<![CDATA[Robin Pickens

<![CDATA[Robin Pickens - Blog]]>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:48:27 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Sewcialites3, Week16, Block16]]>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week16-block16It's Friday and that means it's time for another Sewcialites 3 reveal! This week we're making Block 16, Florabelle, designed by Heather Briggs of My Sew Quilty Life.
Florabelle is as pretty as it is intricate. Rated at an intermediate skill level, this block is constructed almost entirely with stitch-and-flip units. While stitch-and-flip is a straightforward technique, working at a finished size of just 3" means there are a lot of very small pieces to manage.

Robin Pickens, Sewcialites3, Block 16, Florabelle Block, Thatched basics, Free Patterns, Sew along

This is one of those blocks where accuracy really matters. Trimming, pressing, and maintaining a consistent seam allowance all help keep the units the correct size as they come together. With so many stitch-and-flip corners packed into such a small space, even a slight variation can add up by the time the block is assembled.

For color, I used Burgundy, Fuchsia, Pink Grapefruit, Sugar Rose, Primrose, Early Dawn, and Caramel. That's the majority of my color palette represented in a single block! Because Florabelle contains so many small pieces, it provided a great opportunity to incorporate a wide range of fabrics without any one color overwhelming the design.
The combination of warm pinks, rich burgundy, and soft neutrals really helped bring the design to life. Despite its small size, Florabelle makes a big impact with both color and detail.

One of the things I'm enjoying most about Sewcialites 3 is how each block presents a different challenge. Some weeks focus on color placement, while others test accuracy and construction. Florabelle definitely falls into the latter category, making it a satisfying finish once all those tiny pieces come together.
Happy Sewing
- Robin

]]><![CDATA[Sewcialites3, Week15, BLock15]]>Fri, 29 May 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week15-block15It’s Friday block release day for Sewcialites 3 and this week’s Block 15 is the beautiful Split Star Block designed by Lissa Alexander of ModaLissa.
This design is delivering the look of two blocks in one, as the background becomes a design element itself in addition to the main sawtooth star motif. The layered illusion is the diagonal half-square triangle divide that creates a two-tone background, allowing your eye to move between foreground and background depending on fabric placement. One moment the star shines forward, and the next the background creates a striking secondary pattern.

Robin Pickens, Sewcialites3, Block 15, Split Star block, thatched basics, thatched fabrics, sew along free patterns, sabertooth star

Color placement becomes especially important in creating contrast and depth within this block. Strong value differences between medium, and dark fabrics, chosen here, help separate the look of “overlapping” shapes and emphasize the layered effect. When the background has good contrasts with the star, the sawtooth star feels bold and dimensional. But when similar tones are placed beside each other, the secondary patterns begin to emerge more subtly, creating a softer and more intricate visual texture. It’s a block that completely changes personality depending on how colors are arranged.

The colors I used this week, from top to bottom, are Sugar Rose, Cranberry, Burgundy, Smoked Paprika, and Pink Grapefruit. Together, this combination paired with the Split Star Block feels like the epitome of warmth and depth. The darker Smoked Paprika, Cranberry, and Burgundy tones pull the design forward, while the softer Sugar Rose and Pink Grapefruit create an almost glowing background that lifts the block. It’s tempting to make an entire quilt using this palette — perhaps with the background split diagonally throughout the whole design to frame the star blocks!? So many ideas, so little time!

Every week of sewing along has been inspiring and fun, and I always love seeing how different fabric and color choices completely transform each block. This one especially feels like it could go in so many directions depending on the fabrics you choose. It is becoming a fast favorite, like so many of the others!
Happy Sewing!
-Robin

]]><![CDATA[Sewcialites3, Week14, Block14]]>Fri, 22 May 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week14-block14Sewcialites 3 Week 14 is here, and this week’s block is the lovely Criss-Cross Star Block designed by Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet Co.
One of my favorite details about the Criss-Cross Star block is the floating point construction, which helps those star points come out perfectly every time — and we all love perfect points!
This block has a unique classic star design very in tune with Lori Holt’s charming signature style, and it comes together in a way that feels both fun and satisfying to sew.

Robin Pickens, Sewcialites 3, Block 14, Criss-Cross Star block, Thatched, sew along, free patterns,

From a quilt construction standpoint, this method is such a smart design choice. Instead of forcing bulky seams right at the tip of the star, the floating point technique lets the points “breathe” slightly within the seam allowance, which reduces bulk and gives you much cleaner, sharper results when the block is pressed and set into the quilt.
It also makes alignment a bit more forgiving during piecing, while still delivering that crisp, polished star shape we all aim for. It’s one of those thoughtful construction details that really shows why this block works so beautifully in a sampler setting.

The colors I used this week are Buttermilk, Caramel, Smoked Paprika, Pink Grapefruit, and Primrose, which gives this block such a warm and cozy feel. This palette would make a beautiful fall-inspired combination too — just add a touch of green!

