I’m finally getting around to writing the Year of Spools Official Blog Post. Y’all, it’s been so crazy around here, in all the good ways. I have so many things I have been working on behind the scenes that I’m dying to show you, but I’m just not allowed to yet. I have been wanting to put out more information about my Year of Spools BOM and to answer frequent questions I’ve been getting. I’ll continue to add to it as more things pop up throughout the year, and I’ll be sure to make note of what's new, so you don’t have to reread the entire post.
I cannot believe how successful this BOM has been. Y’all are really loving the blocks. That makes me so happy, because I was so nervous about hosting a BOM. But I can tell you, I’m not sure I will never not do one! I already have plans to host another BOM next year, and I’m currently taking suggestions. I’m thinking about keeping it the same theme and size blocks. What are your thoughts? I have a form to fill out below: Please note, you can fill out the form anonymously. You do not have to provide your email or name.
Basic Pattern Instructions:
To keep the patterns as concise as possible and to reduce the pages to print, I have added the Basic Instructions here. Basic Sewing Instructions are usually found in each pattern and have help information about the pattern for you, especially if you are new to quilting. Check them out below:
Read all instructions before you begin.
Use a scant ¼” seam unless otherwise noted.
It’s always best to make one test block prior to cutting all fabric
Cutting instructions can be found under each block.
Check www.mysewquiltylife.com (Pattern Corrections Click Here) for pattern correction updates under the “Pattern Info” tab.
The black arrows represent pressing direction
The black arrows with a number represent sewing order and pressing direction.
The colors represented in the diagrams may not always represent fabric color.
Dashed lines on the diagram represent where to stitch.
FAQs
I have compiled my most-asked questions into one place just for you! Please refer back to this post before emailing with your question.
1. What is the Year of Spools BOM?
The Year of Spools BOM is a fun BOM hosted by Heather Briggs of My Sew Quilty Life. Every month a new spool-theme block is released. You can collect them all or just buy your favorites. In December, all the quilt and project settings will be released as a free pattern.
2. How do I sign up?
There are no sign-ups this year. You just purchase each block from my website at www.mysewquiltylife.com.
3. What are the size of blocks? Are they all the same?
The blocks are all the same size. They finish at 14” x 14”, but I included a white border around each block, so if you prefer, you can exclude that white border and your block will be 12” x 12” finished.
4. Can I just pay a one-time fee for all the blocks?
Because this BOM was pulled together quickly, I didn’t have the logistics in place to offer a one-time payment. I am already looking at this for next year.
5. Will you have a monthly subscription?
Because this BOM was spur of the moment, I didn’t have the planning or logistics in place to offer a monthly subscription. I know that this is not ideal, but we are making it work.
6. Will you bundle all the blocks at the end?
Yes, I will make it easier on you and combine all the blocks into one file, and under one listing. However, they will not be discounted. You will be paying full price x 12 for the blocks. Don’t wait until the end if you're planning to join in. Each month you have the opportunity to get the blocks at 15% off by signing up for my newsletter.
7. Are there discounts on the blocks?
Yes, if you are on my email list, every time a block comes out you get to save 15% for the first week. To sign up for my email list, click here: EMAIL SIGNUP
8. Do regular coupons work on these BOM patterns?
No, only the coupons that are specified for the BOM patterns can be used. Please note that the block-specific coupons are only active for 1 week after the block releases.
9. Where’s the January 2023 block?
Since this was a spur of the moment BOM that started in February 2023, the January block hasn’t been released yet. After I posted my adorable Sew Loving block I got a lot of feedback about turning it into a BOM, so I did just that. I thought it would be weird to release a winter-theme block at the start of spring, so I decided to release the January 2023 block with the December block in December 2023, so you can sew in the season. I know this may be weird, but let’s just go with it!
10. BOM are usually free, why is this one paid?
BOMs are not always free–it really just depends on the designer, the level of the designer, and the intent of the designer. My BOM blocks are uniquely designed and come with very thorough instructions. The blocks are not generic blocks that you see every day. They are unique.
