A New Leaf Quilt Block Tutorial : :

Over the holiday my friend Jan, Daisy Janie, asked if I would join in a fun Bee Block Blog Hop she was organizing to showcase her newest collection, New Leaf, a 100% GOTS certified organic cotton collection packed with brilliant color!



After a quick study of the fabrics I received, I decided my block would be based around this fussy cut flower, in her Rhapsody print.



From there I started playing, continuing to cut and sew until I was happy with my block layout.



For this quick Quilt Block Tutorial, it's easiest and makes the most sense for me to point out what cuts of what pieces went where, with more of a Pictorial approach! The finished block will measure a 12.5" square, using a 1/4" seam allowance, pressing all the seams open as you go along!

Assembling Your Fussy Cut Block : :

First, cut out your 5" fussy cut square for the center.

- -  Start with the Corner Pieces, you'll be making four of these : :



- -  Next, the Middle Pieces, making four again : : 



- - Assemble your block just as I did below, sewing the three pieces together at the top of the block, the three pieces that make up the center, and the three at the bottom, as well. Next, sew those together in the correct order : :



And, now you have a pretty fussy cut, New Leaf Quilt Block!



Jan did request that we could make our blocks using "turning over a new leaf" as inspiration, and that I did! This is my very first quilt block tutorial after all! This was a wonderful challenge for me to be a part of, since when it comes to my sewing, I am most insecure when it comes to quilt work. Thank you so much for inviting me, Jan!

This quilt block design was also inspired by some of the stained glass in our new home. Quilt blocks always look so pretty in the window light!



I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!  Please do check out the other stops along the blog hop!

New Leaf Bee Block Blog Hop Schedule : :

  Mon, 1/14 - Becky Moyer, My Fabric Obsession

  Tues, 1/15 - Lynn Harris, The Little Red Hen

  Wed, 1/16 - Candy Glendening, Candied Fabrics

  Thurs, 1/17 - Holly DeGroot, Bijou Lovely

  Fri, 1/18 - Melanie Thornton, Melanie Dramatic

  Mon, 1/21 - Emily Cier, Carolina Patchworks

  Tues, 1/22 - Rachael Gander, Imagine Gnats

  Wed, 1/23 - Maureen Cracknell, Maureen Cracknell Handmade

  Thurs, 1/24 - Leanne, She Can Quilt

  Fri, 1/25 - Cindy Wiens, Live a Colorful Life

 

  Mon 1/28 - Cheryl Arkison, Dining Room Empire

  Tues, 1/29 - Jacquie Gering, Tallgrass Prairie Studio

  Wed, 1/30 - Shanna Bailey, Fiber of All Sorts

  Thurs, 1/31 - Katy Jones, Monkey Do

Oh, and if you're participating in the Fat Quarter Word Scramble, my secret letter is A!   ♥,  Maureen 

Tilly Update : :

Remember my Tilly Dresden from back in October? Well, I thought it would be fun to share a little update on this project, since it was one of my very favorites from the year!

Jan, Daisy Janie, had asked me a while back to make a few flower themed items for her Fall Quilt Market booth and of course, I was over-joyed and said, Yes! I received the gorgeous fabrics and got right to work!



My contribution was a large Tilly Dresden Pillow front, Jan finished it off, and I made these Tilly fabric flowers from the scraps. I am still planning a tutorial for these, I promise! It seems like a better suited idea for Spring, don't you think?



Doesn't her booth look fantastic!



Jan took some beautiful photos of the items I made herself, and I'm excited to be able to share. You can see many more of this pillow here and of her other Tilly pillows here. They are all very inspiring!



And, how beautiful is this window shot!? It was nearly impossible for me to choose just one to share today. You can see why for yourself right here.



I'll be having a Tilly giveaway here sometime soon! So be sure to keep an eye out!!

Tilly Fabric Flowers {and Giveaway Winner} : :

This weekend I spent some time creating this bouquet of fabric flowers with Daisy Janie's new Tilly collection, using up my Tilly Dresden scraps from last week. Both are for Jan's Quilt Market Booth, I hope she likes them! This group premiers at Houston Quilt Market at the end of this month and yardage goes on sale in November! I am hoping to have a giveaway in the future for some, right here!



I finished off the centers with some coordinating felt balls or pom poms with buttons.



They really are so fun to make! No machine sewing is necessary, just some ironing and a little hand sewing.



I added a pretty green, wool blend felt leaf to each.



Along with a very long floral wire stem and some floral tape to hide the twisted wire and thread ends.



If any of you is interested in a tutorial for these, please let me know! I was considering putting one together. What do you think?



It would give me a reason to make more!

And now, we have a winner! 

THANK YOU to Skye Reve Fabrics for sponsoring a wonderful giveaway!!



Thank You to all of you who entered! I know that not winning is not much fun at all -- my apologies for that! So, good news -- I'll be hosting a new giveaway here again this Friday and as often as I can, hopefully each Friday! Be sure stop back. I think it's such a wonderful way to end each week, I hope you think so too!

So without further ado, from the 598 entries that came in before 10 pm, Mr. Random says our lucky winner is comment #2, Kristen (by the book paper)!!! I hope you enjoy your winnings! Both Skye Reve Fabrics and I will be in touch!

Thanks again and Happy Monday everyone!!!

Dresden Window: :

Just after finishing my extra-large Tilly Dresden, I hung it up on the balcony door of my sewing room. I was just making room for finishing up that owl tote. Then something magical happened...



I stepped back and saw what looked like stained glass work, with how pretty it glowed from the soft light shining through.



My oldest (who's new favorite spot is the sewing room too), was sitting, reading to me, and stopped and said, "Woah!" Which is exactly what I was thinking. I, of course, ran right downstairs and got my camera.



Just looking at it makes me happy. Dresden's really are just completely beautiful!



Perhaps I will make a block or two just to hang in a window?



I hope this makes you happy, too! Wishing a lovely Thursday to all!!

p.s. I will be having a new fabric giveaway happening tomorrow, so please do stop back!

Color ❤ : :

Today I am sewing up a storm and loving all the color! Which is why I am a little late to putting something up here today. I decided to spend the morning sewing while I was alone! And, I am feeling a little better too, so thank you for all the well wishes!

Using yesterday's rainbow + patchwork inspiration, I had a little fun putting this new patchwork, scrappy owlie together. I'm not sure if I should make yet another pillow out of this 12x12 applique piece or maybe a little Fall tote bag for the kids to lug around. What do you think?



I plan to finish whatever becomes of my owl applique with my new Community Critters. Aren't they cute?



We all agree -- this owl is our favorite. So sweet!



I spent most of my free sewing time this morning sewing with Daisy Janie's new Tilly collection. I am making a pillow for Jan's Quilt Market Booth and I am so, so, so excited!!! Aren't these gorgeous? This group premiers at Houston Quilt Market at the end of this month and yardage goes on sale in November!



And, these new crown orders are now finished and just went out the door!



I'm dreaming up a plan for these, as well! This bundle of Little Apples is a huge hit with the kids. We all love them! And, have you seen Aneela's peak at her newest line? They just get better and better!



Now it's your turn! What are you up to today???

p.s. Wishing safe travels to everyone heading off to the Sewing Summit! I can't wait to see what I'll be missing. Enjoy!!!