Why I Design Quilts

I love to design quilts.  I just can't seem to stop myself.  I was challenged recently by Wayne Kollinger to think about why I design and I came up with a few ideas.

I design quilts because it is an incredible creative and intellectual exercise.

I design quilts because I see these pictures in my head and I just can't wait to get them down on paper.

I design quilts because it keeps those voices quiet. . .at least for a while!  :-)

I design quilts because I love color and shape and line. . . but especially color!

I design quilts because I can see my ideas become reality right before my eyes.

I design quilts to keep myself sane. . . ok, that doesn't always work, but don't worry, I have meds for the really bad days!  LOL

I design quilts to tell stories. . . stories about people, events, things, ideas, places, special moments

I design quilt to translate my talent into a tangible product I can market which supports me. . .well, not really, but maybe someday it will!

I desgin quilts to fill my house and my life with flowers.  I totally don't have a green thumb and these are the only kind of flowers I can keep alive!!

I design quilts because it fills my heart with joy, excitement, and contentment.

I design quilts to challenge myself, to grow as an artist, and to accomplish something that others will both admire and want to make.

I design quilts because it is a heck of a lot easier than making prom dresses for adolescent divas!!!

I design quilts because it costs less than Prozac.

I design quilts because it feeds my soul and allows me to share my gift with others.

I design quilts because it is fun.  It just gives me a big kick. It makes me smile.

I design quilts because I love to play on EQ7, come up with ideas, and then realize them in fabric and thread -- or not! 

This is a gift I have been blessed with and I thank God everyday for the vision he has given me and the friends who have supported me on this wonderful journery.

Thanks for being there in 2010.  I know we will have even more fun in 2011.

New Block of the Month Begins

The new BOM for 2011 is called Jewels in the Crown.  This quilt is all pieced!  No applique.  But the blocks are made in beautiful jewel tones -- batiks, tone-on-tones, textured prints, and other bright or saturated colors.  The colors will really brighten up a cold northern January!  All blocks finish at 12" and will be placed in an on-point setting.  Of course your version can be any color and setting your choose!

Here is the first block.

The first block is "Jewel Boxes."  You can download the PDF instructions for Block 1 here:

2011 Block of the Month Block 1 -- Jewel Boxes

BLOCK 1

There is an optional foundation pattern you can download if you prefer to foundation piece the block. 

FOUNDATION PATTERN

This year I will do a monthly give away in association with the block of the month.  Everyone who sends me a photo of their completed block will get a chance to win.  Each month the prize will be different.

The Prize for January is a FREE copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol. 2 and a copy of my Frosty Carnations pattern from the Jan/Feb Quilter's World Magazine!!

To enter the drawing, send me an email of your completed block along with your name and email.  Send your email with attached photo to THIS EMAIL.

I can't wait to see what colors you choose for your Jewel Box Block!

WOW My Quilt is the Quilter's World Web Bonus this Month!!

Today the digital edition of the Jan/Feb Quilter's World Magazine was released.  My Frosty Carnations pattern is the featured Web Bonus.  Here is the link:  http://www.quiltersworld.com/webbonuses.php
I encourage you to check it out and download the free pattern.

I know it looks difficult, but the diamond piecing is easy with the instructions provided and the applique is done with fusible web and machine blanket stitch.  Gotta love that.

Also, check out the last page of this issue of Quilter's World with the "Coming Attractions" page for the next issue.  You will see my quilt featured!!!  WOW  This is totally exciting.

Here is a picture of the Frosty Carnations quilt

Here is a quick little tutorial on how to sew those diamonds together for the background.

Cut all the pieces using the template pattern.  I used the Marti Michell acrylic template H52.  Works great because you cut off the ends of the diamonds which makes it way way way easier to piece those set-in seams.  Note that there are holes in the template at the points of the seam lines.  Mark those with a pencil so you will know where to start and stop sewing.  I know, its a pain to have to mark everything but I promise you won't regret it.  Just do it.  And make sure you mark on the wrong side of the fabric with a pencil or fabric marker.

The blocks are assembled in groups of three.  Top, left and right.  Stack them up and have them in the order you will use them.  It makes it easier to keep the fabrics and colors straight.

Sew the top piece to the left piece, stopping 1/4" from both ends.  Back stitch 2 stitches at each end to secure the thread and use a very tight small stitch.  On my bernina I set the stitch length at 2.0.

To add the right piece to the top piece, put the right patch under the top patch.  Put your needel in just where you stopped stitching the previous seam.

