Welcome To The 100 Blocks Tour!!


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A great big welcome to my day on the QuiltMaker’s 100 Blocks Blog Tour for Volume 8!!! Are you ready for more fun and a give-away?

My block, Ukulele-lei, is located on page 22 of Volume 8 and it is block #701.

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Let me start at the beginning…the idea for this block was born out of an upcoming trip to Maui (which we took in August) and from my having recently taken up the ukulele. My fellow guild member and friend, Linda Hicks, is a ukulele enthusiast as are several members of her family. After reading on Linda’s blog about how fun and easy the ukulele was to learn, I decided to head right over to the music store and plunk down $40 for this baby…trust me, no one in my family was surprised! I tend to get quite excited about things and promptly act on them.

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When it came time to choose a block design for 100 Blocks, I knew instantly what I wanted to make. I also knew every piece of fabric and detail that would go into it…sometimes designing is like that…you just know.

Here is the drawing…yes, I’m mostly a pencil and paper girl. I do own and use EQ7 but I really love the paper and pencil.

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This background fabric was a fat quarter gifted to me by my mom. She purchased it at our guild’s boutique and I think it couldn’t have been more perfect for this block.

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I am also a cardstock, tape and paper punching kind of designer (can you tell I’m also a scrapbooking person?)…here are my templates…

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So then the work of tracing and fusing and stitching began…

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I had some lovely silver metallic thread on the thread rack and I thought that adding an element of sparkle would be just what the block needed to be complete…

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I was thrilled to see that Ukulele-lei made it on the cover of 100 Blocks Volume 8! It’s special to me as a symbol that it is never too late to start learning something new. That’s the way it is with quilting too…we all can learn new techniques at any time. We’re never too old or young to learn.

I would like to give away two copies of 100 Blocks Volume 8 to two lucky readers. The blog tour ends on November 15th, so on November 16th, I will randomly select two winners from the comments submitted here on this post. Leave me a comment and be sure to enter your email address so I know how to contact you – easy right?

If you are interested in seeing more of my work as well as patterns that I have available for sale, please CLICK HERE for my website. If you are interested in my book, Little Quilts For Big Occasions, please CLICK HERE.

Thanks for visiting my blog today. I hope you enjoyed yourself and will come back again! I update this blog a few times per week. You can also find me on Twitter (@quiltcabana) and Facebook (Quilt Cabana Patterns). I would also love for you to listen to my podcast, Quilt Cabana Corner. You can find that on iTunes and also on Podbean. Here is the Podbean link:

http://www.quiltcabanacorner.podbean.com

Enjoy the rest of the blog tour, click on photo below to return to the QuiltMaker’s Quilty Pleasures blog.

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233 responses to “Welcome To The 100 Blocks Tour!!”

  1. What a refreshing block – my son has just started to play the ukulele too and I think I could incorporate a ukulele in to a quilt I am making for him – perhaps I would need to change the colours a bit for a young man. Congratulations on being included in the magazine and good luck with your practice!

  2. Congrats on your block being included in QM’s Vol. 8. Thanks for the chance to win a copy…I look forward to making your block. I learned to play the piano later in life, and can so appreciate your ‘it’s never to late to learn something new’. I love the way you have commemorated that learning with this block.
    Sue CollectInTexas Gal

  3. I love your block. I especially love your cheerful enthusiasm. You are always working at some new sewing or quilting skill that makes these crafts more interesting. Keep up the good work. Your blog and your podcast make quilting and sewing fun for me. I’m so happy to be able to share these interests with you.
    Your proud Mom

  4. Congratulations Sandi! This is a darling block. It sparkles with those silver strings and fabric choices. You’ll need a dedicated shelf for your mugs soon. 😎

  5. Ukulele-lei is a darling block…and love the symbolism of it…never too late to learn something new! Your blog post was most interesting how the block evolved…thank you for sharing it all! Congrats on making the magazine!

