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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
So then the work of tracing and fusing and stitching began…
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…
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.
233 responses to “Welcome To The 100 Blocks Tour!!”
Love your ukulele!
Boy, we have a house full of string instruments! So naturally, I was drawn to yoir block. I love the background fabric…it is perfect!!
I really like your ukelele-lei block. It is very clever and oh so Hawaiian. Thank you for sharing your block.
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!
I love it. Perfect choice of fabrics!
Your ukulele is fine. I see a band with ukulele player a month ago – the biggest man – the smallest instrument.
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
Love your Ukulele-lei block, reminds me of our wonderful trip to Maui!
Such a lovely block! Even more with the backgroundstory! Thanks so much for sharing!
Congrats on being a cover girl. Love your block – thanks for sharing.
Brilliant block…perfect for gift giving to a musical person! I also think teens would appreciate this one! Fun you learned to play it!
Great ukulele! Love the flowers you added to it. Thanks for the chance to win!
I like your ukulele! Very clever. It makes me think of the song,tonight you belong to me.
What a darling pattern! I would love to win he book!
How fabulous your block is! the design is very sweet – thank you!
A very cute block, and a very clever name for it!
Your block is so cute! Did you learn to play?
Your block is adorable and wonderful choice of fabric! Thanks for a chance to win.
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
What a fun block! Cute idea to add the flowers in. Thanks for the chance to win!
What a fun little block! Just super!
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. 😎
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!
What a festive block! svonfumetti(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’m a newbie and trying to learn all the different ways to make blocks. Would love to try this one. Thanks so much.
Love the strings on your ukelele! The block is adorable!
Congrats on being published – your Ukelele-Lei block is great! & congrats on learning to play it too! Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
Love your block and the colors that you uses.
This is wonderful! Congrats!
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?
Your block is a lot of fun. Looks like you enjoy playing yours.
That is a great block.. reminds me of Hawaii..
What a great block!
I bet you’re having great fun learning to play your ukelele!
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.
love the design of your blog and do think the addition of the metallic thread as the Ukele strings is perfect. thanks for the chance of the giveaway.
A fun block. I would never have thought to use scrapbooking dies.
What a cute block! Very nice.
You pulled it all together so creatively and well for this block design. I love the flowers/lei.
Love your ukulele, the colors you used are charming!
Love the ukelele and your fabric choices. What a refreshing change up. Thanks for sharing all your talent.
Love the fabric choices- congrats on being selected.
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
This is the first block that leaped out at me from the cover. So cute! And how cute are you with the ukelele?
I love your block! Thanks for the chance!
Love the design, Congrats!! very clever, reminds me of Hawaii, being at a beach party. Just love it… Thanks for the ideal.
Love that you added sparker to your thread choices – really makes the block.
Thanks for sharing how your block came to be. It’s delightful!
What a great block!! You are so creative! Thanks!
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.
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
The metallic thread is perfect for the strings. Love it.
Love the ukulele, reminds of my childhood, when we tried to play. Love the whole Hawaiian theme!!
Fun block! Thanks for the inspiration!
Love your block. This is one I need to make
What a fun way to keep a memory. The silvery strings were just perfect!
Love your ukulele. Thanks for the chance to win.
Love your block, it just makes me smile.
Seeing your block makes me want to take a trip to the Islands.
What a cute block!
Soooo LOVE your block.. It reminds me if LILO & Stitch movie…so fun!!
Love your block – how cute! Thanks for the give away!
Love your block!
Now I really want to take a trip to Maui!
Congrats on making the cover – your block is adorable!
Love your block, so cute! Congrats!
Congrats on being a cover girl! This is such a cute block and thank you for sharing the process with us! Love the idea of the silver thread strings!
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!
Love your block! Thank you for doing this giveaway!! tyned@hotmail.com
What a cute idea. Perfect for all the Hawaii lovers out there.
Great block, congratulations on having it published in the magazine.
Love your block. It looks easy and fun to make.
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!
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.
The history behind this block is priceless. Great job!
Your block is sew festive. It made me smile.
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.
Thanks for a chance to win
Love your block and the colors you picked!
What a fun block!
I love your block as it makes always makes me smile when I see this little ukelele! It sounds happy! Also Congrats for be on the front cover!
pmpatty@tds.net
What a cute block! I bought my son a ukelele for Christmas last year.
