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

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

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

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

Sparklers Cover — Sparklers Quilt Pattern

Testers and Checkers wanted!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get the block

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Around the Block USA Tour – Arkansas

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

Here are some fun facts about Arkansas.

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

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

The fiddle is the state instrument.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here get the complimentary block

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

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

Most recent posts:

June 6 –Mississippi

June 13 –Louisiana

Coming up next will be:

June 27 – Kentucky

July 4 – Illinois

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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 September 21, 2017September 22, 2017 by Reed — 14 Comments

Greek Isles Modern Quilt

For the 2017 Blogger’s Quilt Festival, I thought I would share Blue Bear’s most popular pattern, Greek Isles Modern.

This pattern is much easier than it looks. It is made with 2.5″ strips of white and 2.5″ strips of light, medium and dark batiks, that you may obtain from jelly rolls, or cut on your 2.5″ strip die with your Accuquilt Go! Cutter. The blocks are all constructed the same way, and placement is what determines the pattern. At 70 x 90,” it is the perfect quilt to curl up with on the couch for binge watching your favorite Netflix shows.

Here is a picture of Kim at Keep Me in Stitches in Largo, Florida, quilting this beauty; followed by a close up of her fantastic quilting.

Here are several more photos of the quilt out and about.

I have taught this class several times and here are some of my students interpretations of the quilt. Click on the links for short videos. They did a fantastic job!

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If you would like to purchase this pattern, it is available on our website here, www.bluebearquilts.com, or on Craftsy here- https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/greek-isles-modern-quilt/490532