Feelin' Groovy

Yesterday was a snow day. I honestly don't think I have shoveled that much in decades...side note: my kind husband (always thinking of others), sold our wonderful snowblower to one of his friends for well less than it was worth (without asking me)...thinking that we wouldn't have to move it and it would help his friend out...plus, he didn't think we would need it where we are going to be located (which I think is inaccurate)...unfortunately, he forgot that I am still living in Iowa and it is WINTER. Yeah, I was outside shoveling snow for over three hours yesterday (it was one heck of a fasted cardio workout!)...and then, lucky me, I got to dig out/defrost our Jeeps, as our garage is full of furniture and boxes. I have suddenly reverted back to my twenties - living in a basement with minimal furniture, little to no money coming in, shoveling snow, and cleaning off vehicles frequently (starting them at least once a day to make sure they will start in the future)....all those things I worked so hard to get away from are back for a repeat performance. Geez, I cannot wait until we are moved into a new home - this living situation is definitely not ideal...at this point, I just have to laugh about it all...

Today I thought I would share another recent design/pattern and sample I created for AccuQuilt - it is for one of their newer cutting dies, the Studio Fractured Tumbler-6" Finished. This unique cutting die has multiple block options and that creates quite a few design possibilities...as you can see in my image below, there are tumblers and fractured tumblers on one die. You may remember the "Give it a Whirl" pattern I also designed for this die - I briefly shared about a few months ago. The design I am sharing today is a wall hanging I titled "Feelin' Groovy" and it is more of a modern layout...perfect for scraps!

Feelin' Groovy

Give it a Whirl

Yes, I designed both of these projects using the same cutting die! Like all of my projects, I designed this wall hanging in EQ8 (Electric Quilt 8 quilt design software). I knew it was going to be more of a scrappy piece, so to get a good feel for the final look, I colored the blocks using standard fabrics supplied in the software.

Something about this completed design reminded me of lava lamps - hence the name "Feelin' Groovy"....

You can find both these Studio Fractured Tumbler quilt patterns in the Studio 2 Pattern section of the AccuQuilt website.

I hope this cheerful quilt brightened your day!

I am now headed back out into the frozen tundra to shovel the end of our driveway once AGAIN, where the plow has covered it...and to start our vehicles...just another day in the life of a twenty-year-old. 😃

Walking Bear Foot

Here in central Iowa, we are in the midst of a big winter storm and the snow is falling heavily - I'm trying to keep warm and catch up on a few things, so I thought I would stop by for a quick visit. While we are mid-move and my studio is completely packed - I am sharing some projects I did in the last couple months that I can finally show. I am still busy packing up my "warehouse" and we are still searching for our dream home, while our house is on the market....so everything is a bit "up in the air" and a little overwhelming...it is definitely not easy to move in the middle of a Midwest winter!

Today's focus is on a recent design/pattern and sample I created for AccuQuilt for one of their new cutting dies the GO! Bear's Paw-14" Finished. The pattern is included when you purchase the cutting die and I titled it GO! Walking Bear Foot (you can also find it the pattern section of their website). The GO! Bear's Paw is a BOB (block on board) die, so all the pieces you need to complete the 14" block are included on one cutting die. I used the GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (2" Finished) for the sashing, border, and binding....and I chose lovely prints from QT Fabrics...

For my quilty friends - I still have a couple more projects I completed for AccuQuilt to share with you over the coming weeks. I will be back soon with some adorable needlework finishing I completed a dear friend...

If you are in the path of the current winter storms - stay safe and warm!

Slice of Summer

To vote for my block, visit: http://wshe.es/0cshMgXL

Happy Wednesday friends!

In the midst of all the irons I have in the fire, (of course) I made time to design a quilt block for AccuQuilt's 2018 Quilt Block Contest...and it is time to vote!! Here is a link to my entry titled Slice of Summer:
http://wshe.es/0cshMgXL

If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know how much I enjoy designing quilt blocks and projects - I just love working with shapes, design, and color...and I have fun putting together an entry for this contest every year. The voting for the contest is now live...and I am hoping you will check out my entry for this year...and if you like my block, throw a vote my way. The criteria for the contest is to design an original block that can be created with available AccuQuilt dies (plus it really should look good enlarged to fit the 17' x 17' sign displayed at AccuQuilt Headquarters in Omaha, NE). My entry follows these guidelines and was inspired by the sunshine and joy quilting brings to my heart...

This year, you can vote for your favorite(s) once every 24-hours - now through August 15th. You can view my block entry by visiting:
http://wshe.es/0cshMgXL

...there are some GREAT prizes up for grabs, so I would really appreciate it!

