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 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.

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

Award Ribbon by Carolina Moore
Graduation Day by Sarah Marcina
Super Grad by Heidi Pridemore
Class of 2021
Wise Owl by Blue Bear Quilts
Dear Mr. Vernon . . .
Graduation scroll by Duck Creek mountain Quilting
Grad Cap by QuiltFabrication
Graduating Steps by Patti’s Patchwork
Butterflies are Free by PhoebeMoon Designs
Lucky graduates from Puppy Academy
Party Banner by Slice of Pi Quilts
Success by Inquiring Quilter
Hooray for Me!
Graduation Cap at Oh Kaye Quilting
Up, Up, & Away by Pretty Piney Quilts
I DID IT by Cotton Street Commons
Owl Graduate by Appliques Quilts and More
Shining Star by Color My World

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

Quilt Block Mania-Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up- Complimentary Block Pattern for April

Spring is here! The April showers are going to bring all those beautiful May flowers. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of April, Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up, has got you covered for all that rain.

During the month of April, we are offering 20% off of our digital download Sea Swirls and Contemporary Cadence patterns. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Quilt Block Mania has 24 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme of rain. Here is a picture of the theme colors.

These colors are so soft and gentle like a fresh spring rain.

This is the Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear up block.

It features 8 umbrellas, in shades of green and blue on a light tan background. This adorable block is sure to clear up those gray skies and brighten your day.

Here is a photo of the Gray Skies are Gonna Clear up block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash.

This block also looks fantastic created with rainbow colors and set against a dark background. You could turn this block into a pillow. Here it is shown with a pieced tan and green border. Our Wonky Hearts pillow pattern shows you how to turn a 12″ finished block into a pillow cover, just not as fancy as the one that is shown here, which is just to spur your creative mojo.

The Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up, in the rainbow colors makes an awesome spring table runner. The rainbow version also creates a colorful quilt that looks like one of those fancy Hermes scarves. This quilt is sure to brighten up any room in your house.

I have also shown what the table runner looks like with the light tan or a gray background. Finally, there is a picture of the block set in a quilt with the light tan background, and another quilt setting that shows a quilting design on alternate plain blocks.

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up block for April, 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 April 2021.

Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well as you have already been sent a newsletter on April 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.

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.

Rainbow of raindrops by Carolina Moore
Raindrops by Perkins Dry Goods
Rainy Day Walk Home by The Quilted Diary
Raindrop by Blockofthemodotcom
I Love Rainy Days by Heidi Pridemore
Petrichor by Althea Gyde
Gray Skies are Gonna Clear Up by Blue Bear Quilts
Rain from Heaven by Faith and Fabric
Umbrella and Gumboots by Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
April Showers by QuiltFabrication
Pouring Rain by Patti’s Patchwork
Spring Crocus by PhoebeMoon Designs
Playing in the Rain by Puppy Girl Designs
Rainy Day by Studio R Quilts
Rain Showers by Slice of Pi Quilts
Rain by Oh Kaye Quilting
Doves in the rain by Sara Flynn
April Showers by Inquiring Quilter
Rain Will Make the Flowers Grow by Devoted Quilter
I’ve Got Sunshine on a Rainy Day
Let it Rain
Splish-Splash by Pretty Piney Quilts
April Showers by Cotton Street Commons
Rain on the Window

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

Quilt Block Mania- Spring Posies- Complimentary Block Pattern for March

Spring is coming! The sun will be shining and those gentle April rains will bring the beautiful May flowers. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, Spring Posies, will definitely get you in the mood for spring.

During the month of March, we are offering 20% off of our digital download Faith Hope and Love quilt and Spring Friends Table Runner patterns. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Quilt Block Mania has more than 25 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme of flowers. Here is a picture of the theme colors.

These colors got my designer mojo going and I was really in the mood for making something fun and springy!

This is the Spring Posies block.

It features 3 posies, in pink, plum and tomato red on a light grey background. This block is part of our Spring Friends Table Runner pattern and you are able to get a complimentary PDF of the Spring Posies block this month. If you would like to make the Spring Friends Table Runner, you are able to purchase that downloadable pattern at 20% off, or for $9.60 this month. This adorable block, or table runner, is sure to brighten up your home and get you excited for spring.