The Criss- Cross Star points are made with Buttermilk and Primrose, which keeps them light and airy so they really pop against the Pink Grapefruit, this makes the whole star feel soft and glowing.
The corners in Smoked Paprika add a deeper, spiced contrast that frames the block and gives it a grounded, slightly dramatic edge, while the Caramel center pulls everything together with a warm, honeyed focal point.
Week by week, Sewcialites 3 continues to bring together gorgeous blocks, creative techniques, and so much quilting inspiration.
Happy Sewing
Robin

]]><![CDATA[Sewcialites3, Week13, Block13]]>Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week13-block13This week’s Sewcialites 3, block 13 is Back Porch Block, designed by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Co.. It’s a beautifully detailed block with a lot of small pieces, making it a rewarding sew that sits comfortably in the intermediate skill range.

Robin Pickens, Sewcialites3, Block 13, Back Porch Block, Thatched basics, sew along, free patterns, fat quarter shop

There’s a lot of structure in this design, and the piecing really comes together in a way that feels both traditional and fresh at the same time. Because of the number of smaller pieces, it’s one of those blocks that benefits from a little extra attention and patience. Spray starch is especially helpful if you're working on the 3" blocks, along with taking the time to press carefully and square up each step — but the finished result is absolutely worth it.

The color palette for this week is Burgundy, Cranberry, Fuchsia, Sugar Rose, Primrose, and Early Dawn.
Each of these tones brings a soft progression of value and warmth, creating a cohesive, gently shifting gradient across the block layout from the center outward.
My color selections are guided by the overall layout of the quilt. Since this block sits in the burgundy section of the design, I’ve used Burgundy as the background fabric. This helps anchor the block within its designated section while allowing the remaining colors to shine in the piecing.

It’s always interesting to see how each block contributes to the larger quilt design, especially when color placement plays such a key role in the overall structure. The Back Porch Block is a great example of how thoughtful color placement can completely change the look and feel of a complex block.
Happy Sewing.
Robin

]]><![CDATA[Sewcialites3, Week12, Block12]]>Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week12-block12Welcome to Week 12 of Sewcialites 3! It’s hard to believe we are already this far along in the sew along, and each week continues to bring a wonderful mix of quilt history and fresh new color play. This week’s block is Block 12 — the timeless Shoo Fly block by Sharon Holland.

Robin Pickens, sewcialites3, block 12, shoo Fly block, Thatched fabrics, sew along free patterns,

The Shoo Fly block is one of those classic quilt blocks that feels deeply rooted in the original handcraft of quilting. Timeless, versatile, and full of history, it’s a design that has carried through generations of makers. You could almost call it a soul block! There’s something comforting about revisiting these traditional blocks and seeing how they continue to inspire quilters today.

For my version this week, I worked with Fuchsia, Pink Grapefruit, Burgundy, and Caramel. As surprising as this may sound, it creates such a bright and lively block. The rich warmth of Caramel and Burgundy balances beautifully with the punchy Pink Grapefruit and Fuchsia, giving the Shoo Fly block a fresh, energetic personality while still honoring its traditional roots.

One of my favorite parts of the Sewcialites sew along is seeing how color can completely change the feel of a familiar block. A historic design like Shoo Fly can take on a whole new personality depending on the palette and placement choices, and that creative discovery is always inspiring.
Happy Sewing!
-Robin

]]><![CDATA[Sewcialites3, Week11, Block11]]>Fri, 01 May 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week11-block11Week 11 of Sewcialites 3 brings us the Snuggle Patch Block, designed by Edita Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts.
This block leans into a more traditional quilt block, making it a wonderful nod to classic patchwork. It’s labeled as a beginner skill level, but don’t let that simplicity fool you—Snuggle Patch offers a lot of versatility. From playful color combinations to more refined, tonal palettes, it can easily shift its personality depending on your fabric choices.

Robin Pickens, sewcialites3, thatched basics, block 11, Snuggle Patch block, sew along, free patterns, fat quarter shop,

Beyond color, the block also shines in how it can be arranged within a full quilt layout. Whether repeated in a structured grid or mixed with other blocks in the Sewcialites series, it creates opportunities for a variety of finished looks.
A timeless block with flexible possibilities, the Snuggle Patch block can offer endless creative potential.

This week’s Thatched color picks are especially rich and inviting: Pink Grapefruit and Burgundy—two of my personal favorites—paired with Masala Spice and Caramel. Together, these shades create a warm, layered palette that adds depth and a slightly sophisticated feel to this classic style block.
It’s a beautiful example of how thoughtful color choices can elevate a classic design and give it a completely fresh look.

Seeing all of the blocks we’ve made so far come together is so satisfying. We’re almost halfway—what a fun sew-along this is! I’m already looking forward to next week.
Happy Sewing!
Robin

]]><![CDATA[Sewcialites3, Week10, Block10]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week10-block10This week’s Sewcialites 3 block is almost too cute to resist. Block 10, the Little Berry Block, designed by Pat Sloan, adds a sweet and playful touch to the overall quilt with its charming patchwork berry motif.
I’m working with the 3" finished size, which makes everything feel delightfully tiny—and definitely calls for a bit more care and precision. The smaller scale really highlights the patchwork details for this block, especially in the berry itself, where the two colors come together to create that classic berry look.

