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Sunday, December 31, 2017

Reflecting on 2017 and Planning 2018

2018 Planning Party

I looked at my post from last year where I set my 2017 goals.  I see I have accomplished a lot, but there are still many goals that have not been completed.  So, this year, I want to get a fresh start and work on the goals that were not finished in 2017 and also work on some new ones for 2018. In addition, focus time to work on my long-term goals.

Personal Reflecting on 2017

Personally, I look back, and I’m thrilled with myself and what I accomplished this last year.  One goal was to maintain all the weight I lost in 2016, and I did.  The program that enabled me to lose the weight and keep it off, also ensured I had plenty energy throughout the day to focus on my business.  Another goal was to hike in Colorado, but the bugs were terrible out there this year. So instead, I got to spend a wonderful week with my youngest son and his girlfriend. Speaking of travel, I was able to attend REI Outesse, an enjoyable experience that every woman that loves the outdoors should participate. It was a 4-day adventure in New England, where I got meet new people and learn more about outdoor activities. I As for those Unfinished Quilting Projects (UFO’s), I only got one of them done this year.

Business Reflecting 2017

For the business, this was a learning year for me.  I learned more about the Social Media, Newsletters and blogging through some classes at the Spring Quilt Market.   These lessons were helpful, but I feel I was not as productive as I wanted to be in this area in 2017.   As for Magazines, I was in two Quiltmaker 100 Block Magazines and had submitted a few patterns, but these were turned down. As for teaching and lecturing at guilds, this is a work in progress and so is learning how to grow my business (see 2018 goals).  I have continued to work with Fabric Companies, so that is another goal that will be knocked off my list.  I have been so busy designing this year that I have not found any time to make personal quilts. 
Ramblin' Star Block of the Month
I was delighted with the talents God has giving me, and I feel that they are starting to show through with my patterns.  I had another fantastic year as Island Batik Ambassador; designing monthly patterns helped me a great deal in my designing.  Also, I was blessed to have pattern designs selected for the Island Batik Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter 2017 catalog.  I was very excited about the Fall/Winer Catalog which featured my first Block of Month Quilt “Ramblin’ Star.”  Ramblin’ Star was and still is a learning process, with the writing and working with the Fabric Companies to get the pattern out.  Ramblin’ Star pattern and the Island Batik fabrics will be released in May 2018.  I will have blog tutorials and YouTube Videos for the quilt.  While making this quilt, I fell in love with Studio 180 design rulers and have started designing patterns for the rulers.

2018 Goals

My Personal goal for 2018, is losing a little more weight.  Plus, I want to tone my arms and stomach areas in addition to keeping up with my running. To complete these goals:
  •     I plan to get back in my Isagenix program full force once again, Starting January 2nd.
  •     I have signed up for Half Marathon for May of 2018 and planning on running another probably in the fall as well.
  •     Plan on strength training in the gym 2-3 times a week.
  •     Do more hiking


Business Goals

I’m working toward several business long-term goals. 
  •     Build my business name
  •     Become a Certified Instructor with Studio 180 Designs
  •     Become Island Batik Signature Collection Designer

I know these long-term goals will take several years and the following short-term goals will help me with these goals and help me work toward building my business.
  • Growing my Social Media, Blog, and Newsletters with more followers
    • Planning to Post more than one time a week on Facebook and Instagram
    • Add Facebook Live Posts.  These posts will include Week Tips, New Pattern Announcements and much more.
    • Post more to my Blog.  I will be starting off with a Block Buster Challenge that I will be starting the First week of January.  Helping prepare me to work toward my Studio 180 Instructors goal.  Also, more tutorials blogs on quilting.
    • Produce more YouTube videos
    • Work on getting Newsletters out in a timely order.  Also, build my Wholesale Newsletter following to the stores.
  • Lecture and Teach
    • Build my business by teaching and lecturing at Stores and guilds.  My first one is scheduled in January.
    • Add more workshops and lectures to my Truck Show listings.
    • Create Brochures and letters to mail and post on my websites for guilds.
  • Take more classes in the building my Business
    • Start the year off with taking a Creative Passion to Profit Boot Camp, January 8th.
    • Attend the Creative Arts Business Summit in April.
    • Take more class at Fall Quilt Market.
These are just a start of what I plan for the year; I also plan on to do more designing and producing throughout the year, for Island Batik, Studio 180 Designs and much, much more.  My goals are now down on paper and going to keep them in front of my me always, plus putting them down in my Quilters Planner for 2018.

