Dreamscape Fabrics, Free Pattern & Giveaway!
Contest is over and my winner has been notified. Thanks to EVERY ONE of you for visiting, saying kind words about my block and giving feedback on blenders, paper piecing and anything else quilt-worthy! I appreciate all of you.
Today is my day to share a block pattern at the Sew in Love with Fabrics blog (Benartex). We designers were each sent the same fat quarter bundle of 6 fabrics from the Dreamscape Collection. They are what I would classify as blenders. See what you think.
I used all but the dark gray in a pattern I designed about 10 years ago which I call Striped Star. You can read all about it at the Sew in Love with Fabric site today and be entered to win a fat quarter bundle of these very same fabrics.
Here's a sneak peek at my process:
The contest is over the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 25 at midnight. Just leave a message here (after you view the tutorial) about how you like to use blenders, your thoughts on paper piecing (my block is paper pieced) or anything else about the post you liked.
Make sure I have your email, too! The giveaway is limited to US residents only.
Today is my day to share a block pattern at the Sew in Love with Fabrics blog (Benartex). We designers were each sent the same fat quarter bundle of 6 fabrics from the Dreamscape Collection. They are what I would classify as blenders. See what you think.
 |
| Dreamscape Fabrics by Benartex |
Here's a sneak peek at my process:
 |
| Fabrics cut for the Striped Star block |
The contest is over the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 25 at midnight. Just leave a message here (after you view the tutorial) about how you like to use blenders, your thoughts on paper piecing (my block is paper pieced) or anything else about the post you liked.
Make sure I have your email, too! The giveaway is limited to US residents only.
Striped Star is a beauty! It would look great in a mini quilt to hang on my sewing room wall or in a full quilt made of many of them! I have made a table runner using paper pieced blocks and enjoyed it, so I know I'll enjoy making this block too. Blenders are the best and I'm always keeping an eye out for more.
ReplyDeletei am slowly teaching myself to paper piece and def will add this to my to do list. thanks for the pattern.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty star, thanks
ReplyDeleteI LOVE blenders!! Use fairly often...am not as good at using a solid still..blenders give a better Pop for me! lol Have never paper-pieced (Yet..) Absolutely LOVE your Star Block!! Thank you for the Tutorial...and for chance to win your give-a-way too! :D
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy the accuracy of paper piecing.
ReplyDeleteI think paper piecing is the only way to go for a precise outcome. Very nice project.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, both the fabrics and the pattern! I really like the sharp points I get with paper piecing. Thanks for the tips on pressing the seams.
ReplyDeleteI use blenders when I think a solid color would look too flat. These dreamscape fabrics have a lot of pizazz and would certainly add brightness to a quilt. I love your block.
ReplyDeleteAs for foundation piecing, I really like how accurate the points can be but I have to be really careful sewing the different blocks together. It does use up a bit more fabric than for piecing and the paper mess needs to be dealt with too. I think though, that there are more positives than negatives with the technique.
anndunn24(at)gmail.com
I use pp when I need to be very accurate, though it's not my favorite. This looks like something I could do easily. Thanks Debby, for this bright pattern.
ReplyDeleteI use paper piecing more lately than I used to. I like the consistency of the block when paper piecing. Nice block!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful block. Stars are always a favorite and you incorporated the fabrics in such a colorful way. I do like the precision of paper piecing. Hate tearing off the paper.
ReplyDeletei love the accuracy of paper piecing. When I started paper piecing I would draw one master template and then take a stack of tracing paper (very light weight) and use the needle (without thread) to punch out the design on them. I found tracing paper tore away better than most other papers.
