Day Two - Exuberance Blog Hop

It's my pleasure to have you on my blog today for day two of the Deb Tucker Studio 180 Design Exuberance Blog Hop. For those of you who haven't visited my site before, let me introduce myself. Hi! I'm Tina Dillard, the owner of Quilting Affection Designs and a Studio 180 Design Certified Instructor. I have recently joined forces with my friend, fellow Certified Instructor Diana Mann of Muragboo Quilts. I'm bringing you an improved Precision Block Academy, which I created in 2021.

Throughout this Blog Hop, a few of my fellow Certified Instructors are sharing projects they have done with precuts from the recently released Deb Tucker Studio 180 Design's Exuberance Fabric Collection Line for Island Batik Fabrics. Landing in your local quilt shops now.  

Here is the Blog Hop Schedule:

• Sunday, March 26th – Introduction at Studio 180 Design
• Monday, March 27th – Diana Mann of Murgaboo Quilts 
• Tuesday, March 28th – Tina Dillard of Quilting Affection Designs
• Wednesday, March 29th – Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler
• Thursday, March 30th – Phyllis Fay of Tucker University
• Friday, March 31st – Amy Costabile of Amy’s Quilt Room
• Saturday, April 1st – Raija Salomaa of Quilter’s Treasure Chest
• Sunday, April 2nd – Wrap up at Studio 180 Design
• Monday, April 3rd – A special free treat from the people at Studio 180 Design

When the Studio 180 Design team named this new collection, they got it right. The colors are full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness, which is what Exuberance means. They have really brought it together in this collection with the bold and rich colors that pop in any project you bring them into. 

For my project, I decided to do an original quilt that uses 10" squares to show off the colors. This is the first Star 60 project I have designed, and it utilizes one of the new Star 60 Technique Sheets, Power Strip 60. I'm in love with this creative technique that allows you to make multiple Star 60 units or Shaded 60 units. In this original project, I chose to make the Shaded 60 units using 10" squares and some Island Batik white fabric for my background.

I started off with this project by selecting a variety of 14 different 10" squares; half of the 14 would be for the diamond tips of the unit, and the other half for the companion triangle. I also cut background strips for the side triangles and more companion triangles. 

When making Shaded 60 units, they are very similar to Shaded Four Patches. However, you use the Star 60 tool for making 60-degree shapes and trimming. Using strip sets with bright, Exuberance colors for the diamonds and background fabric for the side triangles, a pieced Star 60 unit is created using these strip sets. Pieced Star 60 units can be added to a parallelogram unit cut from Exuberance and Background fabrics. On the pieced section, you can also mark stitching lines through the point diamonds. On the marked line, stitch a parallelogram right sides together with a pieced section. Press the seams toward the companion triangle and cut them apart 1/4" from the stitched lines. You now have some newly pieced diamonds ready to assemble.

It's time to add side triangles to those diamonds. Before I do that, I need to trim the sides that will have side triangles attached. Once I had the first trim done on the diamonds, it was time to add those side triangles.

Having assembled the units, I wanted to play with the quilt layout before trimming it down. I found the final layout to be the most challenging part of the whole process. Once I was happy with the layout, I did the final trim on the units. When I put the quilt together, I stitched the units into rows. At each row's end, I added half rectangle triangles to make the quilt square. Then I stitched all the rows together to finish the quilt top.

Once the quilt top was assembled, I added borders to each side to finish it.

This project was super fast and easy, thanks to the Power Strip 60 Technique. The bright, bold colors of the Exuberance fabric collection really make the pinwheel effect stand out. In the future, I'll make this a pattern. However, I'd like to tweak a few things to make it even easier for you if you want to try it out.

We're glad you're here for Day Two of the Studio 180 Design Exuberance Blog Hop. Please visit your local quilt shop and ask about the beautiful Exuberance Fabric Collection. This will bring energy and excitement to any quilt project you plan to make, just like it did for this project. I have more quilt patterns in this Exuberance collection in the works, so stay tuned for them.

