Explore Quilt-A-Long: Week 2
Hi there Explore Quilt-A-Long quilters! I hope you’re having fun as we get started making this quilt! I designed this quilt pattern to be beginner friendly, and if you are just now hearing about it, click this link to read all the initial details, find out how to get the Explore quilt and pillow pattern for FREE, and see the whole list of amazing prize sponsors!
Week 2: Oct 10th – 16th // Cut Fabrics
This week we will all be cutting our fabrics for the Explore Quilt-A-Long. When quilting, precise cutting is essential. If you’re new, take your time and be sure to line up the lines of your ruler with the edge of your fabric. Also, watch out to make sure your ruler does not slip or slide while you are cutting, especially when cutting a long strip.
Here are some of the my favorite things to use when cutting fabrics:
- Havel’s Cutting mat – I got mine because it was pink but I am thrilled with the amazing quality
- Fresh rotary blade – it’s important to put a new one on every once in a while! Your wrist will thank you!
- Rulers! I find it very helpful to use the right size ruler for the task at hand. I know a 6” x 24” ruler will get you really far for cutting WOF strips, but when it comes down to it, I normally prefer to use a ruler just a little larger than the piece I am cutting. For example, if you are making the baby size, you might use a 8.5″ square ruler to cut out your squares; similarly, if you are making the throw size, I’d suggest a 12.5″ square ruler.
Check out my Favorites to see my favorite rulers, notions, and tools!
Who are the WEEK 1 Winners?
Moonlit Voyage Fat Quarter Bundle by FIGO Fabrics
The FIGO Fabrics Fat Quarter Bundle goes to Darla (@darlaalawan)!
Havel’s Sewing Prize Pack
The Havel’s Sewing Prize Pack goes to @charming_chipom!
The Havel’s Sewing prize pack contains an adorable pink quilter’s cutting mat, a 12.5″ square quilting ruler, and an amazing seam ripper. These are all products I personally LOVE!
If you want some of your own, shop www.havelssewing.com and use code HOMEMADEEMILYJANE7 to save $7 off a purchase of $25 or more!
This Week’s Quilt-A-Long Prizes
This is another week where we have TWO sponsors which means TWO prizes and TWO winners!
To be eligible to win, you must post your photo of your cut fabric (or even a picture of you cutting your fabric) to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreQAL sometime from Oct. 10th – Oct. 16th of your timezone. Make sure your account is public so I can see your post. I’ll pick the winner the morning of Oct. 17th!
Be sure to go check out everyone else’s beautiful fabric pulls on the hashtag #EXPLOREQAL. Comment on your faves, show the love, and make some new friends!
Miller’s Dry Goods
One lucky QAL participant will win a $30 gift card for Miller’s Dry Goods! Not only does Miller’s Dry Goods carry a great selection of fabric and notions, they are also one of my go-to shops for getting Perle cotton thread for hand quilting!
As a special bonus for any of my followers, you can use code HOMEMADEEMILYJANE to save 15% off select threads when you shop at www.millersdrygoods.com!
OttLite LED Lamp
The other prize for our week 2 winner will be an LED Crane Lamp with Clamp courtesy of OttLite! Having sufficient lighting in your sewing space is crucial for accurate sewing and also making sure you don’t strain your eyes. I have a few different OttLite lamps and could not live without them!
Thanks for reading! Have fun cutting your fabrics – I’ll see you back here next week for some pointers on making your Half Square Triangles!
Do you want to see my personal absolute favorite sewing notions and tools? Check out my Amazon favorites HERE. If you purchase through my site, I will get a small commission and am able to keep making cool stuff for you! Isn’t that awesome?! Thanks in advance for supporting me!
