Week 1—Betty Jean Sew-Along
Sew excited! The much-anticipated Betty Jean Quilt journey is ready to set sail, and I'm absolutely buzzing to get crafty with you all.
Let's dive in, shall we? Before we thread our needles, here's the lowdown. This sew-along will stretch over six weeks. Each week, I'll drop you an email with steps, tips, and tutorials to keep your needle on track. Keep an eye on Instagram too for all the fun tidbits.
I want you to make this project as snug as a quilt, so feel free to tailor it to you. Whether you're stitching a pillow or a full-blown quilt, just make sure it fits your schedule and your heart. After all, the joy of this sew-along isn't just about the finished product, it's about threading through the pattern and mastering our craft. Even if you end up with a pillow, you'll have all the skills you need to quilt up a storm when time allows.
And for a little extra fabric fun, we've got weekly prizes! All you've got to do is post your progress pictures on Instagram by Saturday to be eligible for that week’s prize. And don’t forget to tag me @sweetlittlequilts and use hashtag #bettyjeansewalong. Since this week is all about color, this week’s prize will be a color wheel and a charm pack of Bella Solids in a mix of brights.
Stitching together in a sew-along is a joy for me, a thread that ties us all together. Companionship, support, and laughter are woven into the fabric of our community. I adore my cozy little studio, but nothing beats the fun of stitching with friends. It's a time to exchange ideas, puzzle out problems, and share our unique tips and tricks. That's how we grow. Posting photos on Instagram is fabulous, but it's the comments, shared insights, and sprinkles of praise that truly enrich us. So come on in, the water's fine! Just bring along a bucketful of positivity, helpfulness, and kindness.
If you need a hand getting started or deciphering those hashtags, just pop your questions in the comments. I'm here to help you stitch your way to success! Let's get this sew-along started!
Betty Jean Sample Quilt
Week 1 - Fabric Selection Adventure
First things first, let's grab that Betty Jean Quilt Pattern. It's your golden ticket to all the fabric specifics you'll need, plus it'll give you a sneak peek at the sample quilt. Next up, the exciting part - picking out YOUR fabrics. Fear not, I've got a secret weapon for you: my downloadable Pdf guide on "Choosing Fabrics Like a Pro". It's a treasure trove of tips for any project. Now, let's dive into the colorful world of fabric choices. Solids, prints, or a combination? The world is your oyster. And colors, oh the colors! Your quilt could be a symphony of one color, a patchwork of scraps, or maybe a showcase of a particular designer's collection. But before you dive in, here are three magic questions to guide your fabric selection journey:
What's the story I want this quilt to tell? Think about the mood or message you want your quilt to whisper. Are you seeking tranquility, a burst of energy, or perhaps a touch of nostalgia? Your fabric picks will set the stage for the quilt's final look and feel.
How will my fabrics work with the quilt pattern? Consider how your chosen colors, patterns, and textures will play together within the quilt design. Will they highlight key design elements, or harmonize as a whole? Ensure your fabric choices enhance and dance with the pattern, not step on its toes.
Is there a color palette that speaks to me or the person I am gifting the quilt to? Are there certain hues that pull at your heartstrings or hold a personal significance? This could be inspired by your daily life, your home's color scheme, or even a cherished memory. Choosing colors that sing to you can make your quilt a truly personal masterpiece.
The backing fabric was from my stash, purchased earlier for another project, but not used. Now, I usually do not purchase my backing fabric until the project is finished and I get a better idea of what I want.
Lulu by Chez Moi for Moda Fabrics.
The Betty Jean Quilt, an homage to my dear Aunt Betty, is a radiant burst of sunshine wrapped in cozy comfort. A lady who sprinkled joy wherever she went, Aunt Betty was the inspiration behind the quilt's sunny demeanor, making it perfect for a picnic, a road trip, or a quiet afternoon with a good book and a warm cup of tea.
The quilt's design is all about simplicity, with minimal fabrics needed: a background, triangle corners, a swag border, a flower head, a stem, and leaves. But remember, this is your creation. Feel free to add your personal flair. I can picture it made from leftover scraps, giving it a whimsical, scrappy look, though it might be a bit tricky to maintain the bold design elements. The vibrant blue, chosen for its commanding presence, creates a strong visual impact with the quilt's four triangles and the swag border with the flowers adding a fun pop of color. I’ll be sharing my fabric choices for the sew-along later this week. Stay tuned!
If you’re looking for inspiration, one resource that I use is Design Seeds. The website features images in a card format with a photo that is broken out into several colors. These are great for choosing a mix of colors. From there you can choose your fabrics in solids, blenders, or prints based on the colors. You can search by color, category, or keyword. Give it a try.
So, tell me all about your plans. Do you have your fabrics chosen already? Not quite sure of the direction you want to take? Needing a helping hand? Comment with any questions you have as well as what you’ll be making. We’re all ears.
