Posted on December 7, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania-Toy Truck- Complimentary Block Pattern for December 2021

Happy Holidays! Quilt Block Mania is celebrating all things toys for December. You are sure to find something you will love in this moth’s choice of blocks. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of December, Toy Truck. is most likely to delight someone in your life. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month. The designers thank you for your support, through your purchases, which allows us to offer these complimentary block patterns each month.

In December, we are offering 20% off two digital download patterns that are panel quilts and will allow you to make some quick gifts. They are Cowboy Claus Quilt and Moonlit Garden Quilt. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Quilt Block Mania has 20 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- Toys. Here are the theme colors for this month.

This is theToy Truck block. In the pattern, I have provided the templates so that you can fill the truck with a tree, packages or flowers.

This block features a white background with a red truck filled with a Christmas tree, packages or flowers.

Here is a photo of the Toy Truck block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash.

The Toy Truck block makes a festive 46″ x 20″ table runner with 3 Toy Truck blocks and a 1″ finished gray inner border and a 3″ finished white outer border and red binding. You also can turn the block into a 16″ pillow cover to brighten up your home. We have a pattern called Wonky Hearts Pillow, in our shop, if you would like a pattern for making the pillow cover.

How to get the block

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Toy Truck block for December, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.

Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of December 2021.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on December 7th which gave you the coupon code.

Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways. We will be having one soon to celebrate over 1000 email subscribers. In the January 2022 issue of American Quilter, our Coco Chic table runner is in the magazine and I am so honored to have it be featured on the cover. We also have a big announcement coming up in January regarding a new relationship with a fabric company. Please follow us on social media so you don’t miss a thing.

Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.

We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.

You can click on the links to the other blocks here.

Puzzle Cube Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Swirlybirds by Scrapdash
Rocking Horse by Appliques Quilts and More
Old-fashioned toy by Blockofthemo.com
Wooden Toy Blocks by Penny Spool Quilts
Xylophone by QuiltFabrication
Stacked Rings at Patti’s Patchwork
Toy Truck at Blue Bear Quilts
Bullseye at Pretty Piney Quilts
Toy Plane by Mom and Me Quilting Co
Nutcracker by Inquiring Quilter
Water Colors at Perkins Dry Goods
How to Theread a Book by Craft Towards Joy
Sling Shot by Faith and Fabric
Candyland at EvaPaige Quilt Designs
Shape Sorter Block at Patchwork Breeze
Colorku at Love to Color My World
Toy Wagon by Cristy Fincher
Baboushka dolls by Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Baseball by Masterpiece Quilting

Posted on November 2, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania-Santa Fe Peppers- Complimentary Block Pattern for November 2021

Quilt Block Mania is naturally all about food for November. I hope you don’t get too hungry looking at this month’s delicious blocks. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of November, Santa Fe Peppers, reveals the wide array of colors that peppers are available in. This block is sure to spice up any quilting project. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month.

In November, we are offering 20% off two digital download patterns that are unique table runners to help you get your tables ready for holiday entertaining. They are Color Play Table Runner and Periwinkle Prisms Table Runner. Either of these table runner patterns are sure to brighten up your tables for the holidays. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Quilt Block Mania has 16 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- food. Here are the theme colors for this month.

This is the Santa Fe Peppers block. Did you know that New Mexico is the Chile Capitol of the world? You can use this block on its own or combine it with other blocks from this month for a delicious food themed quilt.

This block features a dark green background with peppers in shades of yellow, orange and red.

Here is a photo of the Santa Fe Peppers block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash.

The Santa Fe Peppers block makes a fun 56 x 20″ table runner with 4 Santa Fe Peppers blocks and a 1″ finished light green inner border and a 3″ dark green outer border. The block also makes a striking table runner if you substitute white for the background. You also can turn the block into a 16″ pillow cover to brighten up your home. We have a pattern called Wonky Hearts Pillow, in our shop, if you would like a pattern for making the pillow cover.

This block also makes a beautiful 47 x 47″ lap quilt when you combine 16 blocks, using a light green background and dark green stems, and add 1″ finished dark green sashing, 1″ finished light green cornerstones, 1″ finished dark green inner border and a 3″ finished light green outer border.

Finally, switching to a white background and mixing up the colors of the stems, the block could make another great 47″ square quilt like the one above. The pattern shows you other potential layouts for this block.

How to get the block

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Santa Fe Peppers block for November, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.

Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of November 2021.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on November 2d which gave you the coupon code.

Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways.

Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.

We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.

