Want to get a jump on Fall and finish a Fall themed quilt by November? Well do we have a quilt along (QAL) for you! I hope that you will join me and the Partners by Design bloggers for the "Fall into a Qal!" mystery quilt along. We are the group that brought you the "I Wish You a Merry QAL!" quilt along last year. We enjoyed it so much that we are back with a Fall QAL!

You will be able to make 12 free, original Fall themed blocks with online tutorials by the Designers and tips from the QAL Hosts. There will be giveaways and support through Facebook and Instagram as well. Best of all, the last block and tutorial will be presented October 16, 2018. Just in time to snuggle up in your Fall Quilt! all patterns will be offered free of charge until the end of the QAL November 13, 2018.

​The QAL starts May 15, 2018. Every other Tuesday, a new , free 12" quilt block pattern and tutorial will be released. If you complete the block before the next pattern release and post it on the Partners in Design Facebook Page, on Instagram with the hashtag #fallintoaqal, or on the designer's linky party, then you will be entered to win some giveaways! There are bi-weekly awards and a mega grand award too! Our sponsors are shown below! You must be eighteen to enter.

International participants are eligible for all prizes!

All the bloggers are in the Partners in Design Group met through the 2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop. They are:
 
Abbie at Sparkle On (Host + Block 11 Designer)
April at JANDA Bend Quilts (Host + Block 2 Designer) That's me!
Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting (Host + Block 7 Designer)
Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter (Host + Block 8 Designer)
Karen at Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats (Host + Block 9 Designer)
Kathleen at Kathleen McMusing (Block 5 Designer)
Sandra at Sandra Healy Designs (Block 10 Designer)
Sandy at Sandy Star Designs (Block 4 Designer)
Sherry at Powered by Quilting  (Host + Block 3 & 6 Designer)
Vanda at Quilt in Piece (Host + Block 1 & 12 Designer)

How can I participate?
There are several ways to join the fun!

1. Join the Partners in Design Facebook Group. Designers will post links to the tutorials there, so that is your best way to not miss a single post. You can also ask questions and post pictures of your blocks as you complete them to be entered to win the giveaways.
2.  Visit a QAL Host's blog. They will post their fabric version of the blocks on their blog along with tips on completing the block. In addition, the QAL Hosts will provide links to the Designers' blocks and tutorials.
3. Use the hashtag #fallintoaqal to be entered to win on Instagram. You can also use the hashtag to see other quilters' blocks, or gain inspiration.
4. Post your block on the designer's linky party on their block tutorial post so you can link your progress to their blog and enter the giveaway. Although you are free to add your own interpretation to the design, to be eligible for giveaways, your block needs to be a recognizable variation of the original design, not a different block.

What skills do I need to make these blocks?
Techniques used in the blocks range from piecing,  to appliqué, to foundation paper piecing, to a little bit of embroidery. Hosts and designers will give you tips on their blog posts, and you can always ask for assistance from them on their blogs, in the Facebook group, or even on Instagram. This is a chance to learn a new technique while getting advice from the QAL Designers and Hosts. Plus, you can choose which blocks to make. However, you can only be eligible for a bi-weekly giveaway if you post your completed block on the Facebook Group Page, Instagram with #fallintoaqal, or on the Designer's linky party.

How much fabric will I need?
The amount of fabric you will need depends on your fabric choices and how you decide to lay out the blocks. The blocks will each be 12" finished (12 1/2" unfinished) and there will be 12 of them. You might be able to make the whole quilt from fabrics you have in your stash! I have chosen to select fal batiks focus fabrics from Connecting Threads (not affiliate link). See below.

If you choose to make a lap size quilt with all 12 blocks and use a classic 3" lattice with 6" border for the layout, then you will need approximately 1 1/4 yd. for the lattice strips, 1 1/4 yd. for the border, 3 1/2 yd. for the backing, and 2/3 yd. for the binding. However, these are approximate yardages and depend on the exact size of your lattice and borders. I am going to wait until later to choose my layout and finishing fabrics. As have discussed before, I like to design as I go. It helps to motivate me.

When will the blocks be posted?
The QAL starts May 15, 2018. Every other Tuesday, a new, free 12" (finished) quilt block pattern and tutorial will be released. (Blocks may be accessed for no charge until the end of the quilt along- November 13, 2018.The last block and tutorial will be posted on October 16, 2018. Since it's a mystery quilt, you won't know what to expect until each block tutorial is released! 

