If you’ve come to Quilty Pleasures because of the 100 Blocks blog tour, we’re happy to have you! Thank you for joining us. I thought maybe you’d like to know what kinds of posts we do when the blog tour craziness is not happening.
- We write product reviews: Great Books from C&T
- We show you “how to”: Quick Quilt Labels
- We introduce quilts from our pages: Patch Pals Quilts
Polar Patch from Nov/Dec '11 Quiltmaker
- We learn together: Let’s Talk Seam Allowance
- We have parties: Back to School Party
- We share ideas: Brain-Free Sewing Zone
If you read one of the posts above (now or ever) leave a comment about it before noon Wednesday, Nov. 7. I’ll give away a copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Volume 6 to one lucky winner. The winner is comment #76 from Rita S. Thanks for helping us know what you enjoy reading on Quilty Pleasures!
I just read the Let’s Talk Seam Allowance article– Holy Cow! I am a novice, but now I know I’m not imagining things. I was really wondering about my thread -thickness. Now I have a better checklist, and ways to troubleshoot. Thanks for this great info! Also, in spite of all the trouble, that Frame by Frame block looks enticing!
I have read all of the posts when you post them. I liked the quick quilt label one. I do my labels on the computer and sometimes add a photo that goes with the quilt. I like how you have bordered the label.
I read the quilt labe and plan to send it to my girl friends, it seems every time they finish a quilt that want me to make the lables. It is time for them to make there own.
I don’t always get to read all of the posts, seems like I am forever trying to catch up…but I sure do enjoy the reading when I get to it. quick quilt labels is a very nice idea. will have to look for some of that fabric.
I love the brain-free quilting idea. I try to keep a simple project in my longarm studio so if I am waiting for a quilter to arrive I can keep productive.
Lets Talk Seam Allowance….the stitch length…who’d have thought? I battle with this issue every time I make a quilt. My husband is used to hearing exasperated sighs coming from the sewing room, as I pick out stitches to redo, and hope that THIS time, they’ll match the next section… I am trying shorting my stitch length TONIGHT!
I think the Patch Pals Quilts are the cutest ever. I have young grandchildren, and I know that these quilts would be treasured well beyond their childhood. Thanks for sharing.
I red about A Quick Quilt Label Method and Brain-Free Sewing Zone Giveaway. So during my free brain zone I will sew some quilt labels.
I love this pattern and want it so bad. My granddaughter loves penguins and I have been looking for a pattern for one for a long time. I also love your magazine and if I don’t win, I guess I’ll just have to buy one.
I love the patch pals series. Easy, quick and impressive looking!
with seam allowance so important in making an accurate block your artcle is very informative and really helps, thanks
I read the quilt label and plan also, and I thank you for the directions. I have tried the method of printing on t shirt transfer paper, and it just does come out very well! I will try this method for my next quilt!
I read the Quilt Label post and Let’s Talk Seam Allowances. Both were full of great information.
I read the article about Seam Allowances – I was surprised that being just a couple of threads off could make a substantial difference in a block’s alignment.
I loved the brain free sewing article……Made so much sense! I will use this one as there are many times I feel like sewing but have a mental freeze on what I want to do. This would be great for making charity quilts from scraps.
The patch pals are the cutest! I also read the seam allowances because of all the others comments saying how great it was and surprise – always something to learn and improve on! thanks!~
I loved “Lets Talk Seam Allowance”, “Quick Quilt Labels” and “Brain Free Sewing Zone”. Thanks for all the great tips!
I never knew that the stitch length affected your seam allowance … great to know, as I sometimes have problems with the “perfect” seam allowance.
I love the brain free sewing. There are times I just want to so, and this block is perfect.
Just read some of the new posts. Thanks for all the great advice and a place to learn and share with others!!
I love the Quick Quilt Labels, Thank You!
I love the patch pals. Having a new great grandson I am thinking I had better make use of one or two of these.
