... not the traditional quilt along that I've seen around the traps but more of a social come, get off your arse and finish that quilt sort of quilt along .... what do you think? This is not to say that there wont be plenty of explanation and support with the project ... I will write posts for each stage including the basting, machine quilting & binding of the quilt .... we can even cover labeling the quilt.
My plan is to make an Orange Peel quilt. I first fell in love with this traditional pattern after seeing one made by Trish Harper at Amitie a few years ago (Trish doesn't have a website that I am aware of, however you can contact her through Amitie). Sadly, a disgusting person felt the need to steal this quilt. I have done a couple of Google searches trying to find an image of a similar quilt to the one I plan to make. I found many that had 4 petals in a square block and then I discovered that it is actually called Joseph's Coat.
Each individual block is a circle shape with 6 petals meeting at the centre point with a further 6 petals framing the block. Once the blocks are all connected together each point where the petals converge creates a centre point of a circle.Hopefully you will be able to imagine what this finished quilt will look like from the few blocks I have made. It really is a very effective and beautiful quilt.
Traditionally this quilt is hand pieced and not really a project for a beginner .... but I have a far more fiendish plan! We are going to put this quilt top together using hand applique, which will make the project very portable ... perfect for watching the kids at sport or where ever else they may be or where ever else you may be for that matter. Now before you all bork at the notion of turned edge applique the method I will be using even a chimp could master!!!! I plan to make a reasonable sized quilt with 49 blocks that will make a lovely sized single bed quilt. I want to make finishing this quilt achievable and be able to still be finished even when you have another one or 4 projects on the go at the same time!!! Initially I think we should aim for 1 1/2 blocks per week. Have you done the math yet? .... This is going to be a long term project!
I think that a good time to kick off would be on the first of November. I will post the requirements a week before this so you can all get organised. I haven't bought any new fabric specifically for this project ... well not the coloured fabric anyway! The quilt is predominantly a scrappy quilt so it wont cost you a whole paycheck to join in ... still buying new fabric is always a very good thing!!
If you would like to join in leave a comment on this post. I will place a list of everyones blogs (or names if you don't have a blog) in my side bar once we get started ... please make sure I have a way to contact you. Once we have made a few blocks perhaps we could set up a Flickery page so that we can check out how we are all progressing .... I'm happy to hear suggestions how we could work this.
Edit ... as there has been such a huge responce to this Quilt Along I have set up a specific page with a Mr Linky thingy so that your details can be listed automatically .... you can find the page here ... the Requirements List has also been listed now and you can navigate there from the main quilt along page. Thanks Kellie
I am in Adelaide at the moment for the long anticipated Hettie's Patch workshop! Lorraine has really out done herself and put together a fabulous event ... but more on this next week! I have been very slack with my posting this past few weeks and still haven't blogged about the last Patchwork House class either yet ... which was a terrific class and a great group of women! This will all have to wait until my next post now ... which will be another giveaway as Lilly Pilly & Willow are due for release on Monday ....
Enjoy what's left of your weekend!
Kellie
Ok......I love the block!! I love the colors!! I have always admired the Orange Peel! but I stink at needle turn applique.....if you have a way that even a chimp can do, then I am willing to give it a try! Put me down for it.... And I am gonna stock up on bananas, smile...
Kathy in Maryland, USA
Posted by: kathy schwabeland | October 18, 2009 at 01:23 AM
Count me in, never attempted anything like this before but I am willing to give it a go! Bring on the fun!
Posted by: Megan Kay | October 18, 2009 at 01:36 AM
I have just discovered your blog. I just love your vibrant use of color. I would love to give this block a try. This is just the portable project that I have been looking for.
Beth in Swansea, Massachusetts USA
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlp-xm6qwKX46TVoes8AHmcKBooliX6a2w | October 18, 2009 at 01:53 AM
Count me in too, I'll give it a go, I like the idea of its portability.
Posted by: Camilla | October 18, 2009 at 02:04 AM
btw I'm to be found at [email protected]
Posted by: Camilla | October 18, 2009 at 02:06 AM
You had me at portable. Sign me up.
Posted by: Mary | October 18, 2009 at 02:11 AM
I'm interested and if anyone else is interested I think I know a better way to applique this than needleturn. At least it is what I intend to do. For my method of applique, there is a tutorial on my blog. It was for my Halloween project, but this method works well with other projects. I'm really excited about doing this orange peel. I love your colors and this design looks like a snap. Thanks.
Posted by: caroll | October 18, 2009 at 02:12 AM
Okay, normally I don't commit myself to these types of things, because I never end up finishing. I can't help myself this time, though! I will join in and the only new material I am going to purchase will be for the background, I'm going to use only materials from my stash. Welllll... that is unless I run across something that I know I just can't live without and will be perfect for the blocks! ;o)
Posted by: Loralynn | October 18, 2009 at 02:15 AM
Kellie, Count me in! I have been dying to make this quilt for a very very long time, and ... Thank YOU! I already had my fabric chosen and everything!
