Monday, January 1, 2018

January Color Challenge Block

I am so excited to get the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge started!




Ready for the first block? Each month there will be a different block pattern and you can choose to make the 12" finished size or the 6" finished. Find the introduction post HERE.

12" finished block


6" finished block

Here she is in both the large and small size.



 I will be providing 3 different settings, and one of them will be for those of you who choose to do both sizes as shown here. For the blocks above I switched the dark and lights around, just for fun.

Grab your free pattern HERE.
**The block patterns, and setting instructions, will be available for free until June 2019, at which point they will be bundled and sold as a full pattern.**

Blog Hop
You will want to visit the other bloggers. Take a look at the blocks they have made and get inspired. There are a couple that are doing some added extras all year long, you don't want to miss that!
The Prize
Information on how to enter for a chance to win this months prize is at the bottom of the post. This month we have a beautiful fabric bundle from Northcott. So pretty!





Supplies

You will need two red fabrics, one dark, one light. Feel free to use only two fabrics or use multiple scraps. It will be important to use scraps of the same value, so your pattern shows in your block.

A ruler with a 45 degree angle is needed for trimming. For this block I used the Wing Clipper® and Square2® rulers from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design.


Piecing hints





When making your Square in a Square unit, fold each piece in half and match the folds. This picture shows the triangle offset, but you want to line up both edges. Repeat for the opposite side, then to the last two open sides.


This picture is for the 6" finished block, the 12" block will require trimming just the dog ears.


This unit finishes larger than needed.




You will trim this unit to 2 1/2" square.




Find instructions for making Flying Geese using the No-Waste Method HERE.





When stitching the corner units, stitch so your needle is closest to the outside edge, this will help keep your unit size accurate.




When stitching the Flying Geese units to the rectangles, keep your stitch closer to the edge in order to keep your point.




I like to pin the end of each unit as I stitch them together, this helps keep them lined up accurately.





I do the same when stitching the rows together. That last pin really helps keep the blocks square. I also found that by sewing with the Square In A Square unit on top, the fabric didn't stretch as much and I could make sure to keep my points.




It is extremely important to lay out the units for the block and making sure the corner units go in the right direction. If you have followed the pressing arrows, the seams should all nest.




Pressing instructions are included.




What's next?
You've visited the bloggers, you've made the block, or something in red, and you're ready for the next step. Entering for prizes! On January 24th I will open up a link party. From January 24 - January 31 you can add your red "something" to the link up party. One entry per person, please. On February 1st I will randomly choose a winner. Please make sure you add your email address!! 

**Remember! Every month you enter gives you an entry for the grand prize. If you enter all 12 months you receive 12 entries into the grand prize!**

Grand Prize

Jen at Dizzy Quilter is providing the grand prize! 

The generous prize provided your top quilted by her (up to 90" x 90"),  a $202.50 value!

You must provide the backing, 8" longer than width and length. Batting can be purchased from Jen, for $20, if you like.

Return shipping is included for US residents only.
**Please note, the quilt will not be trimmed or bound, those services are extra**

Sunday, December 31, 2017

2018 Goals


This is the 3rd year I am sharing my goals with you. It is nice for me to have them written down and public so I have my quilting friends holding me accountable. I come back to the post often to motivate myself and to remind myself of what I am suppose to be working towards.


2017 Goals

First a review of the goals I made for 2017

1) Publish 8 patterns - I feel like I need to keep growing, but if I don't hit 8, I'm going to be OK with that. I'm a wife, mother and family child care provider; giving myself a little slack is important.


"X-Squared"
All words and no pictures make for a boring blog post.

Published Patterns: X-Squared, Softly Circled, Against The Grain, Gradient Stars, Criss Crossing and Quilt Crush )published first in McCalls Quick Quilts and now digitally by me), The Border Quilt, Broken Panes, as well as blocks in Quiltmakers 100 Quilt Blocks Issue 15 and Issue 16, a free pattern for the BU Quilt Along and twelve mug rug patterns for the Muggamo series.


"Softly Circled"

2) Schedule 1 trunk show. - See what I did there? Hahahaha! Well, I still want to do these, but I'm going to have to figure out how. So lets start with 1, shall we. 

Still figuring out logistics of this, but I did vend at my first quilt show.


"Jubilee" block Quiltmakers 100 Quilt Blocks Issue 15

3) Get published in a different magazine - I've already had a rejection from a different magazine, but I'm hoping to get picked up by another one. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. 

I was published in Quiltmakers 100 Quilt Blocks this year.


Block in "Here A Square There A Square"

4) Step out of my comfort zone and video a couple of tutorials - I've got nothing to add to that. Scary! 

I did this! It wasn't pretty, and I don't know if there are more in my future, but it was good to try.


