Blog Hopping

Another fantastic month of Quilt Block Mania is here! Your designers have 15 brand new market-themed quilt block designs for you, and they're free to download throughout the month of November.

There’s something so special about telling a story through a quilt, and my latest design, Flower Shop, is blooming with sentimental roots. This block is a tribute to my amazing mother-in-law, a talented floral designer whose family flower shop, Watson's Flowers in Tempe, Arizona, has been filling people’s lives with beautiful blooms for 5 generations.

Each element of this block pays homage to the artistry and vibrant colors found in the quintessential Watson's Flowers sign: bright pinks and teal green with a splash of yellow. Tulips line the roof of the shop's classic storefront with an large window and glass door (perfect for fussy-cutting!). 

For those who’ve spent any time around a flower shop, you know there’s a kind of magic in seeing rows of blossoms—roses, lilies, daisies—all waiting for their moment to spread joy and love. I wanted Flower Shop to capture that joyful, lively vibe while honoring the Watson family legacy. 

This block is perfect for anyone who loves flowers. Whether you go bold and bright, soft and romantic, or somewhere in between, you can reflect your style in your own Flower Shop . So, here’s to blooming creativity and a heartfelt nod to family roots—one petal (or patch) at a time!

Flower Shop builds on skills from my other Quilt Block Mania patterns and is perfect for practicing and fine tuning your piecing skills. The pattern features Stitch & Flip corners with other traditional piecing techniques. 

How do some guilt-free sweets sound? Quilt Block Mania is back with 14 new Sweets-Themed quilt block designs for you! Best of all, they're all free for the month of October 2024. 

This might controversial to say, but if given the choice I'll choose pie over cake any day! My husband and I even served pie instead of cake at our wedding reception and it was a huge hit.

Designing this Sweet Slice of pie for this month's Sweets-themed Quilt Block Mania didn't satisfy my sweet tooth quite like the real thing, but it sure turned out cute. What do you think? 

If cherry isn't your jam, you can customize the block to look like your favorite pie flavor. Lemon meringue, pumpkin, and blueberry are yummy too!

  

Be sure to join the Quilt Block Mania Facebook Group for inspiration and to share your own blocks. 

Quilt Block Mania Designers: 

Donut Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Swirly Lollipop by Patchwork Breeze
Caramel Apples by Crafty Staci
Scrappy Cookie by Katie Mae Quilts
Gingerbread People by Inquiring Quilter
Sweet Hearts by Scrapdash
Chocolate Roll by QuiltFabrication
Salt Water Taffy by Patti's Patchwork
Sugar Skull Quilt Block by Brown Bird Designs
Lollipop Bear by Colette Belt Designs
Chocolate Box by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Let them Eat Cake
Yummy Yummy
Banana Split by Appliques Quilts and More
Sweet Slice by Cristy Fincher

Quilt Block Mania is all about "Accessories" this month, and I have such a fun quilt block design for you! We all need an accessory to keep all of our other accessories inside of, so I designed this super cute Tote Bag block. 

I love me a good tote! And I know I'm not alone. My love of tote bags began in the summer of 1987 with my very first ESPRIT bag. I went everywhere with me - school, slumber parties, vacations, and the mall (of course!). Despite the way it dug into my shoulder and its lack of pockets, I loved that tote bag.

The top shelf of my closet is lined with tote bags which are filled with more tote bags. It's like my own little memory lane. My kids' preschool tote bags are covered in their painted hand prints and are my favorites. I also have bags from my favorite quilt shows and vacations which double as the best grocery shopping bags.

Do you have a favorite tote bag? Tell me about it in the comments!

My Tote Bag quilt block design is going to be a fast favorite! There are so many fun color combinations that you can use and ways that you can personalize it. I added a classic star block to the center panel of the tote and included a simple option without the star block - the choice is yours! Here's a design option with solid fabric and one with fabrics from the NEW I Heart Ombre Collection coming out later this month 😍.

   

Be sure to join the Quilt Block Mania Facebook Group for inspiration and to share your own blocks. 

