Monday, July 15, 2013

Star Surround Quilt-A-Long - Schedule, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes!!!!

**Note - If you are Looking for the Rustic Rooster Giveaway you can find it here :)

It's here!!  The Star Surround Quilt-A-Long officially starts today!!!  Today's post is going over everything you need to know to Quilt-A-Long.   There will be a post each Monday from now until August 26th with weekly assignments and then there will be a Parade and Grand Prizes on September 16th.  So . . . onto a little rundown on how it's going to work!!



THE HOW TO

The Star Surround Quilt-A-Long is my own quilt design and I hope you enjoy putting it together.  The quilt-a-long will include 5 different sizes for the star surround block giving you mutliple layout options.  I have come up with two different fabric layouts, Same Layout or Scrappy Layout and have provided fabric requirements for 1 x 1 block layouts, 2 x 2 block layouts, 3 x 3 block layouts, and 4 x 4 block layouts.  This quilt will not be made by making one block at a time but rather a more assembly line process.  Once the units are done, then the blocks will be created.   I broke down the construction of the quilt into 6 weeks and then added an additional 2 weeks to get it basted, quilted, and bound.  The schedule will be as follows

July 15th - Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prize Announcement
July 22 - Cutting
July 29 - Half Square Triangles
Aug 5 - Flying Geese
Aug 12 - Building Block Centers
Aug 19 - Building Block Surround
Aug 26 - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky
Sept 16 - Star Surround Parade and Grand Prize Winners

So count on checking back each Monday to see what the next week's assignment will be.  You will want to try to keep up weekly as there will be prizes along the way!!   Be sure to take a picture of your finished weekly assignment so that you can link it up for the weekly prizes :)  Oh, and if you are new to quilting, no worries, this will be super beginner friendly! I will go through each step in great detail in the Monday posts.

CHOOSING A SIZE BLOCK AND BLOCK LAYOUT

So to start, you need to make some choices.  What size project do you want to make and with what size blocks. Check out this chart below to help you decide what size project you want to make and with how many blocks in it.  A 1 x 1 layout is 1 block, a 2 x 2 layout is 4 blocks, a 3 x 3 layout is 9 blocks (Kits provided for this layout) , and a 4 x 4 layout is 16 blocks.
Alright, have you chosen a size project.  Great, let's see what fabrics you are going to need.

THE FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

Same or Scrappy Layout

As mentioned earlier, I will be providing cutting directions for 2 different fabric layouts.  They are Same or Scrappy.  Same layout uses 4 fabrics only, 2 star fabrics, 1 surround fabric, and a background fabric.  Scrappy layouts uses the number of block fabrics having each fabric in 2 stars and 1 surround.  Here's an image to give you a better idea of what I mean :)

                                          Same Layout                                           Scrappy Layout
  

Same Fabric Requirement
So, if you choose to do the same fabric layout with 4 different fabrics, you will need the following amounts of fabrics.  A and B refer to the Star fabrics in the center and Sur refers to the surround unit around the star.

Scrappy Fabric Requirement
If you choose to do the scrappy fabric layout you will need the total number of fabrics as there are blocks in your quilt.  The size of each fabric depends on the size of your project.

Background Fabric Requirement
Regardless of what type of layout you choose, (same or scrappy)  you will need the same amount of background fabric.  To see the amount of background fabric needed for your particular size project see the chart below.  ( I will be showing everything with a white background fabric, but you don't have to use white, feel free to choose any color you like for the background, but I would recommend a solid.)

Binding and Backing Requirement
Refer to the two charts below for the requirements you will need for binding and backing for your particular project :)


THE STAR SURROUND QUILT-A-LONG KITS

I have asked 2 of my wonderful sponsors, Christa from Christa Quilts and Julie from the Intrepid Thread, to put together some custom bundles together for Star Surround Quilt-A-Long kits.  And as always, they came up with some stunning options for you.   The Kits are made for the 3 x 3 layout and can be found in all 3 sizes (baby, picnic, and queen) in that layout.

