Welcome To My Blog!


Hi Everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog for the 100 Blocks Blog Tour!!!

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I am so pleased you’re here and I can’t wait to share the block I created with all of you. You can find my block under the ‘Applique’ section of Volume 14.

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The title of my block is “Afloat”. I’d love to tell you that I came up with the idea one beautiful summer day when the sun was reflecting off the water like diamonds….but that isn’t what happened. I was actually pretty stumped for an idea this time around. I’ve been trying to stay away from floral blocks done with applique because I think the editors get several of those for each issue. I decided on a nautical theme but wanted something more than an anchor or crab. I felt like the block needed to feel serene. I wanted to feel like I was right there on the water even though I wasn’t.
I also knew the block would feature fun and easy fusible applique…A technique I really love and can get right into!

If you’ve never done fusible applique, I’ll show you the steps for how I made Afloat and these steps are the same for any fusible applique project that I have designed through my pattern company, Quilt Cabana Patterns.

I sketched the block out with pencil and paper and then used cardstock to make the templates for the boat and dock.

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Then I traced the templates onto paper backed fusible web. I needed three boats, so I traced the boat template three times.

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Next was the super fun part of auditioning fabrics. I opted for bright colors against a deep blue background…

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I used the iron to fuse my paperbacked fusible pieces onto the wrong side of the fabric. Once it cooled, I cut out the pieces and arranged then on the background…

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The last step was to stitch around the raw edges using the blanket stitch. This could also be done with a zig zag stitch. And here is the finished block!

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Easy right? If you’d like to try more projects like this one, please visit my Craftsy store where you can find 18 fun patterns – everything from mug rugs to wall hangings and table decor! Check out these holiday projects because there’s plenty of time to whip one up as a gift or for your own decor!

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And now for the give-away! If you would like a chance to win a copy of 100 Blocks Volume 14 just leave me a comment and tell me a little about yourself and what type of projects you like to work on.

Don’t forget to visit my blog frequently as there’s always something fun going on!

Sandi

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147 responses to “Welcome To My Blog!”

  1. I’d like to be able to sew faster! I’d get a whole lot more done that way. As it is, I’m methodical to the point of taking what seems like forever to finish a project. That’s why I start my Christmas projects in the spring.

  2. I would love to win a copy! Quilting is my peace in life, even though it sometimes drives me crazy! I like to do a variety of stuff and always love a new pattern ot technique!

  3. I love all types of quilting and make a lot of scrap quilts. Those are always fun because until I get the top completed I’m never sure just what they will look like. Some are duds but most are really great.

  4. Fun block! I’d like to live on a lake and have boats at a little dock like that!! I love scrappy quilts and sampler type quilts, so love these 100 blocks issues for all the great new blocks in them!

  5. Hi Sandy,
    Your block is so clever and the directions are so easy. I am a country quilter. I love all things country and scrappy. I hope to live long enough to use up the 12 totes (yup, you read that right) of fabric I own.
    There’s just something about fabric and textiles that I am enraptured with.
    Anyway, congratulations on your block.

  6. Cute block! It would make a wonderful quilt for a little boy.
    I am an elderly lady and it is my dream to make everyone in my family a quilt. I love doing applique and embroidery on my quilts. I also LOVE scrappy. Thank you for the giveaway.

  7. Hi Sandi, i love your block and all of your cute ,patterns! Like Joyce Carter, I am trying to make a quilt for everyone in my family. Enjoy your special day. You are a great quilter and teacher and now a long arm quilter too. Best of luck.

  8. Fusing makes applique so easy and I really like the look of blanket stitch around flowers or kids designs.
    I like all crafts, and sew everything and am learning to sew bags now.

  9. I live in Indiana and have a husband, two married daughters, and 1 granddog. I love to quilt and lately have been focusing on smaller projects like table runners or wall hangings. I need to get some projects finished because my sewing room is overflowing! Love your block – living by the water would be a dream for me 😉

  10. I love to make big quilts, ones that I love, but when life gets busy it is nice to make small quilts so that you can have a feeling of accomplishment occasionally.

  11. Sandi, It’s wonderful to meet you via blog and dig into all your applique projects. Retired from a career in Emergency Communications (911), first grandchild thisyear so I’ve been stitching clothes,bibs and of course a quilt or two or three:) Very new to applique, still a little scarey but your tips and notes are so helpful…I love snowmen. Little snow falls here tho on the Atlantic side of Virginia, but i can still decorate like it does:)
    It’s been my pleasure perussing your blog.

