Hey Sewcialites! Here we go again with T.G.IF.! Friday not only means the end of the week is here, but also that we have a new Sewcialites 2 release to explore! This week Jackie MacDonald of Sweetfire Road makes her contribution to the Sewcialites 2 project with Block 3, “Patchy Days Block.” Jackie grew up surrounded by apple orchards and open fields dotted with Queen Anne’s lace and cows. Her style is described as illustrative, romantic, warm, and sentimental. Her work is highly inspired by her favorite flea market treasures, and sentimental memories from her life and childhood.
Jackie loves her design for “Patchy Days“ because it celebrates two things she has a total thing for – 4 patch blocks and half-square triangles. She combined the two styles and came up with a patchwork block pattern that uses flying geese and four patches to create an eye-catching design. Traditional and fun, Jackie gives “Patchy Days” an “intermediate” rating on the block skill level scale. In other words, this is not a super difficult block but it may be challenging for the unseasoned beginner. Either way, it’s the perfect opportunity for practice to make perfect across the board!
As I mentioned in earlier posts, for my blocks I’ve decided to use my Garden Gatherings fabric line leaving out the five tans. For the background I plan to use a selection from the Garden Gatherings Shirtings Collection, #49176 15 – a cream fabric with an adorable tiny mustard/orange floral print. Up until now I’ve been a bit behind and have only had the digital renditions to show you, but this week I’m happy to say I’m caught up and have the real thing to share. What do you think of my version of “Patchy Days Block? Are you planning to use Garden Gatherings as well, or have you chosen something else? Let me know in the comments! I’m super curious to know what everyone is doing…
Remember, this quilt has three size options including 3”, 6”, and 9” – I am doing the 6″ version. I just love Garden Gatherings – I can’t wait to see this quilt all finished… I think it’s going to be a real stunner. Since I didn’t have photos available when I talked about the first two block releases of Patchy Days Block,“ I posted them below today so you have an idea of what this quilt is starting to look like. Here are Blocks 1 (on the left) and 2 complete… 
I know, I know, totally delicious, right!? I can’t get enough of the tiny floral prints combined with such a fantastic color palette of eye-candy. It’s one of my favorite collections of all time! If you’re crushing on this fabric line like I am and want to do your Sewcialites 2 quilt the same way, simply follow the link below to shop Garden Gatherings for all the fabric you need!
I know many of you are still trying to decide whether or not to participate in Sewcialites 2. One of the best things about this quilt-along is it’s never too late to start – you can join us at any time! Previously released blocks will be posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page along with my blog in the Sewcialites 2 Block Archive, which is listed in the main menu of links at the top of the page. Ready to jump into your version of “Patchy Days Block?“ You can find the full pattern and instructions by visiting Jackie’s blog at Sweetfire Road!
Newly released blocks can also always be found on Kim’s blog The Jolly Jabber, along with a video tutorial on her YouTube Livestream the same day. Each designer will also post their own block to either their blog or their website on that day as well. I will also be posting each block release here on MY blog every Friday for your convenience. Fabric requirements and all block patterns will be posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page, which you can access by clicking the link below. If you’d like to get automatic updates on Sewcialites 2 you can subscribe to the blog by signing up in the Email subscription box by visiting the Landing Page, or by subscribing to the YouTube channel by clicking HERE.
I really hope everyone has a great weekend. Our unseasonably warm weather blew away last night as a huge system of rain blew in. We’re supposed to see up to three inches today in our area, which I can totally believe since it’s coming down like cats and dogs as we speak (and here we just put the kayaks away for the season)! Not only that, I’ve been getting wind gust warnings on my weather ap all day. But you know? I don’t mind. To me it’s the perfect excuse to stay inside and put a dent into some of the billion projects I’m working on. If I do venture out I guess I’ll just have to tie my bonnet strings a little bit tighter. Really, it’s all the same to me. It’s not even that bad out yet, believe me. Things are about to get MUCH worse. LOL!
Alright gang, I will see you all again next week! Don’t forget to join us for Shop Talk with Shelley at 9:30 a.m CST on Tuesday. We’ll be discussing our new Rug Hooking Club, some shop announcements, our Primitive Christmas event, and maybe – just maybe, Shelley will have a sneak-peek of one of the projects we’re working on for that. You don’t wanna miss it! Tune in by hitting the link below. Take care and see you soon! ~Lisa