Same Layout Kits
The kits for the Same Layout were made by Christa from Christa Quilts and are all in solids, for those of you that want a bit more modern flair to your quilt.  The kits are as follows and all three sizes of the 3 x 3 layout  can be found here at Christa Quilts.  I went ahead and put each bundle into the quilt layout so you could get an idea of how they will look in the quilt.  These bundles are at a special Quilt-A-Long discount price, but  Christa has more discounts for you.  Use the coupon code HQM10 at your checkout and receive and extra 10% off your order.  This means you can get an extra 10% off your already low priced bundle as well as getting 10% off  any other quilting supplies you might need.   Score!!  This code will be valid during the entire duration of the Quilt-A-Long.  Thanks Christa for this extra perk :)

Classic Tuxedo - Uses Kona Lipstick (#1194), Iron (#408), Black (#1010), White (#1387)

Dandelion Grey - Uses Kona Canary (#26), Ash (#1007), Charcoal (#1071), White (#1387)

Modern Patriotic - Uses Kona Rich Red (#1551), Robin Egg (#1514), Iron (#408), Snow (#1339)

All three are just stunning solid combinations and certainly have modern flair.  Thanks again Christa!!!


Scrappy Layout Kits
The kits for the Scrappy Layout were made by Julie from  the Intrepid Thread and are a beautiful arrangement of prints.  Julie has a wonderful eye for color!!  The kits are as follows and all three sizes of the 3 x 3 layout can be found here at The Intrepid Thread.  Julie even gives you the option of choosing your background color :)    I went ahead and put each bundle into the quilt layout so you could get an idea of how they will look in the quilt.   And as before, These bundles are at a special Quilt-A-Long discount price, but  Julie didn't stop there. Use the coupon code Happy10 at your checkout and receive and extra 10% off your order.  Yup, that's additional discounts on your purchase that you can use on your binding and backing as well as your already low priced kit, Yippee Skippee!!!    Thanks Julie!!

California Vintage  
  


 Cherry Chocolate Cheese Cake
  


Sea Breeze
     


Sodalite and Citrine 
  


Put An Umbrella In It
  

Aren't these just fabulous. Julie has impeccable taste in fabric!! Good Luck choosing a favorite!! It was a super hard choice for me, but in the end I decided I am going with Sea Breeze.  I am so excited!


THE PRIZES

I am so very excited about the Prizes for this Quilt-A-Long!!  I don't know about you, but I know that I am highly more motivated to keep up and finish when there are prizes at stake ;)  So how about this for a little motivation.

All those that finish their quilt top will be eligible for the Grand Prize.  The Grand Prize's are sponsored by The Intrepid Thread and Fat Quarter Shop and huge Thank You goes out to Julie and Kimberly for their generosity in these prizes.  Wan't to know what they are???

A $75.00 Gift Certificate that you can spend as you like!!  There will be 4 lucky Grand Prize winners, 2  winners will receive a Gift Certificate to The Intrepid Thread and 2 winners will receive a Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  Talk about some fun Shopping Sprees!!!  And if that whopping amount of fabric goodness isn't motivation, then I don't know what is!!

    


But . . . Sometimes it is hard to keep motivated when the end is so far away.  So for that . . . We have a little Weekly Motivation.  Each week you will be able to link up (You don't have to have a blog to link up, you can link to a flickr picture :) your completed assignment for a chance to win the weekly prize.    These Weekly Prizes will be sponsored by several of my Sponsors and will be so fun!!!



 


So ya,  there is lots of wonderful fabric to be won!!!  So keep up and sew on!!!

THE BUTTONS AND FLICKR

 Now down to the last of the nitty gritty.  First, If you are Quilting-A-Long and have a blog, It would be wonderful if you added the button to your blog :)   It really helps to spread the word and  the more that Quilt-A-Long the better!!!  If you have already added the button, thank you!!!

 

 



Second, I would love it if you joined the Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group.  You can post your fabric here, your progress, ask questions, ect.   And it is a super fun place to get to chat along with everyone participating :)  


LET'S GET GOING!!


