Snowball Quilt Block Challenge - Final Reveal

I'm so super excited for this final reveal.  This has been a busy month of stitching and flipping and making snowball quilt blocks.  I don't know if it was coincidence or not, but we have had an unseasonable amount of snow and cold this month which was way-to-fitting for a snowball themed challenge.  (Maybe next month's challenge should be fun-in-the-sun blocks! ) 

If you are catching this blog post first and want to follow my snowball block challenge journey, here are the links to the fabric pull, block sneak peek #1 and block sneak peek #2. 

Thanks to all that snow and cold, I had time to actually finish my entire quilt this month and get the pattern written too!   I'm so excited to share Snowbound with you.  I wanted to have a snow-themed name for the pattern and Snowbound sounded perfect.  In keeping with my tradition of photographing each block sneak peek on snow, I went out tonight to snap a quick photo of the quilt on the big snow pile at the end of our driveway. 

The pattern for Snowbound includes two size options - a throw size, which is what I made, and a bed size.  The throw can be made with 18 - fat eighths while the bed size uses a bundle of 18 fat quarters and both sizes require yardage for the blocks, border and binding.   

In my Etsy shop, I have both pdf digital download and print versions of the pattern available as well as all the fabric needed to make the quilt.  For your convenience, I've added quick links to each below: 

PDF Digital Download Pattern

Print Pattern with Shipping Included

Fat 1/8th Bundle - Michael Miller Cotton Couture

Fat Quarter Bundle - Michael Miller Cotton Couture

Powder Blue Yardage - Michael Miller Cotton Couture

Candlelight Yardage - Michael Miller Cotton Couture

Here are some closeup photos of the quilting.  In the snowballs I quilted a feather design that continues from block to block. 

For the secondary pattern squares, I quilted straight lines for a geometric look.  

In the borders, I went with some gentle waves to bring it all together and provide extra structure to the borders since they get handled the most. 

And a pattern release isn't complete without Ruby getting in on the action while I'm taking photos!   

I hope you have enjoyed the Snowball Block Challenge as much as I have enjoyed designing and making the quilt to share with 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. 

Hopscotch Pattern in Annie's Fast & Fun Quilts for Kids

I'm super excited to share Hopscotch - one of my latest designs that is published in Annie's Fast & Fun Quilts for Kids.

Hopscotch is inspired by the popular child's game and is the perfect twin-sized quilt for a little girl who is moving into a big-girl bed or just ready for a room redecoration.  

The scrappy nature of the quilt allows you to use stash fabrics with a neutral background or a favorite collection that matches the room's décor. 

You can easily switch out the pink dotted fabric for colors that are more gender neutral, go all-boy with shades of blue or use primary colors to reinforce learning of basic color names. 

For my version of Hopscotch, I selected the Anna collection by Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts for Andover Fabrics.  I also used Soft & Bright batting from The Warm Company to make the sample quilt. 

If you are sewing for kids, Fast & Fun Quilts for Kids has a lot of really neat designs that would be perfect for kids of all ages.  

Here is a direct link so you can pick up your copy of Fast & Fun Quilts for Kids today.   Even if you aren't making quilts for kids, be sure to share this blog post with any quilting friends who are in that season of life - all of the patterns in this book are absolutely adorable.

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. 

This blog post contains affiliate links which allow me to earn a small commission based on your purchase.  Using the link does not affect your purchase price. Thank you for supporting my business. 

Snowball Quilt Block Challenge - Block Sneak Peek #2

I hope you have been enjoying all the sneak peek's from last week.  I can't believe how different everyone's snowball blocks look.  But that is the fun with a challenge like this - everyone interprets the block differently.   To see all the different blocks, use the hashtags listed in the image below to see them on social media. 

I finished all the stitch and flip corners on my blocks and have a total of 35 beautiful snowballs.  The Michael Miller cotton couture fabric really makes them vibrant. 

This week I'm sharing another sneak peek of my block.  

I have added a second round of stitch and flip on top of my first stich and flip.  Say that too fast and well, we won't say what it sounds like!!! 

Using a smaller yellow square, I used the same process to stitch, trim and flip to give me a really complex look on the corner of each block.  

If you aren't familiar with the stitch and flip technique, be sure to check out the video I shared last week as I was making the blocks. 

