Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Let's Gather Table Runner - Incredibly Beautiful Season by Season

Do you have patterns that are your "go-to" patterns when making a quilt?  You know, the patterns that assemble easily and always produce stunning results regardless of what fabrics you use? 

Let's Gather is my go-to pattern for table runners and I want to share with you how incredibly beautiful the Let's Gather runners are for each season. 

Recently I shared my Let's Gather Table Runner in a spring colorway and it is getting so many positive comments and sales of the pattern and kits.  Thank you to each of you who are liking, loving, sharing, commenting and purchasing.   In case you missed it, here is a link to the blog post. 



I made the spring version of Let's Gather using Solid-ish Watercolor Texture fabrics by Kimberly Einmo for Timeless Treasures fabrics.  I love the deeply saturated colors that are oh, so, springy. 

I do have kits of the Spring colorway available (see link below) and each kit includes all the fabric needed to make the runner top + binding, print pattern and shipping is included.  

Kit to make Let's Gather Spring colorway

And if you just want to purchase the pattern, here are links to the print and pdf digital download versions. 

Let's Gather Spring - Print Pattern (shipping included)

Let's Gather Spring - PDF Pattern


I'm not sure which I like better between the Fall and Christmas versions of Let's Gather.  Both of them are super adorable and a great way to set your table for the season. 

Here is the traditional red, green and gold version of Let's Gather set formally for a Christmas photoshoot. 


Here it is again on our dining room table in a less formal setting. 


The Fall version of Let's Gather gets the most use in our house.  It normally comes out in August and is in use through Thanksgiving.   You can tell by looking at it that it has been washed a few time since it is starting to pucker up a bit which gives it a nice vintage look.  



I do have a kits available for the Fall version of Let's Gather so you can get a jump start on your fall decor.  A table runner makes a great housewarming gift too, so get two kits and make one for yourself and one to gift. 


If you have been looking closely, the color placement between the Spring version and the "original" version that I used to make the Fall / Christmas runners is different.  I have different patterns available for the "original" version.  

Let's Gather "Original" Print Pattern (Shipping Included)

What's next for Let's Gather?  

I'm thinking a patriotic red, white and blue version.  I just got a few bolts of Michael Miller fabrics that would be perfect and kits would be available. 

Or maybe a blue and white version for a "winter" look?   

Or maybe soft muted decorator colors?  

I'd love to know what version you would like to see.  Leave me a comment and let me know. 


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, March 29, 2021

Rail Fence Block Challenge - The Final Reveal

Today is reveal day for the Rail Fence Block Challenge!  

If you are catching this post for the first time and aren't exactly sure what I'm talking about, there are two other posts that preceed it.   First is my Fabric Pull post where I share the fabrics that I'm using to make my Rail Fence Reimagined quilt.  Second is the Sneak Peek #1 post where I show making the traditional rail fence block.  Next is the Sneak Peek #2 post where I shared the split block and now the final reveal. 

I'm so excited to share my Split Fences quilt with you and let you know that I have a brand new quilt pattern available for it too!  



From the moment I started on this quilt, I knew exactly where I wanted to photograph the finished quilt!  At the local nature preserve, volunteers recently build a true split fence near the parking area and I knew it would be the perfect location for a photo shoot.  (Stay tuned for more photos of other quilts from this location - it is gorgeous!)

If you get frustrated sorting thru blog posts trying to figure out how to make a quilt, I've got another big surprise for you!  A free pattern for my Split Fences quilt.   I've taken all the information I've share in the blog posts and written a complete pattern.   Here is the link to download the pattern. 

Free Split Fences Download Link


If you want to join in making a quilt using the same fabric colorwary that I'm using, here are links to the precuts and yardage in my Etsy shop. 

Precut 2-1/2" strips

2-1/2 yards beige tonal yardage


I put together a fun video that shares more about the Split Fences quilt.  Here is the link to watch and be sure to check out some of my new dance moves as well as quilting footage. 

Link to Video

The fun of a challenge like this is to see what everyone is doing.  Here is the list of Instagram handles of the participating designers.  Each of us are revealing our projects today - Monday March 29th.  

@tamarinis

@seamslikeadreamquilts

@sue_duckcreekquilting

@dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio

@appliques.quilts.and.more

@orangeblossomquilt 

@swanamity

@lisaerin1121

@debbiewendtquilting

@masterpiecequilting

@lizardcreekquilting

@storiedquilts314

@patchworkbreeze

@mvquilts

@melissabekkum


You can also follow along with the challenge using these hashtags.

