It’s March!
Time for nature wake-up!

Time for me to get glued to my sewing machine and sew, sew, SEW! (more about that later)
Time for quilters to celebrate – time to play and have a Blog Hop and a giveaway of course! 🙂

We need to beat those winter blues, have some fun with all wonderful inspirations out in the blogosphere and of course win some great prizes! – Michelle at Quilter’s Gallery is hosting the Blog Hop party again so hop on over there to see all participating blogs and…start hopping! 🙂

Oh but wait! Don’t go before seeing what is my giveaway!
I want to inspire you to try somethin new, push some boundaries, challenge yourself…In other words – think outside the BLOCK! So here is my gift to one lucky quilter:

Yes, you know me – loooove books! And this one, “Thinking Outside the Block” by Sandi Cummings, with Karen Flamme, is really a great one!

Here is what’s on the back:

And of course, some fabric to start playing with – picked these because they look so “springy” to me!

What do you think?

So, to enter for a chance to win these, just leave me a comment about how, or do you “step out of the block”? Like to experiment? If you do but didn’t try so far – what’s holding you back?

Want to chat over on Facebook too? Come join me on my Facebook page for  yet another chance to win (leave a separate comment that you did, or that you already are). You have a whole week to do it – giveaway will be open Sunday, March 17th and of course we will have drawings on that following Monday.

Oh, but that’s not all yet! Remember this little piece?

To celebrate March as a National Quilting Day month and…just to have some fun, let’s do a tutorial on how to make it!  Stay tuned during this Blog Hop week and let the fun begin!

Happy hopping and many inspirations,
Marija

211 replies
  1. LeAnne
    LeAnne says:

    Love the block. Can't wait to try it. I used to do quilts outside the box, but I had so many failures, I decided I'd rather let someone else write up the pattern and I'd just follow along. I get a lot more quilts finished that way.

    Reply
  2. annmarie
    annmarie says:

    I love to do Block of the Months and/or Quilt-a-Longs especially when they are by a variety of designers. I makes me step out of my quilting box to try new methods that the designer thinks up. Great giveaway – thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  3. Kathy LeBlanc
    Kathy LeBlanc says:

    I think I became a quilter because you can step outside the box. I always have my own way of interpreting each patter. I like your block and will look forward to seeing the tutorial.

    Reply
  4. Anonymous
    Anonymous says:

    I am just starting to go outside of my comfort zone with Drunkard's Path. I've always loved the unit and the different ways it could be arranged, but I was intimidated by the curves. I jumped right in to make a king for a wedding gift, and with the help of the Curve Master foot it's been a breeze. Next up is tackling odd angles with Storm At Sea. Thank you for the chance to win!

    Andrea
    kmen3035 at hotmail . com

    Reply
  5. Laura Gullickson
    Laura Gullickson says:

    I love the colors in the block you made. To work out of my color zone I buy a kit that is on sale. I also have called the nearby shop & had them pick out some fat quarters for a project for me.

    Reply
  6. Carolyn
    Carolyn says:

    I have not as yet stepped out of the block but would love a little nudge! The book looks great as well as the gorgeous fabric. Thank you for the opportunity to win these.

    Reply
  7. Deb
    Deb says:

    About like following recipes, I tend to go right by the pattern…hard for me to step out of the block. But…if someone helped me visualize it, that would be fun!

    Reply
  8. BizyStitches
    BizyStitches says:

    How do I like to experiment? When I see a pattern on line that I really like I try to draw out on grid paper how it is made. Some times it works and some times I cant figure it out.
    Wow, that is a wonderful giveaway gift. Thanks for being in the blog hop and for the fun. Lovely colors

    Reply
  9. Dawn
    Dawn says:

    Great fabrics, and that sounds like a really interesting new book. I'm trying things outside my comfort zone, patterns and fabrics I wouldn't normally pick for myself. I did some embroidered blocks for fall, and a really wild holiday quilt in neon green.

    Reply
  10. Lisa
    Lisa says:

    I'm a beginner but I think I stepped outside the block when I did an applique block for The Modern Stash Quilting Bee on Flickr. I designed it and did it and I was very proud!

