Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 13 Blog Tour Day

>> Tuesday, May 3, 2016


Welcome! Today is my day on the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour

If this is your first time visiting, please take a look around to see my current projects, tutorials and current patterns. 

Quiltmaker is hosting giveaways every day this week on their blog - Quilty Pleasures - so be sure to hop over there too! You will also find the list of other designers who are featured today.

I have been blogging since 2009 and this is the third time I've participated in the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks. It's a joy to be doing it again:)



original brellies block staged photo

Here is my block - Joyful Brellies. I was inspired by the season to create a block full of umbrellas for April showers - even though we probably had more snow here than rain in April!



one quarter of joyful brellies block

The block is really 4 smaller blocks repeated - which means you could easily make one quarter of the block to get a cute 6 inch brellie block:)

I loved using Pat Sloan's The Sweet Life line to make this block. I am a big fan of Pat Sloan and the enthusiasm for quilting that she shares for quilting online. I was happy to be able to showcase her fun fabric in this block.



joyful brellies pillow

For the blog tour I made my block into a pillow and changed up the color placement. This time I made all of the umbrellas the same color - and the backgrounds too! The fun polka dot print contains all of the colors of the fabrics I used. 

This could be a fun bridal shower or baby shower gift. You could also make several of these blocks into signature blocks by having guests sign the umbrellas then put the blocks together into a quilt.



pillow front before quilting



To make the block into a pillow I added 2 1/2 inch strips in the polka dot fabric to each side of the block. Then I quilted the pillow top to make it firmer so it would keep its shape better.

I used the envelop method to make the back, cutting one 16 1/2 x 13 inch panel and one 16 1/2 x 9 panel. I added hems and then sewed the three layers together with the pillow front on the bottom right side up, followed by the longer panel with the hemmed edge towards the middle of the block right side down, then the shorter panel right side down with the hemmed edge overlapping the other panel. 

I sewed all the way around the outside edge, back stitching  where the panels overlap and then clipping the corners. Turn right side out and put your pillow inside. Then enjoy!



joyful brellies photo

There is a little bit of embroidery on the block to make the umbrella handles. It's pretty easy and really helps to define the umbrella. You could always add the stitches with your sewing machine;)

On to the giveaway! 
Giveaway is now closed - winner has been contacted by email and will be announced soon!

I invite you to read the comments for inspiration on how others use the blocks in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks magazines:)

Quiltmaker is giving away one copy of the Volume 13 issue at each blog stop.

To enter, please leave a comment telling me
 your favorite way to use the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks
 (quilt, runner, wall hanging, pot holder? ) 
Inspire others to enjoy the blocks too!

My giveaway will be open until Friday, May 6

Thanks for visiting!
Sign up for my newsletter to keep up with my quilting creations!


With Joy,

Sarah V.

114 comments:

Shirley in Canada May 3, 2016 at 6:55 AM  

That block is way too cute!! Favorite way to use them would definitely tablerunner. How else could you use so many and actually finish them? ;-)

Kathy L May 3, 2016 at 7:19 AM  

I always get inspired when looking through the magazine, no matter which project I have in mind.

Monica May 3, 2016 at 7:34 AM  

I'm usually looking for a block to make a quilt for someone.

Sandi1100 May 3, 2016 at 7:40 AM  

I have collected every one of the 100 Block magazines and love looking at them for inspiration. I guess I would say runners as there are so many that I want to make. Very cute block!

Michele May 3, 2016 at 7:43 AM  

I love seeing all the blocks whenever the blog hop an the magazine comes out. I've made a few into quilts, but mostly I use them for inspiration.

Martina May 3, 2016 at 7:45 AM  

Oh this block is just sooo cute! I love to use blocks in tablerunners, pillows, bags, placemats and often I love to just flip through the pages and think about what to make next. It is very inspiring,lol!

krazycat6@gmail.com May 3, 2016 at 7:59 AM  

Very cute block. Thanks for sharing. Love the inspiration all the different blocks provide. Diane O

Lee Ann L. May 3, 2016 at 8:39 AM  

I am planning to create sampler quilt(s) of similar blocks! Congrats!

quilter May 3, 2016 at 9:18 AM  

Great block, thanks for sharing.
cork@pa.rr.com

Diane May 3, 2016 at 9:22 AM  

I just like browsing through the book and looking at the variety of blocks people have designed.

Lori Smanski May 3, 2016 at 9:29 AM  

congratulations. such a fun block. from the magazine i really like making place mats and baby quilts.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Loris May 3, 2016 at 9:42 AM  

Such a fun way to make umbrellas! I love seeing all the new block from quilters. I like to make lap quilts and table runners from the blocks.
Thanks for the sweet giveaway!

