The Tessa Quilt Quarantine-A-Long - Fabric Requirements
First, I should announce that I am doing a Tessa Quilt-A-Long (or in this case, a Quarantine-A-Long, both known as a QAL) and it is NOT starting right now so don't panic. This post will include info on when it is starting and a tentative schedule of weekly posts.
Since many shops are processing fabric shipments a little more slowly right now, I wanted to go ahead and announce the QAL and post the fabric requirements. This will give you plenty of time to get your fabric ordered so that you can start QAL-ing on time. I will have another post with more specific information about picking fabric placement, colors, etc. during the first week of the QAL.
Note - You can use fat quarters instead of 1/4 yard cuts, but none of the sizes are completely fat quarter friendly.
Tentative Tessa QAL Schedule
Week 1 - May 18-22 - Fabric Selection
Week 2 - May 25-29 - Cutting, Strip Piecing, More Cutting
Week 3 - June 1-5 - Piecing Week 1
Week 4 - June 8-12 - Piecing Week 2
Week 5 - Quilting and Trimming
Details
You can make your quilt in baby, lap, or twin sizes, but my instructions will refer to the lap size quilt. You do not need to purchase the pattern to have access to the tips that are given in the blog posts, but you do need to purchase the pattern if you would like to make the quilt.
This will be a no-frills QAL - that means that I am not going to do prizes. You will not have to follow anyone on Instagram or subscribe to an email list to participate. I want the focus to be on community and on sharing information about the pattern, not on prizes. Later in the QAL I will be posting information for a few wonderful long arm quilters who will be offering a discount to anyone who participates.
Skill Level
This quilt is not difficult, but it is a little non-traditional so it might be tricky for first time quilters. It is a great, fun project for quilters who have made a couple of quilting projects and want to try something unique.
Picking Fabrics
This pattern works with anything from solids to large scale prints. I will be giving you some tips during Week 1 about placement of the larger scale prints that will help make your quilt successful. It is best not to use ALL large scale prints because there are some places where they don't work as well.
It is good to have a mix of different colors or values to help make the woven effect more obvious. Picking a Fabric O (that is the white solid in each of my prints) that stands out from your fabrics is very important. You don't have to use a white solid but that is obviously my preference :)
Participation
What does it mean to participate in this QAL? Well, hopefully you will make the quilt. In addition, I would love to see your quilts on Instagram using the hashtag #TheTessaQAL. If you do not use Instagram, I highly recommend that you sign up - it is a great way to interact with other quilters. I will also be sharing your quilt photos in my stories during the QAL.
Additionally, I will be doing a weekly video meeting where you can ask questions and share what you are working on. I am not sure which platform I will be using - I will share more info about this later.
Pattern Discount
Will the pattern be on sale? Of course! From now until the beginning of the QAL, you can get The Tessa Quilt Pattern for 20% off using code QAL. This will work for either the paper or PDF pattern. If you plan on purchasing the paper pattern, make sure to give the pattern plenty of time to ship to you.
Supplies
This quilt can be made with basic supplies, it doesn't require anything fancy. Rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, sewing machine, 1/4" foot, pins, and an iron. If you don't already have them, I would recommend a large square ruler and a long ruler for the trimming stage.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments here and I will do my best to respond.