888-258-7913
We had so much fun with our first 2023 AQS & AccuQuilt-Along Series that we’re ready to launch another one! The American Quilter's Society (AQS) and AccuQuilt are joining forces to present a total of five quilt-alongs this year. Each quilt-along will kick off with an introduction to the project followed by both livestream shows and blog posts to help you every step of the way through the project.
I’m excited to again be co-hosting these live events with AccuQuilt’s Cutting Expert, Pam Heller. These events will be at 12 p.m. CT on Wednesdays. We’ll also be joined by AccuQuilt’s Community Engagement Specialist, Emily, who’ll be on hand to share your questions with us, so we can answer them during the show. Be sure to register for these events as they become available on AccuQuilt’s Events page.
You can watch these livestream events on Vimeo through a link in your reminder email if you’re registered. You can also find the shows on the Video Gallery, AccuQuilt Facebook page, YouTube channel or the AQS Quilting Project Parade Facebook Group. AQS will also provide information and updates along the way in their blog, so you’ll want to register for both!
Stars in the Crown
If you missed our first quilt-along, we kicked off the series in February making the GO! Stars in the Crown Throw Quilt pattern, which is available as a free download on AccuQuilt.com. It uses the GO! Qube, and there’s instructions to match every size of Qube. AQS was kind enough to offer rotary cutting directions as well, which appeared in the introduction blogs.
Scrappy Star Log Cabin Quilt
We’re very excited to be making the GO! Scrappy Star Log Cabin Quilt for this quilt-along, starting April 5. Pam and I will be using the GO! Log Cabin-12” Finished Square by Leslie Main Die for this project. The GO! Log Cabin is a Block on Board, or BOB, die, which means that all the pieces you need to make the block are on a single die board.
This event is a great way to learn more about the AccuQuilt system and how it works, but you’re welcome to use traditional rotary cutting, or a combination method using the GO! Strip Cutter-1 1/2” (1” Finished) 5 Strips Die if you prefer.
Scraps Rock
This project finishes to 56” x 56” and is designed to work with scraps, but can also be made with yardage, as noted in the fabric requirements below and in the pattern instructions. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fabric 1/lights: 2 1/2 yds total, 16 pieces, 22 1/2” x 6 1/2”
- Fabric 2/darks: 2 1/2 yds total in yardage and/or scraps or 16 pieces, 22 1/2” x 6 1/2”
- Fabric 3/outer border: 1 3/4 yds
- Fabric 4/binding: 3/4 yd
One of the things we love about this die is that there are so many different ways to work with it! We’ll be showing how to cut from scraps, yardage and even Fat Quarters.
NOTE: Pre-cut 2 1/2” strips, also known as jelly rolls, are not a good choice for this project!
Fabric Choices
This pattern is so versatile that you may have trouble deciding what fabric to use! Even if you’re working from scraps, you’re sure to have some decisions to make, but remember that whatever speaks to your quilting heart will be perfect!
Think about favorite colors or seasons and maybe where the quilt will “live” when it’s done. Here’s what Pam and I have chosen:
Pam's fabric choices - Island Batik
My fabric selections - Cozy Up! by Corey Yoder for Moda
We can’t wait to see your choices! Be sure to share them with all of us on the AQS Quilting Project Parade Facebook Group page using the hashtag #AQSews!
Alternate Cutting Instructions
AQS has provided rotary cutting directions for this project. You will still want to download the pattern for full assembly directions. You can also cut your strips using the GO! Strip Cutter-1 1/2” (1” Finished) 5 Strips Die, sub-cutting them to the size below.
Fabric 1 (Lights) - Cut 16 of each strip size as follows:
- 1 1/2” x 10 1/2” (10L)
- 1 1/2” x 9 1/2” (9L)
- 1 1/2” x 8 1/2” (8L)
- 1 1/2” x 7 1/2” (7L)
- 1 1/2” x 6 1/2” (6L)
- 1 1/2” x 5 1/2” (5L)
- 1 1/2” x 4 1/2” (4L)
- 1 1/2” x 3 1/2” (3L)
- 1 1/2” x 2 1/2” (2L)
- 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” (1L)
Fabric 2 (Darks) - Cut 16 of each strip size as follows:
- 1 1/2” x 11 1/2” (11D)
- 1 1/2” x 10 1/2” (10D)
- 1 1/2” x 9 1/2” (9D)
- 1 1/2” x 8 1/2” (8D)
- 1 1/2” x 7 1/2” (7D)
- 1 1/2” x 6 1/2” (6D)
- 1 1/2” x 5 1/2” (5D)
- 1 1/2” x 4 1/2” (4D)
- 1 1/2” x 3 1/2” (3D)
- 1 1/2” x 2 1/2” (2D)
- 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” (1D)
NOTE: This can be from up to 16 different fabrics.
Fabric 3/Outer Border needs:
- Six 6 1/2” x Width of Fabric (WOF) strips
Fabric 4/Binding requires:
- Six 2 1/4” or 2 1/2” x WOF strips
Backing: 65” x 65”
Batting: 65” x 65”
No matter what method you select, be sure you also download the pattern for all the assembly directions.
Schedule
This quilt-along will have livestream shows air on the following dates:
- April 5: Cutting and Organizing
- April 12: Sewing Blocks
- April 19: Layout and Assemble the Quilt Center
- April 26: Borders, Quilting and Binding (Oh My!)
- May 3: Show & Tell
2023 At a Glance
We’ll have a total of five projects we’re making together this year! Be sure to join in on each one.
- Project Three starts June 7, 2023
- Project Four starts August 2, 2023
- Project Five starts October 4, 2023
We hope you’ll join us for all our projects! If you’re just discovering us, no worries! You don’t need to have started with the first project – just jump in with this one. All our livestream shows are recorded and can be found on AccuQuilt’s website, Facebook page and YouTube channel as well as on the AQS Quilting Project Parade Group page on Facebook.
Quilting is More Fun Together
Be sure to join us on the AQS Project Pattern Parade Facebook Group page so that we can compare notes and all be inspired by each other! Pam and I will be jumping on from time to time to answer questions and connect with the community as well.
We can wait to “build” this project with you!
