behind the seams

To finish off this quilt, I chose a simple and satisfying technique. Wingin' it! My layout is the order of the albums from Taylor Swift to TLOAS. Stitch the squares together into rows of three. Then stitch the rows together so you have a layout of 3 x 4 blocks.

This week both blocks are raw edge applique. The Cheer cone calls back to the high school fantasy of Fearless and the visuals of You Belong with Me. Use embroidery thread to embellish with the classic TSwift "13".

Happy Halloween Weekend, Sewists! Last night was cold and windy and it only felt right to go back to the album that "killed" the old Taylor. Reputation! This block is a simple one with raw edge applique. The additional document gives you instructions for cutting out your pieces but honestly, you could figure this one out on your own. It's a simple coffin shape with some scrappy blades of grass. Using black thread for an illustrative touch, I'll use more when quilting it

Welcome to new block! I made a very simple polaroid block for this week's addition to the wall hanging. So simple in fact that no additional documents are needed to share the instructions. Start by cutting your background fabric, I cut mine to 8.5 x 8.5" to give me plenty of wiggle room. Next, cut a white background for your motif - 4.5" by 6.5".

I have a small confession to make- I am not the biggest fan of the new album. I won't get into my monologue but essentially, I don't feel connected the way I once did. Could it be that I'm too old to fall head over heels for a body of work? Am I reading into things too closely? Could it be that I don't connect to the themes or the lifestyle she's promoting? Like I said, I won't get into my monologue. So, I need more time to come up with our TS12 block.

Everything will fall into place like dominos - as long as your seam allowance is consistent. In my original of the evermore block sample, I needed to expand my strip set pieces because I came up half an inch short -but only on one side. I've never claimed to be a precision quilter but it was meant to be a square and I couldn't understand why it became a rectangle! Until I flipped it over and noticed the skew, half my strip square pieces were 1/4 " short.

Today's block is Lover! To celebrate our parasocial bestie getting engaged and the new music she wrote while she was falling in love. It's the start of a new era! It's all still fresh but I'm curious to find out which tracks will be fan favourites, radio hits and which will get their own music videos.

Keeping it very traditional today! Here's a block that is so quick to piece you might make several (like I did). This block is classic like autumn leaves falling like pieces into place.

Today, we are embracing our inner tortured poet and visiting the Black Dog. I thought this would make a stark appliqué block. This gritty heartfelt album has a lot of candidates and runner-ups but once I found this Old School library card fabric, I knew it had to be used.

If you have metallics, greys and creams in your stash, pull them out! Before you begin FPP, make sure you have a large enough textile to cover both pieces.

The time has come to start stitchin'! I am so excited to share this project while I count down the days till we have new music. This week...

Today, I'm giving you my Blooming Blocks baby pattern. See the digital mockup below. If you would like to recreate this quilt in the same fabrics, I have kits available in both baby and throw size (50x60).

Starting September 5th, I will be releasing a free quilt block per week inspired by Taylor Swift and all her different Eras. In anticipation of TS12, I have designed twelve different blocks. There is a mix of foundation paper pieced, traditionally pieced and (mostly optional) applique blocks.