There is something comforting about a quilt-along. It feels a bit like a recipe card that’s been passed down for generations. Same method, same heart, but every time it turns out a little different depending on who’s in the kitchen or sewing room and what fabric is selected.. The True Blue QAL is exactly that kind of experience. last week it was picking fabric. This week it is making block 1.. Following directions in the magazine gives you exactly how many pieces you need to cut and sew. I never mind having some extra so I cut 2″ strips and strip pieced them. Subcut, mix and match to have a variety plus some extras!!

If you are just joining and don’t know about the QAL, here is the info.

While True Blue is the name of the QAl and the colors used in the original quilt,  I’ve decided to take a tiny creative detour and bring in my color of the year: red. Not “oops I grabbed the wrong fabric” red. Intentional, bold, patriotic-quilt-meets-heirloom red. Plus I had to sew along with y’all which means making another quilt!

Why red?
Red has always been one of those colors that carries emotion. It’s warmth. It’s courage. It’s love. It’s tradition. Red and white quilts have been inspiring me for years, especially after seeing the Red & White Quilt exhibits that celebrate the power of a limited palette. There’s something magical about taking one strong color and letting it tell the whole story.

You can follow the pattern exactly, or you can bend it just enough to make it unmistakably yours. I almost went red white and blue!!

Using red fabrics has also made me slow down and think more carefully about contrast and balance. Beth at American Patchwork and Quilting did a gtrreat post last week about choosing her fabrics and tacked about scale etc. My reds started with a bundle of fabric from Bunny Hill so I had a nice range to start with, then adding more lights and reds to create larger variety and to use up some more of my “stash.”

And honestly, using red’s make me smile every time I sit down to sew.

So whether you’re sewing in blue, red, or something completely unexpected, remember: quilts have always been about using what you love, what you have, and what speaks to you. That’s how traditions stay alive. They grow, they shift, and they welcome a little creative rebellion now and then.

Make 5 of these blocks and you will be ready for next week!!

Enjoy!

-Modalissa