Giveaway!

Who's in the mood for a giveaway?!

Quilting Quickly magazine has become Fons & Porter's Pre-Cut Patchwork!  And I'm thrilled to have my new quilt, North Star Trail, in the pages of the inaugural issue!  The January/February 2019 issue is available now both in print and digitally.

North Star Trail is a fun and easy pattern made with a charm pack of 5" squares and a yard of background fabric.  I made my version using the whimsical Way Up North fabric collection by Jill Howarth for Riley Blake and I love the colorful end result!

To celebrate, I'm giving away a bundle of Way Up North fabric to two lucky quilters!  Each bundle contains 18 - 10" squares of fabric—one from each fabric in the collection.  

I'll be giving away one bundle on Instagram and one on Facebook.  To enter on Instagram, follow me @jendalyquilts, like the giveaway post and tag a friend.  On Facebook, like my page and the giveaway post and share with a friend.  Enter by midnight on Friday, January 25th.  The winners will be selected on Saturday and notified via direct message.

Good luck!!

U.S. shipping only please.

Quilters Newsletter's Best Kids Quilts 2015 blog tour - Day 4

Welcome to Day 4 of Quilters Newsletter's Best Kids Quilts 2015 blog tour!

If you've been following the tour, then you know that QN's latest special issue, Best Kids Quilts 2015, is full of fun and colorful projects for kids of all ages.  For a look inside the issue, check out QN's website.  And if you'd like to purchase your very own copy, Best Kids Quilts 2015 is now available at quilt shops, bookstores, and newsstands or online at Quilt and Sew Shop.




This was my first time designing projects specifically for kids and it was so inspiring -- definitely an opportunity to forget the rules and just play!  I'm thrilled to have two projects in this fun special issue.

My first project is found on page 49 of Best Kids Quilts 2015.

It's called, not surprisingly, Under the Sea.  I mentioned in a previous post that after my family's annual vacation in Maine last summer, all I wanted to make was fish quilts -- hence the cheerful and colorful Under the Sea.  I made this quilt using a layer cake of "Grunge" fabrics by BasicGrey for Moda.  The subtle texture of the "Grunge" fabrics doesn't fight with the solid blue background and the colors are GORGEOUS.

Under the Sea is a twin size (66" x 88") quilt and I think it works well for both girls and boys, but you could change up the fish colors to suit one or the other.

And Under the Sea is such an easy quilt to make -- the fish blocks couldn't be simpler and the checkerboard border is strip pieced to save time.

Best of all, if you'd like to make Under the Sea, you can buy a kit at Quilt And Sew Shop -- this is the first time one of my quilts has been made into a kit!  So exciting!

As much as I love Under the Sea, my next project is one of my all time favorites.  You can find it on page 76 of Best Kids Quilts 2015 and it's a travel checkers game made with gorgeous Cotton + Steel fabrics.  Killer combination in my opinion.

I made the checkers for my portable game with multiple layers of blanket stitched felted wool.  On the back of the checker board, there's a zippered pocket for storing the checkers.

And when you're done playing and stowing away the checkers, you can roll up the board and fasten it with attached straps and buttons.

I loved the campy feel of the Arrows fabric from Melody Miller's "Mustang" collection for this quilt, and the Cotton + Steel Basics in navy, aqua, and orange were the perfect accompaniment.  But the color and style options for this fun project are really unlimited.

Now that we've taken care of business, let's talk about prizes, shall we?  If you'd like a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of Cotton + Steel Basics fabric -- and really, who wouldn't?! -- please leave a comment on this post by clicking the word "comments" below.  You'll be redirected to a "Post a Comment" window.  Once there, either scroll to the bottom of the window or click "Jump to Comment Form" and follow the directions to leave your comment.  This contest will remain open until 11:59 pm MDT on Sunday, May 10th (Mother's Day -- don't forget!).  I'll draw one name at random, so please make sure I have your email address.

  

Cotton + Steel Basics - Berry

By the way, if you haven't already done so, it's not too late to enter the contests hosted by other designers participating in the Best Kids Quilts 2015 blog tour.  You can find links to the Day 1, 2, and 3 designer blogs on the QN website.  Don't forget to check out Barb Cherniwchan's blog today for a look at her project Game On.  And tomorrow, Day 5, there will be three more projects showcased:  Kate Colleran's ABC 123, Mary Kate Karr-Petras' Ducklets, and Kim Hanson's Sweet Dreams.

