Georgie Giraffe Quilt

Georgie Giraffe Quilt

Georgie Giraffe Quilt, a charming design by Deb Grogan that brings warmth and whimsy to any nursery or child's room. Featured in the September/October 2016 issue of Quiltmaker magazine, this baby quilt measures 42¼" x 53½" and combines playful appliqué with traditional piecing techniques. 

The centerpiece of the quilt is Georgie, an endearing giraffe crafted through appliqué. Deb Grogan, the creative mind behind The Quilt Factory, infuses her artistic background into this design, adding unique elements that bring Georgie to life. Notably, Georgie's ears are folded and tucked under his head during the appliqué process, creating a three-dimensional effect that enhances his playful appearance. 

Complementing Georgie's presence is a crisscross lattice fence, constructed from pieced blocks featuring squares and rectangles. This lattice not only frames the giraffe but also adds a dynamic visual texture to the quilt. The combination of appliqué and piecing makes this project accessible to quilters of various skill levels, offering a satisfying blend of techniques. 

Deb Grogan's inspiration for "Georgie Giraffe" stems from her desire to merge her artistic talents with her passion for quilting. By incorporating appliqué, she brings her art to life in fabric, allowing for the addition of surprising and dimensional aspects that give her quilts distinct personalities. This approach is evident in Georgie's design, where thoughtful details like the dimensional ears contribute to his endearing charm. 

If you’d like to make Georgie Giraffe and don’t have a copy of our September/October ’16 issue, print and digital copies are available in Quilting Daily online store. 

Full Post: Quiltmaker September October 2016 Digital Edition (Georgie Giraffe Included)

Autumn Wonders Block #1

Autumn Wonders Block #1

Introducing the "Autumn Wonders" Block 1 by award-winning quilt designer Pat Sloan, a lovely introduction to her seasonal series that captures the essence of autumn. The 12.5" x 12.5" block (finishing at 12" x 12" in quilts) invites quilters to enjoy the cozy feel of autumn with thoughtful fabric selection and design.

In this initial block, Pat encourages quilters to dive into their fabric stash and select materials that reflect the warmth and richness of the season. The design is versatile, accommodating a balanced blend of color and pattern that is both a testimony to personal style and the overall appearance of the block.

Pat Sloan's "Autumn Wonders" series is more than a quilting project, but a chance to capture the traditions and warmth of the season. As you begin creating Block 1, consider the cozy clothing and special times that characterize autumn, and let this inform your fabric choices and craftsmanship.

Materials and Preparation:

You will need a collection of autumn-colored fabrics to make Block 1. While actual fabric requirements are listed in the shopping list, the idea is to choose colors that evoke the season's warmth and richness.

Constructing Block 1: "Pull Out the Cozy Clothing!"

This 12.5" x 12.5" block (completing at 12" x 12" in quilts) invites quilters to feel the cozy warmth of autumn through thoughtful fabric selection and creative piecing techniques.

Important Steps:

• 1. Half-Square Triangles (HSTs): Create precise HSTs with Pat Sloan's tutorial, which is an essential part of this block.

• 2. Block Assembly: Follow the thoughtful instructions to assemble the block by carefully piecing together, taking careful attention to accurate alignment and seam allowances.

For a video tutorial, Pat Sloan's video tutorial gives step-by-step instructions, making the process of construction simple and enjoyable.

YouTube

Design Tips:

• Fabric Selection: Employ fabrics that reflect autumn colors—deep reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows—to create more seasonal impact.

• Consistency: Carefully maintain the same seam allowance throughout to prevent inconsistency between blocks.

• Personalization: Don't be afraid to include personal touches or fabric variations to make the quilt unique and yours.

Download Block 1 free pattern here: Autumn Wonders Block 1 Pattern

Final Thoughts!

Beginning the Autumn Wonders Sew Along is a wonderful way to greet the season with quilting. Block 1 is a great beginning with its homey design and simple construction, making it an excellent project for any quilter.

Full Post: Autumn Wonders Block #1 Pattern

Rainbow Seminole Patchwork Tutorial

Rainbow Seminole Patchwork Tutorial

Geta Grama of Geta's Quilting Studio offers quilters a reflective look at the colorful world of Seminole piecing in the Rainbow Seminole Patchwork Tutorial. A technique grounded in the rich heritage of the Seminole, this technique of piecing involves sewing fabric strips together to create complex and colorful patterns. Employing rainbow-hued fabrics to add to the visual appeal of these patterns, Geta shows, in this tutorial, how to create resplendent, multi-hued patchwork bands.

