Introducing
The Yellow Submarine
A Block of the Month Quilt featuring Machine Embroidery Applique & Quilting in the Hoop
It was January 2, 2013 when the girls and I went to the Scripps Aquarium. We were in San Diego for a few days, celebrating Heather's 11th birthday. As I'm writing this, we're days away from celebrating Heather turning 20!
As we walked around the aquarium, I took photos of all the fish, with an idea growing in my mind. I started seeing the fish through new eyes, getting excited by all the different shapes and colors, sometimes wishing that the fish would hold still for just a second so that I could get that perfect profile shot!
As the years passed, the yearning to make a "fish quilt" stayed with me, but that special layout was eluding me. Who knew that the answer would come in the shape of a manhole cover?!?
Today, I am so excited to finally be able to introduce you to The Yellow Submarine quilt! It's the result of that trip to the Scripps Aquarium combined with a walk around my neighborhood and happening to glance down at that manhole cover - along with hundreds of hours of design time and countless sleepless nights while everything finally became clear!
Keep reading for all the details, and consider this your personal invitation to join me on a magical underwater adventure while creating this quilt.
With lots of love,
P.S. Just in case you're thinking you don't want to make a "fish quilt", keep reading!
The image on the right is our second colorway. We're still hard at work creating the "real" quilt as we're filming every step of the way!
Imagine how exciting it would be to confidently create a stunning quilt using your embroidery machine and be able to snuggle with it or display it and show it off.
How fun would it be to start with a basic layout (although there really is nothing basic about the layout of this quilt!) and be able to customize it to suit you exactly?
And how wonderful would it be to join a beautiful community of quilters creating with you as you stitch up each month and form lifelong friendships?
All of this (and so much more!) is possible when you embark on the Yellow Submarine adventure!
The Yellow Submarine quilt is a unique block of the month experience featuring Machine Embroidery Appliqué & Quilting in the Hoop that will expand your horizons and reward you with a one-of-a-kind custom quilted masterpiece.
Join us on this 15-month adventure as we bring this quilt to life together. Build your confidence, increase your competence, make new friends, and have some good old-fashioned fun as you stitch up your underwater OR starry scene.
Featuring a gorgeous mariner's compass in the center (that can also be it's own standalone quilt), beautiful hexagonal blocks, and embroidered applique-adorned wedges, this quilt is as much fun to look at it as it is to stitch!
Fill your submarine portholes with beautifully detailed fish and ocean views or make your stars shine with pops of threadwork and embroidery. You don't have to choose just one option (fish or stars) because both sets of designs are included!
Whether you decide to dive under the sea inside your yellow submarine or gaze at the beautiful night sky, you're sure to end up with a stunning custom quilted piece you'll be proud of when you follow the provided detailed step-by-step written instructions and proven framework shown in the videos.
Your Quilt Done Your Way
Stitch up your own beautiful Yellow Submarine Quilt featuring fish or stars. Or have fun and use both! Since the fish (or star) hexagon blocks are added to the quilt when the background has been completed, you could make this quilt again and again using any of your favorite machine embroidery applique designs.
One Enchanting Month at a Time...
Each month you'll come closer to finishing your masterpiece! This gorgeous quilt is broken down in a step-by-step, easy to digest way so you don't get overwhelmed and you aren't trying to learn a ton of new techniques at once.
Here's What's Happening Each Month...
Every month for the first 12 months, you'll receive 2 small fish designs, 2 large fish designs, 1 small star design and 1 large star design. You'll choose from these designs to create 1 small hex block, 1 large hex block, and 2 wedges.
Month 1
You will learn how to stitch the hex blocks and wedges.
Month 2
You will stitch the central mariner’s compass star. This consists of the main star set in a circle, outlined by 12 center spike blocks which create the first straight edges of the dodecagon shape.
