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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume #6

Well now that the campaign is over and we can finally get on with our lives, it is time to focus just on quilting! (Yea...no more political ads!)

I am lucky enough to be included in the current 100 Blocks blog tour for the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 6. My block is #586 on page 60 and is called Ladder Up. It came about while I was working on a new collection of fabrics for RJR called Civil War Ladies by Pat Nickols. I wanted to work with a block that would incorporate as many of the fabrics from the collection as I could and wanted it to be traditional to the period, so I chose a Jacob's Ladder block that looked like this.
I usually like to change a block somewhat to make it different and to be able to create secondary blocks when they are put together so I added a few more smaller triangles in the corners and I came 
up with this. Even though the block has a lot of pieces it is not a complicated block, but when you use it in a quilt it creates a whole different look. 


Here you can see when you put the blocks together it creates a spinning star in between the ladders plus a pinwheel block in the intersection of the ladders. I was very happy with this design and went on to use a small stripe in the triangle border to frame the quilt. The pattern is called Jacob's Ladder and is available on my website. (Along with many of the fabrics used in the quilt on sale!)                                                            
 If you are visiting my blog and did not know about the Quiltmaker's blog tour you can go to Quiltmaker and see other blocks in the series and visit other blogs. Each one of us are giving away the current issue of 100 Blocks Volume 6 and you also have a chance on the Quiltmaker's website to win a wonderful mug with many of the blocks on them.

To be eligible to win a free magazine you need to leave a comment at the end of my blog. Be sure to leave some kind of contact information. I have drawn names in the past and people have lost out on their winnings because they did not leave an email address with the message. You email addresses are not shared with anyone and if you do not want other people to see it then leave me a message on my contact me page on my website Gateway Quilts & Stuff.

Please let me know what you think of my block and if you get a chance to visit my website look at some of my newest kits including Sweet Dreams featured in Quilt magazine. It is made with a wonderful Robyn Pandolph RJR collection called True Vintage.

Thank you for visiting me and good luck. Remember, always do what you love and love what you do.


154 comments:

Just Sew Sue said...

Amazing what a big difference a small change makes. Love the secondary stars

Anonymous said...

Nice block! So different each time.
hanke@fijnvandraat.com

Anonymous said...

Loved the quilt that the block make. Secondary patterns really do change the "look" of the original block.

hueisei said...

I love your block! Very beautiful and I love the quilt too :)

midwestmarykay said...

When you turn your block into a quilt, it looks like flowers! HOW COOL!

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

Wow, that is amazing! So need to see what a small change can do to a block and a quilt! brilliant.

Gill said...

Great block - I love the secondary design!

Mary Ellen said...

Hey, Toby! Long time, no see. Another dynamic block from you! Hope I win.

Joanna said...

I love your block and think the quilt looks terrific. It really changes up when you mix the colors, which I like.

Bev said...

Love it when a traditional block is tweeked into a new and updated block. Love the secondary star and think I may have to give this a try!

kt said...

Love the spinning stars and pinwheels created when the blocks are set together! Thanks for sharing!

robin said...

love how the quilt blocks come together.

Sandi1100 said...

I like traditional blocks and with your adjustment it's even better. Can't wait to get the magazine either by winning or buying it. Thanks for the chance to win.

Dee said...

Ohh, thinking I need to hit my c.w. stash - love this block. jessibir@hickorytech.net

Maryjo said...

Ladder UP is a great block...love how it looks in the quilt..stunning! I am going to make this one for sure:)

JoyceLM said...

Love your wonderful traditional block - and the quilt looks beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win.

B Greene said...

Your block in the layout is so stunning!! I think all the pieces would cetainly be worth the effort. I bet this quilt would laso be beatuiful in modern, bright colors, too. Thanks so much for sharing and for the chance to win!
beckygreene10 (at) gmail (dot) com

Denise R said...

Love your block (or make that blocks). The two work together so nicely!

cynthia said...

That block is great and your layout is stunning!

Unknown said...

I love the block, I especially love how the the blocks look when put together. I see flowers instead of just squares.

Bernie said...

Nice block, such a traditional feel.

Lee Ann L. said...

Love the variety of ways to use the block.

CelticRose said...

Love your block! The secondary pattern it creates is really cool.

Anonymous said...

Very cool block, congrats and thanks for a chance to win.
mhinders@myclearwave.net

Donna said...

This is going to make a great quilt! thanks for such a good block.

Sandra said...

