Open Gate Blog

I am honored to be asked to teach a class for Quiltmaker magazine in Williamsburg, Va on August 2-4, 2012!  The class that I am teaching is the following: Red Rover - Playing with Design Taught by Monique Dillard Thursday August 2 - Saturday August 4, 2012; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Learn how you can get multiple designs using just one block. First, create one block using simple pieces, half-square tri­angles. Then, by rotating the pieces in the block and the block itself, you can see what a different and surprising outcome you will get. Make one of 6 different quilts or come up with one of your own! Not only will there be instructions for 6 different tops quilts given, in class Monique will also provide fabric require­ments and instructions for making larger sizes. Skill level: All skill levels Here is more information about the event: August 2-4, 2012 Williamsburg, VA Williamsburg Hospitality House near historic Colonial Williamsburg Early registration rate of $49...

Hi Everyone! I received my advance copy of my new book "Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts!"  I am so excited and it turned out wonderful!  This is the description that C&T Publishing came up with: "Renowned patternmaker, Monique Dillard, guides readers through quiltmaking basics for 11 fat-quarter quilts with a traditional yet fresh feel. Learn how to use your stash scraps to create interesting interplay, whether you make a lap throw or grace a king-size bed. Reminiscent of Americana, these handsome quilts are comforting and cozy, perfect for everyday enjoyment. Patterns galore at a great value!" I should be getting books in some time in March and I will keep you updated.  Here is a sneek peak of a few: Canasta Freecell   I will also have more to show in weeks to come.  One more thing, I am organizing a blog tour for Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts...look for it at the end of March. Thanks for stopping by!

Do you remember when you were a kid and the days seemed to last forever?  You would be playing and it seemed like hours went by and it was only 15 minutes?  Don't you wish that would happen again?!  It seems that the older you get, the faster life goes.  Even the unpleasant things go by fast (I'm certainly not complaining about that!) but it's unbelievable how time flies. January is a big blur for me.  I still have my Christmas decorations up so this blog isn't the only thing that has been neglected!  I actually really like my Christmas decorations.  I have several quilts that I love to keep up and I have a great collection of Santas.  Can you see why I like them up longer than a month?  I am planning on taking them down soon! One thing that is really hard to neglect is Tillie.  We have had a really mild winter here and have only had 3 snow falls.  The problem is that once it melts, our back yard turns into a mud bath....