QuiltCon Block Challenge: Finished Fundraiser Quilt

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge.  You can see more photos of blocks submitted for this challenge here, and in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.  

To everyone who submitted a block for the QuiltCon Block Challenge, THANK YOU. As I opened and photographed each of your blocks, I could tell how much work you all put into them. It was extremely difficult to decide which blocks would be included in the fundraiser quilt. I hope you’re all as happy as I am with the way this quilt turned out!

I wanted to keep things simple to highlight all of the wonderful blocks, so I just added a minimal amount of Kona white between the blocks on the quilt top.

To mimic the graphic shapes in the piecing, I free-motion quilted in an allover pattern of interlocking boxes using Aurifil 50 wt. in white. I quilted on my home machine, using this process.

The binding is from Violet Craft’s Madrona Road collection for Michael Miller.

The quilt will be on display at QuiltCon. We hope that all of you who are there will come to see the quilt!

(Unfortunately, due to legal restrictions, we can only sell tickets at the event.)

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that weren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. We want to thank all of the guilds who volunteered to complete one or more of these quilts and we’ll be posting more about that process in Spring 2013.

Once again, thank you so much to everyone who submitted a block for this challenge!

QuiltCon Block Challenge: Quilt Back

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge.  You can see more photos of blocks submitted for this challenge here, and in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.  

For the quilt back, I decided to spice things up with a few more of the challenge blocks.

The blocks were made by (left to right):

• Tamara Howard
• Lisa Hirsch of the Kansas City MQG
• Jan Myers
• Carol Turznik
• Andrew Montejo of the Los Angeles MQG
• Pamela Gavin of the Bakersfield MQG

The rest of the back is Kona Jade Green and Kona White.

I’ll be posting more photos of the finished quilt tomorrow!

***

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that aren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. This will be MQG’s first large-scale charity project and we look forward to both using the many beautiful blocks we received for the challenge and getting as many guilds as possible involved in the process! Participating guilds will receive a package of 7 or more blocks (much like the groups of blocks being shown in these blog posts) to expand into a 68″ X 88″ Twin bed quilt. This can be accomplished by adding blocks, adding negative space, or some combination of the two. The quilts will need to be machine quilted, bound, washed, and shipped to Austin in advance of QuiltCon. MQG will also be interested in hearing about each guild’s process and will feature the completed quilts in a series of blog posts in Spring 2013.

If your guild is interested in this project, please e-mail info@quiltcon.com to let us know.

QuiltCon Block Challenge: Quilt Top

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge.  You can see more photos of blocks submitted for this challenge here, and in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.  

Here is the finished quilt top! I wanted to keep things as simple as possible, so I just sashed all the blocks in white, which blends nicely with the white that is in so many of the blocks already.

I love the fact that the top already has “MQG” and “QuiltCon” on it, but I also wanted to add the location and dates.

Rebecca Roach‘s Texas block seemed like a good place to add “Austin” in embroidery.

I knew that Karen Alexander was concerned that her armadillo didn’t have an eye, so I gave him one. I also embroidered the dates of QuiltCon along his back.

Hopefully Rebecca and Karen aren’t too upset about my changes to their blocks!

I’m really happy with how this turned out. Check back on Thursday to see what I did with the back.

***

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that aren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. This will be MQG’s first large-scale charity project and we look forward to both using the many beautiful blocks we received for the challenge and getting as many guilds as possible involved in the process! Participating guilds will receive a package of 7 or more blocks (much like the groups of blocks being shown in these blog posts) to expand into a 68″ X 88″ Twin bed quilt. This can be accomplished by adding blocks, adding negative space, or some combination of the two. The quilts will need to be machine quilted, bound, washed, and shipped to Austin in advance of QuiltCon. MQG will also be interested in hearing about each guild’s process and will feature the completed quilts in a series of blog posts in Spring 2013.

If your guild is interested in this project, please e-mail info@quiltcon.com to let us know.

QuiltCon Block Challenge: Block Arrangement

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge.  You can see more photos of blocks submitted for this challenge here, and in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.  

This is the block arrangement that I’ve planned for the quilt top, which will be about 62″ x 82″.

