Who doesn’t love driving through the country and seeing a barn quilt hanging on the side of a barn. There are some amazing blocks with the theme of barn quilts for December 2022. You should be able to find a barn quilt you would be happy to put on the side of your barn, or house as the case may be. Maybe you might turn some of them into an indoor quilt as well. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of December 2022, Bright Star Block, would look great on the side of a barn or for making a small quilt. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month. The designers thank you for your support, through your purchases of other patterns, which allow us to offer these complimentary block patterns each month.
Dashing Diamonds Cover
During December 2022, we are offering 20% off one of our newest patterns. It is the Dashing Diamonds quilt pattern, which is the May project we designed as an Island Batik Ambassador. The link to this pattern is here: downloadable-patterns/
Quilt Block Mania has 19 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- barn quilts. There were no theme colors this month.
Bright Star Block
This is the Bright Star Block. This block features a light green and light blue star with a red center and is set on a pink background.
The Bright Star block makes a great 32″ square quilt with a 1″ finished light blue inner border and a 3″ finished blue outer border. It also makes a nice table runner with 3 blocks, a 1″ finished light green inner border and a 3″ finished blue outer border. The shading of the blocks really makes these quilts sing.
Bright Star Quilt
Bright Star TR
How to get the block
If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Bright Star Block for December, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.
Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of December 2022.
Bright Star Cover
Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on December 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.
Be sure to look at my last blog post, which has the details for my November project as an Island Batik Ambassador, where I made a Crazy Quilt Christmas Stocking for Blue Bear. Check out my last blog post to see how I made it.
Blue Bear with Stocking
Throughout the year, there will be tutorials, blog hops, giveaway, etc. I love batiks and I am so excited to share the projects that I make throughout the coming year with you. If you like my November Project, stay tuned for my December project which will be a making a Lone Star quilt.
Please follow me on social media so you don’t miss a thing.
Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.
We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.
Barn Quilt Blocks
You can click on the links to the other blocks here.
For those campers and hikers, we have some special blocks for you with this month’s theme of camping for November 2022. You will find some wonderful camping blocks this month. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of November 2022, True North Block, is a great one for making a small quilt. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month. The designers thank you for your support, through your purchases of other patterns, which allow us to offer these complimentary block patterns each month.
Hey Jude Cover
During November 2022, we are offering 20% off one of our newest fall inspired patterns. It is the Hey Jude quilt pattern. The link to this pattern is here: downloadable-patterns/
Quilt Block Mania has 18 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- camping . There were no theme colors this month.
True North Block
This is the True North Block. This block features a gray and white compass, with red and black pointers, set on a green background.
The True North block would makes a great 33″ square quilt with a 1″ finished black and red sashing and a 1″ finished gray inner border and a 3″ finished green outer border. It also makes a nice table runner with 3 blocks, a 1″ finished black sashing, a 1″ finished inner gray border and a 3″ finished outer green border.
True North Quilt
True North Table Runner
How to get the block
If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our True North Block for November, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.
Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of November 2022.
True North Cover
Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on November 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.
Be sure to look at my last blog post, which has the details for my October project as an Island Batik Ambassador, where I made an In Control caddy using the byAnnie.com pattern and the Island Batik fabric line called Silverado Canyon. I sure hope you like it.
In Control Caddy
Throughout the year, there will be tutorials, blog hops, giveaway, etc. I love batiks and I am so excited to share the projects that I make throughout the coming year with you. If you like my September Project, stay tuned for my November project which will be a making a Christmas stocking
Please follow me on social media so you don’t miss a thing.
Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.
We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.
Camping Themed Quilt Blocks
You can click on the links to the other blocks here.
Fall is here and we have harvested the crop of some red beets with this month’s theme of on the farm for October 2022. You will find some fabulous farm themed blocks this month. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of October 2022, Beets Block, is a great one for making a small quilt or a pillow cover. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month. The designers thank you for your support, through your purchases of other patterns, which allow us to offer these complimentary block patterns each month.
TT Cover
CM Cover
During October 2022, we are offering 20% off two of our fall looking patterns. They are the Timberland Tumble pattern and the Chess Match pattern. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/
Quilt Block Mania has 17 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- on the farm . There were no theme colors this month.
Beet block
This is the Beets Block. This block features three shaded red beets with green tops set in some light brown soil.
