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SMS Quilting Month and Block-Along Kickoff!
Time to Get Quilting
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At last, it’s February! We’ve been planning Quilting Month for a long time and have so much to look forward to. We hope you’ll check in often, because we’ll be posting at least once, if not 2 or 3 times every single day! We hope to encourage you to think about quilting (perhaps in different ways) and try your hand at some new skills. If you’re a beginning sewist, maybe this means putting together some very simple blocks, and if you’ve already been around “the blocks” a few times, perhaps this would be a good time to experiment with hand-piecing or put together a quilt pattern you’ve never tried before. Whatever the case, we do hope you’ll sew along and share your photos and the links to your work. |
Photo Pool and Permission to Use Photos
We’ve set up a new photo pool just for Quilting Month. Every week we’ll be posting highlights from this group on our blog. As I’m sure you’ve read before, we always respect the copyright of crafters and bloggers. It is typically our practice to contact an artist before we post their photo on our blog. In the case of mass entries, however, we like to request your implied permission. That is, by submitting your photo to our Quilting Month photo pool, you are granting us permission to use your photo (with full credit to you, of course) on our blog. This is all restated in the Quilting Month group rules. Please let us know if you have questions.
SMS Block-Along
For the next four Fridays we’ll be presenting a quilt block with 2 or 3 variations. We’ll show your some examples and links to tutorials. You can make one or all the blocks and share them with our photo pool. On Mondays (9 days after the block has been presented) we’ll feature some of the completed blocks side-by-side on the blog.
But the blocks are not just for the photo pool! Here are just a few things you can do with your finished blocks:
- Make a potholder.
- Sew a set of coasters.
- Swap them! (If anyone decides to set up an SMS Block-Along swap, let us know and we’ll announce it.)
- Make one the centerpiece of a bag.
- Make a quilt–doll quilt, baby quilt, lap quilt, or full-size quilt!
- Make napkins.
- Sew them in a row and make a table runner.
Certainly there are dozens of other things you could do with a completed quilt block (or set of them.) Feel free to comment with your ideas.
Quilting Month Features
We’re thrilled to have a number of illustrious guest writers on the blog this month:
- Jennifer from Moving Hands will be writing about the art of hand-piecing.
- We have both an interview with and project from Denyse Schmidt.
- Kathy from Pink Chalk Studio will be discussing piecing and “quilting” items other than quilts.
- Amy from Happy Things will share her thoughts on batting.
- Gina from Quilter’s Buzz and Threaded Pear will touch on machine quilting at home, as well as hiring a long-arm quilter.
In addition, we’ll have the list of the most frequently recommended quilting books from our readers, as well as a long list of binding resources. Plus, we’re going to show you a gorgeous quilt every day of the month! (You may as well subscribe to the feed now, eh?)
Fat Quarter Give-Aways
Every Friday we’ll give away two packs of 10 fat quarters from Sew,Mama,Sew! We’ll randomly select the winners from all blog comments in the previous week. (Please be aware that our comments are moderated, so you won’t see your comment immediately. )
All right? Ready, set, sew!
166 Responses to “SMS Quilting Month and Block-Along Kickoff!”
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Woo hoo! Quilting month is here!
Sounds exciting! I will definitely be reading and hopefully quilting along.
I’m new to quilting…but so excited that February is finally here! I cannot wait to see the projects.
I don’t know if it is just the bug going around or the anticipation of Quilting Month but I have been setting out different combinations of fabrics all day. As I am working around the house I keep walking by and adding, subtracting, and multiplying the different piles as I dream of what to create first. I just can’t wait to see all you have to share.
Super excited for another great month of projects!
I have been matching up fabrics from my stash ever since you announced quilting month. I couldn’t be more excited.
This is just the encouragement I need to get more active with 1) my sewing 2) my blogging and 3) my flickr!
So thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Excited here!
Can’t wait!
Thanks so much for this opportunity. I have just learned about Sew Mama Sew and I am excited about trying the projects to come, since I would like to make quilts both for my family and friends and also for charity. I know the work of some of the people that will be presenters, and I am looking forward to it. Thanks again!
Wooooo Hoooo!! So excited for Quilting month!
Sounds great! I’m totally excited to get quilting.
I’ve been waiting for this month ever since I heard it was about quilting. That’s one way to get me to look forward to turning a year older!
