Hello! Welcome to my little segment of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12 Blog Tour. I'm so glad you're here, visiting my blog home. If I could, I'd offer you a warm cup of cocoa and a cookie.
This is my block for the issue, Pinwheel Flowers. It appears on page 37 of the magazine, Block #1160. At the end of my post I'll give you a chance to win your very own copy of Volume 12.
Let's talk a bit about backgrounds and using directional fabrics today. For the Pinwheel Flowers block, I used a cloud print fabric. As I cut out the pieces for the background, I made sure all my clouds were "floating" in the same direction. You can see here that they don't have to fit together exactly at the seams to get a good sky effect.
I played with the block's background in this version, using a "sunrise/sunset" style fabric. All these pieces were cut from one fat quarter. I laid the pieces out on a design wall as I cut them to keep them in order. It only takes a little bit of planning to use directional fabrics effectively, and they can add fun and fabulous dimension to your blocks.
This is the completed sunrise/sunset version of the Pinwheel Flowers block.
You can easily change the mood of this block by simply using different background fabrics. Pinwheel Flowers seem to glow at night with this dramatic dark blue version.
Pinwheel Flowers on a sunny day can be sewn by using a light yellow fabric for the background. What a happy feeling the yellow background creates.
In this version I made the flowers three different colors. Notice how I kept the light, medium, and dark values the same in each flower. This is a great way to use a variety of colors and still have a balanced look.
What can you do with the Pinwheel Flowers block? You can sew a few together and grow a garden of flowers - or a whole field of flowers.
I sewed a strip of four Pinwheel Flowers blocks together, and combined them with a few more strips of fabric, and pieced pinwheel strips to make this happy wall hanging. It's hanging in my studio today, right over my quilting machine.
If you haven't already seen it, here's the cover of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12. Pinwheel Flowers actually made the cover, along with so many other fabulous blocks - awesome! Thank you, Quiltmaker.
To win your very own copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, leave a comment below. Let's make it interesting, please comment about your favorite traditional quilt block. Be sure I have a way to contact you, should you be the lucky one.
To win your very own copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, leave a comment below. Let's make it interesting, please comment about your favorite traditional quilt block. Be sure I have a way to contact you, should you be the lucky one.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Be sure to visit the other designers on the tour all week - you can return to the list at Quiltmaker's blog here: Quilty Pleasures.
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
A lovely line of flowers! Beautiful block! Congratulations! My favourite block is the flying geese. Can't say why, but just love this block very much,lol!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the log cabin block - I love all the different patterns it can make.
ReplyDeletejen dot barnard at btinternet dot com
Congrats on making the cover! Your block is super cute, can't go wrong with flowers...IMHO. My favorite block would be the Dresden. I find it very versatile and it reminds me of a flower.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite traditional quilt block is the pinwheel.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite trad block is a log cabin. I always go back to it.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be in love the flying geese lately!! So much fun to play with. Last year it was pinwheels...love your block!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite block is a star block--any star block. I just love them all!
ReplyDeleteGreat block! Love seeing it with all the different backgrounds. I love star blocks--my favorite may be the sawtooth star. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI love the star block.
ReplyDeleteA log cabin quilt was the first quilt I made and I still love the block. Cute flowers...
ReplyDeleteLove your pinwheel flowers! Congratulations on being chosen for Quiltmaker's 100, Vol. 12. I love traditional blocks and my favorites are any with stars.
ReplyDeleteusairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a log cabin lover too.
ReplyDeleteI love the log cabin block.
ReplyDeletepatsystitch@gvtc.com
The friendship star is my favorite block. Can be used in sew many ways! Love your pinwheel flowers.
ReplyDeletethat is a cool pinwheel....love the 3 different colors one....my favorite block lately is the nine patch.....I love using it for borders and sashings in my sampler quilts......and I like the Dresden block and the feathered star too.....hard to pick just one favorite.....
ReplyDeleteMy favourite block is the Churndash. "Some" day, I want to make a whole quilt of the Churndash block.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and informative post on backgrounds! Loved it!
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a traditional block girl, but I guess I'll pick the snowball. Tis the season and all. :)
this is my first visit to your blog. I love this block and the way u showed how to make it different
ReplyDeleteMy favorite block (this week) is churn dash
Love how you changed out the backgrounds, Jennifer. Thanks for being part of the blog tour!
ReplyDeleteDiane at Quiltmaker
Wow, tough question. I guess I will choose Burgoyne Surrounded. Your flowers are AWESOME!!
