September 23, 2006

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!      Since I love snow, and since it's that time of the year, I thought I'd put together a quick, appliquéd snowman block to coordinate with the snowflake block. This simple block measures 10" unfinished and 9.5" finished and can be made from scraps of fabric.

Cutting Requirements for One Block:

1. Print off the full-size pattern by double-clicking on the image below. Notice that the pattern is a mirror image of the finished block. This is so that you do not have to reverse it so that it finishes facing the correct direction. (Note: If you have trouble double-clicking the image, simply right-click it once, then select Open Link.)
   
2. There are many methods of appliquéing, but if you do not have a preferred method, try mine by using the button-hole stitch and first tracing each piece onto double-sided fusible web. Make sure that you trace each of the 7 pieces in it's entirety, even though it may not show on the pattern. For example, circle 1 is covered by circle 3, but when you trace it, trace a complete circle.
3. Cut each of the 7 pieces out from the fusible web. You do not have to be accurate. In fact, it is much easier in a later step if you don't cut these on the lines.
4. Peel the back off of one side of the fusible webbing and press each piece to the fabric that is to be used for that specific piece. For example, press the hat to the dark blue or black fabric and so on. It is important to note that you should leave approximately 1/4" of fabric around each piece when pressing.
5. Once each of the 7 pieces have been ironed onto the webbing, cut each piece of fabric/webbing out. If you are going to turn the edges under for your appliqué, then make sure that you cut outside of the line by a scant 1/4". If you don't, you won't have a seam allowance to turn under! If you are going to button-hole stitch the pieces on, then merely cut each piece out on the line. The rest of these instructions assume that you are going to use the button-hole stitch. If you do not plan on using this stitch, then adjust the instructions as needed for the method of appliqué that you choose. For example, if using the turn under method, before pressing the pieces to the background fabric, turn the edges under and press them to the back of the fusible webbing.
6. After each of the 7 pieces is cut out, peel the back away from the webbing, then lay the pieces on the 10.5" square of background fabric in the order they are numbered, beginning with 1 and ending with 7. Center the pieces onto the background. Once satisfied with your layout, press the pieces into place.
7. Using the button-hole stitch, sew each piece on, again in the 1-7 numbered order.
8. Options: Embellish by using a French knot or buttons to create eyes. Buttons can also be used going down the body of the snowman, instead of fabric.
9. Once each piece is sewn on, press the block flat.
10. Using an acrylic ruler, center the block and trim it to 10" x 10".

     Here are a few sample layout suggestions:

• Tablerunner 2 with Appliqué
• Quilt with Appliqué
• Quilt with Appliqué

     Here are some tips for adding some pizazz to your quilt:

1. Try using a white on white fabric that looks like tiny pieces of snow falling.
2. Try using a dark, midnight blue for the background, so that it looks like a dark, perhaps starry night.
3. Insert fussy cuts into the cornerstones of the sashing.

     Be sure to check the Gallery for finished quilts and if you make one of these, please send me a picture and I'll add it to the Subscriber's Gallery!

     Since each of these patterns are designed exclusively by me, please be sure to read my copyright notice before embarking on a quilting journey with any of my patterns. Thanks!

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