Merry 25th of August!  This is our second check-in post for the Letters to Santa QAL.  Read on for sashing/assembly instructions for a batch of 5 words from the main Moda quilt, 2 filler block patterns, and instructions to make a pie-tastic table runner using elements from the QAL.

 

 

For a reminder of all the details about the Letters to Santa QAL, see the Intro blog post here about the quilt-along, and see the first actual patterns post from July here.  This is a 'relaxed fit' quilt along, where we just want to have some fun with Christmas words with all our extended Moda family!  We have our quilts planned, but feel free to jump in with whatever words you like best!  The main Moda quilt will finish 75"x94", and include 25 words and 27 filler blocks total.  The lettering pattern used is the Mini Alphabet Quilt by Primitive Gatherings, which you can find at your local quilt shop.

 

THE BLOCKS

 

 

There are 25 words total in Moda's quilt, which means we're sharing the setting instructions for 5 blocks at a time.  Download a PDF with all the piecing details for August's words here.

 

The blocks shown are from Moda's Lissa Alexander's version of the quilt, made using scrappy reds, greens, and low volumes. You'll notice that Lissa has actually made a substitution of one of the words in her quilt--'GINGERBREAD' was the planned word for this month, but it just didn't feel right for a holiday quilt in her family so she replaced it with 'JINGLE BELLS' instead.  It's as easy as that if you want to swap out a word!

 

PIE

 

WISHES

 

SANTA

 

MITTEN

 

 - or -

JINGLE BELLS / GINGERBREAD

 

FILLER BLOCKS 5 & 6

 

There are also two filler block patterns to share this month.  The tree block is Foundation Paper Pieced, but does include an alternate version that uses traditional piecing for those who prefer that style.  Like the blocks from last month, these are made by Moda's Tammy V. using Candy Cane Lane fabric by April Rosenthal.  We just love seeing all the ornaments 'hanging' on the tree!

 

If you're making the Moda version of this project, you'll make 3 EACH of each filler block.  (Only 3 total trees, not 3 each of both style options).  Click the links for each below to download.

Surprise Gift

The Perfect Tree *

*The main tree block Moda will use is foundation pieced, to give you a larger cut of fabric to show any prints.  But if you prefer traditional piecing, there is an option for you included in the pattern.

 

You can see here where all of these blocks fall in the Moda quilt layout:

Not to fear, the exact Bella Solids shown in this quilt mockup are listed in each of the pattern downloads!

 

BONUS PROJECT: PIE TABLE RUNNER

 

The bonus project for this month is a table runner dedicated to the best course of any holiday dinner:  PIE!

 

Using the 'PIE' word block, and two of the filler blocks from July (Christmas Star & Friendship Wreath), you'll be ready to set the scene at your holiday table with this project.  Or, if you celebrate pot-luck style, let your guests know where to leave all their desserty goodness when they arrive at dinner without having to say a word!

 

Download the instructions for this sweet (or savory) table runner here.

 

 

Happy sewing to all, and to all a good night!  This is everything for us this month for the QAL, with more to come!  We've had a request for both some punctuation and numbers, which we're steadily working on for you all.  If you missed any of the pattern links in the post:

- Intro QAL Blog Post

- Month 1 Blog Post

- Month 2 Word Blocks Settings

- Filler Block 4: Surprise Gift

- Filler Block 5: The Perfect Tree

- Pie Table Runner Bonus Project

And also a reminder that the lettering pattern itself is a purchase-pattern, available from your local quilt shop or online retailer!  Mini Alphabet Quilt by Primitive Gatherings (PRI 442).

 

Make sure to share your progress using the hashtag #LetterstoSantaQAL on social media so we can see and share your work! We'll be checking back on the 25th of every month through November with the next batch of blocks, tips & other project ideas.