Today’s post is written by well-known designer, author and teacher Nancy Mahoney, who blogs here and regularly posts free patterns. Nancy is a QM 100 Blocks designer and joined us recently in Williamsburg as a teacher for Quiltmaker‘s Block Party.
Nancy Mahoney
Hello friends! I’m Nancy Mahoney and I’m excited to guest blog on Quilty Pleasures. Earlier this month, I was delighted to teach three fun classes at Quiltmaker‘s Block Party in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Some of my most favorite things are … gardens, quilts, and chocolate … not necessarily in that order! I had the pleasure of enjoying all three at Block Party.
The “Cornflowers” class was on Thursday. First we discussed how to use different types of fusible web to achieve the best results.
Nancy helps Pat with a technique at QM's Block Party.
As the day progressed, each student learned how to use her machine to blanket stitch the edges without a lot of stopping and starting, and how to construct the blocks using a partial seam.
Nancy's Cornflowers
After a few tips about using different tools to cut circles, it was time to turn a circle into a folded, hexagon flower. And, voila … a pot of Cornflowers!!
Mexican Sunflowers by Nancy Mahoney will appear in the Fall '12 edition of Quilts from Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, on sale Sept. 4.
Aside: Nancy’s Cornflowers are featured in this gorgeous quilt called Mexican Sunflowers, above, a sneak peek into the upcoming Quilts from Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Fall ’12.
In Friday’s class, everyone was still talking about Bonnie Hunter’s fantastic trunk show. So we started the day with a little mindless sewing and made Shoo Fly blocks. Then the students learned two different ways to use fusible web and those fun Shoo Fly blocks were quickly turned into Posy Patch blocks.
Some of the Posy Patch blocks made by Nancy's students at Block Party
After Jennifer Chiaverini’s presentation on Friday night, it was time for Show and Tell!
A Block Party student displays a Cornflower block during Show and Tell.
Who doesn’t love show and tell? It’s my favorite part of any guild meeting!
Block Party students display their Posy Patch blocks during Show and Tell.
All good things must come to an end, but not before a little bit of chocolate, or in this case, Chocolate Caramel Stars!
Nancy's final class was on "Chocolate Caramel Stars."
Whew! The first Block Party is turning into a lovely memory. I had the BEST students!!
We’re happy to host a giveaway of Nancy’s recent book Kaleidoscope Paper Piecing. It’s filled with 10 dynamic quilt designs—I think you’ll love it!
Leave a comment below by midnight Tuesday, August 21 and we’ll choose one random winner. The winner is Dana who left comment #86. Thanks for playing along!
Please visit Nancy’s website nancymahoney.com. Her blog features lots of great free patterns so you’ll definitely want to have a look!
I’m a beginner. would love to win. Thank you!
I would love to win this book. I have never paper pieced, but I have enrolled in a Craftsy class to learn how. Winning the book would give me an opportunity to put my newly learned skills to practice.
I am a beginner, also and love paper piecing – this book would allow me to expand my album of blocks!
I love paper piecing! I’m always looking for new patterns to try.
Would love to get back to paper piecing and this book would help get me there. Of course, I’d love to win!
That book would be so cool to win….especially since I have been quilting for less than a year.
I have several of Nancy’s books. Great author and designer!!
I love this book! Would love to add it to my collection.
I wish I had been there – maybe next time! Thanks for the beautiful show, Nancy!
always willing to try something new.
What a great opportunity! I am a new quilter and so am enjoying all of the different techniques to this time honored craft, therefore, I would LOVE to win this book!!
Paper Piecing has been my downfall in making quilts. I seldom am happy with my results when I try it. Please let me win this book! I need to learn how to paper piece sucessfully.
Nancy – thanks for the opportunity for the book! – can’t wait to get my hands on it – I really enjoy your patterns in Quiltmaker Magazine – just love that publication – so many helpful hints and beautiful projects!
I love Nancy Mahoney’s books. Making a Kaleidoscope Quilt is on my to do list.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Have wanted to learn how to paper piece and I believe this book would help me. Would really love to win
Count me in! I have done a small amount of paper piecing and I’m game for more! Thank you for the chance to win!
