Friday, May 6, 2011

Quiltmaker's Blog Tour

Welcome to everyone dropping by from Quiltmaker's blog tour!  Today (Friday) is my day to be featured on the tour along with many other talented designers who have blocks in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, vol. 3.  Here's the Chained Star block I designed:
Scroll down to the previous two posts to learn more about my block and see it in different colorways.

If you haven't checked out the blog tour, I encourage you to do so.  You'll meet some great designers and get to see some of the creative blocks in volume 3 of 100 Blocks, which should be available in stores next week.  But I have to warn you that once you see these great blocks, you'll want a copy of the magazine!  I know that money is tight for many of us, but getting 100 original block designs for only $6.99 is quite a deal, I think.

If you're feeling lucky, you just might win a copy of the magazine.  The Quiltmaker blog and every designer on the blog tour is having a drawing for a free copy of the magazine.  And Quiltmaker has drawings for other super prizes, too.  Plus, I'm giving away a second copy of the magazine to one of you who comments on  today's topic: What would you most likely put in the center square of my Chained Star block?  A novelty print?  Embroidered block?  Applique block?  Photo transfer?  Hand-painted block?  Something else that I haven't thought of?

On Saturday, I'll post part 1 of the project I'm making with my Chained Star design.

106 comments:

Penny said...

The center square is perfect for featuring stitcheries. I stitch all the time. I would love to make a baby quilt with your block,(without the sashing) and use my stitcheries as the center block! Thanks for a chance to win this mag.

amy dame said...

i've been loving paperpiecing lately, and i think a smaller paperpieced block would be pretty fabulous in the centre square.

i also do a lot of embroidery, so that's always an option - either by hand or by machine.

thanks for the chance to win!

dwright33055 said...

I would really like to try your block, the center square, would look great with a darker color and A Quilting Motif, or The ABc:s e mail address dwright33055@hotmail.com

Karen S. said...

The large centre in your block is perfect just as it is. It leaves space to quilt a beautiful feathered wreath!

Evelene S said...

I love your block and the fact that the center has many options is a plus. I was thinking appliqueing or embroidering ABC's in the center of the block. Congratulations on being in the magazine and thanks for a chance to win.bimbi9@verizon.net

Diana said...

This is such a versatile block! I love the quilt without sashing. Besides the different options you've mentioned for the center block, how about fussy cut your child's favorite T-shirts/ varsity T-shirts. It can be made into a memory quilt, too!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Your block has so many possibilites! I like when the star is predominant. I think the center block is perfect for signature blocks, pinwheels, pictures...the list is endless. Thanks!

kt said...

I would put a novelty print in the center--what a great way to showcase a special print!

The Cozy Quilter said...

I would fussy cut something from a large scale print and put it in the centre of the block. Please leave a comment on my blog if my name is picked. Thanks

Lisa England said...

A little tiny block in the style of a Stack 'n Whack kaleidoscope would be awesome. Or a novelty print for when you want something easier.

Lee said...

I would either do an applique or embroidery block in the center. Its a lovely block - congrats!

Karyn said...

I like the idea of applique, embroidery or a photo. It's nice to have options. This would make a great "go to" pattern because of all the options! Thank you!

Teresa in Music City said...

Bluework Snowmen!!! The block would even take on a snowflake look with careful color placement using blues... such a creative block - great job!!!

mascanlon said...

So many options! How about a grandmothers flower garden block in the center for a very special quilt?With lovely elegant fabrics it would be smashing.

Darlene B said...

I like the floral you used for the center. If it was a plain block, I know a talented longarmer would make use of that space and put some special motif in there.

~Kris~ said...

I think either embroidery or a beautiful quilted design. I love your Sun Bonnet Sue in the previous post. Too bad you were not able to use that. It would look perfect in the setting you showed.

Maryjo said...

I like Chained Star...and I know a flower of some kind would be in the middle square! Lots of possibilities..so I will be anxious to try it. Congrats on being in the magazine!

Madeline said...

it is definitely calling for a photo of your loved ones in the center, your "stars" in life...

JudyCinNC said...

I love the design opportunities your block presents. Awesome opportunity and wonderful giveaway. Judy C

Marge in Louisiana said...