Given the size and number of the blocks, I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to add much negative space without making the quilt way too big. I decided to concentrate on the 12-1/2″ dimension that was common to all of the blocks and arrange them in 6 rows that would each finish at 12″ high.

Since the other dimension of each block varies, there are different numbers of blocks among the rows and they aren’t arranged in a regular grid.

With such a variety of blocks, and such a large footprint, it can be tricky to use a design wall to plan the layout. Here’s a little trick that I used instead.

I started by putting all of the blocks up on the wall, without regard for how they would look in the finished quilt. Then, I took a photo, scaled it to fit on a piece of printer paper and printed it out.

Next, I cut out each block, which made it possible for me to just move them around on my work table until I found an arrangement that I liked.

(This is also a good strategy if you want to see what your blocks would look like amid different colors of negative space fabric.)

Here it is! I’m so happy with the finished arrangement. Come back tomorrow to see how I finished the top.

***

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that aren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. This will be MQG’s first large-scale charity project and we look forward to both using the many beautiful blocks we received for the challenge and getting as many guilds as possible involved in the process! Participating guilds will receive a package of 7 or more blocks (much like the groups of blocks being shown in these blog posts) to expand into a 68″ X 88″ Twin bed quilt. This can be accomplished by adding blocks, adding negative space, or some combination of the two. The quilts will need to be machine quilted, bound, washed, and shipped to Austin in advance of QuiltCon. MQG will also be interested in hearing about each guild’s process and will feature the completed quilts in a series of blog posts in Spring 2013.

If your guild is interested in this project, please e-mail info@quiltcon.com to let us know.

QuiltCon Fundraiser Quilt Blocks: Group 5

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge.  You can see more photos of blocks submitted for this challenge here, and in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.  

And here are the final four! Read about these four blocks today, then check back on Monday for an update on my progress putting the quilt together.

Eom Jae Young of the Los Angeles MQG

This is such a fun composition. I love the rectangular block shape and the variety of sizes and colors among the pieced squares. Graphic and beautiful!

Block by Lora Douglas of the Gainesville, FL, MQG

The layout of this block is simple, yet so effective. I love how the colors shine against the soft gray background, and Lora did a masterful job of piecing those skinny crossbars between the colorful rectangles.

Block by Holly Broadland of the Vancouver MQG

Such beautiful, clean lines in this Mondrian-inspired block. I appreciate how effortless it looks, even though I know that it must have taken some time to plan and piece.

Blocks by Louise Gates of the Chicago MQG

I couldn’t choose between these two blocks that Louise made, so I’m going to treat them as a set and use them both. I love the variety of widths in these pieced strips and the very slight wonkiness, which adds movement but still looks very structured.

***

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that aren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. This will be MQG’s first large-scale charity project and we look forward to both using the many beautiful blocks we received for the challenge and getting as many guilds as possible involved in the process! Participating guilds will receive a package of 7 or more blocks (much like the groups of blocks being shown in these blog posts) to expand into a 68″ X 88″ Twin bed quilt. This can be accomplished by adding blocks, adding negative space, or some combination of the two. The quilts will need to be machine quilted, bound, washed, and shipped to Austin in advance of QuiltCon. MQG will also be interested in hearing about each guild’s process and will feature the completed quilts in a series of blog posts in Spring 2013.

If your guild is interested in this project, please e-mail info@quiltcon.com to let us know.

QuiltCon Fundrasier Quilt Blocks: Group 4

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge.  You can see more photos of blocks submitted for this challenge here, and in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.   

Today’s blocks are all QuiltCon-specific in one way or another.

Block by Sarah Chin

I love this giant patchwork representation of the logo. It will be a perfect addition to the raffle quilt.

Block by Rebecca Roach of the Austin MQG

Rebecca did such a great job of replicating the shape of Texas. What a great way to celebrate QuiltCon’s location!

Block by Karen Alexander of the Austin MQG

Pattern is adapted from the book Creature Comforts by Barbara Brackman and Marie Shirer.

According to Karen, the armadillo is an important animal in Austin culture, so I think this little guy will be right at home on the raffle quilt.

Block by Dani Miller of the Roanoke MQG

And, of course, this MQG block will also fit into the mix nicely. I love the shape of these letters.

