I’ve been talking about it, and showing a few snippets here and there…. but I am officially announcing my free block of the month! It’s called Sew Sweet Simplicity– because the blocks look way more complicated than they are! And, you will have 3 different options for making your blocks-
- *you can just piece them
- *OR you can applique them (hand or machine- I did machine applique)
- *OR you can do simple hand embroidery (just 2 super easy stitches- the backstitch and French knots- plus I have a YouTube tutorial for those stitches)
The Block of the Month will run 5 months- 1 or 2 blocks per month (total of 6 blocks) for 4 months, then borders and finishing for the fifth month. So in addition to choosing which techniques you’d like to do, you can also choose the smaller quilt with just 4 blocks, or the larger quilt with 6 blocks.
You must subscribe to receive the patterns by email! Even if you are a current subscriber- you must sign up for this separately- you will not automatically receive the BOM pattern in the regular newsletter mailing.
Please sign up for the free BOM
by clicking here.
Please note that this event has already started. However you can still sign up! When you sign up, you will receive an email with links to all of the previous blocks.
(If you are having technical difficulty, such as can’t find the email with the pattern, can’t read the file, etc., please visit out FAQ page. Thanks.)
When you sign up, you will receive the monthly PDF pattern, which will include step-by-step instructions with diagrams for each block.
The 4 block quilt is approximately 42″ square, and the 6 block quilt is approximately 42 x 55″.
There will also be a blog hop each month, so you can see how different bloggers made their quilt- different fabrics, perhaps different settings and borders… So be prepared to be inspired. Oh, and of course, you can’t have a blog hop without fun prizes and giveaways!!!
Plus- the quilts shown above were made with my Cottage Charm fabric line, and I will have a limited number of fabric kits for sale. These will be made available soon and will be offered to subscribers first. (FABRIC KITS ARE NOW AVAILABLE- CLICK HERE.) Sorry- kits are sold out.
Fabric requirements for both the 4 and 6 block quilts are now available here. Get fabric inspiration here.
I’ve been hard at work, getting the sample done, and playing with applique and embroidery:
Won’t you please help me get the word out about this fun event?
Please share on your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or perhaps email this post to a friend who would like to join us (there are handy-dandy sharing buttons right underneath my signature)!!! I also hope that you will share photos of your projects as we sew-along together. I can’t wait to see your blocks and finished projects!
Below, you will also find buttons which you can post to your social media and install on your blog side bar. Also, please use the hashtag #SewSweetSimplicity when you share your photos on social media- this way, we can all find each other’s photos and follow along!
The first block will be released on October 27- I hope that you will join us… Remember, you must sign up here to get your FREE patterns! (even if you are a current subscriber.)
Please right click on the images below, and save to your computer. Then you can use them in blog posts, in your blog side bar, and post to social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And of course, you can pin them to Pinterest…
Please link the images to this url address:
http://jacquelynnesteves.com/sew-sweet-simplicity-free-block-of-the-month/
(400 pixels wide)
(200 pixels wide)
(300 pixels wide)
(600 pixels wide)
98 Comments
Can’t wait for this one to start! I will being doing the piecing. Applique is not my friend. :)
Hi Sandy! That’s why I made several options for this! But have you tried fusible machine applique? It’s my favorite….
I haven’t been able to find a product that I like for fusible applique. It all feels too stiff when I use it.
Hi,
I normally use Vlisofix applique paper and haven’t found it to be overly stiff. I’ve noticed that some appliquers actually cut out the centre sections of the applique shape once it has been traced onto the applique paper leaving about 1/4 inch perimeter. This is then fused onto the back of your chosen fabric. I haven’t actually tried this but from what I’ve seen the applique shape is softer and then the cut out centre pieces of fusible paper can be used for smaller shapes. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the tips, Sarah. I have heard of Vlisofix, and done some research, and I don’t believe it’s available in the US. I agree that sometimes fusible webbing can be stiff, especially if you are using large pieces. I have done the method where you cut out the center of the fusible web, leaving just a 1/4- 1/2″ border on the edges. It works quite well- you just have to be careful that you don’t distort the shape when fusing (ironing) it to the fabric. Also, there are different weights of fusible webbing. I try to use the lightweight kind.
I also don’t like the feel of stiff applique, so I have using water soluble stabilizers-I’ve tried a couple so far with good results. I fuse the stabilizer, lightly glue baste the turned edge with Quilter’s Choice and then use hem stitch on my machine or stitch by hand. I’m looking forward to this BOM-it will be my first!
I came upon your website through Facebook. I signed up and I really like your web site. It is so cute and i feel right at home. I always wanted a blog site so I could get inspired to do more quilting. Somedays I feel like I’m not good enough and other days I feel on top of the world. Thanks for your inspiration.
This looks like fun. Even though blue is my favorite color, I think red and white quilts are my favorite. Thank you for the free patterns for the BOM. I’m excited.
Susan- I love red too! Maybe you’ll want to try this one with blue- I think that would be really pretty!
