Focus on the Center

I’m thrilled to be participating in Pat Sloan’s Focus on the Center Book Tour. There are 10 quilters participating in the tour this week and we each have two copies of Focus on the Center to give-away to our lucky readers. See below to enter my give-away and for the links to the other participants.

Plus, visit Pat’s blog as she’s asked each of us some fun questions and her publisher’s blog too:


Focus on the Center features seven medallion-style quilts. Confession, I have never made a medallion-style quilt before, but I’m really tempted by this one called Lucky Charms:

Lucky Charms

I just adore the scrappy-ness of this quilt and the unique on-point borders around the center appliqué followed by rectangular borders. There’s lots of interest in this quilt! It finishes at 61″ square, but you could easily make it larger or smaller by adding more borders or removing some. I also love that it has flying geese .. I really need a quilt with lots of flying geese for myself.

I’m not really big on making Christmas quilts that only get enjoyed for a month, so I would do the alternate center that’s included in the book for this quilt, here it is:

alternate

For the center appliqué, I’d use solid white and then scraps of my other fabrics. I’ll also continue the white into the large half square triangles/flying geese units around the appliqué. Here are my fabrics:

printed-fabrics

yardage-fabrics

black-white-prints

The colourful fat quarters and yardage prints are Treasures and Tidbits by Piece O’ Cake Designs for Robert Kaufman fabrics. The black and white prints are a fat quarter bundle put together by Jodie of Fort Worth Fabric Studio.

The red yardage will be used similar to how Pat used red in her sample: inner thin border and triangles around the white appliqué, for the wider border around the entire on-point layout and for the binding.

For the green used in the sample, i.e. the setting triangles in the center and for the flying geese sky units, I’ll use the black and white prints. I’ll alternate between black on white vs. white on black prints for the flying geese sky units. It’ll still be very scrappy, but the black and white will add some calm to the wild colours in the prints… I think! The prints will be used for the flying geese body units, the two scrappy outer borders and the rectangles inside the on-point layout.

Can you picture it?? I really wish I had time right now to start something new as this quilt is calling me! Maybe later in the summer.

See that fabulous yellow flowered print beside the red one above, well I have a few yards of it and there will be enough fabrics left over from the above quilt to make a coordinating one.

I love this one from the book, Antique Mist, and would use that flowered print in place of the large blue aqua flower print that Pat used for the middle border. Black and white prints would replace the pinks and the coloured fabrics would be used in place of the off whites. Not sure if I’ll have quite enough red yardage for the pink striped borders, but if not, a solid from my stash would work well too. This medallion quilt finishes at 57″ square.

Antique Mist

One of the things I love about Pat’s book, is that she’s included quick piecing methods such as making four flying geese units from squares of fabric.

tutorial

I find when I’m browsing new books at the local quilt shop, I’m disappointed when I see authors not using the quicker methods we’ve all come to love from quilting tutorials from our blogging friends. Please tell me I’m not alone in this!


Give-Away

I have two copies of Pat’s Focus on the Center book to give-away. Leave a comment below answering:

Have you ever made a medallion-style quilt? If so, how many rounds did it have? If not, are you encouraged to do one now after seeing a few from Pat’s book?

Winners will be randomly chosen on May 7th.

Be sure to visit the other quilts in the tour too and enter their give-aways:

Tuesday

249 thoughts on “Pat Sloan’s: Focus on the Center Blog Tour

  • May 2, 2012 at 3:30 pm
    Permalink

    No, I’ve never made a medallion style quilt. But after seeing Pat Sloan’s I’m very tempted on trying to make one very soon. I just hope I can win one of these books, so I can have all of the hints that she talks about.

  • May 2, 2012 at 3:36 pm
    Permalink

    I haven’t made a medallion quilt….yet, but it is high on my list of quilts that I have to make. I don’t think I could make just one – I think a series of medallion quilts is my goal.

  • May 2, 2012 at 3:41 pm
    Permalink

    I have a medallion-type quilt in the works right now. It started as a purple and white WIP that was in a big box I purchased at an estate sale. I knew I would not finish the quilt as the original designer planned, but I wanted the challenge of finishing it. So I have been adding borders around the center panel of 9 pieced hearts. I don’t know how large it will get, but it is looking really nice! I am always looking for ideas for the next round of borders!

  • May 2, 2012 at 3:53 pm
    Permalink

    No, I have never made a medallion style quilt but I would love to make one.

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:03 pm
    Permalink

    I haven’t made a medallion style quilt. It is on my long wish list, so someday I will get to it. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:08 pm
    Permalink

    I have an unfinished medallion quilt. The center is an appliqued rose-of-Sharon block that was on the cover of American Patchwork and Quilting a number of years ago. (if I remember correctly) It has 3 more rounds so far, quite simple. It has been a UFO for a several years, but I’m inspired to dig it out and finish it. As I remember, I was quite happy with it so far.