ReplyDeleteSawtooth star is my favorite but I love baskets and pinwheels too! Sew many blocks to love!
ReplyDeleteElively@indy.rr.com
How fun to be a cover girl! I'm enjoying seeing all the new blocks. As for old blocks....I love Ohio Stars...and Courthouse steps and well, buckeye blocks...my list goes on a ways :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the Dresden Plate! It gives me the chance to use a lot of colors. Your flowers block is beautiful! Thanks for the tips on using direction fabrics.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely block with great background variations! My favorite block is the star block. Thanks for the giveaway. bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteyour pinwheel flowers are absolutely adorable! one of my favorite traditional blocks is the Carolina Lily because it is a beautiful, timeless block. with the trio of flowers your block reminds me of it in a more modern setting. i love 100 blocks and can't wait for the next release!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet and happy block! I don't think I have a favorite block, but I am having fun making LeMoyne Stars right now.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I am leaning towards the Storm at Sea block. I am collecting fabric for one right now. Star blocks of any kind are my favorite blocks.
ReplyDeleteLog cabin will always be a favorite of mine. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite block is the church dash!
ReplyDeleteDmac5958ataoldotcom
Love your pinwheel flowers - nice!!! I like log cabin as my traditional go to block - works great with scraps!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite traditional block is churn dash because I am a "stitch in the ditch" type of quilter.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the simple 9 patch. So many things you can do with it!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite block is churn dash as I am a "stitch in the ditch" type of quilter.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite block is a Jacobs Ladder block. So many ways to change the pattern just by changing the colors!
ReplyDeleteI love the log cabin I imagine because it was the first one I made... thanks your block could find a place in a quilt for a new baby drhodes9@cox.net
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to choose a favorite block because I love so many of them. I would probably say star blocks are my favorite, but I have made a lot of pinwheel blocks too. I love all the different background ideas you've shown for your block.
ReplyDeleteI love star blocks, so my favorite is the very traditional Sawtooth Star block.
ReplyDeleteThere's something so lovely about a classic 4-patch or 9-patch - but a disappearing 9-patch is the best!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful block! I could even see it used in one of the Row by Row Experience patterns. Very fun! My favorite block is currently the Ohio Star block. It's so much fun to make and great fun to quilt with different designs that make the star pop!
ReplyDeleteI love log cabin blocks best. But there are so many options, so many possibilities. kathleendotlutzatcomcastdotnet
ReplyDeleteYour block is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. My favorite quilt block is Dresden Plate.I like it because I get to use up a lot of my scraps. Plus I love to applique so I get to do this, too.
ReplyDeleteI like several of the 8 pointed star block variations.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having your beautiful block on the cover! I like the log cabin block!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on having your pretty flowers on the cover! My favorite traditional block is churn dash.
ReplyDeletejoysnoop78@yahoo.com
Love love your block. Can't wait to get my copy. My favorite traditional block is the churn dash.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity of winning a copy of this issue....
Carol Berge
Carol_Berge@msn.com
I do so love, what are they called, Monkey Wrench blocks? I thinkt hat's what it was. I did a Lorax quilt with them, they are great.
ReplyDeleteI love the pinwheel flowers. My favorite traditional block is the log cabin, also my first quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love pinwheels and yours is great. I love most traditional-type blocks and really can't pick out only one as a favorite - that would be like picking your favorite child. Can't do it!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making the cover - your block is so cute - I love pinwheels - happens to be one of my favorite blocks! Thanks for the chance to win ;)
ReplyDeleteDebby E
samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com
My all-time favorite quilt block is Ohio Star. It was fun to see your block made up with all the different background fabrics. They really change the look of the block!
ReplyDeleteI love your pinwheel flowers; so fun!! And I love the birds in the air block, but I'm a birdwatcher also, so that fits!! :-)
ReplyDeleteMy grandma used to make the round the world block and you could use up lots of fabric from your staff for that block.
ReplyDeleteThanks
I love log cabins since they have so many possible variations! When I first started quilting I didn't like them as my seams weren't so accurate. Then I tried paper piecing them and loved it. Then I tried offset, and twisted, and wonky and that was all a blast. I'm totally sold now, can you tell?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Your block is wonderful. I love your mini quilt. My favorite, go to block is the log cabin
ReplyDeleteMy mother and grandmother hand pieced and hand quilted a "Double Wedding Ring" quilt that has been handed down to me. A much treasured item!!! Needless to say, the "Double Wedding Ring" is my favorite block.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite traditional block is the nine patch.
