Introducing “Fall Into a QAL”!

I am so happy to be able announce the launch of the quilt along, Fall Into a QAL, after many months of planning and designing.

After the wonderful success of our last (QAL), I Wish You a Merry Quilt A-Long the participating designers and hosts decided to plan another…this one! We collectively came up with a name for our group, “Partners in Design” with the slogan “Where Friends and Fabric Meet.”

This is a free mystery quilt along (QAL) where participants will not know the design of the quilt block until it is released. All blocks will have an Autumn theme and measure 12″ finished. Block patterns will be released every two weeks starting with Block #1 on May 15th. The last block will be released on October 16, 2018. The QAL and its prizes are open to International participation.

Techniques used in the blocks range from pieced blocks to appliqué to paper pieced. We encourage all levels of quilters to join. Each designer will have her pattern on their blog available for free through the QAL, as well as a complete tutorial to guide you through making their block.

To participate you can:

Check out my “Fall Into a QAL” post every two weeks for the link to the designer’s block pattern and tutorial.
Join the “Partners in Design“ Facebook group . Here you will meet and can interact with other the quilters who are participating, post photos of your blocks, and ask any questions.
On Instagram, use the hashtag #fallintoaqal
Join the linky party on each designer’s block release post.

When you post a picture on our FB group page, Instagram and/or the designer’s linky party, you will be automatically entered to win fabulous prizes! To keep the contest portion of the QAL fair and fun for everyone, a bi-weekly prize will be randomly awarded to one person who completed the designer’s block pattern. The deadline for entry expires when a new block is released in two weeks. As the finale we will be offering a chance at our Grand Prize to those who complete the quilt top using all of the twelve blocks. We encourage you to post your photos on all our formats, but entry is limited to one per person per block.

We have some really super prizes from wonderful sponsors that we are excited to share with you:

How can I choose my fabrics and their colors?

We suggest to start by choosing a palette, by picking a group of coordinating fabrics to use throughout your quilt. Or you may be inspired by a focus fabric and use that as a block by block guide to fabric decisions.

I decided to use all Kona solids for this quilt. My palette:

I also purchased some yardage of this cotton plaid because it looks so “fall like” to me. I’m thinking of using it for borders and/or the backing.

How much fabric will I need?

The blocks will each be 12 1/2″ unfinished and there will be 12 of them. As an example, my I Wish You a Merry QAL quilt was arranged with three blocks across and four down with 1″ borders all around and it measured 40″ x 53″ finished plus binding and approximately 1 3/4″ yards for the backing. Size will ultimately depend on your quilt top setting and border/sashing measurements (if added.) Be sure to include an extra 1/2″ for each fabric piece when determining an unfinished size to allow for seams.

And of course scraps and small pieces from your stash are always at the ready too!

All the following “Partners in Design” met through the 2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop.

The quilt block designers are:

Abbie of Sparkle On! >>>You are here!
April of JANDA Bend Quilts
Bobbi of Snowy Days Quilting
Jennifer of The Inquiring Quilter
Karen of Tu-Na Quilts, Travel and Eats
Kathleen at Kathleen McMusing
Sandra of Sandra Healy Designs
Sandy of Sandy Star Designs
Sherry of Powered by Quilting
Vanda of Quilt in Piece

In addition, there will be QAL hosts who 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 provide tips for making each block, answer any questions and encourage you!

The hosts for the Fall Into a QAL are:

Abbie at Sparkle On! >>>You are here!
April at JANDA Bend Quilts
Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting
Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter
Karen at Tu-Na Quilts, Travel and Eats
Sherry at Powered by Quilting
Vanda at Quilt in Piece

We are looking forward to a wonderful journey with you in making this Fall quilt.

🍁 I’m hoping you can join us! 🍁

~Abbie ✨