Friday, December 17, 2021

Tipsie Geese Quilt - Part 1 available on Annie's Creative Studio

I hope you love learning with Annie's Creative Studio as much as I love teaching classes there.  There are so many amazing classes, I have a hard time selecting which one to watch next. 

Today I'm sharing the release of Part 1 of the Tipsie Geese quilt class.  


This quilt is a little more complex but the extra steps are so worth it when the quilt is finished.  It is simply stunning.   And no worries if the techniques are new to you, I'm there to guide you step-by-step along the way.   If you have ever wanted to learn curved piecing, then be sure to take this class.  

I've got a quick introductory video to share with you. 


If you aren't familiar with Annie's Creative Studio, it's a great online learning platform where you can learn all sorts of crafts, not just quilting.  If you are multi-craftual like me, it's fun to take classes in just one location without having to pay for a variety of different classes. 

Here is a direct link to sign up for a free trial to 

experience Annie's Creative Studio for yourself.  

Another bonus is the classes available are in a variety of skill levels.  I can challenge my quilting skills with advanced classes but still take beginner crochet classes and well, what can I say ... pre-beginner knitting classes!  

I hope you will check it out with the free trial. You'll be amazed at all the learning opportunities. 


If you would like to see more of my patterns, tips and techniques delivered weekly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my weekly Masterpiece Quilting Studio News email.  It's free of charge and I promise your email is safe with me. 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Calm Lagoon Instagram Loop

It has been a fun couple of weeks celebrating with Sherry Shish of Powered by Quilting and the arrival in stores of her new signature collection called Calm Lagoon by Kathy Engle for Island Batik.   

A few weeks ago I shared more about the collection and the Serenage quilt I made using the fabrics.  If you missed it, here is the direct link to that post

For the next two days (until 9:00 a.m. EST on December 17, 2021), we are running at loop on Instragram with lots of free prizes!  Who doesn't love free prizes? 

To get started, hop onto my Masterpiece Quilting Instagram page and following the directions on the post with this image. 



You could be the lucky winner of my new Serenade quilt pattern and class!  I'd love to have you be the one, but you can't win if you don't play - so don't wait. 


Hayloft Stars Quilt Class on Annie's Creative Studio

I'm excited to share my latest class on Annie's Creative Studio - the Hayloft Stars Wall Hanging! 


This is a super fun and stunning wall hanging to make. 

Even if your decor is a different colorway, you can easily substitute fabrics that will make it perfect for your home.  

Here's a quick video introduction to the class. 


The design is one where you can really have some fun adding pretty quilting.  It's the perfect size for practicing your custom quilting motifs too. 

If you aren't familiar with Annie's Creative Studio, it's a great online learning platform where you can learn all sorts of crafts, not just quilting.  If you are multi-craftual like me, it's fun to take classes in just one location without having to pay for a variety of different classes. 

Here is a direct link to sign up for a free trial to 

experience Annie's Creative Studio for yourself.  

While Hayloft Stars make look complex, it is really easy to make, especially with the video instruction.  During the class, I'm your guide each step of the way - so put those worries aside if you think it looks too complex and get started today!  


If you would like to see more of my patterns, tips and techniques delivered weekly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my weekly Masterpiece Quilting Studio News email.  It's free of charge and I promise your email is safe with me. 

Monday, December 13, 2021

Old School Block of the Month - + 12 Block Layout

Old School Block of the Month -

On the 12th of each month, the tutorial for the Old School Block of the Month has been released this year.  I'm excited and sad at the same time.  Excited to finish yet another block but sad that is is our last month together. 

This month's block is another new block for me to make (isn't it amazing that after all these years quilting, I'm still making new-to-me blocks!)  and it goes together super easy.   

Sherri Falls of This & That Patterns is the designer for this month and her instructions will expertly guide you as you make her "Christmas Blossom" block, even if this is your first experience with sewing partial seams. 