Thank you for the opportunity to win such a great book. I hope I win and already have some material I would love to work with the patterns in this book. Good Luck to all of us.
I love kalaidoscope quilts, but I haven’t tried it with paper piecing. That would be SO much better. Hope I win!
would love to add this to my book collection…looks interesting
I am very interested in learning more paper piecing. I have taken a short class on it, but worry that I don’t understand it very well. I would love to win your book as I have heard marvelous things about you and your teaching techniques! Thanks for this opportunity.
Paper piecing gives you such perfect points!!! I would love to try out these new patterns.
Would love to win since I just learned paper piecing!
I’ve never worked on a Kaleidoscope Quilt and would love to try it! Thanks for the opportunity to win this book!
Would love to win the book and have some fun making the quilts. Enjoy all of Nancy’s work.
This is adorable. Going over to check her out!
Looks like a fun class with lots of great helpful information, wish there was some classes like this near me. Love Nancy’s books, thanks for the opportunity to win her paper piecing book, I love the pattern on the cover!
I have only made a few quilts successfully. I would love to win to further my experience.
Sounds like a great book!
Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!
Love to paper piece, and this book would fill the bill! I think I have one itty bitty corner empty on my book shelf where it would fit perfectly!
Someday I hope to be cable to attend a quilting conference. You ladies have so much fun!
I love paper piecing. I am teaching a small group how to get started on paper piecing. It would be great to have some new patterns. Thanks for the chance to win!
I took Nancy’s class “Chocolate Caramel Stars” at Williamsburg. I learned so much and enjoyed every minute of it!!!
Want to learn this
I really enjoy paper piecing…unless it’s tiny tiny blocks. This book sounds it’s just my style.
would love to win the book, thanks for the chance
I would love to win the book. I love kalaidescope quilts!
Paper Piecing is something that I really want to win – thanks for the chance!
Sure would love to win this book. I’m interested in learning about paper piecing and I think that Kaleidoscope Paper Piecing by Nancy Mahoney Would be a wonderful place to start. Thank-you
Wow, terrific projects.
I love to paper piece, and would love to do Kaleidoscope paper piecing.
Thanks for sharing.
I have not been satisfied with my previous paper piecing projects, so would thoroughly enjoy learning more about it to finish some lighthouse blocks. Thanks for this opportunity to win and learn!
Looks like Block Party was a lot of fun! Thanks for the free patterns on your blog!
I absolutely LOVE paper piecing and would really like to have Nancy’s book.
The 21st is my 60th birthday so it would be a good day to win something and to learn something new! Thanks for the chance. Looks like a wonderful book.
Paper piecing is one of my favorite things and I would love to try the patterns in Nancy’s new book. Thanks for the opportunity.
I just recently started fpp and absolutely in love with the process. I think this book would be a very welcome addition to my library. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your wonderful giveaway!
I love the Mexican Cornflower quilt. I’d love to see a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance.
I’ve only been doing paper piecing for a few months & I love it!! Would love to try more patterns for paper piecing! Thank you for the chance to win this book!
I really enjoy paper piecing and would love this book.
I’m a self-taught paper piecer but would like to become more skilled. I still get my fabric turned all the wrong way!
I greatly admire Nancy’s work. I find it inspiring and intriguing….just lovely.
Oh, thanks for sharing. I love the shoo fly posey blocks!
Thanks for offering the give a way. I’d love to win!
I’ve done a little paper piecing and enjoy. I’d love to win this book!
I love paper piecing and am always looking for new books!
I am an old quilter but love the paper piece method ,if I don,t win I will buy the book .
I am drawn to kaleidoscope quilts like a moth to flame, but have yet to make one. Perhaps this book is the inspiration I need (:
Love books there is always something to learn from each of them.
I love paper piecing. Thanks for the chance to win this great book!
The pattern look amazing! I would love to have a copy on my work table!!!!!!
I would love to win this book to help me get started with paper piecing. It looks so precise and beautiful. Hope I am lucky.
