Friday, May 22, 2015

Winners and Rulers



Congratulations to Debbie E. from NJ for winning a copy of the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol 11 magazine!

Congratulations also goes out to Donna W. from WI for winning not only a copy of the magazine but also a fat quarter pack of Quilting Treasures Color Blends fabrics.  

Donna shared a tip about using Mr Clean Magic Eraser to clean the bottom of an iron!   Coincidentally, not only do I currently have an iron with a dirty sole, I also had just bought a pack of Mr Clean Magic Eraser!  So, you know one of the things I'll be doing this coming holiday weekend.  

It has been so much fun participating in the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Hop!  Thanks so much for dropping by!

So, I have just received word that "Quilts Made With Rulers" is now out!   This book is all about 4 rulers - 120-Degree Triangle, 45-Degree Diamond, Single Wedding Ring Arc and Flying Geese.  You know, those rulers that end up in your ruler stash after only one project!  Well, time to dig them out and put them to use on the wonderful quilts in this book.  
Photo courtesy of Annie's.

Photo courtesy of Annie's.

My project, Buy Low, Sell High, which uses the 120-Degree Triangle (see above), is featured on the back cover.   It's scrappy and uses both gray and white as background triangles to create a shadow effect for added depth.  

Carole Whaling did a phenomenal job with the machine quilting as usual.   


Check out the book and I hope you like it as much as I do!  

Enjoy your holiday weekend and welcome summer!

Monday, May 4, 2015

ECHO

Welcome to the Quiltmaker 100 Blocks Volume 11 Blog Hop!  

If you're not hopping yet, get thee to Quilty Pleasures right away to find out what's going on.   Don't miss out on giveaways, quilt ideas, fun stuff, giveaways, more fun and more giveaways!

I am so honored and pleased to have my block, ECHO, in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 11.   It is listed on page 36 as Block 1049.  This is only the second time I've submitted a block and also the second time I've participated in this blog hop!  So exciting!  It's also a bit nerve-wracking to be on the Hop on the very first day!!  But, here we go....
I thought it would be fun to see what this block would look like in different fabrics.  So, the first thing I did is to change the background to dramatic black!  


Those bright colors really become brighter on a black background, don't they?  

Next, I wanted to see it with reproductions.  Here's a black and tan version that looks like it was made in 1890!

Are you loving a particular version yet?  How about a soft modern look?
Did you notice I changed the value placement in the soft modern version?  It makes the diagonals look more prominent.  

Last but not the least, here is a traditional version that's just a touch patriotic. I did several things different about this block.   First, I mixed batiks and regular cottons.  I have been doing that more and more these days.  You can, too!  The quilt police won't come after you for mixing them up.  I promise! Second, the color for the arcs and the circle in contrast to the red/blue really pops those arcs and circle.  Finally, I just love the transparency between the red and the blue in this one.  These 3 fabrics just blend and transition so well!

Making the blocks in different colorways is one thing.  But, really, how would they look in a quilt?  

So, I designed a 30" square wallhanging with a special sashing strip that creates a secondary pattern for a more cohesive look.  Check out the different looks:    

So, which one is your favorite colorway?  Tell me in a comment below and you will be entered in a drawing for a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 11!    This prize will come from Quiltmaker directly.


Even better, in your comment below, include your favorite quilting tip and you will be entered in a drawing for a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol 11 AND a fat quarter bundle of yummy fabrics from Quilting Treasures.   These fabrics are from the Color Blends collection with which I designed the Surf and Sand Block of the Month program.    I will be sending this prize bundle out.






You will find a link at the top of this blog (and on the right-hand side column) for quick directions to make the quilt above - especially those sashing strips.  However, these directions are intended for the more experienced quilter who knows how to make flying geese units, hour glass units and make circle appliques.  You can substitute a yo-yo for the circle applique, by the way.

Just one more - here's Echo in a table runner.

Have fun Hopping onto the other blogs!  Back to the Blog Hop...