Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Quiltmaker magazine Blog Tour day!!!

Quiltmaker magazine is hosting a blog tour this week for designers who have blogs in their newest release of
 
100 Blocks
 
My block is named the Barn Swallow Block
 


I was inspired to design this block from watching the birds, Barn Swallows, as they swoop down to ground to catch insects!! These are some unique birds!! Have you ever watched them? It never fails when someone is mowing the lawn, especially with a tractor, these birds swoop right down in front and behind the tractor!! I'm fascinated by this, so I decided to design a block.
Now here are two layouts I designed using the blocks. I will not be piecing the borders, just thought I would show you what I came up with.

This one is a little more colorful, but can you find the block?

 

 
This quilt design is the original color way...the block can be paper pieced or made with templates. Paper Piecing is easier, it does not waste as much fabric as the template method...ask me how I know, LOL!!
 
Quiltmaker's 100 Block's vol 7 will be out on newsstands any day!! Here is the issue cover!!

So, go check out the other blogs that are on the tour!! Here is the link for you to begin the fun!!


You will have to watch for my quilt which will be in the Quilts from 100 Blocks magazine this fall!!! Can't reveal yet...just wait till you see it!! I guess I better get to work piecing it, huh?!! LOL
 
Happy Sewing everyone! Please leave me a comment about my block if you would like!

217 comments:

  1. Gorgeous block! I like the effect of putting many of these together.

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  2. Barn swallows! The real ones I despise but yours is amazing! Love how they look when all stacked together!

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  3. wow, it is perfect. First time I saw it I thought thy are birds.

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  4. What a great block! It really does remind me of barn swallows!

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  5. That is a fabulous block! I love paper piecing so I would definitely make it that way.

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  6. This block practically vibrates! I'm thinking there is room here for playing with color effects with this block. Definitely something to explore!

    Looking forward to seeing the quilt in the Fall "Quilts From..." issue!

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  7. Love your block, love the way the quilt looks, can see me paper piecing this one. Can't wait for the magazine to come out!!

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  8. Awesome block and design.Congratulations on being published!!

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  9. Love seeing your block set together into a quilt--there is so much movement in it!

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  10. Love swallows except when they're swooping at my head because I was silly enough to put a birdhouse up in the middle of my garden!

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  11. I love seeing the block in the quilt layout - so intricate and yet still do-able!! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Love how the colors change the look! Thank you for a great block!

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  13. LOVE IT!!! However, I did NOT need to know that there are birds diving at me while I am mowing the lawn... EEK!!!!

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  14. Nancy, I tested your block and love seeing it in a quilt design. It is a most unusual block -- I used the foundation piecing method because of the long, narrow triangles. Great block!

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  15. great pattern, make s a very modern quilt...

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  16. your block makes an awesome looking quilt.

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  17. Very nice block. I like the layout.

    Mary

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  18. I love paper piecing. What a versatile block to make a quilt.

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  19. Your block is really interesting and makes up into a very nice quilt too. Thanks..

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  20. Wow! How wonderful is this! love the block!
    hulseybg at gmail dot com

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  21. Wow! Love this block and the quilt is a stunner.
    Congrats and thanks for the chance to win.

    mhinders@myclearwave.net

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  22. that is a beautiful block. I think I like it as a stand alone design even better than in a quilt.

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  23. That is really a gorgeous block! I am looking forward to seeing the quilt!

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  24. WOW that is dramatic... love it.

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  25. I love your block - in fact I've just left a comment on Marti's blog naming it as my favourite!

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  26. I love that block, I still haven't done any paper piecing but maybe it's time to start. Thanks.

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  27. Beautiful block, Nancy! I love how it sets in a quilt. :-D

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  28. Can't wait to try your block - I love paper-piecing!

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  29. I have always had a fondness for barn swallows. Your block is lovely by itself but the artwork you showed for the repeat of the same block is stunning!

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  30. Very pretty ... I love long points! :)

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  31. I'm a birder, so blocks with bird names are especially interesting to me. You captured the swallows beautifully!

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  32. This is an awesome block, I am looking forward to seeing the finished project. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  33. Love, love your block. I look forward to trying it!

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  34. I really like your Barn Swallows. They are really pretty.

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  35. Love the block and I really love the border you showed!

