Good morning! I'm so excited to have Melanie here again today with Quilt Block number two! Happy sewing everyone,

XO, Bari

Hello, sweet friends!

As lovely as last week's block was, I think you might find this one even more fun and definitely a time to use your creativity and really do your own thing.

We are making collages!  Fabric style!

Before I dive into all the details, if you are new to the quilt along and want to jump in or are behind and need to catch up, all posts are located on this page.

Be sure to make it to the very end of this post.  We have another giveaway for you this week!

What's a fabric collage you ask?

A fabric collage is when you cut out motifs at the edge from one fabric and stitch onto another fabric.  Possibilities are endless!

Bari uses an easy method in her 2011 book, Inspired to Sew. And has a great video about how it's done. You'll notice in the video, Bari uses pins to hold the motifs down. She now uses an easier method, Elmers washable school glue stick! You'll note that in the video, Bari says glue will gum up your needle, but washable school glue is really just starch so it washes out easily and will not gum up your needle. As you prepare your collage, simply glue down each motif and then heat set with a dry iron. The heat setting is key. The glue will be totally dry. Then you will free motion quilt your motifs in place. This video explains how.

You can also use decorative stitches from your machine or by hand to add more detail.

Above, you can see my decorative stitches (the pink blanket stitch) that I've used to sew it onto the quilt block.

Let's get started

I am using a vast array of fabrics this week.  My actual blocks are made with this bundle, and then I'm pulling the motifs from way too many fabrics to even count.  If you are sitting on top of the Wild Bloom bundle, you should have lots of options to choose from for your collage.  If you have other Bari J fabrics you should be able to find even more, like this one or this one.

Download the PDF pattern for the Floral Collage blocks here.

We are making 8 blocks this week.  Then, sewing this section of the quilt together.  So a big portion of our quilt is getting done this round.  Don't feel overwhelmed with the 8 blocks.  The blocks get finished really quickly.  The collage takes a bit more time, but you are not even going to notice.  It's so much fun to play with!  Plus, you could make cute little videos like this.  Ha!



 A little more for beginners

If you need a little bit more help than the PDF offers, please enjoy this video.  I've included both methods (fusible interfacing and iron on adhesive) to create your collages.

Our Sponsors

Today is the last day to take advantage of the coupon code from Fat Quarter Shop, so do that if you haven't already.

Fat Quarter Shop has kindly offered a discount coupon for our quilt along.  Use the code "WildBloom" at checkout and receive 10% off your purchase of Wild Bloom fabrics now through Nov. 6th, 2017.

Pink Castle Fabrics has also offered a discount coupon.  You can use code "BariJ" to receive 10% off all Art Gallery Fabrics including Bari J.'s Wild Bloom.

(logos are clickable)

A Giveaway

This week, Stitchery Quilt Shop and Studio is offering up 10 fat quarters for one lucky winner!  Oh, yes!

You probably already know Violet, but if you don't you should.  She is one of the sweetest people I know, and crazy creative.  Read a post I wrote about her shop here.

To be eligible to win the fat quarter bundle, all you have to do is post your progress on IG using the #barijquiltalong and tag @BariJ and me, @SouthernCharmQuilts.  You must also be following @StitcherySewistShop.  We will randomly choose a winner next Monday.  You will need to have a public IG account so that we can see your posts.  This giveaway will be open to US residents only.

Enjoying playing with this week's pattern.  I can't wait to see what you create!

If you need to find me, I'm always here and here on IG.  Have a great week!

*Special thanks to my friend, Katie, for testing the Floral Collage block pattern.

**Fabrics used are from Bari's Wild Bloom, Anna Elise (the horses), Emmy Grace, Petal and Plume, Joie de Vivre and Millie Fleur collections.