Pumpkin Leaves for October Quilt Block Mania

Nothing gets me more in the mood for fall than pumpkins! So I hope you'll enjoy my newest Quilt Block Mania block, Pumpkin Leaves.

Yes - it's fall and finally we have a theme that matches with the month - woohoo! Hopefully everyone has enough time to make the fall blocks and enjoy them through November. 

Links are coming soon - check back again!!!

I do love fall - I've said it on numerous blog posts thru the years. I just can't resist the brilliant red, orange, and yellow of fall. Guess that's what growing up in New England will do for ya!

So, now you may be wondering - if I love fall and pumpkins so much, why didn't I make up this block? Because been there, done that. Twice. Check out my Pumpkat Patch table runner (ALWAYS a fall favorite!), 

and it's companion wall hanging, Pumpkin Peek-a-boo. 

That's how much I love fall, giving rise to the Pumpkin Leaves block which is so, so easy to make!

The Pumpkin Leaves block is a free download pattern until November 3. In downloading the pattern, you agree to not share the file with others, but direct them to the QuiltFabrication.com/Pumpkin Leaves post - thank you! Now go ahead and click on the download button below for the PDF file. 

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Paperclips for September Quilt Block Mania

Quilt Block Mania is about 'Technology' this month. That seems to encompass a wide range of items. I went for something simple - Paperclips - what would the world be without them???

You can see from both the block images and the list that 'technology' certainly does have a wide range. Enjoy each and every one of them!

 

Here's all the links too. 

Lightbulb Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Sewing Machine by Crafty Staci
Microchip Quilt Block by Patchwork Breeze
Chain Link Quilt Block by Scrapdash
I'm connected! by Patti's Patchwork
Paperclips by QuiltFabrication
Stand Mixer by Inquiring Quilter
Network Bars
Valley Square by Sarah Marcina
Handheld Calculator by Emerald Falls Quilts
Digital Nutcracker
Word. (Books on a shelf)
Windmill by Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio
by Appliques Quilts and More
Cog Wheel by Flowerdog&Co
Fencing the Future Quilt Block by Ashli Montgomery

My Paperclips block is another easy applique block, something a beginner quilter could put together. Feel free to use whatever colors you want - I just liked how the Paperclips popped on the black background. And of course, feel free to make your own arrangement, like I did in Hold It Together.

The Paperclips block is a free download pattern until October 6. In downloading the pattern, you agree to not share the file with others, but direct them to the QuiltFabrication.com/Paperclips post - thank you! Now go ahead and click on the download button below for the PDF file. 

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Weathervane for August Quilt Block Mania

This month the Quilt Block Mania theme is 'Farming'. I've chosen a Weathervane  as it's a helpful (and ubiquitous) tool to aid all farmers.

Maybe you're wondering about the arrow. Look closely. I simplified the three dimensional aspect of the arrow on Weathervane, eliminating the compass directions and trimming the arrow in half for a more modern look and simple construction. 

I do love rooster quilts as you can see in my Crazy for Roosters post, making Weathervane rooster another addition to the bunch. Like Rooster Sunrise, I've decided not to make this one up, though it's pretty simple. All that's needed is a background block and black or charcoal grey for the silhouette. Fat quarters will do. Just enlarge the pattern by 200% (print instructions given), trace onto fusible web, press, and stitch. How simple is that???

For a complete farm themed quilt, check out all of the other blocks from the Quilt Block Mania designers. 

Tractor Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Sunflower by Crafty Staci
Dairy Barn by Scrapdasah
Weathervane by QuiltFabrication
Corn by Inquiring Quilter
Scrappy Tomato by Katie Mae Quilts
Ear of Corn by Patchwork River Quilting
Barn by Memory Barn Studio
Green Mountain Star by Sarah Marcina
Texas Watermelon & Grapefruit by Emerald Falls Quilts
Farmer Nutcracker
Farm Fields by Patchwork Breeze
Tulip Fields by Stitching Across the Globe
Stacked Animals by Appliques Quilts and More
Friendly Fields by Due North Handmade
Barn Quilt Block by Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio
Back of the Barn ~ Block Pattern by Ashli Montgomery

The Weathervane block is no longer available - I'll let you know when it comes back!

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Stiletto for July Quilt Block Mania

Getting the glam on this month with a gorgeous hot pink Stiletto!

Beauty/Style blocks are the theme for Quilt Block Mania this month.

Though the blocks are a week behind due to a hostess vacation, here's the links to all 

Lipstick quilt block by Carolina Moore
Lips by Crafty Staci
Buckeye Beauty Quilt Block
The Met Gala
Stiletto by QuiltFabrication
Calla Lily by Inquiring Quilter
Fingernail Polish by Memory Barn Studio
Broken Dishes & Mary Kay by Sarah Marcina
Texas Boots by Emerald Falls Quilts
Photographer Nutcracker
Words by Patchwork Breeze
Party Dress by A Piece of Quiet Quilts
Stylin' by Appliques Quilts and More
New York Gorgeous by Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio
Sun Hat by Stitching Across the Globe

I must confess - I have never worn stiletto heels in my life! I do appreciate those who can wear them successfully cause they certainly are glamorous. For me, I value my feet and back too much. So I'll settle for looking at them and keeping them in my dreams!

