Friday, May 23, 2014

Motherboard Mayhem!

Thank you all for your incredible patience with me as I struggle with my brand new Dell computer with Windows 7. Last week my motherboard failed and left me with zero internet. The experience taught me just how dependent I have become upon the internet, LOL!

Today is the day to show my invitational American Made Brands fabric solids block for the design I made to represent New Hampshire. I wanted to be sure to include a representation of Mount Washington, the tallest peak of the White Mountains, here in New Hampshire. Here is my design:


The host company, Clothworks Textiles, http://americanmadebrand.com/the-fabric/ promises that all their fabrics are American grown cotton that is spun in the United States and woven and dyed here, too. 100% American cotton quilting fabrics, wheee!!!!
If you wish to catch the whole blog tour here is the link to the blog tour.
I was one of fifty blogs chosen to represent the 50 United States of America, and I'm honored. All of the "license plate" blocks are made with the beautiful cotton solid fabrics that American Made Brands sent us.
I will be showing a photo-montage of how I made my 12 1/2" by 6 1/2" block. Here goes!

I started with the large pine tree on the right side of the block.


Make two flying geese based on 4 1/2" by 2 1/2" in green and pale blue. Since I was only using two geese, I chose to use the flippy corner's method to make them.



Set the flying geese aside so that you can make the base of the tree.


 I used a 1" brown tree trunk with two 2 1/2"x 1 1/2" rectangles of a pale yellow neutral background.


Join the base to the tree tops next to complete the first one third of the block that should be 4 1/2" by 6 1/2" unfinished.


Now you are going to work on the left side of the block that represents Mount Washington. It is done as two "string blocks," each of which is 4 1/2" wide by 6 1/2" tall. I cut these two foundations of that size from the plain white, as it will not show.


Onto the white foundation fabric rectangles, I laid straight cut strips of two different blues diagonally across to form the mountain peak.


Be sure that the different widths of the two blues are lined up together and pinned when you stitch through all three layers of fabric.


After they are stitched, fold back the upper blue and finger press it down to hide the stitching.


Then pin on the next layer of color, onto the opposite side of the lighter blue one, and again, stitch through all three layers.


Once it is stitched, as you can see it is in the above shot (click on any picture to enlarge it), then you may flip it open, to again hide the stitching, and finger press it open.


Keep building the layers of the mountain evenly, but have fun and do not obsess about making everything perfect. Mountains are, after all, organic, LOL!


I chose to show the summer season with a meadow green at the base of Mount Washington. Be sure that your green strip is plenty fat enough to cover over all of that base corner once it is flipped.



Do not worry that all of the fabric strips hang over the edge of the white foundation fabric, they are supposed to do that for now.
Next we do the sky color at the top of Mount Washington, which matches the pale turquoise blue of the sky beyond the large pine tree in the section we did earlier.


Again, be sure that you've cut a big enough hunk of the pale turquoise sky color to cover over that white area of the foundation when it is sewn on and then folded over.


Now you should have the two mirror images with all the white foundation fabric completely covered up. Take the two block-sections and flip them over to reveal the "wrong" side and rotary trim them to match the edges of the white foundation fabric.


Place the two sections into a mountain arrangement beside the pine tree and sew them together.


I chose a very dark richly saturated purple for the lettering of the words, "New Hampshire." In the photos, it looks black, but it really is purple!


 It stands for our State Flower, just now in bloom, the common lilac. To adhere the letters, I just followed the instructions for some Pellon Wonder-Under, which is a paper-backed fusible web.


You fuse the bumpy side of the web to the wrong side of the fabric for 5 seconds, then cut your shapes of the letters. Peel off the paper from the wrong side of the letter shapes, position them and heat set for 12 seconds with a damp pressing cloth. Be careful not to cut out a letter backwards. I used an exacto knife on a cutting board for the tiny windows of the letters that needed cut-outs in them.


New Hampshire is a lovely place with lovely people. I hope you get to visit us someday! If that is not possible, perhaps you will make your own version of the New Hampshire block for the 50 states quilt.
These American Made Brand fabrics are superb quality and the colors in the solids are rich and even. I highly recommend them! I hope you will continue to support American workers by asking for these fabrics in your local quilt shops.


Please leave a comment for the giveaway. In the meantime, Happy Quilting!


















207 comments:

1 – 200 of 207   Newer›   Newest»
Lee Ann L. said...

