Blockheads Week #48

I can't believe it's over! When the six of us gathered in the Moda booth at market more than 18 months ago to hatch a plan for a "dark side" block-of-the-week, 48 weeks of blocks sounded like forever! It's gone by in a blink. I've loved every week of each designer's blog posts and all the wonderful quilters who've shared their blocks on Facebook. Your response has blown me away! Thank you, thank you, to all my new Blockhead friends. Let's stay in touch.


Block #48 - Honeymoon by Carrie Nelson
This week's block comes to us from our Moda connection, Carrie (alias, Miss Rosie). Her blocks for this series have been fun to make and interesting to see in their various color interpretations. Kathy and Joy were of one mind this week, choosing to fussy cut Christmas prints and mix them with other KT fabrics. I appreciate both of them for making all 48 blocks - one traditionally pieced (Kathy) and the other made with my Layered Patchwork technique (Joy).

Click HERE to find Carrie's blog and the instructions for Honeymoon.

Click HERE to find my KT Layered Patchwork instructions. 

Question-of-the-week: 

Since we're sharing settings, 'fess up. Is your quilt finished? Or do you just have blocks and a plan?

If you could see me now, I would be laughing hysterically, wondering where 2017 went. Do I have a finished quilt? HA! I have a beautiful pile of blocks. Do I have a plan? Of course. Want to see?

I opted for an on point setting. Actually, Joy came up with the idea, but didn't know what to do with her straight set applique blocks. We collaborated on this design to highlight all the blocks. I really like the pieced blocks on point with setting squares between them. It adds a color plan so I won't have to remake blocks for a more scrappy overall look. I think Jan's blocks will shine set apart in the gold border. Love 'em. I'll need to make a few extra pieced blocks - 2 for the center and 4 for the corners. I chose to use 6 different fabrics for each color of the setting squares - 6 blacks, 6 greens, 6 golds, 6 purples and 6 navys, along with 6 reds for the setting triangles. I'll have plenty of leftovers to make the scrappy border. The quilt finishes 112" square - a really great size for king or queen beds. I can't wait to sleep under my Blockheads quilt, dreaming of quilters and 6" blocks. Is that weird???

I can't wait to see how all of you are planning to finish your quilts. Keep following & posting on the Blockheads FB page. You don't want to miss some exciting news coming soon. Stay tuned...

Thinking of Spring (& Cleaning)

KT Winners

Thanks to everyone who left such positive comments. It was a real mood booster. I'm definitely going through a bit of cabin fever this year between being stuck in the house sick for a while and no traveling. Usually, Robert and I are gone about a week to 10 days a month visiting & teaching at guilds and quilt shops. But I don't usually schedule much for December & January because of the weather. I miss seeing all of your smiling faces. We're sooooo looking forward to our cruises in a few weeks - lots of sunshine and lots of quilters. The perfect cure to the winter doldrums.

Amazingly, only about 3/4 of the giveaways are claimed, usually because I couldn't contact the winner directly via email. One good way to be sure I can contact you is to have your email address on your Google account. If I can click on your name in the comments section and go to your account, I can email you directly that you've won. Otherwise, you need to check back to see if you're the lucky winner. Just a thought...

Congratulations to our winners this week. The bag of Turnover triangles goes to:

Jackie Papallo- Oh, I love Turnovers, and you are one of the few designers that puts them out in your fabric lines. I'd be happy to help you clean those scraps out of your studio!

 And, the leftover strips go to:

Susan Smith -So glad you are feeling better! I love making scrappy quilts so either bag would be great but the strips would be my choice. 

 Thinking of Spring

Besides spring cleaning, I also have a delightfully spring-y project for you. Our newest fabric collection, Fresh Cut Flowers, is due in stores in March. Here's a look at the featured quilts for this collection from our booklet, Fresh Cut Flowers.

Fresh Cut Flowers 74"x84" lap quilt

Fresh Cut Flowers 112"x 112" king quilt

Simple construction in either traditional piecing or my Layered Patchwork technique make this scrappy quilt so much fun to assemble. The KT Melon and Wedge templates add a unique accent to the borders. Our KT Kut-ups precut fusible appliques make it easy to add a burst of springtime. We're offering either of these size quilts in a 7-month Block-of-the-Month (or more accurately, Chunk-of-the-Month).

