Tamarinis

The Final Day of the Stay at Home and Shop Hop

 

Welcome to the last day (sob) of the Virtual Designer Shop Hop!  The word is to stay at home so why not just stay at home and hop with us!?!

These are extraordinary times we are living through and many of us are no doubt sewing and quilting up a storm at home.  You may be starting new projects, completing those in progress or finding some beloved UFO's from long ago that require nothing more than a seam here or there to complete them.

But with all that fabric' goodness, I bet you wouldn't mind taking a break....right?   Yup! I thought so -!  Good!

For these next ten days, I want to take an opportunity to introduce to you to some of amazing quilting colleagues and friends. 

Many have been in industry as long as I have (or longer), but some are new and just starting out!  All of these quilty businesses are super eager to greet you - our stay at home hoppers - and are offering you super special greetings and/or incentives!

I have over forty websites to share with you but let's start with these ten first.  Check my social media for additional links over the next week.  Now go forth and explore and have fun!  You never know what you might discover!!

New links will be posted:

Saturday March 21st (my birthday - so enjoy!) If you missed this post, you can find the list of amazing designers and shops here.

Tuesday March 24th If you missed this post, you can find the list of amazing designers and shops here.

Friday March 27th If you missed this post, you can find the list of amazing designers and shops here.

Monday March 30th

Again, each posting will include fresh new links, so please follow me on Facebook or Instagram to get the new links!

And while you are online:

• Check out the special I'm running for the Stay At Home and Hop with Us Shop Hop.  Hint: discount on kits with the code that is on my banner on my website (www.tamarinis.com).  Who knows - I might add some other specials during the hop!
• Visit my earlier blog post for the Adventure in Color Quilt Along!  This week, I'm giving away an Aurifil thread set, so you still have time to enter!
• Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter - not only do I have a terrific new series starting soon of great quilty information, but you also receive a free pattern download when you subscribe!
• Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to see all the fun new projects, classes and giveaways going on!

Click the link to take you to that designer's shop! 

Monday March 30th links:

Studio R Quilts

https://www.studiorquilts.com

 

Toadally Quilts

https://www.toadallyquilts.com

 

From Blank Pages

https://www.fromblankpages.com

 

Cotton Street Commons

http://www.cottonstreetcommons.com

 

Puppy Girl Designs

http://www.puppygirldesigns.com

 

Phoebe Moon Quilt Designs

https://www.facebook.com/phoebemoondesgins

 

The Devoted Quilter

https://www.devotedquilter.com

 

Christa Quilts

https://www.christaquilts.com

 

Stitched by Susan

http://www.stitchedbysusan.com

 

Tamarinis (hey, that's me!!!)

https://www.tamarinis.com

 

Did you miss earlier links?  No worries - here's the rest of the list!  Happy browsing!

Saturday March 21st:

Bequilter

https://www.beaquilter.com/shop

Presto Avenue Designs 

https://www.prestoavenuedesigns.com

Cheryl Lynch Quilts 

https://www.cheryllynchquilts.com

Love to Color My World 

https://www.lovetocolormyworld.blogspot.com

Hissyfitz Designs 

https://www.hissyfitzdesigns.com

Canton Village Quilt Works 

https://cvquiltworks.com

Anjeanette Klinder Designs 

http://www.anjeanettek.com

Pat Sloan – The Voice of Quilting

https://www.blog.patsloan.com

Said With Love

https://www.saidwithlove.com.au

Orange Blossom Quilt Design

https://www.orangeblossomquilt.com

 

Tuesday March 24th links:

DaySpring Quilt Company

https://www.dayspringquiltcompany.com

Ms P Designs, USA  

https://www.mspdesignsusa.com

Stitchin’ at Home

http://www.stitchinathome.com

Sew Joy Creations

https://www.sewjoycreations.com

Ships & Violins

https://www.shipsandviolins.com

Patti’s Patchwork

https://www.pattispatchwork.com

Your Sewing Friend

https://www.etsy.com/shop/yoursewingfriend

The Geeky Bobbin

https://www.geekybobbin.com

Colourwerx Designs

https://www.colourwerx.com

Kate Colleran Designs

https://www.seamslikeadream.com

 

