Here is the star block I did for the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt-Along.

Milo's Star

I’ve called it Milo’s Star. I couldn’t decide on the name for the block when Samelia’s Mum suggested Milo’s Star on Facebook, I loved the idea.

The fabric is from the Happy line by Me and My Sisters. This was the fabric I used in my Happy Memories quilt in honour of Pal, Daniel and Slade – my kitties now on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Happy Memories Quilt - in loving memory of Pal, Slade and Daniel.

I added a 1/2″ finished hot pink border and a 2″ green border to make two mini quilts. I finished the quilting the other day and will add hot pink binding later. One will be for my niece Lucy’s 6th birthday later this month. I may keep the other one I made for myself or give it to my other niece. The sashing looks crooked in the photo only. :)

Milo's Star Mini Quilt

You can download the free tutorial for completing the Milo’s Star block here. There are prizes being given away as part of the quilt-along. Visit the quilt-along site for all the info and the tutorials for the other star blocks too.

If you create my block, please upload to the Quilting Gallery Flickr group or the Facebook group so I can see them too.

While clearing off my camera earlier today, I found this short video that I took of Milo and Barney (my parents’ dog) at Christmas. Milo was trying to convince Barney it was playtime!

If you’re hosting a free event that I have not included, please add it to the comments below.

Swaps and Bees

I will be hosting a new swap here at the Quilting Gallery starting later this week. It will be a mini quilt swap and the theme is New Beginnings. Swap info will be posted on the Quilter’s Fun page. Sign up for my newsletter to get notified when registration starts.

From Samelia’s Mum the Name Game Swap. Hurry, registration closes Jan. 15th.

Stash Bee is being organized by Sunni Bolger of Love Affair with my Brother. The first bee block has been posted already.

Block Swap Adventure is an ongoing project. Accepts international members too.

Block of the Month (or Week) & Quilt-Alongs

Long-time followers here will know how much I love Erin Russek’s appliqué designs. This is her finished 2011 BOM, My Tweets. The free patterns are available for you to download until the end of January.

Here’s Erin’s free 2012 project for us all: Mimi’s Bloomers. The photo is the centre panel which one can purchase if they want. There will be 12 free blocks provided that coordinate with this centre along with finishing instructions. I’m really hoping to keep up with this project this year.

In 2011, Leah Day from The Free Motion Quilting Project, completed her 365 FMQ designs project. A truly remarkable initiative that she undertook to bring us so many wonderful options.

While one project ends, the sharing continues with Leah’s new Free Motion Quilt-Along project. I’m really looking forward to following this one.

Quokka Quilts is hosting a FMQAYGQAL – a free motion quilt-as-you-go quilt-along.

Learning how to do the traditional bargello technique becomes fun when you’re making some small items like placemats and a table runner. The quilt-along will be posted in 3 parts, part 1 released on 1/6/12 is all about choosing fabric, cutting strips and piecing your strip sets together to create your tubes. Part 2 will be about how to cut your strip sets, exercise the seam ripper and then sew the rows together. Part 3 will be finishing your bargello and some quilting ideas.

Reeze Hanson of Morning Glory Designs has a new BOM this year: Vintage Floral Sampler. Blocks will be posted at the first and 15th of each month and will be available for free for 30 days. Here’s the first block.

Kim’s Crafty Apple is hosting a Houses and Trees BOM over the next few months. 16 designers will be created 12″ blocks. I’m really excited about this BOM as I find houses to be so inspirational. I’ll have a block featured at the end of February.

From Jenny of Elefantz is this super cute Promises & Borders stitchery and appliqué. This is a 10-month BOM program starting in January.

Fat Quarter Stars Quilt-Along – already in progress – hosted by Konda of Moose on the Porch Quilts. I will have a block featured in this quilt-along late January. You can see the gorgeous blocks that have been created so far in the Flickr group.

Join Amy Gibson in a free BOM hosted at Craftsy.

From Jenna a Sew. Happy. Quilt. QAL! This is a modern/traditional mixed sampler style quilt which begins with blocks that aren’t too terribly difficult, and gradually builds up to more challenging techniques like paper piecing and dresden blades.

