Monday, December 31, 2012

January BOM

Happy New Year!

I'm so glad that you stopped by to check out the Quilt Doodle Block of the Month club.... the first of each month I will be presenting a new block! I have all of the blocks designed and it was hard to pick out the first block to present... I didn't want it to be too simple or too hard. So I closed my eyes and picked one.... I hope that you have fun piecing it....  in my Craftsy Store and also in my Etsy Shop.


The January block is named 'Monkey Wrench' It reminds me of 'Snails Tails'. You will need a light and dark fabric to do this block.  Here is the tutorial on how I complete January's block. If you have any questions feel free to email me anytime.

Cut 1  6  7/8" square light fabric
1   6  7/8" square dark fabric

Cut each block in half, corner to corner and label A

Cut 1   3  7/8" square light  fabric
1   3  7/8" square dark fabric
Cut each square in half corner to corner
Label these triangle pieces B

Cut  1   5  1/8" square light fabric
1   5  1/8" square dark fabric
Cut each square  in half corner to corner
Label these triangle pieces C

Cut 2  2  5/8" squares from dark fabric
2   2  5/8" squares from light fabric
Label the squares D

All of the block sections are labeled and ready to sew.

Sew the squares together to form a 4-patch block.
The next 'row' will use the B triangle pieces, lay out as shown.

Following the diagram on the block pattern, add B triangles.
Line up the center of the long side of the triangle with the seam of the 4 patch center block.
Start by sewing opposite triangles, iron. Repeat using the last two triangles.

Following the diagram on the block pattern, add C triangles.
Remembering to line up the centers.

Sew the opposite side triangles.

1/4 seam is used.

Following the block diagram add the A triangles.

Line up the centers, sewing opposite sides to complete the block.

Monkey Wrench
finished block measures 12 1/2" (including seam allowance)

There's a flicker group! Please join...Every month post photos of your Quilt Doodle BOM finishes in the BOM flicker group for a chance to win that month's prize! Woot woot! You can post your finished BOM blocks anytime during the month, just make sure to get them posted before the last day of each month to be counted for the giveaway!
Don't forget to grab the button too and post on your blog! The more the merrier!

I made my block using Civil War type fabric.... but the possiblilities are endless.... here are some fabric ideas....
Fun bright fabrics!

1930's reproduction!

Batiks!

I can't wait to see your blocks! Remember to post them in the flickr group befor the end of the month! The second block pattern will be posted on February 1st! The give-away for the January block will be announced on January 15th and a winner will be picked on the 31st.... it's a New Year and a time for new beginnings. Let's get those sewing machines humming....
The giveaway for January is now closed.

Happy New Year!
Happy quilting!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

BOM Updates...



I have a few updates for the block of the month club!  I am so looking forward to the 1st of the month so that I can present to you the first block! 
 
First let me tell you I have struggling with making a grab text box for the BOM club.  I think I finally got it right!  So if you grabbed the button right away, the link doesn't work.  I apologize for it not working.... it's working now.... please grab the NEW text, it's posted on the sidebar. I can't even tell you how many tutorials I've read and how many times I redid the code.  All of the moaning, complaining and screaming you heard over the last few days, well it was me! I'm really close to needing the padded room with the special jacket, an added trampoline would be fun too.... (Please do email me if the link still isn't working. I need to figure the tech stuff out!)
 
There's a flicker group!  Please join...Every month post photos of your Quilt Doodle BOM finishes in the BOM flicker group for a chance to win that month's prize!
 
There have been many questions about fabric. My sketch is done in 6 different fabrics for the blocks (combo of 1 light and the rest med to dark fabrics), two additional contrasting fabrics for the sashing, cornerstones and border pieces. You can make it as scrappy or 'organized' as you want. 
 
 Here's the fabric stash I will be working with for the blocks.... all of my fabrics coordinate and I will be using more than 6... I want it to look scrappy. After looking at my photo, I will be adding another dark brown maybe another red and gold too.
 
You can grab fabrics from your stash or use a fat quarter bundle.... it's totally up to you! Remember, you can add coordinating fabrics as you go.  Your sashing and cornerstones will frame your blocks and pull it all together for you in the end. It will be so much fun to see every one's creations!
 
