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 have two blocks for the price of one! You will receive 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!
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. (You can start anytime)
Cost: One upfront payment of $132 Australian dollars.
This works out at $11 per month.
You can start anytime!
(Course does not include fabric).
When you signup mid-month, you'll have instant access to the course members only section on the Pattern Poole website, where you can download the course notes and watch the YouTube tutorials ad free! All you need is your email address and password to login anytime. See how here. Then, on the 1st Wednesday of each month, we'll send you an email to let you know that the next part has launched.
How can I contact the Pattern Poole ladies if I need help?
Use the contact form on our website or send an email to studio@patternpoole.com
We're always happy to help and offer support when we're awake. We say this because we're an Australian business and we may be on the other side of the world from you!
Tell me more about the quilt
There are 12 applique blocks and 13 patchwork blocks. This makes a total of 25 blocks with a layout of 5 blocks across and 5 blocks down, alternating between the applique and patchwork blocks. This will make a large quilt that's 80" (203 cm) square.
Referring to the images below:
Grey = Patchwork blocks
White= Applique blocks
You can also choose to make 1 block per month to make a small quilt. You can choose all patchwork, all applique or a combination of both. 12 blocks will make a quilt size of 48” x 64” (122 cm x 162 cm).
This is what the quilt looks like so far, we have just released part 3. Every month we let you know the position of the block to help you balance the fabrics.
What fabrics are required to make the quilt?
We thought it would be a fun idea to choose your favourite colour, then choose 5 fabrics ranging from a pastel tint to a deep shade. We're using a selection of blues in Moda Grunge.
OR
Have fun choosing fabrics from your stash. Each block starts at 18” square and is trimmed to 16 ¾” after quilting. This makes it perfect for fat quarters to be used as backing squares and background squares for the applique blocks.
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.
Why is there the same amount of top background and backing fabric in the requirements list, it seems like a lot?
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.
A plain or solid 100% cotton quilting fabric is a great budget option for the top background fabric of this quilt. Extra wide backing fabric can be used for the back and is also another budget friendly option.
How will the course run?
This year the course is run in a special course members only section on our website. It's basically a blog post that only course members can see when logged into our website. From this private blog, you can watch the YouTube tutorials, download the course notes, share photos of your work and ask questions. An added bonus is that the YouTube tutorials are ad free when you watch them from the private blog post.
This online course will run monthly for 12 months. On the first Wednesday of every month, there will be a new patchwork block and a new applique block. The PDF course notes will be available to download from the course members only section on our website, along with a new video tutorial to teach you a new technique. We'll also send you a monthly email reminder that the new part is ready.
How does the pay by the month option work?
(Please note as the course is now in full swing, the pay by the month option is no longer available).
The $11 (Australian dollars) is a recurring payment that is deducted monthly for a total of 12 payments. The transaction is made on the same day of the month that you signed up for the course. For example, if you signed up for the course on April 17, future payments will be deducted from your account on the 17th of each month.
If your payment fails, you will receive an email with instructions to update your payment method. You have a 5 day grace period to do this.
Unfortunately, if your payment issue is not resolved, you will no longer have access to the course members only section on the Pattern Poole website and will no longer receive the monthly course members email.
Click here to see how to login to the course members only section on our website.
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 until 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.
What are course notes?
Course notes are PDF documents with all the pattern sheets and instructions on what to do that month. They include step by step photos so you can't go wrong!
How will I receive the course notes?
When you signup mid-month, you'll have instant access to the course members only section on our website where you can download the course notes. Then, on the 1st Wednesday of the month at noon (Australian Eastern Standard time), you'll receive an email from us to let you know that the next part is available. The monthly emails will also contain links to download the course notes and the YouTube videos.
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 them anytime and continually refer back to them. If you watch them from the special course members only section on our website, they are ad free.
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.
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 different fabric combination, here are some 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 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?
Sign up is now open, you can sign up here.
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!
Love all the colour options you’ve shown and the introduction to the colour wheel tool, thank you
What happens if I can’t adjust the size on my printer and the appliqué’s test block is smaller than 1”?
Hi I saw a question about using fat quarters, is this a possibility and how many would you need for appliqué and piecing? Thanks
Hello there! These are my choices for this course. I am super excited, but also a bit wary of the applique. I am from Noordheuwel in South Africa, and purchased my material in Villiersdorp in the beautiful Western Cape while on holiday. I am using 3shades for my background, and the dark material on the left, is for my cover strips at the back. All the best for everyone who is going to do this course