A Peek Inside My Design Process

Sometimes the most bizarre things inspire unique design ideas...and that was definitely the case when working on a recent AccuQuilt project. Today, I thought I would share a bit of my design process for the Studio Quilter's Basket Table Runner Pattern that was created for the new Studio Super Giant Strip Cutter. This new strip cutter die has four sizes of small strips all on one die:  ¾", 1", 1½", 2" (¼", ½", ¾", 1½" Finished)...and the challenge was to use all four of these strip sizes in a single project. I didn't want the project to be long, boring strips...I wanted something that stood out a bit more...something that hadn't been seen a million times....something that had some oomph! I immediately started playing with some design ideas in EQ8 (Electric Quilt 8 Quilt Design Software)....but I just couldn't compose a design that stood out to me. I decided to let the project rest for a moment - pause and hit the reset button. I resolved to take our German Shepherd puppy for a walk and clear my head...and along the way, I found my inspiration...

While walking several blocks away from our home, I spied a couple vintage-looking webbed lawn chairs (which I hadn't seen since my childhood)...retro folding lawn chairs with woven bright colored webbing strips for the back and seat. At that moment, it became clear - I would use those lawn chairs as a base design for my current project. I grabbed my iPhone, snapped a few photos, and headed back to my studio to get my idea drawn up in EQ8. To my surprise, it translated really well! I got a single block designed....then reversed two colors for a second block...at that moment, I knew I had it figured out...the Quilter's Basket Table Runner was born. Once I had the pattern written, I really wanted to name the design after those retro-looking webbed lawn chairs, but I thought it might get lost in translation...with the pattern having a "basketweave" look, Quilter's Basket seemed like a logical title...but you, my friends, now know the true story behind the design!

It was quite fun to create the sample...and I only used two cutting dies - the new Studio Super Giant Strip Cutter- ¾", 1", 1½", 2" (¼", ½", ¾", 1½" Finished) and the Studio Super Giant Strip Cutter-2½" (2" Finished) for binding. The blocks are easy to piece by creating strip sets and sub-cutting...

You can currently download the pattern for free by visiting:
https://www.accuquilt.com/studio-quilter-s-basket-table-runner-pattern.html

There you have it - design inspiration found in an unlikely object. I hope this post will encourage you to look for creative ideas in unusual places! Take a little time this weekend to see the beauty that surrounds you...

Petal Power Wall Hanging

A little over a month ago, I was busy working on today's feature project (along with an array of other patterns/designs to be shared soon). I designed and created this Studio Petal Power Wall Hanging pattern especially for AccuQuilt...and now that they have released the new Studio 2 dies and patterns on their website, I am finally able to share it with you.

AccuQuilt just released ten cutting dies for the Studio 2 Fabric Cutter - VERY exciting for us Studio fans, as it has been quite a while! This new Studio 2 collection includes some great shapes/blocks, including: Studio Crazy Quilt, Studio Fractured Tumbler, Studio Cleopatra’s Fan, Studio Super Giant Strip Cutter-¾”, 1″, 1 ½”, 2″, Studio Santa Stocking, Studio Orange Peels, Studio Burp Cloth, Studio Hexagon-3″ Sides, and Studio Baby Bib. Today, I am sharing the pattern and sample I created for the Studio Orange Peels. Designed to be appliqued onto standard 2½", 5" and 10" squares, these Orange Peel units have a cut size of  2", 4½" and 9½". My design uses all three sizes of Orange Peels included on the die, along with 10" Squares, and a 2½" Strip Cutter for binding. I found this die to be quite versatile with the three different sizes...and really had fun playing with design ideas in EQ8!

This wall hanging goes together rather quickly and finishes at 38" x 38"...and it is perfect for practicing your machine appliqué skills! Currently, you can download the pattern for Petal Power on the AccuQuilt website for FREE - simply click on the following link:
https://www.accuquilt.com/studio-petal-power-wall-hanging-pattern.html

I have been working on piles of needlework finishing this week...and I can't wait to share the beautiful stitching my clients have trusted me to finish...WOW - there are some fabulous pieces...and some have definitely challenged me (in a GREAT way!). I'm also knee deep in project bag sewing...the to-do list is LONG...and more AccuQuilt projects are ready to share with you soon, so please stop back later this week for a visit!

