basic quilt block – Page 3 – Blue Bear Quilts

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/

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

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.

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

Quilt Block Mania- Pastel Clover- Complimentary Block Pattern for February

It’s Groundhog Day! Let’s hope he doesn’t see his shadow, or it will be six more weeks of winter. Soon it will be St. Patrick’s Day and we will be celebrating the wearing of the green. I’m sure our complimentary block of the month, Pastel Clover, will help you celebrate in style.

This month, we are offering 20% off of our digital download Zany Zasu and Glorious Garbo quilt patterns. These patterns were both designed with our first fabric line with QT Fabrics, called Coco Chic. This fabric line was inspired by authentic 1920’s fabrics from the QT Fabrics archieves. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/

Quilt Block Mania has 27 quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme of Lucky Charms. Here is a picture of the theme colors.

I still love eating that cereal with those little pastel marshmallow bits. Magically Delicious, I’d say!

This is the Pastel Clover block.

It features a shaded pink four leaf clover, surrounded by orange and yellow. It is criss-crossed with a green Irish chain. This block will put you in a festive mood for St. Patrick’s Day.

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

You could turn this block into a table runner. This would be a fun gift to give someone, or for you to use to decorate your home, on St. Patrick’s Day.

You also can turn this block into an awesome quilt which measures 50 x 50.” You start with 16 Pastel Clover blocks and then add a 1.5,” unfinished, dark pink border. The total yardage required to make this quilt would be: 1/2 yard, each of light green and green; 3/4 yard, each, of orange, yellow, and light pink; and finally 1 yard of pink, which includes the border. Backing not included in these yardage estimates.

If you would like to see a video on how to use the Folded Corners Clipper Ruler by Creative Grids and how to do some of the piecing, we just posted such a video on our YouTube Channel, which is located here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYcbKCaeszs

If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our block for February, 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 February 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 February 2nd which gave you the coupon code.

I know everyone loves being able to receive all of these complimentary patterns the designers are giving away on Quilt Block Mania every month, so it would be greatly appreciated if you would go over to our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, and follow us there as well. This helps us so we can obtain sponsorships and be able to continue to provide you with this type of complimentary content. Thanks so much! You can click on the instagram link, under Get Social, to get to our page. I ran out of time to do the QT fabric bundle giveaway last month, as I am trying to complete a project that uses the fabric, so look for our fabric bundle giveaway this month on Instagram. There’s still time for you to go to our Instagram page and follow us there so you will be notified when the fabric bundle giveaway happens.

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.

Lucky Horseshoe by Carolina Moore
Lucky Squares at Slice of Pi Quilts
Lucky Spin by Carolyn Burgess
Charming Wreath Block by Blockofthemodotcom
Lucky Squares Improv at Love to Color My World
Luck and Sunshine
Luck o’ the Irish at Patti’s Patchwork
Simply Charmed by Cotton Street Commons
Hi My Name is Lucky by Heidi Pridemore
Swedish lucky horse by duck creek mountain quilting
Charmed Clover at Perkins Dry Goods
Charming Lucky by Puppy Girl Designs
Star Bright at Studio R Quilts
Lucky Charms by QuiltFabrication
Magically “Quilt”lious
Wishing Stars by Snowy Days Quilting
Heart Shine 4th by Sara Flynn
Lucky Shamrock Block
Lucky Gnome
Feelin’ Lucky by Inquiring Quilter
Pastel Clover at Blue Bear Quilts
Daddy Hex by Pretty Piney Quilts
Pieced Lucky Hat
Sam’s Pot of Gold
Love and Luck by PhoebeMoon Designs
Maneki Neko by Capaquilts
The Butterfly Charm

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

Quilt Block Mania- Blue Bear Hug- Complimentary Block Pattern for January

Before we get to the Quilt Block Mania block for January, we have some news of contests to share. Our very first fabric line with QT Fabrics, called Coco Chic, is the free fabric download for the month of January on the Electric Quilt blog.

If you don’t own EQ 8, now may be a good time to get it. There is also a contest on the Electric Quilt blog where you can design a quilt project with the Coco Chic fabrics and there will be two winners chosen, who will each win a fat quarter bundle of the Coco Chic line. You could be among the first people to get your hands on Coco Chic, a fabric line that is inspired from authentic 1920’s fabrics. How fun is that?

Also, on our Instagram page, toward the end of January, we are going to be giving away a fat quarter bundle of QT Fabric’s Evolution Illuminations line. We designed our Kings and Queen quilt pattern using this fabric.

