The Splendid Sampler II, Block 10: Around Four Corners

Today, we started Week 10 of the Splendid Sampler 2 Block-of-the-Week quilt along.

Last week, we introduced you to the block, called: Flowering Tree by Amy Friend. You can see my version of Amy's block, here.

Although I've never had the pleasure of meeting her, I'm realizing how much I love RachelDaisy's aesthetic. In fact, RachelDaisy is this week's block designer. Check out her blog, here. She's from Australia, which explains to me why I love her design style. I've found how so many Australian designers are super-skilled about combining color and pattern into the most dynamic quilts! 

RachelDaisy's block is called: Around Four Corners. Here is my version:

The design of this block is so clever! When I first took a look at the image of the block in the pattern, I wasn't quite sure how it was all going to go together. However, while making the block, I was amazed at how easy (and fun!) it was.

There was one small thing I did differently. Before sewing them together, I laid out all of my 3-patch units that make up the circles so that the seam allowances would line up with the background fabric's seams, as well as with the adjoining pieced circles. Doing this also helped me to line up everything before I hand-appliqued the circles to the background.

The first fabric I chose to use was the dynamic black typewriter keys print by Cosmo Cricket. You can read about the fabrics I'm using, here, here, and here. I love what a bold statement the typewriter keys print makes and felt it worked well as the backdrop to the applique. When I began introducing fabrics for the center spot, I liked the juxtaposition of the small type print, in comparison to the typewriter keys, for the center of my block. And finally, I decided how the large, 3/4 circles should be a place for the eye to rest, so I chose mottled solids, there.

Here's an image of the back of my block:

After finishing, I chose to cut out the bulk from the back of the applique. You'll see my Helen Stubbings' Hugs 'n Kisses Applique Paper that I used to make my circles showing through. I love knowing how it will wash away once I launder my finished quilt. 

The Splendid Sampler 2 book will be available October 2018. It is currently available for pre-sale so order your copy, now!

The Splendid Sampler II, Block 9: Flowering Tree

Today, we started Week 9 of the Splendid Sampler 2 Block-of-the-Week quilt along.

Last week, we introduced you to the block, called: My Flock by Brenda Ratliff. You can see my version of Brenda's block, here.

This week, meet prolific Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) pattern designer, Amy Friend, of During Quiet Time. Amy is a two-time author of books covering the same subject. In fact, she's giving one of her books away through her blog post, today, so go check it out for a chance to win.

Amy certainly knows a thing or two about art and design and her work is always filled with interest and gorgeous color. I love everything she does! You can easily find her through her website and Instagram (@duringquiettime) to see her eye-catching designs. 

Amy's block is called: Flowering Tree. Here is my version:

When I first started quilting, I taught myself how to FPP. I started by making a tea cup and saucer pattern. Once I figured out the rhythm of foundation piecing, I really enjoyed the process. In fact, shortly after learning this technique, I designed one of my first FPP patterns, called Rocky Mountains Sunset. The pattern came in a variety of sizes.

Rocky Mountains Sunset quilt pattern by SuzGuz Designs

At that time, we were living in Massachusetts and I was reminded of how beautiful our sunsets are, here in Colorado, when I came across these gorgeous batiks at a quilt shop in Arlington, called Fabric Corner.

Back to Amy's block: After I completed it, I noticed how my version looked slightly different from the pattern. I then realized that I added the "sky" pieces before I added the tree trunk/center pieces. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, I go into a zone and think I'm doing it right, when, in hindsight, I wasn't paying attention and took the steps in a different direction. When I find myself making mistakes, I believe that whatever I'm making is supposed to turn out the way it did and I'm okay with it. I've decided to keep my block as-is since the only difference you'll see once the block is sewn into the quilt top will be at the bottom portion of the trunk; the piece across the top will be hidden in the seam allowance.

Last week, I mentioned that we had a shop hop going on. On Saturday, my husband and I drove to the last three shops on the list and I ended up purchasing a few more potential candidates for my Splendid Sampler II blocks.

I'm not sure if I'll have opportunity to use it, but I sure do love the berries print. The sweet Corey Yoder stripe is great, but the only drawback is that I haven't used any pink, thus far, so that may end up in my stash, as well. It's surely the cutest stripe I've ever seen!