Direct Link to Sherri's blog post

Here is my finished block.   (Yes, it looks a bit wonky in the photo...but in real life it's perfectly square.  I'm not sure what happened, but let's blame the photographer (me!))



I'm sticking with my same blue and pink colorway so this block will fit perfectly with the rest of the blocks.   And I even fussy-cut the center snail to match the other blocks where I've fussy-cut this year. 



Since we are at the last block for the year, I want to share the layout that I've created for my quilt.  In the next couple of weeks, I'll be finalizing the placement of my blocks and making the finished quilt top.  I've got a few deadline projects that need to happen first :) 

The layout is available as a pdf download with complete materials list, cutting and assembly instructions. (You do need to enter your email to receive it. I know it's an extra step, but it helps keep spammers away.) 

In addition to the 12 block layout, I've also included a 13-block layout since one month we made two blocks.  This layout can be used for any block of the month or whenever you have extra blocks that can be assembled for a charity quilt.  

Download 12 Block Layout PDF here

I would love to see the quilt you make using this layout, be sure to tag me as #masterpiecequilting

If you are finding this blog post for the first time and want to join the Old School Block of the Month, we would love to have you!   

If you would like to join it, you can find the Facebook group here

If you would like to see more of my patterns, tips and techniques delivered weekly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my weekly Masterpiece Quilting Studio News email.  It's free of charge and I promise your email is safe with me. 


Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Quilt Block Mania - Let's Play Ball!

When I was a kid, it was so much fun to get a new ball to play with.  So when this month's prompt for Quilt Block Mania is toys, I immediately thought about a ball!  

While I was never very good at playing baseball or softball, I can design a pretty realistic looking baseball block, if I say so myself! 



This block is perfect for any ball loving enthusiast in your life.  It is made using stash fabrics and raw-edge fusible applique for the ball.  

Don't look too closely, I found the perfect fabric for the sky and then realized I needed to seam it to get a piece large enough for the block ... it happens and once quilted, no one will know....  we'll call it our little secret ;) 

I used a machine blanket stitch (#28) to stitch around the ball and for the "seams" I used a machine feather stitch (#29) and red thread to mimic the hand-stitching on the ball.  


I honestly don't use the decorative stitches on my sewing machine very often, so this was a good opportunity to play with the feather stitch. 

The pattern for my Baseball Block is available for free using the link below. 



I'd love to see the version you make.  Be sure to share on social media using #baseballblock and #masterpiecequilting 

An entire group of designers have been working with this same theme and here is a sampling of the blocks they have made!  Aren't they gorgeous? 



Below are the links to each of the blocks.  If you weren't ready to stop scrolling and start playing, you will be soon.


If you would like to see more of my patterns, tips and techniques delivered weekly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my weekly Masterpiece Quilting Studio News email.  It's free of charge and I promise your email is safe with me. 

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Calm Lagoon Blog Tour + Serenade Quilt Pattern & Class Release

I am super excited to be part of the Calm Lagoon Blog Tour showcasing Sherry Shish's signature collection of the same name, designed by Kathy Engle for Island Batik.  


It's been several months ago that Sherry invited me to be part of the tour and as soon as I saw the fabrics I knew I had to be a part of it.  


At that same time, I had been working on a new design and was struggling with fabric choices for it.  After looking at this collection, everything came together - the design, the fabrics and the name Serenade. 


I'm excited to offer Serenade as the first of my new series of Quilt with Me classes.  Designed for the beginner quilter, I'll be guiding you step-by-step through fabric selection, the tools and supplies that you will need as well as complete instructions for making each block and assembling the quilt. We will also talk quilting: edge-to-edge, custom, semi-custom plus I'll share my favorite machine binding method.   Since I only have the top finished right now, you will be able to learn from me as I select different quilting designs to use. 

The Calm Lagoon fabric is just now shipping to stores and this time of the year is a bit busy, so we'll wait to kick off the class in early January 2022.  This will give you plenty of time to get your fabrics and supplies gathered.  

