Out with the Old and in With the New
So, November may be a little early to start talking about the new year and making plans for what is coming up, but as I see more and more coming out about what everyone is doing next year I thought, well why not jump in and let you all know what is coming up for the rest of this year (basically December) and in 2024? So without further ado, here we go!
Getting a Handle of Your Holiday Shopping
It’s the time of year when you need to buckle down and get that holiday shopping done (if you are already finished, I applaud you, and stand a little in awe). To help, I have added a few products to my shop, perfect options for the quilters you know, or anyone who likes modern design. My personal favorite is the jigsaw puzzle, which is based on a yet- to- be- released pattern; it will definitely prove a fun family challenge. Or if you need a really last minute gift for a quilter (for those of you reading this on the 24th), all the quilt patterns in the shop come as instant PDF downloads. Print out a copy for a lovely in-person gift or send the file to a loved one living far away, and know that they will still get it in time for Christmas.
Twelve Days of Christmas Art
Also this December I am going to be participating in “Jehane’s Twelve Days of Christmas” art challenge on Instagram. As you may have noticed I am starting to do more illustration (think the Inktober designs in my stories in October) and surface design work (the new products in shop) and I thought this was such a wonderful event that I couldn’t resist. So you may be wondering how this is going to change things. Short answer is, nothing is going to change. Everything I design will still be based around the concept that it could (in theory) be turned into a quilt, so there will still be that geometric, modern element to it. The difference is that I may start creating a few more designs that, while they could be made into quilts, would take a great deal of skill and patience (lots of patience) to piece. But I think you will still have a lot of fun with this and I would love to have you follow along and tell me if there are any designs you would like to see as quilts, or perhaps turned into fabric or something else entirely.
Road Trip Renderings
This is my big year long project for next year that I am going to ask all of you to be involved in. It will involve creating a quilt design for every state in the USA (so 50 designs total!) all in one year. Is it a little crazy? Yes. Am I excited to do it? Absolutely. Look for another blog post coming soon that will explain this project in depth, and exactly how you can get involved (because I need you all to start getting involved soon!).
Modern Wedding Ring Sew Along
Several people have been asking for a Sew Along, and I decided it was about time that I obliged. So starting the second week of January, I am going to be running a Sew Along with the new Modern Wedding Ring pattern. I think this will make a great choice because there are three different sizes to choose from, a scrappy version or a solid version, and lots of different ways to personalize the quilt. More details will be coming out in December, but the basic plan is to set it up so that if you are making the smallest size you only have to make one block a week. If you want to participate in this Sew Along sign ups will go up in December but you can get a jump start by purchasing the pattern now, and if making a scrappy version, start collecting your scraps.
Block of the Month Programs
Remember when I asked you to fill out that survey? This was why! I wanted to make sure that I set up the best possible block of the month program for all of you. Once I put all of that data together (thank you again to everyone who participated!) I found that the best course of action was actually to have 2 block of the month programs.
he first program is actually going to be a Block of the Season program. This one will be free to subscribers (you lucky folks!) and will involve a 20” x 20” block released every three months with the first one starting in February. The blocks can be made and used as individual mini quilts or assembled into a single larger quilt at the end of the year.
The second program will be a 10-month, Block of the Month Program, and we will be making the Medallion 2024 Quilt. This will be a paid membership program beginning in March and running through December 2024. Each month members will receive instructions for the new block, a video tutorial, and a live Q&A session (which will be recorded and sent to those who cannot attend) to answer any questions you may have. I am really looking forward to this program and seeing the beautiful quilts that everyone creates.
New Patterns
Yes there will be more new patterns coming out next year. I’m not sure about the schedule yet, but I do have a few selected that I definitely want to put out there. If there is something in particular that you would like to see, please let me know and I will try to work it into the schedule. Right now I am anticipating a big drop in July.
Quilt Retreat
Last but not least I can confirm that I am co-hosting a Quilt Retreat in Mahwah, NJ from September 20-22, 2024. The retreat is targeted more towards beginner quilters but is, of course, open to everyone. During the course of the three days participants will be making a basic project bag, throw size quilt and more. I will be releasing more information on the retreat in January, but if you think you might be interested put those dates on hold now.
Wow, that is a lot of information to throw at you. Congratulations for making it all the way to the end - you deserve to go play with some fabric! So go have some fun and let all of this soak in, and then you can decide what you would like to participate in next year.
Until next time, happy sewing!
-Siobhan
