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New Timeless Treasures Pattern

Snow Cones Quilt

We released a new pattern on our website today featuring Painted Paradise fabric from Timeless Treasures. It is called Snow Cones.

Snow Cones Quilt
Snow Cones Quilt

Doesn’t it look like those fruity, slushy, ice cold treats you used to get as a kid in the heat of the summer? We had so much fun designing this quilt. It’s a fairly easy pattern that would be suitable for an advanced beginner quilter. Here is what a couple of the individual blocks look like.

SC Block 1
SC Block 1
SC Block 4
SC Block 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the pattern cover.

Snow Cones Cover
Snow Cones Cover

 

 

 

 

Our Testers had fun making this pattern. Sharon Buman really got into the spirit of a snow cone quilt when she chose these bright colors. She cut out all of he pieces using her Accuquilt cutter and said that sewing it together was a breeze.

Tester Sample
Tester Sample

 

Jogi made the quilt in her grand daughter’s school colors and is giving it as a graduation gift. She wanted the quilt to be longer, so she added a piano key border to the top and bottom to turn it into a rectangular quilt. I love how she used white rectangles instead of the navy ones from the original pattern.

Tester Sample
Tester Sample

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you think? Didn’t they do a great job? Please let us know what you think in the comments and please sign up to receive our newsletters in case you are not already signed up. We should be having some giveaways in the near future and you don’t want to miss out.

 

I hope you like this fun and festive quilt pattern as much as I do.

 

 

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Patterns, Facebook Live, YouTube Channel and First Fabric Collection

Coco Chic Collection

We have been very busy creating many patterns, which we hope you will enjoy. We’ve done Facebook Lives with other talented designers over the summer. We created a YouTube channel. And, we have our first fabric collection.

We have been busy sewing lots of face masks. We even found a Quilt in a Day scallop ruler which helped cut out the mask shapes. Even the bears got into the act. Silly Reed thought you could wear them on top of your head but Beauregard Bear showed him the correct way.

Reed with masks
Reed with masks
Bear with mask
Bear with mask
QIAD ruler
QIAD ruler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Quilt Cruise to Alaska did not happen in June due to the pandemic, but it was fun thinking about the possibility and we hope to schedule another quilt cruise in the future when we can all be together.

 

We have two new fun summer sailing patterns we created for Accuquillt. One is called Ahoy Mate Table Runner.

Ahoy Mate Table Runner
Ahoy Mate Table Runner

 

You can get the free pattern here: https://www.accuquilt.com/go-ahoy-mate-table-runner-pattern.html

 

 

The other is called Let’s Go Sailing, which is a fun combination of signal codes.

Let's Go Sailing Quilt
Let’s Go Sailing Quilt

 

Let's Go Sailing
Let’s Go Sailing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is where you will find that free pattern: https://www.accuquilt.com/go-let-s-go-sailing-quilt-pattern.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have had a bunch of quilts in magazines. The first one was Firework Flowers in May/June 2020 Love of Quilting magazine.

Firework Flowers Quilt
Firework Flowers Quilt
Firework Flowers
Firework Flowers
Firework Flowers Quilt
Firework Flowers Quilt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This quilt brought some joy to my 4th of July this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next was 50’s Diner in the May/June 2020 McCall’s Quilting magazine.

50's Diner Quilt
50’s Diner Quilt
may/june mccalls 2020
may/june mccalls 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t you just imagine drinking an ice cream soda at the soda fountain with your date?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever tried curved piecing like you would find in the Drunkard’s Path block? The Waverly Path quilt was in the July/August 2020 issue of Quiltmaker magazine.

Waverly Path
Waverly Path
Waverly Path
Waverly Path
QM July/August 2020
QM July/August 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, named after a grand niece, Thoroughly Modern Vivs was in the premier issue of Fons and Porter Quick and Easy Quilts. It was such an honor to be in this magazine with so many esteemed designers.

Modern Vivs Quilt
Modern Vivs Quilt
Quick-Easy
Quick-Easy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We created several patterns for Timeless Treasures new collections. They are There’s a Bear in My Watermelon Patch 2, using their One in a Mellon collection; Patriotic Polka, using their Treats Freedom collection; Adore Him, using the Come Let Us Adore Him collection; Peaceful Valley, using the Winter Blessing collection and Cowboy Claus, which uses the Ho Ho Hoedown collection. These fabric lines are at quilt shops now and you can purchase these quilt patterns on our website.

