I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long

This year I really will be getting a head start on my Christmas projects! I’m hoping you will join me😃

The QAL starts August 1, 2017. Every other Tuesday, a new free 12″ (finished) quilt block pattern and tutorial will be released. Two of the release dates, 8/29 and 10/10, will have two patterns so we can get them all done before Christmas.

This is a mystery QAL, but as a host I have been privy to the designer’s blocks and all i can reveal is that each has a holiday/winter theme and they are all awesome! I am super excited to make this quilt and know you will be too!

Techniques used in the blocks range from pieced blocks to appliqué to foundation paper piecing to a little bit of embroider thrown in too. Make one (12×12″ finish makes a nice table mat piece) or make them all! *Remember if I (the beginner quilter) can do it, you can too!*

To participate you can:

• Check here for my post every two weeks for the link to the designer’s blog and block tutorial. I will have my finished version of the block to show you and will answer questions you might have about tips on how to make it.
• Join the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long Facebook Group. Here you will also see the designers tutorial links and also be able ask questions and post pictures of your blocks as you complete them to be entered to win the fabulous prizes! 
• Follow along on Instagram using the hashtag #iwishyouamerryqal (you can enter to win giveaways here too. *One entry only for each block you make and share, whether on IG and/or FB.
• Join the linky party on each designer’s block release post.

How much fabric will I need?

The blocks will each be 12″ finished (12 1/2″ unfinished) and there will be 12 of them.

Laura from Slice of Pi Quilts says, “If you plan to put your blocks together to make a quilt top, then I suggest 1 yard for sashing and 1 yard for a border. To finish the quilt, you will need 4 yards for backing (or 2 yards of extra-wide backing), a twin size batting, and 1/2 yard for binding.”

How can I chose my fabrics and their colors?

The designers suggest to start by choosing a palette inspired by a focus fabric and use that as a block by block guide to fabric decisions. Starting with a coordinated group of fabrics, you can select compatible fabrics for each block (*stash usage alert*) with more confidence. For  examples please visit April of JANDA Bend Quilts (prints) and Bobbi of Snowy Days Quilting (solids)

All the following bloggers met through the 2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop. The creative and talented designers are:

April at JANDA Bend Quilts
Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting
Diane at Cwilt Fabrics & Haberdashery
Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter
Kathleen at Kathleen McMusing
Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts
Sandra at Sandra Healy Designs
Sandy at Sandy Star Designs
Sherry at Powered by Quilting
Sola at Alice Samuel’s Quilt Co.
Vanda at Quilt in Piece

In addition, the QAL hosts (like me!) will be sewing along and making every block too. Visit us to see the same block made in many different fabrics! We will be there every step of the way to encourage you to finish the quilt too!

Abbie at Sparkle On
April at JANDA Bend Quilts
Becca at Pretty Piney
Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting
Diane at Cwilt Fabrics & Haberdashery
Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter

Karen at Tu-Na Quilts, Travel and Eats
Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts
Sandy at Sandy Star Designs
Sherry at Powered by Quilting
Vanda at Quilt in Piece

I’m hoping you can join us and tell your friends too!

~Abbie ✨