The Splendid Sampler II: Metropolis Block Giveaway Contest Results

My block called: Metropolis, found on p. 32 of The Splendid Sampler II book, available now.

My Splendid Sampler II giveaway contest, mentioned here, came to a close on Wednesday night. Thanks so much to everyone who participated; it was a grand success!

After calculating all of the entries, here are the winners calculated using MrKnot.com random generator:

Each of the following won a Lexington Sampler Quilt Pattern:

1st Place goes to: #109, Laura P.

2nd Place goes to: #124, Sherri B.

3rd Place goes to: #149, Tambry G.

Each of the following won the Block-of-the-Month Quilt-Along I'm hosting beginning on February 14, 2019:

4th Place goes to: #179, Nancy B.

5th Place goes to: #164, Diane D.

6th Place goes to: #81, Cathy S.

Each of the following won a package of 2 spools of Aurifil 50wt. Thread:

7th Place goes to: #21, Cindy P.

8th Place goes to: #15, Shirley V.

9th Place goes to: #55, Betty M.



I will be contacting the winners within the next few days. The pattern and thread winners' packages will be mailed early next week. The BOM details will be emailed by Monday, January 21, 2019.

Congratulations to all, and thank you again for participating!

xo

Susan

The Splendid Sampler II: My Block Design and a Giveaway

I'm so excited that my block design is featured this week along with the blocks of 4 fellow designers: Rob Appell, Gudrun Erla, Laura Kay Houser, and Pat Sloan!

You can find my block, Metropolis, on page 32 of The Splendid Sampler II book, compiled by Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson for Martingale. Be sure to also check out the Splendid Sampler website and Facebook page for much, much more!

The fabrics used in my original block (as shown in the book and the image, above) are from Moda. I always use strong, reliable Aurifil thread for all of my quilting projects; the range of colors is perfect for any of your sewing needs!

About Metropolis:

Sketching design ideas is something I enjoy doing and quilting has given me a platform to transform sketches into patterns. When I was a young girl, our family would often visit museums and historical properties in a variety of cities, such as Toronto, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Chicago, and I believe that's where my love of design began. I always loved seeing interesting architectural elements and the beautiful paintings and fabrics we would see while touring these places. My block represents these fond memories of learning about art and design through our travels.

The center of my block represents a city park in and amongst the 8 pointed-rectangles that represent tall buildings in a metropolitan city. The strips in the  corner patches represent the highways that come into a city center.

You may know that I've been using an older collection called Hometown by Sweetwater for Moda and some other coordinating Moda fabrics for the blocks I've made so far during the Splendid Sampler II journey. Here's the version of my design I made using the fabrics I'm using for my quilt.

Remember the scrappy left-overs you had from trimming the Splendid Sampler II, Block 1 by Alex Veronelli? I used my scraps to make 4 out of the 8 rectangles. I love how the strips of off-white in these patches add interest to my "buildings".

Before sewing my block elements together, I laid out the patches to be sure I liked where they were going to live.

Then, I added my 1" C-squares to make the "building" points, and added my stitch-and-flip 2" B-squares to my corner units for my "highways".

So there you are: My second version of Metropolis.

Tune in later in the week ahead, for tips on how to use my block in new projects.

**Contest GIVEAWAY**

I'm so grateful to be a part of Splendid Sampler II and am pleased to be a part of the momentum of this project. So with that said, I'm giving away a total of 9 items. In order to be considered to win, please carefully read through the following details:

The FIRST item I'm giving away are 3 of my very popular pattern (newly written and released in Fall, 2018): Lexington Sampler. You will have the chance to win one.

The Lexington Sampler pattern is actually 2-patterns-in-one: It includes instructions to make a throw size quilt 68 1/2" x 68 1/2") and a bed size quilt (88 1/2" x 88 1/2"). It also includes a coloring page for the quilt so that you can make this design your own. This was a project that I designed especially for National Quilters Circle last summer and over 44,000 people were members of the group that made the quilt. If you are interested in purchasing the pattern, you can do so, here (please note: if you decide to buy the pattern and also enter this giveaway and become a winner, I'll gladly refund your purchase amount).

Next up, I'm thrilled to announce that I'm offering a new Block-of-the-Month (BOM) program called: Tea with Milk and Honey. My sample quilt is made using Jen Kingwell's collection called Looking Forward for Moda.