There's a Bear in my Watermelon Patch 2
There’s a Bear in my Watermelon Patch 2
Patriotic Polka
Patriotic Polka
Adore Him
Adore Him
Peace in the Valley
Peace in the Valley
Cowboy Claus
Cowboy Claus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Facebook, we did four facebook lives covering a virtual trunk show, accurate cutting, fussy cutting tips and our top 20 favorite quilting notions. We also have a video debuting our first ever fabric collection. If you missed any of these, you can catch them all on our YouTube Channel.

BBQ You Tube
BBQ You Tube

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see the videos on YouTube on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSRJrsvJV2uIdS1aquYw8JA

Speaking of a new fabric collection, our first fabric collection is with QT Fabrics and it is called Coco Chic.

Coco Chic
Coco Chic
Coco Chic Collection
Coco Chic Collection

It will be available in quilt shops in January 2021. This fabric collection was inspired by authentic 1920’s fabric from deep in the QT Fabrics archives. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a Great Gatsby or Roaring 20’s party using these fabrics from the time period. We see this fabric being used in quilts, bags, lady’s dresses and men’s shirts. We hope you are as excited about this collection as we are.

 

 

Be sure to ask you local quilt shop if they will be carrying Coco Chic. We have designed several quilts using the collection and will have demos on Youtube using the fabrics. Stay tuned for much more regarding this exciting fabric collection.

On August 4th, we will be participating in Quilt Block Mania, A blog hop with other designers, where they all will be giving away a free block pattern with the theme of Back to School. Watch for this coming soon! Keep on quilting. Oh, and Beauregard says Hi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Blue Bear Quilts is doing Virtual Quilt Trunk Show on Facebook Live April 5th 4 pm EST.

Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show
Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show

There is going to be a Quilter’s Eye Candy Trunk Show Event on Facebook from April 1st through April 10th. Since you can’t come to the designers, they are going to come to you. Many quilt pattern designers will be holding a trunk show on their Facebook page. These will be Facebook Live presentations that will be 15 minutes long and will occur throughout the day, on the hour, from 12-8 pm. EST. Blue Bear Quilts will be doing our trunk show on April 5th at 4 p.m.EST. We hope you will join us and also check out many of the other fabulous designers that will also being doing Facebook Live trunk shows. If you would like to become familiar with the different designers before their trunk shows, click on the links to go to their Facebook page. This should be a lot of fun! The schedule is listed below.  #quilterseyecandytrunkshow #fblivetrunkshow #quilterscandytrunkshow

April 1 

12 pm EST Andi Stanfield facebook.com/Anditruebluequilts
1 pm EST Nancy Scott
facebook.com/MasterpieceQ
2 pm EST becky jorgensen
https://www.facebook.com/patchworkposse/
3 pm EST carolina moore
facebook.com/alwaysexpectmoore
4 pm EST Jackie Kunkel
https://www.facebook.com/cantonvillagequiltworks/
5 pm EST Connie Jonson Sayler
https://www.facebook.com/PacificRimQuiltCompany/
6 pm EST
Laura Piland/Slice of Pi Quilts  https://www.facebook.com/sliceofpiquilts/
7 pm EST Sandra Starley https://www.facebook.com/TextileTimeTravels
8 pm EST Swan Sheridan www.facebook.com/swanamitystudios

April 2
 
12 pm EST Lisa Ruble https://www.facebook.com/LoveToColorMyWorld/
1 pm EST Beth Helfter EvaPaige Quilt Designs
2 pm EST Diane Bohn/From Blank Pages
https://facebook.com/fromblankpages
3 pm EST Deb Eggers/the cottage rose
https://www.facebook.com/cottagerosequilt/
4 pm EST Heidi Pridemore/The Whimsical Workshop
https:/www.facebook.com/thewhimsicalworkshop
5 pm EST Kate Colleran
https://www.facebook.com/SeamsLikeaDreamQuilts/
6 pm EST Tammy Silvers/Tamarinis https://www.facebook.com/tamarinis/
April 3
 
12 pm EST Darcy Hunter www.facebook.com/darcydoodlequilts
1 pm EST Teresa Weaver www.facebook.com/yoursewingfriend
2 pm EST Annette Ornelas
https://www.facebook.com/southwind.designs/
3 pm EST Jo Westfoot – The Crafty Nomad
www.facebook.com/thecraftynomad
4 pm EST Lynn Kane
https://facebook.com/puppygirllynn
5 pm EST Geeky Bobbin
https://facebook.com/geekybobbinApril 3 6pm EST
7 pm EST Laura Strickland
https://m.facebook.com/orangeblossomquilt/
8 pm EST Jen Frost
https://www.facebook.com/FaithAndFabric/

 