  6. Love the ukelele (think I spelled that wrong!). I’m also intrigued at your using metallic thread, which I’ve never tried. What bobbin thread did you use?

  7. Absolutely adorable ukelele! It looks so cute & tropical. I’m a scrapbooker, too, so it’s fun to see the techniques from that carry over to your quilting. I imagine it goes the other way, too… I’ve made scrapbook pages that look like quilts or have quilt-pattern borders.

  8. Oh Oh Oh – Not sure I have the words – just love love love your block – that is going on my list for sure – plus visited your pattern area – so many cute ones there – will have to revisit for sure… Congradulations on a fun wonderful block.
    Thank you for the chance to maybe win a magazine.
    MaryLou
    Fun4Me1249@aol.com

  9. I love your block! I play a baritone ukelele, and it is lots of fun. Mine is almost 50 years old–I’ve had it since I was 15. Oh, that certainly dates me, doesn’t it? Great job on the block and congrats for being in the book.

  10. congrats on being published. Your block is wonderful. I love the fabrics you chose, so perfect. I have yet to machine applique. Some day when I have time to just play I am going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing and for the give away

  11. Your ukelele block is the first one I noticed on the book cover. My eyes were just drawn to it! I played the ukelele as a kid…wish I still had it. Anyway, congratulations on being in the book and on the cover. Love your block!

  12. Isn’t Maui wonderful??? I so love Hawaii and your fabric couldn’t be more perfect for your block! Congrats on learning a new fun activity and keep on stitching and strumming!

  13. Love the applique block. I know just the person who would love it. Gonna make it for them. I love the look of applique. I think it’s my favorite. Thank you fot the chance to a copy of the magazine.

  14. Congratulations on getting your block in the magazine. It’s a real fun block for a ukelele player. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.
    Further in your blog I’m intrigued by the “postcards” . I’ve marked the site, and will come back later to read more.

  15. As a musician, I appreciate your block. I congratulate you on not only having your block accepted into 100 blocks vol. 8, but also for rising to the challenge of learning a new instrument as an adult.

  16. Your block is beautiful and takes me back to childhood when we had a ukelele that belonged to my mom’s family. We never learned how to play it but sure loved trying.

  17. Thanks for the music and the comments that we can always learn something new. I also like to draw out my designs with pencil – some old fashion things are the easiest.

  18. What an adorable block! My hubby is trying to learn to play the ukelele, too. Thank you for sharing your design methods – it is good for us to keep learning.

  19. this blocks looks relatively large in comparison to the sewing machine in the photos. With that information I’d have to say that this would make a great center block for a Hawaii trip story quilt. Or maybe the center of a happy wall hanging. It makes me smile. Kaylace

  20. I really enjoy reading about the process behind the blocks, and your story was very interesting. I like your attitude: “you are never too old/young to learn”. Congrats on making the cover!

  21. I like your block and the idea of creating a keepsake for a new hobby. Thank you for sharing your story on how you created the block. The colors used are great. Your background blue makes me think of a tropical ocean and is perfect.

  22. Ive been waiting for the designer of this block since my first glimpse of the cover! LOVE the little bit of silver sparkle! So far, my favorite block! Thank you!

  23. Congrats on your block being on the cover! Woo Hoo!! I really enjoyed how you showed your design drawing and some of the steps involved in your creation! Love the block – it’s just too cute! I subscribed to your blog by the way and can’t wait to see what else you design in the future! I remember seeing the Coming down the chimney wall hanging in McCalls! So cute too! Such talent and thanks for sharing with us.
    Happy quilting,
    Dawn
    array-dawn@cox.net

  24. Such a cute block! I love how you showed us your design steps and am so glad to hear paper and pencil arts haven’t gone by the wayside for everyone. I still do my creating that way too. Congrats on getting your block on the cover and thank you for the giveaways.

  25. This block is amazing! My best friends mom; who is also like a mom to me, plays the ukulele in a small group…I love to hear her play and this would be a great gift I can make her!

