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!

3 Great Companies Come Together For: The Amazing Easter Egg Hunt Giveaway!

Alex Veronelli of AURIfil, in conjunction with Accuquilt and The Quilt Show is running "The Amazing Easter Egg Hunt" on Facebook!

Three codes have been hidden, one part on each of the sponsors' Facebook pages. Follow the steps to enter for your chance to win one of three egg-citing prizes! Click on the image to see it full-size and to read the instructions in full. Good luck!

April Designer of the Month for AURIfil Thread Company: Free Pattern and GIVEAWAY!

I'm so pleased to announce the April AURIfil Designer of the Month is "me"!

Fabric: Moda's Oasis, by 3 Sisters

Click over to the AURIfil blog page and read my interview, and download the free project I designed that allows you to show off your vintage linens! I encourage you to make the project and post a photo on AURIfil's Flickr page because you may win a kit of 12 spools of AURIfil thread (truly sews like butter!).

http://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/april-aurifil-designer-of-the-month-susan-guzman/

Also check out Pat Sloan's interview with me on March 15, 2011.. scroll down and listen on your computer or download. WARNING: I wasn't feeling so well this day, so excuse my "umm's" and stuffy nose! :)

http://toginet.com/podcasts/creativetalkradio/?s=creativetalkradio

If you make the project load a photo to our Aurifil Flickr group, you will be in the running to win AURIfil thread. One person is picked each month. So worth the fun!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2011aurifildesignerofthemonth/

Free SuzGuz Designs Pattern on AURIfil's Blog

Read my interview and get my free quilted pillow cover pattern on AURIfil's blog, here!

http://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/april-aurifil-designer-of-the-month-susan-guzman/

Fabric: Oasis, by 3 Sisters for Moda
Thread: AURIfil
Accents: Using vintage linens from my collection.

Beach House in McCall's Quick Quilts April/May 2011 Issue

I've been remiss in announcing appearances in the McCall's magazines, lately. We even made the front cover!

I'm thrilled to announce the latest, called: Beach House

Image compliments of McCall's Quick Quilts, Apr/May 2011

March Designer of the Month at AURIfil

I'm so pleased to share the March Aurifil Designer of the Month, Sarah Vedeler! Sarah does amazing things with her sewing machine and I love her 'Eclipse' project.

Here is a sneak peek...

Check out Aurifil's News page and read an interview with Sarah, as well as download the free project she designed!
 
Pat Sloan interviewed Sarah on August 16, 2010 on her show, Creative Talk Network. Pat interviews me in 10 days on March 14, 2011!

Visit this talented designer on her web page at Sarah Vedeler Designs. You can also find Sarah on her FaceBook page.

At AURIfil, we are encouraging you each month to make our featured designer's project. Post your photo at our Flickr folder and one quilter will win a prize of gorgeous Aurifil thread (it truly is like sewing with butter)!

Post a photo of your completed project anytime before Feb 1, 2012 in the AURIfil Flickr folder.

Our March Aurifil Winner is SewAndSew who won a thread kit of 12 large spools in 50 wt for her 30's inspired version of Susan Brubaker Knapp's quilt, showcased in January.

Every project in the folder is eligible each month for the drawing.