Thursday, November 8, 2012

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 6 Blog Tour

Hello!  Welcome to the Curlicue Creations Blog, and my little segment of the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 6 Blog Tour.  I'm so excited and honored to be included in yet another enchanting issue of 100 Blocks.  This magazine series just keeps getting better and better.  The blocks in this volume are just unbelievable!


Here's your sneaky-peek at the cover.


This is the block I made for the issue.  It's block #513, Tango.  I also made a quilt using my block that appears on page 15 of the magazine.  I thought for the tour today, I would take you on a photo journey through the process of making the quilt.


Here's my desk in my design studio, covered with pieces of a Tango block.  The fusible web has been applied and I am in the process of cutting out each piece.  You can see my original pattern sticking out from under my background fabric in the upper right hand corner.


Here is one of the Tango blocks, all fused together.


After fusing, I carefully zig-zag around the edge of each piece with a matching thread color.  I use the needle down feature and set my stitch width to 2, length 1.5.  I also set my machine for the slowest speed, and with the needle down, lift the presser foot to pivot often.


Here are the nine blocks I used in my quilt.  I laid them out on my kitchen table and rearranged them until I was happy with the effect.  You can see here how a secondary pattern emerges when the blocks are placed together in a quilt.


I sewed strips of batiks together to make a striped border for my quilt.



Here's a close up shot of some of the quilting.  I am free-motion quilting on my domestic machine.  I'm starting to get a little better at this.  


In the middle of quilting I had a presser foot emergency!  My quilting foot actually snapped in two.  I nearly panicked, as I live in a rural area.  I was lucky to find a replacement foot at the local sewing machine repair shop.  Whew!


For the Tango quilt, I sewed my first ever pieced backing.  I used leftover fabrics from the top and also a few coordinating fabrics and sewed them together in a fun and free style log-cabin type of design.  I like the back almost as much as the front.


And here's the Tango quilt.  I'm lovin' it!  I hope you like it, too.

Now for the giveaway!  Please leave a comment about...dancing.  I don't dance myself, so my quilt blocks do.  That's why I made the Tango block.  Do you dance?  If so, what is your favorite dance?  If not, what is your "dream" dance?  Would you like to Salsa, Two-Step, or maybe even Tango?  The randomly chosen winner will receive both a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 6, and also a copy of my latest block pattern, The Strippy Flowers Quilt Block Pattern.  

I've really been enjoying visiting all the designers on the blog tour this week.  Be sure to check them all out at Quiltmaker's Blog, Quilty Pleasures.  And please also visit my shop for more of my designs, Curlicue Creations.  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a super day & Get Creative!

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

136 comments:

  1. Parabéns ,seu bloco é lindo e sua peça ficou um deslumbre.Eu danço.aprendi com um tio quando criança,subia em seus pés e ele dançava e ia falando para que lado estava indo,contava a origem ,e a batida da música para definir o estilo da dança.Lembro que tinha um tango de 22 passos,este eu não sei,pena...Minha paixão hoje são os boleros,mas gosto da saudosa discoteca.Anos idos e idade avançada já não permite tanta pirueta...Obrigada por oferta.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. My husband & I took shag lessons about 20 years ago. But he refused to practice in between lessons & I learned it's hard to practice holding onto a door knob. Thanks for sharing your block & thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  3. YOUR block is SOOOOOOOO COOL! Love how it sets up in a quilt! I would love to Swing Dance!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I do not dance, but your block is great!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am too uncoordinated to do much dancing. Some of the fitness classes I take have a little bit of a dance element to them and I assure you, it's not pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great block. Love how the quilt looks in with the different colors!
    I am not a dancer. But if I could I would love to dance Foxtrott.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really like your and it sure does dance! I'm not a dancer either but I enjoy watching it. I think I would like to learn hip hop.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't dance except silly dancing with my daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  9. WOW, that's a block!! Dancing?? Don't do it, have NO rhythm. lol!!

    thanks for the fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love dancing and my husband not. So I choose belly dance and I enjoy it. I tried pole dance - it is fun and very energetically expensive.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your block is so amazing!! I do not dance, but I would love to learn. I had the very same thing happen with my darning foot! I was in the middle of machine quilting and it broke!! I took it back to the Bernina store and they asked me "What were you doing??" Duh...... machine quilting!!! This time I got a metal foot and have had no problem since. Enjoy your dance :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love to watch Dancing with the Stars - does that count. You block is amazing and does dance. Love the secondary pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love your block and it does seem to dance.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I don't dance,but my favorite is ballet. wish I could do anything! LOL! Love your block!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have always wanted to be able to jive. I fear I have left it too late in life now.

