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Happy Little Things BOM Month 2 & giveaway

It’s time for the Happy Little Things BOM Month 2 and a terrific giveaway (now closed)! This FREE block of the month is hosted by Jacquelynne Steves and you can still sign up here to receive each month’s pattern directly to your inbox. Check out the latest information from Jacquelynne about today’s block here.

Happy Little Things BOM Month 2 by Jacquelynne Steves.

Happy Little Things Block 2

As one of the participating bloggers, I get to make each block ahead of time so you can see what it looks like in different colorways and settings. My blocks are being scaled down to half size, so my finished quilt top will measure 23″ x 31″ and each block will be 6″ finished. I’m also adding applique words to make mine into a Winter wall hanging.

Mini Version of Happy Little Things BOM by Julie Cefalu.  Original BOM design by Jacquelynne Steves.
Mini version of Happy Little Things BOM
Happy Little Things BOM block 2 (mini version) made by Julie Cefalu @ The Crafty Quilter.  Original block design by Jacquelynne Steves.

This month’s block is similar to last months, but slightly more complex. Instead of flying geese, you’ll be making (what I call) half quarter-square triangles. These are made over-sized and then trimmed down. I used the Tucker Trimmer I by Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Designs to trim these perfectly. It’s such a handy ruler to have!

Using the Tucker Trimmer I to trim a half quarter square triangle @ The Crafty Quilter
Squaring up using the Tucker Trimmer I ruler

To trim these with a square ruler, you need to know what the center measurement of the unfinished size is. Since my block is 1 1/2″ unfinished, the center would be half of that which is 3/4″. I placed the 3/4″ lines at the center of the block, and made sure the 1 1/2″ lines were placed at the corner seams. Then I trimmed the right and top edges. After that, I rotated the block so that the trimmed edges lined up with the 1 1/2″ lines and then trimmed the other two sides.

Note: If you’re making the original size, these units will measure 2 1/2″ unfinished, so the center will be at 1 1/4″.

Tips for Trimming a QST with a square ruler @ The Crafty Quilter.
Using a square ruler to trim the unit

These units are easy to make, but matching the diagonal seams when you sew the block together can be a little tricky. The seams I’m referring to are circled below. Visually, you want to see a straight line where the seams connect.

The Crafty Quilter - Matching diagonal seams on block 2 of the Happy Little Things BOM designed by Jacquelynne Steves
Matching diagonal seams

I like to use a setting pin when matching diagonal seams. The setting pin goes through the seam intersection on top and comes out at the seam intersection on the bottom. Notice in the photo below that I pressed my seams open. This made the construction easier and flatter (usually I press to the side).

A Setting pin helps to match diagonal seam allowances - The Crafty Quilter
Using a setting pin to match diagonal seams

The final pressing of this block required a little clipping. Sometimes a seam intersection does not want to be pressed in the same direction as the rest of the seam. You can see below where I clipped in the seam allowance (but not too close to the stitches) so that it could lay flat.

Clipping in the seam allowance helps the row seam to lay flat.  Block made by Julie Cefalu @ The Crafty Quilter for the Happy Little Things BOM designed by Jacquelynne Steves.
Clipping in the seam allowance helps the row seam to lay flat.  Block made by Julie Cefalu @ The Crafty Quilter for the Happy Little Things BOM designed by Jacquelynne Steves.

It’s so much prettier on the front side! This is a super cute block.

Happy Little Things BOM block 2 (mini version) made by Julie Cefalu @ The Crafty Quilter.  Original block design by Jacquelynne Steves.
Happy Little Things BOM block 1 and block 2 (mini version) made by Julie Cefalu @ The Crafty Quilter.  Original block design by Jacquelynne Steves.

Mini Version cutting instructions

The mini version of this block will finish at 6″ square. All of the assembly instructions are exactly the same as the original. Remember, you still need to sign up for Jacquelynne Steves’ block of the month to get the complete directions.