Jocelyn May 3, 2016 at 9:55 AM  

There are so many ways to use the blocks. I really enjoy the creativity and inspiration. I do like to use them as table runners. Thanks!

HelenMarie May 3, 2016 at 10:04 AM  

what a cute block! I love the quiltmaker block magazines! they are great for inspiration and trying new techniques!

rrjane011749 May 3, 2016 at 10:20 AM  

I prefer making quilts with the blocks.

gabriella May 3, 2016 at 10:44 AM  

I usually make quilts off table runners

Wanda May 3, 2016 at 10:47 AM  

Love your Joyful Brellies block. I see a table runner and pillows coming up soon. Thanks for the chance to win.

Kathryn May 3, 2016 at 10:51 AM  

I love to make table runners and toppers, and this magazine is a great source of inspiration.

Terri May 3, 2016 at 10:54 AM  

I have a cousin getting married soon. A table runner and pot holders using your Joyfull Brellies block would be perfect! Thanks for the chance to win!

@lutzcats May 3, 2016 at 10:58 AM  

I like finding blocks that play together well and make a quilt. I should count how many I've made.

Sandra May 3, 2016 at 11:01 AM  

That is such a cute block and would definitely come in handy for a pillow for a birthday present. I find a block (like yours) and then usually make a quilt for me or a family member. There are so many talented designers with their own ideas that will also help you decide what you could do with their block and then you just follow their creative idea. Thank you for being a part of QM's 100 Blocks and the chance to try and win a copy of this magazine for myself.

Sandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

Jeanne in Ohio May 3, 2016 at 11:03 AM  

This is a cute block! I love 100 Blocks for the inspiration.

mumbird3 May 3, 2016 at 11:30 AM  

Hi! Great block!! thanks for sharing! I love reading the 100 block magazines - great for inspiration!!!

Karen in Breezy Point May 3, 2016 at 11:37 AM  

I have every issue of 100 Blocks, and use them to choose a block that would make at least a throw size.

tac73 May 3, 2016 at 11:37 AM  

I love all the inspiration from QM's 100 blocks. Tablerunners help me use more of the blocks. Love yours.

Julie S May 3, 2016 at 12:02 PM  

I made a Christmas sampler quilt using blocks from a couple of issues. I love the umbrella block, would use it to make potholders!

VA May 3, 2016 at 12:08 PM  

Someday I plan to make a sampler quilt using my favorite blocks over the years.

Unknown May 3, 2016 at 12:23 PM  

I like using the blocks for place mats for those in a rehab center near by.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts May 3, 2016 at 12:26 PM  

What a cute block. I would use these blocks as a way of putting variety into a sampler quilt. So much of what I've done is traditional that changing it up with something more modern would be great. rmgsummers @ yahoo . com

Darlene B May 3, 2016 at 12:33 PM  

Since there are so many blocks to try, I think table runners would be my best bet. Otherwise, I'll never finish anything!

Sandi1100 May 3, 2016 at 12:37 PM  

I have collected every one of the 100 Block magazines and love looking at
them for inspiration. I guess I would say runners as there are so many that
I want to make. Very cute block!

DebraKay Neiman May 3, 2016 at 12:42 PM  

I have made a lot more small projects, table runners, mug rugs, wall quilts so I am always able to use cute blocks. crystalbluern at tds dot net

JANET May 3, 2016 at 12:47 PM  

I love looking through the magazine, getting ideas for my next project. I usually don't look for something specific.

OhioLori May 3, 2016 at 12:47 PM  

Love your "Brellies"!!! I love using the blocks for Wallangings, pillows..& sometimes Potholders too! :)

Thanks for chance to win your Give-a-way too! :D

Rozz01 May 3, 2016 at 12:52 PM  

Usually, I look for blocks to use in a quilt. I like your umbrella quilt block and its versatility.

LIttle Penguin Quilts May 3, 2016 at 12:54 PM  

It would be fun to make tablerunners or pillows with any of these blocks from the magazine! Yours is so cute! Thanks for the giveaway!

Kathleen May 3, 2016 at 12:56 PM  

Cute block!! I like to use them as table toppers.

Jennifer May 3, 2016 at 1:05 PM  

The 100 blocks are my favorite editions from the magazine. I use the blocks for block swaps, birthday blocks or sometimes a certain design will demand to become a full blown quilt.

