Middle Sister Quilt SAL: Week 1

Written By Katie Zahm

Week 1: Welcome, Select Fabric, and Gathering Supplies

Welcome fellow quilters to Middle Sister Sew Along, I’m sew happy you’re here! Grab a cup of coffee (or ______) and cozy up, as this blog will be the longest. Hello! I’m Katie, the owner and creator behind Zahm Co. click here to learn a little about me. Middle Sister pattern has a ton of half square triangles which is the perfect thing to calm your mind and find your sewing rhythm.

If you haven’t yet, purchase the pattern and read through it (twice, if you’re like me).

Middle Sister Quilt Sew Along Overview

  • Who? You! Me! Us! Anyone is welcome to participate.

  • What? We will be making a lap or throw Middle Sister quilt. You are welcome to make a pillow or wall hanging size but need to make a lap or throw to participate in the weekly prizes.

  • Where? Online. For additional support and community, join our Zahm Co Patterns Facebook group; this is a safe space to ask questions and gather understanding. Plus, we will have two bonus meet-ups for those in Denver or willing to travel to Wooden Spools.

    • February 4th, from 10 am - 2 pm, Open Sew Day; we can hang out together while sewing our Middle Sister quilts.

    • February 18th, from 10 am - 11 pm, Show and Tell; we will share our Middle Sister quilt (in progress or completed)

  • When? January 6th through February 18th, 2023

  • Why? Do you know the best part about a Sew Along? The COMMUNITY! Whether you quilt as a hobby or your profession, a Sew Along is for the whole community. Pick some fabrics, and try a new technique; this is a perfect place to branch out and grow as a quilter. Follow along #middlesistersal to see what over one hundred and fifty other quilters are making!

  • Prizes We will offer a weekly prize to one winner who enters their photo to Instagram and use #middlesistersal. Details below

    • Receive 20% off longarm E2E quilting on your Middle Sister quilt from Cara of Sew Colorado Quilting now through July 31, 2023.

SAL Schedule

(Add to Google Calendar)

  • Welcome Note + Bundle options

  • Week 1: Select Fabric & Gather Supplies - Jan 6th

  • Week 2: Cut Fabric - Jan 13th

    • Sponsor: Lamb & Loom - $50 gift certificate (US and CA only)

  • Week 3: Sew Half Square Triangles - Jan 20th

  • Week 4: Sew Half Square Triangles - Jan 27th

  • Week 5: Sew HST Blocks - Feb 3rd

  • Week 6: Assemble Quilt Top - Feb 10th

    • Sponsor: Oliso - Grand Prize - Oliso Collection includes a ProPlus SmartIron, Mini Project Iron, Ironing Board Cover, and Felt Pressing Mat (US and CA only) ($400 value)

Color Burst throw, using a Layer Cake by Moda. Quilted by Syaza Haris.

Week 1 Assignment: Select Fabric and Gather Supplies

This week we are picking fabrics, breaking down the pattern, and reviewing design options. Let’s go! If you’re looking for an easy week, you can shop Middle Sister Quilt Kits, or if you are up for more of a challenge, dive into your stash or shop around. But before you purchase fabric, review the tips below to get a better understanding of the pattern.

Note: I am making a throw size quilt using a layer cake. All photos and sizes below represent this version. Image below.

HST - Half Square Triangle(s)

Tip 1: Pick Quilt Size and Version

The pattern offers two design versions and a few sizes. Color Burst involves more colors; I suggest snagging a bundle if this is intimidating. Minimalist version is another great option with fewer color options with a masculine vibe. Note the lap size is smaller than the throw size; however, there is the same number of HST in each.

Tip 2: Layer Cake

Layer Cakes are perfect for this pattern as you need 36 - 10” squares to make a throw size color burst Middle Sister quilt. Note that you may use up to 39 pieces, depending on the colors you want. If you're like me and looking for a light few weeks during the sew along, I highly recommend joining me in this layer cake route. Snag a 42-piece Layer Cake with the background fabric, and you’ll complete week one and half of week two in one swoop.

Tip 3: Scrappy Quilt

Looking to use your scraps? I have not done this yet, but it would be so cool. Once you decide on your size (lap or throw), you will need 36 squares for Fabrics A-K and 36 squares of fabric L (background). Follow the pattern for the square sizes and the needed sashing strips (fabric L). If you want to make a scrappy version and need more help, feel free to email me.

Tip 4: Color Families

Pick 2-4 color families to highlight in the quilt. Once you decide on the colors, pick a variety of values (lightness and darkness) of the color. You can use this time to play with the unknown, as the most unpredictable option is often the most beautiful.

Tip 5: Pick Fabrics A-K

It’s your time to shine! So many colors or fabric prints can work for Fabrics A - K, but note the size of the HST and how much print will show. I would probably avoid the large prints, but it depends on your vision. Trust your gut and try not to overthink it.

Tip 6: Pick Background Fabric (L) - low volume, blender, or solid

Low-volume fabrics are a favorite of mine; when designing patterns, I use lots of negative space, which is perfect for a low-volume print. However, it is an excellent time to use a solid fabric and plans to do a fun quilt design in the space.

Basic Quilting Supplies

  • Sewing Machine

  • Needles

  • Thread

  • Fabric

  • Straight Pins

  • Seam ripper

  • Iron & Ironing board

  • Rotary Cutter

  • Cutting Mat

  • Quilt Rulers (3 1⁄2” x 12 1⁄2” | 6 1⁄2” x 6 1⁄2” | Stripology Ruler)

  • Fabric Scissors

Bonus Quilting Supplies

Katie’s Week 1: Fabric Selection

  • Fabric A - K: Ruby Star Society | Strawberry & Friends by Kimberly Kight | Layer Cake

  • Fabric L: Ruby Star Society | Spark in Multi | Jolly Basics by Melody Miller

 

Enter Week 1 Prize

To enter the Week 1 prize, introduce yourself and post a photo of your fabric pull. Post on Instagram and use the hashtag #middlesistersal. Post by Thursday, January 12th, 11:59 pm MST, to be entered into the Week 1 prize.

Week 1 Prize - One lucky person will win a $50 gift certificate to Ollie Fabrics. Good Luck!

Sponsored by Ollie Fabrics

Week 1 winner: @lynncycle, congrats Lynn!

Katie Zahm

Quilt Pattern Designer

https://zahm.co
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Middle Sister Quilt SAL: Week 2