You can click on the links to the other blocks here.

Hot Dog Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Corn off the Cob Quilt Block at Scrapdash
Pumpkin Pie by Appliques Quilts and More
Ice Cream Cones by QuiltFabrication
Citrus Wedges by Patti’s Patchwork
Peppers at Blue Bear Quilts
Pineapple at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Strawberry by Mom and Me Quilting Co.
Home for the Holidays by Inquiring Quilter
Red Delicious at Perkins Dry Goods
Pumpkin Quilt Block
Little Lemons by Love Sew Modern
Sew the Carrots Go Round Block at Patchwork Breeze
Cake Quilt Block at Masterpiece Quilting
Avocado at EvaPaige Quilt Designs

Posted on October 5, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania-Fall Prism- Complimentary Block Pattern for October 2021

Quilt Block Mania is blinded by science this October and you will be able to make a fun science themed quilt this month. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of October, Fall Prism, shows you the science of light and color in a fall perspective. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month.

In October, we are offering 20% off three digital download patterns with a spectrum of color to help you with your holiday gifts. They are Marble Merger, Celebrity Squares and Cowboy Claus. Isn’t it time to brighten up your world? The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Quilt Block Mania has 12 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- science. Here are the theme colors for this month.

This is the Fall Prism block. You can use this block on its own or combine it with other blocks from this month for a science themed quilt.

This block features shades of green and brown filtering through a light tan prism.

Here is a photo of the Fall Prism block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash.

The Fall Prism block makes a fun 56 x 20″ table runner with 4 Fall Prism blocks and a 1″ finished dark green inner border and a 3″ medium green outer border.

This block also makes a beautiful 56 x 56″ lap quilt when you combine 16 blocks and add 1″ finished medium green and 3″ finished dark green borders. The pattern shows you other potential layouts for this block, and the Alternate block, which is made at the same time.

Finally, switching to a rainbow of colors, the block could make a great 56″ square quilt when you combine 16 Fall Prism blocks and add 1″ finished light gray and 3″ finished black borders.

How to get the block

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Fall Prism block for October, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.

Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of October 2021.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on October 5th which gave you the coupon code.

Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways, like last month where we gave away a fat quarter bundle of QT Fabrics Origins line. The winner was @arbandwife.

Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.

We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.

You can click on the links to the other blocks here.

Rocket Ship Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Using Fibonacci in Quilts at Scrapdash
Microscope & Test Tubes by Appliques Quilts and More
Test Tubes FPP Block at Penny Spool Quilts
Benzene Ring from QuiltFabrication
Erlenmeyer flask at Patti’s Patchwork
Fall Prism at Blue Bear Quilts
Atomic at Pretty Piney Quilts
Test Tubes by Mom and Me Quilting Co
Discovery by Inquiring Quilter
Molecules at Perkins Dry Goods
Gravity at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting

Posted on September 7, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania-Pinwheel Pizzazz- Complimentary Block Pattern for September 2021

Quilt Block Mania is having a twist on traditional blocks for the month of September and there are so many unique blocks for you to be able to create a special project with your own twist. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of September, Pinwheel Pizzazz, is having a twist with the pinwheel block.

In September, we are offering 20% off two digital download patterns that are brightly colored. They are Ring Bling and Scarborough Fair. Isn’t it time to brighten up your world? The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Testers and Checkers wanted!

Blue Bear is still looking for some additional quilt pattern testers and checkers. Testers and checkers receive a preliminary pattern before it is released. Testers actually make the quilt out of their stash and let the designer know if there were any issues with the pattern. Checkers also receive a preliminary copy of a new pattern before it is released. They review the pattern for any errors or things that may be confusing. Both are volunteer activities. An email is sent out telling you about the upcoming pattern and you can then let us know that you are interested in participating. Testers and checkers receive a digital download version of the final pattern; get photos of their work shared on Blue Bear’s social media; receive a free digital download pattern from our web store and occasionally other goodies like fabric. If you are interested in participating in our tester/ checker program, please send me an email at reed@bluebearquilts.com

This Moonlit Garden panel quilt, made with Lantern Song fabric from QT Fabrics, is a recent pattern that was tested and will be showing up at quilt shops near you soon.

Here are some of the awesome items the testers made from the pattern. They couldn’t make the entire quilt as the fabric was not available. I appreciate so much all of the wonderful work that the Blue Bear Quilts pattern tester/checkers do. I am so grateful for all your time and effort. I love the runner that Gail made and how nice it looks on her table.

