Howdy friends! Today I'd like to announce and invite you to a new Virtual Quilting Bee. I was so glad for the feed back that was given on this post. A few of the common requests were handy tips and techniques for quilters as well as the idea of a quilt-a-long. So I decided to combine a bunch of those into one handy event, and voila, a Virtual Quilting Bee was born.
Let me explain a little bit of how this will work. For the next three Fridays I'll be talking about supplies, quilting basics, and choosing fabrics/colors. We're going to make a quilt similar in layout to the sampler quilt I made in 2012 (see above). This quilt will have a whole new selection of blocks designed and taught by 16 talented and creative bloggers.
There will be a new block tutorial every other Friday through the next 8 months. And when the blocks are completed we will talk about assembling the blocks, adding borders, and then quilting and finishing the quilt. So the project will be in little bits and pieces staggered throughout the whole year.
as well as a Modern/Contemporary version using Kona Solids sponsored by Robert Kaufman (thank you RK!) I'm so excited to see how this color experiment works out!
A final word: I know there are a jillion and 1 Block of the Month, quilt-a-longs,etc. already out there. Please participate at the level you are most excited about. (No one feeling guilted in to one more thing!)
If it means waiting with baited breath for the next block and sewing it up that afternoon, awesome! If it means just following along to learn a new trick, or block, or technique to use in your current projects, great! If it means just tuning in for the pretty pictures of fabric or pinning it for future reference when the kids start preschool, that's super too!
I love the best aspects of this virtual online quilting community, which means supporting each other at our own pace and preference. I'm just so glad to know you're all out there and for the support you give to me and to each other.
<div align="center"><a href="https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/p/the-virtual-quilting-bee.html" title="Virtual Quilting Bee"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2cw4xnxZq0/URwIt-FQUfI/AAAAAAAAG3Y/gQIjhvB2K4o/s170/virtual%2Bquilting%2Bbee%2B150.jpg" alt="Virtual Quilting Bee" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
Tune in next Friday for our part one of this virtual quilting bee!
Jeanette
I think this is a great idea. I didn't find your blog until later in 2012. The block of the month was inspiring and I hope to get with it and make each one. I have appreciated the tutorials and explanations here and hope they continue. I don't need prizes or praise. I do love learning from others so keep doing what you are good at and I will most likely follow and learn.<br />
Brittney
Awesome! As a new quilter, I really look forward to learning! I have found several "block of the week" posts...but they never finish the darn thing (or at least show you how) so I'm looking forward to that too. I only know what I've found on Pinterest. 🙂
Pat V.
I am a sucker for quilt alongs. This looks like a fun one. I like that you will have different bloggers contribute their blocks. Prizes/incentives are always nice!
Kaitlin @ Wunderbar
This sounds awesome!!
Janessa
I LOVE this! I would totally appreciate a BOM/W of some traditional quilt patterns. Particularly no fabric waste ways to do hst. And who doesn't love fabric prizes! Thanks so much for doing this!
Tracee Perry
What a fabulous idea. I love the idea of showing the quilt in two different fabric styles..Traditional and modern..that alone can give a quilt a whole different look.
Belinda
Great idea - now how can I get my hands on that awesome stack of kona solids 🙂
Julie C.
I would love to follow along with your quilting bee and I have already "pinned" it to my BOM and QAL board. I'm not so big on prizes and giveaways but appreciate the content and helpful tips and tricks.
Sharon Tries to Quilt
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sharon Tries to Quilt
Ooo, Julie, I'm going to search for your QAL board on Pinterest!
Bev
Good! I love these things! I would love to see a Flikr group where everyone can share their blocks as they get them finished. Can't wait to get started.<br /><br />Cheery wave!<br /><br />Bev
Mama Bell
Sew excited!!! My vote is for great content! Forget the prizes and incentives. This awesome quilt is incentive enough for me. Thank you!
Jan
Good for you, taking on a new endeavor. I'm most interested in content. I love learning.
Rebecca Grace
"I love the best aspects of this virtual online quilting community, which means supporting each other at our own pace and preference." -- Amy, I could just hug you! That panic was already welling up when I got to that part of your post! I've always been a one-project-at-a-time quilter, but last year I committed to a year-long monthly free-motion quilting challenge, participated in
Beverly
This sounds like a fun series! I guess giveaways/prizes/incentives are always nice, but for me personally, I am more interested in the content as I am just starting to try my hand at quilting. I've sewn for years, but never tried to make a quilt until recently.