Friday March 27th links:

Lone Star Pattern Works

https://www.lonestarpatternworks.com

Powered by Quilting

https://www.poweredbyquilting.com

Cottage Rose Quilt Patterns

https://www.cottagerosequiltshop.com

The Cloth Parcel

https://www.theclothparcel.com

Faith and Fabric

https://www.faithandfabricdesign.com

Linen Closet Designs

http://www.linenclosetdesigns.com

Designs by Sarah J

https://www.designsbysarahj.com

Rona the Ribbiter Quilts

https://www.ronatheribbiter.com

Quilt Fox Designs

https://www.quiltfox-design.com

Seam to Be Sew

https://www.seamstobesew.com

Like what you see here, and want to hear more from Tamarinis? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my newsletter at www.tamarinis.com!  Following is one way to demonstrate your interest in my projects, patterns, and partnerships.  Your comments are also GREATLY appreciated, and provide valuable feedback regarding what inspires you, as well as what you'd like to see explored in future posts.  And did you know?  I travel and teach!  Contact me to schedule a trunk show and/or workshop!

Welcome to Day Three of the Stay at Home and Shop Hop

Welcome to Day Three of the Virtual Designer Shop Hop!  The word is to stay at home so why not just stay at home and hop with us!?!

These are extraordinary times we are living through and many of us are no doubt sewing and quilting up a storm at home.  You may be starting new projects, completing those in progress or finding some beloved UFO's from long ago that require nothing more than a seam here or there to complete them.

But with all that fabric' goodness, I bet you wouldn't mind taking a break....right?   Yup! I thought so -!  Good!

For these next ten days, I want to take an opportunity to introduce to you to some of amazing quilting colleagues and friends. 

Many have been in industry as long as I have (or longer), but some are new and just starting out!  All of these quilty businesses are super eager to greet you - our stay at home hoppers - and are offering you super special greetings and/or incentives!

I have over forty websites to share with you but let's start with these ten first.  Check my social media for additional links over the next week.  Now go forth and explore and have fun!  You never know what you might discover!!

New links will be posted:

Saturday March 21st (my birthday - so enjoy!) If you missed this post, you can find the list of amazing designers and shops here.

Tuesday March 24th If you missed this post, you can find the list of amazing designers and shops here.

Friday March 27th

Monday March 30th

Again, each posting will include fresh new links, so please follow me on Facebook or Instagram to get the new links!

And while you are online:

• Check out the special I'm running for the Stay At Home and Hop with Us Shop Hop.  Hint: discount on kits with the code that is on my banner on my website (www.tamarinis.com).  Who knows - I might add some other specials during the hop!
• Visit my earlier blog post for the Adventure in Color Quilt Along!  This week, I'm giving away an Aurifil thread set, so you still have time to enter!
• Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter - not only do I have a terrific new series starting soon of great quilty information, but you also receive a free pattern download when you subscribe!
• Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to see all the fun new projects, classes and giveaways going on!

Click the link to take you to that designer's shop! 

Friday March 27th links:

Lone Star Pattern Works

https://www.lonestarpatternworks.com

 

Powered by Quilting

https://www.poweredbyquilting.com

 

Cottage Rose Quilt Patterns

https://www.cottagerosequiltshop.com

 

The Cloth Parcel

https://www.theclothparcel.com

 

Faith and Fabric

https://www.faithandfabricdesign.com

 

Linen Closet Designs

http://www.linenclosetdesigns.com

 

Designs by Sarah J

https://www.designsbysarahj.com

 

Rona the Ribbiter Quilts

https://www.ronatheribbiter.com

 

Quilt Fox Designs

https://www.quiltfox-design.com

 

Seam to Be Sew

https://www.seamstobesew.com

 

 

Like what you see here, and want to hear more from Tamarinis? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my newsletter at www.tamarinis.com!  Following is one way to demonstrate your interest in my projects, patterns, and partnerships.  Your comments are also GREATLY appreciated, and provide valuable feedback regarding what inspires you, as well as what you'd like to see explored in future posts.  And did you know?  I travel and teach!  Contact me to schedule a trunk show and/or workshop!

