Monday, November 8, 2010

100 Quilt Blocks Blog Tour Monday

IT'S COMING..... On newstands November 16th, Volume 2 of Quiltmaker's 100 Quilt Blocks...can you feel the anticipation? This is my first time participating in the 100 Quilt Blocks Collector's Edition and also my first time participating in a blog tour....it is all very exciting. There will be many giveaways here and there including the original signed blocks from this issue. You will want to go 'there' (100QB Blog) to visit all the designers linked to the blog tour and to enter the drawings for fun prizes. Everyone who leaves a comment on my blog will be entered to win a free copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Quilt Blocks Volume 2. At the end of this post you will find an additional opportunity to create, participate, and win so come along for the journey:)
Here is my block, "Spiked Pinwheels" #125 on page 34. The paper piece template is available in the magazine. I have been experimenting with paper piece designs lately which is quite a departure from the applique designs I am used to creating. The first time I tried paper piecing, I was very intimidated and not overly thrilled. Now I find it easy and even enjoy the monotony of taking out the paper. Paper piecing offers such accuracy and the designs I am working on now offer the quiltmaker a variety of personalized creations based on color placement and block rotation.
You will need 4 quadrants to make one block and this is what the colorway in the magazine looks like in a 3 across x 4 down block layout...look at that wonderful secondary design. Keeping the center fabric a light color really gives you a sparkling star effect.

This photograph shows a completely different look by rotating the quadrants before sewing the block together. I was amazed at the striping you get when you multiply the blocks into a quilt. Think of all the color possibilities.

Then one day as I was driving down the highway, I noticed a soybean field that had started to turn that acid green color. Along the highway rows of white and bright purple wildflowers had been added-what a striking color combination.
I know not everyone loves earthy autumn colors the way I do, so here is a completely different colorway for you---

I love the vividness of this and notice I only used 3 colors in this version vs. 6 in the original block. I also alternated the color placement in the center vs. using the same color in the same placement in all 4 quadrants.

This is how a quilt would look in this colorway/layout. The German in me is a bit put off by the crooked feeling it gives off but that is also what makes it kind of cool! Just changing the color placement in the centers gives it a zig zag feel.

I felt that the picture of the whole quilt might overwhelm some especially if this is your first attempt at paper piecing (I promise it is easy!) so I pared it down to a 4 block layout. Once these triangle pieces were added, I started to get very excited.

Who is up for a challenge?? I have never made a tree skirt before and I think this pattern would be perfect so here is what I am proposing:
Peppermint Swirls.
The instructions for this tree skirt will be given in 3 sets:
November 8th: The center 4 blocks and initial fabric requirements
November 22nd: The striped triangle sets
December 6th: The finishing instructions including cutting the hole, quilting, and binding.
These dates make each step very attainable and gets it finished in time for a sweet Christmas gift.

You will need:
1 Yard each of red fabric and white fabric. This will complete 4 blocks with enough left over to add the stripes to the triangle sets in the next installment.
The instructions for the block will be in the magazine (on stands Nov 16th). You will make 4 quadrants for one block and you will make 4 blocks.
NOTE: See the color layout here and notice that the centers have been reversed for 2 quadrants. Two quadrants have a red/white/red placement and two have a white/red/white placement which allows for the swirl effect.

My paper piecing tips are:
1. Lower your stitch length to help perforate the paper as you sew. On my machine, I lower it to a 1.4 and I use regular copy paper as my foundation.
2. I would suggest using the Add-a-Quarter Ruler if you have access to it.
3. I also take a colored pencil and place a checkmark in each area of my templates to match the color fabric I am to put there...helps to keep me from getting confused:)
Paper piecing isn't your thing? Please let me know why in the comment section (be sure you leave a way for me to contact you) so that I can still enter you to win a FREE copy of 100 Quilt Blocks. I will announce the winner on this blog on Friday Morning. Good Luck:)

Paper piecing is your thing? Great! Follow along for the next 5 weeks, email a picture of your completed top (I am giving us all a Nov/Dec craziness out:) to robin@nestlingsbyrobin.com , and with your permission I will be posting all our wonderful tree skirts in a special Dec 14th post.

