Friday, August 8, 2014

Marcus Fabrics Friends and Companions Sew-Along Week #2



Welcome to stop #2 on our first ever Marcus Fabrics Designer Sew-Along!

I'm so glad to introduce myself... I'm Paula Barnes and I'm so happy you have decided to join us for our Sew-Along.  Let me tell you a little something about myself.  I'm a mother of 3 grown daughters and grandmother or MIMI to 1 granddaughter and 1 grandson.  I live in the Houston area and have a dog named Claire.  I taught in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for over 25 years and over the last 7 years I have had the opportunity to travel and teach at various shops and quilt guilds throughout the US.

In 2005, Bonnie Blue Quilts was launched as an online store that sold fabric, kits and patterns and in 2011 we changed our name to Red Crinoline Quilts and changed the scope of the business. We no longer carry fabric by the yard on our website and we don't travel and vend at quilt shows anymore.  Mary Ellen Robison and I are the co-owners.  It's a partnership that works for us.  You see, I get to design fabric with Marcus Brothers and design the quilt patterns for Red Crinoline Quilts and Mary Ellen gets to piece all of these beautiful quilts and work with our devoted customers.  We each wear many hats!

At Red Crinoline Quilts we love vintage and reproduction quilts. I am an avid collector of antique quilts and antique textiles which I use in my design process.  Check out the Red Crinoline Quilts website for all of our patternsMy newest fabric collection with Marcus Fabrics is Landon Creek and it will be featured in my newest quilt design, Soldier's Waltz.

Many of our design collaborations have been featured in American Patchwork and Quilting, McCalls Quilting, Primitive Quilts and Other Projects, 100 Quilt Blocks and Quilt Mania.  Our Lizzie's Scrap Bag is featured in the recent issue of Quilt Mania #101 and kits are available on our website.   A new Gettyburg quilt will be featured in the upcoming Primitive Quilts and Other Projects.


And now here is my block, block #2.  Happy piecing!!


Marcus Fabrics - Friends and Companions Sew-Along
Paula Barnes' Block

Cutting Instructions:
     Light print  -
          Cut (2) 3" squares
          Cut (2) 2" squares

     Green print -
           Cut (6) 3" squares

     Black print -
           Cut (4) 3" squares
           Cut (2) 2" squares
           Cut (4) 1 1/2" squares

     Cheddar print -
           Cut (4) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles

Directions: 
     1. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the (2) light 2" squares.
         Pair each with a 2" black print square.
     

     2. Sew 1/4" on each side of the pencil line.
         Cut along the pencil line.


     3. Press to the dark and trim all 4 squares to 1 1/2" square.


     4. Sew 1 1/2" black print squares to 1 1/2" half square triangles.
         Press to the dark.  Make 4 units.  Each unit measures 1 1/2"x 2 1/2".


     5. Sew cheddar rectangles to previous units. Press to the cheddar.
         Make 4 units.  Each unit measures 2 1/2" square.


     6. Sew the 4 units into a 4 patch unit. Press seams open.
         Make 1 unit measuring 4 1/2" square.


     7. Repeat steps 1 & 2 using the (2) 3" light squares and (2) 3" green print squares.
         Trim each of the 4 half square triangles to 2 1/2" square.

     8. Repeat steps 1 & 2 using the (4) 3" black print squares and (4) 3" green print squares.
         Trim each of the 8 half square triangles to 2 1/2" square.

     9. Sew 2 black/green half square triangles together. 
         Press seams open.
         Make 4 units each measuring 2 1/2" x 4 1/2".

   10. Arrange the block units as shown.  Sew together in rows.
         Press for opposing seams.

   11. Sew rows together. Press seams away from center row.
         Your block should measure 8 1/2" unfinished.

Click here for a downloadable/printable version of the block 2 instructions.

Well, I hope you enjoyed making my block and that you are looking forward to making the rest of the quilt.  Don't forget we're also giving away prizes!!  Three winners will be selected from your comments.  I mentioned I designed for Marcus Fabrics.  Do you have a favorite collection - doesn't have to be mine?  What colors are your favorites?  Do you like to work with stripes and plaids? And just for fun, what kind of dog do you think I have?  Winners will be announced on the blog on Monday, August 11th.  Looking forward to hearing from you!

If this is the first you've heard about our Marcus Designer Sew-Along and would like to participate, you can click here for all of the details.  It's not too late to join us and we even have a few kits left.  Click here to see our kits.
Here's the list of designers, their blog post date and links to their blogs.