The Beets block would makes a great pillow cover with a 1″ finished dark maroon border or a small quilt with a 1″ finished light green sashing and inner border and a 4″ finished dark maroon outer border.
Beet pillow
Beet Quilt 35
How to get the block
If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Beets Block for October, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.
Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of October 2022.
Beets Cover
Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on October 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.
Be sure to look at my last blog post, which has the details for my September project as an Island Batik Ambassador, where I made a SW 60 quilt using the Studio 180 Design Star 60 tool and the Island Batik fabric line called Simply Southwest. I sure hope you like it.
SW Star 60 quilt
Throughout the year, there will be tutorials, blog hops, giveaway, etc. I love batiks and I am so excited to share the projects that I make throughout the coming year with you. If you like my September Project, stay tuned for my October project which will be a making a ByAnnie.com Remote Caddy.
Please follow me on social media so you don’t miss a thing.
Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.
We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.
Farm Themed Quilt Blocks QBM
You can click on the links to the other blocks here.
I have been waiting all year for this blog hop to get here. This month’s blog hop is called tool talk as the Island Batik Ambassadors will all be using different Studio 180 Design Rulers and different fabric collections from Island Batik. I love the Studio 180 Design rulers as they create a slightly oversized unit which allows you to obtain great results in making your quilt. Also, most of the Studio 180 Design rulers allow you to make approximately 8 different sized units with one ruler. How awesome is that? I know you are going to see some fantastic quilts with this month’s Island Batik blog hop. Since this month is a blog hop, you can check out the Island Batik blog and enter each week to win a fat quarter bundle of some of the fabrics that the Ambassadors are using in their projects. I will show the other fabric collections later in this blog along with a link to the giveaway from Island Batik and links to other ambassador’s blogs.
tool-talk-blog-hop
The September project was to make a quilt using an upcoming fabric line from Island Batik and a Studio 180 Design Ruler. I was so excited when the fabric I was given to use was Simply Southwest by Kathy Engle. Just look at this gorgeous collection of batik fabrics. The Simply Southwest collection may be found at your local quilt shop that carries Island Batik, such as Fabric Smart in St. Petersburg FL. You may find them online at www.fabric-smart.com or call them at 727-914-8850.
Simply Southwest
The quilt I made is called SW 60. It is a large lap quilt size 70″ x 66.” This stunning quilt has dark brown stars, highlighted in off-white, and surrounded by large hexagons in gorgeous Southwestern colors. Mr. James of the Raymond James Financial company loves to collect Southwestern art in the form of bronze statues. The art displays outside their headquarters were the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot. It’s always fun to find cool locations for the photo shoot.
SW 60 quiltSW 60 quilt
This is one of those quilts that looks fantastic with the sun shining through it, and in these glorious fall colors, it is a very masculine quilt.
Sun shining through the quilt
The batik bundle I was provided was the Simply Southwest collection by Kathy Engle. Beauregard loves this glorious selection of rust, brown, green and yellow batiks. These fabrics are so yummy.
Simply Southwest
I downloaded the images of the fabric collection into my Electric Quilt 8 software, which is the software I use to design quilts. Here is what the quilt looked like in the software. It’s amazing how much it looks like the real quilt don’t you think? I love how the colors in this collection invite your eyes to dance across the quilt.
Star 60 quilt
When you work with a fabric collection, such as Simply Southwest from Island Batik, it makes it so easy to create a coordinated quilt. Everything just works well together.
SW 60 2
The tool I was given to work with was the Studio 180 Design Star 60 ruler and with this tool, you can create units from 1″ all the way up to 9″. The size unit I was working with was 8″. It is so awesome that you can create so many different sized block units with one ruler. With the results I was able to obtain with this ruler, I would love to try making a 1″ mini version of this quilt. The ruler also comes with an awesome set of instructions, which are very easy to follow. There are directions, and diagrams, for both left and right handed people. This came in handy with me being a lefty. Deb Tucker, the designer of these rulers, has also created fantastic videos on YouTube that give that visual presentation for following the written instructions. Deb has also created many technique sheets, which allow you to get even more creative with this tool, as they allow you to create pieced sections within the block unit. I choose to make my diamonds, in the block units, a four patch and I used the Checkerboard 60 technique sheet instructions. There was a video you could watch for the Checkerboard 60 technique sheet as well. It is so easy to get really great results using this tool and following the instructions. I was a little intimidated in making this quilt at first, but with the Studio 180 Design Star 60 tool and following the instructions, it really was easy. The most complicated part for me was keeping all of the pieces organized as I was using so many different colors that had to be placed next to each other.