I love all the bright colors that Jogi put into her runner.

Randi’s table runner, if you look closely, has sashiko stitches on the lanterns and bird embroidery in the center of the knots. Well done everyone!

We are participating in another year long sew along and this time it is called Sew Much Fun. Many quilt designers will be proving a sewing themed 6″ block every Sunday stating on August 1st. So you can get in on this one right from the beginning. Here is where you go to get the blocks: www.blockofthemo.com Our block won’t be for a while, but I know that you will enjoy participating in this sew along.

Sew Much Fun Tour

Quilt Block Mania has 17 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- traditional with a twist. Here are the theme colors for this month.

This is the Pinwheel Pizzazz block. This is a twist on the traditional pinwheel block with added piecing and fun colors. This block is sure to add a twist and some fun to any project you make with it.

This block features a lime background square with pink accents and a blue and dark purple pinwheel dancing on the top.

Here is a photo of the Pinwheel Pizzazz block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash.

The Pinwheel Pizzazz block makes a fun 56 x 20″ table runner with 4 blocks and a 1″ finished lime inner border and a 3″ dark purple outer border.

This block also makes a beautiful 46 x 70″ lap quilt when you combine 15 blocks and add 1″ finished lime and 4″ finished dark pink borders.

Finally, the block makes a great 32″ square baby quilt when you combine 4 blocks and add 1″ finished lime and 3″ finished dark purple borders.

How to get the block

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Pinwheel Pizzazz block for September, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.

Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of September 2021.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on September 7th which gave you the coupon code.

Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways, like this month where we are giving away a fat quarter bundle of QT Fabrics Origins line.

Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) where we are making videos of how to make our Ring Bling Quilt with this fabric.

We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.

September - Traditional with a Twist — September – Traditional with a Twist

You can click on the links to the other blocks here.

Starry Steps Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Log Cabin with a Twist by Appliques Quilts and More
Faux Log Cabin by PhoebeMoon Designs
Twisted Irish Chain by Inquiring Quilter
Pinwheel Pizzazz at Blue Bear Quilts
Rail Fence Roundabout at Perkins Dry Goods
Twirling Star by Mom and Me Quilting Co
Neon Churn Dash by Pretty Piney Quilts
Pinwheel Twist by QuiltFabrication
Quilt Block Exhibit
String of Stars by Orange Blossom Quilt Design Studio
log cabin twist by Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Twisted Log Cabin at Penny Spool Quilts
Wonky Star by Patti’s Patchwork
Modern Churn Dash at The Quilting Room with Mel
Wonky Log Cabin by Love to Color My World
Shoo Two by Oh Kaye Quilting

Posted on August 3, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania-Picnic Bouquet- Complimentary Block Pattern for August

Quilt Block Mania is having a BBQ or Picnic for the month of August and there are so many fun blocks for you to be able to create that special summer quilt. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of August, Picnic Bouquet, may be incorporated with some of the other blocks, or used as a stand alone project.

In August, we are offering 20% off two digital download patterns that have that summery feel to them. They are There’s a Bear in My Watermelon Patch and THere’s a Bear in My Watermelon Patch 2. I hope a bear won’t crash your Picnic when using these beautiful summer quilts. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

There's a Bear 2 Quilt cover — There’s a Bear 2 Quilt cover

Testers and Checkers wanted!

Sew Much Fun Tour

Quilt Block Mania has 15 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- Picnic/BBQ. Here are the theme colors for this month.

This is the Picnic Bouquet block. When you are going on a fancy, or romantic, picnic, it is an absolute must to have a bouquet of beautiful flowers. Maybe if you don’t want to bring any real flowers, this beautiful bouquet in a quilt will suffice.

This block features red and orange flowers with green stems on a charcoal background with a light tan frame. This is a traditional block sewn with a modern method of stitch and flip for the flying geese units.

Here is a photo of the Picnic Bouquet block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash.

The Picnic Bouquet block makes an awesome table runner. You could also make cool placemats to go with the table runner.

This block also makes a beautiful quilt when you combine 16 blocks and add 1″ finished tan and charcoal borders. The cool thing about this block is that it creates it’s own sashing which makes sewing the blocks together so easy as there are no seams.

How to get the block

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Picnic Bouquet block for August, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.

Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of August 2021.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on August 3rd which gave you the coupon code.

Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways.

Also, please check out our You Tube Channel (Blue Bear Quilts). We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.

Picnic Theme - August — Picnic Theme – August

You can click on the links to the other blocks here.

