Hand-Pieced QAL

The Hand-Pieced QAL got started with the first block this week, and I was ready!

Awhile ago, I had set aside these two fat quarter bundles for this QAL - some novelty ocean prints purchased from Back Porch Fabrics in Pacific Grove, California, and a bundle of different blues from Connecting Threads.

This week, I matched up the blues with the prints so I could get started on the first block.

The pair at the top are what I decided to start with - that print reminds me of a place at the Monterey Bay Aquarium called the Open Sea.  I cut 8 two inch squares of each fabric and stitched up some 4 patches.

I had practiced my hand-piecing with 2.5 inch squares, and these felt tiny in comparison!  I did notice that a scant 1/4 inch seam was important for keeping the dimensions of the finished block correct.  The first one I stitched came out a little small.

Here is my final block - a bit wonky, but since I'm considering this QAL a learning experience, I'm going with it!

Linking up with Patty at Elm Street Quilts and Kristin at Simple. Handmade. Everyday for the Hand-Pieced QAL!