Happy Little Things BOM month 2, design by Jacquelynne Steves.
Block #2, mini version in EQ8

You can download the cutting instructions for the mini version of block #2 here:

Block 2 cutting instructions, Mini Version of Happy Little Things BOM
Happy Little Things BOM block 2 (mini version) made by Julie Cefalu @ The Crafty Quilter.  Original block design by Jacquelynne Steves.

Giveaway

(Update: This giveaway is now closed.) This month’s giveaway is sponsored by one of my favorite thread companies, Aurifil, and includes a Designer Thread Box valued at $50. The giveaway is open to US and international entries.

To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment telling me if you prefer video tutorials or written (such as blog post) tutorials. It seems like videos are really popular these days, but I still prefer to read a tutorial.

NOTE: To leave a comment, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this blog post (not from my home page), and look for the rectangle that says “Enter your comment here”.  On September 9, I’ll randomly pick one winner!

Here are the giveaway rules:

  • To enter, leave a comment telling me if you prefer video tutorials or written (such as blog post) tutorials.
  • You must comment by 11:59 pm PST on September 8, 2019 (Now Closed).
  • You must leave a contact email so that I can reach the winner.
  • There is ONE prize per person per month (in other words, the same person cannot win two prizes within the same month.)
  • Giveaway is open to ALL.
  • Winner will be chosen at random.

Due to the high volume of comments, I won’t be able to reply to you (unless there is a direct question), but I will read each and every one.  Thank you in advance for your participation and for leaving a comment.

Participating Bloggers

Make sure to visit all of the participating bloggers to see their version of Happy Little Things! You can also enter the giveaway on each respective blog so you have more chances to win.

There is also a Facebook group where you can stay up to date and post photos:https://www.facebook.com/groups/SewQuiltyFriends.JacquelynneSteves/

If you use social media, please use the hashtags #HappyLittleThingsBOM and #HappyLittleThingsQuilt .

I hope your week is off to a good start!


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242 Comments

  1. I love BOTH! I guess I’m showing my age but I remember a time when all of THIS wasn’t even dreamed up yet! It amazes (and overwhelms) me how much is so accessible to so many via the internet. It’s really a phenomenal thing!

  2. I like both. Written because sometimes more detail included but I have a hard time following written without printing it all out & that is not always doable. Videos are great to watch when away from home & missing my sewing room. I seam to remember more from a video.

  3. I like to have video tutorials as I am a visual learner. However, I like having the written material so I can makes notes based on what I see in the video.

  4. I like written instructions and tips. Pictures also explain how to get things done! Your work is lovely and so inspiring.

  5. I’m with you, prefer the written takes less time to comprehend instead of rewinding the video to recap. Tks for all you do for us quilters

  6. I live in a rural area so I prefer written that I can print when I have a good signal. Videos are great if I get stuck!

  7. I like both videos and written blog post tutorial. I probably prefer the blog post tutorials though so I can go back and read through it over and over again to get it right.

  8. I like both. But I think I’m partial to written instructions with really good photos. Then, I can skip what I know how to do and really read what I’m having troubles with. It’s harder to skip around in a video.

  9. I like both a video tutorial followed by written instructions. I’m a show me type person and sometimes I get it much better by seeing exactly what’s going on. The written instructions I would use as a reminder of what I saw. Would love to win those threads too.

  10. I prefer written tutorials. I am hearing impaired and it is very difficult to understand what’s happening in a video when you can’t hear it.

  11. I really prefer written tutorials. I have auditory processing difficulties so reading the instructions is much easier for me.

  12. Written instructions are preferred by me, and scrolling through these comments noisy everyone else too! Your block is lovely!

  13. I prefer written tutorials. Videos are ok to get a quick overview of the project, but I find I have to play them over & over to really get to certain points. Much easier to follow with written.

  14. If I had to pick, written tutorials are usually easier for me to follow. It is always nice having both though. 🙂

  15. Since I am new to quilting, I like the videos. So much to learn about quilting so the videos certainly help understand the correct way.