Please follow me as I work on my goals and build myself towards my long terms goals.  I will be announcing my dates for my Facebook Lives post and other recurring events this next week as I finish planning my schedule and year.

I wish all my followers a beautiful and safe 2018.  

Tina

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

December Scrappy Table Topper Challenge


The Island Batik Ambassadors are back working on a new challenge for December and Preparing for a nice Blog hop for January.  Let's start with December challenge which was to design a scrappy table topper.  


My Island Batik scrap bin

Since I have been designing as an Island Batik Ambassador,  I have been keeping all my scraps and fabrics in one location in my studio so I can find them easily.  My scrap cube was packed full of Island Batik fabrics just waiting for a project like this.

Scrap Block
So my idea was to design a simple patchwork table topper that was a variation to a rail fence block that uses patchwork pieces instead of full blocks. The 12" blocks use 24- 2 1/2" squares of various colors for the patch pieces.  The 4 neutral pieces that make the rail fence in the block measure 2 1/2" x 6 1/2". 


Now with the design done, I dumped the scraps on my cutting table and began sorting through all of the Island Batik fabrics.  Looking for pieces that measure 2 1/2" or larger.
  
Before cutting
After Cutting
I decided I wanted to cut all the pieces fast, so I dusted off my Accuquilt cutter and found my 2 1/2" strip cutter.  My strip cutter worked great for this project.  I would get the 2 1/2" strips made then I would lay them horizontally on the strip cutter and run it through again to get the 2 1/2" squares.

Once I had enough squares, I start to make six patch units.  I needed four - six patch units per block. I would sew the neutral strip on top of the six patch units, then I would assemble the four units together like in the diagram above.


Tabletop mockup design

I made six blocks and assemble them together to get the above design to get a quilt topper that measures 36" x 24".  I decided that this table topper did not need a border, so I did not to add one. 
Scrappy Backing and Binding
To keep with the scrappiness of the table topper I made a scrappy backing.  I sewed six wide scrap strips together to get a significant enough backing piece to the put on the longarm and get it quilted.  The binding was also made of scrappy neutrals.
  
Scrappy Table Topper Finished
My Island Batik scrappy table topper is bright and wonderful to look at. I would make this again and would love to create a bigger version of the quilt made out of just of Island Batik fabrics for a bed. 

It's hard to believe that my second year as Island Batik Ambassador is coming to close in January.  I really hope that Island Batik will let me return for my third year.  So be sure to come back for January Challenge reveal in the Island Batik Ambassadors Four Season Blog hop starting the week of January 8th and going throughout the month.



Also, Be sure to check out the other Island Batik Ambassador's table toppers.


Turid from Den Syende Himmel
Stephanie from Quilt’n Party
Pamela from Pamela Quilts
Jessica from Desert Bloom Quilting
Kate from Seams Like a Dream
Jennifer from The Inquiring Quilter
Barb from Bejeweled Quilts
Jeanette from Inch Worm Fabrics
Connie from Kauffman Designs
Bernadine from Needle and Foot
Bea from Beaquilter
Cheryl from Cheryl Lynch Quilts
Maryellen from Mary Mack’s Blog
Joyce from Hearts Creations
Marlene from Kissed Quilts
Karen from The Quilt Rambler
Marian from Seam to be Sew
Laura from Slice of Pi Quilts
Linda from Inspired Layers
Carol from FunThreads Designs
Alison from Little Bunny Quilts
Jean-Sophie from Sophie Junction
Janet from Whispers of Yore


Saturday, November 18, 2017

Quiltmaker 100 Blocks Vol 16 Winners!

Thank you to all of you for the wonderful and delightful comments on yesterday's blog post on my block in the QuiltMaker 100 Blocks Volume 16 Magazine.  If you miss yesterday's post click on the link Here.



Today, I would like to announce the three lucky Winners of the free copies of the magazine.

Congratulations to....
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The winners have been notified by email already this morning. Please remember you have 5 days to claim your prize.  