I can’t wait to get some new ideas ! I tend to do the same things over and over (quilt-wise) so I’m looking forward to “shaking it up” a bit
This sounds just great! I’ve never made a quilt, and I’m not sure I plan to, but I can imagine plenty of other applications for the same techniques. Looking forward to seeing what you have on tap
Oh what fun! I can’t wait to see all that you have in store for us!
february is suddenly appealing!
This is so so exciting! I will be reading and quilting along and am truly so looking forward to it!
BRING IT ON!!!!
I sure won’t want to miss a blog this month. Always looking for new baby quilt ideas
How fun!!
So excited for this month! Goodbye January! Hello quilting February!
jenn
After so many amazing projects and links during December I am really excited to see what you guys have come up with for February!
Looking forward to learning more about quilt making…
I am looking forward to Quilting Month. If it’s anything like “Handmade Holidays” we’re in for a real treat.
This just might top tutorial month – well, maybe not, but it’ll be a close second!!
I can hardly wait to see all the ideas.
A swap, eh? Now there’s an idea …
I can’t wait for some quilting inspiration – just what I need!
Sounds like fun! Bring on the quilt squares!
I love this, I can’t wait to see everything!
I’m looking forward to the quilt-along and maybe finishing some of the quilts I have lying around. Should be fun!
yay Im glad ist starting – I have been holding on for this!
Woo hoo!
I’m excited to see what’s in store for this month!
~Stacy
I am so excited! I can’t wait!
Yay! I’m so happy that quilting month is here! Too bad it’s a short month!
Sounds awesome! I can’t wait!
This is just what I needed to get back to quilting.
I’m really looking forward to this month!
I’ve been so looking forward to this. I’ve been raiding my scraps and stash to get ready!
Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us.
I’ve been waiting for this!!
Yay! I get to sew again! Looking forward to trying the first quilt block. Not sure what I’ll do with them yet, but I have time to think on it.
Such a great choice of guest writers! I can’t wait!
-violet
I am excited to play along a bit.
I’m excited!!! I’ve wanted to quilt for a quite awhile now.
hooray – first time i’ve ever, ever looked this forward to february 1st! er, well, actually the only time…=) thank you, sew, mama, sew! this is going to be fun!
I’m so excited! I’m new to quilting but am quickly falling in love with it and trying to figure out how many people I know that I can give quilts to (how many quilts do two people need, after all??). Really looking forward to this month!
Wow…this is my first ‘quilt month’! I’m excited to see (& hopefully do) all the projects.
I just hit fabric depot to get a ruler so I can start cutting out some fat quarter quilts. Tomorrow I start a project. I am so excited and can’t wait to see what everyone else is making!
I’ve never made a quilt before, but your ideas for what to do with the blocks makes me want to play along. FUN!
I am so excited…a quilt is something I’ve been wanting to try and this may just give me all the nudging I need to do it!
Yay! This will be just the kick in the pants I need for a few quilts I need to get underway.
Also new to quilting, so I’m excited for the month!
Sounds very exciting! I’ll be checking in regularly
Sounds fun, hopefully this will revive my interest and encourage me to find the sewing machine again. It’s sadly buried amongst chaos.
Can’t wait!! You’ve lined up some great guest writers too!
I am looking forward to seeing all the quilts this month.
Oh, this sounds like fun. I’m very new to quilting and I’m excited about getting inspired.
I’m so glad I found this blog. I’ve learned so much and look forward to learning lots about quilting this month!
holy cow, how exciting!
Thanks so much for this site! I need some inspiration and I think I may have found it here. I’m looking forward to checking in every day. (You know you’re feeding my quilting addiction!)
I am excited about all the new ideas and things you will be sharing!!!
I can’t wait!!!!!!!
I am sooooo excited!
Looking forward to it! I’ve been working all day and reading your post seems like the perfect excuse to put the work aside and get my quilting out.
Another way to use the single blocks would be to make a 9″x12″ Priority Quilt for Ami Simms’ Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative. She calls them “Priority” cause they fit in one of those USPS envelopes.
Check it out at http://www.alzquilts.org/
I am new to quilting and looking forward to learning new ideas this month. This is going to be fun!
i’m excited. i’ve just decided to learn how to quilt, so i’m really looking forward to this month! plus, it’s my birthday month. birthdays and sewing! hooray!
Just the motivation I need to finally really learn to quilt
I started my first quilt this week in honor of quilting month and I have fabric ready to go for all the ideas I know I am going to get!
I’m excited – I really want to learn how to do this… I hope the tutorials will be enough for a complete novice!
