Tips and Tutorials on the 22nd – #38 – How to Run A Sew Along

Welcome to this month’s edition of Tips and Tutorials on the 22nd where you can

Last Month’s Link Ups

Here’s a list from last month’s link ups! I am so grateful to those who share their tips and tutorials each month. I don’t normally do this, but I added the first two, as I wanted to keep them in my stash of things to remember!

How to Make a Scalloped Border from Chris @ ChrisKnits
How to press bulky seams flat from Julie @ The Crafty Quilter
Flanged Binding Two Ways from Elizabeth @ Quilters Candy
FMQ Wild Hexies and Making Flying Geese from Andrée @ Quilting and Learning
Trimming Quarter Circles from Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl
Foundation Paper Piecing from Karen @ Karen’s Quilting

Tip: How to Run a Sew Along

I find running a Sew Along or a Quilt Along is a very rewarding time as a blogger. For me, I put more thought into how I am making something and what I am learning as I go along. I then share that with my readers. I am not sure if there is a difference between a SAL and a QAL but for today, I will call it a Sew Along (SAL).

1. Determine your project.
   • Is it your original design? That’s great you are totally in charge.
   • Is is someone else’s design?
     • Respect the designers copyright and work
     • Ask your readers to purchase the design
     • Be sure you do not reveal specific instructions from the pattern
2. Enlist any friends to help and blog along with you.
   • Sewing along with others is fun and maybe some of your followers want to post on a block or two
   • You can do this both before or during your announcement phase, or even during the SAL.
     • I will still post but I will also have a link to the blogger who is posting the same day.
     • You could have the blogger, blog on your website. I haven’t done that will my SALs, but have done it when another blogger was leading a SAL.
3. Set up a schedule.
   • Are you working ahead – what is your schedule?
   • I have two schedules for my SAL:
     • My schedule for making blocks & writing posts
     • My blog schedule – when I will post my SAL – this is announced on the blog.
       • I also like to update the links as we go along.
       • You may also want to have a tab at the top of your blog for easy access.
4. Make a graphic.
   • I use Canva and make a graphic for my Sew Along.
   • Graphics will give your SAL an identity.
5. Publish the calendar.
   • Start hinting a little before the SAL.
   • Publicize your SAL with an announcement date.
   • Continue to publicize in other posts between the announcement and start date.
6. Decide on methods of engagement for your participants.
   • Will there be linky parties for participants?
   • Will there be prizes?
     • Solicit prizes
     • Announce prizes and winners
7. Foster Community
   • Reply to emails
   • Reply to blog post comments – remember you may need to do this by email, as replying on your site does not always send an email

Join the Linky Party

Now it’s your turn to post, and the rules are simple – write up a tip or group of tips or a tutorial that is quilting or sewing-related and link that post below. The linky party is open from 12:01 am on the 22nd, through midnight on March 31st. The post does not have to be new but should be one that hasn’t been linked to Tips and Tutorials in the past. If you don’t have a blog, please send it to me (kathleen@kathleenmcmusing.com) and I will post your tip or tutorial for you!

Past Tips and Tutorials

In case you didn’t know, if you have missed some past #TTot22, you can check them out in the tab at the top of my page or on my Pinterest board.

Coming Up on My Blog

Make sure you check out the post for my SAL, beginning on 4/17!

Winter Twist/TGIFF on 3/30-4/1
Diatom Row 2 
Fixing a T-Shirt Quilt
Fab Farm SAL Begins (4/17)

Disclaimer: *Links with asterisk indicate an affiliate link. Your price is not any different, but a small percentage of the sale will go to supporting my blog.