Month 3
You will create 12 small hex backgrounds and piece the center of the quilt. The small hex backgrounds can be pieced in the hoop or they can be pieced using a sewing machine (if you have a perfect/consistent ¼” seam!)
Month 4
You will quilt the center of the quilt and then finish the outside edge with a single layer binding.
Month 5
You will stitch the 9 point blocks (12 of them!) that go around the outer edge of the middle of the quilt.
Month 6
You will create 12 large hex backgrounds and piece the middle of the quilt. The large hex backgrounds can be pieced in the hoop or they can be pieced using a sewing machine (if you have a perfect/consistent ¼” seam!)
Month 7
You will quilt the middle of the quilt. The outside edge will be finished with a single layer binding. The inside edge will be faced.
Month 8
You will stitch 6 version 1 spike blocks.
Month 9
You will stitch 6 version 2 spike blocks.
Month 10
You will stitch the 13 point blocks (12 of them!) that go around the outside of the outer ring.
Month 11
You will piece the 4 corners of the quilt.
Month 12
You will piece the outside of the quilt and start to quilt it by quilting the 12 spike blocks.
Month 13
You will quilt the wedges and the 13 point blocks.
Month 14
You will quilt the pieced corners.
Month 15
You will: add the small hex blocks to the center of the quilt; add the large hex blocks to the middle of the quilt, bind the outside of the quilt and face the inside edge of the outer section; join the 3 pieces of the quilt together. And finally, you'll celebrate your big finish!
Why 15 Months?
Many block of the month quilts are done in 12 months, to finish the quilt in a year. Most of the time, you're only creating the quilt top and you don't end up with a completely finished - quilted - quilt.
The Yellow Submarine Quilt isn't like other block of the month quilts! It unfolds over 15 months because:
- We want you to be successful! This is a big quilt and while it could be done in 12 months, it's more enjoyable to break it down into smaller sections to be competed over 15 months.
- There are a lot of beautiful details. When tackled in smaller sections, you'll have a much better experience AND have time for other projects.
- We don't want anyone getting overwhelmed! Whether this is your first quilt (Yes - you absolutely can be successful in making this quilt!) or your twentieth, starting a new project can be overwhelming. By breaking it down in a more leisurely 15 month time period, you can follow along one month at a time while keeping the bigger picture in mind without feeling overwhelmed.
The bottom line is the Yellow Submarine Quilt project has been broken down into a 15-month quilting journey for maximum ease and enjoyment! We want to see everyone loving the process and end with a finished quilt! If you don't finish in 15 months, no pressure. You aren't behind because there's no race and no one is keeping score. Finish at your pace, you have lifetime access.
~ Teresa B ~
First, this is my favorite machine embroidery site in the whole world! And I use several! I never in my wildest imagination thought that I would be able to create these amazing projects! But with your videos and clear instructions I CAN! Thank you!
~Melanie P ~
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.
~ Rita H ~
I love all of Sarah's careful and clear videos! I've 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!
What's Included in The Yellow Submarine...
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
Know just what to do with step-by-step instructions that don't leave anything to the imagination! All of the fabric and thread colors that we used in both variations of our quilts are specified. Follow these colors exactly or choose your own favorites. Downloadable PDFs can be viewed from your computer or mobile device or printed out for convenience.
INCLUDED EXTRA: Easy-to-follow checklist for each month so you know which steps to complete, in what order.
Detailed Step-by-Step Video Lessons
Follow along with me as I create an alternate colorway of the Yellow Submarine Quilt just for you! Video lessons never expire and are viewable from your computer, tablet, or mobile device! These videos are included in every month and are just like looking over my shoulder while I'm working!
Multi-Formatted Designs
Machine embroidery appliqué and quilting designs are included! Formats include: ART, ART80, DST, EXP, JEF, PES, and VP3 so no matter what machine you have, you can join us. Planning to upgrade your machine in the future? All formats are included in your purchase so you don't have to purchase a different format in the future.
