Do you like Christmas quilting for decoration or gifts? Here is an idea to turn the blocks you have already made into a finished project! You saw this quilt before it was quilted and bound (click here for the post), where I worked with 12" blocks I had made to test quilt patterns. It has become part of my work process: test patterns using similar fabrics so that, one day, I can turn those blocks into a quilt. It reminds me of the "leaders and enders" process, where you begin and end … [Read more...] about Christmas quilting for decoration or gifts
sampler quilts
Christmas Quilts with 12-inch Quilt Blocks
Make quick Christmas Quilts with 12-inch Quilt Blocks that you forgot you had! Simple layouts translate into fast gifts or holiday decor. Last Saturday, after writing a pattern I decided I wanted to spend the rest of the day sewing. I actually wanted to see if I could make a quilt with some test blocks I had. You know that when I test blocks I try to use similar fabrics for many of them so, down the line, I can just put them together into a quilt. That was my mood that day. The quilt … [Read more...] about Christmas Quilts with 12-inch Quilt Blocks
Sampler quilt with stars made by three friends
Choose your favorite star blocks, a fabric collection, and make a sampler quilt with stars like we did. Exchange blocks once a month! I am calling this my Friendship Star quilt! Deb, Lisa, and I agreed to work with the Gretel fabric collection by Amy Smart for Riley Blake Designs. I love Amy's fabrics! Deb suggested our blocks should be 12" stars, any stars we liked. So, we met every month or so to exchange the blocks we made. We would choose a design, make three blocks of it, and share. … [Read more...] about Sampler quilt with stars made by three friends
Star quilt block: it only looks difficult
Do you know those times when you are looking for a different quilt block for your project, you find one then go: Nah, too difficult? Well, I found the ultimate star quilt block because it only looks difficult but is so easy to make! [Edited: June 14, 2020] How do you like my star block? I had been looking for a cool star block for a quilt my friends Deb, Lisa, and I are working on and was so happy when I found this one! It is beautiful and, surprise, it is super easy to make! I made … [Read more...] about Star quilt block: it only looks difficult
The Splendid Sampler 2
Oooh! I am so excited about the release of the book The Splendid Sampler 2 by Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson, published by Martingale! The first book had such terrific blocks and inspired many quilters to join in and sew along (view their beautiful quilts here). Wait until you see book 2! All photographs by Brent Kane for Martingale. Used with permission. For The Splendid Sampler 2, Pat and Jane asked 80 designers to contribute blocks which answered the question: "I'm living … [Read more...] about The Splendid Sampler 2