That looks fabulous! looking forward to your montage. :)

Michele said...

Very nice! It will look great with all the other blocks in the finished quilt.

Cecilia said...

Great block! Thanks for sharing.

Margaret said...

I love how you did your license plate.

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Looks like a great block!

Bobbie said...

Really like your license plate - nice symmetry and balance.

Sandra said...

Just love your block and look forard to your montage. This has certainly been a fun week as well as very educational for all of us. Thank you for being a part of the AMB tour and the chance to win that awesome fabric. I am from Sonora, CA by the way.

Sandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

Quilting Tangent said...

Congratulations on being chosen to represent New Hampshire.
24Tangent "at" gmail "dot" com

Kathryn said...

I love the NH mountains. You captured them well as a rainbow.

Jennifer said...

Wonderful design!

Mama llama said...

This journey with AMB has been a lot of fun ! Your blog is no exception. I love your interpretation of the mountains. I, too, am looking forward to the montage.

PeginCO said...

Thumbs up on the block - I, too, love the mountains.

Bethany said...

What a great block, I love the mountains and trees!

Emily C said...

Lovely block, Love the little trees.

Lisa England said...

Great block! I am anxious to try these fabrics!

NRoot said...

I look forward to seeing how you made you block, it is very nice. It has been fun seeing all the designs for each state.

nroot801@gmail.com

Glady said...

Congratulations! Your block looks awesome!

oneoldgoat said...

That's a beautiful block!

Kay said...

Beautiful block. Congrats on being chosen to design one.

Maxine said...

awesome!

B. P. said...

Thanks for the block and participating in the AMB tour. Enjoying it. Sorry, sometimes computers are either a delight or bummers!
gbpius2pb@gmail.com

Calicojoan said...

Oh this computer age. We are all hooked by it and subject to it's fits and rages! LOL!! Looking forward to seeing more of your block!

Emily Breclaw said...

Such a cute design! Hope all the computer issues resolve soon! Hugs from Texas :-)

lindamid said...

I can relate to your frustration with computer problems. Love your design.

Vicki H said...

I like the representation of your state. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

This absolutely makes me think of New Hampshire! Thank.you for sharing it!

Mary Marcotte said...

I wish I'd visited New Hampshire. Maybe in a few years after we retire. I can't wait for that! Your block looks great...those colors are beautiful. Don't you love the fabrics? I hope you visit when it's Louisiana's turn.
Mary

carla said...

Hi!!! I know!!! I am addicted to the internet!!!! I love your license plate block!!!! Very modern and pretty!!! I like the way you represent your mountain!!!!

giddy99 said...

Great block! Very well done!

Unknown said...

Awesome block! Thanks for sharing. :)
craftyccain@gmail.com

Jill Hicks said...

Cute block. Good luck with your new computer.

teachpany said...

Totally understand computer frustration. Have fun with the new one. Great block, and Mt. Washington is beautiful. I've been there. Thanks.

Kathy H said...

Cute block and love the colors.

Sewing Sue said...

To err is human, to really mess up requires a computer. :-) Love your block!

Marianne said...

I like your license plate block! I've been to most states but never to NH!

Joanna said...

Mt. Washington is a perfect feature to use in your block. Add some snowcaps and wind and you've got the real thing. Sweet block.

dcargill said...

Thanks for sharing! Great job on designing the block.

Christine S said...

Love your block :)

GeniP said...

Nice block!!

Mary Ann said...

Like your block..........

JANET said...

I like your mountains and trees! Cute block.

Patriotmom said...

that's a great looking block!

cityquilter grace said...

hey vic so glad you are back in blogland...i LOVE your block...so appropriate for NH....

Patty said...

nice block - beautiful state.

barb said...

i love your block! you did a wonderful job on it! you are so talented! keep up the wonderful work. babscorbitt at gmail dot com

MissPat said...

Nice block. Definitely think of mountains when you hear New Hampshire (the granite state). So sorry to hear about your computer woes. They're great when they work, but a big pain when they don't.

Lee said...

Thank you for the tutorial on your lovely block!

Sylvia said...

Nice job! Thanks for the chance to win.

~Kris~ said...

What a cute block. You made it look so easy in your tutorial.

Anita said...

Very nice block. New Hampshire is one state I haven't made it to yet.

Anita/Idaho

Karen said...