ReplyDeleteThe fabrics look gorgeous - looking forward to seeing them in the stores! Would like to try them in a miniquilt! Thanks for the lovely pattern! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com
I have a love hate relationship to paper piecing, I usually short myself on fabric or my triangle cuts are to much to one side (usually the wrong side). I just finished the top of a Storm at Sea quilt, and I love it! :)
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Debbie! It has been a few years since I have done any paper piecing. The reason being that I do not like taking the paper off and finding out my seams have been pulled loose. It is really frustrating to go in and try and fix those seams. Yet, recently, I was shown a way to use light interfacing as your paper and you do not have to remove it. I have not tried it. I definitely will after seeing your gorgeous star block! As for using blenders, honestly, I am not sure what blenders are. I have been quilting for at least 10 years, but until this year, I did nothing but Scrap Quilts. This year I have learned so much, but still feel like a new born quilter. LOL. I am so glad that I follow both Sew in Love and your blog by email and did not miss this treasure! Thank you for sharing and have a fantastic creative day! brend underscore ack at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteAlthough I appreciate the finished result of paper piecing, I dislike doing it and will avoid it all costs. I feel so dyslexic when I try to paper piece. But I love your fabric bundle and would enjoy using them in a non-paper pieced project, I'm sure. Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeletejoyecox@yahoo.com
Debby, I love your square and the fabric. I have done some paper piecing but find it a bit intimidating and don't do it often. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
ReplyDeletewow your block is lovely. those fabrics are so yummy. I would love to make this star into place mats or pillow
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
I have not tried paper piecing but you make it look so easy I need to consider trying. Outstanding block made from beautiful fabric!
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
I love paper piecing and that block looks fantastic. Would make a beautiful quilt. Blenders are great to use along side prints. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI love paper piecing. It makes it easy to get precise points. Thanks for the chance to win. Karen Carpenter fkmsc@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, thanks for sharing! I like paper piecing in small doses.
ReplyDeletegarvey56@gmail.com
I prefer blenders to solids and really like the Dreamscape line. I like your block and will print off some copies at the library (our printer isn't working and I refuse to buy a new one since I hardly use it). Paper piecing doesn't bother me as long as the blocks and pieces aren't too small. Thanks for participating in this hop.
ReplyDeleteOh this is such a neat pattern! I love to paper piece; the results always amaze me. These fabrics look beautiful too. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeletekakingsbury at verizon dot net
Your color choices are wonderful. I don't mind paper piecing just finished 40 santa ornaments and a Twisted Log Cabin.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy paper piecing but haven't done it for awhile. Thanks for the refresher and this beautiful block! cotten.gloria@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI like paper piecing because I can sew on a straight line better than I can get an accurate 1/4" seam with my sewing machine. I like these blenders--they look like they have some texture to them. I was intrigued with how you put this star together.
ReplyDeleteI have done a paper pieced star and really enjoyed it. Your tutorial has great pictures and I love the colors. Thanks for the giveaway. okruhlik6(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI have been a little hesitant about paper piecing, but your block is beautiful!
ReplyDeletebjkaup(at)(abbnebraska)(dot)(com)
Happy Thanksgiving! It is an interesting block; I have not paper pieced before but thanks for the tutorial. napajeank@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI am in love with your block! A perfect way to showcase the beautiful colors of these fabrics. I don't have a lot of experience with paper piecing but definitely want to learn. Will definitely keep your pattern to try!
ReplyDeletecathylouwilson@gmail.com
Wonderful block! I think I use blenders the most. I enjoy the perfection you can achieve with paper piecing. I don't really love all the paper pulling after I finish a block/project though. :-(
ReplyDeleteBlenders are great, haven't tried paper piecing - on to do list. 24Tangent@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWOW. These are amazing colors....the depth makes them perfect for so much. cblanco46@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis collection of blenders would be great in Bonnie's upcoming mystery; they are almost the exact colors for her model! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteDebby, your block is so gorgeous. The fabrics are perfect for this block. Honestly, I have tried paper piecing but didn't like it one bit. It is too time consuming and too wasteful of fabric. I had much rather find a way to piece the block or in some cases, use applique. Thanks for the giveaway. (You didn't ask, but I follow you and Sew in Love with Fabric.)
ReplyDeleteI love using blenders. I don't paper piece often. I don't like removing the papers, but it is a good job to do while watching tv.
ReplyDeleteMany of my quilts are made entirely of blenders. I am drawn to them more than any of the prints. I do some paper piecing, especially when it is easier to make a block using it. Thanks for the great tutorial. Love your striped star.
ReplyDeleteNeat block, such pretty colors.