***

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that aren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. This will be MQG’s first large-scale charity project and we look forward to both using the many beautiful blocks we received for the challenge and getting as many guilds as possible involved in the process! Participating guilds will receive a package of 7 or more blocks (much like the groups of blocks being shown in these blog posts) to expand into a 68″ X 88″ Twin bed quilt. This can be accomplished by adding blocks, adding negative space, or some combination of the two. The quilts will need to be machine quilted, bound, washed, and shipped to Austin in advance of QuiltCon. MQG will also be interested in hearing about each guild’s process and will feature the completed quilts in a series of blog posts in Spring 2013.

If your guild is interested in this project, please e-mail info@quiltcon.com to let us know.

QuiltCon Fundraiser Quilt Blocks: Group 3

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge.  You can see more photos of blocks submitted for this challenge here, and in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.  

Another day. Four more blocks!

It’s so much fun to finally be able to show these off.

Block by Tracy Lewien of the Kansas City MQG

I love the various pieced elements that guide the eye around this block, and I appreciate the thoughtful use of print fabrics.

Block by Mary Walker of the Front Range MQG

This block is 12-1/2″ tall by about 6″ wide, making it smaller than most of the other blocks we received. There’s a lot of interest in those tiny little pieced stacks and I love the ratio of piecing to negative space.

Block by Mona Keegan of the Houston MQG

I love this fresh spin on a Spiderweb block, particularly the fact that it’s been elongated into a rectangular shape and the various wedges are of different sizes.

“Elephant Crossing” by Ruth Beeby of the Bay Area MQG

I love the use of print fabrics here, particularly the careful way they’ve been combined and cut. The asymmetrical zigzag stripe adds a lot of movement and I appreciate the focused color scheme.

***

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that aren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. This will be MQG’s first large-scale charity project and we look forward to both using the many beautiful blocks we received for the challenge and getting as many guilds as possible involved in the process! Participating guilds will receive a package of 7 or more blocks (much like the groups of blocks being shown in these blog posts) to expand into a 68″ X 88″ Twin bed quilt. This can be accomplished by adding blocks, adding negative space, or some combination of the two. The quilts will need to be machine quilted, bound, washed, and shipped to Austin in advance of QuiltCon. MQG will also be interested in hearing about each guild’s process and will feature the completed quilts in a series of blog posts in Spring 2013.

If your guild is interested in this project, please e-mail info@quiltcon.com to let us know.

QuiltCon Fundraiser Quilt Blocks: Group 2

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge.  You can see more photos of blocks submitted for this challenge here, and in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.    

Today we have four more beautiful blocks that look great together! These blocks will also be included in the QuiltCon Raffle Quilt.

“Wonky Cross” by Rebecca Williams of the Dallas MQG

I love this composition. The gray cross over the top of the colorful piecing adds interest and movement.

“Building Blocks” by Dayna Harris of the Westport, CT, MQG

The tiny squares in this block really sparkle against that vibrant red-orange background. I love the asymmetrical columns of piecing and the judicious use of the gray and white squares.

Block by Charlotte Jean Hatch of the Houston MQG

I love this unusual pyramid block – particularly the spacing between the rows of triangles. Beautiful work!

Block by Susan Kephardt of the San Diego MQG

From Susan: “This block is inspired by the Googie style of architecture that once was so common in Southern California.”

This is a lovely composition that is very well-crafted. I love the shapes and the architectural inspiration.

**

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that aren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. This will be MQG’s first large-scale charity project and we look forward to both using the many beautiful blocks we received for the challenge and getting as many guilds as possible involved in the process! Participating guilds will receive a package of 7 or more blocks (much like the groups of blocks being shown in these blog posts) to expand into a 68″ X 88″ Twin bed quilt. This can be accomplished by adding blocks, adding negative space, or some combination of the two. The quilts will need to be machine quilted, bound, washed, and shipped to Austin in advance of QuiltCon. MQG will also be interested in hearing about each guild’s process and will feature the completed quilts in a series of blog posts in Spring 2013.

If your guild is interested in this project, please e-mail info@quiltcon.com to let us know.

QuiltCon Fundraiser Quilt Blocks: Group 1

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge.  You can see more photos of blocks submitted for this challenge here, and in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.  

