Friday 6 June 2014

A Free Motion QAL and a Giveaway!

After writing my post on FMQ tips yesterday, I started thinking that perhaps it would be fun to run a QAL, with a big focus on the quilting part of making a quilt. And thinking further, my Giant Chevron quilt pattern is a really good candidate - the lap size is perfect for learning how to handle a quilt in your machine, without contending with something too massive. It is a really simple quilt to put together, so we can spend lots of time learning how to quilt a few of my favorite motifs. There is a bit of negative space to play with, but nothing too massive, so it will be a good quilt to try some fun stuff like continuing the chevron design, or creating some ghost shapes, without having so much negative space that it's overwhelming.


I will be lining up some sponsors along the way (stay tuned for more information on that, but there will be a large box of Aurifil up for grabs), and my pattern will be half price from now until the QAL begins, in the middle of July. It will be a fairly relaxed QAL, so you'll have plenty of time to practice your FMQ and quilt each of the stripes in the quilt. I'm planning on doing some video tutorials for the quilting part of the QAL (which is why we won't start for a while.)

Choosing colours for this quilt is fun. A great option would be having a look through Design Seeds, choosing a palette that you like, and then heading over to Playcraft's Palette builder.

I'll be making mine using this Design Seeds palette, with cotton couture fabric from PolkaDotTea fabrics.



If you're going to be doing lots of FMQ, solids are a brilliant way to show off your quilting, and it is much easier to see what you're doing than quilting on print fabric. This pattern is designed for a layer cake, that's a great option too. Keep reading, there is a layer cake giveaway from the Fat Quarter Shop at the end of the post :o)

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday 1st July - Fabric options
Tuesday 15th July - Cutting and Construction
Tuesday 29th July - Basting
Tuesday 5th August - 2nd September, weekly FMQ tutorials
Tuesday 9th September - Quilting the negative space
Tuesday 23rd September - Binding
Tuesday 30th September - Final Linky Party

I'd like to do a linky party as part of each post, so everyone can share their progress.

So what do you think? Will you play along with me?

To whet your appetite, the Fat Quarter Shop is offering up three layer cakes to three winners (winner's choice of layer cake) and I'll add a copy of my pattern for each of the winners as well - so you'll just have to organise the background fabric and you'll be set!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post, maybe letting me know what layer cake you'd choose if you win. For an extra entry, help me spread the word about the QAL - and leave an extra comment letting me know how you shared it (blog, IG, Facebook etc). I'll choose the winners using Mr Random at the end of next week. The giveaway is open to everyone.

xx Jess

157 comments:

CapitolaQuilter said...

I'd have to go with August by Sarah Watts for Cotton + Steel Fabrics, love that line.

Allison C said...

I would get Botanics

Newbie Jen said...

Sounds like fun! Is there a button for sharing on sidebars?

JoyceLM said...

I'd get the Mixed Bag layer cake from Moda. Thanks.

Michele T said...

Love this!!! If I won I'd have a hard time deciding from these kinds: Secrets & Shadows, LOL, and Horizon.

Michele T said...

I tweeted:
https://twitter.com/mimistarquilter/status/474739531913396224

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I would choose the Botanics layer cake by Carolyn Frielander - I think it is close enough to solid to show FMQ.

needle and nest said...

I would choose the Incarnadine Patty Cake - it would be perfect for a quilt for my MIL. Thanks for the chance to win!

Joanna @ Riddle and {Whimsy} said...

Ohh do I have the time for another QAL? :D

So many fabrics I want... but how could I resist the rerelease of Heather Ross's Far Far Way?!

Ella said...

Botanics!

Jodi said...

My favorite upcoming line in Kate Spain's Horizon, but something current that caught my eye was Mosaic. Can't wait for the QAL....

Joanna @ Riddle and {Whimsy} said...

Just posted it on instagram :)

Jacque T said...

