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The Sunflower Sampler Quilt-a-Long Begins Today!!!

October 11, 2016

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

Good Morning, Quilters!

For a little change of pace this month we are replacing our Motif Tuesday Tutorials with The Sunflower Sampler Quilt-a-Long!

The finished quilt shown here, is a quilt I stitched several years ago on a piece of hand-dyed fabric.  This will give you a general idea of what we are making, but some of our motifs will be different.  Furthermore, I will offer options for motifs along the way, so your quilt may look quite different.

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

ROADMAP

This is the roadmap for where we will finish this week:

There are step-by-step photos of each part, so don’t worry–it’s child’s play!

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

BEGIN WITH A QUILT SANDWICH–ANY SIZE

How big you say?  Any size!  This projects works for any size quilt. I had a piece of orange fabric that  was 21 x 23 inches…so that’s where I started.

If you have a fat quarter–use that.  If your fabric is bigger–that’s fine too!  If you want to make a square–no problem.  If you need a quilt that is 40 x 40–you can do that too!

Make a quilt sandwich.

I used a light cotton batting and spray basted it with Sulky KK2000 Temporary Adhesive Spray  (Sulky’s KK 2000 is my new favorite basting spray–it’s odorless, ozone friendly and sprays more accurately than other adhesives.)

 

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

MARKING

Now you are ready to mark…

Draw a one inch border around the entire quilt.  Do not quilt past this line.   This will give us room for squaring and binding.

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

I like to mark my quilts with chalk–it’s easy to see and easy to erase.  This is the Dritz Quilting Chalk Cartridge Set.  It comes with several colors and a sharpener.  (I usually use white.)

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

Next, add a 1-1/2 inch border on the inside of the outer (no-quilt) line.

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

Align a long ruler from corner to corner and mark the diagonals.

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

Draw the horizontal center line of the quilt by drawing a line perpendicular to the sideline and through the center point of the quilt.  (To find a perpendicular line–place any line of the ruler over the drawn sideline.)

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

In the same way, draw the vertical center line.  Your quilt should now look like this:

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

Add “tick marks” along the horizontal axes–3 inches to the right of the center and 3 inches to the left of the center.

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

Add tick marks along the vertical axis–4 inches above and 4  inches below the center point.

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

Sketch in an oval using the tick marks…

This does not have to be perfect.   Once we add the Sunflower’s Petals–it won’t matter at all.

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

When you are finished, your sandwich should look something like this:

Sunflower Sampler, FMQ, Lori Kennedy

Now the fun begins…

The Quilting!!!  Can’t wait, can YOU???

Lots more quilting, doodling and The Dog and Quilt show this week.  Stay tuned!

SunnyFlower,
Lori

PS…This post contains affiliate links.  If you choose to purchase (at no additional cost to you), I may receive a little “pin money” to offset the costs of The Inbox Jaunt.  Thank you for supporting…

PPS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

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Categories

Gallery Machine Quilting Quilt Tutorial

Tagged

QAL Quilt Along Quilt-a-Long

62 responses to “The Sunflower Sampler Quilt-a-Long Begins Today!!!”

  1. Patti Godwin says:
    October 11, 2016 at 6:05 am

    Love it !

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 7:03 am

      Do you have time to sew? Do you have a lot of clean up after the storm?

  2. Christine B. says:
    October 11, 2016 at 6:12 am

    Beautiful! I moved house this Summer so, I haven’t had the time yet to get back to practising my FMQ, this may be the perfect way to get started again! Thank you so much Lori! Off to get my fabrics marked out now! Christine x

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 7:03 am

      Yes!

  3. Shelly Fuller says:
    October 11, 2016 at 6:24 am

    I can do my Swoops!!

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 7:00 am

      Yes!!!!!! How’s your big project coming along?

  4. Jana Pratt says:
    October 11, 2016 at 6:40 am

    Thank You! I LOVE your Quilt Along Tutorials and I LOVE Sunflowers! I can’t wait to get started – perfect!

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 6:59 am

      Woohoo!!

  5. Carol says:
    October 11, 2016 at 6:42 am

    Question: I may have missed something (or forgotten- I’m getting old, LOL). Do you pre-wash your batting?

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 6:58 am

      No I don’t. But your project may look different after washing.

  6. Becky Shaffer says:
    October 11, 2016 at 6:55 am

    It’s beautiful! I can’t wait to get started!

  7. holly fitzpatrick says:
    October 11, 2016 at 7:10 am

    Hello! Beautiful sunflower. One question, is there a backing fabric on your sandwich as well?

  8. Nan W says:
    October 11, 2016 at 7:10 am

    This is just the project I’ve been needing to stretch my quilting skills. Thank you.
    I’ve been a reader for a little while and am in awe of your creativity.

