I Wish You a Merry QAL! Block 9: Reindeer Games

Block 9 is here in the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long, and it is Reindeer Games by Bobbi Bridgeman at Snowy Days Quilting. Isn't he cute!  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 am  offering links to the released block patterns on my Quilt Alongs page until then. Collect them all!

Here is my version of Block 9: Reindeer Games.

Block 9: Reindeer Games

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Bobbi's directions are excellent! Follow them closely. The first step is to cut out the pieces that will be assembled. This block is like a jigsaw puzzle with good directions. However, it is important to cut all the pieces accurately so that they will fit together. I chose some fabric substitutions so that this block will coordinate with the blocks that I have already made in the Quilt Along. I substituted a white fabric with red stars for the blue background fabric. In addition, I chose a light tan for the brown head of the reindeer and a gold fabric for the tan antlers. I have used all of these fabrics in other blocks. See the photo for my cut fabric pieces.

Cut Fabrics

Bobbi does a great job of describing how to use the flip and sew method to make the pieced strips. She even includes final measurements along the way. I recommend checking your measurements as you go. This will reduce rude surprises later. See the strips for the face of the reindeer in the photo below.

Fabric Strips for the Head of the Reindeer

Then I sewed the strips together to complete the reindeer's face. Bobbi tells you which way to press each seam. If you follow her advice, then all of the seams will lock when you sew the strips together. This results in a flatter block. See the photo below.

Completed Reindeer Face

Next I constructed the antlers. Note that they are mirror images of each other. See photo below.

Finally, I sewed the antler strip onto the face, and my Reindeer Games Block was complete! See photo below.

This block was fun to make. Thanks, Bobbi, for designing this block!
 
Where Can I Find the Pattern and the Designer's Tutorial?

Go to Bobbi Bridgeman at Snowy Days Quilting.  for the pattern and designer tutorial.

What Are the Prizes for Block 9?

RJR Fabrics and Beth Sellers at Cooking Up Quilts are our sponsors for Block 9. Thank you, sponsors!

How Do I Enter to WIn the Giveaways for Block 9?

There are three ways to enter. Do one of the following by November 6, 2017 at 11:55 pm  EST:

1. Upload a photo of your finished block to Bobbi Bridgeman's Linky Party at Snowy Days Quilting
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 Bobbi Bridgeman at Snowy Days Quilting.

When Will the Next Block be Released?

Block 10 will be released November 7, 2017.

Where Will I Be Able to Find Block 10 on Novemebr 7th?

You can find the Block 10 pattern by Diane Lomax at Cwilt. 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

Block 7: Poinsettia

Block 8: With Love at Christmas

Reminder: Every Sunday you can 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 as well.

​Thanks for joining me and Happy Quilting!

This post was originally published at JANDA Bend Quilts.