From Shabby Fabrics is this free BOM: Country Cottages. Be sure to subscribe to their blog to get notified when the next block is available.

Here’s Sulky’s 2012 BOM: Sweet City, an adorable appliqué project. Thanks to my friend Ruth for sharing the link on Facebook.

Angie’s Bits and Pieces is hosting three BOMs this year: Asian Teapots, Itching to be Stitching and Quilt labels.

From Benita of Victoriana Quilt Designs is Pattern Play a free BOM. The first block has been posted.

Also from Benita a new Design of the Week that you can use as a quilting motif, for embroidery or appliqué.

Don’t miss Benita’s Jacquard Quilt Plan a row quilt already in progress.

For the 2012, the Aurifil Designer of the Month BOM, will showcase their 12 wt thread for hand work. 12 wt is used for embroidery, stitchery, sashiko, big stitching quilting, and even very fine crochet! The 12 designers have designed a small stitchery picking colors they love and creating a design to reflect the month they are featured. The first designer is Roseann Kermes with a lovely snowy bird pattern. Random winners will be chosen each month of those that complete the block. Join the Flickr group here.

Jackie from Canton Village Quilt Works is hosting a Bloggers BOM, already in progress.

Fresh-squeezed sew-alongs will take place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and will feature a fun project–some will be simple and perfect for beginners, and some will be more advanced, designed to up our skill levels. Join the Flickr group here.

Already underway, Sherri is hosting Mystery Monday’s. Each Monday, she posts a portion of a mystery pattern for you to sew.

Already in progress is the Oh My Stars quilt-along.

Try your hand at English paper piecing with this gorgeous Rose Star Block Party. If I weren’t already working on a hexxie project, I’d be joining this one. Join the Flickr group here.

Join Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs in the Scrappy Plate Club! If you’ve always wanted to make a Dresden Plate quilt then you’re going to have so much fun! Every month for the next 6 months Anne will be sharing pictures, tutorials and directions to make a wonderful Dresden Plate quilt.

Designed by Dorothy Baker for Lecien, Vintage Tiles Revisited, is a BOM already in progress. I simply adore this pattern. Thanks to Bradie for sharing the link on Facebook the other day.

From Patchplay is a free Christmas-themed BOM: Jingle Bell Square .

Becky from Patchwork Posse has a new round robin starting January 20th. It’s totally free and designed by other sewers! No passing around the box… you sew up your own quilt after the new row design is published.

Jill from Apple Avenue Quilts is hosting a free BOM. She designed the blocks as calendar blocks so each block reflects a theme for the month. The blocks can be used on a calendar holder (instructions also supplied) or as part of a sampler quilt. Each month will include instructions for a traditional pieced block and a foundation pieced block. April gets an extra block for Easter. Setting instructions will be included for the quilt with December’s blocks. January’s block has been posted already.

Shelly from Prairie Moon Quilts is hosting a quilt-along: Bouquets for Hazel. The quilt has some applique and some piecing, and she’ll be providing free tutorials about the techniques used along the way … as we travel through 1953 with her mother during high school!

Starting next week, for the next five weeks, Faith of Fresh Lemons will be posting tutorials for five star quilt blocks that you can make.

Challenges

Along with Quilting Is Murder, I’m thrilled to be hosting this quilt challenge where we ask participants to save a UFO (unidentified project) from certain death by finishing it up! Here’s the best part: it can be anything mysteriously quilting related *and* you decide if it is "finished" or not when submitted. Head over to the Quilting is Murder – Save a UFO Challenge page for all the details.

Jennifer of Sew Hooked has an excellent challenge for the new year: 12 for 2012. I seriously need to join this. Let’s see if I can get myself organized and prepare a plan of attack this weekend. I need to be accountable! There’s a Flickr group and a Facebook group too. You can see Jennifer’s plans here. She’s so organized!

Rhonda from Quilter in the Gap is also hosting a similar fun challenge to get us to finish up those UFOs: 2012 Finish-A-Long. Each quarter decide what you’ll finish up, do a blog post, link up on their site and follow through for a chance to win prizes.

It’s Season 3 of Project Quilting hosting my Kim’s Crafty Apple. The theme this year is It’s Time to Think Outside the Square. Tonnes of prizes to be won too. Challenge 1 has been posted: Architectural Elements.