So that just about wraps it up!!!  This week's assignment, round up your fabric.  Next Monday you will be getting your cutting assignments.  (And you will have a whole week to cut your fabric so if you don't have it by next Monday, it's okay, you still have some time :)

Now I know that was a lot for one post, so if you have any questions at all regarding the Quilt-A-Long please do not hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com.  I don't want anyone to not participate because they are confused by my rambling :)  And one last thing, please feel free to make your quilt your own.  If you want a different layout, great!  Want to add a border, perfect!!  What ever you envision, you make it, all will be eligible for prizes :)  Now . . .  Let's get Quilting-A-Long!!!

Linking up to Quilt Story :)
Pin It!

42 comments:

  1. Hello, thanks for such detailed instructions. I'm trying to use fabric I already have so would it be ok for me to adjust the baby size by adding a border to make it a tad bigger, or do we have to follow exactly to be eligible for the prizes? Either way I'm in. Thanks.

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  2. oh I was so trying to resist as I am a bit short on time with summer still going strong, but I am so in! I am going to do a 3x3 baby quilt I think. Now the fun part... scrounging through my fabric for FQs! :)

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  3. this will be my first QAL and im totally excited, already picked my fabrics and made a blogpost
    cant wait to cut into it

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  4. Oh those fabric selections are gorgeous. I see why you had a hard time choosing just one. Thanks for the detailed start-up directions. I will see if I can squeeze this in to my summer list.

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  5. Oh yes I'm delighted to see I can join in with a smaller quilt size, I'm off to London for FQ Retreat so also pleased I'll still have next week to cut as it's not going to happen this week!
    Thanks for the gorgeous pattern and for all your organising

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  6. I am so happy you are doing this one again! I had such a good time making one before (which I'm still quilting on)...But, this time I am going to be a bit lazy and make something smaller. It is a busy time of the year, after all....
    Thanks again.

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  7. I love all of the fabric selections. Unfortunately I have to work from my stash so I can't order the two kits that I love so much! I need a bed sized quilt but I like the idea of the smaller of the blocks so I'm going to do a very scrappy 16 inch 6x6 layout. That should give me a really nice sized new quilt for my bed this winter.

    I am also working on two commissioned quilts right now and I have baby quilts to make for my upcoming first grand child so the break down and allotted time for getting things done on this should give me plenty of time! Can't wait to get rolling!

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  8. Oh, I think I'll be joining. Just have to pick out fabric (that's the hard part).

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  9. These instructions are great! Thanks for making them SO clear Melissa! Now I have to decide what size to go with!!!

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  10. Melissa, this is perfect! I need a baby quilt for niece who is having a little girl in September. This is just the motivation I need! I'm planning to make the one block baby size and HOPEFULLY, the 16 block queen size! Thank you so much for doing this QAL!

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  11. I'm excited to participate and see if I can finish up a quilt before my next baby is born. Thanks for the inspiration and accountability. And those quilt kits are making me drool.

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  12. I have a question...is the tutorial for this block already posted or are u going to post the instructions as u go?

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  13. I love this idea! I will definitely join a quilt-along at some point, but for now I need to concentrate on quilting my first ever quilt!

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  14. Yay! I am swamped this summer, and as such have been in a funk. This is just the pick me up I needed. I even ordered a bundle, something I never do, as a treat! Can't wait!

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  15. You are right - Julie does have excellent taste in her print bundles. Her names for them are cute, too. I'm glad I could be her fellow quilt-kit-conspirator!!! :-)

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  16. I will definitely spread the word on my blog! I would love to join in the fun too. We'll see if it fits in my schedule (but I will be jealous if I'm only watching) :-)
    Julie @ The Crafty Quilter

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  17. Love all your layout and can´t wait to star the fun.

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  18. Is it okay to do a mix and match scrappy pillow? I have a lot of scraps and I think it could be interesting to use them in this design as a pillow.