Although I haven't yet announced it publicly until now, the BOM will begin on the first Thursday of February, February 7, 2019, and new installments will occur every first Thursday of the month with the last installment scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2019. More information will be announced through all of my social media channels and on my website this coming Monday, January 14, 2019.

So, this SECOND giveaway consists of the 9-month, monthly pattern to complete a quilt top (no fabric; monthly pattern, only) for 3 lucky winners!


Finally, for my THIRD giveaway, I'll be choosing another 3 winners to win a set of 2 full-size spools of Aurifil Thread. Two of the sets include (one, each): light cream and cream (just a tad darker than the light cream), and the third set contains 2 light gray spools.

How the giveaway contest works:

Step 1: For a chance to win, please visit my website's CONTACT page; fill out the contact form with your name, email address, and in the comments write: Splendid Sampler 2 Giveaway. Here's a link to my HOME page if you'd like to start there.

Step 2: For a second chance to win, please complete Step 1 and then leave a comment on this blog post letting me know what kind of quilting and/or sewing projects you like working on best, such as: "I love hand appliqué," "I like to make quilts that challenge me so that I can learn or improve upon my skills," "I love to make quilts using traditional blocks," "I prefer to make quick quilts," "I like making table runners," "I enjoy projects I can make in a group," "I like making modern quilts," etc., etc.

Step 3: For a third chance to win, please complete Steps 1 and 2 and then visit your choice of ONE or ALL (for extra chances to win) of my social media pages (Susan Guzman Facebook Page - "Friend" me, SuzGuz Designs Facebook Business Page - "Follow" me, or SuzGuz Designs Instagram Account - "Follow" me).

Step 4: For a bonus chance to win, please complete Steps 1-3 and then look for my post that has an image of my Splendid Sampler II Metropolis block on any of my social media pages listed under Step 3 and let me know what you've enjoyed most about the blocks you've been making. Please note: I won't be posting the image of my block on my social media pages until sometime before Noon, US Mountain Time, today; January 10, 2019. Thanks!

The contest will be open for one week. Anyone can enter (no country exclusions). Everyone who enters will have all of their chances entered for each of the drawings; chance to win (1) pattern, (1) free participation in my upcoming Block-of-the-Month, and (1) chance to win a package of 2 spools of Aurifil thread. In other words, if you complete all of the chances to win (Steps 1-4, above), you'll have a total of 6 chances to win EACH of the prizes. So if you happen to win a pattern, your entry/entries will still be viable for winning the Block-of-the-Month and thread giveaways. Prizes will be given away using MrKent.com random generator.

DEADLINE FOR COMPLETING THE STEPS TO ENTER: 11:59 pm, US Pacific Time, Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

After calculating all entries, and due to the expected large volume of entries, winners will be announced through a blog post sometime on or before Friday, January 18, 2019, US Pacific Time.

Thank you so much for participating and good luck!

**One More Giveaway!**

In addition to my giveaway, Martingale is hosting a book giveaway. All you have to do is make my block and post a photo of your finished block on the Splendid Sampler website to be entered. The giveaway is for both US residents as well as for International residents. The prize for US residents will be physical books and for International residents, you'll receive a set of digital books.

If you haven't yet purchased your copy of Splendid Sampler 2, you can do so, here.

Happy quilting!

Good News, Bad News (But Really Not That Bad!)

I'm going to give you the not-so-good news first . . .

I'm forced to postpone the AURIfil giveaways I've been promising until sometime next month. My husband and I are moving into our new home at the beginning of July, and it's virtually impossible to successfully pull it off without hiccups and perhaps an unplanned glitch or two. As you may know, preparing for a move across several states can be daunting.

When I first planned this giveaway, we were not aware we would be moving. Postponing will allow me to enjoy the giveaway right along with you, as I'll be able to give my full attention to it! In addition, this will be a great kick-off to an idea I'm sharing with you early, in this blog!

With that being said, and as I'm getting my studio in order for packing day, I've decided to make my giveaway even bigger and better!!

I will be giving away lots of Moda pre-cuts,

A Fat Quarter bundle (or more? hmm... )

Some Amy Butler products, a selection of my most popular SuzGuz Designs quilt patterns, as well as packages of generous-size spools of AURIfil thread!

I've been thinking about, and have decided, that I will be starting up a FREE Block-of-the-Month. It will be a re-do of my popular "Take-A-Break" applique quilt. I designed this quilt several years ago when Heather Bailey first came out with her collection called, Fresh Cut. I thought it would be a great time to re-introduce this quilt because the collection has been re-introduced this year, as well; more opportunity for you to find most of the fabrics, if you wish to use them, too. More on this later!