But enough of that - let's get back to quilting. The applique of the Stiletto is pretty simple. It's the tricky side triangles that make this block appropriate for an intermediate quilter. Beginners may struggle a bit, but hey, there's no harm in trying! Of course, the fall back is to applique those triangles too.

You can make your Stiletto any color you want. I do suggest using three different values for the shoe, otherwise it looses it's form and sexy lines.

The free period for the Stiletto block pattern is over - I'll let you know when it becomes available again!

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Red Cross for June Quilt Block Mania

This month's Quilt Block Mania theme is for celebrating the doctors, nurses, PA's, and anything associated with medical or hospital. My first thought is the Red Cross, which is also the name of my block.

Here's all of the other blocks, with links below, for this medical theme - be sure to thank the designers for their generosity! 

Ambulance by Carolina Moore
Medicine Bottle by Crafty Staci
H is for Hospital Hero
Red Cross by QuiltFabrication
Stethoscope by Inquiring Quilter
Bandaids by Memory Barn Studio
Kidney Awareness Ribbon by Emerald Falls Quilts
Doctor Nutcracker
Medical Words by Patchwork Breeze
Medical Bag with heart
Medical Symbol by Appliques Quilts and More
Hospital Sant Pau by Stitching Across the Globe

My Red Cross block is simple to put together. Just grab three fat quarters - red, white, and black - then cut and sew. Perfect for the beginner quilter! Click on the link to find the Red Cross pattern and more in my Etsy Shop.

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Hot Air Balloon for May Quilt Block Mania

Up, up and away! Come take a ride in my Hot Air Balloon!

Up in the Air is the Quilt Block Mania theme this month - just look at all the creative blocks to carry out the theme.

 

And here's the link to all, though they are probably not free anymore.

Pig with wings by Carolina Moore
Kite with tail
Daylight Flight by Patti's Patchwork
Hot Air Balloon by QuiltFabrication
Pancakes by Inquiring Quilter
Feeding Time by Robin Kinley Designs Etc
Contrails by Memory Barn Studio
Scrappy Birds by Katie Mae Quilts
Propeller by Patchwork River Quilting
Pinwheels and Northern Lights by The Quilted Diary
Space Rocket by Emerald Falls Quilts
Pilot Nutcracker
Flying Birds by Patchwork Breeze
Raven's Flight by A Piece of Quiet Quilts
Butterfly by Appliques Quilts and More
Night Sky by Studio B

Even though my Hot Air Balloon is foundation paper pieced and geared toward the intermediate quilter, it's really pretty simple to put together. I could have chosen a stitch 'n flip technique, but I find that hard to do with angles that aren't 45 degrees. That's where paper piecing comes in handy, to make those angles perfect!

Fat quarters are the fabric size of choice for the Hot Air Balloon. I chose to stitch all of the angled seams as I wanted to give the idea of ropes or seams on this balloon. But it is certainly not required! 

The top and bottom portions of the balloon can easily be made with one piece of fabric, eliminating all the 'rope' seams - instructions are given for that option. Then just use the quilting to get those rope lines.

The Hot Air Balloon block is now available in my Etsy Shop - have fun making a sky full of them! 

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Wheelbarrow Blooms for April Quilt Block Mania

Let's start the spring season with a little gardening, compliments of Quilt Block Mania! Cheer up the yard with my bright and happy Wheelbarrow Blooms. 

And here it is all made up! Makes me want to get into the garden!

Add in all the other adorable gardening blocks for a very happy quilt!

Here's the links to all, free for the month of April.

Garden Bunny by Carolina Moore
Garden Basket by Crafty Staci
Creating a Quilt Garden
Bollenstreek by Patti's Patchwork
Wheelbarrow Blooms by QuiltFabrication
Spring Has Sprung
Oriental Lily by Inquiring Quilter
Watering Day by Robin Kinley Designs Etc.
Mushroom by Memory Barn Studio
Ladybug by Patchwork River Quilting
Gardening Days by The Quilted Diary
Texas Bluebonnets by Emerald Falls Quilts
Gardening Nutcracker by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Seed Packet by Patchwork Breeze
Garden Fences by A Piece of Quiet Quilts
Watering Can with Flowers by Appliques Quilts and More
Evening Primrose by Wild Plum Lane
Spinning Tulips by Studio B

A little about info about my block. The center motif of Wheelbarrow Blooms is all applique. Gather up bits and pieces to make the wheelbarrow and flowers. For the background, use a fat quarter. I find it helpful to make the background square a bit bigger to start because applique tends to cause shrinkage. When all the stitching is done, then trim the block to size and piece in the corners. The result will be a perfect 12.5" x 12.5" block ready to go in a quilt!

The Wheelbarrow Blooms block is now available in my QuiltFabrication Etsy Shop. The pattern includes instructions plus a full size image - no need to enlarge.

 

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Coco Loco for March Quilt Block Mania

 What's a beach vacation without a fancy drink? Interested in a Coco Loco?

