Welcome to the Pin Cushion Party!

Welcome to the Good Neighbors Pin Cushion Party.

Good Neighbors is a new fabric line designed by Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts and sold exclusively by Connecting Threads.

I don't remember how I first came across Amanda Jean's blog, but I do know Crazy Mom Quilts was one of the earliest blogs I read. Perhaps it was the name that first got my attention but what really drew me in was Amanda Jean's colorful, happy quilting style along with her friendly blogging voice. She loves using scraps, making some of the best scrappy quilts I've seen. She also loves making pin cushions. Lots and lots and lots of pin cushions. So a pin cushion party is the perfect way to introduce Amanda Jean's first fabric line. I'm delighted to take part and think you're going to love the fabrics. They are so colorful and happy . . .

There are 36 prints in the collection ranging from gray, navy, bright blue, and green on the cool side to pink, red, orange, and a bit of yellow on the warm side. Every print has a touch of white. The line is nicely balanced between brights and low volume giving you room to play with value.

With so much to choose from, I had the hardest time deciding what type of pin cushion to make. Perhaps a bowl full of sweet little pin cushion rings like these. Perhaps a larger arm rest type cushion with lots of pockets. This was actually very high on my list because it's something I could really use. But in the end I chose something that would work really well with a charm pack because you, dear reader, just might win a charm pack if you read to the end.   : )

I didn't realize until I started writing this post that my pin cushion is essentially the same as the one used in the Good Neighbor graphic at the top of the post. Call it a subconscious good connection to all these pretty fabrics.  

My little pin cushion uses three charm squares and there were simply so many wonderful color/print combinations that in the end I ended up making three. 

Let's face it . . . there are just sooo many fun possibilities with Good Neighbors. I have pulled these additional charm combos and just might be making a few more. They are rather addictive.  : )  

I do hope you'll check out Amanda Jean's Good Neighbors line at Connecting Threads. Below is my favorite print of the bunch called X's. I really love this one and will definitely be ordering more. My only wish is that there were even more colors like green and navy and red and . . . hint hint Connecting Threads . . . how about more colors? Pretty pretty please.

See the whole line here at Connecting Threads. Not only can you purchase in yardage, but they also offer precuts in charm squares, 10" stacks, 2 1/2" strip sets and fat quarters. They even have a 108" wide backing of one of the prints. And there are several great patterns and kits as well.

For a chance to win a charm pack of Good Neighbors just leave me a comment telling if you've ever made a pin cushion or if you even use them. I'll pick a winner on Saturday September 26th. (Sorry but the giveaway is only open to US and Canada at this time.)

With one charm pack you could make a dozen pin cushions like mine. Keep them. Gift them. Use them as bright colorful eye candy in your sewing room. Fill up a bowl like Amanda Jean does.

Here are links to the rest of the party posts. It's quite fun to see what type of pin cushions everyone has made. Plus each blog is giving away a charm pack of Good Neighbors so you have even more chances to win if you attend the party. Hop on over and have a look. Then go make a pin cushion.

9/1/2015	Amanda Jean	http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/
9/2/2015	Anna	http://www.noodle-head.com/
9/3/2015	Mary	http://maryonlakepulaski.blogspot.com/
9/4/2015	Svetlana	http://sotakhandmade.blogspot.com/
9/5/2015	Debbie	http://www.eschhousequilts.com/
9/6/2015	Holly	http://www.bijoulovelydesigns.com/
9/7/2015	Carla	http://carla-graceandfavour.blogspot.com/
9/8/2015	Faith	www.FreshLemonsQuilts.com
9/9/2015	Vanessa	http://www.vanessachristenson.com/
9/10/2015	Anna	http://www.thimbleanna.com/
9/11/2015	Krista	http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.com/
9/12/2015	Erin	http://whynotsew.blogspot.com/
9/13/2015	Lee	http://www.maychappell.com/
9/14/2015	Alex	http://teaginnydesigns.blogspot.com/
9/15/2015	Cheryl	http://naptimequilter.blogspot.com/
9/16/2015	Penny	http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/
9/17/2015	Amy	http://duringquiettime.com/
9/18/2015	Debbie	http://aquilterstable.blogspot.com/
9/19/2015	Anne	http://www.springleafstudios.com/
9/20/2015	Melissa Corry	http://www.happyquiltingmelissa.com/
9/21/2015	Amber	http://www.oneshabbychick.typepad.com/
9/22/2015	Nettie	http://aquiltisnice.blogspot.com/
9/23/2015	Adrianne	http://www.littlebluebell.com/
9/24/2015	Cindy	http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/
9/25/2015	Amy	http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/
9/26/2015	Chase	http://quarterinchmark.blogspot.com/
9/27/2015	Rene	http://www.renecreates.com/
9/28/2015	Erin	http://www.houseonhillroad.com/
9/29/2015	Nicole	http://modernhandcraft.com/
9/30/2015	Teri	http://blog.connectingthreads.com/

Thanks for reading. The giveaway is now closed.