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

This block also looks fantastic set again a dark background. You could turn this block into a pillow. Here it is shown with a tan and green border. Our Wonky Hearts pillow pattern shows you how to turn a 12″ finished block into a pillow cover.

The Spring Posies Block is part of our Spring Friends Table Runner pattern. Spring Bunny and Spring Chick love that the posies are blooming so, they have adorned themselves with posie wreaths to celebrate. The blocks look awesome set against the dark plum background. Here is a picture of the table runner made with fabrics from my stash. The Spring Friends Table Runner pattern also has templates so that the plum flower can be right facing as well, which allows you to make the table runner longer as in these two examples. It also looks great as a vertical wall hanging.

Spring Friends Table Runner with pink border

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Spring Posies block for March, 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 March 2021.

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

On our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, we had our fat quarter bundle giveaway with QT Fabrics and the lucky winner was mamma_sews. Sign up to follow us on Instagram and watch for future 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.

Orchid Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Rose Garden by Slice of Pi Quilts
Happy Flowers by Carolyn Burgess
Double Flower by Devoted Quilter
Faux Flowers by Blockofthemodotcom
Mod Tulip
Enchanting Echinacea
Rosebud Wreath at Patti’s Patchwork
Flower Power – Cotton Street Commons
Dottie’s Garden by Heidi Pridemore
Poppies by Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Pretty Posies at Perkins Dry Goods
Mittens Smells the Roses at Puppy Girl Designs
Wildflowers by Studio R Quilts
Sweetheart Rose by QuiltFabrication
Flower Patch at Orange Blossom Quilt Design Studio
Scattered Petals by Snowy Days Quilting
Scrappy Tulip by Katie Mae Quilts
Happy Bloom Block by Oh Kaye Quilting
Buzz along
Everything’s Coming Up Roses by Inquiring Quilter
Spring Posies by Blue Bear Quilts
Four Roses
Pieceful Crocus Focus
Improv Bloom by Love to Color My World
Sue’s Field of Flowers by The Quilted Diary

Posted on November 3, 2020February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania- Harbor Holiday Block- Complimentary Pattern for November

How about some holiday quilt patterns? This month, we are offering 20% off of our digital download Cowboy Claus, Peace in the Valley and Adore Him quilt patterns. You can find the links to those patterns here: downloadable-patterns/

Quilt Block Mania is happening again in November and 23 quilt designers are at it again with this month’s theme of Winter Celebrations. Here is a picture of the theme colors.

Beautiful holiday celebration colors. Blue Bear lives in Florida and they have holiday boat parades as part of many city’s winter celebrations.

This is the Harbor Holidays block. It features a festive sailboat decked out with holiday lights and sailing on a beautiful teal sea.

Here is a photo of the block after the shapes have been fused and machine appliquéd to the background.

To see a few things I do to make creating a black like this a success, please look at the blog post from September 1st called Sun-Boo-Net Sue.

You can turn this fun block into a 14 x 18″ placemat. You can add additional background pieces to the completed 12″ block, or you can make the background bigger to begin with. If adding additional background pieces, you will need to sew a 2-1/2 x 7″ light teal background piece to a 2-1/2 x 6″ teal background piece. You will need to make two of these and sew them to either side of the 12-1/2″ unfinished block. Press the seams open. Otherwise, if you just want to make the background piece larger to begin with, and then appliqué your pieces onto this larger background piece, you would sew a 16-1/2 x 7″ light teal background piece to a 16-1/2 x 6″ teal background piece. Press the seam open and then appliqué the sailboat shapes onto the center of the background. Once you have completed the center of the placemat, you will add dark green side and top borders. The side borders measure 12-1/2 x 1-1/2″ and get sewn on first. Then you will sew on the top and bottom borders, which measure 18-1/2 x 1-1/2.” Next, you will baste, with spray or pins, your cotton batting to a backing piece that measures 16 x 20. Then baste the placemat on top of the batting. Quilt as desired and then trim to 14 x 18.” Next, apply the binding and you are done. The yardage required for this project remains the same as for the block pattern, except the required amount of dark green increases to 3/8 yard to account for the borders. You will need a fat quarter for the backing and a 16 x 20″ piece of cotton batting. Also you will need 1/4 yard, or (2) 2-1/2″ strips, for the binding, in the color of your choice.