You talked me into it! What next?
First, join the Facebook group so you'll know when each block is released. Second, gather the fabrics you might want to use for your quilt. The quilt along starts May 15, 2018. Finally, invite your friends! Share the quilt along graphic on Instagram and use #fallintoaqal. Share this blog post or a post from the Facebook group on your own Facebook account and in your quilty groups. The more, the merrier!

Do I have to make every block? 
No! This is laid back and meant to be fun! Make the ones you want! You will be eligible to win the bi-weekly giveaway for each block you complete and post.
 
Is this for experienced quilters only?
No! The quilt-along is for everybody! Every block is unique and uses various techniques. That's why we started a Facebook group - so we can all help each other be successful! Whether you're new or seasoned, I'm sure you'll find this an exciting and fun experience!
 
Can I see the blocks beforehand?
Sorry, no. We are only releasing one block at a time. It is a Mystery QAL.
 
Who can participate?
Everyone! The bloggers are scattered all across the globe, so we hope to have participants from many countries around the world too! International participants are eligible for all the prizes! However, you must be eighteen to enter for the giveaways.
 
Can I still participate if I'm not on Facebook?
Absolutely! If you're on Instagram, use #fallintoaqal to be entered to win. Each designer will also have a linky party on their block post so you can link up blog posts. If you want to sew along, we will find a way!
 
Please join me here May 15, 2018 to see my version of Block 1 and suggestions that I have for completion. In addition, I will have a link to Block 1 Designer, Vanda of Quilt in Piece. You will be able to find her pattern and tutorial there.

​Hope you join us!

This post was originally published on JANDA Bend Quilts.

 
Sheila also works for Lonesome Pine Quilts in Elkins, Arkansas. Lonesome Pines Quilts has an online store as well as a local one so you visit from where ever you live!

We had a great time at our class. I am looking forward to the next one. ​Below is a photo of what we will be making in my next workshop: Patriotic Tumbler Table Runner. It will be held May 12, 2018 at the Tahlequah Armory and Municipal Center in Tahlequah, OK. I just love this vintage pattern. It is so easy to make as well!

​You can find more information about this workshop by clicking here.

Now it is your turn! I enjoy seeing your posts! You can link up your in-progress or completed piecing projects using the blue button with the frog below. Please note that the thumbnail photos and links will not show up on this page. You will need to click the blue frog button below to see the photos and links. This may be a little different from what you are used to.  The link-up will be available until Saturday, May 5, 2018 at midnight. If you prefer, you can also link up on Instagram using #PiecefulSundayatJANDABendQuilts. ​ ​

Thanks for stopping by. If you have questions or comments, please go to comments or contact me by email. 
​​​
​Happy Quilting!
​
This post was originally published by JANDA Bend Quilts.

For my version, I chose fat quarters from Sweet Florals by Another Point of View, Windham Fabrics for the blocks and Poolside by Bedrock Stone Texture, Windham Fabrics for the lattice.. To select my lattice fabric, I used the Fat Quarter Shop Color Match feature. It is available on their website.  It makes matching fabric online a breeze! I first cut strips and then cut the floral strips into the appropriate size squares and rectangles. I found this process to be very time efficient. The photos below show my selected fabrics, the cut florals, and the cut lattice pieces. 

Next came sewing the squares and rectangles together into strips and then into blocks. There were two types of strips. I simply arranged fabrics in a pleasing way and made sure that I did not used the same fabric twice in the same block. I tried not to overthink it. See the photo example below.

Then it was time for the fun part -  blocks! When I had completed 12 blocks, I arranged then on my design wall and played with them until I was satisfied with the result. Mainly, I wanted to keep like-fabrics apart and distribute the fabric colors evenly. The photo below shows the initial arrangement of blocks. As you can see, I had some work to do!

Once I was satisfied with the arrangement, I sewed the blocks together with lattice strips between them. My sewing machine and my design wall are in two different rooms. So to help me sew the block together as planned, I used my phone to take a photo of my final design wall arrangement and referred to the photo often. I find this really helpful if I get interrupted during the process of sewing. The final quilt top is shown below.

This was a fun quilt to make! I always seem to learn something about color and pattern in fabrics whenever I make scrap quilts. It is an easy, natural way to learn.

I really like the quilt pattern! The blocks are easy to make, showcase your beautiful fabrics, and do not waste fabric!. The photo below shows the easy fabric cutting.  I cut strips and then squares and rectangles using my rotary cutter.

That is all that I can show you for now. Come back next week for the big reveal! Also, don't forget about the 2018 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop which continues next week with new bloggers and new giveaways. 