Exploring the Basics: Quilt Layout

Welcome to another Exploring the Basics installment.  Today we are talking layout.  Now you may ask - why do I need to be worried about layout?  Well, let's look at it from a few different perspectives.

The Basics of Layout

What is layout?  No, we aren't talking about a sunscreen slathered, beach tune listening, sun soaking experience.  Although that sounds pretty good!

In basic terms, it is the way the quilt blocks are laid out.  Laid out.  Layout.  Get it?! Let's look at some examples.

Basic Grid

One traditional layout is a grid.  Paradise Cubed (above) uses a very traditional 3x4 grid, or four rows of three blocks each.  The blocks are butted up to each other with nothing separating them, and then surrounded by a narrow and a wide border.  

Grid quilts are usually pretty easy to put together because the blocks are all the same size.  Unless your blocks didn't come out the same size, you can assemble the quilt in rows, which many find super easy and straight forward.

With a grid format, sashing can be added.  In Melon Blossom (above) green sashing has been added to separate the blocks.   The green also helps create the feeling of leaves and vines - bonus!

Sashing doesn't complicate assembly.  In fact, some quilters prefer it, as it can help even things out if your blocks didn't come out perfect.  From a quilt layout perspective, sashing can also help with pressing and seams, as it provides a nice solid break between pieced seams in a complex block.

On Point

On point, or diagonal set, quilts are quilts that are assembled at an angle.  Relax - it is NOT as scary as it may sound!  Looking at Fizz (above), it may appear that this is a grid layout.  But it isn't.  The on point blocks, blocks that are "balanced on their point, or corner" come together to create the secondary design of extending pinwheels.  

With on point, or diagonal set, quilt layouts, diagonal rows are stitched together, and include the setting triangles.  Setting triangles are those triangles (in the case of Fizz, background fabric) that run along the outside edges of the quilt.  Note: setting triangles CAN be pieced blocks as well.  

Pieced setting triangles?  Yup!  Elementz BOM (above) has a combination of pieced setting triangles (there are two - can you spot them?) and fabric setting triangles.  Oh - and do you see one other layout element at work?  Hint: I just discussed it when talking about a grid layout.

Yes, you are right!  Sashing!  Ah....so on point or diagonal set quilts can have sashing?  You betcha!  In fact, Elementz is a PERFECT example of when sashing can be your best friend.  Those blocks have a LOT of seams.  If they butted up to each other, you might have some serious bulk.  But with that narrow sashing, you can press to the sashing, letting all those seams relax.  And - added bonus - the sashing gives the blocks some breathing room, allowing each to really shine!

So mind blowing moment.  Brace yourself.  Sashing can have blocks in it as well!  Boom!  Double boom!  What, you may say?  Yes, dear quilty buddy.  Look at Atomic Bombshell (above).  It is an on point, or diagonal set, quilt (the large spiky blocks).  Those long diamonds and center squares are pieced blocks - and they are acting as sashing for the larger blocks.  Ahhh...the possibilities!

Medallion

A medallion layout is a quilt that starts from the center.  The design is focused or builds out from the center.  In Monkey Bread (above), that center sawtooth star block is the center of the quilt, the medallion.  

An element of medallion quilts that can make them more construction friendly are coping strips.  As the name implies, they can help you "cope" with any inconsistencies.  In Monkey Bread, the coping strips are those purple borders.  If the medallion (or any of the surrounding pieced borders) are smaller or larger than they are supposed to be, the coping strip size can be changed to accommodate those differences.

Panel based quilts could be considered medallion quilts - because the panel is the center of the quilt, and the rest of the quilt builds off of the panel.  They often use the element of coping strips to help quilters, as panel sizes can vary.  Calm (above) uses wide coping strips (see them - those wide blue gray borders between the panel and the pieced outer border?).

Row Layout

Rows can be horizontal or vertical.  Each can create a fun effect!  Lovely Woods (above) is an example of a horizontal row by row quilt.  The pieced tree rows alternate with fussy cut solid rows from a repeating stripe fabric (this one is from Island Batik - I LOVE that they are bringing in elements such as a repeating row prints that are usually only seen in print fabric!).

