The most recent issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks is hitting the newsstands now. Can you believe it is Volume 13 of this great magazine? I'm thrilled to report that a block I designed is included in this issue.
I was struggled a bit trying to decide where to focus my attention (and creativity) for this blog post....but there it was, right in the magazine! The first advertisement, on the back cover, is for Northcott's Toscana fabrics. I chose Toscana fabrics for major parts of my block so it just seems like serendipity that I should show you a few more ways to make my block using these fabrics.Toscana is 100% cotton - that looks like suede. There are 135 colors in the collection, from the palest pales to the darkest darks in a full rainbow of colors (plus neutrals). I can always find a color to coordinate with prints in my stash.
I decided to work with fabrics from my stash and use my Electric Quilt software to show you a few quilt designs using my 'Flashlights' block.
I'll be giving away some of these fabrics too! Details at the end of this post.
About using fabrics in Electric Quilt software:
Did you know that you can download fabrics images from Northcott's website to use in your Electric Quilt software? I do it all the time when designing patterns with Northcott's fabrics.
Here is a YouTube video showing you the steps to download the fabrics from Northcott's website.
Note: The website has changed a bit since that video was posted. To find the Toscana fabrics follow these steps on the Northcott website.
Select Products > Essentials
Scroll down to Toscana 9020 and Click
You will see images of all the fabrics and the button 'Download Fabrics for EQ' in the sidebar. Click the button and follow the instructions on the video to save the Zip file on your computer. Your EQ manual includes instructions to import the fabrics into your project file.
So...let's see some quilt designs with my block. For the quilt images that follow I used 2 color combinations and I added 1 more fabric for my blocks. I changed the applique semi-circles to be 2 values of the same color.
Here are the colors I used:
Quilt #1 uses 2 types of rows of blocks. In rows 1, 3 and 5 the blocks are arranged horizontally and in rows 2 and 4 the blocks are arranged vertically. There are 5 blocks in each row.
Sashing (4" wide) is sewn between the block rows and a 4" border surrounds the quilt. The final border is 1" and the quilt is bound in the same fabric. This quilt measures 70" wide x 86" long.
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| QUILT 1-A - BLUES and GRAYS - VERTICAL and HORIZONTAL |
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| QUILT 1-B - BROWNS - VERTICAL and HORIZONTAL |
Quilt #2 takes advantage of rotation for the blocks. You need to have an even number of blocks across and down for this arrangement. Every 2nd block is rotated 90-degrees in this arrangement. I call this arrangement 'Windmill' since the rotation results in a windmill effect where the blocks meet. This quilt measures 48" square.
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| QUILT 2-A - BLUES and GRAYS - WINDMILL The use of 2 fabrics for the applique makes the windmills stand out in this colorway. |
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| QUILT 2-B - BROWNS - WINDMILL The use of 2 fabrics for the applique makes the windmills stand out in this colorway too. |
Quilt #3 is a horizontal set quilt, with no sashing between the blocks. To my eye there appears to be an optical illusion where the lighter value melon shapes appear to be tilting. They are not tilting at all. It appears as if those patches are being 'pulled' toward the darker rectangle of the blocks. Do you see this too? This quilt measures 48" wide x 60" long.
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| QUILT 3-A - BLUES and GRAYS - TILTING MELONS |
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| QUILT 3-B - BROWNS- TILTING MELONS |
Quilt #4 is a straight horizontal set quilt too. But this time I changed the color placement for the strips, in the block to eliminate the 'tilting' effect that appeared in Quilt #3. I also changed the color for part of the block to see what would happen. This quilt looks like rows of beads.
It was easy to re-color the blocks in Electric Quilt and to print the 2 different blocks that are required for this arrangement.
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| QUILT 4-A - BLUES and GRAYS - BEADS |
The re-colored and re-arranged blocks used for this quilt:
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| QUILT 4-B - BROWNS - BEADS |
The re-colored and re-arranged blocks for this quilt:
And now for my giveaway. I have 3 prizes, but I would like your opinion. For a chance to win , please leave a comment telling me which quilt above is your favorite (#1A, #1B, #2A, #2B, #3A, #3B, #4A, #4B).
I will randomly draw 3 names and each person will win 1/2 yard of each of the fabrics used in their favorite quilt plus a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 13.