It would be nice to learn paper piecing using a book from a great teacher. Plus, I’ve never made a kaleidoscope quilt and have always loved one that my mother made. Thanks for the chance. I have some of Nancy’s fabric with which I could make a quilt from her new book.
I made kaleidoscope place mats a few years ago , and loved the look . Can’t wait to try a bigger project. Love those projects you taught.
Chocolate Carmel Stars is just stunning! Would love to be the owner of this book…thanks for the chance.
Love to win
Thanks.
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I love paper piecing and would be delighted to add this book to my collection! Thanks for the great review of Block Party, too!
Loved Nancy’s class on Chocolate Caramel Stars. Am looking forward to completing the project. Would love to have a copy of her book.
I just begun to paper piece and I love the crisp seams that result! Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book.
Looks like everyone had fun and it would be great to win this book so I could make some of those blocks also.
I love to paper piece and would love to win this book.
Looks like a wonderful chance to learn some new techniques.
I love paper piecing. Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book. I always enjoy the show and tell parts of the meetings also. I get so inspired.
I need to learn paper piecing! Would love to win!
I’ve not tried paper piecing yet, but that looks like a lovely book to start trying it with.
Sounds like a great time was had by all. Thanks for a chance to win Nancy’s book.
Kaleidoscope is just one of my favorite words; it brings to mind dreams of color.
I’m sorry I missed the Block Party. It looks like it was a LOT of fun! Bring it closer to Pittsburgh next year! The new book looks great, would love to have a copy!
I would love this book
this book would be so good for me … paper piecing is not my forte! i need a little more instruction, good patterns and lots of practice.
Nancy, your such an amazing person. I wish I could have gone to the Block Party. Looks like it was a lot of fun. Thank you for your insight and the give away.
I would have so loved to be at your party, but thanks for the chance to win the book.
I have some of Nancy’s earlier books and I am inspired and impressed by her quilts. She can make beautiful things in so many different styles! I would have really enjoyed Block Party — maybe next time.
I love Nancy’s patterns, I’ve made a few and they are always easy to follow and beautiful. Thanks.
Love the cover of this book – always wanted to do something similar to this. I would love to receive this book:)
I would be very pleased to add this book to my collection, it looks like a winner!
Would love to win this book. Nothing like paper-piecing for sharp points!
Great Book–loved her patterns!
I love paper piecing and Nancy’s designs. I would love to win this book.
her quilts are beautiful. i would love to win the book. thanks for the chance to .
Looks like a fun book, so I’d love it I’m sure
thanks!
I always enjoy Nancy’s patterns when I see them in QM.
Very fun! I’m learning to appreciate appliqué more. I would like to know Namcy’s method for appliqué circles that she mentioned above.
Thanks for a chance to win her book!
Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Love paper piecing. Would love a new book!
Hi! I do a lot of quiling and but have never tried paper piecing, this book would be a good way to start. I love her designs!
I’d love to win this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
I have done a little PP but I’d love to learn more!
I took a class in paper piecing back in March and I learned a lot. But I would love to have a book on it to use and this looks like a great one. I am very slow at paper piecing but I really enjoy the process.
Chocolate Caramel Stars is beautiful! I want to make one
I really like the pattern for the Chocolate Caramel Stars – here’s hoping. Thanks for great stuff Nancy!!!
Hmmm … I am not a fan of foundation paper piecing, but the right book might make me one! Thanks for the opportunity to win this book and for the great blog about the lucky quilters at Block Party.
I always like Nancy’s patterns/quilts. They “call my name.” Wish I had been at the Block Party. I’d love to make the “Chocolate Caramel Stars,” while eating chocolate and caramel, of course.
i love paper piecing , looks like it would be a fun challenge
I love the pattern on the cover, would love to see what’s inside book.thanks for the chance and I hope I win…ive never done any paper piecing!
I love your quilt and patterns —- the appliques shoo fly blocks are great — I’m finally learning to do applique after many years of being scared of it.
