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!

The winner of the first Quiltmaker 's 100 Blocks is:   judy1522 said...I like having all the different blocks available in one magazine. It really is fun to look through it and see all the different designs. Your block is beautiful! The winner of the second signed copy Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks is:  bertiequilts said...I love the patterns in Quiltmaker... they are very clear and easy to follow. thanks for the giveaway Congratulations! Thank you everyone for taking the time to make your wonderful comments on my blog! I was just at a retreat this weekend in New Hampton, IA.  My good friend, Denise, owns an awesome shop called Quilter's Window .  It was our third annual Dealer's Choice Retreat.  For the past 3 years, I have taught from my fat quarter books through C&T Publishing.  This year I taught from Diamond Traditions .  The quilts that the students made were Marquis and Diamonds and Pearls.  Here are my quilts from the ...

Hi Everyone! Glad you could drop by for the blog tour.  It is day 2, make sure that you check out all the featured bloggers on the tour.  You can see who is blogging today and all week on Quiltmaker's Blog . My block is called Celtic Cross #775.  Here it is: When the editors of Quiltmaker's first decided  to do this, they had given out forms and information on how to submit a block.  So, I decided to go ahead and try it.  I am so glad that I did!  I have been in every volume and I can't believe that we are on Volume 8!  They have a great thing going.  I thought that I would give you some setting options for my block.  Here are a few: Set straight with no sashing For the second quilt, I added sashing and cornerstones in the quilt and they are shown above.  Now for the giveaways!  Quiltmaker will be giving an issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 8 to one lucky winner.  I will also be giving a signed c...

We are on volume 8 of the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks from today's top designers.  Just wanted to give you a heads up for the blog tour.  Make sure that you check out all the participants each day by logging on to Quiltmaker's Blog .  There will be plenty of give-aways and some great ideas.  I am scheduled for Tuesday, so make sure you drop by then. Enjoy!