"Muggamo" pattern with the most love.

5) Contact other distributors and stores - It's time to get those patterns out there! 

Still working on this.


"Against the Grain"

6) Grow my readers! That's you! What do you like to see in a blog? Do you like email lists? Share your thoughts in the comments! 

I think this one is just a constant goal, and one I will continue to work on.


"Gradient Stars"

Well, not too bad if I do say so myself! I didn't realize that I had actually published 8 patterns this year. Granted, two of them were in Quick Quilts last year, and one of them this year, but I'm excited to see growth. I have four patterns already tested just waiting for me to get cover quilts going, I just need to figure out my 2018 goals and where those patterns fit in.


2018 Goals

1) Take care of me. I'm changing it up a bit this year. I've been struggling since July to find a good balance in my life; family, child care business and pattern business. I've enjoyed it all, but found myself constantly feeling behind, and that is an awful feeling. While I am planning on publishing more patterns, I'm going to step back from the pressure of publishing them and try to go with the flow a bit more.


"The Border Quilt"

2) Grow relationships. I'm finding my blogging/social media world a bit quiet, so I'm hoping to get more involved and "in touch" with those who understand the nuances of the quilting world. I think that will help with goal 1 as well, because support goes a long way in helping keep the burnout away.

3) Distributors. I need to contact distributors again and get some feedback.


"Broken Panes"

4) Teaching. I'm getting a page ready with information on workshops/trunk shows/lectures. I'm excited to get that "published" and get the information to you.

What do you think of my pared down goals? I think they still work on what I feel is important for PBJ, but give me a little bit more room to relax and enjoy the process.


"Cartwheel" block Quiltmakers 100 Quilt Blocks Issue 16

By the way, I am starting something new this year! In place of the Muggamo series; I am having a 2018 Monthly Color Challenge blog hop/quilt along. It starts tomorrow! I hope you join us!

Happy Stitching!
Jen


Linking up with Quilting JetGirl for the 2018 Planning Party


Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily sneak peeks and updates.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

My best of 2017

This year I'm joining the "Best of 2017 Linky Party" hosted by Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs. I'm pulling 5 of my best posts from 2017. I hope you enjoy the look back as much as I did.




This one was my "Top Comments" post (not including the giveaway posts), Finding Your Color. I really enjoyed this post and I want to do some more like it.




This one was my "Trying Something New" post, Beginners Unite. I really enjoyed sharing my tips and how to's. I LOVE quilting, and I want to share how I make it enjoyable for me.




This one is my "Stretch Your Comfort Level" post, Spools - Piecing and Quilting with Precuts. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to take a peek at Christa Watson's new book, Piece and Quilt with Precuts and to make the Spools quilt. Learning something new was fun, and stretched my comfort level. This girl loves her straight and narrow, which is not what improvisational piecing is.




This one is my "I'm so proud" post, Introducing Softly Circled!. Softly Circled is my best seller, and it has been to Paducah and Houston, thanks to Cherrywood Fabrics. Using their gorgeous fabrics and Deb Tucker's Corner Beam® ruler, it is one of my favorite patterns.




This one is my "You Go Girl" post, Gradient Stars. This quilt. Oh this quilt. So much work, tears and love went into this quilt. Then, when my photographer sent me this shot....




Whoa. Just whoa. When you see something like this you just sit and try to take it all in. She found the perfect spot for this Gradient Stars Sample. This one uses two of Deb Tucker's rulers, the Corner Beam® as well as the VBlock Trimmer®.


Bonus pick! Don't miss the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge that starts January 1st!!!  A year long block of the month, quilt along, blog hop "thing" that has prizes AND a grand prize.




Thank you for taking this look back at PBJ with me. This third year of blogging has been productive  and enjoyable. I've stepped out of my comfort zone in a few areas, and grown (hopefully) in my approach and my designing. I am really looking forward to 2018, but that is for another post.

Happy Stitching!
Jen

Linking up with Meadow Mist Designs

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily sneak peeks and updates.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Picked By Jen - Suite Life Yes

This months Picked By Jen is coming to you a bit late, but it's worth it! If you are like me, you have your fingers in a thousand pots right now, which is difficult, since we only have 10. This quick sew is worth it though. For peeks at what I'm working on follow me on Instagram.

I'm sharing the Suite Life Yes pattern from EvaPaige Quilt Designs. While the pattern is for a row of these fabulous guys, I made one. See above paragraph. ;)




I used my favorite color purple, and when Beth saw it, she asked if it was for the Vikings. Ummm, no, I'm a Steelers girl, however, I live in MN, so my youngest is definitely a Vikings fan. 




Which makes easy pickings for an awesome prop. 