Donna W May 3, 2016 at 1:12 PM  

Adorable block. Love to make table toppers and wall hangings.

Cecilia May 3, 2016 at 1:27 PM  

Cute block! I usually use them for the times I need to make a block to swap or as a block in a sampler quilt.

lalaluu May 3, 2016 at 1:32 PM  

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks is just perfect for making a sampler quilt!

Janet May 3, 2016 at 1:51 PM  

Such a cute idea with the umbrellas. I like the idea of using the blocks for potholders but would prefer to make a sampler quilt from the 100 blocks.

Quilting Tangent May 3, 2016 at 2:00 PM  

Inspiration, then figure out how I want to use the block or blocks.
24Tangent@gmail.com

Beth May 3, 2016 at 2:03 PM  

My favorite way to use the 100 Blocks Magazines and the blocks within is as a resource when I'm making sampler quilts. The magazines are as good as an encyclopedia of quilt patterns, and I can always find something that suits my needs and inspires me to get started.

Unknown May 3, 2016 at 2:09 PM  

I have made a few to use as "calendar blocks" on my table top hanger...

Anna brown May 3, 2016 at 2:43 PM  

I enjoy making wall hangings.....happyness04431@yahoo.com

Rhonda May 3, 2016 at 2:52 PM  

I'd probably use the 12" blocks in a table runner/topper or a wall hanging. Those are the best sizes for me to work on.

Anita May 3, 2016 at 2:57 PM  

I think I would use your great block in a table runner.

Jodi - usairdoll May 3, 2016 at 3:08 PM  

What a darling block. I love your idea that you could also use this block to have people sign it. I love Quiltmaker's 100 for inspiration as well as making blocks from. I love making tablerunners for quick gifts.

Thanks for a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Nancy May 3, 2016 at 3:22 PM  

I made a quilt for by granddaughter when she was born. I used about 5 different bird-related blocks (our last name is Bird!), a replica of my son and d-I -l's birth announcement (also "bird-related!), and flying geese sashing.

Unknown May 3, 2016 at 3:26 PM  

I love to go through 100s block books looking for blocks that would go well together when looking for new quilt ideas!

Lisa England May 3, 2016 at 3:34 PM  

I love using the blocks from the magazine for baby quilts. I think baby quilts are especially fun to make. And even when I don't sew the blocks, I get inspired just looking through the magazines.

NJG May 3, 2016 at 3:43 PM  

The blocks are a wonderful way to find inspiration for quilts. Congratulations on your block being selected. I've been collecting fabric to make an umbrella quilt.

NJG May 3, 2016 at 3:43 PM  

The blocks are a wonderful way to find inspiration for quilts. Congratulations on your block being selected. I've been collecting fabric to make an umbrella quilt.

HeyJudee May 3, 2016 at 3:44 PM  

Love your block Sarah! My favourite way to use the blocks are in quilts, especially baby quilts! And checking out FB or blogs are my ways to get inspired too.

ncmouse May 3, 2016 at 4:04 PM  

I love making new blocks and combining those in a quilt. I mainly am a scrappy quilter. This one is really pretty.

Unknown May 3, 2016 at 4:24 PM  

I am new to quilting. This is the first I have seen of this.

Lee May 3, 2016 at 4:30 PM  

I love to use the blocks for quilts and runners!

~Kris~ May 3, 2016 at 5:08 PM  

Love your pillow and the fabrics you chose. I like to make 12" hangings.

kt May 3, 2016 at 5:28 PM  

Fun block! I love sampler quilts, and have used the blocks in the 100 blocks magazines in sampler quilts.

Dana Gaffney May 3, 2016 at 5:40 PM  

I like to pick a block or two and see how well they play together to make a quilt.

Dorothy H May 3, 2016 at 5:48 PM  

Love your block! it looks great.I find my favorite blocks and then make pot holders!

Joanna May 3, 2016 at 7:14 PM  

I've used blocks from the 100 Blocks issues for several charity quilts. I can always find a block that will work.

lovetostitch May 3, 2016 at 7:29 PM  

Super cute block, Sarah!! I like the idea of using for a shower also, but I'm also fond of umbrellas!! Since April is my bday month, I love April showers!! I also like making table runners or toppers, when you just can't make an entire quilt, but want to make a quick gift, seems I turn to table runners. I have every issue of 100 Blocks - so fun just to look thru!

ritainalaska May 3, 2016 at 7:44 PM  

l like to gather similar applique blox for a 9 or 12 block baby quilt/lap throw or make a BIG block baby quilt/lap throw. 1300 blox from 100 blocks mags to browse through is mind-boggling! love it!