ReplyDeleteBlenders are my 'go to' when I want color but not pattern. If a piece has a pattern or design then I get distracted by that when I view my block. So, blenders are perfect for every quilt.
ReplyDeleteLots of people hate paper piecing but I like it. Points are well, points and not cut off, and my blocks come out perfect. I like how you put arrows on your paper piece to show ironing. Smart!
Blenders are quite versatile - I usually manage to use them in my quilts. I am not a fan of paper-piecing, so when I see a paper-pieced block that I want to make, I work around it. I do love your block.
ReplyDeleteI like using blenders because they add more interest to the quilt and blocks. I am not a big fan of paper piecing, but you pattern looks doable to me. I think the paper piecing I tried in the past had too many pieces in very small blocks. Glad to see that I am not the only one who has conversations with my fabric. Nice fabric and block!
ReplyDeleteYour block is just gorgeous! I generally like pp because of it's preciseness. Your block is a fine example..you wouldn't get that nice of a fit without it.
ReplyDeleteI think blenders are the "meat" of a quilt, as you can only have so much focus fabric. I often don't think of purchasing them, as I get distracted with the "cool" novelty fabrics and great prints that are out there.
I love your block! I may give it a try when I get a little more pp practice. Those fabrics are just gorgeous jewel tones that are calling my name!
ReplyDeleteHi Debby, I love that intricate look given to a block or piece when paper pieced. My favorite new way to make flying geese:) Bright colors, oh yeah!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving.
bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com
What I like about the post is how beautiful your star is in that fabric. It really does have a gem-like quality. Thank you for the instructions.
ReplyDeleteI use blenders for the parts of a block or quilt that I want to recede, leaving a print or something fabulous to really stand out. Thanks for a fabulous block, which I intend to try for my "me" time this weekend!
ReplyDeleteI tried paper piecing one time and it was a disaster! Yours looks easy enough to do. Maybe I will try again. ndfromsd at gmail. com
ReplyDeleteI like the stitching part of paper piecing but tearing off the paper is tedious and messy.
ReplyDeleteThe block is gorgeous! I love paper piecing, it makes it possible to get such nice points and to make shapes that would be difficult with traditional piecing. I like blender fabrics, to mix in with prints to keep things from looking too busy.
ReplyDeleteI love the challenge of a paper pieced block. It's like putting a puzzle together without a picture of the puzzle.
ReplyDeletethanks for the tutorial love the pattern block
ReplyDeleteI love your block! Perfect! I have to try more paper piecing-they come out so nice!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
I love using blenders for background fabrics rather than the usual white or cream. I love paper piecing, it is the only way I can guarantee I get sharp points!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
Sandy A
Verrrrry nice. When I've been away from paper piecing for a while, it takes some thinking to get back to the upside down and backwards point of view.
ReplyDeleteI really love the way you've used these fabrics in this block. Just beautiful Debby!
ReplyDeleteBlenders are great for backgrounds and even to use entirely all blenders to create a block. I have only done paper piecing once so far. I've read so many loving it so I had to try it once at least.
I have only paper pierced a few times. I love your blenders. Would love to try them.
ReplyDeleteGreat block. I can't wait to try it. I love blenders. I have some beautiful florals, and the blenders make the work. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am loving this block!! Have only done paper piecing once, it went well, so am looking forward to trying it again. :)
ReplyDeletecraftyccain@gmail.com
Your block is gorgeous! I rarely do paper piecing. I've only done it twice. I don't use blenders as often and when I do, it's usually to make a bag or small accessories.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy paper piecing most when the directions include how to cut the fabric before beginning the piecing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like to use blenders along with prints, to add depth. I'm still hoping to figure out how to use them to make a transparency illusion, but I'm not there yet.
ReplyDeleteI Like paperpiecing, your sewing is so precislywhen You use PP. It's my favoriete technique
ReplyDeleteI have a beautiful paper pieced star made with blenders that makes me feel proud every time I see it. I can't believe I made something so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI have more success with using blenders than I do with solids! I love paper piecing took me about a year to get it down! I love your striped start - thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI love paper piecing for the precision look of the points. I'm working on a large (40") table topper now that is entirely paper pieced.
ReplyDeleteEnvision the Striped Star pattern in Christmas or patriotic fabrics!
