Open Gate Blog

Quiltmakers 100 Block Giveaway Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Mon, 07 May 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and commenting! All the good wishes for my husband are so much appreciated! He seems to be doing better and I am so thankful for that.

I really enjoyed learning all about your favorite flowers and some of the reasons that you like them. I even learned of some new flowers and remembered some that I had forgotten.

Here are the winners of the drawings:

Quiltmakers 100 Blocks Volume 5 goes to:

1. Quilt Hollow said...

I love flowers with fragrance however tulips are near and dear to my heart because I was fortunate and got to live in The Netherlands for four years during hubby's military career. I looked forward to Keukenhof each year and all the variety of tulips and COLOR! Thanks for the chance...I've been seeing many post about your rulers too!

8 Fit to be Quarter 2.5:

1. Joyce said...

So sorry that your husband is ill...hope for a speedy recovery. Lilacs are just blooming in Maine and smell heavenly. Would love to win. Thanks.

2. Wilma said...

My favorite spring flowers are hyacinths. The scent is heavenly.
I would like to make your block in the colors of hyacinths.

3. Janet said...

My favorite flowers are white ones. Hope your husband is doing well and congrads on the block!

4. Ginny Worden said...

Love your rulers, and my favorite spring flower is a tulip, probably be ause it reminds me of my mother.

5. Julia said...

Lilacs, since they remind me of home. Thanks for the super giveaway!

6. Marcia W. said...

Wow! So many prizes. Thank you for the lovely giveaway. I used one of your blocks in a quilt that I completed this year. My favorite flower is the Iris - purple and blues. My thoughts are with you for your husband's steady recovery.

7. Susan Jonsson said...

I have a profusion of sweet wildish yellow poppies....I guess they are my current favorite. Thank you for the chance to win.

Susan

8. Patti said...

My favorite spring flower is the lily of the valley. I love the smell of them.

3 Fit to be Geese rulers:

1. Pat V. said...

My favorite spring flower is the sunny, cheerful daffodil. Thanks for the lovely giveaway!

2. Cindy said...

My favourite SPRING flower is daffodils, but my absolute favourite flowers are Asiatic lilies. Thanks for the chance(s) to win! :)

3. Purl Buttons said...

Today, my favorite flower is iris. If you ask again on another day, I may have changed my mind!

2 Mini Fit to be Geese rulers:

1. BizyStitches said...

Congrats on your lovely block. I would have to say yellow daffodils are really nice in the spring. Thanks for the many chances to win. I love rulers.

2. Phyldar said...

Pansies have always been my favorite flower - my grandmother always had a huge bed of them when I was growing up (all colors) and I loved to set by it and just soak up the beauty! Great block!

Congratulations!!

Just a reminder, if you have won and haven't received an email from me, please check your SPAM or email me at info@opengatequilts.com so I can get your address and send you your prize.

Thanks for participating and hope to hear from everyone again soon!

Quiltmaker 100 Block Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Thu, 03 May 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome!

It is so nice to once again be included in the magazine and the blog tour! I love to hear from everyone and hope that you will comment for a chance to win a copy of the magazine plus much more!

The block that is included in the Quiltmaker 100 Block Volume 5 is called Diamond Eyes. It may not be a surprise to some of you that one of my favorite elements in a block and quilts as well, is the diamond shape. I think it adds beauty to the quilts and some different elements. Here is my block:

Since my husband has been ill and I have been working on getting ready for Market, I decided to do some give-aways instead of a project. I hope that you understand and although I don't have alot of time, I can do some great give-aways. If you make a comment, you will be entered to win one of the following:

First, the magazine is giving away a copy of the Quiltmaker 100 Blocks Volume 5.

Second, my newest rulers will be debuting at Market. It is a "mini" Fit to be Quarter and is called Fit to be Quarter 2.5. It works just like the Fit to be Quarter but it's only 2 1/2". SO cute! I am giving away 8 of these! It is so new, it's not even on my website yet!

Third, there have been quite a few people blogging about 2 of my rulers: Fit to be Geese and Mini Fit to be Geese. Thanks Kathie and Thelma! The Fit to be Geese ruler can be used for my block so I decided to give away 3 of these. Also, I am giving away 2 Mini Fit to be Geese rulers.

So, in all you have 14 chances to win something...better odds than the lotto! All you have to do is make a comment on the following:

Since it is spring, what is your favorite flower? Anyone who knows me, knows mine are tulips. I have been receiving a lot of tulips from friends and family lately to help make me smile and they certainly have! Thank you!

Good luck in the drawing and I close the drawing on Saturday night and will announce the winner Monday morning. Please make sure that if you do not want to leave your email address, that you watch Monday morning to see if you have won.

Thank you everyone who has wished the best for my husband and I. He is doing better but it will be a long recovery. I just thank God that he is still with me.