It is surprising how just adding the extra stitch and flip square really changed the look of the block.  It makes it look so upscale. 

Next week join me for the final reveal of my Snowball quilt!  I can't wait to share it with you. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you are having a great day, taking a bit of time to relax, to enjoy your loved ones and hopefully sew a stitch or two! 

I just wanted to remind you that my Love Notes Table Topper is still available as a free pattern.  Consider it my Valentine's gift to you!  

Here is the link to download the pattern.  

Also ending today is my Valentine's mystery bundle.  I still have a few bundles available - so don't wait to get yours. 

Here is the direct link to the Valentine Mystery Bundles.

In case you are still working on some hand-crafted Valentine's Day gifts, remember my Happy Hearts Mug Rugs stitch up super fast and can be made with stash fabrics!  

Direct link to PDF version for immediate download

Direct link to Paper version 

Old School BOM - Variable Star Block with Album / Autograph Variation

Hi!  Welcome to February's Block in the Old School BOM by Kim Lapacek of Persimon Dreams.  

I'm super excited to be this month's designer.  If we haven't met before, I'm Nancy Scott of Masterpiece Quilting.  To learn about my quilting journey and business, check out the About Me section on my blog. 

If you are just learning about the Old School BOM, wondering what it is or needing to get caught up with January's block tutorial, let me direct you to Kim's post with all the juicy details including a section on basic knowledge & skills you will need, complete with links for tutorials to get you up to speed in case your skillset is a little rust. 

Without any further adieu,  I'd love to introduce you to this month's block, the Variable Star Block with Album / Autograph Variation. 

Star blocks are my favorite and you will notice that a number of my designs include some type of star block.   As I was selecting a block for this BOM, I dwelled on the phrase "old school" and started thinking about "old quilts" and some really cool antique quilts I've seen.  My mind was drawn to album or autograph quilts where the maker has signed or embroidered their name in the block.  This type of quilt was popular as a gift when someone moved from an area.  Their friends would each make a quilt block that included their name, the blocks assembled, quilted and the resulting quilt would be gifted as a reminder of those friends.  If you are intrigued by album / autograph / presentation quilts, here is a great read with lots of historical context. 

While the concept made be "old school", the application would be great today for a retirement quilt, a baby quilt, a get-well-soon quilt or any occasion where you would like to express personal sentiments in quilt form.  And there is no reason to limit it to just a name and hand embroidery.  Break out those embroidery machines and stitch up anything you want!   The sky is the limit on your creativity and I can't wait to see your version. 

If you prefer the block instructions in downloadable PDF format, click here.  Please note an email address is required for delivery.  The PDF is available for free until March 11, 2021.  After that date, there maybe a small fee associated with the download.  In the pdf, I've included a bonus layout for a quilt made using just this block.  

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS

I used 4 fabrics for my block - white, light pink, dark pink and medium blue. Since bias edges will be exposed while cutting, I like to press and lightly starch my fabrics before cutting. 

From white cut:

    1 (2-1/2" x 6-1/2") A strip

    1 (7-1/4") square; subcut on both diagonals to make 4 C triangles

    2 (3-7/8") E squares 

From light pink cut:

    2 (2-1/2" x 6-1/2") B strips

From dark pink cut: 

    4 (3-7/8") squares; subcut each square on one diagonal to make 8 D triangles

From blue cut:

    2 (3-7/8") F squares

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Center Square

1. Using a 1/4" seam, sew B strips on opposite long sides of the A strip.  Press seams away from A.  Trim square, if needed, to measure 6-1/2" x 6-1/2". 

Flying Geese Units

1. Arrange and sew a D triangle on one short side of a C triangle.  Press seams toward D. 

2. Arrange and sew a second D triangle on the opposite short side of C; press seams toward D.  

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to make 4 flying geese units. Trim each unit to measure 3-1/2" x 6-1/2". 

Half Square Triangle Units

1. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of each E square. 

2. With right sides together, pair an E and F square and stitch 1/4" from each side of the drawn line.  I am showing them slightly offset but you want they perfectly aligned on top of each other. 

3. Cut on the drawn line and press open with the seam allowances away from E.  

4. Repeat with the remaining E and F squares to make a total of 4 half square triangle units.  Trim each unit to measure 3-1/2" x 3-1/2".