Valentina from Cyprus
(Great Hexagon Quilt Along 2)
Posted by: Valentina | October 18, 2009 at 02:16 AM
I'd love to join in! I love the design of this block and think it will be a great scrap quilt!
Posted by: sherri | October 18, 2009 at 02:27 AM
What a great design! Would love to have a go at this block, and definitely need a portable hand sewing project! Count me in too please.
Rita
Posted by: Red Pepper Quilts | October 18, 2009 at 02:31 AM
This sounds like a really fun quilt project. I would love to give it a go. Please count me in.
Posted by: Sally | October 18, 2009 at 02:42 AM
I've been thinking about doing an orange peel and this is even better! Particularly if a chimp can do it!
Posted by: Beth | October 18, 2009 at 02:49 AM
I've actually been wanting to learn to make a orange peel quilt, and have had a hankering to do something more "traditional", so I'm in! yay!
Posted by: Kit | October 18, 2009 at 02:53 AM
Well, if a chimp can do it... maybe I can. :) Count me in... this should be fun!
Posted by: kelly | October 18, 2009 at 02:55 AM
Orange peel is the sort of challenge that would be good right now, so count me in. What fabric I use will be decided later, so until Later.
Posted by: Mimi | October 18, 2009 at 02:58 AM
I'm all for it, it'll be great practice. I'm a beginner, but I am pretty fearless and it'll be great fun!
Posted by: Patricia | October 18, 2009 at 03:00 AM
The orange peel blogk is lovely and it sounds manageable so I'd love to have a go - count me in please!
Posted by: Hazel | October 18, 2009 at 03:01 AM
Ooooh I just can't resist such lovely project ! (I won't even try ;>) Besides, I won't let my dear friend Valentina make this quilt without me! HeeHee...
THANKS for this exciting project, and of course COUNT ME IN, please !
Nadine in Belgium.
Posted by: NADINE | October 18, 2009 at 03:05 AM
I would like to join in as well! I have taken a needleturn applique beginner's class and would like something simple (not a lot of twists and turns) to practice on. Not to mention I love this block!
Posted by: Jeanette | October 18, 2009 at 03:05 AM
love to give this a try. we will see what time permits but would love the instruction and motivation.
Posted by: tara | October 18, 2009 at 03:08 AM
I adore this block and I've been wanting to try something curvy! Count me in, please!! CHEERS! BTW, I hope the learning curve on this block isn't too steep! It totally looks crazy complex!
Posted by: Sonja | October 18, 2009 at 03:18 AM
This sounds great!! I would love to participate. Thanks for setting it all up. It's going to be so fun. I'm looking forward to it.
Posted by: annette | October 18, 2009 at 03:34 AM
Look at all that gorgeous Kaffe fabric you're using, you use it so well! I'd love to have a go at this, I don't really need to start another project, but having a portable one sounds appealing. I'm curious about the applique method as I haven't learnt needleturn applique yet. I think I will be the true test of whether or not even a chimp can master your easy method. LOL. Kelly :-)
Posted by: Kelly | October 18, 2009 at 03:37 AM
I've been wanting to do an orange peel quilt for ages and just needed the incentive to get started. I just started driving my kids to lessons three times a week and have to wait around for nearly three hours, so this would be a perfect project.
Posted by: Vangie | October 18, 2009 at 03:48 AM
Ok, I'm in! I'm really nervous though, but since my friend Kathy signed up FIRST! and asked me to join, I will. I love your style and colors and I've been aching to try your Lilly Pilly and Willow. My stash has taken a real turn since I started reading your blog! Bring on the peels!!! Citrus lovers unite! Handwork rocks! Woooo Hoooo!! Lisa in Maryland, USA
Posted by: Lisa | October 18, 2009 at 04:20 AM
Hi! I've always loved the orange peel quilt, and I love hand applique so this is a definite for me. I love the bright colors you are using. Way excited for this to start. Thanks for including me. Mona
Posted by: Mona | October 18, 2009 at 04:42 AM
I *love* handwork, and the look of this quilt is outta sight. I'm going to try to play along, life might get in the way but I'll do my best.
Incidentally, I just purchased my first pattern of yours from Twiddletails and I can't wait to receive it. Your designs make me so happy.
Posted by: greetingarts | October 18, 2009 at 04:48 AM
I'd love to join in! I love the design of this block and think it will be a great scrap quilt! Hugs from France
Posted by: Beatrice | October 18, 2009 at 04:49 AM
This sounds great! I have really been wanting to learn how to do turn edge applique but just havent worked up the energy to teach myself! Im so excited!
