Folk Blooms QAL Recommended Supplies + GIVEAWAY!

If you've signed up for the Folk Blooms QAL you're probably knee deep in some very important  fabric related decisions, but it's not just fabric you'll need for a successful quilt along, it's these notions too!

Okay, maybe "need" is a strong word, but having any of the notions listed below will definitely set you up for a more enjoyable QAL experience!

SIGN UP FOR THE FOLK BLOOMS QAL HERE

*Make sure to read to the end of this post to find out how you can enter to win your very own gorgeous clapper from Modern American Vintage!*

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES FOR THE FOLK BLOOMS QAL:

Cluck Cluck Sew Diagonal Seam Tape

There are 20, that's right, TWO-ZERO snowballed corners in each Folk Blooms block (Wait. Should I be pointing this out? 😬😂). So, trust me when I say, your QAL experience will be exponentially more enjoyable with this tape. I personally use it and recommend it all of the time. It's a total game changer AND time saver when it comes to snowballing corners! You can purchase the tape from Sewtopia HERE. For information on how to use Cluck Cluck Sew's Diagonal Seam Tape click HERE.

Glue Basting:

Basting glue is another notion I frequently recommend! There are a lot of seams and points in the Folk Blooms block so accuracy while sewing is KEY. Glue basting, instead of using pins, ensures better accuracy with your seams and finished blocks. I did a video all about glue basting HERE and you can purchase glue and Fineline Glue Tips HERE!

Starch Spray:

This one is the least expensive of all the notions I've mentioned in this post cause all you need for it is some vodka and water 😆🙌 I'm a big fan of not only starch spray, but HOMEMADE starch spray. Save yourself some $$ and make your own! The ratio I use is 1 part vodka to 3 parts water. I like to starch my fabric BEFORE I cut into it and then do a final starch when I'm done with my block. Occasionally, if a seam is being finnicky, I'll starch parts of the block while I'm sewing, but I try not to be too heavy handed with it since I've personally found it can cause distortion, rippling, etc with my blocks.

Stitch Supply Co Seam Guide Ruler:

The Folk Blooms block has a lot of seams so having a perfect 1/4" seam allowance is so, SO important! If your seam allowance is even a millimeter off it will add up and lead to a lot of frustration later. If you feel 100% confident about your 1/4" seam allowance on your machine then getting this ruler isn't necessary. But, if you're AT ALL unsure and have had issues with your block or parts of your block not finishing at the correct size, then I highly recommend getting this ruler. It has personally saved me many a time! The Seam Guide Ruler is available from Stitch Supply Co. HERE!

Blade Saver:

I'm kinda throwing this notion into the mix not because I think it's super necessary for the QAL, but mainly because it is hands down my favorite notion of 2020 😆 Actually, I take it back, if you don't already own a thread cutter then you definitely need this notion in your life. We will be doing a lot of chain piecing during the QAL so having a thread cutter will be a sanity saver. And having a thread cutter that also reuses your dull rotary blades?? Even better! You can purchase the BladeSaver Thread Cutter HERE!

And last, but not least on my list of recommended supplies is...

The Modern American Vintage Clapper!

I mean, just look at that picture...Need I say more? 😍😆 For the longest time I was skeptical about the difference a clapper would make with my seams, but let me tell you, after using it a single time I WAS HOOKED. I have several clappers in my collection now and the one from Modern American Vintage is not only the best looking of the bunch, but also the best quality. It's deceiving based on it's size, but the thing is heavy haha. I have larger clappers that weigh less than this guy. Long story short, blocks with a lot of seams or bulky seams really benefit from a clapper!

And guess what?? Modern American Vintage and I have teamed up to give a clapper to one of you! Enter the giveaway HERE! And while you're at it, go check out all of Modern American Vintage amazing, handmade quilting tools HERE!

And that's it! Hope these suggestions were helpful!

If you haven't already, you can sign up for the Folk Blooms Quilt Along HERE and purchase the Folk Blooms pattern that's currently 25% off until 8/27/21 HERE!