The deadline for comments is midnight, Saturday, May 7th (Pacific Time).
I will draw an additional name and Quiltmaker will send this lucky winner a copy of the magazine too!
Don’t forget to visit Quiltmaker’s blog to see what the other bloggers in the tour have for you as well. Most of all, thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the latest issue of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks.
130 comments:
I was happily reading and enjoying the variety of interesting settings and now you ask me to choose one? OK, I like 3A, or any of the blue and gray. Calmer looking than the brown ones.
2A,is my favorite - I like more the more random look!
My favorite is 2A. So fun seeing how different the quilts look depending on how you set the blocks!
I like 4b. I like the brown combo anyway and the beads layout is very eye catching for me. A very versatile block, thanks!
I love 2A and the windmill name also fits the fact that the block rotates, like windmill blades.
What a great block. The curves look easy to sew. I really like 3B. funnylady93@comcast.ne
Wow! What a great block! It offers so many different looks, depending on the layout.I think my favorite is 4A. Thank you for sharing your creativity! cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
I like 3B. I love the easy curves. Should be easy to sew and work up very quickly. I wonder what a scrappy version would look like. funnylady93@comcast.net
I love QUILT 4-A - BLUES and GRAYS - BEADS. It reminds me of perfume bottles.
Very interesting block. I like Quilt #3A the best.
I really like quilt #2B. Lots of interesting layout options with your block. Thanks!
nkadenver at yahoo dot com
I like 2B...it appeals to me. But I do like all of them! akronne17@gmail.com
It was hard to choose one, but I would say Quilt 3A is my favourite.
I really like the colors and symmetry of 3A, it has a soothing feel to it.
Wow...I luv them all! I am very impressed with the care and time you put into creating your blog today!
maryannhertel@gmail.com
congratulations. this is such a fun block. i love all the variations. I love all the layouts. but i would start with #1B
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
I prefer 2A, but all the choiuces are pretty, thanks
cork@pa.rr.com
I love the feel of Northcott fabric.
I like all your variations, but 2A jumps out as my favorite.
My favorite is 2A--I like the pinwheels that appear.
My favorite is 1B. Congratulations on your block being selected.
3A is my favorite, but it was very hard to choose just one. Thank you for this very versatile block and for the giveaway.
Fun block design and so veratile! My favorite is 3A...the blues and greys are also nice with it. I haven't seen Toscana before but it looks wonderful! will have to search some out.
I like 2A the best. What a variety of layouts!
I like 1A the best for its colors.
Pat K
yfg3749@yahoo.com
I love 3A. Thanks so much for letting us know how to download fabrics from Northcott. I love their collections.
1B. I too like all of them but like the rotated blocks best in this color combination.
I am liking #4B. They look like candles to me. And, those rich brown colors are to die for. :-)
Thank you for a chance to win. I like 3-A Tilting Melons the best. It is great how your block can look so different based on the way it is set.
I think I like 4B the best. They are all interesting blocks. I like the way they turn to circles at the end of the block when put together.
2B brown windmills is my favorite, the shades of brown show the design better than the blues. Just like this layout allot better. 24Tangent@gmail.com
I like 4b, the shapes look like people!
#2A, Blue and Grays - Windmill, very cool!! Love all the different layouts. Thanks for sharing!! Diane O
3A is my favorite.
Fantastic block and so much you can do with it. I narrowed it down to #2 and then had to do some more studying, since I like them both. But finally came to the decision of #2B. Love those pinwheels that the blocks create.
2A is my very favorite! Thank you for sharing.
Dmac5958ataoldotcom
My favorite is definitely 2A! What a "flexible" block!
I think 4A is my favourite one x
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com
Wow, I love the possibilites that come from you block. My favorite is 2A...love the windmills that show up. I liked 1A too, very modern looking.
I like 2A and 2B, but my favorite is 2A.
Wow. This block has so many possibilities. I think 4B is my favorite because it is so bold. contact me at rmgsummers at yahoo dot com.
Very fun block. I like quilt 2A the best.
My favorite is 2A...love the windmill. Thanks for the inspiration and the awesome giveaway!
2A is my favorite! It's fun to see all the variations using your block!