    ReplyDelete
  16. The one thing about my hubby that I would change...he would love to dance. I used to dance more, but he HATES it.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love you block. It sure does dance. My husband doesn't dance, so the only dancing I've ever done was the Two-Step when going out with the office group to a local country western place.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think it would be fun to learn how to belly dance!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love to Salsa dance but I'd love to learn some ballroom dancing, something classic that we could do anywhere. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  20. No dancing for me....I still have memories of ballroom dancing/cotillion on the second Friday evening of the month when I was in 7th and 8th grades. It was enough to get me through high school dances, but luckily I married someone who only takes to the dance floor after way too much alcohol.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Used to dance when the hips moved freely. Now I just look plain silly! No Cloris here.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I enjoy a good two step or polka now and again. Not really much of a dancer though. love your unique block!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Nope, don't dance anymore but once in grade 5, I square danced for our city's centennial celebration! That was in the 60's!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your Tango block is gorgeous! I took dancing and danced in my elementary years but as I got older I love to set and appreciate it on television:)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Jennifer, this is Diane from Quiltmaker. I really like your quilt! Great work on your post, too. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Super block!! I, also, have had the same accident. All metal is the way to go! And I don't dance but, if I did, it would salsa, I think. Great giveaway...thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I don't dance but love watching it...Dancing witht he stars? =) Congrats on getting your block in the magazine! Love your block!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Great block!
    I don't dance either but I love to watch 'Strictly Come Dancing' here in the UK! my favourite is the tango!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I don't dance, but you're right, your quilt blocks do!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love to watch dancing shows on TV, that is all the dancing I do!
    Love your block!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I don't dance. What is wrong with us!!! But when my daughter got married, she was led by her new husband in the sweetest dance to the music "Sway." She didn't know in advance how it would turn out. At one point, he gently dipped her way back and I could see her face and eyes, both smiling! What a memory. Thanks for the block--Bold & Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love dancing and you're right -- your blocks *do* dancing!! I'm not doing any myself for the time being; I had a third foot surgery yesterday and I'm non weight bearing for the next couple of weeks! But I love to waltz and ballet and jazz and ... well, I really just enjoy moving to music! Your block is beautiful -- congratulations on being included! :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Not a dancer, but I do love to view a ballet now and then. And I love to see the performances of my grand-niece's dance troupe.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I don't dance, but would love to learn the waltz.....lovely block and yes the layout does make it dance.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I don't dance now but back in Jr High I was ina square dance group and loved it!!!! Hubby's not interested so that's not gonna happen anytime soon.
    Love teh block and the secondary design is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Well....I used to go to all the sock hops and dances at school and such but haven't danced in a public place since high school!!! I DO dance at home, but no one knows it but me!! Makes me feel good to dance to a favorite song I hear on the radio! Music makes housework a little more pleasant, too!! Your block is so cool! Love it! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Volume 6!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. My Dream Dance would be the Waltz. The people who waltz look so graceful.

    Thank you for a chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I don't dance but I would love to learn ballroom dancing. Love your block! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I like to watch ballroom dancing but not participate .

    ReplyDelete
  40. the only dance i do is the happy dance when i finish a quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love your block...it SINGS to me! I've always liked to dance but have never had a sweetie that wants to dance with me (boo-hoo!). Sew I guess I'll stick with singing...La-la-la :-)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I dont dance now but when I was younger the twist was my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love your block and the secondary pattern effect it creates.

