Expiring SOON!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season!! Christmas definitely snuck up on me, but the past few days have been absolutely fabulous! I hope they have been for you as well!!

I have been bombarded with promotional emails over the last week, and I don't want to add to the overwhelming mass marketing going on right now, but I DO want to let you know that there are only a few days left to grab the Zodiac BOM pattern!!  

It is expiring on December 31st at midnight!

All of the patterns have been released and are now available! I also updated the Aquarius pattern a little, and I hope it goes together a little more smoothly. (I didn't get any complaints about it, but it didn't meet my own expectations, so hopefully this is better!)

What are others making?!

Be sure to join the Facebook group to see the amazing creations that everyone is making!

You can also check out all the hashtags on Instagram to see the blocks being shared on there as well!

#fbpZodiacBOM, #fbpAquarius, #fbpPisces, #fbpAries, #fbpTaurus, #fbpGemini, #fbpCancer,#fbpLeo, #fbpVirgo, #fbpLibra, #fbpScorpio, #fbpSagittarius, #fbpCapricorn

I am seriously so impressed!! Everyone is so creative and talented! and these quilts will be gorgeous!! And look close! Because these aren't just being made into quilts! I love the creativity!


Here's what I'm making!

I have been working on hand quilting my Aquarius mini quilt all year long! I've been working on it every Thursday night while I wait for my oldest at cub scouts. It's been a slow process, but I am ALMOST done! If I can I'm going to do whatever it takes to finish it before the year is over! I think I can make it! :)

I don't have a design wall, so I haven't been able to hang up all my blocks together. Instead, I've been using Photoshop to put all my blocks together. It's not perfect, but it's been a fun way to see the quilt grow. I'm ready to sew it all together.... except now I don't know if I want to add sashing. too many decisions.

I am also going to make this Gemini/Taurus quilt. I have all the templates printed and cut out, and my fabric assigned. So hopefully this will be a quick finish this year, well, next year. 

I'm going to use fabrics by 1canoe2.  I can't wait to get this pieced together!

AND.... I have a long list of quilts that I want to make with these patterns! There are just so many possibilities! I love it!


What's still to come!

Hosting this block of the month has been a huge learning curve for me, and unfortunately due to unexpected life events, some of the things I had hoped to do didn't happen. BUT that doesn't mean they won't happen. I still have them on my to-do list, and I have a few other things I'm adding as well!

A quick overview of what you get:

• 12 patterns in 3 sizes each (9 inch, 12 inch, and 18 inch finished block sizes)
• lots of coloring pages
• cutting templates
• assembly instructions
• fabric requirements
• access to a video tutorial that includes all of my tips and tricks for using cutting template
• coming soon: video tutorial for my techniques and tips for paper piecing

What I'm adding:

• sashing ideas, sashing ideas, and more awesome sashing ideas!

Originally I was going to only include some very basic sashing ideas. But then I started writing up the instructions for them, and came up with some pretty awesome design ideas! For everyone who purchases the Zodiac BOM pattern before the end of the year, will receive ALL of the new sashing instructions and patterns. They will really be a great way to expand the pattern possibilities!! Just check these ones out!

 Here are two examples of sashing ideas that will work with the Aquarius pattern! (as well as a few of the other blocks). I whited out the actual block so you can see exactly where the sashing is! On the left, the design is one sashing thick, while the design on the right is two sashing thick (and a different pattern). It's a fun way to expand the block design as well as grow the size of your quilt!

 Here's the Aries block with the sashing. This one shows the sashing two thick between the blocks. This creates an amazing weave pattern!

I'll be creating sashing patterns like this for all of the blocks! And these will be sent out for free to everyone who purchases the Zodiac pattern by Saturday night!

What happens on January 1st?!?

On January 1st, each of the 12 Zodiac patterns will be sold as individual patterns. That means you will be able to purchase only 1 pattern, or any combination of patterns, without having to get all of the patterns. (Each pattern will still include all 3 sizes).

Each individual pattern will still include:

• The individual pattern in 3 sizes (9 inch, 12 inch, and 18 inch finished block sizes)
• coloring pages
• cutting templates
• assembly instructions
• fabric requirements for the individual block
• access to a video tutorial that includes all of my tips and tricks for using cutting template*
• coming soon: video tutorial for my techniques and tips for paper piecing*

*videos will become public whether you purchase the pattern or not.

 What will be different:

• Patterns will be priced as individual patterns, not at the bundled price
• Sashing pattern swill be an inexpensive add on, you can pick and choose which ones you want. You'll even be able to use these as individual patterns independent of the Zodiac patterns!