Looks very tropical, right? The computer generated picture doesn't do it justice -be sure to scroll to the bottom to see it in fabric!

And look at the fun my fellow Quilt Block Mania designers had this month, dreaming up different fancy drinks. Don't they all look fantastic???

Here's the links to all:

Tropical Drink by Carolina Moore of Always Expect Moore
Pink Lemonade by Crafty Staci
Mardi Gras Hurricanes
Milkshake by Patchwork Breeze
On the Rocks by Patti's Patchwork
Coco Loco by QuiltFabrication
Hot Coffee To Go
Christmas Cocktail by Inquiring Quilter
Sip Happens by Robin Kinley Designs Etc.
Unicorn Lemonade by Memory Barn Studio
Friendly Mule by Patchwork River Quilting
Margarita by Emerald Falls Quilts
Bartending Nutcracker by Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts
Raspberry Lemonade
Mod Martini by A Piece of Quiet Quilts
Pina Colada by Appliques Quilts and More
Lemon Drop by Studio B

In January, I took a short vacation in Hawaii to celebrate my birthday. That trip is probably responsible for Coco Loco. The block just screams of relaxing by an oceanside bar!

Making a Coco Loco from a bar tenders perspective is pretty easy. The Coco Loco block though, is more for the intermediate quilter who's comfortable with foundation paper piecing. To make assembly easier, I've included aligning tic marks on the umbrella portion for matching up the parts - you're so welcome! And if there's some shrinkage in the block size, it can be made up in the beige 'counter' or 'table' at the bottom. Nothing like allowing for some wiggle room!

Sorry, but the Coco Loco block is no longer a free download. I'll keep you posted of it's status. Updated 4-2025. 

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Sad News for Joann Shoppers

I'm sure you've heard the news by now. Joann has filed for bankruptcy (again), and will be closing more stores. Like over half - approximately 500 of 850. To read the press release and find out what stores are closing, click Joann Closing.

Now I know some of you quilters may be aghast that I shop at Joann. Where I live, it seems to be a taboo subject to mention. Who can resist a store within five miles, and 4 others within a 30 minute drive. Though I'll admit there was some quality missing in their fabric lines, you sure couldn't beat the selection and price!

I always loved stepping into the store and seeing the current display of seasonal fabrics just screaming 'take me home'! Having based most of my quilts around the seasons, these displays were absolute candy!

Of course, I can't leave out the fairly large selection of other prints available in a wide array of colors. A half yard here, a yard there, and I've got myself a wide selection of fabrics to play with. I was always searching for blenders, or for prints that hit a certain theme. I'm not known for buying a designer or fabric line. I'd rather select for myself.

Most of us quilters are about the fabric. But there's also the pins, needles, cutting tools, thread - all the additional items used for our craft. And batting! Joann had lots of choices there and usually on sale. I'll miss that.

For now, one store 30 minutes away will remain open. For how long, who knows? Not sure where I'm going to go when I need thread or batting. Heaven forbid that I have to turn to online shopping! I like to actually SEE the fabric. Guess I'll frequent the quilt shop close by, but it's just not the same.

So, a sad Adieu, Joann! Thanks for all the fabric and memories (especially Black Friday sales!). Maybe a buyer will step up and bring the store back. If not, I'll miss you.

Anyone else out there share my sentiments? Leave a comment!  

Happy Quilting

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Butterfly Block

I've got an updated block to share - a Butterfly!

Originally designed 2023, I made this when the first color, blue, was announced for RSC2023 (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2023). 

Some quilters were wanting scrap piecing instructions in addition to my Making Block from Crumbs video. Now I've decided to update the pattern and offer easy to follow scrap piecing instructions, thereby eliminating the guesswork if one is unfamiliar with the scrappy technique. The new Butterfly version lists the scrap sizes needed and provides the directions necessary to make a multi-colored butterfly. Yay!

Keep in mind that you don't have to follow my scrap sizes - be creative and make your own scrappy wings. Just be sure that they mirror each other, left and right.

Of course, wings made from scraps is not necessary - squares from fat quarters works just fine if you want to limit the amount of piecing. But it is important to have two values or different prints to distinguish the upper wings from the lower wings. That's what makes my Butterfly sparkle! Here's what it might look like with solids, and with the values reversed top and bottom.

After I made my scrappy version, I fell completely in love my little Butterfly block! Modified once again to make it really pop, it's charm then led me to design a full quilt, in several sizes even. But then life happened, and I haven't had a chance to make another block, let alone a quilt. It will happen someday.

So, for now, we'll just have to be content with my Butterfly block as just a block pattern, with the quilt to follow sometime later. With super easy stitch-n-flip piecing, the block finishes at 10.5" x 10.5", and is perfect for a beginner quilter.

Find my Butterfly block in my Etsy shop and send me pictures of yours - I'd love to see!

And if your wondering about the colorful butterfly props in the photo, they are from Send A Cake. They wind up to flutter out when released from a gift box. A friend sent them to me for my birthday - they were quite the surprise!

Happy Quilting!

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