Block 2 Bella Skill Builder quilt along

 Yippee! I finished my Second Bella Skill builder group of blocks.

I opted to use fusible interfacing applique method for my blocks.

You can find the pattern links from the Fat Quarter Shop blog .

There is even a video to help you on You-tube.

I have the It's Sew Emma Orange Peel templates in the exact sizes I needed for these blocks.

Interfaced petals are basically done by tracing the shape on the smooth side of the interfacing.

Trim to about 1/4" from the outline.

Place the interfacing rough side down on the right side of the fabric.

Sew around the outline, make a small slit in the back of the petal interfacing and turn right side out.

Finger press the edges.

I pinned my petals to the background and then ironed them in place.

I sewed my appliques to the background squares by machine.

I learned after making 64 of the petals that using a smaller stitch length worked best.

I tried to coordinate my applique thread with the petal fabric.

When stitching the blocks together, the interfacing petals were quite a bit more bulky than I expected them to be.

A tip is to begin stitching at the beginning of the block furthest away from the where the petal tips meet.

When you stitch close to the points, slow down to make sure that you maintain the 1/4" seam allowance.

I might also suggest starting with the 4" petals first, smaller petals are definitely more challenging.

I thought it would be a great idea to show how my blocks progress each month...

The cat immediately attacked them.

My daughter lured her away with treats :)