Posy Patch Table Topper

I'm taking a brief moment to blog this afternoon - I simply need a break. Finding a balance this week is a challenge and (truth me told) I am feeling completely overwhelmed and a little down. Normally I would take a walk and clear my head, but it is close to 100 degrees outside and the air feels quite heavy - walking the dogs a little while ago wasn't even enjoyable. So, maybe a little writing therapy will do the trick and give me an attitude adjustment...as long as I don't look down at my desk, which is completely covered with piles of things needing attention...ugh...

Let's brighten up this post with my GO! Posy Patch Table Topper! Yesterday I mentioned some of the new AccuQuilt GO! cutting dies...and today, I'm here to show you four more that were released on May 24th - GO! Square 1 ½", GO! Music Medley, GO! Northwoods Medley and GO! Circles ½", ¾", 1″, 1 ¼". I designed the pattern that is included with the GO! Circles ½", ¾", 1″, 1 ¼" die and created the cheerful sample. This pattern uses all four sizes of small circles included on the new die board and was created with both cotton quilting fabric and wool to give it dimension (yes, you can cut wool with your GO! Fabric Cutter!)....and combines traditional piecing with machine appliqué. 

I thought it would be fun to show you the back of the sample...

Even more exciting, GO! Posy Patch is AccuQuilt's "Free Pattern of the Week"...simply visit:

https://www.accuquilt.com/go-posy-patch-table-topper.html/ to download this summery floral pattern...and while there, you can also take a look at a video showing you how to create it!

Hundreds (yes, I said hundreds) of project bags are calling my name, so I guess this short afternoon break is over...back to the sewing machine....

Hop To It

Perhaps you have seen the assortment of new GO! cutting dies AccuQuilt has released over the last couple months...and today they released new Studio cutting dies! Many of you know that I design patterns and create samples for AccuQuilt...and I have had the pleasure of working on projects for quite a few of the new releases (for both the GO! and the Studio). I am usually working on these projects weeks in advance and have to wait to share the details with you...so, now it is time to play catch-up and start sharing some of the new cutting dies and the patterns/projects I created.

The first die release at the end of April was a trio of GO! Limited-Edition 10th Anniversary Dies. To celebrate the 10 years that AccuQuilt has been creating cutting tools, they brought back three of their most popular retired appliqué dies - these dies include GO! Leaping Frog, GO! Elephants, and GO! Airplanes. This collection is available for a limited time....and the die boards are a special bright blue. Each of these 10thAnniversary Limited-Edition Dies can be used with the GO! Big, GO! and GO! Baby fabric cutters....and each contains a free pattern. I designed the free pattern for the GO! Leaping Frog and created the sample for AccuQuilt. The GO! Hop to It Table Runner Pattern can currently be downloaded for free on the AccuQuilt Website, simply visit:
https://www.accuquilt.com/go-hop-to-it-table-runner-pattern.html

So make the "leap" over to the AccuQuilt website and check out these fun, new releases! I will be back in the coming days with additional AccuQuilt project posts...in fact, I have six more to share with you...along with several other designs I created for earlier releases.

Blue Skies and Roses

I have been hanging out in my studio all week (still feeling a bit worn out - thank you for all the well wishes), working custom project bags...lots of them. I have a tall stack cut and ready to assemble (and more orders arrived today), so I am looking forward to a few solid days at the sewing machine. I've also been preparing materials for a large needlework finishing order - choosing Christmas fabrics for ornaments...so those on are the table, as well. In my spare time, I've been listing more cross stitch stash items in my Etsy shop and doing some freelance design work too...the list is LONG (as usual).

In the midst of all the irons I have in the fire, I decided to design several quilt blocks for AccuQuilt's 2017 Quilt Block Contest. If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know how much I enjoy designing quilt blocks and projects...I just love working with shapes, design, and color...and I have fun putting together my entries for this contest every year. The voting for the contest is now live...and I am hoping you will check out all the entries for this year...and if you like my blocks, throw a vote my way. The criteria for the contest is to design an original block that can be created with available AccuQuilt dies...plus it really should look good enlarged to fit a 17' x 17' sign displayed at AccuQuilt Headquarters in Omaha, NE. My cheerful and colorful blocks all follow these specific guidelines and were designed especially for this contest.

This year, you can vote once a day for one block - now through September 5th (so make sure you pick your favorite). You can view all 107 entries by visiting:
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/contest
All three of my entries are on page 3.

...to vote for one of my blocks, simply click on the link below your favorite image below...there are some great prizes up for grabs, so I would really appreciate it!

