Today's Trend - Economy Blocks

What do you get when you combine an adorable, fussy cut print with eight triangles? 

Picture from Red Pepper Quilts

An economy block, of course. If you've been around the block a time or two, you know this latest trend as a square in a square block. All the same, it's hard to resist this block, with its uncanny ability to showcase treasured prints in scrappy splendor. Check out a tutorial on Red Pepper Quilts. There's a Flickr group too! I love this example created by Katie Dold of Good Golly Ginger. Maybe I'm just a sucker for girly adorableness.

Debbie from A Quilter's Table created a mini for a swap in cheery, bright hues.

There's a whole lot of overachieving going on at Grace and Favour. Yowsers! She made 99 blocks.

Angela Pingel of Cut to Pieces contributed to a most adorable version containing prints by some of my favorite designers.

Check out Ms. Midge's version for the ultimate in girly cuteness.

Catbird Studio has done the math for you if you'd rather get straight to the stitching.

Generations Quilt Patterns provides a paper-piecing template with cutting instructions.

Economy Blocks are popping up on Pinterest and Flickr too.

Blocks, Blocks, and More Blocks

Since I've turned over my crown and scepter for the New Mexico Quilter's Association...ok, perhaps it was only a gavel...I have a little more time to dedicate to my sewing endeavors. While it would be good to wrap up some unfinished projects, I can't resist starting some brand new ones instead.

I've joined the Stash Bee and the Hope Circle of Do. Good Stitches. I like that I am using my stash, but not committed to completing an entire quilt from start to finish.

I'm also making a block for a dear friend in my Thimbleweeds quilt group who is moving away. Since 6" pink blocks were in order, I couldn't resist breaking out my Tula Pink's City Sampler: 100 Modern Quilt Blocks. It's a beautiful book, but the piecing is not the most time-efficient. Cutting instructions provide the number of each size of piece needed. No strip piecing is used. However, the blocks are simple, so the extra time isn't that big of a deal.

The Stash Bee Hive 3 block for January was chosen by Alison. She modified a block from Quilter's Cache called "Firewheel". (Update: This block joined with others to take second place at the Great Frederick Fair in Maryland.)

I had the opportunity to test a block created by Kristy of Quiet Play. It was fun to see this adorable little guy come together. He's a badger by the way, in case you haven't brushed up on your woodland animals lately.

I'm linking up with:

Radiant Orchid

The Pantone color of the year is radiant orchid. Play Crafts has a fantastic discussion on this form of purple and accompanying color theory.

What's more, Play Crafts has teamed up with On the Windy Side to host a challenge.

There are three categories: Minis (longest side under 30"), Quilts, and Just the Top. Projects need to have been started in 2014. The project must contain Radiant Orchard, or a similar purple. You can submit one entry per category. Entries must be linked to a blog post, Threadbias post, or Flickr page and include quilt dimensions. The link for entries will be open from March 14 - March 21 at 11 pm PST. Winners will be announced on March 26. There are many fantastic prizes. The guest judges are Allison Harris from Cluck Cluck Sew, Elizabeth Dackson from Don’t Call Me Betsy, and Lee Heinrich from Freshly Pieced.

  

Participants are encouraged to share their projects on the 2014 Pantone Quilt Challenge: Radiant Orchid Flickr Group or tag them on Instagram using #pantonequilt.

For inspiration, please join me in ogling some orchid fabrics available at Fabric.com.

Acacia by Tula Pink for Free Spirit

Waterfront Park

      

Bungalow

Interweave Chambray

La Dee Da

Lottie Da

Sun Prints

Collage

True Colors