And then there's the vertical row layout.  Just like it sounds, the rows are - wait for it - vertical!  Diamond Dance is an obvious vertical row quilt, but others may be less obvious.  It, and Lovely Woods, each use other elements common in other layouts - sashing and setting blocks (not setting triangles, but still....blocks that provide spacing).

Now that you are becoming super sleuth quilt layout detectives, you may be able to quickly spot that Mary's Contrary Garden is a vertical layout quilt!  Ah, yes - you see it!

When A Quilt is None of the Above

So it can happen - quilts don't HAVE to be one of the layouts featured above.  They could be a hybrid of sorts. Luminous, the quilt along project Kate (Seams Like a Dream) and I are hosting right now, is sort of a diagonal set quilt....but not in nice neat little rows.

Compass Points is another - a hybrid of sorts.  There is some partial seaming, and it is kind of a medallion set (centered around the larger center compass point block).

So it can happen.  Don't let it throw you.

Doing it Your Way

When you purchase a pattern, layout is already determined for you. The pattern, as I always tell my students, is just the beginning.  So if you don't like the layout, or if you are feeling like branching out on your own, you can!

But maybe you are ready to do your own thing, and create your own quilt.  Ready to play designer and do things free style?  Yes, you can! But first let's look at what a couple of layouts look like - without any fabric or piecing.

Here is a line drawing of a basic grid layout with sashing.  Once you start pulling it apart, it isn't intimidating at all, is it?  As you can see, the blocks and sashing all line up, and it can be assembled in rows or in columns.

I've created a little worksheet you can download if you want a few general steps to get you started on creating your own grid layout.  You can get it here:  Download Playing With Layout Basic Grid Worksheet.

Ah, but what about that on point layout you mentioned?  I have you covered.

As you can see, the on point layout isn't so scary.  As I mentioned earlier, the blocks are still sewn together in rows, but because the blocks are "on point" or rotated at a 45 degree angle, the rows are simply stitched together in diagonal rows.  

I added the red lines so you could clearly see the diagonal rows.  In the diagram, you can also clearly see those setting triangles I mentioned.  However, don't be fooled.  These are NOT squares cut in half corner to corner.  Please please please DO NOT do that!  

Cutting a square in half corner to corner will put the bias (the stretchy part of the fabric) on the outside and may cause your quilt to be wavy.  Hmmm....I'm seeing a post in the future on creating setting triangles.  Ok - so I'm got that on my to do list, and we will discuss in detail in a future post!

While I've covered a LOT of different layouts with you, I haven't covered all of them!  There are many many more options!  That's one of the amazing aspects of quilting for me - all of the possibilities.

Kate is going to have more insights on layout for you as well, so hop on over to her blog to get more helpful suggestions!

Like what you see here, and want to hear more from Tamarinis? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my newsletter at www.tamarinis.com!  Following is one way to demonstrate your interest in my projects, patterns, and partnerships.  Your comments are also GREATLY appreciated, and provide valuable feedback regarding what inspires you, as well as what you'd like to see explored in future posts.  And did you know?  I travel and teach!  Contact me to schedule a trunk show and/or workshop!

Welcome to Day Two of the Stay at Home and Shop Hop

 

Welcome to our Virtual Designer Shop Hop!  The word is to stay at home so why not just stay at home and hop with us!?!

These are extraordinary times we are living through and many of us are no doubt sewing and quilting up a storm at home.  You may be starting new projects, completing those in progress or finding some beloved UFO's from long ago that require nothing more than a seam here or there to complete them.

But with all that fabric' goodness, I bet you wouldn't mind taking a break....right?   Yup! I thought so -!  Good!

For these next ten days, I want to take an opportunity to introduce to you to some of amazing quilting colleagues and friends. 

Many have been in industry as long as I have (or longer), but some are new and just starting out!  All of these quilty businesses are super eager to greet you - our stay at home hoppers - and are offering you super special greetings and/or incentives!

I have over forty websites to share with you but let's start with these ten first.  Check my social media for additional links over the next week.  Now go forth and explore and have fun!  You never know what you might discover!!