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We Have Two Giveaway Winners!!

Thanks to all of you who commented on my new patterns, Matrix and Offset.
Thanks also to those of you who purchased a pattern. I really appreciate your support.

And now for the winners . . .
Congratulations to Kathy E and Nancy. You have each won PDF copies of Matrix and Offset.

Kathy said:

Kathy E.July 9, 2015 at 7:17 PM

"What an explosion of color in both quilt designs! Personally, I like Offset better. It makes me stop and look for a pattern, so my eye just follows all along the quilt. Each example of this quilt is just stunning and one I'd love to try."

Nancy said:

NancyJuly 10, 2015 at 8:01 AM

"Your patterns and posts are very comprehensive for both quilts. I like the idea of the coloring diagram and reliance on "familiar" 2 1/2" strips and fat quarters. Of the two, I prefer the Matrix design. The way the eye moves over the design is smooth, with lots of resting places which adds to the appeal. I also like the complex look without complicated construction. It's new and fresh. Plus your description also said it- it's a bold design."

I love that both of you were very thoughtful in your comments. Even though I asked you to choose your favorite, I've decided to send each of you both patterns. I'll be emailing you shortly. I hope you'll make your very own versions of them. Have fun and remember to play.    : )

Thanks to everyone who took the time to leave me comments. I appreciate them and I really do want to see what you make using Matrix and Offset. Please send me photos or post them to Instagram using #springleafstudios.

Happy quilting Enjoy!

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Offset; Another New Pattern and a Giveaway!

I'm celebrating!

Today, I'm releasing two . . .  yes, I said two . . .  new patterns!!

They've both been a long time (too long) in the works, so I'm thrilled to finally have them published in PDF format for online sales. As a thanks for your patience, I'm putting both new patterns on sale for 20% off. The sale starts today, July 9th and ends Sunday, July 12th 2015 at midnight Eastern Daylight Saving Time in the USA. They are available on Craftsy and in my Etsy shop. No coupon or code needed.

There's also a giveaway – so please read to the end.
Note: Sale and giveaway are now closed.

This post features Offset. My other post for today features Matrix. I hope you'll read them both.

I'd love to know which pattern is your favorite and why.

So, without further delay, allow me to introduce Offset . . . 

The Offset design came about through play. I took a concept and played with the idea using the computer. Then I made some test blocks and eventually a couple of test quilts. Then I played some more. Can you tell I like to design?

As I worked back and forth between sewing and designing, a whole new idea emerged. While the original impetus for the design was garden trellises, that idea eventually morphed into something entirely different. Overlapping, broken boxes and crosses that are offset from each another. Look at the four blocks in the lower left hand corner below. Can you see how the green forms the outline of a box and the gray forms a double cross? The elements don't quite line up . . . they are offset.

This design evolution also led to a name change. The early test quilts were called Tumbler. You may recall this if you read here regularly. I think the new name, Offset, better reflects the visual concept.

As I said in the Matrix post, I truly believe a great quilt doesn't have to be complicated to be stunning and beautiful. I also believe every quilter should find a way to make it their own even when they are using a pattern. That's why I include these three bonus features in my patterns.

• A Design Lesson that explains the block, the quilt layout and how it works, and some tips on fabric selection.
• Design Explorations so you can see how versatile the pattern really is. These include several alternative ways to use the pattern and showcase a variety of looks that can be achieved.
• A Coloring Page so you can try out your own color scheme.

The Offset Design Explorations start with simple variations like those below which illustrate how a different color emphasis can change the look of the boxes and crosses.

Additional Design Explorations show examples that are far different from the cover quilt. Different ways to use color and different ways to emphasize elements of the design. There are also three options for making a more modern quilt from the pattern. Use of negative space plays a big part in those ideas.

Offset is a great pattern for 2 1/2" strips or fat quarters. Yardage is given for both as well as cut yardage so you can choose what's best for you. It's a good way to use up leftover 2 1/2" strips or do some stash busting. The design would look wonderful in all solids or colorful batiks. Even some large scale prints work well. 

The pattern includes yardage for a 60" x 80" throw sized quilt.  As you can see from the test quilts photos below, the size can be adjusted by making more or less blocks as needed. Keep in mind you will need an even number of blocks across and down for the primary box/cross design but that doesn't mean you can't make it another way. That's what the Design Explorations are for.

It's your quilt . . . I want you to make it your way.

Here are the early test quilts. The first one was this bold colored scrappy quilt. Using my stash of warm colored dots was a great way to play with an idea and work things out.

Next came this one using a jelly roll. This quilt was recently gifted to my sister-in-law
and blogged about here.

Even some large scale prints work well if the colorway reads predominately as one color. Here's a small baby quilt using Kaffe prints.

Offset is available on Craftsy and in my Etsy shop. And as I mentioned earlier, both new patterns are on sale for 20% off through the weekend. No coupon or code needed. The sale ends Sunday,
July 12th, 2015 at midnight Eastern Daylight Saving Time in the USA.