#railfenceblockchallenge

#railfencequiltblock

#morethanjustablockchallenge

#designerblockchallenge

#marchdesignerblockchallenge

#quilt

#quilts

#quiltdesigner

#quiltblock

#quiltblocks


If you are enjoying the block challenges as much as I am, stayed tuned for April when we re-imagine a Pinwheel block! 

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. 





 Here is my quilt!  And a free pattern! 

Monday, March 22, 2021

Rail Fence Block Challenge 2021 - Sneak Peek #2

Welcome back to the Rail Fence Block Challenge!  If you are catching this post for the first time and aren't exactly sure what I'm talking about, there are two other posts that preceed it.   First is my Fabric Pull post where I share the fabrics that I'm using to make my Rail Fence Reimagined quilt.  Second is the Sneak Peek #1 post where I show making the traditional rail fence block. 

Here is Sneak Peek #2 of my block where I have done some slicing and added a sashing strip between half-blocks.  


In order to get this slicing and reassembly technique to work, you have to slice half of your blocks on direction and the other half of the blocks the opposite direction.  Then you can mix and match and sew them back together with a sashing strip in between. 

I know it is hard to cut up something that you just worked so hard to make.  But after the first cut or two, it isn't so bad and the excitement of creating something totally brand new takes over and then it's really easy to cut the block in half. 

If you want to join in making a quilt using the same fabric colorwary that I'm using, here are links to the precuts and yardage in my Etsy shop. 

Precut 2-1/2" strips

2-1/2 yards beige tonal yardage

The fun of a challenge like this is to see what everyone is doing.  Here is the list of Instagram handles of the participating designers.  Each of us are sharing the second sneak peek of our blocks today - Monday March 22nd.  

@tamarinis

@seamslikeadreamquilts

@faithandfabric

@sue_duckcreekquilting

@dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio

@appliques.quilts.and.more

@orangeblossomquilt 

@swanamity

@lisaerin1121

@debbiewendtquilting

@masterpiecequilting

@lizardcreekquilting

@storiedquilts314

@patchworkbreeze

@mvquilts

@melissabekkum


You can also follow along with the challenge using these hashtags.

#railfenceblockchallenge

#railfencequiltblock

#morethanjustablockchallenge

#designerblockchallenge

#marchdesignerblockchallenge

#quilt

#quilts

#quiltdesigner

#quiltblock

#quiltblocks



Next week will be the FINAL REVEAL! and if everything goes as planned I will be sharing the completed quilt with you.  I think it is going to be so cool.  It's hard not to share anything in advance, but we have to wait :)  


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, March 16, 2021

Old School Block of the Month - March 2021

 I'm excited to share my March block for the Old School Block of the Month. 

This month's featured designer is Jane Davidson of QuiltJane in Australia.  Here is the link to Jane's gorgeous block tutorial. 

I learned a lot making this block and mostly I learned that my fabric stash is pretty darn boring!  I've turned into a solids, tonals and small prints quilter!  Help - I think I need to go shopping :) 

Jane's beautiful block and tutorial are filled with fussy cutting, stripes and busy fabrics.  So I did a lot of searching (yes, it took me longer to find fabrics than it did to make the block!) and came up with these options.  A medium scale floral, a stripe, some big dots to fussy cut and a white tonal to fussy cut. 



A tip I've learned along the way that is super helpful is to use tape on the cutting grid to help define the area you want to fussy cut. 



I opted for a kaleidoscope layout in the center of my block with the 4 fussy cut florals.  I thought it gave it more movement as I tried to maximize the impact of my medium scale print. 

Here are my three blocks together.  



My March block doesn't quite have the same pizzazz as my first two so I may remake it or at least look for the busier busy print for the center section that will give it a bit more punch.   

If you are just finding this post and want to join the Old School Block of the Month, we would love to have you!   Here is a link to Kim Lapacek's January block and here is the link to my February block tutorial.  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. 


Monday, March 15, 2021

Rail Fence Block Challenge 2021 - Sneak Peek #1

These block challenges are so much fun and I can't wait to share Sneak Peek #1 this week of the Rail Fence Block Challenge.   In case you are catching this post first,  here is a link back to last week's post where I revealed my fabric pull for the challenge.  

Here is a first glance at my block! 



This week I've been busy sewing 6 "rails" to make my rail fence block.   I have several blocks already at this stage with several more to go.  And yes, I am making a dent in my autumn stash bin.  If you are wanting to stitch along with me, I have precut 2-1/2" strips in an autumn colorway available in my Etsy shop.  They are very similar to the fabrics I'm using. 


If you aren't super comfortable sewing together 2-1/2" precut strips, I put together a quick Watch Me Work video where I share a lot of tips and tricks about working with 2-1/2" precut strips.  



If this video was helpful to you, be sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel to see more of my videos. 

