Yesterday I posted my 2019 quilty resolution to create more works in progress this year. I spent the past several years really working on my list, and I found it was really starting to stifle my creativity and make me less motivated to get to work in the sewing room. I finally unloaded some of the emotional baggage that went along with all that and decided I needed more unfinished projects to really keep me going.
A quilt along – or 20! – is a great way to beef up my list while connecting with some really great creators in our community. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite quilt along opportunities for 2019 to share with you. Some I’m definitely signed up for. Some I’m definitely not signed up for… yet. And some I really have no idea! I’ve been getting emails all week about upcoming start dates, and I’m surprised every time by the new project to add to my 2019 list!
Here we go! In no particular order, here’s where I’m spending some of my time this year.
Conversation Row of the Month Club
Instead of 12 blocks, AnneMarie Chany offers 12 rows to quilt along with in her Conversation Row of the Month Club. I was instantly drawn to this project because of the color order arrangement and its use of solids. Since I’m not thinking a whole lot about fabric and color, I’m looking forward to slowing down and really focusing on improving my technique. I’ve already finished January’s row, so come back next week to see it.
Photo from AnneMarie Chany.
Sunset Isle QAL
This is another row of the month project from one of my favorite quilters, Alyce Blyth. I first found Alyce when I was looking for good paper piecing tutorials. Her instruction was so clear that I was able to make an entire paper pieced quilt from her Milky Way Sampler quilt along two years ago. I haven’t quite decided fabrics for this project yet. I think it will be the one where I focus on value and scale to see what I can learn there.
Photo from Alyce Blyth.
Perfect Half-Square Triangle Block of the Month
Whenever I’m looking for projects that are impeccably designed while working to perfect a certain skill or technique, I head over to Freshly Pieced from Lee Heinrich. The Perfect Half-Square Triangle Block of the Month does not disappoint on either of these. I signed up for this project because Lee offers a new way of piecing half-square triangles that has to be better than anything else I’ve ever tried!! I haven’t put any thought into how I’m going to put this one together, but I have until Monday when the first pattern is released.
Photo from Lee Heinrich.
Stargazer Modern Block of the Month
The Stargazer Modern Block of the Month is my stretch project for this year. I mean… look at it!! It’s intimidating as hell, but I’ve admired Rebecca’s patterns for a while and thought this would be a great way to jump in and try her out. I’m still sitting with the picture hoping it will speak to me about color way. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.
Photo from Rebecca Bryan.
Your Turn
So which projects are you working on this year? If your list is different than mine, let me know what I’m missing. I’m serious about adding to my WIP list this year! And I’d love to see what we’re working on together, so be sure to tag me. I’m @loveofthread everywhere.
Quilt on, Joni