  16. I definitely like the written tutorials as it is easier to take notes. Can I say that I am in love with your adorable winter birds?

  17. I love both, each type of presentation has benefits. If i had to choose I would pick the written instructions, mostly because I can go through the tutorial at my own pace, look at a still image, instead of pausing at a video and watching the same thing again. Truthfully I don’t mind, I have done it and I will do it in many video tutorials again. Any kind of tutorial is always helpful in any format!

  18. Because I am also making the mini version, I love your written tutorial… but in general, videos are my favorite. Even if I am not making the particular project, I may watch the video when I’m relaxing just to learn a new technique or just for fun! Thank you for the mini – I love it!!

  19. I like both videos and written instructions, but I prefer them written so I can study a section that’s confusing me!

  20. I prefer written tutorials. Then I can print them out and read while at the sewing machine when the computer is not on. Thank you for the chance to win the Aurifil Prize Pack, Cheers!

  21. Thank you for your wonderful post. I prefer written tutorials. I can read it, or print it and work through it, if need be.

  22. Sometimes with written instructions, a step might be difficult to decipher. I do like having written instructions to refer to, but also like video to see how a step is maneuvered. Thank you for your beautiful pictures and instructions!

  23. I love your bird!
    I prefer written tutorials because I can read it through in advance of starting the project. I can also go back and forth on the page(s) if I have questions or something isn’t working.
    Videos do have their uses especially with complicated procedures or titchy parts that are hard to visualize. Sometimes good photos with the written instructions will solve that but not always.

  24. I like your written tutorial a lot, but most people’s are so long to print out. A video is easy to keep in my favorites on YouTube, or to go back in my history to find again.

  25. I like both written and video. It’s nice to watch a video but it’s also nice to have printed instructions. I recently tried paper piecing and couldn’t get it from just the written instructions.
    [email protected]

  26. I prefer written instructions. Videos are nice too, but if you missed something, you have to hit rewind, etc. Sometimes more than once for me!

  27. I prefer written tutorials. Video tutorials can be great inspiration but actually producing the project is easier with a written tutorial.

  28. I prefer written tutorials, It is hard to remember all the information from a video, but I can reference written material

  29. I actually like the option of having both written and video tutorials. I mainly use the written, but if I find myself stuck or confused, it’s nice to have the video to refer to.

  30. I like the written tutorial, but sometimes I just need to see a video. I really appreciate all the work that goes into them as I have learned so much. Thanks for giveaway.
    djcutting2(@)gmail(dot)com

  31. For this BOM project I love the written tutorial with photos. To teach a particular technique (as opposed to a complete project), then a video might be nice. I do love video, but both have value. Thank you for all that you do!!!

  32. I prefer written tutorials with photos, but there’s also an advantage to videos when showing tricky things. too

  33. Oh my, your block with the sweet little birds are adorable!!
    I usually prefer written instructions for quick referral but occasionally I I’ll watch a video to fully see the process of something new.

  34. I like having both printed and video. I know that sounds strange but I read them and then if I have something I don’t understand i take the time to watch the video. Go quick first, 🙂

  35. Another adorable block, Julie. I had full intentions of sewing along, but kept too busy with other projects to even get started. OH, well. I’ll just be satisfied to admire yours, I much prefer written tutorials. I find they are more often to the point. VIDEO tutorials tend to be too wordy and I find I get impatient.

  36. I love the little birds in your blocks. I prefer written instructions because it is so much easier to go back and read things again rather than trying to go back on a video.

  37. I prefer written so I can print the instructions out, however when I am confused those videos sure come in handy

  38. Video tutorials are helpful, but your written tutorials include pictures and great instructions. I like have a printed copy as a reference while I am working on the project.

  39. Your blocks are looking great. The borders are especially nice. I prefer written tutorials, but videos are nice too. Mostly I’m grateful for so many like you who share their knowledge generously on blogs and other web sources.