As a special bonus for the blog tour, I'm discounting the Serenade Quilt with Me class by 40% using the coupon code CALM40.   Here is the direct link to sign up.  The pattern is available for immediate download. 

I'd love to have you join me making this beautiful quilt. 

Be sure to visit all of the amazingly talented quilters and designers to see their beautiful Calm Lagoon projects!  Make sure you swing past Sherry's December 1st post to get entered in the drawing for some Calm Lagoon fabric :) 


If you would like to see more of my patterns, tips and techniques delivered weekly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my weekly Masterpiece Quilting Studio News email.  It's free of charge and I promise your email is safe with me. 

Monday, November 22, 2021

Birds in the Air Block Challenge - Final Reveal

Where has November gone?  It seems like just yesterday I was pulling fabrics for this block challenge.  

This month the designers worked with the traditional Birds in the Air block and I'm blown away with all the creativity in the group. (Be sure to check out everyone's posts - they are amazing!)

I decided to tackle each half of the block (the larger HST on one side and the smaller pieced HST's on the other side) during the Sneek Peaks as I tried to come up with new and unique ways to re-imagine them.  

I must say the larger HST side was much easier for me to re-imagine than the pieced HST side.  So without any further adieu, here is what I finally decided on for my block.  


 

When I put is all together in a quilt, here is the Final Reveal! 




I'm really kinda liking it!  The more I look at it, the more I'm starting to love it! 

I know this sounds weird but sometimes I create designs that I absolutely love from the start, other times the designs are okay and sometimes I just don't like them.  This one has lots of possibilities so don't be surprised if you see it as part of a quilt someday! 

I'm still in "design-phase" with this one and I can't wait to piece one of the blocks. 

Each Monday in November, the participating designers are sharing about the challenge on their Instagram feeds.  Some of us are adding other social media too.   If you don't already follow me on Instagram, I'm @masterpiecequilting 

Here is the list of Instagram handles of the participating designers.  Each of us are sharing our sneak peeks on Monday November 22nd.  


@tamarinis

@katecollerandesigns

@southwind_quilts

@masterpiecequilting 

@megschoicepatterns

@sue_duckcreekquilting

@crafttowardsjoy


An easy way to find the posts is using the following hashtags.  Just type them into the search box and the posts will show up. 


Hashtags:

#birdsintheairblockchallenge

#birdsintheairquiltblock

#morethanjustablockchallenge

#designerblockchallenge

#Novemberblockchallenge

#Novembdesignerblockchallenge

#quilt

#quilts

#quiltdesigner

#quiltblock

#quiltblocks



I can't wait to see what everyone's sneak peeks and I hope that you will take a look too! Be sure to follow each of the designers so you don't miss their posts during this fun challenge.


If you would like to see more of my patterns, tips and techniques delivered weekly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my weekly Masterpiece Quilting Studio News email.  It's free of charge and I promise your email is safe with me. 

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Be Still My Heart - McCall's Quilting January / February 2022

In this wonderfully chaotic season of the year where Halloween turns into Thanksgiving before our eyes and we debate whether or not we should put up the Christmas Tree while the pumpkins are still on the porch, I'm excited to bring Valentine's Day into the mix! 

Today I'm sharing my Be Still My Heart quilt which is on the cover of the January / February 2022 issue of McCall's Quilting magazine.  After all, it's less than 3 months from Valentine's Day and there is nothing better than snuggling with your sweetie under a quilt! 


Even if Valentine's Day isn't your thing, this would be an adorable quilt to make as an engagement or wedding quilt.  


Be Still My Heart features a lot of my favorite design elements - chains and stars with some raw-edge fusible applique added to make the hearts super quick and easy. 

For this version I used the Holiday Love Essentials collection by Moda Fabrics.  They provided the perfect blend of pretty pinks, reds and whites to bring the design to life. 



The January /February 2022 issue is available on newsstands starting November 23rd (grab a copy while you are Christmas shopping) but digital copies can be purchased online now through QuiltingDaily.com 

If a newsstand isn't handy, print copies will also eventually be available through QuiltingDaily.com too.