This is going to be fun. Thanks for sharing this BOM with us Jacquelynne.
You’re welcome, Christine! I hope you’ll share some photos with us and show us how yours comes out!
this is going to be sew exciting…
And really fun to see how everyone’s looks
I know, Tammy- I’m thinking of all the different fabrics you could use for this! I can’t wait to see everyone else’s also :)
I would be happy to put your button on my sidebar but I can not copy and past the picture. Looks like fun!
Can’t wait. Love machine applique.
Me, too Linda- ’cause I like to hurry up and make stuff and then make more stuff!!
This is just too cute~! I like that it’s a smaller number of blocks. Looks like so much fun. Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Yep, Yorkiedog (can I call you Yorkiedog?? ha ha) Who wants a 12 or 13 month commitment- not me!
Hello,
I tried to sign up for the BOM twice and have not received an email to confirm.
Thanks
Hi Pam, sorry you are having difficulty. Please check your spam folder- it may be there. If not, email me and I’ll try to figure out what the problem is.
I am going to participate. Can’t wait for the first blocks to come out.I have signed up.
Yay! So glad to have you on board, Carrie!
I shared this with my 50 guild members. Hope some of them will be following along with me. Thank you for being so generous.
Oh, I hope so, too, Gale! That would be wonderful!
Everything on your site is lovely! I love your inspirationals too. I will be signing up for BOM and sharing your link. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks soooo much Wendy!
Looks like a lot of fun. The blocks look so pretty. Would love to join in.
So glad to have you join in, Diana! I can’t wait to see your blocks- please post/send photos!
Looks like a lot of fun. Will look forward to joining in.
I’m looking forward to making these by hand. Thank you!
By hand! You are much more patient than I am! I can’t wait to see how your blocks turn out :)
We’ll be doing it as a group quilt at the senior center, each person gets their choice to do a block, borders, quilting or binding. Thanks Jacquelynn
That’s great, Susan! It will be fun to see how each person makes their own blocks!
Oh, goody, goody, goody! This is going to be sooo much fun! Roll on October! Thankyou Jacquelynne, it is such a pretty quilt; I’m going to be doing the applique probably on my sewing machine.
Hi Jacquelynne! Congrats on designing a wonderfully fun set of blocks! I’m getting excited – these block designs are just SEW cute!!!! I posted to Facebook and Pinterest. I’ve got class all day tomorrow but I hope to get a blog post up about it soon.
Thanks, Teresa! Have fun at your class- is it a quilting class?
Your blocks look so exciting! As a newcomer to the quilting world, I am so looking forward to your Sew Sweet BOM. I’ve put your button on my blog sidebar and pinned to Pinterest.
P.S. Hope your had a wonderful Birthday!
Thanks for sharing the event on your blog and Pinterest, Lisa :)
Yes, I had a very nice birthday- my family is so good to me!
Would you please put me down for a kit as soon as you get them ready. My fingers do not cut well any more and I want to make this BOM. Many thanks. Sharon K. Lozano
Sharon- look for an email from me in the beginning of October with all of the information about the kits :)
Eep! This looks fantastic. I can’t wait for it to start :D. Over the coming days I’ll whip up a post for my blog and add the button to my side bar :)
Thanks, Rachael! I appreciate it :)
Oh yes please allow me to join this bom too.
Thanks for sharing your talents.
Hi Jane- we’d love to have you do the BOM with us. Did you sign up yet? Please fill in the box in the upper right of this page so that you get all of the information and patterns!
Beautiful pattern, I really love it! And it will be my very first BOM I participate in. I was looking for a good reason to try hand piecing…this is the one I was waiting for, thank you!
Hi Nora- It’s the first BOM that I’ve ever designed- so we’re both “new”!
I just added your button to my blog. To be honest I’ve a hard time completing BOM’s. This one has me really excited and I’m determined, thanks for sharing your talent!
I posted about your BOM on my blog!!! Looking forward to this one! I like that it is short!!!
Just found your blog and facebook page and website. Love it. Looking forward to doing this BOM.
I will be doing the patchwork. I have placed an order for the kit and can’t wait to begin. This is going to be such fun and will make quite the quilt. Thank you for this opportunity you have shared with us to be able to make such a stunning quilt.
Sandi Timmons
Hi Jacquelynne,
Beverly at 44th Street Fabrics (44thstreetfabric.blogspot.com) posted about your BOM and linked back to your post. I am looking forward to reading your past posts and your upcoming Block of the Month! Thanks for making it free to your readers!
Great, Karen! Glad to have you along :)
sounds alike fun.
For some reason I don’t see a box in the upper right corner to sign up for the BOM.
Thank You.
Hi Sally-
Are you on a desktop computer, or maybe an iPad or mobile phone? I’d suggest using a desktop or lap top computer for the signup. Go to this page http://jacquelynnesteves.com/sewing-quilting/sew-sweet-simplicity-free-block-of-the-month/ , and in the upper right bar there will be a box with a picture of the quilt, and below the picture there will be a place to put your email.