I like that block! You certainly did a good job cutting out all those letters. I am not that patient!

Kathleen said...

Nice block! I like the foundation piecing idea.

BarefootThunder said...

beautiful license plate!! thanks for sharing the "how to" :)

Regina said...

Wonderful block - ooh those letters are TINY!

jen said...

That's such a pretty block ! Thanks for the giveaway :)

Julie said...

I look forward to the seeing the quilt with all the state blocks.

OhioLori said...

you did a super job!!!

Loved visiting New Hampshire 2 years ago! Went with our Daughter & her Husband. Stayed a week in North Conway...and we saw soooo many Beautiful sights!! :)

Unknown said...

Would love to visit your state. Your design is lovely.

Amy said...

Your block is sew cute. Great work cutting out all those tiny pieces of the state. ;)

Allison C said...

Live in MA so I travel to NH a lot.

quilter said...

I do think of mountains when thinking of New Hampshire, we have hills in Pennsylvania

Candice said...

Nice job, Vic! And you did it all while dealing with technical issues! I'm super impressed! New Hampshire is a great state...beaches, lakes, mountains, friendly down to earth people and quilters! : )

Stephanie @ Quarter Incher said...

What a great block! Love the colors you picked :)

khowardquilts said...

Great design for your licence plate. I would probably do something similar in greens for Vermont where I live.

Unknown said...

So glad you got up and running, Vic. I've been checking in to see how things were going so happy you made it! Nice idea for the mountains and trees. Lots of letters in New Hampshire to fit across that 12.5". Good job.
marsha
quilterinmotion

Donna said...

Like the block and the tutorial of it

Sarah M said...

Wow that is awesome. thank you for sharing.

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Fun block--can't wait to see them all together!

Kate said...

Congratulations, Vic! You made the perfect block! Love it!

Mary Jane said...

Love that plate. Thanks for sharing.

Mary said...

Lovely quilting--thanks for sharing your process.

Janet O. said...

Wow, look at these comments, Vic!
Great representation of you state!! : )

Unknown said...

Love the design! Very creative!

Jill said...

Great design, so far everyone's blocks are super!

Susan said...

New Hampshire is a wonderful state to visit- lots of fun.
Susan in CT

Pamela said...

I hope I get to visit New Hampshire someday too! Thanks for your blog! It was fun to look around, and thanks for the chance to win!

Carolyn Boutilier said...

I love New Hampshire. we honeymooned in NH and I worked in Hanover NH. I like that you put Mt Washington and the pine trees in your license plate.
Carolyn B

Cathy Something said...

Very nice, your instructions were great as well. Thanks for the giveaway.

WhoMom said...

Wonderful block! Love the tutorial and the colors.

terriquilts said...

Love the way you represented your state. I hope I can visit someday.

ittehgaps said...

thanks for the tut. cute mountains and tree. love those new solids. Cindy

Nancy said...

Your block is very nice. Thanks for the photos of the process. I like the idea of fabrics 100% made in the USA.

Teresa said...

Love the flying geese!!

Auntie Em said...

Wonderful design!

Sewgirl said...

I like your block. Thanks for sharing!

Lisa said...

Great design and I love your colors!

ljeanne said...

I love the tutorial for you block. Such a nice representation for your state.

ytsmom said...

I would love to visit New Hampshire sometime, especially in the fall.

Unknown said...

Very nice license plate. Thank you for the tutorial.

Unknown said...

I love the block the mountains are wonderful, great idea. Thanks

Judymc said...

Pretty block!

Cherry Tree Quilts said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful block with us!

Cherry Tree Quilts said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful block with us!

Unknown said...

I love your block and I might try some letters after seeing how you did yours. I'm still new and learning so much! Thanks for the giveaway!

tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

Jocelyn said...

Very cool block!

Jess Burns said...

Mountains are the best, and yours looks simple :)

jhunsberger (at) gmail (dot) com

Dorothy said...

I love mountains, and you did a great job creating one! Thank you for showing in such detail how you created your block

Wanda said...

New Hampshire is one of the six states that I have never been to and want to visit. I hope to do a road trip there one fall.

Jo said...

We used to spend summers in a cabin in New Hampshire on a lake, I have wonderful memories of that

Kelly Wilson said...

I am so glad to have an American made option! I too was without Internet last week. It was horrible! It is amazing how much I rely upon it for news, social media, purchases, etc.

Lorri said...