8/1                        Pam Buda ~ Heartspun Quilts                                  www.HeartspunQuilts.Blogspot.com
8/8                        Paula Barnes ~ Red Crinoline Quilts                     www.RedCrinolineQuilts.Blogspot.com
8/15                      Sarah Maxwell ~ Homestead Hearth                      www.HomesteadHearth.Blogspot.com              
8/22                      Pati Violick ~ Marcus Fabrics                                 www.MarcusMentions.com
8/29                      Gloria Parsons ~ Olde Green Cupboard               www.OldeGreenCupboard.Blogspot.com  
9/5                        Nancy Rink ~ Nancy Rink Designs                           www.NancyRinkDesigns.com/blog
9/12                      Mary Ellen Robison~Red Crinoline Quilts          www.RedCrinolineQuilts.Blogspot.com
9/19                      Dolores Smith ~ Homestead Hearth                       www.HomesteadHearth.Blogspot.com
9/26                      Lisa Shepard ~ Marcus Fabrics                               www.MarcusMentions.com
10/3                      Red Crinoline Quilts ~ Quilt Revealed!                www.RedCrinolineQuilts.Blogspot.com

Thank you for joining me today!
Paula

ME here - Paula was guest blogger today!!  I'll be back Monday!

Until next time, happy quilting,
Mary Ellen

62 comments:

  1. As always love your fabrics and I cannot wait to work on the block. Thank you

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  2. Thank you for the block. Love the cheddar in the middle!

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  3. Thanks for the fun!! I love your block and your fabrics!!

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  4. Muchas gracias por la belleza de su bloque!!!
    Las sigo en esta idea con la elaboracion de los bloques!!!

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  5. Woot, Woot!!! I'm ready to start sewing! I love your block---this is so much fun!

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  6. I am doing the sew along. Loved the first block and love your's too. My grandson will probably get this quilt. He loves the colors.

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  7. I love this block... can't wait to get sewing!
    I also love all kinds of fabric... it's an addiction!
    I think your dog is a Shihtzu like my beloved granddog!

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  8. Love your block and love your fabric choice.

    My favorite color is green but I`m doing Dear Jane in blue fabrics and so this summers I`m playing with blues.

    There are many favorites collection and hard to choose only one.. Prairie stitches,OldeTownhouse,Victoria par,home for holidays...


    I love stripes and plaids.

    You have a Shepherd?
    Have a great weekend!

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  9. I'm so enjoying this sew along. Thanks for a lovely block. Civil war prints are my favorite, but I don't see too much variety where I live. It's hard for me to know if I really like a fabric without touching it:)
    I always love red, but my favorite combo is the double pink and brown.
    And yes! I love stripes and plaids.
    I think your dog is probably a corgi.

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  10. I mostly love Civil War reproduction fabrics. I like stripes. However, I find working with plaids sometimes frustrating because they are not straight.

    I think your dog is a labradoodle.

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  11. I'm still pulling out fabrics - I know I have them here somewhere! Ha ha! This quilt is going to be great, just look at all the wonderful designers involved. Many are already my favorites, the rest are my new future-favorites. Quilt on! How about those chihuahuas?

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  12. Next to being in a class with you this is as good as it gets. I can't wait to use some of my black Civil War fabrics. I tend to put the black to the back and I don't know why. Red Crinoline is my favorite pattern and fabric designer and I appreciate all the hard work you both do for us!

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  13. I love fabric...almost all fabric...therefore, I don't really have a favorite fabric line. That said, I do gravitate towards the deeper, darker civil war reproduction colors and designs, but who doesn't love a poison green or bubblegum pink of the same era?!?! Yum!

    I just got a cut little beagle a few months ago and just love her...do you have a beagle, too?

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  14. What a great block with some great fabrics. I love the touch of cheddar in the middle. I can't wait to get started.. Thanks for your easy to follow, clear, illustrated directions!!

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  15. Gorgeous block! Love the rich colors and the clever layout!
    I have been a fan of Marcus CW reproduction fabrics for a long time--whoever the designers may be.
    I love batiks, too, and I have also made a few quilts from my collection of plaid thrift store shirts. Those are probably my three favorite fabrics to use, in that order.
    I'll take a stab at the kind of dog--a Yorkiepoo. : )

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  16. Loving this sew-along!!! Thanks to all the designers...

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  17. I love your cheddars mixed with browns, reds and blacks. My grandchildren are here watching Beverly Hills Chihuahua 1, 2, & 3, so I'll guess your dog is a Chihuahua ;). Thank you for offering this block and your design skills for the sew along.

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  18. Bonsoir,
    Je viens juste de recevoir mes tissus. Ils ont fait un long voyage. Je suis enchantée
    , ils sont très beaux.
    Moi, je crois que j'aime toutes les couleurs, cela dépend du moment.
    A bientôt

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  19. loved the look of the first block - now this - its starting to inspire me!

