It’s finally here – Day 1 of the Bullseye quiltalong.
My blocks are smaller than yours – don’t worry – I’m going to do a small quilt this time.
1. Take one 9″ background square and one 8″ dark square.
2. Fold the dark square into fourths and finger press.
3. Cut a quarter circle freehand.
4. My circle is not perfect which is ok.
5. Place the circle on the right side of the background square and pin.
6. Reduce stitch length and start stitching 1/4″ from raw edge of circle.
7. Stitch all the way around the circle. Any thread color will do.
8. Flip block over and make a small snip through the background fabric only.
9. Carefully cut out the circle of background fabric leaving 1/4″ beyond stitching.
10. Lay the block and circle aside.
11. Repeat for all your blocks.
I’ll give you two weeks to complete Step 1.
Questions asked in the comment section will be answered in the comment section. If you asked a question, don’t forget to look there for my answer.
Remember – this is fun because it’s not exact, it’s not fussy and it’s not a Baltimore Album quilt! Smile!
I love it and I’m with you. It’s not an heirloom quilt!
Thank you Mary for doing this again. I started it the last time you did this and some how got side tracked by something else. Now I have a real excuse to pull it back out and finish it. Doing mine in blacks and whites
Yeppy, ready, set, go!
I’m glad we have 2 weeks to get this stage done, I’ll need it.
I laughed so hard here over your not a Baltimore Album comment! That is so true and this quilt is so forgiving and fun to make. Thanks for bringing a bright spot to our days!
I laughed too!
Diane in MD – I’m not sure why everyone questions me about this quilt. They just don’t believe me when I tell them how to do it and they think they know better than me! I am blown away by their disbelief and ongoing questions. The problem is, it’s just too easy and nobody believes what a nice quilt it is when finished. It’s just not a Baltimore Album quilt – haha!!
I am going to make one. There have been so many pretty ones! We’ll see how my fabric choices turn out.
Ok after all my questions about doing one, I have all my blocks cut and I’m In!!
And already I have a few questions. (1) when you say cut a quarter circle, does that me anything specific as far as measurements (I saw the ruler underneath) or just cut a curve that may end up looking like a circle, and (2) why do I need to cut the hole out of the back of the square block? Do I have to or can I leave it?
Sorry, I am a question person, want to know upfront the “whys” and you all are so great and helping me. Thank you in adnvance.
Holly in MN
Holly Christian – it means nothing in terms of measurement except that you’re starting with an 8” block so it will end up being about 8” across. I cut out the back because by the time you finish, you’ll have 4 layers – a very heavy quilt. Bulky and heavy making it very stiff after it’s been quilted. No, you don’t have to but I wouldn’t like the quilt if it was as stiff as a board, would you?
Good Point, that’s what was in my mind, but I wasn’t sure if there was another reason, for instance do we use those circles somewhere else in the quilt. I will be cutting out the circles.
Thank you!
Holly Christian – lots of people use them as a circle in the next round.
I love that this is not suppose to be exact and perfect but a fun way to play with fabrics. Yea, 2 weeks to get part one done. Thanks for taking us along on the journey.
Hi Mary – I love this quilt and it has been on my to do list for many years. What do you think about using flannels for this quilt? Do you think it would ravel too much? Just a thought since I have quilt a lot of flannel. Thanks for doing this sew along!!
Susan and Nicole, my first one was made with all assorted flannels I had. I love mine !
Thanks – I think I will use flannel!
Thank you! Am looking forward to giving it a go!
I am doing mine all flannel so I hope a flannel background doesn’t make it too heavy. Thanks. I’m looking forward to the fun!
Hi Mary, Thank you for helping us make this quilt with a quilt along. I am a little late to the party, but I have decided to play along after making a test block. It was so easy. It reminds me of a ragtime quilt because of the forgiving nature of the process.
Thank you Mary. So excited to be be doing this quilt with everyone.
I like the idea of doing a smaller version. Hmmm, decisions, decisions! Thanks Mary! Not a Baltimore Album quilt, haha! Jan in MA
Hello,
Just found your site and would love to join along in this sew along. Made a bulls-eye quilt many years ago. In addition to it being a lot of fun, it turned out beautiful. My only question is how many blocks are you recommending we make? Or is that up to us? Can’t wait to get started.
Thank you.
Judy – that is entirely up to you!
Thanks Mary. I used different fabric for all 48 blocks. I have been placing fabs here and there and getting excited.
Hello Mary. I am so grateful to have found the book from an online thrift store. Thank you Donna Lind for trading it in whoever you are. I so enjoyed the story about Aunt Amy and the relics she left behind. I have a living Great Aunt Stella, 104 this year and her second pandemic. My grandmother, Stellas sister, was the oldest of the 14 kids. Stella is one of the younger ones, but not the youngest. I have so enjoyed visiting her and talking about everything.
Holly – as she tells you stories, write them down for future readers. Before our mom died we asked her to write some of her childhood memories in a journal. I hope she lives to be 110!