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!

"Dahlias In Deco" - A Quilted Wall Hanging

I am so happy to finally be sharing my "Dahlias In Deco" wall hanging with you - it's been a long time coming. I finished it up several days ago, but didn't have time to get this post completed until now. Believe it or not, this quilted wall hanging has actually been a couple years in the making. The design started out as a Timeless Treasures Block Challenge on the Electric Quilt Blog back in July 2015 - at the time, I was just playing around with the fabrics (Charleston by REVIVE for Timeless Treasures) in EQ7 (Electric Quilt design software) and had no immediate plans to make it into an actual wall hanging/quilt. During the block contest, I posted a photo on Instagram, showing my computer screen working on the contest block...and a month or two later, I was contacted by one of my good customers (who saw the image) to see if I would make it into a quilt. I worked up the wall hanging design in 2016 and she loved it, so I ordered the beautiful fabrics...and added it to my long list of projects for her (she keeps me busy and is very patient with my other orders and crazy schedule...and we prioritize what she wants completed first). I was super excited to finish it up last week and ship this beautiful wall hanging in Art Deco style fabrics to it's new home! It is a combination of intricate piecing and applique...with each finished block measuring 12". The entire wall hanging was cut with AccuQuilt dies, making it easy to precision piece. I will be writing a pattern for this design (to be titled Dahlias In Deco) in the coming weeks, once my project bag making schedule slows down (I have somewhere near 100 bags requested at the moment) - plus I have have two REALLY big piles of needlework finishing to accomplish...but my goal is to write the pattern as soon as I can fit it into my schedule. Here are some images of my process from design to completion:

I am really happy with how it turned out and I am excited to hear from my customer, once it is received. I am also looking forward to new projects, as this one was quite time consuming and was in the works for what seemed like FOREVER. 

The last week and a half, I have been suffering from a terrible flu bug (my husband has been doing TONS of traveling for his job and managed to pick up the virus along the way, which he lovingly brought home and shared with me), and even after a couple full days in bed and taking very good care of myself last week, I am still quite rundown. After taking him back to the airport today, I finished cutting fabrics for several orders and completed up a very small Etsy custom request...but after this post, I have plans to rest for the evening...life has been hectic, to say the least, and I really need to shake this bug. I'll be back to visit with you again soon - creative things are happening!!

Pretty Project Bags

It's another early morning post for me - I haven't been sleeping well for the last couple weeks, so I have been keeping busy stitching/sewing/quilting into the wee hours each morning. I finished up three more large orders for my zippered bags in the last week..and I have a wall hanging in the process of quilting for a customer right now. I completed the last project bag order a couple hours ago and it feels good to be temporarily caught up...I say temporarily, because more packages of fabric are on the way...the orders for my large and small project bags and tool bags have been pouring in, thanks to some great customers sharing my details with their friends! It is always enjoyable to work with the fabulous fabrics my customers supply for their custom bags...even when they send directional prints and prints with straight lines, it is still fun to play with all the different patterns and styles. Here are a few photos of my most recent custom project bags...

...and very soon, I'll have photos to share with you of the appliqué wall hanging I have in progress - it is an original design that combines patchwork blocks and floral appliqué. I am quilting it now and will hopefully be binding it tomorrow night. Here's a peek at the block design process in EQ7....

In my "spare time", I have started listing more vintage/hard to find needlework books and cross stitch stash in my Etsy shop...mostly out-of-print (OOP) books/charts/kits - currently, I am in the process of listing a TON of OOP Blackbird Designs patterns and kits (I am listing the Loose Feather Club patterns in order - some are just the pattern, some are kitted with the listed supplies, some I have multiples - I have listed #1 through #9 and have scanned #10 through #20 to list next - they will be added in groups as I have time). So, if you are looking for something special and hard to find, you may want to visit periodically and see what's new. I have also listed more Stitch Starter Ruler Pocket Sleeve Sets...plus I have more ruler sleeves and tool/project bags cut and ready to sew that will be listed as they are completed.

For now, I should head to bed - it is 2:30 AM...and I have a full day tomorrow! Thanks for visiting...

Blooming & Blue:Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour

Greetings friends, fans, and blog hoppers - I am thrilled to be one of the first stops on the Quiltmker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour. This quilty blog hop is celebrating the release of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 12...and to say I am excited to be a part of this special magazine and blog tour for the third time would be an understatement - I am such a HUGE fan, collecting the 100 block issues over the years...and I am honored, once again, to be in the company of so many extremely talented quilt designers that I admire...and even more thrilled to have my block on the cover!

