With registration opening on the 17th of April 2024 for our new mystery course, 'Time to Bloom', we are answering your frequently asked questions.
About:
Every year, we run an online mystery quilt-as-you-go course, and 2024 will be our sixth course!
Each year, we have a theme, and the theme for 2024 is 'Time to Bloom'.
This year, we will offer two blocks for the price of one! You will recieve a patchwork block and a bonus applique block so you can choose how you make this quilt.
Prepare to be inspired with each patchwork block; you will learn a new quilting technique, expand on your skills and step outside of your comfort zone, achieving things you never imagined. At the end of the course, you will be an experienced quilt-as-you-go quilter who knows many quilting techniques, such as accurate piecing, foundation piecing and raw edge applique, plus many more! You will apply all the techniques you have learnt to your patchwork and quilting repertoire and be ready to take on or design your own projects.
Theme: Patchwork blocks set amongst floral applique blocks.
Video tutorials and course notes (PDF patterns) are released on the first Wednesday of the month.
Start date: May 1, 2024.
Cost: $11 per month for 12 months. (Total: 132 Australian dollars).
Option to pay upfront or pay by the month. (The option to pay monthly only lasts until June 2024).
Registration opens on April 17, 2024. 2 weeks before the course starts.
(Course does not include fabric).
What is the finished size of the quilt?
80" (204 cm) square.
How long does the two blocks for the price of one deal last?
The deal for two blocks for the price of one will last the duration of the course (12 months), and after the course, the blocks will both be AUD 11 each.
Can I start anytime during the duration of the course?
Yes, you can join at any time during the course. However, the pay by the month option is only available from April 17 to June 1 2024.
Will all the blocks have a floral theme?
All applique blocks will have a floral folk art theme. The patchwork blocks will be based on traditional geometric designs, each with a different technique to learn.
How will it work?
This online course will run monthly for 12 months.
On April 17, you will be able to sign up by either paying in full or selecting the monthly plan.
Please note that the monthly plan option will only be available up until June 1, 2024.
From there, on the first Wednesday of every month, you will receive an email directly from us with the course notes, the bonus applique pattern and a link to the YouTube tutorial. There will also be a blog post where you will be able to ask questions and share photos of your progress. Please note that to leave a comment on the blog you will need to be signed into our website.
How to create a member profile on our website:
As a member, you can customise your profile, add a profile photo and manage your orders and subscriptions.
Requirements List:
Here is the document to the requirements list and a run through video. Please download the PDF and watch the video to see what you need.
What colours do I use?
We are using a monochromatic colour scheme. Originally, we wanted a design with a red background to use various scraps. However, we couldn't find the right red fabrics. We then decided to go for a monochromatic red colour scheme and couldn't find that either. So, we chose our next favourite colour, blue, and decided to go with that.
Our fabrics! Post yours below ...
(We're using a cream grunge background; the patterned fabric in the photo is our backing)
To choose a monochromatic colour scheme, pick your favourite colour and choose 5 fabrics ranging from light to dark.
Do I have to use a monochromatic colour scheme?
No, you can use whatever colours you like, you can also make the quilt using fabrics from your stash.
If you would like to use a soft red or cream background fabric with other colours, I will mock up the patchwork and applique block designs each month to help you decide where to put your fabrics.
Other colour ideas:
Do all fabrics have to be solids?
No, however, the patchwork blocks and applique designs lend themselves more to small prints and mottled fabrics. You can also use a small print for the top background fabric, but make sure that it's a small all-over print that is not directional. Avoid stripes and checks, as they will be difficult to line up from block to block. Ensure that your chosen patchwork and applique fabric will stand out against it.
Do you have any advice on the best patterns to use as an alternative to solid/grunge colours for the blocks? I've seen some lovely medium/large prints in the colour scheme I am thinking of, but I'm worried that they might not work well—especially if the applique pieces are small and/or finely detailed.
I feel that large prints will not be effective when cut into small pieces for the patchwork and applique. Small to medium prints will work best. To further explain, here is a photo of our 2022 Mystery quilt; it also combines patchwork and applique. It shows that the patchwork and applique pieces range in size, with the largest being the pinwheel blocks that are approximately 4" half-square triangles. It's up to you, though; your fabrics could look great. You can also add more fabrics as you go. Other fabric suggestions are batiks, mottled and random small spots.
Will you tell us the placement of the blocks so we can balance our colours?
Yes, we will show you where the blocks will be positioned so you can balance your colours. If you are making your own variation, you can choose where you would like your blocks to go.
What binding style is planned for the quilt?
This year, I'll finish the quilt with a 3/8" wide topstitched binding. It Looks like a regular binding, but the strips start at 3" wide and are sewn onto the back of the quilt with a 3/8" seam allowance. Half the binding width is folded over to the front and top stitched down. The binding can also be done in the regular way and handstitched on the back.