I know that you love being able to receive all of the free patterns we are giving away on Quilt Block Mania every month and this month, I am asking, as a special favor, that you would go over to our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, and follow us so that you will not miss out on that fat quarter giveaway. You can click on the instagram link, under Get Social, to get to our page.

It’s hard to believe that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. We have some wonderful quilt patterns you could make for the loved ones in your life. This month, we are offering 20% off of our digital download Box of Chocolate Covered Cherries, There’s a Bear in my Watermelon Patch and Ring Bling quilt patterns. You can find the links to those patterns here: downloadable-patterns/

Box of Chocolate Covered Cherries Quilt Pattern

Quilt Block Mania is starting off the new year in January and 29 quilt designers are at it again with this month’s theme of Romance. Here is a picture of the theme colors.

Nothing says love more than shades of pink.

Here is the Blue Bear Hug block.

It features an adorable blue bear hugging a double heart. This might be just the hug that someone you love needs this Valentine’s Day.

Here is a photo of the block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash. I have turned the block into a pillow. This block would make such a fun gift to give someone on Valentine’s Day.

You also can turn this block into a fun pillow which measures 16 x 16.” You start with a Blue Bear Hug block; add a 2.25,” unfinished, light pink border on the front and white backing pieces, which are 9 x 16-1/2″ and 14 x 16-1/2.” Someone special in your life may need a hug. The additional yardage required to make this pillow would be: 1/4 yard of light pink for front border; 1/2 yard of white for the backing pieces. If you would like a pattern for how to turn a 12″ block into a pillow, you might want to check out our Wonky Heart Pillow pattern in our shop.

If you would like to see a video on how to do machine appliqué, we just posted such a video on our You Tube Channel.

If you are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our block for January, 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 January 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 January 5th 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.

Chain of Hearts by Carolina Moore
Heart Postage Stamp by Slice of Pi Quilts
Special Delivery by Appliques Quilts and More
Intertwined by Devoted Quilter
Interlocking Heart Halves by Blockofthemodotcom
Romantic Patchwork Heart by Love to Color My World
Love Notes by Blue Heron Quilting
Woven Together at Patti’s Patchwork
LOVE ARROWS by Cotton Street Commons
refracted heart at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Puppy Love
Be Mine by Perkins Dry Goods
Love is family at Puppy Girl Designs
Love Owl-Ways by Studio R Quilts
Lacy Hearts by QuiltFabrication
Piece of My Heart by Orange Blossom QDS, LLC
Quilting by Candlelight by Snowy Days Quilting
Sunset Walk Block by Sara Flynn
Mini Log Cabin Heart by Katie Mae Quilts
Flowers and Candy by PhoebeMoon Designs
On Point Heart by Oh Kaye Quilting
Love My Gnome
Love Conquers All
Blue Bear Hug by Blue Bear Quilts
Love Me Knot by Pretty Piney Quilts
Pieceful Heart by Off the Wall Quilt
Rose Buds by Rona the Ribbiter
House of love
First Love by Sarah Marcina
Love postcard by Capaquilts

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

Quilt Block Mania- Seward Star Block- Complimentary Pattern for December

How about some winter quilt patterns? This month, we are offering 20% off of our digital download Greek Isles Modern, Kaleidoscope and Dancing Bears quilt patterns. You can find the links to those patterns here: downloadable-patterns/

Quilt Block Mania is happening in December and 21 quilt designers are at it again with this month’s theme of Stars. Here is a picture of the theme colors.

These are fun colors for wintery stars.

This is the Seward Star block. It features a gorgeous double purple star surrounded by a pink and teal sky. It reminds me of some of the colors you might see in the northern lights in Alaska set against the deep blue sea.

Here is a photo of the block that has been sewn with fabrics from my stash. There is a lot of play in this block with the light and dark shades of colors. The block would make a stunning quilt.

You can also use this block to create a fun quilt that measures 56 x 56.” You combine 16 Seward Star blocks; add a 1″ inner border and a 3″ outer border. It makes a sparkling star quilt sure to brighten your mood and warm you up on a cold winter’s day. The yardage required to make this quilt top would be: 1/2 yard of navy; 3/4 yard of dark pink and maroon; 1 yard of pink and purple; and 1-1/2 yards of teal.

Here is an alternative version with pink border. For this version, the fabric requirements are the same except you need 1-1/2 of pink and only 3/4 yard of teal.