11. Are there prizes or giveaways at the end of the BOM?
I currently do not have any giveaways or prizes in place for this year's BOM. I will, however, look into having sponsors and giveaways for next year’s BOM. IF you are a quilt shop or longarmer, please feel free to reach out if you would like to be included as a sponsor for next year.
12. Will you have video tutorials with each block and setting?
I will have free video tutorials on my YouTube Channel for each block, but I will not have tutorials for finishing your blocks into quilts and other projects. You can find my YouTube Channel below:
13. Help! I lost my download or my links have expired.
Please note that you only have 30 days to download your PDFs using the emailed links. Please save your patterns to a desktop/laptop computer. If you like to use your phone or tablet, I recommend emailing your saved blocks to yourself, then opening them up on your phone/tablet. In the event that you have lost your saved PDFs, please email me at mysewquiltylife@gmail.com with your order number, name, email used to purchase the pattern, and a small description about each of the patterns you need. I can resend you the links to the email you used to purchase the patterns.
14. I just ordered the BOM block/blocks but I didn't receive an email order confirmation or the links to download.
First, be sure to check your spam/promotions inbox first. If it’s not there, you may have incorrectly typed in your email address when ordering. Also, if you pay through Paypal or auto fill in your information, be sure to check that the email address is correct. In some cases, an older email is saved on file and auto fills in for purchasing. If this happens, please email me at mysewquiltylife@gmail.com so I can change your email and resend your links. If you still have access to an older email account, you should see the purchase confirmation and download links.
15. Can I make modifications to the blocks if I want to change something?
Yes, you can always make modifications to any block, but note that you can not claim the block as your own. If you do make modifications, be sure to say that when posting your block on social media. Be clear that this is a modification and not part of the actual pattern.
16. Will you (Heather) make modifications to a block and provide detailed instructions for me to make it?
No, sorry. I do not make modifications to any of the blocks.
17. For other countries: I’m not in the US. Can I still purchase the BOM patterns?
Yes, because they are PDFs, you should be able to purchase the patterns. Please note that all of the monthly blocks are based on themes that may not be celebrated by your country or be the same for your country’s calendar. Example: You might not have summer in July. Feel free to arrange the blocks to fit your calendar.
Info for Quilt Shops & Guilds:
In December, I will be releasing a bundle of all the blocks together and will offer the paper versions to Quilt Shops and Quilt Guilds at wholesale for you to host the BOM the following year. PDFs will not be available for wholesale. Please email me at mysewquiltylife@gmail.com if you would like to be put on the waitlist and/or to purchase the bundles. I will need to know how many bundles you would like. If you need more after your initial purchase, let me know. I’m happy to send you as many as you need.
Please note, the bundles will only include the block patterns, not the settings. You will need to direct your customers to my website in order to use the free settings. The bundles will not be broken up. Each pattern will come individually for you to be able to distribute each pattern each month or give all the patterns at once.
Fabric Requirements:
The fabric requirements for each block can be found on the front cover of the PDF pattern.
This BOM is a great stash/scrap buster and there is no way to give you exact yardage for every block/ potential quilt settings. I can, however, tell you that for each block you will need an estimate of ¼ yard of background fabric. Not every block will use ¼ yard, but very close. I suggest purchasing at least 5 yards of background fabric for this BOM if you plan to make each block with the same background fabric and combine all 12 blocks into one quilt. I also recommend using a background fabric that is easily accessible if you run out. If you are using a specific print fabric from a specific fabric line, you may want to order more yards to ensure you have enough for whatever setting you choose at the end. My plan is that these BOM use up some of your stash and are scrappy.
Blocks that have been released so far:
January : will release December 2023
August : to be released
September: to be released
October: to be released
November: to be released
December: to be released
Backing Block/ setting: to be released
Projects and Quilt settings: to be released
Let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to answer them!
Happy Quilting,
Heather
