This week I've been having a fun time putting together a perfect little project for spring. This quilted basket is made from the April 2023 Perfectly Pieced subscription box - which includes multiple project patterns, foundation-pieced quilt block files, machine quilting patterns, and fabric bundle!
If you're new to the Perfectly Pieced system from M.E. Time Embroidery, here's a simplified explanation: Perfectly Pieced is a system for foundation piecing perfect quilt blocks using the hoop on a sewing machine equipped with machine embroidery capabilities. (I'm using the Baby Lock Destiny II.) This review is sponsored by M.E. Time, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Each month, M.E. Time releases a new foundation-pieced quilt block that is available in 4 different sizes (2", 4", 6" and 8" squares) with 4 different patterns for projects for each of the block sizes AND corresponding digital quilting designs - both a block-by-block option and an overall machine quilting design that can be used with the Clear Blue Tiles system.
The Perfectly Pieced subscription is available in 2 options: Digital which includes all of the downloadable Embroidery Files and all of the printable pattern PDF's for that month. It's A LOT of content. The Doorstep subscription includes all of the above PLUS a curated fabric bundle to make multiple projects, a spool of Glide thread in a new color each time, a notion, printed pattern and tip card.
You may have seen me unbox the April box on my Instagram page a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't wait to break it open and check out the project and the fabric bundle. Every fabric bundle has been SO good, and this one was no exception.
The strawberry print is such a winner - it's from the Eden collection from Riley Blake, combined with basics from Figo (green and white prints), Maywood (pink stripe), and an Essex woven chambray (Cadet). A perfect combo for a Spring project!
One of the patterns included in this month's box was a quilted fabric basket pattern featuring the 4" x 4" blocks. It was such a fun make! I made a couple of really simple modifications to change up the design slightly and simplify some of the piecing.
Making a Foundation-Pieced Quilted Basket:
Here's some of the step by step process of how I made it:
As with all of the Perfectly Pieced blocks, each quilt block is pieced individually on a stabilizer foundation. The block design is sewn in thread right onto the stabilizer and then you build the block by sewing and flipping each piece in numbered order.
The seams are digitally programmed as part of the pattern file, so no thinking about where the seams need to be sewn - just add the next piece to build the block. Another benefit is perfectly accurate piecing every time!
There is also the option to add batting before the layers of fabric and then quilt the individual blocks in the hoop as well. (You can also just piece the fabric with out the batting/quilting.)
After pre-cutting all of my fabric pieces for 8 pieced 4" x 4" blocks I started making them 2 at a time in the hoop. (This is a great time-saver if you have a larger hoop size available for your particular machine.)
Now, you may have noticed something different that I did. As I made my two sets of blocks, I made one of each pair in a mirror image of the original block. I did this as a design choice because of how I wanted my blocks to look side by side.
There's a really simple way to do this:
With the embroidery file selected, tap the mirror-flip button (circled) to reverse the design. The stitching process stays the exact same, just mirror image.
Here's how those blocks look pieced side by side:
I like the secondary design the mirrored blocks make.
For the bottom of my basket I chose to make one solid 8 ½" x 8 ½" block, rather than making four more individually-pieced blocks. An easy time-saver for a spot that would never really show.
I used a heavy stabilizer for the bottom (hindsight, I wish I'd used it for the side blocks too) and added the layer of batting and quilting.
(Also, for Christmas I bought myself a pair of the Gingher duckbill applique scissors and they are fabulous. Total gamechanger.)
Here's how the basket bottom looks on my finished basket. Still some lovely texture and detail with the quilting, and an easy simplified step.
Here are some close-up shots of the machine quilting designs on the blocks this month. I love how the repeat looks with the adjacent blocks.
If you want to see these blocks pieced step by step, checkout the video at Okla Roots' YouTube Channel.
I had so much fun making this basket project! I was able to easily piece all of the blocks relatively quickly (even multi-tasking the same time I was in a Zoom meeting lol) and then the rest of the assembly went pretty fast .
It's a great, sturdy (and pretty!) basket, perfect for carrying around project supplies - like my hand-binding notions.
Learn About and See More Perfectly Pieced Projects
You can read more details about the Perfectly Pieced system and how it works here. You can also see some of my past Perfectly Pieced projects here, here, and here.
The April box is still available this month. And I'm loving the preview for the May box. Such a cool block - and a perfect one for foundation piecing!
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