It is officially week two of the Aftershock sew along! I hope you all enjoyed selecting your fabric last week! If you're just joining in, welcome! Click here for the week one blog post.
The Aftershock quilt pattern can be found in the Wren Collective pattern shop. Click here!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you choose to click through and make a purchase.
Cutting Tips
The Aftershock pattern includes cutting diagrams for Fat Quarters (FQ), this modified Aftershock blog post includes a cutting diagram for Fat Eighths (FE), and below I will show the best way to utilize ¼ yard cuts if going that route.
If you are making the two-color version, then cutting is very straightforward. Your cutting will mainly be done once strip sets are sewn together.
Labels are your friend
For this pattern, labeling background + color pieces is pretty important. There are a few pieces that don't have much difference in size, so labeling them keeps everything organized.
Labels are provided in the PDF pattern, and a link to the labels is provided in the paper pattern. Click here to download the Aftershock labels.
Working with directional fabrics
For ease of cutting/assembly, using non-directional prints or solids do make life a bit easier. However, directional prints are totally possible. For my sew along Aftershock, I am not only making the 14 modified version, I am also using several directional fabrics.
To be honest, directional fabrics all facing the same way isn't something I normally pay much attention to, but for the purpose of this sew along, I slowed down and paid more attention.
The thing that helps when cutting directional fabrics (and if you want all pieces to be facing the same direction) is to visualize the piece you're cutting before you make your cut.
For example, when working with the pears seen below, I made sure the pears were facing upright when making the lengthwise cut. I then trimmed it down if needed.
For this reason, it is possible that additional fabric may be needed when working with directional fabric. I was able to get all of my pieces with my F8, but it was very tight and not a lot of wiggle room, If I would have made a mistake, I would have needed a bit more fabric.
Other helpful tips
Although not necessary by any means, I have found having a Stripology ruler very handy. I didn't use it when cutting my color pieces, but it did make cutting background pieces a breeze.
I got my Stripology ruler a few years ago now and use it in most projects. It is a bit of a splurge and I wasn't sure how much I would really use it, but I can confidently say that I'm very glad I have one. If you've been on the fence about one (like I used to be) I highly recommend!
I don't always pre-wash my fabric before starting a quilt, but I opted to this time. The background I'm working with is a chambray, and I've found pre-washing helpful when working with wovens, linen/cotton blends, or textured fabrics.
Pre-washing takes the literal starch out of fabric and makes them so soft to work with! I can't believe how soft this chambray is. I purchased mine from Cottoneer (it is the rose dust color).
Week Two Prizes
Post a progress photo to Instagram using the hashtag #AftershockSA to be entered to win this week's prizes. Entries are valid until Sunday, August 15 at 11:59 CST.
Sewn Home Series
Amy of Sewn Handmade has graciously donated her Sewn Home Series, which includes all FIVE quilt patterns seen below. Her aesthetic is amazing and her patterns are works of art!
The winner will be emailed these PDF patterns and will also receive an Olfa endurance 45mm rotary cutter blade from me! (If you've never tried an endurance blade, you're in for a treat!)
Happy cutting!
I hope you have a wonderful week--thanks again for joining in on the Aftershock sew along! I am loving seeing all of your progress photos on Instagram. Keep them coming!
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