Quilt Block Mania Designers: 

Santa's Belt by Carolina Moore
Bracelet Quilt Block by Patchwork Breeze
Boot by Crafty Staci
Seam Rippers by Inquiring Quilter
Bow Tie Quilt Block by Scrapdash
Lipstick by QuiltFabrication
Favorite Bow by Brown Bird Designs
City Bear by Colette Belt Designs
Summer Hat by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Lingerie by Appliques Quilts and More
Necklace by Slightly Biased Quilts
Quilted Tote Bag by Cristy Fincher
Yes, M'Lady by Epida Studio
ZipZip Purse by Oh Kaye Quilting
Nail Your Style by Orange Blossom QDS

Thank you for visiting my blog for July's Quilt Block Mania! 
This month's theme is "Books" and your designers have 21 new quilt block designs for you! Best of all, they're all free for the month of July 2024. 

I'm really excited to share my newest quilt block design with you! It's definitely my new favorite and I think you'll love making your own. Book Lover is perfect for any lover of books, old and young! There are so many fun ways to customize the quilt block, too. I can see you using fun, novelty prints for the pages of the book, or changing the colors of the heart, or even making the pages out of treasured t-shirts. What you create will be special beyond words.

For my own block, to show my love of sewing and creating I used a favorite print from the "Maker" collection by Art Gallery Fabrics and a paint swatch print by Carrie Bloomston. I also used PURE Solids by Art Gallery Fabrics in Very Berry (the heart), Vintage Walnut (the book cover), and Tranquil Waters (the background).

Book Lover isn't difficult to make, especially if you've made any of my other Quilt Block Mania designs. The pattern features Stitch & Flip corners with other traditional piecing techniques - you totally got this! 

If you signed up for any of my Quilt Block Mania patterns in the past, there's no need to sign up again. You'll receive the pattern in a separate email newsletter.

Be sure to join the Quilt Block Mania Facebook Group for inspiration and to share your own blocks. 

Quilt Block Mania Designers: 

Audio Book Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
EAT Cookbook by Patchwork Breeze
Tea and Books by Crafty Staci
Hedwig by Inquiring Quilter
The Library Quilt
Book Shelf by QuiltFabrication
Readers block by brown bird designs
Reading Bear by Colette Belt Designs
By the Book by Happy Hour Stitches
Garden Books
Bookworm by Appliques Quilts and More
Spruce Up Your Reading with a Free Bookmark Quilt Block
Retro Bookcase by Amanda Harris
Adventures of a Burlgar by Sondrasa of Art Quilts by Design
The English Patient by Flowerodg+Co
Under the Apple Tree by Epida Studio
Stack of Books by Oh Kaye Quilting
Read Banned Books by Beth Clifton
Open Book by Manderley Makes
Adventure Awaits
Book Lover by Cristy Fincher

My quilting friends, a new month of Quilt Block mania is here! This month, your designer have put together a mountain-themed collection of designs that'll put you on top of the world.

Gather ‘round! I’m thrilled to share my latest quilt block design, Red Rocks, an updated twist on the classic Wood Lily block with a story woven into every stitch. The inspiration? A magical day in Sedona, AZ—my wedding! (Awe! Look at us, we were so youthful!) 

If you've ever been to Sedona, you know it's hard not to fall in love with stunning landscape. Those iconic red rock formations, the way the light dances over them at sunset, and the feeling that you're in a place both ancient and otherworldly can take your breath away.

In creating this block, I wanted to capture the essence of Sedona: the rusty reds, burnt oranges, and desert golds against a blue sky so clear it feels like you could fall right into it. These colors are a reminder and a tribute to the day that changed my life.

So, what can you expect from the Red Rocks pattern? Nested seams and points echoing Cathedral Hill and a gradient of colors matching Sedona’s sweeping vistas. Working with these colors feels like bringing a piece of the desert straight into your sewing room (minus any cacti, I promise).

Whether Sedona is a favorite getaway or a future destination, Red Rocks adds a little spirit of the Southwest to any project. I can't wait to see how you all interpret this design! Will you go for rich, earthy tones to match the classic red rock palette, or maybe put your own twist on it?

Minimum Fabric Requirements:
for (1) 12"x12" finished quilt block: fat eighths or scraps of multiple colors

The Red Rocks Quilt Block, along with the other QBM blocks, measure 12.5"x12.5", unfinished. Each block is free during the month of June, so you can combine multiple blocks into a fabulous quilt or pick and choose your favorites. (Scroll down for the list of designers and links to their patterns). After June 2024, my pattern will be available to purchase as a download in my shop for $6. 