April 4
12 pm EST Sherry Shish – Powered By Quilting facebook.com/poweredbyquilting
1 pm EST Bill Locke – Bill Locke Designs
https://www.facebook.com/bill.locke.96
2 pm EST Toni Smith/Quiltoni
https://www.facebook.com/Quiltoni/
3 pm EST Tammy Silvers/Tamarinis
https://www.facebook.com/tamarinis/
4 pm EST Jennifer Fulton
https://www.facebook.com/inquiringquilter/
5 pm EST Jessica Caldwell/ Desert Bloom Quilting
https://www.facebook.com/desertbloomquilting/
6 pm EST Monique Kleinhans / Ladybug’s Cabin
https://www.facebook.com/ladybugscabin/
7 pm EST Heather Long / Coffee and Quilts
https://m.facebook.com/Coffee-and-Quilts-197254351073271/?__tn__=C-R
8 pm EST Marija Vujcic, Mara Quilt Designs https://www.facebook.com/MaraQuiltDesigns/


April 5

12 pm EST Ebony Love https://www.facebook.com/LoveBugStudios/
1 pm EST Bill Locke https://www.facebook.com/bill.locke.96
2 pm EST Marlene Oddie
https://www.facebook.com/kissedquilts/
3 pm EST Sandy Fitzpatrick
https://www.facebook.com/HissyfitzDesigns
*4 pm EST Reed Johnson https://www.facebook.com/BlueBearQuilts/
5 pm EST Diane Harris
https://www.facebook.com/stashbandit/
7 pm EST Kathryn LeBlanc/Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio
https://www.facebook.com/dragonflysquiltingdesignstudioApril 5 8pm EST
April 6
12 pm EST Becca Fenstermaker https://www.facebook.com/prettypiney/
1 pm EST Cherry Guidry
https://www.facebook.com/CherryBlossomsQuiltingStudio
2 pm EST Cheryl Lynch
www.facebook.com/CherylLynchFiberArts
3 pm EST Annie Smith
https://www.facebook.com/anniesmithqs5pm EST Reeze Hanson https://www.facebook.com/Morningglorydesigns/
6 pm EST
7 pm EST
Melissa Marginet https://www.facebook.com/melissa.marginet.quilter/


April 7
 

12 pm EST Margaret Willingham/ Eye of the Beholder Quilt Design https://www.facebook.com/EyeoftheBeholderQuilt/
1 pm EST Kate Colleran/Seams Like A Dream Design
https://www.facebook.com/SeamsLikeaDreamQuilts/
2 pm EST Barbara Cline
https://www.facebook.com/barbara.cline.520
3 pm EST Barbara Persing
https://www.facebook.com/bpquilts/
4 pm EST Ms P Designs USA/ Sharon Andersen
https://www.facebook.com/MsPDesignsUSA/

7 pm EST Diane Harris https://www.facebook.com/stashbandit/
8 pm EST Christa Watson https://www.facebook.com/groups/christaquilts/

April 8
 

12pm EST Tina Dillard/Quilting Affection Designs https://www.facebook.com/quiltingaffectiondesigns/
1pm EST Raija Salomaa/Quilters’ Treasure Chest
https://www.facebook.com/quilterstreasurechest/
2pm EST Robin Koehler//NESTLINGS by Robin
https://www.facebook.com/NestlingsbyRobin/
3pm EST Terri Vanden Bosch
https://www.facebook.com/lizardcreekquilting/
4pm EST Jackie Kunkel
https://www.facebook.com/cantonvillagequiltworks/

5pm EST Leanne Parsons https://www.facebook.com/devotedquilterdesigns
6pm EST Laura Piland/Slice of Pi Quilts  https://www.facebook.com/sliceofpiquilts/
7pm EST
Ebony Love https://www.facebook.com/LoveBugStudios/
8pm EST Tammy Silvers/Tamarinis
https://www.facebook.com/tamarinis/

April 9
 
1 pm EST Nancy Scott
facebook.com/MasterpieceQApril 9 2pm EST Jayme Crow/Bella Nonna Design Studio  
4 pm EST
Jen Frost https://www.facebook.com/FaithAndFabric/
5 pm EST      Annie Smith https://www.facebook.com/anniesmithqs/

6 pm EST Karen L. Miller / Redbird Quilt Co. https://www.facebook.com/RedbirdQuiltCo/
7 pm EST Kathryn LeBlanc/Dragonfly’s Quilting Design Studio
https://www.facebook.com/dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio
8 pm EST Monique Kleinhans / Ladybug’s Cabin
https://www.facebook.com/ladybugscabin/

