Cottage Quilt Designs August 2007

In This Issue: New Quilt Patterns, Tip of the Month, and Pattern on Sale

New Pattern

Here are the two newest patterns on our site made from the fabrics from Batiks by Design.
Argyle Blues is a throw sized quilt 57" x 65". It is easy to make using four fabrics.
Batiks Trails can be made in sizes twin-king. You see the twin size in the picture. This is also easy to make. Can you imagine it in your favorite color scheme?
You can see both of these quilts at the International Quilt Festival in Houstan Nov. 1-4th. I will be there along with Patti Oakley vendoring in her booth. Come and say hi!

Quitler's Tip

Making Perfect Quilt Blocks
If you are like me when I start a quilt then you are filled with excitement and want to make all your blocks now-today! I have learned the hard way to slow down and that a square ruler is your best friend! Take the time to sew an accurate seam allowance. We have talked before about the importance and ease of using a 1/4" seam allowance foot on your machine.
But this month I want to focus on making use of your rulers. I have in my workroom a 6", 9 1/2" and a 12 1/2" square rulers. I use them all the time to cut patches from precut strips. They are also very important to use to lay on top of your finished block and see if the block fits the final measurement you want to use.
If the plan of the pattern is for you to make the block oversized then the next step is simple-just trim away the excess fabric from the centered ruler on the block. But if the sides are more then 1/8" inside from the edges of the ruler then you need to stop and find the problem. Sometimes I have found that the patch just needs to be cut 1/8" bigger all around-especially a triangle shaped patch.
It is very important to check the final measurement of your block and square it or fix the problems before you go on and try to match points and corners. Your project is worth the time and effort to make it the best quilt you have ever finished!

Email

Email me with any questions or suggestions you may have for us to serve you the quilter better. Check out our blog on the website that is updated each week. In it we include news about Cottage Quilt Designs, recipes and anything we think you might find interesting.

Blog

Visit our blog on the website weekly to find out what is new, see photos, and find out what this designer is up to!
The bog is updated each Sunday morning so come and join our growing family! Post your comments to me and I will receive them and post my answers on the blog.

Pattern on Sale

Float My Boat
Are you looking for that special pattern to make for your grandson? Well--here it is!
The sample is made with bright flannel fabrics that will delight his eyes and give him a cuddly quilt to wrap up in at your house when he comes to spend time with you.
The sailboat appliques have raggedy edges that you clip so that they fray in the wash and make the quilt extra fuzzy and warm. The pieced block is easy too and made out of two squares sewn right sides together on a diagonal line, cut in half on the penciled line and each half cut in half again and then pieced together to make the hourglass block! A good block for a beginner. On sale for the month of August for .00.
Click our link in the Quick Links box above in the left column and go to the Children's Designs page. Float My Boat is there along with Tickle My Heart quilt, made the same way with flannel. It has raggedy edges around the heart appliques for girls.Click here to view the quilt pattern.

Visit our website to see the new patterns and the variety of designs we offer. First time customers receive a free pattern. When you send us your order we will email back asking which pattern you would like to receive free in your shipment. It's that easy!
Sincerely,
Rochelle Martin
Cottage Quilt Designs