Darlene at SewCalGal is hosting a 2012 Free Motion Quilting Challenge. Every month in 2012 a FMQ expert will share a tutorial with tips to help quilters learn and/or improve their free-motion quilting skills. What a fantastic idea. I’m looking forward to learning from these experts. The first post from Frances Moore has already been posted.

Quiltjane is hosting a super fun Dress up your roll competition. What a clever and creative idea with great Prizes too!

Over at SassyBlog is a challenge to make 12 scrappy projects in 2012. The first project is scrappy rectangles.

Alexandra is hosting a Tangerine Tango Quilt Challenge. Make a quilt or a mini quilt using oranges by March 2nd. Join the Flickr group here.

If you haven’t been quilting long enough to accumulate a big pile of UFO’s, this challenge is for you. NewFO Challenge gives you an opportunity to build up your supply of UFO’s! Each month, you’ll start a new project that you don’t have to complete this year.

Building Houses from Scraps – Make a house block each day challenge. The Rules/Guidelines are here.

The Curious Quilter is hosting a Postage Stamp Quilt 2012 Charm Swap & Challenge.

The Block A Day Challenge – The idea is to make one block a day and see how many quilt tops you can finish in 2012. Participants get points for each quilt block, top and completed quilt they post to the Flickr group. Each point equals one entry for monthly prizes.

Other Fun Stuff

The Modern Quilt Guild is doing a fun series on their blog: 100 Days of Modern Quilting. Each week they will feature 7 different modern quilts that represent various topics. They’ll also include tutorials from around the web on each topic, and a brand new tutorial each and every week.

Quilting friend Linda Parker is sharing with us how to put together a Lone Star Quilt. She’s included lots of tips and very detailed photos to make it EASY! One day I hope to tackle one of these beauties.

FairyFace Designs is hosting a series of tutorials aimed at beginners and newbies to sewing. The {Sew} Get Started tutorials start this week and will run up to May.

Victoria at Bumble Beans is hosting a fun series of colourful interviews. I will be a guest soon. Can you guess what my favourite colour is now and what it was as a child?

Over at Lawson and Lotti, there’s a link up party for anyone who has used a tutorial and posted about it or anyone that has written a tutorial. Link up happens every Tuesday and is a great way to learn new techniques and skills and finding out which tutorials work for their level of difficulty, etc.

Something a little different, but I thought it was very clever: A Vintage Postcard Calendar Journal. It’s easy and inexpesive to make. What a wonderful gift for someone that loves to write.

Stay in touch!

Like us on Facebook to get notified of the latest FUN!

I started working on these table runners back in September. The mittens appliqué are from Erin Russek. You can read the original post, which includes the various links to Erin’s free pattern and tutorials, here: I’m Smitten with Erin’s Mittens.

This was my first time using Aurifil’s 12wt cotton thread for the blanket stitch. I used a 50wt thread in the bobbin, a size 14 top stitch needle and lowered my tension to 2. It worked like a dream. Love the depth and texture it added to the mittens. I’ll definitely be using this thread again when I want some definition to my appliqué projects.

I wanted the table runners a little longer, so I added 1/2″ finished yellow sashing and used up the leftover charm pieces to add side borders. The red border finished at 1″ and the green border at 2″. The table runners finished at 40″x16″.

I stitched in the ditch around the blocks and all sashings. I did a small stipple in the blocks around the appliqué pieces. For the red border, since it was already stiched in the ditch, I just did a straight line down the middle. For the outer border, I marked where the binding would be attached then evenly spaced out lines to form the diamond shape. I did a simple crisscross design in the coloured sashing edge pieces.

Close up quilting of one of the blocks:

You might recognize the fabrics and colour scheme from the Christmas Ornaments wall hanging I did. This one I kept for myself, as it fits the round table in my kitchen perfectly. I suppose I should pack it away with the Christmas stuff and make something new for my table.

P.S. I’m linking this post up with Pat Sloan’s Show me your stuff post. So many lovely projects to look at!

Linking up here too: WIP Wednesday.

Konda of Moose on the Porch Quilts is hosting a Fat Quarter Stars Quilt-Along on her site. It started late January and will run until end of March 2012. Every Tuesday a new star block is posted.

