Quilt Notes - Oh What a Tale I have to Tell....029 092026

Welcome, Friends — Fall Is Here at BAQ

As the weather starts to cool and the studio fills with that familiar cozy‑season energy, it feels like the perfect moment to share what’s new, what’s coming, and what we’ve been working on behind the scenes. Fall always brings a fresh wave of creativity to BAQ — new projects, new ideas, and a little extra sparkle as we head toward the holidays.

And speaking of the holidays… we have something special kicking off very soon. Holiday QAL Starts October 15th — Tickets Available Now

We’re kicking off the season with something special — the Holiday Quilt Along, beginning October 15th! This year’s QAL features a single pattern that creates three coordinated holiday projects:

• a 20×20 table mat

• a 20×60 table runner

• a 40×40 wall quilt

You’re invited to make just one… or stitch all three for a beautiful, cohesive holiday collection. (read at the bottom to see how three people could win a Free ticket to the QAL.)

This QAL will take place in a private space on the BAQ website — not on YouTube — giving us a cozy, focused environment to sew together without distractions.

To join, you’ll need to purchase a QAL ticket. Your ticket will be mailed to you, and inside you’ll find everything you need to access the private QAL space.

All QAL materials — the pattern, digital files, instructions, and full project details — will drop into the private space on September 30th.

We’re offering an advanced ticket price of $24.95 through September 30th. Beginning October 1st, the ticket returns to its regular price of $30.25.

If you’ve been wanting a festive project to kick off the holiday season, this QAL is the perfect way to jump in — simple, coordinated, and full of holiday charm.

Holiday QAL 2026

From Wisconsin Lessons to a Studio Glow‑Up

There’s a certain kind of energy that fills the BAQ studio when a new chapter is about to begin. You can feel it in the air — in the half‑empty shelves, the paint chips taped to the wall, the hum of possibility that comes when you start clearing out the old to make room for the next evolution.

This week has been all about that energy.

We’ve officially begun the studio remodel, starting with the great cabinet migration. Two large IKEA closet units hefted out to the garage this morning, ready for their new homes. The inventory closet is almost empty, which means painting begins Tuesday. And the best part? We found peel‑and‑stick planks for the tiny studio bathroom that match our LVP and hardwood exactly. Three different stores, three different products, one perfect pattern — a little flooring miracle that makes the whole space feel intentional and cohesive. I couldn't believe until I learned the trick that flooring manufacturers use. Just ask me sometime.

The studio is transforming, and honestly, so is BAQ.

Plank is LVP and Floor is Wood. What a match!

What Wisconsin Taught Me

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show was my first time bringing BAQ into a big, bustling event space, and it taught me so much about how people discover new quilting methods. It was a mix of conversations, questions, surprises, and those wonderful moments when someone’s eyes light up because they suddenly get what BAQ can do.

The best part was seeing current BAQ makers stop by the booth to say hello.

Rose and Me

Those visits meant the world to me — familiar faces, warm hugs, shared stories, and the joy of seeing people who are already part of the BAQ community show up in person. It reminded me how much this little corner of the quilting world has grown, and how connected we all are through creativity. Check out the new "Where You Might Have Met Us" page on the website for more photos and stories.

Mindy and Me

And beyond that, everyone who paused long enough to hear the Basic 6 explanation absolutely loved it. Those were the moments that reminded me why I built this system in the first place — to give makers a new way to create quilts with confidence and creativity.

Wisconsin helped me see where BAQ shines, and where I can make things even clearer and more approachable for quilters. It wasn’t just a show; it was a learning experience that’s shaping how I prepare for the next one.

A New Direction for BAQ Products

One of the clearest lessons from Wisconsin was the need for a true beginner project kit — something that helps someone new to Build A Quilt create a quilt with ease and confidence.

So we’re developing My First BAQ, a starter kit that includes fabric, digital files, and a simple project that teaches the method in a friendly, approachable way. It’s the gateway into the BAQ world — the missing piece that bridges curiosity and confidence.

We’re also expanding the Basic 6 ecosystem with new patterns designed specifically for makers who already own the Basic 6 set. These patterns don’t include digital files — instead, they give Basic 6 owners beautiful quilt designs to follow without needing to create their own layouts from scratch. It’s a way to enjoy the versatility of the Basic 6 while stitching quilts that are ready to go.

Next Up: The Original Sewing & Quilting Expo — Novi, Michigan

And now we’re preparing to head off to the Original Sewing & Quilting Expo in Novi, Michigan — November 5–7, 2026.

Wisconsin gave me clarity, and Michigan will be the first show where those new ideas come to life. We’ll be bringing:

• a refreshed booth layout

• clearer product pathways

• more beginner‑friendly options

• a stronger mix of kits, patterns, and tools

It feels like the perfect moment — a reset, a rebuild, and a chance to bring BAQ forward with more clarity, more heart, and more intention. And honestly, Build A Quilt would not exist without each and everyone of you. You all have supported BAQ and taught me along the way. You are part of my family and always will be. I'll have more photos of the studio remodel coming next week and we will begin the next SkillBuilder and LIVE event in October.

I can’t wait to share it with you. And one last thing - the first three people that make a comment on this weeks blog - ask a question - or tell us what you're doing in your quilting space will win a FREE ticket to the Holiday QAL. Winners will be announced in next Sunday's blog. Miss you all and can't wait for us all to Quilt Life Beautiful, Diana