I will be back

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I don't want you to think that I have fallen off the face of the earth. My husband has been ill and I have been busy with him.

Hopefully, I will be back to blogging regularly soon. Thanks for checking in.

I will be doing a blog hop for the newest Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks in the next few weeks. Hope to see you then!

Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

I'm so glad that everyone stopped by and made a comment on my blog. I so enjoyed reading whether you were a math hater or lover. Thanks for stopping by!

The winners are:

1. Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts: Sandy who said:

Have rulers- ready to quilt.
Liked the change-up examples and colorway you chose.

2. Fit to be Quarter Ruler: Sherri D. who said:

How about a love/hate relationship with math? lol Actually, math was one of my better subjects, but you wouldn't always know it from my quilting math skills! I've gotten lazy and ask my husband who has a computer for a brain. He always knows the answers! lol
Thanks for this wonderful give away!

3. Mini Fit to be Geese ruler: Mariam who said:

I loved math all the way through school. When I got to uni I found I had met my match!! It was tough going! I asked someone to help me who I knew was a couple of years ahead of me. We ended up getting married and almost 35 years, and 3 children later we are still married.

Thank you for a great giveaway Monique!

Hope you ladies enjoy!

Thanks so much for participating and hope to see you again soon!

Blog Hop Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the last day of Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts blog hop. It is a sad day because it is the last day but it's also a good day too because we are not blogging with just one blogger but two! If you have missed any of the other bloggers, make sure that you check them out. Monday was Thelma's day, Tuesday was Lisa's, Wednesday was Denise's and me and Thursday was Sherri's.

Okay, now for today's bloggers. First, Nicole from Sister's Choice. I met Nicole through Carrie again. Carrie is quite the connector, isn't she? Again, Carrie sent Nicole my Fit to be Geese ruler to try. Nicole put it away and some time later decided to try it. Once she tried it, she was hooked and blogged about it. That was the best sales that I have had! Thanks, Nicole!! I met Nicole face to face when she traveled to Illinois to take a class from Carrie. Nicole is a wonderful, gentle soul and I immediately liked her. She has a way with words and once you start reading her blog, you will continue to enjoy her eloquence.

Last but certainly not least, Carrie Nelson from Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. I met Carrie when she came to Illinois quite a few years ago. When I met Carrie, I felt an instant friendship. She is so easy to talk to, fun to be with and loves to talk. She is a great listener and she told me that if I ever had any questions about designing, that I should ask her. I have taken her up on that offer and she has always been helpful and gracious. She is a true friend and I am so glad that I met her. You will LOVE her blog. She blogs just like she talks.

Thank you all so much for visiting all our blogs and I am so glad to have all of you as blog buddies!

Blog Hop Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Day 4 of Traditional Fat Quarters Blog Hop! We have all had great responses so far. I am so excited to read all the comments and see what everyone is doing with the quilts in the book.

If you have missed anyone so far, you can go back and check them out. Monday was Thelma from Cupcakes 'n Daisies, Tuesday was Lisa from Stashmaster, Wednesday was Denise from Quilter's Window and me. Today is Sherri from A Quilting Life.

I met Sherri through blogging and Carrie Nelson. Carrie sent one of my rulers to Sherri to try it. She liked it and blogged about it. I emailed with her and we because email friends. We met face to face at Quilt Market this past spring and she is delightful. As wonderful as she is talented. I really enjoy her and her blog and hope you do to! She is also designing for several magazines so you may recognize her name. Check her blog out to see what she has for giveaways and the wonderful quilt she is making.

Hope you are enjoying the hop and stop by tomorrow to see who we are blogging with next!

Blog Hop Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to day 3 for the Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts blog hop. I hope you have been visiting everyone's sites to see what they are doing. Monday was Thelma's day from Cupcakes 'n Daisies and yesterday was Lisa's day from Stashmaster.

Today, there are 2 of us blogging: Denise from Quilter's Window and me. I met Denise at Quilt Market several years back. She is one of those people that you instantly like because of her easy manner and sense of humor. She is always laughing and smiling and you feel instantly comfortable. If you have never been to her store or her website, please check it out! I travel to visit her, teach and lecture usually twice a year and I get to stay with her in her lovely home. Her husband and sons are always so tolerant of us chatty girls and of course, one of my favorite members of her household is Rocky, a Cairn Terrior. We get along wonderfully!

Before I get to my project, I want to tell you a bit about my book, Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts. As you probably can tell from my first book and now this book, I love fat quarters. It is one of the sizes of cuts that really intrigues me. It must be the mathematician in me. It is fun for me to figure out how many blocks or pieces I can get out of a fat quarter. Some of you are groaning, thinking: "Math, yuk!" Leave it to me and I will figure it out. My brother calls me Math Geek and I wear the name proudly! For a different twist to my latest book, instead of using fat quarters for the background, I used 1 main light fabric. I thought it would be fun to change it up a bit and sometimes it is easier to have one background and the rest scrappy. As in my first book, this book includes alternate sizes for the patterns. It's nice to be able to make the quilt bigger if you want. Another wonderful thing about the book is the price, only $16.95! What a great deal for 11 patterns plus additional sizes. Hope you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed creating it.