Here are the first seven blocks that have been created. Aren’t they gorgeous? I love the variety.

You can find the quilt-along info and block tutorials on this page: Fat Quarter Stars Quilt-Along. You can jump in and join the quilt-along at anytime. There are prizes too! See the gorgeous blocks that have been created so far in the Flickr group.

At the end of January, I’ll have a block featured. I’ve been playing around in EQ7 this week, and below are four block variations I’ve come up with. What do you think? Do you have a preference? There’s a poll underneath the photos that you can select your preferred block. The colours will change depending on what fabrics I choose to use. I’m hoping to get a test block done this weekend.

Version 1

Version 2

Version 3

Version 4

Which block version is your fave?

This is it, the last day of our Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along. The Christmas Memory block has been designed by Wendy Sheppard. Our friends at Shabby Fabrics have a gorgeous fabric collection at 40% off and look for 20% off savings in their Christmas Shoppe too.

Super Deal from Shabby Fabrics

Shabby Fabrics is an online quilt shop specializing in beautiful fabrics, quilt kits, patterns, and Block of the Month programs. They are also a pattern design company and currently have over 40 designs in print.

Today’s Super Deal:

40% off Puttin’ On The Ritz by Anne Sutton for Moda Fabrics. To redeem, enter coupon code RITZ40 on the View Cart page before checking out. Coupon is valid through December 31, 2011!

Get your Super Deal savings here!

Bonus Savings: Also, all fabrics, kits, and patterns in our Christmas Shoppe are 20% off through Christmas day! No coupon code required, prices are already reduced on our site.

Featured Designer: Wendy Sheppard

What is your quilting style?

Traditional, but love to include a fun twists whenever I can.

How did you get started quilting and/or designing?

I started quilting because a quilting friend had really encouraged me. The rest is history after I completed my first quilt.

Do you have a favourite quilt?

No, I dont have a favourite quilt. Everyone that I have made has a special place in my heart. It sounds cheesy, but it is true. ;)

Quick and fun questions:

• What part of the quilting process do you like the most? Definitely quilting!
• What part of the quilting process do you dislike the most? I have two – basting and quilt-naming
• Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or: Chocolate
• Most exciting place you’ve travelled: Italy
• Favourite quote or mantra: Never say never!

Block 36 – Wendy’s Christmas Memory Block

Here’s Wendy’s Christmas Memory block. Head over to Wendy’s blog to view the 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 three weeks to complete Wendy’s Christmas Memory block to be eligible to win.

Quilt-Along Links

• General Info
• Featured Designers
• Super Deals for Quilters
• Upload your blocks – Flickr Group

Block 35 of our quilt-along is Tree Toppers designed by Anina McMurdo of Twiddletails. Our friends at Fort Worth Fabric Studio have a fabulous 40% off Super Deal for you to enjoy too.

Super Deal from Fort Worth Fabric Studio

Fort Worth Fabric Studio is an online quilt store full of fabulous fabrics, bundles, kits, and patterns! You can expect great customer service with special attention to your order. Nearly always, next day shipping and many times, same day shipping! We promise you "online service with a smile."

We are home of the Friday Bundle Batch, an assortment of fabrics that are hand-selected to perfectly complement each other! Check for a new Bundle each Friday!

Today’s Super Deal:

40% OFF all Curio by BasicGrey for Moda. No special code is required. The discount applies to all Curio Yardage, Layer Cakes, Quilt Kits (very limited quantity), and coordinating patterns! SALE runs until December 6 at midnight, CST.

Get your Super Deal Savings here!

Featured Designer: Anina McMurdo

What is your quilting style?

It’s hard to define my quilting style, but overall I’d definitely say it’s more modern. I love designing patterns, but I also have a passion for using traditional patterns in a modern way.

Currently I’m working on two (actually three) “Dear Jane” quilts. The original quilt is a Civil War quilt, but I’m not a fan of Civil war fabrics.

How did you get started quilting and/or designing?

I grew up knowing how to sew. My mom used to sew a lot of my clothes and she would help me make outfits for my Barbies.