Kathy H May 3, 2016 at 8:18 PM  

Cute block, I thought right away, "April showers". I like using the blocks for table runners or just a small wall hanging for an office wall.

Joellyn P. May 3, 2016 at 8:27 PM  

I agree this would make a cute table topper or runner for a wedding or baby shower. Cute!

Donna May 3, 2016 at 8:30 PM  

Such a great story of your block. It is truly a gem.thanks for sharing.

djcutting2 at gmail dot com

Joye with an e May 3, 2016 at 9:03 PM  

I confess I am partial to your designs, as my name is Joye (with an e). Thanks for the chance to win.
joyecox@yahoo.com

Havplenty May 3, 2016 at 9:15 PM  

Cute block. I have made several blocks from Quiltmaker's 100 Block issues for quilt swaps and for my own quilts. Table runners will be in my future sewing projects.

tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Jill Hicks May 3, 2016 at 9:33 PM  

Wish I had your blocker earlier this spring for our guild meeting to make mug rugs. I use the magazine bloks for table runners.

Auntie Clark May 3, 2016 at 9:48 PM  

I enjoy making tablerunners.
auntie.clark@gmail.com

Mary May 3, 2016 at 9:52 PM  

I get your newsletter and came over to comment. I picked up my magazine today. The Brellies were one of the blocks I liked. QM 100 Blocks are a favorite of mine. I have collected all of them. Thanks for the Giveaway.

Mary May 3, 2016 at 9:52 PM  

I get your newsletter and came over to comment. I picked up my magazine today. The Brellies were one of the blocks I liked. QM 100 Blocks are a favorite of mine. I have collected all of them. Thanks for the Giveaway.

jrt14 May 3, 2016 at 10:00 PM  

Thank you for a chance to win. Your block is cute. I mostly use the 100 block magazines as eye candy. I enjoy look at the different blocks and dreaming. I have made a set of placemats for my mother and I am working on an I Spy quilt for my son.

Paige May 3, 2016 at 10:09 PM  

Your block is one of my favorites! I like to use the blocks in quilts.

Unknown May 3, 2016 at 10:12 PM  

Could I say, "All the above?" And that really has to be the answer because I make all those kinds of things as well as bed quilts. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

CyndyK May 3, 2016 at 10:24 PM  

I like to use 100 Blocks magazines to make quilts. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

JoyceLM May 3, 2016 at 10:54 PM  

Cute block. I use the 100 Blocks magazines for ideas for sampler quilts. Thanks.

Joyful Quilter May 3, 2016 at 11:10 PM  

Very cute block. Those umbrellas would be perfect here in not so sunny California (Love love love the rain). I've used the blocks to teach new quilters how to sew/quilt - 1-4 blocks in a wall hanging and they have a quick finish they can show off.

kaylace May 3, 2016 at 11:23 PM  

Not only do I appreciate and use the blocks that I discover during the blog hops but I enjoy learning new sources of tutorials and free resources that I can share with my fellow guild and group friends.

Most of my projects are service projects so the blocks end up in Threads of Love items or quilts for various agencies.

Thank you for making my service quilts more interesting :)

Kaylace@bellsouth.net

Elizabeth May 3, 2016 at 11:28 PM  

I'd probably start with a wall hanging or baby/child's quilt. This block would be darling on a totebag, too.

Annie May 3, 2016 at 11:35 PM  

I enjoyed reading your blog post. I like your block - how it looks AND its name. I'm also a fan of Pat Sloan and I agree that her fabrics are great for your block.
Thanks for sharing!

trulytammy May 3, 2016 at 11:37 PM  

My favorite way to use the 100 blocks would be in a quilt. Great block by the way.

trulytammy May 3, 2016 at 11:37 PM  

My favorite way to use the 100 blocks would be in a quilt. Great block by the way.

prairiekat May 3, 2016 at 11:40 PM  

Different years I do different things, sometimes I use them in a block swap,also I am making one into a wall hanging and sometimes I just enjoy looking at the blocks. Kathy in colo

GranChris May 3, 2016 at 11:54 PM  

They make great potholders and runners. I like to audition them this way.

Cathryn May 4, 2016 at 12:15 AM  

I've used blocks for our Christmas block exchange in our quilt guild. I've also used them for block exchanges where the block had to be a specific size. Always fun to see what the blocks are.

