Poplar Tree – Block 10 of the Little Forest BOM

It’s the official countdown to the end of the Little Forest Block of the Month quilt along with only 3 more blocks to go! This month, you’ll be stitching up the Poplar tree quilt block 😉

But first, a quick recap of what you’ve learned so far in the Little Forest Block of the Month Quilt Along featured in Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine:

• Needle turn appliqué on the maple trees featured in the Little Forest block
• Half Rectangle Triangles (or HRT) in the pine tree featured in the Twin Peaks block
• Curves and Foundation Paper Piecing in the cherry blossom tree featured in the Cherry Tree block
• Small and strip piecing featured in the Bonsai quilt block.
• Raw edge appliqué as shown in the Maple tree block.
• Strip piecing featured in the Striped Pine quilt block.
• Flying geese and the stitch and flip method in the Stacked Pine quilt block.
• Colour play and FPP in the Larch Tree quilt block.

To keep things fun and interesting, the Poplar tree quilt block will challenge you to traditionally piece oval half curves.

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.

INSPIRATION BEHIND THE POPLAR TREE QUILT BLOCK

It’s a full-on winter wonderland outside and we’re in the deep throws of winter here in Canada.

This time of year would be so bleak if it weren’t for the trees breaking up all the gray and white. Their muted shades of green and brown soften the harshness of the gleaming snow and the hardness of our country’s infrastructure. Even trees that lose their leaves in the Wintertime, the sculptural shape of their branches offers visual interest in an otherwise bleak landscape.

One of the trees that comes to mind when I think of sculptural tree branches is the gorgeous Poplar tree.

When Spring returns, the buds will appear and soon it will be back to having a glorious oval canopy shape. It seemed like the perfect tree to include in the Little Forest BOM quilt along.

And it also happens to be the first block I designed as part of the Little Forest quilt 😉

QUILT TECHNIQUE FEATURED IN THE POPLAR TREE QUILT BLOCK

When I submitted the designs for the Poplar quilt block, I actually submitted two different techniques: needle turn appliqué and traditionally pieced oval curves. I was so excited for you to choose your quilty adventure with the Poplar tree quilt block; however, it looks like only the traditionally pieced ovals were included.

Option 1 – Needle Turn Appliqué

You tackled this quilting technique in the very first block you made – the Little Forest quilt block.

Instead of appliquéing circles, you’ll be appliquéing ovals in two different sizes. This will help you get the feel for how to hand-stitch the different curves.

The seamless results are hard to beat.

Option 2 – Traditionally Pieced Ovals

Your second option is to go with traditionally pieced ovals using the quilt templates.

The narrower arc of the oval in the Poplar tree can be a little trickier compared to the circle you pieced in the Cherry Tree quilt block. Nothing you can’t handle 😊

TIPS FOR QUILTY SUCCESS

With option 1, I highly recommend thread basting before you start your needle turn appliqué. Read why thread basting has been a game-changer in my own NTA.

If you opt for option 2, make sure to fold to find the center of each of your pieces before you pin. Make sure to pin in the center, then the ends, and then in between.

MATERIALS AND FABRICS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THE POPLAR TREE QUILT BLOCK

Here’s an overview of everything I’ve used to make my Poplar Tree quilt block:

• Poplar Tree Quilt Block Pattern – Available exclusively in Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine Issue 120*
• Ruby and Bee Solids in the colours:
  • Avocado*
  • Pasture
  • Mushroom*
• Linen White for the background, although this* Ruby and Bee solid would work perfectly too!
• Sewing machine*
• Sewing machine needles*
• 50wt thread for piecing*
• Square ruler*
• Rotary cutter*
• Cutting mat*
• Iron*
• Pressing table or wool pressing mat*
• Pins*
• Pincushion
• Small snips*
• Design wall – tutorial to make your own here

MONTHLY GIVEAWAY

Since the name of the game is piecing curves this month, I thought it would be fun to keep that quilty play going with the Lunar Eclipse quilt pattern!

Participating in the monthly Little Forest BOM giveaway is super easy!

All you need to do is:

• Follow @shannonfraserdesigns @lovequiltingmag
• Post your finished block on Instagram by February 15, 2023, at 11:59 pm EST tagging @shannonfraserdesigns and @lovequiltingmag
• Include the hashtag #LittleForestBOM
• Instagram account must be public

The giveaway is open internationally. The winner will be selected at random on February 16, 2023.

The Poplar Tree quilt block pattern is exclusively available in Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine Issue 120* available on newsstands in the UK and heading internationally in the coming weeks. If you’re like me and based outside of Europe, the quickest way to get your hands on the monthly quilt blocks is to get a digital subscription here*.

Can’t wait to see your blocks pop up on Instagram under the #LittleForestBOM hashtag!

Happy quilting!

xo

Shannon

PS did you notice the cute Bonsai and Little Forest stickers in the shop?!

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