  40. Although I watch numerous video tutorials, I’d rather have condensed written directions that I can keep handy while working on a project. My computer is not in my sewing area and hand-held devices time out. Tutorials with photos tend to have several dozen screens with minimal text per picture, so they are not practical to print out.

  41. I much prefer written instructions. It makes it much easier to go back and forth. Pause, rewind, play doesn’t cut it if you are crafting.

  42. I prefer written instructions; I can easily print them out for reference at my cutting table. I also believe it is good practice to learn many ways to accomplish the same goal. Sometimes, a block needs an adaptation to accomplish, and knowing several approaches toward the same end creates a pathway instead of a roadblock!

  43. I think it depends on the project and if the technique is harder to show in one form or another. Generally I prefer blog posts so I can take things at my own speed and easily go back and forth between sections of explanation.

  44. Since I am a hands-on learner, I prefer video instruction instead of written. It takes me twice as long to follow written instructions. Thanks.

  45. CUTE block! Love the sweet little birdie center! 🙂 I’m a visual/hands on learner, so I much prefer video tutorials, especially if I can be working the project as the tutorial is taking place. Sometimes it helps me to have something written to follow, but not necessarily.

  46. I love tutorials because I like something written to refer to when I am making something like a quilt. I am getting older so I don’t always remember the visual instructions.

  47. I am old school, prefer wriitten tutorials. This cheerful little block will be a winter pick me up. Thanks for posting. VM

  48. I prefer blog tutorials just because we have very limited Internet data, but I would love to be able to watch videos.

  49. I love your cute ‘little’ versions! I like reading the tutorial however there are times it is nice to have both accessible. It really depends on the project I guess.

  50. I prefer written with pictures. Videos can be hard to follow since I am self teaching and a little slow. Either are great though. Thanks for another great giveaway.

  51. Hello from Australia. I much prefer a written patter as I can print it out and keep it for future reference. Tutorials are a plus, but not a necessity

  52. I really prefer the written tutorials, I can print them out and have them available when I sew. The video tutorials are not available to me as I sew. My computer with internet access is downstairs and I usually sew upstairs. Thank you for sharing your patterns–they are lovely!

  53. Hi Julie! I prefer written tutorials with pictures over videos. Your miniature version is adorable! I like how you kept the corner squares dark like Block #1.

  54. I prefer written tutorials because I can save the information as a pdf and refer to it in the future. I love the fabrics in your block and the bird in the middle!

  55. I like both, but I think I generally go with a written tutorial with good photos more often.
    I love your mini versions!

  56. I would be lost without YouTube. If I can not figure out something from written instructions my next choice is to see it visually. I will say I do learn better seeing someone doing it and me following along.

  57. I prefer written tutorials, that way I can print a copy for future reference. I can’t tell you how many times I have pulled your binding ending tutorial out of my drawer to use! I love it. Thank you.

  58. I love the written! I read then re-read all directions for clarity, thus giving me the opportunity to go my speed. The visual pictures are helpful as well. Thank you for the beautiful pattern!

  59. I prefer a written tutorial with pictures as cell service is so iffy where I live (thus no computer). Watching a video is very time consuming and frustrating.

  60. Written tutorials are usually my preferred way of learning something, but once in a while a video is the only way to really see a tricky technique being taught. Your block is adorable and perfect with those corners matching! duchick at gmail dot com

  61. I love the little bird in the middle. I like well written tutorials rather than just videos. A combination of both for a pattern is good too.

  62. Julie, I guess I am ole’ school, I prefer the pattern on paper and in hand, because I forget what I just saw or read about 10 secs after reading or looking. Must be an AGE Disease symptom. thanks for your blog.

  63. I prefer written tutorials – easier to refer to when I am working. I do love pictures with the written tutorial.

  64. I prefer a written tutorial. I like videos but it’s easier for me to just have paper with the written word on it that I can refer to at any time without needing technology also.

