Monday, May 18, 2015

My Small World Quilt-Along

It's beginning!


If you have been on Instagram, you may have noticed the buzz about Jen Kingwell's pattern, "My Small World." A team of us--KerryJohnMegan, Danielle, Lisa and me--are hosting a quilt-along. So if you have been thinking about making this quilt, but are a little unsure about it, please join us!

If you haven't done a quilt-along before, think of it as a support group. A group of people from all over the world will be working on this quilt, putting their individual stamp of creativity on it, and there will be guidance, assistance, and lots of inspiration along the way. The quilt is not a large one (33" x 52"), and an Instagram friend, Jo Dymont from Life in Lists, is planning on enlarging the quilt, so there will be hints on how she plans on doing that.

This would not be considered a beginner-level pattern, as it involves small pieces and lots of templates, but hopefully it should be relatively straightforward. We will not give specific construction details or measurements from the pattern so you will have to purchase the Spring Special 2015 issue of Quiltmania (Kerry has posted information on where you can find your own copy here), but we will be giving information on techniques, such as English Paper Piecing, curved piecing, applique techniques and much more, along the way. 

This will give you an idea of fabric requirements for the pattern as it is published in the magazine.
But have fun--modify and add your own style with your fabric choices. I plan on seeing how many solids I can incorporate.
As I was gathering together fabric, I realized that now is the time to break into some of the precuts I have been collecting and hoarding!

Gardenvale by Jen Kingwell (of course!), Doe by Carolyn Friedlander, and Lighthearted by Ayumi Takahashi

Need a little nudge? I found these three mini charm packs. I'll choose three winners on Wednesday, May 20--just leave a comment and let me know if you have ever participated in a quilt-along. I'll make a little confession--I have participated in quilt-alongs before, but usually I get a late start and the quilt-along has been completed long before I even get started. So maybe that doesn't really qualify as a quilt-along!

To get started today, check out each of our links for introduction and information. Then approximately every three weeks, starting the week of May 25, one of us will be hosting tips and techniques, section by section.



And Jen Kingwell will be watching everyone's progress on Instagram, so don't forget to tag your photos with #mysmallworldqal. 

67 comments:

05 08
ranette said... #

I have participated in a quilt-a-long before, but not one for a quilt as cute as this one! I may add a few solids to my quilt as well.

dutchcomfort said... #

I’ve made one of my first quilts ever in a quilt-along. I learned so much and 8 years later I still love to take part in online classes and quilt-alongs! I’m a huge Jennifer Kingwell fan, working on some of her quilts already, so I purchased the Quiltmania Spring Issue (was lucky enough to find a copy at my LQS).

Christine said... #

I have never participated in a quilt along but what a good way to be encouraged to keep working when a tough spot comes.
Christine from Ontario

Gran said... #

I have been in a quilt along before, have never been able to keep up! I become distracted by the other 100 or so projects I want to complete. I do finish the quilt later, though!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said... #

I have participated in quilt-alongs before and they are great fun.

Val's Quilting Studio said... #

QAL are fun...and this one looks fun! Unfortuanatly you lost me at "little pieces" LOL!! It will be fun to admire your progress though. :)

Strlady said... #

I'm like you, always late to the party. I stopped at Barnes and Noble last week and picked up the magazine because I was in love with it.
I need to pick up some low volume fabrics for the top and would love to make it bigger.

Unknown said... #

I've got the magazine, reviewed the pattern & am excited to start! I'm hoping to shop my stash for this project, but could always use a liitle extra!

salamanda said... #

I have participated in a quilt along before but fell way behind. I did eventually finish the quilt but had to adapt the pattern. If I fall behind this time I will make mini quilts

Carla said... #

Looks like such a fun quilt Cindy. Wish I could buy the e-book, but it wouldn't let me. I'll be watching closely ; )

Briawna said... #

I've "participated" in a few QAL, but I usually fall behind or flake out or leave an unfinished top sitting in my pile of WIP's. This is the one! I can feel it. My "have to" sewing/quilting is done for the month, so no excuses!!

Bonnie said... #

I haven't officially done a QAL. I have thought about doing one but never jumped in in. This one really is amazing and I'm excited to do it along with so many others. Thanks for the chance to add a little to my stash! Happy quilting.

Michele T said... #

I've never joined a quiltalong... but it sure looks like it would be fun!!! This one with My Small World looks awesome too!!