What a versatile block... my favorite is #2 either A or B, I like the way the two secondary pinwheels are created. this could be a wonderful charity quilt for teenagers. Thank you... Kaylace@bellsouth.net
My vote is for Quilt 4B - I love the warmth in the colors and the masculinity in the design.
Going with 2A. Lots of different setting which I enjoy. Thank you for being a part of the QM's 100 blocks and sharing your block with us. It is a great block and one that you have shown us using different layouts.
Sandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
All of the options are fantastic, but I really love 4A. Thanks!
Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
I think 4B is mine... but they are all inspiring..thank you
drhodes9@cox.net
3A blues and grey, amazing block with so many design possibilities. Thanks for wonderful giveaway. Sure would love to make this quilt.
djcutting2 at gmail dot com
Block 3A is my favorite but they are all interesting. Thanks for the chance to win.
#2a is my pick!! Although all of them are winners!!! mumbird3atgmaildotcom
Such a difficult choice! I like 2A the best, although I liked almost all of them. I thought 4A looked like candles, and 4B looked like people in pews!
Thank you for the chance to win!
Jan - vtcjan@yahoo.com
My favorite variation is 2 a. Thank you for showing so many uses for your block.
I love 2A - but that may be because I am 100% Dutch and am drawn to the windmills! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I like the Blue and grey Windmills Quilt #2. crystalbluern at tds dot net
My choice would be 3A--love those blues and grays. It was fun to see the variations--thanks for showing us the possibilities, and for the giveaway.
I really like the rotating version, 2A! Great design!
I like quilt 2-a. the blue's and greys!
My favorite is #2A - I'm a blue girl and love pinwheels. What a modern take on a traditional theme! Congratulations on your block and thank you for the chance to win!
2-B or not 2-B, that is the question. I choose 2-B. The layout gives this design a "Cubist" feel. The brown group is wonderfully warm!
nice...the layouts have a very modern look...thank you...marta...martamanole@yahoo.com
Wow, that's a really versatile block! My favorite is definitely the windmill # 2A...I'm a big blue lover. Thanks for sharing!
I love 2A!
Wow, I like the way you think in design! 3A is my favorite.
Quilt 2A is my favorite. I think the pinwheels make it fun, and the colors, blue and grey, are pleasing together.
Wow, I wouldn't have expected such a variety of looks with that block. So interesting to see the options. I like several of them very well, but will pick 2A as my favorite. Thanks for sharing!
I just love the design in Quilt 2B.. because of the secondary design which is created... it was a hard choice deciding between the blue/grey or the brown/black,, but I decided on the latter
I favor the #2 Windmill quilt design and eye appealing color combination also.
I love 2A! Very random and love the design!
3B and 4B are my favorites. I like the graphic nature of the block combinations of both along with the rich tomes of the browns. Your flashlight block seems very versatile in the design layouts available.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I like 2A, great quilt.
I don't consider myself a modern style quilter but I really like the pattern 2A! Maybe it's the pinwheels effect?
3A is my favorite. Wonderful quilt. Thanks for a chance to win. sandi1100 at yahoo dot com
I like 2A the best. I really like the windmill arrangement and I am a sucker for blues in a quilt.
I like 3A the best. It is so interesting to see all the different layouts. Very creative.
I love 2A, the blue/grey windmills. Love that secondary design. And thanks for talking about Toscana--it's my favorite type of print to use: tone-on-tone marbles and textures. So soft and lovely, yet easy neutrals.
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
Prefer #2A in the blue fabrics. I seldom work with many browns. Very interesting arrangements.
elliepaq@hotmail.com
WOW! They are all amazing designs! My favorite is 2B, though. Although I liked the grey as well, I loved the warmth of the brown colorway.
I like how dramatic 2B is - definitely my favorite.
3b is my favorite. I love how your block makes so many different looking quilts with the different settings.
What a versatile block! My favorite is 2B. bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like #1b the most
I really like 2A. I am enjoying making what I call geometric quilts more and more. Yours has the extra pop with the half circle. Thanks, Jmikebalou (at) aol (dot) com
Wow! Love the different layouts! But my Favorite is "QUILT 2-A" the BLUES and GRAYS WINDMILL!!!
Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way!!! :D
Quilt 2A is my favorite. Love how different your block can look. Thanks.
Quilt 2A caught my eye right away. Love the versatility of your block!