A new block will be posted the 1st of each month.  For those of you that I know are following and doing this I will email you when a new block comes out.  Otherwise, I have created a page on my blog that will list all of the information as it is posted.  If you regularly follow the Doodle Blog you will be able to easily follow along too.  If you want a reminder email.... feel free to email me and let me know, I will add you to the monthly reminder list.
 
I hope that this answers some of your questions... email me anytime!
Happy quilting,

Monday, December 24, 2012

It's Time To Relax

It's time to relax.... Christmas is here. I made out my Christmas menu for brunch, the groceries are bought, the cookies made, the gifts are wrapped. What isn't done.... oh well, isn't done.... there is always next year!

Cut out Katie's Quilt
Make Katie's Quilt
pillowcase to match quilt
4 mug rugs for mom
1 mug rug for trunk show
bind Christmas Quilt
Pin 'Missouri' Quilt and quilt (will get done by the 30th for Christmas get-together)
House blocks
tree blocks
1 left! 3 charm square scarves
1 charm square scarf
Penguin mug rug
stuff Holiday Lane pillow
make Holiday Lane table runner
2 mug rugs for mom
5 cupcake cozies
2 Christmas socks
sock monkey ornaments
doggie coat for Wilson
snowmen felt ornaments

It's time to sit back and relax. Christmas is here. The list is put away until after the holidays.... I can't believe that I got a lot of  it done. Especially since I've been fighting the crud this week. Thank you dear hubby for washing clothes, cleaning the house and helping me with the cookies.  It has been a hectic month. Sorry Wilson, your doggie coat didn't get done for Christmas. I will work on it during break. Santa still loves you and will fill your sock with bacon treats.

So here's my show and tell of some of my Christmas projects.... enjoy!


Cupcakes

Snowman felt ornaments for my nieces

Katie's Quilt

Charm Square Scarves

I love sock monkeys!

Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. - Augusta E. Rundel


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
'woof, woof' and Wilson too!


Saturday, December 22, 2012

2013 Block of the Month Club

I've been wanting to organize a block of the month club.... it would be fun to have it be a little bit of a mystery too. Wanting to be able to include all quilting levels I have decided it will be a traditional sampler quilt. This quilt will consist of 12 blocks, one a month. The blocks will be pieced with the occasional appliqued one, maybe paper piecing too. I will have a tutorial with the pattern included each month. I will throw in sashing directions one month, cornerstone blocks in the end. The monthly patterns will be FREE during the month that they are announced, after that they will be available for a small fee.

I couldn't keep it a total mystery.... I'm showing you the layout of the quilt with cornerstones and sashing. Now here is the part that drives me crazy, in a fun way! Choosing fabrics..... everyone has their favorites.... have fun choosing fabrics!  You don't have to decide on border fabrics or sashing yet.... you can let your blocks speak to you and decide in the end too. This quilt can be done in 1930's, reproduction fabrics, go through your stash and see what you have.  It would be cute done scrappy too.... you decide.  I will be using Cotton Club/Bonnie Blue from Marcus Brothers.

Yardage.... (this is an estimate with additional added to make sure)
block designs - 3 yards total , combination of lights and darks
sashing and corner blocks - 1.5 yards light fabric  2 yards dark fabric
backing - 6 yards
binding - 3/4 yards for 2 1/2" binding


Finished size of the quilt will be 54" x 71"


There's a flicker group!  Please join...Every month post photos of your Quilt Doodle BOM finishes in the BOM flicker group for a chance to win that month's prize! Woot woot!

Don't forget to grab the button too and post on your blog! The more the merrier!

The first block pattern will be posted on January 1st!  The give-away for the January block will be announced on January 15th and a winner will be picked on the 31st....

Merry Christmas!
Happy quilting!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

A Great Online Shop!

Me and My Girl

Before Wilson and I announce our winner for the Quilter's Gallery Blog Hop, I want to introduce you to Nicole from 1 Choice 4 Quilting.A wonderful shop that offers tons of quality items for quilters. Nicole was so generous to donate a layer cake for the give away! Thank you!!!
I recently placed an order. Great website and easy to order items online, the website was so easy to navigate. My order was small but was shipped to me quickly and the customer service was fantastic! I still can't get over the lovely note and added gift of fabric. Wow! Thank you so much Nicole! That was so sweet and such a fun surprise!