Signature Star
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/contest?entry_id=166274063

Star Spangled Pinwheel
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/contest?entry_id=166276088

Blue Skies and Roses
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/contest?entry_id=166274111

It is fun to look through all the entries and see the diverse group of talent this contest attracts....even the entries that don't follow the guidelines are interesting. So, go check out all the design inspiration and cast one vote for your favorite each day...and if that happens to be one of my entries, I would be thrilled!

Sunny Parkway - Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks

Greetings friends! I am back from an incredible trip to Arizona/Utah...and the Grand Canyon hike was SPECTACULAR. I will be back tomorrow to share photos and details from my extraordinary journey...but today I am here to share all about my latest quilt block design in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 15 (on newsstands this week!)...

I am SUPER excited to tell you all about my original quilt block titled Sunny Parkway. Last year, I submitted a block for the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks issue and never heard a word, so I thought my work wasn't accepted...in fact, I kept waiting for my block to be returned to me. So, imagine my complete surprise, when I see an image online of the upcoming issue and my quilt block was ON THE COVER (this is my third time as a cover girl for this special publication!) - I was completely shocked! Several days later, I received a package with copies of the magazine and I was still in awe. There must be a communication breakdown somewhere or I'm not on their e-mail list, because I never heard from the magazine (thank goodness I took photos of my block before submitting) and all my e-mails have gone unanswered - so I am not involved in the official Blog Hop (a BIG boo hoo!)...but you can head on over to the Quilty Pleasures Blog for all the festivities and giveaways this week.

My quilt block is (of course) AccuQuilt friendly...and although the magazine gives you all the measurements and details for rotary cutting, I thought I would give the AccuQuilt enthusiasts out there a list of the cutting dies I used to create Sunny Parkway (a 12" finished block):

• GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block (55775):
• #3 - Half Square Triangle-3" Finished Square (55703)
• #5 - Half Square Triangle-1½" Finished Square (55705)
• GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block Companion Set-Classics (55779):
• #10 - Signature Block-3" Finished (55729)

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.

I'm so thrilled you visited my blog today and can share in my enthusiasm...and I would like to include you in my excitement by having a giveaway...

•  I have two copies of  Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 magazine to give away...yep, two of my readers will receive a copy!

For a chance to win a copy of this special publication, simply leave me a single comment telling me about your current creative project(s) - I would love to hear about your artistic endeavors (including, but not limited to: stitching, sewing, quilting, gardening, cooking, crafting, etc.)...

To be eligible, you must include your e-mail address or have your e-mail address visible in your profile. International entries are welcome. Please leave a comment, no e-mail entries will be accepted. The giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Monday, May 8, 2017 and the two prize recipients will be contacted/announced on Tuesday, May 9, 2015. No prize substitutions. Good luck...

Make sure to look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15, on newsstands this week (on sale starting May 1, 2017) - it's the issue with the red band across the top of the cover...and I hope you'll stop back for another visit soon!

The Simple Things

Isn't it interesting how the simple things can make us happy? Even though I *need* them for work, when stitching/sewing/quilting/crafting supplies arrive, I am giddy! It is a blessing to have a studio filled with the best materials and tools for the job - sometimes, I have to pinch myself to make sure this is not a dream...I really get to be creative and artistic on a daily basis. So, when my work supplies arrive I am always excited (maybe a little too excited)...for example - the colorful cotton threads seen to the right - I always look forward to replenishing fibers for hand or machine sewing...I mean, just look at that rainbow...

...and zippers - not too many people would get excited over a package of zippers...but when a box of 200 colorful zippers lands in my mailbox, I am over-the-moon! Yep, it is like I won the lottery when zippers arrive...

...and fabrics...who doesn't love new fabrics...fat quarters, charm packs, yardage, jelly rolls, you name it...linens for cross stitching or cotton prints for quilting...any and all fabrics make my heart happy!

Notions and storage solutions are another instant smile. Who else gets excited about needles?? - a new package or container of needles arrives (for hand or machine) and there's a BIG smile...and what about new scissors or tools - they are "happy dance" worthy! New tins, bins, boxes, or adorable storage solutions and I am in heaven...

Oh, and new dies for my cutting machines...I can't wait to get them out of the packaging and try them out for the first time! New patterns, charts, books, and magazines too - I can't wait to look through every single page...

I found myself wondering this morning if other professions would get employees as cheerful as I am while I am working...hmmmm... I think it would be incredible to be a librarian - every new book that arrived would be intriguing...or a chef - new groceries in stock and I would want to immediately create a new specialty dish...or, working in a plant nursery - that would do it too! Does your job make your heart skip a beat? - if so, I would love to hear about it...

No matter what you are doing today, I hope the simple things bring you joy!!