The quilt that I decided to recreate from the book is Poker. My dear friend, Kathy, pieced it and I chose it so I could make one too! I made a smaller version than she did but it was so much fun. Here is the original from the book.

I was inspired by Thelma and her Dancing with the Stars quilt. I love that she used grey and red. It was so beautiful that I made mine in the same color scheme. I chose 3 fat quarters: one light, one red and one grey. I could make 4 blocks.

Here is some of the piecing that I did:

Trimming using the Fit to be Quarter ruler

Trimming using the Mini Fit to be Geese ruler

Once I had the blocks done, I needed to decide which way I was going to orient the blocks. The first one is with the grey in the center:

The second one is with the cream in the center:

And the winner is: grey in the center. Here it is with borders on.

That is my project that I worked on for the book. It was fun and with the rulers that I used, everything came out wonderfully.

This takes me to my giveaway. I am going to be giving 3 items away.

First, is a copy of the book Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts

Second, a Fit to be Quarter ruler

Third, a Mini Fit to be Geese ruler

All you have to do is comment on my blog and you could win any one of the three give-aways. There will be three winner to share the wealth! You have until Friday night at midnight to comment and I will announce the winners Saturday morning. If you don't feel comfortable leaving your email address on the comment, make sure that you come back to see if you win. This is the question that I would like you to comment on:

Math lover or hater? Why?

Thanks for stopping by and make sure that you come back tomorrow for the next blogger and fun!

Blog Hop Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the second day of Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts blog hop! Hopefully, you got to see Thelma's blog yesterday and read about the blog hop. If not, make sure you "hop" right over there!

Today's day is Lisa from Stashmaster. I also met Lisa through Carrie. I had the opportunity to retreat with Lisa this past September in Wisconsin. This was the first time that I had actually met her face to face and she is just as wonderful in person as she in on her blog. I felt an instant friendship with her and look forward to the next time I see her. Hope you enjoy her blog and see what she has done with her chosen quilt.

See you tomorrow!

Blog Hop Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to our blog hop featuring quilts from my new book Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts!

We are kicking of the blog hop with one of my favorite bloggers, Thelma from Cupcake's 'n Daisies. I met Thelma through Carrie Nelson from Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. Thelma is such a sweetheart and her quilting is truly inspirational. If you haven't visited her blog, please do! You will be inspired and excited to read about her and see her lovely quilts. She also has a wonderful dog, Cooper and will share some funny stories about him. And...I hear that a rumor is going around that I may be giving a prize away and it might be Tillie. Thelma, some days you can take her but I think Bill and Maple might miss her! :) (Me too!)

Who me? I'm innocent!

During the blog hop, you will have a chance at each blogger's blog to win a copy of Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts. You will also get to see some wonderful adaptations of quilts from the book. The bloggers that are joining me are not only creative but are fun and if you haven't read their blogs, you should.
Join me tomorrow for the second day, more chances to win and to see who is the blogger of the day!

Thanks for stopping by and see you tomorrow.

Blog Hop for Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:57:00 +0000

Starting next Monday, March 26th, I am hosting a blog hop for my new book Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts.

I am so excited about the upcoming hop and have been furiously working on my project. Each blogger that is participating will be doing a sample of one of the quilts in the book. They will use their creativity and expertise to add their own touch to the quilts.

Here is the schedule of participants:

Monday - Thelma http://www.cupcakesndaisies.blogspot.com/
Tuesday - Lisa http://the-stashmaster.blogspot.com/
Wednesday - Denise http://www.quilterswindow.com/blog/ and me http://opengatequilts.blogspot.com/
Thursday - Sherri http://www.aquiltinglife.com/
Friday - Carrie http://lavieenrosie.typepad.com/lavieenrosie/ and Nicole http://sisterschoice.typepad.com/sisters_choice_quilts/

C&T Publishing also has a give-away of Traditional Fat Quarter quilts going on right now! Go on their blog, leave a comment and you are entered for a chance to win a copy of the book. Good luck!

Hope to see you all next week! Don't forget there will be giveaways, lots of quilts to see and lots of fun!

QM Rocks the Blocks

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:18:00 +0000

Today is the launch of the debut issue of Quilts from Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks! If you go to Quiltmaker's blog, they are giving away issues of the magazine. The magazine features quilts made from the blocks from the Quiltmaker 100 Block magazines.

I am fortunate enough to be included in the magazine! I contributed Mezzanine to this issue, shown below. It’s made with block #162, my design for Volume 2, called Tile Works.

I used black, cream and red from Memories of Provence. Let me know what you think!