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  20. We have a lot in common; I also taught in the DFW area for quite a while-first grade! My Corgi-mix dog is named Bliss, and yours is Claire. I love ALL of your fabric lines, particularly Hampton Ridge, Companions, R&B Tavern, and your new Landon Creek. I always gravitated toward blue as a color choice, but now definitely like to punch it up with reds, greens, cheddars, browns--although I still love the blues! I usually use stripes as borders or on table runners. I like plaids used just with plaids, don't usually mix with other fabrics unless it's for holiday or baby quilt, etc. Love your block this week!

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  21. Cute block. I have been trying go get more brights into my stash. Do you have a black lab?

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  22. Fun block! I can never resist a sew along!

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  23. I love all the reproduction prints any thing primitive. Maybe your dog is an English springer spaniel like mine. What ever she is I'm sure she special. Love the blocks I'm excited about doing this quilt. My first sew along quilt.

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  24. I love reds, especially with blue tones. I like plaids, not stripes. I love traditional quilts and blocks, so love vintage. I think you might have a small dog, maybe a Scottie or Spaniel? You block is lovely. I like both blocks so far.

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  25. I don't have a favorite line of fabric but I am always drawn to civil war prints! Love red anything...cheddar blues, greens, blacks. I don't have a dog now, we have had 3 doxies and love those little barking dogs!

    Gloria
    gyates625@bellsouth.net

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  26. have always loved the CW fabrics....when I found this sew along, I knew it was the chance to use the CW stash I have....this is the first online
    sew along I am participating in....love Fridays !!mish56quilts

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  27. I enjoyed making your block. It is always fun to make units which go together so well. I think every color has a place in quilting and seldom choose by fabric lines. Instead I like to buy "fabric that makes my heart sing". As for what kind of dog...my guess would be a small happy dog...We love our yellow lab. Ursula

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  28. I love reproduction fabrics. Summit Rose was a fav of mine. Thanks for the chance to win. BTW I think you have a very cute, very much loved dog. 8-)

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  29. I am going to enjoy this sew along. Love all the colors in this quilt along.I am a fan of Reproduction fabrics. I like stripes but do not like plaids, for me I have a hard time to get them straight. Maybe you have a poodle.

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  30. I have a pretty good size stash of your Companions line...they are my go-to fabrics. I don't have my own dog but borrow my neighbor's regularly - Cooper is a handsome young white golden retriever. Claire is a lovely name...I'm guessing you have a golden retriever also.

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  31. I love CW fabrics and the gold in your block is perfect! I think you probably have a rescue dog. Thanks for the fun!!

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  32. I don't think you have a dog at all except that you are baby sitting Copper from next door. He looks like a golden retriever but from his name I am wondering if he is an Irish Setter/Retriever mix. Thanks for a chance and love your block.

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  33. Loving the cheddar in these blocks!

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  34. I'm partial to any of the Marcus CW fabrics, compared to the other companies. Especially like the combo of navy, turkey red, and cheddar. Don't use a lot of plaids or stripes - makes me crazy when they aren't perfectly straight. And I'm thinking you have a fun loving mutt!

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  35. Thank you for block #2, it will be fun adding it to #1 and seeing this quilt come to life. I don't have favorite collections, I love it ALL! Favorite colors are Poison Green, Turkey Red and Dirty Pink. I love little quilts and big quilts. I think your dog is a lab!

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  36. Your block is gorgeous and I can't wait to make it! I love all fabric colors but blue is my all time favorite. I don't have a favorite fabric collection other than the one I keep adding to in my sewing room! I think your dog is a Maltese. I had one and loved him dearly for 16 years.

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  37. I love your block, thank you very much. The directions are printing out right now and I am about to make a start on it. My favourite fabrics are 1800's reproductions. I love the look of Pam's latest range 'Prairie Gatherings' and your 'Landon Creek'. I wonder how long it will be till we see them down under in New Zealand. I have not worked with plaids and stripes yet but for my next quilt project I will be using them. I had a lovely very friendly Lab so maybe you also have one.

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  38. I have already got the block done. It is a great block. Love it. I am going to make extra blocks so the quilt can be bigger.

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  39. Very nice block! Thank you for your wonderful instructions.

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  40. I love your block...the little bit of cheddar in the middle is wonderful! I love all fabric! I am trying to add some Civil War, reproduction and primitive fabrics to my stash. Thank you!