  65. I certainly like a youtube tutorial, but when it gets down to the nitty gritty I like pictures step by step with words. I have young children who maybe sleeping, so watching youtube is kinda like watching a silent movie, sound off to let them sleep. If the text does not give enough, then I search it out on video format. Lovely blocks by the way!

  66. I prefer like both, but prefer written tutorials to save for later. Thank you for the cutting instructions for the smaller squares. I have too many other projects to work on right now, but can’t wait to begin this one later.

  67. I prefer written so I can print and refer to the information at a later date if I wish. I do like the videos to get a better feel for the project.

  68. I rely on both techniques. I enjoy the visual of a video tutorial, but need to have written instructions and step by step photos also since with a video I usually have to return and review. Thanks so much for asking.

  69. I like to have a printed pattern and videos, both on line, so I can put the printed pattern in my iPad, and print it if I want to.

  70. Hi Julie! I love your excellent tutorials. My style of learning prefers the written with step by step photos. Yes, I do watch videos and appreciate the verbal directions. For me, written is my preference. Thank you and Aurfil for sharing. (My favorite thread.)

  71. I use both printed and video tutorials. Thanks for the directions for smaller blocks. Orhedricks at gmail dot com

  72. Personally I prefer a video tutorial, it’s easier to understand when you see someone do it. Not everyone is good at writing written instructions. Not everyone understands written instructions, I’m a visual learner. I can read something a hundred times and not understand it but when somebody shows it to me it clicks.
    Thanks for the opportunity.

  73. Hi Julie,
    I prefer written tutorials…but I watch video tutorials also! I just have to start and stop them often!!!

  74. I do prefer written with pictures. Easier for me to pick out the info I did not know and save it. Reading instructions with pictures allows me to go slow instead of keeping pace with the instructor. I LOVE your little birdies.

  75. I like the video tutorials best so I can see how its done. Then the printed version to refer to later or to make notes on

  76. I like videos… I am very much a visual learner and hate to read directions. I tend to read things into directions. On patterns I use lots of highlighter to keep me on track!

  77. I like the written tutorials slightly better than the videos. The videos have their place but it is hard to use it at a sewing machine. I like all the detail you provide with your tutorials. Thank you for the great opportunity to win a prize.

  78. I generally prefer to read a tutorial, but there are some things for which video is better. It’s easier to learn an embroidery stitch, for example, from a video. Thanks for the giveaway.

  79. While videos can be helpful for seeing a complicated technique, I prefer blogpost directions for projects. Your birdies are cute.

  80. I really like having both, I keep the written tutorial at my cutting table. Love the video for a new technique.

  81. I really feel the need for a printed tutorial Julie. The video’s are nice too, but your instructions with pictures are by far so superior to any video in my opinion. Thank you for the details you put into each one. I made my first mini and love it!

  82. I like both. Some videos have a PDF that you can print. The PDF is below the description where sometimes you cna order what you need for the project. It is very helpful.
    Thanks, Dee

  83. I prefer written instructions as they are portable and can be taken to my sewing machine. Yea…I know…I’m old fashioned and don’t own a tablet.

  84. My favorite way of learning is the way you do your blog, Julie. The step by step photos along with instructions, using pretty and up to date fabrics, and variety of realistic projects make it a joy to learn!

  85. I prefer the written instructions. Though I enjoy watching the videos the information doesn’t stay with me due to a stroke.

  86. Good Morning Julie,
    I like using written instructions more than video. I am left handed and sometimes all it takes is a flip of the fabric in a different direction to get lost. It is also faster to read than watch. Thanks for all that you do, keep it up.!

  87. I’m one of the slower quilters and I prefer to have the written instructions and then a video to work along with. I’m just getting back to quilting after years of depression and enjoying it so much.

  88. I’m loving your mini!! Thanks for sharing with us!!
    I like them both, but I’d say I prefer written tutorials.
    Happy Labor Day!

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