I Pinned this Awesome BOM!! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/423619908673814910/
Thanks, Lori! You rock!!!
Cannot wait to start!
Just heard about you today when I listened to you on Pat Sloan’s latest podcast. I’m a fairly new quilter and still learning how to do a lot of things. I love BOM’s because they teach me a lot and are in small bites. Can’t wait to do your sweet BOM. Thank you!
This sounds like so much fun. Can’t wait!! :)
I have been quilting for a few years now, I’ve done traditional-with-a-twist and just recently have gotten into art quilts. I’ve never done a BOM but have wanted to for some time now. I LOVE the fact that this is just a 6-block commitment SO this will be my first BOM quilt and I am so excited to get in just under the wire.
Hi..I’m not quite sure when the block of the month is starting. The beginning or end of October. Thanks..I’ll keep checking for it. An e
Hi Anne- the first block will be emailed on October 27. Look for a couple of emails from me before it starts, with more details.
These patterns look fun. I really enjoy piecing although I have done some applique in the past but never in a quilt.
Do you going to do hand quilting or machine quilting.
Thank you for the free pattern. I found you on IG.
Hi Margaret- My sample will be done with machine piecing, machine applique, and machine quilting at the end. For the embroidered sample, I will hand-embroider the block centers, but everything else will be done by machine. You can make your blocks however you would like!
I’ve signed up! This will be my first ever BOM… I’ve never had the confidence to do a BOM but I think I’ll manage ok… so I’m looking forward to being part of this & sharing pics on my blog as I progress.
Thank you!
Anthea- yes you should be fine! All of the blocks will have step by step photos, and of course we’ll all be here to answer questions and cheer each other on! Can’t wait to see your photos :)
I’m looking forward to getting the pattern(s). This will be fun!!
Thanks for sharing three ways to do the BOM Sweet Simplicity. Look forward to it I have you button on my blog
I am looking forward to this block of the month…how nice of you to do this for us for free……I found you on crafty downloading a pattern you had on there…thank you so much
Hi, I was trying to sign up for your cute BOM, however when I fill in my email & press send, nothing happens. Could you please add me to the list from this message. Thanks so much. Sandra
freezer paper works great
I’m going to love doing this quilt! And I think I’m actually going to keep it too instead of giving it away. That’s a new concept for me. I do charity quilting.
cant wait to start, shared on my Facebook hoping my friends might join along too. Happy quilting!
I am so sorry I have no idea how I was sent here. I love this bom and cannot wait to start!
Hello, could you please resend me my first block of the month patter. Thank you
I landed here from a linky party that showed one of the completed blocks from your BOM. I can’t believe I just discovered you, Jacquelynne! I love your work and your philosophy. Thank you for offering this free BOM to everyone. It looks great! I’ll be sharing it on my blog soon.
Love BOMs and will be thrilled to receive this free!
I am obviously doing something very wrong, but my computer won’t let me type any data into the sign up box. I’m hoping you can sign me up from here. Many thanks.
Just signed up and have shared on my fb wall as well as in a couple of quilting groups I’m in on there too :D
Hugs
Nomes
I signed up for the BOM a while ago. I have not received any instructions yet. Thank You.
Sally- I tried to reply to you via email, but it was bounced back.
Soooo cute. I love doing handwork on the blocks…. Now to catch up :)
Thanks for doing this. It looks awesome.
hi i haven’t received my first block ,was wondering if it had been sent regards raelene
Love your block, it is so pretty. Can’t wait to start your BOM.
I signed up for this BOM almost from the very beginning….but I haven’t received any emails. Should I re-sign up?
I finally got my fabric and today completed Block #1. I am really please about your BOM the blocks look terrific and your instructions are very clear and easy to follow. One thing i have not found is the dates that you will release each pattern. Do you do this on specific dates or when you have completed the instructions. Thanks.
HI Marion-
The release dates for all of the blocks can be found here. http://jacquelynnesteves.com/?p=4023
I have a problem. Your web site says I’m signed up for the Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM but I’m not getting any of them. How can we fix this? Thanks, Jane
I enjoy reading your blog very much, it’s like spending time with an old friend. I love the Civil War colors of blues and tans. I hope to tackle a pattern called Evening Star from the Civil War Era. Thank you for the opportunity.
Looking forward to doing this – tend towards blue fabrics myself but the red certainly looks smart!
I’ve tried to sign up, but the list manager keeps giving me a blank page when I click submit.
Best gift ever! My kids & Grandkids, of course. No matter where or when or what, just the sound of their voices or a picture of them, make me smile & everything feels right.
Did I miss the 3rd block?? I only have info on 2 so far.
I only received email for the first two blocks. I read the FAQs and even tried signing up again, but it tells me I am already subscribed. How can I get the missing patterns?
Jacqueline, I had to change computers and the old one fried everything – can you send me a like to download the patterns again from the Sew Sweet, I’ve re signed up but I can’t seem to find the links for the block patterns.
Kay, just sent you an email.
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