I'm also having a giveaway! Leave me a comment telling me which pattern, Offset or Matrix, 

is your favorite and why for a chance to win a PDF copy of your choice. Of course I'd love it if you'd become a blog follower too.   : )   You can also follow me on Instagram @springleafstudios. 

I'll announce a winner in about a week.

Thanks for reading. I hope you feel inspired.

Post is being edited. Giveaway and sale are now over.

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Matrix; A New Pattern and Giveaway!

I'm celebrating!

Today, I'm releasing two . . .  yes, I said two . . .  new patterns!!

They've both been a long time (too long) in the works, so I'm thrilled to finally have them published in PDF format for online sales. As a thanks for your patience, I'm putting both new patterns on sale for 20% off. The sale starts today, July 9th and ends Sunday, July 12th at midnight Eastern Daylight Saving Time in the USA. They are available on Craftsy and in my Etsy shop. No coupon or code needed.
There's also a giveaway – so please read to the end.
Note: Sale and giveaway are now closed.

This post features Matrix. My other post for today features Offset. I hope you'll read them both.
I'd love to know which pattern is your favorite and why.

So, without further delay, allow me to introduce Matrix . . . 

Like all my designs, Matrix was born from playing with ideas on the computer. I was intrigued with woven designs but didn't want a straight forward weave. The more I played, the more fun I had. I finally narrowed the concept down to interrupted, intersecting lines that create a layered structure much like a matrix. I really like the sense of depth the layering adds to the overall design.

As is the case with much of my work, I find it hard to settle on just one version. The blocks for the
first version of Matrix were made by my Mid Century Modern Bee a good year and a half ago. I asked them to test the block for me using a bright pastels in small prints. While the blocks I received were wonderful and the end result made for a lovely scrappy quilt, it just wasn't quite what I had in mind. Over time, a clearer vision took hold that better fit the image I had. A Matrix filled with every color of the rainbow. Perhaps it was inspiration from the colored vases in my studios.

Matrix is a very bold design that looks far more complicated than it really is. One block.
Specific color combinations. A distinct block arrangement. I explain it all in detail with lots of illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions.

I truly believe a great quilt doesn't have to be complicated to be stunning and beautiful.
I also believe every quilter should find a way to make it their own even if they're using a pattern.
That's why I always include these three bonus features in my patterns.

• A Design Lesson that explains the block, the quilt layout and how it works, and some tips on fabric selection.
• Design Explorations so you can see how versatile the pattern is. These include several alternative ways to use the pattern and showcase a variety of looks that can be achieved. You'll be amazed at how many different looks each pattern provides.
• A Coloring Page so you can try out your own color scheme and design your own.

Here's an example of just one of the Design Explorations pages included in the pattern. 

There are 4 pages of explorations total.

The pattern also includes yardage for four different sizes; baby, lap, twin, and queen so you can make a Matrix to fit your quilting needs. It's a great pattern for 2 1/2" strips or fat quarters. Yardage is given for both as well as cut yardage so you can choose what's best for you. Twelve fat quarters covering the full spectrum of the color wheel plus yardage for grays and the background will make the throw sized quilt on the cover.  I used the tone-on-tone prints shown below, but would be just as striking in all solids, colorful batiks, or modern prints. I want you to make it your way.

If you're just not into rainbows, it's totally ok to use a different color scheme. Tone it down with nice cool blues and greens or make it even simpler by using identical blocks with the same fabric throughout the whole quilt. Really. They all look great!

Below are three versions of Matrix that create completely different looks. The first example uses identical blocks made from three striped fabrics and a color background. With all the blues and stripes
I think this is a great guy quilt. Perhaps for a new baby boy.

This next one is where the idea all started . . . the original bee quilt. The scrappiness is delightful and refreshing. I think the fabrics my bee mates chose lend a nice vintage feel that I just love. I'm thinking I'll make a few more blocks so it will become a nice cozy throw size.

.

Last, but not least . . . my modern version of Matrix. I wanted to explore the use of negative space and limited color using large scale prints. It was made specifically to enter into QuiltCon 2015 and I am happy to report it was accepted into the show. Perhaps you saw it if you were in Austin.
You can read more about it here.

Matrix is available on Craftsy and in my Etsy shop. And as I mentioned earlier, both new patterns are on sale for 20% off through the weekend. No coupon or code needed. The sale ends Sunday, July 12th, 2015 at midnight Eastern Daylight Saving Time in the USA.
Note: Sale and giveaway are now closed.

I'm also having a giveaway! Leave me a comment telling me which pattern, Matrix or Offset, 

is your favorite and why for a chance to win a PDF copy of your choice. Of course I'd love it if you'd become a blog follower too.   : )   You can also follow me on Instagram @springleafstudios. 

I'll announce a winner in about a week.

Thanks for reading. I hope you feel inspired.

Post is being edited. Giveaway and sale are now over.

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