  9. Teri says:
    October 11, 2016 at 7:33 am

    So glad to see you back in my inbox.

  10. Denise says:
    October 11, 2016 at 7:40 am

    Hurrah. I love sunflowers and this is a great way to practice FMQ. I’m off to find some suitable fat quarters. Thank you.

  11. Christine says:
    October 11, 2016 at 7:46 am

    I can’t wait! I’m off today to get my materials!

  12. vlquilter says:
    October 11, 2016 at 7:55 am

    I’m excited. This is my first attempt at doing a quilt along tutorial.

  13. Barbara says:
    October 11, 2016 at 7:56 am

    Love starting my day with your message. This sunflower is beautiful. Will get my fabric ready today! Thanks

  14. Gypsybaker says:
    October 11, 2016 at 7:57 am

    You make this look so simple…thank you…I’ve been receiving your emails since I joined about 2 weeks ago. I’m new to this.

  15. Carol Mallozzi says:
    October 11, 2016 at 7:59 am

    Love sunflowers. This WILL be done?

  16. Cynthia says:
    October 11, 2016 at 8:01 am

    I’m new to machine quilting and can’t wait to give this a try.

  17. Peggy Aare says:
    October 11, 2016 at 8:10 am

    Hi Lori, looks like fun. Can you give us an approximate timetable? Will this be done in 2 weeks, or 2 months?

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 8:48 am

      Approximately six weeks. But I think you will get the idea and be able to work ahead if you need to.

  18. LoisAnnH says:
    October 11, 2016 at 8:17 am

    Can’t wait to join and try this beautiful project. Never machine quilted like this so will certainly be a challenge but got to try as

  19. Anne Thacher says:
    October 11, 2016 at 8:22 am

    Looking forward to starting this one – love the fact colors and sizes can be just about anything! Thanks for bringing this one together. Another wonderful way to learn new techniques and ideas that can be used again and again.

  20. Linda says:
    October 11, 2016 at 8:54 am

    I LOVE sunflowers! This will be a great project. I keep thinking of Shelly’s sunflower design from your class at JCCFS and wishing I could stitch along with her.

  21. Christine Crosgrove says:
    October 11, 2016 at 9:13 am

    Do you have suggestions for thread? 50 wt? 40 wt? This is perfect timing. I have a table runner I have been nervous about quilting. I’m hoping this will give me the practice I need!

  22. Jayne Bull says:
    October 11, 2016 at 9:27 am

    You have me inspired with this sunflower. Have been ‘watching’ your free motion tutorials Without ever getting down to doing them. Here I go! Thank you so much for your inspiration

  23. Marcia Fette says:
    October 11, 2016 at 9:34 am

    I am excited about this project. Thanks!

  24. QuiltShop Gal says:
    October 11, 2016 at 9:53 am

    Beautiful FMQ Sunflower. Great tutorial. Thank you Lori.

    QuiltShopGal
    http://www.quiltshopgal.com

  25. Luise says:
    October 11, 2016 at 10:40 am

    I’m excited. This is my first attempt at doing a quilt along tutorial ever.
    Greetings from Germany/ Berlin

  26. Pat says:
    October 11, 2016 at 10:54 am

    LOVE the sunflower and your designs. Looking forward to working on this project! (I have to restrain my use of exclamation marks in my comments on your blog or every sentence would have one.)
    –Greetings to the Folk School grads-

  27. billiemick says:
    October 11, 2016 at 11:54 am

    So lovely. I’ll be watching, but not sure I’ll be doing the actual sewing. Do you have a button that I can post on my blog to let my friends know? Or can I copy the photo and link it back to you as a button on my sidebar?

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 1:08 pm

      Please link as you like. No button at this time

  28. tonia conner says:
    October 11, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    I’m gonna give this one a try. I would like to make my own porch flags and this is perfect for fall of course.

  29. Delaine Humphreys Nored says:
    October 11, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    I’ve not been brave enough to attempt one of your follow along projects. Think it’s time I dived in!

  30. Carol says:
    October 11, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    Sorry, me again. I’m a total beginner, have only done some practice FM and one FM quilted child’s wallhanging growth chart for my husband’s granddaughter, which I was happy with. I would love to join in on this for more practice. Upon taking out a fat quarter and ironing it with steam, the vertical fold lines will not totally come out. Is there a secret? 🙁 Thanks so much, this looks like so much fun. I love looking at your emails and someday will get to more of them. We’ve just moved a few months ago so much other to be done first. Used to live in Forest Lake, MN, and here just before we moved I learned you are in Stillwater!