I have used the American Made Brand fabrics and I love them, they are fabulous to work with !! Great colors too. Love your block....this blog tour is really fun!

Cindy Neidt said...

Looking forward to trying this American made fabric.

jirons42 said...

I've only been though a small corner of New Hampshire as I was passing through. I need to make a longer visit.

Allison said...

My son-in-law is from New Hampshire. I'll have to make him the license plate.

Allison said...

My son-in-law is from New Hampshire. I'll have to make him the license plate.

momto1 said...

Cute block! I've never been to New Hampshire, but it looks like a fun place to live!

Cherry said...

The mountains &. pine trees are great! Love your color choices

Nann said...

I just found out about the AMB blog hop. How cool that you were chosen to participate!

Susan said...

New Hampshire is one state that I haven't visited...I hope to make it there one day!

45th Parallel Quilter said...

Hope to visit one day; I hear your state is beautiful!

Moogy said...

I love New Hampshire and I love your block.

Nancy in IN said...

Great pic. Great tutorial. Thanks

Anonymous said...

You should be congratulated for cutting out every letter for your LONG state name!! Impressed with your tenacity!! Nice design for your plate. Did you love the fabric?

Penny said...

This tour is so much fun! Thank- you for sharing your tutorial.

dorothy said...

My FAVORITE flower is the lilac, here in Colorado they were gorgeous this year, even when they had snow on them. Just finishing their blooming this week...ah until next year.

Kigwit said...

Thank you for sharing how you decided to make your block. I especially love the trees!

selleck said...

Nice block. You really do the letters well.

Cindy said...

Love your block, and loving the giveaway. American Made, love that!

Walter said...

A great composition. I will love to see them all together. pjrquilter@msn.com

LuAnn said...

Perfect little block. Love how you incorporated the highest mountain in the state into your block!

graysongal said...

Beautiful colors for a beautiful block for a beautiful state. Thank you for the tutorial.

Unknown said...

Very nicely done. Thanks for the tutorial as well.

Susan C said...

Beautiful! Looks just like I imagine New Hampshire to be.

Feathers in my Nest said...

Wow, you nailed it Vic! perfect block for New Hampshire..Love it. Soo many comments too! Glad you're back on the Blog again...You're looking great BTW.

DebraKay Neiman said...

Love meeting people from all over. Thank you for your tutorial. Greetings from Oklahoma. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

Regina Marie said...

Love your block and your state! Thanks for the great tutorial! Regina D.
tweetyb936@aol.com

earth visitor said...

wonderful colors - so rich - great work

deelish10 said...

a great looking and easy tutorial for the blog hop, thanks so much!

Angelia Lanouette said...

Love your block! We live in No. Carolina now but we are originally from New Hampshire. We try to go home to NH every other year to visit our families. The only thing we do not miss from the beautiful state is all the snow in the winter. Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Vic, I love your block! It is so fun to see what everyone else is making for their state! - Mary

Unknown said...

Great block and blog

Carol said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

Anonymous said...

Lovely block. New Hampshire is a wonderful state. My hubby and I visited there back when the Old Man of the Mountain was still intact. Would love to come back and visit NH again.

quiltgrannie said...

Great looking block. Thanks for the super directions!!

Mary said...

What a cute and clever block! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing how you made the mountains.

Miss Jean said...

New Hampshire is still on my bucket list, haven't been there yet. Thanks for sharing.

Rachell said...

Very cute! Love the pine trees! We have lots here in Utah, being high desert mountains (the valley I live in is 4700 feet above sea level!)
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

Farm Quilter said...

Love your "license plate"!!! The tree, the mountain...just perfect! Makes me want to visit your state!!

Rhonda D. said...

Great block. Thanks for the tutorial.

Diantha said...

Cute block!
Thanks for the tutorial.

Anita said...

Great tutorialg

khowardquilts said...

I have already commented for the drawing, but I don't see where you say when the drawing will be.

QuiltinGram said...

All the licence played are turning out spectacular. Fun getting to know more about states I've never been to!

Debra G said...

Very nice!

gab said...

Lovely block. Thanks for the tutorial.

nicolesender said...

I've never been to New Hampshire but would love to visit in the fall. Lovely block!

Mary K said...

Cute block. I love the ckean look of solid. Lucky for me, I can use my phone for internet. Thanks.

KMSC said...

