Diatom QAL {Block #1}

Let’s start sewing! If you have already purchased the Diatom Quilt Along, you will receive an email today with the Block #1 instructions. Look for an email from newsletter@quiltingjetgirl.com with the subject Diatom Quilt Along – Block #1. If you haven’t joined in yet, simply purchase the Diatom Quilt Along and I will add you to the email list and get the information out to you soon!

Note: This is my blog post and not the newsletter email with the pattern links. Look for an email from newsletter@quiltingjetgirl.com with the subject Diatom Quilt Along – Block #1 at or after 3:15am Pacific. Check your spam directory if you don’t see the email!

Block 1 – Star Setting Twin, 4 Fabric Version

If, like me, you have struggled with no-waste flying geese being a little scant, never fear! Because of my work making the Diatom pattern, I created an “intermediate” sizing for making four-at-a-time flying geese that are sized in a way that should leave you a little room to trim them square. You do not have to look at the tutorial below (the sizing is already included in all of the Diatom block patterns), but if you are curious and want more information, the full tutorial can be found by clicking the green button below.

Four-at-a-Time Flying Geese Tutorial

Block 1 – Postage Stamp Setting Throw, FQ Version

I am so tickled with the Meander prints I am using to make my blocks during the quilt along! The Meander by Aneela Hoey bundle paired with Moda Bella American Blue and Egghsell came together even better than I had hoped.

Note that I was able to fussy cut 2 of the fabrics in my block and still use the recommended yardages for each fabric. To keep all of these directional prints right side up, it required modifying the pattern instructions to use stitch-and-flip sizing for the flying geese blocks instead of four-at-a-time flying geese sizing. I made the HSTs using the two-at-a-time method that is included in the block instructions. My post Tips for Directional Prints shares how I keep my prints facing right side up when making two-at-a-time HSTs and stitch-and-flip methods.

Have fun and I am excited to see your blocks start to come together! Be sure to share photos of them in the Quilting Jetgirl Facebook group or on social media using the hashtag #DiatomQuiltAlong.

Upcoming Diatom Quilt Along Schedule

• January 20, 2023 – Block 2
• February 3, 2023 – Block 3
• February 17, 2023 – Block 4
• March 3, 2023 – Block 5
• March 17, 2023 – Block 6
• March 31, 2023 – Block 7
• April 14, 2023 – Block 8
• April 28, 2023 – Block 9
• May 12, 2023 – Block 10
• May 26, 2023 – Block 11
• June 9, 2023 – Block 12 & Finishing Instructions
• June 23, 2023 through July 31, 2023 – Final Linkup for Pieced Quilt Tops or Finished Quilts