Thank you Debby for sharing your creativity with us.
Of course, the block/quilt is amazing. Here is the sad truth. No judging please (I know you (DK)won't but others might. I really don't know what the definition of "blender" is or how to truly use it. I have always just chosen fabrics/colors/prints that I like together and gone from there. Care to enlighten me??
ReplyDeleteLove the bright colors. Just learning paper piecing so may try this one
ReplyDeleteBeautiful block - especially with those colors! I haven't paper pieced yet. I imagine lots of paper scraps on your floor!
ReplyDeleteMy very first paper pieced block was Debby Kratovil design. I am adding this pattern to my need to do list. And the colors are bright and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove the block! And love using Paper-piecing for the accuracy that it gives me in the blocks that I design or use. =)
ReplyDeleteI use paper piecing sometimes, but it seems that removing the paper seems to loosen the stitches.
ReplyDeleteI love your block!! I also love to sew with blenders and do paper piecing. I find paper piecing very relaxing, so it is my go to kind of block!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful block and great use of these fabulous blenders, Debby! Your color selection makes the design just GLOW. I like using blenders and other tonals in quilts instead of only prints or solids for the combination of go-with and visual movement, sometimes subtle, sometimes not-so, and enjoy paper-piecing for the accuracy possible with points and angles. It could be interesting to expand the backgrounds to varying sizes and see floating stars. As always thanks for inspiration and sharing! (janeherbst at roadrunner dot com).
ReplyDeleteI like paper piecing and need a patriotic block for contest. I think this will be the one
ReplyDeleteI love your star! I love the movement blenders add to quilts. I don't really like to paper piece, but I love the results!
ReplyDeleteI love blender fabrics. Sometimes you just need a little something to add to your chosen fabrics and blenders help BLEND everything together.
ReplyDeleteBlenders can make busy fabrics pop in a quilt and foundation paper piecing is a great method for making perfect intricate blocks. Drawbacks to FPP are the fabric waste unless the pieces come from scarps and the time spent removing paper; but the technique is totally worth the time and byproducts.
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning. This would make a special Quilt of Valor which is what got me into quilting. My son served 10 years in the Marine Corps with 5 deployments. Paper piecing is fascinating to me. I first learned to do it in order to make a 5 point star. I love these colors of these blenders.
ReplyDeleteI love paper piecing and these blenders work grT in your lovely bloc. Thanks. Drhodes9@cox.net
ReplyDeleteI tend to pick a print for my border (as inspiration) and then use blenders for the pieced blocks. There is such a variety of designs in blenders that they appeal to me. Love your star. It's in my queue of quilts to make.
ReplyDeleteYour paper-pieced star block is beautiful! I love the accuracy of paper piecing, but don't like to pull off the paper! yoyopattycakes at Hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThat is a super star and your directions are so concise. I love the results with paper piecing but dislike taking the paper off. I've tried lots of different papers but find newsprint to be easy. Must go back and save the foundations. ! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteVery cute block, love the fabrics used!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love using blenders and this block is so perfect for them
ReplyDeleteLove the way your star came out. The only thing I don't like about paper piecing is removing the fabric. So I have been using a leave in wash away product that eliminates the problem. Thanks for sharing your pattern.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy paper piecing you get such precise blocks. the only thing I don't like is to take the paper out such a mess.
ReplyDeleteOH My Gosh, that star is beautiful. I love the color combination too. I've tried paper piecing a couple times, I'm challenged each time I try to think of sewing on the back of the paper. I did however at one time complete a log cabin paper piece. LOL Blenders are my all time favorit fabrics to use. Thanks for the fun. jenellejb (at) aol (dot) com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabrics--love the star!😊
ReplyDeleteI love blenders and I love paper-piecing. What a combination! LOL!
ReplyDeleteYour striped star is very unique. I will have to try that. Paper piecing is a great way to make blocks as far as I am concerned. Your techniques for paper piecing are better than the first way I learned how to do it.
ReplyDeleteAs for blenders, I love them. I really prefer fabric with more color and a hint of objects on it. I will mix blenders with fabric that just jumps out at me that I want to showcase or I just make a block just from blenders.
