Happy New Year, sweet friends!!! It’s the first Monday of the year and that can only mean one thing- the Cookbook Quilt Along begins NOW!!!
Go snag a copy of The Quilt Block Cookbook (or buy a signed copy from me here), stock your kitchen (aka: round up some yummy fabrics!) and join along as we stitch up 50 blocks in 50 weeks this year. Whether you’re looking for some skill building, a bit of creative inspiration, or just love the camaraderie of the online quilting community, this is the quilt along for you. We’ll be cooking up 50 blocks but it’s up to you what you do with your blocks (pssst…this means you can sew what you love, and nothing you don’t!). I’ll be offering up fun and creative ideas for you all along the way…from sampler quilt layouts, both modern and traditional, to one and two block quilt ideas, to non-quilt ways to use your blocks. Versatile, easy-to-make blocks with lots of charm, paired with loads of tips and design inspiration to kick your patchwork habit into overdrive in 2017.
So, to keep things simple (I love simple) we’re going to working our way through book in numerical order, starting on Block 1. If you miss a week or two, or want to jump ahead, you’ll always know which one we’re on.
This very first block of the year is a happy, sparkly little starburst. Melt-in-your-mouth sweet, easy to make, and perfect for our first block! Just eight quick flying geese (you can chain piece these), and four ultra-simple foundation paper pieced corners. I like to call this shape a “burst” and I use it a lot in the book because I think it’s really playful and adds nice drama to a block, particularly in the corners.
Before you stitch it up, I need to make you aware of one important thing- the template needs to be photocopied at 100%, not 200% as instructed in the book. You can download the full errata page HERE.
Aaaand, I decided it would be fun to give you a little sneak peek so stitched up a new version of the block in a couple of prints from my new collection, Meriwether!
The line won’t be available in stores for a couple of month’s but it’s available for wholesale now, and I’ve been absolutely reveling in stitching up projects in it. SO surreal! Just cutting and smiling, and thinking, gosh I just love this print, and then I suddenly remember…WAIT! IT’S BECAUSE I DESIGNED IT. I don’t know if I’ll every stop pinching myself (and I can’t wait to show you more!)
I had some fun playing around on Photoshop to see how the background fabric looked in different colors! I love them all!
The deep berry color on the left is a Kona solid called Bordeaux that I just used in a quilt this month- a new version of my Potluck quilt from For Keeps.
Oh my heart! This quilt! It also features my new fabric line, and the Bordeaux solid was absolutely a delight to use. Since I tend to be one who usually turns to white, grey, or navy for a background…branching out to more colorful backgrounds was really refreshing, and I loved seeing how the prints interacted with it.
More photos of this Potluck quilt, and also sneak peeks of the Meriwether fabric collection to come in the next few days and weeks (be sure you’re following me on Instagram- @StitcheryDickory).
I also wanted to share a quilt design I mocked up using the First Kiss block alongside block #41 in the cookbook, Piccadilly. I hope it will spark some ideas…what great combos do you see for this block?
Isn’t that fun?? I just adore these two together. The secondary pattern is so striking! I talk more in the book about this concept of pairing blocks together in the chapter called “Perfect Pairings”, and it really is one of my favorite things to do with blocks. This is why I always say…you don’t need to like samplers to to a block of the month…use the block pattern, along with another simple block, to make an entire quilt!
What fabrics will you stitch up your First Kiss block in?? I can’t wait to see it! Don’t forget to tag #TheCookbookQuiltAlong and me, @StitheryDickory, on Instagram so we can have fun admiring each others blocks and getting inspired.
Until next Monday, happy quilting!!!
XO
Amy
I am very new to quilting, have NO stash, and am not yet familiar with what amounts are typical for different kinds of projects. For this, would it work for me to just get a fat quarter collection (or two) and background fabric, or should I buy yardage and stick to just a few designs? Thanks! The first block is beautiful!
I’m the same, but when I did Amy’s Sugar Block Club last year I bought yardage for background (something I knew my shop would refill) and bought fat quarters as I needed them. That way when I found something fun I could use it. Always had leftover so I could use it in another block to help tie it all together. It depends really on if you like a scrappy look or you want a really coordinated feel.
Thanks, Erin! I’ll try your method!!!
Oh, how I remember your dilemma so well when I first started out over 25 years ago. I would go to fabric shops and their clearance sections and buy one yard increments at a time of something I really, really did like. I skipped those I knew I would never use. I, also bought fat quarters and then bought 3 yards of background fabric hoping I would not use it all and then I could use it with binding or a narrow border. Then years passed and I can truly say I am an addict. I have been buying loads of fat quarters, jelly rolls, charms, 10″ squares and notions whenever the money permitted—and, even sometimes when it didn’t. lol Happy piecing and quilting to you, Cheryl. Welcome to the club!! Jimsqueenie aka Vicki Robles
Love love love!!! Can’t wait for my book to arrive this week!!!! Your fabric is amazing too, will be looking for it when it arrives in stores!! Congratulations!
Awesome! Is there anywhere that those of us quilting up these awesome blocks can see each others? Like a facebook group or hashtag?
Disregard this I realize it is written at the bottom.
Bought you book and loved it so I will be joining in! Some block I have already made some I haven’t. Sew excited to see
Amy I love the use of the Burst template! You use it in Spin the Bottle and All Aglow blocks as well and I’m currently using both of these blocks for a quilt. Did I mention that I love your Cookbook! It will be an awesome year of quilting with it! Look forward to goodies everyone will post.