The tutorial is detailed, step-by-step, and can be executed by any skill level of quilter. Geta stresses the importance of fabric selection, using fabrics that contain a wide range of colors, such as those found in the Effervescence collection of Robert Kaufman fabrics, to create the rainbow effect that is sought. She also gives advice on cutting strips to exact widths, accurately piecing them together, and pressing seam allowances to get sharp, clean lines in the final design. One of the strong points of Seminole piecing covered in the tutorial is how well it works at creating sharp-looking patterns with little effort. Cutting strips allows quilters to make small, intricate patterns that can be hard to make with standard piecing methods. This makes it an excellent technique for making intricate borders or trim for a bigger quilting project.

Geta's tutorial is not only helpful to begin with, but it also asks quilters to play around with using various fabric selections and strip widths to design their own unique projects.

She teaches tips for straightening the finished patchwork band edges and how to integrate these bands into certain projects, like pouches or quilt borders. The tutorial is further enhanced by unobstructed photographs at each step, making it simple to envision the process and repeat the technique successfully. For those wanting to explore further into Seminole piecing, Geta has also published a Part II of the tutorial in which she addresses more designs and methods and further opens up possibilities for this technique to be used for creative work. Adding the Rainbow Seminole Patchwork to your quilts provides not just a splash of color and elegance but also brings your works into a rich heritage of textile art. For those who wish to put a bold border onto a quilt or create a dynamic free-standing quilt, this tutorial provides the instruction and encouragement necessary to bring your visions to life.

Full Post: Rainbow Seminole Patchwork Tutorial

Seminole Sunrise Quilt Block

Seminole Sunrise Quilt Block

Seminole Sunrise Quilt Block, by Karen Donnelly of Fabric-Smart, is an engaging pattern that brings together the traditional techniques of Seminole patchwork and contemporary style of quilting. The improvisational and asymmetrical pattern draws inspiration from the vibrant cultural heritage of the Seminole nation, which is renowned for their beautiful and intricately designed textile arts. The block was created for Northcott's 10th Anniversary Block Party International Contest to prove the versatility and timelessness of Seminole-themed designs.

The Seminole Sunrise Quilt Block employs Northcott's Stonehenge Solstice fabric line, whose color scheme recalls the vivid color of traditional Seminole fabric. The improvisational design allows for variety in the placement of the colors and the fabrics to be used, which is to say that each time quilters craft it, they receive a unique and personalized block. Using this method not only honors the improvisational spirit of Seminole patchwork but also encourages quilters to think more creatively and develop their own unique style.

Karen Donnelly's pattern provides clear, step-by-step instructions, making it possible for any level of quilter to complete it. Asymmetrical construction of the block gives a modern twist to traditional patchwork, which can be utilized in a variety of projects, from full-size quilts to wall hangings or possibly even as a table runner. Whether you choose to follow the suggested color scheme or try your hand at your own, the Seminole Sunrise Quilt Block will add a splash of bright, eye-catching beauty to any quilt.

The materials and equipment you'll need to construct this block are:

• Seven pieces of fabric from Stonehenge Solstice:

#1: Celtic knot light gold (39482-54)
$2: Celtic knot teal (39432-66)
$3: Orange (39382-58)
#4: Teal with large gold Celtic knots (39269-69)
#5: Teal with Celtic circles (39431-68)
#6: Teal (39382-68)
#7: Yellow (39382-59)

• 15-degree Creative Grids triangle ruler
• 
  
• 6.5" x 24" quilt ruler
• 
  
• Rotary cutter and mat
• 
  
• 50-weight cotton thread
• 
  
• Size 75 quilting machine needle
• 
  
• Straight pins

Reading instructions thoroughly before cutting is recommended, and practicing the block using substitute fabrics prior to working with your kit is a good idea.

Construction Overview:

Seminole Piecing Unit: Sew strips of fabrics #1 through #4 together in order, press the seams open, and cut the strip set into seven 2-inch-wide strips. Sew strips offset and join them together to create the characteristic angled look.

Trimming: Trim the finished unit to have parallel edges measuring 6.25 inches wide.

Adding Fabric #5: Position a piece of fabric #5 along the top of the Seminole unit, then cut to fit the present angle.

Triangle Assembly: Cut two 18-inch triangles in fabric #6 and one in fabric #7 with the 15-degree ruler. Sew them together, in order: fabric #6, fabric #7, fabric #6.

Final Assembly: Sew the triangle strip to the main block on the diagonal edge, then square up the block to 12.5 inches unfinished.

Design Tips

• Attention to Detail: Make sure all Seminole piecing units are the same size and angle for a uniform appearance.