Robin Pickens, Sewcialites3, block10, thatched, Sew along, free pattern, Little Berry Block

I couldn’t resist leaning fully into the theme, pulling from my Thatched fabrics of the rich Fuchsia and warm Sugar Rose for the berry itself, Caramel for the leaf unit, and Early Dawn as the background. The subtle texture of Thatched really enhances the block, giving the berry a soft, almost fuzzy texture that fits the theme perfectly.

This block is a fun make, and it delivers big on personality. It’s definitely one of those designs that would be adorable repeated across an entire quilt or even turned into smaller projects. Straight piecing combined with stitch-and-flip corners and half-square triangles, makes up this fun berry block.

A few notes from this week: Keeping a consistent seam allowance is especially important when working with pieces this small, as even slight variations can affect the final block. Pressing carefully made a big difference in reducing bulk, I pressed the seams open for this one.

Until next week, happy sewing!
Robin

]]><![CDATA[Sewcialites3, Week9, Block9]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week9-block9Week 9 of Sewcialites 3 brings us the lovely Daylight block, designed by Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts. This block feels like a breath of fresh air, with clean lines and balanced shapes, and a brightness peeking through the center that truly lives up to its name.
The design has a gentle sense of flow, with light radiating outward, making it both eye-catching and versatile. It really shines when you play with contrast, allowing the structure of the block to take center stage.

Robin Pickens, sewcialites3, block 9, week 9, Daylight Block, Cory Yoder, sew along, free pattern

For my version, I chose colors with its placement in my overall quilt layout in mind. Since it sits in the darker burgundy section, I wanted it to transition gently while still holding onto that “daylight” feel. I kept the center light and bright, then framed it with rich burgundy stitch-and-flip corners to anchor it into that deeper color story.

The colors I chose for this week’s block are Burgundy, Pink Grapefruit, Caramel, and Buttermilk—creating a warm, balanced palette. The lighter tones keep the center soft and luminous, while the burgundy adds depth and gently frames the design.
I love how this approach allows the block to glow from within while still connecting to the surrounding fabrics, creating a thoughtful balance between light and depth.

As the weeks go on, the stack of blocks continues to grow, serving as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how each design builds on the last to create something truly special.
Happy Sewing,
Robin

]]><![CDATA[Sewcialites3, week8, block8]]>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week8-block8We’ve made it to Week 8 of Sewcialites 3, and this week’s block is the Beacon Block, designed by Amy Smart of Diary of a Quilter.
This block has a lovely, slightly traditional feel and comes together with a combination of half square triangles and flying geese. It’s a fun mix of techniques that keeps things interesting while still being very approachable even when the tiny HSTs in the 3" blocks finish at just 3/4" square!

Robin Pickens, Sewcialites3, block8, Beacon block, sew along, free pattern, Thatched, fat quarter shop

For this block, I chose to use more of the Burgundy Thatched fabric as the background - similar to how I approached the color placement for last week’s block, keeping in mind where it will sit in the overall quilt layout. The block has to blend in while still being noticeable, a subtle balance when playing with color placement.

This week’s colors are Pink Grapefruit, Burgundy, Cranberry, Sugar Rose, and Fuchsia. Keeping the background really dark allows the other rich berry tones to stand out in such a striking way, almost like a Beacon!

I really enjoyed how this one came together—the shapes create such a statement, and it feels like a little classic tucked into the quilt. More next week!
Happy Sewing,
Robin

]]><![CDATA[Sewcialites3, Week7, Block7]]>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMThttps://www.robinpickens.com/blog/sewcialites3-week7-block7Week 7 of Sewcialites 3 brings us a fresh and cheerful design with the Flower block by Elizabeth Hartmann @elizabethagh. This block has a clean, modern feel while still capturing the simple beauty of a classic floral motif. With her unique and highly recognizable style, Elizabeth Hartmann gives this design a distinctive charm.

Robin Pickens, Sewcialites3, block7, Thatched, flower block, sew along, free patterns

A combination of stitch-and-flip corners and straight piecing allows this adorable block to come together with ease. The layout is approachable and fun to piece, offering a great opportunity to play with color placement. Whether you choose soft, subtle tones or something more vibrant, the design truly comes to life through your fabric choices.

This week’s color choices, from left to right, are Masala Spice, Caramel, Sugar Rose, Fuchsia, Cranberry, and Burgundy. I’ve placed this block in the darker section of my quilt layout, which is why I’ve chosen Burgundy as the background— the colors pop beautifully against the surrounding blocks.

Playing with these rich, warm colors inspires so many new ideas. The contrast you can create allows each element of the block to really express itself, bringing depth and personality to the design.
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the Flower block as much as I have and that it inspires your own color experiments for this block.
Happy sewing!
Robin

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