If you've been following the Just Takes 2 quilt from the beginning of the year and have made your blocks every two weeks you're in for a real treat. The April 1st patterns also include instructions to put together the first section of the quilt. It's a stunner! I know you'll be as excited as we are to continue working on the quilt.

Brenda and I have been dazzled by the wonderful fabric combinations some of you are using. It's makes us think we could make these blocks over and over again in a myriad of fabrics and never tire of looking at them.

There are four blocks to make this time.

Block 25

Use this hand piecing tutorial to construct Block 25 and you'll be done in no time at all. Press the center seam allowances in a circular rotation and your center will lay nice and flat.

Block 26

Block 27

Block 28

Block 27 is our most challenging applique block so far. I thought it would be a good time for some extra information on back basting and needle turn applique techniques. I've become a big fan of a technique called Back Basting. If you've never tried it I encourage you to give it a whirl. There's a complete photo tutorial listed under Instructions in the sidebar.
I'll include some photos here of the block we're working on but the instructions in the tutorial are the ones to use. You can also watch the Skillbuilder video below on needleturn applique if you'd like to learn more about the tools I use and how I do some of my stitching.

The applique pattern comes printed on four pages of paper. You'll need to tape them together to create a master pattern.

Trace the design on wrong side of background fabric.

You can always use a light table if you can't see through your fabric.

Using the drawn stitching lines, baste applique fabric in position.

I still feel more comfortable with a line to follow when doing my applique so I mark on top of my basting.

Cut out around your basting adding a generous 1/8" seam allowance.

Clip the seam allowance on inner curves.

Stitch to where leaf and plume pieces need to be separated.

Using a pair of sharp embroidery scissors cut down between the basting to divide the pieces for applique.

A completed leaf and plume corner.

Reverse applique diamonds. If you don't like reverse applique you can cut diamond shapes and applique them on top. Your block will be beautiful either way!

I didn't have my large square ruler with me so I cut a square of freezer paper the size I needed to trim my block to. I marked the quarters on the paper and on my block, matched them up and ironed the freezer paper to the block. I used my rotary cutter and ruler to trim away the excess.

There are instruction in this set of patterns to put together Section A of the quilt. We included lots of pictures instead of numbers so you shouldn't have any trouble arranging the blocks.

It's fun to see some of the sections sewn together.

We can't wait to see how your blocks look! Click on the link below to get your blocks and section assembly instructions.

Just Takes 2™ Blocks for April 1 - Click here