I can’t wait for your fabrics to become available. Where might I find them when they are available?
I got my book Fri, just in time for my bday! I absolutely LOVE it! Now all I need is endless time to quilt! But with a new machine, my last one died, I’m rearing to go! And I really do love the quilt with the 2 blocks. Happy New Year!
I love this book! Is there a link to a template download in the book that I’m not seeing? I have no way to photocopy, but I could print from a PDF. Can’t wait to get started! :)
This work around is a bit clumsy, but it could work.
Take a picture of the page and either turn it into a PDF (I use doc scan on my phone or iPad….I think it’s free)
You would have to be careful printing to get the size to come out right.
Other options would be to trace the page with a pencil and ruler, (probably easiest, especially if you are only making one block), or if you are feeling tech-y, measure the pattern in the book and draw it on the computer (Google draw might work …) so you can print as many copies as you need.
Having trouble with the burst block. I can’t make sense of the paper piecing instructions. I normally just make hexies this way, so I’m a bit lost. I think I better find a video! Already ruined one template… LOL!
Craftsy’s 2012 BOM was with Amy. It’s a free class and lots of fun. One of the months (I think October?) we did foundation paper piecing and you can watch it to see Amy do it!
Thanks. That’s my roadblock as well.
Yup, that’s the video I meant. I actually found Amy through that class :) I’ve just re-watched it, and it makes perfect sense once you see her do it! Now I’m wondering if I can salvage the fabrics I used in the two failures. I think I can manage!
I am stuck on enlarging by 200%. Is that correct? That would make the corner blocks 8 inches vefore sewing to another piece.
The link to the Errata page is in the blog post. She says to enlarge it by 100% instead of 200%.
Me too!!
Ordered your book and awaiting its arrival! How did I not know that you had a fabric line coming out?!
I have your book and have been wanting to make blocks from it. So, no more excuses. You’ve motivated me to start with your quilt along. Thank you!!
So excited!!! I ordered the book as a last minute Christmas gift to me but didn’t expect it until this coming Wednesday. So I was really excited to find it on my doorstep when I got home from work Friday. Now to get my craft room back in order from my last quilt and get busy on these!!!
I do so adore this book! And thrilled to see your new fabric too!!
Ok. Found the 2012 craftsy video on paper piecing. Very helpful. Now looking for help with this version of flying geese. Use a more simpler method only. I know I am on a learning curve but up to the task.
Amy….so excited to find your blog. I received your Cookbook for Christmas from my daughter and son in law.
It popped up on Amazon or some other site when my daughter was ordering something else and she thought I’d love it. Well….I love, love, love it!!
I can’t wait to see what everyone’s blocks look like :)
I love your quilts. Just ordered the book, can’t wait to start. I’m doing it for the camaraderie on IG, it’s so fun finding quilty folks.
Wow, incredible, Amy! I love the two blocks together!
Am so stoked for this QAL. I did the Summer Sampler & had so much fun. I bought your book for myself for Christmas (thanks to all the positive reviews from the quilting blogging world!) & this will keep me using it all year long. Am planning on using my stash. Can’t wait to start. Thanks, Amy!
I really like your book and this block! I find the bursts are much easier to make if the print fabric is 4 1/2 ” not 4 1/4″. Is there a place for us to post photos of this block we have made?
If anyone needs help with making this block check out my blog. I have very detailed directions with many pictures @ feelingsofquilt.com
Thanks. I will look at that. Can’t get the paper piecing. Grrrr! Watched Amy’s tutorial on craftsy and tying to follow directions given in book. Not the same?
Your bl G is very helpful for me. I am going to try again tomorrow.
TYour blog is very helpful for me. I am going to try again tomorrow.
Thank you for your blog instructions. i was struggling with the paper piecing too.
I am glad you found it helpful.
Cute block! Your fabric looks so cheery, too!
Hi Amy! I so enjoyed making the blocks in the 2016 Sugar Block Club…and I’ll be following along with the Cookbook sew along as soon as my book arrives Thanks so much for all your hard work. Is there a badge for the Quilt Block Cookbook quilt along, that i can add to my blog?
I just got my “cookbook” yesterday. I can’t wait to cook up my first block this weekend while we are snowed in here in the south. Do you know how much fabric is needed if I want to use one fabric line for all the blocks? I have a couple of layer cakes that I have been saving and hope to use them.
I purchased the book and signed up but am not receiving any emails. Just went here and see that the block of the week has started andI need to get started are there any weekly reminders so we don’t fall behind and as to what blocks we are doing each week?
I don’t get emails either, but saved her blog so I could access it.
Question…the instructions for block 1 says to enlarge template A 200%. That make the block 8 inches raw edge. Is that correct? Won’t that make it too large for the rest of the pieces?
100 percent. It is a misprint.
Thank you so much. That was so confusing to me.
Okay. Finished the block and learned how to paperpiece. FUN. Somewhere I mismeasured because my block is more like 12 by 12 ?? Well it is adorable nonetheless😊.
I ordered your book today, the blocks look really great. Looking forward to joining soon.
Dearest Amy,
You are such a sweetheart with your family and all you do for the quilting world. Thank you so much. I, also, love your quilt block cookbook.
Peace and blessings,
Vicki L Robles