    Reply
  11. Anonymous
    Anonymous says:

    I haven't stepped outside the block yet as I am a beginning quilter. I have a lot of ideas for when I feel more confident with the basics.

    senstrings(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  12. Kathy H
    Kathy H says:

    That is a really pretty block at the end of your post. Things I have not tried yet are hand quilting. I really would like to work on that but don't know if I want to take the time.

    ANother thing that I don't usually try are scalloped borders or fancy borders.

    Reply
  13. Betty
    Betty says:

    I usually like to stay within the block, but lately have caught myself thinking "what if" more often. Sometimes it works, sometimes not, but it is always fun to try.

    Reply
  14. OhioLori
    OhioLori says:

    I'm toooo new to quilting to "step out of the box" to challenge myself…right now, EVERY thing is a step outside any box for me….but I'm getting better with each step! Yay! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Sherry
    Sherry says:

    I have not done much stepping out of the box as far as quilting goes. I am pretty new to quilting but have tried many new things when sewing other things and I love to be creative with my embroidery. Thanks for the chance to win your giveaway.

    Reply
  16. Karrie S
    Karrie S says:

    I love your block! I'm a new quilter, so I haven't done a lot of blocks yet. It is something I want to do in the future. I guess time and money and knowledge is holding me back, but I have a lot of time to learn 🙂

    Reply
  17. Jane S.
    Jane S. says:

    I have difficulty stepping out of the box — when I do, it tends to be in my color selections more than in adapting any patterns. Maybe as I become more confident with my quilting I'll be more adventurous?

    Thank you for the nice giveaway!

    Reply
  18. Jodi
    Jodi says:

    By out of the block do you count – I haven't finished my first quilt block ever yet 🙂
    I am new to sewing and quilting. A friend showed me in a workshop how to start my first block. Since then I have made bags, dolls, soft toy cars, dresses for my daughter & this week my proud self taught achievement Flannel PJ Pants with French Seams. I love to create and to share my creations with the people I love as gifts. Maybe this winter (it is Autumn here in Australia) I will make time to finish the quilt block so I can work inside the block a little.

    Reply
  19. vwlady
    vwlady says:

    Love the pic of the snowdrops! I haven't seen those in 20 years! What a treat! Oh, back on track now…..I stepping out of the box by finally doing applique. I've avoided it for 25+ years of quilting, but, this New Year's resolution was to make a large applique quilt. So far so good….3 blocks made….17 to go. Love this giveaway…thanks!

    Reply
  20. jmniffer
    jmniffer says:

    I don't do much 'out of the box' I am a follow the pattern kind of gal. I have been working on some scrappy blocks lately and that is a start, at least for me! Thanks for the chance to win your lovely fabric bundle and book.

    Reply
  21. Mommarock
    Mommarock says:

    I don't think outside the box yet. I follow the directions, and for me it is always a learning experience that I enjoy. I always enjoy that I am learning something new. I am now learning to sew curves. I tried it on my machine.. it was an utter fail. I am now sewing them by hand, but I am still making that quilt with all the curved seams.

    Reply
  22. Betty B
    Betty B says:

    I don't do too much experimenting because I love the 9 patch and dresdens (in scrappy or 2-color). I prefer what I call "old-fashioned" quilts that are scrappy on white backgrounds. The fabrics in your giveaway are so pretty. I love the color combo. Thanks!

    Reply
  23. mtnquiltr
    mtnquiltr says:

    That looks like a really good book. I'm experimenting with QAYG and assembling a quilt top out of different size squares. Not too difficult, but a challenge for me at my stage. Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  24. Rosanna Bontrager
    Rosanna Bontrager says:

    For me out of box would be using the color blue. I DO NOT LIKE THAT COLOR. I just got done piecing a quilt top for someone, and guess what color fabric she bought for me to use??? BLUE I will admit that the top is nice but not something I'd want.
    Rosanna
    wrbontrager@ verizon dot net

    Reply
  25. liniecat
    liniecat says:

    Gosh Im going to have to follow you to see how to do that delightful block lol and will have my fingers crossed that my name leaps out of the hat for the draw ………..the book and that yummy floral fabric look wonderful!

    What a smashing blog to come visit and wander round!
    Lyn

    Reply
  26. Nancy-Rose
    Nancy-Rose says:

    I am inspired by photos and project ideas in books – – then I get out my graph paper and coloured pencils and make it my own!

