Simply Dreaming

When I created Simply Dreaming, I envisioned people all over the world coming together to work on a common goal: completing a beautiful quilt. Some have started the project having never done anything like it, while others bring years of experience of machine embroidery appliqué with them.

The community that has been created to encourage and support each other while stitching out this quilt has been truly amazing. It’s the perfect resource for people of any level to come in and share their wins, ask questions, and get the help they need to be successful for this project. 

I've been dreaming of the day when quilting could change people's lives... and that's what I saw in 2019 when people first started working on Simply Dreaming... and I continue to see it today. 

Since Simply Dreaming was first published, I have learned:

Simply Dreaming is more than just a quilt.

It’s a movement.

It’s people from all over the world joining together.

• Despite age.
• Despite education.
• Despite ethnicity.
• Despite economic status.
• Despite gender.

All of that is thrown out the door.
Lasting relationships are formed.

People are working together.
There’s kindness all around.

The way life always should be, but unfortunately isn’t...

That’s why I’m so proud of what Simply Dreaming has become.

To me, it was a labor of love for sure. I imagined a group of quilters coming together online to create their own version of this quilt… but I never pictured this. 
The impact.
The love.

I had new beginnings in mind as I worked on this project. But I had no idea it would be the beginning of something so magical.

Simply Dreaming isn’t just a quilt.
It’s a movement.

A reminder of 2 simple truths... that there's always an opportunity to be kind and it's never too late to chase your dreams.

What are you Simply Dreaming about?

Simply Dreaming is a medallion quilt, presented a "ring" at a time, over 12 months. Featuring machine embroidered appliqué and quilting in the hoop, this quilt is for beginners to advanced embroidery machine owners alike. 

It is not just another quilted in the hoop quilt. There’s no sashing to worry about on the back. There are no bulky batting-in-the-seam-allowance seams. It’s not stiff from too much stabilizer because I’m going to show you a better way.

Simply Dreaming is a quilt that will teach you a few new ways to do things with your embroidery machine, and you can take these new tips and tricks into other projects and creations in the future.

The pattern allows you to choose from 2 sizes to create your Simply Dreaming quilt – or do both:

• 5” Blocks: Requires a hoop that is at least 130mm x 180mm (5" x 7") to create a quilt that measures 65” x 65”
• 7.5” Blocks: Requires a hoop that is at least 200mm x 200mm (8" x 8") to create a quilt that measures 97.5” x 97.5”

How much fabric will it take?

Check out the fabric requirements for both sizes by clicking the links below.

5" BLOCKS         7.5" BLOCKS

A Recipe for Success...

Here’s how all the months break down to create a stunning, finished quilt you’ll love:

Months 1-4: Machine embroidered appliqué designs to create the center of the quilt

Months 5-6: Quilting in the Hoop designs to quilt the center of the quilt

Month 7-9: Embroidered appliqué designs to create the borders of the quilt

Months 10-12: Quilting in the Hoop designs to quilt the borders of the quilt

Also in Month 12: How to add the borders to the center with a "barely there" join technique.

Detailed Instructions:

Do I have to choose one of the sizes or do you give access to both sizes? You have access to both sizes! In fact, many people are working on both sizes at the same time!

How precise Sarah’s instructions were! Made the learning experience so much easier. I couldn’t have picked a better person to learn from and I was totally in the dark about who she was and how good she was. And including a FB group to the mix so that I could get help and read other problems people were having and being able to learn how they solved it. This was truly the best!

~ Carol Y ~

Big bang for your buck! You learn new techniques that bring embroidery to life. Attention to detail and the colors... beautiful colors. It will be your pride and joy. Yes, you can make this!

~ Elizabeth K ~

The knowledge I have gained from the instructions, videos, etc.....
I have taken a lot of BOM from other designers and the additional patterns, designs, borders are never for free. There is always an additional charge, usually another 75-100$. For the price we got so much more through the year. It was amazing.

~ Andrea K ~

An elegantly designed quilt with complete and detailed instructions, information and videos. I was astounded at the variety of machinery and tools that were covered. While mine is far from perfect, I got everything I wanted from this experience.

~ Sharon N ~

With Sarah Vedeler's designs, instructions and learning how to precisely embroider in the hoop, plus all the tips and tricks, this quilt is a gold mine. I hope to finish soon and can't wait to show it off. I really appreciate Sarah's talents and loved hearing/talking with everyone in the group - such inspiration!

~ Tammy F ~

Someone asked me why I took this class. I said 100% Sarah! I’ve learned so much through this process. I knew she was fantastic, but until I started this class I now believe you are supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
I mean that from my 💕. I’m learning tips for things I’ve wondered about for years! Thank you Sarah Vedeler.

~ Melanie P ~

I love all of Sarah's careful and clear videos for our monthly blocks. I been hesitant to use my machines, my ScanNCut and embroidery machine. Sarah’s videos put me at ease with these new technologies. I feel I can learn, I just need her clear and specific directions. Thank you Sarah!

~ Rita H ~

Can’t wait to get started! I know it will be awesome. And, I know I’ll be able to succeed because of the excellent instructions in the past. Haven’t decided what size I will make, though. Thank you, Sarah for creating this new project for us all!!!

~ Sheryl ~