Block Assembly

1. Arrange the center square, flying geese units and half-square triangle units as shown. 

2. Sew into three rows and then stitch the rows together to complete the block; press.  Your block should measure 12-1/2" x 12-1/2".  

If a downloadable PDF of these instructions will work better for you, here is the link.  

SOCIAL MEDIA

When you’re finished be sure to share your blocks to social media:

• Instagram: using hashtag #OSBOM21 and please tag me @masterpiecequilting on Instagram
• and/or the new Old School BOM Facebook Group!

And the blocks will continue to come! A new block will be featured on the 12th of each month on different bloggers websites! I have them all linked below but I’ll also post right here on my blog on the 12th of each month to get you in the right spot!

SCHEDULE

January 12, 2021 - Patched Friendship Star – Kim Lapacek (Persimon Dreams)
February 12, 2021 – Nancy Scott (Masterpiece Quilting)
March 12, 2021 – Quilt Jane
April 12, 2021 – Missie Carpenter (Traditional Primitives)
May 12, 2021 – Natalie Santini (Sew Hungry Hippie)
June 12, 2021 – Kerry Goulder (Kid Giddy)
July 12, 2021 – GoGo Kim
August 12, 2021 – Lee Chappell Monroe (May Chappell)
September 12, 2021 – Yvonne Fuchs (Quilting Jetgirl)
October 12, 2021 – Pat Sloan
November 12, 2021 – Katy Cameron (The Littlest Thistle)
December 12, 2021 – Sherri Falls (This and That Patterns)

Snowball Quilt Block Challenge - Block Sneak Peek #1

Are you having fun with the Let It Snowball block challenge?  It's so much fun to see all the fabrics that everyone has pulled for their challenge.  If you are just hearing about the Snowball Quilt Block challenge, here is a link to my post introducing it. 

I've started on my snowball blocks and I'm excited to share how pretty they look - and I couldn't resist taking a photo of a snowball block outside on a pile of snow! 

 To make the Snowball block, I'm using the stitch and flip technique where you diagonally stitch one smaller square of fabric onto each corner of the larger square.  After trimming the excess away, you flip the smaller squares up and away.  Repeat the process on all four corners and you instantly have a snowball block! 

If you aren't familiar with the Stitch and Flip Technique and are more of a visual learner, check out my Watch Me Work video where I demo the technique. 

By the way, did you know there's a huge giveaway as part of the fun?  If you haven't entered yet, go to the "I'm in!" Snowball Fight Post on my @masterpiecequilting Instagram account and follow the loop to enter.  The giveaway runs through February 12, 2021. 

Join me next week as I share my progress on my Snowball blocks! 

Watch Me Work Video Series

If you are on my newsletter list (if not, sign up here if you would like to be on it) or following me on social media, you may have already seen at least one of my Watch Me Work videos. 

As I have been working on projects lately, I shoot some quick video while I narrate what I'm working on.  It's simple, quick and gives you a really detailed visual as to what I'm working on. 

All of these videos are based on my YouTube channel, so you can access them at any time.  

Here are some direct links to three of the videos. 

Watch Me Work - Machine Blanket Stitch Inside Corners of Raw Edge Fusible Applique

Watch Me Work - Cutting Bias Binding Strips from Small Pieces of Fabric

Watch Me Work - How to Sew a Pieced Border 

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you get notified when I add a new video. 

Love Notes Table Topper - Free Pattern As My Valentine's Gift to You

What could be more perfect to celebrate Valentine's Day than a romantic dinner with flowers, candles and a new heart shaped table topper? 

I'm excited to share with you one of my latest designs - Love Notes - a stunning heart-shaped, stash-friendly, easy-to-make table topper.  

And to make Love Notes even more special, I'm offering it as a FREE pattern to you!  Consider it my Valentine's Day gift to you. 

I specifically designed Love Notes so there was a dedicated square at the center for a vase and unique piecing detail for two candles on each side of the runner.  

I'd love to see the version you make!  When sharing on social media, be sure to tag with #masterpiecequilting 

And please, share this free pattern offer with your quilting friends.  Here is the link to download the pattern.  Yes, your email is needed so we can keep both of us cyber-safe.  

