Astra Quilt SAL: Week 6

Aug 13

Week 6: Quilt Top Assembly

Welcome to the LAST week of the Astra Quilt Sew Along (SAL)! How did that happen? This week will add the sashing to our blocks and assemble the quilt top.

SAL Schedule

Welcome Note
Week 1: Select Fabric & Gather Supplies - July 9th
Week 2: Cut, Organize Fabric, & Sew 1 Block - July 16th
Week 3: Sew 4 Blocks - July 23rd
Week 4: Sew 4 Blocks - July 30th
Week 5: Sew 3 Blocks & Cornerstone Rows - August 6th
Week 6: Assemble Quilt Top - August 13th

Special Longarmer Discount

We are excited to partner with not one but TWO longarmers offering a discount for everyone participating in the Astra Quilt SAL!

Meet Wendy, a Denver local of Purple Tutu Quilting who has been sewing the Astra Quilt with us! She’s a Wooden Spools’ house favorite! Contact Wendy for details or meet her at Wooden Spools every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 2 pm to 3 pm to pick up and drop off quilts.

Meet Cara, a Westminster local of Sew Colorado Quilting who I met through the Color of Connection sew along early 2021 and has helped me finish so many quilts. She did an amazing job on my Astra Modern and can help you pick the perfect pantograph for yours.

Purple tutu quilting

sew colorado quilting

General Tips

Ensure your blocks are 18.5” x 18.5” squares. Feel free to trim if needed; below are a few examples.
Rarely is any block perfect, so be kind to yourself and let the beauty of sashing do its job by hiding imperfections.
Lay out your blocks and take a photo, this helps you remember the order you want, plus it can help with the color arrangement.

Example of the amount I trimmed for one side of the block.

Modern or Two-Color Block Layout

If you are having difficulty deciding how to arrange your blocks, here are a few tricks I use to help ensure a good color contrast balance.

Take a black and white photo of your quilt blocks laid out. If needed, make small changes to spread out the dark and light colors. Repeat as needed. Please take note of what matters to you; I say this because it can be a never-ending journey.
Another technique I love is to squint my eyes while looking at the quilt blocks. This can blur the light contrast areas while keeping the high contrast areas. It can help you see the overall shape, color, and value.

Change photos to black and white to help see the dark and light contrast.

Sashing

I pin my sashing to the top of the block and feed it through my machine. I have had fewer hiccups with the smooth service on top, but try both ways and see what works best.
Press seams towards the sashing.
Nest seams when sewing the block and cornerstone rows together.

Quick video showing how to nest seams. Don’t forget to pin!

A BIG thank you for joining me in my first hosted Sew Along, I hope y’all had a blast! xx Katie

Enter Grand Prize Giveaway

To enter the Week 6 Grand Prize ($327 value), share a photo of your finished Astra Quilt top (throw or larger). If you’re on Instagram, use the hashtag #astraquiltsal. Else please email me at hi@zahm.co. You must post or submit by Friday, August 19th, 11:59 pm MDT, to be entered. The winner will be announced on Saturday, August 20th.

Grand Prize Giveaway - FREE seat in Free Motion Quilting Academy by String and Story

Sponsored by String and Story