100 Blocks in 50 Days - My First Quilt Block

My first block is up today on the Janome site and Michael Miller Fabric social media sites. This "Preppy Love" block (download the block pattern here) was designed specifically for the Janome 100 quilt blocks in 50 days.

The Preppy Love block, as I ended up calling it, was just a play on the X and O, but also the color palette. I'm not sure what inspired this one. I started putting some lines in my EQ7 program to mimic a pattern in a chair I had seen recently. It wasn't working for the size requirements for this project, so I kept playing and got the X and O while coloring it all in. Once I colored it, it looked a little preppy to me. In traditional pink, white and red colors, this would make a great valentine quilt or pillow, but during other times of the year...in different colors - it won't read as "love" so heavily.  When sewn to the quilt, they actually put it sideways, but I placed mine upright so they are side by side. 

We were given this range of Michael Miller Cotton Couture Solid fabric colors to work with and instead of using them all at once - I decided to split them up and use specific colors. One block became a cool color palette, and the other a warm color palette. Aren't these colors amazing? The colors were vibrant beautiful and so fun to play with.

I hope you'll enjoy making this paper piecing block and you'll share your variations with me. Please tag me on IG @kidgiddy so I can see them. 

Keep an eye out for my second block coming soon....here's a little sneak peek....

Thanks for stopping by.

Disclosure: I was provided fabric for the making of this block but the opinions set forth are always my own.

What's new at Kid Giddy HQ

I planned on having this post up before leaving for quilt market - but that just didn't happen since I was still sewing details until the wee hours of the night and mornings even once arriving in Houston. Since being home - I've caught up a little on all that missed sleep. I probably could use more.

I'm so excited to announce my Fall 2015 Kid Giddy dies with Sizzix. I know I shouldn't pick favorites because I love them all - but I can't help be excited for my little Fox. This Party Fox is ready with some balloons, a party hat and even a little star, for any birthday party or celebration. I have a little secret about this one...which is why I'm so excited about it...you can mix and match the Fox parts with the Kid Giddy Doll die. So if you want a doll with a bigger belly for a Santa...use the body of the fox and all the other doll pieces. If you want to sew with kids, the Fox arms & legs are easier for kids, because they have less curves to sew and are easier to stuff. I wanted to give you more bang for your buck and give you tons of options to really make your own unique doll.

I've also introduced a little tufted Bird die that comes with a little panel to make tiny eggs. The Bird can be made to sit in a nest or on a shelf, or add a ribbon to hang as an ornament or in a fun mobile. It's great for any holiday, and for any occasion or no occasion at all.

Last but not least is the Bear die that works perfectly with most fabric choices including Wool Felt blends, Quilters cotton, cuddle fabrics and many others. The Bear comes with a variety of little extras for personalizing, including a heart, bow (for a bow tie or hair bow), baby rattle and a star. If you use a crazy awesome fuzzy fur fabric, you can get a little fella that resembles a baby wookie or ewok.

I have been working for weeks and weeks on some special Little House on the Prairie Dolls using Andovers Little House on the Prairie fabrics for their Quilt Market Schoolhouse Premiere. It was quite a special weekend for me and I'll be photographing each doll and sharing the whole experience soon. Here's a sneak peek...but if you can't wait...hop on over to my Instagram feed for more pics. 

I was also very excited (and busy) sewing with some of the Mendocino fabric from Heather Ross that Windham Fabric is reprinting. I made this sweet Mermaid, some little seahorse friends, as well as an octopus, all which hung at market in her booth. Her belly button probably got the most attention. lol. I'll be sharing more about how I made her soon.
Well that's my quick recap for now - again I'll have more info for everyone soon regarding all the Mermaid tail piecing, the Octopus and Little House Dolls.

Have a great week.