Exciting things are coming up in the next couple of months:

Several other bloggers and I will be doing a blog hop on my new book, Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts through C&T Publishing. Look for that at the end of March. There will be giveaways, tips and some surprises!

I have designed a new ruler and will be debuted at Quilt Market in May. I'm very excited about it and hope you will like it too! I'm sure that once it is out, I will be doing some giveaways.

I have been furiously sewing and creating and will have several new patterns out for Market as well.

Thanks for dropping by and hope to see you again soon!

More Quilts from Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:08:00 +0000

Well, it looks like my new book is out! I should be receiving my copies within the next week or so. The price for the book is very reasonable, $16.95 and I can't wait for everyone to see it!

Here is another sneak peek at two of my favorites in the book:

Solitaire

Solitaire is a great scrappy quilt. I used one background, as I did for most of the quilts in the book, and I really scrapped up the blocks. I also used the leftover of the fat quarters for the binding. I love to use ALL of the fat quarter if I can.

Canfield

Canfield is very interesting because it is the same block as Canasta except it's on point. One of the most fascinating things about quilts is the way you can change the look by changing one or two things. One more thing that I did different with Canasta is that I used fat quarters for the backgrounds instead of all one.

Here is Canasta:

Look for Traditional Fat Quarter Books at your local quilt shop or on my website in the next few weeks.

Williamsburg

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:26:00 +0000

I am honored to be asked to teach a class for Quiltmaker magazine in Williamsburg, Va on August 2-4, 2012!

The class that I am teaching is the following:

Red Rover - Playing with Design

Taught by Monique Dillard

Thursday August 2 - Saturday August 4, 2012; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Learn how you can get multiple designs using just one block. First, create one block using simple pieces, half-square triangles. Then, by rotating the pieces in the block and the block itself, you can see what a different and surprising outcome you will get. Make one of 6 different quilts or come up with one of your own! Not only will there be instructions for 6 different tops quilts given, in class Monique will also provide fabric requirements and instructions for making larger sizes.
Skill level: All skill levels

Here is more information about the event:

	August 2-4, 2012 Williamsburg, VA Williamsburg Hospitality House near historic Colonial Williamsburg

	Early registration rate of $499 includes: • 3 Full Days of Classes • 2 Dinners with Keynote Speakers • Block Exchange • Goody Bag • Prizes Registration for Williamsburg, VA opens January 16, 2012. (Payment plans available. A la carte rates will be available online closer to the event.) Teachers and classes subject to change. Click here to download a PDF containing class descriptions. Bring your own machine and basic tools. Supply lists will be provided for individual classes. Room rate is $109 + tax for double occupancy.

If you wish to sign up or get more information, check out the Quiltmaker website. Hope to see you there!

Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:35:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

I received my advance copy of my new book "Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts!" I am so excited and it turned out wonderful! This is the description that C&T Publishing came up with:

"Renowned patternmaker, Monique Dillard, guides readers through quiltmaking basics for 11 fat-quarter quilts with a traditional yet fresh feel. Learn how to use your stash scraps to create interesting interplay, whether you make a lap throw or grace a king-size bed. Reminiscent of Americana, these handsome quilts are comforting and cozy, perfect for everyday enjoyment. Patterns galore at a great value!"

I should be getting books in some time in March and I will keep you updated. Here is a sneek peak of a few:

Canasta


Freecell

I will also have more to show in weeks to come. One more thing, I am organizing a blog tour for Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts...look for it at the end of March.

Thanks for stopping by!

Where did January go?

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:11:00 +0000

Do you remember when you were a kid and the days seemed to last forever? You would be playing and it seemed like hours went by and it was only 15 minutes? Don't you wish that would happen again?! It seems that the older you get, the faster life goes. Even the unpleasant things go by fast (I'm certainly not complaining about that!) but it's unbelievable how time flies.

January is a big blur for me. I still have my Christmas decorations up so this blog isn't the only thing that has been neglected! I actually really like my Christmas decorations. I have several quilts that I love to keep up and I have a great collection of Santas. Can you see why I like them up longer than a month? I am planning on taking them down soon!

One thing that is really hard to neglect is Tillie. We have had a really mild winter here and have only had 3 snow falls. The problem is that once it melts, our back yard turns into a mud bath. We are constantly wiping Tillie's paws and trying to keep her off the furniture. Fun times with Miss Tillie! I will be happy when the ground dries out. The good news is that it's been warm enough to take her for a walk. She is much calmer after the walk and will actually sleep! Not a usual occurrence for my sweet little Old English Sheepdog!

Did you get your latest American Patchwork & Quilting magazine? Remember, I've designed a mystery quilt for them. The latest block is included in the magazine in the form of a pillow case. Remember to check on Elizabeth's blog for the latest installment.