Now it is your turn! I enjoy seeing your posts! You can link up your in-progress or completed piecing projects using the blue button with the frog below. Please note that the thumbnail photos and links will not show up on this page. You will need to click the blue frog button below to see the photos and links. This may be a little different from what you are used to.  The link-up will be available until Saturday, April 28, 2018 at midnight. If you prefer, you can also link up on Instagram using #PiecefulSundayatJANDABendQuilts. ​ ​

Thanks for stopping by. If you have questions or comments, please go to comments or contact me by email. 
​​​
​Happy Quilting!
​
This post was originally published by JANDA Bend Quilts.

My New Adventure

I started quilting nearly 40 years ago. I started as a hand piecer and a hand quilter, but over time I started piecing by machine and then quilting using a longarm. The photo below shows a sampler quilt that I completed when my husband was recuperating from surgery. We call it our healing quilt because he rested under as he was healing. Now, anytime one of us is ill, we rest under this quilt. It is a pattern by Eleanor Burns called Pioneer Sampler, and it was one of the first quilts that I quilted using my longarm.

Below is a photo of another of my favorite quilts. I made it to commemorate my younger son becoming an Eagle Scout. I sewed all of his rank patches and other important patches on the front of the quilt and his search and rescue photo from his Philmont Boy Scout Camp adventure on the back of the quilt. Fortunately, he did not need to be rescued at Philmont. I used a pattern by Eleanor Burns called Stars and Patches from her book, Still Stripping after 25 Years. You can read more about it here.

After I retired in May 2016, I began JANDA Bend Quilts. It seemed like a perfect blend of my love of quilting, love of teaching, and my desire to make the world a better place. JANDA Bend Quilts is dedicated to helping others enjoy the art of quilting by

• Teaching quilting skills,
• Designing patterns, and
• Supporting a community of quilters.

Teaching Quilting Skills

I am a Quilt in a Day Certified Teaching. I am able to teach any of the Quilt in a Day patterns. I also teach other workshops as well. Below are some photos from my most recent workshop. I taught the Seven-Pointed Star pattern by Cheryl Phillips of Phillips Fiber Arts. See photos below. For more information about workshops, click here.

​
Developing Patterns

I have just started developing patterns, but my first quilt pattern called Geese in Flower Pots is shown below. The quilt is made of three different sizes of Flying Geese Blocks and is available as a digital download in my Quilt Shop. This summer, I will be releasing the Harvest Baskets Quilt Pattern. It will be a sampler quilt of 12 different pieced baskets.

In addition, I participate in some of The Fat Quarter Shop quilt alongs. Below is a photo from their Jolly Jazz Bar Quilt Along. Be sure to see my reveal for the Fat Quarter Cubes Quilt Along on Friday April 27, 2018.

Dream Vacation: RV Quilting!

Okay. I admit it. I have recently become obsessed with RV Quilting. This past year, I joined an RV Quilting Facebook Group Page. It is so fun! Best of all, we are having a rally this spring! So I will be able to meet some of the RV Quilters that I have been reading about. We are going to have workshops, a shop hop, door prizes, and just basically quilty fun! Be sure to stop by my blog to read my about dream vacation. In the meantime. There is a photo below showing my RV trailer and my RV Quilting experiment. Read more about it here.
​

Meet Some More New Quilt Bloggers!

Now it is time to meet some more of the New Quilt Bloggers! The following bloggers are being featured (along with me) this week:

Gail at http://quiltinggail.wordpress.com 
Rachel at http://rachelrossi.design/blog 
Tracie H. at http://www.ricefordstreams.com 
Wendy T.  at http://www.piecefulthoughts.com 
Jan at http://cocoaquilts.com 
Michelle at http://www.creativeblonde.co.uk 
Terry at http://tlcquiltsblog.wordpress.com (Fellow Happy Stitching Team Hive Member!)

Finally, before you leave, please answer the following question in the comments:

What is your dream quilty vacation?

Or, feel free to add other comments or questions concerning this post. I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Quilting!

This post was originally published by JANDA Bend Quilts.

I chose fabrics from my stash. I had some True Blue fabric by Eleanor Burns from Benartex Fabrics. I used light blue, light yellow, dark/medium blue, dark/medium yellow, and a blue and yellow floral border from that line. Then I added white tone-on-tone fabric from my stash for the diamonds and for the first border. Fabrics are shown below. 

After cutting the white fabric into width-of-fabric strips, I cut the diamonds with the diamond template. See photos below. The template is included in the pattern. I also cut the other fabrics into width-of-fabric strips and then into rectangles as directed.