    I am not much of a dancer myself. Both of my children take dance class and I enjoy watching them as they are learning new stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I don't dance, got two left feet! However I would love to be able to waltz as it's so graceful looking. And your block does dance - it gets the trophy for dancing.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I was 8 when my ballet teacher told my mother she was wasting her money. I was heartbroken, but she was right. So, I must imagine myself doing graceful leaps & turns in my head.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I don't dance--I'm not very coordinated. I would love to swing, if I could dance. Thanks for the chance to win--love your block and the quilt you made with it!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Well Matt and I love the movie Urban Cowboy ha ha so he actually said he would like to learn that type of dancing with me. Whatever its called hee hee. Love your blocks :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you for the "walk through" on making your block. It is way cool in all the different colors. I don't dance anymore --- husband has bad knee and ankle, but I used to love to slow dance with him.
    quiltschon@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  49. LOL. My favorite dance is called "Not looking like an idiot on the dance floor" dance. So, since that will never happen, I dance with my grand kids who only care that I do it, not what I look like! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    Love your block - thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I would love to be able to dance but alas it is better if I don't. I enjoy the older dances, swing, ballroom, etc. It is probably my age but the newer dancing seems more like gymnastics at times.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wow your block looks very intricate and hard. You must of put so much time and effort into it, and it payed off. I only dance when I'm washing the dishes and it's more of a giggle and a little swing here and there. Thanks. Vivian

    ReplyDelete
  52. I love to "freeform anything that goes with the music" dancing, mostly in private. Love this block-so versatile! Tamsyn

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love your block and quilt! I think I flunked out of tap dance as a child, so I don't dance at all in public, but I do a mean Elaine from Seinfeld dance when I'm alone!

    ReplyDelete
  54. =) I don't dance. I love the music that goes with Zumba. They had an event at the mall and that looked fun, but I'm way too self-conscious to dance.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Dance. I have no rythm when it comes to that so I hold my shih tzu's paws and dance them. They love it.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I'm not a dancer :) but my 15 months son love to dance :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am not a dancer but enjoy watching other talented people dance. I would like to learn to salsa dance. It looks like so much fun and lots of exercise.
    Your blocks are great and I love the secondary designs that they make. I am a new fan of pieced backs. They are so much fun.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Love your block and really like it that you used different color combinations together. I have to be the worst dancer. My husband is so light on his feet and dances so nice. But we just can't dance together. So all I would like to learn is to be able to follow him if we were ever to dance again. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  59. I used to square dance with my parents. It was fun. Lots of exercise, for sure. The tango is a beautiful dance, too. I like your Tango block and I am so glad that this has become part of the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 6 blog tour. Thaank you for the chance to win.

    Sandi T.
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love the blue and black combination, really stunning contrast.
    I don't dance anymore, too much for my joints, but I used to do a mean twist, lol.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love to dance! I studied dance as well, but I personally like to 'rock out'. However, I don't know the Salsa, and that is a dance I DO want to learn! Your block is exciting - I love the versatility.

    -Sandy
    wrybbunz@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. My husband and I can really tear up the dance floor with the Texas two step. Really nice block, congrats and thanks for the chance to win.
    mhinders@myclearwave.net

    ReplyDelete
  63. What a fun block, I love the secondary design when they are set together. I don't dance much but like to do the "Cha Cha Slide" line dance because the song tells you exactly what to do! Plus if you make a mistake, there's probably someone else in the crowd making mistakes too. It adds to the fun.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I don't dance but wish I could. I have 2 left feet and no rhythm but love watch dancing of any kind. My favorite is the scene in the movie "Dirty Dancing" at the end of the movie. Gives me goosebumps!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Lovely block, I love to dance period. However, I am a loyal fan of Dancing With The Stars, and would love to learn the Tango.

    ReplyDelete
  66. what a cool block which makes such an awesome quilt. thanks for the giveaway. I don't dance but if I did I would love to do the Argentine Tango.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I don´t dance, but I´ve always wished I could dance ballet :) BTW Your block is lovely!!
    Gun, Sweden
    gun@lapp.se

    ReplyDelete
  68. Love your block! It made a very pretty quilt!
    I don't dance any more unless it a "potty dance" to get to the bathroom! LOL!
    hulseybg@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I don't dance, or care to dance, haha. I really like Tango. It's awesome. I'm glad you were able to fix your pressure foot as well ;) Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  70. There is a little ditty I used to sing to my late father: "I cain't sing and I cain't dance but I can do most everything."
    Watching someone else dance is the best choice for me.
    I really like your block and the secondary design setting.