Minimum hoop size required: 6" x 10" or 150mm x 260mm
Multiple Designs & Color Options
Start with the beautiful center Mariner's Compass and then choose fish and/or stars to complete your quilt. Not sure which colors you want to use? Two color options are shown, with detailed fabric requirements and an almost one-to-one color correspondence. Fabric and thread kits are available for both colorways, or choose your own colors!
Designs include:
- 24 Large Fish
- 24 Small Fish
- 12 Large Stars
- 12 Small Stars
- Center Mariner's Compass Star
- Wedge Designs
- Spike Designs
- All Quilting in the Hoop
Finished Quilt measures 101.25" x 101.25" (Large Queen or King size)
LIVE Zoom Q&As
Two Zoom calls a month are devoted to answering your questions about the Yellow Submarine Quilt, while allowing you to show off your work, and share in the excitement of creating this beautiful quilt.
A Private Online Community
A place for you to ask questions, share your successes and challenges, and form lasting friendships with other quilters all over the world. Beginners are welcome! All you need to know is how to turn your embroidery machine on.
Instant Access & Convenient Online Portal
Get started right away with instant 24/7 access to our online portal. Use the app on your smartphone or tablet or access using your computer. No more worrying about losing a CD or having your computer crash! *Nothing is mailed to you*
What's Needed to Complete the Project?
Embroidery Machine
- Single needle or multi-needle embroidery machine in good working condition.
- Minimum hoop size: 6" x 10" or 150mm x 260mm
- A magnetic hoop is an awesome accessory for your embroidery machine to make quilting in the hoop a breeze.
Fabric & Thread
- Fabric as specified in the fabric requirements. Fabric is NOT included! Two optional fabric kits are available (details coming soon)
- Embroidery thread. Two optional kits of AURIfil Cotton Mako 50 weight thread are available (details coming soon)
- Bobbin thread - Superior Bottom Line #619 Tan recommended
Fabric requirements can be viewed by clicking here.
Stabilizer, Fusible Webbing, Batting
- Stabilizer - OESD Ultra Clean and Tear or Floriani Stitch N Wash 20" rolls recommended
- Fusible webbing - Heat N Bond Lite recommended
- Batting - Quilter's Dream Bamboo (previously Quilter's Dream Orient) recommended
Consumables
- Needles - Superior Titanium Top Stitch 80/12 recommended
- Mary Ellen's Best Press
- Scotch® Magic™ Tape
Basic Sewing Supplies
- Pins
- Thread snips or small scissors (Havel's Double Curved Scissors Extra Fine are Sarah's favorite)
- Tweezers
- Fine point Sharpie Pen or 0.5mm mechanical pencil
Rotary Cutter & Iron
- Rotary cutting supplies - mat, cutter and rulers. 20.5" x 20.5" Omnigrip ruler highly recommended
- Padded ironing board (June Tailor Cushioned Quilter's Square N Blocker)
-
Small iron
This is the perfect machine embroidery & quilting adventure for you if...
✓ You love quilting and machine embroidery applique and are ready to take your skills to the next level.
✓ You love learning something new.
✓ You enjoy step-by-step instructions and like the idea of having videos you can watch and rewind as needed.
✓ You love to be part of something bigger than yourself while creating a heirloom that your family will cherish.
This is probably not your next block-of-the-month project if...
X You want a really easy project.
X You don't like to ask questions if you get stuck.
X You don't thrive in a positive, uplifting environment.
X You don't want to stretch your creative muscles.
Will you come with me to take a trip on The Yellow Submarine and see what's waiting for you to discover? Like the school of fish you can see outside the portholes of the submarine, we will be a group all working towards a common goal: finishing this beautiful quilt.
When things get tough like they sometimes do, we will remind each other to just keep swimming as we look out into the ocean of possibilities that await us when we don't give up.
The Yellow Submarine is a reminder that there's beauty and possibility everywhere. That what's for you will never miss you. And that each one of us are an important part of a beautiful whole.
