Block 2 of our Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along is Santa’s Mittens, a paper-pieced block by Jennifer Rodriguez. You might remember Jennifer as our guest blogger a couple of weeks ago. Also, you can save 33% on all Westminster fabrics from Mad About Patchwork for today’s Super Deal too.

How does the quilt-along work? Over the next 12 weeks, 36 fabulously talented designers will be making 12″ blocks that you can make. You can pick and choose which blocks you want to make. Sash them, add borders, baste it, quilt it, and have it ready to give-away or keep for yourself this Christmas. Or you might want to use some of the blocks for a mini quilt, a table runner, bags, whatever you like.

Super Deal from Mad About Patchwork

At Mad About Patchwork, shop online for the fabrics you love!

• Kona solids (over 130 colors)
• Modern fabric choices from Michael Miller, Riley Blake, Westminster and more
• Cozy fleece and flannel, books & patterns, and exclusive quilt kits
• Free shipping on Canadian orders over $150

Today’s Super Deal:

Save 33% on all Westminster fabrics – shot cotton basics, plus Amy Butler, Anna Marie Horner and Kaffe Fassett. Includes all yardage, bundles and pre-cuts while supplies last. Sale runs until September 20th.

Get your Super Deal Savings here!

Featured Designer: Jennifer Rodriguez

What is your quilting style?

I love to do modern quilts – lots of paper piece foundation and raw edge appliqué.

How did you get started quilting and/or designing?

After I did my first paper piece pattern earlier this year, something inside me clicked. Designing these patterns is such a union of logic and creativity. I love finding new inspiration and trying to create into the foundation style.

Do you have a favourite quilt?

One of my personal favourites is my appliqué quilt of Elphaba. I’ve been slightly obsessed with Wicked Witch of the West since I was a wee toddler. I love the Wizard of Oz and the more recent Wicked!

Quick and fun questions:

• Favourite colour: pink of course , I have 2 daughters.
• What part of the quilting process do you like the most? I love designing the layout.
• What part of the quilting process do you dislike the most? I abhor binding, bleh.
• Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or: rocky road, mmmmm
• Favourite super hero or comic book character: Wonder Woman
• Most exciting place you’ve travelled: Italy
• Favourite quote or mantra: You must do the thing you think you can not.

Block 2 – Santa’s Mittens

Here’s Santa’s Mittens, Block 2 of our Quilt-Along. Isn’t it super cute? Head over to Jennifer’s blog to view the tutorial and download the foundations for this block.

Don’t worry if you’ve never done paper piecing before, Jennifer has a great Beginner Paper Piecing Tutorial on her site to help you get started.

Updated: If you’re having difficulties downloading the foundation pattern from Google Docs, try this link here to download the PDF file directly: Santa’s Mittens [PDF].

Another update: If you would prefer to piece the 1/4 triangles, Mona’s put instructions on her blog.

Share Your Photos

Upload your completed blocks to our Flickr group for a chance to win some adorable buttons from Button Mad – Incomparable Buttons. One winner for each of our quilt-along blocks will be randomly chosen. You have two weeks to complete Jennifer’s Santa’s Mittens block to be eligible to win.

Quilt-Along Links

• General Info
• Featured Designers
• Super Deal Advertisers
• Upload your blocks – Flickr Group

Please share the Quilt-Along graphic on your own blog. The more participants, the more FUN!

Here are the fabrics I’ve chosen for the Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along. I’ve had this gorgeous batik in my stash for a while, and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to make a quilt with it. I’ve chosen some colourful coordinates to make my blocks.

Upload your fabric selections to our Flickr group.

Buttons Give-Away

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of introducing my blog readers to Incomparable Buttons. Their main aim is to create employment for women in South Africa. Their second goal is to create fabulous buttons!

I’m excited to announce that they’ve donated 36 buttons cards to be awarded during our Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along. For every day of our quilt-along, one quilter will win.

Here’s how it works. You’ll have two weeks from when a quilt-along block has been published to make the block then upload it to our Flickr group. The staff at Button Mad – Incomparable Buttons will be reviewing the photos and choosing one winner for each of our blocks. Winners will be contacted via Flickr mail from Button Mad. Super simple!

Here are just a few photos of their fabulous buttons:

It’s time to get the party started… our Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along party that is. Our first featured designer is a dear friend and mentor of mine, Pat Sloan. Our friends at the Fat Quarter Shop have a fabulous 50% off Super Deal for you too.

How does this work? Over the next 12 weeks, 36 fabulously talented designers will be making 12″ blocks that you can make. You can pick and choose which blocks you want to make. Sash them, add borders, baste it, quilt it, and have it ready to give-away or keep for yourself this Christmas. Or you might want to use some of the blocks for a mini quilt, a table runner, bags, whatever you like.

Make new quilting friends, meet our featured designers, take advantage of our Super Deal bargains, and most of all just have some fun!

Super Deal from the Fat Quarter Shop

Fat Quarter Shop is the online quilt store with the best and widest selection of yardage, fat quarter bundles, specialty cuts, quilt kits and patterns. We also offer access to many wonderful quilt clubs, block-of-the-month programs and exclusive projects.

Most of all, we pride ourselves in our top-notch customer service, with friendly, knowledgeable representatives and speedy same-day shipping. Our user-friendly web site makes it easy to find the collection, designer and even the theme you are seeking. Fat Quarter Shop has all you need for your next project, so start shopping with us today!

Today’s Super Deal:

50% OFF Let it Snow by Kim Martin for RJR Fabrics. Enter code LETITSNOW at checkout. Expires Monday, September 19th @ midnight CST.

Get your Super Deal Savings here!

Featured Designer: Pat Sloan

What is your quilting style?

I feel my style is best described is fresh folk art. I love to applique with big shapes, often asymmetrical and use lighter colors in my work.

How did you get started quilting and/or designing?

I have a great article on that here and a super fun set of 2 posts about my first first quilt here.

Do you have a favourite quilt?

My Walk in the Moonlight is one of my all time favorite quilts (it is in my learn to applique book).

Quick and fun questions:

• Favourite colour: My first favorite color is yellow. My current favorite is Aqua.. and I always love a great red and white polka dot!
• What part of the quilting process do you like the most? Oh my.. I actually like everything.
• What part of the quilting process do you dislike the most? It used to be making the binding. As I made it when I needed it and would drag my feet to the finish line. Now I make the binding when the top is done so when I’m ready to bind I can just do it!
• Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or: Mocha!
• Favourite super hero or comic book character: I fell in love with smurfs while living in Belgium!
• Most exciting place you’ve travelled: I believe my quilters’ tour of China is right up there in the top 3. As well as my trip to Israel with my family when I was living in Europe… plus.. mmm any cruise I’m on!
• Favourite quote or mantra: If you’re not having Fun then change something!

Block 1 – Pat’s Red and White

Here’s Pat’s Red and White, Block 1 of our Quilt-Along. Isn’t it adorable? Head over to Pat’s blog to download the block tutorial.

Share Your Photos

Upload your completed blocks to our Flickr group for a chance to win some adorable buttons from Button Mad – Incomparable Buttons. One winner for each of our quilt-along blocks will be randomly chosen. You have two weeks to complete Pat’s Red and White block to be eligible to win.

Quilt-Along Links

• General Info
• Featured Designers
• Super Deal Advertisers
• Upload your blocks – Flickr Group

Please share the Quilt-Along graphic on your own blog. The more participants, the more FUN!