HAZEL HEDGEHOG QUILT-A-LONG BEGINS

I’m so excited about this Quilt-a-Long and I’m hoping you will be too. I’m in love with how awesome this pattern is; it’s cool without being too cutesy so it work for adults and kids alike.

The pattern is all patchwork (no paper piecing in sight) so it’s great for those of you, like me, that don’t enjoy pulling out little pieces of paper when your block is finished. The quilt-a-long is going to go from now until the 27th February. All you have to do to participate is purchase the pattern, make your hedgehogs and share them via social media (hashtag #HazelQAL) or on your blog.

There’s some great prizes on offer for those that link up on the last blog post on February 27th.

So, would you like to see what I’ve started making?

I’ve decided to make the lap quilt which uses the biggest sized Hazel Hedgehogs (which are really great if you’re worried about accuracy on the smaller blocks).  I’ve used some of my favourite directional prints to try and add another dimension to the quills.

I fussy cut the prints to really play up the quills. (Prints L-R, Top to Bottom: Lizzy House 1001 Peeps, Black Dots from Sunshine & Shadows (I used this print on my quilt “Rainbow Connection”), Tranquility by Michele D’Amore and Mustang from Cotton + Steel.)

I’ve used Kona for the backgrounds, faces and features. I wanted to keep the faces uniform so as not to detract from the quills.

I’m calling this quilt “Bob and Hazel” after our former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and his first wife, Hazel.  (I like to think the black and white dot hedgehog is representative of his hair colour over the years.)

I’m working on a surprise to accompany this quilt and I’ll reveal it all when I do the final reveal of the quilt for the link up on February 27th.

So, that’s what I’m working on and because I like to multi-task this will also be my finish for February’s “A Lovely Year of Finishes”.

Now, on to the important stuff. I’ve asked some fabulous bloggers to participate in the Quilt-a-Long and share their projects with you all over the month of February to keep you motivated, on track and inspired.

Key Dates with Bloggers

Friday 6 February – Interview with Elizabeth Hartman @ GnomeAngel.com

Monday 9 February – Fiona @ Bendigo Lioness

Wednesday 11 February – Anita @ Daydreams of Quilts

Friday 13 February – Raylee @ Sunflower Quilting

Monday 16 February – Brandy @ M3 Quilts

Wednesday 18 February – Melissa @ Ms Midge

Friday 20 February – Tara @ Simply Crafted

Monday 23 February – Cassie @ Cassandra Madge

Wednesday 25 February – Kate @ Stitched with Love

Friday 27 February – QAL Finishes with a Link Up @ GnomeAngel.com & Gotham Quilts

You can check out the work that these amazing creatives have done on their blogging date, but you can also get some sneak peeks of how they’ve been using Hazel via their Instagram accounts (details on their blogs).

I’m really excited because everyone on the blog hop is doing something different with their Hazel’s so I’m hoping there’s something to inspire everyone.

Discount Codes for Pattern and Fabrics

If you’re keen to get your hands on the Hazel Hedgehog pattern, the fabulous Elizabeth Hartman has given us a fabulous 25% off for those wanting to purchase the pattern. All you have to do is use the coupon code HazelQAL25 at the checkout and you’ll save 25% off either (or both) Hazel Hedgehog patterns. Coupon code is valid until the end of February.

If you’d like to get some fabulous new fabrics to make your Hazel’s then I’ve also got some discount codes for you.

If you like to buy your fabrics in the US you can get 20% off at Gotham Quilts by using the code, HazelQAL, the code is valid until the end of February and cannot be used with gift certificates or sale items.

If you like to buy your fabrics in Australia you can get 20% off at Cotton Factory by using the code, Hazel20, at checkout. The code is valid until the end of March and cannot be used with gift certificates.

Both Gotham Quilts and Cotton Factory are providing gift certificates for prizes for the final link up on February 27, so you’d best get sewing so you can win some more fabulous fabrics.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I can’t wait to share in all your creativity on this quilt-a-long. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #HazelQAL on Instagram when you’re sharing your work and if you blog about it be sure to share your links with me so I can share with everyone else.

Ready, set, go…