Sinta Renee said... #

Jen Kingwell is a new obsession of mine! I love everything she creates... so please count me in on this fun little quilt along! I have participated in quilt-alongs before. I enjoy the camaraderie and that it helps me stay focused!

Sinta Renee said... #

Jen Kingwell is a new obsession of mine! I love everything she creates... so please count me in on this fun little quilt along! I have participated in quilt-alongs before. I enjoy the camaraderie and that it helps me stay focused!

Two Wednesdays said... #

I have to confess I joined in the Swoon-a-long but still have another 4 blocks to piece! I didn't like my fabric choices once they were cut up and in the blocks and I didn't enjoying piecing those blocks one bit! I've learnt so much since that I would approach it differently if I started now. I will finish - one day....

Two Wednesdays said... #

I have to confess I joined in the Swoon-a-long but still have another 4 blocks to piece! I didn't like my fabric choices once they were cut up and in the blocks and I didn't enjoying piecing those blocks one bit! I've learnt so much since that I would approach it differently if I started now. I will finish - one day....

Kristen Willard said... #

I've arranged a QAL with Jen's pattern "The Circle Game." We are not online, but enlisted a local quilt shop to let us meet there. It's so fun to meet with other quilters.

siomi said... #

I joined crazymomquilts first qal many years ago, I found it at Block nr nine of twelve, so I made nine Blocks one week end, and did the rest pretty quick.

Deb said... #

I've taken part in a few sew alongs, not all successfully though! Love this pattern and so excited when I found it at my local B&N this morning so I can jump in right away! Time to let the scraps come out to play!

Julie said... #

This is my first, I have always been very wary as I think I'll struggle with the deadlines.....but it is such a special quilt I couldn't resist and broke my rule!

Becky said... #

I'm no stranger to QALs and have been doing them for years. I finish most eventually. For me, it's more about seeing other's fabric selections and modifications that really inspire my quilting adventures! Jen Kingwell is definitely inspiring!

debrarae said... #

This will be my first QAL. I have done KAL and CAL. Look forward to the advice on this one!

Marci Girl said... #

Oh yes, I've done plenty of QAL, my first was when I met Leanne of She Can Quilt! It was hosted by Lily's Quilts.

Di said... #

I'm in on the QAL. My problem is keeping going until the end. I am good at starting but slow in finishing!

Unknown said... #

I started one April 2014. I still haven't finished.....

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said... #

I did the Mini Medallion quilt along last year. It's what forced me to join Instagram. I had resisted up until then, but just had to see what everyone else was doing, and everyone was posting photos to Instagram. Now I can't live without it. I'm really looking forward to this quilt along. Only 2 more days until our magazines arrive in NZ. We went to the shop to ask about them again yesterday. I'm looking forward to the tips you and the others post.

Leanne said... #

I got to see this quilt in person at quilt market. I might have to join in too, if I can find the magazine.

betz2u said... #

I am new to quilting. I have not done a QAL yet, but I have completed a mystery quilt. It was such fun. On my way to Barnes and Noble to see if the have the magazine. Will give it a try. Sounds like fun to me. Thanks for the opportunity to win minis.

Unknown said... #

I adore quilt a longs....fun to see different perspectives, tip and tricks. So fun!!

Kath said... #

I've not had the pleasure - and fun! - of participating in a quilt-along yet. As I'm still a beginning quilter, they seem a little daunting and, of course, I would worry about keeping up, doing something wrong, all those kinds of things. ktsquiltdreams [at]gmail [dot]com

virgdale said... #

I have not dona a quilt along before, but think it would be fun. Love your small world quilt.

Patti said... #

Well I did leave a comment but I don't see it so maybe this will be a double, yes I am in, all in!!!

Ella said... #

I've done a few QALs but I haven't always finished in time. I've got my book for this one, but I'm waiting for school to finish.

Mama Pea said... #

I have done a quilt along, and am in about 3 right now. Keeping up on one, this one hasn't started so I'm not behind yet, and I'm behind on the other one. You know what that one is. LOL. I'm excited for this. I realized I have so few low volume fabrics that I won't be able to make the background...so I HAD to go online and order some low volumes. Dang! haha. Hugs, Cindy! Thanks for hosting this!

Lisa said... #

This is my second quilt-along. The first one is with my quilt guild. I reall love this pattern. I've already finished the top portion of part one.