Stitch this seam and stop 1/4" from the end.  Back stitch 2 stitches.  Don't forget to do that.  See those notches on my presser foot in front of the needle?  Those are 1/4" from the needle and are a great guide to help you to know where to stop stitching.

Ok, now a word about pressing the seam allowances.  You want to press them in a circle.  That means the if I will always press in the same direction.  Note in the picture above the seam at the top lays to the right, the seam at the bottom of the picture lays to the left and the  pinned seam will be press toward the viewer after it is sewn.  This will create and open "swirl" at the center of the block and will help your blocks lay perfectly flat.

Ok, back to sewing.  Pin the two remaining sides together as shown. in the picture above.  You can clearly see how I stopped stitching 1/4" away from the end of the previous seam.

Now you can sew that third seam connecting the last two diamonds.  Again, remember to start and stop 1/4" from the end (you can see my dots).

Here is what the back side looks like when you press the last seam "in a circle."  See that little swirl in the middle?

Here is a close up so you can see how nice and flat that lays.  Also note how small my stitches are and how nice the block lays when you cut off those points first.  How I love those Marti Michell templates!!  (Thank Barb for the lessons!!!)

Here is how it looks from the front.  See how nice the points meet?  It really is easy to do.  You just keep adding pieced one at a time down the row. 

I do not make separate rows.  It is easier to just keep adding more pieces to the original row, one at a time.  Notice that when you are sewing the outer edges, you can stitch all the way to the end of the patch.  those are the only places that you don't stop 1/4" from the end.

I know you won't believe me but I pieced this whole background in one afternoon!  It is only a wall hanging so don't go balistic on me.  LOL

This really was a fun top to make and much easier to piece than I expected. 

OK, tomorrow I am going to show  you how to edge stitch the applique, so tune in again. Whoo hooo I feel like Alex Anderson!  hahahah

Christmas Sale on EQ Products

If you wanted to get EQ7 or EQ7 upgrade (from EQ6) now is the time to order your copy just in time for Christmas!!

 
Or give you Significant Other this link and let him/her get it for you! 

http://www.morningglorydesigns.net/catalog.php

I am offering a 20% savings on selected EQ products.  Here is a list of what I have on hand and can ship immediately.  If you want other EQ products not listed here let me know and I can order them for you and hopefully get them to you in time for Christmas.

EQ7 Full Version Retail $189.95

EQ7 Upgrade Retail $89.95

Dear Jane CD - Retail $49.95
 and Dear Jane Book - Retail $29.95

Block Base - Retail $69.95
(note. . . The gossip is that Block Base may be discontinued soon!  If you have wanted it, now is the time to get it.  It probably won't be availabe next year)

Karen Stone CD - Retail $21.95

Kaleidoscope Collection CD  Sold

 EQ Printables Ink Jet Fabric (6) Sheets 8.5x11 -  Reatil $17.95
Large size (6) sheets 11"x17"  -  Retail $32.95

EQ Printables Newsprint (100) Sheets  -  Retail $7.95 (these are fabulous for paper piecing)

Quilting Designs CDs -  Retail $24.96
I have Vol. 2, 3, 4, & 5

EQ Simplified - Retail $10.95 Still good with EQ7
This is now out of print and no longer available but I have three copies at $8.50!!

EQ6 Drawing Book (Retail $10.95) These are still good for EQ7

EQ6 Applique Book (Retail $10.95) These are still good for EQ7

EQ6 Block Book (Retail $9.97) These are still good for EQ7

AND the NEWEST STASH – Fall 2010 just came out this week. Retail $24.95
 I also have several copies of STASH from previous years for $7.50. 
Spring 2009 - 20th edition
Spring 2008
Fall 2008

I put in an order for 3 copies this week so the first three people who order get it.  I don’t carry a big inventory of EQ products on hand but if I don't have I can order it and get it to you in 1-2 weeks.  I only offer this 20% off sale on EQ products in December so let me know if you are interested. 

Thanks!!  If you would rather order by phone or email, click HERE for contact information.

And the Winner is. . .um Winners are:

Using my new random generator widget I selected two winners for the pattern and magazine give-awy

Ann in AL  is the first winner!  Congratulations --- whooo hoooo!

And the second winner is:

Greetingarts (Michelle!!!) --- Yippeeeee!!!!!  Congratulations

by the way Michelle, I love the leggo turkey on your blog.  LOL

Congrats to both of our winners.  Please send me your snail mail addresses and I will get your magazine and pattern out to you right away.

And a huge thank you to all of you great readers who left a comment about the new BOM.  You made some great suggestions and I plan to use some of them.  I will offer alternatives for some of the setting triangles and border colors when we get to that part of the BOM.

YOU ROCK!!!!