patchwork – Blue Bear Quilts

Posted on August 12, 2022August 12, 2022 by Reed — 6 Comments

Island Batik Ambassador August Project, Star Mini Quilt for Blue Bear

This is my August 2022 project as an Island Batik Ambassador. This month’s challenge was to make a mini quilt using any technique and Island Batik fabric. The quilt could be no larger than 24″ x 24″. I designed this quilt on my computer using Electric Quilt 8 software. This size of this quilt, which is perfect for Blue Bear, is 12″ x 12″.

I chose to use fabrics from the Island Batik collection called “Jewel Carvings” and I also used their solid black. These colors are so delicious.

When designing a quilt, it is important to make sure that you have a proper mix of light, medium and dark shades in your quilt. One way to determine this is to take a monochromatic picture of your fabrics to more clearly see the shades. Notice how the values go from dark to light when looking at the fabrics from left to right. In the completed quilt, I wish there was a little more value change between the purple and blue. Those are the two fabrics farthest to the left in the monochromatic image, followed by the green and yellow.

This quilt is comprised of 1-1/2″ unfinished squares and half square triangles. I used a method of making 8 half square triangles at a time. You can find many articles for how to do this if you do a google search. I wanted 1-1/2″ unfinished half square triangles, so that meant that I needed to start with 4-1/2″ squares. For example, if I wanted to make the blue/green half square triangles, I would need to place green and blue 4-1/2″ squares right sides together. The nice thing about using Island Batik fabrics for this project is that you don’t really have to worry about right and wrong sides, even though technically there is a right side. Then I drew lines horizontally, vertically and diagonally in both directions in the middle of the square. Next, I sewed 1/4″ on either side of the drawn diagonal lines.

Next, I cut on the horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines I drew. You don’t cut on the sewn lines. This creates 8 half square triangle units.

Next. I needed to press the half square triangles and I chose to press toward the dark side. When the units are lined up for sewing, you may need to press some of them the other way so that they will nest and not create as much bulk in the seams.

In order to successfully sew a quilt with such small pieces, it’s important to maintain the proper squared-up size of the unfinished units, which in this case is 1-1/2″. I used the small 1-1/2″ Bloc-Loc ruler to accomplish this. This ruler has grooves on the back of it that slide along the ridge of the pressed over fabric and it allows you to trim up 2 sides of the unit at a time.

I have a YouTube video showing how to to trim up these units using the Bloc-Loc ruler. Here is a link to that video: https://youtu.be/hUHR_SmPLe8

Once the units were all squared up, I laid them out in the positions they would be in the quilt. This is where you would look at which blocks are being sewn together and determine if you need to press them the other direction so that seams will nest.

Sewing the units together, I slowed my Janome 6600 down and used a quarter inch foot so that I could obtain an accurate 1/4″ seam. This is crucial when sewing a mini quilt as if you are off by an 1/8th of an inch, that adds up quickly and your quilt will no longer be the correct size. I sewed one row at a time and pressed each row in the opposite direction. When sewing the rows together, I pressed the seams open to reduce bulk. Here is a picture of the back of the quilt and you can see that there are a lot of intersecting seams, which is why all of these measurements being accurate is so important.

Finally, I made a quilt sandwich by placing a piece of Hobbs 80/20 black batting between the quilt top and a piece of black backing. I pinned the layers together to prevent shifting when quilting the layers together. I used Aurifil 50 weight cotton thread in several different colors on the top. I loved how easy it was to find shades of thread color that matched the Island Batik fabric. I slowed my Janome 6600 down again and used the dual action walking foot to stitch in the ditch, which was a breeze. I love domestic machine quilting on a project this size. It’s so easy!

I machine stitched on the black binding. Here is a picture of the completed quilt and a close up of the stitching in the ditch.

Blue Bear’s Quilt is finished. I think he loves it! He is so thankful as he finally has a quilt that is his size. He can’t use the big people’s quilts. He will now have his own quilt to snuggle up with at night and he loves the fact that the quilt has blue stars that are the same color as him.

Be sure to follow along and subscribe to all our social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tic Tok) as I will be making a beautiful Southwestern themed 60 degree star quilt using the Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Star 60 ruler next month. You won’t want to miss it.

The supplies I used to make this project were provided by:

Island Batik Jewel Carvings collection for the top.

Aurifil 50 wt Thread

Hobbs black 80/20 Blend Batting

Schmetz 70/10 Quilting needle

Thank you Island Batik, Aurifil Thread, Hobbs Batting, and Schmetz Needles.

The other Island Batik Ambassadors have also been busy creating Mini quilts in their August projects. If you would like to see what the other ambassadors have been up to, check out their projects by clicking on the links next to their names to be directed to their blog posts.

