The time is already here for our first sew-along! It's funny how quickly we whiz through the holidays and find ourselves in a new year with all kinds of new things to do!
Sew-alongs will take place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month with a supply list posted approximately 1 week early. That gives everyone a bit of time to gather what they need. Starting on sew-along day, we will progress through cutting, sewing, and completing a project by the end of the week. Thursdays will be the day to get together in some type of chat room forum, or instant messaging setting so that questions can be asked and answered in real time. Of course, questions will be answered all during the week in posts and on Flickr.
This is January's project:
Our first project is a simple one---a traditional block called Courthouse Steps. After the sewing frenzy that was Christmas, I wanted to keep it basic. Also, this is perfect project for someone just starting out. As long as you have a sewing machine, and the basic skills to thread it and operate it, you can do this. I promise!
As we progress through the year, some projects will be kept basic, and others will help to build skills and confidence in sewing. You can certainly pick and choose which ones you would like to take part in.
***Please note that since this is a great scrap/stash project, I didn't post a kit for this one. If you want me to put something together in my shop, just let me know.
If you want to make 3 mini-quilts like I did, great! But you could also just make 1, or you could make 25 and join them into a full-sized quilt. That is entirely up to you! Even though this is a sew-along, I will leave it up to each individual person to decide what their own finished project will be. I do always love to see how each person interprets their own piece.
Now, what do you need to do in order to join in?
First, I suggest joining the Flickr group. This will be the place to post your progress and ask questions. Every evening I will check the group's discussion board to see how everything is going. It's also a fun place to meet new people!
The supply list for this project is as follows (these supplies will produce 3 mini-quilts approximately 12" square):
Basic sewing supplies such as: a sewing machine, scissors, pins, thread, seam ripper, rotary cutter, mat and ruler.
Safety pins and a walking foot for your sewing machine
Three 1-1/2" solid squares for the center square on each block (I used yellow)
Eighteen 1-1/2" X 42" strips of neutral fabric in various lengths (the shortest will measure 1-1/2" and the longest will be up to 14")
Eighteen 1-1/2" X 42" strips of fabric (six prints each of three different colors. I used blue, orange and green) in various lengths (the shortest will measure 1-1/2" and the longest will be up to 14")
Three 14" X 14" squares of Warm and Natural batting (or low-loft quilt batting of your choice)
Three 14" X 14" squares of backing fabric (one color for each mini-quilt)
Six 2-1/2" X 42" strips of fabric for the binding (two strips will be used for each mini-quilt, so pick your colors accordingly)
I made up a mosaic of some Courthouse Steps quilts made by very talented people. I was initially inspired by the quilt on the top left of the mosaic, made my Mary @ Molly Flanders:
1. Courthouse Steps, 2. Red & white courthouse steps, 3. Tokyo International Quilt Festival antique quilts, 4. full frontal, 5. courthouse steps quilt, 6. block sample - July, 7. T-The Courthouse in Spring, 8. Mini Quilt of the Month - January: Courthouse Steps, 9. courthouse steps
Well, that's all for today. If you have any questions, ask away in the comments and I will answer there too.
Have a lovely day!
