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Writer's pictureSarah Fielke

Courting Sew Along Week 2

By popular request last week, I am posting the Sew Along instructions here as well as on the regular blog so that you dont have to go back and forth - theres a little extra pattern especially for you at the bottom though :)​


If you would like to join in with the Sew Along, all you need is the Courting pattern, available as a PDF download from my website. This is the second post for the Sew Along, there will be two more, on Wednesday May 15 and 22 respectively.


I hope you have all had a chance to choose your fabrics and get organised. This week we are going to make the hearts for the centre of your Courthouse Steps blocks. Depending on which size quilt you have chosen to make, you will need - 

  • King - 9 hearts

  • Queen - 9 hearts

  • Single - 6 hearts

  • Throw - 9 hearts

  • Cot -  4 hearts




There are 9 of the heart block foundation papers at the end of the pattern. Print the required number out onto foundation paper before you begin sewing, and put a fresh needle into your sewing machine.


Don't forget that in addition to the photos below, the pattern comes with access to a comprehensive video tutorial about how to foundation paper piece these little pretties on the My Content page, scroll down to the Courting Tutorial. (Log in first to access)


You can find foundation paper here and add a quarter rulers here at my website. In the photos below, I am using pieces of fabric that I have cut roughly out, rather than the more precise measurements given in the pattern. This is how I usually FPP - I just cut a strip of fabric to the largest measurement needed, then chop smaller pieces off the strip as I go to piece with. Its quicker, and it also gives you a bit more fabric to play with as you sew - but you can't write a pattern that way! ;-)


Cut each paper heart block template out ROUGHLY - a little way outside the outer line of the template. Do not cut them out on the line.



The printed side of the paper is your SEWING line. The blank side of the paper is where your fabric goes. You will find detailed instructions in the pattern, and also in the video that is included with the pattern.


One of the most important things to remember as you FPP is the trimming away step. It takes all the bulk out of your block, but it also gives you an accurate reference for where your next piece of fabric should be lined up. As a refresher, lay your piece of cardboard along the sewing line between the two pieces you are about to sew, covering the piece already attached to the paper. Fold the paper back sharply along the line against the card. Trim back any of the fabric that is protruding PAST 1/4” from the crease using a ruler - a 1/4" ruler is excellent for this.





Remove the card, fold the paper open along the crease and turn the paper over to the fabric side to start again. 


Repeat these steps with each piece of fabric in order, until you have covered the whole heart with fabric. Trim the paper and any excess fabric back to the outside line of the block.



Do not remove the foundation papers until you have sewn the first two rows of strips in the block, and the heart is completely surrounded. Then you can turn the block over and remove the papers along the stitching lines. 


Your hearts should measure 2 1/2” square. Make 9 (or the number needed for your quilt layout).


This week is a quickie! Next week we will start to sew your blocks together. If you want to get ahead, you can start thinking about what order your fabrics will go in for each block, and cut some of the 2 1/2" strips out according to your pattern. 


This week I have a little giveaway for you!



I would love to see everyones blocks as they build up... please post a pic to social media, either on Instagram using the hashtag #courtingquilt AND #stitchymites OR to Facebook, either tagging Sarah Fielke Textile Designer or post it in my Sarah Fielke Quilts Facebook group - please make sure you also mention in your post that you are a Stitchymite. Each post will earn you TWO entries to win this little heart pinnie and a pair of little scissors - one for the general giveaway, and one for a second pincushion I made especially for the Smites. That gives you double the chance to win.


The pinnie is the perfect size to tuck into your sewing tin or pouch when you're on the go! It's all stitched up and ready to post out to someone. Entries are open until May 22 (the final week of the Sew Along), you can enter as many times as you like and I will announce the winner in the final Sew Along post on the 22nd.


If you would like to make one of these little cuties for yourself, here's how!


First you need a 2 1/2" square. I used the Heart block from the Courting quilt but you can use anything you like.


Cut a second 2 1/2" square for the lining of the scissor pocket.


Place the two squares right sides together and stitch along the top edge. Open the pair out and iron them along the seam, with the wrong sides together.




Cut two pieces of fabric, each 2 1/2" x 4 1/2".


Place the front rectangle piece right side up on the table. Place your 2 1/2" pocket piece right side up on top of it, with the raw edges of the pocket lines up with the raw edges at the bottom of the rectangle. Lay the rectangle piece for the back of the pinnie over the top with right sides together. Pin.



Stitch all around the pinnie using a 1/4" seam, leaving a gap of around 1 1/2" at the top right hand side, just above the pocket. This is for turning.



Turn the pinnie right side out, pushing all the corners and edges out sharply, and press.




Stuff the pinnie with toy fill - take care not to stuff it too much, as the scissors won't sit right and you also won't see the heart properly if its too rounded. It should be quite flat. You can use some walnut shells or similar if you would like to, but I just used the stuffing.


Ladder stitch the opening shut and pop your little scissors into the pocket! These make such a nice gift for a sewing group as well as for yourself, as they're quick to make and useful for anyone's kit!


Thanks peeps! See you next week!


Sarah

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