Like Sharon before me, I too have a new grandson and I’m already thinking of a quilt for him (I’ve already made him a baby quilt!). I love the monkey and the turtle of Patch Pals and can see this as a beautiful quilt for a little boy!!!
I just read “Let’s talk about seam allowance.” It’s very enlightening. I have that particular Bernina foot. Thanks for the tips!
I have really enjoyed the Back to School Party, both last year and this year.
I like the Brain Free ideas, including those in the reader responses. I think it’s helpful to have tasks in mind that don’t take much effort. Cutting fabric and sorting and putting away fabric are some of my brain-free tasks.
I just read “Let’s talk about seam allowance”, I have now learned what I have been doing wrong this entire time. Now I can try and finish my projects that I gave up on! Thanks for all the great information.
With a title like Brain Free Sewing Zone, I had to check it out! I have two projects going that would be considered “Brain Free”, except I did not know there was a name for this phenomena. When I need a little break in my day but don’t have time for a long period of sewing, I make a red and white bowtie block or a reproduction block…just to liven up my brain or retreat from some really nasty situation. Just one block will do the trick! And someday there will be enough for two bed quilts!
Love your blog posts and this penguin block made me smile. One can never get enough penguins!
New to this site! It looks really great. Love to win anything! Even entered the fabric for life, even though I already have fabric for life.
I’ve read lots of posts here and love the block above.
Really enjoyed the “Quick Quilt Labels” – I’ve always printed mine by hand – will give Word a try – looks easy enough! Thanks so much for the chance to enter your give-away.
I just made a quilt label today w/unsatisfactory results. So glad to see the article on making labels using a printer. Next week’s labels will look better, I’m sure!
I check your blog every couple of days, and read all the posts, scrolling back to any that I’ve missed. I always find something interesting, including your mini tutorials. One of these days, I plan to attend one of your Block Party events – they sound like a LOT of fun! Come to Pittsburgh!
Cute penguin, but not my style. – Cynthia
I read ” let’s talk seam allowance” and there are times I run into problems with things turning out the size they should be, so I’m hoping what I just read will help me to do seams more accurate, thanks.
Instead of using a fabric lining on the back of my label, I use fusible interfacing. With right side together, the bumpy side of the fusible being the right side, stitch around as you did with the lining. When you turn it right side out it can be fused to the quilt back and then stitched down.
These are great articles! I read about seam allowance and sure enough, remembered the advice while sewing small pieces together last night. Being just a thread or two off can make a big difference! Luckily, I remembered the article and didn’t let myself continue before making the correction.
I liked the seam allowance article and of course the quilt label article.
Your seam allowance article is very informative. I will be passing this on to our guild members. Thanks for the chance to win!
I read the page on seam allowance. Wow!! thats alot to think about at one time. I am a novice quilter and I am having a hard time making my blocks fit so I will take this step by step to see whats wrong. Thank you for having articles like this for us to read.
I did read the Quick Quilt labels the first time around
I love reading all the wonderful hints. Thanks!
Would love to make this for #7 grandchild due in Jan.
I love this penguin.
The article on the Seam Allowance hits on great points! One thing I wasn’t aware of was the size of thread that I was using. As a new quilter, and not having taken classes anywhere, I’ve taught myself the basics online and by great forums with wonderful new friends. Obviously, thread size wasn’t something that was brought up until recently. I, too, use a general sewing foot and move my needle, but I had noticed on a test block that had lots of pieces that my normal setting wasn’t giving me the final result. I re-adjusted my needle position and tried again. The block measured correctly, but the seams just looked so narrow, that I could picture making an entire quilt and after one washing the quilt seams would ravel terribly! After sending out some distress signals to my quilting sisters, someone finally hit upon thread size.. wow, what a difference it made! Now instead of just buying thread that’s cheap or on sale, I check out the thread specs first!
HI! I’VE READ THEM ALL-LOVE IT!
LIKED THE SEAM ALLOWANCE ARTICLE!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
Brain freeze sewing zone…. I Need to get a plan for mindless sewing because I find myself frequently zapped on creativity where I have a hard time making decisions about what to do next, thanks ! Janita
I read all your posts when you post them, whether I check it myself or are reminded by the Facebook links.