Thanks for tuning in and will talk to you soon!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:02:00 +0000

I have a Christmas present for everyone. I decided to give you the instructions for the Fit to be Ruler Case. Several people have asked me for the pattern so here it is:

Supplies:

1/2 yard for main body of bag

3/8 yard for lining

1/8 yard for accent

1/2 yard fusible fleese

zipper

Instructions:

From the fabric for the main body, cut:

2 - 12" x 12 1/2" pieces
1 - 3" strip
From the lining fabric, cut:
2 - 13" x 16" pieces
From the accent fabric, cut:
2 - 3" x 12" pieces
From the fusible fleese, cut:
2 - 13" x 16" pieces
1 - 3/4" strip

Piecing:

Press the 3" strip of main fabric, in half, wrong sides together.

Open up and place the fusible fleese at the fold with the fuse side downs.

Bring up the raw edge to meet in the middle repeat for the other side, fold and press. Fold again and press. Sew an 1/8" from both edges to make the handle. Cut the handle in half so that you have 2 - 20" handles.

Place the lining with wrong sides up on an ironing board. Place the fusible fleese with fusing side to the wrong side of the lining. Fuse in place. Repeat for both lining pieces. Lay the accent piece near the top approximately 1/2" away with right sides up. Lay a handle piece 3" in from both ends of the accent piece with the raw edge of the accent piece even with the raw edge of the handle.

Place the 12" x 12 1/2" piece of main body, right sides together on the accent piece, sandwiching the handle. Pin in place. Sew 1/4" seam, catching all layers. Press down towards the main piece.

Sew an "X" on the handle where it meets the bag. Sew 3 quilting lines from the accent piece down to the bottom. Repeat for both sides of the bag.

Sew around both pieces using an 1/8" seam to anchor it in place. Trim the excess batting and backing off even.

Sew on the zipper as desired. I used Terry Atkinson from Atkinson Designs method for sewing on zippers. Her instructions make it very easy.

Turn the pieces right sides together and sew down the two sides. Make sure that the zipper is open! Then sew across the bottom. Zig-zag the edges so that they don't fray.

Create a squared corner, sewing in 3/4" from the corner. Repeat for both bottom corners. Trim to a 1/4" and zig-zag the edges.

Put in your Fit to be Rulers and go!

I'd love to see pictures of your Fit to be Case, so please send me some pictures.

My helper - Tillie

Hope you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!

Lots of News!

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:30:00 +0000

Fall has been a busy time for me. I have been traveling to teach classes and lecture. My most recent trip was to New Hampton, IA to visit my friend Denise and teach through her shop, Quilter's Window. She had a retreat planned at the local hotel and started Friday afternoon and lasted until Sunday morning. Everyone seemed to have so much fun and I even sewed a little. I taught Gin Rummy and Speed from my book Fat Quarter Winners.

Gin Rummy

Speed

I have also been in Princeton, IL to teach at a retreat for the Covered Bridge Quilt Guild. The retreat was held at a Church camp and was perfect. There was plenty of room for everyone to sew. I taught Pinochle and here are some of the quilts that were made that weekend. Awesome!

The latest news is that I have designed a 2012 Mystery Quilt for American Patchwork & Quilting! The first month block is in the February, 2012 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting and can be seen in the form of a table runner.

This is from Elizabeth Beese, the Senior Editor of American Patchwork & Quilting:

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Here’s the scoop on the 2012 Mystery Quilt created exclusively for you by designer Monique Dillard of Open Gate Quilts. Throughout the year, you’ll get instructions for eight blocks (one in each 2012 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine and two additional blocks online). Make one of each block in the fabrics of your choice and set it aside for the end of the year. In the December issue, we’ll give you a mystery quilt setting joining all the single blocks together.

Doesn't this sound like fun? Make sure that you check out Elizabeth's blog to find out how to start and how to participate. She also includes different color variations.

I'm excited to see how everyone else's turns out!

Another exciting piece of news is that my friend, Thelma, from Cupcakes 'n Daisies has a quilt featured in the same magazine! Wait until you see it! It's absolutely gorgeous and perfect just like Thelma! If you haven't read her blog, I encourage you to hop on over. You will love her quilts, her writing and especially her - I know I do!

Hope everyone has a good week!

Quiltmaker 100 Block Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to the 3 winners who commented on my blog. Here they are:

The winner of a Quiltmaker 100 Block magazine is:

Jill who said:

"We have a dog named Lexie. She likes to lay under or across my feet whenever I sit down. She is an English Springer Spaniel."

Jill, if you could email me, with you arddress at info@opengatequilts.com, I would appreciate it!

The winner of the Fit to be Geese ruler is:

Karen (Misiz C), said:

"Know what you mean about enough time for applique. If we only didn't need sleep! ;-) Your block is beautiful!

My fuzzy quilt helpers are the cats. From rearranging blocks laid out on the floor to weighing down stacks of fabric so they don't blow away, they are always involved. We have three. Cosmo, a gray van shelter kitty; Miles, a bronze Egyptian Mau; and Aurora, a calico se Scottish Fold."