Anyway, I just want to let you know of the changes! If you've been wanting to grab all of these patterns, now's the time to do so!!

And if you happened to fall behind with your blocks this year, don't fret!! There is no deadline. And I know that a few people are just starting now! So you're not alone if you want to start up again. I'm hoping to make at least a few more projects with them as well this year! So we can still quilt them together! And of course I'm always here if you have any questions!

As always, Happy Quilting! & Happy Creating!!

And I hope you have a happy and safe new year!!

Zodiac BOM: Libra Block

I totally forgot to share my Libra block on Thursday. If you follow me anywhere else on social media, or read my newsletter, then you've probably already seen it, but I want to share it here anyway. (Because I'm on a blogging role!) ;)

 Prints are by Sandi Henderson and solids are Kona Cotton by Robert Kaufman. 

I love how this block turned out and I really love the design. Here it is with my other blocks.

Only 3 more blocks!!! I can't believe it! 

I kind of had a hard time coloring this one on repeat. While I enjoy playing with these, I think I was kind of in a creative rut when I made these. Here's what I came up with. Everyone in my family liked a different one best, so I'm sharing them all. 

 I was trying to go fall with this one... :/

 Then I gave it one more go and came up with this... this one I love! I want to snuggle in it right now!

Which one is your favorite???

I think this design is definitely one that I would have to plan out in grey scale first, and then add color. I really LOVE the repeat design, but it's definitely a little more tricky to get it just right. Value seems to play a strong roll in this one!

You can still purchase the Zodiac Block of the Month pattern! But only until the end of the year... Sometime in December I'll be expiring the pattern, and I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet... though I do know the patterns will still be available after that, but not in the bundle that they are in now (which is a real steal of a deal!) Anyway, just letting you know in case you wanted to snag it while it's available.

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend!!!

Zodiac BOM: Virgo Block

Today I want to share with you the Virgo block from the Zodiac Block of the Month series I'm doing this year.

So far it's been AWESOME!!! I LOVE seeing what everyone makes! I've learned a lot through the process, and I'm tempted to do another BOM next year... though we'll see. If I do, I will definitely be doing it a little bit differently than I did this year. I'd love to hear your thoughts though... would you be interested in another BOM next year?

Anyway....

Virgo was last months block, and I LOVE it!! Unlike most of the previous blocks so far, this one has some really large sections - great for larger fussy cut designs. I was excited to use this flower/plaid print in this section. One of my first ever favorite fabrics! I've had this one in my stash since the beginning!

Here's a quick mandatory repeat mock-up! ;)

I had such a fun time playing around with this block!!! This is definitely my favorite design that I came up with. I could seriously spend hours playing with these coloring pages! So many possibilities!

Are you a fan of rainbow designs? Or are you totally sick of them?? I used to think they were just ok. But seeing the finished project with a perfect rainbow is way too awesome to say no to! ;)

If you haven't joined in yet, it's never too late!!! You can find the pattern in my shop!

If you haven't already, be sure to join the Zodiac BOM facebook group! There are a lot of beautiful blocks in there! It's fun to see what everyone is making!

If you're on Instagram, be sure to tag your blocks with #fbpZodiacBOM and #fbpVirgo (or whatever the name is of your pattern). :)

Zodiac BOM: Leo Block

I didn't even realize that I missed posting the last of the Zodiac BOM blocks! So over the next few weeks I'll be catching up on those that have been released already. :)

Leo was the block released in July.

 

As you can see, there are a lot of sections in this one, but I was pleasantly surprised at just how simple it was to put together! and you'd think there would be a lot of points to match up, but there aren't!!! This pattern will definitely be one to impress the neighbors with! They'll think you're a pro! (which you probably already are!!) ;)

Here is my block for my sampler quilt:

  

I had fun fussy cutting the center to create the butterfly! I'm happy with how it turned out! And I absolutely LOVE the henna garden! (I wish Sandi Henderson's recent line had come out earlier so I could have included it in my quilt!! Oh well. Hopefully I'll pick up some of the prints soon... )

 

Here's a little mock up I made with my block on repeat. If I were to make an entire quilt with this block, I'd definitely add more variety in color, but I like the effect of this.

Or how about these mock-ups I colored?

 

 I like the border design on this one. It'd be fun to play around some more with this. And as with all of the Zodiac BOM blocks, I've really been drawn towards this concept of the colors fading out towards the bottom. What do you think?

I love playing around with the design options on these! If you like to color designs like this, each pattern includes a number of coloring pages that you can print out and play around with! Including these 4x5 block repeat sizes! Definitely therapeutic. I need to do more of this! ;)

Here is my sampler blocks together including the Leo block:

Getting closer!!