Be sure to join the Quilt Block Mania Facebook Group for inspiration and to share your own blocks.

Quilt Block Mania Designers: 

Snow-Capped Mountain by Carolina Moore
Mountain Tunnel by Patchwork Breeze
Driving through the Mountains by Crafty Staci
Snowdon Lily
Mountain by Inquiring Quilter
Boondocking by Scrapdash
Blue Ridge Mountains Appliqué by Sew Worthy Mama
Purple Mountains Majesty by QuiltFabrication
Misted Mountains by Patti's Patchwork
Star
Hiking Bear by Colette Belt Designs
Edelweiss by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Forest Bird by Slightly Biased Quilts
Mountain Forest by Oh Kaye Quilting
Snow Hat by Amanda Harris
Rhododendrom by Emerald Falls Quilts
Log Cabin by Appliques Quilts and More
Take a Hike by Epida Studio
Winter Night by Studio B Quilt
Sedona Red Rocks
Almost Heaven

It's Quilt Block Mania time! This month's theme is "Drinks" and your designers have 27 refreshing quilt block designs for you! Yes, you read that right: 27 designs and they're all free for the month of March 2024. From tea to lemonade to champagne, there's something for everyone.

I'm a child of the 70's and 80's so it probably goes without saying that I grew up with cabinets full of Tupperware. As a kid, I loved (like super loved) the coordinated color combinations of bowls, cups, and containers. My cousins and I hosted the best Kool-Aid parties and felt like real grown-ups pouring Mountain Berry Punch and lemonade from the classic Tupperware Pitcher. Those were the days, right?

These happy memories inspired me to design a Tupperware Pitcher with a quilty twist for my Drinks themed quilt block. I love how it turned out! I hope it sparks some happy memories for you too. I also included a few fun color variations for you: Pink Lemonade, Orange Juice, and Cherry Kool-Aid.

          

The Tupperware Pitcher Quilt Block is perfect intermediate quilters who are looking to fine-tune and build their piecing skills. It features Stitch & Flip corners and traditional piecing techniques. It's a scrap-friendly block, too!

Minimum Fabric Requirements:
for (1) 12"x12" finished quilt block:

• Main Pitcher Color - (1) fat quarter
• Star/Juice Color - (1) fat eighth
• Background - (1) fat quarter
• Top of Cup - scraps
• Top of Pitcher - scraps

The Tupperware Pitcher Quilt Block, along with the other QBM blocks, measure 12.5"x12.5", unfinished. Each block is FREE during the month of March 2024, so you can combine blocks into a fabulous quilt or pick and choose your favorites. (Scroll down for the list of designers and links to their patterns). After March 2024, my pattern will be available to purchase as a download in my shop for $6. 

Be sure to join the Quilt Block Mania Facebook Group for inspiration and to share your own blocks.

Check out the other Drinks-themed blocks from the Quilt Block Mania Designers: 

Champagne Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Martini by Crafty Staci
You Shake Me Up
Scrappy Mug by Katie Mae Quilts
Pina Colada by Appliques Quilts and More
Cosmopolitan by Inquiring Quilter
Cups and Saucers
Bubble Tea by Inflorescence Designs
Beer Pong by Patti's Patchwork
Perfect Flying Geese
Bear Loves Cocoa by Colette Belt Designs
Coffee Bean by Sewistry
Sip & Stitch by Happy Hour Stitches
I'm a LIttle Teapot
Bit too Much by Epida Studio
Tupperware Pitcher by Cristy Fincher
Ice Cubes by Create with Claudia
Cherry by Slightly Biased Quilts
Tea for Me by Craftapalooza Designs
French Press by Oh Kaye Quilting
Sew Fresh FPP Block by San Diego Sewn
Cheerwine by Emerald Falls Quilts
Release the Kraken by Art Quilts by Design
But First Coffee by Paleofish Designs
Margarita by Sallys Sewing Circle
Iced Lemonade by Patchwork Breeze

Welcome to my stop on the Wanderlust Quilts blog hop! It is an honor to share this incredibly special book with you. I hope you enjoy my review. At the end, you'll have a chance to win your very own copy, courtesy of C&T and Stash Books.

