Reviving My Blog!

I’m so happy to announce that I’m bringing my blog back full-time starting this Friday, September 3^rd.  I’m taking a new approach to this blog; instead of random topics. I have decided to dedicate my blog to educate you on the Deb Tucker Studio 180 Design tools.

To give you a little background on me, I have been a Pattern Designer for over eight years. Five years ago, I found the Studio 180 Design tools and discovered game-changer tools that take your abilities to the next level. A year later, I became a Studio 180 Design Certified Instructor and devoted my pattern Designs to companion patterns for the tools. I love watching my students see the delight in their faces when they have perfect-looking units and blocks.

I wanted to share my love for the tools and educate you on the Studio 180 Design tools via my blog.  So starting this Friday and every Friday, you will be introduced to new topics, tools or techniques, tutorials, and so much more on Studio 180 Design.

So if you have a love of the Studio 180 Design tools or are just curious about the tools, you will not want to miss each Friday's blog post. If you haven't signed up to receive your blog delivered to your email each week, then click on this link.

See you tomorrow for the first post.

Tina

Freedom Block - Block Party Block 14

 

Hello everyone, I have an exciting way to play with the Studio 180 Design tools by making a block each month, which I call Block Party Blocks the blocks. Each block is released on the 15^th of the month.  In the Patterns, you will receive instructions on making the blocks and how to use the blocks, such as a pillow, a table runner, or a table topper. This is a great way to practice your skills and play with the tools.

With that said, I want to introduce my latest Block Party Block #14, which I am calling Freedom. This is block is not as complex as it may look at first glance. It comprises only three different units, Split Rects, Corner Beams, and Square Squared. Taking these individual units and putting them together, you can get a beautiful block that can be used by itself to create a table topper or table runner. If you feel adventurous, you could combine the block with others and use it in a sampler quilt. The possibilities are almost endless.

To start building the block, I would recommend picking out your fabrics. I decided to go with a background color, two mediums, and a dark for my block. If you go this way, I recommend that the two medium fabrics are different enough in color to not blend together. You could also substitute one of the mediums with a light. This is one of those blocks that you can go wild or be a little conservative. It is really up to you on the fabric choices and how you want it to look.

To put this block together, you will need to make four of the Split-Rec units, four Corner Beam Units, and one Square-Squared unit. The tools you will need are the Studio 180 Designs’ Split Rects, Corner Beam, and the Square-Squared. Then you will also need some of your standard quilting supplies, like a rotary cutter and fabric pencils or pens. I would also recommend getting some paper plates and labeling them with the name of each unit. This will help you keep organized. 

Split Rects

To get started, I would recommend making the Split-Rects first. That is the easiest of the three units and would make a good warmup to get started. Start by cutting the fabric to the correct size, following the instructions that came with the Split-Rects Tool. Once the pieces are cut, head over to your sewing machine and start sewing them together using a ¼ inch seam. Once the four Split-Rects are sewn together, press the seams, and it is time to trim. To trim your unit to the correct size, again refer to the instructions that came with the Split-Rects tool.

Corner Beam Unit

After finishing the four Split-Rects units, it is time to move on to the Corner Beam units. Again you need to make four of these units as well. Again start by cutting the fabric to the correct size, following the instructions that came with the Corner Beam tool. Once the pieces are cut, head over to your sewing machine and start sewing them together using a ¼ inch seam. With the Corner Beam unit, you have two pieces that need to be sewn onto the centerpiece. Again, make sure you are following your tools’ instructions for how to sew them. Once the four Corner Beams are sewn together, press the seams, and it is time to trim. To trim your unit to the correct size, refer to the instructions that came with the Corner Beam tool taking special care to align the tool before cutting correctly.

Square Squared

Next, it is time to make the Square-Squared unit the goes in the center of the block. As with the first two units, start by cutting the fabric to the correct size. Following the instructions that came with the Square-Squared tool. Once the pieces are cut, head over to your sewing machine and start sewing them together using a ¼" inch seam. With the Square-Squared unit, you have four pieces that need to be sewn onto the centerpiece. Make sure you are following your tools’ instructions for how to sew them. Once the four Square-Squared units are sewn together, press the seams, and it is time to trim. To trim your unit to the correct size, refer to the instructions that came with the Square-Squared tool taking special care to align the tool before cutting correctly.

Freedom Block

Now that the units are complete, it is time to make some magic and sew the units into the completed block. To do this, I would recommend sewing the units, row by row. Once the three rows are complete, then sew the rows together to complete the block.

