Welcome, blog tourists!

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Becky Goldsmith

Hello, and welcome again to the Quiltmaker's Blog Tour! If you've never been to my blog, I hope you enjoy yourself as you click around. (To those of you who clicked earlier, I'm so sorry to have missed my midnight deadline. I set it to post at noon:01! I'm shaking my head at myself as I type.)

Below is my block from Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, volume 7. The applique is both simple and fun. This is a block that can be combined with a other appliqued or pieced blocks – and I'll bet that you can find several to choose from in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks!

If you are new to applique and/or would like to learn more about how to do it I'd like to point you to these resources:

Go the the Lessons page at www.pieceocake.com. I've uploaded several youtube videos that you might find helpful
Our newest book, The Best-Ever Applique Sampler, is full of great instructions and detailed photos
The dvd, Learn To Applique the Piece O' Cake Way, is great or its own or as a supplement to the book.

The applique, center square, and sashing are slightly off-center. If you want to, you can center the design by adding to the widths of the narrower outer borders and trimming the block square to center the design.

I used a wide stripe in the block borders. If you can't find fabric with a wide stripe, and you like this look, piece strips together to make your own striped fabric in colors of your own choosing.

One way to use this block by itself would be to add borders to it. I would play with the off-centeredness of the design, adding asymetrical borders to make a pillow or small wall quilt.

It would also be fun to rotate the block and trim it, putting the flowers in the 4 corners of the block. If you do this, cut the narrower block borders as wide as the wider border strips so that you you have enough fabric to cut a square.

I hope you have fun playing with the design! Now, for the give-away of the day: I will randomly choose from all those who leave a comment below between now and midnight, tonight. The winner will receive a copy of our newest book, The Best-Ever Applique Sampler, and a copy of 100 Blocks!

Good luck!

PS – I have 3 more issues of 100 Blocks to give away. Come back tomorrow to enter that drawing.

241 thoughts on “Welcome, blog tourists!”

Mary Jo on May 2, 2013 at 3:48 PM said:

I am just making my first applique quilt and am really enjoying it! I took the plunge! Making an original owl quilt for my granddaughter’s graduation and have to get with it to finish! Love your block! So happy and cheerful!!

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Kay Ahr on May 2, 2013 at 3:52 PM said:

Your flowers are always so perky! I should make more of them.

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DeAnna Dodson on May 2, 2013 at 3:59 PM said:

I love applique and I LOVE Piece O’ Cake! Beautiful, fun, fresh designs!

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Beth G on May 2, 2013 at 4:00 PM said:

LOVE your blocks, so inspiring . . . would love to win one of your books!

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Mary P on May 2, 2013 at 4:16 PM said:

Love the colors you used, I like the quilt.

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Deb G in VA on May 2, 2013 at 4:17 PM said:

I love your designs! Thanks for the giveaway!

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Madeline on May 2, 2013 at 4:26 PM said:

I’d really like to learn the piece of cake way to applique, I love applique, but dont always have fun doing it.

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Kay Mc on May 2, 2013 at 4:29 PM said:

I really like your block & it makes me want to tackle more applique projects.

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Beth T. on May 2, 2013 at 4:30 PM said:

What a generous giveaway! I’ve been wanting to learn how to applique and your book would be the kick in the pants I need. 🙂 I know I couldn’t resist those cheerful patterns.

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Marcia W. on May 2, 2013 at 4:32 PM said:

Congratulations on the selection of your block for Quiltmaker’s Volume 7 of 100 Blocks. It is a wonderful block. Thanks also for the giveaway of your book. I want to learn to applique so am crossing my fingers that can win a copy (autographed?) of a book by experts! Thanks for the chance.
alternate email mlwright29(at)hotmail(dot)com

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Kate on May 2, 2013 at 4:35 PM said:

Great block, love your patterns. Thanks for the chance!

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Heather on May 2, 2013 at 4:37 PM said:

I like the off-centeredness of the design – gives it a fresh look. Your suggestion for a small wall quilt or a pillow is something I might make with this block.

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Carolyn Owens on May 2, 2013 at 4:39 PM said:

Thank you for the give away! I hope you pick me! I would love to have your new book.

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Carol Crisp on May 2, 2013 at 4:42 PM said:

Wow, you do magnificent work! I would love to learn more about applique. It’s always looked so appealing, but I’ve been scared of the difficulty level 🙂

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Pamela R in Leaburg on May 2, 2013 at 4:44 PM said:

Your blocks are always terrific!

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Connie on May 2, 2013 at 4:45 PM said:

I love the little block. It is cheery! I would love to win the book.
Thanks.
Connie in Columbus, OH

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Mary Arline Smith on May 2, 2013 at 4:48 PM said:

“Congratulations!” I so enjoy your poseys.
Thank you for the gift opportunity.

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lindawwww on May 2, 2013 at 4:49 PM said:

Applique is my favorite techniques, especially flowers. Congratulations on your block!

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Jodi on May 2, 2013 at 4:50 PM said:

Very cute block, wish I was better at appliqué.

