Blomma II 2023 BOM
A 12 month sew-along to create a beautiful, contemporary hand applique quilt
Welcome to my new BOM (block of the month) for 2023, I'm so excited to start this journey with you!
Following on from my beloved first Blomma quilt comes this companion quilt, 'Blomma II' that contains all the same elements and style as its predecessor.
It is created using 12 individual block designs inspired by contemporary Scandinavian folk art and design. Each block pattern is repeated in various colour ways to create this impactful contemporary quilt. In total there are 30 blocks that will make up this quilt measuring 60 x 72 inches.
Each month you will work on one block design, and its varying colour ways, with the help of written instructions and video tutorials. Throughout the year this BOM will help you build your skills and confidence in the needle turn hand applique technique whilst creating your own unique, beautiful handmade quilt.
Create your own beautiful, unique contemporary hand applique quilt.
*The first block pattern will be released on 31st March 2023*
BLOMMA II 2023 - One off payment
£54
- 12 Block patterns. one released every month
- PDF Digital downloads, video tutorials & resources
- Two quilt pattern options
WHAT IS A block of the month?
If you're new to the quilting world you may have heard someone talking about a block of the month (BOM) and wondered what on earth it is. How does it work? What do I need to do?
In order to create the majority of quilts, you create a certain number of fabric squares, known commonly in quilting terms as blocks, and they can be of varying sizes and patterns. The overall quilt pattern will have a repeated block design or different block designs to make up the full finished quilt.
A BOM is simply a guided sew-along where you will make one or more blocks from the whole quilt pattern per month over a set period of time. It can vary in length usually from 6 - 12 months or sometimes even longer depending on the complexity of the quilt design. Joining a BOM is a really great way to learn or improve skills, meet new people and can also can help give you valuable support where needed. It's especially great for anyone getting into quilting and feel like they need a little additional guidance too.
When you join a BOM you receive all the information to make a quilt and a nice structure to work through over a set period of time.
For the 'Blomma II' BOM, you will receive written instructions and video tutorials on how to make each of these 12 block designs (as shown here). You will also get additional printable resources to help keep you on track and stay organised throughout.
Each block will then need to be made in a different colour way, in varying quantities, and you will get full guidance on how to do this within each individual block pattern. In total during this 12 month BOM we will be making 30 blocks in total for the full quilt pattern.
As well as this you can optionally join the new Sand & Stars online creative community in 'The Purple Cottage' hosted through Patreon. There will be a monthly live sewful sessions to get together for additional support, ask questions and get to know fellow hand sewing enthusiasts too (plus additional benefits!).
Can I use the blocks in a different way?
Yes of course! For this BOM I will be providing an alternative quilt pattern to use all 12 hand applique blocks. This version is the 'Harlequin Blomma' quilt and you will only be making one of each of the 12 block designs per month.
There will also be instructions to add an additional EPP(English paper piecing) border and 4 EPP corner blocks. This will be made in sections throughout the 12 month period alongside your blocks.
This alternative version of 'Blomma II' is for those who would like to take part but would prefer to make fewer hand applique blocks and combine it with another technique, such as EPP. The finished size will be approximately 58.5 x 70.5 inches.
HOW MUCH FABRIC WILL I NEED?
Within the course you will receive a printable booklet containing fabric requirements, a fabric organisation sheet as well as detailed instructions on where to use each fabric.
The below fabric requirements have been written with the needle turn hand applique technique in mind. If you decide to use a different method e.g. raw edge applique, you may need more or less fabric plus additional notions such as bonda-web.
For the versions below I'm using Robert Kaufman Kona cotton solids, you get a detailed list of the exact colours used within the course. You can also use QuiltInk to decide on your own unique colour palette from many different fabric ranges, so let you imagination run wild!
WHAT WILL YOU GAIN FROM JOINING?
- The opportunity to improve your needle turn hand applique skills and feel more confident with the technique, whilst creating a beautiful handmade quilt. You'll get tips along the way!
- A chance to take time for yourself on a daily basis to slow down and feel relaxed in creating something with your hands, with guidance through written and video tutorials.
- A choice to create one of two quilt patterns.
- The option to join a new Sand & Stars creative community page (hosted through Patreon) to share your progress, join monthly live sewful sessions to ask questions, get extra support and meet like minded makers who love hand sewing.
- A portable project that gives you the freedom to stitch anywhere.
READY TO START CREATING YOUR UNIQUE BLOMMA II QUILT?
BLOMMA II 2023 - ANNUAL
£54
- 12 Block patterns, one released every month
- PDF Digital downloads, video tutorials & resources
- Two quilt pattern options
*The first block with be released on 31st March 2023*
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the sew-along start?
The sew-along will officially start on the 31st March 2023 with the release of the first block. Then on the last Friday of every month you will be able to start working on the next released block pattern. In total you will have 30 blocks created over a 12 month period to create a 60 x 72 inch quilt, or 12 blocks if you're making the 'Harlequin Blomma' version. You will have access to the BOM course page before this date to download any resources and instructions required before starting.
I've never done needle turn hand appliqué before, can I still join along?
Of course! This sew-along is aimed at confident beginners, however if you have some experience of hand sewing, even a little bit, but never tried hand applique you can definitely do it! There will be limited instructions on how to do the needle turn technique so alternatively you can sign up to my online, on-demand course which guides you step by step on how to master the technique. It would be useful as you can refer to the short video tutorials as you're working through each of the blocks.
I really don't like needle-turn hand applique, can I use another technique?
Absolutely! You can do raw-edge machine appliqué or prepared edge applique- whatever you enjoy the most. I love the process of needle turn hand applique so I write all my patterns with this in mind. If you wanted to use another method you might need more of less fabric than suggested in the pattern plus additional supplies e.g. iron-on adhesive for raw edge applique.
Can I buy the complete pattern?
Not at the moment, this will run as a 12 month sew-along from March 2023 - March 2024 so each block pattern will be released over a 12 month period.
I'd love to join but at a later date, is this possible?
Yes, all the content will be released monthly from the 31st March 2023. So if, for example, you decide to join on the 13th May 2023 you will have access to the course page with any blocks available up until the date you join. The monthly payment plan will only be available until 31st March 2023, after which the one off payment will be the only option.
I'm worried I won't be able to keep up, shall I still join?
Of course! I want this to be an enjoyable process for you so don't feel stressed if you can't keep up with some of the blocks. As long as you focus on prepping all your blocks, you can work on each of them a bit at a time. The beauty of hand appliqué is you can do it anywhere. Even if you only have 5 minutes a day to sew you'll soon be completing each block. Just try your best to keep the momentum going and I will be encouraging you throughout!
How much fabric do I need?
You can find fabric requirements above and a colouring templates in QuiltInk to decide on colour schemes for both options of the quilt pattern. Once you sign up you will also have a printable fabric organisation sheet with measurements so you can get prepared before the release of the first block pattern on the 31st March 2023.
I've purchased the course but I'd like a refund?
Due to the nature of digital items, I cannot offer refunds as they are non-returnable.
Yasmeen is the designer and maker behind Sand & Stars. She designs and creates hand applique patterns, tutorials and runs workshops. Sand & Stars patterns have been featured in the UK’s top quilting magazines, Today’s Quilter and Love Patchwork & Quilting. Yasmeen’s passion is for everyone to learn how to do needle turn hand applique, to build skills, confidence and enjoy this therapeutic technique whilst creating beautiful projects.