    Thank you for the opportunity to enter the drawing – beautiful fabrics!

    Reply
  27. Heather
    Heather says:

    lately I've been playing with disappearing 4 patch, start with a block and cut it up and reassemeble. I decided to follow because I love the quilt at the top of your blog.

    Reply
  28. Tina
    Tina says:

    I Love Your FlowEr Pic. To Grt Out Of My Comfort Zone I Join Swaps And ChalleNges. One Of My Favorite Is Where Every One GetS A Fq Of A Wierd Or Ugly and Makes A Quilt Gr it

    Reply
  29. Roslyn
    Roslyn says:

    I love art quilts and watercolor pictorials so I am always thinking outside the box but I want to do it more & more! I am currently working on a shooting star !

    Reply
  30. This Dog's Mom
    This Dog's Mom says:

    Thanks for your inspiring blog! I step out of the block when I accumulate a big pile of scraps. I can't bear to waste fabric, so the scraps end up in some kind of nontraditional configuration.

    Reply
  31. quiltmom
    quiltmom says:

    I have followed you on face book for awhile now. Your block is beautiful- Thanks for the chance to win such a lovely book and fat quarters.
    Regards from Alberta,
    Anna

    Reply
  32. knitnkwilt
    knitnkwilt says:

    I tend to do block designs, but I like samplers and don't stay with the same size block. Not very far out of the block yet. The book sounds interesting and the fabric selection is lovely.

    Reply
  33. Kim
    Kim says:

    I am a relatively new quilter. When I first started-six years ago-I was more traditional in colors and designs….but a six year hiatus and taking up scrapbooking really opened my eyes to color, design and everything on a much smaller, more inexpensive way! LOL NOw that I have started quilting again-still very much a beginner–I haven't even quilted and bound a quilt yet–I am trying newer colors, patterns, etc.

    Reply
  34. Elizabeth
    Elizabeth says:

    I have enjoyed Sandi Cummings book and try to think outside the block by using every scrap of fabric I am given as long as it is larger than 1 1/2". I have sometimes just sew scraps together to make fabric. The hardest part for me was not to worry about matching seams when that is what I worked to do for so long.
    I am looking forward to seeing your tutorial on how to make the quilt you showed.
    thanks

    Reply
  35. julie
    julie says:

    I have grown to admire the modern quilts recently. I would love to try something different; perhaps without a pattern. love the block pu are going to tute about.

    Reply
  36. ytsmom
    ytsmom says:

    I work outside the box by using almost any type of fabric, and a variety of patterns. I love almost every type of fabric and am willing to try most anything! Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

    Reply
  37. Janet
    Janet says:

    I love stepping out of the block and playing. Wish I had more time to do it. Thanks for a chance at the lovely giveaway. And I am going to follow so I can see your tutorial for that stupendous block.

    Reply
  38. Sandra
    Sandra says:

    Can't wait for your tutorial for the block to come. Yes, I like to experiment. It is part of the quilting process. Your book is a good source for quilters to have and to learn. Thank you for taking part in this Blog Hop and giving all of us a chance to win that book and, of course, the fabric that we all want.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

    Reply
  39. Pat S.
    Pat S. says:

    I like structure and don't often step outside of my comfy box. You can give me a big nudge by my winning this prize, though! LOL Thanks sew much for this chance to win your generous giveaway! 😀
    back2loghome (at) yahoo (dot) com

    Reply
  40. Ellee
    Ellee says:

    My blocks are influenced by traditional blocks, but you wouldn't necessarily know it by looking at them: I extend this, flip that, turn parts around, and switch colors out. soparkaveataoldotcom

    Reply
  41. Carla G
    Carla G says:

    I played with charm squares until I had a design in my head to make a table runner – only my 2nd quilted item. So maybe I can design pattern… we'll find out. This book looks fabulous! Thanks for a chance to win! 🙂

    Reply
  42. Tammy
    Tammy says:

    I'm a relativelynew quilter. I am not that comfortable thinking or stepping out of the block yet. Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway.

