Monday, October 25, 2021

Dutchman's Puzzle Block Re-Imagined Challenge - Reveal Day!

Hey - Hey - Hey ... It's Reveal Day for my Dutchman's Puzzle Block Challenge.  

This month I didn't re-imagine the block as much as I have some other blocks in the challenges, but rather I did some re-arranging of the block - which is still fair game - and all part of the design process.  Normally all this re-imagining, re-arranging and creating is a part of the process that most people don't see, so it is fun to be able to share it with you.  

I re-arranged fabric placement, I re-arranged the layout of the flying geese units and came up with some really cool ideas that I'm planning to use in future designs. 

Since I had the blocks from my Sneak Peeks, I stitched them together into a table runner that is perfect for the fall season. 


This time of year I can never have too many table runners.  I still need to get this one quilted and bound but I love the colors against the dining room table and the open center block is perfect for a candle or vase of flowers. 

If you remember from the Fabric Pull post earlier in the month (click here in case you missed it), I shared that I'm using a scrappy mix of autumnal stash fabrics.  If your stash is needing a boost, just out the fat quarter bundles in my Etsy shop.  This 6 pack bundle is a best seller. 

Each Monday in October, 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 October 25th.  

@tamarinis

@katecollerandesigns

@southwind_quilts

@jenstrauser 

@masterpiecequilting 

@patchworkbreeze

@megschoicepatterns

@sue_duckcreekquilting

@crafttowardsjoy

@implumcute


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:

#dutchmanspuzzleblockchallenge

#dutchmanspuzzlequiltblock

#morethanjustablockchallenge

#designerblockchallenge

#Octoberblockchallenge

#Octoberdesignerblockchallenge

#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 your are loving the Dutchman's Puzzle block and want to make your own quilt, here are is a pattern I designed using a variation of the Dutchman's Puzzle.


Spiked Punch is made using Island Batik fabrics and the block appear to dance across the quilt. The pattern for Spiked Punch is available in my Etsy shop as a pdf digital download.




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, October 21, 2021

Kaleidoscope Quilt in Annie's Lets Get Scrappy book

I'm super excited to share the publication of one of my recent quilt patterns.  Kaleidoscope is in the Let's Get Scrappy book from Annie's Quilting. 



Kaleidoscope has a variety of secondary patterns that emerge from the patchwork.  Just like looking through a kaleidoscope, this quilt is full of bright scrappy colors that change every time you look at it. 

You can either use a big bundle of fat eighths or bust your stash to create this quilt.  I went for the stash busting option to maximize the scrappiness :) 

The white background provides the perfect contrast to all the bold colors and the navy blue ties it all together to help reinforce the secondary pattern.  

Keeping the finished quilt soft and cuddly was a priority so I used Warm 80/20 batting from The Warm Company.  

Let's Get Scrappy has 9 amazing patterns in it all perfect for scrappy / stash-busting quilting.  Be sure to get your copy today! 


I'd love to see the version of Kaleidoscope that you make.  Be sure to tag me using #masterpiecequilting or @masterpiecequilting 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. 

Monday, October 18, 2021

Old School Block of the Month - January to October Recap

I am so excited to say that I am caught up on all my Old School Block of the Month blocks! 


I didn't really have a deadline and I wasn't loosing sleep over it, but I just wanted to get all the blocks to date finished so I would be ready to complete the last two blocks in November and December and be ready to share my final finishing instructions with you!

The fastest way for me to share all my blocks was a quick video.  



If you still 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. 




Dutchman's Puzzle Block Re-imagined Challenge - Sneak Peek #2

This week I'm sharing Sneak Peek #2 of my Dutchman's Puzzle block.  It has truly been a lot of fun just to play with this block and see how many different ways I can re-imagine it! 


Last week for Sneak Peek #1, I played with color placement (click here in case you missed it.)  This week I'm changing up the orientation of the flying geese units within the block.  Twisting, turning and even omitting them!  