  12. Hand applique is my favorite. There is something very calming about sewing with my hands, and it is convenient to bring with me to work on while I am doing other things.

  13. I am basically a traditional quilter. I love all kinds of fabric and mostly work on smaller projects. This year I am working on a quilt for my hubby. I’ve made one for each of my children, so now it is hubby’s turn 🙂

  14. congratulations. what a fun block. I am married now 33 years. we have a son 32, and a daughter 29. I am newly retired. so I can spend more time sewing. I love to make small projects, especially baby quilts, placemats etc.

  15. I have been quilting for 5 years. My interests are all over the place–piecing, applique, paper-piecing….I do a lot of charity piecing and quilting. My 2016 New Year’s resolution was to complete one project a month….especially the ones that have the top finished, but no backing, quilting, and binding. It may be continued in 2017!!!!

  16. I like to work on the kind of projects that you seem to specialize in — smaller with quick gratification. Since I have to do the quilting on my regular sewing machine, large projects are pretty much out of the question. I love the whimsy of your designs.

  17. Your block is a cute rendering and welcome addition to this wonderful repeat event. I love seeing all the new blocks from designers. This one definitely does bring on some calm and relaxation feelings. Sweet thoughts of summer on the lake 🙂
    I’m a retired nurse still finding volunteer ways to enjoy my vocation. I also have 5 animals that keep me pretty busy. As to what I would like to sew…I would say almost Anything at this point as my house is packed up for flooring renovation and keeping me from just enjoying my sewing room. It will all be good once completed. I do have some hand sewing to sneak in when I am not in the midst of animal control.
    Thank you for designing and participating in the blog tour. It is always so fun and inspiring 🙂

  18. I started sewing 65 years ago in 4-H, became a home ec teacher and started teaching quilting in 1973. Needless to say, I have many finished (and unfinished) projects and a day isn’t complete, if I have not touched a needle or fabric! Love it all!
    quiltschon@att.net

  19. I’ve been quilting a few years and I like to make throw quilts, something big enough to cover up with while on the couch! Life and work keep me pretty busy and sewing and quilting ar my “escape”. Thanks for offering the giveaway and congratulations on geing chosen for the magazine.

  20. What a nice colourful Block! I love the boats and the colors. I am quilting 8 years and love to try all different techniques. Unfortunately there are a lot of other things on my plate ,so I have many UFO’s. But I will finish them!

  21. I love aplplique! Fusible is fun and so quick! This coming year I hope to begin learning hand applique or some more advanced machine applique techniques.

  22. I am a retired scientist who has been quilting for 50 plus years. I love to make and donate quilts, lots of them every year. My children and grandsons have plenty they tell me.

  23. Nice block and neat colors–
    I love to needle turn applique alot–
    and I love hand quilting my tops once they have the backing and batting and are hand basted!!
    I do alot of different kinds of needle crafts–quilting, embroidery, counted cross stitching and knitting–
    my hands seem to like to keep busy!!! they tire me out sometimes!!
    love and laughter, di

  24. What a cute block! I like to use fusible applique in blocks. I do like pieced blocks too, but find fusible applique fun!
    Congratulations on having your block in the latest issue.

  25. What a cute block! Love blocks that have to do with the water. I do have to admit that I don’t like to applique that much, but it is an interesting technique and with your instructions anyone can have a good outcome. Thanks so much for sharing your talent.

  26. In one of your earlier blog posts you mentioned coming acquainted with back-basting, I, too, have tried it this fall so I can help finish an applique top given to our guild. Hmm, looks workable to me, but hard to spend time on that now when i want to finish holiday projects. Kathy in Colo

  27. I started quilting in 2013 by making a baby quilt for my first grandson. Then I had to make one for his older half-sister. I’ve made two more since then and those are the largest quilts I’ve made. I have arthritis so I can’t handle anything very large. I enjoy making stuffed toys for the grandkids’ Christmas.

  28. I love making big, scrap-laded quilts that are meant to be cuddled in until they’re left in shreds. 🙂 I love your block, and can’t wait to make one to keep in my sewing room to keep me happy.

  29. So gorgeous projects.I love paper piecing ,piecing and sometimes applique needle turn if there are many points.This year my goal is 365 challenge sampler quilt and do it in blue fabrics.I love make lap quilts and baby quilts to gift to family and friends and love make sampler quilts.