Thank You to all of you that entered!

Tina

Friday, November 17, 2017

QuiltMaker 100 Block Volume 16 Road Rally!

Welcome! Thank you for stopping by and visiting with me on the QuiltMaker’s 100 Blocks Volume 16 Road Rally! 


Let’s start by getting to know a little about me.  The rally is bringing you to my home and studio of Quilting Affection Designs in Waldorf, Maryland.  Located about 25 miles south of Washington DC in Southern Maryland.  Quilting Affection Designs is a small pattern design company owned and operated by myself, Tina Dillard.  I have been designing patterns since 2011, when I took the plunge and gave up my Washington DC government job to develop patterns full time, with the support of my husband and sons. 

I have had patterns represented in both Timeless Treasure and Island Batik Fabrics.  Also, I have been working as an Island Batik Ambassador and designer for the last couple years, which I am very grateful.
Double X Block - Orginal

Well, that’s enough about me, for now, so let’s get back to showing you My Road Rally Block #1562 “Double X.”  The block uses a combination of Half Square Triangles and Flying Geese, creating a very versatile block.

 The fabric used in the original block was from the Island Batik “Drizzle” Collection.  You can play with it by adding any assorted colors and fabric combinations.

Island Batik "Blender" Fabrics
This block is great to work with; you can use just two colors, or you can add up to 5 assorted colors.  
New Island Batik "Autumn Grace" Collection
Design and make it for the particular person in your life.

You can also arrange the blocks different ways to make it a little different each time.
Island Batik "Drizzle" Collection
Playing with the colors will give you different layouts and designs.
Island Batik "Blender" Fabrics with only 3 colors.
Island Batik "Autumn Grace" Collection
There are so many possibilities for this block. More than I can ever show you in this blog post.  So let your imagination soar.

Thank you for coming by and visiting for a while.  I love designing great patterns for you quilters out there.  Be sure to check out my website and check out my patterns.
   
I would not give this job up in any shape and form.  I love sharing my love of quilt patterns with all of you,  but, there are days I wish I were a superhero in a movie to get all my work done. So, If I could be in the movie of my choice, I would be in the Avengers as the “Black Widow.”  She is a determined and tough lady and gets her work done.

Giveaways
To three lucky winners, I’m giving a copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks, Volume 16 that will be sent by me. So I have given you three ways to enter.

 Be sure to read the rules and guidelines below.

Entry #1 – One Copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks, Volume 16 magazine.   Just fill out the Rafflecopter, below. This will be directly sent directly to you from me.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entry #2 – Visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/quiltingaffection/ and fill out the Entry under the Giveaway Tab (left side) on Quilting Affection Designs facebook page. 

Entry #3 – Sign-up for my newsletter, just click on the link in the Rafflecopter entry below.



Quilting Affection Designs Guidelines and Rules for this give away.
  • No purchase necessary. Open to residents of the USA only.
  • While we hope you will leave a comment on the post of the day because we love comments, we want no reply bloggers to have a chance at winning also. Rafflecopter will collect your name, country, and email. 
  • One copy of the Quiltmaker 100 Block Volume 16 magazine will be given away to three lucky winners.
  • The Winners picked at random via Rafflecopter at the end of the day on November 17th. Winner will be drawing be on November 18th receive notification via email. 
  • Winner will have approximately five days to claim their gift, if five days pass, the gift will be offered to another eligible entrant. Winner must provide name, address, city, state. 
  • Only US Address, please
  • Winner will be announced on this blog and in the Rafflecopter window here on this page. Winner agrees to allow their name, city, state to be publicized.
  • Odds of Winning a prize are based on a total number of Rafflecopter entries.
  • You are responsible for claiming and paying any tax owed on the value of any gift that you win where applicable. Some restrictions on gifts will apply based on shipping policies. This sweepstake is void where prohibited by law. 
  • Disclaimer: Giveaway is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Blogger, Island Batik or QuiltMaker. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Blogger of responsibility, and agree to Blogger's terms of use.

See you at the Winners Announcement on November 18th.

