Monday, August 13, 2018

Linking Up Helps


I am so excited about the Seeing Stars Quilt Along!!!  There are so many of you linking up and that just makes me smile ear to ear!!!  It is always fun when more of us quilt together ;)  So a few of you have had a few questions on "Linking Up".  So if you are new to "Linking Up" I thought I would share a basic run down here of how to do that.

Start by going to the Blog post you want to link up to.  So for example, our Seeing Stars Quilt Along, the first post to link your fabric picture to can be found by clicking on here ;)   Then, at the bottom of the post there will be a blue button that says Add Your Link.  Click on that blue button.
The first thing you will need to fill out is your Link.  This is probably the trickiest part.   But what will make it easier to do, is understanding what a Link is.  The whole idea of a "Link" is so that when people click on your little thumbnail image, they are sent to where you talk about and show a picture of whatever your linking up for (in our case today fabric).   So this is where you are "hosting" your image.
 What you are filling in is the URL (or location) of where that picture and talk can be found.   So remember it will be specific and it won't be facebook.com or instagram.com or your blog name.com.   It should be exactly where you can find the picture.   So to find the URL, simply go into your Social Media account or blog where you posted your picture and click on the picture.  Then copy and paste the URL into the link line.    The URL is that long list of letters and numbers in the white rectangle at the top of the screen that stars with https://      And if you are linking to a blog post, just open the specific blog post where you talked about and posted your picture and then copy the URL.    Just to give you an idea of what the links will look like.

This is the Instagram Seeing Stars original Link
            https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl3O-77jFOI/?taken-by=happyquiltingmc

And this is the Seeing Stars Facebook                                                        https://www.facebook.com/happyquiltingmc/photos/a.433724223327452.105066.181660825200461/2026756174024241/?type=3&theater

And this is the Seeing Stars Original Teaser Blog Post
          http://www.happyquiltingmelissa.com/2018/07/seeing-stars-quilt-along_30.html


You will know that your link is correct if you see a bunch of thumbnail images pop up under the Image Source Section ;)

And if you do not use social media you can still link up!!!!   If your plan is to just download a picture directly from your computer - just type No Link and your Name on the Link line.  Ie . . No Link Melissa or No Link Melissa Corry


The Second and Third part is easy.  The Link Title is simply your name and a description of what you are linking.  There is no right or wrong here.  And you can type over whatever automatically pops up from your link.    I normally just put something like Melissa's fabric, or Melissa's blocks, or Melissa's quilt.  Just your name and a description.      And the Email, well that's easy, just type your email address.   And you want to make sure to add this so if you win a weekly giveaway I have a way to contact you ;)



The Fourth and Final Part is the Image Source.   And if you have done everything right to this point, it is pretty easy.   If you have a correct URL then you will already have a bunch of little thumbnail images.  Just click the blue Select button under the image you want to have on your thumbnail (small image) of the linky. 
And if you put No Link earlier because you don't use social media, this is where you can still add your picture.  Simply click on the Upload Tab and then click on the Click To Upload a File button.   This will take you to your computer browser where you can find where you saved your image on your computer and double click the image.  Then when the image is uploaded press the blue Select button.


All that is left now is to click on the giant blue DONE button.    And just like that you are linked up!!!



I hope you find this helpful.  I know it can be a little tricky the first times you are trying to link up, but it will get easier and easier each time you do it and it is a wonderful way to people to come and visit and chat with you about your progress in the quilt along ;)



And since this is a super long post with no quilty pictures, I thought I would just share a few of the Seeing Stars sketches that I have been doing for some of our fellow quilters who wanted to get an idea of their fabrics in this layout :)   This sure is making me excited to start sewing stars!!!

Fabric is Regency Blues by Christopher Wilson Tate for Moda


Fabric is Sweet Prairie by Sedef Imer for Riley Blake Designs

Fabric is Geogram by Samarra Khaja for Lecien Fabrics

Looking forward to Wednesday for the first Seeing Stars Block Release!!!!
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Friday, August 10, 2018

Back to the Cutting Mat

This weekend my plans are to do some serious cutting.  I am starting 2 new projects and then of course, there's the Quilt-Along . . . so ya, I will just keep cutting, just keep cutting :)

And here's a little sneak peek of what I will be cutting.  I am starting a new Fat Quarter Shop Short-Cut Quilt, ya know, some of my favorite fast finishes!!!  This one is going to use Sweet Marion Jolly Bars and I am pairing it with Gris Grunge!!!!   And I am so excited to see how it comes together, I love Grunge!!!