You have done it again and have given us another fantastic block. The quilt is really amazing and I really like the look of it. It amazes me when you can make a block and then turn into a secondary pattern. You are amazing. Thank you for sharing and giving all of us a chance to win such a Collector's Edition of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 6.

Sandi T.
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

Rina Mason said...

It always amazes me how just making a small change to one block generates a big change to the overall design. Love your take on it.

Lori S said...

A beautiful classic quilt. Thanks for the chance to win.

Vicki H said...

Wow, what an amazing quilt layout. Thanks for the chance to win.

Dana Gaffney said...

I love your block especially when I saw the quilt, the secondary pattern is wonderful. Thanks.

Jitka said...

Great, secondary pattern ..., great.

Karyn said...

OMG...by itself, I wasn't loving your block...it was nice, but it wasn't WOW...then I saw your layout and fell in LOVE! Showing the block in a quilt makes all the difference, THANK YOU!

Congrats on being in the 100....and thank you for such an interesting twist on a block...and for teaching me to look beyond the block...that the sum can be so much greater than the pieces.

Pat S. said...

I love your sweet block! Congrats on being published & thanks sew much for this chance to win :-)

Purl Buttons said...

I really like seeing a little change to a traditional block. I like your secondary pattern.

Lisa England said...

I like the Jacob's ladder block and your change really adds some interest. Can't wait to get this magazine, thanks for the chance to win!

Robyn said...

Oh my gosh that layout is amazing!

Darling Jill Quilts said...

Fantastic block! I love the secondary pattern made in the quilt you showed. Congrats on being included in the issue. :)

Carol Sc said...

What a cool quilt! Jacob's Ladder is one of my favorite blocks (my Dad's name) and I like your variation and choice of fabrics. I am very fond of the Civil War repro fabrics.
quiltschon@att.net

Brenda said...

I really, really like this! It's awesome! I like these colors too.
hulseybg@gmail.com

Beth said...

The addition of the blue hst's really makes a world of difference. That quilt sings because of that small detail.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

Mary said...

Great block.

bairdmtn said...

Oh Toby! You have out done yourself with this one! I love the way this leaves a secondary pattern when you sew it up and the colors are so pretty that you chose! I just can't wait to get my hands on Volume 6! I have every single issue of 100 Blocks and I need this one to add to my collection!!

Sherry said...

amazing block...thank you for sharing

Walter said...

Wow the impact really shows up on the whole quilt; like it

Marie Atkinson said...

Great block and quilt. The secondary pattern is awesome.

Pat V. said...

I love how you modified this block! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!

Marilyn Robertson said...

I love traditional quilts, and I love your block! Thanks for entering me into your drawing!

Judy said...

WOW! It is a lot of piecing but the results are worth it.

VickiT said...

What a beautiful block. I have a number of favorite quilt blocks and in my top 5 is the Jacob's Ladder, so naturally I really like your block.

I just took a peek at your website and found three more patterns that I must have someday soon. They are all great looking quilts.
Those are Kasuri Diamonds, Stars Over St. Louis, and Royal Gems.

vburr at charter dot net

Anonymous said...

I´ve always loved the block Jacob´s Ladder and your version is even better, I think!!!
Gun, Sweden
gun@lapp.se

Anonymous said...

I love how that block goes together in your quilt! I'm getting very excited to see this magazine in the stores! pbstrand@msn.com

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Absolutely love the block and the quilt setting! Thanks for a chance to win an issue of the magazine.

Gwen said...

Love the graphic design and the layout of the quilt. And in my
favorite colors. Nice job. Thanks
for the chance to win.

BizyStitches said...

I have to say this is my favorite on the blog hop. I love love the layout that it creates. Congrats and thanks for sharing and being in the hop.

Alberta Diane said...

Jacobs ladder is my favorite block. It's one that I use often. I love this variation.

Margaret said...

I love your block layouts

Anonymous said...

Your classy block design is beautiful! The "Civil War" colors are truly country! My favorite!
jaalex@charter.net

Stephanie said...

I'm awed by your creativity! Thanks for sharing.

~Kris~ said...

I love your block. It is so interesting to see how it goes into a quilt and looks so beautiful. Nice job.

Vivian said...

Wow, your block in the quilt is amazing. I like how it made the two secondary patterns, very neat. thanks. Vivian
sweetlildaisy5566@yahoo.com

Nancy said...

Love the changes you made!

Regina said...

Great block - love that secondary pattern!

jrt14 said...

I like how you took a traditional block and created a new one with just a small change. I like quilts with secondary patterns.

Teresa said...

ILovely block. I enjoy making blocks that create secondary patterns.

DebraKay Neiman said...