I got into quilting when I noticed one of the other soccer moms working on a quilt next to the practice field – way back when my son was five and the moms spent every single practice and game next to the field. I asked her about it and she very kindly agreed to show me.

This was my first project:

I started off very country and thought that was how all quilts looked. In the beginning I also made quilts only using patterns.

And then I got “brave”…

Do you have a favourite quilt?

I’d have to say that my favorite quilt is the Christmas Zig Zag quilt I made in 2008. My how time flies!

I made a pieced back which I love almost as much as the front.

Especially the little “oops” in the corner.

Quick and fun questions:

• Favourite colour: DEFINITELY pink
• What part of the quilting process do you like the most? making blocks
• What part of the quilting process do you dislike the most? basting
• Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or: strawberry, of course
• Favourite super hero or comic book character: I love Tigger. Always upbeat and full of energy.
• Most exciting place you’ve travelled: don’t know about exciting, but I love Maui. I’d move there if I could. I’ve been to Africa (actually I grew up in Africa) – that’s exciting in most people’s eyes.
• Favourite quote or mantra: This changes constantly but I love all quotes by Dr. Seuss. An all time favorite is: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

Block 35 – Anina’s Tree Toppers

Here’s Anina’s Tree Toppers block. Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it might look. Anina’s created a great photo tutorial to help you create this block. Be sure to download the PDF file then follow along the photos to create the star triangles. Head over to her blog for the info.

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 three weeks to complete Anina’s Tree Toppers block to be eligible to win.

Quilt-Along Links

• General Info
• Featured Designers
• Super Deals for Quilters
• Upload your blocks – Flickr Group

It’s the last week of our Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along. I’m sorry to see it end. It sure has been great fun meeting so many fabulous designers and seeing all the gorgeous blocks they’ve designed and that you’ve created in the Flickr group.

Block 34, Snow Cristal, has been designed by Joanna of Shape Moth. The Fat Quarter Shop also has a fabulous 50% off Super Deal for you to enjoy too.

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 Reindeer Games by Sandy Gervais for Moda Fabrics. Enter code REINDEERGAMES at checkout. Expires Monday, December 5th @ midnight CST.

Get your Super Deal Savings here!

Featured Designer: Joanna – Shape Moth

What is your quilting style?

It depends on the project. I like modern quilts with simple, geometric shapes and bold colours or rainbows. On the other hand, I create art quilts and use batiks there. In my projects I use a lot of raw edge appliqué, paper piecing and sometimes embroidery:

How did you get started quilting and/or designing?

It was purely an accident. I did my first quilt in May 2010 for my friend’s baby. And since then I can’t stop.

Do you have a favourite quilt?

That was my first try on raw edge appliqué. I love wolves and this one became special to me.

Quick and fun questions:

• Favourite colour: rainbow (my moods for colours change quite quickly)
• What part of the quilting process do you like the most? Sewing the binding. In an art quilts – creating the appliqué. It’s similar to puzzles.
• What part of the quilting process do you dislike the most? Free motion quilting. Itself it’s not so bad, but I have really tiny sewing machine and quilting bigger projects can be a nightmare.
• Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or: chocolate. Lots of chocolate ;)
• Favourite super hero or comic book character: I’m more an anime/manga fan, and my favourite is Alucard from Hellsing.
• Most exciting place you’ve travelled: Paris.

Block 34 – Joanna’s Snow Cristal

Here’s Joanna’s Snow Cristal block. It will look gorgeous in many different fabrics. Head over to her blog to download the paper piecing pattern and learn how to put together this unique block.

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 three weeks to complete Joanna’s Snow Cristal block to be eligible to win.

Quilt-Along Links

• General Info
• Featured Designers
• Super Deals for Quilters
• Upload your blocks – Flickr Group

Here’s Block 33 of our Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along. One Special Star has been designed by Jacquelynne Steves. Our friends at Shabby Fabrics have two gorgeous fabric collections at 40% off for you to enjoy too.

Super Deal from Shabby Fabrics

Shabby Fabrics is an online quilt shop specializing in beautiful fabrics, quilt kits, patterns, and Block of the Month programs. They are also a pattern design company and currently have over 40 designs in print.

