It’s only 54 days until Christmas… insane! But that’s not what we are here for today, are we?! No, it’s time for block 11 of the Milky Way Sampler! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check out this post for all the info on this foundation paper pieced block of the month. And if you need to brush up on your foundation paper piecing skills, I’ve got a tutorial for that!
Block 11 is Acrux, or Alpha Crucis, which is the brightest star (the one at the bottom) in the Southern Cross constellation. The Southern Cross is the constellation shown on the Australian flag, and appears in our southern skies. I missed seeing it while we were in Japan! It has always been a sign of “home” for me.
There’s also a special story of this particular block and how it came to be sewn. You see, I was finishing up the rest of my Milky Way Sampler blocks at a retreat with friends in August, when one particular friend, Kate, was taking a break after some epic Y-seams and needed something else to do to refresh her sewjo, so I jokingly offered she could piece for me instead. But then she agreed! Willingly agreed and told me to hand over the fabric and templates for a block. I’ll admit I was taken aback, because I’ve never had anyone piece for me before like this. But 1) I knew I could trust her skills, and 2) I’ve been learning to accept help when offered because that’s what friends do, they help each other, and I had no valid reason to refuse. So I accepted her very kind offer and promised her I’d tell everyone she sewed it (which she tried to refuse!), and handed over Acrux and my precious coral pink fabrics. And she did a beautiful job! I will also add that she later trimmed some HSTs for me #blessed
Download this block for free during November from my Craftsy store.
Acrux
What you’ll need
Acrux pattern – print 4 copies of the template page at ‘Actual Size’ (for a total of 8 template sections)
Paper piecing supplies – read this post for my recommended paper piecing supplies
Pattern notes
- Templates should measure 5 1/2″ along the square edges.
- A4 and B4 are the background sections.
- When you have pieced all eight templates, piece each A section to a B section along the diagonal edge.
- Sew the AB units together into pairs, pressing seams in alternate directions so that they nest when you sew the block together.
- Sew the block together and press the seam open.
- Quilt block should measure 10 1/2″ x 10 1/2″.
Block 12 will be out on December 1st (AEST), and this block will no longer then be available for free. Make sure to download it now so that you don’t miss out! You can also sign up for my newsletter so that you don’t miss out on future block announcements.
SHARE YOUR BLOCKS
Looking for how to show off your masterpieces? If you’re on Instagram, use #milkywaysampler and feel free to tag me too – @blossomheartquilts! There’s also a fabulous community happening in the BHQ Facebook group where many people are sewing along to this QAL too.
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