I would choose the grunge basics layer cake from Basic Grey by Moda!
I just love the grunge line!

Debbie said...

Hmm..I've never done a quilt a long, but this doesn't look too intimidating. I'm taking a fmq class and this will help. I'm liking Vintage Happy or Mormor from FQS.

Julie said...

A layer cake of Botanics would be so fun to FMQ on.

nicolesender said...

I like the Bee My Honey Layer Cake
Mary Jane Butters for Moda Fabrics!
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

I like the Bee My Honey Layer Cake
Mary Jane Butters for Moda Fabrics!
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

facebook share:
https://www.facebook.com/nicole.sender2/posts/10202993220702855
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

Debbie -- Sheltered Stitches said...

Lily Ashbury for Moda Fabrics I looked and looked and would wait till this one is out :)

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Boysenberry Tonga Treat Squares
Timeless Treasures Fabrics

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I put your button on my sidebar

Unknown said...

I like the Lexington Layer Cake.

Christine S said...

I have to agree on Botanics! And I desperately need to practice free motion!

DeborahGun said...

this sounds brilliant Jess - a great way for me to start FMQ. I would choose the Kona Classics Solids layer cake I think

Béa said...

I put your button on my sidebar.

Béa said...

I would choose Grunge or Snowbird

Martina said...

I think I would go for Front Porch Layer Cake by Jan Patek . I never did FMQ.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

1930 Bella solids

Karin - BluePip Designs said...

I'm a sucker for QALs and I want to learn FMQ so I'm in for sure! I'd pick Mixed Bag by Moda.

Hayley said...

I think the summer kona solids would've perfect. I am very keen to give this a go

mc said...

Eerie by basic grey. My boys would love this made into your pattern.

mc said...

Have shared on facebook and really looking forward to this QAL and learning some great quilting tips

Gill said...

I'd choose Botanics

Gill said...

Shared on facebook

Jolien said...

I'd love to get my hands on Ink Blossom, by Sue March. Love that one!

Wendy said...

In order to make your quilt, I'd go for packs of Kona solids in blues and purples to make a kind of ombre effect

Anonymous said...

I would choose the Botanics layer cake. Thanks for the chance to win. Looking forward to this QAL!

MsMidge said...

I would just about jump through any kind of hoop to get my hands on a Horizon layer cake! Great idea for a quilt along Jess! Thinking I may just join in to add to my ever growing list of to do's! And it may just help me get back my FMQ-jo! lol xx

Emily C said...

I would love a front porch layer cake.

Gina said...

It would have to be the Bali Crackers. I love batiks.
Just purchased your pattern and off to do a post on my blog about this xx

SilverCat said...

I'd love a Garden Party Tango layer cake!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

I think I'd choose Be Jolly Layer Cake Deb Strain for Moda Fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win.

Beth said...

So many to choose from! I think I would go with Bee my Honey - I have been wanting that one for a while.

Margaret said...

I would love to do this in Jelly bean prints by Laundry basket quilts.

Margaret said...

I tweeted; https://twitter.com/schind67/status/474875458937319424

Michala said...

I think I'd choose the Botanics layer cake, just lovely!

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

I would choose Garden Party Tango!

knottygnome said...

i think i'd have to go with botanics. can't really go wrong there. thanks for the giveaway!

knottygnome said...

i think i'd have to go with botanics. can't really go wrong there. thanks for the giveaway!

Juliet @ Tartankiwi said...

Great idea for a QAL Jess. I'm having severe difficulty choosing but I THINK I'd go for Mustang

Jen Barnard said...

I think I'd pick nature's basket.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

Jen Barnard said...

I pinned the QAL.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

Jen Barnard said...

I pinned the QAL.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

Lou said...

Hexie print:)

wobblybobbin said...

Botanis for sure :)
I've got so many quilts to finish and to start - I don't have it in me to start a whole new one, but I will definitely work on the free motion quilting with you all, just on a different quilt top. I won't link up - but will get all the practice :)
I think the QAL is a fabulous idea!

wobblybobbin said...

