I live in Virginia and I am excited to be teaching at the Mid-Appalachian Quilters retreat July 13-15 in Emmitsburg, MD. Every year they raffle a quilt with the proceeds going toward a worthwhile charity. I donated this year's quilt, one I designed and made for Blank Quilting a few years ago. The quilt kept crying in the closet, asking for someone to love it, and I figured this is a way to make both the quilt and winner happy - along with providing funds for Ovarian Cancer Research. Here is the quilt ( you can buy tickets from MAQ ) and also the free two page pattern. It is an easy block and quilt and I hope you enjoy it! I named the pattern Color Blox Stars ; the traditional block is called "Souvenir" and it is 15" square. Souvenir Stars - 65" x 65"

Sassy Mariner's Compass I'm here in the beautiful city of Rochester, Minnesota for the annual quilt show for Minnesota Quilters. They put on a fantastic show in one of the most important cities in the USA. Why is it important? It's the home of the famous Mayo Clinic, a place we ALL respect and hope we never have to visit, but are glad it's there if there is ever a need! I thought I would post pictures of the 3 classes I am teaching (OK: 2 are past, one is coming). I have had motivated and very happy students so far (yes, I get a grouch every now and then). The first class was on Wednesday - the Sassy Mariner's Compass! This began with the center compass which is the basis for my Beginner's Mariner's Compass class. An easy 16" block with curves gentle enough for a novice quilter. Then the halo of points were supposed to connect to the center, but I didn't measure correctly and after I pieced all of them I discovered a 1" gap! Yikes!!! So, ...

We remember - and honor - those who gave their all for our freedom For we Americans, this weekend is for remembering our fallen heroes. A lot of shopping goes on, but hopefully the parades and events honoring all our veterans and those who lost their lives will take center stage. I made this quilt in 2005, using some Americana fabric resembling the stripes of our flag. I took a simple heart shape and divided it both vertically and horizontally and cut out appliques. Just another project for me, published in one of our QUILT magazines that year. But then the nephew of our dear friends died in Afghanistan. He was so young and now he was gone. I knew this quilt needed to go to his parents and my husband and I drove to their house in Atlanta where we were able to meet the parents, share some tears, and then I gave them the quilt. I can never forget, and that's why we REMEMBER. I used this design for my 2010 calendar and I am featuring it here today, FREE, for all to enjoy. You ...

2013 Block & Pattern a Day Calendar I just received my author's copy of the 2013 Block a Day Calendar and I am impressed! OK, I'm not bragging so much as that I could actually create new designs after all these years (I've created the calendar since 2006). There are 70+ quilts with all the supporting blocks for a total of 320 pages of inspiration. This is more than 5 quilt books would contain. Jean Ann Wright contributed 2 months worth of projects and I couldn't have done it without her! I have to figure out a way to give away a few copies of this on my blog. And I will be uploading a sample pattern with permission from my publisher. But for now, ask your local quilt or crafting shop if they plan on carrying it. There are some awesome patterns in there!

Four Spring Bud Blocks Today is May 22 and the block for today is Spring Bud. It is rainy and overcast where I live. But there are always quilt blocks to cheer me up. The Spring Bud block is in my perpetual Block a Day calendar (Martingale) and when I designed the companion CD, I took it upon myself to design the block in TWO sizes and also create a bonus image of what 4 blocks look like together. This foursome makes me smile and I feel the urge to sew them today. Hmmm - maybe?

As promised, here is the pattern for the remaining blocks and the basic fabric requirements as they appeared in the "2011 Quilting Block & Pattern a Day Calendar". Very basic, but they get the job done! Cabbage Rose Block, 12" finished Cabbage Rose cutting directions (enlarge center for full size templates) Eternal Circles Block, 12" finished The "B" Templates are teardrops appliquéd on top of the 12-1/2" background. This is a good quilt for that man in your life who doesn't take well to girlie prints (like one of my sons in law).   This is a great wall quilt and really is based on an antique game board.

I received an email from a quilter asking about one of the blocks in my Block a Day Calendar by Martingale. It seems that she and her quilting group were finding that their block points were being lopped off - that perhaps the cutting dimensions were incorrect (and they could be - I'm only human). She referred to several blocks, but I am only going to reference one: The Right Hand of Fellowship. You can see ALL of the blocks (366) at my website and the 12 quilt projects made with them. Just click on the calendar image on the right ==>>>>> Right Hand of Fellowship from the Quilter's Block a Day Calendar by Debby Kratovil Click here for a one page pdf of HOW to figure these triangles for ANY size! I looked at the cutting directions and knew that they were right. My suspicions tell me that it's all in the way the triangles are cut and then POSITIONED before sewing. I created a step by step photo lesson to illustrate this. IF YOU CLICK ON EACH IMAGE ...