Rosa
I vote for a fantastic content and love the idea of traditional and modern quilts.
Zoe
This sounds fun. 🙂 I am such a beginner quilter that any and all detailed explanation will be appreciated. I hope I can follow along and keep up with this.
{ HeatherK @ AReformedHeath'n }
Love this idea! I've got a lot on my plate already, but I'd love to see how much I can jump in. Tips and tricks are great, since I still fell like a beginner!
Kelster H
Let's be honest, who wouldn't want incentives or prizes?! Heehee.<br /><br />Are you going to do a linky party for us to share the blocks & give eachother moral support?
Teresa
I love this! Online quilt alongs are so fun. I never win prizes though so I could take or leave that part. I just like the support and excitment of a quilt along.
Briawna
I tend to get sucked into QAL's and then give up mid-quilt. But this seems about my pace. A block every couple weeks, which will be perfect for a small breather in between other projects. Great idea! If only I could get my hands on some Happy Go Lucky, life would be complete!
DeAnna
Yeah!! Finally a doable quilting bee!! I am in and so very excited. I am all about the content and could care less about giveaways and incentives. They are everywhere with the disclaimer that you have to "like" this fb post and then such and such a blog and then jump here and there blah blah. Just give me the content already and let's learn something new!! Yay!!
Cynthia
This quilt along sounds like a lot of fun!! I think ll of the above would be fun. Contents, some new techniques nd some give aways
Tiff
This sounds like fun and I can't wait to participate. And if I post about it on my blog I think I will stay committed! I'm a beginner quilter and I look forward to virtually making a quilt with an expert. Can we put a logo on our own blog? And I think it would be neat to have a link party to see each other's creations as we go along... maybe the first one could be what fabrics we
Lisa in Port Hope
This should work out nicely for the quilt I promised my nephew for Christmas.
kelli
Sounds Amazing! I'm in... as for fabrics, I'm going to use my stash in the hopes of dwindling it (ok and being a good steward of what we are given). Would you add info about directional prints or large/small motifs or light/med/dark color choices?<br /><br />
familyhammond
Im SUPER excited about this. Im going to make my first ever quilt during this 🙂 thank you thank you!!!!
Jean
I am new to quilting still and keep reading about QAL and Bees but have never considered doing one. This I am...I love that quilt and before even reading the post I thought to myself that I would love to have one like it.
Lamse
This comment has been removed by the author.
trish
Yay yay yay! Thanks Amy! This will be so much fun. :0)
Carol
Sounds like fun. Your quilt is so cute. I'm going to try to find time to join in on the Quilting Bee fun.
Carol
Oh, I forgot to say, I love the idea of prizes. That really is a good motivator and it's fun to win.
Amy C
Sounds like fun! Can you give us an idea of how much fabric and the colors we'll need for the modern quilt? I am so excited to find someone doing a contemporary quilt along! Thank you so much.
Beth
I'm a quilting newbie -- so I'm hoping this won't have blocks that are too complicated 🙂 I'm one of your blog admirers, so I look forward to this quilt-along!
birdWatcher
I'm also new at quilting, just finished my first class, so this sounds like it could be very doable. I'm excited that you're starting with fabric choices, because I think that's a lesson I really need. And I need to use some of the fabrics I've been collecting. I don't often try to win the prizes because of the many hoops to go through--that's not the important thing
Wens
Looks like fun!
diane
I am excited and always ready for a new project.
