ribbon pieces aren’t fully within the seams, so a little unpicking and a restitch can really help your quilt hold up for many many years!

Post on Instagram and Giveaway Details

There will be TWO winners this week! Post a picture of your quilt top on your Instagram account by Sunday, 5:00pm PST to be entered to win the final giveaway. Be sure to use the hashtags #CastroQAL and #CastroQuilt, and follow @RubyStarSociety and @HummingbirdLaneFabrics to be entered.

If your account is private, please send me a screen shot to my DMs of your post so I can count you in! Winner will be announced on Sunday on my Instagram.

First Prize will be a half yard bundle of the Speckled fabrics and a sticker swag bundle from Ruby Star Society!

Second Prize will be a Fat Quarter bundle of Pura Vida Batiks from Hummingbird Lane Fabrics!

The Week 5 giveaway prize is open to US residents only.