New Life Creations
presents
'Twas the Night Before Christmas ...
Mystery Quilt
installment #2
Now that you have completed  Installment #1 you are now ready to proceed with the next step.  In this step you will be making several paper pieced blocks.  It was suggested (and greatly appreciated) that I include as many line to line measurements as possible since not all printers will print out to the correct dimensions as prescribed in my instructions.

Step #1.  Continuation of Row #1.

1.  At this time you should have assembled for row #1 :

10 1/4" x 5 1/2" strip +  completed block #1 (above)  + 10 1/2" x 5 1/4" strip.
2. Cut 2 - 10 1/4" x 2 1/2".
3. Set into the top of the row on each side of the pieced block
4. Cut off the excess so that the row measure 7" x 25"  (believe me there is a reason for this process).
 

 note*  a typo was discovered in installment #1 of the foundation pieced square.  The strip to be sewn to one side of the foundation piece should be 6 1/2" x 1 1/2".   When sewn into the rest of the row as instructed you can cut away the over hang.
 

Step # 2.   Foundation Blocks:

(block #2)
1.  The block below is a 3" square block (finished). You will need to add a 1/4" seam allowance.
2.  For the actual tree and trunk you may want to use other colors than greens since the outer part of this block
     is done in the Christmas green mid ground fabric.  I used reds and blues and a rust for the trunk.
3. Set aside for now and go onto the next paper pieced block:

Block #3.

This block is a 3" finished block.   You will need to add a 1/4" seam allowance.

Block # 4.

This block is a 3" finished block.   You will need to add a 1/4" seam allowance.




 Step #2.

     This is an opportunity to use a variety of different light to medium (as well as some dark) scraps or smaller
     pieces of holiday fabrics.  I have used a number of 2" strips for this step as well as a number of smaller 2"
     wide pieces I have laying around here in my stash.  The instructions below will reflect using 2" x 44"strips.

1.   5 - 2" x 44" strips of your favorite holiday fabrics.
2.  Fold in half so each 44" strip is now 1" x 44".
3.  Sew with front sides together 1/4" seam along the entire 44" length.  Sew off one end with a 1/4" seam.
4.  Turn inside out this strip so that the seam is now on the inside of the tube.
5.  Cut into 3" lengths.   You will need 40 of these 3" pieces.
6.  Using 20 of the 3" lengths. sew together to make a circle.  You will be making a chain.  The other 20 pieces
     will be the opposing links of the chain.  *using a serger for this part is nice... but not a requirement.
7.  Turn all seams inward so they are hidden by the next link of the chain.  Clip any thread that hang off the chain.
 

Step #4

1.  Cut 2 - 9 1/2" squares from the Christmas Green (mid ground fabric).
2.  Cut on both diagonals.
3.  Lay these pieces fronts together.   Place the square corner so it sits square to the bottom.
4. Measure up 4 1/2" and cut off the remaining top of the triangle.  ( 2 1/4").  See diagram below:

5.  Put these pieces aside for now.
 
 
 

This is all for installment #2.  The next installment will be available on October 24, 1998.
 

  Because I continue to be an amateur at Mystery Quilt instruction  please feel free to contact me on any problems you may incur.  I make every effort to provide accurate instructions but as you can see I all to often fall short.  Isn't is amazing how you can do something with out any problems and when trying to explain the process it becomes a 'real' challenge.  See you next week!

 Step #1
 Step #3  (available on October 24,1998)
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