The light blue, light yellow, dark/medium blue, and dark/medium yellow large rectangles were ready for assembly. The smaller dark/medium blue and dark/medium yellow rectangles were placed in pairs, wrong sides together, and cut on the diagonal. Putting the wrong sides together before cutting on the diagonal, resulted in two pairs of mirror-image triangles. See photo below.

The triangles were then sewn to the diamonds in pairs. Two arrangements of diamond-in-rectangles are needed as shown below. The detailed instructions helped with the alignment of the triangles.

Then, I assembled the rectangles and diamond-in-a-rectangles as shown below and added the borders. 

Piecing this quilt top was fun. I look forward to quilting it!

Now it is your turn! I enjoy seeing your posts! You can link up your in-progress or completed piecing projects using the blue button with the frog below. Please note that the thumbnail photos and links will not show up on this page. You will need to click the blue frog button below to see the photos and links. This may be a little different from what you are used to.  The link-up will be available until Saturday, April 21, 2018 at midnight. If you prefer, you can also link up on Instagram using #PiecefulSundayatJANDABendQuilts. ​ ​

Thanks for stopping by. If you have questions or comments, please go to comments or contact me by email. 
​​​
​Happy Quilting!
​
This post was originally published by JANDA Bend Quilts.

As you can see my trailer is very small. I like it that way, but quilting inside would be very difficult. I would need to take apart my bed and convert it into table and benches. The bed is designed to do this, but it would be pretty inconvenient to do that everytime I wanted to sew. I decided to work outside. It was a cloudy day, so I scouted out an indoor "sewing room" near the camp laundry room. It had a sturdy table and electricity! In addition, no one seemed to be using it. With a good back-up plan, I started cutting the logs for my log cabin blocks on the picnic table at my campsite.  (I was continuing to work on my40th Anniversary Quilt in a Day Quilt.) See photo below.

It was very easy cutting the logs outside. However, I was particularly careful about labeling the logs carefully. After all I might have to run to the camp laundry room to dodge showers! I labelled each set of logs and then stored them in plastic bags. 
​

One of the advantages of RV Quilting is that you have visitors!  Below is a photo of one of my two visitors that day. The other visitor was a quilter who stopped by to invite me to the the camp quilt guild. It turns out that every Wednesday the quilters at the camp meet in the camp activity center (another rain venue!) to quilt! Unfortunately, I missed the group by one day, and I was only staying a few days at the campsite. She explained that she and other quilters come to this Florida campground and stay 3-4 months during the winter. Of course, they needed a quilt guild! For future trips, I decided to ask about quilt guilds when I check into camps.

​I set up my sewing machine once all of the logs were cut and organized, and I began sewing. In order to get power, I used an outdoor extension cord and plugged it into my clamshell kitchen at the back of the camper. Some of my first piecing is shown below.

Just so you don't think that I eat primitively during RV Quilting, here is a photo of my dinner. I made Shrimp Caesar Salad in my clamshell kitchen. Yum! 

I have decided that my quilting experiment was a success. Now onto the RV Quilters Rally!

Now it is your turn! I enjoy seeing your posts! You can link up your in-progress or completed piecing projects using the blue button with the frog below. Please note that the thumbnail photos and links will not show up on this page. You will need to click the blue frog button below to see the photos and links. This may be a little different from what you are used to.  The link-up will be available until Saturday, April 14, 2018 at midnight. If you prefer, you can also link up on Instagram using #PiecefulSundayatJANDABendQuilts. ​ ​

Thanks for stopping by. If you have questions or comments, please go to comments or contact me by email. 
​​​
​Happy Quilting!
​
This post was originally published by JANDA Bend Quilts.

In the photo above, you can see the small demonstration board that I made. I used an artist's easel to hold a piece of foam board covered in batting.  It was easy to make and was used to show pieces as they were sewn together. The workshop was from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and included an hour for lunch. Quilters do need nourishment!

The photos below show how hardworking these ladies were, I had so much fun teaching this class that I can hardly wait for the next one!

As you can see below, the finished products were beautiful! A big thank you to everyone who participated! I hope that you enjoyed it. I had a great time.

Now it is your turn! I enjoy seeing your posts! You can link up your in-progress or completed piecing projects using the blue button with the frog below. Please note that the thumbnail photos and links will not show up on this page. You will need to click the blue frog button below to see the photos and links. This may be a little different from what you are used to.  The link-up will be available until Saturday, April 7, 2018 at midnight. If you prefer, you can also link up on Instagram using #PiecefulSundayatJANDABendQuilts. ​ ​

Thanks for stopping by. If you have questions or comments, please go to comments or contact me by email. 
​​
​Happy Quilting!
​
This post was originally published by JANDA Bend Quilts.