Congratulations to Barbara and Gloria - they were randomly drawn as the recipients for my Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 giveaway...they have both been contacted and the magazines have been shipped! Thank you to all who commented and shared their current creative projects/endeavors - I enjoyed reading each and every comment...
barbara woods:just finished a t-shirt quilt and planning to spend a couple of days making casserole carriers
Anonymous - Gloria McKenna:I do needlework and quilting = working on older WIPS at the moment. Your blog provides inspiration and 'words of wisdom' to help me through my 'slumps. Thanks!
Make sure to look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15, on newsstands now (Release Date: 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!
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):
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!
My sewing machine has been rather busy lately (which is a great thing!) and I have finished quite a few major projects. Thank goodness the largest deadlines are complete, as I am getting ready to travel again (yep, I'm hiking the Grand Canyon this coming week). Recently, I finished six new pieces for AccuQuilt - I designed patterns and created samples for a throw quilt, a baby quilt, a table runner, a table topper, a bed runner, and a wall hanging...I can't share the details or photos with you just yet - you'll have to be patient a bit longer; however, here is a glimpse at some of the other projects I have been competing. I have been working on quite a few custom project bags and tool bags...lots of Stitch Starter RulerSleeves for my Etsy shop (the ones shown below are almost sold out, but I have 40 more cut and ready to sew when I return from my trip)...and couple custom quilts - one is a fabulous wall hanging that is almost complete (just needs quilting) - I will be sharing more on this unique original design in the near future. So, while it may have been a little quiet here in my blogland, there has been a plethora of activity in my sewing studio...
One last thing to mention - recently, while browsing online, I came across a cover photo for the upcoming Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks issue (it will be on newsstands on May 2nd)...imagine my shock when I see that I have a block on the cover...I had to double check and make sure it was really my submission - how awesome is that?! YAY!! I/they must be having some sort of issue with correspondence to/from the magazine, because I had no idea - and I have sent them several e-mails with no response. Unfortunately, this means I won't be involved in the big Volume 15 Blog Tour (boo hoo!)...but I will be posting here and revealing my block...so be sure to stop back the first week of May when I will be sharing the details and giving away a couple copies of the magazine...
That's all for today - I must get busy cleaning and packing for my trip...and we are headed out for a pizza party/birthday celebration this afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your weekend...and I'll be back real soon...
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!
Hello friends, fans, and followers! I am thrilled so many of you stopped by for the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour...and many of you left a comment for a chance to win a copy of Volume 11. I truly had fun reading about all your interesting hobbies and creative endeavors - it was so interesting to find out I have so much in common with so many of you. It is pretty clear that handwork, gardening, reading, and baking go hand and hand with quilting...and I loved reading that some of you are fellow walkers...and there were quite a few pet lovers, as well....and many of you listed some very unique projects. Thank you for sharing your favorite things with me - your comments made my heart happy (and I apologize I didn't have time to respond to each and every one of them)! I wish I had a 100+ copies of the magazine to giveaway, so I could send each of you a copy...but alas, I only have three...and the random generator chose the following:
samtaylorcjsmimi
Oh my - I just love your block and the pillow is fabulous!!! I have many hobbies and some that I no longer pursue! I've done macrame`, counted cross stitch, stained glass, crochet, knit, sewing, quilting.....my sister and I even had a ceramic business for a number of years!
Thanks so much for the chance to win :)
Loris
Lovely block! Wow! You own some handy fabric cutters! I would love to have an Accuquilt someday. In the meantime, quilting is my main hobby with a strong dose of walking with my dogs to keep me healthy and happy.
Thank you for joining in the Quiltmaker blog hop.
Ann McCay
Absolutely stunning! I'd actually try it, IF I were taking a class with you! :)
Over the years I've tried many hobbies and past-times. Now I quilt and do some paper crafting - scrapping and card making. If I'm not doing those two things then I'm doing my genealogy research or reading. So many ancestors, so many books! Thanks for this opportunity.
My block - "Sunshine and Daisies" - Block #1051 - Page 37
I have sent each of the recipients an e-mail with details...
Today, I will leave you with a fun slideshow featuring all 100 Blocks from Volume 11 - I am just thrilled to be a part of this special issue - there are so many wonderful quilt blocks...and I guarantee you will see something that catches your eye...
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!
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....
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...