And the winner of the sampling of Memories of Provence is:

Judy said:

"I am definitely a dog lover. We have a Bichon named Smeggel who is 10 years old. He was rescued from a puppy mill where he had lived for 8 years in a crate. He could only crawl when he was rescued. He is spoiled rotten now though! I just have to win this fabric, because I am redecorating part of my house with Provence fabrics. I love them."

One of the things that I love about blogging is getting to know people through there comments. It is so wonderful to hear the compliments, the stories and the wonderful tales (no pun intended) about their pets.

Thank you all for participating and make sure that you come back to see what other blog hops, giveaways and surprises that come up on my blog!

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Welcome everyone!

It's my day for the blog tour. I hope you have been tuning in daily to the other blog hop participants. I have checked them out and am very impressed with all the wonderful, talented designers out there!

Here is my block that was included in the latest issue. Applique, you say?! Yes, I have been designing a bit of applique these days. I love to applique but unfortunately, there is not enough time to do it all. I was inpired by a tile design for this applique and hope you enjoy it too!

As for my giveaway for the blog tour, I have a few items to give to 3 lucky winners! Read below to see how to enter for the drawings.

First, from Quiltmaker, a copy of the Quiltmaker's 100 Block Vol. 4. It is an awesome magazine that has some great blocks and lots of inspiration!

Second, Fit to be Geese ruler. If you haven't used my Fit to be Geese ruler, here's your chance to win one! It is perfect for trimming flying geese from 2" x 3 1/2" to 3 1/2" x 6 1/2". Also included with the ruler is a free pattern.

Third, fabric. How about a sampling of my newest fabric line, Memories of Provence? Combining rich reds, beautiful blacks, fabulous blues and soft creams, this is the latest fabric line that I designed with Maywood Studio. Here are a few of the pieces.

Now, how do you enter, you ask? Simple, leave a comment on this blog answering this question: Dog lover, cat lover, neither or both? If you do have a pet, let me know his/her name, breed (if applicable), and age. I would love to hear all about your favorite 4 legged friend. If you don't have a pet, let me know what keeps you company when you sew. Music, dvd's, silence...?

Make your comment before Sunday night and I will draw for the winners and announce them Monday morning.

This is my quilting buddy, Tillie, our Old English Sheepdog.

Thanks for participating and good luck!

Quilt Market in a Day

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:59:00 +0000

You've heard of Quilt in a Day, how about Quilt Market in a Day? Sue and I made a whirlwind trip to Houston for 1 day at Quilt Market. We were actually in Houston for less than 48 hours but walked the show on Saturday only. We arrived Thursday night late and I had a 15 minute lecture on the Block of the Month on Friday. The show didn't open until Saturday morning.

Friday night, Sue had her first experience at Sample Spree. Sample Spree is a "pre-show" the night before Quilt Market. Designers and companies set up tables and have everything from fat quarter bundles to patterns and notions.

Check out the lines to get in! Sue and I waited until everyone was in before got in there.

It was quite a frenzy of buying and looking at the new items. Here are a few of the fun things that we picked up:

Fat Quarter Bundles from Riley Blake and RJR. Yum!!

Robyn Pandolph for RJR

Riley Blake Fabrics

Saturday, Sue and I walked the show. Our main goal was to find some bag patterns and one of our favorites, Penny Sturges from Quilts Illustrated was there and here are some of her new patterns that we picked up.

We also bought some new patterns from Pink Sand Beach. We were so excited to see their bag patterns. They have a great supply and we bought a few to make.

Another new designer that we visited is Aunties Two Patterns. She had this adorable square purse that I am dying to make and also this cute odd shaped bag. She did a demo that had Sue and I wanting everything she made. Brilliant way to put on a zipper! I will have to make a bag to see how it works.

Here is a photo of me in front of the Maywood booth with the Block of the Month, Echo and Monte Carlo displayed. They did a great job of displaying the quilts!

We left Saturday evening. We had a great time but Sunday was definitely a regroup and get ready for the next adventure!

Off to another retreat this weekend. This time, I am working. It is up in the picturesque town of New Glarus, WI. Very peaceful and the BEST bakery!

Don't forget to tune in for the Quiltmaker 100 Block blog hop starting next Monday, November 7th!

Have a great week!

October Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:54:00 +0000

I have been working on some new projects this fall. I just spend a wonderful, relaxing, and enjoyable weekend with some of my friends. We retreated in beautiful Lake Mills, WI. We rented a cottage, set it up with our sewing stuff, laughed, ate and had fun. I had plenty of things that I "needed" to do but instead, I decided to do some things that I wanted to do!

View from out the front window

Before all the tables, sewing machines, irons, chairs, projects and quilters.