Hi Sandy. I think your sundrop critters would fit into the middle square. Wonder if I could figure out how to make the flowers small enough or the block large enough to put the hibiscus in.? Congratulations on being in Volume 3.

SewLindaAnn said...

I'm really into texture lately, so probably an embroidery with a perle cottton, or a small yo you with embroidered petals and leaves. Love the block!

Gill said...

Probably applique!

Mary said...

Applique, a stitchery piece or a beautiful piece of printed fabric. Very versatile. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of the magazine.
Mary

MaryBeth said...

I would use novelty prints in the center. Thanks for the chance to win.

deserae said...

I would put a novelty or focal print in the center.

Lee Ann L. said...

Thank you for pointing out previous posts on the different colorways for this block. As for the center square, I most likely would put a novelty print or a large scale print that I love so much.

Thanks for a chance to win!

Patty Nordahl said...

I would use a novelty print for a baby quilt using this block or a stichery, or applique so many choices. Great job on this design and thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

Anonymous said...

I would probably fussy cut an animal print for the center. The grandchildren love animals.

mhinders@myclearwave.net

Anonymous said...

Since your block is called "Chained Star Block" why not embroider a star or even a chain to reflect your block? This blog tour certainly has been fun all week and now there is a chance to win Quitmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3. Thank you.

Sandi from Sonora, CA
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

Dee said...

I love that the center is available to fusshy cut cool fabric. Congrats on making the magazine.

Donna Keating said...

A fussy cut floral print would be great in the center of the block. Love your design and fabric choices.

Mary said...

It would be a great quilt to use batiks, and feature the batik squares that feature birds or flowers.

swheatsue said...

Beautiful block! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of "100 Blocks - Volume 3"!

Joanna said...

I'm pretty sure I'd keep it simple and use a beautiful print or novelty print in the center when making your block. I love the block as it's made for the magazine, but also love all four of your examples you show from May 2. It's a neat block.

debbie m said...

I really like the viny floral print you have in the center. When I first looked at the block it reminded me of four little baskets of flowers, I guess because of the corner blocks and the viny florals.
I think I would make mine scrappy with floral blocks and embroidery blocks scattered throughout.
Thanks for the time you have spent telling us about your design. The designers sharing their proscess has been my favorite part of the blog tour!

Carol Sc said...

Because I really enjoy piecing (and applique, not so much), I think I would use a large floral in the middle. ...or, possibly, a civil war small panel print, with civil war fabrics to celebrate its anniversary.
quiltschon@att.net

Mary said...

I think it would be fun to make the centers out of a solid or fairly plain fabric and do some fancy quilting designs in them.
Thanks for a chance to win.

Lori S said...

I think I would wither put in a plain hand dye to leave room for a stunning quilting motif or use a feature fabric or novelty print.

Glenna said...

Beautiful block. Congratulations for being published in Quiltmaker 100 Blocks. I think I would fussy cut a feature fabric.

Linda E in NM said...

I could envision a large single flower (fussy cut) for the center of that block.
Congratulations on being part of this issue!

Cory said...

I would probably put a novelty fabric in the center. I can see it done up as an eye spy quilt. Take care and God bless, Cory

Mary said...

Any Fussy Cut Focus fabric or appliqued Block would work in your Block. I would choose a Heart or a Flower to applique. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the magazine so I can play too! Thanks for the chances to WIN!

Catskill Quilter said...

I love your block! The center square is perfect for a fussycut large picture - and maybe a different picture in each large square?

Jen said...

I would applique in the middle! I like to fussy cut shapes from novelty prints and applique them. great block, I love stars! I can't wait to get my copy of the magazine, congrats for making the cut!

Nancy Sue said...

What a versatile block! From fussy cuts to inserting that vintage floral hanky collection, I can't decide. Congrats on being published in volume 3!

Cecilia said...

I like both embroidery and novelty prints in the center. The layout without sashing is the one I liked best. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

Kathy H said...

I have just started combining stitched pieces with pieced quilts so I would do that. Your block would showcase it so well.

Anonymous said...