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations
Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese

Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts
Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts

Megan Best, Bestquilter

Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine
Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood
Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt
Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky
Sandra Starley, Textile Time Travels

Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde
Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum
Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts

Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio
Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail
Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter

Mania Hatzioannidi, Mania for Quilts
Lisa Pickering, Lisa’s Quilting Passion

#islandbatikambassador #islandbatik #iloveislandbatik #hobbsbatting #aurifil #aurifilthread #schmetzneedles #doyoueq #EQ8 #electricquilt #Janome #bloc-loc

Posted on July 29, 2022July 29, 2022 by Reed — 4 Comments

Island Batik Ambassador July Project, Tree of Life From the Underside Quilt

This is my July 2022 project as an Island Batik Ambassador. The first part of this month’s challenge was to use the Accuquilt Tree of Life die to create a unique project. Accuquilt provided the Tree of Life die, and Island Batik provided fabric, to the Ambassadors so they could create their projects in this challenge. This die is a BOB or block on board. What that means is that you are able to cut all of the pieces you need to complete a tree of life block with one pass through the cutting machine.

The die has metal blades set in foam and when you place the fabric on the die and cover it with a mat, there is a roller in the cutter that presses down on the fabric and cuts out the needed shapes. Here is a Tik Tok video I did showing how I cut out the fabric.

I designed the quilt in Electric Quilt and this is the design I came up with. It is a bright and colorful design, orienting four tree of life blocks toward the outside corners. The blocks are uniquely colored to create the graphic design of the quilt. It almost has an Art Deco feel to it.

I needed some wonderful solids to make this quilt. Did you know that Island Batik has solids? Well, they do! I chose solids in red, blue, yellow, orange, green and lime. I used stash buster strip rolls for the colors and accented them with white and black to make them shine. The stash busters are 5″ wide strips and are great to work with on this type of project as they are already cut into a smaller size to be able to use with the Accuquilt Die.

Here is how I laid out the blocks after I had cut all of the desired shapes. It is really helpful to lay out your block ahead of time to keep everything organized. The half square triangles were sewn in rows and then the rows were sewn together. The Accuquilt die has great instructions for how to sew the block together.

As mentioned above, a great thing about cutting out your shapes with the Acccuquilt Tree of Life die is that all of the shapes you need for one block can be cut with one pass through the cutting machine. You can put 6 layers of fabric on the die, so you could cut out 6 blocks at once. Also, the dog ears are cut off and if you are a really good sewist, there is no trimming that is needed to square up the blocks.

After I had the quilt top sewn together, using my favorite thread, Auriful, it was time to make a quilt sandwich with some awesome batting (Heirloom 80/20 blend) provided by Hobbs Batting.

Time to quilt with my Janome 6600. This machine is a power horse! I knew I wanted to quilt in straight lines, so I used my favorite quilting ruler for that purpose- the Line Tamer by Four Paws Quilting. Your ruler work foot just follows the cut out groove in the ruler and gives you nice straight lines.

Voila! The quilt is all done. I machine pieced the black binding to the front and then used clips to hold the binding in place on the back while I stitched in the ditch on the front.

Part two of this Christmas in July project was to gift the quilt to someone and bring them a little joy. When I decided on the name of the quilt, I knew who I wanted to give it to as a gift. I named the quilt “Tree of Life From the Underside.” Imagine laying on the ground, under a tree, and looking up at the bottom of the branches spreading out. I felt the quilt gave this perspective of the tree.

I see the tree of life as representing life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Many in society are able to stand alongside the tree and enjoy the view from many perspectives. Yet there are others around the world who do not have that same ability and they are kept under the tree and can’t enjoy all of the beauty the tree represents. These people may include the elderly, poor. foreigners, women, gays, jewish people, blacks, asians, indigenous people or people with disabilities. They want to see the tree from all sides and the wonderful things it represents, but they are kept down below the branches.

There is a poem, by Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, called “_ _ _ _ _Gated.” In the poem she compares how the pandemic was a leveler, and all were equally prevented from doing what they wanted to do, or told what they had to do. Sharing for a brief time what it feels like to be living in the margins.

Here are a few quotes from the poem. “To be haunted is to be hunted by a history that is still hurting. Needing healing as much as we do. … Call us… colonized, …cleansed, controlled, killed, … contained, concentrated, conditioned… We have yielded centuries of sidewalk, trained in this tradition before we even lived it- what it is to bow our heads & make room for someone else’s pride, that ceding of the walkway…Why is it so perturbing for privileged groups to follow restrictions of place & personhood. Doing so means for once wearing the chains their power has shackled on the rest of us….Meanwhile for generations we’ve stayed home,…kept out of public spaces…kept out of ballot boxes, kept out of office, kept out of the army, kept out of hospitals…kept out of jobs, kept out of schools, kept out of sports…kept out of land, kept out of kept in kept from kept behind kept below kept down kept without life. Some were asked to walk a fraction/ of our exclusion for a year & it almost destroyed all they thought they were. Yet here we are. Still walking, still kept. To be kept to the edges of existence is the inheritance of the marginalized. …If we remember anything, let it be to remember. A road forward we shall have if we keep walking.”

This poem is powerful and it is found in her book called ” Call us what we carry.” If you can find a copy of the book at your local bookstore, or library, I would urge you to do so.

