Dash Along Sew Along :: Round Two

Three years ago, Jen at Heritage Threads, and I hosted the first Dash Along. We devised a super easy Churn Dash block using a 10" Layer Cake and we used it for a Christmas in July sew along. I made my quilt in Christmas fabric, and Jen made hers in non-Christmas fabric, as an option to give as a Christmas gift.

This year I wanted to make another Churn Dash quilt using Halloween fabric. Unfortunately, Jen won't be sewing along, as she already has a plate full of other obligations, but I'd love for you to join me if you can! I've got some fun prizes to give away each week for those who participate!

One of the things that you'll love about this quilt along is how simple it is to cut these 12" Churn Dash blocks using 10" fabric squares and some yardage for the background. There are two size options, so you get to decide what size quilt you're going to make. 

I've already got a few test blocks made and I love how they're turning out. This go-around I'm using a Kitty Corn Layer Cake by Urban Chiks for Moda Fabrics. I'm also using Moda Crossweave in Graphite for my background.

You're probably wondering what you'll need. Well, here you go! For the QUILT TOP you will need:

72"x 84" QUILT (42 Blocks)

One (1) Layer Cake

3-1/2 yards background fabric

60" x 72" QUILT (30 Blocks)

One (1) Layer Cake

2-2/3 yards background fabric

Below are links for easy to read instructions with cutting guidelines, and directions on how to assemble the Churn Dash blocks. (A big shout out to Jen's husband for his graphic design skills!)

Click HERE for a printable PDF.

Click HERE for a mobile download.

The DashAlong will begin on Monday, June 21, and we'll be following this time frame:

Week One: Cut the fabrics and sew the "bar" pieces together.
Week Two: Sew and trim the Half Square Triangles.
Week Three: Sew the blocks together.
Week Four: Assemble the blocks into a quilt.

Should we start with a little giveaway? I think so!!! You could win this cute Moda tote bag and a Smoke & Rust Layer Cake from Lella Boutique. Please go to my Instagram feed for all of the details.

I'm really excited and hope that you are, too! 

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @kairleoaks

for all of the sew along updates.

And please use the #DASHALONG hashtag

so that I can see your progress!

Double Dip : Double Four-patch Quilt

Classic Quilts

I've always been drawn to classic quilt patterns, particularly two color quilts. A few months back I saw a beautiful double four-patch quilt on my friend Stephanie's Instagram feed (@stuphfromsteph) and I knew immediately that I wanted to recreate it in green and white. So I got out a pencil and some paper and, with only few mistakes, I figured out the cutting and piecing for the quilt.

I started cutting and sewing fabric, and 240 four-patches later, I was on a roll! One of the obvious benefits of making a two color quilt is that they come together quite quickly, since most of the sewing involves chain piecing. That's my kind of sewing!

It's amazing how quickly four-patches turn into double four-patches, which then turn into 12" blocks. The next thing you know the blocks have turned into quilt top. It's quilt magic, I tell you, and I'm here for it!

It only makes sense that I would send this quilt to Stephanie for the quilting, since it was from her that I first got the idea for this quilt. She quilted it up using the Ginger Snap design and I'm totally in love with how it turned out. I bound the quilt using the same green fabric, trying to keep that classic quilt feel.

Quilt Along

I was touched by all of the positive feedback on my Instagram account as I worked on this double four-patch quilt, and with a little pressure I decided to write up the pattern and do a quilt along for those who would like to join. The pattern is free and the schedule is loose, but here's what I have in mind...

Quilt Along Schedule (April 2021)

April 1 - Cut fabrics

April 5 - Make four-patch blocks

April 12 - Make double four-patch blocks

April 19 - Make 12" blocks

April 26 - Assemble quilt top

I hope that you will join me as I make this quilt again in another color...yet to be determined. I'll be sharing tips and tricks on my Instagram account (@kairleoaks), which I'll save to my highlights. You can get the free Double Dip pattern by clicking on the link below.

Double Dip Quilt Pattern (FREE)

When sharing on social media, please use the hashtag #doubledipquilt and tag me @kairleoaks.