Today’s Super Deal:

Our Super Deal this week is 40% Off Fairfield and Panier de Fleurs. To receive these savings, enter coupon code TURKEY40 on the View Cart page before checking out. Coupon expires December 4, 2011.

The Super Deal this week is 40% Off Fairfield and Panier de Fleurs. To receive these savings, enter coupon code TURKEY40 on the View Cart page before checking out. Coupon expires December 4, 2011.

Featured Designer: Jacquelynne Steves

What is your quilting style?

As a painter, I draw a lot. That carries over into my quilting. I love applique because I always feel like a quilt isn’t complete until it has some sort of little flower or bird on it somewhere. I do a lot of machine applique because it’s fast, and I’ve gotten really good at it. I wish people weren’t so intimidated by it- it just takes a little practice. I have a tutorial on my website.

I like colors that are vibrant and deeply saturated. And I like a lot of contrast in my quilts – I especially love the “pop” of a bright against a dark background (like brown or navy), or a light background (I prefer the warmth of ivory or cream to white) .

How did you get started quilting and/or designing?

My mom and grandmother taught me how to sew, but neither of them quilted. One day I was out having lunch with a friend and we saw a sign in a quilt shop for a class, and we thought it would be a great way to get out of the house once a week. So it began purely as a social outing, but of course, after just one class I was hooked! I loved all of the pretty fabrics! Being someone who never follows directions, my second quilt was of my own design, and after a while, I figured if I was making up my own designs, I might as well write them down so someone else could also enjoy them. I have painted watercolors for many years, so when the opportunity to design fabric with Henry Glass came along, it was the perfect way for me to combine two things that I really enjoy – painting and quilting.

Do you have a favourite quilt?

That is a really hard question – I like them all for different reasons….. I would say that Spring Fling is in my top 5 because it definitely represents “me”. It has lots of half square triangles and a machine appliqued border. I love the green in it- and it is one of the first quilts I made with the very first fabric line that I ever designed (Sewing Room Social), so that quilt design is near and dear to my heart.

Quick and fun questions:

• Favourite colour: Red and pink
• What part of the quilting process do you like the most? Designing and playing – choosing the colors and fabrics.
• What part of the quilting process do you dislike the most? Cutting!!!
• Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or: all of them. I love them all.
• Most exciting place you’ve travelled: I’ve been to England twice to visit my husband’s family, and I loved it! The castles, the countryside, the little villages…… It felt like a second home to me.
• Favourite quote or mantra:
  “People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
  If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
  If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
  If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
  The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
  Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
  For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
  -Mother Teresa

Block 33 – Jacquelynne’s One Special Star

Here’s Jacquelynne’s One Special Star block. Head over to Jacquelynne’s blog to view the photo 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 three weeks to complete Jacquelynne’s One Special Star block to be eligible to win.

Quilt-Along Links

• General Info
• Featured Designers
• Super Deals for Quilters
• Upload your blocks – Flickr Group

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

Today’s block Let It Snow is very appropriate here in Ottawa today, as Winter has arrived. I’m happy to report the puppy wasn’t too upset with all that white stuff, just a little confused, but he still did his business outside.

Our quilt-along block has been designed by Sarah Fielke. Our friends at Fort Worth Fabric Studio have a fabulous 40% off Super Deal for you to enjoy too.

Super Deal from Fort Worth Fabric Studio

Fort Worth Fabric Studio is an online quilt store full of fabulous fabrics, bundles, kits, and patterns! You can expect great customer service with special attention to your order. Nearly always, next day shipping and many times, same day shipping! We promise you "online service with a smile."

We are home of the Friday Bundle Batch, an assortment of fabrics that are hand-selected to perfectly complement each other! Check for a new Bundle each Friday!

Today’s Super Deal:

40% OFF all Hometown by Sweetwater for Moda. No special code is required. The discount applies to all Hometown Yardage, Fat Quarter Bundles, and Charm Packs! SALE runs until November 29 at midnight, CST.

Get your Super Deal Savings here!

Featured Designer: Sarah Fielke

What is your quilting style?

I like to make bright, happy quilts, usually traditionally pieced or appliqued with a twist.

How did you get started quilting and/or designing?