Good luck and happy quilting!

***This contest is now closed.  Thank you so much for all of your comments!***

Quilters Newsletter Best Kids Quilts 2015 Blog Tour

Just wanted to give you a heads up that Quilters' Newsletter is hosting a blog tour this week to promote their latest special issue, Best Kids Quilts 2015.  Check out the QN blog every day this week from Monday to Friday for links to designer blogs.  You'll have a chance to learn about some of the great projects in this issue and, even better, two chances a day to win a prize!

And make sure to check back here on Thursday, May 7th.  I'll be posting about the two projects that I have featured in Best Kids Quilts 2015.  Can't wait!

Quilters Newsletter's Best Tradition with a Twist Quilts blog tour - Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of Quilters Newsletter's Best Tradition with a Twist Quilts 2015 blog tour!

QN's Best Tradition with a Twist Quilts special issue is now available at quilt shops, bookstores, newsstands, and on line at Quilt and Sew Shop.  Inside you'll find a great article by Victoria Findlay Wolfe, 6 helpful designer tips, and patterns for 21 beautiful projects.  At the core, all of the quilts are traditional, but each has a twist that makes it unique, new, and surprisingly modern.

My quilt, Cornflower Crossing (p. 16), is a fast and fun project made using only one block.  That block is based on a simple nine-patch block -- so easy and one of the first blocks quilters learn to make -- what could be more traditional?

And my twist?  I've kept the block construction the same, still 9 patches, but I've changed the sizes of the patches to create an asymmetrical nine-patch block:

I also rotated the blocks to give the quilt interest and a sense of motion.  As is often the case, rotating the blocks created an unexpected secondary pattern -- if you step back and squint at the quilt, you can actually see cascading leaves:

Another twist:  I chose to use only 2 colors for this quilt.  There is a subtle linen texture in the French General "Le Bouquet Français" fabrics that I used, but they read as solids.  I chose these fabrics rather than prints because I was concerned that prints would fight the design rather than showcase it and because I wanted to keep the quilt from becoming too busy.

Blue and white not your thing?  I played around in EQ to give you a few more color options...

A buttery yellow would have been my second choice because I've always wanted to make a yellow and white quilt:

And here's the yellow and white inverted, hmm...:

Here's red and white, maybe for Christmas:

And here's a 3 color version, that I'm kind of liking.  It reminds me of plaid:

Choosing a quilting pattern for this quilt was tricky.  With such a graphic, geometric design, my mind went immediately to linear quilting patterns that would echo the lines of the quilt.  But instead of accentuating the design, the linear patterns seemed to muddy it.  I had an aha moment when I decided to go in a completely different direction and try a curvy, meandering quilting pattern.  Anne Bright's "Wild Mouse" pattern dances across the quilt without detracting from the clean, simple design.

There's one final, fun twist to my quilt.  Look closely at the photo and check out the backing fabric:

Here, let me help:

It's an oversized toile-inspired floral -- totally traditional and definitely unexpected on the back of a modern, graphic quilt.  But I love the juxtaposition of business in the front and party in the back (at least on a quilt!!) and I couldn't help myself.

And now, patient reader, if you'd like a chance to win a bundle of P&B Textiles' "True Blue!" fabric leave a comment on this post before 11:59 pm MDT tonight (1/28/2015) by clicking on the word "comments" below.  You'll be redirected to a "Post a Comment" window.  Once there, either scroll to the bottom of the window or click "Jump to Comment Form" and follow the directions to leave your comment.  I'll draw one name at random, so please make sure I have your email address.

Good luck and happy quilting!

***This contest is now closed.  Thank you for all of your comments and don't forget to visit the QN blog today (1/29) and tomorrow (1/30) for links to other designers' blogs and more chances to win!  Good luck!***

QN Best Tradition with a Twist Quilts 2015 Blog Tour Update

Welcome to Day 1 of Quilters Newsletter's Best Tradition with a Twist Quilts 2015 blog tour!

I know you may have been expecting me to help kick off the tour today; instead I'm actually going to be posting tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28th.  But the good news is that the blog tour is now underway and there are two chances to win today.

First check out Brenda Miller's blog:  "Among Brenda's Quilts and Bags" for a look at her beautiful Skip a Beat table runner.  With its foundation-pieced heart blocks, I think it would be perfect for Valentine's Day.