CathyK
Amy, you are TERRIFIC!!!! I am sooooo excited for this virtual QAL! I love the way you will run this. I have been quilting about a year and a half and feel I have so much to learn. I admire your quilts and know I will learn so much from you and the other bloggers! One thing I could really use help on is putting on machine binding front and back. I have a terrible time at that. Thank you for this
SewBlinkey.blogspot.com
I've made some quilts but I'm not very good at them. I'd sure like to join also. I'll have one qal finished tomorrow and the other two are low stress so this will be fun. I work at a slower pace so prizes are not important to me. Thank you for the invitation.
sophie
I love the idea , as a beginner quilter and also lover of modern quilts this sounds perfect to me. also I know noone in person near my house who could quilt with me so i like the idea of a community. thank you
Tabatha
I'm not so much into the prizes, I never win anyway, but I am very interested in technique and fabric bundle discounts! 😀 I'll be following along if not participating! ~ Tabatha at BendingPins.com ~
Leppastiina
This sounds so awesome! I am really trying to learn new techniques and always trying to find a new challenge for me. I´m joining this for sure! 🙂 Just started quilting few years ago... got bored (I used to be perfectionist... learning not to be) because I couldn´t do as great as you or Judi etc. Firts time this year I made a quilt that I said "this is great, I really love this" and
charlotte
I love the idea of a flickr group or weekly linky to share pictures for inspiration. I am not a block of month person usually, but the idea of a Kona solids quilt has started to settle into my brain so, maybe I will.
Melissa
Can't wait for this. I am not interested in prizes, just learning. I would love a lesson on flying geese. I've tried many methods but can't seem to find one where they accommodate for the 1/4 inch seam. I always end up cutting off the point! Any help on that would be wonderful.
Cindy
Yaayyyyy! I totally agree with CathyK a few posts up! I'm fairly new to quilting too and would love to learn a few new things. I love your work and your blog and know I will learn lots from you and the others participating! I love how you'll let us go at our own pace- this is sooo exciting! I don't need prizes either - just learning a few things is plenty for me! Thanks, Amy!
jlk
This looks like fun! I hope I can keep up 🙂 I think you should spotlight some of the QAL-ers periodically through the year. I don't often have time to troll new blogs through a linky party, so seeing everyone's different blocks on your blog would be nice.<br /><br />Also, do you need a FQ bundle, or would a fat eighth suffice?
amy smart
I think Fat 8th's will be plenty.
Sarah
Hi Amy. It sounds great. I will be the last kind of participator - the one who watches everyones progress, prints or pins the notes and will do it "one day when I've got time". I'm living til 300 right? Prizes etc are lovely but I don't think always necessary. They are more of a bonus. I just like to follow along, learn new things and look at other people's pretties.
Michele
This is certainly very tempting, especially the solid version but I already have so much on my list that I want to actually complete this year. I'm going to think on this for a bit and see if I can't resist.
Amy
I can't wait to participate!
Malty Mama
You're talking to me when you say "pinning it for future reference when the kids start preschool." I'm starting my first quilt soon, but it's for my littlest guy so it'll be small. I can't wait to follow along!!<br />
Jennifer
Yay!
NMSue
I just love quilting along each month on a new block. Their fun. Anne Sutton (Bunny Hill Designs) used to do this a few years ago.
Sewing In CT
Your quilt is beautiful. Will you help us choose playful colors like that?
Maxine
Can't wait to start..and I love the Happy Go Lucky by Cammile and Bonnie...Looking forward to next Friday...
Cecilia
I will definitely be following along. I'm not sure if I will be sewing each block yet, but will have to see what happens. I'm looking forward to your tutorials in the hopes of learning new tips and tricks.i love the colors you have picked and can't wait to see how your quilt turns out. Thanks for all of your hard work.
Donna
I'd love to use the same fabrics you use, will a sponsor be offering them at a special rate for those who want to participate and get supplies?
Tessa Marie
Hi Amy, I pretty much think everything you do is amazing and so I would be delighted to be part of a quilting bee that you are hosting. Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
Mamakate
Great idea!! Can't wait to get started and looking forward to a long term project!!
Farmummy
Hi Amy<br /><br />It's will my first QAL, looking forward to participating. I just want to learn, no incentive needed.
Tamara Oster
I am so excited...this will be fun and the fabrics are pretty regardless of which direction I ultimately choose. Regarding prizes/incentives - for me the prize is learning some new techniques and having the fun of being part of this virtual community. Sooooo....let's get going!