Who doesn’t love quiltmaker! I’ve really enjoyed the little bit of paper piecing that I’ve done, so would love to win this book! Looks intriguing!
I love your patterns, you are amazing with applique, I’d love to take a class with you at the next block party. I loved the party! it was great!
Would love to have this new book to explore & create!
Thank you for the opportunity!
Looks like a beautiful book.
Love paper piecing! I don’t have a book on paper piecing would be a nice addition to my quilt book collection!
Paper Piecing has become my favorite quilting process. I would love to win this book and explore more about the process.
Never paper pieced, would love to win a book on doing this
I would love the book does it contain the pattern for Chocolate Caramel Stars!
would love the book does it contain the pattern for Chocolate Caramel Stars!
Love the Chocolate Caramel Stars pattern. For some reason I am always driven to star patterns. would really like the book.
I love paper-piecing ! Its magic how each and every block turns out perfect.
I really enjoyed learning to do paper piecing at the Block Party. I’ve ordered paper piecing paper and as soon as it gets here I’m going to get busy. Keep up the good work.
Paper piecing has always intrigued me, but have yet to try! I love the Kaleidoscope pattern – paper piecing this pattern could be interesting.
I’m commenting, I’m commenting. Almost missed this one. I have just started paper piecing, and I love doing it, once I figured out which end was up!
I like foundation piecing and I’d love to win this book. Thanks
Would love to win,want to learn more and more.
That looks really interesting! Would love to try paper pieced kaleidoscopes.
Quilter for over 30 years. Never tried paper piecing, love the quilt on the cover of the book. Might need to give paper piecing a try.
Would love a new book on the Kaleidoscope and paper piecing.
Would love to win a copy of that book. Looking at quilts, and getting ideas, is almost a much fun as making them.
I would love to do paper piecing! It looks quite interesting to me. Thank you for the chance to win this book!
I have a need to keep my hands busy. I love to do all kinds of quilting including paper piecing. I would love to win! Thanks!
I really want to try paper piecing! It looks like fun, but a bit scared to tackle!
Can’t get enough of paper piecing and I would love to win Nancy’s book to share with my quilting guild.
I want to Thank you so much for a chance to win this book.
love paper piecing and book sounds intriguing. Thank you for giving us this giveaway.
Paper Piecing is great and I’d love to learn to do kaleidoscopes with it. Thanks!
MY JOYIN LIFE IS QUILTING:)
I would love to learn how to paperpiece! Thanks for the opportunity to have a chance to win one of her books!
I would love to be able to make a kaleidoscope quilt, I bought a template and a mirror, now I could us the book with the instructions.
Paper piecing is something I definitely want to give a shot at. Just love the Chocolate Caramel Stars quilt…just gorgeous!!! I love the way you took Bonnie’s block and added the poseys to make it another dimension. Would love to win this book!
I would love to win this book. I have been fighting with paper piecing for awhile and would love to learn how to do is so I don’t waste so much fabric. Love what you have shown us so far. Please pick me…lol The cornflowers are intriguing.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Excellent!! I just watched a video on qnntv w/Fons & Porter about using the Kaleideo ruler – this would be a true treat to win – thanks for the opportunity!
I live on a funny farm and would love to have the paper piecing kaleidoscope book.
I have quilted for quite a while but have been leary of paper piecing. I am now retired and have more time to try new things, so I would love to try the projects in this book.
I love paper piecing! I have always wanted to try to make a “Grandmother’s Flower Garden” quilt. Quilting by hand is my favorite and I am currently working on a Yo-Yo quilt. My next project will be paper piecing for sure!
I’ve never tried paper piecing and would love to give it a shot. This book looks like the one that would get me started.
Paperpiecing is fun and this book would be great! So who won?
As a person who likes to do paper piecing, you folks had way too much fun! Sn, another new book for my collection would be fantastic.
Love the b ook and the intricate possibilities with paper piecing. Just in time for Christmas presents!
Just learned to paper piece at the Quiltmaker Block Party! Can’t wait to try it again!
Chocolate and carmel, mmmmm my mouth is watering. My kinda girl.