Moonbeams Quilt Along – The Journey and the Finished Quilt
After months of creativity and stitching, I’m thrilled to share the completed Moonbeams Quilt, measuring 68.5″ x 80.5″. This free quilt pattern set from Fat Quarter Shop was part of a charity quilt along that they host each year to benefit Make-A-Wish. From its vibrant blocks to the final touches, this quilt-along has been an inspiring journey. Here’s a look back at the process, along with highlights of the finished quilt, featuring the “Flowers Rise Again” edge-to-edge pantograph from My Creative Stitches.
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The Journey Through Moonbeams
Month 1: Dove Blocks and Getting Started
We began with the beautiful Dove blocks, symbolizing peace and hope. These blocks set the tone for the quilt, showcasing the serene palette of the Strawberry Lemonade fabric collection by Sherri and Chelsi. Month 1 was about diving into the project with enthusiasm and laying the groundwork for the stunning quilt ahead.
Month 2: Ohio Star Blocks
The classic Ohio Star blocks received a fresh twist with pieced half-log-cabin corners, adding a radiant flair to this timeless design. These blocks were a delightful exercise in combining traditional quilting techniques with modern aesthetic elements.
Month 3: Peace and Plenty Blocks
This month featured the intricate Peace and Plenty blocks, made from hourglass units, half-square triangles, and flying geese. The precise alignment and careful piecing emphasized the craftsmanship involved in quilting.
Month 4: Wishing Star and Friendship Star Blocks
As the quilt progressed, we created vibrant Wishing Star and Friendship Star blocks. These blocks, with their sharp contrasts and playful arrangements, highlighted the cheerful and versatile prints in the Strawberry Lemonade collection.
Month 5: Tree of Life Blocks
For the penultimate installment, we worked on the Tree of Life blocks, a design rich in symbolism and technique. Using half-square triangles, these blocks created intricate patterns that evoke growth and connection. The bold navy and colorful prints provided striking contrast, enhancing the overall design of the quilt.
Month 6: Quilt Top Assembly
The final assembly stage was a celebration of all the blocks coming together. Month 6 focused on arranging the blocks into a cohesive quilt top, complete with sashing and borders. Watching the quilt come to life as a finished piece was truly rewarding and a fitting culmination to this creative journey.
Month 7: Pieced Backing Assembly
The quilt’s backing was a creative opportunity to use coordinating fabric from the Strawberry Lemonade collection, with some help from the collection’s cheater print, the pieced design perfectly complements the quilt top. The pieced backing was the perfect finishing touch before quilting.
Piecing it Together
With the blocks completed and the quilt top assembled, the finishing stages brought everything to life. The backing provided a thoughtful complement, and the quilt was finished with the cheerful red gingham print from the Strawberry Lemonade collection. The “Flowers Rise Again” pantograph quilting design added a textured elegance to the overall look.
The Companion Cross-Stitch
A unique feature of this quilt-along was the FREE coordinated companion cross-stitch patterns, which echoed the quilt’s themes. These monthly designs complemented the quilt blocks, offering a creative bonus for participants who love cross-stitching as much as quilting.
A Quilt for Charity
The Moonbeams Quilt Along wasn’t just about artistry—it also supported a charitable cause close to many hearts. The project benefits Make-A-Wish, with the free patterns generously provided by the Fat Quarter Shop. Quilters are encouraged to make a donation to Make-A-Wish in exchange for the patterns, ensuring this quilt-along makes a difference for children and families in need. The joy of quilting becomes even more meaningful when it contributes to such a noble purpose.
The Final Reveal
Let’s take a closer look at the finished quilt!
Moonbeams Quilt Recap
The completed quilt is a vibrant celebration of color, creativity, and community. Below, you’ll find links to each month’s blog post so you can follow along or revisit your favorite blocks:
- Month 1: Dove Blocks
- Month 2: Ohio Star Blocks
- Month 3: Peace and Plenty Blocks
- Month 4: Wishing Star and Friendship Star Blocks
- Month 5: Tree of Life Blocks
- Month 6: Quilt Top Assembly
- Month 7: Pieced Backing Assembly
Looking Ahead
I’m so grateful to everyone who joined me on this journey. Whether you followed along month by month or are just discovering this quilt-along, I hope it inspires you to explore new techniques and create something beautiful.
As of the writing of this blog post there are still some kits available through Fat Quarter Shop!
You can purchase the quilt top kit here: Moonbeams Quilt Along quilt kit
The pieced backing kit can be found here: Moonbeams Quilt Backing Kit
Happy quilting!
Even though the Moonbeams quilt along is a wrap, I still have plenty more quilt alongs to share that I’m actively participating in! Would you like to see more quilt-alongs or tutorials in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!