Amy Rea
I was so excited when I seen this! I can't wait, and will be great fun regardless of prizes or incentives!<br /><br />Now I just have to gather my supplies x<br /><br />Can't wait to get started. <br /><br />x
Rach H @ FamilyEverAfter
Hi Amy! Wow, this sounds like so much fun! I am going to see if I can participate once you release the details, supplies, etc. I love how you're spacing it out, it sounds doable to get one block done every 2 weeks. I really hope I can commit, this honestly sounds awesome. 🙂
Karen
This sounds great! I am trying to use the fabrics I have on hand, and this sounds like an excellent way to do it! Thanks for doing this for us!
Nicole Ludolph
I'm SO excited! I'm a new quilter and love the idea of learning new blocks and techniques. Can't wait to get started!
Taylor Made
Awesome! I just found your blog a weeks ago, so will the fabric be bundled somewhere and we can but it there? I'm excited 🙂
Mischelle
I'm excited to try this!
RaisingCropsAndBabies
Sounds fun! I'm in! Just please tell me there is no applique...
littleknittwit
I'm so excited!!!! I've never done a quilt along before, but I liked your Farmer's Wife quilt so much, I bought the book. I love the idea of doing it in two different styles, too. As plenty of people have said before, prizes are great, but content is better! I'm new to quilting, so getting tips and tricks is truly wonderful. I just can't wait to start!
crossquilt
I recently bought the Puppy Park by Riley Blake bundle for the Craftsy 2013 BOM but I don't really like the quilt soooo maybe I can use that bundle for this QAL? I also have a Jay McCarroll bundle that might actually be perfect for this. I've got a little time to make that decision. Should be fun and I'm really looking forward to it! 🙂
Claire Cardew
I'm in!<br />I've only just started quilting and have made just the one quilt - following your beginners quilting series. Now I'm on to a second version for my expecting sister's baby.<br />Of course I'm now completely hooked on quilting (and buying fabric) so I can't wait to follow this series to learn more techniques.<br />I'll be in the modern camp and am off to
Gari in AL
I think this is a great idea and I'm in.
ashley
After reading this on Friday it has been popping up in my head all weekend. I am very new to quilting. Doing my first very simple just squares one right now. I keep referencing your beginning quilting series. It has been super helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to do that. I am so excited about this. I am going to do it with you. I am more concerned about content than prizes.
Terri in BC
I'm a sucker for BOM's and Quilt-alongs, which has ended up in a stack of project boxes still on the go! But I'm in anyway, every other week will give me an incentive to finish something else before I can open the latest post! Prizes are good, but not necessary.
Wendy
Oooh...I love Happy Go Lucky, and can't wait for it to come out! I'm in!
Alto Girl
This is such a great idea! I love the Go Lucky and I'm in for sure!
Alto Girl
Hi Amy, I just checked on Fat Quarter fabrics and the Happy Go Lucky won't be available until May. Will it be available somewhere else earlier than that?
Lynn
Yay! So excited to learn from you! I admire your quilts and can't wait!
MellieWo
I always appreciate prizes 😉 I propably won't participate as I have a project going now but I'll enjoy following along and learning new skills. Plus I like pretty fabric and block pics!
Mrs. West
Can't wait! I'm hoping to follow along and plan to use Kona solids. At some point, could you provide more detail on fabric requirements for those of us who might be putting together our own bundles? Total yardage, how many different shades, light/dark suggestions?<br /><br />Many thanks!
Kellers
I love your blog. It has quickly become one of my favorites to visit regularly. I used your tutorials to help finish my first quilt. I love the idea of this virtual quilting bee and can't wait to see what you have for us. Thank you!
Martha
You doing all this work to help me be a better quilter is prize enough for me! Thank you!!!!!
Kathy b
I would love to join , I am a fairly new quilter
Diane
Thank you Amy. I am looking forward to this virtual quilting bee and may just make both styles. I'm all about content and learning new things.
LaraS
Oh, Amy this sounds like fun. I've been lurking on quilting blogs for the past year trying to get up the courage to dig in and start one. This decided it for me and I am looking forward to getting my feet wet! Tips/instruction would be greatly appreciated. 🙂
Sinta Renee
I am super excited about this quilting bee Amy. I loved YOUR version of the Bloggers BOM and never got a chance to play along. I always love what you make... so I know it will give me another reason to love Friday's (or every other one)!
