Day 5 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3 Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Good day, fellow quilters! And such a wonderful day it is!

 Quiltmaker is wrapping up the blog tour today, and I'm giving away one last issue of 100 Blocks, Volume 3. Leave a comment in this thread and go to my website to sign up for my NuzLetter to enter to win.

Today, I'm covering a few ways to place my applique block into a quilt. Of course, there are a myriad of ways to make this block look great. Here are some of my ideas . . .

With this first design, I wanted to keep the background light and airy, yet add drama by adding bits of black. This block resides in the archived files of my Electric Quilt software, EQ7, and is called: 8-Grid Chain Variation.You will see that I chose a simple block design that is made up of small squares. I chose this block specifically because I wanted to maintain visual balance with the applique. If I were to use a block with larger swatches of fabric, the applique blocks would get lost in the shuffle.

I also wanted to give you a few more options of color for this design. There was a recent showing of red and white quilts in New York City, so I thought I would show you how a quilt would look using mostly red and white.

And because most quilters like to start early on their Christmas gifts, I wanted to see what it would look like if I added some green.

I did one other quick design, where I wanted to bring in a different value of blue . . .

I used a dark gray for sashing, first border, and binding, and a deep aqua for the main border.

Here is another example of this same design.

So play around with different looks. Glean ideas from the colors you use in your block.

One more thing I'd like to point out is that I colored my applique block with similar toned fabrics from the standard fabric library that comes with all EQ software. I wanted to show you that the block looks great using anyone's fabrics.

Thanks again for participating in the blog tour, and please don't forget to leave a comment and sign up for my NuzLetter, if you haven't already done so!

Enjoy your weekend!

Day 4 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3 Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Although I am not on the blog roster for today, I thought I would round out the week by giving away another Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3 issue today and tomorrow, so please check back tomorrow, as well!

I received such nice messages from everyone yesterday, on how well they liked the block. Thank you very much! One thing I really enjoy is designing new quilt patterns, new blocks, and especially, new applique blocks.

My block called: Hearts Bejeweled, Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 2

When I first tried applique, I wasn't that great at it. In fact, I was pretty lousy. But there was something about the process of applique, that I had to keep trying until I got it. It's rather cathartic! I'm still not where I would like to be, but for a self-taught girl, I'm pleased with what I can do. It takes time and patience, and if you're a first timer, please be easy on yourself. Pat yourself on the back for trying! And remember: we've all been there, feeling the same feelings of wanting to get it right.

When you get a moment, please look at my blog post from yesterday and click on the image of my block. Notice that my polka-dot circles are not perfect. The thing is, I'm okay with the little imperfections. However, I do strive to continually challenge myself, and that is probably a strong reason why I enjoy applique so much. There always seems like room to grow. :)

So my block called Bertrand's Arrows really isn't as hard as it looks.

Bertrand's Arrows, Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3, Image compliments of Quiltmaker Magazine

If you've never tried applique, I challenge you to try it, if applique is something you've ever been interested in. Besides, if you have any questions, I will gladly answer them for you. Simply leave me a message in this thread, or e-mail me through my website under my "Contact Us" tab.

Today, I'm giving away another issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3! All you need to do is leave a comment here, and sign up for my NuzLetter, which I am resurrecting, this Fall! I'm so excited to write again, and I'm planning some new and interesting topics.

Leave your comment, below, and sign up for my NuzLetter through my website . . . it is THAT simple! And I look forward to our newfound friendship!

Tomorrow's topic will cover a few layout ideas on how to use my block. Enjoy the tour, and happy quilting!

Day 3 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3 Blog Tour and Giveaway!

It's back and better than ever: Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3!

With a fresh new issue, just in time for Spring, the editors of Quiltmaker packed this one with a brand new set of 100 blocks, each one original, and designed by today's top designers!

If we haven't "met" before, I am Susan Guzman, and I am a quilt pattern designer (you can learn more about me in tomorrow's blog, posted here!). I had the pleasure of being included in this issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3 . . .

Here is an image of my block, called: Bertrand's Arrows, found on page 27.

Image compliments of Quiltmaker Magazine

If you click on the image, you can see a close-up of the fabrics. All fabrics are from my stash. I came up with this design to blend with the one I designed for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 2, called: Hearts Bejeweled. You can purchase the issue through Quiltmaker's site.

I use AURIfil thread to sew all my designs! They have gorgeous colors that blend with every project, and the quality is exceptional!

We are giving away 3 copies of this issue for the rest of this week. The first one will be chosen from today's post. All you have to do is leave a comment in this thread, then go to my website and sign up for my NuzLetter, here: SuzGuz Designs. That's it! Then, be sure to return tomorrow and Friday.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and good luck! Be sure to also stop by tomorrow and Friday for more chances to win. This is such a wonderful magazine to have in your collection, and guides you to make a variety of your own, custom designed quilts!

Enjoy!