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  36. Wow! Very cool block--can't wait to get the magazine!

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  37. It's a cute block but I'm not sure I share your love for barn swallows, LOL! There is a nest over my dad's front door and when they come inhabit each season, he uses the side door. I don't have a key to the side door and sometimes have to use the front door and they dive bomb my head all the way between car and door! Once, one flew into the house and I couldn't find it until I later found its corpse in a laundry hamper! I might have to think of something else when I piece this block!!

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  38. Great block, congrats on getting in the magazine! thank you!

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  39. I think paper piecing your block will be a good idea.

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  40. Great layout designs. Thank you for sharing your secret with us. That is so nice to know, especially if you are just a beginner. I like birds and also enjoy watching them. Thank you for the chance to win.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

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  41. I also like to paper piece, and love the quilts you designed. I really like the secondary designs that emerge.

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  42. Your block is right up my alley! I love pieced quilts and the more detailed the better!! Your block is just striking and I will definitely be making this one into a quilt!! Congratulations on having your block published!

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  43. Love your block. It certainly does have that swallow look. I'd have to call it the Purple Martin block as that is my favorite swallow. Thanks for sharing.
    Cindy in OH

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  44. Your swallows block is so pretty. There are nests in the rafters at the grocery store during the summer. You have to watch where you stand, but it is fun to watch the little birds grow up. Can't wait for Volume 7.

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  45. I'm very attracted to this pattern. It's next on my list of quilts to make. (Unfortunately it's a long list).

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  46. Congratulations on haveing your block chosen for the publication. It is very nice. Love those neat points

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  47. Enjoying seeing all the new inspiration!

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  48. Your block is so dramatic and eye-catching. A whole quilt would be quite a show stopper.

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  49. I love your block and quilt, and paper piecing is the way to go. You chose fabrics that I love and I also love that block (yes I know I repeated myself - it is beautiful). What a great rendition of a barnswallow.

    Your love for barnswallows it bigger than mine, as those babies don't mess up their nest, so put their bottoms over the edge. Watch out if they try to build a nest on your porch!

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  50. Great block! Looks like it has a variety of ways to be used.

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  51. I love it! When the blocks are put together in a certain way, it reminds me of the pineapple block(s) and I have to tell you that I adore pineapple blocks! PP will make it very easy for me.

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  52. What I've been told about the barn swallows that swoop down on me when I'm mowing (we live out in the country) is that they are grabbing all those bugs that are being disturbed when you are mowing.

    EllenB

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  53. I love your block! So amazing.

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  54. Congrats on having your block included!

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  55. Wow, I could actually see the swallow in your pattern. (funny name for a bird, and they really aren't my favorite). Love the layout you did.

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  56. Wow! What an amzing block!!! Great job!

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  57. Your block is amazing! It reminds me in a way of a pineapple block... only more unique and modern. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

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  58. Wow, it is really cool when made as an entire piece, the secondary patterns are outstanding.

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  59. I too like to watch swallows and am thankful that they eat so many bugs. I have a few photos of them but they are hard to capture since they move so fast. Great job with the block. Cindy W. at cwienstroer@amuniversal.com

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  60. We love watching the barn swallows from our second-story window. Yesterday I held our kittens up and let them enjoy the swooping and soaring.

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  61. Your block makes a very striking quilt. Nice job!

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  62. Such a nice job on the block. I can just picture the barn swallows flying around.

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  63. This is a block that I like to pin on the wall and just enjoy looking at it.

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    1. Well honey (sorry, I'm a southern gal and that is what we say) you just go right ahead and do so!!
      Thanks for the compliment!! Happy Sewing!

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  64. I only wish my mother in law, Alice Dugan, was still alive (she died last year) so I could make this quilt for her. She was the Lane County Audubon Society bird specialist and she would have loved the swooping!!!

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  65. Funny, yeah you should probably get started on that quilt! Your block is great, I love the name of it.

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  66. I like it, can wait for the mag to give it a try ,martamanole@yahoo.com...thank you

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  67. I like it ,can wait for the mag to give it a try , thank you ,,martamanole@yahoo.com

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  68. Barn swallows are so graceful as they swoop and I remember enjoying them as a little girl out on the farm. I think I could try to learn paper piecing with your block, love the color you chose as it is so like the barn swallow colors. Thanks for sharing

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  69. Wow your block is so eye catching!

