Yes, again. And this time with Fairy Frost ! Such a lovely combination. I am making samples for workshop proposals for 2021 (yes, that's right!) and I am revisiting one of my oldie patterns: Divided Diamonds. It was a block I had in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks magazine in 2012. At that time it was 12" and paper pieced. I upsized it for making this using some current Michael Miller fabrics. 18" Divided Diamonds block (27" x 27" small quilt) Do you remember this luscious Tropical Batiks collection? I was sent a bundle of fat quarters about a year ago and made another of my Pickup Stix quilts . (You can see the tutorial here ). But they've been calling to me again. Fat quarters can be a bit tricky when it comes to making something of substance. I had to do some serious math to get my patches out of the main print in the center of my block. I think I got Divine inspiration this morning (Sunday) in church because I knew that ONE single mis-cut would ruin m...

All aboard! What a fantastic week this is! Quiltmaker has done it again with showcasing 100 unique blocks from today's designers. I can hardly believe the beauty and creativity shown in this issue - number 16, if you want to know! The latest issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks magazine Today's stop is at my house in Fairfax, Virginia. Come on into my studio to see some of my work and the fabric that inspires me! I think this is the fourth time I've had a block featured (maybe 5; I don't know). It's always a thrill! What? You want to see the block? Of course! But first, the fabric I chose from Benartex . All the blocks in the magazine are 12" finished. I had been playing with two of Paula Nadelstern's recent collections - Kismet and Chroma Zone s (Benartex). These kaleidoscope designs are so fabulous and I knew I wanted to use one as the center of something. (That was my first step!) Kismet Fabrics by Paula Nadelstern  And let's see ...

Last block of mine that appears in this fantastic book . This is the Gretchen Block using NO templates. This is NOT a digital rendition but real fabric. The Gretchen Block (12") as seen in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 9 Here's the cover of Volume 9. Let me show you the fabrics I used. The Gazebo Collection by Windham Fabrics was perfect for this. (This collection is no longer current.) The Gazebo Collection by Windham Fabrics I selected four fabrics and used a traditional pattern that I made into a quick technique without the "funky" templates typically needed for those odd shaped patches. The size designated was 12". This Gretchen pattern can be made into any size because it uses two different triangles and some quick rotary cutting tricks. Did I name this block after someone? NO! That is the historic name of this vintage pattern. It appeared in the Kansas City Star on July 16, 1932. But you can be sure that odd shaped templates w...

The Gretchen Block as seen in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 9 Even after all these years (22) of having my quilts published, it is still a treat to see them in print. I am especially happy to have one of my favorite magazines feature one of my blocks. This is the fourth time I've had this privilege and it still makes me smile! (Don't miss out on any posts - Sign up to follow my blog on Bloglovin ) Follow the 100 Blocks Blog Tour daily April 28 - May 2, 2014 at The Quiltmaker Blog Quilty Pleasures for inspiration, ideas and giveaways galore! They have prizes (did I say that?) Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Volume 9 is  the newest issue of this fabulous magazine. Honestly, I think a magazine is the most bang for the quilting buck around. All the blocks in this magazine finish to 12" so the possibilities are endless. Many thanks to June Dudley, Kelly Eisinger, Carolyn Beam, Diane Harris and the rest of the Quiltmaker staff for making each is...