Botanis for sure :)
I've got so many quilts to finish and to start - I don't have it in me to start a whole new one, but I will definitely work on the free motion quilting with you all, just on a different quilt top. I won't link up - but will get all the practice :)
I think the QAL is a fabulous idea!

Bonnie said...

Such pretty fabric! I'm not sure I can choose!! :D

GranChris said...

If I won this would require serious thought. I'm thinking some Botanics or Jelly Bean Prints.

wonderlandbyalyce said...

I think I would go with an April Showers layer cake, thanks!

Donna W said...

My choice would be the Front Porch layer cake.

Mr. de Greeff said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Heather @ Winding Bobbins said...

That above comment was me Jess....accidentally with my hubby's google account. You can delete it! I would choose the Botanics layer cake and I think I already have your quilt pattern from a different giveaway!

Michelle Olsen Sasak said...

I'd go for Grunge Basics by BasicGrey (:

Michelle Olsen Sasak said...

I regrammed this on IG (@michellesasak)

Brenda said...

Coastal Tonga Treat Squares
Timeless Treasures Fabrics! I hope these count as a layer cakes! love them!

Cloud 9 said...

I'm up for learning free motion quilting and moving beyond a stipple pattern. I'm also interested in doing more with my walking foot and creating straight line quilting patterns.

Katy Cameron said...

I made about 95% of a giant wonky log cabin quilt over Christmas with the intention of trying to get bigger and better with my FMQ, but I never did quite get that last 1 side of the border sewn on! Maybe I'll get round to joining you lol

I'm tossing up between August and Best Day Ever for the layer cakes, thanks for the chance to win!

Anonymous said...

I would choose Nature's Basket. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Sherry VF said...

I have a little bit of Vintage Happy and sure love some more to go with it. Great idea. svonfumetti at yahoo dot com

Marti Taylor said...

I would choose Garden Party Tango. I really want to try FMQ so this would be a great opportunity to learn.

Anonymous said...

Botanics or Bee my Honey? So many delightful choices!

Unknown said...

Thanks Jess. I would love to learn to FMQ. Atelier is one of my favorites.

Jessica said...

Uhm... Moonlit for sure!! Can't wait til it comes out. Great QAL idea!

Quilting Tangent said...

I would get some baltiks.24Tangent "at" gmail "dot" com

Sarah said...

Fun QAL! I think I'd go with the summer palette of kona solids!

Lauren said...

I would choose Mustang by Melody Miller!!! This sounds like fun! Thank you!!

Jo said...

I would pick April Showers

Peggy said...

I like: A Beautiful Thing, April Showers and Bee My Honey Layer Cakes.
Thanks,
Peggy
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

Peggy said...

I shared on FB as Peggy Gibbs.
Thanks,
Peggy
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

GO STARS! said...

My choice would be Solstice Layer Cake
Kate Spain for Moda Fabrics

Sarah said...

There are so many beautiful choices, but I think I'd choose Raspberry Patch. Thanks! sarah@forrussia.org

Lee said...

Kona Solid is what I would love to get - I like the Pastel or Neutral!

Renee said...

I shared on pinterest!

Renee said...

Too many to pick just one! If Far Far Away is available, that's what'd I get! Also love Horizon, but it's not out until September. Also very interested in Mustang and Botanics!

Nanbon44 said...

Batiks Jelly Bean Layer Cake would be my choice

Nanbon44 said...

shared on FB

B said...

I think I'd pick Kate Spain Horizons!

OhioLori said...

Way tooooo hard choosing just one..lol....went thru them for so long...sigh

Choosing "30's Playtime" Layer Cake by Chloe's Closet ...OR "April Showers" close 2nd.....could do 3rd, 4th, 5th etc etc tho too...giggle

Afquilt said...