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  70. Love your block - I used to have barn swallows at my first house who would swoop around to try and build a nest on a patio light! I always loved watching them.

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  71. Great block. And the different settings are impressive! Congrats on being chosen for the magazine.

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  72. You have truly captured the swallow's flight

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  73. Striking design! Great block!

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  74. Very visually interesting--definitely to be paper pieced!!

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  75. I love your block and the pattern it makes in a quilt is amazing.

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  76. Great block! At first look, it reminded me of a red-winged blackbird.

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  77. Love the graphics of the block design.

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  78. Looking forward to seeing your quilt!

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  79. What a cool block. I love how it looks in the quilt. It almost reminds me a pineapple block.

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  80. It is an interesting block. Thank you for the sample quilts on how you set the block. Very pretty.

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  81. Great block - thanks for sharing the wonderful layouts.

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  82. You are amazing that your Barn Swallow block "flocks" together to create an heirloom quilt :) Love it!!!

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  83. I'm happy to see all the different ways to make the new blocks in these 100 Blocks Magazines. Something for everyone. Great name for your Block too. Best be stitching if you are making this for the Fall Issue. I'll be watching to see your fabric choices in your quilt. Thanks for a chance to WIN.

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  84. Your block is wonderful. Thanks for sharing the layouts. that is going to be on my to do list.

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  85. Absolutely beautiful block. I love paper piecing.

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  86. Your block really makes a gorgeous quilt. Love the name and your design.

    Debbie

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  87. Great block and it does remind me of the swooping birds. WOnderful quilt layout too.

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  88. What an exciting block...great movement! Thanks for the opportunity to win in you give away.

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  89. I don't know that I've ever seen a barn swallow, but your block is a nice substitute. It looks terrific.

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  90. I love the motion in this block- it really does make me think of the barn swallows nesting in our eaves!

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  91. Wow, gorgeous. You make me want to learn to paper piece.

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  92. Love your block and congrats. Thanks. I would love to watch Barn Swallows. We have lots of birds but I don't think we have them.

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  93. Your block reminds me of the tree swallows that we saw in the field near our yard when we lived in Massachusetts. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  94. Interesting block. Thanks for showing different ways to use it.

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  95. I love the overall pattern your block makes when sewn into a quilt. Congratulations!
    wlinda_ca@yahoo.com

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  96. I like the movement of your block. I affectionately call this type a block an optical delusion.

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  97. What a fun block! Thanks for this giveaway.

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  98. great fabric choices and the like the different ways it looks in the change of color ways, happy sewing

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  99. I'm always amazed at the versatility of some blocks. Your designs are inspiring and amazing.

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  100. What an interesting block! It is almost a pineapple-style (or pinecone?) and it makes such a great secondary design. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  101. Whoa! I love this block! Looking forward to seeing your completed quilt. It will be a knockout, I'm sure. Thanks for a chance to win!

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  102. What a great block - the quilt layout looks like it would be so complicated, but it really is not. These are great quilts to give away - a lot of people would be so impressed with all the hard work that went into it!

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  103. It always amazes me how changing the colors can change the whole look of the block. Your color changes make such a dramatic change. Way cool. ll_gee at hotmail

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  104. Great block, I wanna make it. My husband has been 'dive bombed' by barn swallows every time he mowed the yard for the last two years.

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  105. I love paper piecing. This Barn Swallow block is just so neat. Love to have the book to make this pattern.

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  106. What an interesting block ! I love your color choices.

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  107. Great website ! Beautiful block !

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  108. Seems we all love the beautiful birds of the air! We have lots of Mocking Birds here & I just love to hear the wide variety of their songs! Truly amazing!
    HOPPIN' to win!

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  109. Beautiful block! I've not done much foundation piecing but this technique is on my list to master this year. Can't wait to give it your block a whirl!

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  110. I love all the motion going on with this block.

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  111. Really love that block, it has such movement!

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  112. Hi!!! I really love your block and I have seen birds do that swooping thing and always thought they would get hit..I never saw any get hit though...birds do some strange things!!!! I really like your block put into the quilt!!! I will be checking your quilt out in the fall issue too!!! Thanks for the fun!!!!

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  113. Congratulations on being in Vol. 7. Looks like you are in very high demand and so much going on at home. I guess busy people find a way to get things done.