What a novel block! I love it!
Fun block! Good for you, learning the ukulele! Hallmark has a Christmas ukulele and it is funny! It is cardboard, but you can actually strum across the middle and it will play a tune! Made me laugh!
I have the itch for a ukulele too…many in our quilt guild have been bitten and now play or are learning to play.
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.
That block is adorable, I’m going to have to make one!
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.
Very cute – love how you used your scrapbooking tools to design this!
You clearly have a good time in life!
Thanks for sharing your design process and for the reminder that it’s never to late to learn something new.
Thanks for sharing your process in creating your pattern. It gives one hope that YOU can do it too!
I love seeing how you designed your block. Thanks so much for the giveaway. Hugs
What an original block! It’s lovely. Thanks for the giveaway. Linda
Cute block! Thank you for the giveaway.
Congratulations on getting into the magazine.
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.
Loved your story about learning a new skill and the block being an affirmation of that. Adorable block!!
Very cute block, a nice memento of your trip. Thanks for the chance.
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.
Have fun learning the ukulele!
What a fun novelty block!
Nice block, congrats and thanks for the chance to win.
love your fabrics, good luck with the ukelele lessons
Cute little ukulele! I love the hot pink floral you chose for the body of the uke. Thanks!
Very cute block!! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for the memory. I haven’t thought of my grandmother playing the ukelele and swaying her hips in a grass skirt in many, many years.
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
How perfect! My 65 year old mother is learning to play the Ukulele! Can’t wait to make a quilt for her with this block!
So cute! thanks for the chance to win
I wondered who had designed the Ukelele…very clever and so fun.
What a fun block! Congrats Cover Girl!
too cute.
Your block makes me wish I was on an island vacation right now.
I think your block is adorable!
What a happy block…I can just hear the music in my head!
Congrats for being on the cover.
Luv your block and wishing I was back on Maui.
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!
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.
This is such a fun block! I design with paper and pencil as well. Love your drawings.
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!
Congratulations on having your block in the magazine, it sure is cute.
Your block really spoke to me! Congratulations on the entry and the cover! You do beautiful work!
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
That is SO CUTE!
And the strings did just finish it off perfectly.
<3
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.
I love your block!!! My email is tapsydoodle at gmail dot com
LOVE that you took up the ukulele! Your block is very colorful, and I like that.
Fun block–makes me want to learn to play also!
I adore that Ukulele block!! Thank you for sharing your talent.
I love your fun block. Thanks for the giveaway.
looking at your block without reading yet the story about it,my mind said ‘Hawaii’. very nice block…thank you…marta
I love the block. The Ukelele is such a beautiful sounding instrument. Congrats on being selected to be in the magazine.
What a wonderful block! Kudos to you for picking up the Ukele! Thanks for the chance at the give-away!
Beautiful! Next year we will expect the hula dancer.
Your ukulele block is wonderful. I would love to win the magazine and give that one a try!!! The flowers are so cute on it!
Love the ukelele block! It reminds me of Arthur Godrey. (You’d need to be a Baby Boomer to remember that.)
Love your ukulele and I admire your desire to jump in and try something new. Hope you are having fun with it.
Love what you have done with the ukulele. Thanks for the chance to win.
Your block is awesome & love the story behind it! Wondering how the strumming is coming along?
You definitely knew exactly what fabrics to use because your block is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway.
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!
What a cute block. I feel like I’m in Hawaii just looking at it.
I love your ukelele block! I grew up in Hawaii and took lessons at one time but, alas, it didn’t stick. I’d love to win one of the books. Please? =)
Cute block.I like your choice of fabrics.
What a fun block and a nice blog!!
I love the story of your ukulele block. I’ll have to keep your advice in mind — it’s never too late to learn.
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!
Thanks for sharing your block!
I love your block and I know just the friend I would make something for. It is a beautiful design and beautifully stitched, would love to make it.
Debbie
Love your ukulele block.
What a fun block! Congratulations for being on the cover!
My niece would love this block! She plays the ukulele.
I don’t really do applique, but I have friends who are from Hawaii. This just has to be incorporated into a Christmas gift.
Your block is so clever. I am also a paper and pencil kind of quilter!
Thank you so much!
Love your Appliqué block…I am just getting into appliqué, so will really enjoy this block!! Thanks for a chance to win!!