One I enjoyed was reviewing C &T Publishing, and getting introduced to a publisher and some of their books. It’s always nice to know more about book companies that some of my favorite crafting books come from, as well as previewing books I might want to get. Such as Stop Go Quilt. I’m mostly self-taught from books, and I love to read, so quilting books are eye-candy and a huge part of my inspiration!
The brain free sewing zone is for me! I like to trim my scraps into some standard size, like 2 1/2 inches square, when I’m finished with a project. I put them all in a basket and can just grab a few to create scrappy 4 square or 9 patch blocks. All the cutting is already finished so all I need to do is sew. Pretty brain free.
Lets Talk Seam Allowance is my absolute to-go -to article. The elusive scant 1/4 inch seam allowance is a bugaboo!!. I’ve tried everything, from 1/4 sewing machine feet (really measured 3/8 instead of 1/4 inch). to measuring and placing either tape, moleskin or post-it pad 1/4 inch from needle. Now i simply use a see-thru foot that is close to 1/4 in and use the foot edge as guide and in mark the material with the scant 1/4 inch seam allowance. When I made a 12 in block of Carpenter’s Wheel with hsts I thought the quilting psych ward was going to be my permanent home. Sometimes I simply overcutm mark the seamline and then trim each seam. Where there is a will there is a way!!!
Brain-Free Sewing Zone. I need brain-free stuff sometimes, since I work full-time and rarely have time to myself. I want to be able to go-go-go when I do have time. This not only looks simple, it looks like I could play with it, get some ‘wonky’ blocks out of it, too. Something to play with!
looks likes a great book!
I read the brain-free sewing zone post. Didn’t realize that that’s what I’ve been doing when I’m too busy to figure something out, but want to sew, and so I just pull out my pieces to a Bonnie Hunter scrap quilt–I get my sewing time without having to make any real decisions. Fun post!
I love the quick quilt labels post — it looks easy to make! Thanks for that tutorial.
I just re-read the brain free sewing zone. Oh so true – sometimes that’s all you need and the result still looks fantastic. Thanks for a chance!
I would love a copy. Thanks!
i read the quilt label and shared it with my quiltin buddy, we both really enjoyed
I read the article about Patch Pals. I’ve been following them all along. They are adorable. The penguin is my favorite!!
I liked the Quick Quilt Labels-my writing isn’t as clear as it used to be so this solves the problem very nicely!
Oooh! I love tips for Quick Quilt Labels. Thanks for the chance to win!!!
I have the Quilty Pleasures blog on my favorite bookmarks list under a special heading I have named : check these daily. I’m so glad to have found your site. I have very little contact with quilters in my life, and this really makes me feel part of the larger fabric of quilting life!
I’ve been a long-time blog follower and find your information helpful. I especially like the topic of accurate 1/4″ seams. I know this is an area where I struggle. I recently did a 12″ block that had over 40 pieces and I knew beforehand that there would be issues with accurate sizes. Thanks for the information and the give-a-way!
I previously read the post “Let’s Talk Seam Allowances” and found it to be very helpful.
I read the post about seam allowances. Always looking to fine tune my skills!
WOW, so many good good tips on the Let’s Talk Seam Allowance post. Good to revisit what is often glossed over.
great ideas and tips-love to learn new thoughts
Working on the Ruff patch, although I have not yet decided on which border to use.
Let’s Talk Seam Allowances was quite an eye-opener! I’ve had trouble with getting things to fit perfectly, and would never have thought that something like stitch length or thread weight could make a difference – thank you so much!
I am a beginner at quilting and my mom is always talking about seam allowances, seam allowances. I have now pinned to pinterest your article. So that when I start getting mad I can pull it up to read again and see its not I am not paying attention it could be a few different reasons. I have also read the brain freeze article and thing that is a wonderful idea and a good way for me to practice my sewing and seam allowances while ending up with some blocks to eventually make something.