So, here's what you'll receive over 7 months beginning in April - 
Lap Quilt (74” x 84”) - Fresh Cut Flowers booklet, Layer Cake, fabric for quilt top & binding,
KT Fresh Cut Flowers Kut-ups ($62.95), buttons and shipping - $224.00.
7 Month BOM - $32/month.
OR
King Quilt (112” x 112”)- Fresh Cut Flowers booklet, fat 1/8 bundle, fabric for quilt top & binding, KT Fresh Cut Flowers Kut-ups and shipping - $339.50.
7 Month BOM - $48.50/month

KT Melon & Wedge templates available at a special price for BOM participants:
                                KT Melon - retail $9.95 - $6.50
                                KT Wedge - retail $11.95 - $8.00


Call Robert or Joy today at the KT Quilt Shop to reserve your Fresh Cut Flowers kit or to sign up for the BOM. 785-488-2120.

Stay tuned for more Fresh Cut Flowers projects over the next few weeks with more giveaways.

If you didn't win this week - don't worry - I'm just getting started. I have another box of scraps from Harvest Hill and several ziploc bags of little scraps - squares and triangles from I-don't-remember-what-projects (not pictured). Comment this week to win one of these two giveaways.

Moda Blockheads Week #47

Only one more week to go until we all have some fun settings to share with you. If the weather is as cold where you live as it is in Kansas, this is the perfect time to stay in and sew, sew, sew.

Question of the Week:

Now that we're nearing the end, if you could start your blocks and quilt over again, is there anything you would have done differently?
Absolutely! I would have made at least one more set of blocks each week with a color plan in mind. Now that I have my setting in place, I'm finding I have too many of one color and not enough of another. Going back to remake them is more time consuming than making several at once while it's fresh. Oh well, next time....

Blockheads # 47 - Starry 9-Patch by Lisa Bongean

Lisa gives us another great star block with a 9-patch center and split star points. Both Kathy and Joy chose a red/tan/blue color scheme for their blocks. Great minds?

Click HERE for Lisa's instructions on her blog.

Click HERE for my Layered Patchwork option.

Check in with the other designer's to see their blocks this week:

Betsy -
Blog - http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betsy.chutchian
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betsy_chutchian/

Lisa B -
Blog - https://lisabongean.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/primitivegatherings.quiltshop/ or https://www.facebook.com/lisa.bongean
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisabongean/  or https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_quiltshop/  or  https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_ca/

Jan -
Blog - http://janpatek.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jan.patek.79?fref=nf
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jan_patek_quilts/

Jo -
Blog - http://jomortonquilts.com/jos_journal/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jomortonquilts/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joquilts/

Carrie -
Blog - http://blog.modafabrics.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/modafabrics/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modafabrics/

More Cleaning House

Seems I started the new year off late after the flu won in overtime - and I'm still behind. Let's get caught up with TWO giveaways this week! I'll feel much better finding good homes for some lonely scrap bags. But first...

KT Winner

Congratulations to:

Angeliasue - Happy New Year! We all look forward to what you are designing for us this year. I would LOVE some of your scraps! How fun it would be to look at a quilt & say that was from Lynne. Feel better soon & stay warm. Even parts of coastal GA had possible snow last night!

KT Giveaways

This week, I have a stack of leftover Turnovers from several years ago (it's practically vintage). If you have a project in mind using triangles, you're in luck! All the cutting is done for you.

 I also found a bag of strips leftover from the ends of bindings, Jelly Rolls and Honey Buns.
Wanna get strippy? Here's your chance!

Whew! I feel lighter already. Please comment to win either of the giveaways this week. If you prefer one over the other, include that little tidbit. See you next week. Stay warm and sew on.

Moda Blockheads Week #46

We're soooo close to the end! This has been a great 48 week series. I've enjoyed getting to know the other designers better, and LOVE hearing your thoughts and seeing all the amazing blocks on Facebook. Thanks to everyone who has participated. I'm anxious to see your finished quilts.