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.
The block is striking, hope you had a good trip
What a great block! Congratulations!
This is a fun block! I love it!
Love your block. It reminds me of the family trip to Hawaii several years ago.
Love your block. I too absolutely loved Mauai and plan to go back in a couple years. Thanks for the chance to win.
love your block the color and material really make it… thanks for the chance to win.
Love your block.
Ukulele! Very unique chose. Love it! The fabric selections are great! Congratulations for being in the magazine and a cover girl!
Should have proofread better before posting. Was suppose to say very unique choice!
Love your block! I went to Hawaii last year, visited three islands and made it to at least one quilt shop on each island, I still have several projects to complete from my trip. Lindasquilting@yahoo.com
Cute block! What fun…. learning to play the ukulele. Some day I hope to visit Hawaii and hear them being played. Thanks for a chance to win.
Your block is really neat. You are very inspiring. Thanks for sharing
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.
Your block is so bright and colorful…and it really means something to you personally. I’d love to be included to win.
Such a cute block. It’s sending me to Hawaii!
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
Great block, this would go great as an addition to my beach cabana quilt
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.
Congrats on being a “cover girl”.
Thanks for the chance to win.
I love this so perfectly Hawaiian block. I must make it
The color choices in the published block really make it pop and make it so island-y.
What a cute block. I should make a violin and cello since I can play them.
This would be perfect for a quilt for my grandson.
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.
Congratulations for getting published and for being a cover girl! Your Ukulele-lei block is really cute and the silver metallic thread works great as the strings!
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
What a cute block. Nice hawaiian theme with winter coming. Love the colors.
Your little block is so cute. We have a timeshare on Maui and your block reminds me of that.
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.
Love your Ukulele-lei block! Makes me want to go to Hawaii.
This is a cool block ! Can’t wait to make it too!
What a wonderful block! I love it and will be making it! I also checked out your web page and signed up for your email! I want more, LOL!
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.
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
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
What a bright and colorful block! Thanks for sharing your design process.
Love your guitar.
Really cute block!
Very cute block! I love your color choices and the story behind the block. Congratulations on being included in the magazine and on being a cover girl!
What a beautiful musical block! Thanks for sharing.
The guitar brought a smile to my face. How clever!
I love the color choice for your block, it’s gorgeous and bright, great job!!!
Cute quilt design and story! We have an old ukulele that was in my husbands family. I don’t know how to play it, but I like it! thanks for sharing!
I love your Ukulele block! We had a ukulele when I was growing up but I don’t know what happened to it. Congratulations and Thank You for sharing!!
Darling block, I love your use of color. Congrats on the block and making the cover!
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!!
I am impressed with your enthusiasm for new things! I don’t think I’ll be taking up the ukulele, but I just might give your block a try!
Loved visiting and seeing your block. Congrats!
Thank you, Markley dot Lynn at yahoo dot com.
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.
Cute block. I know someone learning to play the uke and she would love this block. Great job.
This is an awesome block!
Your block is adorable and would be lots of fun to make 🙂
Thank you … pinsandwhiskers(at)gmail(dot)com
I like Hawaii & ukeleles! Saw the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain last year!
What a cute block! I kept hearing uke music while I was looking at your design process.
Such a fun post to follow from your inspiration to designing to completed block…thanks for sharing!
What a great way to remember a vacation. Such a great block. Congratulations on being on the cover too.
I haven’t done much applique yet but your block looks like a lot of fun!
Love your block! Thanks for the chance to win!
(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!!!!
Great block, and nice colors!! chendryx(at)nctv(dot)com
fun block and fun story. Thanks.
Grats on having your block in the magazine. Thanks for the chance to win.
What a cute block! Makes me want to fly off to Hawaii!! Thanks for the chance to win an issue of 100 Blocks!
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!
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.
Love machine applique! will try your block
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.
I love blocks that have meaning, yours is great!
lisamcgriff (at) hotmail (dot) com
Love your block. Congrats Cover Girl. kathleendotlutzatcomcastdotnet
Love your block. I have been learning to quilt. Love it!
Love your ukukele! Genius.
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) ! 🙂
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.
Very cool block!! Love the metallic thread too! 🙂
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
Thanks for the chance. Cute block!
Very cute block–you inspire me to get out my dulcimer!