April 10

 
  3 pm Alison Stothard https://www.facebook.com/hexadoodlequilts
  7 pm Toni Smith/Quiltoni https://www.facebook.com/Quiltoni/
  8 pm Marija Vujcic, Mara Quilt Designs https://www.facebook.com/MaraQuiltDesigns/
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Patterns Designed For Accuquilt

Storm at Sea Life Medley Quilt

Over the years, we have created a number of patterns for Accuquilt. I thought it would be fun to share them all in a post. They are all available on their website as a free download. The patterns on their website may be found here: https://www.accuquilt.com/patterns.html

The first pattern that we created for Accuquilt was Hexagon Illusions and it was made by cutting larger hexagons from an ombre fabric and then cutting smaller hexagons from the same section of the fabric and rotating them 180 degrees and appliquéing them onto the larger hexagons.

Hexagon Illusions
Hexagon Illusions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elephant Cuddles was the next pattern and it was made from Minky.

Elephant Cuddles
Elephant Cuddles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Northwoods Medley Placemats are created with a reverse appliqué technique.

Holiday Northwoods Medley Placemats
Holiday Northwoods Medley Placemats

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lilac Table Topper uses the die that cuts perfect 1″ finished squares.

Lilac Table Topper
Lilac Table Topper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Frolic Table Runner was made with beautiful Jinny Beyers Denim fabric from RJR Fabrics.

Fall Frolic Table Runner
Fall Frolic Table Runner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleapatra’s Garden Gate featured the Cleapatra’s Fan die.

Cleopatra's Garden Gate
Cleopatra’s Garden Gate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever heard of crumb quilting? That was the technique used in Spring Medley Mug Rugs. You sew small scraps of fabric together and then apply fusible webbing before cutting out the appliqué shapes on the die. Accuquilt also supplies the embroidery files as a free download on their website.

Spring Medley Mug Rugs
Spring Medley Mug Rugs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun at Sea Life Medley is a great quilt pattern for showcasing your appliqué shapes.

Fun at Sea Life Medley Quilt
Fun at Sea Life Medley Quilt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With that same die, we also created Storm at Sea Life Medley.

Storm at Sea Life Medley Quilt
Storm at Sea Life Medley Quilt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antique Americana was made using the very versatile Hattie’s Choice die. This patriotic quilt is perfect for the 4th of July, Veteran’s Day or a Quilt of Valor.

Antique Americana
Antique Americana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A perfect quilt for a hot summer day would be Orange Cream Soda. It features the Studio Setting Triangles dies.

Orange Cream Soda
Orange Cream Soda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A modern take on the Glorified Nine Patch block resulted in Sherbet Dreams.

Sherbet Dreams
Sherbet Dreams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall is Coming is a great quilt for fall which uses Kimberly Einmo’s Solidish Fabrics from Timeless Treasures Fabrics.

Fall is Coming
Fall is Coming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love Letters also used Kimberly Einmo’s Solidish Fabrics from Timeless Treasures Fabrics. This would be a great Valentines quilt.

Love Letters
Love Letters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the mood to create something scary? Then you might want to make the Boo! Halloween Medley Table Runner.

Boo Halloween Table Runner
Boo! Halloween Table Runner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahoy Mate and Let’s Go Sailing were created using the GO! Nautical Medley die and is the perfect pattern and die for all of you water lovers.

Ahoy Mate Table Runner
Ahoy Mate Table Runner

 

Let's Go Sailing
Let’s Go Sailing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Retro Twist Wall Hanging was made with the Starry Path die. This is the perfect wall hanging for your mid century modern home.

Retro Twist Wall Hanging
Retro Twist Wall Hanging

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Go! Yuletide Gnome Wall Hanging is a great decoration to make for the holidays. Who doesn’t love a little gnome?

 

Gnome
Yuletide Gnome Wall Hanging
Yuletide Gnome Wall Hanging

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your kids will love the Deco Dino Table Runner.

Deco Dino Table Runner
Deco Dino Table Runner

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for more fun and inspiring designs we create for Accuquilt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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New Patterns Aplenty

It has been a busy summer at Blue Bear Quilts. We taught our Pixie Party Quilt and Quilt in a Day’s Autumn Leaves table runner, in August, at Affinity For Quilts in White Bear Lake Minnesota. Everyone had a great time and some beautiful quilts are in the making.

Pixie Party Class
Pixie Party Class
Autumn Leaves Table Runner
Autumn Leaves Table Runner

While we were in Minnesota, we ran into the editors from one of our favorite magazines. Quilt Folk. They were kind enough to pose for a photo. If you have not discovered this magazine, you need to. It has gorgeous pictures of quilts on premium matte paper and really interesting articles about everything Quilt Folk might be involved in. We also went to the Great Minnesota Stae Fair and I had to have photo with my favorite lumberjack, Paul Bunyan.