You can't beat their shipping rates, FREE if your order is over $50, and a flat rate of $2.95 if you don't order over $50. (US residents only)

Here are some happy testimonials from some of her customers;

"Hi Shawna..I got home Monday night to find the box that you sent me. The material is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for the extra goodies that you sent me !! I was so surprised! That was so thoughtful of you. I will definitely tell all my quilting friends about your web site! You will be hearing from me again!

Thank you, Rosemary - New York"

"I just received my very first order from 1 Choice 4 Quilting and I have to say. I am totally impressed. I have ordered from 100's of places and your kindness shows through 100%. A hand written Thank - you OMG that was very very impressive. I am a big quilter and am giving out you name tonight at the guild. Thank you my new favorite quilting site:)

Marilee"

Nicole was so generous to donate the prize for the blog hop, the lucky winner will win their choice of a layer cake from her site. Thank you Nicole for your awesome donation! And also thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by the Doodle Blog and leave a comment. I appreciate all of you!
Now.... on to announcing the Winner for my giveaway from the Quilters Gallery Blog Hop!  Hey Wilson, bring over the Santa Hat so that we can pick a winner............ what? "Rooo, roo, roooo"......... Oh you have the winner.............. OK........... Here boy.................. I've got a treat for you............................... bacon always works!

And the winner is,
Sandra
Who left this lovely comment....

"Hard decision but finally decided on
Puttin' On The Ritz Blue Layer Cake by Bunny Hill Designs for Moda"
Congratulations Sandra! I hope that you enjoy your layer cake! Now I must get back to quilting.... I'm looking forward to sharing with you a beautiful quilt I am making for a special girl.
Hope you have a chance to check out Nicole's  great site!
Enjoy!
Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Holiday Wishes!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

I want to take time during this busy holiday season and thank you for letting me share with you my passion for quilting. I have been inspired by all of the wonderful projects that I have seen throughout this last year and I look forward to what's to come in 2013! I have all sorts of quilty fun planned for the new year! I am looking forward to sharing it with you.

I must get back to Santa's workshop and work on some more of those holiday projects.  As you can see Wilson and I are a couple of busy elves, but we took time out to put together this holiday wish to share with you.  I hope it made you laugh! It sure gave me the giggles....

Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

It's a Blog Hop Party with Cake!

Blog Hop Party with Give-Aways I Don't know about you but I am busy trying to get those Christmas gifts done. Santa's work shop has been in full swing!  I thought for the blog hop I would share a cute little stocking stuffer I am making for the girls in my life.  Not only is a cute stocking stuffer, but it would be cute for birthdays or anytime you want to give someone a cupcake! A calorie free cupcake! So here is what you will need;

 2 -  4"x12" pieces of fabric from your stash
scrap piece of batting 4" x 12"
rick rack (optional)
lollipop (I found mine at Walgreen's)
a pair fluffy, thick socks 
cardboard coffee cozy from your favorite coffee shop

Using your cardboard coffee cozy as a template, trace around it.  
The top and bottom lines will be your sewing lines.

I trimmed up the top to a quarter inch from the sewing line so I
can use it as a guide for placing the rick rack. Layer cozy right sides
together on the batting

Sew on the 'bottom' line....

On the 'top' line.... place the rick rack between the layers and sew on
the line... (remember, do not sew the side seams)

Trim your seams to a 1/4 inch. Turn right side out and iron.

Here's the tricky part.... one side of your cozy may be bigger the the other, no worries!
On the larger side turn under a 1/4" and iron.... then tuck the smaller edge in and sew an 1/8th inch
top stitch catching all of the layers.

Here I have the rolled up fuzzy socks and coffee cozy....
ready to put together. Stuff the sock in the cozy and
arrange to look like frosting, tuck in the lollipop to top it off.

Voila! A Gourmet cupcake!

The baking continues....
Now on to my giveaway!  I have more cake for you!  Layer Cakes!  Nicole from 1 Choice 4 Quilting is donating a layer cake of your choice as a prize! Nicole has a fabulous website full of fabric! So here's what you do.... click on the button below for 1 choice 4 quilting and check out the layer cakes, then leave me a comment of which one you would love to win!  For a second chance.... follow me and let me know that you do.  Wilson and I will pick a lucky winner on December 18th.
This Giveaway is now closed.....
Click on the 1 Choice 4 Quilting
ad (above) to check out the layer cakes!

Have fun hopping around, the complete list can be found at Quilters Gallery!
Hopping begins December 10th.

Happy quilting and perfect stitches to you,