If you are visiting my blog for the first time - welcome! Let me introduce myself...my name is Belinda Karls-Nace and I am a needlework and quilting designer, teacher, and professional finisher by trade (Blue Ribbon Designs). I picked up my first needle at the young age of six (and made my first quilt around the age of eight) and have been designing professionally in the Cross Stitch industry for almost 15 years. I am completely obsessed with just about anything created with a needle and thread - and when I am not working on my original cross stitch and counted thread designs, I find sheer enjoyment sewing and quilting...and in the very near future, I will be adding my sewing and quilting patterns to my brand (along with patterns that combine my love of handwork and quilting). I am an enthusiastic AccuQuilt fan, proudly owning all four of their fabric cutters and a wide assortment of cutting dies...and I am lucky enough to do freelance designing and sample piecing/quilting for them, as well. My blog follows my creative journey - including needlework, sewing, quilting, and machine embroidery...my handcrafted Etsy items...my original designs and patterns...tips and tricks...pretty much anything that inspires me...I hope you enjoy your stay and visit often!

Without further ado, here is my original block (YAY!!!), which I titled "Blooming Out of the Blue" - the magazine edited  my title (I'm guessing for space) to "Blooming & Blue", which I guess works just as well.  My original quilt block  is #1147 and can be found on page 31. My regular readers know I love to combine traditional piecing with machine appliqué, so creating this cheerful, floral block just came naturally.

This entire block is AccuQuilt GO! friendly...and for those of you wanting to take advantage of the cutting dies I used, here is a complete list:

• GO! Square on Point - 4¾" (4¼ Finished) (55019)
• GO! Half Square Triangle - 3" Finished Square (55009)
• GO! Quarter Square Triangle - 6" Finished Square (55002)
• GO! Pomegranate (55371) - used for small circle 2½"
• GO! 2", 3", 5" Circles (55012) - used for 2" circle
• GO! Rose of Sharon (55045) - used for 3"W x 3"H Rose, 1" Circles, 1½"W x ⅝"H leaves
• A couple notes:
• for flower stems, I cut one GO! Square on Point - 4¾"  (55019), then  sub cut four ¼" strips for stems
• For those wanting to use the brand new GO Qube for the base block - use the GO! Qube Mix & Match 12" Block Set: Shape 4, Shape 5,  and Shape 6.

I like to audition my original blocks in multiples, with other traditional blocks, and with solid blocks to make sure they can be versatile...I also like to design blocks that will work well in a number of colorways. This particular block just happens to be a great scrap buster block! I had fun playing with this design in EQ7 (Electric Quilt 7 Software) and creating color variations to show it off...here is how it would look in a couple seasonal color schemes and how it would look as a 48" x 48" quilt...

For fun, I decided to work up my block with 1930's reproduction fabrics - which is totally out of my normal style/comfort zone...here is my block worked with fabrics  from the new collection Naptime 2 by Darlene Zimmerman for Robert Kaufman Fabrics...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and sharing in my enthusiasm (and for reading this far)...and as a reward, I have a few giveaway opportunities (NOTE: this giveaway opportunity has ended). 

• Quiltmaker Magazine is giving away a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 12 magazine to one of my lucky readers...
• ...and I have two copies of  Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 12 magazine to give away...

Yep, THREE of my blog readers will receive a copy of the magazine!!

NOTE: This giveaway opportunity has ended...
Keep an eye on my blog for future chances to win...

For a chance to win one of these prizes, simply leave me a single comment telling me about your handmade/homemade holiday projects - I would love to hear about your creative endeavors for the upcoming holiday season...

To be eligible, you must include your e-mail address or have your e-mail address visible in your profile - international entries are welcome - you must leave a comment, no e-mail entries will be accepted. The giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Thursday, November 19, 2015 and the three prize recipients will be announced on Friday, November 20, 2015. No prize substitutions. Good luck...

Make sure you look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 12, on newsstands tomorrow (Tuesday, November 17th)...it's the issue with the green band across the top of the cover. To find links to all the other blog tour stops, to read all about the other 99 blocks, and to have the opportunity to win a plethora of fabulous prizes, stop by the Quiltmaker Magazine blog:
http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/

A BIG thank you to Quiltmaker Magazine for including my original block in Volume 12...and thanks to YOU for visiting my blog - I hope you have been inspired and will return again soon!

