Texas Teardrops Quilt Along ~ Fabrics & Notions

It’s finally time!  I get to start my very first quilt along with all my lovely quilting friends.  I’m completely grateful that so many of you have decided to join me in this adventure.  It truly is a milestone in my blogging adventure.

Don’t worry…there’s still time to join.  Just head over to Craftsy.com to get your pattern.  Remember, there is a $5.00 fee for the pattern but joining Craftsy is free.

Before we begin, I would like to give a huge thank you to Riley Blake Fabrics, Me and My Sister Designs, Aurifil Threads and The Warm Company for generously donating awesome prizes for this quilt along.  I am honored that they helped support this project.

Today, I’d like to discuss the fabrics and notions you will need to complete this pattern.  Then you will have a week to get all your supplies together which should be more than enough time.

Your fabric choices are virtually endless.  However, keep in mind that the background fabric and the teardrop fabric should have a high contrast.

What do I mean by high contrast?  One example would be a white background paired with bright colors, like the picture seen here.  This is my personal favorite combination, brights with white.

A black background paired with brights would be another great choice.  Or grey with brights.  I would probably put pastel colors with a black background because they might blend in with white too much.

Audition your fabrics if you’re not sure.  Take a picture of it.  Sometimes looking at a picture will help you decide if you like the combination.  If you’re still not sure, post a picture in the Flickr group.  Maybe the group can offer some advice.

Keep in mind that you have a couple options on fabric quantity.  The minimum six 1/3 yard cuts will be the best option if you don’t want leftover fabric.  However, this option will have the least amount of variety because you are only using 6 fabrics.

If you decide to use fat quarters, you must have at least 12 {each fat quarter yields 2 teardrops}.  I used 15 fat quarters because I wanted a scrappy look.  You will have about 5 to 6 inches left from each fat quarter.  You can use the leftovers for a scrappy border or even for the binding.  I put together some fun bundles for this QAL and most contain 12-15 fat quarters.

You could even go super duper scrappy and use 24 different fabrics.  You would need an 11″ square of fabric for each teardrop.  I’d love to see one like this!

I’m not going to go over background fabric, borders or backing.  The fabric requirements are stated in the pattern and it’s pretty self explanatory.  But, if there’s something you need help with, just email me or leave a comment.  We’ll get it worked out.
Moving on to notions.  Let’s start with the required notions.  A rotary cutter, mat, ruler, scissors, matching thread for the applique, a square up ruler, and fusible web.  Most of these are self explanatory.

Let’s discuss the fusible web for a moment.  I used Steam a Seam Lite in the 9″ x 12″ sheets.  These work best for me because they are completely flat and have no wrinkles.  That makes tracing the template and cutting out the teardrops easy.  However, you may pick any fusible you are comfortable with.  You will need approximately an 11″ square for each teardrop {there are 24 teardrops}.  I do have packs of Steam a Seam available for purchase if you need some.  I’m discounting the packs by 25%.  I’m selling 5 packs of 5 sheets for $15 {regularly $20}.

There are two items that aren’t necessary but very helpful, an applique pressing sheet and a 28mm rotary cutter.  The pressing sheet helps keep the fusible web off of your iron and ironing board.  I am a master at getting the fusible all over everything so I use a pressing sheet.

A 28mm cutter helps when cutting out the teardrops.  The smaller blade follows the curves of the teardrops a little easier.  I’ve used both a 28mm and a 45mm cutter.  Both worked great, the smaller one was just a little easier.  However, if you don’t have a 28mm cutter it’s not necessary to go buy one.  You will do just fine with a 45mm cutter.  You could even go old school and use scissors.  Have fun with that {wink wink}.

That covers everything for today.  Now it’s time to gather your supplies and get ready to make this quilt!  Please leave a comment, send me an email or visit the Flickr group if you have any questions.  I’m here to help!  And make sure to upload pictures to the Flickr group of the fabrics you pick.  I know I’m very excited to see what everyone settles on.

I hope everyone had an awesome and super blessed Easter.