This week’s block for the I Wish You a Merry Quilt Along is this beautiful lantern by Diane Lomax @Cwilt Fabrics and Haberdashery What a fun word — Haberdashery! 🙂
The instructions were a bit different than other quilting patterns. Usually the strip measurements are given for rotary cutting, but this pattern gave the pattern pieces to cut out individually.
I used a bit of rotary strip cutting by measuring the width of the strip and then using the pattern to cut the angles. It worked for me:)
Sewing the base up was quick and easy!
Next came the fusible web appliqué. I like fusible web, but it can be a bit tricky getting the paper off of the back. It is especially hard when the pieces are small. I have a little Totally Tipster trick that does help though.
After you have ironed your webbing to the wrong side of your fabric, let it cool completely. When it is cool, drag a pin across the paper to score it a bit. It is easy to bend the paper and pull it apart now. Easy!
I pressed my pieces to the lantern and then got ready to sew them in place. I always, always use stabilization on the back of my machine appliquéd pieces. If you don’t, the fabric will pucker. Yuk!
Now for a Totally Tipster#2! I find that an easy and affordable stabilizer is a paper towel or two!
I place it on the back and sew around my pieces. It works great and is simple to tear away as well:)
After I was finished though, I wasn’t crazy about my window stitching.
That center line was a bit wonky because I had to adjust to make sure the fabric was all stitched down. I didn’t like it.
So… I made a 1/4″ binding tape and covered that middle line. I like it MUCH BETTER❤️
I think I like that added piece better anyway. I’m glad I was a wonky seamstress. Happy accidents are the best kind of accidents!
This has been another fun Christmas Block. I sew appreciate you reading my blog today. I hope you have a SWEET rest of your day or evening!
Until next time,
It's a T-Sweets day! 
I like baking parchment for stabiliser, too, I find it doesn’t leave fluffy bits behind. Cute lantern, and I actually prefer your version with the solid bar up the centre 🙂
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Thank you Kate! I prefer it too:). Happy accidents❤️. Parchment paper is a great idea! I will have to give it a try:)
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I think your lantern turned out really pretty. Your modification makes it look extra special. What a happy outcome 🙂
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Thanks Cindy! It is always happy when oops! Turns into yea!!
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What a cute block!
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Thank you AJ!❤️
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Stunning…I love it xx
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Some great tips and the save was brilliant! Your quilt will be such fun to look at! Those grand boys are going to be fascinated with it the next few years!
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That’s a very clever save!
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Thank you Connie! It’s always good to be able to think outside the box:)
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Wow Tracy, your Lantern block is fabulous! I just love your style.😍
I really dread using Stabilizer, any kind, it never is easy for me to remove so thanks for the paper towel tip, I never knew of it. Oh and yes, happy accidents are the best 😋
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Thank you Abbie! You talented quilters have put together such a fun QAL! I hope you give the paper towel a try it is so convenient:)
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I definitely will try it! It is so fun and I’m happy you are enjoying the it, I cant wait to see everyone’s finished tops 😊
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