Halloween at the Cabin

I'm back today to share a very fun Halloween finish! I really enjoyed creating this custom Halloween table topper for one of my repeat customers (she happily keeps me busy!). I had to search and search for Halloween fabrics that were to her liking and I finally found this wonderful collection from Maywood Studio - it is called "Black Cat Crossing"...and it worked perfectly. She had a log cabin block in mind...so I pulled up my EQ7 software, scanned in the fabrics, and immediately started working on a design. I already had a custom block drawn/saved that was created specifically for my AccuQuilt GO! Log Cabin-12" Finished Square die by Leslie Main - I created it in an assortment of sizes for various uses (this particular die cuts logs to make 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 11" and 12" finished Log Cabin blocks) - I decided the 9" block would work best for her table size. I added some border strips to get it sized to fit her table measurements just right...and the end result, I titled "Halloween at the Cabin". The quilting was enjoyable too - I used a large zig-zag which gave it a little extra spooky Halloween embellishment (you can see some of the quilting in the block image below). I was quite happy with how this project turned out and I look forward to using my log cabin cutting die more in the future...and (shocker!) I just may have to order more of this specific fabric line, as I only have some smaller pieces leftover...

I continue to sew/quilt by day and stitch in the evening...that seems to work best with my hectic schedule. I managed to finish up several additional projects this week and I will make time to share with you real soon...I have been in "create" mode and loving every minute of it...I just wish I could stretch a few more hours out of each day!

Sunshine and Daisies:Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour

Greetings friends, fans, and blog hoppers - I am thrilled to be one of the stops on the very first day of Quiltmker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour. This quilty blog hop is celebrating the release of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 11...and to say I am excited to be a part of this special magazine issue and blog tour for the second time would be an understatement - I am such a HUGE fan, collecting the 100 block issues over the years...and I am honored to be in the company of so many extremely talented quilt designers that I admire.

If you are visiting my blog for the first time - welcome! Let me introduce myself...my name is Belinda Karls-Nace and I am a needlework and quilting designer, teacher, and professional finisher by trade (Blue Ribbon Designs). I picked up my first needle at the young age of six (and made my first quilt around the age of eight) and have been designing professionally in the Cross Stitch industry for over 10 years. I am completely obsessed with just about anything created with a needle and thread - and when I am not working on my original cross stitch and counted thread designs, I find sheer enjoyment sewing and quilting...and in the very near future, I will be adding my sewing and quilting patterns to my brand (along with patterns that combine my love of handwork and quilting). I am an enthusiastic AccuQuilt fan, proudly owning all four of their fabric cutters and a wide assortment of cutting dies...and I am lucky enough to do some freelance designing and sample piecing/quilting for them, as well. My blog follows my creative journey - including needlework, sewing, quilting, and machine embroidery...my handcrafted Etsy items...my original designs and patterns...tips and tricks...pretty much anything that inspires me...I hope you enjoy your stay and visit often!

"Sunshine and Daisies" - Block #1051 - Page 37

My original quilt block for Volume 11  is called "Sunshine and Daisies" - it is block #1051 and can be found on page 37. My regular readers know I love to combine traditional piecing with machine appliqué, so creating this cheerful, floral block just came naturally. This entire block is AccuQuilt GO! friendly...and for those of you wanting to take advantage of the cutting dies I used, here is a complete list:

• 55000 (Square - 6.5")
• 55006 (Square - 3.5")  
• 55002 (Triangle 4 7/8")
• 55009 (Half Square - 3" Finished Triangle)
• 55327 (Daisy)
• 55045 (1" Strip Cutter) - used for stems - 1" WOF strip was put through a Clover Bias Tape Maker (Art No. 464/12)  and sub cut to make four 1/2" x 6" stems or simply cut four 1/2" strips (6" long), if preferred.

I like to audition my original blocks in multiples, with other traditional blocks, and with solid blocks to make sure they can be versatile...I also like to design blocks that will work well in a number of colorways. This particular block just happens to be a great scrap buster block! I had fun playing with this design in EQ7 (Electric Quilt 7 Software) and creating color variations to show it off...here is how it would look in a few different color schemes and how it would look adding borders for a table topper or wall hanging....

Since this is a 12" finished block, I decided it would make a fun, bright, and  cozy pillow. For a change, I chose to work it up in shades of blue and green, using Robert Kaufman fabrics for the the blues and a fun older Island Batik for the green. I simply added 1" strips (1/2" finished) on all four sides...and then 2" strips (1-1/2" finished) and 2" square (1-1/2" finished) cornerstones on all four sides... and added an envelope back...perfect for a 16" square Pellon pillow form...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and sharing in my enthusiasm (and for reading this far)...and as a reward, I have a few giveaway opportunities!

• Quiltmaker Magazine is giving away a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 11 magazine to one of my lucky readers...
• ...and I have two copies of  Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 11 magazine to give away...

Yep, THREE of my blog readers will receive a copy of the magazine!!

For a chance to win one of these prizes, simply leave me a single comment telling me about the hobbies you enjoy - I would love to hear about your creative endeavors...

To be eligible, you must include your e-mail address or have your e-mail address visible in your profile - international entries are welcome - you must leave a comment, no e-mail entries will be accepted. The giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Thursday, May 7, 2015 and the three prize recipients will be announced on Friday, April 8, 2015. No prize substitutions. Good luck...

