My first foray into quilting was in the early 90’s (yep – I’m dating myself!) It was before the internet and when I was just out of college. First job. Then baby. Then quilts!

Quilting was a solo hobby for me. I’d go to the fabric store, decide what I wanted to make, had a “how to” book or two, and then be on my way.

But NOW… it’s a whole new world!  I can learn from blogs and YouTube.  See the amazing creations that are possible on Facebook and Instagram. Learn about tools I never knew existed from fellow quilters as well.

I also noticed these “Quilt Alongs”  and “Sew Alongs” and got intrigued… what is that about??

A quilter suggested the the Meadowland Quilt Along from Then Came June would be a great pattern for my Homestead Life fabric so I checked it out. It didn’t look too complicated so I decided to give it a try.

So I participated in my very first Quilt Along on Instagram!

Seeing all the posts on Instagram was so much fun and so interesting – watching the color choices, layouts and themes, and how different they all looked, even though we were all using the same pattern!

Doing the quilt-along made me feel a sense of community and a little less isolated (even though I was always sewing on my own!)

I created a throw blanket for my mother-in-law with 9 squares. It was the perfect amount to show off the three colorways of florals, wheat tonals and some of the ginghams in the Homestead Life fabric line.

The back was perfect for the main print with the images and fun sayings. Instead of covering the whole back with it I decided to accent with the gold wheat tonal that I also used for the binding.

Ready to make your own?

Have a happy & creative day!

– Tara Reed

P.S. If you create patterns or sew/quilt alongs I’d love to learn more! I love designing fabrics and need projects to promote while showing how my fabrics can be used.  

P.P.S. Want to see more FREE patterns and projects using the Homestead Life Placemat Panel and fabrics? CLICK HERE >