Thanks for letting me share my block with you! If you'd like to purchase the Zodiac BOM pattern, you can find it in my shop!

Have a great weekend!!!         

Zodiac BOM: Cancer Block

Patterns went out last night for June's Zodiac BOM block, Cancer! If you are participating in the Block of the Month series with me, be sure to check your email! :)

I seriously can't wait to see what you make! It's so much watching everyone's blocks come together! The finished quilts are going to be A-MAZ-ing!! ;)

Here is my Cancer block for my sampler quilt:

I'm usually not a huge fan of yellow and orange, but I am smitten with these! The Kona Carrot is the most beautiful color! And of course Henna Garden by Sandi Henderson is always a winner (the orange floral-y print). 

Zodiac BOM: Gemini Block

Not sure what happened with the last few months... oh wait, yes I do. I wrote about it in my last post. :/ (ps. THANK YOU for ALL of your LOVE! Comments, and support!! You are the BEST!! seriously. You lifted my spirits and opened my eyes to the world of food intolerance. I had NO idea it was such a common issue. Hugs to all of you! Though that is a different blog post for another day. But I couldn't NOT say thank you! So Thank you! again.) Anyway, as I was saying... I totally missed sharing the Aries block AND the Taurus blocks for the Zodiac BOM. I guess I'll save those for another day as well. ;)


But for TODAY I do want to share my  

Gemini block

 I LOVE these Sandi Henderson prints and colors together! For some reason this color of pink makes me think of strawberry ice cream... and I want to lick it!!

ok, now wipe off your screen so you can read the rest of this post. ;)


Would you like to look at more pictures??? of course you do.

Birthday Week! Coupon and Surprise Sale!!

It's my birthday this week, and now that the week is half over.... oops, let's get this party started! ;)

If you signed up to receive my newsletter, you should have already received this info! But I want to be sure that no one misses out!

We just spent two weeks being sick, and now it's spring break, and I decided that a nice relaxing birthday week is in order this year. So I'm starting the week off with a coupon!

I'm turning 34 this year, and it feels pretty good! I don't feel young anymore, but I don't feel old either. I feel a greater sense of maturity as I emerge from some of life's trials, and although I feel a little bruised and banged up, it feels to have my feet underneath me and my head on my shoulders, and to feel in control of my future.

Zodiac BOM: Pisces Block

Today is the first day of Pisces, and I just sent out the emails including the Pisces pattern! I'm so excited and can't believe it's already time to release the second pattern of the Zodiac Block of the Month club! Where has this year gone already?! Anyway...

I'm excited to share with you my Pisces block that will go in my sampler quilt.

Zodiac BOM: Aquarius Block

It has been a lot of fun to see people's progress for the Zodiac BOM show up on Instagram and Flickr! I'm loving the coloring pages and the Aquarius blocks that I've seen so far!!

I wanted to quickly share my Aquarius blocks with you! I made my block for my final sampler quilt, and decided to also make a mini quilt with 4 blocks. I love playing around with this pattern!!!

Here is my 18 inch block for my sampler quilt:

Introducing the Zodiac Block of the Month Pattern!

Alright everyone. Here it is! I said that those who signed up for my newsletter would be the first to see the full design, so I wanted to give them a chance to see it first! ;) But I really can't wait any longer to share this with you!! I'm so excited!!






I am so grateful for all the enthusiasm I've already received for this pattern! Thank you so much!! I'm glad you like the design! I can't wait to see what you all make!

I have spent so much time working on this in the past week, that I think my brain is getting a little overwhelmed. I will do my best to explain this as simply as I can, so you know exactly what to expect. :)


What is the Zodiac BOM?

The Zodiac BOM is a Block of the Month pattern that includes 12 different patterns. Each named after a sign of the Zodiac. Together the blocks will create a sampler quilt. The blocks can also be used individually to create a beautiful repeat pattern all on their own. To tie the blocks together, there is a "lattice" design that runs through all the blocks to make them more uniform in the overall design.


Each of the 12 patterns will come in 3 different sizes: 9 inch, 12 inch and 18 inch. By the end of the year, that is essentially a total of 36 different patterns. I love having options, as the different sizes lend themselves to different projects (quilts, mini quilts, placemats, bags, pillows, etc.) It's kind of become my motto, that anything I would want when using my pattern, I include for everyone else as well! No skimping here.