Before we leave our current home, I'll continue to blog and hope that you will follow along. Tomorrow, I'll be taking you through how to make Artist Trading Cards. It was something I did for the first time this weekend, and I know you'll find it as fun as I did!

So stay tuned for my upcoming Suz-A-Palooza!!

Everyday blessings...

Susan

About Sugar Roses, Rouenneries Deux Version

I can honestly say that I've loved every fabric collection by French General for Moda, ever since they were first introduced in 2009.

Rouenneries Deux by French General
After spending many summers in France looking for the perfect French red, I finally found a collection of old prints that represented what rural life looked like in the 18th and 19th centuries. Based on our first collection, Rouenneries, this group of lovely prints is inspired by the red florals that were printed in Rouen, France in the 18th century. Old French red, faded cranberry and natural linen colors all make up a collection that is a perfect combination to create a French-inspired quilt.

This collection has both vibrant and muted reds. I chose to use the more vibrant red tones for my Sugar Roses quilt.

The applique vines, stems, tulips, and bubbles were made using Moda's prairie cloth. I really liked the results because the texture of the cloth lends visual interest and a less formal style, blending in well with the Country French fabrics. A few of the red flower prints from the blocks were used for the applique leaves.

McCall's Quilting: Series Quilt Revealed! AURIfil GIVEAWAY!

I'm so pleased to announce the publication of the July/August 2012 issue of McCall's Quilting. My quilt, called Sugar Roses, is shown on pages 28-32.

Sugar Roses is a series quilt I designed specifically for McCall's Quilting, and the pattern will be featured in a total of 4 consecutive issues. Pick up a copy now for Part I of this 4-part series.

AURIfil Giveaway! See Monday, June 9, 2012 Blog Post For Details!

My favorite AURIfil colors, as seen in my interview on AURIfil BUZZ. See my free quilted pillow pattern!

Sugar Roses was made using Sugar Hill by Tanya Whelan, plus a few fabrics from Designer Essentials, all for FreeSpirit . . .

Sugar Roses, as seen in McCall's Quilting July/August 2012 Image compliments of McCall's Quilting

Fresh and pretty, right? LOVE Tanya's fabrics!

I made a second quilt using the gorgeous reds, tans, and grays combination of French General's Rouenneries Deux for Moda. McCall's Quilting generously provided it as a free Web Bonus (you'll need to purchase the magazine for pattern instructions). If you prefer the look of this beautiful French Country-inspired collection, look for yardage at your local quilt shop or favorite online shop.

Sugar Roses/Rouenneries Deux version, as seen in McCall's Quilting July/August 2012. Image compliments of McCall's Quilting

Next week, I'll share with you a few snapshots of the progression of the applique border I did on the Rouenneries Deux version.

Keepsake Quilting has Fleur Vivant Kit

Last October, we gave you a sneak-peek at an upcoming pattern using RJR Fabrics new line called Harlequin. After making the quilt, it took a quick trip to Keepsake Quilting to be photographed for their catalog (photo courtesy of Keepsake Quilting):


Keepsake Quilting is now selling kits to make this quilt, which includes one of our newest patterns for 2010, called: Fleur Vivant. Fleur Vivant will come in the yellow/black colorway, as shown, and a red/black colorway, as well. Both patterns (only - no kits) will be available on our website, very soon! We have a few more patterns we will officially release at the same time. They will include two patterns we're featuring with Moda Fabrics, so please check back for more information.

Our Block-of-the-Month for 2009 came to an end in December. Due to the studio being closed for most of January, our final pattern instructions on how to finish the quilt top will be available to our BOM Club Members before the patterns are released this month!

Nudges of Spring Market

Plans are forging ahead for Spring Market, 2009! I'm designing & making the last sample quilt in the series of "I Love Lucy" fabric by Quilting Treasures. The fabric line is called: "Hollywood At Last". I've also designed & will be making the quilt for their upcoming Norman Rockwell's "Christmas" line, as well. These quilts will be displayed in QT's booth in May.

In addition to the Block-of-the-Month I'm hosting through my website, I'm in the process of finishing the design for a BOM that will be distributed by Brewer (available to quilt shops everywhere). Quilts, Inc. has to put the final approval on it, but I've also been asked to do a "Schoolhouse" presentation promoting the Block-of-the-Month. I'm excited about it because the design is fresh and modern and I'm hoping to turn on some would-be appliquers into great lovers of this resurgent art form.

