Astra Quilt SAL: Week 1
Week 1: Welcome, Select Fabric, and Gathering Supplies
Welcome to Week 1 of Astra Quilt Sew Along, and I’m so happy you’re here! Astra Quilt has endless possibilities, I can’t wait to see how you make it your own. Hello! I’m Katie, the owner and creator behind Zahm Co. click here to learn a little about me.
If you haven’t yet, purchase the pattern and read through it (twice, if you’re like me).
Astra Quilt Sew Along Overview
Who? You! Me! Us! Anyone is welcome to participate.
What? We will be making a throw Astra quilt. You are welcome to make your preferred size, but to participate in weekly prizes and a chance at the grand prize, you must submit a throw or bed.
Where? Sew along updates will be posted weekly via email. If you’re local to Denver, join us weekly at Wooden Spools (meet every Saturday 9:00-10:00am MDT). We will be talking through the weekly email and showing off our work. If you’re not local, don’t fret, you’re able to join the conversation via email (hi@zahm.co) or Instagram using the #astraquiltsal tag.
When? July 9 - August 13
Why? The possibilities are endless with Astra quilt; make it your own and have a chance to win weekly PRIZES (details below). Follow along #astraquiltsal to see what over one hundred other quilters are making!
SAL Schedule
Week 1: Select Fabric & Gather Supplies - July 9th
Week 2: Cut, Organize Fabric, & Sew 1 Block - July 16th
Week 3: Sew 4 Blocks - July 23rd
Week 4: Sew 4 Blocks - July 30th
Week 5: Sew 3 Blocks & Cornerstone Rows - August 6th
Week 6: Assemble Quilt Top - August 13th
Week 1 Assignment: Select Fabric and Gather Supplies
This week we are picking fabrics, breaking down the Astra Block, and reviewing design options. Let’s go! If you’re looking for an easy week, you can shop Astra Quilt Kits, or if you are up for more of a challenge, dive into your stash and shop around. But before you purchase review the tips below to better understand which Astra version you want to make. Note: I will be making a throw size quilt, all sizes referenced below are referring to a throw size, unless otherwise stated.
Tip 1: Astra Block
The block finishes at 18” x 18” square, making an adorable deco pillow. It consists of two sets of flying geese, one making the sawtooth star (4 flying geese), the other making the outside triangles (4 flying geese). The center will be square built on itself, and the four log cabin corners will highlight the sawtooth star.
Tip 2: Color Families
Pick 3-5 color families to highlight in the quilt. Once you decide on the colors then pick a variety of values (lightness and darkness) of the color. Below I have a few color combinations to help spark your creativity. Use this time to play with the unknown as the most unpredictable option is often the most beautiful.
Natural
Playful
Mysterious
Fresh
Tip 3: Fabric Styles (A-F)
A good rule of thumb for Astra quilt is to pick a close design print or solids. The smallest cut will end up half an inch, while the biggest is five inches. It will be a great option if the fabric design print is close with no more than a two-inch gap. There is one exception for Fabric A in the Traditional Version; details are listed under Tip 5.1. Lastly, directional fabric can work a majority of the time. The smaller right angles created by Fabrics D & E can get tricky. However, they are smaller, and it didn’t bother me. Tips for working with directional fabric for the flying geese will come during week 3.
Tip 4: Background Fabric (G) - 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. Lastly, I round up to 4 yards of background fabric (for throw) when purchasing (please note depending on the version you pick, this requirement may change).
Tip 5: Pick your Astra Quilt Version
The pattern offers two design versions: Modern or Traditional. In the Bonus Version blog post, you have the option to create a Two-Color block, a Two-Color quilt, Match Fabric A with Cornerstones, Scrappy & so many other ideas not listed.
Quilt-spiration
Modern Gradient - by Katelyn Wilson
Traditional Version
Modern - by Darcy Struble (click for kit)
Two - Color Blocks
Modern with Print Fabrics
Two-Color Quilt
Tip 5.1: Modern Version - fat quarter friendly
There are so many ways to mix and match the fabric. The pattern is written (page 6 PDF) to keep all Fabrics B, D & E the same, but here is when you don’t need to follow every word I wrote :). Darcy did a fantastic job mixing and matching the fabric shown in the quilt above. Another fun way is to create a gradient look similar to Katelyn’s quilt above.
Tip 5.2: Traditional Version - yardage friendly
Astra Quilt pattern cover can be purchased here. This initial design is yardage friendly, but you can easily pull fabrics from your stash for the smaller sizes (Fabric A, D, E, or F). A fun way to make this your own is to pick the same fabric for A and F, allowing the smaller and bigger squares to match. Lastly, if you have an adorable fabric with a great design you want to accent, use this for Fabric A and cut a square around the design.
Tip 5.3: Two-Color Block Version - fat quarter friendly
You’ll find details about this bonus version in my blog post. This version is fat-quarter friendly but does require you to purchase more backing fabric as Fabric A becomes the same color as the background. I will be using this bonus version during the SAL, and I’m excited to see it come to life!
Tip 5.4: Two-Color Quilt Version
Two-color quilts are a classic look, and I always seem to add them to my list of quilts to make. Now, I am not sure I have ever made a two-color quilt! Bummer. Let me know if you want to make this; I can help with the fabric requirements.
Basic Quilting Supplies
Sewing Machine
Needles
Thread
Fabric
Straight Pins
Seam ripper
Iron & Ironing board
Rotary Cutter
Cutting Mat
Quilt Rulers (3.5” x 12.5” | 6.5” x 6.5” | Stripology Ruler)
Fabric Scissors
Bonus Quilting Supplies
Sew Fine Thread Gloss
Hera marker
Best Press
Enter Week 1 Giveaway
To enter the Week 1 prize, introduce yourself and post a photo of your fabric pull. If you’re on Instagram, use the hashtag #astraquiltsal. Else please email me at hi@zahm.co. You must post or submit by Friday, July 15th, 11:59 pm MDT, to be entered into the Week 1 giveaway.
Week 1 Prize - One lucky person will win over 250 Quilty Stickers, Artwork Quilt Paper Pattern, and Hera Marker. Good Luck!
Sponsored by Wooden Spools and Zahm Co
