Vintage Star Block + GIVEAWAY

I am happy to share with you a quilt block I made while reviewing a new pattern, Vintage Star,  for Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs.  The block measures 13" x 13" unfinished and is made from two Bonnie and Camille prints, Red Lollies from Hello Darling and Retro Gray from Ruby.

Vintage Star quilt block, pattern by Cheryl Brickey 

When reviewing patterns for Cheryl, I normally check the math and read through looking at the wording, punctuation, etc.  I just make the blocks and quilts in my head without even touching the rotary cutter but Vintage Star was different.  The trimming of the inner star mid way through the assembly of the block was something that I had not done before and wanted to test it first hand.

Vintage Star quilt block made from two Bonnie and Camille prints

I was very pleased with the sharp points of the inner star.  While I wouldn't consider this a block for a beginner to tackle, Cheryl takes you step by step with easy to follow written instructions.  And her illustrations are the best for you visual learners.

Vintage Star quilt block detail

Vintage star is available in digital format through Etsy and on Craftsy.  The printed version is available on Etsy.

Check Plus is Cheryl's other pattern release this week and you can see the versions made by the pattern testers and find the links where it can be purchased in her blog post here.  Both of patterns are each on sale for $7.50 through Oct. 4th.

This is a Check Plus block I made to go on the back of a baby quilt, Sundae Plus.

Check Plus block to incorporate in the back of Sunday Plus

Vintage Star and Check Plus Pattern Giveaway

I mentioned a giveaway right?  Cheryl has generously allowed my to give away one each of her new patterns.  Two winners will each receive one digital pattern.   The giveaway is now closed and winners notified will be open until Sunday, Oct. 2nd at 8 pm  EST.  Here's how to enter:

1. Leave any comment and tell me which pattern is you favorite if your name is drawn.  The first one drawn gets the first pick.

2.  Followers, old and new alike get a second entry.  Just let me know how you follow, whether it be Bloglovin', Instagram or email.

For more chances to win, enter the giveaways at:
Shauna of Shauna's World
Beth of Cooking Up Quilts
Tish of Tish's Adventures in Wonderland
Stephanie of Quilt'n Party

Cara (sew_colorado on IG)

Linking to Let's Bee Social, Needle and Thread Thursday, Whoop Whoop Friday, Fabric Frenzy Friday and Show It Off Saturday.

May Is For Makers Recap

I met sweet Lindsey of LR Stitched back April of this year in Atlanta while attending, you guessed it, Sewtopia. We had a nice chat Sunday morning while waiting for the power to be restored in our section of the city.

When Lindsey announced her campaign, May is for Makers, I knew I wanted to participate.  I am grateful and have benefited from many tutorials, patterns and general information so generously given by this quilting and sewing community.

Her challenge to us was to purchase 5 patterns over the course of the 5 weeks in May to support independent designers.  Not all of my purchases were patterns, but feel as though I am supporting a designer nevertheless.

1. My first purchase was a book, Crafted Applique, by first time author, Lara Buccella of Buzzin Bumble.  There are still a few stops left on her blog hop so head on over to see the schedule.  I have been reading about her raw edge applique technique and can't wait to try it.

Crafted Applique by Lara Buccella

2. My next purchase was from a Liz Harvatine at Lady Harvatine.   I have followed her blog a long time and made a quilt back in 2010  for a cousin's child from her free pattern, Leo Baby Quilt.  You can see the quilt I made here.  I chose her January block pattern she originally designed for the LA Modern Quilt Guild's January 2015 Block of the Month.

3. Looks like I be sewing lots of  curves because I ordered Jen Carlton Bailly's 1/4 Circle Templates in the 6 1/2" size next.

The templates arrived yesterday along with her signature surprise candy included and a Sew all the Curves button.

4. I have always been a fan of Debbie Grifka's designs.  From her Turnstile pattern I made this quilt for the 2015 MQG Riley Blake fabric challenge.   I followed her tutorial for Sew Solid Sunday #4 and made this 2014 MQG Michael Miller fabric challenge.  I chose her pattern, Follow Me, for my next purchase.

5.  After seeing cute cacti pop up on Instagram and elsewhere, I ran across this pattern on Craftsy by Barbara Cain for a Saguaro Cactus quilt block.  It can be pieced by foundation or traditionally pieced. I figured it could easily be resized to suit any project.

Thank you to all the bloggers and/or designers out there...I appreciate what you have done for the quilting community.