  30. I mainly make baby quilts as I prefer the deadline they naturally impose – sad that it really could take me 9 months to finish one! I enjoy designs that have 2nd and 3rd patterns that show up as you look at the quilt. I also like reusing jeans and men’s shirts in my quilts.

  31. I’ve been quilting for a LOOOONG time and more since I retired. I live in Nevada and prefer piecing to applique but do fusible applique just like you showed. Thanks for a great pattern. It is unique.

  32. I like making all kinds of quilts. I especially like appliqué. I am finishing a row quilt from my visit to Florida that has lots of seashore appliqués.

  33. I sew everyday. I am quilt piecing crazy. I want to make every quilt I see and every mystery and monthly that I can do. Too much, so, I am trying to make myself design more smaller projects or kit, which I change to make it my own. I am not a cut and glue person. It is hard to find light weight fusing products, since that flies off the shelf around where I live. Thanks for sharing your cute ideas.

  34. I am quilt obsessed. I like to work on projects that I can give as gifts or use to decorate my house. They can be as small as pot holders (I make lots of those!) or as large as bed quilts. I love quilts that use lots of different fabrics, although I usually limit my colors to avoid total chaos. I love to paper piece and I love bright colors. Anyone who gets excited when I give them something handmade makes my heart sing. Yesterday I finished a table topper with turkeys and leaves that will decorate my table now through Thanksgiving. I am ridiculously excited about it! I guess bits of fabric sewn together just make me happy.

  35. I quilt all my own quilts, no matter how big or small. I do a variety of projects: just finished a few potholders, am currently quilting a panel quilt, and will get started on an outreach quilt to donate to a local children’s group.

  36. Thanks for sharing. I like to sew all things made with fabric. I like homedec, wall quilts, art quilts, modern quilts and traditional. Love the soothing rhythym of of sewing 1/4″ seams. Applique is not my favorite, but I will often incorporate.

  37. Cute block, this is the view I have when my husband and I fly over the lakes near where we live in Florida. I have been sewing for about 8 years and I enjoy making quilts with different techniques.

  38. Love this block – made me think of all of the fishing trips with my uncle. I love to sew and quilt, but if I’m not working on either of those – you will probably find me knitting, crocheting or doing some kind of needlework. I like to keep busy.

  39. I am about to start my first mystery quilt with Bonny Hunter. Just finishing a couple of bags for xmas and a simple quilted blanket in horse material for my pony mad grandaughter. Angela

  40. Hi Sandy! Im a beginner! I made my first quilt a few weeks ago for my neice who just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! The quilt i made was a baby (rag quilt) now im hooked! I have just been bouncing around on different blogs learning as much as i can! I love those cute little quilts pictured at the top of your blog!

  41. I’m retired and spend every minute I can doing some form of quilting. It is my sanity. I love every aspect whether it’s applique or paper piecing. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine

  42. Congrats on your winning block! I enjoy foundation piecing, star patterns, and learning new quilting techniques. Thanks for sharing your fusible applique technique.

  43. I was a x-stitcher, then became a srapbooker, then started quilting….all crafts I love! I’m AWOL from any project right now as I’m waiting for my sewing room to materialize. One day.

  44. I like to make quilts with lots of different fabrics. Why use one red when you can use up bits of 10? My quilts end up larger than I’d intended because I have so much fun playing with fabric combinations I make more blocks than I should

  45. I am a retired teacher and try to sew or craft each day. My latest is a Grinchmas Calendar hanging for my sister’s first grandchild. Love to embellish on hangings. Love to piece and am practicing on quilting. Thank you for the giveaway.

  46. Before I started quilting I used to do a lot of applique on sweatshirts and purses…since quilting – nothing – until recently. Recently I applied the cutest owl ever on a Project Linus mystery quilt – LOVED IT!

  47. I loved your block, Afloat. My family has sailed for over 40 years. We started when our sons were 6 and 7, and they are both grandfathers. It is the best thing we ever did. We did it as a family and was very restful.
    I have been quilting for almost as long. I really loved to hand quilt because then I could hear what the quilt wanted to come alive. Unfortunately arthritis has put a stop to that, but I still love to piece blocks. The most fun though is choosing the fabrics/colors for a new quilt.