I'm not sure! Maybe April Showers?? or Jelly Bean Batiks? So may choices!!!

Ali said...

This one I think! August Patty Cake by Sarah Watts for Cotton + Steel Fabrics. Thank you so much for the giveaway! Thinking hard about the QAL too.

AnnaMaria said...

Hi there,

i think I'd join your QAL.

And I would love to use the botanics layer cake for it! :)

AnnaMaria

B Greene said...

Such a difficult choice! If I could choose a "Coming Soon" layer cake, it would be Mustang. If it needed to be a layer cake that is available now, I would choose Botanics. Thanks for the chance to win!

Crafty Coffin said...

I like the Garden Party Tango collection - I think it would make a fun lap quilt!

Kathy S. said...

For a layer cake, I'd have to pick 30's Playtime Layer Cake
Chloe's Closet for Moda Fabrics. Can't wait for the QA to begin!

Kathy S. said...

I helped spread the word on my blog today.

http://new2quilting.blogspot.com/2014/06/ive-spotted-another-awesome-quilt-along.html

Andrea Harles said...

Sounds like fun, and would motivate practice which is key. I would love to win the Tonga Sugar layer cake.

Allison said...

Hmmm...maybe garden party tango or grunge. also love the tonga treats!
allisonpogany@gmail.com

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

I would choose 25th and Pine, great giveaway!

mtnquiltr said...

Looking forward to the QAL! Figures by Zen Chic would be lovely.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

I also shared it on FB, thanks!

mtnquiltr said...

I shared on Instagram. @myquiltingaddiction

Margo said...

On Time 10" Squares
Whistler Studios for Windham Fabrics -- what a great guys quilt it would make! Thanks for the opportunity!

Jess Burns said...

Either Good Natured or 25th & Pine

I'm pretty sure I'm not a no-reply, but just in case: jhunsberger (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

If I were to win, I think I might pick Kate Spain's Solstice. I've never been a particular fan of holiday specific fabric/quilts, but I kind of want to try it and see what I think, too.

(clumsy.chord(at)gmail.com)

johnnyp said...

I would pick Sumatra Malam Batiks Patty Cake
Jinny Beyer for RJR Fabrics

johnnyp said...

I shared the fun https://plus.google.com/105313499116205946284/posts/HBd6YcodMZG

Vicki said...

Kate Spain's Horizon - all my favorite colors!

Mara said...

this would be pretty, I think. Brushed Cotton Storybook Layer Cake

Unknown said...

I love the new Kate Spain Solstice. It's a perfect Christmas assortment...and really I need to get started on some Christmas sewing...how many days til Christmas. ACK :) mommajaehn@gmail dot come

Unknown said...

I really like the Design Seeds Rainbow palette. Colors remind me of Sherbert ice cream. Thanks for the giveaway.
katztooat exede dot net

Unknown said...

I shared on FB.
katztoo at exede dot net. Got it all cramped together in previous post. Hope you can figure it out.

auschick said...

I'd get A Beautiful Thing 10" Stacker
Zoe Pearn Designs for Riley Blake Designs

juliehallfeldhaus said...

I love cowboy fabric and I see they had one ao that's it!!!

Christy H said...

I would definitely pick Lost and Found 2 10" Stacker
My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake Designs.

Unknown said...

I just bought a fat quarter bundle of 30's playtime. So thats the layer cake I would choose if I was lucky enough to win. Thanks for the chance. Have a great day.

Barbe said...

A Beautiful Thing, the colors are lovely

Helen said...

Love the colors in the Horizon layer cake. This would make a gorgeous quilt.

Barbe said...

i pinned http://www.pinterest.com/pin/472315079643619194/

Vicki H said...

I would like to use 30's Playtime.

Patti said...

Solstice!

Julie Cefalu said...

I love this idea for a QAL that focuses on FMQ! I would love to join and spread the word on my next Sew Thankful Sunday post. If there was a layer cake of the next Bonnie & Camille line of fabric, that would be my choice.
Julie @ The Crafty Quilter

pippirose said...