    ReplyDelete
  71. That's a really great block! Now I have yet another quilt I need to make! I don't dance, but I guess my "dream" dance would be the waltz from the Sound of Music movie, when Maria and the Captain first dance together. It was a very romantic scene and I love watching that complicated dance every time I see the movie.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I don't dance, but if I did....I think Salsa would be for me! Love the very cool block you designed!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love to dance! I'm learning to West Coast Swing and it's a LOT of fun! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  74. I love to dance, slow dancing with my husband! Doesn't matter what music as long as I'm in his arms!
    lisamcgriff(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I told my husband - last Christmas - that I wanted a dance at midnight on new years. Neither of us dance, but he remembered and I got my slow dance with him.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Salsa would be it for me. lia.vandenbrand@live.nl

    ReplyDelete
  77. I dont dance much but would hav loved to know the formal ballroom stuff. Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  78. I used to dance, now I only embarse my daughter and dgd at home, it was the stuff we did in the 70's..but I love Country Swing dance best of all.
    Love the Tango quilt and the secondary pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I don't dance, I would need rhythm for that. I do something dance like with the grand kids.

    ReplyDelete
  80. I can't dance much, but my favorite dance was dancing with my son at his wedding last fall. Great block!

    ReplyDelete
  81. The closest I come to dancing is Zumba class once a week. I'm not too graceful, but it is fun.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I do not dance but I love to watch ballet! I find it relaxing and beautiful. I love your block and thank you for the chance to win the magazine!

    ReplyDelete
  83. I love to dance, but have not for quite awhile. My favorite is tap!!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Love any kind of line dance...and your block!

    ReplyDelete
  85. I love to dance! Any dancing will do....you put the music on & I'm good to go! Love your block & thanks for a chance at the give-away!
    mgw070 at shaw dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  86. Great block - and quilts - Congrats on getting it published. I'm not much of a dancer now, but once my husband and I won a twist contest!!! Thanks for the chance to win. :)

    ReplyDelete
  87. Love your block and I am going to have to admit that I AM NOT COORDINATED.......I do enjoy the CHICKEN DANCE....LOL

    sao in Midlothian, VA

    ReplyDelete
  88. I enjoy square dancing and my dream dance would be to learn to swing dance!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I love to dance, even if I am not good at it. (plus I am an Old Quilter) but my husband of almost 50 years and I took line dancing lessons years ago. What a great time we had. I love you block too.

    ReplyDelete
  90. My favorite dance is the jitterbug. I was in high school in the 50's and the days of American Bandstand.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Love the quilt. I don't dance. I do sway a lot, though, when the music is on.

    ReplyDelete
  92. I don't dance anymore, but I used to love to do the Texas Two Step!

    ReplyDelete
  93. My favorite dance? "Hang on and sway"

    ReplyDelete
  94. Your block is really nice and I love the way it looks in the quilt. I like to dance to rock and roll. My granddaughter is a wonderful dancer. She is 14 now and has been taking lessons since age 5.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I used to dance all night, but alas I'm too big and old to dance anymore except in my dreams.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I like to jitterbug. But not very good. You blocks are great. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Nice block and very colorful quilt. Don't dance, never did, not interested. Love to watch my little grand daughter at ballet though. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  98. two step. would love to ballroom dance Waltz

    ReplyDelete
  99. I love dancing but when I made my "wish list" of what I'd want if I ever married again...I forgot to write dancing on the list. I did get 23 out of the other 23 items but I missed dancing. Then, I discovered Zumba! It's like going out dancing with all your friends without the sleezy guys or having to buy overpriced drinks! Of course, I think my younger daughter may have been traumatized by watching all these middle aged ladies dance a time or two! pbstrand@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. Love to watch people dance the Tango almost as much as I like your quilt block. Enjoy looking at your work!

    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  101. Ooh I really love your block. Dance? About the closest I will get to dance is watching it on TV while I EAT my Salsa. ha.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Awesome block! I'm not much of a dancer, but my husband and I love "belly-rubbing" music!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Long ago, we learned the Lindy in a college P. E. class. It was a lot of fun. Congrats on your block and thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  104. If I could only do the Boogie-Woogie, like they did it in the old days.........

    ReplyDelete
  105. I love your block and quilt. I don't dance because my husband won't dance. :-( But I used to dance and I love the two-step. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Your Tango quil is beautiful. I don't dance but wish I could Rhumba with my husband.