Then head over to Janet Jo Smith's blog "Threads of Thought" at dyesmithy.com.  She's made a lovely two color quilt, Lady in Red, using her own gorgeous hand-dyed fabrics.

And finally, don't forget to check back here tomorrow for my post (I promise!) and a chance to win a P&B Textiles fabric bundle!

Good luck!

Quilters Newsletter's Best Fat Quarter Quilts 2014 Blog Tour

Welcome to Day 4 of QN's Best Fat Quarter Quilts 2014 blog tour!

If you've been following along with the tour, then you know that Best Fat Quarter Quilts 2014 is full of colorful and beautiful quilts and projects for your home.  If you'd like to take a look inside, check it out on QN's website.  And when looking turns to buying, Best Fat Quarter Quilts 2014 is now available at quilt shops, bookstores, newsstands and on line at Quilt and Sew Shop.

I'm thrilled to have two projects in Best Fat Quarter Quilts 2014!  First off is my "Fresh as a Daisy" pillow found on page 16.

This cheerful 12" x 16" pillow is made with a mini charm pack, fabric scraps and a half yard of additional fabric.  I chose to make mine with Kate Spain's "Daydream" fabric, yum.

And this project is fast!  With pre-cut squares, the preparation is minimal, and the only hand work is the embroidered "joy."  I appliquéd the flower by machine using pink thread and left the edges of the flower rough for a shabby chic look.  Here's a close-up of the flower petals:

To quilt the pillow, I machine stitched 1/4" on either side of each seam.  This project is easily accomplished in a day – give one as a gift or, even better, make one for yourself to brighten up your sewing room!


My second project is "True Colors," a lap quilt found on page 84, and may I say, one of my favorite quilts that I've made this year.

I was inspired to make this quilt by a birthday card that I received that featured striped candles atop a birthday cake, but when I finished the quilt top, I was immediately reminded of Fruit Stripe gum...

Photo:  givetogrant.org

I almost ended up naming this quilt "White Stripes" a kind of artsy reference to the "negative space" that my brilliant (just in case he reads this) husband came up with, but alas "True Colors" prevailed.

This improvisational quilt was fun to make from start to finish, but choosing the fabric may have been the best part.  For each of the 8 rows, I got to choose a dark, medium and light fabric – that's 24 gorgeous colors – and the stack of fabrics was so beautiful that I was afraid to cut into it.

I used a foundation method to make each strip of the quilt and I was a little nervous about it, but it worked beautifully and was surprisingly fast.  In fact once I had all of the fabric strips cut and organized for each row, I finished this quilt top in a single weekend.

Here's a picture of the finished quilt top – pre-quilting – draped over my railing late last winter.  And eek, sorry, that is snow behind it.  If you're not looking forward to winter, look away!

And now the fine print: For a chance to win a fabric bundle from Quilters Newsletter, leave a comment on this post before 11:59 pm MDT tonight (11/13/2014) by clicking on the word "comments" below.  You'll be redirected to a "Post a Comment" window.  Once there, either scroll to the bottom of the window or click "Jump to Comment Form" and follow the directions to leave your comment.  I'll draw one name at random, so please make sure I have your email address.  This contest is only open to those who haven't won something from QN in the last 90 days.

Good luck and happy quilting!

***This contest is now closed.  Thank you for all of your comments and don't forget to visit the QN blog today (11/14) for links to other designers' blogs and more chances to win!  Good luck!***

Quilters Newsletter's Best Christmas Quilts 2014 Blog Tour

Welcome to Day 1 of QN's Best Christmas Quilts 2014 Blog Tour!!

Available now in quilt shops, in bookstores, on news stands and on-line at Quilt and Sew Shop, Best Christmas Quilts 2014 is loaded with beautiful and colorful projects designed to fill you with Christmas spirit.  No matter your style or skill level, you'll be sure to find the perfect project to make as a gift or to decorate your home for the holidays.  Quilters Newsletter has even included stocking stuffer ideas for the quilter in your life -- even if that quilter just so happens to be you!

If you're looking for a fast and easy project, check out page 18 for my Tiny Trees Christmas ornaments.