And then next on the Cutting Mat will be these wonderful Autumn Love prints from Bee Lori.   She is starting a new Quilt-Along as well, and though I don't have time to do the entire Quilt-Along, I am super excited that I was asked to share a day and a project from the Quilt-Along.  And what I have planned is totally making me giddy ;)


And finally, I have my Seeing Stars fabrics to cut.  I pressed all of my Fat Quarters last night and now they are ready to be cut up ;)   I need to get to these fast to get the tutorial all ready for next weeks first block release!!!  I am so excited to see how many of you are quilting along, it's going to be so fun!!!


And who knows, if I can get all this cutting done, I just might get started on those blocks before the weekend is out.   I can't wait!!!   I know it's a bit crazy, but I actually really enjoy cutting out quilts ;)  Something about seeing all of the new projects getting a start, it just makes me smile.

Here is to a Happy Quilting Weekend at the Cutting Mat!!!  

I hope you have some Happy Quilting Weekend plans for yourself as well ;)

** This post contains affiliate links. 
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Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day so let's have some fun :)

But first, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!  
The winner of the The North Pole Layer Cake from Fat Quarter Shop is . . .  Number #89 . . .   Congrats Rosalind Gutierrez!!!   I have emailed you :)      

    


     
And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Happy Quilting!!!  Yup, little ole me today ;)  No need to tell you about any specials here, so let's get right to the giveaway ;)  One lucky winner will be receiving their choice of 3 Happy Quilting PDF Patterns.    



You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment telling me if you have done a Quilt-Along before, and if so, what is your favorite thing about Quilt-Alongs?? ;)  

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Happy Quilting love. You can follow Happy Quilting on BloglovinEmail Updates, or RSS to get daily updates.  Or you can like Happy Quilting on InstagramFacebookPinterestTwitter or Flickr  Any one way will do . . . Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Happy Quilting Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, Aug 14th, when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

** This post contains affiliate links. 
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Monday, August 6, 2018

Seeing Stars Quilt-Along - Schedule, Fabric Requirements,and Prizes!!!

So Exciting!!!  Today is the day!!!!  The Seeing Stars Quilt-Along officially starts today!!!  Today's post is everything you need to know to Quilt-A-Long.   There will be a post every Wednesday starting August 15th, until September 26th going over each of the blocks, and then a  Parade and Grand Prizes on October 17th.  So lets go over how it's going to work!!



THE HOW TO

The Seeing Stars Quilt-Along is my own quilt design and I hope you enjoy putting it together and maybe even learn some new techniques along the way.    Because of the random layout of this design, we are only doing one size and layout this year, the one shown.   The quilt will finish at 80" x 80", but if you want to make it a larger queen or king size quilt, you can always add a few borders ;)  We will start with the larger blocks and move to the smaller blocks.  Because there are six blocks, and you don't have to make a whole lot of the blocks until we get to the smaller ones, we will be doing weekly assignments so hopefully everyone will be able to keep up even with the crazy lives that we all lead.  (But if life does get crazy, and you fall behind, no worries!!!  The tutorials will always be on my blog so you can come catch up whenever it works for you!!!)      The schedule will be as follows

August 6th- Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes Announcement (That's Today!!!)
August 15th - Double Star Block
August 22nd - Curvy Star Block
August 29th - Pinwheel Star Block
September 5th - Improv Star Block
September 12th - Basic Star Block
September 19th - Applique Star Block
September 26th - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky
October 17th- Seeing Stars Parade and Grand Prize Winners

So count on checking back each Wednesday to see what the next assignment will be.  You will want to try to keep up as there will be prizes along the way!!   Be sure to take a picture of your finished assignments 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 Wednesday posts.

CHOOSING A PROJECT SIZE

Well, that is easy, because like I said, there is just one size this year!!!  But I will say, if you find that 80" x 80" is overwhelming, feel free to make some blocks along the way and then sew them up in a sampler top, or border a few or whatever.   It's your quilt so you make it the way you like!!!


As you can see, there are 6 different blocks, and you will be learning a few different techniques along the way, which is always exciting!!!  And just so you know what size blocks  you are making:

 The Double Star Block is 24" finished 
The Curvy Star Block is 20" finished 
The Pinwheel Star Block is 16" finished 
The Improv Star Block is 12" finished 
The Basic Star Block is 8" finished 
The Applique Star Block is 4" finished 

Oh, and there are a few curves in this quilt and you will need to make a template for that.  So while you are  rounding up your fabric, also remember to round up something to make your templates from.  I will be using   Extra Thick Plastic Template Sheets  but you can use thick poster board, or cardboard or whatever you like to use best for templates ;)  

And with that, we are ready to talk fabrics!!!! 