My mother taught me to sew when I was very small. I started teaching not long after my first child was born 14 years ago, and opened a shop, Material Obsession, 9 years ago. After I left the shop I wrote my third book, Quilting, From Little Things and started designing fabrics (my latest range is called St Ives) for Lecien, Japan.

Do you have a favourite quilt?

My favourite quilt at the moment is called A Wing and A Prayer, the pattern for it is in my book Quilting, From Little Things. I loved making it – it’s hand appliqued and hand quilted which are my favourite things to do. The quilt won a major prize at the Sydney quilt show this year which was very exciting for me.

Quick and fun questions:

• Favourite colour: green
• What part of the quilting process do you like the most? hand quilting
• What part of the quilting process do you dislike the most? basting
• Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or: strawberry
• Favourite super hero or comic book character: Mr Hanky
• Most exciting place you’ve travelled: Amsterdam (but I’m going to Africa next year!)
• Favourite quote or mantra: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no-one alive who is Youer than You.” – Dr Seuss

Block 32 – Sarah’s Let It Snow

Here’s Sarah’s Let It Snow block. Head over to her blog to download the photo 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 three weeks to complete Sarah’s Let It Snow block to be eligible to win.

Quilt-Along Links

• General Info
• Featured Designers
• Super Deals for Quilters
• Upload your blocks – Flickr Group

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

It’s week 11 of our Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along. Just one more week after this one. I hope you are enjoying our quilt-along as much as I am. Be sure to check out the Flickr group to see the super cute blocks that have been made so far.

Block 31, Merry Christmas, has been designed by Lynette Anderson. The Fat Quarter Shop also has a fabulous 50% off Super Deal for you to enjoy too.

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 Santa’s Little Helpers by Erin Michael for Moda Fabrics. Enter code HELPERS at checkout. Expires Monday, November 28th @ midnight CST.

Get your Super Deal Savings here!

Featured Designer: Lynette Anderson

What is your quilting style?

My quilting style has been described as sophisticated naïve. I love to combine applique with simple piecing and stitchery to create unique looking projects that are suitable for all level of quilter. I like to have some dimension in my work and often include one of my specially designed handpainted buttons.

Christmas Fun, the patterns for this sweet quilt pattern are free with the purchase of the buttons (available at my online store).

How did you get started quilting and/or designing?

I started quilting when I was 21 just after the birth of my first son, I went to adult education night school classes and made my first sampler quilt and although I have tried many other crafts I always come back to patchwork, quilting and embroidery. I began designing and publishing patterns and books in 1995 and love every moment of my working day, except maybe the pattern writing bit and that’s only because I am worried I will make a mistake. I have been lucky enough to design fabrics for Marcus brothers, Henry Glass Fabrics and am currently working with Lecien with whom I have released 3 collections so far and have a few in the pipeline for 2012 (very exciting).

Do you have a favourite quilt?

One of my favourite quilts is A Kittens Tale (seen here with my beloved companions Hugo and Felix who are helping me with the binding!).

Scandinavian Christmas is also a big favourite and its been very exciting to see the fabric collection of the same name showing up on so many blogs around the world, thank you everyone for your support and encouragement.

Quick and fun questions:

• Favourite colour: soft hazy mauve
• What part of the quilting process do you like the most? Picking the fabrics and thread colours ready to begin a new project.
• What part of the quilting process do you dislike the most? Sewing the label on when I feel as if I have already finished.
• Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or: Chocolate, preferable Cadbury’s Dairy Milk
• Most exciting place you’ve travelled: Norway, we loved the fjords and the people
• Favourite quote or mantra: Greet each day with your eye open to beauty, your mind open to change, and your heart open to love (Paula Finn)

Block 31 – Lynette’s Merry Christmas

Here’s Lynette’s Christmas Candy block. Head over to Lynette’s blog to download the tutorial and for a coupon code to save on her designs.

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 Lynette’s Merry Christmas block to be eligible to win.

Congratulations to previous button winners:

• Block 18 A border Creek Christmas – Mona’s Creativity
• Block 19 – Paper Snowflake – Ams2010
• Block 20 – Jingle Bell Flower – CBNova1
• Block 21 – All A Flurry – K9toywear

Quilt-Along Links

• General Info
• Featured Designers
• Super Deals for Quilters
• Upload your blocks – Flickr Group

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