Thursday, January 22, 2015

Irish Chain Twist Quilt-A-Long - It's Here!!!!

I am so super excited for this announcement!!! The design's all finished and the schedule is all made!!   The Irish Chain Twist Quilt-A-Long is here!!!  The quilt-a-long will lead right up to the release date of my new book Irish Chain Quilts: Contemporary Twists on a Classic Design!!!!  In fact, the Parade of Quilts and Grand Prizes will be announced the day before my book's launch date, so fun!!!  I have heard from so many of you that you have been wanting to make an Irish Chain quilt and I hope you are loving this Twist on the Irish Chain design as much as I do ;)  


I want to tell you a little about how this design came about.   When I first starting working on the idea of my book I knew that I wanted to make it for Quilters. Let me explain what I mean by that by sharing an excerpt from the Introduction of my book.

          I do not define myself as a certain “type” of quilter.  I love design of all sorts.  Some days I feel like no rules and throwing together some fabrics without a plan, and other days I want lots of  precise cutting followed by a wonderfully therapeutic session of chain piecing.  I love creating and being allowed to jump from one type of design to another.  It keeps each quilting day interesting and helps pushes my out of my design “comfort zone”.

         Because of that, this book is divided into four sections: Twists on Tradition, Modern  Patchwork, Improvisational Piecing, and Applique Chains.  Each section features quilts in varying sizes that blend the Traditional Irish Chain criss-cross design these design concepts of today.  Single, Double, and Triple options are expanded to Modern Traditional, Modern, Improvisational, and Applique options.  So now, like me, you can jump from one type of design to another as well. 

So, you see . . . this book isn't for Quilters.  It's for all of us because in the end we are all Quilters!!!  So with that in mind, I took bits and pieces from different sections of the book and have melded them together into what I think is one pretty awesome quilt :) Which means . . .  You are going to do some piecing that is probably in your comfort zone, but you are also going to be Trying New Things!!!  Which is what quilt-a-longs are all about right, trying new things and discovering new favorite techniques and styles ;)


I am so excited!!!   I hope you are excited to join in and quilt-a-long with me!!!  Just like in previous quilt-a-long's there will be lots of size options so you can fit the quilt that fits your needs and time frame best.  I even broke the blocks down to 2 weeks per block so you will have a little more time with some of the possibly new-to-you techniques ;)    And as always, there will be easy step-by-step weekly directions, stunning Quilt-A-Long kits (more on that soon) and  fabulous fabric prizes that include weekly progress prizes and Grand Prizes at the end. But most importantly, there is going to be lots of fabric fun with friends!!!   Here's the schedule . . .

Teaser Post - Today :)
Schedule, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes - Jan 29th
 Cutting - Feb 5th
Improvisational Piecing Units - Feb 12th
Improvisational Piecing Block - Feb 19th
 Twists on Tradition Units - Feb 26th
Modern Patchwork Block - Mar 5th

Appliqued Chains Block - Assembling - Mar 12th
Appliqued Chains Block - Stitching - Mar 19
Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky - Mar 26th
Parade and Grand Prizes - April 23rd


So what do you say??  Do you want to Quilt-A-Long with me???  Grab a button and get ready for fun!!






Oh, and for easy access, I will be updating the weekly links on the Quilt-A-Long Page as well as this post ;)

Teaser Post
Parade and Grand Prizes

And just for an idea . . . here is what mine looked like when it was all done ;)


Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!


Linking up my finished Design!!  This design probably went through more scratch paper . . . it took a while to get it just right with all of the different elements melding together and I am so excited with how it came out!!!  I hope you love it as well ;)   I am linking to Sarah's and Amanda's :)   If you are popping over from there thanks for the visit. Please consider joining in on this QAL.  It is going to be so much fun and there will be lots of prizes!!!  I can't wait to get started ;)
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29 comments:

  1. WOW! This quilt is just fabulous! The best Irish Chain quilt I've seen!

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  2. Oh, yes, I'll be joining your QAL. I love the detailed instructions you always give and how you break it down into manageable chunks each week. This quilt pattern is probably not one I would have chosen to do on my own because of the applique, but with you "holding my hand", I'll do it! {GULP!} I have some colors in mind but am looking forward to see the color mock-ups you so helpful provide us. Thanks, Melissa!!!