Quilt Folk magazine
Quilt Folk magazine
Paul Bunyan
Paul Bunyan

 

We had a couple more of our quilt designs show up in magazines. Canoe Junction made the cover of the September/ October issue of Love of Quilting magazine. It uses Flower Garden Gatherings Fabrics from Moda. Winter Visitor is featured in the November/ December issue of McCall’s Quilting magazine. It uses the Cardinal Woods flannel collection from Northcott Fabrics.

Canoe Junction
Canoe Junction
Canoe Junction in Love of Quilting
Canoe Junction in Love of Quilting
Winter Visitor
Winter Visitor

 

Speaking of lumberjacks, don’t forget about our Quilt Cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage June 6-13, 2020 aboard the Holland America Eurodam. We will be making the beautiful Northern Star Garden Quilt, a pattern that was designed exclusively for this cruise. It involves shapes that have been precut for you with Accuquilt, a no tear-out the paper, paper pieced center star and Hawaiian (should be called Alaskan) appliqué snowflakes in the border. A different technique for each day were are quilting, while the ship is at sea. When the ship is at sea, it is up to you as to how much time you want to spend sewing. When the ship is in port, you will be able to go into the the ports of Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and Victoria, BC with your family and friends. This is a trip of a lifetime to one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The trip is over half full, so don’t miss out and sign up today. Here is the link if you are interested in joining us on this cruise. https://quiltretreatatsea.com/quiltinginthewild/

Quilt Cruise to Alaska
Quilt Cruise to Alaska
Alaskan beauty in fabric
Alaskan beauty in fabric
Northern Star Garden
Northern Star Garden

We have created some wonderful free patterns for Accuquilt, which we hope you will enjoy making. They all were designed with Timeless Treasures Fabrics. Speaking of which, we have several new patterns, which will be making their debut at Fall Quilt Market for Timeless Treasures Fabrics. More to come on these patterns at a later date. A couple of them do involve panels, however. The first Accuquilt pattern is Antique Americana, which involves the use of the Hattie’s Choice die. Here is the link for the pattern.   https://www.accuquilt.com/go-antique-americana-throw-quilt-pattern.html  Then, we have Orange Cream Soda which involved the use of the Studio 6″ setting triangles. Here is the link for that pattern.   https://www.accuquilt.com/studio-orange-cream-soda-throw-quilt-pattern.html  Sherbet Dreams involves the use of the Glorified Nine Patch die. Here is the link. https://www.accuquilt.com/go-sherbet-dreams-throw-quilt-pattern.html   Love Letters uses the Studio 8″ setting triangles. Here is the link for Love Letters. https://www.accuquilt.com/studio-love-letters-throw-quilt-pattern.html And finally,  Fall is Coming, which uses the Studio 8″ setting triangles. The link to Fall is Coming.  https://www.accuquilt.com/studio-fall-is-coming-throw-quilt-pattern.html

 

Antique Americana
Antique Americana
Orange Cream Soda
Orange Cream Soda
Sherbet Dreams
Sherbet Dreams
Love Letters
Love Letters

 

 

Fall is Coming
Fall is Coming

Last, but certainly not least, we have two new patterns making their debut with QT Fabrics at Quilt Market, In Houston, October 2019. They are Fit For a King, which utilizes the Accuquilt Hattie’s Choice die and Kings and Queens. You will be able to purchase these patterns from QT Fabrics, if you are a quilt shop and also from our website, very soon. Fit for a King uses QT Fabrics basic lines, Quilting Illusions and Color Blends. Kings and Queens uses a fat quarter bundle from QT Fabrics Illuminations collection, which will be arriving in shops around April 2020. Kings and Queens pattern is perfect for those fat quarter bundles you would love to turn into a beautiful quilt.

Fit For a King
Fit For a King
Kings and Queens
Kings and Queens

Well, that’s it for now. Happy Quilting till we come back and share more of what’s happening at Blue Bear Quilts.

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Magazine Quilts Galore

Mother's Garden Quilt

Before we get to the magazine quilts, I have to tell you about an exciting discovery that I found. I was perusing the WWW.Accuquilt.com website and i did a search for embroidery patterns. What I discovered was that they have added many new free embroidery downloads for their older dies. We have two patterns that utilize Accuquilt appliqué shapes and now you can download the embroidery files for free, which will make doing the appliqué on these quilts so much easier. This is so exciting! They now have embroidery files for GO! Baby Baby, which has the bear and a duck and GO! Lullaby, which contains the sheep. Here is what they look like all stitched out in the satin stitch. The embroidery files also contain the blanket stitch and a motif stitch.

emb. sheep satin stitch
emb. sheep satin stitch
emb. bear satin stitch
emb. bear satin stitch

Here are the two Blue Bear Quilt patterns that use these Accuquilt dies: Dancing with Bears and Where R Ewe?, which are available on our website.