New links will be posted:

Saturday March 21st (my birthday - so enjoy!) If you missed this post, you can find the list of amazing designers and shops here.

Tuesday March 24th

Friday March 27th

Monday March 30th

Again, each posting will include fresh new links, so please follow me on Facebook or Instagram to get the new links!

And while you are online:

• Check out the special I'm running for the Stay At Home and Hop with Us Shop Hop.  Hint: discount on kits with the code that is on my banner on my website (www.tamarinis.com).  Who knows - I might add some other specials during the hop!
• Visit my earlier blog post for the Adventure in Color Quilt Along!  This week, I'm giving away an Aurifil thread set, so you still have time to enter!
• Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter - not only do I have a terrific new series starting soon of great quilty information, but you also receive a free pattern download when you subscribe!
• Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to see all the fun new projects, classes and giveaways going on!

Click the link to take you to that designer's shop! 

Tuesday March 24th links:

DaySpring Quilt Company

https://www.dayspringquiltcompany.com

 

Ms P Designs, USA  

https://www.mspdesignsusa.com

 

Stitchin’ at Home

http://www.stitchinathome.com

 

Sew Joy Creations

https://www.sewjoycreations.com

 

Ships & Violins

https://www.shipsandviolins.com

 

Patti’s Patchwork

https://www.pattispatchwork.com

 

Your Sewing Friend

https://www.etsy.com/shop/yoursewingfriend

 

The Geeky Bobbin

https://www.geekybobbin.com

 

Colourwerx Designs

https://www.colourwerx.com

 

Kate Colleran Designs

https://www.seamslikeadream.com

 

Like what you see here, and want to hear more from Tamarinis? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my newsletter at www.tamarinis.com!  Following is one way to demonstrate your interest in my projects, patterns, and partnerships.  Your comments are also GREATLY appreciated, and provide valuable feedback regarding what inspires you, as well as what you'd like to see explored in future posts.  And did you know?  I travel and teach!  Contact me to schedule a trunk show and/or workshop!

Welcome to the Stay At Home and Hop with Us Designer and Quilt Shop Hop

Welcome to our Virtual Designer Shop Hop!  The word is to stay at home so why not just stay at home and hop with us!?!

These are extraordinary times we are living through and many of us are no doubt sewing and quilting up a storm at home.  You may be starting new projects, completing those in progress or finding some beloved UFO's from long ago that require nothing more than a seam here or there to complete them.

But with all that fabric' goodness, I bet you wouldn't mind taking a break....right?   Yup! I thought so -!  Good!

For these next ten days, I want to take an opportunity to introduce to you to some of amazing quilting colleagues and friends. 

Many have been in industry as long as I have (or longer), but some are new and just starting out!  All of these quilty businesses are super eager to greet you - our stay at home hoppers - and are offering you super special greetings and/or incentives!

I have over forty websites to share with you but let's start with these ten first.  Check my social media for additional links over the next week.  Now go forth and explore and have fun!  You never know what you might discover!!

New links will be posted:

Saturday March 21st (my birthday - so enjoy!)
Tuesday March 24th
Friday March 27th
Monday March 30th

Again, each posting will include fresh new links, so please follow me on Facebook or Instagram to get the new links!

And while you are online:

• Check out the special I'm running for the Stay At Home and Hop with Us Shop Hop.  Hint: discount on kits with the code that is on my banner on my website (www.tamarinis.com).  Who knows - I might add some other specials during the hop!
• Visit my earlier blog post for the Adventure in Color Quilt Along!  This week, I'm giving away an Aurifil thread set, so you still have time to enter!
• Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter - not only do I have a terrific new series starting soon of great quilty information, but you also receive a free pattern download when you subscribe!
• Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to see all the fun new projects, classes and giveaways going on!

Click the link to take you to that designer's shop! 

