... 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