This post really made me smile today. Going to hurry and get my chores done so I can quilt tonight!
Quiltbeach@gmail.com
Love your star Debby, maybe this will be the one that gets me started on paper piecing!
ReplyDeleteI am starting to love paper piecing, and I love the possibilities it gives. I love your block!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of paper piecing but it intimidates me
ReplyDeleteCaltexgal@aol.com
Love paper piecing. Using blenders can make some fabrics pop! Love your block.
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten to use many techniques but am excited to try them all! Paper piecing looks like so much fun! LOVE these blenders!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful star. It would be great for QOV.
ReplyDeleteCaryn
caspharm@yahoo.com
Happy thanksgiving. I love the pointy points you get using paper piecing.
ReplyDeleteI use blenders all the time when I need to calm down bold prints or to enhance other fabrics in my blocks.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of paper-piecing, but I can see it would make this block much more accurate to use it. I like blenders and use them as backgrounds, as well as main colors. They are often good for moving from one color to another when the two wouldn't normally go well together. These colors were perfect in your pattern. Thanks, Debby! dezertsuz at gmail
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabrics and I enjoy paper piecing!
ReplyDeleteow do we download the blocks
ReplyDeleteEach of the pieces is beautiful in itself. Together they are gorgeous
ReplyDeleteI like blenders for almost anything except large borders. I do love these fabrics
ReplyDeleteGorgeous block, Debby. Thanks so much for sharing
ReplyDeleteI love blenders, they don't have to match the other fabrics exactly. I use them as backgrounds and if brightly colored as small pieces when I am paper piecing a block.
ReplyDeleteKim
tnjmom1 at gmail dot com
Love this block-Love paper-piecing, my favorite!Thank you, Susan
ReplyDeleteI have never done paper piecing. It looks hard! I think if I had an on-site tutor maybe I could grasp this :). I love the look of your block with these beautiful blenders.
ReplyDeletedonnalee1953 (at) gmail (dot) com
I've just started doing some paper piecing and really like it. Your block and tutorial are great. Thanks. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThat is really an elegant looking block. May have to try it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love the block! I really enjoy paper piecing so am going to give this one a try. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteYou block is beautiful! I like to paper piece small blocks to incorporate into zipper pouches.
ReplyDeleteI love your pattern. I think I'll have to try doing something like that. I adore the dark grey on grey fabric. Not sure how I'd use it, but I'd find a way. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your paper pieced block is a real stunner! I love the high contrast!
ReplyDeleteI love to paper piece. I will even see a block I like and draft it into a paper pieced pattern. But, my first love is hand applique, which is where I love to use blenders.
ReplyDeleteYour paper pieced block is gorgeous. Love the colors and the perfection of the design. I have paper piecing in my future! Thanks for the generous giveaway.
ReplyDeleteakk_nana@yahoo.com
I have mixed feelings on paper piecing. Sometimes I love it and sometimes it just seems like hard work.
ReplyDeleteI love using blenders and solids with prints to make a more interesting composition in the block.
What a great block! Thank you for sharing the pattern with us. I make Quilts of Valor and Quilts for Kids, so I use blenders to complement my patriotic or "kid-themed" fabrics. Thanks again, Judy W. LittleSister_MD@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLove your block!! Very bright and colorful! Great use of colors and blenders! I have done paper piecing and love the way paper piecing put this block together! Well done! Thank you for sharing and the paper piecing block.
ReplyDeleteHave a super great sewing and stitching day!
The stripped star is beautiful! I'm new to paper piecing, but would like to try more!
ReplyDeleteFirst time that I've seen this site. It's great. I just received the Brights pinwheel and would love to use them with the striped star. I'm anxious to get this started so the tutorial will be a great help. Thanks, Mary Ellen
ReplyDeleteGreat block and great use of colors. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteI took a class and paper piecing a few years ago and just forgot all about it -- thanks for the reminder. I love how easy it was to get perfect seams and points. As for blenders after some years of quilting I still have trouble with choosing colors, blenders do help. obimom@cox.net
ReplyDeleteI like paper piece and the fabric is beautiful. I really do not have any and would love them.
ReplyDelete