Clue #2 of Holiday Solstice plus a No-Hassle option and more

Clue #2 is ready! It almost wasn't as it has been a challenging week for me.   Thank goodness for family, friends, true followers, and my garden.  

Block 2 - Through the Woods - Christmas Fig II Version

Block 2 - Through the Woods - Alternative Version

THIS PAST WEEK & THE CODE

I'm going to be honest with you, I'm disappointed with the number of angry emails, IMs, and even phone calls expressing the "hassle" and "displeasure" with the code being implemented for the free Mystery series.  If it wasn't for the fact that I know so many true followers have purchased fabric and truly support me, I would have cancelled this Mystery series.  

Please note, that I plan to continue with using the code for this Mystery series.   You can get this on your newsletter.  I need to protect and track the copyrighted clues.  I am offering a No-Hassle option for a nominal fee, if you don't want to use the code and would like to avoid the download time constraints on the free Mystery series.  

NO HASSLE SUBSCRIPTION

For those of you that don't want to be stressed getting the code and  downloading the Clue within the 6 days, you can join the Holiday Solstice Mystery Series – No Hassle Subscription.

You can sign up for $18 (2 payments of $9) and get the Clues emailed to you each week.  That is a $1 per clue, a value for sure. 

After the weekly newsletter is released, you will received an personal email notifying you of this week's clue.  You will be able to download the Clue directly, and access through 12/1/2020 without a code.

**NOTE:**

• You will be charged $9 at enrollment and $9 a week later.

• You will have access for any prior released Clues as soon as your payment has been processed.

• All future Clues will become available as they are released.

• You will have access to the Clues until 12/1/2020

• Downloads will be limited to 3 per Clue

• Downloads will be marked with your email address.

• These Clues are not to be shared, they are for your use only!

If you have missed a Clue, this is a true value.  

IF YOU MISSED CLUE #1

If you just want to purchase Clue #1, because you missed it - You can purchase it for $3 - Click Here

PLEASE READ

If there is one thing I could ask.... PLEASE READ THIS BLOG.  There is a lot of great information here.  It will help you with the techniques.  It is very frustrated to get emails and see post asking how to do something that has been extensively covered in this blog. Zoom in on the photos, they provide you with a great deal in addition to the step by step instructions with detailed professional graphics.  

If you are new to the tools, totally understandable.  All I ask is that you first read the items that have been given to you.  Then, please feel free to post in the Holiday Solstice Facebook Group that you have reviewed and are still confused, need help, etc....  I hope that makes sense. 

CLUE #2

The Through the Woods Block comes together with the Studio 180 V Block and Corner Pop.  Both tools are required for this block. 

FABRIC SELECTION

• Great block to use some of your medium prints and large prints.  For my Fig Christmas II, I went with a light-medium, medium print for my "Tree" and a dark, large print for my Mountains.  

• For my alternate selection, Sun Prints 2020, I went with a Complementary plan.  Selecting a Blue-Violet (12) for my tree and Golden Yellow (24) for my mountains.   ** NOTE: I have a few spaces left in my Wednesday, June 17th Color Class if you want to learn how to use these color tools and improve your fabric selections.  ENROLL HERE

TIPS

Okay, I'm going to provide you with a pictorial and some great tips for making Clue #2.  Remember details can be found in the download.  See last week's post if you need details on how to find and download the clue.  Note, printing problems have to be solve between your device and your printer.  The download is printable after you enter the code. 

Let's get started.

To cut the Center Triangles of the V Block, you want to make sure you are using the V Block's dotted line and for the first cut, place it on the edge of the fold that is just deep enough for the published size. 

Keep your rotary straight up and down.  Quilters have habit of turning their wrist.  You want to cut a nice straight cut. 

Next flip the fabric strip over.

Line up the just cut edge with the diagonal line. 

And cut again. Continue until you have the number required.

RIGHT HANDED

To cut the Side Triangles line up the BOLD line on the clean edge and cut. 

Then leave the strip in place, rotate the V Block 180 degrees, and line up that diagonal line with the just cut edge and the bottom of the strip.

LEFT HANDED

To cut the Side Triangles line up the BOLD line on the clean edge and cut. 

Then leave the strip in place, rotate the V Block 180 degrees, and line up that diagonal line on the just cut edge and the right side of the strip.

I like to set up the Side Triangles, next to my Center Triangle as I go on a plate.  Make sure your units make a square before you start sewing.