The fun of a challenge like this is to see what everyone is doing.  Here is the list of Instagram handles of the participating designers.  Each of us are sharing a sneak peek of our blocks today - Monday March 15th.  

@tamarinis

@seamslikeadreamquilts

@faithandfabric

@sue_duckcreekquilting

@dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio

@appliques.quilts.and.more

@orangeblossomquilt 

@swanamity

@lisaerin1121

@debbiewendtquilting

@masterpiecequilting

@lizardcreekquilting

@storiedquilts314

@patchworkbreeze

@mvquilts

@melissabekkum



Next week I will be sharing sneak peek #2 and you will be wowed when you see what I do with these blocks :) 


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, March 14, 2021

Let's Gather Table Runner - Spring Colorway

Yes, Spring is on it's way!  I'm so excited to share my Let's Gather Table Runner in a beautiful spring colorway. 


Patterns specific for the Spring Colorway are available in both Print and PDF Digital Download versions in my Etsy shop.  I varied the color placement a bit from the Fall and Christmas colorway versions so I updated the pattern. 

Print version (shipping included)

PDF Digital Download version


To make the Spring colorway, I used Solid-ish Watercolor Texture tonals by Kimberly Einmo for Timeless Treasures fabric company.  I love the color saturation of these fabrics as well the softness of the tonals. 

If you want to make your runner using the same fabrics that I did, I do have kits available.  It contains all the fabrics needed to make the runner top including binding + print pattern + free shipping.  That is an amazing deal. 

Let's Gather Spring Table Runner Kit


I'd love to see your version of Let's Gather.  Be sure to share it on social media using #letsgatherrunner and #masterpiecequilting 

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

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

My Etsy Shop has Spring Fever!

The bulbs are starting to push through, the sun is shining and Spring Fever is running rampant! Now is the perfect time to stock up on some spring fabrics from my Etsy shop.  Get yours before they are gone!  And Free Shipping too for domestic orders. 

6 Fat Quarter Bundle - Kona Kauffman Solids in pretty pastels. 



12 Fat Quarter Bundle - Quilting Flannel - perfect for warm & snuggly baby quilts! 


Enjoy your shopping experience! 

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Lonesome Heart Quilt + Tutorials on 45-degree diamonds & Piecing Y-Seams

I put this video together over a week ago, excitedly edited it and uploaded it to my YouTube channel (If you aren't already a subscriber, be sure to subscribe) and promptly forgot to blog about it!  Yikes what was I thinking???  

Anyway, better late than never - here is the video about my Lonesome Heart quilt. 


I share a bit about the quilt pattern and fabric and then dive right into two tutorials that will help you make the pattern.  The first tutorial shows you two ways to cut 45-degree diamond shapes and the second tutorial is about piecing Y-seams.    Enjoy! 

If you haven't already purchased your pattern - here are direct links to both the pdf and print versions for your convenience. 

PDF Digital Download Pattern

Print Patterns (shipping included)


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, March 8, 2021

Rail Fence Block Challenge 2021 - Fabric Pull

I had so much fun with the recent Snowball Block Challenge and I even got my Snowbound Quilt finished and the pattern written (see it here) that I signed up for the Rail Fence Block Challenge.  If you missed the Snowball Block Challenge, here is a link to my introductory blog post.  

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 rail fence block with 3 or more rails, straight or angled, 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 March, 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 Monday, everyone is sharing their fabric pulls, then sneak peeks for the next two Mondays (March 15 & March 22) followed by the big reveal on March 29!   It's gonna be a full month, so be sure follow all the designers so you don't miss a post! 

So without any further delay - here is my fabric pull for the Rail Fence Block Challenge. 


I decided to go with fall fabrics for my quilt.  I love a scrappy quilt in the fall and to be honest, we need another smaller fall quilt for outside gatherings so I know this quilt will get put to get use.  I have several partial bundles of precut 2-1/2" strips that I plan on using as well as some extra stash fabric.  My fall fabric stash tote is OVERFLOWING, so hopefully this will make a dent in it! 

If you are wanting to stitch along using the same colorway I am, here are links to the precuts and yardage in my Etsy shop. 

Precut 2-1/2" strips

2-1/2 yards beige tonal yardage

The fun of a challenge like this is to see what everyone is doing.  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 March 8th  

@tamarinis

@seamslikeadreamquilts

@faithandfabric

@sue_duckcreekquilting

@dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio

@appliques.quilts.and.more

@orangeblossomquilt 

@swanamity

@lisaerin1121

@debbiewendtquilting

@masterpiecequilting

@lizardcreekquilting

@storiedquilts314

@patchworkbreeze

@mvquilts

@melissabekkum


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.