 

https://www.quiltingdaily.com/product/mccalls-quilting-january-february-2022-digital-edition/


Before I sent the quilt off to the publisher I always snap a few photos and I can't help but share this fun photo where Ruby is giving the quilt her paw-of-approval! 



If you would like to see more of my patterns, tips and techniques delivered weekly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my weekly Masterpiece Quilting Studio News email.  It's free of charge and I promise your email is safe with me. 

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Old School Block of the Month -

On the 12th of each month, the tutorial for the Old School Block of the Month is released.  I'm running a few days behind getting my block made and shared but that's okay.   This block is super fun and really easy to make too - so if you are running behind, it won't take long and you will be caught up! 

There is nothing more "old school" than a bear paw block but this one has a unique special twist.    

Katy Cameron of The Littlest Thistle is the designer for this month and her instructions will expertly guide you as you make her "Walk in my Footsteps" block, even if this is your first experience with a bear paw block. 

Direct Link to Katy's blog post


Here is my finished block. 



I'm sticking with my same blue and pink colorway so this block will fit in perfectly with the rest of the blocks.   If you want to take a quick look at all of my blocks, here is a video of them. 



If you are finding this blog post for the first time and want to join the Old School Block of the Month, we would love to have you!   

If you would like to see more of my patterns, tips and techniques delivered weekly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my weekly Masterpiece Quilting Studio News email.  It's free of charge and I promise your email is safe with me. 


Monday, November 15, 2021

Birds in the Air Block Re-Imagined Challenge - Sneak Peek #2

This week I'm sharing Sneak Peek #2 of the Birds in the Air Block Re-Imagined Challenge.  




I started playing with the traditional Birds in the Air block in my design software and was experimenting with ways to re-image in the block. In my mind, there are two parts to the block - the larger half-square triangle (HST) that is typcially a solid piece of fabric and then smaller HST units pieced together on the opposite side.  

Last week I re-imaginging what all could be done with that larger triangle.  Does it have to stay a larger piece?  Can it be fussy-cut?  Can it be pieced like a traditional block?  Could it be paper-pieced into a more detailed design?  Oh the possibilities!  Here is link to the blog post in case you missed it. 

This week I'm working on the smaller pieced HST units.  They seem a bit more challenging to re-imagine.  Here just a few of the possibilities that I came up with.  Since I'm still working in the design software, I haven't started piecing anything yet but did use the general colorway from the fabric pull I posted earlier in the month (click here in case you missed it).  

Well, it is a block re-imagined challenge - so everything is fair game - and this is all part of the design process.  Normally this is a part of the process that most people don't see, so it is fun to be able to share it with you.  

Each Monday in November, the participating designers are sharing about the challenge on their Instagram feeds.  Some of us are adding other social media too.   If you don't already follow me on Instagram, I'm @masterpiecequilting 

Here is the list of Instagram handles of the participating designers.  Each of us are sharing our sneak peeks on Monday November 15th.  


@tamarinis

@katecollerandesigns

@southwind_quilts

@masterpiecequilting 

@megschoicepatterns

@sue_duckcreekquilting

@crafttowardsjoy


An easy way to find the posts is using the following hashtags.  Just type them into the search box and the posts will show up. 


Hashtags:

#birdsintheairblockchallenge

#birdsintheairquiltblock

#morethanjustablockchallenge

#designerblockchallenge

#Novemberblockchallenge

#Novembdesignerblockchallenge

#quilt

#quilts

#quiltdesigner

#quiltblock

#quiltblocks



I can't wait to see what everyone's sneak peeks and I hope that you will take a look too! Be sure to follow each of the designers so you don't miss their posts during this fun challenge.


If you would like to see more of my patterns, tips and techniques delivered weekly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my weekly Masterpiece Quilting Studio News email.  It's free of charge and I promise your email is safe with me.