For me, the tree also represents hope. growth and rebirth. The leaves of the tree are all unique and yet they are interconnected. The tree is strong and provides shelter from the storms. Under the tree is also a place for peace and tranquility. Finally it is a place for growth and rebirth. A mighty oak grows from a tiny acorn. Each year the leaves turn brown and die but then are reborn in the Spring with the prospect of new growth. As we keep walking, the tree keeps inspiring growth.

I wanted to give this quilt to someone who treats everyone as equal and places no one in the margins, even as difficult as that may be in a society that likes to create margins. Someone who keeps walking. Someone immediately came to mind. It was a friend, Pastor Joyce Stone. She is a pastor of a church in Florida that not only welcomes all but affirms their very nature. Christ the Cornerstone is a beacon of light for all. When I told Pastor Joyce about the gift, she told me that they have a tree of life in the church where people can place leaves about the things God has done for them in their lives. I knew I had made the right choice for the gift recipient.

I placed a hanging sleeve on the back of the quilt so that it may be hung for all to see. It is my desire that the quilt will stand as a symbol of the hope, growth and rebirth the tree represents. I hope it will inspire those who can stand alongside the tree, and enjoy all of its beauty and freedom, to come to the underside and see the shelter, strength and connectivity the tree provides and invite those living under the tree to come and stand beside the tree with them. I also hope that those who may only see the tree from the underside will keep walking so that one day they will be able to stand alongside the tree and see the life, liberty and happiness it provides from all angles.

Here is a picture of Pastor Joyce with the quilt. Her smile radiates Joy!

Pastor Joyce and I in front of the Tree of Life in her church

If you would like to see me talking about the quilt, I also have a YouTube video about it on my YouTube channel, Blue Bear Quilts. Here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/duB3fqtL2ac

The supplies I used to make this project were provided by:

Island Batik Stash Buster 5″ strip roll for the top.

Accuquilt Tree of Life Die

Aurifil 50 wt Thread

Hobbs 80/20 Blend Batting

Schmetz 70/10 Quilting needle

accuquilt

Thank you Island Batik, Accuquilt, Aurifil Thread, Hobbs Batting, and Schmetz Needles.

The other Island Batik Ambassadors have also been busy creating Christmas in July projects. If you would like to see what the other ambassadors have been up to, check out their projects by clicking on the links next to their names to be directed to their blog posts.

Jennifer Thomas, Curlicue Creations
Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese

Pamela Boatright, Pamela Quilts
Andi Stanfield, True Blue Quilts

Megan Best, Bestquilter

Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine
Brenda Alburl, Songbird Designs

Emily Leachman, The Darling Dogwood
Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights

Suzy Webster, Websterquilt
Connie Kauffman, Kauffman Designs

Brianna Roberts, Sew Cute and Quirky
Sandra Starley, Textile Time Travels

Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde
Jane Hauprich, Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting

Claudia Porter, Create with Claudia

Anorina Morris, Samelia’s Mum
Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts

Elizabeth DeCroos, Epida Studio
Gail Renna, Quilt Haven Threads

Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail
Jennifer Fulton, Inquiring Quilter

Mania Hatzioannidi, Mania for Quilts
Lisa Pickering, Lisa’s Quilting Passion

#islandbatikambassador #islandbatik #iloveislandbatik #hobbsbatting #aurifil #aurifilthread #schmetzneedles #doyoueq #EQ8 #electricquilt #Janome #Accuquilt #AccuquiltGO #ChristmasinJuly #AccuQuiltChristmasInJuly #fourpawsquilting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get the block

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Testers and Checkers wanted!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sew Much Fun Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get the block

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Testers and Checkers wanted!

Sew Much Fun Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get the block

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

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

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

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

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

Picnic Theme - August — Picnic Theme – August

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sparklers Cover — Sparklers Quilt Pattern

Testers and Checkers wanted!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get the block

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Timeless Treasures Pattern

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

Doesn’t it look like those fruity, slushy, ice cold treats you used to get as a kid in the heat of the summer? We had so much fun designing this quilt. It’s a fairly easy pattern that would be suitable for an advanced beginner quilter. Here is what a couple of the individual blocks look like.

This is the pattern cover.

Our Testers had fun making this pattern. Sharon Buman really got into the spirit of a snow cone quilt when she chose these bright colors. She cut out all of he pieces using her Accuquilt cutter and said that sewing it together was a breeze.

Jogi made the quilt in her grand daughter’s school colors and is giving it as a graduation gift. She wanted the quilt to be longer, so she added a piano key border to the top and bottom to turn it into a rectangular quilt. I love how she used white rectangles instead of the navy ones from the original pattern.

What do you think? Didn’t they do a great job? Please let us know what you think in the comments and please sign up to receive our newsletters in case you are not already signed up. We should be having some giveaways in the near future and you don’t want to miss out.

I hope you like this fun and festive quilt pattern as much as I do.

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

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

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

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

Testers and Checkers wanted!

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

Collaboration with Redfin.

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

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

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

We are published again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World's Fair Pillow — World’s Fair Pillow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These colors look very regal for a graduation.

This is the Wise Owl block.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.