Question of the Week: 

When you stitch - hand or machine - do you listen to anything?

When I'm sewing on my machine, I'll turn on music or watch something that's easy to follow, like reruns of Law and Order:SVU, Flea Market Flip, or Project Runway. If I'm hand-sewing, I'll sit in my comfy chair with the hubby and watch TV. Since we both work at KTQ, we try not to drag work into every evening, but it's technically bonding time since we're in the same room, right?

Blockheads #46 - Cat and Dog by Jan Patek

When I first started working in a quilt shop about 30 years ago, I was drawn to Jan's primitive, hand-drawn applique motifs. Her style is easily recognizable and perfect for my country-style home. One of the UFO's at the top of my list to finish is one of Jan's. It's a patriotic-themed quilt I hope to complete by summer. It's fun and challenging to play with other designer's patterns.

Click HERE for Jan's Cat and Dog pattern.

Kathy & Joy stitched up their blocks in cotton and wool again. Kathy's whimsical striped cotton fabric is adorable. Joy chose wools for texture on a plaid background. Both of them added stitched kitty whiskers.

Visit my friends to see their blocks this week.

Betsy -
Blog - http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betsy.chutchian
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betsy_chutchian/

Lisa B -
Blog - https://lisabongean.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/primitivegatherings.quiltshop/ or https://www.facebook.com/lisa.bongean
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisabongean/  or https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_quiltshop/  or  https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_ca/

Jan -
Blog - http://janpatek.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jan.patek.79?fref=nf
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jan_patek_quilts/

Jo -
Blog - http://jomortonquilts.com/jos_journal/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jomortonquilts/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joquilts/

Moda -
Blog - http://blog.modafabrics.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/modafabrics/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modafabrics/



I see new faces on Facebook each week, just beginning our 48 week journey. Here's the link to the Moda Blockheads Directory to catch up whenever you wish.

Moda Blockheads Week #45

Blockheads Week #45

Question of the Week: Do you have any exciting plans or adventures on your calendar for 2018?
As a matter of fact, I do! Jenny Doan and I are cruisin' together again in Feb/March. We're teaching in back-to-back cruises this year - 2 weeks at sea, double the fun! If you missed my blog Friday, there were a few last minute cancellations due to illness, etc. If you're up for a great time quilting at sea, check it out.

I'll be in Dayton, OH for the One Stop Shop Hop in April. They're trying something new this year - a designer to teach workshops and share a couple trunk shows. Can't wait to see how the experiment works! In July, I'll be traveling to Portland, Maine for their annual quilt show to teach several classes. We're excited to be in an area of the country I've not taught before and plan to make time for sight-seeing in New England. September brings a very fun weekend event with Jenny again. For those who aren't all about boats, come play with us on land in San Diego for a luxurious retreat.

I'm trying to keep my website calendar up to date a little better this year, so check it out to see if I'm coming to your area.

Block #45 - Double Dutch by Jo Morton

I love, love, love this block full of flying geese. It has alot of movement and can be made in a variety of color combinations. Kathy selected a few of Jo's vintage hues for a softer vibe. Joy went autumn with KT fabrics in pumpkin and brown. The back demonstrates perfectly how Layered Patchwork simplifies with fewer seams and a flatter block.

Click HERE for Jo's Blog and instructions for Double Dutch.

Click HERE for my Layered Patchwork version of Double Dutch.


Visit all the Blockheads this week for more fun versions of Jo's block.

Betsy's Blog - http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/

Lisa's Blog - https://lisabongean.com/

Jan's Blog - http://janpatek.blogspot.com/

Carrie's Blog - http://blog.modafabrics.com/

Come Cruisin' With Us!

Oh. My. Goodness. Too Good to Be True.

There are several last minute cancellations for the March cruise with Jenny Doan and me hosted by A Scarlet Thread. I have quilters email/call me almost weekly wanting to know about our upcoming cruises. If you can't wait until 2019 and can pack your bags in the next 6 weeks, come with us! The rates are reduced and the sun is shining in the Caribbean. Doesn't that sound heavenly?  Grab your sunscreen and join us!

