I know I'm probably crazy (ok definitely crazy), but I'm going to participate in my first Quilt-A-Long (QAL)! Yay!! This QAL is hosted by Melissa at Happy Quilter and we'll be making this beautiful pattern of hers called the Star Surround Quilt. But what exactly is a QAL? Well, it's basically a free pattern but each week, one step of the process is explained and then you are tasked with completing that step for your quilt before the next week. You can post pics of your work, see other people's work, ask questions and get help. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to try quilting but hasn't jumped in yet.
This QAL is just getting started so it's not too late to join! I'd love it if any of you wanted to join me to make your own! Melissa has posted the schedule and here are the important dates:
July 15th - Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prize Announcement
July 22 - Cutting
July 29 - Half Square Triangles
Aug 5 - Flying Geese
Aug 12 - Building Block Centers
Aug 19 - Building Block Surround
Aug 26 - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky
Sept 16 - Star Surround Parade and Grand Prize Winners
July 22 - Cutting
July 29 - Half Square Triangles
Aug 5 - Flying Geese
Aug 12 - Building Block Centers
Aug 19 - Building Block Surround
Aug 26 - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky
Sept 16 - Star Surround Parade and Grand Prize Winners
So there's still time to sign up and join us! You need to order your fabric soon though unless you are going to use fabrics from your own stash. Melissa has posted fabric requirements on her site for numerous different size options - everything from a small pillow to a Queen size bed quilt! So there should be something for everyone :) I am making a lap size quilt and it's going to be mostly cream and deep red. I am planning on using the reds (only) from the fabric collection below, as well as one other red and a cream/gold swirl background.
Maybe you have a hard time choosing fabrics? I know it can be tough for me - there are so many options and i can never decide what will look good together. Well, Melissa worked with The Intrepid Thread to come up with some kits for this project! Below are a few examples of the color combinations they are selling kits for, click the pic to go to The Happy Quilter Blog to see all the details and join us on this Quilt Along.
I almost forgot one important (and SUPER EXCITING) thing: if you submit pics each week showing that you did that week's assignment, you'll be entered into a drawing for prizes and fabric gift cards! And then at the end of the quilt along, all the finished quilts will be entered for a grand prize, a $75 gift certificate. Wahoo!!