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:16 pm
    Permalink

    I really like the look of these quilts, I may have to start one. I have a big block that is going to be the perfect candidate for the center if I have the right fabric in my stash.

    Sure would like to win the book.

    Thanks!

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:18 pm
    Permalink

    l have made a medallion type quilt, but not pieced .. just used a fabric too beautiful to cut. l have an idea for one now and this book would be the perfect helpmate. Thanks for a chance to win.

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:26 pm
    Permalink

    I did a medallion with GFG in the center, 4 patches, stripes and solid borders. I love it. Kathie L in Allentown

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:27 pm
    Permalink

    I have not made a medallion type quilt. They are beautiful.

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:32 pm
    Permalink

    This looks like a good addition to my library. While I’ve yet to make a medallion quilt, I think Pat has inspired me to give it a try.

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:33 pm
    Permalink

    Nope, I’ve not yet made one, but yup, seeing those examples, maybe I would give it a go! They’re not all stuffy like they used to be!

    And, thank goodness for shortcuts – I am currently participating in my LQS BOM, and it’s using templates…OMG – if only I had known then what I know now, I never would have started this monstrosity!! I detest this piecing…there are sooo many better ways – and I’ve only been at this quilting bit for a year or so!! Go Pat, go! Hooray for telling us the secrets to making it more fun!!

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:34 pm
    Permalink

    I have never made a medallion quilt before, but I do have a pattern that I thought I would use with 30’s fabrics. I would love to try one, as they have SO much interest.

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:46 pm
    Permalink

    I started one years ago as a free online block of the month. I got the center done and 3 rounds on it before getting side tracked. I was going through my UFOs last year and pulled it out. Decided it was finished and stuck it in the pile of quilts to be quilted. It is still in that pile.

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:49 pm
    Permalink

    I’ve not made a medallion quilt yet. I love the look of them and hope to one in the future.

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:50 pm
    Permalink

    I have never made a medallion quilt but I am really inspired now! I love your applique block and your fabrics – beautiful!!!
    Take care,
    Karen
    quilter51texas@yahoo.com

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:50 pm
    Permalink

    Never made one, but Pat’s book makes it awfully enticing!

  • May 2, 2012 at 4:50 pm
    Permalink

    My mom and I worked on a medallion quilt together, but I’ve never done one solo. I have to say that more than a couple of those from Pat’s new book are calling to me already.

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:07 pm
    Permalink

    I have made a medallion quilt, but maybe it’s really just a center block with a fancy border. Anyway, I’m intrigued by Pat’s quilts.

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:14 pm
    Permalink

    Ooh that’s my favorite quilt too. I have it on my to do list. I love medallion quilts. I’m enjoying your blog. Glad to have found it through Pat.

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:15 pm
    Permalink

    I’ve made several medallion quilts, including a Carpenter’s Wheel with two wheels. Lots of fun. I’d like to make the one pictured in the book, so I’m entering every contest. LOL. Thanks for the opportunity.

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:15 pm
    Permalink

    There are no medallion quilts, nor are there any applique quilts. Ironically I am lucky enough to have several bed sized inherited quilts that’re both appliqued & medalion! I’ve promised myself I’ll make one— soon. The charmed quilt you show is lovely & calls to me.

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:28 pm
    Permalink

    Yes, I have made a medallion quilt, I thought I hadn’t but remembered the quilt I made for our elderly neighbor last Christmas. It had 10 layers if I remember right. Thanks for a chance to win Pat’s new book. Love the quilts I am seeing.

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:30 pm
    Permalink

    No, I don’t think I’ve ever made a medallion style quilt. Maybe this book will inspire me!

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:37 pm
    Permalink

    I don’t think I’ve ever started out planning on making a medallion quilt but as I think of the quilts I’ve made, some could be considered medallion quilts. I often use many borders around a central piece.

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:46 pm
    Permalink

    I have never made a Medallion quilt but after seeing some of Pat’s I think I could. I love them and am inspired by the great patterns I have seen in just these first two days.

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:48 pm
    Permalink

    I have done some medallion quilts, including one with 4 red and white schoolhouse blocks as the center. That one had 4 rounds, including 4 patch blocks and half square triangles. I’m ready to make another, after seeing the book!

  • May 2, 2012 at 5:58 pm
    Permalink

    I don’t think I’ve ever made a medallion quilt. For so long, I’ve hated to add borders. A medallion quilt looked like a quilt with lots of borders:) I’ve grown some and borders no longer defeat me so I may have a medallion quilt in my future:)

  • May 2, 2012 at 6:02 pm
    Permalink

    This looks so fun! And I am enjoying the great things on your site too, The learning center is a great resource….and yes you are NOT alone when it comes to quick tips! I think we all appreciate them

  • May 2, 2012 at 6:43 pm
    Permalink

    I haven’t made a madallion quilt, but I have a friend who wants me to make her one . They are beautiful.