Also, if you're interested in learning more about the Power Strip 60 technique or any of the Studio 180 Design Star 60 tools, check out Precision Block Academy. Registration opens in May.

Day Two - Modern Opulance Blog Hop

I’m so excited that you have stopped by my blog today during the Deb Tucker Studio 180 Design Modern Opulence Blog Hop. My name is Tina Dillard, and I'm a Studio 180 Design Certified Instructor, author, instructor, designer, and owner of Quilting Affection Designs. Throughout the week, a few of my fellow Certified Instructors are bringing you projects that are either table toppers or table runners.

These projects are using Deb’s newest fabric line with Island Batik, Modern Opulence. It's full of oranges, blues, and golds that are rich and bold. For those fall-themed projects, they're perfect. As soon as I saw this collection, I fell in love. The possibilities are endless with this line. The schedule for this week is below, so make sure to follow each of these as the week progresses.

Monday, January 16th: Studio 180 Design kickoff

Monday, January 16th: Diana Mann of Murgaboo Quilts

Tuesday, January 17th: Tina Dillard of Quilting Affection Designs (today)

Wednesday, January 18th: Phyllis Fay of Stitchin’ in the Ditch

Thursday, January 19th: Raija Salomaa of Quilter’s Treasure Chest

Friday, January 20th: Studio 180 Design wrap up

The project I designed for this Blog Hop will be this month's Block Party Block. I'll quickly explain Block Party Blocks if you're not familiar. Block Party Blocks look just like Blockbuster blocks from Studio 180 Design. They're free downloads that come out around the 15th of every month. These blocks use a variety of Studio 180 Design tools and provide practice, fun, and inspiration. 

Let me introduce you to my Block Party Block #32 and Blog Hop Project "Opulence Puzzle." Deb's Modern Opulence fabric collection inspired this elegant table topper. Using Studio 180 Designs tools and techniques, I made the sample using the 36" x 36" table topper size, Wing Clipper, Large Square Squared, and Corner Beam tools. In addition, I've included Technique Sheets for Pickets and Quickets, Stacked Squares, and Birds of Paradise.

I'll show you how easy this project was by showing you the tools, the units, and the fabrics I used. Stay with me until the end of this blog, and I'll tell you how to download this free project that comes in 36" x 36" and 24" x 24".

I used seven different fabrics from the Modern Opulence collection in this table topper. Their values range from Light to Dark and include a Background and Coordinating fabric for the borders.  

I'll start with the first unit of this table topper, the Corner Beam. With the Corner Beam, you can cut your Side Triangles and Center Beams and trim the units with one tool. No more paper piecing. I used a mix of background and medium/dark fabrics from the collection for my Corner Beam Units.

Next, I made Flying Geese and Quickets units with Light, Medium/Light, and Dark fabrics. The wing clipper tool is used for these units. I love having a Wing Clipper around for flying geese. Use this tool to trim down Quicket units from your Picket and Quickets Technique Sheet.

To finish this project, I used the Large Square Squared Tool to create Birds of Paradise and Stacked Squares (Economy Blocks). Combining Light, Medium, Medium/Light, and Dark fabrics makes this Birds of Paradise unit bright and colorful. Last but not least, the Economy Block from the Stacked Squares Technique Sheet was made for the center using a combination of Background, Light, and Medium fabrics. 

After I make all my units, I can assemble the table topper, starting with the main block. Here's how the three rows look put together. A quilt's center could be a great block by itself.

After that, make another set of flying geese units and combine them with rectangles and squares to create the pieced border. You'll then sew the pieced borders to each side of the center block. It's finished off with coordinating fabric borders.

A gorgeous table topper from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design Modern Opulence Fabric Line from Island Batik is easy to make and put together. This Block Party Block #32 "Opulence Puzzle" table topper pattern can be made by clicking on this link and downloading it.

Thanks for joining me on Day Two of the Modern Opulence Blog Hop. I'll see you on Phyllis Fay's Stitchin' in the Ditch blog tomorrow.  