Hamburger Block at Always Expect Moore
Popsicle Picnic at Slice of Pi Quilts
Picnic in the Park
Let’s Fly a Kite at PhoebeMoon Designs
Picnic by Inquiring Quilter
Picnic Bouquet by Blue Bear Quilts
Kebabs at Patti’s Patchwork
BeeHive by Mom and Me Quilting Co.
Picnic Basket at The Quilting Room with Mel
Watermelon Wedge from QuiltFabrication
Labor Day Picnic
I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing
Picnic Fun at Perkins Dry Goods
“Cheers!” at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Lemonade FPP Block at Penny Spool Quilts

Posted on July 6, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania-Treasure Chest Star- Complimentary Block Pattern for July

Quilt Block Mania is traveling for the month of July and there are so many wonderful blocks for you to be able to commemorate a special trip. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of July, Treasure Chest Star, may be incorporated with some of the other blocks, or as a stand alone project.

In July, we are offering 20% off two digital download patterns that are patriotic. They are Patriotic Polka and Sparkles on Liberty Square. These quilts are great for summer nights and those patriotic summer holidays. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Sparklers Cover — Sparklers Quilt Pattern

Testers and Checkers wanted!

Blue Bear is looking for some additional quilt pattern testers and checkers. Testers and checkers receive a preliminary pattern before it is released. Testers actually make the quilt out of their stash and let the designer know if there were any issues with the pattern. Checkers also receive a preliminary copy of a new pattern before it is released. They review the pattern for any errors or things that may be confusing. Both are volunteer activities. An email is sent out telling you about the upcoming pattern and you can then let us know that you are interested in participating. Testers and checkers receive a digital download version of the final pattern; get photos of their work shared on Blue Bear’s social media; receive a free digital download pattern from our web store and occasionally other goodies like fabric. If you are interested in participating in our tester/ checker program, please send me an email at reed@bluebearquilts.com

Quilt Block Mania has 18 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- Travel. Here are the theme colors for this month.

This is the Treasure Chest Star block. Many tears ago, travelers used stars to navigate their way and often they were in search of treasure. Perhaps this block will set you on some travels of your own in search of treasure.

This block features a gray star emanating from a treasure chest in Celery green, hunter green, sky blue, black and tan. This is a traditional block sewn with a more modern method of strip tubes.

Here is a photo of the Treasure Chest Star block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash.

The Treasure Chest block makes an awesome table runner. You could also make cool placemats to go with the table runner.

This block also makes a beautiful quilt when you combine 16 blocks and add a 2″ finished black border. The quilt appears to create an optical illusion of the blocks moving as your eyes dance all over the quilt.

How to get the block

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Treasure Chest Star block for July, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this free pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.

Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of July 2021.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on July 6th which gave you the coupon code.

Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways.

You can click on the links to the other blocks here.

Bridge Quilt block by Carolina Moore
Lucky is on the road again at Puppy Girl Designs
Scenic Route by Slice of Pi Quilts
Travel to the Woods by Oh Kaye Quilting
Embark by Inquiring Quilter
Delectable Mountains at PhoebeMoon Designs
Treasure Chest Star by Blue Bear Quilts
Wanderlust by Heidi Pridemore
On the Water by Patti’s Patchwork
Come Sail Away by Mom and Me Quilting Co.
Wish You Were Here at Pretty Piney Quilts
Pack It Up by QuiltFabrication
Me and Bobby McGee at Orange Blossom Quilt Design Studio
Wild Blue Yonder at Perkins Dry Goods
Take a Hike by Devoted Quilter
Into the Blue at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
T-Shirt Fun at The Quilting Room with Mel
Stitch and Flip Mountain Block

Posted on June 23, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

New Timeless Treasures Pattern

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

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.

This is the pattern 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.

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.

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.

Posted on June 20, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Around the Block USA Tour – Arkansas

We are participating in another blog hop. It is Quilting Around the Block USA Tour and we are week 47 – with Arkansas’ complimentary block. If you missed the previous blocks, there is a link below to see all of them on the tour website.

Here are some fun facts about Arkansas.

It’s state gem is the diamond. The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is the only place in the world where you can dig for diamonds and keep them. Over 75,000 diamond have been found there.

The state mineral is quartz and the rock is bauxite, which is used in making aluminum.

The fiddle is the state instrument.

It’s strictly prohibited by law to mispronounce the state name. It’s “Ar-kan-saw.”

Meyer’s Bakery brought the world the gift of brown-and-serve rolls in the 1930’s in Arkansas.

