Free Christmas Block for Quilt Along with Quilting Gallery

I was thrilled when the lovely Michele from Quilting Gallery invited me to participate in her Christmas Quilt Along.

How does the quilt-along work? Over a 12-week period, 36 fabulously talented designers will be making 12″ blocks that you can make for free. You can pick and choose which blocks you want to make. Sash them, add borders, baste it, quilt it, and have it ready to give-away or keep for yourself this Christmas. Or you might want to use some of the blocks for a mini quilt, a table runner, bags, whatever you like.
Michele has also set up a Christmas Quilt Along Flickr page so that you can showcase your blocks, prizes to be won.

And this week it is my turn to release another free block and here it is.

After the release of my new Christmas in Italy quilt pattern, I couldn't resist the temptation to design a block to accompany it. The block incorporates needleturn applique and some simple hand embroidery which is then framed by a patchwork border.

Click here now to request the pattern

To give participants a helping hand I have put together a tutorial for you with some helpful tips for completing this block. It includes a video to show you how to work a blind hemming stitch and how to achieve perfect corners.

Tips Number One - Trace each shape accurately onto freezer paper, use a Stanley knife to form a placement template for positioning the windows and door.

Tip Number Two - Use YLI silk thread in a matching colour and a fine applique needle for appliquing.

Tip Number Three - Use good quality embroidery floss and an embroidery hoop. Click here to watch video demonstrations of the hand embroidery stitches used in this pattern.

Tip Number Four - Use a water soluble marker pen with a fine tip, I use a blue and a white depending on the fabric colour. A fine tip will ensure that the templates do not grow in size!

Tip Number Five - Use an invisible hemming stitch for applique and double fold the corners

to achieve a point. Take a few minutes to watch my video demonstration.

Hope you have enjoyed my 5 tips for sewing this Christmas block. For more free patterns and other "how to" tutorials visit www.stitchingcow.com today. Have fun!

Warmly Lenna