Saturday March 21st links:

Bequilter

https://www.beaquilter.com/shop

 

Presto Avenue Designs 

https://www.prestoavenuedesigns.com

 

Cheryl Lynch Quilts 

https://www.cheryllynchquilts.com

 

Love to Color My World 

https://www.lovetocolormyworld.blogspot.com

 

Hissyfitz Designs 

https://www.hissyfitzdesigns.com

 

Canton Village Quilt Works 

https://cvquiltworks.com

 

Anjeanette Klinder Designs 

http://www.anjeanettek.com

 

Pat Sloan – The Voice of Quilting

https://www.blog.patsloan.com

 

Said With Love

https://www.saidwithlove.com.au

 

Orange Blossom Quilt Design

https://www.orangeblossomquilt.com

 

Like what you see here, and want to hear more from Tamarinis? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my newsletter at www.tamarinis.com!  Following is one way to demonstrate your interest in my projects, patterns, and partnerships.  Your comments are also GREATLY appreciated, and provide valuable feedback regarding what inspires you, as well as what you'd like to see explored in future posts.  And did you know?  I travel and teach!  Contact me to schedule a trunk show and/or workshop!

Adventure in Color Quilt Along: Block Four

Welcome to Block Four of the Adventure in Color Quilt Along!  Yes, the block are progressively getting larger and a bit more complex.  But aren't they simply lovely?!

Block Four is our Artemis block, and this is a goddess after my own heart.  She is frequently known as the goddess of the night (and I am much more of a night owl!), and as the moon goddess, which makes perfect sense.  And my Dusk version of Luminous is a perfect tribute to this fierce huntress, who is also (seemingly contradictory) associated with healing.  I don't know about you, but when I am stitching, I am definitely healing my troubled soul!

In the post for Block Three, Kate offered some fun coloring options for you, and I want to continue that idea here.  So whether you are creating a Dawn version (like Kate's shown directly above, with bright white as a background) or my Dusk version (shown further up, with a deep navy background), you ALWAYS have the opportunity to change the colors.

I stress to students in class - the pattern is JUST the beginning.  Yes, you can follow the pattern EXACTLY and use the same colors and values, or you can switch things up.  Ready to make your Adventure in Color Quilt Along Block Four - or perhaps make some individual changes?  Great! Let's look at what that may look like, and what the impact may be.

Look at the impact made by moving a warm color (yellow) from inside the block to the outside of the block.  Still bright, but the emphasis and shape has shifted.

And check this out - same units, but just two colors are involved here.  And by grouping color, an entirely new shape is created.  Isn't that fun?

Let's do the same thing with the Dusk colorations.  Before I offer some options, there's another element at play in the Dusk colorations.  The background is dark, which means that contrast, especially with the colors and values used in my version, adds an extra element to the block.

With Dusk, I didn't use any warm colors.  So for the first color play, I moved the lightest color, the lavender, from the outside of the block to the inside of the block.  It changed the focus a bit, don't you think?

Here's a two color option, similar to what I did with the Dawn version.  I tend to gravitate toward highly saturated color schemes, so I choose the two darker, yet contrasting colors of amethyst and leaf green.  Love the ribbon effect.

But here's an effect I think is super fun (and for those of you that paid close attention to earlier blocks, I used this same element in Block One and Block Two - a very VERY low contrast color on the outside of the block.  Because I have a dark background (navy), when I use the dark teal on the outside of the block, those shapes in teal become more of a shadow or a whisper, giving a sense of movement, but completely changing the overall impression of the block shape.  I know - pretty fun!

Since the current global situation is in turmoil, many of us are finding therapy in our stitching.  Kate and I would LOVE to see your progress on Luminous!  If you'll kindly share pictures of your blocks in progress (and tag us so we can see them - @seamslikeadream and @tamarinis), perhaps we can put together a virtual block show (not really a quilt show yet, because they aren't quilts!).

Head over to Kate's blog to see her lovely Dawn version of the Adventure in Color Quilt Along Block Four, Ostara, for more color inspiration.  Oh, and I have an amazing giveaway from one of our sponsors, so please enter to win.

Ready to make your own Artemis blocks?

You can find the block on my website, on Kate's website, and in our Etsy shops!  If you missed the earlier posts with fabric requirements, you can find that information here, as well as on the FAQ page for the Quilt Along on each of our websites!

