Modern Blocks Book – Part One

So I think I may have mentioned that I am part of the Modern Blocks book that is just coming out by C&T Publishing.

It is so exciting for me! It is not the first project of mine that has been published, but it is the first that was accepted for publication. I was bouncing out of my seat when I got the approval for my blocks. I was a total overachiever (surprise!) and submitted a whole bunch of blocks. And they accepted 11! of them. (Out of 99 blocks in the book) So if you pick up a copy of this book, you’ll see my name a few times. lol I want to share them all with you, but I think 11 is too overwhelming for one post. So I’m going to start with a few of them and then continue to show you more throughout the next week….and there just may be a giveaway at the end of all these posts. 😉 So stay tuned…and maybe participate along the way. 😉

So let’s kick this off with the block that was easily the most difficult for me. I was almost sad when they accepted it because I knew how much work it was going to be. lol But don’t me dissuade you from trying it! It’s so worth it!

All or Nothing
(By the way, my working title for this was Carousal…their title is a little more intimidating I think!)

This block involves curved piecing in almost every step…and that center seam gave me fits. If you follow along with me, you might remember that I did a lot of blocks last year that were simpler variations on this. I was trying to get the technique down. So don’t worry. I’ve worked out all those kinks for you! Plus I have the pieced circle tutorial here on the blog to help you with this one. You’ll need a bundle of different shades of solids for the rainbow effect here, but I’d love to see other variations of it!

Doublemint
(I love their name for this one!)

First off, huge shout of to Penny (sewtakeahike) who sent me the blue seeds for this block. It’s my favorite part! This block is partially paper pieced and partially template sewn. But it comes together really well. I love the log cabinesque style triangles and yet the diamonds that are made. I was definitely in a diamond mood when I was designing…two of my other blocks make heavy use of diamonds as well!

Ahh…I miss my stump for photo taking!

Stargazing
(or as I affectionately call this, twinkle twinkle triple star)

This block has so many elements in it to me that are vital about quilting. There is tradition with the star concept, whimsy with the wonkiness, color and fun fabrics of modern quilting, the white background, etc. It will look fabulous with blocks of wonky stars of larger sizes as well. I have a whole quilt designed using this block in combination with other stars for a fun star quilt. Possibly perfect for a little boy if done in navy, white and red in particular!

I do think that the use of solids with prints helps this block from becoming too busy. It’s a great block for using all those tiny scraps!

Can we handle one more?

yes? okay then…

Best Friend

Oh was super excited last year when I had the opportunity to work with Sherbet Pips right as it came out for market! Almost exactly a year ago! I knew right away that I wanted to use it and was lucky enough to get a hold of some from the manufacturer. It’s just perfect for fussy cutting!

I think the direction of the fabrics is important in this block to create movement but also a place for the eye to rest. So the dogs all run in the same direction, but the scarves are winding their way around the block. I still find it so charming! The puppy dogs just kill me…they are so cute!

I also have all of these blocks made in a coordinating colorway that match the colors of the star block above…I’ll have to share those too. But this is enough for today. 😉 How many was that? Four? Seven more to go! I’d love to hear your thoughts on these.