I am not a world traveller. I've had many dreams of jetsetting around the world and visiting places like Greece, Rome and France. In high school and college, I studied French and came quite close to taking a magical trip to Paris. In college, I filled general education requirements with as many non-western civilation classes that my schedule would allow. Classical art, architecture and literature inspired and intrigued me. I found myself always wanting to know more about the stories of those that created such works. For one semester, I even considered changing my major to anthropology or archeology. Even though I didn't change my magor, my deep love for classical art and architecture remain.

Wanderlust Quilts by Amanda Leins reignited my love for the beauty and ingenuity classic art and architecture and how design principles like proportion and balance influence us all today. Amanda (whom I lovingly call Mandy) is a classically trained archeologist turned artist and quilter. In her book, she expertly translates her work with classical designs into fresh and exciting designs for quilters to create and enjoy. Plus, she passes on her technical knowledge as she guides quilters through each beautiful project. As a quilter and teacher, I know you'll enjoy and appreciate Mandy's attention to detail in her clear and thoughtful instructions.

Wanderlust Quilts is a not-to-be-missed. Through any of Mandy's inspiring 10 projects, you'll learn techniques and tips that will help you uncover the depth of your own quilting skills. You'll find techniques for joining Y-seams, turned-edge applique, improv quilting and much more. Mandy also includes wonderful images of the art and architecture that inspired her designs and shows how she translated them into her designs. 

One of my favorite projects from Wanderlust Quilts is Aquaducts. The bright colors and the various scale of the arches bring this piece of ingenuity to life in a whole new way.

While I haven't traveled to far off lands, I do find inspiration from places that are very special to me. There are many, and you might find me taking random pictures of the floors, walls or small details that inspire my quilting. One of my favorite places is Disneyland. Besides being The Happiest Place on Earth, it is inspiring and has clearly been inspired by patterns, art and architecture from our collective past. For Mandy's blog hop, she asked that we incorporate her book in a picture of a place or quilt that inspires us. It may be no surprise that I chose the center of the Disneyland, where each magial land awaits you. From the simple herringbone design in the bricks, to the details of Sleeping Beauty's castle, it's clear that classical design has and always will guide and inspire us all. (photo note: all photos of Disneyland were taken by me)

This image of Sleeping Beauty's castle is perfection to me. The colors (aqua, pink and gray) make my heart smile. The shapes in the brick, and the scrolling iron on the castle wall are inspiring. I see so many ways to use the patterns and designs to create unique quilts and quilting designs.

It's a Small World is full of inspiration from the simple patterns and shapes, to the incorporation of subtle and bright color. 

As I was looking for pictures to share with you, I found this one of Molly and Aaron as they prepare to battle Darth Vader in the Jedi Training Academy. The wall just beyond the sign for the Jedi Training Academy is a fabulous inspiration for a quilt! I think I need to pull out my graph paper and pencils and get to sketching! Plus that floor!! The floor is a quilt just waiting to happen.

I'd love to know what place, near or far, that inspires you. C&T and Stash Books, the publisher of Wanderlust Quilts, is giving away a copy to a lucky winner at each stop on the blog hop. To enter to win here, leave a comment telling me about a place that inspires you. I can't wait to hear about each one! Entries will end at midnight November 18th. I'll choose a winner on November 19th. 

Be sure to visit all of the stops. Each one is inspiring! 

November 2: Kickoff with Maddie Kertay at Bad Ass Quilters Society (official link available now!)
Mandy's podcast interview with Sandi of Crafty Planner (official link available now!)
November 3: Stephanie Palmer the Late Night Quilter
November 4: Christa Watson of Christa Quilts
November 5: Gen Q
November 6: Casey York Designs
November 7: Bill Volckening
November 8: Angela Walters
November 9: Kitty Wilkin, the Night Quilter
November 10: Lynn Harris of the Little Red Hen - you are here!
November 11: Latifah Saafir Studios
November 12: Rose Hughes
November 13: Rossie Hutchison of Rossie Crafts
November 14: Sam Hunter of Hunter’s Design Studio
November 15: Cristy Fincher of Purple Daisies Quilting
November 16: Wrap-up with Mandy Leins