First, I decided to make ruler bags out of my new fabric and made one for each of my retreat friends. Sue and I designed a ruler bag for my "Fit to be" series of rulers. It is about 15" x 11 1/2", with handles and a zipper. Here is mine. I used Terry Atikinson's method of putting in the zipper and if you haven't done her method yet, you need to! It makes putting zippers in so easy!

Also, I did get to work on a new pattern of Terry Atkinson's that I had picked up. It is called the Lollipop bag and has the cutest little rosette on it. At first, I wasn't sure that I wanted to put the rosette on it but when the other girls said that they did and started making them, I was sold. They are the cutest things. Terry is also making these hooks for handles. I love them! I have many things that I could use them for. My mind is racing with possibilities! Here is my version of the Lollipop bag:

Then, I still wanted to work on some quilting projects so at the Madison Expo, I had picked up this new book and kit from Whimsical. It was fun to make and I didn't have to choose any fabric! How fun is that! I am planning on appliqueing the ornaments as I quilt it but I didn't get to that yet. Hopefully, before Christmas!

In a few weeks, Quiltmakers 100 Block magazine will be distributing their 4th edition. I am so excited to be included in this! Not only that, but there will be a blog hop. My day will be Friday, November 11th, so make sure you stop by to see who's blogging and the wonderful give-aways . So much fun! Will keep you informed about the Blog Hop.

Take care!

Quilts, Tillie and Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:08:00 +0000

These are three of my favorite things!

First, Quilts. As you know, designing quilts, fabric, and rulers is my business but after all this time, I still love to make quilts. I love to choose the fabric and contemplate for hours (sometimes days) which fabrics to use, where they will go, how it will look. Once the fabric is chosen, then my other favorite part, cutting. I think it's the mathematician in me, the preciseness of the cutting, the neat shapes. Then the piecing is both therapeutic and enjoyable. I love to sit, listen to my music and piece. The emergence of the blocks and the secondary designs when the blocks are put together is fabulous. Once the quilt top is put together, borders are on (not my favorite but an important but not always necessary part), then it's time to send it to the quilter. I must confess, by the time the borders are put on, I'm a little tired of looking at the quilt. I think it's because you focus so hard on the quilt, putting everything into it. But then once the quilt is back from the quilter, I am in love again and can't wait to get the binding on! How could anyone not love to quilt?!
Here are a few projects that I have been working on:

Spinner - New red and cream quilt - on website soon.

Stars All Around Us - new pattern using Memories of Provence

Second, Tillie! When we first got Tillie, I was unsure if we did the right thing. Don't get me wrong, I loved her instantly but between Maple, Bill, my busy schedule, who has time for an energetic and mischievous puppy? I didn't but I made sure that I had time for her. I was used to my calm, sweet Glory that ate, went for walks, slept and hung out. We then got this totally opposite puppy, Tillie. She never sleeps, unless I am, runs instead of walks, wants to play instead of hanging out and is not too big on food. After having her for 11 months, I am totally in love. She has such a great personality. She will grab a napkin (one of her favorite things to chew), look at me and sneak away. If I catch her, she stands there with her head down and lets me take it out of her mouth. Of course, I scold her and right after that, she jumps on my lap and gives me kisses...how can I not love her? Here are some new pictures of her:

Third, Fall. It's no secret that I dislike the hot weather. To me, fall is perfect. It's cooler, generally sunny and it's so pretty out. I have been taking Tillie for a walk when it doesn't rain and we have this wonderful subdivision within walking distance from our house. It's called the Maplewood subdivision. There are maple trees everywhere and they are just starting to turn. Beautiful oranges, reds, and yellows are in abundance. I'm so glad that I am walking through there and not having to rake all those leaves up! I have often thought about living there but you should see when the leaves start to fall! Crazy piles of leaves everywhere. Here are some pictures of the wonderful trees:

Hope everyone enjoys their quilts, Tillie's and falls as much as I do!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Yes, I know it's been a while since I've blogged but I have some great excuses!

Excuse #1: We (Sue, Joyce, LeAnne (quilter) and I) got the Memories of Provence Block of the Month Version 1 in black done! It turned out fabulous and here is a picture of it.

It is now in Portland for a show that E. E. Schenck puts on in their warehouse. They are going to be displaying it there to help promote the fabric and the block of the month.

I've had a few inquiries about the Block of the Month so I thought I would explain it to everyone. First, though, I am so excited that the quilt is featured in American Patchwork & Quilting Quilt Sampler in Vintage Threads Quilt Shoppe. They have done the quilt in Olde World Style fabric line and tested the blocks and finishing instructions for me. I was so thrilled to see it in their shop in the magazine! If you don't have the magazine already, make sure that you pick it up because 2 of my favorite shops are featured: Vintage Threads Quilt Shoppe in Dyersville, IA and Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe in Oswego, IL.