Rachel
Chiming in late, but...<br /><br />I will definitely be doing this! I just started quilting, this past Christmas. I'm really excited! <br /><br />One thing I would *love* for you to address, along the lines of fabric choices, is: could you explain the difference between the designer fabrics that you can only get online and in quilt shops, and the quilt fabrics that you get at Jo-ann's.
Gmama Jane
Rachel, if you ever FEEL one of each fabric, side by side, you will know instantly the difference! I took some fabric bought at JoAnn's and some on-line fabric to my quilting group to let them feel the difference...You should have heard the AAH's and OOOhs..It was definitely an Ah-Hah moment for all! I buy BOTH kinds and wait for sales for designer fabric which can be bought as cheaply
Patricia
I'm chiming in even later but this is just so exciting I can't tell you. This one I shall definitely keep up with. Can't wait. Thank you all so much.
Dalma
Dear Amy, thanks for the quilting bee, I definitely would like to participate. As I live in Europe, getting fabric supply is an issue, so I would appreciate your calculation about the fabric needs. That would help a lot, to be prepared for the bee. Any special rate for the fabric at RK? Many thanks!
amy smart
Hi Dalma!<br /><br />I'll be posting about fabric requirements this Friday! There will be a couple of suppliers and they will have a discount. 🙂
Dalma
Thank you Amy!
Keila Ribeiro
Amei a idéia, estou dentro!
Kathy
Wow! Do you need one more person who's interested? This looks like fun and I love the fact that we can follow along with no pressure to complete. I'm new to quilting and I already have a couple projects started and nothing finished. I keep joining quilt alongs but never have the right amount of fabrics on hand. Guess I need to build my stash! I will be signing up to follow your blog via
Sharon mcQuade
This sounds great. I will be joining in. A Flikr group would be a great idea also. don't need prizes etc, i am excited to learn and see all the wonderful quilts produced.
Sherryl
What a great concept - I love that you are offering so many options to follow along. I'm already participating in a ridiculous number of quilt-alongs (how did that happen?), but I'll definitely be checking in to se any tips and techniques you might be offering. Fabulous. Bravo!<br /> - sunshdws at yahoo dot com
SIMPLESEW
i SEW QAL with prize at the end and a %% discount for fabric.. I love your inspiration and the way you talk to your blogger buddies, If I can Help, or cheer let me know I have about 100 new followers to cheer on..........
Ashley Cunningham
I'm a new quilter and I love this idea! I love that the blocks come faster than BOM's and I can learn new tricks and tips. I don't need prizes but a Flikr group would be awesome to see all the cool designs!
Joy
I am new to quilting and think this is a wondreful idea! I hope to be able to keep up, but even if I don't, I know I will learn tons!<br />Thanks
Joy
This comment has been removed by the author.
StasaLynn
This is fantastic.... just found you but I love how we can go at our own pace. I have done a couple of Mystery quilts and the last one was just plain ruined because I had too much going on so I rushed to try to meet the deadlines. So your current BOM is calling to me. I also am in a BOM at my favorite Quilt Shop - but that one is very laid back like yours! Thank you for doing this for all of
Debi Weaver
Hey, Amy...<br />Thanks for the invite...I'll be working through this with SassyQuilter, but I wondered if you remember the name of your "bundle" used in 'the Sampler Quilt of 2012'? <br />I love the color pallet, and if it is already bundled in fat quarters, it would be easier to find this combination.<br />Thanks much for your help.<br />Debi
amy smart
That's great Debi! Glad you're joining in!! I'm afraid the fabrics I used for the 2012 Sampler Quilt aren't in any formal bundle - they're all from my stash. I just pulled fabrics I liked and threw them in. But if you're looking for similar colors, I would check bundles from collections by Bonnie and Camille for Moda. One of their collections, Marmalade is similar. I hope
M Yang
I'm a new blogger and just found your sites. I'm very new to all this social media and have a lot to catch up. My blog is shadowlanequiltsandcrafts.blogspot.com. I don't know how to connect mine with yours.<br /> Let me know if you're having a new BOM project. This quilt is beautiful.
Brenda Millet
IS THIS SITE STILL ACTIVE?
Amy Smart
yes! 🙂
Diana Metz
I found this after drifting over from The Splendid Sampler. I can't wait to get started on another Virtual Bee! Wonderful!!