Open Gate Blog

Another year is almost here and that means another Block of the Month!  I have been working furiously on finishing my quilt top (sorry, won't be quilted) and writing the instructions.  I had a few questions so I thought I would answer them in a post: Q.  Will I have the supply list before the end of the year? A.  No I won't, but I will post it with the first block.  I thought that I might be able to but want to make sure that everything is done and have the correct amounts for you.  Q.  How much does it cost? A.  It's FREE!  Just head to my website each month and you can download the instructions.  On the first of each month, I will write a blog post on how to piece the block. Q.  What size is the quilt and the blocks? A.  I decided to go with 6" blocks and the quilt size is approximately 59" x 59".  I have all my blocks done right now and just have to put it together and put the borders on.  Once I get that ...

I know that it's a busy time of year for everyone and I am no exception.  I just talked to my friend and told her that I have not left the house since Friday.  What have I been doing?!  Well, I have been working on pdfs, Craftsy and BOM. First, pdf's.  I decided to add pdf patterns to sell on my website.  My friend, Carrie Nelson hooked me up with a company that sells pdfs.  I have been sitting on the info for a while but decided that this is the time to do it.  So...my first pattern being sold as a pdf is now live!  I decided to go with Tropical Nights .  It's a new pattern from Spring Market.  It's a popular pattern and fun to make.  Here is a picture of it.  I will keep you posted on the additions as I make them. Second, Craftsy.  It looks like my class, Flying Fat Quarters is going well.  I'm so thrilled with it!  I check every day to answer any questions that students may have.  Don't forget that ...

I can finally spill my news!!  I am now teaching a class for Craftsy!  Lissa Alexander from Moda gave me the contact for Craftsy and mentioned that they were looking for a Workshop instructor.  I emailed them and gave them some ideas and we agreed on a quilt.  Check out my workshop that launched on Saturday:  Four-Square Dance Mystery Quilt .  It's a workshop with instructions and pictures, not a video.   At the same time that I was working on the workshop, I applied to do a video class with them.  They contacted me and asked if I could get a class together for the beginning of October.  Keep in mind that this was the beginning of September!  So, of course I said YES!!  That's how it all started.  Needless to say, September was a busy month.  After working hard to get everything ready for my class, they flew me to Denver to make a video of me teaching.  It was so fun and exciting not to mention VERY nerve wracking...

Yay!  We are almost done with Best Laid Plans... The fourth and final installment is on my website.  You can click here:  Best Laid Plans...Step 4. Here is the picture of the finished quilt.  A couple of things to remember: Make sure that the four-patches in the blocks are oriented correctly.  It is very easy to twist the block around.  Also, watch the sashing pieces so that they are in the correct spot.  Placing the ones that go on the sides of the blocks at the top and bottom is very easy to do. And, lastly, quilt, bind and enjoy!! Thanks for joining me for Best Laid Plans...I hope you enjoyed it. One more thing, look for our next free block of the month starting January 1st, 2014!