trying something new - a mini plus quilt challenge

I recently had the honor of making a quilt for a new quilt exchange partner, the darling Julianne in California, and the assignment was trying something new. I pulled out my Mini-Mosaic Quilts from Paula Doyle that I had in my library since it was hot off the press.

The book showed me how to use an older technique and sparked new possibilities for a very popular design in mini! What is cool about this technique is that you adhere one and a half inch squares to paper or fusible web and sew everything in strips. Your points always match! (Just make sure you sew in opposites directions when you sew the strips. If you don't, your final patchwork will be bowed in one direction. My logical sense allowed me to accept this advice without trying it out. ;-)

I really loved sewing this and kept going! I made a matching mug rug using one inch squares. They finished up to 1/2"! Is that not cool?? My hubby actually said he wanted one for the office! And since you use the fusible web, you don't have to use additional batting!

Here are a few pictures from the process. It is a great way to use up scraps; I used a 6" charm pack!

Don't you just love those night photos? I was determined to get it done that night! If you have a chance to try this technique, go for it. It will enhance your mini quilt possibilities!

Here is my challenge to you...
I challenge you to use this book or technique to make a mini plus quilt. It can be any size you want but those pluses should be no larger than 3 inches square or each segment no larger than one inch finished. Make your quilt and send me a photo of your completed quilt by March 14 (1pm, German time)! I will upload all photos and pick a winner on March 15, 2014. You have one month! The winner will receive....a lovely new charm pack. I will ship internationally. If you will be participating, leave a comment in the comments section of this post. If you a Google+ member, you may be a "no-reply blogger" so leave your email address as well. If you need a badge, grab the one below by clicking on it with a right click and copying the graphic address and insert into your page.

 I look forward to seeing some really lovely mini plus quilts ladies and gentlemen!! Knock my socks off!

Happy patching!
-Karen

v-day 2014

Just another day or two until V-Day or Valentine's Day - one of the most favorite holidays for a woman next to Mother's Day. Are you excited? I am!

I got a little inspired this month from my doll quilt swap. Our monthly theme was/is "love letters." Let me tell you, it is extremely hard to find sweet Valentine's fabrics over here in Germany. So, I requested a few different prints from Jo-Ann Fabrics from a secret source. I went with the theme and designed this cute 3-D Valentine's Day Envelope Wall Hanging for the whole family. There is one envelope per family member. We can drop little love notes whenever we want. I think I will put in a chocolate lolly in the pockets for the kids on Friday morning. Maybe my hubby will put something in there for me too! -)

My swap partner likes cats and batik prints. Do you think she is going to like this? I don't! That is why she will be getting her own special "love letter" exchange quilt quite different than the one featured here.

If you are interested in how I made this wall hanging, please drop me a note and I could tell you all about it. I might even send you some free templates. ;-)

Oh, by the way, I finally figured out how to fix my "no-reply" blogger problem - just delete your Google+ Account! 

 Happy Valentine's Day!

fancy folded star demo in our patchwork group

Last year I presented a demonstration to our patchwork group on the fancy folded star written by Maria Wallin. You can find the instructions on her website - not only quilts or here translated into German. I really fell in love with this technique that has more to do with folding and fabric composition than sewing .

We worked on this technique for two or three months until everyone got through it. Here are a few snapshots from my patchwork group. I wanted to collect more, but either I left my camera at home or the ladies forgot to bring their stars! ;-) Before too much times goes by, I wanted to present what the very charming ladies made so far.

The gals were very pleased with this demonstration and can't wait to learn more techniques in the group. We all want to learn more and have made a pledge to do just that! In 2015, we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary of the Nersinger Patchworkgruppe and are very excited about creating loads of new quilts showing off our talents. I hope you will join us along the way and cheer us on. If you have great ideas to share with us as far as techniques, events, activities we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for stopping by. Please feel free to leave comments in any language!