You can also use this block to create a fun quilt that measures 50 x 50.” You combine 8 sailboat blocks with 8 background squares and add a 1″ border. It makes a quilt that looks like a regatta or a holiday boat parade. The yardage required to make this quilt top would be: 1/4 yard of maroon; 3/8 yard of red; 1/2 yard of off white and dark green; 1 yard of teal and 1-1/4 yards of light teal.

If you would like to download a complimentary PDF pattern of our 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 free pattern, you will like our other patterns as well. Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of November 2020.

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

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.

Christmas Wreath by Slice of Pi Quilts
Baby Sue’s First Christmas
Celebrate by Inquiring Quilter
Gifts at Always Expect Moore
Snowflakes by Blockofthemodotcom
Gifts of Friendship
Fireworks at duck creek mountain quilting
Wreath & Chain at Stash Bandit
Christmas Star by Michelle Renee Hiatt
Adirondack Mountain Quilt Block
A Present from Penny
Candlelighting at Pretty Piney Quilts
Poinsettia from QuiltFabrication
Harbor Holidays at Blue Bear Quilts
Christmas Cracker at Perkins Dry Goods
Sparkling Spruce at Patti’s Patchwork
Jingle All the Way at Orange Blossom Quilt
Snowflakes & Candy Cane Trees at Quilt Moments
Tower of Gifts by Oh Kaye Quilting
Winter Memories by Carolyn Burgess
Holiday Block by Seams to Be Sew
Ticker Tape Tree at Devoted Quilter
Evergreen by True Blue Quilts
Merry and Bright at Around the Bobbin
Ski Vacation

Posted on September 1, 2020February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania- Sun-Boo-Net Sue Block- Free Pattern

We thought we would celebrate Labor Day by offering 20% off of our digital download Sparklers on Liberty Square and Patriotic Polka Patterns. You can find the links to those patterns here: downloadable-patterns/

Sparklers on Liberty Square Quilt at barber shop

Sparklers on Liberty Square Quilt Pattern Cover

Quilt Block Mania is happening again in September and 29 quilt designers are at it again with this month’s theme of Halloween. Here is a picture of the theme colors.

Very fallish don’t you think? So the block Blue Bear created is a take on the classic Sunbonnet Sue block. Sue is proudly holding up the pumpkin she just finished carving.

Sunbonnet Sue is one of those appliqué blocks that people either love or hate. We think she is adorable in this Halloween themed block. The fabrics that we used to create this fun block are called Coco Chic and they are part of a fabric collaboration we are doing with QT fabrics. The fabrics were inspired from 1920’s fabric prints which QT Fabrics has in their archives.

Coco Chic will be available in fabric shops in January 2021. Fabric shops are ordering this fabric now and if you would like for your local shop to carry it, we have a letter we prepared that you can snail mail, email or bring into the shop telling them all about this Art Deco fabric collection. The letter is available on our website under the heading ” Coco Chic Letter.”

Here is a photo of the block with Coco Chic fabrics after the shapes have been fused to the background.

There are a few things I did to make creating this black a success. I cut out fabric squares the same size as the paper template squares I cut.

The squares of fusible web were cut slightly smaller than the fabric squares.

I fused the fusible webbing to the wrong side of the fabric. Then with regular washable school glue, I put the slightest amount of glue on the paper side of the fusible and glued the paper templates onto the fusible webbing.

Now I was able to cut out the appliqué shapes on the solid line. When ready to fuse in place, using the placement diagram for guidance, I carefully pulled off both the paper template and the paper side of the fusible. If you need to score the paper side of the fusible webbing, you can lift the paper template up to do so.

Here I am getting reading to machine appliqué the pieces down after I had fused them to the background.

The block looks very finished with the blanket stitch and this embroidery holds the pieces to the background and prevents them from fraying over time.

When doing machine embroidery, it is important that you use a piece of tearaway stabilizer on the back of your background piece and sew nice and slowly so that you are able to pivot your piece with the needle down when you need to.

If you would like to turn this cute block into a pillow cover, please head over to our YouTube channel, after September 3, 2020, where we will have a video showing how we turned this block into a pillow cover. Here is the link to our YouTube channel: Blue Bear Quilts YouTube. We also have a pattern for making a pillow cover out of a 12″ finished block here: pillow cover pattern

If you would like to download a free PDF pattern of our 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 free 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 free during the month of September 2020.