  48. I just love your darling designs…and this block appears to be so simple and yet seems to say so much. I usually make pieced quilts but have been trying different methods of applique lately. I just finished my first hand-appliqued block…actually enjoyed it.

  49. I am new to quilting, but not sewing. My mom started me in a class when I was 8 yrs old – Barbie clothes first and then my own clothes. Now I am enjoying exploring and experimenting with various quilt techniques. Love your block and the details about your block construction are great. Thank you. kathleendotlutzatcomcastdotnet

  50. We have a small Peach Orchard..and sell at 4 Farm Markets..we can them for us, and I make a great Cobbler (Husband’s Momma’s recipe). Love to sew & quilt…have 2 Daughter’s that do too..tho both are way more creative than me! giggle…

    Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too 😀

  51. A little about me…. I started with a quilting class in 1974 then took 40 years to go off work ( besides the home) and raise a family. The only bad part(??) was I kept buying fabric. So now I’m retired and starting again but with a very varied stash. I love all quilty things.

  52. I have been quilting for about 3 or 4 years. I don’t have any particular type of quilt I like over any other. If I see a quilt that I like then I may start gathering fabrics to make it or I might just save the pattern for future use. I don’t always get into the sewing room every day so it can take me awhile to finish a quilt but I enjoy every part of the process. When it comes to applique, I have decided that I like machine applique although I love the look of needle turn just haven’t got the hang of it yet.

  53. Hello, I am from Wisconsin and love to make smaller projects even design some of my own. Mug rugs, table toppers and the occasional wall hanging. Large quilts happen only once or twice a year and usually are my leader enders until they get to certain point then they go on the front burner. Love your block!

  54. I am still a beginning level quilter as I have a problem getting accurate 1/4″ seams with my sewing machine. Thus, I like paper piecing because I can sew on a straight line.

  55. I’m pretty eclectic …working on traditional and modern. Haven’t done much appliqué and paper piecing, but love it, so I need to do more of it… just slow going for me 🙂 I love your block Afloat perfect for the fisherman or person in our lives 🙂 Congrats on your block!

  56. I’ve been sewing and embroidering most of my life. I decided to major in Home Economics Education, and took my first quilt making class for sewing and textiles credit in college. I got hooked! I’m a traditional-block type of girl. I love stars, snowflakes. I make a lot of samplers and people-specific quilts. I like clean, classy, and symmetric designs, with coordinated colors. I spend a lot of time with firefighter-themes (my husband is a firefighter and we have 3 boys). I love paper-piecing.
    reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

  57. I made my first quilt in 1970 for our first born. It was twin sized and had 114 embroidered pictures on 4 inch squares. For our next two daughters I copied pictures out of coloring books of storybook characters which I embroidered. I think the blocks were 8 x 11. But having three girls I was kept pretty busy making clothes, costumes, formals, etc. So my quilt making was baby quilts for gifts. Then grandchildren came and with 6 granddaughters I made dresses with smocking using heirloom sewing techniques. But with 4 grandsons I also made costumes. I have made a baby quilt and a twin sized quilt for each of our 10 grandchildren. The last twin was an I Spy quilt using the EPP method. It Has 330 two inch hexies. In 2013 when we moved from Illinois to Alabama, I decided I was no longer going to sew clothing for myself, and now I concentrate on quilting and am having a ball. I have joined a quilt guild for the very first time. I feel very fortunate to be in a guild that is very friendly and encouraging. I have made quilts in all sizes and kinds.

  58. I live on a farm and work full-time as a nurse. I love scrap quilts and making quilts to comfort those in need.
    I’ve been quilting since 1990. barefootqltr1968 (at) gmail (dot) com

  59. I did a quilting class about 1990, but it wasn’t until 2010 that I started quilting seriously. The online community, and the inspiration it provides, is the biggest factor in my taking it up again.

  60. I love your block….though you had me at applique! I work full time outside the home so that gets in the way of my quilting, LOL. Quilting/sewing/knitting are therapeutic. After the hustle & bustle of work & home, the sewing room is a good place to relax!
    Thanks for a chance at the give-away!

  61. Just in case you haven’t drawn yet….I’d love to be included to win the book. Congrats for having a pattern in the book. i like to sew but haven’t in awhile because I’m waiting for my sewing room to materialize…right now the empty room is being used for my husband’s woodworking paint jobs instead of in a cold garage. So one day soon hopefully I’ll get my sewing room!

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