Star 60 tool
It is easy to cut out the number of side triangle shapes you need as you first cut strips and then use the ruler to cut out the triangles. There is very little waste. If you would like to see some videos of me with the quilt and how I use the Star 60 tool to cut out the various needed shapes, please go to my Tok Tok channel and YouTube channel, they are both called-Blue Bear Quilts. Here is a link to the YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Cl9nijmFcvI
cut side triangles
After I had cut all of the side triangle pieces, it was time to start working on the checkerboard diamonds. They were created by sewing off-white and brown strips together and then sub cutting them into slanted rectangles. Then I sewed those slated rectangles into the pieced diamonds.
checkerboard diamond
The seams are pressed open. which will make for a flatter laying block, for which your long arm quilter will be thankful. Looks like I forgot to press one of the seams open in the picture below. Then, one end of the checkerboard diamond is trimmed so that the side triangles can be added to it.
diamond pressed open on the back
There were so many color combinations and each block unit had a different set of side triangles. In order to be organized, I needed to lay the pieces out before sewing.
laying out side triangles
The right side triangle was added first and was pressed toward the checkerboard diamond.
one side pressed toward the diamond
The left side triangle was pressed toward the left side triangle. The pressing was done this way so that the seams would nest with each other when the units were sewn together. This method of pressing worked for the majority of the block units in this quilt.
other side pressed toward the side triangle
In order to keep this quilt organized as I was making it, it was necessary to number the block units with a label.
each unit is labeled
I made a numbered chart so that I would know where all of the block units were positioned in the quilt. This was absolutely necessary since I was working with so many different colored fabrics. As I completed the units, I colored them in with colored pencils.
organization of the units
Finally, it was time to trim up the block units using the Star 60 tool. First the two sides were trimmed, as shown in the picture below, and then the ruler was repositioned to trim the bottom.
Star 60 tool trims up the units
As you can see, there is very little waste when trimming up the units with this tool. If you are a quilter who does not like to waste fabric, then the Studio 180 Design rulers are for you.
units all trimmed up
Once the units were trimmed up, I sewed three of them together to form a larger triangle.
units formed into larger triangles
Next, I sewed the larger triangles together to form a larger diamond. Doesn’t the back look so nice and pressed flat? I was able to achieve this by following the pressing directions with the tool instructions.
triangles sewn together to great larger diamonds
Finally, the larger diamonds were sewn into rows and then the rows were sewn together. I pressed all of these seams open.
larger diamonds sewn together in rows
Since the quilt had a Southwestern theme, I wanted a Southwestern quilting design. The brown fabric has longhorn skulls on it as you can see in the picture below. So at Urban Elements, I found this quilting design called Roundup with a longhorn skull and stars on it. Isn’t it just perfect for this quilt?
longhorn stitching
I purchased the design and loaded it onto a thumbnail drive to bring to my long armer. My long armer for this quilt was Kim from Sunshine quilts. Didn’t she do a fantastic job with this design? Here is a link to her Facebook page if you would like to bring, or send, your quilts to her: Sunshine Quilts.
longhorn stitching from the back
White 50 wt. Aurifil thread was my selection to piece the blocks. I used a 80/12 universal needle from Schmetz Needles. For the batting, I used Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 batting.
Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20
The supplies I used to make this project were provided by:
If you are on TikTok, be sure to check out the video I have posted of me with the quilt. (Look for Blue Bear Quilts)
Blue Bear hopes you like this quilt. Please let him know how much you love the this quilt by writing to him in the comments!
The other amazing Island Batik Ambassadors are also posting their September Blog Hop Tool Talk quilts. Check out their projects by clicking on the links next to their names to be directed to their blog posts.
The giveaway of the Blog Hop started on Friday, June 3rd. Each week two lucky winners will each get one Fat Quarter bundle of a complete Island Batik collection. This week, it is Paisley Got Mod by Kate Colleran Designs or Silverado Canyon by Kathy Engle! To enter for your chance to win one of the two prizes above, follow the simple Rafflecopter prompts below.