I love the 30's Playtime Layer Cake
Chloe's Closet for Moda Fabrics.

barb said...

i would choose Citrus Moda Marbles Layer Cake
SKU# 9880LC-13. love the bright colors. babscorbitt at gmail dot com

barb said...

i shared on facebook barbara corbitt

Unknown said...

ooh, I'm super excited about the August cake that's soon to be released by Sarah Watts. thanks for the opportunity!

Miggsie said...

Sounds fun! I'd love to try it with the Kona Summer solids, or maybe Mixed Bag. Thanks!

Natalie F said...

I would pick the Be Jolly Layer Cake. Great options!

Jeanne Gwin said...

I would choose 30's Playtime Layer Cake Chloe's Closet for Moda Fabrics
I love these fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win.

Jeanne Gwin said...

I tweeted your giveaway

Unknown said...

I think this quilt would be great in "Botanics" by Caarolyn Friendlander

Lawton_linda@yahoo.com

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Do I have to narrow it down to one?!! I'd choose either the classic Kona, Horizon (Kate Spain) or LOL (Me & My Sister) - if I win I have a hard choice ahead of me!!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

I tweeted https://twitter.com/Archiewonderdog/status/476051555121381376

Pippa Parsons said...

I'd love lol atm

Lisa J. said...

I think I'd get grunge...but not totally sure.

Aimee said...

I'd have to get the River Rock Bali Crackers by Hoffman Fabrics

Gunilla said...

I do love Botanics by Carolyn Friedlander, so tjat would be my choice!

Brenda said...

I'd choose Botanics -- I think it would be a fun layer cake to play with a negative/positive pattern like your giant chevron.

Tiffany said...

I'd love to try this in Mixed Bag. I think the colors divide easily into distinct groupings.
Of course, I would also be happy trying out Best. Day. Ever, but of course, it won't be shopping until October.

Karen said...

Definitely Botanics. Thanks!

Jules said...

Definitely snowbird! Thanks for the chance,

Liz said...

Great idea! I'd choose Storybook bu Kate and Birdie :-)

Mara said...

I forgot to tell you I wrote a blog post and put your button on the side of my blog
http://secretlystitching.blogspot.gr/2014/06/challenges-qals-and-swaps.html

Dallass said...

Great comp! I'd love 'Good Natured' by Martin Sutton. I just couldn't resist those cute little foxes ;-D

Karrie Phelps said...

Wow, really hard to choose a favorite I usually go for batiks but I have to say that " on time" really caught my eye so I'd have to go with that one.

Unknown said...

Really like your Chevron pattern and if I win I would choose the Raspberry Parlour 10" Stacker
Sue Daley Designs for Riley Blake Designs - I love all the reds and white.
Pauline


perry94022 at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

I share the news about QAL on Facebook
Pauline


perry94022 at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

So hard to choose! Mormor by Lotta J would be a front runner ;)

Kelly said...

I like Best. Day. Ever. Thanks for the chance to win!

purduepam said...

Grunge basics. Thanks

Strange said...

I've been looking for a QAL to join, this one looks perfect for me because of the FMQ focus. Plus all that time for the quilting will give me a chance to catch up! :P
Time to check out my stash to see if I have any fabrics that will work.

Barb Neiwert said...

I think Dinosaurs by Riley Blake would make a fun baby quilt!

Barb Neiwert said...

I've Tweeted your giveaway - thanks! https://twitter.com/MtnQuiltworks/status/482540402113646593

Ann D said...

I like the Bella Solids 1930's layer cake. I have a bunch of 30's fabrics. What is leftover from the chevron quilt can be used with my stash.

suesinger said...

I like any Riley Blake designs

Kris said...

I hope to join in and I have your chevron pattern but might also work on the stack that needs quilting.

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