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
kakingsbury at verizon dot net
I love the way they are all look so different from each setting. I love the blue/grey palette and the setting I like best is 1A.
3-b! loved 'em all, but love your gallery better! enjoyed the look-see!
I love 2A. The colors just call to me as does the layout.
Cathy, meladycat2000@yahoo.com
I absolutely love your color choices. I like the #2 layout. Both color ways make me happy.Now I need to find some of that fabric.
I think 2B is my favourite, but I really like 1B as well.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com
I'm usually drawn to blues, but this time quilt 3B jumped out at me. I love the contrast and I know one of my sons would love this quilt.
Quilt 2-a with pinwheel effect! I have not seen this fabric in any stores near me and thanks for the opportunity to win some.
It's 2-A for me. Loved the various layouts.
2A Windmills is my favorite, but each layout offers great movements that they are all winners!
Thanks for the EQ7 info and the block arrangements, I like #3A, so restful. Kathy in colo repzjratplainsdotnet
#2A - I love blue and windmill blocks!
I really like 2-a and 2-b they was pleasing to my eyes..... happyness04431@yahoo.com
What a striking block! I love how many different designs and layouts you can make from this one block. I love 2A but I think 3A would make an awesome quilt for a guy.
Thanks for a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
I really like 2A-grey and blue pinwheels. really enjoy the details
tracinecharest at Gmail dot com
Version 2A is my favorite. It is always fun to see all the options.
I like 2-A, but the brown version is pretty, too. Thanks and congratulations for being in the issue.
joyecox@yahoo.com
How FUN to see the various layouts for your block - really a nice variety! My block, Flowers for the Cabin, is also in Vol. 13 and I'm just popping around to the other blogs on the tour and enjoying the stories behind the block.
I'm drawn to quilt version 3, but I can see 4 done as pumpkins for Fall. I love seeing block pacement variations. Thanks for doing it for us.
My favorite is 2A because I like the pinwheel effect.
I like 3A best; I think the colors worked best. 1 & 2 were a bit too jarring for my taste. thanks pjrquilter(at)msn(dot)com
Well, that's a hard decision as they are all so cool! It's between 2A and 4A. And if I really had to choose I'd go with 2A although I might change my mind. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
Congratulations! I love your Flashlights block! I like the randomness and colors of 2A the most.
I just love 4A with blues and grays...something about it just draws my eye to it as it is just so soothing. I find your block most interesting and unique. IT is a fun block that I just have to try. Thank you so much for sharing it.
I love them all but am drawn to 3B as it reminds me of coffee beans, and I love the brown color way! Congrats on your versatile block!
love how your block comes together in the quilts, thanks for the give away
Wow!! Thanks for showing all of the design options!! All of them are so much fun!! I really like quilt 2-A! It has so much movement and flow in the design! Will definitely go on my "to do" list!
I really like quilt #3-A.
Congratulations on having your block chosen for the magazine! My favourite quilt is QUILT 2-A - BLUES and GRAYS - WINDMILL. I love the movement that happens with your design.
wlinda_ca at yahoo dot com
2A is my favourite, interesting how offsetting the sides of the block gives so many design options.
My favorite is quilt 2A. I love how the windmills pop out!
Thanks for the giveaway. The fabrics look so nice.
wow what a great bunch of quilts you have designed. 2B catches my eye
Your block is so versatile. I like 2B, and I am not usually a person who is drawn to browns, but they just looks to rich and lush.
I'm loving the colors in 3A. But they're all so pretty.
Hi Daphne:
I like the 1A and 2A hard decision thanks for the chance to win.
Bev I
pandbivatts@cabletv.on.ca
Really like the windmills in 2A the blues are really quite nice
mscs@rogers.com
I really like the block 3A is my favorite layout
thanks for the chance to win
bill.schmidt@sympatico.ca
I love the 4-b, brown my favorite.
Thank you for the chance to win.
Oooh, all the variations are great. However, I would pick quilt 1B.
Quilt 2B is my favorite.
Brown tilted 4B
1A caught my attention right away and I think the colours were also a draw, thanks for the chance to win.
I love the pinwheels and the colorway in 2A!
Great variety of settings, but I'll go with 3A. I like the grayed out blue fabric a lot.--swalker287 (at) aol (dot) com.
My favorite is 2A. I love the color choice and the pinwheels.
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