I love the different ideas for using the different quilt blocks. That gives me an incentive to go with the flow and try to make each quilt block. I just made my first quilt this month.
oh, the anticipation! you guys are fab.
I’m so excited! Yay!
Yay — can hardly wait!!!
I am so excited! I have never really done any quilting before but have been wanting to learn, so this is coming at a perfect time. I am most excited about the quilt-along. It’s going to be so neat to see what everyone is doing…can’t wait!!!
I am so excited you guys are doing this! I still have Christmas blankets that need to be finished and this is just the motivation I need to finish them!
this will be SO MUCH FUN
I am ready to learn more. This is a great idea!
I’m excited about this month too! Quilting is still new to me so I look forward to learning more, the books sound like a good idea.
Oh gosh…you all just may inspire me to learn some quilting!
ok. ok. you’ve got me all excited. bring it on!
I can’t wait, bring on quilting month.
Giddy-up!! I’m ready to go!!
Woo hoo! I’m a total novice, but ya gotta start somewhere, right? Love this blog, by the way. The month of tutorials in December was brilliant. Thanks!
Squeal! Happy dance. Happy dance. Squeal.
I’m EXCITED!!!!! Can’t wait to get sewing….
I have been so excited since I first read you were doing a whole month on quilting. I am new to quilting and look forward to some help and great ideas! Thank You!
I’m so excited for Quilting Month! It’s minutes away right now! :O)
Yay! I can’t wait!
Yay!!! This sounds like fun! I’ve been meaning to learn a bit of quilting.
You guys are great! I can’t wait to see what you have in store.
Entering some unchartered territory for me – glad I have this blog and the ladies here as my guides! Can’t wait!
I am looking forward to quilting month. I’m a wannabe quilter (cutting accurately is my problem), and I’m looking forward to learning some tricks of the trade.
Yay! Hoping to dip my feet into the quilting pool for the first time!
I can’t wait, more goodies to make!
I am SO excited for this month’s theme – I am totally new, and ready to take it all in and give it a go!
Camille
I’m so excited! I just bought some valentine fabric and now i need to quilt it up!
Yay! Especially looking forward to the one on piecing/quilting things other than quilts.
Can’t wait till the next post, it’s very exciting!
I can’t wait to try out some new blocks… and get going on the quilt I have started! I’m glad you gals are doing this. Such fun to do and to see everyone else’s ideas.
Can’t WAIT for more information on machine quilting! Fixing to start my first one (and it’s a big one) – what about maching finishing?
OK, I think I have the courage to attempt a doll quilt. Please be gentle with me.
It’s very exciting!! And a leap year…so we’ll have an extra day to quilt!
Thanks so much for all the inspiration always,
Lori in Los Angeles
it’s midnite and here we go!
so excited about this month, febuary always seems to fly past, but i really hope to do at least one project
I can’t wait!!! Bring it on……
Sounds like fun!!
It’s time to quilt!
So excited about this!
Yippee!!! I love all things sewing but Quilts are my passion!! Thanks for this!
Can’t wait to be inspired! I am an intermediate-level seamstress (garments, home dec, crafts) but have never “learned” to quilt. I am taking an adult-ed quilting class at the school where I work, and I decided my first quilt would be a gift for my mother. We are doing a log cabin sort of quilt with some modifications, and I’ve got my fabric nearly all cut. Mom and I sat down last night to try to lay it out, but because we chose quite a lot of fabrics, it was too hard! So here’s the next learning curve…layout
Happy February! I’m so excited it’s Quilt Month….I can hardly wait.
I can’t wait. This is such a great idea, I’m excited to get started, and also see what everybody else is doing! Good luck everyone!
Heard about this from a friend and I am super excited!
Hooray for Quilting Month!
I’m so looking forward to reading every day to see what goodies you have in store for us!
it sounds fantastic, can’t wait!
Oh! Maybe I can scratch out a little time to jump in on this! Sounds like such fun!
Andrea
Sounds like this is going to be quite a month!
I am hoping the block along will be just the thing to draw me into quilting – I have been getting more and more interested as I read about my online friends quilting adventures but just can’t seem to find THE project to get myself started – I think this month it will reveal itself!!!
Now sounds a good time to start quilting!
I’m looking forward to all the events planned for February, especially a chance to play around with different blocks and see how others are doing them. Can’t wait!
Quilting is my passion, so am really looking forward to all of these ideas for the month. Will check the posts daily, and more. Thank you.
This is so exciting and great motivation! Thanks.