I read quick quilt labels! I for sure needed this info! thank you!
My brain-free sewing zone is a crazy quilt. You can’t make a mistake!
I had not read the Brain-free post before. Awesome idea!! I am currently moving and have a chance to start from scratch regarding how I’m going to set up my sewing area. Brain free area is a must. I think it would help me also when I get brain-freeze and can’t start a project. Sewing brain-free might just help those beginning brain cramps to relax.
I liked the encouragement of the Brain Free Quilting Zone. Great Idea! Thanks for the chance to win.
I always enjoy the 100 Blocks blog hops. I always discover new blogs and designers.
That kitty cat Purr Patch quilt is awfully cute!
I just read the Let’s Talk Seam Allowance article. I have found I have the same problem with my 1/4″ foot. It takes a little more than a 1/4″ seam. After a few pieces, that really messes with the measurements!!
I just re-read the seam allowance article. That ever elusive 1/4″ seam was taunting me today. Now I have ideas on what may be to blame. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.
i read ‘lets talk seam allowance’ back to school lesson and copied it to my folder for future reference … my quarter inch foot is off and this helped me tremendously.
thanks for the quick label tutorial…I’m terrible about labeling my quilts, hopefully this will provide some incentive.
I love the brain-free sewing zone. I’ve been implementing this more and more. Hmm, does this mean my brain is working less and less frequently?
I remember (and just now re-read) the Patch Pals post. It was nice to see them all together. And nice to see the new ones, too.
I like the Peaks and Valleys Block. I really like Foundation piecing. I am looking forward to getting the Volume 6 issue of 100 Blocks. Thanks again for a great magazine and lots of great blocks.
I read just about every post you guys put out. I love the patch pals the best and get every issue that has them in it! They are so adorable! My favorite is Pokey Patch. I just love turtles!
all the articles are great -Lets Talk Seam Allowance is good info -for a beginner or as a reminder for those of us who have gotten lazy!
I learned that the stitch length affects seam allowance as does fabric thickness. When I first read this article, I adjusted what I was doing to improve my seam allowance.
I love the little penguins! And also the puppy!! Thanks for the chance to win!
I just read “Let’s Talk Seam Allowances” – NO KIDDING! I’m new, and I’m learning that Quilting is part technique, part SHEER DETERMINATION, and part magic.
I just read the Quick Quilt Label and learned a new and easy way to make quilt labels. Thanks for the information.
I learned a lot about seam allowances from the article and intend to use it this weekend when I go to quilt camp, Thank You
Back to school block party is part of my September schedule-what fun to have a new project done in such a short time!
I always check the book reviews. Like the Stop, Go, Quilt, Sew! book since boys stuff is harder to find. I’m taking a class right now that is using a pattern from Cozy Modern. Thanks for the opportunity!
I love penguins, so I just had to check out your patch pals post. They are very cute and I bet a lot of fun to make.
I just read the quick quilt label article and it was perfect timing! I just finished my very first quilt top (I have yet to quilt it) and wasn’t sure how to go about putting a label on the back. Now I know!
I love you Brain Free Zone, But I always called it my No Brainer quilts. You don’t think about what you’re sewing, just sew it.
Thanks for the opportunity to win one of the new magazines.
I just read the post about making labels. I am pretty lazy about doing that part of the quilt process, but I have now learned some neat tricks for making the job easier. Thanks!
I love the Patch Pals. I can’t wait to make the hedgehog for my daughter, who owns a hedgehog named after Jacqueline Kennedy/Onassis. We call her Jackie
I love the quilt label page. I love the tutorial about seam allowance, thank you!!
I love the Patch Pals series from the magazine!! The quilt label page came just in time. I’m almost finished with a quilt for my granddaughter and the quilt will need a label, I’ve been told by my guild friends.
Thank you for publishing the block volumes. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Read about the brain free zone and decided I need it in my life.
I just read the seam allowance post and it was so timely for me, as I’m just learning how to quilt! Thank you for being such a wonderful resource!