Wow - what a change!  Who knew that just switching the orientation of the units would totally change the movement of the block.  Again the focal points have changed and I'm totally loving the possibilities I'm discovering for some new designs.

If you remember from the Fabric Pull post earlier in the month (click here in case you missed it), I shared that I'm using a scrappy mix of autumnal stash fabrics.  If your stash is needing a boost, just out the fat quarter bundles in my Etsy shop.  This 6 pack bundle is a best seller. 

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 October, 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 October 18th.  

@tamarinis

@katecollerandesigns

@southwind_quilts

@jenstrauser 

@masterpiecequilting 

@patchworkbreeze

@megschoicepatterns

@sue_duckcreekquilting

@crafttowardsjoy

@implumcute


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:

#dutchmanspuzzleblockchallenge

#dutchmanspuzzlequiltblock

#morethanjustablockchallenge

#designerblockchallenge

#Octoberblockchallenge

#Octoberdesignerblockchallenge

#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. 

Wednesday, October 13, 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.     

There is nothing more "old school" than a traditional Court House Steps block. 

If you aren't familiar with the block, it's a variation of a Log Cabin block except the "logs" or in this case, the "steps" are added in a different order.   

Pat Sloan is the designer for this month and her instructions will expertly guide you as you make the block, even if this is your first experience with a Court House Steps block. 

Direct Link to Pat's blog post


Here is my finished block. 



I love the depth of the block with the dark center.  I'm thinking of all sorts of other possible colorways for this block :) 

If you are interested in making a quilt using the Court House Steps block, take a look at my Stepping Out quilt. 



I have PDF Digital Download patterns available in my Etsy shop for your convenience. 


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. 


Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Suspended Stars Quilt Along Starts Today - Join Me!

 I am super excited to share that the Suspended Stars Quilt Along started today!



The first email with video tutorial and pdf downloads has been delivered to the inboxes of those who have already signed up. 

But no worries - there is still plenty of time to sign up.

Here is the direct link to the sign up page


If you want more information about the quilt along, here are the blog post that answers your questions and gives ya the full scoop. 

Suspended Stars Quilt Along - Join the Fun


Or check out the video that gives you a preview of the fabrics I used and the blocks that you will be making. 

Promo Video 

The Quilt Along runs for 4 weeks, so you still have plenty of time to participate.  And don't feel you need to do it alone - invite a quilting friend to join you! 

If you are looking for the Suspended Stars Quilt Patterns, I have both Print and PDF patterns available.  

Print Pattern (shipping included)

PDF Digital Download Pattern 


I hope you will join us!  It's a great time to learn some new techniques, improve skills you already have, create a beautiful quilt and have fun playing the Suspended Stars Bingo game. 

Sign up Here

Monday, October 11, 2021

Dutchman's Puzzle Block Challenge - Sneak Peek #1

This week I'm sharing Sneak Peek #1 of the Dutchman's Puzzle Block Re-Imagined Challenge.  


I am playing with color placement.  Yes, each of those are identical blocks, just the color placement is different.  Isn't it amazing how changing up the colors can create totally different looks.  Some of the blocks have movement, each have different focal points and interchanging the lights and darks really makes a difference! 

If you remember from last week's Fabric Pull post (click here in case you missed it), I shared that I'm using a scrappy mix of autumnal stash fabrics.  If your stash is needing a boost, just out the fat quarter bundles in my Etsy shop.  This 6 pack bundle is a best seller. 

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 October, 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 October 11th.  

@tamarinis

@katecollerandesigns

@southwind_quilts

@jenstrauser 

@masterpiecequilting 

@patchworkbreeze

@megschoicepatterns

@sue_duckcreekquilting

@crafttowardsjoy

@implumcute


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:

#dutchmanspuzzleblockchallenge

#dutchmanspuzzlequiltblock

#morethanjustablockchallenge

#designerblockchallenge

#Octoberblockchallenge

#Octoberdesignerblockchallenge

#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, October 7, 2021

Tree Time Wall Hanging in Quilter's World Tis the Season for Quilting

It's an awkward season - while it's still fall and I want to be roasting marshmallows and snuggling under fall quilts while on hayrides, I also know that I need to be stitching on Christmas projects so they will be ready to go when it's time to decorate.  