Hundreds of blocks were submitted for the QuiltCon Block Challenge and it was difficult to select just 20 to use in the raffle quilt. Before we start talking about the raffle quilt blocks, I just want to thank everyone who submitted blocks for this challenge. Your blocks are amazing and will all find a good home, if not in the raffle quilt, in a quilt for the Austin Children’s Shelter.

Today, I’m going to show you the first four blocks that I’m going to use to make the raffle quilt. You can check back each day this week to see four more of the raffle quilt blocks.

Let’s get started!

“Taking Off” by Barbara Lee of the Kansas City MQG

I love the movement in this block! The piecing is clever and the little rectangles moving across the negative space remind me of confetti.

Block by Emily Waszak of the Charlotte MQG

I love that Emily used only two colors to create this lovely, minimal composition using both straight and wonky lines. Very striking!

Block by Heather Davidson of the Portland MQG

I love the long rectangular shape of this block and I appreciate that Heather used both print and solid fabrics effectively. The pods are cheerful and their vertical arrangement echoes the look of the QuiltCon logo.

Block by Jen Eskridge of the San Antonio MQG. (Jen was previously a member of the Wichita, KS, MQG.)

This unexpected wonky ring shape is just wonderful. I love that it’s both organic and modern and I’m thrilled to see curved piecing used in such a creative way.

***

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that aren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. This will be MQG’s first large-scale charity project and we look forward to both using the many beautiful blocks we received for the challenge and getting as many guilds as possible involved in the process! Participating guilds will receive a package of 7 or more blocks (much like the groups of blocks being shown in these blog posts) to expand into a 68″ X 88″ Twin bed quilt. This can be accomplished by adding blocks, adding negative space, or some combination of the two. The quilts will need to be machine quilted, bound, washed, and shipped to Austin in advance of QuiltCon. MQG will also be interested in hearing about each guild’s process and will feature the completed quilts in a series of blog posts in Spring 2013.

If your guild is interested in this project, please e-mail info@quiltcon.com to let us know.

QuiltCon Block Challenge: Applique and Embellishment

This is part of a series of posts about the QuiltCon Block Challenge. From August 27 – September 22, I’ll be posting photos of blocks received for the challenge. On September 24, I’ll start announcing which 20 blocks will be used in the quilt. You can see more photos of challenge blocks in the Block Challenge Flickr Group.  

Some of the blocks we received didn’t fit the challenge guidelines and, as such, they weren’t considered for inclusion in the raffle quilt. They’re just too fabulous not to show you though, so today we’re going to take a look at some applique or otherwise embellished blocks.

Here’s a breakdown of who made what.

First Row:

• Barbara Bruce of the Kansas City MQG (This block is called I’m On the Way.)

Second Row:

• Pat Hilderbrand

Third Row:

• Candy Chin

These blocks may not be up for the raffle quilt, but there’s no reason they can’t be a part of our quilt project for the Austin Children’s Shelter!

Here’s a breakdown of who made what.

First Row (left to right):

• Amanda Holmes
• Barbara Sanders of the Portland, OR, MQG

Second Row (left to right):

• Eun A. Chung
• Jen Madsen of the Minneapolis MQG
• Beth Copeland of the Houston MQG

Third Row:

• Ginger Krenn of the Pittsburgh MQG

As a way of giving something back to QuiltCon’s host city of Austin, Texas, we’re going to use the blocks that aren’t selected for this quilt to make quilts for each of the 46 beds at the Austin Children’s Shelter. This will be MQG’s first large-scale charity project and we look forward to both using the many beautiful blocks we received for the challenge and getting as many guilds as possible involved in the process! Participating guilds will receive a package of 7 or more blocks (much like the groups of blocks being shown in these blog posts) to expand into a 68″ X 88″ Twin bed quilt. This can be accomplished by adding blocks, adding negative space, or some combination of the two. The quilts will need to be machine quilted, bound, washed, and shipped to Austin in advance of QuiltCon. MQG will also be interested in hearing about each guild’s process and will feature the completed quilts in a series of blog posts in Spring 2013.

If your guild is interested in this project, please e-mail info@quiltcon.com to let us know.

***

Note: It’s important for us to give proper credit to designers. If you used a pattern or tutorial to make your challenge block, but didn’t mention it on the application form, please use the comments below to tell us more about your inspiration. Thank you!