Welcome to the Quilt-Along!

I'm glad so many of you want to play.  I think this is going to be fun! 

Before we start, I want to be clear that I do not consider my techniques to be the one right way to quilt.  I'm just explaining what works for me, as developed through years of trial and error.

 

The quilt we're going to be making is a sampler of sorts.  Samplers have been used for years by quilters and needleworkers as a showcase for a variety of skills.  This quilt will give you the opportunity to try out several simple blocks using squares and rectangles.  We're going to be making 36 eight-inch blocks in six different patterns.  The front of the quilt will use 30 blocks framed by two-inch wide sashing. 

 

The remaining six blocks will be used on the pieced back of the quilt.  The finished quilt will be about 52 x 62 inches.

I'll be making my quilt along with you and will post about every part of my process, as follows:

• Week One: Materials and Supplies Overview / Choosing Fabric

• Week Two: Prepping and Cutting Fabric / Making Blocks

• Week Three: Finishing the Quilt Top and Back / Making the Quilt Sandwich

• Week Four: Machine Quilting / Making and Sewing Binding

I've started a Flickr Group where we can show off our progress and our finished projects.  Please feel free to copy the Quilt-Along! button too. 

One last note. . . To keep things clear for beginners, my instructions are going to focus on making the quilt in the size described above.  If you're looking to use this pattern as a starting point for something larger, please use the measurements provided to make your calculations.

I look forward to seeing what everyone makes!

Comments

[sarah c]

I am really excited to follow you along! Thank you so much for starting this up.

[Liz]

This sampler looks beautiful. I can't wait to get it underway.

[Amanda Elizabeth]

oh gosh, I'm *so* excited and so nervous, that looks intimidating!!!! But everything you post is always super clear and consistent, so I'm excited to dive in!!!!

[Alissa]

I won't be sewing along, but I'll be reading along and I can't wait to hear your tips and tricks! I'm certain to be learning lots!

[Jon]

Rock on! I'm way excited to quilt-along. I was anxious to see what type of quilt would be made, but all anxiety is squashed--I like it to the nth degree! Sweat, blood and tears: here I come!!!!

[Pikku-Kettu]

The quilt looks beautiful! I'll just have to play along! :)

[Amber]

Fun - I think I can squeeze in another project :-)

[Mandy Alden]

Beauty. When do we start? I'm so ready to attack that stash.

[Liz]

What a cool idea! I am not much of a sewer anymore, but have been wanting to get back into quilting again. This might just be the perfect project. Thank you.

[sparkly green knickers]

The timing is perfect, I'm just finishing off my second ever quilt, so I can tag along without distraction!

[Lil]

quite interesting, think I have to join this as I've got some fabulous stripes at home, just the amount I need for this

[Amy]

My toddler just decided to climb out of his crib. What's a mother to do except put him in a bed and use it as an excuse to make him a new quilt! I've had two false starts (not feeling design inspiration). I think a quilt-a-long is just the thing to get this mamma on track. Count me in - and it's a great design. Thanks.

[Kit Lang]

I'm going to join too - I have the perfect fabrics for it! :)

[Mandy]

This looks awesome. I am totally in! Thank you so much for doing this. It's just what I need to take the next quilting-related step!

[JulieFrick]

I'm in! And so excited!

[Katie Favara]

I've never done anything like this before, but am looking forward to it. This is like a quilting club, but I don't have to find a babysitter! I can't wait to get started.

[Terriaw]

Fabulous quilt pattern selection! I have always wanted to make a sampler, but never got around to it. This is going to be fun! Thanks so much for putting all the work into this!

[Kathy]

Oh - I want to try this! Hopefully I can keep up! Thanks for doing this!

[Autumn]

fun, fun, fun...

[Rachel]

Oooh, that looks really neat. Is that a twin size quilt?

[FeistyeEily]

Schweet!

[Irene]

Okay- this quilt looks amazing! I'm in... hopefully till the end.

[Dallas]

This looks like a lot of fun, and that quilt looks great.

[Splomo]

Rachel, this will make a lap quilt, smaller than a bed quilt.

A twin bed quilt measures 74" x 94" (according to Elizabeth's Mixtape pattern) and this quilt-along will finish at 52" x 62".

I'm trying not to talk myself out of doing this quilt-along. Great information, beautiful design!

[Elizabeth]

Thanks, Splomo.

I should also clarify that the 74" x 94" Twin quilt the can be made from the Mixtape pattern is slightly larger than a "standard" Twin size.

The Mod Sampler is a small lap quilt. It would probably also be a good size for a child's quilt (but larger than a baby quilt).