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. 

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. 

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!   

Here are the links to the blocks so far:

Block 1: https://kimlapacek.com/.../patched-friendship-star-block...

Block 2: https://masterpiecequilting.blogspot.com/.../old-school...

Block 3: https://quiltjane.com/old-school-bom-2021/

Block 4: https://traditionalprimitives.com/.../tra.../old-school-bom/

Block 5: https://sewhungryhippie.com/.../stripey-cartwheels-block

Block 6: https://kidgiddy.blogspot.com/.../the-pocket-economy...

Block 7: https://www.gogokim.com/.../old-school-block-of-month...

Block 8: https://www.maychappell.com/2021/08/12/butter-churn-block/

Block 9: https://quiltingjetgirl.com/2021/09/12/cathedral-star-block-old-school-bom/

Block 10: https://blog.patsloan.com/2021/10/old-school-bom-block-10-and-a-surprise.htm

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. 

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. 

Birds in the Air Block Re-Imagined Challenge - Sneak Peek #1

This week I'm sharing Sneak Peek #1 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.  

I started 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!  

I'm sharing 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 last week (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 8th.  

@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. 

Love Cake Like I Do? This block will make you hungry!

This month's prompt for Quilt Block Mania is Food!  

One of my favorite foods is cake and how about a Cake Quilt Block pattern to celebrate that theme.

Think of it as Cake with No Calories!  I like that idea :) 

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

Link to Cake Quilt Block pattern

I'd love to see the version you make.  Be sure to share on social media using #cakequiltblock 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 hungry before you started looking at them, you will be by the time you get finished! 

Hot Dog Quilt Block by Carolina Moore

Corn off the Cob Quilt Block at Scrapdash

Pumpkin Pie by Appliques Quilts and More

Ice Cream Cones by QuiltFabrication

Citrus Wedges by Patti's Patchwork

Peppers at Blue Bear Quilts

Pineapple at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting

Strawberry by Mom and Me Quilting Co.

Home for the Holidays by Inquiring Quilter

Red Delicious at Perkins Dry Goods

Pumpkin Quilt Block

Little Lemons by Love Sew Modern

Sew the Carrots Go Round Block at Patchwork Breeze

Cake Quilt Block at Masterpiece Quilting

Avocado at EvaPaige Quilt Designs

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. 

Birds in the Air Block Challenge - Fabric Pull

Welcome to November (can it really be November already?) and a new block re-imagination challenge!  The Birds in the Air is another one of my favorite blocks. It is incrediably versatile and you can be as planned or as scrappy as you want with your color placement.  I look forward to reimagining it this month.  

In case you aren't familiar with the Birds in the Air block, here is what it looks like.  

Basically it is a group of smaller half-square triangle units that when pieced together form one half of a larger half-square triangle unit.  That sounds simple enough - doesn't it?   

This week, I'm sharing my fabric pull for this block and I'm using Christmas / winter prints.  I've been using fall prints for my last few challange quilts and well, to be totally honest, I'm ready for a change of view!     

Our decor doesn't lend itself to the traditional Christmas red, green and gold colorway so I'm mixing things up a bit and using a some deeper colors that aren't as traditional and will fit more of a winter theme.   

I sorted thru my stash and found a gorgeous poinsettia print with deep red and dark gray.  I'm thinking fussy-cut!  I'm pairing it with a deeper red fabric and a bit of aqua.  I'm thinking some more gray will get added as an accent too.  Don't freak out, I'm not sure the aqua is staying in the mix ... it might get deleted or more aquas added!  Yes, even though I design patterns for a living, this is pretty much the process I go through each time - adding, subtracting and swapping out fabrics til I get the look I want!   This month you are seeing the preliminary pull not the final cut :) 

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, the Strip Star Block Challenge and the Dutchman's Puzzle 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 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 fabric pull and / or color scheme on Monday November 1st.  

@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 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 are wondering what a finished quilt looks like with the Birds in the Air block, check out my Barn Raised Birds quilt. This stash friendly version was made with batik fabrics and is a best selling pattern.

I have both print (shipping included!) and PDF digital download patterns available for this quilt in my Etsy shop - get yours 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.