I like your block and the colors! I want to win!
crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

Elizabeth said...

Love the way the secondary pattern pops up. On your website, I really liked KeiKo's Garden--a cool way to use some of those hard-to cut-up florals we all have.

Diantha said...

I like your block, and especially how it looked turned into the quilt!

Cathy B said...

LOVE your block! Congratulations on getting in the magazine!

PJB said...

It's fascinating how the look changes when you put the blocks together in your layout. Great block.

Aliza said...

I think it is a great block! Would love to make it one day

Marcia W. said...

This is a wonderful block. I like the secondary designs produced.

Unknown said...

I really like the way the quilt looks when you put the blocks together.

Rachell said...

So amazing! I love the quilt and all the patterns that pop up! Really like the background cream with stars print! (I love stars, too!)
reillyr2 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Still admiring the Winter Stars!

Kelly Cline said...

The block is great and the pattern is awesome!!
headredkc(at)gmail(dot com)

thread189 said...

So looking forward to a copy of this magazine! THe block is gorgeous!

The Spiritual Existential Nihilist said...

I find it amazing how a block can look so different depending on the combination.

Sandy
wrybbunz@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Beautiful block-so many options - Congrats on being published and thanks for the chance to win! Debby

QuilterKat said...

Very nice sample quilt! Congratulations on being in the magazine and thanks for the opportunity to win.

Lisa E said...

"Ladder Up" has a lot of design possibilities. Cool how you show how a small difference makes a big difference in how the block looks.

Tamsyn said...

Love this block! Tamsyn

Debbie said...

Oh this is a beautiful block and the quilt is stunning.. thank you

Bluequilt said...

I love your block.
sandrag.aiken@gmail.com

Susan C said...

The small changes you made to the traditional block really make for an outstanding quilt. Love that beautiful secondary design!

Denise :) said...

I love the secondary (?!) design that your block makes when in the quilt -- very lovely!! :)

Tami C said...

I just love your block and the way that it makes into such a beautiful quilt is fantastic! I love the fabric that you chose as it just works perfect!

Congratulations for having your block published in Quiltmakers 100 Blocks and thanks for the chance to win a copy of it!

Linda E in NM said...

I like what happened when you put the blocks together.
thanks!

Sallie said...

I love your block! Thanks for the giveaway!

Back Porch Extras said...

Your block is really pretty and I can see it was perfect for the Civil War era. It looks to have a lot of pieces and corners need to match perfect so not sure this is my type of block but that is why quilting is so much fun. There is always a technique that fits that person. Your quilt is awesome and I love it. If it needs a home I am here for it! Thanks for the giveaway and Congrats on your block being in the latest magazine!

arlette said...

Wow, the whole quilt's just stunning!!!! arlettelk(at)gmail(dot)com

Bonnie said...

Love your winning block! I really enjoyed taking your class at Quiltfest in Tennessee. Hope to see you again for another class.

bhometchko@hotmail.com

kwkaiser2 said...

It looks like a fun block to do.

Angie T said...

Great block. I'd really like to make a more traditional quilt, I'm new to all of this an have done more modern things so far.

The Village Queen said...

Hey Toby, hi from a class partipant last year in Denver! Great block and love the fabric too. Happy Holidays coming up fast!
Kate kkingsleytaylor at comcast.net

Jocelyn said...

Your block is beautiful!! I love it! Thanks.

Madeline said...

when I saw the block,I thought, that's nice, but when I saw the quilt made from it, I said WOW!
memoose55(at)yahoo(dot)com

WoolenSails said...

A beautiful block and wonderful to play with to get different layouts and make a whole new quilt.

Debbie

Quilt Monkey said...

I love blocks that make secondary designs when put together. It looks really great! Thanks for the chance.

Carin@Ullhärvan said...

Amazing block that makes a beautiful quilt!

Carrie P. said...

Really great block. I love how it looks in a quilt. thanks for a chance to win the issue.

Lisa said...

Nice Block!
lisamcgriff(at)hotmail(dot)com

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

What a wonderful block and color combination for that fabric line

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Wow....that's a great look.

wendy said...

Great block, love the quilt! May have to put this one on my to do list. Thank you!

Deb said...

Love this block and how it looks in the quilt.

Rosa said...

Wonderful quilt and block.Love,love!!

Emily C said...

Love the big quilt, this block looks awesome as a full size quilt.

Angelia B said...

Love it really like Jacobs Ladder and your variation is great will definitely be making at least one. say at least one last time we did a Jacobs Ladder everyone wanted it so ended up making 5 with different colorways to match what each wanted. :)

Anonymous said...

