For week 2, we're making the churn dash Whiskey Tumbler block. For this block you'll need to cut the following :

Background Fabric

• A - (1) 4.5" x 4.5" 
• B - (4) 2.5" x 4.5" 
• C - (2) 5" x 5" 

Fabric #1

• D - (2) 5" x 5"

Fabric #2

• E - (4) 2.5" x 4.5"

Make (4) half square triangles with your C and D pieces using the two at a time method. Press seam towards the darker fabric. Trim each HST to 4.5" square.

Place a B piece and an E piece right sides together and sew along the 4.5" edge. Press seam towards the darker fabric. Repeat with the remaining (3) B/E pairs.

What we're supposed to do is lay these (9) 4.5" squares out as illustrated and sew them all together.



Instead, make some mistakes. Rotate an HST the wrong way. Mix up the layout.
Whatever you do, make sure it make your teacher say, "See me after class." You obviously shouldn't have graduated kindergarten.

When you're done, your block should measure 12.5" square.

Now your Whiskey Tumbler block is finished!Share your block on IG with the hashtag #DrunkardsWifeQAL.

Previously: Introduction | Week 1: Happy Hour Star

How to get your projects into Quilt Market

In the weeks before and after the past two Quilt Markets, I've received questions about how I've gotten my projects into exhibitors' booths. Since it's a multi-faceted question, a blog post seemed like the best way to respond.

I made my first project for Quilt Market when I was a total newbie. I had less than 5 months of quilting experience, but I wanted to help my friend and fellow designer Patty Sloniger fill up her booth at Spring 2014 Quilt Market with lovely goodies. My Wing It baby quilt and a cathedral window pillow were featured in her booth and marked my first foray into market sewing.

When quilt market looms near and the #quiltmarketprep hashtag comes to life on Instagram, I see lots of enthusiastic sewists asking how they can get in on the action. I want to answer some of the questions I see pop up with market sewing.

Q: How do I get my projects into Quilt Market booths?
A: Contact the manufacturer or designer you want to sew for and offer your help! Market happens twice a year in May and October, so email the manufacturer 2-3 months prior to the show to introduce yourself, offer your help, and outline a few projects (which we call samples) you'd like to make. Include a link to your blog, Flickr, or Instagram account so they can see examples of your work.

Q: Do manufacturers / designers tell you what to sew or can you pick your own projects and fabric choices?
A: It depends. I've done both. I've had exhibitors who say, "I need X made with these fabrics" and I've also had samples where I was given free reign. If you have a specific pattern and fabric selection in mind, let them know.

Q: Do you get paid for your projects? Who keeps them when the show is over?
A: Once again, it depends on the exhibitor. In my experience, when I get to choose the fabrics and the project, I end up keeping the sample after the show and I do not get paid for it. I'm okay with this because I get the fabric for free (and they always send more fabric than I need for a project) and I get some exposure for my patterns and designs. When I'm being told what to make, I've gotten paid for my time and the exhibitor keeps the samples. There is no "normal" arrangement, so ask the exhibitor up front if you will be compensated and who will retain ownership of the samples.

Q: Do I have to design original patterns to make samples for market?
A: Not necessarily. Exhibitors definitely like having original, unique samples to show, but using an existing pattern is perfectly fine too.

Q: Can I attend Quilt Market if I sew samples?
A: Maybe. I attended my first Quilt Market on behalf of Michael Miller Fabrics after making samples for Patty. If you make a lot of samples for a manufacturer, you can try asking them if they will obtain a badge for you to attend. The worst thing they can say is no. Alternatively, you can get submit your credentials to obtain an Industry Professional badge.

Drunkard's Wife Quilt-Along Week 1: Happy Hour Star

Welcome to week one of the #DrunkardsWifeQAL! If you haven't read the intro post, I'll be hosting quilt-along for making an intentionally f*cked up quilt. Why? Because cocktails, that's why.



As I was prepping my blog posts for the QAL, I tried to find the traditional names for these quilt blocks. Some I already knew and some I was able to quickly find with some Google magic. But there were still several that I couldn't identify, so I just figured, "screw it." I'm going to rename all of these blocks after kinds of booze.

We're starting simple for week one with the classic sawtooth star Happy Hour Star block. For this block you'll need to cut the following :

Background Fabric

• A - (1) 6.5" x 6.5"
• B - (4) 3.5" x 3.5" 
• C - (4) 4" x 4"

Fabric #1 (I used assorted blue prints)

• D - (4) 4" x 4"

Make (4) half square triangles with your C and D pieces using the two at a time method. I cut my squares in half diagonally prior to sewing them so I wouldn't having matching pairs of HSTs.  Press seam towards the darker fabric. Trim each HST to 3.5" square. That link also includes a tutorial for how to make them 4 at a time if you're feeling fancy, but your drunk ass probably can't handle it.

What we're supposed to do is lay the HSTs and remaining pieces out as illustrated and sew them all together.



Instead, make some mistakes. Flip your HSTs around. Mix up the layout. Instead, make some mistakes. Rotate an HST the wrong way. Mix up the layout. Whatever you do, make sure it would be a disappointment to your mother. She raised you better than that, but you're an ADULT and you can do whatever you want!

When you're done, your block should measure 12.5" square, but who knows? You're drunk. Anything is possible.

Next, do a field sobriety test. Can you say the alphabet backwards? No? How about forwards? Good enough. Now download the pattern for some sassy embroidery and print it at 100%.

Transfer the design onto your center square using your preferred method. I like to trace patterns with a Frixion pen since the ink disappears with an iron. Pick some embroidery floss and and use a backstitch (or whatever stitch you want) to embroider the pattern.


Now your Happy Hour Star block is finished! Show it off to the quilt police and watch them twitch in agony! Share your block on IG with the hashtag #DrunkardsWifeQAL. I'd love to see your abominations. Previously: Introduction