Each month the pattern will be updated to include the new block for that month. The patterns will be released on the first day of the corresponding sign. Here are the release dates for each pattern:

January 20: Aquarius
February 19: Pisces
March 21: Aries
April 20: Taurus
May 21: Gemini
June 21: Cancer
July 23: Leo
August 23: Virgo
September 22: Libra
October 24: Scorpio
November 22: Sagittarius
December 22: Capricorn

If you purchase the pattern from Craftsy. You can download the updated pattern (in a .zip file) directly from Craftsy after the release date. Simply go to your account, go to your purchased patterns, and redownload the pattern.

If you purchase the pattern from Etsy or my Bigcartel shop, I will email the updated pattern to the email you used to purchase the pattern with (this is the email connected to your Etsy account, or your paypal account if buying from Bigcartel). If you need me to send the pattern to a different email you MUST give me your new email at the time of purchase. I cannot send the pattern to multiple email addresses once the first update has been sent out. NO EXCEPTIONS.


What is included in the pattern?

All blocks are paper pieced. Like all of my paper pieced patterns, this pattern includes all the standard things like:

• Pattern templates - the foundation patterns that you will print out and sew your fabric to. Templates include for each of three sizes: 9 inch, 12 inch, and 18 inch. Patterns are numbered for piecing order. Each section is also labeled for color coding. Seam allowances are included on every pattern template. The pattern templates are also trimmed on the corners to help improve accuracy when joining sections together.
• Cutting templates - used to cut out your fabric. I LOVE using cutting templates and don't paper piece without them. They eliminate fabric waste, speed up the piecing process, increase accuracy in fabric placement, and if you cut out the center they make for perfect fussy cutting!
• Coloring pages - I will include a coloring page of the overall quilt with each block, as well as individual blocks and each block on repeat. Coloring pages are great for planning your quilt before you begin.
• Assembly instructions,including diagrams, for joining your pattern templates after they have been pieced. 
• General instructions. Pattern does NOT include basic paper piecing instructions.

Other resources and helps.

In addition to the pattern, I have set up a Zodiac Blog for all of those who have purchased the pattern. It is a private blog, and invites will be sent to the email attached to your purchase. If you need me to  use a different address, please let me know!

On the blog I will share tutorials for using the cutting templates, assembling pattern sections, etc. I will share my tips and techniques, and any other information that I think will be useful for helping you complete your quilt.

If you have questions or need help with something, I will post answers and help on the blog so everyone can have access to the information.  I would love to share what everyone is working on. I think it'll be fun to do this together!


I have also set up a flickr group where you can post your pictures and discuss the pattern with others who are working on it. Right now it is by invite only. So if you purchase the pattern and would like to join, please let me know! I have opened the group for everyone to join, for now. I don't get on flickr much anymore, so I don't plan on being very active there for the entire year. But I think the groups are still a good place to share pictures and host discussions - so I might be on there more than I realize.  I am Diane {from blank pages...} on flickr.


First Block: Aquarius

When you purchase the pattern before Jan 20, 2016, you will receive access to a intro PDF that will give a basic overview of the pattern, including coloring pages for the entire quilt as well as the first block.

On January 20th, I will update the pattern to include the first block, Aquarius. If you purchase the pattern on Craftsy, you can download the pattern directly from the site. Otherwise I will email the updated pattern to your email. If you purchase the pattern after the 20th, you will be able to download all of the already released patterns.

The first block is:

Aquarius on repeat

Fabric Requirements:

I will include fabric requirements ONLY for the lattice design that runs through the entire quilt, so that you can be sure to have enough fabric to complete the entire design.

Other than that, I will not be including specific amounts. I will do my best to give estimates for each block, as the blocks come out. There are SO many different factors that make this task next to impossible: different block sizes, different techniques for paper piecing, some people use much larger amounts of fabric to piece with, fussy cutting requires more fabric, your specific color scheme or fabric placement changes the amount completely!

I hope you understand why I will not being doing this. (Please don't send me hate mail!) I understand that this makes it difficult for you in planning your quilt, and purchasing your fabric in advance. I apologize for the inconvenience. And I hope this won't deter you from joining me in this BOM.

Are you ready to join in?!!

The Zodiac BOM is currently on Presale and is on SALE!!

You can purchase the pattern right now, until Jan 20th 

for 50% OFF!!!!

Price is already discounted, no coupon required.

This is a deal you don't want to miss! For all that you're getting, this is a steal! The price will definitely never be this low again.

You can purchase the pattern on Craftsy, Etsy, or from my shop!

Thank yo so much for all of your excitement! I can't wait to see what you make!!

If you have any questions, please let me know and I will answer them the best I can. :)