To cut the Half Square Triangles, I like to use the Tucker Trimmer II since it has 1/4" bold lines.  

Okay, double check that you laid out the components as shown. - Very important.  See it!

Flip It!

Sew It!

Next, set the seam.

Finger press.

And press.  Be careful not to stretch it.    You should finger press to make sure you do not stretch it and to ensure you have the seam all the way open.  

I love to use my Bladesaver Thread Cutter to separate the units!

Next, lay it back down.  Check your orientation.

Then, rotate the unit 180 degrees.  See it.  Flip it. 

Sew it. 

Set the seam.

Finger press.

And press. 

Now is a perfect time, to apply some Best Press in a Mister. 

Time for trimming. 

RIGHT HANDED

Place your unit with the valley at your belly.   Line up the published finish size in the V and check the seams line up with the seam lines on the V Block.

Trim two sides.

Rotate the ruler and line up just cut edges with the published cut size and your mountain top should hit the crosshair.

Trim the remaining two sides. 

LEFT HANDED

Place your unit with the valley to the right.   Line up the published finish size in the V and check the seams line up with the seam lines on the V Block.

Trim 2 sides.

Rotate the ruler and line up just cut edges with the published cut size and your mountain top should hit the crosshair.

Trim.

Tada, you now have a V Block... but we have to POP IT!

NOW TO POP IT!

RIGHT HANDED

Grab your Corner Pop and find the published Cut Away.  Make sure you have it oriented properly. Please it on the lower left 

Check to make sure you are lining it up properly along the common line and published cut away. 

Using your best rotary cutter skills, cut. 

LEFT HANDED

Grab your Corner Pop and find the published Cut Away.  Make sure you have it oriented properly. Please it on the lower right.

Using your best rotary cutter skills, cut. 

Now replace.

Place the long edge of the Half Square Triangle along the just cut edge.  Split the extra.

Stitch with your best 1/4" seam allowance.

Set the seam, finger press and press toward the replacement triangle.

RIGHT HANDED

Line up with the published size trim down line. 

Ensuring the unit remains the same size as it was to start.  Just cut the replacement triangle. 

Trim.  

Now, pop the other side. in the same manner.  Make sure to pop the proper corner. 

Cut. 

LEFT HANDED

Line up with the published size trim down line and trim.

Now, pop the other side. in the same manner.  Make sure to pop the proper corner.

Cut.

Now replace.

Place the long edge of the Half Square Triangle along the just cut edge.  Split the extra.

Stitch with good 1/4" seam allowance.

Set the seam, finger press, and press.  Apply more Best Press with the Mister.

RIGHT HANDED 

Line up with the published size trim down line and trim.

Cut. 

LEFT HANDED

Line up with the published size trim down line and trim.

TADA! You are ready for the next Clue!Make sure to share your completed blocks with the Holiday Solstice Facebook Group.  

Remember there are only a few days of savings left:

• To purchase last year's Holiday Medallion Series - Holiday Extravaganza.  

Holiday Extravaganza Pattern Packet - Pre-Order 

If you missed last year's Medallion Quilt series, you can now pre-order the entire Holiday Extravaganza Medallion Quilt Series!**

25% off with Coupon Code HOLIDAY25. Must use code and pre-order by 6/20.** Packets will ship 6/30.

• Enroll in the Early Bird special for Sparkle Quilt Online Class. 

SPARKLE ONLINE CLASS WILL RELEASE ON JUNE 18th

You can join the Sparkle Class, at any time, and gain access to all the released lessons.  You can watch the class over and over again!  Pause it!  Play it! 

The class will include step-by-step use for three tools, as well as tips on piecing and proper pressing techniques to make this quilt perfect!  Additionally, we will talk through the color selection and placement, plus ways to improve your general machine piecing.

You can select from 3 Sizes; Throw, Twin, or Queen. It takes 8, 18, or 28 Fat Quarters depending on the size. See the Supply List for more information.

You can choose between One-Time Payment option or 4 Monthly Payments*

*Coupon is only good for One-Time Payment and you must enroll by June 14th to save.** 

Save $15 when you use Coupon Code EARLYSPARK  and enroll by Sunday, June 14, 2020

Enroll HERE

That's it for this week!  Thanks for hanging in there.  It is going to be a great quilt and I hope you stick with it!

Thanks again to all those that sent beautiful notes!  I appreciate it.

Keep Stitching, 

Michelle