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  19. Oh Melissa! I am super excited! I have a couple of questions. I'd like to do the Sea Breeze color way. Could you please recommend a background color? I would like a light color. Also, I wanted to use the fabric with the circles on it for the binding. Do you know the name of that fabric? I'd like to order all at once to take advantage of the coupon. Thank you!

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  20. Wow, I love all your different size options - and am thinking of joining. It may only be a 1 block 40x40 baby or veteran/ wheelchair quilt, but hey: better than nothing!
    Thanks so much for all your prep work and will try to get your QA batch onto my blog!
    I am getting excited - and have to join your flickr group as well...

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  21. Yay...can't wait to start this.

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  22. Wonderful, your button is already in my sidebar & I sorted some fabrics...

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  23. Wow~ you really put a lot of thought into this! Thank you! I need to think about what to make and raid my stash. ;-)

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  24. Beautiful! It looks like the quilt size I am interested in is sold out, so I'll need to dig through my stash. I'm hoping to wrap up my first complete quilt this month and am looking forward to making this one. It's gorgeous!

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  25. This looks like so much fun and love the fabric bundles!

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  26. I can't wait to join in! With all my summer projects on the go I'm so happy to see the smaller size options! They will be perfect for all the expected babies of friends and family this fall!

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  27. I just found you on quilt story because I liked the picture of the quilt you linked up! So happy that I did, I think that I am going to try and participate in this quilt along! thanks for this looks like it will be a ton of tun!

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  28. I'm probably insane but I'm in too! Between now and the end of the quilt-along I have a bahamas cruise, a 2 week Alaskan vacation, 15 journal covers to sew, a full size quilt for my mom's bday, a craft swap and two customer quilts...and, oh ya, my full time job LOL.

    But i need to make something for my stepmom's 50th in November and this will be great! Ordered my fabrics and I can't wait to get started! PS. I put the button on my blog sidebar today (www.quiltedaffair.com/blog)

    thanks again!

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  29. i'm not sure i understand why the different sized blocks. i'm kinda new and easily confused. can someone help me figure out the advantages to all the differnt sizes?
    sara603@msn.com

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  30. This is my first quilt along and I am so excited. I ordered sea breeze from Intrepid Thread on Monday. This will be a baby quilt for a co worker. Can't wait to get started.

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  31. love the kits and color mock-ups - fabulous!

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  32. I will be using up my stash too. Thank you for so many size options. That is a whole lot of work. I appreciate it.

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  33. I don't have a quilting blog but can I still join?

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  34. Oh, I'm so trying to decide what to do!
    I have a king-sized bed! Would it be too much trouble to calculate for that for me?
    I'm also expecting a baby, but I don't know what I'm having yet! I love star quilts for babies. I'm wondering if this would be easier than my typical baby quilt?
    Which is 12-12" star blocks, sampler (all different stars), 3x4 layout with 2" sashings all around. It's turns out 44x60.

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  35. i've picked out some lovely art gallery fabs, soooo looking forward to this, don't need another project but i can't resist lol

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  36. Do you happen to have a "coloring" sheet of the design? I wanted to plan out an option by coloring in the chart, so I don't mess up as I get going and to finalize my fabric selections. THanks!

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  37. You have inspired me, the star surround quilt-a-long was saved in my favorites list but I didn't think I had time atm. But I decided to at least make the cushion sized block. Happy quilting :)

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  39. Hi is it too late to do this quilt. I just found out about your site thru pattern playground I think that is what it is called and I love what I see so far. I plan on purchasing some patterns in the future when my income allows me too. Thanks for having great patterns and quilts.
    Peggy

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    Replies
    1. Hi Peggy, It is never to late ;) These tutorials will always be on the blog so you can make it up whenever you like. Sadly, there is no linking anymore, but you can still add your progress to the flickr group and send me pics if you like ;) Have fun!!

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  40. Do you have a line-drawing of this? I did it as a 4x4 and am just now going to quilt it (I know, 2 years later!) and that'd be helpful for doodling and figuring out what to quilt!

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Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I just love hearing from you!!
Have a Happy Quilting Day :)

Melissa