Today the very first block in a lovely new quilt-along – Quilt and Shine has gone live over on Michelle’s Creative Blonde blog, it’s really gorgeous 🙂

The block Michelle is making, uses 8 triangles per block, which gives a lovely effect, reminding me of the “moon and stars”.

The low cal version of Quilt and Shine uses 4 triangles per block, also has a kind of  twinkly effect. If you’re making the low cal version of the Quilt and Shine sampler, follow the steps below….

Using 1 Fat Eighth bundle or Layer cake, plus background, you’re just a couple of easy steps from having your block ready to join in, quilt and shine 🙂

Making the “low cal” setting for each block – Downloadable PDF format

For the low cal version of #QuiltandShine, blocks are framed using just 4 triangles, which when the quilt is sewn together, form a little star motif in each corner

  

 

Perhaps you’re going for a scrappy stars effect, or possibly more co-ordinated, where similar colours make up the corners of the stars (or even both) 🙂

A colouring sheet is available for you to use to plan your colours…

QuiltandShine Low cal option & colouring sheet

So let’s reach for the rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat….

If using a Layer cake or Fat Eighth bundle:

• Cut 32 rectangles measuring 8″ x 4″ from some of the colourful fabrics.
  
• Then with right side up, slice each rectangle diagonally from bottom left, to top right (see pic).It’s really important to slice all the rectangles this way, so they make the star shape, when joined up.

• Repeat until you have 64 triangles. You’ll need just 4 pieces per block, reserve the remaining pieces to make your “low cal” block as you go, throughout the year.

From your background fabric, cut 16 – 12″ x 12″ squares

Place background square right side up, with the four corner triangles next to the corners of your 12″ square, (see pic below), this really helped in the next step….

At each corner measure 6″ along the edge to the right, and mark a dot.

At each corner measure 3″ along the edge to the left, and mark another dot.

Next, using an erasable pen, draw a line to join the dots as shown (see pic above)

Now you have a guide as to where to position your triangles 🙂

Place triangles right side down, so the longest edge just touches the diagonal line marked in pen.

Pin each triangle in position, there should be an even amount of point, either end.

Using a 1/4 ” inch seam allowance, sew the triangles along the longest edge.

Flip triangles over, your’re almost there!

Press lightly – It’s a good idea to use a pressing cloth with a hot iron, to protect the little metallic touches.

To complete, trim to 12″ square – remember to save trimmings, they will come in useful in future block 😉

Now your first “low cal” block is complete, you’re already to hop over to Michelle at Creative Blonde for Block 1 of Quilt and Shine – Glow Flies

It’s going to be such a fun block to make, and Michelle’ choice of background is so appropriate for this one.

We’re so looking forward to seeing your quilts grow.

From our little hive to yours,

Dawn x X

Honeybee Cloths
http://www.honeybeecloths.co.uk