Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Day 4 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3 Blog Tour and Giveaway!



Although I am not on the blog roster for today, I thought I would round out the week by giving away another Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3 issue today and tomorrow, so please check back tomorrow, as well!

I received such nice messages from everyone yesterday, on how well they liked the block. Thank you very much! One thing I really enjoy is designing new quilt patterns, new blocks, and especially, new applique blocks.
My block called: Hearts Bejeweled, Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 2

When I first tried applique, I wasn't that great at it. In fact, I was pretty lousy. But there was something about the process of applique, that I had to keep trying until I got it. It's rather cathartic! I'm still not where I would like to be, but for a self-taught girl, I'm pleased with what I can do. It takes time and patience, and if you're a first timer, please be easy on yourself. Pat yourself on the back for trying! And remember: we've all been there, feeling the same feelings of wanting to get it right.

When you get a moment, please look at my blog post from yesterday and click on the image of my block. Notice that my polka-dot circles are not perfect. The thing is, I'm okay with the little imperfections. However, I do strive to continually challenge myself, and that is probably a strong reason why I enjoy applique so much. There always seems like room to grow. :)

So my block called Bertrand's Arrows really isn't as hard as it looks.

Bertrand's Arrows, Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3, Image compliments of Quiltmaker Magazine

If you've never tried applique, I challenge you to try it, if applique is something you've ever been interested in. Besides, if you have any questions, I will gladly answer them for you. Simply leave me a message in this thread, or e-mail me through my website under my "Contact Us" tab.

Today, I'm giving away another issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3! All you need to do is leave a comment here, and sign up for my NuzLetter, which I am resurrecting, this Fall! I'm so excited to write again, and I'm planning some new and interesting topics.

Leave your comment, below, and sign up for my NuzLetter through my website . . . it is THAT simple! And I look forward to our newfound friendship!

Tomorrow's topic will cover a few layout ideas on how to use my block. Enjoy the tour, and happy quilting!

28 comments:

Cat said...

Looks like this would be fun to do.
Thanks for sharing your great design.

Evelene S said...

A very whimsical block I love it. Congratulations on being in the magazne.

kwiltnkats said...

Bertrand's Arrows is a very nice design. I am a novice with applique, but I do like it a lot. I hope to incorporate more of it into my days when I don't have a 40 hour work week! Sandi

Marika said...

Very beautiful block ,thank you opportunity that it is possible to prepare it if I win it :)

Martina said...

Thank you so much for sharing! I love applique and I am also still improving. Me too I enjoy the fact, that even without perfection applique adds such a great effect to the quilts. Just love it!

Gene Black said...

So far all I have done is basic machine applique (usually fused first)

Sallie said...

Thanks for another chance!

Mommarock said...

I wanted a sewing machine SOOOOO bad.. but I think I like applique best because the possibilities are endless. I'm sure they probably are pretty endless with machine stitching too.. but to ME they just SEEM endless with applique.. and I can DO it anywhere.. it is so relaxing to hand stitch.

VickiT said...

I honestly have not attempted any type of applique yet other than in the use of machine embroidery designs on my machine. I do want to try doing it without the help of a digitized design that shows when to add each piece of fabric and then automatically stitches around each piece to create a block or design.

I have already signed up for your newsletter.

Annieofbluegables said...

very generous of you, thanks
~a
I signed up for the NuzLetter yesterday

debbie m said...

Wow, your applique designs are so different! I love them. Thanks for sharing, and the giveaway. Looking forward to getting your newsletter.

Jen said...

I signed up for your newsletter! And I'll be back. congrats!

Lisa England said...

Your post is very encouraging to those trying to learn applique. I love that! I am self taught in most aspects of quilting but needle-turn applique is one area where I really improved after I took a class from an expert. For those that are trying to improve, I say take tips from Susan or try a class. Love your blog; signed up for your NuzLetter yesterday.

Jeanne said...

I have only appliqued a small amount but you have inspired me to try again. I also liked how you didn't beat yourself up over a little imperfection. Spmetimes you could go nuts over trying to be perfect thus not enjoying the process. I also signed up for your newsletter. Thanks for the giveaway.

Beverly said...

Well, you've taken some of the fear out of applique for me. Guess I just have to jump in and stick to it! I'm going to give it a try.

Nancy Sue said...

Thank you for the very approachable attitude in your blog about yourself and about applique. I'm looking forward to reading the Nuzletter. Even the name of it sounds fun!!!

CapitolaQuilter said...

Always looking to expand my quilting skills. congrats on being chosen for 100 blocks and thanks for the chance to win a copy, Looking forward to your Nuzletter to inspire me too.

Catskill Quilter said...

Generous of you to o another giveaway of this block book! I did enjoy reading about your journey thru applique!

Amy said...

I like your applique block. Glad you are starting your Nuzletter back up!

Nancy said...

Applique kind of scares me. I know practice makes better, though, so all I need to do is practice more. LOL!

Marlene @ KISSed Quilts . com said...

looks like you've got a series started...nice.

Gill said...

I enjoy applique but I've never mastered needle turn applique!
Any tips? or do you use bondaweb like me???

amy dame said...

i think your polkadots look fabulous!

besides, the thing that makes applique so special is the human touch, if it was exactly perfect, it wouldn't be the same.

oh, and i signed up for your Nuzletter!

GailM. said...

Sweet, so whimzical. Congratulations!

Lee Ann L. said...

Thanks! I have done a little applique; but, am still intimidated by it. I shall try to do some again in the future.

Annmarie said...

Well your applique technique looks perfect to me now! I'm still working on mine but I do enjoy it. Signed up for your newsletter yesterday (iambuzzysma)

Kd Brown said...

Susan, I can't wait to receive your newsletter. What a wonderful idea! Count me in! :)

Anonymous said...

I have done a little applique but this a whole block...it's worth trying though. Congratulations on a regal looking design and thank-you for your encouragement.