Is each block's finished size 16.75"? I'm having trouble finding a square ruler over 15". Do you plan to do a tutorial for squaring off?
I will show how to make a 16 3/4" template from medium-weight interfacing that is listed in the requirements list. This will be pinned onto the quilted blocks with flat-head pins. We'll then use a regular patchwork ruler to trim the blocks, using the interfacing template as a guide. This is how we trimmed the blocks in our last course, you can watch the video here if you like. Start at 2:15 minutes.
What are course notes?
Course notes are PDF documents with all the pattern sheets and instructions on what to do that month. They are called course notes as they are technique-specific to a particular section of the quilt and have more information than PDF patterns.
How will I receive the course notes?
Via email on the 1st Wednesday of the month at noon (Australian Eastern Standard time). You can create a folder on your device and save the PDFs to view whenever you wish.
How will I watch the videos? Can I watch them at any time?
The videos are pre-taped YouTube tutorials that will be uploaded to our channel on the 1st Wednesday of every month. Anyone can watch it anytime and continually refer back to them.
Why are the videos free? What's the point of signing up?
We believe access to quilting entertainment to inspire people should be free. However, you will need to purchase the course notes to make the project. This fee allows us to earn a living from our work and continue teaching in an easy and inspiring way. Our videos show many tips and techniques that are applicable to all quilting and sewing projects, and we hope our videos can inspire younger people to take up quilting.
We hope that anyone, no matter where they are in the world, will have the opportunity to stumble upon our videos and see the kindness and enjoyment of the Pattern Poole Community. By signing up, you can make the quilt with our community and receive tips and feedback directly from us.
Will there be a private Facebook group this year?
This year, we have decided not to make a private Facebook group as they tend to become inactive after the course is finished, which doesn't help new members who want to do it years later. Our main Facebook group has two amazing, dedicated admins (Marcia Moon and Jackie Kennedy) and many other helpful members who have been sewing with us for over 20 years and have so much beneficial advice; plus, it allows all new Pattern Poole Community Members to get to know everyone. You can also ask questions on our blog or email us privately. However, this year, we want you to be excited to post what you've been working on in the course with an audience of over 13k supportive community members.
I don't like applique. Can I double the patchwork blocks to make a full patchwork quilt?
Of course, applique isn't for everyone, and this year, our appliques are a monthly bonus block for those who wish to make them.
Can I double the appliqué blocks and do no patchwork?
Yes, the quilt has been designed to look good with both styles or just applique or only patchwork. It is up to you how you wish to make this quilt; with so many options, we are excited to see what everyone does differently.
Why is there the same amount of top background and backing fabric in the requirements list?
The top and backing squares start at 18" and will be trimmed to 16 3/4" after quilting. The exact amount for the backing fabric to get (25) 18" squares is 6 1/2 yards. We've allowed an extra 3/4 yard for prewash shrinkage, straightening the fabric and a possible cutting accident, which we hope will not happen. We've allowed the same for the top background fabric, as patchwork blocks can sometimes take more fabric than you think. As it's a year-long course, it's better to be generous with the fabric, in case you need more and the fabric is no longer available. Leftover fabric can be made into a cushion or pillow to match the quilt.
What quilt-as-you-go method will we be using?
The method we will be using is the 'Easy Cover Strip' method on the back. You can view this method below, where Monica demonstrates joining our 2021 quilt as you go along blocks.
Can the cover strips be sewn on the front of the quilt?
Of course, we are doing ours on the back, but you can choose how you would like to do it.
Check out this video, where Monica puts the cover strips on the front.
Can I use another method?
Yes, you can use the Joining-Strip method.
Will we be adding a border?
As the quilt is already very large at 80", we won't be adding a border. However, you are welcome to add quilt-as-you-go borders of your choice to increase the quilt size. If you want to purchase your border fabric now, work out how wide you want your border, then use a fabric calculator app like the Robert Kaufman Quilting Calc to see how much fabric to purchase. Quilt-as-you-go borders can be added with the easy border method, the quilt-as-you-go mitred border or joined onto the quilt with the cover strip method in which you will need an extra 60 cm (2/3 yard) of fabric for the cover strips.
What are the next steps?
Registration opens on April 17th, so download your requirements list, gather your supplies, and download our calendar.
Our calendar has all the video release dates for Australian Easter Standard Time. You can print it out and pin it on your design wall.
We have added QR codes to direct you to the correct location. You can also add your time zone and dates. Download it below:
Head to the time zone converter and add 'Sydney, Australia', then the date and time.
So the first instalment is released on the 1st of May 2024 at 12:00 pm. From there, add your time zone, showing you the date and time of release in your location.
We are so excited and can't wait for this course! We are hoping it's our best yet.
If you have any questions, please let us know. Please post your fabrics below so everyone can see them!