introducing Positivities for 2024
If you’ve been following along, dear reader, you know that I’m planning something special for us to share in 2024. I’ve been keeping you in some suspense this last month, as I shared four distinct groups of scrappy patchwork that belong to the project: North Star, Star Web, Expansion and Sunbeams + Flutters.
Did you wonder how those could ever marry together in one quilt? Today you’ll see what I have created! My fingers and toes are crossed that you like it!!
my Process
This is where it begins. I can hole away for hours putting pencil to paper in my graph paper quilt journal. Some parts come easily and others are erased and re-drawn over and over and yet over again.
I desired to design a quilt that would bring together diverse patchwork elements in a fun, unexpected way. Like every quilter, I love to start a new project, but I don’t necessarily need to make a whole quilt to satisfy my appetite for a shape. I imagined a playful quilt with distinct patchwork sections scattered on a unifying background.
I started the sketch on vacation, then let the design rest. Then I worked on it in stops and starts, noticing common themes develop and feeling more and more confident with the vibe. When it was finally done I took the design to EQ8, to develop it digitally and experiment with colors.
Patchwork Life Lessons
I began sketching this quilt during a major life shift. Change can be painful, but also empowering. At life’s most challenging moments, creating keeps me open to the possibilities that change offers.
When I had finished sketching this quilt design and was looking for a theme, I kept being drawn to those repeating plus shapes. Plus = positivity. And then I saw that each patchwork group can symbolize a life lesson. As we sew this quilt month by month in 2024, the beautiful shapes and colors can remind us to slow down, listen to our heart, follow our joy, lean into our community and shine on, among others. I’ll be sharing what each patchwork group means to me, along with the patchwork instructions each month. This BOM is your monthly dose of patchwork + positivity!
Positivities Quilt
full spectrum variation
This is the version of Positivities that I’m currently making, but I couldn’t stop here. I’ve also mocked up a more focused palette version, which I’ll share with you in the days to come!
This version is intended to be made with a base of 9 solids + your scraps. See those big square multicolor prints? Those are places to let your showiest scraps shine!
Positivities BOM
A BLOCK OF THE MONTH CLUB FOR 2024
Would you enjoy a fresh quilty challenge? Sew-along with us as we bring this modern sampler quilt to life, sewing group by group of beautifully interwoven patchwork in 2024.
Star Web, Kaleidoscope, Sunbeams, North Star, Optimisms, Expansion, Big Sun and more - each patchwork group is its own particular delight. Together they make up an ode to patchwork pleasure that’s as delightful to behold as it is to sew.
Unlike other sampler quilts, you won’t always make just one block in each style. Instead, Positivities often invites you to dig into a shape and repeat it for awhile, before moving onto something new. It’s a stimulating combination of novelty and repetition!
Sew-Along in 2024!
Skill level: Suitable for intermediate quilters. During the course of the year, you will learn techniques for strip-piecing, foundation paper piecing, partial seams and simple curves. No prior experience with these techniques is assumed. Advanced quilters will also enjoy the journey, I’m sure!
Size: 63” x 75” throw quilt
Schedule: Monthly digital BOM deliveries run January through December 2024