Walter May 4, 2016 at 12:17 AM  

Table runners are a great way to try out a fun block. I just used one recent block to make a TR as a housewarming gift for Sat party. I used another one in a baby quilt. pjrquilter(at)msn(dot)com

Rachell May 4, 2016 at 12:47 AM  

I've been collecting the volumes. so far, I've used blocks in samplers...my favorites are always the stars!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sewgirl May 4, 2016 at 12:57 AM  

I have used the blocks in so many ways...wall hangings, BOM for our quilt guild, pot holders and bed runners. Congrats getting your block chosen for the magazine!

lefuntz May 4, 2016 at 2:18 AM  

Cute little umbrellas. And they did double duty, the April Showers blog hop and here. I don't have a favorite way to use the blocks but anything I want to make, from a pot holder to a large quilt I can find plenty of inspiration. Now if only we could get some rain...

Machelle May 4, 2016 at 5:31 AM  

Great block! I have used the 100 block blocks as quilts, table runners and once for a tote bag! I think the tote bag was one of my favorites!

Deb Fox-McHugh May 4, 2016 at 7:18 AM  

So cute Sarah! I love making pillow covers of favorite blocks!

Angelia Lanouette May 4, 2016 at 12:26 PM  

Congratulations! I love your Brellies block! I like the idea of making it for a baby or bridle shower gift. I am a new quilter and like to use the blocks in small projects like pillows, table runners, and wall hangings.

Tu-Na Quilts May 4, 2016 at 1:11 PM  

Cute little umbrella's! I use the blocks in the magazine for inspiration and some go into larger bed quilts.
kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

Jen Barnard May 4, 2016 at 1:20 PM  

I don't have a favourite way to use the blocks - I don't own any of the magazines as yet.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

Brenda E. May 4, 2016 at 1:42 PM  

I have some of the magazines and used a block for a pillow. I mainly make runners and rug mugs.

alaskamarge May 4, 2016 at 4:30 PM  

What a cute block! An umbrella, just what I need for today's many showers...thought that May was suppose to bring flowers and not more flowers. I like to make blocks and then quilt them as I go, so that when I finish all I have to do is sew them together and then I have a quilt all done. Thank you so much for sharing your talent!

Judy1522 May 4, 2016 at 5:52 PM  

I have a few of the magazines and really enjoy looking through them. I plan to make some of the blocks to showcase on my wire stand and then use other blocks in table runners and mug rugs.

Carol Sc May 4, 2016 at 6:42 PM  

What a great block --- and so many setting possibilities. I want to make it NOW! These magazines provide so much inspiration.

pharmgirl75 May 4, 2016 at 10:52 PM  

Very cute block! Makes a fun pillow. I like 100 Blocks as a source of inspiration.

Nancy Sue May 4, 2016 at 11:17 PM  

I love to make table runners and quilts from the blocks. If I'm iffy about a block I'll do it as a mug rug, or runner , then onto a quilt.

Catskill Quilter May 5, 2016 at 5:53 AM  

I love the idea of using blocks to make table runners. Your April showers block is adorable!

Debbie P May 5, 2016 at 11:13 AM  

Thanks for designing such a cute block and for posting the extra 'how to' info!! I find the 100 Blocks issues to be useful for all kinds of projects from big to small - they are great for quick projects to large long term ones!

Diantha May 5, 2016 at 12:01 PM  

Cute block!
I like to try out blocks in something small like a pot holder or table runner.

Rebecca May 5, 2016 at 12:56 PM  

your umbrellas are darling, by the way. I'm thinking a fun picnic blanket since that season is coming upon us now. thank you for the chance at owning a great looking book.

Allison May 5, 2016 at 2:35 PM  

I'm always using the Quiltmaker Blocks issues to dream. Oh, to have the time to make all the beautiful ones that catch my fancy!

Lisa E May 5, 2016 at 8:25 PM  

I've used the blocks to make pillows!

Bella May 6, 2016 at 1:06 AM  

You ask how I use the blocks; I use them to daydream of everything that I could achieve. Really though, my use has been quite mixed but I never thought of a pot holder. These blocks are way too cute to be dirtied up in my kitchen.

SandyMay May 6, 2016 at 3:32 AM  

I'd use the block for tote bags and pillows. Too cute!--swalker287 (at)aol(com)

Nancy Tanner May 6, 2016 at 7:32 AM  

thanks for the giveaway, i love to do table runners to change out often and seasonal.

Karen May 6, 2016 at 10:58 AM  

Your block is adorable. Sampler quilts are fun to make with all these different blocks.

Judi Duncan May 6, 2016 at 5:26 PM  

I love the magazine and mostly just collect them...lol. I love to look at the pictures of the blocks over and over again!

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