THE FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

So for this quilt you will need "Print Fabrics" and a "Background Fabric".  Print Fabrics (which can be solids)  refer to the fabrics making up your Star Blocks.  And the Background Fabric (which can also be a print) refers to the fabric making up the background of the quilt (ie. the white above).     You will also need binding fabric and backing fabric so you are all ready to finish up your quilt.  (Because we area all about finishes, no wip's here :)

Print Fabric Requirements
This is super easy, because this quilt is Fat Quarter Friendly.   So all you will need is

18 - 25 Fat Quarters

Really, the sky is the limit on how many Fat Quarters you can use, as the more Fat Quarters, the more variety you will have in your quilt.   If you have a Fat Quarter Bundle that you want to use that has more than 25 Fat Quarters, go for it!!!   The more the merrier.   But 18 is a close minimum and I wouldn't want to try and squeeze it out of less Fat Quarters,  and then just add from there :)  


Background Fabric Requirements

I will be showing everything with a white background fabric, but remember, you don't have to use white, feel free to choose any color you like for the background and also, it doesn't have to be a solid :)


4 1/2 Yards of Background Fabric


Binding and Backing Fabric Requirements
Pick a Favorite matching Fabric for Binding. I like to use darker colors for my bindings so they create a good stop for the eye.   And then choose a favorite Print for the Backing Fabric.  And remember, you can always used leftover bits of Fat Quarters to do a little pieced back, if you are feeling like you want to use every last scrap :)


2/3 Yard of Binding Fabric
5 Yards of Backing Fabric
  


THE SEEING STARS QUILT-ALONG KITS

The Fat Quarter Shop has graciously offered to sponsor the Quilt-Along Kits and I am so grateful to them for that!!!  The wonderful thing about the Seeing Stars Quilt-Along is that, as I have mentioned,  it is Fat Quarter Friendly.   Which means the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing your fabrics!!!   Just make sure you have at least 18 Fat Quarters :)

 And since I didn't want to limit you to any specific Fat Quarter Bundles, the Kits will encompass any and all of the Fat Quarter Bundles that the Fat Quarter Shop has in stock!!!!!   And you can get any one you like at a discount!!!!!  Just use the coupon code Happy2018 at checkout to save 10% off all regular priced Fat Quarter Bundles!!!!  (Not valid with other offers.  One use per customer.  Expires Aug 19th 2018)  

 Please note, the Fat Quarter Bundle "kit"  will not come with the required background fabric, binding fabric, and backing fabric.  So be sure and grab that as well.   And of course, you don't have to get one of the "kits" below to participate in the QAL.  You are welcome to go "shopping" through your personal stash and find just the right bundle, the discount and kit ideas are just to help you get started if needed :)  

KIT IDEAS

Now I know that trying to choose a fat quarter bundle to start with can be a little overwhelming, so I mocked up some ideas just to get your creative jusices flowing.    Hopefully it will help you pick the bundle that is just right for you!!!    

So let's start with the Original Sample.   I got these solid colors from the the Woodland Pure Elements Bundle, and then I added just a few more shades of red and a charcoal to the bunch.  This sample gives you a good idea of what a solid bundle would look like.   And of course,
  


And you don't have to do an array of solid colors, you can always choose some of the monochromatic bundles and mix them to make a two color quilt!!!  This is the Waves Solid Bundle and the Berry Solid Bundles mixed.  So pretty!!!


  


And of course, you don't have to use solids!!  Here is the same idea of a two color quilt, only in prints.  This is the June Year of the Fat Quarter Bundle, and the August Year of the Fat Quarter Bundle that I shared the Sparkling Stars Tutorial with just last week ;)    Same two color feel, just with prints ;)



 And speaking of prints, let's see some more bundles.  If you want to do a more seasonal quilt, there are lot's of bundles that work!!  If you want a fun back to school type feel, you can use the Sunnyside Ave Bundle by Amy Smart.    I love how all those Primary Colors just make me think K class rugs :)



And if you want to keep a more Autumn feel, like the Original sketch, but would prefer prints, the new Lori Holt Autumn Love Bundle would be a perfect fit.  Here adorable little prints are just to cute and those soft autumn tones are so pretty!



Or if you find yourself in need of a Halloween quilt (I know I have always wanted to make one) you can reach for the new Dot Dot Boo Bundle by Me and My Sister Designs.   Again, that classic two color look, but with prints and of course, it doesn't get more Halloween than orange and black!!



Or, if you want a more modern approach to a Halloween quilt, you can check out Tula Pink's new De La Luna Bundle!!   I absolutely love the colors in this bundle, and like always, Tula's prints are just gorgeous in all of their amazing details.



And of course, if we are talking end of the year Holiday's, we don't want to forget Christmas.   And the quilt along will finish in time to enjoy it this year!!!   I love Bonnie and Camille's Vintage Holiday Bundle and it would make the sweetest Christmas Quilt :)


And for that classic Red and Green, there is the Swell Christmas Bundle by Urban Chicks.   This is the bundle I will be using for my blocks, and I have to say, I can't wait to put all of those Santa faces in the center of my blocks.  To fun!!!