In addition, every completed top will be entered into a drawing for 2 FREE patterns of the winner's choice from my website. They make great stocking stuffers:)

152 comments:

Kim West said...

oooohhh... i really love the tree skirt!!! I can't wait for the magazine to come out. I just wish I had bought the first one when it came out.

Thearica said...

WOW!! I love your design and the quilts you have shown! Wonderful creation!!

I hope I win a copy somewhere during this tour! Please sign me up. :)

Charlene S said...

I love the different looks of your block.

Jocelyn said...

Wow what an amazing block! I am looking forward to seeing all the designs in the new 100 Blocks edition.

Sue said...

I love this block! I love your color combinations too! I am new to quilting and by that I mean I have collected tons of fabric and thought alot about making quilts but get too scared to start. I have 2 baby quilts and a wallhanging under my belt so far. This pattern is awesome because of all the design possibilties. You are also a very good explainer of the process. Really enjoy this. Thanks! And...I would love to be entered to win a copy of the "100" book. Thanks much. ~ Sue Liebold, Canonsburg, PA.

Gill said...

I love this pattern - it looks so different in the different colourways
Gill

Judy Z said...

I am not a huge fan of paper piecing, but will do it to achieve something I really like. It takes me longer to PP, though I end up with a perfect block (or quilt). The other negative is the paper left behind. I thought about using something that will dissolve but haven't tried that yet. Your block is very beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.

autumnesf said...

Love your block. And the green and purple combos are amazing! By far my fav!

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I've tried paper piecing a couple times. I enjoy it but only for special projects lol. I do see the accuracy it gives you though.

Teaquilts said...

Wow! You are having a celebration as you rightly should. Congrats on being included in the issue. I love the tree skirt idea and plan to participate. I'm going to see if I can follow your site so I don't forget. Thanks for the sew along.

Quilter Kathy said...

Love your block and all the variations you are showing...very inspiring!

Kim Q said...

Paper piecing will never be my thing, but I do admire the patterns done that way. It makes me feel almost totally dyslexic, leaving me frustrated. It's just not my strong point at all. But that's ok, we all have our own strengths and weaknesses.

Renegade Quilter said...

I love your block & I even love it more in the bright green fabric. I have done some paper piecing but not a ton. Thanks for the giveaway!

Yumm yumz by patticakes said...

Someday, I will try paper piecing - I really love your color combinations.
Thanks for the chance at the prize contest!

epban said...

Love your block and I'm so excited for Volume 2!

Melissa Corry said...

I have never tried paper piecing. I think the idea has always scared me. I think I will be following along to finally figure out what it is all about :)

SoozeM said...

Love the tree skirt! Paper pieceing is not really my thing, not matter how I cut and place my pieces I always seem to unpick alot of seams because once the piece was pressed it didn't cover the area it was supposed to, and I hate wasting fabric cutting pieces larger than needed. I have done it in the past and got a great result, and I am sure I will do it again in the future, but I just prefer to cut my pieces out and sew the seams in the normal fashion.

Lisa said...

Your block is beautiful! This blog tour is great - I can't wait to read it every day!

Monica said...

Great versatile block! Thanks for sharing it with us. I can't wait to get my hands on this magazine.

Danielle said...

Paper is not my thing - the blocks never come out right, maybe if I took a class or something I might get the hang of it.
marksey3@msn.com

Pat S. said...

I just love your pp block...and the possible combinations are fantastic!!! Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us!!!

Kathy Alden said...

Love the design!

Kathy Alden said...

Love the block

Jo said...

Paper piecing isn't my thing. It's beautiful, but not my thing. My sewing room isn't set up where an iron is close so it's a lot of up and down for me....It's too slow of a process but LOVE your block.

marilyn said...

I've never tried paper piecing, but maybe I should. I love the purple and green one and the tree skirt looks so pretty too. So many projects, too little time. Can we get an extra hour in every day?

Reedsburg Area Quilt Guild said...

What was most striking about your block was the way it looked so different in different settings. The tree skirt is fabulous, but there is no way I can get one done by December. Maybe next December. Thanks for considering me in the drawing.

