Last two Summer Sampler 2019 Blocks: Half-rectangle triangles and Y-seams

Yes, fall is officially here—because it's a wrap on Summer Sampler 2019: Piecing Bootcamp!

Ahhhhhh, you guys! I can't believe the last block dropped this morning! (Of course, it's not completely done, because we still have to sew all these bad boys together into a top. And quilt it. So, just a few things left to do, really. It'll take us just one hot minute, right? 😂Stay tuned for all of that.)

Anyway, let's take a look at the final two blocks! First up, we learned all about Half-Rectangle Triangles with the Summer Kites block by Katie Blakesley. HRTs tend to be a thorn in people's sides, and we found that there aren't many (any?) really good HRT tutorials out there! It's surprisingly tough to make HRTs without cutting off any points, because GEOMETRY, you guys.

But Katie did a lot of research and a ton of experimenting and came up with what I think is the new gold standard for making HRTs. No cut off points if you follow her detailed instructions, I promise. Seriously, even if you aren't a Summer Sampler subscriber, check out her new series about making Half-Rectangle Triangles. You'll want to make a half-rectangle triangle quilt right this very second.

Last but not least, we're tackling Y-seams with the Summertide Star block by Faith Jones. Y-seams are like the exact opposite of HRTs. You won't think for a minute this technique will work ... until it does. Check out Faith's video of her Y-seam technique—who needs English paper-piecing when you can do this by machine?!

And Faith gave us a super cute star to practice Y-seams on! A fitting final block for this quilt-along.

Next week: A finished quilt top? We shall see! I'm sewing my fingers to the bone, you guys. (Just kidding. Kind of.)

Want to up your piecing game? Every block in Summer Sampler 2019: Piecing Bootcamp will teach you a new piecing skill! Join us and get immediate access to all 21 blocks, plus finishing instructions for two different layouts. Click here to join!

The Summer Sampler 2019: Piecing Bootcamp pattern includes:
• Fully-tested instructions for 21 gorgeous blocks (12" finished size)
• Complete finishing instructions to make an 80" x 92" sampler quilt
• Instructions for two layout options—you get both! No need to choose!
• All fabric requirements and suggested Moda Bella Solids colors (YES! There are fabric kits available from Sewtopia and Canadian shop Mad About Patchwork)
• Quilt mock-up coloring sheet for planning
• Access to an exclusive subscriber-only Facebook group to ask questions, get advice, and interact with the designers and a community of other quilters

The Summer Sampler 2019 designers are: Top to Bottom, Left to Right
Row 1: Heather Black @Quiltachusetts, Krista Hennebury @poppyprint, Lynne Goldsworthy @lilysquilts,  Lee Heinrich @lee.a.heinrich, Krystina Hopkins @khquilts
Row 2: Andrea Tsang Jackson @3rdstoryworkshop, Jemima Flendt @tiedwitharibbon, Faith Jones @freshlemonsquilts, Kitty Wilkin @nightquilter, Yvonne Fuchs @quiltingjetgirl
Row 3: Lynn Carson Harris @lynncarsonharris, Stephanie Zacharer Ruyle @spontaneousthreads
Row 4: Jen Carlton Bailly @bettycrockerass, Amy Friend @duringquiettime, Justin Stafford @keatonquilts, Katie Blakesley @swimbikequilt, Jo Avery @mybearpaw