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

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.

“Which Hat?” at Pretty Piney
Black Cat at Inquiring Quilter
Ring of Pumpkins at Always Expect Moore
Haunted House at Powered by Quilting
Three Treats at Sew Brainy
Bat at Slice of Pi Quilts
Day of the Dead Skull at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Gypsy Wagon Fortune Teller at Orange Blossom Quilt
Monster at Seams to be Sew
Patchwork Pumpkin at Quilted Diary
Stacked Pumpkins at Perkins Dry Goods
Spooky Star at Block of the Mo .com
Leaf Ghost at Off the Wall Quilt
Leaf and Vine at Quilt Moments
Frankenstein at Around the Bobbin
Bat by Heidi Pridemore
Candy Corn by Quilt Fabrication
Dark night by Cotton Street Commons
Pumpkin by Sew on the Go
Pumpkin and Bat by ScrapDash
Pumpkin Chain by Stash Bandit
Happy Jack-o-lantern by Patti’s Patchwork
Foundation Pieced Creepy Eyes by Amarar Creacions
Spooky Trees by Aunt Em’s Quilts
Upside Down Witch by Appliques Quilts and More
Scaredy Kitty by Tacy Gray
Sun-Boo-Net Sue by Blue Bear Quilts
Spider by Oh Kay Quilting
Candy, Pumpkins, and Witch Hat by Utah Quilt Appraiser

Posted on February 14, 2020April 29, 2021 by Reed — Leave a comment

Patterns Designed For Accuquilt

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Your kids will love the Deco Dino Table Runner.

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

Posted on December 8, 2019September 18, 2020 by Reed — Leave a comment

Alaska Quilt Cruise June 6-13, 2020

On June 6, 2020, we will be in Seattle getting ready to board our quilting cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage. We hope you’re coming with us on this trip of a lifetime to quilt at Sea and see the wonders that Alaska has to offer. It’s going to be a blast. You can register for the cruise @ https://quiltretreatatsea.com/quiltinginthewild/.

The trip starts out from the beautiful and vibrant Northwest city of Seattle. You will want to extend your trip in order to explore this wonderful city.

There will be three days at sea. That is when we will be quilting. Sewing machines and quilt kits will be provided. Here is a picture of the project called Northern Star Garden. It will involve three different techniques. First, using shapes that have been pre-cut by an Accuquilt cutter. Second, paper piecing a mariner’s compass. And third, appliquéing snowflakes onto the border.

The first port of the trip will be Juneau where you will be able to see the Mendenhall glacier and perhaps a whale or two.

The next port will be Ketchikan. Here you can watch a lumberjack show or perhaps check out one of the quilt shops that are in every port. Look at the different kinds of fabric you could add to your stash from Alaska.

Ketchikan, Alaska Photo by Curtis Gregory Perry. no changes made. https://www.flickr.com/photos/curtisperry/44435291191/in/photolist-2aGAtYc-2ayRmSs-N8f9Cv-oZAz2U-2c3t7hW-29JLxWw-2c7fzZb-pqtjmy-rDr465-a58tt1-bW1zh6-6acMHk-3ZvFH-fNt8Bb-fNboCn-bhqSc4-9H4fAe-4SusWm-4Sqfmx-syi5GX-9H4fAB

The last port in Alaska will be Sitka. Here you can see historic Russian churches or native totem poles. You might catch a glimpse of a mountain goat, puffin, bear or moose.

The last port, before returning to Seattle, aboard Holland America’s Eurodam, will be Victoria, BC, Canada. Among the amazing things to see here will be the Butchart Gardens and the Parliament building lit up at night.

If going on a quilting cruise, or to Alaska, has been on your bucket list, then this is the trip for you. Bring your friends, spouses, kids and grandkids. There is something for everyone on this trip. Spouses will not be bored when you are quilting, as there are so many different activities on board the ship everyday or numerous places to sit and relax, if that is your thing. We hope you will join us on this trip of a lifetime. We are going to have a great time.

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Reed — Leave a comment

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.

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.

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.

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/

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

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.

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

Posted on July 12, 2019July 12, 2019 by Reed — Leave a comment

Magazine Quilts Galore

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We also created cute mug rug rugs called 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.

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.

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.