Today I am excited to share that I have a quilt design featured in the May/June issue of Quiltmaker Magazine....that's right Blue Ribbon Designs can be found in Quiltmaker Magazine, on newsstands now. My quilt design is called "Kites in Flight"...and although the magazine is calling it a crib quilt, I designed it as a throw or lap quilt. It is a nice manageable size at 48" x 48"...and can be paper-pieced (you can find the kite foundation block included on the magazine pattern sheet) or cut with an AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter - instructions are included in the magazine for both options. When creating the quilt, I used my AccuQuilt GO! Big Fabric Cutter and two cutting dies: GO! Kite-4" Finished (55254) and GO! Strip Cutter-2" (55025 or 55164) (binding only). Each Kite Block unit is 4" square...and four Kite Block units make up one Kite Block. You can find the pattern and all the information on pages 38-40 of the May/June Issue (#163)....the single pattern is also available as digital download. The fun birdie fabrics used for my quilt are from the Sweet Tweets Organic Collection by Pengiun & Fish...along with one AMB Cotton Solid by American Made Brand (AMB-17 Light Lime), both from Clothworks....and Quiltmaker has both a quilt kit and a backing kit available in their Quilt and Sew Shop.
If you plan to use the foundation piecing method, Quiltmaker has posted a video, where Carolyn Beam (Content Director at Quiltmaker) gives you a overview of the block process...
If you plan to use the die-cutting method, AccuQuilt has a wonderful video, showing you how to make the Kite Block using the GO! Kite-4" Finished (55254) cutting die.
I am super excited to have this quilt back at home...most of my quilts are customer orders, commissioned pieces, made to be sold, or gifts...but this one, I am keeping...to me it is special!
Photo Credit: Quiltmaker Magazine
I am hard at work on new cross stitch and quilting designs...and you will see Blue Ribbon Designs in quite a few more publications this year!
I'm a little late with my February Bitty Blocks post...I actually finished up my February Bitty Blocks on Sunday, February 29th (yes, at the very last minute), but with all the excitement of the AccuQuilt GO! Big Blog Hop, I am just now getting around to sharing my Bitty Basket Blocks with you...
Just in case you missed my January post or are new to my blog...I am trying to do some fabric scrap "maintenance" by participating in Quiltmaker Magazine's Bitty Block program. On the first Monday of each month during 2015, Quiltmaker Magazine will post a Bitty Block on their blog Quilty Pleasures...the blocks will be approximately 3″ or 4″ square...and even better, this is a FREE project - you provide the materials, they provide the instructions. The plan is to make Bitty Blocks during the month and then sew them into a row....then the rows will be sewn together to create an unique throw-size sampler quilt made from bunches of Bitty Blocks. In typical Belinda fashion, I decided to make a miniature seasonal quilt each month with my bitty blocks to display in my cute little 12" quilt stand. In January, I used the 3" Bitty Bow Tie Blocks to make my "The Lovebirds" mini quilt...and in February, I used my 3" Bitty Basket Blocks to make my St. Patrick's Day mini quilt "Blarney Baskets".
I now have my monthly miniature St. Patrick's Day quilt on display in my adorable 12" stand and it makes me happy!
Now it's time to focus on the March Bitty Block...which I am thrilled is a 3" House Block...how fun is that?! Later in the month, I will be back to show you my March mini quilt...my creative juices are already flowing...
Happy Friday friends and followers - I am finally back to share my Bitty Blocks finish with you! I have been busy sewing/quilting several large (VERY time-consuming) projects that have a rapidly approaching deadline, but I made time this afternoon to bind my mini "The Lovebirds" quilt. Amazing how frustration can turn to happiness, just by switching projects...my mood has gone from "tearing my hair out" to "ready to take on the world" in one hour of time...
Next, I added my 3" Bow Tie Blocks as a border...I played with the layout and my different fabric combinations to find the grouping I liked best...
Next I added a small sleeve on the back and binding, so it would be ready for hanging...
So, here it is...my finished "The Lovebirds" miniature quilt...it was just what I needed to bring a smile to my face! As you can see from the photo above, it fits perfectly in my little stand...and it definitely brightens up my living room...
Now, I am waiting to see what the February Bitty Block will be...I am thinking I will *have to* make a mini St. Patrick's Day quilt next! I'm sure I have plenty of green fabric scraps...