Barbara Ann Beamer Jones said...

What a beautiful block! Please enter me in your drawing.

I would love to work on the Peppermint Swirls tree skirt - just not sure if I have time . . .

babsnwv at gmail dot com

Barbara Campbell said...

Interesting possibilities with this paper-pieced block - tree skirt is neat!

Karen said...

Congratulations on designing such a beautiful block. Enjoyed seeing your layout and colour choices also. What fun!

Gwen said...

The block is great, would be on my
list of to dos. Love the design

Anonymous said...

I just love your tree skirt. I have never tried paper piecing before. Just a little scared, i guess. Still, I love your idea and sure would like to give this a try. Thank you for a chance to win a great book and the free pattern. I also love your block. Thank you.

sandit1@sbcglobal.net

Sharon said...

This block is great, so many different options buy making a few simple adjustments or settings. Thank you.

Bev said...

Awesome block! One block, many possibilities.

Donna said...

I love the different looks of the block with the rotations. Instead of a tree skirt, I'd like mine as a table topper.

Rebecca said...

I love how you have set up the design for the tree skirt, making good use of the fancy blocks within the plainer ones.
Paper piecing is not fun for me, I hate wasting fabric and the constant stopping and starting, have done a bit but prefer regular piecing or English paper piecing. And, somehow, I am not usually drawn to spiky designs, good thing all in all.

Anonymous said...

Wow, your block really sparkles. After doing the New York Beauty quilt I have learned to appreciate paper piecing. Love the accuracy and lets a variety of colors make a block sparkle. Rose

Moneik said...

Love the versatility of this block. Such fun ideas for changing it up.

Kd Brown said...

Ooooh, yes, I love paper piecing! This is a great block and so versatile. Thank you for participating in the magazine and blog hop.

Sherri said...

What a gorgeous block...and thanks so much for the paper piecing tips!

quilting queen said...

I really love to do paper piecing. That's probably my favorite

Pepper Cory said...

Wow-what a great block Robin! Do you ever sleep?! Wonderful ideas on settings.

Marlene said...

Fun to see all the different placements and 2ndary designs that emerge! Thanks!!

Brita said...

Love the first quilt from this block! I love paper piecing, so will definitely try this.

Anonymous said...

wow--paper piecing isn't my thing, YET. This pattern may prompt me to get going...did a couple simple blocks using it years ago, but haven't picked it up again. I love how you presented this block and all the variations--very inspiring!! Guess I need to break out of my comfort zone and get cracking!! thanks for sharing your wonderful designs!!
michelle
mhardey@ymail.com

Linda in PA said...

Wow! I really like your block! Thanks for a chance to win a copy of this magazine.
lraetaylor@gmail.com

Potpourri said...

Great block with lots of innovative ideas.

grandmarockton said...

really WISH i could master paperpiecing wish I'd of bought the first one

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Love the blog and would love to have the magazine.

Thanks for the giveaway.

Billie

CindyB said...

You have a great design block that will be fun to make different looks. I like blocks that can be put together in fun ways. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

I was intimidated by paper piecing the firt time I tried it following a demo by another quilter. Then someone came to our quilt group and demonstrated a simple pine tree block and I loved how easy it was to make one. The joy in paper piecing it the perfect points you have in the finished block. I love your block and the first quilt!! And autumn colors are my favorite!

Lee Ann L. said...

So cool! It's amazing one block can have different looks.

Regina said...

Ohh ohh ohh... love this!!! It is so fun to see what you start with and how you can "spin it" - can't wait for all the instructions (and for the Mag. to come out!)

JoAnnGC said...

I love the movement in this block. It lends itself to so many different looks and can be toned down or brightened up with different fabric choices. I will definitely be putting this on my new things to try list.

JuliaP said...

What a great looking block!! Can't wait until the magazine comes out!

Deb said...

I have tried a little paper piecing and I love the nice crisp points I get....Haven't cut one off yet!!!!!

Your pattern is beautiful and I love how 1 block can look so different depending on fabric choice and the block layout.

Vicki @ DottyJane said...

I really haven't given paper piecing a fair try, so I'll stay neutral for now:) I do love your block, though!