I'm excited to share my Tree Time Wall Hanging that is sure to have a lot of impact in your décor.  It can complement your traditional tree or if you are pinched for space or time, it can serve as the perfect place to land presents under.  


The pattern for my Tree Time wall hanging design is available in Quilter's World new 'Tis the Season for Quilting magazine that is available on news stands now. 



Here is a direct link to find a local news stand that carries Quilter's World publications. Just search “Quilter’s World” and enter your zip code.

The Tree Time wall hanging is easy to make and you can embellish it any way you like.  With all the negative space, it's a perfect place to show off all your quilting techniques too. 

This magazine has 23 awesome projects in it which will make your decorating so easy this year. 

Also featured in the same publication is my Christmas Wonder Table Runner. 


Christmas Wonder features the Joyful Traditions Collection from Hoffman California - International fabrics.  We have cardinals around our house year round so these beautiful fussy-cut cardinals are perfect for our décor. 

For table runners, table toppers, placemats or any quilted projects that go on a table and will have something sitting on top of it, I prefer a thin flat batting.  

For Christmas Wonders, I used Warm 80/20 batting from The Warm Company.  It is nice and flat, so there won't be wobbly dishes but there is still definition to the quilting.  Since table runners don't take a huge time commitment to quilt, they are great for custom quilting. 

I'd love to see the version of the Tree Time wall hanging and / or the Christmas Wonder table runner that you make.  When sharing on social media be sure to tag me @masterpiecequilting

Don't wait - get your copy of 'Tis the Season for Quilting today.  Your friends and family will be so impressed when you show off your new decor this holiday season! 


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, October 4, 2021

Dutchman's Puzzle - October Block Challenge Fabric Pull

Welcome to October and a new block re-imagination challenge!  The Dutchman's Puzzle is one of my favorite blocks.  I love flying geese units so it makes sense that a block with flying geese units is on my favorites list.  I love the versatility of the block, the way you can change the size really easily and the way there are a gazillion different color placement options!  Okay, maybe a gazillion is a stretch :)  

In case you aren't familiar with the Dutchman's Puzzle, here is what the block looks like.  



This week, I'm sharing my fabric pull for this block and what will hopefully be a new quilt pattern by the end of the month too!  

Since it is October and we are having what appears to be a late fall, I had to go with a fun fall mix of quilting cottons.  I think these brown, burgundy, beige, rust, green and orange tonals will be perfect for an autumn scrappy quilt.  

I'm going to be pulling from my stash (which is overflowing - yes, literally overflowing!) but if you need to boost your stash, be sure to check my Etsy shop for some great deals on 6, 12 or 20 fat quarter bundles.  

If you have been following along, a group of quilt pattern designers are challenging each other to re-imagine and re-interpret a traditional quilt block.  Here are links if you want to take a look at the quilts I made during the Snowball Block Challenge, the Rail Fence Block Challenge, the Pinwheel Block Challenge, the Log Cabin Block Challenge, the Churn Dash Block Challenge, the Five Patch Chain Block Challenge, the Ocean Waves Block Challenge and the Strip Star Block Challenge.  I have free patterns available for the quilts I made in the Rail Fence block challenge and Log Cabin block challenge.  Links are in the respective blog posts.  

Each Monday in October, 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 fabric pull and / or color scheme on Monday October 4th.  

@tamarinis

@katecollerandesigns

@southwind_quilts

@jenstrauser 

@masterpiecequilting 

@patchworkbreeze

@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:

#dutchmanspuzzleblockchallenge

#dutchmanspuzzlequiltblock

#morethanjustablockchallenge

#designerblockchallenge

#Octoberblockchallenge

#Octoberdesignerblockchallenge

#quilt

#quilts

#quiltdesigner

#quiltblock

#quiltblocks


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.