Ring in the New Year with Nothing but Love

Hi friends! Are you getting ready for the new year? After all the holiday festivities (and possibly stress) is over, I thought it would be fun to do a quilt along all about hearts and love. This endeavor provides many opportunities for skill-building and fun while being undemanding and totally achievable.

For several years my husband has been asking me, "Why do all your quilt designs have hearts in them?" My answer...because your love inspires me every day. (Insert his laugh and gag face here! LOL) So I decided to make a sampler-style quilt that shares ALL the different versions of heart blocks I have designed over recent years.

What makes this such a great project is it provides so many opportunities to learn (or practice) different quilting methods for traditional piecing, paper piecing, applique, and quilt-as-you-go! The Nothing but Love Quilt Along will start with the prep work on January 10, 2022 and final completion on September 12, 2022. The finished quilt will be 60 -1/2" square. The schedule and fabric requirements are found below.

The Details

I planned this like a Block of the Week, except it's 2 weeks between blocks because the first week is for making the block, and the second week is for quilting the block. I intend for this quilt along to be fun and low-stress so 2 weeks per block. Also, if you need to skip a week there is plenty of room for catching up. Each of the 16 blocks will have a downloadable PDF pattern found on this blog on alternating weeks. Pattern posts will include tips and visual aids for the block. The following week I will provide quilting designs and techniques for each block including walking foot and free-motion motifs. My hope is that having a 12-inch quilt canvas will take the fear out of learning new skills and methods!

Now I made this as a two-color quilt originally, but I am leaning toward a rainbow version for next year, so when you look at the fabric requirements below you may want to have a preference in mind. I will say that for the red and cream version here I used the My Redwork Garden, a 22 piece-fat quarter bundle, by Bunny Hill Designs for Moda Fabrics. It is several years old (because I was saving it for something special!) The only extra fabric I needed was for the sashings, border, and backing.

Important Dates

Here are the posting dates for the blocks and quilting - I made a printable version for you as well. I did try to keep things easier in the summer, but this quilt along is casual and you can skip and catch up as needed.

Nothing but Love Schedule

December 20, 2021 - Quilt Along Intro & Details

January 10, 2022 – Get Ready: Prep the Fabrics & Batting

January 17 – Affection (S&F)

January 31 – Refuge (Turned App)

February 14 – Joyful (TP)

February 28 – Adoration (FPP)

March 14 – Devotion (SP)

March 28 – Inspiration (FPP)

April 11 – Besotted (SP)

April 25 – Admiration (FPP)

May 9 – Infatuation (S&F)

May 23 – Faithful (SP)

June 6 – Smitten (EPP/FPP/App)

June 20 – Cherish (S&F)

July 4 – Patience (Rev App)

July 18 – Comfort (SP)

August 1 – Grateful (SP)

August 15 –Hopeful (FPP)

August 29 – Enamored (S&F)

September 12 - Sashing It All Together & Finishing Details

**Each “between block” Monday there will be a post for quilting the blocks:

January 24, February 7 & 21, March 7 & 21, April 4 & 18, May 2 & 16 & 30, June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22, September 5

NBL Quilt Along Schedule Printable

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Download AI • 1.29MB

Time for the BEST part - Fabric!!

I believe in options when making quilts, and these fabric requirements are given to make the options shown. For example, here is a blue version which is so pretty too!

I totally support following your own path and color choices, but you may need extra fabric based on those choices (and also how you cut it up).

*FQ = Fat Quarter

Due to the variety of options, I am presenting the basic needs here on the blog, but I also have a printable for you with details for the variety of options.

General Fabric Requirements:

Quilt Front = 8 FQs or 1-1/4 yds main color (ex. blue)

8 FQs or 1-1/4 yds print (ex. blue/white)

8 FQs or 1-1/4 yds secondary color (white)

Pieced Border using only 2 fabrics = 1-1/4 yds blue and 3/4 yd print or white

Sashing = 1/2 yd

Binding = 1/2 yd

To complete Quilt-As-You-Go Style you also need batting and backing pieces.

Batting = 60 in x 96 in

Backing for Blocks = 16 FQs or 2-1/2 yds

Backing Sashing = 1/2 yd

Backing Borders = 1-1/2 yds

If NOT doing QAYG:

Batting = 68 inch square

Backing = 4 yds pieced to make 72 inch square

Do you love these Rainbow versions?!! I am definitely making one for the quilt along!

Here is a printable Supply List for both versions (2 color & Rainbow) plus any additional notions needed for the blocks. Happy shopping or stashbusting)!

(Updated 2/7/22)

Nothing but Love Supply List

.pdf

Download PDF • 327KB

I hope you are as excited as I am for this new quilt along and shiny new year! It will be really fun for quilters of all skill levels.

*P.S. There will be a special offering of additional quilt patterns to go with each block - registration will begin January 10th - you won't want to miss it!!

'Til next time, have a blessed holiday!

Tara