Your block does not need anything else, but since you asked....my favorite block is the pinwheel. But honestly it does not need anything else. I like the variations you showed in earlier blogs. Thanks for a chance to win.

Annieofbluegables said...

I would love to fussy cut some great fabrics. Or I might embroider something. Maybe something on a Christmas theme, since it is a star. Cute.
~a

SusieQ said...

Love you block! I'd have to do the redwork variation, perhaps alternating redwork centers with large floral fussy cut centers. Good job!

Stephanie said...

I'm thinking either appliqued initials or a fussy cut for the center--but the possibilities are endless. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful block.

Debbi said...

I like your block and think the way it sets together makes and interesting pattern. I might think of using it with photo transfers in the center but I also like the idea of redwork.

mlcquilts said...

I would probably put some real cool fabric in the center or if I had to do another I spy I might use that format. Congratulations on being selected.

DianneB said...

I love the civil war feel of your block and would put a fussy cut toile fabric in the middle. Do you know the fabric I mean? Old fashioned line drawings of farms, ladies,etc. I don't know if I have the right name for it. Thanks for a chance at the giveaway.

stichnRN said...

my embroidered redwork done in blue, quilt ladies would look great in the block. will have to think on that.

p1aceboeffect said...

I haven't done any embroidery blocks yet but I think they would look great. I also liked the idea mentioned above of a different paper pieced block for each square. I love the block and love that their are so many different possibilities with it. Thanks again for the opportunity to win and congratulations on the publication.

jennhgray at gmail.com

The Village Queen said...

Oh lots of options, probably my first would be a fancy printed fabric and have the rest of the pieces frame it. Or embroidery, or a photo... tough choice! Thanks for the chance and congrats too!

lynnquiltsalot said...

Oh, I love the idea of a photo transfer. And the novelty print would be so adorable. Thanks for the chance to win.

Linda in PA said...

I'd probably put a small embroidery in the center. This is a great block for that.

Anonymous said...

I would fussy cut or applique something. Thanks for a chance to win.
Cindy W.
cwcavy@hotmail.com

Penny said...

What a great block. Congratulations! I like the block best when the star is visible. The center would be wonderful in many ways; I think I would use it with a fussy cut of something.
Penny
pennyf@fuse.net

Vivian said...

For your red and white one, definitely redwork or maybe a fussy cut toile.

But I've long wanted to try some ribbon embroidery and this would make a great setting for that too!

Jennifer said...

This is a very versatile block. The center is beggin' for some great embroidery either machine or hand.

Also good for a large "I spy" concept too. Love it.

Erin said...

I agree with the previous commenter--this would work great to make an adorable I Spy quilt!

Sallie said...

a novelty print was the first thing I though of. Thanks for the giveaway!

SherryB said...

Oh, I love the sunbonnet sue embroidery print...that's what I'd put in the middle...or maybe a novelty print, or a photo transfer for a special pillow...so many choices---your block is VERY versatile. Can't wait to see it in the magazine..congrats!

Jeanne in Ohio said...

The sky's the limit for the center square on your block, but I'd probably use a wonderful print.

WoolenSails said...

Beautiful block, I like it in the blue shades and the red work one, perfect for stitcheries. With brown and black shades it would be great for primitive stitcheries. I think it would also make a nice signature block.

Debbie

Janet said...

I would love to make a quilt with your block with embroidery in the centers. If only there was more time....

Pat V. said...

Thanks for the ideas of different ways to use your lovely block!

mtnhomequilter said...

I would put a pieced star in the center so it would be a star within a star. I love how it looks! Dana

nelfamily at windjammercable dot net

quilt cookie said...

I really like the floral fabric you used in the center of the block but I could also see a novelty print used for a baby quilt.

DutchQuilter said...

I would put either an embroidered center or a pretty floral.

Sandi P said...

I've been seeing some nice embroidered blocks lately and thinking of doing some. This would be a great block to highlight those.

SubeeSews said...

Great block...it looks like it belongs in a Dear Jane type of quilt. Just beautiful!
Pick me!
Subee XOXOOXXO

Barb in Mi said...

I am currently into novelty prints, so your block would be perfect to feature one. Thanks so much!

Judy W said...