Dancing Bears Quilt Pattern
Dancing Bears Quilt Pattern
Where R Ewe Quilt Pattern
Where R Ewe Quilt Pattern

We have had several of our quilts appear in magazines recently. The first was Grandmother’s Garden, made with McKenna Ryan’s batiks in her Seed to Blossom line for Hoffman. This quilt appeared in the May/June 2019 issue of Love of Quilting magazine. The beautiful quilting was done at the Florida Quilting Center and I have included a close up photo of the quilting.

May/June 2019 Love of Quilting
May/June 2019 Love of Quilting
Mother's Garden Quilt
Mother’s Garden Quilt
quilting on Mother's Garden
quilting on Mother’s Garden

The next quilt was Addie’s Garden, named after my great niece, appearing in the July/August 2019 issue of McCall’s Quilting magazine. It was made with gorgeous fabrics from the QT Fabrics Adeline line.

Addie's Garden
Addie’s Garden. July/August issue of McCall’s Quilting magazine

The third quilt was called Grandmother’s Garden, appearing in the July/ August 2019 issue of Love of Quilting. It featured fabric from Moda’s Morris Garden line.

Grandmother's Garden
Grandmother’s Garden. July/August issue of Love of Quilting

We have been very busy creating new quilt designs for Accuquilt and these patterns are available as free downloads on their website. They have a die for making the Cleopatra’s Fan and our quilt pattern is called Cleo’s Garden Gate.

Cleo's Garden Gate
Cleo’s Garden Gate

We also created cute mug rug rugs called Spring Medley Mug Rugs.

Spring Medley Mug Rugs
Spring Medley Mug Rugs

Finally, for Accuquilt, we created the packaging pattern for their Sea Life Medley die. The pattern included on the package is Fun at Sea Life Medley. We created a second pattern for that die called Storm at Sea Life Medley.

Fun at Sea Life Medley Quilt
Fun at Sea Life Medley Quilt
Storm at Sea Life Medley Quilt
Storm at Sea Life Medley Quilt

We have some beautiful wooden and acrylic seam rippers for sale on our website. These were created by the husband of one of our students and they are a delight to look at and hold. They take the drudgery out of ripping.

Wooden Seam Rippers
Wooden Seam Rippers
Acrylic Seam Rippers
Acrylic Seam Rippers

One last thing, we are leading a quilting cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage on June 6-13, 2020. It is aboard the Holland America Eurodam and departs and returns to that great city in the Pacific Northwest of Seattle. There are quilt shops in every port and we quilt while the ship is at sea so you don’t miss out on any of the fun in the ports. Our sponsor for the cruise is Happy Apple Quilts. Their website is located at www.happyapplequilts.com Please mention that they referred you when registering. The project that we will be working on is called Northern Star Garden. It will involve 3 different techniques: piecing with Accuquilt cut shapes, no fear paper piecing and Hawaiian appliqué. Janome sewing machines and kits will be provided with fantastic fabrics from QT Fabrics.

Alaska Quilt Cruise June 6-13, 2020
Alaska Quilt Cruise June 6-13, 2020
Quilt Cruise project- Northern Star Garden
Quilt Cruise project- Northern Star Garden
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Happy Holidays!

We have lots of news to share with you. We were the runner up in the Accuquilt Block Design Contest this year with our Sea Glass block. Here are pictures of the block that won this year, me saying goodbye to last year’s winning block and a pic of where my block will be displayed in the Accuquilt headquarters for the next year. Going to Nebraska for the unveiling event is always a good time and a great opportunity to explore the midwest. I met Kaye England, who brought a trunk show, and she was fabulous. I wrote a guest blog article about my trip on the QT Fabrics blog and here is a link to that article so that you can read all about my trip. https://qtfabrics.blog/2018/09/26/guest-reed-johnson-of-blue-bear-quilts/   While there, we saw the most amazing statue, called Dignity.

Sea Glass
Sea Glass
Goodbye Purple Rose
Goodbye Purple Rose
Sea Glass Block displayed
Sea Glass Block displayed
Dignity Statue
Dignity Statue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We designed several new patterns for Accuquilt, which are available as free downloads from their website. They are Lilac Table Topper and Fall Frolic Table Runner. We will have two new ones coming out soon called Spring Medley Mug Rugs and Cleopatra’s Garden Gate.

