Sew Along - Week 5

We're moving along on the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along. It's Week 5 and I can't believe so many of you are participating and continue to stay motivated. This week's blocks are posted in the Facebook group files and on my website. Except for those tiny half-square triangles, the blocks are not difficult. Just take your time and make sure you cut and sew accurately. A scant 1/4" seam may help your blocks come out well. But just do whatever works for you. 

(Blocks by sue Bennett) 

I thought you might like to see some blocks made by others in the groups - 

(Blocks made by Robin McGuire)

(More Blocks by Robin)

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In other news -  we're also working on our new 2021 Mystery Quilt. You can find the monthly patterns in the Facebook group files or on my website under the 2021 Mystery Quilt page.  The patterns will be posted on the first of each month through May 2021. Simple and scrappy and easy to make. Just grab some scraps and download the pattern for the first step that was posted in January. I will post Step 2 on Monday, Feb 1.

I am also re-running an older Mystery from 2018 based on requests from some group members who missed it the first time around. So it doesn't get too confusing, look for those patterns on my website under the 2018 Mystery. Patterns will be posted on the 15th of each month. It's a fun one too!

We're supposed to get some snow today and tomorrow. Looks like it will be a good weekend to stay in and do some sewing. Plenty to do! Did I mention we're also doing a February Valentine challenge?? Make a pinushion with red or pink fabric for our parade on February 14. Lots of small block inspiration in the Schoolgirl sampler book  . . . 

Last year's pincushions. 

(Patterns for heart quilts available on my website or Etsy shop)

Sew Along Week 4

Can you believe we're already on Week Four of the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along?  A third of the way through if you get through this week. Make blocks 19 - 24 on pages 49 - 51 of  the Schoolgirl Sampler book. I spy a few more easy blocks this time. 

(Thanks to Sue Bennett for sharing her blocks!) 

Go to the files in the groups or check my website (sew along page) for more info on making the blocks for this week. If you have trouble with Block 23, there's a tip in the file for sewing this a couple of other ways that may help. There's probably a reason they call it Devil's Claws, LOL. 

When I started this sew along I suspected I would have my work cut out for me helping everyone stay organized and motivated. So many little blocks! I have to say, everything has gone rather smoothly and there's a wonderful camaraderie in the Facebook group. Everyone is very encouraging and I think the beginners are comfortable showing their blocks and asking for help if they need it. 

I think it's been a great chance for quilters to interact with others at this time when we can't sew together in person. A lot of you have told me your piecing has improved and you've learned new tips and tricks. Everyone is more than willing to share their own ideas and techniques and that's been great. Thanks, everyone!

Sew Along Week Three

 Join us as we make Blocks 13 - 18 in the Schoolgirl Sampler book for our sew along. 

If you're not following along in the Facebook group, go to my website (sew along page) for more info on making the blocks for this week. Some of you may want to purchase a Bloc Loc or other ruler to help you with accuracy as you make those tiny Flying Geese. Details are in the file.

This month, by request, we're also restarting one of my Mystery Quilts form 2018. It's a fun one called Friendship Garden. 

Some of you may remember working on this in my groups a few years ago. I've introduced it again to take the place of monthly challenges in my groups this year. Some new members in the group who missed out asked if we could do it again. Why not? Usually, we make quilts each month from one of my recent books but this year I started a new Facebook group just for my Schoolgirl Sampler book so there's your other challenge. I'll add a file with directions on my website under the Mystery 2018 page on the 15th of each month - January through June. 

If you don't care for applique, there's an alternate 8" Star block you can use to replace it. Looks something like this. (One more little project I still have to finish . . . .)

And remember, it's not too late to join the Schoolgirl Sampler sew along. Just get the book and jump in and start with the blocks for Week One. We're making them in numerical order so it's easy to catch up.

I really love seeing all of your pretty sampler blocks every week! Always so many pretty fabrics that are new to me. Enjoy your weekend!

Mystery Repeated

Hello, Quilters - Due to a request from some members in my Facebook group, I've decided to repeat the monthly patterns for the free Mystery Quilt we did in the online groups in 2018. This is a great opportunity for those of you who are new to my Mystery Quilt projects and may have missed out on some of the earlier ones. This time, however, I'll post the monthly patterns on my website.

The first step will be posted on my website (link below) on Friday, January 15, and then the 15th of each month thereafter, through June. If anyone is interested, look at my website, find the Mystery quilt 2018 page at the top and read the Intro to the 2018 Mystery Quilt so you can become familiar with how it will work.

Notice that now there will be two separate Mysteries going on, each labeled by year, so be sure you click on the correct page and download the correct instructions for each one you are participating in. See my website for details

This will be fun and I hope you pick out some of your favorite scraps and join us. Also, be sure to come back on Jan 15 for Week 3 of the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along. Lots going on to keep yourselves busy this winter . . . .

Sew Along - Week Two

Week Two of the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along: Make blocks 7 - 12 on pages 43 - 45 of  the Schoolgirl Sampler book. Two easy blocks this time!

(Blocks by Sue Bennett)

Go to the files in the groups or check my website (sew along page) for more info on making the blocks for this week. There's a sewing tip in the file for Week 2 that may help if you have trouble with basket blocks. It's all about lining up the pieces correctly so your points don't get cut off. 

If you haven't yet, it's not too late to join the sew along. Just get the book and jump in and start with the blocks for Week One. We're making them in numerical order. 

It's been fun to see all of your finished blocks from last week! I can't believe there were so many pretty fabrics I had never seen before. Enjoy your weekend!

Ready, Set, Sew . . .

Happy New Year! If you're joining the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along, you'll find all of the block patterns in my Schoolgirl Sampler book.  

Week one (January 1) - Make blocks 1 through 6 on pages 40 - 42 of the Schoolgirl Sampler book. Have fun! 

(Blocks made by Sue Bennett) 

If you're making the quilt as shown in the book, there are 92 half-square triangle blocks used in the sawtooth border. If you have time, make a few of these each week or whenever you can. It will make it a little easier to have some finished when you put the borders on the quilt. 

If you're interested in sewing along with new friends, join my Facebook Schoolgirl Sampler group. Each week I will also list the blocks we'll be making for that week on my website Sampler page. 

Oh! Wait - There's another new project for 2021! Join me in making the 2021 Mystery Quilt in my Facebook Small Quilt Lovers group. It's simple, fast and easy (and scrappy!). We'll make a few blocks each month and finish up in April or May. This month, make some half-square-triangle blocks.  The monthly patterns will be posted in the Facebook small quilt group files and also on my website on the Mystery Quilt page. If this doesn't keep you busy and distracted this year, I don't know what will . . . . 

My best to all of you in 2021. New year, fresh start, new quilting adventures. 

Stay safe and healthy. Be kind; be grateful. 

Take time for yourself and enjoy the  journey!