I Wish You a Merry QAL! Block 8: With Love at Christmas

Block 8 is here in the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long, and it is With Love at Christmas (Christmas Presents)  by Olusola Ajisafe!  Olusola cleverly uses strip sets to construct this beautiful block. You can find the pattern at Alice Samuel's Quilt Co.. As a host, I am presenting my version of the block and my tips for completing it. Remember that all 12 of the blocks in the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long are available for free on the designer's  web site until January 15, 2018 at midnight. I will be offering links to the released block patterns on my Quilt Alongs page until then. Collect them all!

Block 7: Poinsettia was released today as well.  You can find my post here.

Here is my version of Block 8.

My Version of Block 8: With Love at Christmas by Olusola Ajisafe

​This 12" finished block has two presents in it. Each present is 6 1/2" square and is constructed from strip sets. I chose to make a green present and a red present. Each of them has a striped ribbon. I will show the construction of the red present. The green present was constructed in the same way. The first step was to cut strips and to sew them into strips. There is one strip left over from making the strip sets. This strip is used to make the ribbon on top of the present. See photos below.

Strips

Sewn Strip Sets

The strip sets are cut as directed to form the side and top of the present. The portion of the strip that forms the top of the present is cut and the remaining strip is inserted into the strip stet to form the ribbon on top of the box. It is important to match seams and reduce bulk by careful pressing. See photos below.

Finally, the present is assembled as shown. When sewing the front of the present to the top of the present, it is important to match the ribbon strips. I basted the intersection. I found that easier than pinning the intersection. Basting allowed me to make minor adjustments more easily.

​The construction process was repeated for the green present, and the block was assembled. See photos below.

Constructing the Present

Completing the Block

​The completed bock is shown below.

Completed Block

I learned a lot by making this block!  I now see new ways to use strip sets. This is a very creative block. Thanks, Olusola!
​
Where Can I Find the Pattern and the Designer's Tutorial?

Go to Olusola Ajisafe at Alice Samuel's Quilt Co.  for the pattern and designer tutorial.

What Are the Prizes for Block 8?

Warm Crochet is also offering QAL participants 10% off online purchases. Use the code "ChristmasQAL" for the discount.

How Do I Enter to WIn the Giveaways for Block 8?

There are three ways to enter. Do one of the following by October 23, 2017 at 11:55 pm  EST:

1. Upload a photo of your finished block to Olusola Ajisafe's Linky Party at Alice Samuel's Quilt Co.
2. Upload a photo of your finished block to the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long Facebook Group.
3. Upload a photo of your finished block to Instagram using #iwishyouamerryqal.

I Want to See More Versions of the Block. Who are the other hosts?

Abbie at Sparkle On
April at JANDA Bend Quilts That's Me!
Becca at Pretty Piney
Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting
Diane at Cwilt Fabrics & Haberdashery
Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter
Karen at Tu-Na Quilts
Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts 
Sandy at Sandy Star Designs
Sherry at Powered by Quilting
Vanda at Quilt in Piece

I Have Questions. Who Can I Ask?

You can ask me in a comment to this post or in an email, or you can ask the designer Olusola Ajisafe at Alice Samuel's Quilt Co.

When Will the Next Blocks be Released?

Block 7 was released on October 10, 2017. Here is my post.

Block 9 will be released October 24, 2017.

Where Will I Be Able to Find Block 9 on October 24th?

You can find the Block 9 pattern by Bobbi Bridgeman at Snowy Days Quilting. A link to her blog will be found here at JANDA Bend Quilts, on I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long Facebook Group, or on any other host's blog.

Other Blocks from the QAL That You Might Enjoy

Click on the photo to go to the blog post for each block.

Block 1: Snowflake

Block 2: Christmas Tree Farm

Block 3: Santa's Belt

Block 4: Christmas Memories

Block 5: Snowman

Block 6: Hanging Stars Angel

On Friday, October 13th, I will be the guest host for the Thank Goodness It Is Finished Friday linky party . Come visit to link up your finishes! I will be revealing my newly completed Tumbler Christmas Quilt.

​
Then on Sunday, October 15th, link up your piecing projects (in progress or completed) on my new weekly, Pieceful Sunday linky party.  Photos of my latest patchwork project will be shown.

​Thanks for joining me and Happy Quilting!

This post was originally published at JANDA Bend Quilts.