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  41. Thanks for creating a block for us - I'm currently anxiously awaiting Pam Buda's Prairie Gathering collection - I've signed up for the QBOM (new term perhaps quarterly BOM ;). Favorite colors red (surprise) and cadet blue, I enjoy plaids but I fight stripes, and hmm no clue on your dog so I'll go with a Laborador since they're so popular. Take care and thanks again - Cathie in Everett

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  42. I love sew alongs! Thanks for this one. Any civil war Repro fabrics that Marcus Brothers does always become my favorites. I especially like red and tan fabrics. They always look so good together especially if blues and blacks are added. I don't do plaids or stripes. They intimidate me! I think you have a golden retriever

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  43. This sew along is so much fun....the fabrics are just beautiful and I'm so glad I purchased the kit.......I can't wait to see how this quilt will come together! Thank you for a wonderful block!

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  44. I started quilting when my son and I were doing Civil War reenacting. Your fabrics were always my favorites because of the variety and they were always correct for the period.

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  45. The fun continues. I don't usually do mystery quilts but fell in love with the fabrics in the kit. The designers who are sharing their blocks are awesome. Thank you for block 2.

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  46. Thanks for Block 2! Does it have a name?

    My favorite colors are red, pink and brown.You can imagine I love the Bonnie Blue Cotton CLub Quilt. I love working with stripes but plaids are just okay with me. I have a zillion civil war collections and trying to pick a favorite is rather impossible but one I really like that I never purchased and regretted was Lewis and Clark by Moda. Ones I go back to all the time are the Charleston collections by Marcus Brothers. ALL of THEM! Soon I will run out. As for what kind of dog.... I'm thinking you rescued a mutt, maybe a lab mix. Looking forward to the final reveal!

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  47. love this little block and next to block #1, it is gorgeous! can't wait to see more!!!

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  48. Thank you so much for offering this Sew Along. It's a wonderful way to keep up with what quilters from all over are doing, and I really like the blocks. Just finishing block #2, and I can't wait to see the finished quilt. Love all Marcus fabrics, especially reproduction reds and greens. Stripes and plaids, not so much. Your daughter's dog is very cute, but I couldn't tell what breed he is--glad he behaved well!

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  49. Hi Paula. Love your block! Thought I was going to work from my stash, but I may have to jump in and buy a kit! I'm a big fan of Kansas Troubles fabrics as well as civil war prints. Jacobean florals always seem to catch my attention too. Lookng forward to seeing more of the sew along blocks! Thank you.

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  50. This has been very fun so far. Glad I purchased the kit, love the fabrics. I have a very lovable Austrailian Terrier. Look forward to the next block.
    Carol L
    NE

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  51. I love using CW repro fabrics, esp. reds and blues. I don't have a favorite collection. I bet Claire is a Bichon or poodle.

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  52. I am in a bit of a slump with sewing, but am collecting the block patterns and hope to work on this one after finishing a QAL that I have been in for months-it is getting close to ready to be put together!

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  53. In the downloadable version there seems to be a mistake in # 10 and # 11 placement compared to directions above.

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  54. Hi Paula,
    Love the block and the color choices. One of my favorite Marcus collections is Pin Money by Pam Buda. I love working with reproduction fabrics, and my favorite colors are blue, purple, pink and brown. I also love working with stripes and plaids, I think they add variety and interest to any quilt. I have no idea about your dog, but I love Shit-zus and golden retrievers. So I'm guessing he or she is a designer dog - a golden shit-zu. Thanks for the great block!

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  55. Ready to make block 2 out of my stash of CW fabric. Love the way most CW fabrics work together, even if they were purchased thirty years ago. Keep those lines of fabric coming!

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  56. Thanks so much for a wonderful block #2. At my LQS, Village Dry Goods, in Brigham City, Utah, we are having a sew-in each Monday after the block is posted. It is so much fun to get together with friends once a week and sew. I made mine today so that I could answer any questions that may come up. I also noticed that the downloadable pdf file step 11 has a very different layout than the previous steps. I was so relieved when I went to the blog and saw that my block matched the blog step 11! Thanks again.

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  57. Made my second block yesterday. Really enjoying working with these beautifu little prints.

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  58. Favorite collection: Compliments!!! find I can insert these into my quilts to get that just right look

    Favorite colors: Basically all colors...I have a hard time with orange and yellow, but do love cheddar and golds

    Work with stripes and plaids: Yes! I am okay if they are not perfectly straight in small pieces...if they are in a border, they must be "ripped" and straight on.

    What kind of dog do you think I have? Totally guessing here but maybe a bulldog.

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  59. Wow! These blocks are really pretty! Can't wait to see the next one!

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  60. Delightful to have a new block from one of my favorite designers!!!! (Might have to use Tavern for this!) Lovely block, lovely fabric line too!

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  61. Green next to Cheddar is my favorite! I love this block!

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