• Practice First: Make a test block using scraps to become comfortable with the construction process.

• Fabric Choice: Although the Stonehenge Solstice collection provides a luxurious look, feel at liberty to play around with other fabrics to make your block uniquely yours.

For more detailed instructions and visuals, check out the official pattern page:

Seminole Sunrise Quilt Block Pattern

Last Thoughts

The Seminole Sunrise Quilt Block offers a unique opportunity to explore asymmetrical design and cultural influence in quilts. If you're feeling like trying your skills or adding a unique block to your stash, this pattern offers you guidance as well as the liberty to do so.

Happy quilting!

Peeping Cats Quilt Block

Peeping Cats Quilt Block by Handmadiya

If you're a cat lover and a quilting enthusiast, the Peeping Cats Block by Melissa of Handi Madiya is the perfect project to bring a playful touch to your next quilt. This charming block combines adorable feline silhouettes peeking out with a dynamic double pinwheel design, making it both whimsical and visually engaging.

Whether you're looking to create a full cat-themed quilt or just add a unique accent block to your collection, this pattern offers a delightful mix of creativity and precision. The combination of bold pinwheels and curious cat shapes creates a striking contrast, ideal for using up scraps or playing with fun fabric combinations.

Why You'll Love This Block?

What makes the Peeping Cats Block stand out is its charming balance between geometric order and whimsy. The block features a traditional Double Pinwheel layout as the backdrop, giving it a dynamic spin. Then, nestled playfully in the corners, you'll find adorable appliqué-style cat heads—each one positioned as if peeking mischievously into the quilt.

This combination allows you to:

• Showcase bold prints or subtle solids
• Mix textures (cotton body + flannel cat appliqué)
• Add movement and storytelling to your quilt

What You’ll Need:

To create your own Peeping Cats Block, you'll need:

• Background fabric for the pinwheel
• Scraps for the cats (felt, solids, or prints)
• Basic quilting tools: rotary cutter, ruler, iron
• Optional: fusible web if doing raw-edge appliqué

A fat quarter bundle works great for variety if you’re planning multiple blocks!

Project Ideas:

• Baby Quilts: Use bright pastels and add whiskers with embroidery!
• Wall Decor: Make a single block and frame it as art.
• Pillows: Two or four blocks make a perfect quilted cushion cover.

This is a fun block to experiment with — switch up the cat colors, flip their directions, or even add buttons for eyes.

Melissa’s detailed tutorial provides step-by-step guidance, ensuring that quilters of all levels can confidently piece together this eye-catching design. Get ready to let these peeping kitties add a bit of charm and mischief to your quilting projects!

Disappearing 4 Patch Block

Disappearing 4 Patch Block

If you're looking for a fun and creative way to elevate your quilting projects, the Disappearing Four Patch Quilt Block is a fantastic technique to try! This clever block starts with a simple Four Patch—one of the most basic quilt block designs—before being sliced, rearranged, and sewn back together to create a stunning new pattern. The result is a block that looks far more intricate than the effort required to make it!

In this tutorial, Melissa from Polka Dot Chair walks us through the process of making a Disappearing Four Patch Quilt Block step by step. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or a beginner looking for an exciting project, this technique is a great way to play with fabric patterns and colors while achieving a unique design.

One of the best things about this method is its versatility—you can use it to create everything from pillows and table runners to entire quilts. The process involves sewing together four fabric squares to form a traditional Four Patch Block, then cutting it into sections and rearranging the pieces into a new layout. Depending on your fabric choices and how you rotate the pieces, you can achieve a variety of different looks from a single technique.

A Classic Block, Reimagined!

The four-patch block is one of the most fundamental quilt designs, known for its straightforward construction and versatility. However, Melissa’s approach adds a creative twist—by slicing and rearranging the pieces, the original structure “disappears,” revealing a completely new look. This technique is perfect for quilters who want to experiment with movement and variation in their designs.

Fabric Selection & Color Play:

One of the best aspects of the Disappearing 4 Patch Block is its flexibility in fabric choices. Whether you prefer bold, contrasting colors or soft, blended tones, this block allows for endless possibilities. Using non-directional prints can help maintain the integrity of the design, ensuring that the rearranged pieces flow seamlessly.

Melissa has provided a step-by-step tutorial for this block, which is available on Polka Dot Chair. The tutorial includes detailed cutting instructions and assembly guidance.

The Disappearing 4 Patch Block is a fun and rewarding project that adds movement and complexity to a simple design. Whether you’re using it as a standalone feature or incorporating it into a larger quilt, this block is sure to impress.