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....

I have a Christmas present for everyone.  I decided to give you the instructions for the Fit to be Ruler Case.  Several people have asked me for the pattern so here it is: Supplies: 1/2 yard for main body of bag 3/8 yard for lining 1/8 yard for accent 1/2 yard fusible fleese zipper Instructions: From the fabric for the main body, cut: 2 - 12" x 12 1/2" pieces 1 - 3" strip From the lining fabric, cut: 2 - 13" x 16" pieces From the accent fabric, cut: 2 - 3" x 12" pieces From the fusible fleese, cut: 2 - 13" x 16" pieces 1 - 3/4" strip Piecing: Press the 3" strip of main fabric, in half, wrong sides together. Open up and place the fusible fleese at the fold with the fuse side downs.  Bring up the raw edge to meet in the middle repeat for the other side, fold and press.  Fold again and press.  Sew an 1/8" from both edges to make the handle.  Cut the handle in half so that you have 2 - 20" handles. P...

Fall has been a busy time for me.  I have been traveling to teach classes and lecture.  My most recent trip was to New Hampton, IA to visit my friend Denise and teach through her shop, Quilter's Window .  She had a retreat planned at the local hotel and started Friday afternoon and lasted until Sunday morning.  Everyone seemed to have so much fun and I even sewed a little.  I taught Gin Rummy and Speed from my book Fat Quarter Winners .   Gin Rummy Speed  I have also been in Princeton, IL to teach at a retreat for the Covered Bridge Quilt Guild.  The  retreat was held at a Church camp and was perfect.  There was plenty of room for everyone to sew.  I taught Pinochle and here are some of the quilts that were made that weekend.  Awesome! The latest news is that I have designed a 2012 Mystery Quilt for American Patchwork & Quilting!  The first month block is in the February, 2012 issue of American Patchwork ...