ReplyDeletejitney41atgmaildotcom
I guess I'm pretty boring but I love the log cabin blocks. They can be set in so many different ways!
ReplyDeleteLove your flower block. My favorite is the irish chain.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite block is the pinwheel. Have really enjoyed doing quilts with them since finding a short-cut method and it makes them meet perfectly in the center... before that... didn't like them so much!
ReplyDeleteCute block! Thanks for showing all the different ways to lay it out. I like log cabin blocks.
ReplyDeleteauntie.clark@gmail.com
I really like all the things that can be done with a lot cabin block.
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt block. My favorite traditional block is the pinwheel.
ReplyDeleteChurn Dash !
ReplyDeleteLove your block, congrats on the cover! One of my first quilts I ever made was a log cabin quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love your pinwheel flowers...so cute! My favorite block is churn dash but I have many favorites😊,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite block is a Card Trick. Loved the different ideas you shared, the row caught my eye in particular. That'd be a great table runner for the spring, when I've had enough of snow and cold and yuck.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite blocks is churn dash. Thanks. Diane O
ReplyDeleteI love pinwheels and spring! Thank you for the tips about background fabric, too! My favorite traditional block changes from time to time, but most steadily has been the friendship star.
ReplyDeleteI love the Dresden block It gives me the chance to use a lot of fabrics Your blocks are so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove your pinwheel flowers. My favourite blocks are star blocks. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletewendy.ferguson@rogers.com
really like the garden of flowers runner! flying geese is my fav block!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite block is log cabin but I really can't wait to make your pinwheels.
ReplyDeleteThe pinwheel flowers are great. The mini lesson about the background fabrics was very interesting. One of my favorite blocks -- the log cabin.
ReplyDeleteGreat block. Congrats on making the cover. My favorite traditional block is the log cabin. Thanks.
ReplyDeletePinwheels and card trick. What a cute block. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteHow cute your block is! I love it - one of my favorite blocks is the log cabin!
ReplyDeleteSi also love your quilt block especially with the sunset or the clouds. My favorite block are Dresden plates.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the cover and love the block! Bear Paw or Log Cabin are my favorites as they can be used in so many ways. Rina
ReplyDeleteYour block is very cute, I am always happy to see a pinwheel block.my all time favorite block is the Ohio star block.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting pretty good with flying geese.
ReplyDeleteI really like the background with the sky and clouds best. very nice block!
ReplyDeleteI like the disappearing pinwheel block lately . . .
ReplyDeleteSweet block! I love blocks that form a secondary design, and stars and log cabins.
ReplyDeleteVery cute block! My fave block is the pinwheel. Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI like nine patch blocks.
ReplyDeleteI like the weather vane block.
ReplyDeletejoyecox@yahoo.com
Sooooooo cute! I love most star blocks and ..... Monkey wrench and churn dash and.... Maple leaf .... And goose in the pond.....
ReplyDeleteCute, cute block. Love the pinwheel flowers. My favorite traditional block is a simple 9 patch. You can do so many things with it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for being on the cover! I love how this block looks in a full row like a field of flowers. One of my favourite traditional blocks is the log cabin.
ReplyDeletevery fun block and I like the variety of layouts...as traditional block I like the disipering nine patch....thank you....marta......martamanole@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletePinwheels are my favorite! I am working on a scrappy pinwheel quilt for my little girl- love them! Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMy favorite block is Jacob's ladder - the possibilities are endless. siddikats3 at aol dot com.
ReplyDeleteHow fun is your block - so happy. My favorite block is the next one I learn!
ReplyDeleteReally cute block! Thanks for sharing the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite traditional quilt block is Double Wedding Ring. I didn't say it is my favorite to make. Congrats on being a cover girl. Susan
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you have the most cheerful sewing room with your pretty pinwheel wall hanging on the wall! I like the variations you've offered with the background fabrics. Great tips. My favorite traditional block is the bear claw. My husband is a bear NUT and someday I'm going to make him quilt for his "den" using this block. duchick at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI love the way the flowers in your block seem to be swaying in a breeze. I do love a Dresden Plate block.
ReplyDeleteMy fave block must be bowties since I've made so many blocks and quilts!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your creativity on the block colors, and how daring to put flowers in the fall edition.! I really enjoy making star blocks, not too particular about the actual name, any will do. Kathy in Colo repzjratplainsdotnet
ReplyDeleteTraditional block I have used the most is a log cabin.