I read the seam allowance article. I going to check out few of the posts again later.
I read through all of the articles, but the one that really caught my attention was the Brain-Free Sewing Zone. I have a lot of 1.5″ strips and am tired of making small 4 patches and 9 patches. I think I’d like to start making some Little Windmill blocks. That would make a really cute baby quilt. I also will have to into trying that paper-backed pre-treated label fabric that was mentioned in A Quick Quilt Label Method.
Thanks!
Reading the blog is easy. Deciding which pattern to make or which book I want or what fabric to pick – that’s the harder stuff.
I loved the post about the patch pals quilts. They are so cute! I’ve got several of them on my to-do list and hate to see the series end. Although I know you’ll come up with something else that’s wonderful in future magazine issues.
Oh how cute is the Patch Pal in Volume 6! I love Penguins and this block is adorable with the Momma and baby. Super cute.
I just read (and commented) on the article, “Let’s Talk Seam Allowance”. Great info in that article and excellent help for the future as well. As I stated in my comment, I never gave any thought as to the weight of fabric in relation to the seam allowance. Thank you. That surely will be something to keep in mind.
I read “Let’s Talk Seam Allowance” and learned that the fabric weight and thread weight can alter the stitched seam width.
Thanks for the post about seam allowance. This is really helpful and now I know that I must adjust the seam allowance to whatever project I am working on so that it is accurate for that project. Great!
I just read the tip on Quick Quilt Labels. Great information and the comments were good too. Thanks!
This is the first time I have seen 100 Blocks, the Acorn Away is my favorite block I would like to make, I love it because it is just unique and simple to make from the looks of it.
So stinkin cute! LOVE IT!!!
I read all your posts and enjoy the blog! Thanks.
Love the Patch Pals quilts!
I like the brain free sewing zone. Yes, I have a project that I like to do when I want to sew but don’t know what I want to start or don’t have a lot of time but want to get something done!
I am loving all the Patch Pals quilts. I thought Purr Patch was my favorite but then you came out with Polar Patch. Thanks.
I love the fabric…so pretty. I’ve learned so much about different blocks, how some very simple blocks can make such a variety.
My favorite block today is Arlene Neely’s@, Quiltingwith rabbits, I love the pastels, and little rabbit.
I read the article on how to make a quilt label. What I really like about it is if you frame the label with leftover backing scraps, your label will blend in to the quilt really nicely. Thanks sew much for this chance to win
I live in a brain-free zone! LOL!
I totally relate to the Brain-Free sewing zone article, I have that with all of my hobbies that is why I enjoy them so much!
Just read Brain-free sewing zone. Love that 2 rail block for making zigzag quilts scrappy, using very light with med to dark. Fun! and brain-free. Then I have a wonderful charity quilt to donate!
Have had so much fun with the patch pals quilts. Also the seam allowance article is a lot of help. Thanks for the articles.
Not enough time yet to read through the posts, but looks like there could be some helpful hints and ideas.
I read all your posts, but specially enjoyed the Patch Pals Quilts, am I right it’s cross stitch quilts?, they’re so much fun to make
I love looking at all the quilts.
I love the Patch Pal series, I have 15 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild, and another one on the way. I know they would cherish any of Patch Pals. the penguin is too cute. I enjoy all the quilt tips, about seam allowances, and ho to make quilt labels
tips are great when you quilt. I love Quiltmakers magazine they have great things in them, I love the 100 block magazine there are so many great designers too.
Appreciate your company for publishing these magazine. Linda G
Love the brain free sewing option. My machine is an antique, and has to be in the living room. Unpacking it each time I want to sew is a hassle and prevents me from doing it. Having something prepared would make it easier!
I just read Brain Free Sewing!
I love reading your articles! 
I’ve read Brain Free Quilting-something that I need badly!!
I read your articles! Good information! Love your blocks too!
I loved these day 3 blocks especially littlevscraps, indian cabin and checkerboard star great. So many to choose from sonwonderful thank you