Walmart opened its first store in Rogers in 1962 by Sam Walton.

The Little Rock Nine changed the face of the civil rights movement when they walked into Little Rock Central High School in 1957 after Brown vs. The Board Of Education ruling deemed segregation unconstitutional. Also, Paul McCartney has suggested that the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School was his inspiration for the song “Blackbird.”

Highly-acclaimed author John Grisham was born in Jonesboro and lived throughout Northeast Arkansas before his career took off.

Arkansas-native Hattie Caraway was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate in November 1932.

What started off as a small store in Howard County in 1938 turned into Dillard’s, one of the top department stores in the country.

47 hot springs flow from Hot Springs Mountain, at an average temperature of 143 degrees.

Please go back to our June 1st post to see two quilt patterns that we have for sale during the month of June and also a note in that blog posting where we are looking for additional pattern testers and pattern checkers.

This is an appliqué block representing the Natural State with a silhouette of the state; a sparkling diamond and a shining star. The fabrics used in the pattern cover photo are from the QT Fabrics Rapture basic collection. This block can definitely be made by an advanced beginner. If you think that you can’t do it, all I have to say is if an old retired attorney can do it, you can too!

Here is a photo of the Arkansas block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash.

The design for this block came from the Arkansa state Flag and the fact that it is the only diamond producing state in the USA. The Arkansas state flag is comprised of the colors of red, white and blue. It has 25 stars on it as Arkansas was the 25th state admitted to the union and the stars form a diamond around the word “Arkansas.”

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Arkansas block, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. If you are on a cell phone, you may need to turn your phone horizontal to see the newsletter signup box. If you still can’t see it, here is a link: newsletter signup. The Welcoming letter currently has two coupon codes. One is for the Block Mania block and the other is for the Quilting Around the Block USA Tour. If you think you may be interested in the Block Mania block as well, please visit our June 1st blog post. If you do want both complimentary blocks, please request them in separate transactions as they have different coupon codes. Please be sure to note the correct coupon code. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this free pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.

Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary until the end of July 2021. after that it will be available on our website under digital downloadable patterns.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on June 20th which gave you the coupon code.

Click here get the complimentary block

Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Pinterest & You Tube @bluebearquilts
Please share with family & friends who would like to participate.

Have you been following along the Around the Block US Tour? If you missed any blocks, click here to visit the Tour website to catch up!

Most recent posts:

June 6 –Mississippi

June 13 –Louisiana

Coming up next will be:

June 27 – Kentucky

July 4 – Illinois

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Around the Block USA Tour hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.
Participating Designers

Posted on June 1, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania-World’s Fair- Complimentary Block Pattern for June and other news

Quilt Block Mania is going international for the month of June and there are so many cool blocks for you to be able to make something special on a global scale. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of June, World’s Fair, can get your quilting creativity going to make some beautiful projects.

In June, we are offering 20% off two digital download patterns that we designed for Timeless Treasures Fabric. They are Celebrity Squares and There’s a Bear in My Watermelon Patch 2. These quilts are great for summer nights and perhaps a picnic or two. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Testers and Checkers wanted!

Blue Bear is looking for some additional quilt pattern testers and checkers. Testers and checkers receive a preliminary pattern before it is released. Testers actually make the quilt out of their stash and let the designer know if there were any issues with the pattern. Checkers also receive a preliminary copy of a new pattern before it is released. They review the pattern for any errors or things that may be confusing. Both are volunteer activities. An email is sent out telling you about the upcoming pattern and you can then let us know that you are interested in participating. Testers and checkers receive a digital download version of the final pattern; get photos of their work shared on Blue Bear’s social media; receive a 20% off coupon for digital download items in our web store and occasionally other goodies like fabric. If you are interested in participating in our tester/ checker program, please send me an email at reed@bluebearquilts.com

Collaboration with Redfin.

Before we get to the block this month, we wanted to tell you about a collaboration we recently participated in with the real estate brokerage firm, Redfin. Have you ever wanted to create a quilting studio in your home?

For every quilt maker, having a dedicated space in your home to sew can foster creativity and provide uninterrupted concentration. While having a large space comes in handy, any small area in your home which can accommodate fabric storage, machinery, craft tables, and working space is all you need.

If you are looking to create a quilting room in your home, here are some great tips for you. Redfin reached out to quite a few quilting experts, including myself, to get our best tips on creating the ultimate quilting room. Click here to see what we had to say.

We are published again.