  26. I had the opportunity to test your block for this issue. At first when I received the pattern I was thinking, “What on earth will I do with a Ukelele block.” After making it, I’m seriously in love with it! Its so fun, so colorful, and the stitched strings just make it!

  27. your block was the first to catch my eye on the cover of this new issue! pop could make the uke talk and laugh as he sang along! he, too, played all the strings, and my daughters play most of them. but not me! thanx for bringing up those memories.

  28. I can’t begin to tell you how much I like your block. Ever since my daughter moved to Hawaii I have wanted to learn to play the ukulele. You’ve inspired me – I won’t just think about it anymore, I’ll do it, and then I’ll make up a few of your really cute blocks for a wall hanging in the music room!! Thanks for the inspiration.

  29. very cute. my nephew-in-law is Polynesian and loves to sing and play ukulele. he just lost his ukulele in a car wreck; the car got totaled and so did the instrument. but luckily he’s alright. a cute quilt block of a ukulele might cheer him up!
    reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

  30. I taught music/art/home ec for 32 years and I love seeing stories of people who take up something new in music after their teens. You are really enriching your life and those around you! Your Ukulele pattern is so much fun~I can see this in all sorts of colors! Congratulations on this adorable block and thank you for the chance to win.

  31. It amazes me to see all the gorgeous fabrics that are used in quilt blocks. Your fabric choices are delightful. I look forward to listening to your podcasts. Thanks for the giveaway.

  32. Such a lovely block! Beautiful background fabric, I can feel the ocean waves, hehe. My folks lived in Hawaii for more than 20 years and we visited often, you captured the Hawaiian feeling for sure! Congratulations on being included in Vol.8, Quiltmaker’s 100.

    Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

  33. Your ukulele is so pretty ! Colors you chose are just perfect for that block. And, by the way, congratulations on having your block selected for Issue 8. Thanks so much for the chance to win the new issue.

  34. Your ukulele block is so great. We have a daughter who loves to jam with a whole group of ukulele players. What fun group they are! They would simply love your block.

  35. Your block solves my problem to make my GD her Christmas gift. We are traveling and her wish for a guitar seems far fetched to take on a plane, but a wall hanging will travel. Thanks, Kathy

  36. I love the ukelele block, i am new to quilting and will be soon to the world of grandmothers, so applique blocks with bright colours really appeal to me

  37. What a fantastic block! It reminds me of our trip to Hawaii, my son learned how to play ukulele while we were there and still picks it up from time to time!!

  38. My grandparents lived in Hawaii for awhile, so your block has a sentimental pull for me. I think it will be high on my list from this Volume. Thanks for creating something so sweet.

  39. (whispering) My 6 yr old son is getting a red ukelele for Christmas, so your block (whispering) is my favorite of the entire issue! Shhhhh! Don’t tell anyone! Would look snazzy on his ukelele case….I must go now and daydream of what to make.
    Congrats on your block!!!!

  40. I had never thought to use some of my scrapbook cut outs for applique – duh! Thanks for that little tip! I agree, your background fabric is perfect for that block!

  41. Congratulations on being a Cover Girl for this edition of 100 Blocks! Very pretty block! I may have to make it in a slightly more masculine version for my music teacher BIL.

  42. A very interesting block. The metallic thread is perfect for the strings. I visited your website and your patterns are inspirational. Congratulations on being a cover girl.

  43. Hi Sandra,
    Love your ukelele block. If I win, I’ll give your giveaway to my wife (her christmas present) and ask her to sew that ukelele as a pillow for me (my christmas present) ! 🙂

  44. This is great quilt. It would work great for a quilt I’m making my dad. I’m making blocks that mean something to him. He’s got a pig (raised them as a kid), a Canada Thistle (hates them) and a few others.

  45. I love your site! Beautiful work! I love the Ukulele. I haven’t done very much applique but I think I just might start. Need to practice some I guess. I am currently working on Table runners place mats & coasters for a Christmas gift. kimbaum60@gmail.com

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