Lilac Table Topper
Lilac Table Topper
Fall Frolic Table Runner
Fall Frolic Table Runner

 

We designed four quilt patterns using QT Fabrics fabric. Two of the quilts, Seahorses in the Reeds and Pixie Party, were featured in the QT Fabric’s booth at Quilt Market 2018 in Houston. The other two are called Kaleidoscope, and Rhythm of the Stars. All patterns are sold through QT Fabrics and should be available at your local quilt shop soon. We will have them for sale on our website soon as well.

QT Fabrics Patterns
QT Fabrics Patterns
Quilts at Quilt Market 2018
Quilts at Quilt Market 2018
Seahorses in the Reeds
Seahorses in the Reeds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pixie Party
Pixie Party

We taught several fun classes this fall and several of my favorites were the Triaxial Weave Pillow, the Snapshots quilt and the Jinny Beyer Sew Along Mystery Quilt. When Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably were giving their workshops at Happy Apple Quilts, I was able to be their assistant for a day and had a blast.

Student's Triaxial Weave pillow
Student’s Triaxial Weave pillow
Snapshots Quilt class
Snapshots Quilt class
Jinny Beyer Mystery Quilt almost finished
Jinny Beyer Mystery Quilt almost finished
Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably
Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably

 

 

Several of our quilts are about to have their patterns published in the May/ June and July/ August issues of Love of Quilting and the July/ August issue of McCall’s Quilting magazine. I can’t show you the quilts yet, but here is a pic of a block from Momma’s Garden, which is in the May/June issue of Love of Quilting. This quilt uses a new line of batiks from McKenna Ryan called “Seed to Blossom” from Hoffman Fabrics. I love her fabric designs.

Momma's Garden block
Momma’s Garden block

 

 

Quilt Cruise to Alaska
Quilt Cruise to Alaska

We will be hosting a quilting cruise in 2020 going to the Inside Passage of Alaska, where there will be quilt shops at every port. The cruise will depart Seattle on June 6, 2020. So if you have ever wanted to quilt while on a cruise, or travel to Alaska, or do both at the same time, this is the cruise for you. We will have lots of fun. Start saving now. Stay tune for details on how to sign up and what the quilting project will be for the cruise. It is not on their website yet, but in the meantime, if you can’t wait, the travel company is call Quilt Retreat at Sea and their number is 210-858-6399. Call Michelle and tell her that you would like to sign up for this cruise.

 

Whew! That was a lot of information! Thanks for reading to the bottom. We wish you a very Happy Holiday season and look forward to sharing many exciting adventures with you in 2019. Happy New Year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Busy Summer

Kaleidoscope Quilt

It has been a very busy summer, designing new quilt patterns, teaching classes, attending a Niece’s wedding, designing quilt patterns for magazine submissions and entering a contest.

We entered the Accuquilt Block Design contest again this year. They should be announcing the winners very soon. Here are a few of the blocks that I entered this year. Thank you to everyone that voted for my blocks. I appreciate it very much!

X Marks the Spot
X Marks the Spot
Snow Cones
Snow Cones
Sea Glass
Sea Glass
Blue Diamond
Blue Diamond
Big Star Grid.
Big Star Grid.

 

Before attending a wedding, we went to a family farm, in Northern Minnesota, and I was able to walk across the Mississippi River, in Itasca State Park. This is where the great river originates and it is very narrow and shallow, enabling you to walk across. I would not try that in New Orleans where it is deep and wide. I also saw amazing sunflower fields and llamas.

Reed at start of Mississippi
Reed at start of Mississippi
Crossing Mississippi
Crossing Mississippi
Llamas
Llamas
Sunflower Field
Sunflower Field

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Niece got married this August in Stillwater, Minnesota. It was beautiful wedding at a flower farm and the rehearsal dinner was on a riverboat.  I also went to the Como Park Conservatory, which has amazing floral displays.

Niece and husband
Niece and husband
Stillwater Riverboat
Stillwater Riverboat
Lights at Wedding
Lights at Wedding
Wedding Bouquet
Wedding Bouquet
Hot Air Balloon
Hot Air Balloon
Como Park Conservatory
Como Park Conservatory
Very large hibiscus
Very large hibiscus

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butterfly at flower farm
Butterfly at flower farm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I taught a Quilt-in-a-Day class on Kylee’s Kite at Bear Patch Quilting Company in White Bear Lake Minnesota. Everyone had a great time. Several students brought in their completed tops from this year and last year.

