Welcome to Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Blog Tour Visitors

Thank you for visiting our blog today to celebrate the release of the new edition of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks from Today’s Top Designers. Several months ago we were inspired to create new blocks to submit for inclusion in this publication. To our delight, both of our designs were accepted. The design source for the blocks came from Japanese circular crest designs. For several years we have enjoyed working with both Asian themes as well as Asian fabrics, although we feel that these designs would work up nicely in a variety of fabrics and color schemes. We simplified the designs so they can easily be appliquéd, either by hand or machine. [At top right, Diana's design; at bottom right, Laura's design]

Our goal is to make several more blocks in this same style to make a larger quilt. We used a blue/green plaid fabric, which was cut on the bias for the outer circle of Laura’s block. (To watch a video demonstration on cutting bias strips, go to our website at www.dianaandlaura.com and click on Instructional Videos.) To provide unity to the blocks, we intend to use this fabric in each of the blocks.

Our color palette was a soft blue/purple for the berries and flowers with several shades of green leaves to represent all the colors in the garden. The inspiration for the color scheme came from a gift bag, which we purchased because we liked the soft colors and designs on it. We started pulling fabrics from our stash and then went to our local quilt shop to fill in the needed colors and textures to complete the designs.

Be sure to post a comment for your chance to receive a free copy of the magazine!

Thank you for stopping by today. Be sure to follow the Blog Tour until Nov. 13th. Simply go to www.quiltmaker.com/quiltypleasures to receive more inspiration, ideas and giveaways galore. Look for 100 Blocks from Today's Top Designers in your local quilt shop, or purchase it at www.quiltmaker.com/100blocks.