A Winter Garden Quilt Block { Tutorial } : :

Today I'm excited to share a quick tutorial for my Winter Garden Quilt Block, a quilt I first made using Bari J.'s Emmy Grace collection for AGF that I'm currently remaking using as many of my own fabrics as possible! So many folks have asked me for this pattern over the years and I've always said that I would share one once I found the time to remake this quilt and here it is! First I'm sharing the block measurements and how-to, and once all of my blocks are finished I'll follow up with a tutorial for adding the scrappy sashing. Below is reminder of the finished quilt, it's one of my very favorites!



The block pattern begins with a large center square, perfect for showcasing those favorite prints. They're fun to make and sew up quick and I hope you'll join me in making them! If you do, feel free to tag me and to add #wintersagardenquilt and #MCHcollectionquilt or to share your photos with me on my Maureen Cracknell Handmade Facebook page!



One quilt block measures approximately 12.5"square.

You'll need:

• one piece of fabric measuring 6.5" square for the center fabric of each block (my center fabrics are fussy cut from the focal prints from each of my collections)
• four pieces of fabric measuring 2.5" x 6.5" to be added to the sides of the center fabric
• four pieces of fabric measuring 2.5" squares to be add to the four corners
• two pieces of fabric measuring 1.25" x 11" to be added to the top and bottom of the center
• two pieces of fabric measuring 1.25" x 12.5 to be added to the sides of the center

1. Cut your fabrics following the above measurements and lay them out following the image below.

2. First sew the three center fabrics together. Place side fabrics one at a time onto the center square with right sides facing and sew along the 6.5" side using a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat to add both side fabrics to the center fabric.

3. Sew the top and bottom row of fabrics together as shown below using a 1/4" seam allowance.

4. Finish the center of the block by sewing the top two rows together and them sew the last row to the top two using 1/4" seams throughout. If necessary, square up the center to measure an 11" square before adding the border fabrics.

5. Add the border fabrics one at a time beginning with the top and bottom pieces. Sew along the 11" side using a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat to add both the top and bottom border fabrics and again to add the side border fabrics.

It's as simple as that! Feel free to comment with any questions you might have regarding the instructions and if you have any questions about the fabrics I'm using! Each week I'll share my newly finished blocks here on the blog and on my social media pages. If you plan to join in, please do let me know! I look forward to seeing your beautiful work!!

♡ Maureen

Tutorial Making : :

It's been such a busy week! I've been putting the finishing touches on two tutorials that I'll share soon. The first is my Sweet Dreams Pillow, my newest project for Janome sewing machines featuring my Love Garden print from my Garden Dreamer fabric collection with Art Gallery Fabrics and a variety of AGF Denim Studio denims and linen. I used a raw edge reverse applique technique featuring Janome's satin stitch and my Quick Quilt As You Go method to create this beautiful throw pillow that's both fun and easy to make! I'll be sure to let you know once it's uploaded to Janome's project page and I hope you love it as much as I do!







If you plan to make this pillow you'll want to pick up a full yard of my Love Garden panel print to be sure you receive a complete heart to use on your pillow. This print comes in two colorways -- Vibrant and Calm. Both would make lovely pillows!



You can find this print available in my sponsor shops Fat Quarter Shop, Llama Fabrics, Lady Belle Fabrics, and Circa 15 Fabric Studio!

The other tutorial I was thinking I'd share early next week, if you're interested, is the MCH Collection Quilt block pattern I'm currently making. It's the remake of my popular Winter's Garden Quilt made using all of my current collections together, and I thought some of you might want to join me in making this one? So please do let me know!



I just finished two more blocks today featuring prints from Nightfall & Garden Dreamer together and I think they're my favorite ones yet!



I'm really looking forward to getting back to blogging more regularly, last week it was the weather and the kiddos home, this week it's the flu and the kiddos home, but I will be back tomorrow with an Intrepid Thread giveaway, so be sure to stop back!

♡ Maureen