These sweet little ornaments are a snap to make and the possibilities are endless!  Use your favorite modern or traditional quilting fabrics or try something new like corduroy or velvet.  Keep them plain or simply pieced or embellish them with buttons, beads or even embroidery.  Top the trees with star buttons or crystal beads.  Just have fun!

Here's my homespun tiny tree topped with an oversized wooden star button for a primitive look:

And here are my scrappy strip pieced tiny trees:

If you'd like to take on a bigger project, try my Christmas Ribbons table runner found on page 47 of Best Christmas Quilts 2014.

Christmas Ribbons is a scrappy quilt made using straightforward patchwork with just a bit of simple piecing thrown in to create the bow.  One of my favorite things about this quilt is the binding, yes, that's right, the binding!  I couldn't decide if it should be bound in white, red or green, so I bound it in all three.  Check out the right edge in the photo below:

I think this table runner would also be perfect for Easter!  Just change the ribbon and bow to pink:

or purple:

or blue!

Finally, check out page 74 for my Merry & Bright lap quilt -- perfect for settling down for a long winter's nap!

I used a fat eighth bundle of Kate Spain's In from the Cold fabric (love the turquoise blue!) for this throw, but the 5" x 5 3/4" cascading ornament blocks are a great opportunity to show off your favorite Christmas fabrics.

Simple machine piecing and a strip pieced border make this lap quilt fun, easy and fast to put together.

And now, in the spirit of the season, here's your chance to win a bundle of Christmas fabric from Quilters Newsletter.  To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post before 11:59 pm MDT tonight (8/25/14) by clicking on the word "comments" below.  You'll be redirected to a "Post a Comment" window.  Once there, click "Jump to Comment Form" and follow the directions to leave your comment.  I'll draw one name at random, so please make sure I have your email address.  This contest is open to anyone who hasn't won something from QN in the last 90 days.

***This contest is now closed.  Thank you for all of your comments and don't forget to visit the QN blog every day this week (8/25 - 8/29) for links to other designers' blogs and more chances to win!  Good luck!***

Quilters Newsletter's Best Scrap Quilts Blog Tour

Welcome to Day 2 of Quilters Newsletter's Best Scrap Quilts Blog Tour!!

Ahhh, scrap quilts.  I love scrap quilts.  It's actually my favorite way to quilt -- the more fabrics, the better.  And no, it's not just an excuse to add to my stash!  (Well, not entirely!)  I find that using a variety of colors, patterns, and textures gives scrap quilts instant warmth and incomparable charm.

You'll agree when you check out Quilters Newsletter's latest special issue, Best Scrap Quilts 2014.  The pages of Best Scrap Quilts are filled with lots of scrappy eye candy -- 28 patterns for bed quilts, throws, and home decor projects and, as a bonus, there's a beautiful and inspiring article on scrappy reverse applique. Best Scrap Quilts is available now on newsstands and in bookstores and in quilt shops.  It's also available online at Quilt and Sew shop in both hardcopy and digital editions.

Here's a sample of what you'll find in Best Scrap Quilts:

It's my Welcome Fall table runner and it's on page 21of Best Scrap Quilts. With flying geese and maple leaf blocks in warm, spicy shades of red, rust, and plum (with a bit of blue and green thrown in for good measure), this quilt is my ode to fall. 

And Welcome Fall is a true "scrap quilt".  With the exception of the border/backing fabric, the fabrics for this quilt came entirely from my stash. I like to think this speaks to my "use up/make do" mentality rather than the size of my stash.

Not that there is anything wrong with having a big stash!  In fact, thanks to the amazing people at Quilters Newsletter, here's your opportunity to grow your own stash with this beautiful Signature Scrap Bundle assembled by Susan Geddes, Art Director at QN.

For your chance to win Susan's bundle, leave a comment on this post before 11:59 p.m. MDT tonight (4/30/2014) by clicking on the word "comments" below.  You'll be redirected to a "Post a Comment" window.  Once there, either scroll to the bottom of the window or click "Jump to Comment Form" and follow the directions to leave your comment.  I'll draw one name at random, so please make sure I have your email address.  Only one comment per person, please, and the contest is only open to those who haven't won something from Quilters Newsletter in the last 90 days.

Enjoy the rest of the blog tour and good luck!

***This contest is now closed.  Thank you for all of your comments and don't forget to check out QN's blog every day this week for links to other designers' blogs and more chances to win fabulous prizes!***