Super Bundle Sale! Build your Stash or Jump-Start your next Project

In honor of that big football game this Sunday, I'm having a Super Bundle Sale in my Etsy shop.  

I've put together some exciting BIG bundles featuring 18 fat quarters perfect for your next project or for stash building.   These are limited edition bundles, so get them before they are gone!  Price includes Priority Mail shipping. 

Look for the Super Bundle Sale category on the left side of my Etsy shop or follow this direct link.   

There are a total of 4 bundles for you to select from and there are NO LIMIT on the number you purchase.  Get one for yourself and your best quilting friend too! 

Spring Themed - the prefect mix for jump-starting your spring quilting.  Pastels, florals, tonals, small prints, big prints - all that fabrics that make you smile this time of year.  

Autumn Themed - a beautiful mix of everything autumn-ish.  Tone-on-tone, small prints, leafy prints, burgundy, green and browns.  

Homespun Bundle - perfect plaids and stripes for your primitive and rustic decors. 

And for those who dare!  A Mystery Bundle where I pick your fabrics for you!  You will receive a delightfully curated mix of solids, tonals, prints, brights, neutrals, lights, mediums and darks! 

Each bundle will contain 18 unique fabrics - no duplicates.  All quilt shop quality fabrics from leading manufacturers.  Please note - your bundle WILL NOT exactly match the fabrics shown in the photo.  

Don't wait to purchase this Super Bundle Sale is happening through this weekend only. 

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. 

Midnight Stars - Exclusively Annie's Pattern

Somewhere in the excitement between Christmas and starting to share projects related to Valentine's Day I missed sharing my Midnight Stars quilt design with you.  YIKES!  This is such a fun design and fits perfectly with all my other "Winter Blues" quilts.

This quilt design is published as an Exclusively Annie's pattern and is available for purchase here. 

Midnight Stars is perfect for any lover of blues (That's me!), for a boys room or for a guest room with blue decor.  There is a lot of variety in the blocks with squares, triangles, pinwheels and stars to give it visual interest.  Made in any colorway that fits decor or personality, Midnight Stars could be a great addition to a kid's bedroom. 

For the sample quilt, I used Stonehenge Verona from Northcott fabrics.  The beautiful fabrics allow the design to shine through. 

For batting, I used Warm 80/20 from The Warm Company to give it a soft drape but yet be nice and warm.  

To purchase the Midnight Stars quilt pattern, here is a direct link.   As always, I'd love to see the version that you make!  Be sure to tag @masterpiecequilting and @anniescraftstore when posting on social media. 

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. 

This blog post contains affiliate links which allow me to earn a small commission based on your purchase.  Using the link does not affect your purchase price. Thank you for supporting my business. 

Snowball Quilt Block Challenge 2021 - Fabric Pull

I'm super excited to be part of the Snowball Quilt Block Challenge 2021.  

I'm partnering with a group of leading designers to bring this super fun experience to you.  Each of us have been challenged to take a basic snowball block and re-imagine it.  I've been working on my design and am pretty pleased with it - but I might make a few changes. 

Each Monday in February, the participating designers will be 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 

This week I'm sharing the fabrics that I'm using for the challenge.  My quilting style is modern traditional so I'm making my version of the traditional snowball block using bright, modern solids.  I've grabbed a fat quarter bundle of Michael Miller Cotton Couture Sew Colorful Colorwheel and am pairing it with Powderblue and Candlelight solid yardage.  

If you want to use the same fabrics that I am using, they are available in my Etsy shop. 

18 Fat Quarter Bundle Sew Colorful Colorwheel

Powderblue Solid Yardage

Candlelight Solid Yardage 

Here is the list of Instagram handles of the participating designers.  Each of us are sharing our fabric pull and / or color scheme on Monday February 1st.  

@tamarinis

@seamslikeadreamquilts            

@sue_duckcreekquilting              

@craftmoore 

@swanamity         

@yoursewingfriendpatterns       

@dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio  

@thequiltrambler         

@lisaerin1121     

@debbiewendtquilting              

@appliques.quilts.and.more         

@pennyspoolquilts  

@geekybobbin       

@orangeblossomquilt           

@faithandfabric     

@masterpiecequilting  

I can't wait to see what everyone is selecting for their fabrics 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.