Make sure you look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 11, on newsstands tomorrow (Tuesday, May 5th)...it's the issue with the orange band across the top of the cover. To find links to all the other blog tour stops, to read all about the other 99 blocks, and to have the opportunity to win a plethora of fabulous prizes, stop by the Quiltmaker Magazine blog:
http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/

A BIG thank you to Quiltmaker Magazine for including my original block in Volume 11...and thanks to YOU for visiting my blog - I hope you have been inspired and will return again soon! ...and one more thing...be sure to check out my quilt "Kites in Flight" in the May/June issue of Quiltmaker Magazine on newsstands now too...

Four Corners of Happy: Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour

Greetings friends, fans, and blog hoppers - I am thrilled to be one of the stops on day four of Quiltmker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour. This quilty blog hop is celebrating the release of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 10...and if you are doing the math (10 volumes x 100 blocks), then you know this collector's edition marks the milestone of 1,000 original quilt blocks! To say I am excited to be a part of this special issue for the first time would be an understatement - I am such a HUGE fan, collecting the 100 block issues over the years...and I am honored to be in the company of so many quilt designers that I admire.

If you are visiting my blog for the first time - welcome! Let me introduce myself...my name is Belinda Karls-Nace (don't let the little typo in the magazine fool you, as they misspelled my last name) and I am a counted thread needlework designer, teacher, and professional finisher by trade (Blue Ribbon Designs). I picked up my first needle at the young age of six (and made my first quilt around the age of eight) and have been designing professionally in the Cross Stitch industry for over 10 years. I am completely obsessed with just about anything created with a needle and thread - and when I am not working on my original cross stitch designs, I find sheer enjoyment sewing and quilting...and in the very near future, I will be adding my sewing and quilting patterns to my brand (along with patterns that combine my love of handwork and quilting). I am an enormous AccuQuilt fan, proudly owning three of their fabric cutters and a wide assortment of cutting dies...and I am lucky enough to do some freelance designing and sample piecing/quilting for them, as well. My blog follows my creative journey - including needlework, sewing, quilting, and machine embroidery...my handcrafted Etsy items...my original designs and patterns...tips and tricks...pretty much anything that inspires me...I hope you enjoy your stay and visit often!

"4 Corners of Happy"

My original quilt block for this special issue is called "4 Corners of Happy" - it is block #944 and can be found on page 40 (and on the cover!!). My regular readers know I love to combine traditional piecing with machine appliqué, so creating this cheerful block just came naturally. This entire block is AccuQuilt GO! friendly...and for those of you wanting to take advantage of the cutting dies I used, here is a complete list:

• 55000 (Square - 6.5")
• 55022 (Square - 2")  
• 55002 (Triangle 4 7/8")
• 55009 (Half Square - 3" Finished Triangle)
• 55319 (Half Square - 1.5" Finished Triangle)
• 55045 (Rose of Sharon)
• 55382 (Rose of Sharon #2)

I like to audition my original blocks in multiples, with other traditional blocks, and with solid blocks to make sure they can be versatile...I also like to design blocks that will work well in a number of colorways. This particular block just happens to be a great scrap buster block! I had fun playing with this design in EQ7 and creating several pieces to show it off...here is how it would look in a table runner...

Since this is a 12" finished block, I decided it would make a great bright and cozy pillow...I simply added 2 1/2" strips on all four sides and added an envelope back...perfect for a 16" square pillow form...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and sharing in my enthusiasm...and as a reward, I have a couple giveaway prizes!

• Quiltmaker Magazine is giving away a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 10 magazine to one of my lucky readers...

• I have put together one "pre-cut block package" with all the pieces needed to make one "4 Corners of Happy" block in the same fabrics as my magazine submission, along with one copy of the magazine. I die cut all the pieces on my AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter and the applique shapes even have paper-backed fusible web attached for quicker piecing...the recipient of this prize can have their block put together in no time!

NOTE: THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED.

For a chance to win one of these prizes, simply leave me a single comment telling me about the hobbies you enjoy - I would love to hear what types of projects you like to work on.... 
To be eligible, you must include your e-mail address or have your e-mail address visible in your profile - international entries are welcome - you must leave a comment, no e-mail entries will be accepted. The giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Friday, November 21, 2014 and the two prize recipients will be announced on Saturday, November 22, 2014. No prize substitutions. Good luck...

Make sure you look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 10, on newsstands now...it's the issue with the purple blue band across the top of the cover. To find links to all the other blog tour stops, to read all about the other 99 blocks, and to have the opportunity to win a plethora of fabulous prizes, stop by the Quiltmaker Magazine blog:
http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you will return again soon!