I have the full instructions for completing this block for sale on my website. The complete instruction is set up like you would find in one of my patterns: fabric requirements, cutting, and sewing instructions. Also, if you are interested in learning more about how to use the Studio 180 Design Tool, please check out my Precision Block Academy and sign up on my waiting list. I will be opening up registration again this fall for a short time, and you don’t want to miss out.

Goodbye 2020 and Welcome 2021

2021 Goal and Hopes

2020 was not a year I would like to say was the brightest in my life and probably in yours. Like many of you, this pandemic put a damper on our lives and moods. As a small business owner, I saw my whole world turn upside down, with my main goals for the business going out the door and revenue down and possibly gone. 

Many of us business owners took advantage of this time in quarantine and rethought how to bring in more revenue. Many of us in the quilting business decided to bring in new revenue with Zoom and other online platforms. Many of you started teaching online and moving stores to the web to keep your businesses running.  It made many of us turn to Social Media to stay in contact with our customers, teaching them tips and tricks, and just talking to them. I decided to took this time to write a book and learn by watching what others were doing.

There are two things main things I learn from this whole pandemic.

First off, take care of yourself and do not get burnt out.  I must emit that I did get burnt out on my business by the time my book launched in October. I feel like I worked 24/7 on this book and probably pushed myself over the edge. First, the pandemic did not help. I was stuck at home for months and was not able to get out and socialize.  I was missing my quilt shows where I could get out and soak in the splendor of all the beautiful designs for inspiration and then hang out with friends. Over the last couple of months, I started taking one day a week and working down at my local quilt shop to develop their online store. I also started taking weekends off to give myself a break from my quilt designing business. Plus, I needed to find a hobby that was not quilting all the time, so I started machine embroidery. I fell in love with it, thanks to my local shop owner, who showed us various tips and online events. I also have taken the last couple of weeks as a vacation to have time for myself, clear my mind, and get ready to get back to business.

The second thing I learned was not to take things for granted. I had my hopes and desires for my business crushed this year due to the pandemic. I learned the hard way that if something or someone shuts the door in your face, you need to just turn to a new door and start fresh. It is natural to be down about this, but you need to pick yourself up and move forward and discover the next exciting thing.

What are some of my significant accomplishments of 2020? 

Thankfully, my family and I stayed safe and healthy throughout
the year.  

Secondly, I developed what I feel was a beautiful first book, Poppin’ with Wings. It took a lot of work, time, and money to produce, but I think this book will be a great addition to my Studio 180 design pattern collection.

Lastly, in 2020, I developed and released several new patterns that have become great sellers. I have also designed several more patterns that will be out soon.  I also feel I am starting to get a good following of Quilt Affection Design fans that love my patterns after being in business for 6+ years.

So, what are my goals for 2021! I have one main goal that will work into several minor goals:

My main goal is to take my recent quilt and book patterns and develop an OnDemand Class Library to teach the techniques.  So, anyone that wants to can learn to make these beautiful quilts. I hope to have several out by March 2021.

The first minor goal is to develop a series of patterns that allow the current Studio 180 Design fans and anyone new to practice and develop skills. These patterns will be designed around a single tool that will be easy to put together with clear instructions.  Some patterns will be table toppers to multi-sized quilts.  They will be coming your way in the Spring, probably around April.

The second minor goal is to develop more patterns, just like the ones you have seen from my studio throughout the year.

The last minor goal is to develop a sequel to the Poppin’ with Wing book.  I have no date for this yet but will keep everyone informed.

How will I accomplish these goals? 

Well, I need to develop a schedule or routine that includes self-care like exercise, time off, etc.
To get my business goals accomplished, I will need to keep a planner and write down my tasks and goals for each day or week to keep me on schedule. This planner will help keep me organized and on task. 

My hope for everyone in 2021 is to have a healthy, safe, and joyous year.  I hope we will emerge from this pandemic toward the fall and have some kind of new normal closer to the old one.  For the new year, I encourage everyone to set goals for themselves and start a journal to keep you on track. 

Have a great New Year!

 

 

 

Aztec Dance Month 6 and Finishing!

 

Welcome to the final month of the Aztec Dance block of the month. This month we will be making the final block and putting it all together. Thank you to everyone who made this a popular Block of the Month quilt.

You can now purchase Block 6. Remember, you have two options for buying the pattern. First, My website is set up for both Printed and Downloadable PDF versions. For my International customers, I have an Etsy website.

Month 6 

Block 6 is straightforward to make and put together. The center consists of making two different color combinations of half-square triangles and making Dual Colored Diamond in a square units.

Half Square Triangles

Start by using your Quilter's Magic Wand and marking two stitching lines that are 1/4" on either side of the center diagonal on the reverse side tan squares. Layer the blue and tans squares together with the right sides together and stitch.

Cut down the middle between the stitching lines. Pressing toward the dark fabric.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Position the Tucker Trimmer® over the unit, carefully aligning the common diagonal with the stitching seam and the appropriate size of the unit you are making. Trim the first two sides.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Rotate the unit 180°, line up the Tucker Trimmer®, and trim the two sides to measure the size of the unit you are making.

Continue to make all the units.

Dual Colored Diamond in a Square

Position the Center Square Section of the Square Squared® tool on the size according to your pattern instructions.  Place the tool on the trimmed edge of the strip, lining up the corner of the strip with the center mark according to your pattern instructions. Cut up and across the top of the strip to get a precise unit.

Cut the Blue and Tan squares into triangles. Position the Tan and Blue triangle on opposite sides of the center square.  Stitch with the triangles on the bottom with a 1/4" seam allowance. Pressing away from the center.

Position the remaining Blue and Tan triangles on opposite sides of the center square.  Stitch and Pressing seams away from the center.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Position the Trim Down Section of the Square Squared® tool over the unit.  Focus on aligning the "X" marks on the finished size according to your pattern instructions over the sewn seams.  Trim the first two sides.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Rotate the unit.  Reposition the Square Squared® tool lining up the "X"s and then lining up the cleanup lines on the tool with the previously trimmed edges, according to your pattern instructions.

Assembly

Stitch together the squares and half-square triangles units to make up the four patch units for the corners and center of the units.

Layout and Stitch together the units to make your center block.

Your center block is now ready and now you can start putting together your quilt together.

Quilt Assembly

You will start the assembly by making some Flying Geese and Half Square Triangles for the center block borders.  

Once these units are made you will make two top and bottom rows and two side rows.

Stitch the side blocks on the sides of the Center Block and press according to your pattern instructions. Then add the top and bottom rows.

Stitch together (2) Bonus Block 1, and (1) Block 3 together.  Making two center inner rows.

Stitch together (1) Block 5, (1) Bonus Block 2, and (1) Block 1 together.  Making two center outer rows.

Stitch the Center Inner and Outer rows on each side of the Center block. 

Using your pattern instructions assembly the remaining blocks into rows and assemble them to the top and bottom of them the center row.  Add your borders and your quilt is now complete.

Now you can enjoy your beautiful quilt.  Please share your finished quilt by emailing a photo to qa@quiltingaffection.com or on social media, using the @quiltingaffection, and using hashtag #aztecbom.

If you liked this pattern please check out my new book Poppin' With Wings and my other Studio 180 Design companion patterns, by visiting www.quiltingaffecton.com

Tina 

Pre Order My new book: Poppin With Wings

I am really excited and proud to announce my first book Poppin' With Wings. Choose from 8 different quilt designs, take your ordinary flying geese units, and raise them to a whole new level.

Pre-Order Book

Every quilt in the book has been designed around the high precision Studio 180 Design Wing Clipper® I, Corner Pop® II, and Corner Pop® III to bring you 8 stunning projects. Then combined with easy-to-follow project instructions, you can convert the basic flying geese units into some exciting and stunning in the end, plus build your confidence level to a whole new level. 

The book features:

• 125 Full Colored Pages, including images and cutting charts
•  Total of 8 projects, 4 using the Corner Pop II and Corner Pop III tools
•  Companion for the Studio 180 Design Wing Clipper I, Corner Pop II, and Corner Pop III
•  Easy to follow Step by Step instructions on how to use the Studio I80 Design Tools.
•  Each project has been thoroughly tested by the author and several Studio 180 Design Certified Instructor.
• Contemporary to Modern quilts that range from wall-hanging to lap size
• Right and Left-Handed cutting Instructions

Pre-Order today through November 13th from me directly, and you will receive 20% off your book. Book ships December 1st, just in time for Christmas. 

Don't forget to check to see if you have the tools?  If you need the companion tools, you can order from my website, Studio 180 Designs, or your local Quilt Shop. 

I will be hosting a book launch on my Facebook pages at 7 pm on Friday, November 6^th. During the launch, I will highlight the great features of this book, plus give a tour to show you these stunning quilts that are sure to inspire.  So if you're not already following my Facebook page, now is the time. You do not want to miss the exciting launch.