Kylee’s Kite
Kylee's Kite class
Kylee’s Kite class
Student's Kylee's Kite
Student’s Kylee’s Kite
Student's Bear in My Watermelon Patch
Student’s Bear in My Watermelon Patch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can’t reveal the quilt designs for the magazines yet, or several new patterns I developed with QT Fabrics. However, I can show you the Northwoods Holiday Medley Placemats that were designed for Accuquilt and the pattern is available as a free download on their website https://www.accuquilt.com/go-northwoods-medley-holiday-placemats.html 

Northwoods Holiday Medley Placemats
Northwoods Holiday Medley Placemats

I can also show you our latest pattern, Kaleidoscope, that was designed with QT Fabrics. This pattern is available on our website, Craftsy, and coming to a quilt shop near you soon.

Kaleidoscope Quilt
Kaleidoscope Quilt

It is going to be a busy fall writing patterns and making a sample quilt for QT Fabrics that will be displayed at quilt market this November, utilizing a new line of fabrics for them.

 

Also, Blue Bear will be teaching on a cruise in 2020. We are very excited about this and hope to be able to provide you with details soon. When it is this far out, it will give you lots of time to plan and save for a quilting cruise. We are so excited to have the opportunity to quilt and cruise with you! Stay tuned.

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Secret Sewing Projects

In the Jungle Quilt

At Blue Bear Quilts, we have been very busy getting ready for the summer 2018 classes. We also have been working on some secret sewing projects for Accuquilt that we can’t wait to share with you. We also have been designing patterns with QT Fabrics. Hopefully, we will be able to share these projects with you very soon.

Triaxial Weave Pillow
Triaxial Weave Pillow

 

Here are some of the exciting classes that we have coming up this summer. We will be offering a Triaxial Weave Pillow at Keep Me in Stitches on May 22& 29 in Tampa and July 12 & 19 in Largo. This is a weaving project that has little sewing and offers many creative ideas to incorporate into your sewing projects like garments, bags, and quilts.

 

 

We have an exciting Electric Quilt 8/ Accuquilt Event coming up at Keep Me in Stitches on May 25 & 26 in Tampa, and June 22 &23 in Largo. In this two-day event, you will learn the basic functions of EQ8 and learn how to create the “In the Jungle” quilt in EQ8 incorporating Accuquilt die shapes. The second day, we will cut out the quilt pieces using an Accuquilt cutter and die and sew the quilt together.

In the Jungle Quilt
In the Jungle Quilt

Finally, at Keep Me in Stitches, we have an Accuquilt party called “Patriotic Windings Ways,” perfect for the 4th of July, on June 8 & 9, in Largo, and June 15 & 16 in Tampa;  a 3D Pinwheel Serger Blanket for the Baby Lock Serger Club, and the Bright Hope Quilt, in Tampa,  on June 7 & 14th, and, in Largo, on August 20 & 27th.

Patriotic Winding Ways
3D Pinwheel Serger Blanket
Bright Hope Quilt

At Happy Apple Quilts, We are offering “Hawaiian Stars” on May 31st and “Box of Chocolate Covered Cherries” on June 28th.

Hawaiian Stars Quilt
Box Chocolate Covered Cherries

 

Country Quilts and Bears in Clearwater will have two offerings this summer. The first is our Accuquilt block contest fan favorite, “Not Your Grandmother’s Flower Garden”  on May 23 & 30 and then “Water Wheel,” on July 14th, A Quilt in a Day Pattern.

Water Wheel

At Bear Patch Quilting Company in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on August 8th, we will be teaching a Quilt in a Day pattern called “Kylee’s Kite,” which we have put a modern spin on it with black and white fabrics and lots of geometric quilting.

Kylee’s Kite

 

Finally here are some photos from classes that we held this last session: Zippered serger pouch, Wonky Heart Pillow, Hawaiian Stars, and Snapshots Quilt.

Hawaiian Stars Class
Snapshot Quilt
Snapshot Quilt
Snapshot Quilt
Snapshot Quilt
Wonky Heart Class
Barbie Snapshot Block

Serger Zipper Pouch

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Happy 2018!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Bear wishes everyone a Happy New Year! It’s going to be an exciting new year, with new looks and exciting new patterns.

Blue Bear
Blue Bear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here I am in a catoonish image with my new look. Going for a more artsy.

 

Here are two of Blue Bear’s latest patterns. They are sure to warm up any home during this cold and brutal winter.

Pineapple Welcome Quilt
Pineapple Welcome Quilt
Bright Hope Quilt Pattern
Bright Hope Quilt Pattern