Posted by: sarah C | October 18, 2009 at 05:22 AM
I'm almost done hand sewing my hexagons so I need a new take along project. I'm not very good at needle turn applique so I sure would love to learn like a chimp :)
I recently saw a quilt using the orange peel design and fell in love with it.
Posted by: robin(rsislandcrafts) | October 18, 2009 at 05:23 AM
I think this would be so fun - I hope it won't be too complicated... as I would love to participate but am only a beginner quilter.
Posted by: Heather | October 18, 2009 at 05:32 AM
Your work is so beautiful! I recently found your blog and am mesmerized. I've just started quilting myself but love this design so much that I would really like to join the Quilt Along. As you can see, I'm a strong believer in jumping head first into projects ;)
Posted by: Antoaneta | October 18, 2009 at 05:46 AM
I'm going to try this. I love that block and have lots of scraps to use up. Can't wait for more information.
Hugs,
TJ
Posted by: Trish Lapp | October 18, 2009 at 06:10 AM
mmm, I would have loved to join in, but too many Christmas projects on the go. If we can join a bit later and try to catch up I would be keen too :)
Posted by: Jo | October 18, 2009 at 06:21 AM
It's seriously gorgeous... but i don't think I'm up for it! I still have the last quilt along sitting in a pile... can't remember when I started it!!!
Posted by: Maree @ Farmyardcrafts | October 18, 2009 at 07:03 AM
I'd join in. I love to needleturn applique but I'm up for trying a different method. These nice big pieces should make for a stress free project.
Posted by: ginaquilts.wordpress.com | October 18, 2009 at 07:20 AM
it must be fate-- i have that very block saved in my inspiration folder where i keep the projects i plan to figure out when i get some free time. this is just the inspiration i need to get going! i'm in!
Posted by: Whitney | October 18, 2009 at 07:43 AM
Count me in looks good and what is another project when I have so many on the go lol.
Posted by: Amanda | October 18, 2009 at 07:55 AM
I've been wanting to try this pattern and I have some scraps looking for a project. Count me in.
Posted by: Rachel | October 18, 2009 at 08:11 AM
In for a penny, in for a pound - Count Me In!!!!!
Posted by: Rachelle | October 18, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Oh so exciting! I've been lurking around blogland waiting for a quilt-along I could join in and this is just the ticket - thanks Kellie. (I've also been lurking here waiting for your Lilly Pilly pattern - so that's great news!!!)
Posted by: Danielle | October 18, 2009 at 08:18 AM
I'd love to join in :) I've done lots of sewing in my time, but I'm a TOTAL novice when it comes to quilting & applique!
I live in Adelaide and discovered your blog & Hettie's Patch a few weeks ago, on the same day - it was a GOOD day ;) I would have loved to have met you IRL at HP - if only my children didn't have better social lives than I do (I'm playing taxi driver for them for a few weekends in a row with all the parties they need to attend - it's a hard life for a 4 & 6 yr old lol) So hopefully next time you come to Adelaide, I'll be able to join one of your classes...
Looking forward to the quilt along - ANY excuse for a visit to Hettie's Patch ;) (like I need an excuse lol)
Posted by: Jasmine | October 18, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Yahoo!!:) This is one way to do something with you other than move house - way to go,girl. Sign me up for my first ever on line thingy! I am not an appliquer but I shall have a go at this. Thanks.
Posted by: Chriss Jasper | October 18, 2009 at 08:38 AM
I loved Trish's version when I saw it on her blog and I've been keeping this one on my list since then so I'll play too. I'm sure I can manage it with my gazillion other projects.
Posted by: Janet | October 18, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Can't wait for it to start!!!!!
Posted by: Alison Harris | October 18, 2009 at 09:09 AM
This looks and sounds great, please count me in.
Posted by: Julie C | October 18, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Chimp here... ok, I know nothing about needleturn but now is just as good a time to learn as any -- or go check out Carroll's blog to see how she does applique. Besides, when I first saw this block on your blog the other day I knew it was one that I had to make (those fabrics are gorgeous!). There is also the fact that during the entire Christmas and New Year timeframe I'll be sitting at my in-laws miles away from home and my sewing machine, so this will certainly give me something to do.
Posted by: Iva | October 18, 2009 at 09:33 AM
I'm rather tempted.
It's a new technique for me and I do have rather a large pile of WIPs so not sure if I should sign up for this one.
But sign me up anyway and we'll see how I get on.
Love your work .... as always.
andi :-)
Posted by: Andi | October 18, 2009 at 09:40 AM
Hi Kellie, You know what I am going to have a crack at this!!Something I wouldn't normally do but the design and colours look just brilliant. Count me in.....!!!Kind Regards
Posted by: Treann | October 18, 2009 at 09:46 AM