I could totally see this guy in Black and Gold though, couldn't you? You could embroider your favorite team's emblem on the hat, and make a whole team. Seriously, I need a Steelers soldier, now that I have a Vikings one, because I will never NOT see Vikings when I look at this fellow. Ha! 



PS I totally faked the binding. No judging! Fingers and pots, people, fingers and pots!!  Did I mention no paper piecing? Totally had me at no paper piecing.

Would you make a team of Christmas soldiers or would you go more scrappy? I'm starting to see an awesome tree skirt with these guys. So many possibilities, so little time.

Happy Stitching!
Jen

Don't miss the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge! It starts January 1st and runs all year long, with some fabulous prizes.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily sneak peeks and updates.

I'm linking up with:

Monday, December 18, 2017

November 2017 Finishes

Here are my finishes for November!




November Muggamo used one of my favorite polka dot prints.... Ok, I love all polka dot prints.




We finished up the Beginners Unite Quilt Along.




The Modern Marks Blog Hop happened this month and I introduced my Broken Panes Quilt.




Coming up is the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge, find all the information HERE.


The end of the year is here! Thank you for following along on my quilting/designing/blogging journey. 2018 will be awesome!

Happy Stitching!
Jen

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily peeks into Patterns By Jen!

Friday, December 15, 2017

Announcing the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge Blog Hop!




Now find all of the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge blocks on Payhip!



I am so excited to finally get to share with you the upcoming plan for 2018! Around mid-November I was trying to come up with something to take the place of the Muggamo series, after all, there are only so many mug rugs a girl can make. I wanted to keep it free, and I wanted to keep it monthly, so  I *had* to keep blogging fairly regularly.

The 2018 Monthly Color Challenge was born.

 I started thinking about how it would be fun to get others involved. I was thinking while quilting (which can be dangerous) the Here a Square, There a Square quilt. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and run a blog hop. First step, getting fellow bloggers to join in. 

Well, first step accomplished. I am thrilled with the enthusiasm this hop was received with. There will be seven bloggers joining me throughout the year. You will get the opportunity to visit five of them each month. How exciting is that!

Meet the Bloggers

Joanne of Quilts By Joanne
Diane Cullum of Sewing with D
Then, I decided that we should have sponsors. Go big or go home, right?! I am so excited to introduce you to the sponsors we have joining us throughout 2018. Please make sure to stop by and visit them and show your appreciation!

Meet the Sponsors

























I am truly grateful for these companies jumping in on this last minute set up!!

How Does This Thing Work?

Lets get to the nitty gritty.

On the first of each month I will be posting a quilt block with instructions for a finished size of 12" or 6". The blocks are beginner friendly and will feature one color. The bloggers for that month will either be making that block, OR they will be sharing their own free pattern which may or may NOT be a quilt block.

Towards the end of the year I will share a few different layouts, so you can finish your quilt.

The challenge is to make something in that color for that month, either the block (either size or both) or something else. A link up party will open ONE week before the end of the month, here on the Patterns By Jen blog. When you have made your block or something else, link it up and on the 1st I will choose a winner. There are fabric bundles and gift certificates that will be given all year long!

Grand Prize

Wait! There is more!

Jen at Dizzy Quilter is providing the grand prize! 

For every month you enter the link up, you get an entry for the grand prize.

The generous prize provided is you will get your top quilted by her (up to 90" x 90"),  a $202.50 value!

You must provide the backing, 8" longer than width and length. Batting can be purchased from Jen, for $20, if you like.

Return shipping is included for US residents only.
**Please note, the quilt will not be trimmed or bound, those services are extra**

Who's read to start?! Come back January 1st to get the first block. The blocks will be a mystery until the 1st of each month, but I'll give you a peek at the colors as well as a list of the link up dates. I can't wait to see all the color ideas everyone comes up with throughout the year! If you are playing along with us, make sure to use #2018monthlycolorchallenge on social media!

Happy Stitching!
Jen

2018 Monthly Color Challenge Schedule

Jan 1st - Red
Link Up - Jan 24th - Jan 31
Feb 1st - Blue
Link Up - Feb 21 - Feb 28
March 1st - Yellow
Link Up - Mar 24 - Mar 31
April 1st - Orange
Link Up - April 23 - April 30
May 1st - Green
Link Up - May 24 - May 31
June 1st - Purple
Link Up - June 23 - June 30
July 1st - Green Yellow
Link Up - July 24 - July 31
Aug 1st - Yellow Orange
Link Up - Aug 24 - Aug 31
Sept 1 - Red Violet
Link Up - Sept 23 - Sept 30
Oct 1 - Violet Blue
Link Up - Oct 24 - Oct 31
Nov 1 - Blue Green
Link Up - Nov 23 - 30
Dec 1 - Black and White
Link Up - Dec 24 - Dec 31

Quilt Settings

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