You’ve just signed up for a block-of-the-month quilt program for next year. The excitement is palpable. (Maybe you just signed up for Star Rise!) Now it’s time to do future you a favor and get set up for success. Here are my best tips for getting the most out of a BOM program.
Do the Planning Activities
Your program should offer a planning month or content before the first block to help you plan for the upcoming year. This is where you can choose a colorway or design your own, choose the size option you’ll make, calculate and buy the fabric and supplies you need, and learn how to join the community. You can jump into sewing when block one is released when you settle these decisions early.
Join the Community
The results are stunning when quilters of different skill levels come together to work on the same project. Quilters are the most giving people I have ever met, and they are bursting to share what they know with other quilters. If your program offers a community, make sure you join and participate.
Share Your Wins
Speaking of community, use this space to share your wins! You joined the program to learn and try new things, so ensure you celebrate your progress throughout the year. Cheer on your fellow BOMers, but don’t compare where you are in your journey to where they are in theirs.
Mark Your Calendar
Whether on the first of the month or the first Tuesday of the month, BOM content is released on a schedule. Mark your calendar for release days so you can plan. Another thing to put on your calendar is the time you’ll use each month to make your blocks. I look forward to the hour I set aside every Saturday morning to work on the various BOM programs I’m in. Even if it can’t be at the same time every week, be sure you’re setting aside time to sew.
Stay Organized
You need to keep track of quilt blocks and fabric all year long. Think about storing everything so it’s safe and easy to get to when you’re ready to sew. You also have patterns and other content to download each month. Set up a file folder on your computer to save your files in one place.
Keeping Up
First, you must decide what “keeping up” looks like to you. Are you going to finish each block every month, no matter what? Are you going to do quarterly pushes to stay on a slower timeline? Or will you go in knowing full well your 2025 BOM won't be finished until 2029? All schedule styles have pros and cons, so think about adopting the one that will work best for you.
Have Fun!
There might come a time over the next year when the excitement you feel right now will fade. Like, a lot. If or when that happens, pause to remind yourself why you started in the first place. If that reason still applies, use that as motivation to stay in the game. If it doesn’t, that’s a good time to decide to finalize whatever you’ve made so far into a different project. Maybe you’re done after four months and decide to make a table runner and just be done. If you have nine blocks done when inspiration flags, that might be a sign to turn them into a wall-hanging or baby quilt. Sometimes, finishing isn’t the goal. Make sure you’re still having fun.
There you have it. I hope you find these tips helpful during this year’s BOM-picking season and that your project brings you joy.
Are you ready to jump into a BOM program? Then, welcome to Star Rise, my exclusive block-of-the-month program for 2025. Make 12 blocks in 3 sizes in this intriguing design with PDF pattern downloads delivered to our online portal on the first of every month. You’ll also have access to monthly video tutorials, block assembly demonstrations, live sew-ins each month, and an online community to meet your fellow Star Risers. Registration is now open, so join in with quilters like you as we build an out-of-this-world quilt together.
PS - This is part of a series on block-of-the-month programs. You can read more:
