Wednesday, May 6, 2015

gristmill star block #1033

Hello everyone and thanks for stopping by the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Hop, Day Three .



My name is Karen Ackva of easypatchwork. I am an American living my dreams with my bi-national (German-American) family overseas. I design quilts, blocks, patterns, and tutorials (most of which are free). Sometimes, I even blog about my day-to-day challenges and experiences living in Germany. I have been quilting (called patchwork here) for more than 13 years and designing just as long.


Gristmill Star Block with House and Garden fabrics from Cloud 9

I am excited to share with you my very first block for Quiltmaker's! I am extremely honored that they chose my block for their eleventh issue and to be published in such an awesome magazine alongside so many other talented designers! Thank you, Quiltmaker especially Carolyn Beam and Kelly Eisinger. You two are the greatest!

My Style
I love making patchwork that is balanced. I usually do that by mixing prints and solids, warm colors and cold colors as well as the use of balanced designs, sometimes symmetrical and sometimes not. I love geometric prints and contrasting colors.

The Gristmill Star Block
This consists of a framed star with triangles in the corners. The emphasis in this color scheme is the star being the darkest color (a solid brown) and the frame and rays of middle tones/fabrics. This is also the original block found in the magazine, signed by me, and will eventually be raffled off or given away by Quiltmaker's.

Gristmill Star Block #1033 from Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Summer Edition

You can change it up by exchanging the white frame stripes with printed fabrics to get a contrasting block. Also change the corner triangles to a lighter fabric but everything else should stay the same.


Gristmill Star Block Variation using some Tula Pink Fabrics

You can swap out the the four corner block fabrics in the star to get a spinning friendship star as shown on the right side of the quilt below. Make five blocks of each, add some interesting strips (plain and pieced) to get this beautiful full-sized quilt.

Quilt size ~ 50 x 60 inches with Gristmill Star and Variation

Or you can make just one block then add some improvised borders to make a great modern pillow. Fabrics from Windham Fabrics - Mimosa.

18 x 18 inch Pillow using the Gristmill Star Block
Or make three blocks (making sure one is a variation) and make this stunning table runner for a quick weekend or day project.

Table Runner using Three Blocks
Or if you love the look of scrappy, make four blocks in the same manner with all of them being scrappy. You will love how it turns out!

Wall Hanging or Table Topper ~ 24 x 24 inches with Gristmill Star Block

My Test Block
As a designer, you not only create new designs, but you want others to have an easy block or pattern that is truly do-able! You need to know it works and isn't just a designer block that no one can or would sew! Right? Well, I sewed this block together four times wanting to get it just perfect. And, sometimes, the first block is not the one that makes it into the magazine. Even though I should have know not to use the best fabric I have for a test block, I still went ahead and did it anyway!

Gristmill Star using Fussy Cut Tula Pink fabric
This was my very first block that I made. But since it is 1/2 inch smaller than the requirements, it didn't make the cut. Isn't it just too cute with the raccoons! I love Tula Pink fabric! Unfortunately, I didn't have any more fabric to make a second block with the special fussy cutting, the one featured in the magazine! I would have preferred this one! My three other blocks came out perfect, btw. :-)

My Addiction
And just the past weekend, I acquired some new fabric at the Patchwork Days in Dinkelsbühl sponsored by the German Patchwork Gilde. I absolutely loved this fabrc and wanted to make something out of it immediately! I did just that, too!

Windham Fabrics, Paint Collection by Carrie Bloomston

I decided I would make a quick pillow case. I make a lot of pillow cases at the moment, because I am having so much fun with our group Pillow Swap Four Seasons found on flickr or with the hashtag #pillowswapfourseasons. BTW, registration for the Fall Round will open on June 1st if you love to make pillows according to the different seasons as well! We have room for 50 beautiful male and female patchworkers if you are interested!!

https://www.flickr.com/groups/2730349@N24/

And by the afternoon, I had this! See all of the beautiful things you can make with this great new star block?! You can see more pictures of the Gristmill Star on my flickr account.

Gristmill Star featured in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Summer Edition 2015

Giveaway I
Stop by all of the designers featured on the blog hop today for your chance to win a copy of the Quiltmaker's 100 blocks. Follow their directions. ;-)

Giveaway II
Stop by Quilty Pleasures (Quiltmaker's Blog) and enter for your chance to win a copy of the magazine as well as many other daily prizes! You might even find a pattern from me there. <wink, wink>

Giveaway III
And if that is not enough chances to win a copy, I also have one copy of the magazine to give away to one very lucky reader that will be shipped directly from Quiltmaker's. Are you excited? Not yet? Then what about this..... I will send you, the winner of the magazine from my site, a copy of EACH PATTERN I have for sale in my Craftsy shop! This includes Mystic Rainbow Chevron, Destiny's Trail Nine Patch, Wrist Pin Cushion for Sewists, Perfect Wrist Pin Catcher, Autumn at the Peaks Wall Hanging + Template, Tilted Kimono Butterfly Foundation Template and the Simple Four Inch Star Foundation Template all for one lucky patchworker!!

Copies of Patterns from easypatchwork to GIVEAWAY!

All you have to do is leave a comment in the section below stating your favorite fabric designer or the fabrics you would choose to make this block. (One entry per email address.) Also, please leave your email address if you are a no-reply blogger. If you don't know if you are one or not, put your email address down anyway. I will contact you per email for your shipping address. On Friday morning, 9am (German time), I will choose a random number for one lucky winner of the magazine - Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol. 11 and all of my listed patterns!

GOOD LUCK!

Please don't forget to stop by each blog featured on Quilty Pleasures on the date listed for an additional chance to win a free copy of the Summer Edition of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks as well as some other very juicy prizes such as fabrics, notions, patterns, and other quilty goodies!!

http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/

117 comments:

  1. Karen I do like your block, will look out for the magazine, it is always out later here than the USA

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  2. I just love the pillow! Looks so happy and legant. Great block and congratulations in being is such a great magazine! Yay!

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  3. Your block looks great in the colors you chose! Thanks for sharing.

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  4. This really is a fun block, Karen!
    Congratulations.
    I love your pillow!
    With Such Designs fabrics!!
    I would use my "Story Collection" fabrics to try out your block ;-)

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  5. Great block. I would put some Tula Pink. She's my new favorite designer.

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  6. Pretty block and I never remember designer names but I am a fan of Riley Blake's a lot of times.

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  7. I love your block! My favorite fabric designer (at the moment) is Lynn Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles.

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  8. My favorite fabric designer is Kate Spain. But I'm a scrappy quilter. I'd love to make the block as a table runner (five blocks long) out of scrappy country fabrics that a friend just gave me. It will end up on her table. Thanks for the chance to win. WOW!!! what a great prize pack with all of your patterns!!! Thanks. Shahann at yahoo dot com.

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  9. This would look so cute in Penny's Dollhouse.

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  10. I love Kaffe Fassett fabric. But I would choose something from stash bin for this block. it means something recycled (shirts) and something new, various designers, different brands.

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  11. Love your block. Thanks for sharing and a chance to win.

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  12. Great block--loved seeing all the different variations you showed! I don't have a favorite designer--I think I would try to replicated your first block--I love those fussy cut racoons!!

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  13. Wonderful block! I also like your raccoons! I can see myself making a quilt out of this block. Thanks for a chance to win.

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    1. Not included in the drawing, unfortunately. ;-(

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  14. Thanks for the chance to win... Anything Moda... maybe Christmas fabrics... Or maybe Me and my sister designs I love them all... drhodes9@cox.net

    Love your block...

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  15. That's a great block! My favorite fabric designer is Kate Spain.

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  16. Love your block - Congratulations!! Tula Pink would be my first pick. The raccoons are just too cute. Would love to win. Will be back to this site for sure. Thanks
    jebonf(at)yahoo.com

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  17. Love this block - so flexible - Congratulations! I love Kim Diehl and Primative Gatheringsl Lisa.

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  18. I don't have a favorite designer; but, I do love dottie and chevron style fabrics!

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  19. Congrats on your first 100 Blocks issue! Love those fussy cut raccoons! And the quilt with the two columns of blocks and plain strips. Love, love, love! :)

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    1. Not included in the drawing, unfortunately. She already had a copy of the magazine! ;-)

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  20. Nice block. I don't have a favorite designer and tend to fall in love with all kinds of different fabrics, although I love flower prints.

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  21. I don't really have a favorite designer, but I love stripes! Thanks for sharing your talents and sponsoring the giveaway.

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  22. Well, nothing really specific but...I do love love the civil war prints by moda so that is what I would use. Love you block! Congratulations getting in the magazine!!

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  23. I will be making your wonderful block with Windham Fabrics. I love your pillows. Sandy R, southwestsand at yahoo dot com

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  24. Fantastic block Congratulations! I would like to see the block made in Alison Glass fabrics!

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  25. I'm eclectic in fabric choices, but I do like bright fabrics or clear medium fabrics. I like your block put side by side to form a lattice effect.

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  26. My favorite fabric designer is Jo Morton. Love the colors and pattern combinations she comes up with.

    Absolutely love your block - the secondary design it creates knocks my socks off! Can't wait to get my hand on a copy!

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  27. Something from Bonnie and Camille for Moda. Love their fabric colors. Congratulations on being included in #11. poladydwd(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  28. Congratulations on your winning block! I enjoyed seeing your setting variations. I love star blocks and one of my favorite designers is Debbie Maddy. This summer I will be taking her Hunter's Star class.

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  29. I can't say that I have a favorite fabric designer as I'm usually a scrap quilter and love all fabric.

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  30. Congratulations! I think I would use different shades of purple.

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  31. Congratulations on getting into your first issue! Thank you for sharing your design process it's always interesting to find out how a design gets from start to finish. I don't have a favorite fabric designer -- whoever's fabric will make the idea I have in my head works I will go with! I'm surprised you didn't use the "fussy-cut raccoons" block for your pillow -- perhaps you can make another one?

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  32. Love your block. And so versatile too. I'm on a batik binge at the moment-- purple, teal and gray....

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  33. Super block--I would use some of my Cherrywood stash!

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  34. I like the aqua and yellow look. Too many favorite Designers to pick from. Lots of talent out there.

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  35. I love your block! My favorite designer is Tula Pink so I would use her fabrics to make your block. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  36. I don't have a favorite, all are so good. I would make it scrappy from my stash.

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  37. Too many wonderful fabric designer's to pick just one! I fell in love with your block, the orange and blue just screamed at me and I was smitten.
    Bgbailey81@gmail.com

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  38. Congratulations on your first block for Quiltmakers! The pillow is gorgeous! I like a lot of different designers and at the moment I can't get enough of Kim Diehl.

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  39. Congrats on getting in the Quiltmakers. Your pillow is lovely and there are so many designers I love, Basic Grey, Kate Spain, Robert Kaufman etc

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  40. Congratulations on being a part of this magazine! I look forward to every wonderful issue. I like many fabric designers. One current favorite is Zen Chic.

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  41. I really never paid attention to the designers, I just pick fabrics I like.

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  42. Congratulations on getting published - what fun! I love your pillow - awesome! I don't really have a favorite designer - whatever fabric moves me at the time is my favorite! Thanks so much for the chance to win :)
    Debby E
    samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com

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  43. Wie ich sehe haben viele bis zum Ende mitgelesen! Deine Verlosung klingt sehr verlockend und ich nehme sehr gerne daran teil. Vielleicht würde Dein Stern auch schön aussehen aus Tildastoffen? Es wäre einen Versuch wert.
    LG
    KATRIN W.

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  44. Timeless Treasures - always can find something I like. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  45. What a cute block! It looks like a Dutch windmill to me. Makes me think of tulips, wooden shoes and spring. I like Red Rooster fabrics which would be pretty to make this block from. Thanks for sharing.

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  46. I never saw a fabric collection I didn't love! Right now I'm mad about Paula Nadelstern's fabric....all of it! And, WOW, what giveaways! Thanks for the chance!

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  47. I am a fabricholic. I don't pay attention to designers, just buy fabric that catches my eye. I would use fabric from my stash.

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  48. I generally like Civil War reproduction fabric. Jo Morton is my favorite designer.

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  49. Love your block. I like Kim Diehl fabric right now.

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  50. I LOVE your Gristmill Star block! I can't wait to try it out. I really like Riley Blake fabrics, they are a delight to work with.

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  51. I love Kaffe Fassett fabrics and your block

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  52. Wow! really great block. I love it. i would probably make it with some Bonnie and Camille fabric.

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  53. I really love your quilt with the stripes and the block variation! I like Kansas Troubles fabrics but love the bright take on this.

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  54. I love Me and My Sister's Desgins. You have some really great patterns! I love your block!

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  55. I have many designers I admire, but I think I would make this entirely from scraps and not all from one designer.

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  56. I really like your color choices for your block--great block--I have found a lot of fabrics by Moda that I like with no one designer in mind.

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  57. I like your block and I also like to have everything feel balanced, too. My favorite designer is Kate Spain. Thanks for the inspiration you give us with your talent. cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

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  58. Sandy Gervais is my favorite fabric designer. Thanks for the amazing giveaway - love your block.

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  59. I have so many fabrics that I love! It would be hard to tell which one but it would have some florals for sure!! Thanks for the chance to win! First time to visit your blog and I like it very much! I shall return! Helen G. hrglover@hotmail.com

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  60. I am a Moda junkie and have several lines in my possession right now but the one I am looking forward to getting is Lakeside Gatherings by Lisa Bongean. I haven't had an opportunity to go to her shop in a while but am planning to soon. This collection would be fantastic in your design!

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  61. I never use single fabric lines because I'm a scrappy quilter. I'd like to see this in blacks, grays and whites with brights on the diagonals.

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  62. For years, Jinny Beyer fabrics have been some of my favorites.

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  63. I love batiks. But don't use one line of fabrics in my quilts. I am more of a scrappy quilter.

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  64. It's hard to choose but I am always drawn to the fabrics designed by Sweetwater. Thanks for the giveaway.
    susanmcg999@gmail.com

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  65. In the past,my favorite fabric designers have been Kaffe Fassett and Jinny Beyer. I'm normally a flower person in red and blue, but this year my new addiction is polka dots and lime green!

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  66. I like Kate Spain's, but I've always just bought what I liked and never stayed with one designer or line… or bought the whole line :) I love fabric, but would think that designing fabric would be hard. It's much easier to chop it up and sew it back together again :) Thank you for the generous giveaway. Love your patterns, and congrats on being included in VOL. 11 !!

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  67. I would make this block with Fig Tree fabrics.

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  68. My choice of fabric to make this block would be scraps from my stash. I'm trying very hard to use my stash whenever possible.

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  69. Love your block and all the different variations. My favorite fabric designer is 3 sisters for Moda fabrics. I would probably use one of their fabric collections or Ambleside by Brenda Riddle.

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  70. congrats, your block is so fun. I love the pillow made from it. I really love Moda and Kate Spain

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  71. I love the block in Tula Pink fabrics, fussy cut or not!

    I'd really like to have some of her Elizabeth line. And make your block, or one of your patterns.

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  72. I really like Barbara Brackman's reproduction fabrics.

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  73. Holly Taylor is my favorite fabric designer. I just love her soft nature prints!
    Congrats on making the magazine cut. Your block is so unique, perfect for that pillow!

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  74. Thank you for sharing your block with us and giving us samples to go by. It is so interesting and helpful to see the different layouts/options before making the block. Sometimes it is the seeing that really does the trick as well as gives you the confidence you need.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Not included in the drawing, unfortunately. ;-(

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  75. a lot of impact with just one block! I like Riley Blake and my own hand dyed fabrics. pjrcontest (at) msn (dot) com.

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  76. I like Me and My you Sister designs. I would like to see this block in some cheery fabrics.

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  77. Great block! I like 3 Sisters and French General fabrics.

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  78. I would use Hoffman Batiks! Creative and fun block.

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  79. Hi Karen, I love your block! Hey that little quilt you made me has a special place in my sewing room and in my heart. Thanks again. Vickie in Utah

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  80. I've been lusting after Fusions Garden by Studio RK for Robert Kaufman, and I'd use that indeed!

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  81. Wow Karen, I am so proud of you! you are in the Quiltmaker's 100 book!!! AWESOME!!!
    I would do your block in Alison Glass fabric combined with some mint or coral on a LV background!
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com

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  82. I'd use red cream and a little brown.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

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  83. I love the Zen Chic fabrics, especially the Reel Time. It would be great for your block. Congratulations to the first block in Quiltmaker´s 100 Blocks. I am sure there are more to follow.

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  84. Dear Karen,
    what an achievement, so proud of you and thank you for the give-away.
    My favorite fabric line is Thimbleberries, tastes are so different. And for your star design I would use for sure scraps, really liked the way your 4 star blocks together looked in scrappy style.
    Greetings,
    Sylvia

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  85. Congrats on getting your block published, I love it. I have to say it looks absolutely stunning made up in Paint which is, as you probably already know, one of my favourite collections. I just adore all of the fabrics that Carrie Bloomston designs and I really love how well they work in this block.

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  86. Tula Pink is my favorite designer. I love your block! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Sandy N
    explabgirl(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  87. Even though I like Tula Pink, I don't have a "favorite" designer....I gravitate towards a LOT of different designers!

    Your giveaway is VERY generous and I would count myself soooooo lucky if I won!
    (irene-grimes@hotmail.com)

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  88. I love all of Riley Blakes fabric especially Bee in my bonnet lines.
    mschindlerstar(at)gmail(dot)com Loving your block

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  89. I love Moda. This is such a generous giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity.
    chocolatewiskers@aol.com

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  90. Love the block. Congrats on being chosen to be in the magazine. I love Thimbleberries fabrics, they have some wonderful rich colors.

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  91. I like Heather Mulder Peterson's fabric lines very much!

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  92. Wow! This is one creative star! Very versatile, and I live stars!
    My favorite designer is Kate Spain and any of her lines could work so well with your star.
    reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  93. Kate Spain is my favorite, and I like lines by Deb Strain and Kathy Davis also.

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  94. I love vintage look of Lori Holt. I spent several weeks in Germany last April and loved it. Even went to several fabric shops. kthurn@bektel.com

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  95. I am liking designer Heather Mulder Peterson's fabrics and patterns lately.
    auntie.clark@gmail.com

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  96. I am currently obsessed with French General fabrics :)

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  97. Congratulations on having your first block included in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks! Your Gristmill Star really allows for a lot of scrappy possibilities and layouts - how fun! I believe my all time favorite fabric line is Hope Valley by Denyse Schimdt and your block would be a great on for it! Thanks so much for hosting an opportunity to win a copy of the Volume 11 issue!

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  98. Congratulations on a great block! I would love to make it. One of my favorite designers is Sarah Watson. thanks!

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  99. I like Riley Blake! Congrats on your block!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  100. I like a lot of the Riley Blake stuff, it's so cute

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  101. I love Art Gallery Fabrics, Sweetwater, and Bonnie & Camille your block is great! I love star blocks.

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  102. Fantastic giveaways! Thanks. My favorite designer has to be Kansas Troubles. Of course Barbara Brockman, Paula Barnes and a host of other repro designers are right up there.

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  103. Your block is delightful! My favorite designer is Camille Roskelley.

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  104. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. I removed this comment, because there was no answer to the question.

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  105. I could give a try with Moda and Kate Spain. Love your block, and please pick me, pick meeeee

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  106. Wow that is a heck of a giveaway! Love your block with the raccoon fabric. I have been hoarding a piece of that!

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    1. Not included in the drawing, unfortunately ;-(

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