  • May 2, 2012 at 6:48 pm
    Permalink

    No, I have not yet made a medallion quilt yet. The ones in this book just might inspire me to make one!

  • May 2, 2012 at 7:09 pm
    Permalink

    I think “Antique Mist” would be the very first Medallion quilt I’d make. I’d love to do it in teals and oranges, soft oranges mind you.

    I like your alternate center block. Thanks for participating, Michele. I’d love to win.

  • May 2, 2012 at 7:36 pm
    Permalink

    I love this book. It has so many really awesome quilts and I like the way she included instructions on how to do some of the blocks.

  • May 2, 2012 at 7:55 pm
    Permalink

    I have never made a medallion quilt but this book might just get me to try one.

  • May 2, 2012 at 7:57 pm
    Permalink

    I’ve never made a medalion styled quilt, but I am excited to do it after I’ve seen a few examples from this book :) THanks for the chance to win!

  • May 2, 2012 at 8:06 pm
    Permalink

    This is something I haven’t tried yet. They are beautiful and it is something I would like to try. Her examples are beautiful.

  • May 2, 2012 at 8:15 pm
    Permalink

    I did make a medallion style quilt for the Brown Bag Ugly Fabric swap last year. The centre was a panel and it had eight borders. It is quite stunning, but I haven’t quilted it yet.

  • May 2, 2012 at 8:29 pm
    Permalink

    I have not made a medallion quilt, but it is on my Bucket List! After seeing this book, I realize that I WILL get to make one, and then I will be able to cross it off my list. (don’t you just love making lists so that when you have accomplished something, you can mark it off?)

  • May 2, 2012 at 8:43 pm
    Permalink

    I made a medallion quilt with homespun fabrics. The quilts in this book look fabulous. Love to win it.

  • May 2, 2012 at 9:01 pm
    Permalink

    Eu ja fiz e está linda na cama de hospede.Ela tem 2.20x 2.40 e o medalhão é de apliquê,um ramo de rosas.(detalhe é que cada pétala parece natural,é feito com cortadores e gofradores,como se faz uma rosa de cetim e enche de algodão para que se mantenha gordinho.As fronteiras são comuns feitas com tecido estampadinho de mini-rosas e cada emenda tem um viés para dar destaque nelas.o acabamento final é um monte de pequenas pétalas sobrepostas,parece um babadinho.Obrigada.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

  • May 2, 2012 at 9:05 pm
    Permalink

    I haven’t made a mediallion quilt yet. But, I have to admit, after seeing several quilts from Pat’s book, I am interested in trying one.

  • May 2, 2012 at 9:19 pm
    Permalink

    I haven’t made a medallion quilt yet, but love the two you have posted!!

  • May 2, 2012 at 10:11 pm
    Permalink

    I made a medallion style quilt for my oldest son’s wedding gift. It’s been a few years ago, but I think it had 4 rounds. I love the one you are thinking of making.

  • May 2, 2012 at 10:17 pm
    Permalink

    I’ve never made a medallion style quilt, but I would like to try one of Pat’s. She makes it look easy.

  • May 2, 2012 at 10:18 pm
    Permalink

    I’m a beginner, so I’ve never made a medallion-style quilt, but I’d love to try one.

  • May 2, 2012 at 10:25 pm
    Permalink

    I have actually never made a medallion style quilt before, but i have to say, Pat’s quilts intrigue me. I would love to win a copy of her book and give it a try!

  • May 2, 2012 at 10:31 pm
    Permalink

    I’ve never made one, but these have gotten me excited

  • May 2, 2012 at 10:33 pm
    Permalink

    No, I have not made a medallion-style quilt. I am encouraged to do one now after seeing a few from Pat’s book.

  • May 2, 2012 at 10:49 pm
    Permalink

    I have made a couple of medallion quilts- I would have to look at them to tell you how many rounds. In one case ,I changed a feathered star block quilt into a medallion style quilt by using a courthouse steps layout of log cabin and then adding some more borders. It is a lovely quilt and still graces our bed.
    The other quilt had a big star in the middle with an additonal round or two to make it large enough for a single bed.
    I love the overall design of medallion quilts. This new book of Pat’s looks really wonderful. I am sure it is one that I would love to own.
    Regards from Western Canada,
    Anna

  • May 2, 2012 at 10:51 pm
    Permalink

    I have made two medallion quilts and would love to make more. The over all designs that are created are always beautiful. Pat’s book looks like a real keeper. Thanks for the chance to win it.
    Regards from Western Canada,
    Anna

Comments are closed.