As you're bringing this quilt to life with my proven blueprint, one month at a time, you'll sharpen your skills and have loads of fun along the way.
~ Carol Y~
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... truly the best!
~ Sandra P ~
Sarah explains everything in a way that is easy and seems like I have a trusted friend right there with me every step of the way.
~ Melody F ~
I love your projects and your detailed instructions, even a beginner could do your projects without fail. I have done your projects in the past as well as many other designer's projects -- no one compares to you and your meticulously detailed projects!
Join us for this one-of-a-kind experience and bring your own version of The Yellow Submarine quilt to life!
We are so excited about coming together to create this amazing project! We invite you to join us in creating your own version of the Yellow Submarine Quilt and be part of our world-wide community of loving and creative souls.
There are two options for participating in the creation of your own Yellow Submarine Quilt:
Option 1 - Purchase The Yellow Submarine in Full and SAVE!
This includes everything mentioned above for a one time payment!
You'll receive each new month as soon as it's released on the first of the month!
PLUS get access to exclusive (optional) add-ons after checkout that are not offered with the payment plan!
Option 2 - Purchase The Yellow Submarine in Easy, Automatic Payments!
This includes everything mentioned above, paid for in 10 monthly, automatic payments.
We believe that it's more important now than ever before to create opportunities to connect, whether live and in person or virtually. So... in addition to our active private Facebook group, all members of The Yellow Submarine community also have access to a LIVE Zoom Coffee Chat and Q&A weekly, with two calls each month dedicated to Yellow Submarine questions. Come to be inspired, to ask your questions and participate in the discussion, or just to see some friendly smiling faces.
When you join us on this adventure, you're getting access to everything you need to be successful. You supply the materials and equipment, show up ready to make this awesome quilt, and you'll finish with a thrilling masterpiece.
Price out the individual designs, quilting in the hoop, classes, and community and you'll find you can't get anything else like this at this price! A $2,240+ value... yours for less than the price of your favorite coffee shop once a week, all month - and it will be something that lasts much longer and is way more enjoyable!
Do you have any questions?
Before purchasing The Yellow Submarine, you may have some questions. I've tried to cover most of the possible questions here but if you don't see your question answered, please email it to [email protected].
When are the live calls?
How long do I have access to the project?
Do I have to complete this quilt in 15 months or follow along with the schedule exactly?
What if I have a question?
Do you offer a guarantee?
Meet Your Instructor
Since I was a young girl, I've had a love for sewing. That love transformed into a hobby, a passion, and then a career. Over a decade ago, I started designing my own quilts and offering those designs (as well as classes on how to use them) to quilters all over the world.
I discovered my super-power and purpose: to ignite the fire of creativity in the hearts and minds of people who are hungry to experience the transformative process of creating something beautiful themselves. Watching people of all skill-levels and walks of life grow their skillset and their confidence using my designs has been incredible.
I'm here to call out the creative being inside of you and show you what's possible. It's time to break out of the box and see the infinite possibilities waiting for you when you do.
I combine my PhD in Theoretical Computer Science and experience from years working as a Software Engineer with over a decade in business as a quilt designer to bring you stunning machine embroidery applique and quilting in the hoop designs, featured on innovative quilts.
- Not only have I taught quilting and machine embroidery applique to customers all over the world, I've taught Computer Science at the Masters level
- I'm an award winning quilter whose quilts have been displayed all over the world
- Even more gratifying than winning my own awards, hundreds of my students and customers have won Blue Ribbons, Best in Show, etc. with quilts they've created using my designs
- My big quilts start out as an engineering challenge which I then deconstruct to allow for (relatively!) easy construction in fabric and thread.
- I have thousands of happy customers and hundreds of hours teaching online.
- I'm really pretty handy with computers and software, and I LOVE to play in my digitizing and design software. I'd love for you to come play with me!
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