Adventure in Color Quilt Along Schedule

Jan 1- Introduction and FAQs

Jan 15- General Information handouts including quilt fabric requirements and fabric chart

Jan 29 - Block 1

Feb 19- Block 2 

March 4- Block 3

March 18- Block 4

April 1- Block 5

April 15- Block 6

April 29- Setting

May 13- Check In and Bonus pattern. PDF patterns go away!

May 20- Other Versions

June 3- Quilting suggestions

Sign up for the Adventure in Color Quilt Along Newsletter here.

Kate and I look forward to sharing this Adventure in Color with you.  Oh - and we have some amazing sponsors that are providing awesome prizes during the quilt along (for US participants only).  You'll want to check back with each installment for a chance to win fabric, thread, batting, and much more!  No, you don't HAVE to be making the quilt (but let's face it - you're gonna want to make it!).

Like what you see here, and want to hear more from Tamarinis? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my newsletter at www.tamarinis.com!  Following is one way to demonstrate your interest in my projects, patterns, and partnerships.  Your comments are also GREATLY appreciated, and provide valuable feedback regarding what inspires you, as well as what you'd like to see explored in future posts.  And did you know?  I travel and teach!  Contact me to schedule a trunk show and/or workshop!

Adventure In Color Quilt Along Aurifil Thread Set Giveaway

Exploring the Basics: 9 Different Tutorials for Creating a Design Wall

 

Having a design wall in your quilting or sewing space can really make designing or simply stitching up a quilt so much easier!  Why, you ask?  Well, because you can organize your blocks as you sew them.  You can play designer and reshuffle your blocks to play around with the layout. You can use the space to audition sashing and borders.  And - my fav aspect - you can step back from the project and get some perspective on how everything is working BEFORE you sew it together!  Win!

So what exactly is a design wall?  It sounds FANCY - but really, it is a space to place units, blocks, quilt sections, and/or borders so that you can organize and view them.

It can be a permanent fixture or a temporary solution.  Because there are so many options, I've combed the internet and compiled a list of tutorials for you to view to find the best solution for you!  FYI - my design wall right now is a large square of batting that is thumbtacked along the ceiling and falls to the floor, giving me a large space to work with current projects - so a semi-permanent solution!

Here are nine different tutorials for creating a design wall (where possible, I've included a linked picture as well, if permission was granted by the blogger).  You are sure to find one that meets your needs:

Suzy Quilts: She tacks up cotton batting using Command strips (brilliant!).  

Christa Quilts:  Christa Watson takes things a bit further with a more permanent installation, using foam core boards covered in batting.  It is super polished and professional looking (would you expect anything less from Christa?!) She has a super step by step tutorial on her blog.

Hope Yoder: Hope has an interesting take on the foam core design wall.  She has individually covered narrow panels that she mounted together - well, you'll have to go to her blog to see it, but I think it's really clever!

Samantha of Aqua Paisley Studio: Samantha has another great option for you, again using foam core and batting.  

SewCanShe: Don't want a permanent (or semi-permanent) wall solution? Don't have free wall space?  Caroline of SewCanShe has an awesome free standing option for you!

New Quilters: Christine Mann and Felicity Walker of New Quilters discuss some great options for making your own design wall, including some colors to consider.

Sew At Home Mummy: Limited on wall space?  You will LOVE Erin's solution for a design wall space that is flexible and can fit practically anywhere!

Patchwork Posse: Becky of Patchwork Posse has a super simple, super clever, super portable design wall option!

Quilts by Jen: Here's another clever portable option for you - this time using plastic pipe - so you can assemble when you need it, store when you don't!

Wow!  So as you can see, with just these nine different tutorials for creating a design wall, you have a lot of options. Have fun creating a design wall that best suits your needs and space.  I think you'll enjoy being able to position your blocks, step back and view them, and keep everything organized as you sew!  I'd LOVE to see pictures of your design space as well!

Kate is going to have more tips and tricks for creating a design wall as well, so hop on over to her blog to get more helpful suggestions!

Like what you see here, and want to hear more from Tamarinis? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my newsletter at www.tamarinis.com!  Following is one way to demonstrate your interest in my projects, patterns, and partnerships.  Your comments are also GREATLY appreciated, and provide valuable feedback regarding what inspires you, as well as what you'd like to see explored in future posts.  And did you know?  I travel and teach!  Contact me to schedule a trunk show and/or workshop!