RJR is coming out with a new line called: Fifth Avenue. I'll be making a quilt from this fabric for Market, too.

Coffee or Tea, Anyone? And how about a piece of pie . . .

I talked about it earlier but realize that I never came back in to chat about my 2009 Block-of-the-Month. The name of the quilt design is called: Take A Break. You can find out all of the information you'll need to join our BOM Club on our website, here.

The photo you see, above, is of our Teabag block, which is one of the January blocks you'll receive when you become a Block-of-the-Month Club Member. All blocks can be either hand- or machine-appliqued. I'm using Heather Bailey's Fresh Cut fabric line by Free Spirit.

Our Block-of-the-Month is only $2 per month and you'll receive fabric yardage requirements, templates for all of the blocks, as well as a monthly recipe that goes along with our theme of taking a break from the busyness of life. Lastly, if you sign up before the end of January, you'll be included for a drawing of a box of current fabrics. Not bad, huh.

If you have further questions, please contact us at: info@suzguzdesigns.com

Houston International Quilt Market and Block-of-the-Month News

The International Quilt Market, which takes place in Houston next week, is such an exciting event. My dear friend Kari Ramsay, of Fresh Cut Quilts, will have her first booth there, so if you are a quilt shop owner or will be attending the show under other circumstances, please be sure to stop by her booth and say hello. She's a great gal who has some great designs, so please check her out and give her support for her first time displaying her lovely quits and patterns.

Unfortunately, I will not be attending this year's Market. But that's okay, as I have lots to work on. I'm talking with a fabric company about doing a block-of-the-month using their fabrics, then distributing the pattern through their sister company. I'll actually be reviewing the fabrics that will be out during Market, after Market. The next week will give me time to wrap up my ideas for this project, which I am very excited about. In addition, I will be hosting a block-of-the-month on my website. I should have the designs complete within the next 4 weeks, so this should be a fun one to participate in, as it will be ready to go on January 1st. Anyone can participate and if someone decides to join later in the year, the patterns will still be available. I will be charging a minimum (very minimum!) fee because I will be using a third party to deliver the blocks to each club member and the funds will go toward that cost. Using the third party should eliminate any delivery problems we had over the past year with returned e-mails due to problems on the receiver's end. I'll talk more about this real soon!

SuzGuz Designs will have 4 quilts at Market. I know we'll definitely have two, but I believe a third quilt design of mine will be in Quilting Treasures' booth. The 4th quilt will be in RJR's booth. Again, if you are attending, please ask to see our quilts in QT's and RJR's booths! Say hello to Donna for me at Quilting Treasures', and Beatriz at RJR's booth.

Website Block-of-the-Month

I started an Applique Block-of-the-Month Club on January 1st of this year. It's very exciting, as we are now up to 546 members from around the world. Sadly, I've had trouble sending the block out to a handful of people, where their e-mail address is denied. I don't know what to do with them because I have no way of getting in touch.

January's block turned out very cute and I'm using Moda's "Swell" line of fabrics, by Urban Chiks. It is a fun, quirky, colorful line that I love and I'm using the fabrics in rather a non-traditional way. I like to take more traditional designs and put a spin on them, making them playful and whimsical.

I'm working on February's block now. I have most of the pieces cut and freezer-papered, with just a couple of more pieces to iron down, then I can begin sewing them on to the base fabric. I'm excited about this 2nd installment of the BOM, as well! The entire BOM is themed: "Hearts-a-Flutter" and each appliqued block will incorporate the heart shape. There are a lot of wreath designs, although I've also sketched out some other designs that blend nicely, as well.

The finished quilt is also sketched out and I will be developing it into a pattern (all 12 blocks, plus the finishing borders, applique, etc.), and it will be available in quilt shops. It's been a wonderful project to work on and I look forward to making up the finished quilt.

If you'd like to join this BOM, please sign up via my website, here: http://www.SuzGuzDesigns.com/ While there, please check out my newest pattern: Boston Common. I added it today! It is a very versatile pattern that can utilize many different fabric colors and designs.

Ciao!

2008 Applique Block-of-the-Month

I started a Block-of-the-Month on my website recently. We're up to 361 members who will be appliqueing my monthly 8" x 8" blocks. The 2008 January block was sent out on New Year's Day and continues to be sent out to new sign-ups, as they come in. It has been a very exciting process.

The fabric used for this project is Urban Chiks' Swell for Moda.