Kim McCloskey said...

I love the possibilities your block gives with graphic design. And thanks for posting the instructions to your cute tree skirt. it looks like fun.

Anonymous said...

Love your blocks and colour choices. I'm sure this magazine will be a winner....hope to see it in my mailbox!!

Dianne in BC

Anonymous said...

Cool tree skirt....I haven't tried paper piecing yet, so I can't give a thumbs up or down on the technique. But, I'm putting this project on my to-do list - seems like a good introduction that's manageable.

Polly said...

Thanks for the givaway! Polly

Cecilia said...

Great block! I like paper piecing because the points are so nice. Thanks for the giveaway.

Kay said...

Your block makes me want to try paper piecing again. Thanks for the chance to win.

Jeannine said...

I love your block! And it sounds like a great magazine full of wonderful ideas!

4dreamsr said...

Love this block. Any change of color combos will just totally change the way the design reads. Great! I love paper piecing. Really I love any technique. Just love quilting. Congrats on your block being chosen for book. Would love to win a copy.

QuiltingShaz in Sunny South Africa said...

I'm not a great fan of paper piecing as I hate tearing the paper of afterwards - but I really like the overall effect of your block and would love to give it a try. Let's just hope that I can get hold of a magazine before Christmas as I live in South Africa and we don't always get the mags here :-(

Anonymous said...

This makes a gorgeous quilt. I would love to try this block. Thanks for the chance to win!

Unknown said...

I love your block, and the colors you used in the first version shown. I also like that you showed how many other looks it can have depending on how the blocks are turned.

Michele said...

Wonderful block. Very versatile.

Anna said...

Love your block and paper piecing.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy.
Thank you

brend l.

Marianne said...

Love your block and your tree skirt design. Thanks,

Karen said...

I really like your block and amazing to see how just changing the colors around gives a totally different look. I have not done paper piecing, but this would be a good one to try.

Petit Design Co. said...

wow. I love the different layouts and how different your block can look. I especially like the green and purple layout (even though I'm not a purple person) with lots of white

Sharon said...

Your block is just fabulous. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the 100 Blocks Book.

Unknown said...

Great block! Love paper pieceing!

Esther said...

How nice!!!
Thanks for the chance!

Little Miss Shabby said...

What a neat block!

DutchQuilter said...

My favorite is the orange, green, etc. block at the top! I will be coming back also for the tree skirt. Thank you so much.

Hey ... I'm Lindsay ! said...

LOVE the giveaway ... LOVE YOUR BLOCK! What a master piece !!!! Can't wait to see it in the new magazine! Thanks for sharing your talent :))

linny said...

Love the tree skirt. My favourite type of patchwork is foundation piecing, I have found it very addictive. I don't think the magazine is out in Australia yet, we're usually a month or 2 behind. So I probably won't have it done for this Christmas.
I would love to win this wonderful book.
lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

Kristen said...

I love how versatile your design is. Great job!

Marcia W. said...

Please enter me into the drawing for the 100 blocks magazine. I never found the first issue, so hopefully can win the second. Paper piecing is difficult. I have made some Japanese Fan blocks, though not yet assembled them into a quilt. Your green/purple/neutral block jumps out at me! Love it! Though, cannot enter your tree-skirt-quilt along. Thanks for the background on your block, and the paper piecing info.

Gretchen said...

Thanks for the great giveaway! Your post about paper piecing reminds me that I have a NY Beauty UFO that needs attention. Now I'm inspired to dig it out and get back to it!

SusieB said...

I love your block Robin.....I love paper piecing. Just hope I can find my fabric in time to try the tree skirt! : )

Julie S said...

I never paper-pieced until I received a copy of last years 100 Blocks magazine. I made a number of the paperpieced blocks for my Christmas sampler quilt...it turns out that I love to paper-piece!

Your block is so interesting because of all the layout options! I'd love to win a copy of this new edition!

PatchworkRose said...

Just So love your Block Great Design and a lot of fun

SewLindaAnn said...