Adventure in Color Quilt Along: Block Three

Welcome to Block Three of the Adventure in Color Quilt Along!  Before we dive into Ostra, our third block in the star themed quilt along, let's check in.

How are things going?  By this point, you should be getting VERY comfortable with making HSTs (half square triangles).  That tiny bit of trimming that you may be doing, especially if you are cutting your squares oversized to begin with, makes a world of difference.

You may also have noticed that each block gets a bit more involved, and a bit larger.  Some tips for maximum success with complex blocks:

• Measure each unit (yes, each unit) for maximum accuracy
• Press as you go!  In other words, when you sew a seam, you press the seam.
  • I like to press my seams open to reduce bulk.  You'll want to pin more, as you can't rely on nesting seams, but you'll have flat blocks!
• Measure your final block as well.  Make any trims necessary to keep each block square AND the proper size.

Ostara, the goddess the block is named after, is a Germanic goddess of spring.  It should come as no surprise, then, that she is associated with fertility and rebirth.  

Here are a few fun stories about Ostara.  As she was the goddess of spring, one tale talks of her guilt at arriving late and coming upon a bird, nearly frozen to death by the harsh winter.  She turned him into a hare, or rabbit, and give him incredible speed so he could evade predators.  But what's super fun about this tale is that she ALSO gave him the ability to lay eggs (you can see where this is going, right?), but only one day a year.  And not just any eggs, not plain white or brown eggs - oh no, not for our magical rabbit.  He lay eggs in all colors!

If you are familiar with tales of gods and goddesses, you know that they have quick tempers.  Our poor magical hare did something to enrage Ostara, and she flung him to the sky, where he became the constellation known as Lepus, just beneath the constellation Orion (the Hunter).  Of course, she softened, and allowed him to return one day per year to lay eggs and give them to children.  Hmmm....sounds familiar.......

A few legends have her with the head and shoulders of a rabbit, but mostly simply refer to her as a maiden goddess, full of compassion.  

For the Adventure in Color Quilt Along Block Three, here's my Dusk version of Ostara.  While at first glance it may look very different from Kate's, it is the same block.  The different look is achieved by some low contrast fabric used in some of the outward units, putting the focus on the center of the block.  

It is fun to play with value placement.  Had I put the low contrast fabric to the inside of the block, and the high contrast lime fabric on the outside points of the star, the effect would be completely different!

Head over to Kate's blog to see her lovely Dawn version of the Adventure in Color Quilt Along Block Three, Ostara, for more color inspiration.  Oh, and Kate has another fun giveaway from one of our sponsors, so please enter to win.

Ready to make your own Ostara blocks?

You can find the block on my website, on Kate's website, and in our Etsy shops!  If you missed the earlier posts with fabric requirements, you can find that information here, as well as on the FAQ page for the Quilt Along on each of our websites!

Adventure in Color Quilt Along Schedule

Jan 1- Introduction and FAQs

Jan 15- General Information handouts including quilt fabric requirements and fabric chart

Jan 29 - Block 1

Feb 19- Block 2 

March 4- Block 3

March 18- Block 4

April 1- Block 5

April 15- Block 6

April 29- Setting

May 13- Check In and Bonus pattern. PDF patterns go away!

May 20- Other Versions

June 3- Quilting suggestions

Sign up for the Adventure in Color Quilt Along Newsletter here.

Kate and I look forward to sharing this Adventure in Color with you.  Oh - and we have some amazing sponsors that are providing awesome prizes during the quilt along (for US participants only).  You'll want to check back with each installment for a chance to win fabric, thread, batting, and much more!  No, you don't HAVE to be making the quilt (but let's face it - you're gonna want to make it!).

Like what you see here, and want to hear more from Tamarinis? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my newsletter at www.tamarinis.com!  Following is one way to demonstrate your interest in my projects, patterns, and partnerships.  Your comments are also GREATLY appreciated, and provide valuable feedback regarding what inspires you, as well as what you'd like to see explored in future posts.  And did you know?  I travel and teach!  Contact me to schedule a trunk show and/or workshop!