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    1. I 100% agree with everything Myra said! Can't wait to get started...

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  3. Yay! This is going to be fun and I love the design!

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  4. I could do this. The orange peel thrown in provides that challenge but isn't overwhelming. This is a great quilt. I might actually join in this time. :)

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  5. I'm all in and cant wait! I will have to play catch up (going to be in Mexico for 10 days for Honeymans 40th bday on the 19, Which if I remember correctly is also your Honey's bday! !!!)

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  6. Melissa, If the teaser pics are any indication, this is going to be one heck of a book! I'm in love with the cover quilt and would like to do the quilt-a-long, but have way too many family projects pending, (bridal showers and wedding gifts) along with 2 weeks vacation in April to fit it in. Since I receive your newsletter, I will be able to see how everyone is doing though. Maybe next time, and congrats on the new book. lv2bquilting2@comcast.net

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  7. I have never done applique before is it really hard. I am a little bit nervous about this part. Also is it possible to make this quilt scrappy?

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    1. Hi Melia Mae, I am commenting here so others can see the answers to your questions but I will also email you ;)

      Raw Edge applique, the kind we will be doing, is easy and oh so much fun ;) Don't stress about it, you are going to learn something new and that is fantastic ;) And yes, there will be layouts like the one as well as scrappy layouts. More coming next Thursday ;)

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  8. Hi Melissa! I can't wait! Are we doing the first quilt you have pictured today? And I've finally decided to get a blog going: do you mind if I post a pic of your quilt or book cover? (let me know if you have a preference).
    Hugs, H

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  9. That looks awesome. I'm grabbing the button.

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  10. Oh I LOVE IT!! Ha ha Im due to have my 4th bubba on the 14th of feb but Im going to try my hardest to keep up!! Wishful thinking probably but at least I can hopefully get started cutting before baby makes an appearance :)

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  11. these quilts are just gorgeous!! I can't do the QAL, but I sure will get the book!! X!

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  12. Hi Melissa! Congrats on your book! Wow, I read your post announcing the book and I was impressed you were also able to do a quilt per week last year. You're such an example of determination. This quilt is stunning. Excited for the quilt along too!

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  13. Wohoo! I'm in Melissa :) I love your twists on this great pattern. Looking forward to your book.

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  14. I'm so excited!!!!! Im ready to start. Can you check your links? None of the links are working. Is it me ??

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  15. I am so excited about this!! Can't wait to get started!!

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  16. I really cannot wait to get your book Melissa! I will defintly follow along, but am not so sure I can handle this quilt along right now. If I find I do, then I'll just surprise you. This looks like a great quilt. I've still never done applique, other than with machine embroidery so I really need to take that step soon. I sometimes feel as if I'll be the only quilter in the world to finally do my first applique after I've quilted for 40 yrs. LOL

    Congrats again on your book.

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  17. I am thrilled that you are doing this. I love your quilts! I am going to try to go along with you but I am over extended but that never seems to stop me!

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  18. Oh CRAAAAAAAAAAAP, I don't need another WIP but who can resist thus beautiful?! #ugh excited!!!!!!

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  19. Oh good. I just got my sewing room set up.... Can't wait until you QAL starts.

    I started a blog of my own.....not nearly as good as yours but hey it's a start....gotta start somewhere....please check it out.


    http://hoosierstitcher.blogspot.com/

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  20. I have a certain affinity for Irish Chains, so... I am in! Looking forward to your book arriving!

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  21. After seeing this beautiful quilt Melissa, It's even more exciting to think what your book is going to have in store for us! I hope you have a blast with this Quilt along!

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  22. That cover photo is eye catching and so gorgeous! Irish chains always make me happy. I'm off to check out your book-how exciting!!!

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  23. Sounds like lots of fun, I particularly like the rainbow one :o)

    You've been a block making machine this week, although sorry about the fate of the iPad, hope it's all better now!

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  24. I was just thinking how much I missed your QALs and you post this! I'm in for sure. Can't wait to get your book too - congrats!!!

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  25. yeah, another one of your fantastic quilt alongs, my mil has been asking for a bed quilt and as this will be done before Mother's day i might just join you

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

Melissa