dpendleton

New quilter here, this may be ambitious but I'm joining Aby Dolinger's BOM quilt-along "Optimism" starting in January. I'm doing the 12 block version.

Anyone else?

Do folks comment on their progress in the comments on Aby's blog page?

Thanks,
DawnP
Newly retired

bkay

Wow! That's a beautiful design. I've never done a quilt-a-long. That looks like a lot of little pieces. Good luck!

bkay

Mkotch

I'm in and will work on choosing my fabric later this month. Aby's instructions are always so clear and she offers great guidance. We comment on her blog mostly. I look forward to seeing your progress as we go!

QuiltBaer

I probably won't make the quilt but I do read her blog. She's so creative and such a wonderful person.

ibex94

Thank you for pointing out this free quilt along! Sampler quilts are always intriguing to watch and work on. I am looking forward to seeing your progress! Have you picked out your colors?

toverly

That looks like a fun quilt along. I may jump in. Thanks for posting.

ElaineCovid

Looks awesome and I happen to have a new FQ bundle to use for it.... Anyone know or can comment on how generous/closely calculated her amounts usually are?

thimblebug6000

Thanks for the link, just checked out her blog.

Watson

I think even if you're a new quilter, those blocks are well within your reach, especially in a quilt along where there is so much help and enthusiasm from others.
My advice, (Which you didn't ask for, but here goes anyway...), is to really think about your colours as you have to look at them for the next year or so. (Unless you are doing it scrappy...each block different.)
For something like this, I usually buy a print that I absolutely love for the border and then pull my colours from it for the blocks. Be sure to have lots of contrast and, if you are doing a light background, spring for a really good fabric that will be the least see-through. We all try to "Press to the dark side", but it isn't always possible. Err on the side of caution and buy an extra 1/4 yard of each if you can...you don't want to run out and you can always use it on the back.
Have fun!

Watson

dpendleton

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies and especially your advice for newbies.

I am thinking about my colors now. I like the advice of choosing a print border and pulling colors from it.

I may also stay cautious and model my color choices on Abu Dolinger's sketch, I like it.

I have to give full credit to Mkotch who has posted about Aby's blog and has followed her BOM programs in previous years