So, to inspire you while you're poking around the nooks and crannies ... browsing and shopping ... a wholecloth quilt using the BEE BALM BLOCKS ... just 4 blocks, an easy layout to follow ... balanced smooth stitching all the way across the quilt top ...
... need a closer look at those blocks ...
... thanks for shopping with Mountaintop Quilting.
Here it is just 3 days until Valentine's Day. That's enough time to whip out a quick little Valentine love-themed-snuggle-on-the-couch quilt. There are several versions of simple heart block patterns patterns and different layouts for quilt blocks for free (or for purchase) on several different locations on the internet. I did an image search and found a full range of beautiful blocks with as many different variations as one could ever imagine.
Isn't the heart tied up in a bow with the LeMoyne star in the middle just the most precious block ever!
One of my favorite things to do is to use a heart block as a filler when I'm putting together a sampler made of orphan blocks and exchange blocks. See my little heart sandwiched in between 4 patches, a little hexie flower, and some bigger star blocks. Just the thing I needed to make all the different sized blocks come out as neat and tidy rows and strips. This means I need to be able to create heart blocks in a variety of different sizes as I try to make all of my strips and rows come out with even edges. I found a great tutorial on the internet with Allison at Cluck Cluck Sew. She has a chart with cutting instructions for heart blocks sized from 4" to as large as 10" AND she has a very easy to understand picture tutorial for assembling a heart block.
Way to go Allison for helping us out with our projects!
You may have noticed (if you've been poking around the store a bit this week and last) that heart blocks and heart edge-to-edge quilting designs have been on sale! And sale prices are always a good thing. So hop on over to the HEARTS CATEGORY and check it out. New designs have been uploaded just so you can keep your pattern library fresh and up-to-date.
And ... as a special thank you for stopping by and following along on my blog I have a special freebie for you this month: a redwork pattern featuring ribbons and flowers in a heart shaped wreath. I used an outline stitch and french knots for embroidery stitches and then used my completed block as the center of my wall-hanging surrounded by ... of course ... heart blocks!
And, if that wasn't enough I found this cute table-topper on McCalls Quilting website that seemed to be calling my name. I love the little heart chain in the center and the way the heart blocks are flush to the edge without the distraction of a binding.
Have a wonderful love-day-holiday with all who are special in your life, and thanks for stopping by.
I knew, the minute I saw this quilt pattern I would have to make this pattern. Let me start by telling you this is a free project pattern that can be found at Make It Sew home of Cloud 9 Fabrics. The strips are wide and the blocks are large so this quilt top will go together really quickly. And the best part ... its a scrappy stash buster. And so, while I'm waiting to get the time for some cutting and sewing I find myself at the computer design screen playing with curves and shapes and making marks. Do you see that hexie hiding in there among all those triangles? I am a HUGE fan of hexie. I always have a (or several) hexie projects going all at once using the English Paper Piecing method. My project tins, baskets, and bags make great "take-alongs" when I know I'll have time where I need to be responsible for entertaining myself.
Soooo ... I was really hooked ... my fingers were itching and my mouse was twitching ... when those hexies popped out on the top for me. Here's what I came up with:
I designed the Diamond Kiss patterns years ago when I was working with a 4-patch 60 degree diamond patchwork pattern. When I saw the 60 degree diamonds again here with this pattern I knew what I had to do. And, 1694 KISSES came to life. I love the swirly motion in the hexie block and the curvy lines lead your eye back and forth across this quilt top as you are led to discover something new every time you stop for a minute and just "enjoy the view."
Here's what my quilt will look like ... except I will most likely be working down my 30's reproduction stash ...
And you can have fun dreaming and playing as you think about making your own prismatic quilt. Just grab your markers or your crayons and go here for a free download of the Kisses Coloring Sheet.
PS: Hey, if you do decided to play with the hexies on a Prismatic (or any other quilt) send me photos or tag me on instagram. (@kayoft) I always love checking out your projects and seeing what's on your sewing table today.