    ReplyDelete
  107. I have been dancing almost as long as I can remember! I took ballet and tap lessons as a child, and I still remember all the ballet positions and how to do a triple time step in tap! I took ballroom dancing as a gym class in college (the cha-cha is my favorite ballroom dance), and even took belly dancing lessons at one point!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Great block I love it made into a guilt. I am not much of a dancer. I did take a tap dancing class when I was in college and loved it so I guess if I had a chance I would love to get better at that.

    ReplyDelete
  109. This is an amazing block! I don't actually know how to do any dance but the polka (lots of Polish weddings). I'd love to take ballroom dancing lessons!

    ReplyDelete
  110. I guess my favorite couple dance is the Twist--it's the only one my husband will actually do with me.

    ReplyDelete
  111. I love to dance but don't do it often enough. Maybe that's what I should do this weekend!
    wlinda_ca(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I love your block and I love to be able to do the Salsa dance.

    ReplyDelete
  113. I can't dance either, but I think looking at your tango block and following it that I might be able to do the TANGO.

    Thanks for sharing. Love the color blending.
    Sandie in
    Louisburg, NC

    ReplyDelete
  114. What an awesome block and quilt! I don't get the opportunity to dance much, but I would love to learn how to do the salsa.

    ReplyDelete
  115. Give me an elegant, old fashioned waltz any time. Your block is great.
    swalker287 (at) gmail (dot) com.

    ReplyDelete
  116. When I was a little girl of four, my parents gave me dance lessons (ballet and tap) in hopes I would gain coordination because I was such a clutz. Thanks for the chance to win. mcdowallrc@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  117. I'm more of a watcher than a dancer, but I wouldn't mind learning how to do the west coast swing.

    ReplyDelete
  118. What a fun block and an amazing quilt! What a talented gal you are! I grew up at the end of the disco era. I had my dancing shoes on all the time, hehe. I can line dance but most of my dancing now includes doing the "hokey pokey" with my grandson.

    Thank you and Quiltmaker for a great giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  119. I don't dance per se, but I try to Zumba.

    ReplyDelete
  120. Your block is really nice. I don't dance.

    ReplyDelete
  121. I'm not a dancer, but I enjoy watching Dance Moms on Lifetime. Does that count? lol

    Love your block and the quilt is fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  122. I have 3 left feet when it comes to dancing and no sense of rythym! I would so love to glide across the dance floor with a prince charming to a waltz! But, I will just have to dance in my dreams and let my quilting be my creative expression. First reaction to quilt block---WHOA what a dynamic design!

    ReplyDelete
  123. I'm not a dancer, but last night we watched a tape of our grand-niece, who is 8, participating in a salsa contest. Now I know where the dancing talent landed in our family. So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  124. I don't really dance - even my aerobics moves are hideous :). I would love to learn to tango!

    ReplyDelete
  125. I really loved square dancing in school. I don't dance anymore but that is what i would like to do if i did. thanks Scarlette shobbs@scarlette.com

    ReplyDelete
  126. I don't really dance, but I enjoy watching ballroom dancing, especially the waltz.

    ReplyDelete
  127. I CAN'T dance, never could. My family used to do a lot of German Waltzes at weddings and such. They were always fun, but I don't remember how to do them.

    ReplyDelete
  128. What an amazing block and I love the effect in the quilt. I am not a dancer at all!!

    ReplyDelete
  129. I do not dance. I have hardly any rhythm. I would love to be able to do the Tango though. It always looked like fun. I love your block, it "moves" in a quilt. Congrats on being chosen to be in the magazine

    ReplyDelete
  130. Sigh...I don't dance either. The closest I come is t'ai chi.

    ReplyDelete
  131. I don't dance, but would love to have a long slow waltz with my hubs. :)

    ReplyDelete
  132. Amazing block! Love the quilt you made. I guess my fanatsy dance to learn would be the tango. That dance looks amazing when I seeThanks for sharing and for your giveaway.

    missmoozie(at)gmail(dot)com it.

    ReplyDelete
  133. I don't dance either, but I do love to watch graceful people dance.

    ReplyDelete
  134. I don't dance, either, but I can enjoy watching my girls when they dance on the ice during figure skating! Love watching them and the coach twirl around the ice. Thanks for sharing a lovely block!

    ReplyDelete
  135. I love to dance, specially S-A-L-S-A!!!

    ReplyDelete