The fifth block of the 2024 Little Forest BOM is here! This month you’ll be focusing on piecing the Lodgepole quilt block.
Kudos for seeing the Little Forest quilt block through! I know needle turn appliqué isn’t for everyone, but the freedom this technique opens up in your quilting is amazing and I didn’t want you to miss out on that!
So far in this modern skill builder, you’ve learned:
- The importance of tracking your progress through the Little Forest BOM Journal.
- Small piecing in the Bonsai Quilt Block, which will set the foundation of your quilting skills.
- How to stitch and flip (aka snowballing) in the Stacked Pine Quilt Block, which is an introduction to piecing on the bias!
- How to achieve nice crisp points with Foundation Paper Piecing and how to piece curves in the Cherry Tree block.
- How to layer motifs with needle turn appliqué in the Little Forest block.
This month, you’ll revisit some of those techniques in a more challenging format to help you really hone the techniques. Read on to find out which ones!
The Little Forest BOM Quilt Pattern is available for instant download!
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Story Behind the Lodgepole Quilt Block
While we’re blessed with lots of different native tree varieties here in Quebec, I still went on the hunt for trees that I could include in the Little Forest quilt. While doing some research, I came across the lodgepole pine. Yup, it’s part of the pine tree family officially known as pinus contorta due to the branches’ tendency to grow twisted. They’re most often found in Western North America closer to the ocean.
I loved the pointy tips I was seeing and decided to bring an abstract flare to the quilted version of a lodgepole pine 😉
Quilting Technique Featured
I’ve combined a couple of techniques you’ve already tackled in this skill builder, but this will challenge you on your piecing accuracy in both of those techniques.
As in some of the previous blocks, I’ve built in a little wiggle room to help, but this modern quilt block will require precision, especially to line up that itty bitty tree trunk!
Foundation paper piecing will help, however, lining them up at the end to pull your block together will take accuracy. Take your time with this step so you avoid having to pull out your seam ripper (ask me how I know this – ha!)
Materials & Notions
Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand to stitch up the Lodgepole quilt block:
- Lodgepole quilt block pattern – part of the Little Forest BOM pattern
- Fabrics in colours:
- Piecing thread
- Sewing machine
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter with these blades
- Rotary cutter for paper templates
- Scissors for paper cutting
- Ruler – long
- Ruler – short
- Small scissors
- Pin cushion
- Pins
- Appliqué pins
- Iron
- Wool pressing mat
- Cardstock (optional)
- Glue stick (optional)
- Erasable marking tool
To make the same version as me you can find the exact kit featuring the same AGF Signature Pure Solids in this quilt kit from Sew Curated.
Top Tips
You’re working with quite a few bias edges, so be mindful of your pressing. I’ve also removed some of the wiggle room to challenge your piecing accuracy 😉
Fear not – you’ve got this!
Caution
Double-check the alignment of your A4 piece before you stitch it in place. That angle, while subtle, is quite deceptive!
May Little Forest BOM Giveaway
Since pressing is a key component to your Lodgepole quilt block piecing success, I reached out to my friends at Oliso about giving you the chance to win your own iron, carrying case, and iron board cover!
To enter the giveaway, you must:
- Be following @olisohome and @shannonfraserdesigns on Instagram.
- Post a photo on Instagram of your Lodgepole block between May 15, 2024, and June 14, 2024, at 11:59 pm Eastern.
- Instagram account must be public.
- Tag @olisohome and @shannonfraserdesigns
- Include the hashtags #LittleForestBOM #LittleForestQuilt
This month’s giveaway is open to USA shipping addresses only.
The winner is to be announced in the June 15, 2024, Little Forest BOM Newsletter!
Have fun seeing the Lodgepole quilt block come to life😊 I look forward to seeing yours pop up on the ‘gram or in our Facebook group.
If you haven’t already, be sure to get your Little Forest BOM Quilt Pattern and sign up for the Little Forest BOM Newsletter so you don’t miss any of the quilt-along details 😊
Happy stitching!
xo
Shannon
PS Don’t forget to share your Little Forest quilt block on the ‘gram to be entered into the giveaway!
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