Christi said... #

I am participating and love her patterns!! This will actually be the third one that I have participated in.

cjpike (at) indiana (dot) edu

bellashea said... #

This quilt is beautiful and I just got the last magazine at our Barnes & Noble. It is only my second quilt a long but the first one was about 5 years ago!!! Thanks

pinsandneedles said... #

This is a very unique quilt. Love all the different blocks in it. Yes, I have participated in QALs before...however not recently. I may have to consider joining this one!

Tu-Na Quilts said... #

I started a guilt along (no spelling error intended) twice and never finished. Would a third time be the charm (pun intended)? kthurn@bektel.com

Pam said... #

I have followed a few QAL,s but am always out of sync so they do not count. As this starts on my birthday I feel that I should participate.

fabricstasher24@gmail.com said... #

I've never followed a QAL before but I'm looking forward to joining in! Thank you for the giveaway.
fabricstasher24@gmail.com

Susan said... #

I don't think I have ever joined a QAL! I was very late to the Farmer's Wife one, from memory! But I always put my hand up when new fabric is on offer, especially Gardenvale, named after the suburb where Amitie is!

Aunt TC said... #

I don't think I've ever joined a QAL where I start it when everyone else does. I really like Jen Kingwell's designs and would love to do this but I need to find the magazine to see more about it. I like those mini packs.

Suzanne Daniels said... #

This is my first QAL, and I must admit, I'm a little nervous. I would never have attempted anything like this on my own, but I'm in good company, so here goes :)

Donna said... #

I have and I really enjoy all the learning steps along the way. It is fun to see what fabrics others use and to have support along the way. Thanks,must go get the magazine now.

Melissa Stevenson said... #

This would be my first QAL and I think that even though it is a bit advanced for me I am confident that with the help of this community in the end I will have a quilt that I can be proud of!

BettyK said... #

I have done a few quilt alongs on several online groups. It is so much fun. This one looks like a ball.

Nicole said... #

I did the second "scrap vomit" qal with Katy @ I'm a Ginger Monkey. Love my quilt so much! Otherwise I'm usually too slow a sewer/don't have enough time to sew to keep up with the others. Have fun with this one!

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

I joined in the hexalong with Lynne and Gayle in 2011 and I'm almost finished the quilt!

Pippa Parsons said... #

I always start but don't often finish lol

Mary said... #

I am in the same boat, as I usually start QALs long after they are under way or even finished. This doesn't stop me though, I love seeing what everyone else chose as colors and prints for their quilts.

Penny from S.C. said... #

I'd love to participate but so far not able to find the magazine. I've not participated in a QAL before either. Thanks

Cecilia said... #

I have only done one quilt along and it was for Lori Holt's book called Quilty Fun. It was a lot of fun and seeing everyone's progress really inspired e to keep going.

Andrea said... #

Hi. I have never done a quilt along before. I have wanted to do a Jen Kingwell quilt and this might keep me on track. I just ordered the magazine!

Sue said... #

I don't think my comment went through, so if this is a repeat - sorry! I have participated in QALs before but I am not the best at completing them while the QAL is still going! I do still enjoy doing them though and I really am excited about this one! I have been wanting to make this quilt so it will be nice to tackle this one together! :)

Karen@littlebirdiequilting said... #

I have done a QAL before but also not good at getting it done as we go along. I love these houses though, so I'm giving it a go!

jfer said... #

I've never done a QAL before, I'm waiting for nap to end so I can go hunt down this pattern, its too cute. Thanks for the chance!

jfer said... #

I've never done a QAL before, I'm waiting for nap to end so I can go hunt down this pattern, its too cute. Thanks for the chance!

carolg said... #

This is my first QAL!

Unknown said... #

I've done quilt-alongside with my mini group, but never online.

grace said... #

I never seem to find quiltalongs in time to start with everyone else! I'm hoping to get a copy of the magazine soon and join in!

grace said... #

I never seem to find quiltalongs in time to start with everyone else! I'm hoping to get a copy of the magazine soon and join in!

Jessica said... #

I have participated in a quilt a long before, but I'm not sure I've actually finished one...I hope this will be different!

Tara Celeste said... #

This is my first quilt along and I'm getting a bit of a late start. I've loved seeing everyone's progress so far and can't wait to add my pieces to the hashtag :)

KaHolly said... #

I have, but like you, usually late!

delwak said... #

I have never participated. but I would like to ! but as I work it seems too difficult for me. but I follow them on the net