ReplyDeleteale3002000@yahoo.com
Thank you for a chance to win. I favor block stars, but Ohio Star has a special place in my heart since my father is from Ohio. I love how you made the backgrounds look so interesting in the different samples.
ReplyDeleteI have always like Pickle dish! thanks for giveaway. pjrquilter (at) msn (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI really like log cabin blocks, because you can do so much with them.
ReplyDeleteI'm addicted to Granny Squares although I love a Hunter's Star. Your block is wonderful. Makes me think of Summer.
ReplyDeleteLog cabin is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteYour block is so cheerful - love it! My favorite, right this minute (LOL!) is Flying Geese!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite traditional block is a log cabin, it's the first one I learned to make. I just started making Dresden's though and I've fallen in love.
ReplyDeleteYour block is such a happy block, the pinwheel flowers are adorable.
ReplyDeleteMy Favourite block is the Friendship Star Block
ReplyDeletemaureeneh52@hotmail.com
You gotta love pinwheels and your pinwheel flowers are no exception! Congrats! My favorite traditional block is log cabin.
ReplyDeletelove, love your pinwheels...
ReplyDeleteI love the square in a square right now
sewfabrics@outlook.com
I like log cabin and courthouse steps. I love your flowers…one for each of your boys :) Congrats on being on the COVER! WHOOT WHOOT!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite blocks have flowers and birds in them. Love the pinwheel flowers!
ReplyDeleteFun Pinwheel flowers waving in the breeze. Thanks for makign a block for volume 12.
ReplyDeleteCute pinwheel block! I have many favorite traditional blocks but the pinwheel and log cabin rank right up at the top.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite traditional block is the Dresden Plate. I am SO glad you showed us your block in different color ranges!
ReplyDeleteLove pinwheel blocks for their movement, but my heart belongs to the churndash:)
ReplyDeleteI like the bold simplicity of the Dutchman's Puzzle block.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite traditional block is Ohio Star.
ReplyDeleteI love your pinwheel flowers (pinwheels being another favorite).
Star blocks are a favorite, but a block with flowers is right up there. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteYour pinwheel flowers make me smile! I appreciate the samples with different background that you provided. My favorite traditional block? Oh, boy. There are so many that appeal to me. If I had to pick one to work on right now it would be Jacob's Ladder. (Ask me next week and my answer will be different.)
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer! I'm also a vol. 12 designer and I'm just popping around to visit all the other blog tour participants. Your pinwheel flower block is just so fun! It is so interesting to see how changes to the background fabric make the block look different. Congratulations on a great design!
ReplyDeleteMy all-time favorite block is the churn dash. You can vary it by stretching it out long and skinny, scrunching it up chubby, changing the color values and doing allover scrappy plus lots more.
ReplyDeleteI love this block! Pinwheels have actually always been one of my favourite quilt blocks, and I love that you turned them into flowers :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I have a favorite...but I love HST and recently have made a lot of pinwheel and star blocks.
ReplyDeleterjoehnk@txwinet.com
My favorite recently has been pinwheels! I may have to practice your block a lot to pull myself out of winter doldrums.
ReplyDeletestephloupee at comcastdotnet
My current favorite block is the Bowtie.
ReplyDeleteYour block design is wonderful!
log cabin blocks, you can do sew many crazy things with them !! log cabin stars, was the first large quilt i made, still going strong almost 40 years later :) love your flowers, a favorite subject of mine.
ReplyDeleteYour block is so fun! Congrats on the magazine! I'm also in volume 12! Block 1108, this tour is so fun!
ReplyDeleteOh I love it! Take something traditional and make something cute!
ReplyDeleteI'm all for tradition, and that's why I love stars! Any kind of star, and paper-pieced especially.
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love those pinwheel flowers. My absolute favorite block is the log cabin. My first ever quilt was a queen-sized log cabin quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love star blocks :) Congrats on your block. THanks for the chance to win! ksmith8@emich.edu
ReplyDeleteYou can do so much with a simple nine patch just by varying the colours. Congratulations on making the cover. Love the way the flowers show differently depending on your background.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your block! My favorite so far! My favorite traditional quilt block is log canin.
ReplyDeleteI love the log cAbin block and the different ways to lay it out
ReplyDeleteJennifer, Love your block@
ReplyDelete