Blue Rhapsody

Happy May Day! Hope you are enjoying  the blog tour!  I promised a sneak peak of my patterns being introduced at Quilt Market in Kansas City in May......

The first one I want to show you is called "Blue Rhapsody" and it features Deb Strain’s new fabric line for Moda called “Spa”.  I just finished making it and it has gone to the top of my favorite patterns.  (I used the same fabric to make the blue color way for my block)

The applique pieces are all very large which makes the result very dramatic.  I believe it would also be very striking in a variety of colors.  The finished quilt is 66" x 80".  The retail price of this pattern is $11 and it includes a color fabric guide to help sort out all the different blue fabrics.

I have two more “Spa” patterns to show you but you are going to have to wait.  Deb’s fabric line will be in stores in August and my new patterns will be on line by May 15.

Welcome to my blog, this last day of April and the first day of the 100 Quilt Blocks blog tour!  April in Chilliwack, British Columbia, where I live, has been cool and wet which is perfect weather for quilting.  We have had just enough sun to make everything green and the gardens are full of daffodils and tulips. 

My block was inspired by the artwork of Kathy Schmitz featured in her “Full Circle” line of fabric.  Four coneflowers are placed around a simple wreath representing the annual cycle of the four seasons.

I love the dramatic contrast of the red and black on the beige background.  I have done up my block in 2 more color ways featuring fabrics by Deb Strain and 3 Sisters to show you how easy it would be to incorporate this block into a variety of projects --- table runners, placemats, the feature block on a tote bag…..

The extra blocks were made using fusible web and the original block was made using hand applique.  Please see my blog entry for March 31 which shows my favorite hand applique method. 

If you would like to win a copy of 100 Quilt Blocks vol.5, please send me an email at barb@coachhousedesigns.com with your name and address and I will select a lucky winner.  I will also be drawing 4 extra names to win one of my new patterns being introduced at quilt market.  My new market patterns feature the fabrics of:  Deb Strain, Cosmo Cricket, Holly Taylor and French General.  Let me know which of the four designers is your favorite and if your name is chosen, I will send you a pattern from that group.   Check back on my blog in the next couple of weeks leading up to market to get a sneak preview of my new patterns!

Have a great blog tour and thanks for stopping by.  Visit my website at www.coachhousedesigns.com.

I am very excited that my block was chosen for Vol. 5 of Quiltmakers 100 Blocks.  Join me on Monday, April 30 for your chance to win your very own copy of Vol. 5!

I am going to be showing off my block featuring the fabulous fabrics of Kathy Schmitz along with some other combinations to stimulate your creativity.  See you then.  Barb

PS.  Happy 84th Birthday Dad!