Check out who’s on the cover of McCall’s Quilting magazine for the July/ August 2021 issue. This is our Boom! quilt, so aptly named as it looks like a large exploding firework. We also had our quilt, Camp Camden, featured in Quiltmaker magazine for the July/ August 2021 issue. This quilt was named after a grand nephew.These issues should be on newsstands now.

Quilt Block Mania has 19 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- International. There were no theme colors this month.

We used the fabric from our first fabric line with QT Fabrics called Coco Chic to design this block.

This is the World’s Fair block. It doesn’t get more international than that. I went to the World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN in 1982. It was such an awesome experience. I wish they still had world fairs today.

This block features what appear to be 4 lanterns, in light purple, yellow, orange, and dark purple, encircled by squares on a dotted white background. This is a modern looking traditional block and is representative of the modern exhibits one might see at a world fair.

Here is a photo of the World’s Fair block that has been sewn with fabrics from our very first fabric line with QT Fabrics, which is called Coco Chic. The fabrics were derived from authentic 1920’s fabrics from the QT Fabric’s archieves. This fabric line is currently available in shops that sell QT Fabrics. If your local shop doesn’t have it, or is running low, please ask them to order it for you.

You could turn this block into a pillow. Here it is shown with a 2″ finished black border. Our Wonky Hearts pillow pattern shows you how to turn a 12″ finished block into a pillow cover like the one that is shown here. This pillow is shown as an example of how you could turn this block into a gift or decoration for your home.

World's Fair Pillow — World’s Fair Pillow

World's Fair Table Runner — World’s Fair Table Runner

The World’s Fair block makes an awesome table runner. Wouldn’t this be a nice additional to your table if you were having guests over for a meal of international flair?

This block also makes a beautiful quilt when you combine 16 blocks and add a 1″ finished black border. The quilt appears to create an optical illusion of the blocks moving as your eyes dance all over the quilt.

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our World’s Fair block for June, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this free pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.

Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of June 2021.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on June 1st which gave you the coupon code.

Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways.

We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.

You can click on the links to the other blocks here.

Holland Windmill by Carolina Moore
Dutch Mill Tulips by Perkins Dry Goods
International Airport by The Quilted Diary
Three Amigos by Heidi Pridemore
Making Memories by Blue Heron Quilting
World’s Fair by Blue Bear Quilts
Highlander by Orange Blossom Quilt Design Studio
Love One Another by Faith and Fabric
International Space Station by Duck Creek Mountain quilting
Friends by QuiltFabrication
World Trip by Patti’s Patchwork
Hollyhock Flower by PhoebeMoon Designs
Olympic Rings by Slice of Pi Quilts
All Together Now by Inquiring Quilter
Butterfly Block by Oh Kaye Quilting
Coming Together by Cotton Street Commons
Friends Around the World by Appliques Quilts and More
Greek Cross by Mom and Me Quilting Co
Caracalla by Pretty Piney Quilts
Walking Together
Mystery Quilt: The Kids

Posted on May 4, 2021February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania-Wise Owl- Complimentary Block Pattern for May

It’s time to graduate. Yay! The theme of Quilt Block Mania for May is graduation and there are so many great blocks for you to be able to make something special for your graduate. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of May, Wise Owl, has an adorable owl graduate with the year on it.

During the month of May, we are offering 20% off of our digital download Southwest Flair and Greek Isles Modern patterns. These quilts make great Father’s Day and Graduation gifts. Greek Isles Modern could be done in your graduate’s school colors. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Quilt Block Mania has 19 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme of graduation. Here is a picture of the theme colors.

These colors look very regal for a graduation.

This is the Wise Owl block.

It features a cute plum owl with a black graduation cap and a plum tassel. It also features the current year of 2021 in red. They are placed on an off-white background. This adorable block is a proud tribute to salute your graduate in style.

Here is a photo of the Wise Owl block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash.

You could turn this block into a pillow. Here it is shown with a 2″ finished light gray border. Our Wonky Hearts pillow pattern shows you how to turn a 12″ finished block into a pillow cover like the one that is shown here. This pillow is shown as an example of how you could turn this block into a gift or decoration for your home.

The Wise Owl block makes an awesome table runner, which could be used at graduation parties. I have included all number templates with this pattern, so you can make this block for graduates until the year 9999 and beyond!

I have shown the table runner in a couple of different color schemes using a simple square in a square block on either side. These pictures also show what a quilting design may look like in the alternate plain blocks.

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Wise Owl block for May, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this free pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.

Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of May 2021.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on May 4th which gave you the coupon code.

Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways.

We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.