Welcome to Day 1: Garden Song Sew Along!
Section 1
I am so thrilled you dropped in! We have plenty of exciting ground to cover for our very first release (Section 1), so let’s jump straight into the details.
Before you grab your download, here is a quick look at the materials and tools I am using for my quilt:
Featured Supplies
- Batting: Hobbs Tuscany Unbleached Cotton
- Fusible Web: Pellon Wonder-Under
- Fabric: Island Batik Foundations (refer to the Fabric Requirements list)
- Iron: Oliso Project Iron
- Thread: Polyester thread for decorative stitching
Section 1: Design & Layout Options
Section 1 offers two distinct layout options to suit your style.
Design Tip: The top reference image showcases a vine and garden gate motif that you can repeat throughout the rest of your quilt top! I am calling these “Optional Bonus Blocks”.
- Option 1 (Open Layout): Features a lighter, airier arrangement with extra negative space. The background block sizes adjust, while the appliqué shapes remain uniform.
- Option 2 (Bonus Block Layout): Adds flexible bonus blocks that can be incorporated across the main quilt top, sewn into borders, or omitted entirely.
Working with Your Background Blocks
For my own quilt, I selected a random mix of Oyster and Platinum for the background.
While background block dimensions shift across all 13 sections of the pattern, most finish at 12″ x 12″. Today’s download includes 4 pre-arranged background layouts to choose from, but feel free to design your own! As long as your overall section finishes to the correct final size, your quilt will assemble perfectly.
What’s Included in Today’s Download
When you open your Section 1 PDF, you’ll find:
- Numbered Assembly Diagram: Clear visual guide (note: larger block layout diagrams will need to be taped together).
- Full-Size Appliqué Templates: Reverse for fusible web.
- Finished Photo: Image of the completed section.
- Creative Layout Notes
The image above was my test block adding the vine and garden gate, the vine was tedious and I decided you would rather have larger shapes.
The addition of the vine and garden gate definitely adds more interest. However, if you prefer more negative space for quilting or a simpler block, the section can be made using a 6 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ and a 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ block.
I’ve been trying the quilt as you go method. For this section I trimmed the seam allowance away and added bias strips to hide the seams. It will take practice, but I am having a blast.
Ready to get started?
👉 CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SECTION 1 PATTERN PDF
Be sure to tag your progress on social media using #GardenSongSewAlong @aquiltery #aquiltery so we can see what you’re creating!