This giveaway ends on September, 23rd at 11:59 pm PDT. Two random winners will be notified by email on September, 24th and announced on our Facebook page on September, 27th. If the winners do not respond within the first two days after being notified, two new random winners will be chosen. Please, check your spam folders!
Make sure to follow Island Batik on social media to hop along with the Tool Talk Blog Hop. Be sure to check out the Island Batik Blog.
Fall is coming and we are cooking up something good with this month’s theme of careers for September 2022. You will find many different occupations in this month’s blocks. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of September 2022, Cook’s Tools, is a great one for making a wall hanging or large potholder for the kitchen. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month. The designers thank you for your support, through your purchases of other patterns, which allow us to offer these complimentary block patterns each month.
GS Cover
FOL Cover
During September 2022, we are offering 20% off two of our newest patterns. They are The Good Shepherd pattern and the Festival of Light pattern. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/
Quilt Block Mania has 14 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- careers. There were no theme colors this month.
Cook’s Tools Block
This is the Cook’s Tools block. This block features a red cooking pot with a tan wooden spoon on a white background.
The Cook’s Tools block would makes a great wall hanging, or a pot holder with a 1″ finished black outer border.
Cook’s Tools border
As a suggestion for how you could use this block, you could make a table runner with two blocks and then put an appliqué block or fancy quilting in the middle.
CT table runner
How to get the block
If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Cook’s Tools block for September, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.
Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of September 2022.
CT Cover
Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on September 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.
Be sure to look at my last blog post, which has the details for my August project as an Island Batik Ambassador, where I made a mini quilt for Blue Bear as he is always complaining that the quilts I make are too large for him. This quilt is only 12″ square. He is happy now.
BB Mini quilt
Throughout the year, there will be tutorials, blog hops, giveaway, etc. I love batiks and I am so excited to share the projects that I make throughout the coming year with you. If you like my August Project, stay tuned for my September project which will be a making a 60 degree triangle quilt with a Studio 180 ruler and it will be revealed on my blog on September 22nd. It is a fall looking quilt and has a masculine southwest theme.
Please follow me on social media so you don’t miss a thing.
Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.
We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.
career themed quilt blocks
You can click on the links to the other blocks here.
It’s hot and we are ready for some cool breezes with this month’s theme of jungle for August 2022. There are some really cool jungle theme blocks this month. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of August 2022, Teal Gorilla, is a fun and playful one for making a child’s quilt. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month. The designers thank you for your support, through your purchases of other patterns, which allow us to offer these complimentary block patterns each month.
Hearts Cover
BB cover
In August 2022, we are offering 20% off two of our previous block of the month patterns. They are the Hearts Aflutter Block pattern and Budgie on a Branch pattern. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/
Quilt Block Mania has 12 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- Jungle. Here are the theme colors this month.
Teal-Gorilla
This is the Teal Gorilla block. This block features a teal gorilla with a light blue body on a melon green background.
Here is a photo of the Teal Gorilla block made with fabrics from my stash.
stash block
The Teal Gorilla block makes fun 32″ x 32″ small quilts or wall hangings with 4 Teal Gorilla blocks, a 1″ finished gray inner border and a 3″ finished dark teal outer border. These would make such fun quilts for a child or grandchild’s room.
Gorilla Go Round
Spinning Gorillas
Mirror Gorillas
How to get the block
If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Teal Gorilla block for August, all you have to do is look for the box on our blog, on the right hand side, that says “Like this content? Sign up for free updates” and sign up to receive our newsletter. When you have done that, you will receive a welcoming email from us that will contain a coupon code and a link back to the complimentary pattern. You will act as though you are purchasing the pattern and in the cart, you will apply the coupon code, which will make the pattern free. You will need to fill out contact information, but no payment method will be necessary. Don’t worry, we do not send out newsletters very often and we never sell email addresses or contact information. Here is what the pattern looks like. It is in a format very similar to most Blue Bear Quilt patterns, so if you see what you like in this complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.
Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of August 2022.
Teal Gorilla Cover
Current newsletter subscribers, don’t despair! You will be able to download the complimentary pattern as well. You have already been sent a newsletter on August 2nd which gave you the coupon code.
Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways.
Be sure to look at my last blog post, which has the details for my July project as an Island Batik Ambassador, where I made a quilt featuring the Accuquilt Tree of Life Die.
Tree of Life From the Underside
Throughout the year, there will be tutorials, blog hops, giveaway, etc. I love batiks and I am so excited to share the projects that I make throughout the coming year with you. If you like my July Project, stay tuned for my August project which will be a making a mini quilt.
Please follow me on social media so you don’t miss a thing.
Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.
We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.
QBM August Jungle
You can click on the links to the other blocks here.
Summer is here and we are ready for some summer concerts with this month’s theme of music for July 2022. There are a lot of great musical blocks this month. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of July 2022, Xylophone, is a fun and playful one for creating a modern quilt. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month. The designers thank you for your support, through your purchases, which allow us to offer these complimentary block patterns each month.
In July 2022, we are offering 20% off two of our newest digital download quilt patterns. They are the Riding the Waves quilt pattern and Chess Match table runner pattern. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/
Riding cover
CM Cover
Quilt Block Mania has 14 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- music. There are no theme colors this month, so I chose a colorful rainbow palette based upon a child’s xylophone.
child xylophone
xylophone block
This is the Xylophone block. This block features a rainbow of colors on a white background.
Here is a photo of the Xylophone block made with fabrics from my stash.
stash block
The Xylophone block makes a fun 57″ x 21″ table runner with 4 xylophone blocks, a 1″ finished gray inner border and a 3″ finished white outer border. I have also shown another version of the table runner where you rotate the blocks 180 degrees. I also show what the block looks as a couple of quilts.
Table Runner
TR 2
xylo quilt
xylo quilt 2
How to get the block
If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Xylophone 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 complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.
Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of July 2022.
Xylo cover
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 5th which gave you the coupon code.
Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways.
Be sure to look at my last blog post, which has the details for my June project as an Island Batik Ambassador, where I made a quilt featuring New York Beauty blocks.
New York Beauty Angels
Throughout the year, there will be tutorials, blog hops, giveaway, etc. I love batiks and I am so excited to share the projects that I make throughout the coming year with you. If you like my June Project, stay tuned for my July project which will be a project using the Accuquilt Tree of Life die.
Please follow me on social media so you don’t miss a thing.
Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.
We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.
Quilt Block Mania Music
You can click on the links to the other blocks here.
The world could use a little bit of beauty right now. I hope you will find some beauty, joy and inspiration from this month’s Island Batik blog hop. I have completed my June project as an Island Batik Ambassador and I am so excited to share it with you. This month is a blog hop and if you check out the Island Batik blog, you can enter each week to win a fat quarter bundle of some of the fabrics that the Ambassadors are using in their projects. I will show the other fabric collections later in this blog along with a link to the giveaway from Island Batik and links to other ambassador’s blogs.
New York Beauty Blog Hop
The June project was to make a quilt with New York Beauty blocks using an upcoming fabric line from Island Batik. I was so excited when the fabric I was given to use was Jewel Carvings by Kathy Engle. Just look at this gorgeous collection of batik fabrics. The Jewel Carvings may be found at your local quilt shop that carries Island Batik, such as Fabric Smart in St. Petersburg FL. You may find them online at www.fabric-smart.com or call them at 727-914-8850.
Jewel Carvings
The quilt I made is called Beauty Pageant. It is a large lap quilt size 49″ x 59.” This is a dazzling quilt has a diagonal row of New York Beauty blocks surrounded by intricate nine patch blocks.
Beauty Pageant
I will have a pattern coming out later this summer or fall for this quilt after the testers are done testing the pattern. It’s always fun to find cool locations for the photo shoot.
NY Beauty Mystery solved
The batik bundle I was provided was the Jewel Carvings collection by Kathy Engle. Look at this glorious selection of blue, teal, green and purple batiks. These fabrics were so beautiful that it was really hard to cut them up.
Jewel Carvings
I downloaded the images of the fabric collection into my Electric Quilt software, which is the software I use to design quilts. This is what the quilt looked like in the software. It’s pretty close to the real quilt don’t you think? I love how the white and black fabrics highlight the fabrics in the Jewel Carvings collection.