Tina

Monday, October 30, 2017

Island Batik Challenge: Borders and Binding

Well, I can't believe its almost the end of October this month has gone so fast.  It's time to get my Island Batik Ambassador project posted.  This month the Ambassadors were challenged to make a quilt with some creative borders and bindings.


So, I decided to use the Island Batik Pumpkin Patch Collection that I received in my latest Ambassador Box.  The fabrics give a great fall feel to any project you are working on.   


  After playing with a couple of designs for a couple weeks,  I finally decided on a design that would make a great table topper for any table.

 

The center was fun to make using my Studio 180 Design rulers.  I used the Wing Clipper, Corner Pop and the Tucker Trimmer 1 to make the center.


Now it's time to add the border, which starts with a thin border strip to finish the center.


Now here is how I finished the quilt. The second border was adding flying geese units in the middle with outer squares to ends.  The final border was a repeat border of the first border in size to finish the whole quilt off. 


This Table Topper that measures 27 1/2" x 27 1/2" finished,
 will also work as a wall hanging.



This was a fun and fast project to complete, and with out the creative borders, I feel the quilt would not be complete.  

Tina

P.S. Be sure to check out the other Creative Borders and Bindings from the other Island Batik Ambassadors.



Turid from Den Syende Himmel
Stephanie from Quilt’n Party
Pamela from Pamela Quilts
Jessica from Desert Bloom Quilting
Kate from Seams Like a Dream
Jennifer from The Inquiring Quilter
Barb from Bejeweled Quilts
Jeanette from Inch Worm Fabrics
Connie from Kauffman Designs
Bernadine from Needle and Foot
Bea from Beaquilter
Cheryl from Cheryl Lynch Quilts
Maryellen from Mary Mack’s Blog
Joyce from Hearts Creations
Marlene from Kissed Quilts
Karen from The Quilt Rambler
Marian from Seam to be Sew
Laura from Slice of Pi Quilts
Linda from Inspired Layers
Carol from FunThreads Designs
Alison from Little Bunny Quilts
Jean-Sophie from Sophie Junction
Janet from Whispers of Yore

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

New Pattern "Ramblin' Star" Block of the Month

Update: Due to the Island Batik "Plum Delicious" Collection that is used in this quilt will not be able until April 2018.  This pattern shipment has been pushed back to March 2018.  The videos and tutorial will start in April also. Please watch for further posts on this Block of the Month.

Today, I'm very excited to introduce you to my newest pattern and making its public debut at Quilt Market this week in Houston.

Drum Roll, Please!

Introducing, my first block of the month program!

"Ramblin' Star" Block of the Month


“Ramblin’ Star” is a bold and elegant quilt that will liven any room highlighting the Plum Delicious collection by Island Batik.

This 8-Month Program features a combination of various sized blocks and fillers, comes with two bonus blocks, and one 18” x 18” popular Medallion center block to complete this 60” x 60” beautiful quilt.

This traditionally piecing pattern is excellent for the Intermediate to Advance Beginners comes complete with fully colored illustrated instructions and templates to complete each month’s block.  

Also, the pattern is excellent for your Bloc_Loc® Rulers or Studio 180 Design Tools.

Check out my new video ad for this beautiful quilt.



Beginning in January 2018, Blog and Video tutorials will be posted highlighting each month's new block starting with the first month.  Be sure to follow Quilting Affection Designs on Social Media.

Additionally, there will be a Ramblin' Star page posted on the Quilting Affection Designs Website that will provide links and additional tutorials, for those of you that need the extra help.  

Retail customers, I'm now excepting orders for the first month's block.  The block will begin after November 15th to be ready for the launch of the blogs and video tutorials. The first month will include block 1, bonus block 1, and general instructions. So be sure to follow my blog and Newsletter to get the latest information on ordering your blocks.

To Pre-Order your pattern, visit Quilting Affection Designs, HERE

Wholesale customers, If you are interested in purchasing this Block of the Month program, you may place orders through your Island Batik Sales Representative, from Island Batik directly, or at www.QuiltingAffection.com.

Be sure to follow Quilting Affection Designs on Facebook, Instagram or Sign Up for the Newsletter and Blogs to get the latest on this pattern.

I would like to thank you my testers for helping prepare the pattern.


I hope you enjoyed this sneak of Ramblin' Star and would love to hear your comments on this design.


Tina