I love paper piecing and lately I've been making a lot of different patterns myself and playing with other people's as well. I LOVE what you did with the inspiration from the soybean field. The colors are awesome (I am an earthy lover) and I cannot wait to try it! I'm going to be a new subscriber in Google Reader.

Becky said...

Cool, cool, cool block!!!! Love this one! The design possibilities are endless. Thanks so much for sharing your block!

kwiltnkats said...

I'm crazy about pinwheels and paper piecing. I especially like the layout of the green/purple/white fabrics. I've got too much on my plate right now, but sounds like everyone will have fun.

Barb in Mi said...

Your block design is fantastic - and each time looks so different! Thanks for the giveaway!

Jill said...

I love the many ways your block can be used.

VickiT said...

OOOh what an awesome looking block. And I LOVE anything purple so, of course you totally caught my eye with that color change. I really love how just changing the direction of parts of the block make a totally different quilt. VERY cool. The peppermint swirl tree skirt looks great. I will definitely follow along for that although sadly, I can't actually join in on the fun as I had hand surgery last week and have a cast on my right (and dominant) hand/wrist. I'm pretty useless right at the moment for any sewing. I'd love to win the magazine though and plan ahead.

Gale Lavers said...

I love your pattern and I do enjoy paper piecing. Would love to be a winner.

WYO Di said...

LOVE the versatility of this block! Congrats on making 100 Blocks V2!

Jan said...

Great block. Love the colorway examples.

HeyJudee said...

I just started paper piecing and love it. Your block is great and I love the variations and colourways you've shown. I have volume 1 and would love to win volumne 2!

webmailaddress2 said...

Your block has so much potential!

Georgette Mitchell said...

Your blocks and designs are simply gorgeous. I am so excited to get this magazine after seeing what all the quilt artists are coming out with.

MoeWest said...

Your different layouts for your block are amazing!

Sheila said...

What an interesting block! I like that it looks so different depending on how it's laid out. I can't wait to see all 100!

Anonymous said...

I like your colors!! Makes the blocks just pop. Thank you for a chance to win the book. This book giveaway is very exciting.

Pam said...

I don't care for paperpiecing because my fabric always seems to end up with the shape going in the wrong direction. Hope you understand what I mean. Maybe if I could accurately describe my problem I would be able to correct it lol! Anyway, I end up ripping out a lot of seams which I find hard to do with such tiny stitches on a paper foundation. That said, I really like the block you have created and would like to thank you for the chance to win 100 Blocks V.s.

Maria McCabe said...

I love paper piecing and I need a new tree skirt! I love the block and the idea so I became follower of your blog to be able to join in on making a new one! THank you!
Maria

robin said...

Interesting block! The second image on this post gives the illusion that the quilt is tipped to the right - kind of neat.

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

oh what a fun block! I love the kaleidoscope effect.

Barb Johnson said...

I've only tried paper piecing once or twice, and I wasn't thrilled. I had a hard time getting the tiny paper bits out, even when I used tweezers. So that is why paper piecing isn't my thing. But I really like your block, so maybe I'll try again! I especially like the secondary pattern formed when the blocks are set together.

arlette said...

HMMMMMMMM I'm tempted with the tree skirt, I love paper piecing!!!!!!, I'll send you an email and join the fun :D!!!

Miss Hillbilly said...

I love paper piecing!!
That is a neat design; my machine is broken down right now...hope I can get it fixed to make that tree skirt. We don't have one.

FlourishingPalms said...

Your Spiked Pinwheels is such a versatile block! What a nice design. Thanks for the chance to win your giveaway.

Kerry said...

I love your block and will definately keep a watch out and see what you are up to.

Kerry said...

Love you block and enjoy paper piecing. Will definately keep a watch out for what you are up to.

patty1 said...

Thank you for including paper piecing. Love it. The variations are enticing.

Ariane said...

Wow! Such a wonderful block! So many possibilities with it!!! Love it!

Quilting with Jannette said...

I've always been a bit intimidated by paper-piecing, but your design is really exciting, and I'm going to give the tree skirt a try - thanks for giving me the inspiration!

Jacqueline said...

