I Wish You A Merry Quilt-Along

Want to finish a Christmas quilt before Christmas and make lots of new quilty friends?
Well we have a Quilt-Along (QAL) just for you!
I hope that you will join me and a whole host of other bloggers for the “I Wish You a Merry Quilt-Along!”
You will be able to make 12 FREE, ORIGINAL Christmas blocks with online tutorials by the Designers and tips from the QAL Hosts.
There will be PRIZES and support through Facebook and Instagram as well. Best of all, the last block and tutorial will be presented December 5th, well before Christmas!

The QAL starts August 1st. Every other Tuesday, a new FREE 12″ quilt block pattern and tutorial will be released. If you complete the block before the next pattern release and post it on the group’s Facebook Page, or on Instagram with the hashtag #iwishyouamerryqal, or on the designer’s linky party, then you will be automatically entered into our PRIZE GIVEAWAYS! There are bi-weekly awards and a mega grand award too!
 
All the bloggers that are participating in the QAL met through the 2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop. They are:
 
Abbie at Sparkle On (Host)
April at JANDA Bend Quilts (Host + Block 2 Designer)
Becca at Pretty Piney (Host)
Bobbi at Snowy Days Quilting (Host + Block 9 Designer)
Diane at Cwilt Fabrics & Haberdashery (Host + Block 10 Designer)
Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter (Host + Block 4 Designer)
Karen at Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats (Host)
Kathleen at Kathleen McMusing (Block 11 Designer)
Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts (Host + Blocks 3 & 12 Designer)
Sandra at Sandra Healy Designs (Block 6 Designer) That’s me!
Sandy at Sandy Star Designs (Host + Block 7 Designer)
Sherry at Powered by Quilting (Host + Block 5 Designer)
Sola at Alice Samuel’s Quilt Co.  (Block 8 Designer)
Vanda at Quilt in Piece (Host + Block 1 Designer)

How can I participate?

There are several ways to join the fun!
1.Join the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-Along Facebook Group. Designers will post links to the tutorials there so by joining the Facebook group, you won’t miss a single post. You can also ask questions and post pictures of your blocks as you complete them. When you post a photo of your completed block, you’ll automatically be entered to win the giveaways. How cool is that!?
2. Visit a QAL Host’s blog. They will post their fabric version of the blocks on their blog along with tips on completing the block. In addition, the QAL Hosts will provide links to the Designers’ blocks and tutorials.
3.Use the hashtag #iwishyouamerryqal to be entered to win on Instagram. You can also use the hashtag to see other quilters’ blocks, or gain inspiration.
4.Post your block on the designer’s linky party on their block tutorial post so you can link your progress to their blog and enter the giveaway.

What skills do I need to make these blocks?

Techniques used in the blocks range from piecing, to appliqué, to foundation paper piecing. Some blocks have a little bit of embroidery thrown in also. Hosts and designers will give you tips in their blog posts, and you can always ask for assistance from them on their blogs, in the Facebook group, or even on Instagram. This is a chance to learn a new technique while getting advice from the QAL Designers and Hosts. Plus, you can always choose which blocks to make and discard any that don’t appeal to you.

How much fabric will I need?

The amount of fabric you will need depends on your fabric choices and how you decide to lay out the blocks. The blocks will each be 12″ finished (12 1/2″ unfinished) and there will be 12 of them. If you like a scrappy style, you might be able to make the whole quilt from fabrics you have in your stash! Or you might choose to theme your whole quilt by purchasing from one of the gorgeous Christmas ranges that are available.

When will the blocks be posted?

The QAL starts August 1, 2017 with Vanda at Quilt in Piece’s block. Every other Tuesday, a new, free 12″ (finished) quilt block pattern and tutorial will be released. A couple of dates have two block releases (8/29 and 10/10) so you can get them all done before Christmas.
The last block and tutorial will be posted on December 5, 2017.
Since it’s a mystery quilt, you won’t know what to expect until each block tutorial is released! It’s a Christmas surprise!

What are the prizes?

The giveaways include pdf patterns, batting and other products from The Warm Co., thread from Aurifil, a gift certificate to The Fat Quarter Shop, signed quilt books, precuts, and much more. 
International participants are eligible to enter for all prizes.

You talked me into it! What next?

First, join the Facebook group here so you’ll know when each block is released. You might want to start gathering the fabrics you will use for your quilt. The ‘I Wish You a Merry Quilt-Along’ starts August 1, 2017.

Finally, invite your friends! Share the Merry Quilt-Along graphic on Instagram and use #iwishyouamerryqal. Share this blog post or a post from the Facebook group on your own Facebook account and in your quilty groups. The more, the merrier!

Do I have to make every block?

 No! This is just meant to be a bit of fun! Make the ones you want!
You will be eligible to win a prize for each block you complete and post.
 

Is this for experienced quilters only?

No! The quilt along is for everybody! Every block is unique and uses various techniques. That’s why we started a Facebook group – so we can all help each other be successful! Whether you’re new or seasoned, I’m sure you’ll find this an exciting and fun experience!
 

Can I see the blocks beforehand?

Sorry, no. We are only releasing one block at a time. It is a Mystery QAL.
 

Who can participate?

Everyone! The bloggers are scattered all across the globe, so we hope to have participants from many countries around the world too! International participants are eligible for all the prizes!
 

Can I still participate if I’m not on Facebook?

Absolutely! If you’re on Instagram, use #iwishyouamerryqal to be entered to win.
Each designer will also have a linky party on their block post so you can link up blog posts or Flickr photos there. If you want to sew along, we will find a way!

​Hope you can join us! I’m looking forward to seeing what you create!