NY Beauty
New York Beauty quilts are called that as they have New York Beauty blocks in them. The New York Beauty block got its name as it has spikes just like the famous Statue of Liberty in NYC.
statue of liberty
I decided to showcase the NY Beauty blocks as though they are walking on a central catwalk among a sea of admiring fans. The fans are all of the squares in the nine patch blocks. The spikes in the New York Beauty blocks are made with paper piecing so you can achieve those nice sharp points. You lay two fabrics right side together and then sew on the lines.
paper piecing
When you sew the other pieces to the arch with the spikes, there is curved piecing involved. I wanted to make sure that the pieces lined up correctly as I slowly sewed a quarter inch along those gentle curves. Thus, a lot of pinning was involved. This will insure success with those curves. When you press, the block will naturally tell you which direction it wants to be pressed. What’s great about working with Island Batik fabric is that there is no right or wrong side, making the paper piecing much easier and, that the fabrics cut, and press, nice and crisp.
pinning
To sew the smaller nine patches, I sewed long strips together and then sub cut units into the appropriate sizes. I then chain pieced the smaller nine patches to the larger nine patch pieces. Mama always said that the back of the block should look as neat as the front.
chain piecingback of block
New York Beauty blocks can be a little challenging to sew and thus even though my blocks look pretty accurate, I knew there could be trouble if I had to place the blocks right next to each other. Thus, I decided to separate them with sashing. This is a good little trick if you are worried that the seams of your blocks may not line up properly. It also creates some definition to the blocks.
sashing
I used Amanda Murphy’s Good Measure Circle rulers to quilt some circular designs around the squares in the nine patch blocks. These rulers work well with the rulerwork foot on my Janome 6600. I also used some of the Creative Grids quilting rulers by Angela Walters. I used white and black 50 wt. Aurifil thread on the front and a teal on the back. I used a 70/10 quilting needle from Schmetz Needles. For the batting, I tried Hobbs Tuscany Collection Silk batting. I had never used this batting before and it was very easy to quilt on my Janome. Hobbs Tuscany Silk Batting breathes naturally, making it an excellent choice for airy, lightweight quilts, and while it’s a cool quilt, it can also provide excellent warmth. Hobbs Tuscany Silk Batting is a blend of 90% very fine imported silk filaments and 10% fine polyester, ingredients which are carded and bonded to help retard bearding and fiber migration.
Hobbs Tuscany Silk Batting
The supplies I used to make this project were provided by:
If you are on TikTok, be sure to check out the video I have posted of me with the quilt. (Look for Blue Bear Quilts)
Blue Bear hopes you are ready for summer. Please let him know how much you love the this quilt by writing to him in the comments!
Blue Bear
New York Beauty Angels
The other amazing Island Batik Ambassadors are also posting their June Blog Hop New York Beauty quilts. Check out their projects by clicking on the links next to their names to be directed to their blog posts.
The week one giveaway of the Blog Hop started on Friday, June 3rd. Two lucky winners will each get a Fat Quarter bundle of a complete Island Batik collection by Kathy Engle – the luminous Jewel Carvings or the bold Nightshade!
To enter for your chance to win one of the two prizes above, follow the simple Rafflecopter prompts below.
This giveaway ends June, 10 at 11:59 pm PST. Two random winners will be notified by email on June, 11 and announced on the Island Batik Facebook page on June, 14. If the winners do not respond within the first two days after being notified, two new random winners will be chosen and notified.
Summer is here and we are heading to the ocean and Quilt Block Mania is ready with this month’s theme of under the sea for June 2022. There are a lot of great seaside blocks this month. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of June 2022, Whirlpool, is a fun one for toddlers or to create a modern quilt. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month. The designers thank you for your support, through your purchases, which allow us to offer these complimentary block patterns each month.
In June 2022, we are offering 20% off two of our newest digital download quilt patterns. They are Buckles Quilt and Buttons and Bows Quilt. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/
Buckles Cover
Buttons Cover
Quilt Block Mania has 17 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- under the sea. Here are the theme colors for this month.
June 22 Color-Palette
Whirlpool Block
This is the Whirlpool block. This block features appliquéd medium and dark blue swirls on a light blue, orange and red orange background.