I love your color choices for your block. I like effect you get from the small triangles in the corners.
wlinda_ca(at)yahoo.com

Annie said...

I love the secondary designs!

scarlette said...

I love the block and especially your color choices, yep, Robin Pandolph is a perennial favorite of mine too. Scarlette shobbs@scarlette.com

Barb66 said...

Your block is lovely and the quilt is beautiful. I really like your Sunflower Fields quilt.

Cathryn said...

Marvelous block! I love the quilt you made with it.

patricia said...

Love the block and I do appreciate how they work together. Especially drawn to the stripe in the border. Good idea there.

Jeanne in Ohio said...

I love your block because it combines a traditional block with a twist. Thanks for the giveaway.

Eva said...

Love the block it looks great in the quilt. Thanks for sharing.

sandyb said...

Oh my Sweet Dreams is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. All are amazing. Thank you

sandyb720 at gmail dot com

Maureen said...

A great block! I love Civil War fabrics! Thanks for a chance at the give-away!
mgw070 at shaw dot ca

Cecilia said...

I love the secondary designs from your block. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Love, love your block and what a gorgeous quilt it makes! I'd love to use this block in a quilt for sure. Congratulations on having your block published and being a part of the tour.

Thank you and Quiltmaker for a great giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Mary said...

Great block! I love the effect multiple blocks make in the quilt. Thanks for sharing.

Karen said...

I have made a ladder quilt before but your small change to make the secondary stars, makes a much more interesting quilt.

Karrie said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

ksmith8@emich.edu

Linda H said...

Nice block!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of 100 Blocks

sao said...

I love the fact that secondary patterns make such a difference!

sao in Midlothian, VA

sharon said...

Your quilt is beautiful. Love your block.

Unknown said...

love your block. Love even more your option to change it. Thanks for a block...and more. collette92057@cox.net

Julie S said...

Oh, your block is terrific and the quilt is amazing!

Lou said...

Love the way the whole quilt looks!

Joni said...

I absolutely love the quilt block and it will be on my bucket list to do! Very special.

Barb Johnson said...

Love the secondary pattern that shows up! Great block, can't wait to make a quilt from it.

grammygwendolyn said...

Love your quilt block, your quilt looks like it came from the Civil War Era.

Judith said...

The block is lovely, but it's absolutely stunning when assembled into a quilt. Thank you for illustrating it.

SandyMay said...

Love the design of your block; great secondary pattern.
swalker287(at)gmail(dot)com.

Helen said...

Ladder Up is a great block that builds on itself.

BarefootThunder said...

love LOVE your block and quilt :) and the saying...do what you love...love what you do is written on the top of my computer !!

Terri said...

Love your block especially the secondary design. Thanks for showing us the original block then your changes. Seeing it in the quilt layout was cool!

MoeWest said...

Very nice block! I love the secondary patterns.

Shawna said...

Your block is so nice. Such great fabric choices in your quilt. Thanks for sharing and for your giveaway.

missmoozie(at)gmail(dot)com

Judy1522 said...

Pretty block I love that it makes a star when it is made into a quilt.

lia said...

Nice block with possibilities. lia.vandenbrand@live.nl

sewspeciallady said...

can not wait to try this block in a GREAT quilt

Michele said...

Very interesting block.

Brenda J. said...

This is a beautiful block! What a huge difference a small change made--sweet little spinning stars. Congrats and thanks for the chance to win!

Sherill said...

Great block! I like how the secondary pattern appears.

Lyn said...

I love repro fabrics, and your block looks great in them. Now, can I bring myself to cut into my stash? :-)

Moose on the Porch Quilts said...

I love how the quilt looks from that block! It really freshens up the Jacob's Ladder block!

Nancy D. said...

Lovely block. Thanks for sharing!

Nancy D. said...

It's great how a few tweaks to a block can make it change so much. Nice job!

Sweetester1 said...

I always find it interesting when a secondary pattern develops from a primary block

Maria Kievit said...

Nice block, and love the way the quilt looks! Thanks for sharing.

Gloria said...

I love your block. It definitely is one of my favorite. The quilt it makes is wonderful. I see you have that robot blocker and hopefully you will get to see this post. the last blog posrt took 6 trys and it is a real deterrent to post esaily. So far I have failed. You can turn this off you know

Pattij said...

Beautiful block!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of 100 Blocks also. The quilt is gorgeous!
Evin5@aol.com

alaskamarge said...

What a beautiful block and quilt. Nice work.

Lee said...

Congrats on a wonderful block!