Nothing but Love Quilt Along - Affection

Hi friends! I hope you're as excited to make the first block in the Nothing but Love QAL as I am. This is Affection - a gentle feeling of fondness or liking - which is just the feeling to start off our quilt-along journey whether you are a novice or seasoned quilter. This block is simple and sweet and uses traditional piecing and stitch and flip techniques.

My two-color version used Moda's "My Redwork Garden" by Bunny Hill Designs. The selvage tagline:

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. by Audrey Hepburn

really sums up the hope and excitement I have at the start of the new year and a new project. I want to keep feelings of joy and love (like the holiday spirit) going as long as possible and spread it like wildfire!

The Block Pattern

I want to take this opportunity to explain my patterns for this quilt along.

Since the original version is two-color, that is how I wrote the pattern. Each release date you will see my original block, the pattern mock-up block, and the new block. I hope that this will help you see how the pattern can be modified to fit your taste and color choices. My goal is to help you make a quilt that you love, so feel free to play with it and change it up however you like.

For clarification on the pattern mock-blocks the red and white are for the red and white, and the pink is for the red/white prints. Also, you will see in my blocks that I like that scrappy sparkle so I tend to use multiple reds, prints, and whites in each version which is not always noted in the pattern.

In my new version using spring pastels (mostly from Riley Blake's "Adel in Spring" by Sandy Gervais) you will see a more traditional use of color and background to create each block, however I will switch it up sometimes and make the color be the background. These are the things that make quilting such a creative adventure!!

So without further ado, here is the downloadable pattern for Block 1 -Affection:

Affection Quilt Block Pattern

.pdf

Download PDF • 899KB

If you have any questions or issues with downloading please ask here or on the contact page.

Making the Affection Block - Tips and Tutorial

Starting out I wanted to share a few things I do to keep my pieces and seams as accurate as possible.

1. I cut on the outside of my ruler line - meaning I put my desired measurement line on the inner edge of the fabric when I cut it. This gives me just a smidge extra for stitching and pressing allowances.

2. I use a scant 1/4" seam allowance. So instead of smushing my fabric against the 1/4" foot guide, I keep it just a smidge (like a ruler line) away.

3. I keep my fabric folded in half when I cut (whenever possible) to be more efficient.

Cut all the pieces out. (I warned you about linear designs - see that wonky plaid!)

Stitch and Flip to make the heart.

Pressing and putting together - I have switched to the "open seams team" whenever possible because it makes the block so much flatter and easier to quilt later. I have had very few problems lining up matching junctions and they are easier to sew. I typically only press to the dark side for lining up nine patches or if there is alot of piecing on one side and none on the other because the seam can get wrinkly.

Last tip - when sewing the rows together for this block, I put the heart (center row) on top so I could watch my points. Sew right on the outside of where the stitches cross to make the point. Here's a short video to illustrate:

Don't forget that it is so much more fun when you share your progress on the blog, Instagram, or Facebook. Don't forget to use the hashtags #nothingbutloveQAL #affectionblock or tag me @polkadotpeepquiltsetc

There are link buttons to my Instagram and Facebook on my website.

You can also sign up and join my community here on Wix (or the Wix Spaces app). I am currently working to fix that up for you guys!

Don't forget next week I will be discussing and demonstrating the CROSSHATCH quilting motif.

Here is the quilt along schedule (with links for you to catch up anytime):

Nothing but Love Schedule

December 20, 2021 - Quilt Along Intro & Details

Ring in the New Year with Nothing but Love (polkadotpeep.com)

January 10, 2022 – Get Ready: Prep the Fabrics & Batting

Let's Get Prepped for Nothing but Love (polkadotpeep.com)

January 17 – Affection

January 31 – Refuge

February 14 – Joyful

February 28 – Adoration

March 14 – Devotion

March 28 – Inspiration

April 11 – Besotted

April 25 – Admiration

May 9 – Infatuation

May 23 – Faithful

June 6 – Smitten

June 20 – Cherish

July 4 – Patience

July 18 – Comfort

August 1 – Grateful

August 15 –Hopeful

August 29 – Enamored

September 12 - Sashing It All Together & Finishing Details

**Each “between block” Monday there will be a post for quilting the blocks:

January 24, February 7 & 21, March 7 & 21, April 4 & 18, May 2 & 16 & 30, June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22, September 5

Have fun making your blocks - I can't wait to see!

With much affection, be blessed my friends,

Tara