Here is a photo of the Whirlpool block made with fabrics from my stash.
block from stash
The Whirlpool block makes a fun 52″ x 24″ table runner with 3 Whirlpool blocks, a 2″ finished light blue sashing and inner border and a 4″ finished medium blue outer border. I have also shown a couple of other versions of the table runner which are created by reversing the half square triangles in the background. You also can turn the block into a 16″ pillow cover to brighten up your home. We have a pattern called Wonky Hearts Pillow, in our shop, if you would like a pattern for making the pillow cover. I also show the block as a quilt.
Whirlpool TR 2
Whirlpool table runner
Mod Whirlpool TR
Whirlpool Pillow
Whirlpool Quilt
How to get the block
If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Whirlpool 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 complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.
Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of June 2022.
Cover
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 7th which gave you the coupon code.
Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways.
Be sure to look at my last blog post, which has the details for my May project as an Island Batik Ambassador, where I made a quilt featuring triangles. In May, I also had a quilt featured in the Australian Make Modern Magazine, Issue 46. Be sure to check it out. You can order a copy or subscribe to the magazine from the affiliate link on the right hand side of my blog.
Dashing Diamonds Quilt
Throughout the year, there will be tutorials, blog hops, giveaway, etc. I love batiks and I am so excited to share the projects that I make throughout the coming year with you. If you like my May Project, I can’t wait to share my June project with you. It will be a project that features New York Beauty blocks in it.
MM 46
Please follow me on social media so you don’t miss a thing.
Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.
We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.
Quilt Block Mania Ocean
You can click on the links to the other blocks here.
Things are starting to get buggy and Quilt Block Mania is ready with this month’s theme of bugs for May 2022. There are a lot of cool looking bugs with this month’s blocks. Our complimentary block of the month for Quilt Block Mania, during the month of May 2022, Marvelous Moth, is sure to delight bug collectors everywhere. If you like receiving the complimentary blocks from Quilt Block Mania, please share this with your quilting friends on social media (please ask them to sign up for their own copy) so the designers can continue to do this every month. The designers thank you for your support, through your purchases, which allow us to offer these complimentary block patterns each month.
In May 2022, we are offering 20% off two digital download quilt patterns. They are South Seas Shuffle Quilt and Timberland Tumble Quilt. The link to these patterns is here: downloadable-patterns/
SSS Cover
TT Cover
Quilt Block Mania has 15 talented quilt designers creating blocks for this month’s theme- bugs. Here are the theme colors for this month.
may 22 colors
This is the Marvelous Moth block.
Marvelous Moth block
This block features an appliquéd teal and lime moth on a white background.
Here is a photo of the Marvelous Moth block made with fabrics from my stash.
Moth from stash
The Marvelous Moth block makes a festive 44″ x 18″ table runner with 2 Marvelous Moth blocks, 1 center flower block of your choice, 1″ finished lime sashing and inner border and a 2″ finished teal outer border. You also can turn the block into a 16″ pillow cover to brighten up your home. We have a pattern called Wonky Hearts Pillow, in our shop, if you would like a pattern for making the pillow cover. I also show the block as a quilt and wallhanging. Yardage for all the examples is in the pattern.
wall hanging
quilt
pillow
How to get the block
If you are new to our website and are interested in downloading a complimentary PDF pattern of our Marvelous Moth 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 complimentary pattern, you will like our other patterns as well.
Please note: This pattern will only be complimentary during the month of May 2022.
Moth Cover
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 3rd which gave you the coupon code.
Be sure to follow us on our Instagram page, @bluebearquilts, as that is where we occasionally have giveaways.
Be sure to look at my last several posts, which have the details for my April project as an Island Batik Ambassador. In April, I made a memory bear from the Funky Friends Factory.
Buttons
Throughout the year, there will be tutorials, blog hops, giveaway, etc. I love batiks and I am so excited to share the projects that I make throughout the coming year with you. If you like my April Project, I can’t wait to share my May project with you. It will be a project that incorporates triangle blocks in it.
Please follow me on social media so you don’t miss a thing.
Also, please check out our Tik Tok and YouTube Channels (Blue Bear Quilts) for more quilting fun and inspiration.
We are so happy that you stopped by to visit us in the Quilt Block Mania hop and we hope that you like our block. Please stop by to see all of the other designer’s wonderful blocks.
May Bug Themed Blocks
You can click on the links to the other blocks here.
checkerboard diamond
NY Beauty