This how the block of the month works:
It is offered through Open Gate to quilt shops only. They will then offer it either on the web or through their shop as a block of the month. It will start in their shop depending on their schedule and the availability of fabric (the fabric is due in shops some time this month.) There are 3 colorways that they can choose from or do their own fabrics. It is designed with a red, blue and black colorway. The above is the one done in black. There are two different versions of the quilt. Both versions use the same blocks and the same amount of fabric, it's just the finishing instructions that are different. You can decide which version that you want to make. Here is the second version:

If you are interested in doing the block of the month, check with your local quilt shop or let me know and I can find a place for you to do it through. It depends on the color that you would like to do and when they start.

Quilt shops: if you let me know that you are doing it and what color, I can forward on the information. My email address is: info@opengatequilts.com.

Excuse #2: My parents are visiting for a week. Thankfully, they are more than helpful and I have kept them busy. Mom was ironing and cutting and dad was folding patterns, stuffing rulers and folding fat quarters. I am sure he is quite thrilled that I told everyone that he is folding fabric but when you come for a visit at this time of year, everyone works! He is an expert folder and we've never had such precisely folded fat quarters!! Another thing that he is great at is keeping Tillie busy. They have a mutual love society and Bill and I are afraid that she will be missing when they leave! (she may just jump in the van to go home with them!) Here is my dad holding the "Princess" as we call her. She thinks that he's her personal playmate and they play ball, go for walks and do lots of hanging out together.

Her hair is starting to grow back and she is getting cuter and cuter. Does she look like she's in heaven or what?!

Excuse #3: Quilt Expo in Madison, WI. We have been cutting, folding, packing and binding to get ready for the show. We set up the show tomorrow and it starts on Thursday. It goes until Saturday. We will be demoing the Fit to be Quarter ruler, will have new kits and some sale fabric. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hi. We would love to see you! After the show, we will have new items posted on the bundlesandbolts.com website. Make sure that you check them out.

Excuse #4: Quilts, quilts, quilts! I have been piecing, binding and working like crazy. A second version of the Block of the Month is done (red, version II) pieced by my friend Peggy and borders are being put on. Also, Monte Carlo and Echo are being done so those will be posted soon. It's so much fun to see the quilts develop with my new fabric. Will post more pictures as they are done.

So, hope you forgive me for my long absence and I can't guarantee that I will be back to being consistent but will try!

More Memories of Provence

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:35:00 +0000

So, I have been furiously working on the Block of the Month. I have been getting up early and trying to get as much done as I can. I have another job that I work at so before I go to work, I sew and when I get home too. The weather has been so nice hear (80's and sunny, very little humidity) so in the evening, Tillie and I go for a long walk to get the willies out. It helps her because yesterday, I met a couple friends for dinner and when I got home, she was wild! Bill said that she wouldn't come in and she had started two new "projects" in the back yard...holes! She won't come in for Bill sometimes and spent the whole day outside working on her projects...maybe she thinks that she is working on her Block of the Month!! So, here is some of her handy work:

Then, this morning, she decided that she didn't want to come in for me. I went out to get her and she was standing by her hole. I walked up and said: "This is a no!" She looked at me and took off runnig circles in the back yard. I couldn't help it. I had to laugh. Now, Bill has warned me that you can't discipline her when you are laughing but sometimes I just can't help it! She is so funny! The good news is that she just likes to dig, she doesn't try to dig to get out of the yard. Can you believe that this sweet face would do that?!

Here are the next four blocks for the Block of the Month. I am loving the black in here.

Block #4

Block #5

Block #6

Block #7

Here is a close up of the border. I think it's really going to set things off.

Also, I wanted to clarify that the fabric will arrive in stores in September and there are several shops that will be offering the Block of the Month. I thought it would be fun for you guys to see how it is coming together.

The Block of the Month program has an option of two different settings. The one that I showed you on my last blog is setting #2 and I'm actually doing setting #1 with the black. Here is setting #1:

More next week. Have a great weekend!

Busy couple of weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Monique - Open Gate) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:13:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

Memories of Provence sample fabric has arrived! I returned from a shop owners retreat on Thursday night and my fabric arrived Thursday while I was gone. After greeting Bill, Maple and Tillie (especially Tillie...she demands it!), I tore open the box. I love it!

Friday, my friend and next door neighbor, Sandy came over to help sort and cut. We worked on getting pieces cut for quilts, Block of the Month and a few fat quarters.

Saturday, I cut out some quilts and Sunday, my friend Joyce came over to help me start piecing. LeAnne is on the ready for quilting and I just have to keep working. My goal is to get Block of the Month quilts done as soon as possible so that I may have samples for quilt shops, shows and Market. Here are some of the blocks that I've been working on for the black version. I love them!

Block #1

Block #2

Block #3

Here is the finished "virtual quilt". I am excited to see how it turns out in actual fabric.

More later this week with fabric updates!