Day Two - Tranquility Blog Hop - Asterisk Star

Hello, I'm so excited to welcome you to Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Tranquility Blog Hop. I'm Tina Dillard, a Studio 180 Design Certified Instructor, author, instructor, designer, and owner of Quilting Affections Designs. Using Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design for Island Batik's new fabric line Tranquility, I want to show you a fun and elegant design. These fabrics are starting to arrive in your local shops now, so make sure you check them out. You'll love this new line if you love earth tones. The quilter can choose from a variety of soft browns, tans, and greens. Check out Asterisk Star, a remake of a quilt from my book Poppin' with Wings, for an example of what can be done.

This eye-catching quilt uses the Studio 180 Designs Wing Clipper® I and Corner Pop® II tools. A basic Flying Geese unit with some corners popped to give it an extra kick. Corner Pop® II from Studio 180 Designs gives designers another level of creativity by popping corners twice as tall as they are wide. Combined with the basic Flying Geese unit, it has so many possibilities. Using these tools, I wrote a book showing the possibilities and how to use them.

Let me explain what I mean by popping the corners of a unit. Basically, you're creating a basic unit like flying geese, then cutting off one corner. You can then add another fabric piece to give it a different look once that's done. This is super easy with the Corner Pop Tools from Studio 180 Designs. I show you how to pop corners with the Corner Pop Tools in my book Poppin' with Wings. 

Example of Pattern

Quilts aren't just about the pattern and the tools. A quilt is just as much about the fabrics and colors as it is about the pattern. Asterisk Star is the perfect match for Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design's Tranquility fabric line. The brown, tan, and green colors of that line give the pattern a nice woodsy look and would look great in a mountain cabin or even in an apartment. The dark brown background creates a stencil look, which brings out the four colors.

The funny thing is, as I write this, I'm sitting at a campground in North Central Maryland watching the greens and browns of the forest. The Tranquility fabric has these colors right down to the last stitch. The beauty of nature around me inspires me to bring these colors home. If I ever need a break from the stress and anxiety of a busy life, I can look at Asterisk Star and immediately be transported back to a peaceful setting where a gentle breeze moves the green leaves as soft sunlight sprinkles through them.

Next time you're making a quilt, think about what colors bring you peace and harmony. Try working them into the pattern so you'll always have them handy if you need them. If those colors happen to be Earth colors, think of Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design Tranquility and Poppin' with Wings "Asterisk Star". By doing so, you can bring the outdoors inside.

Make sure to check out my website if you're looking for my Poppin' with Wings book. You can also check out the other fabulous designs in the book. 

Thank you all for stopping by. Check back every day this week to see what other great designers and instructors are up to, you will find the schedule below:

• Monday, July 11th: Studio 180 Design kickoff
• Tuesday, July 12th: Tina Dillard of Quilting Affection Designs
• Wednesday, July 13th: Raija Salomaa of Quilters' Treasure Chest
• Thursday, July 14th: Diana Mann of Murgaboo Quilts
• Friday, July 15th: Studio 180 Design wrap-up and giveaway

Also, be sure to stop back Friday, July 15th on the Studio 180 Design Blog to enter to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of the Tranquility fabric. 

Precision Block Academy Open Registration

I hope everyone is enjoying the new year so far. It's my pleasure to announce Precision Block Academy (PBA) is open for new students. Just what is PBA? Precision Block Academy (PBA) teaches quilters how to make better blocks so they can make better quilts with less stress and frustration.

PBA is built around Studio 180 Design tools that let you design slightly oversized units, then trim them down to the perfect size. So if you have some Studio 180 Tools lying around collecting dust or want tools that will make creating your blocks easier, these are the ones for you. If so, Precision Block Academy is the place to learn how to use them correctly. The goal is to teach you how to make a precision quilt and build your quilting confidence.

