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

[Carolyn]

I'm totally in! Yay! Thanks for getting me motivated. :)

[mathea]

I just loved that sampler as soon as I saw it at Whip-up today and knew I had to join! I haven't started pulling fabrics from my stash yet, but I think I'll go for a mixture of Amy Butler, Sandy Henderson and a few other bright and lovely florals. I just have to come up with the right sashing fabric, but that can wait a couple of weeks I suppose :-)

[Ivy]

I just found this via WhipUp and I totally want to play along!

[Maggi]

This is great! It looks like it will be a natural continuation of the quilting class that I took last year - we met once a month, made a different block each month, and then made a little potholder at the end to learn the very basics of making the quilt sandwich & binding...but this will inspire me to make something bigger!

[Tina]

Thanks for doing this. I'm so excited, and I already have some of the fabrics you're using!

[Patricia]

I am looking forward to participating. I have just finished the Mixtape Quilt and loved the process (check it out on my blog--patricia-myquiltingadventure.blogspot.com). I would however like to make this quilt larger. Just wondering if you are going to include directions to enlarge it---dont'have to, I was just wondering.

[Janet Lucas]

What a wonder way to start out a beginner. I love your selection of colors and fabrics throughout your site.

[becca]

what a great pattern- count me in :)

[Robin]

I'm so excited about this! It looks like it's going to be a lot of fun-- and your design is just awesome! I look forward to your next post about choosing fabric... you have such a great eye, I'm sure I'll learn a lot! :)

[claudia]

This is exactly what I needed to get started quilting! Looking forward to learning some fun tips along the way! Thx!

[Connie]

Some friends and I have been wanting to get a quilting group together, but have had a hard time coming up with something to do. We were so excited to see your new quilt along. It will be perfect for our group. I'm sure everyone will be addicted by the time we're through. Thanks for sharing your talents!

[Amy]

I'm so in, I picked out my fabrics, I am really excited! Thanks for doing this!

[mariarrosa]

I would like very much to make it! I'll try. Thank you very much.

[cathy]

Count me in! I have my 12 quarters picked - all from my stash - and will go shopping for the rest of fabrics - all will be solids

Cant wait to get started!

[SinnaTagasi]

Thank you for doing this tutorial!

[Leslie]

Count me in!! I'll be following along the best I can.

[Miss Butterfly]

Would love to participate but my problem is that I work with centimeters (I'm french). And I'm a bit worried about the converting part as I will probably not end up with round numbers !!!... but I will try to do it anyhow cause I love this idea to do a Quilt-A-Long !

[Liz B]

I hope to sew along, and use up some stash fabrics (I hope, I always have good intentions and then go shopping anyway!) I've been wanting a new quilt for my bed, though, so I may try to modify for a larger size. Can't wait to get started!

[Leah Day]

I shall certainly be reading along and when I get the time will join in with the quilting.

[Nanci]

I am so excited you are going to do this. I have always loved your quilts and can't wait to see all the colors pop.

[sherry]

I would love to try this. Looking for fabric.

[Natalie]

Can I still join? This looks like a lot of fun! Thanks!

[Sarah]

The quilt along sounds like fun. Thanks for doing it, I am joining up!

[Ella33]

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