I’m super-excited about the blocks! Great idea, I can’t wait to get started!!!
I’m sso excited to learn some new techniques!! I was getting tired of the same old quilt patterns and blocks I’ve been doing! Just in time for something new! Thank you!
Another novice, here!
Yay! It’s February! I’m so excited to see that most of your planned topics address my questions!
This blog rocks! I’m so excited about quilting month.
I know I am going to be overwhelmed by the wealth of info you will send my way, but I am going to love it!
I have been contemplating making a quilt for some time – my mother-in-law crafts beautiful quilts and her 60th birthday is this year, and I though it would be nice to finally make one for her. Quilt month will give me the motivation I need!
I’m looking forward to this and hoping to keep up with your tutorials throughout the month. Thanks.
I wish February had 31 days instead of 29! This is going to be fun!
I am excited to begin my first quilt! I hope you have tips on how to use a rotary cutter, as I tried it, and it is more difficult than it looks!
Sharon
I’m so excited! My grandmothers would be so proud that I’m “attempting” to follow in their quilting footsteps!
i get quilting month for a birthday present, YEAH!
I’m looking forward to all the ideas and inspiration as a quilt was on my “to do” list. Thanks so much for the effort.
yay, quilt month is here! it sounds like you have a fabulous month planned for us! I’m looking forward to it.
I’ve been excitedly waiting for all your posts on quilting. I’m hoping it inspires me to learn to quilt.
Don’t forget you can use those blocks to make adorable and easy baby blankets- just put a quilt block in the middle, then sew on “borders” with lengths of receiving blankets. Too cute!
I’m so excited to see all those posts!! And to play along with the blocks!!
I’m eager to begin!
I am looking forward to this month of quilting! Bring it on!
Yay, it’s here! I’m so excited!!
I’m looking forward to quilting along with you. Another great marketing venture. Thank you for hosting this.
i love the idea of a quilt square swap! What a fun way to make a quilt!
I am so excited to learn more about quilting,,, I hope to be able to make a few of the blocks and cant wait to see what everyone else makes as welll….
Just the motivation I needed to sew this weekend! Sounds like fun-
February is the perfect month for Quilting Month! Quilting connects us to everyone we love in a very special way. I’m so looking forward to the SewMamaSew quilting inspirations this month.
Andreaelizabeth
Yay! Quilting month is here! I’m always looking for new ideas, so I’ll be visiting early and often this month.
Looking forward to the wonderful inspiration & tips this month!
Fairly new to quilting here – can’t wait to see all the inspiration!
I have had long Januarys before, but I was really wondering if February was really ever coming! I am SO ready to get started. Seriously, I stumbled upon your blog in early November and it has inspired me ever since! Thank you, thank you!!!
I just recently found your blog, what an exciting month to find you! I’ll be checking back often for ideas and inspiration.
This is such good timing for me. I am doing a Quilt A Long from another blog and it is about over. This is just a great way to become involved and to see what everyone does with the blocks. Alway fun to see others interpretations. I am planning to do the crazy nine patch. it will be posted on my blog when it is done. Thanks so much for the inspiration JoyB
Can’t wait to see what you have in store for this month! I subscribed to the feed yesterday.
so excited for quilting month… How do I put the button on my blog though? I use typepad, and tried searching the knowledge base for “button” but didn’t come up with anything… is there another word for it?
I’m definitely going to be using my blocks as bag centerpieces this season
I am so excited it is finally February!!!
This is going to ba a lot of fun!
I’ve always wanted to do a “real” quilt
I’ve done some baby blankets, but nothing fancy. I hope to join in this month and learn more about quilting.
Hooray quilting! Looking forward to posts this month – especially links to tutorials since I am new at this!!
woohoo.. nothing more motivating than a quilt a long.. I feel guilty if I haven’t finished last weeks blocks when the next weeks are posted!
Lissa
Australia
You have great theme months. This promises to be interesting.
Ready to go with you!
I’ve never quilted before! I’m nervous!
I’ve been waiting for quilt month! I can’t wait to see all of the quilts and, hopefully, learn some new things!
Thanks for giving me a chance. Winning would warm up this dreary month.
Perhaps after the Block-Along everyone can share pics of what they did with the completed blocks? Always looking for unique ways to use random practice blocks.
Just found this site and lovin it.
Lucky me to run across your blog for the 1st time today! I’m a new quilter feverishly making baby quilts for my two grandchildren coming very soon. Going to cut the fabric right now…