Fellow Quilters,

Summer has arrived, and not a moment too soon.  The kids are finished school for 2 months, temperatures have risen and gardens are blooming everywhere.  My kind neighbor has a large rhubarb patch and has dropped off 2 bundles of stalks for me.

Rhubarb

Local strawberries are at their peak and make a great pie or crisp when combined with the rhubarb.  Lucky hubby!

Camp is a popular activity for many kids during the summer – exploring the outdoors while learning new skills such as canoeing, swimming, nature conservancy, along with a variety of crafts – I did tie-dying at day camp one summer.

For the month of July I am participating in a different type of camp – the Lazy Summer Quilt Camp organized by Leanne of Devoted Quilter (@devotedquilter).  Each day, the campers post pictures on Instagram following Leanne’s lead.  Anyone can join in at any time – simply pop onto Leanne’s page for the daily prompt and share your pics by including the hashtag #lazysummerquiltcamp.  If you’re on IG, check out my daily prompts, which also go to my Facebook page.  It’s been so enjoyable reading the stories accompanying each “camper’s” photos.

Of course, when it’s too hot outside, we resort to indoor activities and what better way to while away the afternoon than at the movies?  The theme of this month’s Quilt Block Mania is just that – Movies.  Each of the 10 participants has designed a free quilt block depicting something movie-related.  Hubby and I are more likely to watch a flick on tv than head to the theatre, however I am tempted to see the new Toy Story 5.

In recognition of this month’s theme, I designed Action!, showing film strips – fun!

My Action! film strip block

This easy colorful block can be downloaded here.

I couldn’t resist mocking up a couple of quilt samples – the multi-colored version using the block as-is, and a variation that looks more like woven single-color film strips.  Which one do you prefer?

The other 9 designers had fun with this theme too, and you can download their blocks at these links below:

Director’s Chair by Carolina Moore
Rising Star by Scrapdash
Movie Projector by Inquiring Quilter
Popcorn
Movie Camera by QuiltFabrication
Applique Reel
Black and White by Studio B Quilt
Action! by Patti’s Patchwork
Movie Marquee
Scene 1 Take 2 Movie Clapper
Drive in Movie by Appliques Quilts and More
Red Carpet by The Kitschy Creative
Decked Out Star by Sew Joy Creations

Last month I taught 4 days of classes at A Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge TN and had a fantastic time – the students were amazing, and the quilts in the show were spectacular.

Gorgeous results from the Panel Pizzazz class

Students showing off their Garden Blooms blocks

Karen completed her Skill-building Sampler wall quilt – well done!

I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list for next year.

I’ve been busy working and have added 2 new patterns to my shop:

PC338N Who’s Paying Paul? employs an almost-no-waste method to make Rob Peter to Pay Paul blocks.

PC338N Who’s Paying Paul?

The cover quilts feature Northcott’s pretty Imprint flannel collection, perfect for these easy curves.

PC350 Chevrons uses 10 coordinating small-ish prints and textures in lights, mediums and darks to make a contemporary quilt in 5 size options from lap to king.

Pc350 Chevrons uses 10 shades to make this braided beauty

Stonehenge Organics was used for the cover quilts.I’m finalizing 3 more patterns for next month, in addition to getting 2 magazine projects completed – busy times ahead!

Have fun with the movie-themed blocks and post a comment below telling me your favorite movie.  You may inspire me to set aside my sewing and step into fantasyland.

Cheers,

Patti