    Reply
  43. KRubin
    KRubin says:

    I love the colors of your give away fabrics and the colors in the block! I just learned how to sew/quilt in October, so I am definitely staying in the block! 🙂

    Reply
  44. Sandra Visser
    Sandra Visser says:

    I have only been quilting for a few years so I am constantly stretching myself. Just this last year I did 2 different applique BoM's until then had only done 1 practice piece.

    syvisser@gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  45. Quilting Babcia
    Quilting Babcia says:

    Most of my quilts are pretty much like the pattern directs, but I do often make drastic changes to the color/types of fabrics, which changes things up a bit. This is a lovely giveaway, the fabrics are gorgeous!

    Reply
  46. Lynn Makrin
    Lynn Makrin says:

    Love your give-away. I will find wonderful things to do with that book and fabulous fabrics. As for quilting "Outside the block" I often miniature-ize my quilt patterns into a new smaller creation.

    Reply
  47. Sheila
    Sheila says:

    I step outside the block by participating in challenges , I love a good challenge.thanks for the chance at your great giveaway and I love that block!

    Reply
  48. Sallie
    Sallie says:

    I stepped out this year by joining a round robin group. I'm trying different things with each quilt. It's fun and challenging. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Reply
  49. Szamóca
    Szamóca says:

    Depending on my mood, sometimes I quilt in the box, sometimes not. The last finished table runner was in the box, the one before that (a wall hanging) all flowers and not one box.

    Reply
  50. Sowing Stitches
    Sowing Stitches says:

    Stepping out of the block….how do I ….kicking and screaming but once I do I find that I like it! I now make myself try at least once most of the 'new' techniques I come across!

    Reply
  51. Gill
    Gill says:

    I've been practising my FMQ – I usually just do straight lines but I want to try something more adventurous!
    Thanks for a great giveaway!

    Reply
  52. Karen
    Karen says:

    That is a great block! I'll be signing up as a follower to get that tutorial for sure! 🙂 I usually tend to stick to a regular or traditional pattern, but I do like to create my own quilt patterns. I guess I wouldn't consider myself a very modern quilter though. Perhaps I need to break out of my shell!

    Reply
  53. Mimi
    Mimi says:

    I sometimes step outside the block but not if the difficulty level is beyond my ability!!! Thanks for Beating the Winter Blues with some beautiful spring fabric and a lovely book!!

    Reply
  54. Anonymous
    Anonymous says:

    I already have this book and am trying to find some time to experiment with it. Can't wait for you tutorial

    Reply
  55. B Greene
    B Greene says:

    I want to try more modern quilting with lots of negative space, but the vast amount of solids/neutrals needed have held me back. I need to formulate a specific plan and just try it! Thanks for the great giveaway chance!

    Reply
  56. KT
    KT says:

    Hmmm out of the block. I am not sure what it is that I do. I kind of see a quilt I like and try to recreate it with my own dimensions. So far they blocks always turn out!

    Reply
  57. Pat V.
    Pat V. says:

    I pretty much always "step out of the block." I begin following a pattern or tutorial, but always tend to deviate onto my own path before I'm done…

    My snowdrops are up now, and the jonquils are beginning to bloom…

    Reply
  58. Edith
    Edith says:

    Good question, I'm outside the block in colour, I like bright and clear colours. I also don't really follow a pattern, but reinterpret or rewrite them. I always seem to have to do something to change the original idea. Love the fabric and the book and your pink and green block is beautiful.

    Reply
  59. CieAngel
    CieAngel says:

    What a lovely block and thanks for doing a tutorial on it. I have been doing quilt tops with embroidery and cross stitch in them to make something different. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  60. Cherie
    Cherie says:

    The block is awesome! I am new to quilting, so to be honest, I havent even made my first block! I did start going to a Hawaiian Quilting Class where I am learning to make a pillow! I can't wait to start quilting for real! My sewing machine gets here in less than a month, and then I can finally put all the fabric I have been collecting to good use! Thanks for the chance tow in! I am a new follower!

    Reply
  61. Margaret
    Margaret says:

    I am just starting to fmq even though I have a quilting machine. It is one of the first ones that gammill came out with and you cant do all the fancy stitching with it.

    Reply
  62. Marija
    Marija says:

    And here is what Google translate to English says: 🙂

    I want to learn this block, block delicadeza.Um block calling me and traumatized me is the traditional pineapple, my aunt told me that when I made a quilt with them I would be a professional in the field, my God that I'm afraid … Thanks for the offer and chance.Sou GFC follower and I am Brazilian.

    Reply

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