The Splendid Sampler 2 book will be available October 2018. It is currently available for pre-sale so order your copy, now!

Poll: Which Pre-cut Fabric Packs Do You Like To Use?

All images courtesy of Moda/United Notions

We have a new poll out to see what you like best. You can select multiple answers.

Do you Like Jelly Rolls?















Layer Cakes?
















Honey Buns?














Charm Packs?


















Fat Quarter Bundles?



















Let us know by casting your vote, now!

Peppermint Candy Goes Traditional

Want to see what our Peppermint Candy quilt pattern does when it goes traditional?

Here it is using Moda's new Christmas line, called: Christmas Melody by Sentimental Studios, in shops now:

What I love about this fabric line is that it has a whimsical elegance. Love it.

You can buy kits soon, from Pieces & Patches Quilt Shop . . . this will be their sample, so if you are in the Columbia, SC area, stop by the shop and ask for shop owner, Audrey. She is a wonderful lady and will be thrilled to meet you and show you the quilt (should be available to see, soon!). Shop phone number for ordering or more information: (803) 359-3442.

Upcoming Design: Mary Ellen's Basket

This afternoon, I began cutting Turnovers out of Layer Cakes, and this is what I have left to cut (there is a whole row of Layer Cakes under what you see).



Take it from me: It is better to simply buy the Turnovers than to cut them out of larger pieces of fabric.



However, the fabric I wanted to use for my sample for Mary Ellen's Basket did not come with Turnovers, thus I'm doing the cutting (you can see the stack I've cut so far in the background, which consists of the rectangular pieces you see spread out on the cutting mat).

It's been a lot of fun seeing the different fabrics that are in this line and I look forward to seeing how they all come together.

In the last photo, you'll see a printout from my EQ6 program where I printed off the yardage. With the yardage estimate comes a tiny picture of each individual fabric you use in your design. I keep these close by when designing, especially if I'm dealing with a lot of different fabrics. I like to mark on this page, the number of cut sizes I will need of each fabric. I love being organized and this has helped immensely!

In A Snap! Almost Ready For Finished Pattern . . .

I write my patterns as I make the samples up. So this quilt pattern is almost finished . . . Isn't the Snippets line darling?!

The quilt top is ready for Russ Adams of The Back Porch Quilters to machine quilt it. Please be sure to seek out his quilting services . . . he does excellent work for a great price! And even with shipping, he's still probably lower than your local quilter and such a great person to deal with. He will become your quilter for life . . . believe me!

(Hey Russ, this one will be in Monday's mail!)

Wholesale Orders Now Through United Notions

United Notions is now carrying 5 SuzGuz Designs' quilt patterns and will also be carrying the two upcoming patterns I've spoken of recently. Shop owners who buy wholesale, you can order the patterns, here. Retail customers can always buy directly through our website and please ask for us at your local quilt shop or online quilt shop. We'd love to be a part of your quilt shopping experience in your neighborhood!

"In A Snap!"

Other projects were in line first, but today I was able to start on the sample of one of my newest, super-fast designs I previously told you about. Here is a sneak-peek, using Snippets by American Jane for Moda. This pattern will be available through United Notions and for those of you attending Spring Market, you'll be able to see the quilt in the United Notions booth. More updates soon . . .

Click on the picture for a close-up of the fabrics.

Two New Designs Coming Soon!

I have two new designs to talk about . . .

The first quilt pattern is called: In A Snap!

. . . and it is just that easy to make.  Made with (2) Turnover packs and (1) Honey Bun plus border, backing, and binding fabric.   You will love it!  My sample will be made using American Jane's Snippets for Moda.  Look for it under Moda's "Available In March" section.

The next quilt pattern is called: Mary Ellen's Basket

It is also an easy quilt to make and my mom (with whom it is named after) already gave it high marks.  I knew she'd love it because the fabrics used are florals and colors she loves.  Made with (3) Turnovers, (1) Jelly Roll plus enough fabric for 2 borders, backing, and binding fabric.  My sample will be made using Lila Tueller's Soiree for Moda.  Look for it under Moda's "Available In February" section.  Special Note:  Lila Tueller's Soiree line does not come with Turnovers.  Instructions will be noted on the pattern if you choose to use this fabric.

These patterns should be available within the next 7 to 10 days.  The quilts will be shown during Spring Market at the United Notions booth.