Moda Blockheads Week #44

Question of the week: Do you make New Year's resolutions? A word for the year?

I no longer make resolutions, as I foolishly did in my youth. Instead, I try to renew my commitment to balance in my life. My husband and I both work in the quilting business, so it's important to not talk shop all evening. When Robert and I travel for business, we plan a day or two to see the area we're visiting, or stop somewhere fun along the way to break up a long drive. I've found all work and no play makes for very little creative inspiration.  

Blockheads Week #44 - Lawyer's Puzzle by Betsy Chutchian

This week's block is similar to the Kansas Troubles block with it's tiny triangles and visual movement. It's also similar in that traditional piecing is the preferred method. We're not offering a Layered Patchwork version this week since sometimes, it's best to leave well enough alone. Here are Kathy's 2-color block from Betsy's fabric collections and Joy's scrappy KT version.

Click HERE to find the instructions on Betsy's blog.

So exciting, just 4 more weeks until all the blocks are revealed - and a few surprises! Stay tuned and visit the other Blockheads' sites for more -

Lisa's Blog - https://lisabongean.com/

Jan's Blog - http://janpatek.blogspot.com/

Jo's Blog - http://jomortonquilts.com/jos_journal/



Carrie's Blog - http://blog.modafabrics.com/

KT Winners, January Special and Giveaways

Thanks to all of you for your support of KTQ this year. Your comments, emails and visits to our store make all the hard work worth it. We appreciate your feedback and suggestions so we can make Kansas Troubles the best ever in the coming years. Watch for exciting new projects in the coming months, along with our KT monthly specials and giveaways. Happy New Year! I hope you have a healthy, productive new year.

KT Winners

Congratulations to all three quilters who won my new Cozy Quilts and Comforts book. Who doesn't want to stay cozy and quilt right now with the freezing temperatures all across the country! The random number generator picked these lovely ladies. Good luck with your quilting plans for the year.

Deb Mac - December 22, 2017 at 10:12 AM

My goal is to just get into the sewing room! I hope to spend New Years Day sorting/organizing and then start on my promise quilts (2 weddings, citizenship, out of the Marines, and a Navy quilt for my husband)As I finish one; I can play for a couple of weeks on my goal quilts. Things that I want to do for a variety of reasons. This is the year I start quilting again!!!!

Mimi Hall - December 27, 2017 at 11:14 AM

I have lots of quilts that I am working on and my plans for the New Year are to finish what I have to make room for the new to come!! Quilting is ion my blood and gives me energy!! Happy New Year.... it is going to be a great year!!

Kathy H - December 22, 2017 at 6:22 AM

I have decided to try and alternate new projects with ufos. Maybe they will all get done next year. Have a merry Christmas.

Please email your mailing address to lynne@ktquilts.com. We'll send your Cozy Quilts and Comforts book right out. Thanks to everyone who commented. Keep reading for more opportunities for winning.

KT Special

It's the beginning of a new year! The perfect time to start a new project. We have a couple of options for you for our KT January Special. Be Brave and Be a Star are booklets featuring my Harvest Hill fabric collection. Each quilt was inspired by conversations with my grankids about their dreams for the future and life lessons learned. Be Brave includes a lap quilt, runner and pillow with an easy arrow design created with simple flying geese units using my Layered Patchwork technique. Be a Star simplifies quarter square triangle units using the same method for a lap quilt, mini wall quilt and pillow. Each booklet retails for $12.95, but is on special this month for only $9.95 each. Purchase both booklets for only $18.00. That's a savings of over 30%!

Click HERE to find the KT Specials for January.

KT January Special

KT Giveaway

After a few days with the flu, I was ready for a fresh start. As I sorted and cleaned and organized my studio, I found several bags and boxes of leftovers from projects from the past year and a couple of unclaimed giveaways. It's time for a clean sweep! Each week this month, I'll be giving away piles of scraps from previous fabric collections. I just CAN"T keep everything and love to share with all of you. This week, we have a box full of Harvest Hill scraps to go with our January KT Special. Comment here to win.

Harvest Hill Scrap Giveaway