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

Stargazing Sue
Starburst at Slice of Pi Quilts
Massachusetts Star with blockofthmo.com
Nova Star at Always Expect Moore
Nativity Star
Star Bright – Cotton Street Commons
Five Pointed Star at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
New Year Star at Stash Bandit
Poinsettia Star
Wish Upon a Satar by Heidi Pridemore
Falling Star at Pretty Piney Quilts
Star Splash at QuiltFabrication
Seward Star at Blue Bear Quilts
Moon Star at Perkins Dry Goods
Starburst at Patti’s Patchwork
Cherokee Star
Christmas Tree Star
Christmas Star by Oh Kaye Quilting
Starfish by Appliques Quilts and More
Snowy Star by Seams To Be Sew
Combination Star by Devoted Quilter
Ablaze by True Blue Quilts

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 October 6, 2020February 10, 2022 by Reed — Leave a comment

Quilt Block Mania- Gathering Block- Free Pattern For October 2020

Be sure to scroll to the bottom to see our brand new pattern for Sunbonnet Sue! Blue Bear Quilts is participating with approximately 30 quilt designers in Quilt Block Mania. The theme for October is Family. At the very bottom, you can see links to all of the wonderful Family blocks. Blue Bear Quilts has created a free pattern for you. It’s called the Gathering Block. Here’s the block. What do you think? The fabrics in the photo below are from my stash.

When one thinks of family, you may think of gatherings for holidays, or parties, or celebrations, or just gathering at the dinner table. We call this block Gathering as it looks like people gathered together around a table on a gorgeous tiled floor. You can decide what your gathering will be. Please let us know what gathering you are thinking of when you create the block and then post a picture on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #bluebearquilts.

Here is a photo of the block that I sewed up with fabrics from my stash. This pattern creates the block using a stitch and flip, or clipped folded corner method. We give you instructions for making the block either way.

If you are not familiar with the folded corner method, it is a way to stitch, cut and sew several pieces in a block together at the same time. It can be done by drawing diagonal lines on the back of one piece; then stitching on the line and then trimming 1/4″ away from the line. Or, it is slightly easier and quicker to use a ruler such as the Creative Grids Folded Corner Clipper which is shown in the photo below. To use the ruler, you place the two fabrics right sides together, trim of the corner of both pieces, at the same time, and then stitch 1/4″ next to the edge you just trimmed. The next photo shows how you align the ruler on the fabrics prior to trimming. Next, there are pictures of the trimmed and sewn corners, and what the back of the unit looks like when the corners are pressed. If you would like to watch a video to see how to do both the stitch and flip and the using the Folded Corners Clipper Tool, please head over to our YouTube channel and look for the video entitled: Cutting the Gathering Block. Here is a link to the Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1T1opvZnI8

This block makes an eye catching quilt just using this block. Here is what it looks like in a 16 block quilt, which measures 50 x 50″ with a 1″ finished border.

If you would like to download a free PDF pattern of our 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 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. Please note: This pattern will only be free during the month of October 2020. Here is what the pattern cover 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. If you want to purchase anything else on our website, please do it in a separate transaction as other discounts may not work in conjunction with this free coupon code.

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 October 6th at 9 am 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.

Warming by the Fire
Paper Chain Family at Slice of Pi Quilts
Family is Love
Family Quote Pineapple Block by Blockofthemodotcom
Family Pumpkin Pickin’ Day
Family Crest at Always Expect Moore
Old Rocking Chair at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Love@Home at Stash Bandit
Sisterhood by Michelle Renee Hiatt
Glimpse of Home at Scrapdash
We Are Family by Heidi Pridemore
Family Trees at Pretty Piney Quilts
Family is the Heart of Home by QuiltFabrication
Gathering by Blue Bear Quilts
Sister’s Choice at Perkins Dry Goods
Every Family Has One at Patti’s Patchwork
Orange Blossom Quilt
Wonky Nesting Hearts
Family Photo Block
Celtic Trinity Knot by Appliqués Quilts and More
Scarecrow
Family Ring at Devoted Quilter
Tartan Block at True Blue Quilts
FindSewingStuff.com
Flying Geese Family by Tacy Gray
Family Heart by Amarar Cracions

For all of you Sunbonnet Sue fans, We created a brand new appliqué quilt called Sunbonnet Sue Calendar Quilt. It features Sue and her adorable friend, Overall Sam, participating in many holidays and activities throughout the year. You can use he blocks in this pattern to create the lap size quilt, or you could make seasonal pillows, wall hangings or table runners. We hope you like this new pattern. Grab it now as it is on sale during the month of October. Happy Quilting!

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