If you follow me on Facebook, earlier this week I shared the proposed design for our upcoming Quilt-Along, Aiming for Accuracy. I am really pleased with the wonderful comments. I thought I’d share the various design drafts, so you could see how it progressed.

I used Electric Quilt 7 in a custom quilt setting to create the designs. I struggle with this program, as I don’t find it very intuitive. However, that said, their documentation is fantastic and once I get out the book, read up on what I’m trying to do, it’s smooth sailing.

The first draft … oh my did I struggle to get this done (read the book!!).

Needed some polishing, so on to design #2. I loved this one, but realized it would result in way too many partial seams. I want this quilt-along to be for advanced beginners, and even I wouldn’t want to do so many partial seams. LOL

Ok, this version eliminated all partial seams. Someone asked on Facebook what the finished quilt size would be, and I realized that somewhere along the way, I had changed the layout size in EQ7 to a size that wasn’t quite as big as I wanted the finished size to be. Plus, I wasn’t thrilled with the black distribution as I wanted it more uniform.

Back to the drawing board .. so to speak

And finally, the completed design. Finished quilt size is 58″x82″, a very nice lap size.

I went to the printers yesterday and had them print me out one copy in colour and several in black and white. Now I need to cut it up and plan the various lessons.

I know you’re going to ask … when will the quilt-along start? Best I can tell you right now is SOON. I want to get the lessons planned out first, figure out the math, and make sure everything will fit together as designed. I’m hoping to have the planning done within the next week, then I can let you know the fabric requirements and we’ll get started a couple of weeks later.

The quilt-along will be free for all to participate in. However, the lessons/tutorials will only remain on the site for a month after the QAL finishes, then they’ll be turned into a booklet for sale.

You can sign up for my newsletter or follow on Facebook to keep in touch.

What do you think? Are you going to participate in the quilt-along?

If you haven’t taken a Craftsy class yet, today’s the day to give it a try. For one day only, new members can choose one free course from a selection of favourite Craftsy classes, up to a $39.99 value!

If they meet their goal of giving away 10,000 classes, Craftsy will donate $5,000 to DonorsChoose to fund arts education in public schools across the US. Existing members are not eligible for the free course offer, but will still receive a special treat.

Start here: Craftsy Free Class Day

Each Wednesday I share a Quilters’ Coupon with you from one of our favourite online retailers. Here’s this week’s savings:

The Fat Quarter Shop was founded in 2003 by Kimberly Jolly. An avid quilter, Kimberly began her shop as a side business while still working a corporate position, cutting, packing and shipping right out of her house during evenings and weekends. From the very beginning, she was committed to delivering top-notch service for every single order and customer. As the Fat Quarter Shop’s reputation grew, Kimberly decided to make it a full-time operation. Her husband Kevin joined her not long after, and with his help, lots of hard work, and a tireless commitment, the store began to grow. Over the past few years a few more people have joined the staff!

As a team, we continue to branch out with the best fabrics, exclusive kits, quilt clubs, BOMs, and more. And we will always be driven by the passion that Kimberly founded the store upon, which is always giving you the best products and service.

Save 50% off Danscapes by Dan Morris for RJR Fabrics Redeem with code DANSCAPES at checkout. Offer expires on May 22, 2013.

Start shopping here!

If you’re a retailer and would like to offer a weekly coupon, please send me an email to discuss.