I've had the opportunity to visit New Hampshire twice and loved both visits. NH is a beautiful state!
k(dot)castanette(at)hotmail(dot)com

Shar said...

You did a great job on your block. New Hampshire is a beautiful state.

Betty Woodlee said...

Great tutorial on how you made your block!

Mara said...

I love the way you made the tree.

Patsy Wilkerson said...

Great block. When I think of New Hampshire I think green! Never been there and would love to visit one day!

Quilting in the South said...

After meeting a lot of friends in college from New Hampshire, I have always wanted to visit your state.

Kathy L said...

Love your block and your state.

Unknown said...

I have visited your state and think the plate is a good representation of the landscape. Thank you for the tutorial, very helpful to have the pictures.

tac73 said...

Love your block.

icraftnqlt said...

Thank you for the tutorial! The pictures are very helpful.

Ali said...

Cute block and thank you for the giveaway! New Hampshire is my favorite east coast state, I can see why you like living there!

Nyla said...

Very nice block! I'm sure New Hampshire is a wonderful state, I hope to see it someday!

johnnyp said...

a very nice block

Deb said...

I'm enjoying the blog hop and love the fabric license plate idea!

sue bennett said...

Wonderful blog hop. Love your your license plate.

suebennett1975@gmail.com

Charlotta said...

Nice block. I'd love to visit New Hampshire, and the rest of New England - in the summertime!

Pat V. said...

A fun block. I will definitely be trying out these fabrics. I have heard only good things from those who've used them.

Diane M said...

Great block! I'm loving the brilliant colors in this collection.

kathyinozarks said...

love your license plate block

Unknown said...

Looks great.

syvisser@gmail(dot)com

charlotte said...

Great block for New Hampshire!

Winona said...

Your license plate looks great!

Kathleen said...

I like the colors you chose in your license plate.

Adtski31 said...

Great block!

Annmarie said...

Thanks for the tute. Your block could be adapted for lots of things!

Cheryl said...

Cute Block - thanks for the contest!

Anonymous said...

I've only been to New Hampshire once, but I remember the White Mountains and all the trees.

Sarah @ Berry Barn Designs said...

Greetings from Maine! Cute block, Vic : )

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

Great block! Good luck w your new computer

Anonymous said...

Great block. Thanks for the giveaway! info(at)cocoplumbeachhouse(dot)com.

Rina Mason said...

Great block for a great state. I may be a born and bred Midwest flatlander but my favorite spot on earth consist of the three northern most states. Love the White Mountains, the Flume, the Conway Railroad and all the great towns. It also happens to be the home of Keepsake Quilting. You are one lucky lady to live there.

Debbie said...

I love block. I've never been to your beautiful state, but would love to!

Patty said...

Your block is so cute. I love this tour.
paweis at yahoo dot com

Quilting Babcia said...

Great design. I'm enjoying seeing all the creativity with these great new fabrics.

Tinliz said...


Lovely block. Thanks for the chance to enter the drawing.

Missenota aka Kristin S. said...

These solids are gorgeous! I'd love to try them out for feel and washing and well, for everything!

Unknown said...

Hello and enjoyed looking at how you created your license plate. Really cute !

Karen said...

I love NH, Laconia for sure. Thanks for sharing.

Kim said...

I love NH. It is such a pretty state.

patty a. said...

I have never been to NH, but it sounds like a lovely place! Your block turned out wonderful!

thepiececorps said...

Thanks for sharing the "how to"! Would love to visit especially in the fall...

Jules said...

Love the state and your block! Thanks for sharing and the opportunity! Would love to work with AMB textiles!

Victoria M. said...

I love your block with the mountains and trees. It's simple yet effective and could be used in other types of quilts too. Thanks for the great tutorial.

Penny from S.C. said...

Am I too late to enter? Love your block, btw. Thanks

Peggy said...

Very pretty New Hampshire block.
Thanks,
Peggy
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

Penny said...

Lovely block! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I love the block!

CyndyK said...

Your New Hampshire block turned out very nice. Thanks for sharing. Cynthia Knapp cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

Ginny said...

I loved New Hampshire, such a beautiful state!

Ginny said...

I loved New Hampshire, such a beautiful state!

Stoney said...

Thanks for the very detailed tutorial.

Eileen said...

Vic, how cool that you were chosen to represent New Hampshire. I've followed your blog for several years, and I thoroughly enjoy it?

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