Announcing the Free-Wheeling Single Girl Sewalong 2018

I'm enormously excited to be co-hosting the very first Free-Wheeling Single Girl sew-along with Denyse Schmidt and the team at Sewtopia.  

This quilt along is best for those who have some experience making quilts and are comfy sewing a 1/4 inch seam.  

If you are new to sewing curves - this is the perfect project for you!  The improv rings are forgiving to piece and their generous size make those curves easy to master.

Free-Wheeling Single Girl is one of THE iconic modern quilt designs of our time. 

Renowned designer Denyse Schmidt has turned the traditional double wedding ring quilt design on its head.  Free-Wheeling Single Girl is fresh and modern, yet timeless.

If you need to fire up your creative juices, just check out some  of the inspiring Free-Wheeling Single Girl projects on social media  here and here

How does the sew-along work?

The sew-along is exactly what it sounds like.

Beginning 10 September 2018, there will be quilters working on the Free-Wheeling Single Girl quilt at the same time. 

This quilt along will take place on Instagram using the hashtag #freewheelingsinglegirlsal .  Make sure you use the hashtag when posting about your project so everyone can see your progress. Its also a great way to connect  with others and enjoy the sew-along community.

On top of encouragement from fellow quilters all over the world, each week we will share lots of tips along the way, including some design prompts from Denyse Schmidt herself.

Make sure you sign up to get the weekly sew-along updates delivered straight to your inbox.

You can make whichever size you like, but aim to make at least the baby quilt top over the 6 week sew-along.   

The baby quilt is just 4 rings, which is totally achievable, AND you will then be in the running for the grand prizes.

The prizes are amazing.  That's right, there's going to be more than one grand prize. We will be revealing more about the prize pool and our generous sponsors soon. 

Here's our schedule:

Week 1

Get your materials together (pattern, templates and fabric) and sign up for the sew-along  (All the details of where to buy a pattern and/or templates are below)

Week 2

Start piecing your rings.  Aim to make at least 8 arcs.

Week 3

Make the rest of your improv pieced arcs and trim to size.

Week 4

Cut your background units and construct your blocks.

Week 5

Catch up week - and stitch the rest of your blocks if making a larger version of the quilt.

Week 6

Sew your blocks together to complete your quilt top.

Is there a cost?

Its totally free!

There is no cost to join the fun, but you will need to purchase a copy of the pattern if you don't already have one.

I'm in!  How do I join?

RSVP here for the weekly sew-along prompts. 

You will have myself, Denyse Schmidt and the Sewtopia team as your own personal cheer squad, and we will be sharing lots of handy hints and tips. 

Sign up and you won't miss a thing.

Materials

1.DS Quilts Free-Wheeling Single Girl pattern (PDF or paper)

You can purchase PDF or paper copies of the Free-Wheeling Single Girl pattern directly from DSQuilts here   

Paper patterns are also available at Sewtopia and The Next Stitch.

2. Free-Wheeling Single Girl templates (optional)

They aren't essential, but our templates will have you punching out those ring blocks in no time at all.  They speed things up enormously.

The official Free-Wheeling Single Girl templates have been made in collaboration with Denyse, right here in Australia.

They're  made specifically for rotary cutting, which makes trimming and piecing these blocks a breeze.

Pattern bundles with templates are available exclusively through us here in Australia and at Sewtopia in the US.

Already have a copy of the pattern?

No problem.  Templates can be purchased separately, however you will need to provide proof that you already own the pattern.

3.Fabric

Everyone will need yardage of a background  fabric for their quilt.  Once you register you will be sent a coupon code for 15% off yardage from Sewtopia and The Next Stitch.  You can use this code and choose from the extensive range of solids and Essex linen yarn-dyed fabric at either store

Both stores also have oodles of beautiful fabrics for your rings

 EDIT:  We have also kicked off a private Facebook group.  Once you have signed up for the sew-along, you can request to become a member.  It is a great place to connect with other 'Free-Wheelers' and ask questions outside of your normal social media fee.

Request to join the Facebook group here