For those new to this term, BOM stands for Block
of the Month and are groups or clubs that provide a great way to learn different techniques
and designs used in quilting. Many of these are based on Sampler quilts, and in
return for your monthly subscription you receive a block pattern and instructions
for you to complete per month, and then at the end, learn how to quilt
them into a finished item.
As we know,
Sampler quilts are a great starting point to learning to quilt and are the
mainstay for many classes and workshops. However, not everyone can get to a class,
but thanks to the digital age we can now learn from the comfort of our own homes
while still enjoying the sense of community on social media – these BOM
projects will have groups on Facebook and Instagram for participants to share
their work and discuss any issues. And of course, you’ll make lots of new
friends!
So as we are
about to embark on a new year, why not start 2017 with a creative bang and join
one of these BOM subscriptions? Below are a few that have caught my
eye...
“Enjoy
piecing traditional skill-building blocks set in a LeMoyne Star destined
to look like shiny wrapped chocolates. An argyle compass emphasizes the
star's beauty and it's all framed with a beautiful bracelet border.”
This BOM is
available in both paper form ($28 per month) and in PDF form ($25 per month) and
starts in January 2017. There are three colourways in three different types of
fabric – solids, traditional and batiks. Each month you will receive the
pattern for two blocks (sometimes more) to work yourself around the LeMoyne Star. As
well as using traditional piecing techniques – half-square triangles, hourglass and flying geese – you will be challenged with skill-building blocks featuring
foundation piecing, curves and applique.
Some BOMs
are based on books, one of which sits on my bookshelf forever looking at me,
begging to be used - the Dear Jane quilt. Made in 1863, this 225-block quilt
was designed and completely hand sewn by Jane A. Stickle and really is a thing
of beauty! In the book, author Brenda Papadakis has lovingly created all 225
patterns for the blocks, but does not include the actual building instructions.
This is where this BOM comes in… British company Simply Solids have teamed
up with US firm Paper Pieces to deliver this 18-month programme (thus avoiding
any nasty customs tax) based on English paper piecing. For £25 each month
(includes postage) you will receive all the papers needed for a certain
section, plus a modification booklet –
as these blocks are based on EPP, certain changes have been made to the designs,
with Brenda’s consent. You will need to use your own fabric and purchase the
book yourself. You can read more about this BOM on Simply Solids’ website.
Another
great EPP BOM is Perpetually Hexie by Katja Marek, author of The New Hexagon
and the New Hexagon Perpetual Calendar on which this BOM is based. Free to
anyone who owns the calendar, Katja will take you through each block, while
papers and acrylic templates will be available to purchase from Paper Pieces.
Keep up to date with this BOM on Katya’s Instagram feed and on her website
In other news...
I am very chuffed to share the news that I'm now sub-editing (and contributing) for Popular Patchwork magazine! Subbing used to be my job in a previous life, and it's so funny how life goes round in circles! The difference now is that I'm writing (and learning so much) about an industry that I love and feel very passionate about.
I've also contributed my Vintage Charming Rose quilt pattern to the December issue, or if you would prefer to purchase the pre-cut kit, click here.
Also, keep an eye out next year as I'm also contributing projects to Love Patchwork & Quilting and Quilt Now magazines! To say I'm busy would be an understatement, but I'm loving it!!
As promised last week, my Christmas Gift Guides are coming soon!
This week I'm linking up with;