There's a lot more to the PBA than a typical class. Through the Academy, you can connect with other quilters, share ideas, ask questions, and learn from the comfort of your own home. There's no need to lug your sewing machine down to the quilt shop and then put it back up when you're done. Everything can be done at home. Plus, it's a work at your own pace program. This means you don't have to stick to a schedule or number of hours. You can sew and learn whenever you want. Video recordings are available for anyone in the community to watch as often as they want. Even live events are recorded so you can watch them later.

Every month, you'll get a block covering one of the Studio 180 Design tools. You'll get 12 different lessons that cover Studio 180 design tools. You'll get a block pattern, a video tutorial on using Studio 180's Design Tool, and instructions on assembling the block. Additionally, you'll receive a Sampler Quilt pattern for your finished blocks, plus fabric requirements.

Getting access to a private Facebook group. You can ask questions, share blocks, and get advice in this group.

You should check out the live sessions. During one session, you'll break down existing quilt patterns into their individual blocks. Then you'll learn how to make them using Studio 180. In the other Zoom meeting, I'll answer your questions as your instructor. Here's your chance to ask any questions you have or get any help you need.

Join now and start learning. There are only a few days left for this opportunity, so act fast.

Join Now!

Block Party Block #21 - Flying Darts Tutorial

It's the first Block Party Block of 2022. Block Party Block #21 "Flying Darts" reminds me of playing lawn darts on camping trips or in the backyard. The Studio 180 Design Corner Beam®, Tucker Trimmer®, and Corner Pop® tools are used for this block. You can download your block, Here!

This tutorial is about making Popped Half Square Triangles for the Flying Darts Block Party Block.

Start by choosing your fabrics and deciding the size of your block. Then cut your squares out according to your size. See the Tucker Trimmer® tool instructions for how to make half-square triangles. Once you've made your Half Square Triangles, I recommend pressing the seams to open so the unit lays flat and won't bulk up when you put the block together. 

Right Handed Trim

Left Handed Trim

After that, you'll trim your units to size. Trimming must be done before popping the corner so that the unit is as straight as it can be. Place your unit on a cutting mat. Position the Tucker Trimmer over the unit, aligning the diagonal guidelines on the seam for the desired size. Trim the first two edges.

Right Handed Trim

Left Handed

Turn the unit 180 and position the clean-up lines on the unit edges that you trimmed and do the same with the diagonal lines on the seam. Now make the final cuts. 

Now that we've got our units trimmed and square, we want to use our Corner Pop® tool to trim off those dark corners. 

Replacement

Using the tool's cutting chart, we can figure out what the Replacement Triangle Square size needs to be based on the size of the Finished/Cut Away corners. To make your replacement triangles, cut your squares to size, then sub-cut them diagonally. 

Right Handed

Left Handed

Let's find the Cut Away lines size for the replacement triangle. Make sure the Cut Away lines are aligned in the dark corner of the Half Square Triangle. Cut across the diagonal.

Position the newly trimmed half-square triangle and the long diagonal edge of the triangle replacement with right sides together. Stitch in place with a 1/4" seam allowance, then press the seams open.

Right Handed

Left Handed

If you're right-handed, position the newly popped corner in your upper right-hand corner and if you're left-handed, place it in your upper left-hand corner. Lay the Finished Size Corner Trim Down line on the seam of the new corner. Keeping your unit straight is easy if you align it with the grid lines on the tool. Just trim the two sides. Do this for all 12 Half Square Triangles. 

It's really easy to make these units. All you have to do now is make 20 Corner Beams and assemble the block.

Block Assembly

It's best to make all four corners first and press the sections together.

Assembling the middle sections, again press your seams open.

Then stitch all the sections together into rows. Lastly, stitch all the rows together to finish the block. Make sure all seams are open. Have fun.

What to Learn more about the Studio 180 Design tools?

Do you wanna learn how to use these and the other Studio 180 Design tools? My Precision Block Academy will open next week for a short time. Starting next Thursday, the 20th, through midnight on the 23rd you can register for the next set of classes starting February 1st. Using the Studio 180 Design tool and Techniques from the comfort of your own home, you can expand your quilting knowledge. To learn more, check out the Precision Block Academy. I'll write more about the academy next week.