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      No secret. Sometimes it is impossible. Do your best then move on!

    2. HollyAnnW says:
      October 11, 2016 at 4:34 pm

      Here are some things I have used:
      1) a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water, or
      2) Procter & Gamble’s Downey Wrinkle Releaser
      Test on small area first to see if it stains or alters the fabric in any way.
      Spray on the crease to saturate, then press with iron set at temperature appropriate for the fabric.
      I had another product that worked very well – wish I would have bought more because I threw out the bottle when it was empty and now I can’t remember the name. It was not easy to find. Perhaps it is no longer being made. Maybe ask your local professional laundry service for hints if you live in a larger community that has one.

      1. Carol says:
        October 11, 2016 at 8:54 pm

        Thanks Holly. I’ll try that. I now live in the middle of nowhere in Arkansas. Beautiful views and serenity, no laundry. LOL

    3. Denise says:
      October 16, 2016 at 7:19 am

      HI Carol. I have found that the best way is to spray the crease with water and then let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the water before you press with an iron. Best Press also works well.

      1. Carol says:
        October 16, 2016 at 7:44 am

        Thanks Denise, I will try the Best Press. I’ve tried the water and iron. Just not working. I am not too happy as I’m wondering if this is going to happen with alot of my fat quarters. Wish I had a better way to store them, but there is only so much room in a house and folded keeps things neat. I have some panels I want to “play” with making wall hangings and sure hope they don’t do this, altho I’ve stored them open as much as possible with less folding, but even they have to have some folds.

  31. apylinski says:
    October 11, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    I’m in the process of moving and won’t be sewing again for awhile. Will I be able to access this in a month or two? I love Sunflowers and this is just what I need to make! Thank you.

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 3:26 pm

      Yes!

  32. Barb Czarniecki says:
    October 11, 2016 at 3:26 pm

    I love sunflowers! I will get it ready tonight!

  33. Betty B., Crane Hill, AL says:
    October 11, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    Got my machine all ready to FMQ and was actually disappointed that today was only marking. But ahhhh, looking forward to the fun and learning. Another quilt top is just sitting and waiting for me to get some practice under my belt before I tackle it. Gotta Divide and conquer that quilt top. Doing a Quilt-a-long made me stop all projects and just join you! Yay!

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 4:46 pm

      Yay!!

  34. Lori says:
    October 11, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    Oh! This is going to be fun. I love sunflowers!

  35. Lisa J. says:
    October 11, 2016 at 5:17 pm

    I’m on board! This is perfect for fall.

  36. Karen Poling says:
    October 11, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    Just wondering if the blocks will be assembled by a quilt as you go method. Very creative block or is it just one block?

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 11, 2016 at 8:51 pm

      Just one block.

  37. maria says:
    October 12, 2016 at 1:52 am

    Beautiful! This is my first attempt at doing a quilt along tutorial.
    First I have to dye some fabric.

  38. Pingback: Getting Ready for Quilting | A Quiltmaker's Album, Book Two
  39. scrappychris says:
    October 12, 2016 at 10:11 am

    This is great! Have an idea for a sunflower quilt so this will be perfect! Also looking forward to the doggy and quilt pics later this week! Thanks! We are in New Bern, NC and weathered Hurricane Matthew. The river is very broad here but towns about an hour away (Kingston with the Neuse River) and Greenville (Tar River) are in trouble with the rivers not completely crested yet. A very slow moving disaster in the making. Please keep these people in your prayers – very sad.

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 12, 2016 at 10:28 am

      Praying today!

  40. Marta says:
    October 12, 2016 at 11:38 am

    Oh… what a wonderful challenge … I’m just starting with FMQ … you are so inspiring!! Will look and see if I have everything to quilt alond woth you all!!

  41. Elaine says:
    October 13, 2016 at 7:06 pm

    Hi, got my sunflower project ready for the next step. Is this a weekly lesson or did I miss something. I am excited to get started. Thank you Elaine

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      October 13, 2016 at 9:05 pm

      Weekly

  42. anudge says:
    October 15, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    Thank you, Lori. Can always use FMQ instruction.

  43. Diptee says:
    October 18, 2016 at 11:39 pm

    Beautiful. I am going to attempt this one. Thank you.

  44. Pingback: Sunflower Sampler-Week 3-Linear Fills | The Inbox Jaunt
  45. Pingback: Finishing Touches –The Sunflower Sampler | The Inbox Jaunt
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    Lori Kennedy

    Hi! I’m Lori Kennedy, machine quilter, & author from Minnesota. Check out my monthly newsletter & my articles. Machine quilting is my passion. From doodling to quilting, I’m here in my Minnesota studio to help you get quilting.

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