And of course, you don't have to do a Holiday theme either.  Stars go with anything, so you can simply choose a favorite Fat Quarter Bundle that has prints and colors to your taste and go for it!!!  I loved these colors from Sandy Gervais Well Said Bundle and each print really reads one color which will make the piecing stand out all the more ;)


And I love the bold citrus colors of Amy Ellis's Wanderlust Bundle.  Doesn't this just make you want summer to never end!!!   These colors just make my heart smile ;)



And this is just the beginning.   There are endless Fat Quarter Bundle options and you can mix and match them as you like.   Just try to find the fabrics that speak to you and makes your heart smile!!!

WANT A PERSONALIZED SKETCH???
And like I said at the beginning of this section, it can be overwhelming to choose ;)  So if you are thinking about a particular bundle and want to see it drafted up in a sketch like the ones above please don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com and I can send you a sketch no problem ;)    I know how much it helps sometimes to get an idea of what it is going to look like before you start ;)   And remember, if you want to see the sketch in a different color background, just let me know that, because as you can see below, it really changes up the look of the quilt.  


COLORING PAGE
I know that once you have your fabrics chosen, sometimes in a quilt like this, you want to get an idea of fabric placement before you start cutting.  So here is a coloring page of the Seeing Stars quilt.   Just save the image, print it, and then color it to your hearts content ;)



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 3 Grand Prizes.  The Grand Prize's are sponsored by the Fat Quarter Shop and huge Thank You goes out to  Kimberly for their generosity in these prizes.  Wan't to know what they are???

The three winners will each receive a $75.00 Gift Certificates to Fat Quarter Shop!!!!   Talk about some amazing fabric Goodness!!!!!!  Yippee for fabric motivation!!


       


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

                

                                  




So there is going to be a lot of wonderful fabric to be won!!!  So keep up and sew on!!!

THE BUTTON, FLICKR, AND HASHTAG

 Now down to the last of the nitty gritty.   If you are Quilting-Along 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-Along the better!!!  If you have already added the button, thank you!!!




And if you use Facebook or Instagram and are posting your progress on your social media, be sure and use the Hashtag #seeingstarsquiltalong   Then we can all easily find and see each others work on facebook and instagram as well ;)

If you use Flickr,  I would love it if you joined the Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group and posted your pictures there as well.

And once you have your fabric, you can try these out above and Link Below to enter this weeks Weekly Prize Giveaway!!!  Yup, you are entered to win a prize, just for collecting your fabric ;)   (See the end of the post for details!!!)   I can't wait to see what fabrics everyone will be using ;)



LET'S GET GOING!!

So that just about wraps it up!!! You have a week and a half to round up your fabric.  That should give you a cushion for it to arrive in the mail if you decide to order fabric online.  And you might have noticed, there is no "Cutting" assignment this time as we will be cutting out each of blocks each week.   So we will start with the Largest Blocks and move our way down,  that way you can use the scraps from the bigger blocks on the smaller blocks ;)   So, Watch for that Double Star Block coming your way on August 15th.

Now I know that was a lot for one post, so if you have any questions at all regarding the Quilt-Along please do not hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com or comment below.  I don't want anyone to not participate because they are confused by my rambling :)  And again, 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 yours, all finished quilt tops will be eligible for prizes :)

Now . . .  Let's get Quilting-Along!!! 

WEEKLY LINKY FOR PRIZE!!!

Got your fabrics???  Once you do, you are eligible for the Weekly Prize!!!  This week's prize  is being sponsored by Lou Lou's Fabric Shop and a huge thanks goes to them for their support of the Seeing Stars Quilt-Along.

This weeks prize is a $20.00 Gift Certificate to Lou Lou's Fabric Shop!!!  And that means one lucky participant who get's all their fabric in order will get a little shopping spree ;)
  

So what do you have to do for a chance to win this Gift Certificate ?  Simple . . . Just link up your fabrics at the end of this post :)  You can link to a blog post, flickr picture, Instagram, Facebook . . .  or whatever.  Just make sure to link up by the end of the day on August 14th as I will be announcing a winner at the beginning of the post on August 15th :)

If you don't get your fabric by August 15th you can still link it up :) (just not in time for the prize :)    The linky will remain open until the end of the Quilt-A-Long.  So if your out of town, or just had busy week or the mail was a little slow, its all good!!!  Just link up when you can :)

And Don't forget to add your beautiful fabric to #seeingstarsquiltalong on social media or at the  Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group.   I am so excited to see all of your beautiful fabrics  ;)

 Have a Happy Quilting Day!!



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