Oh my. I LOVEEE the purple and green and white. I have not thought about putting something that vivid together. I will be shopping soon. BEAUTIFUL pattern. Happy Monday and thank you for sharing! xoxo

Candace said...

I love paper piecing...it's so satisfying to see how everything is going to work out!

WoolenSails said...

I have never done paper piecing, but I have seen it done by others. I would like to try quilts like this, when I get better at quilting.

Debbie

Kathy in GA said...

I love the tree skirt...now to have to wait for the magazine to come out is just torture!
Kathy in GA

Michelle MMMM4 said...

I recently learned to paper piece, I'm enjoying it. The tree skirt looks like fun.

Lisa E said...

Your block has so many design possibilities. I love it. Thanks!

momto2wasd said...

I really love the look of your block! I'm not into the idea of paper piecing because it sounds time consuming to me. And where I'm at in life right now, I just don't have the patience to do things that take much time. Maybe someday...

Martina said...

Great block! I love paper piecing. That's how I started my quilting adventure!Would love to win!

Sparky said...

YOU are tops in my world..great block...and your blog is a terrific find...drop by Stash Manicure..would love to have you as a guest..

Anonymous said...

REALLY LOVE YOUR BLOCk. THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN.

JEANNE
SHOOKJE@YAHOO.COM

mascanlon said...

Thank you for sharing all the possibilities with this block! I might be tacking paper piecing again!

~Kris~ said...

I love paper piecing. Your design is very intriguing,

Linda E in NM said...

Paper piecing is definitely fussy, but it gives such a nice sharp edge that is is often worth the trouble.

Karen said...

I love paper piecing and there are so many options for you bock.

Chris said...

Wow.....love this! Thanks...
Chris

Susan Hinzman said...

Way to go, Robin. You have really captured the versatility of using different colorways in the paper pieced block! And of course I love your comments on education! We are always on the same page about things! XOXO Susan

Donna Joy said...

Can't go wrong with this block, your green purple and white block turned out so vibrant. OH the possibilities.
I haven't braved paper piecing, but I'd like to try out the tree skirt.

Connie Houk said...

I haven't ever tried paper piecing but love to applique. I need to get with the program and try it soon. Thanks.

Connie Houk said...

I haven't tried paper piecing but love to applique.

Nancy said...

I love the quilt block, although I won't be joining in! Please enter me, though, in the drawing. Thanks!

Lisa England said...

Paper piecing is my favorite thing and your block is wonderful. I look forward to making it!

Kathy H said...

I love your block. I really enjoy paperpiecing and how different the quilt can become just by moving the blocks around.

Anonymous said...

Love your design and I'm really excited about the tree skirt...
Thanks

Brenda said...

I like it!

Sharon W said...

Nice block and settings

Pat said...

Great looking block.

kt said...

Wow! Your block is stunning, and so many possibilities! I have not attempted paper piecing yet--I am a new quilter, but I love the designs. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.
ktyoung1(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

LOVE YOUR BLOCK AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE 100 BLOCK MAGAZINE.

JEANNE
GOLDIE5373@YAHOO.COM

SheilaC said...

I love your block and can't wait to see Volume 2!! I loved Volume 1!!

SheilaC

Kathye said...

Your blocks have sew much movement! Love the colors you chose. Can't wait to get my hands on this mag!

Susie said...

Wow! I don't think I can say anything more because WOW sums it up. I LOVE your block!

Deb said...

Oh I love all the quilt pictures, but a peppermint swirl tree skirt is just perfect!

Lina said...

That tree skirt is beautiful!

Laura said...

What a great block - with great possibilities!!! I love paper piecing because the points come out so cleanly!

WYO Di said...

You make one one to paper piece!

Annette said...

I am really looking forward to this magazine. I loved the last one and know I will enjoy this one as much or more. Your design is super!

Nancy Sue said...

I'm a newbie so I'm a bit intimidated with paper piecing. But I have a small pattern to try of after the hubbub of the holidays!
Your block is gorgeous with so many layout possibilities. Congrats!

Melissa said...

Congratulations on your success in having your block included in this publication.
I love a block that is versatile.
I'm glad that you are now a fellow Feather Princess! Looking forward to getting to know you better.
Melissa