What would you most likely put in the center square of my Chained Star block? Answer: a beautiful elegant floral fabric!
Judy W

Dana Gaffney said...

I like the idea of using an embroidered center. It would be beautiful. Thank you.

Ivani said...

WOW Great block, I can put a cross-stitch in the center!
I love the red and white version of the quilt with the sunbonnet in redwork, and loce also the original colors and fabric you chose.
Congratulations for being featured in vol. 3m and a big Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this wonderful magazine.
Hugs

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'm not usually a novelty fabric person. I could do it in two colors or maybe a light center and the other lights a middle and then the design as dark.

Kd Brown said...

How about another smaller star block inside your star block? There are so many possibilities! What fun. :)

Candace said...

Wow, I really love your redwork version! I would most likely be using either a novelty print or photos as I'm wanting to make memory quilts for my children for Christmas this year.

shortseam said...

Very nice block. Seems how Mother's Day is coming up this would be a very nice block to make a mother a "Keep Sake" with pics of children and grandchildren featured in the blocks. Thank you for the giveaway. Keep up the good work and congratulations.

Lyn said...

I think some simple redwork (or bluework on a blue and white colorway) with a fair amount of white space (to accent the embroidery) would look great! Perhaps a redwork alphabet, using an embroidered alphabet from an old needlework book/pattern...

Mama Said Sew said...

I'd love to make your block with some raw-edge appliqued flowers in the center.

Renea said...

I would definitely be using this block to put a baby novelty in the center. I have two new grandchildren and I am looking for fun quilt patterns. Thanks for the giveaways.

jrt14 said...

I love how the block chains together. I have been wanting to make an I Spy quilt for my son and this block would be perfect for that, so I would use kid's novelty prints in the center square.

Quilting_Chris said...

I would like a novelty print or an embroidery design in the center square. This really is a lovely block.

Laura said...

What would likely put in the center square of my Chained Star block? A novelty print for a child. Great versatilty in your block. Congrats on being selected for the magazine.

Betteem said...

In the center square of your chained star block, I would applique a butterfly. I like your idea of a flowery center. Thanks for the prizes.
Betty

Carol said...

I would most likely use a focus fabric for the center block. Congrats on being chosen for the magazine.

JoyceLM said...

Love your block. COngrats on being included in the new 100 Blocks mag. I'd probably use a novelty print in the center with coordinating fabrics in the rest of the block. Thanks for the giveaway.

Shri said...

I think smaller squares from a panel, or a quilt motif would be very nice, but the possibilities are endless. Beatiful block. Thanks

VickiT said...

What a great looking block. I really like the way you've added the straight strips around the center. Very cool. Congratulations on being in this next issue.

shortseam said...

Very nice block. The question is a hard one because this is so versatile that anything could go in the center. However this would be a nice gift to give to a mother on Mother's Day with a pic of children and grandchildren featured in the block. A very nice keep sake. Thank you for the giveaway.

Ann said...

I would use a small flowered print similar to the pink and green block you show on Monday's post.

Quilter In Paradise said...

I really like this block - the center is so great for fussy cutting on fun novelty kid fabrics - which I happen to have a big bunch of!
Beth in Dallas

teachpany said...

My friend is planning a photo quilt, and I am helping her design it. This block would be great to frame some of her photos! Thanks.

Julie S said...

Your block is so pretty, especially with that fabric in the center! I would do like you...use a pretty fabric!

Sheri said...

I would love to put my grandkids pictures in the center of the blocks.

Becky said...

I think I'd like to use a novelty print in the center.

Anna said...

a novelty print....thanks for a chance to win

Anonymous said...

The center certainly lends itself to lots of possibilities! I am collecting some great stitcheries from several designers, so I'd probably choose hand embroidery.

Christie said...

Fun block! Congrats on getting your Chained Star block in Vol. 3! Looking forward to your projects steps you will be posting. HUGS... and stitches

Julie said...

I think Asian fabrics would be an excellent choice for your block.
Congrats.

Julie
sew.goodwitch_crafts@yahoo.com

Fleurette said...

Photos for a memory quilt or solids with a gorgeous quilting design or lovely stitchery or showcase a special fabric collection. Congratulations on the magazine and a wonderful block!