Getting Ready for 2020

At this busy time of year it can be hard to think about what is just around the corner--a new year, with new projects. My focus is on Afternoon Delight, the FREE Block of the Month Quilt from www.thequiltshow.com. But there are lots of Block of the Month, or Sew A Longs, or other ongoing quilt projects on the horizon.

Let's get ready.  For Afternoon Delight we will be printing our patterns, beginning January 1, 2020, and on the first day of each month from January to December 2020.

Gather supplies:

1. A notebook to store the patterns--I like monthly dividers too

2. Page protectors make it easy to use the pattern each month

3. A printer that works.

NOTE: Staples, Office Depot, etc., have ways you can print from thumb drives or email directly to the stores if you don't have a working printer--they will likely be closed January 1

4. Ink, both black and color, for the printer--there are two pages in Month 1 showing color images of all the applique patterns that will be good to have in color

5. Paper for the printer

Inside my three-ring binder, I have a zip pocket with a small calculator, business cards, pens and pencils, etc. Since I take this with me to teach two classes a month on this project, it helps to  have these things handy. I also have some lined notebook paper for notes:

Prepare your Fabrics:

1. Pre-wash fabric if you choose to do that--I did since the reds and blues are  pretty deep colors. I was surprised how little bleeding there was on the Shout Color Catchers Sheets

2. Gather tools--things I like:
             Quilter's Select Print and Piece Fuse Light for Applique patterns
             Apliquick Tools
             Quilter's Select Fabric Glue Pen
              A variety of red and blue threads for applique

Create a Group?:

It is fun to work on these long-term projects with a group of friends. See if there are others local to you who want to do this with you. Please be aware, everyone in the group must be a Star Member of The Quilt Show with a paid membership.

My group, the Sunday Sew & Sews, got started just this way in December 2016 when one of my students asked if I thought she and her sister were "capable" of making Halo Star Medallion in 2017. I said they were, they would learn a lot, and it would require their best work. Quickly, 15 people jumped in and the group was born. Now we are all real friends who look forward to our time together, including the annual Christmas party:

Those two sisters not only made great Halo Star Medallion quilts, they won ribbons at our guild show in October 2019 and they are both semi-finalists for the AQS judged show in Daytona Beach, February 2020:

Brenda's Halo Star Medallion

Jo Anne's Halo Star Medallion

I'd say they were capable, right? They have come a long way in the last few years since they took their first beginning quiltmaking class. Everyone in the group has advanced their skills and their joy in this quiltmaking journey. I am proud to be part of this group.

For more information on Fabric Selection, see Fabric Requirements.

If you like working with Kits, some are still available but they are selling fast, check that option out here: Kits for Sale

I hope this helps you get ready for the big kick-off for Afternoon Delight. The patterns begin Wednesday January 1, 2020, and the Show that will help you see the overall plan, also airs that day--Show # 2601.

Remember, this year-long pattern is FREE for Star Members of The Quilt Show--the cost of annual membership is almost 50% less than the cost of buying the patterns alone--so why wouldn't you be a Star Member? Twenty six great shows a year, a new one every two weeks, AND Star Members have access to ALL the previous 12 years of shows!

Join Now  We have a lot of fun and we learn a lot. Membership makes a great gift--hint for Santa...

Let's quilt!

Barbara