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Patricia S on May 2, 2013 at 4:51 PM said:

I love your sweet appliqued block! I’m thinking I may make a quilt using this block in spring-like pastels. Thanks sew much for this chance to win your generous giveaway 😀

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Karen W. on May 2, 2013 at 4:53 PM said:

I’d love to win your book and a copy of the magazine! I’m thinking of doing a floral wall appliqué quilt soon for my bathroom.

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Terry - N.J. on May 2, 2013 at 5:00 PM said:

Yes – I would love to win a copy of your new book. I have a collection of your previous books. I read your blog every day and look forward to your lecture at my Quilt Guild next April. In the process of sending in my reservation for your workshop. Love all your designs and creativity. Your instructions are fool-proof and accurate – I could go on and on. Also, thank you for your videos – extremely helpful.

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Betty on May 2, 2013 at 5:06 PM said:

Your block is very cheery and your giveaway very generous. Thanks for the chance to win!

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Blogless me on May 2, 2013 at 5:09 PM said:

It is an absolutely lovely block – I think I’ll try it out. Thanks for the giveaway!

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Kathy (Quilt Monkey) on May 2, 2013 at 5:12 PM said:

Great block! You always do such great applique, it’s fun to see it combined with piecing. Thanks for the chance!

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Lisa in CO on May 2, 2013 at 5:16 PM said:

Your block is so cute and summery. I learned how to do applique from one of your books, so I would certainly love to get another one. Can’t wait until the magazine comes out 🙂

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Lynda on May 2, 2013 at 5:22 PM said:

What a cute block, thanks for the chance to win a magazine

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Barb Colvin on May 2, 2013 at 5:23 PM said:

I love the look of applique on pieced backgrounds!

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DeAnna Johnson on May 2, 2013 at 5:23 PM said:

Awesome block!!! Done in my colors on my bed… to die for :))) thank you for the inspiration!

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Mary on May 2, 2013 at 5:34 PM said:

I love the way you paired the applique with stripes, and the fussy cut circle in the middle is very clever. This block just says spring, something we keep looking for here in the Midwest!

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Barbara Pricola on May 2, 2013 at 5:37 PM said:

Your block is beautiful! I love to applique, and I would really love to win your giveaway!!

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Miss Pat on May 2, 2013 at 5:47 PM said:

I haven’t tackled applique yet, but maybe now that I’m retired, I should give ita try.

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pat sprengel on May 2, 2013 at 5:50 PM said:

One of the best applique block I’ve seen so far. great work

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Rhonda Desgranges on May 2, 2013 at 5:54 PM said:

I love applique, and I absolutely love your block!!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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Robyn Brown on May 2, 2013 at 6:02 PM said:

I’m a huge fan of your designs. So glad you are in this issue!

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Shelor on May 2, 2013 at 6:03 PM said:

Luv applique! Would really like to win a copy of your book.

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Debbie H on May 2, 2013 at 6:04 PM said:

Very pretty block! Thanks!

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Bonnie Pfrimmer on May 2, 2013 at 6:11 PM said:

What a pretty block!! The first picture would be pretty just like that in a frame to hang on the wall. Thanks for sharing..

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Elma on May 2, 2013 at 6:14 PM said:

It is a fun block. Your talent is a true inspiration. I would love to win your book. Thank you

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Jenelle Boxberger on May 2, 2013 at 6:15 PM said:

I’m glad I came back and checked out your blog. Funny how mistakes happen. Love your applique block, I’m learning to do applique lately and have been enjoying it. This is a fun hop. Thanks.

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Wendy on May 2, 2013 at 6:15 PM said:

Cute block! Nice bright colors, it would make a really cute pillow for my grand daughter’s room.

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Maryellen on May 2, 2013 at 6:17 PM said:

Very Cute! Thanks for the setting idea, too.

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Nancy Angerer on May 2, 2013 at 6:25 PM said:

Congrats on getting a block in Vol. 7. I really like your block.

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Jeane on May 2, 2013 at 6:35 PM said:

I have made a couple of your quilts and love your patterns, would definitely enjoy your new book. Thanks for the chance. Jeane in Sydney

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Angelia on May 2, 2013 at 6:35 PM said:

Love your applique block! I am new to quilting and applique is on the top of my list of techniques to try. Thank you and Congratulations!

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maggie avrit on May 2, 2013 at 6:35 PM said:

I LOVE LOVE your website. I am really anxious to learn how to applique, so I’m definitely going to check out your tutorials. Thanks for the chance to win YOUR book and also 100 blocks!!

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Lauren aka Giddy99 on May 2, 2013 at 6:39 PM said:

I just began quilting last Autumn, and haven’t tried applique yet, but it’s on the bucket list!

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Patricia Hersl on May 2, 2013 at 6:42 PM said:

So cute! And I have my supplies all ready to go…

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Cecilia on May 2, 2013 at 6:42 PM said:

Pretty block! I like that it is off center. Thanks for the chance to win your book and the magazine.

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Darlene on May 2, 2013 at 6:52 PM said:

This block would go nicely with the others I’ve made. Just a beginner so kind of slow.

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