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  114. I really like the secondary designs that appear in your quilts.

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  115. So far this is my favorite block and the quilts are wonderful. Can't wait to see the quilt you are putting in the Quilts from 100 Blocks Magazine.

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  116. "Congratulations!" Great design and color choice! Yes, Barn Swallows let you know they are there!

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  117. I love your block and can't wait to see your quilt.

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  118. Love your block! Very cool! And the layouts are awesome! :)

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  119. perfect name for the block. I have watched the swallows swooping in my yard many times. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  120. What a neat block. I really want to try it!

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  121. I saw your block on the Quiltmaker blog and loved it right away. Goodness, it's hard to see the actual block when you get it laid out alongside more blocks!

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  122. darlenekrystal@gmail.comApril 30, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    Awesome quilt block...thank you....

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  123. Really great block! I love this type of design and it is so dynamic when set into a quilt. Right up my alley!

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  124. beautiful block and the quilt is wonderful

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  125. Congrats on having your block in Vol 7. I love your paper piecing patterns but I am into working on QOV quilts so I like the Americana Star you have on Craftsy. Thanks

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  126. Wow! That's an eye catching block! It really makes an intriguing quilt too. Thanks!

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  127. Ginny in Carpinteria, CA.April 30, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    Wow! This is a really great block. I've noticed a theme on this tour with some of the blocks. A big use of birds in one way or the other. This has been so much fun. This has been a truly great experience and so much fun. Thank you

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  128. You're right --- when those blocks are set next to each other, it is almost impossible to find the block --- I love those kind of quilts. I can only imagine what changing colors would do --- makes me dizzy just thinking about it!

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  129. Very neat block and I loved the barn swallows growing up too. Such cute nests they made. Thanks for the chance

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  130. Very neat block and so interesting the different patterns you get by the way you arrange it in the quilt. I look forward to seeing your setting in the fall quilt magazine .

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  131. Such an inspiring block. I love it. Your quilt examples really show what can be done with this block. Good job!!! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  132. Now that is one beautiful design. I love it, even thou it has now made my to do list that much longer... :( Thanks Nancy!! (sarcasm) lol

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  133. Congratulations on your block being selected for Volume 7 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks. It is simply gorgeous. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine too.

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  134. My childhood was spent in a little farming valley. I remember going to the drive-in for hamburgers and shakes and watching the swallows in the barns and rafters as we ate.
    And I would definitely paper-piece it!

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  135. Congratulations! I can't wait to see your quilt, your block is great. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

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  136. This block is so interesting! Congrats on your imagination and getting published!

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  137. love the barn swallow block ... it made me grin~it does remind me of a swallow! thanx for the this block and the chance to win a copy of this issue #7.

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  138. Your block is very pretty. I really liked the different layouts.
    Thank you for the chance to win the magazine.
    thim3@hotmail.com

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  139. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing!

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  140. love your block and really love the second quilt layout - another one for my to-do list - I've got a feeling that to-do list is going to grow wildly during this blog hop :)

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  141. The block is difinatly colorful! I love it, very nice.

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  142. I love the secondary pattern. So many possibilities with this block!

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  143. Paper piecing is such a wonderful way to get precision without all the ripping out because I am a bit OCD :-)

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  144. You had me at paper piecing...love your block!
    Thanks for the chance at the give-away.
    mgw070 at shaw dot ca

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  145. Lovely, congratulations on your block!

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  146. Beutiful block. I would love to see how it would look with some sashings between the blocks. I think that would be gorgeous as well. Very nice.Great job!

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  147. I LOVE paper-piecing so I know I'll love your block on my sewing table. The block kind of reminds me of a pineapple block, but not so dizzy.

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  148. As soon as I saw the name, I could totally see the barn swallows. So perfect!! I used to love watching them dive after bugs, and I loved the nests that would just hang there.
    Then you put the blocks all together and it has a snowflake like quality. Truly a magical block.

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  149. Truly, I am so impressed with this block. It really DOES look like barn swallows! I can't wait to see your quilt. :-)

    Congratulations on being selected for volume 7!

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  150. Love the block, grats on having it chosen for the magazine.

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  151. I thought of airplane wings when I first saw your block. The quilt has a lot of movement just like the swallows!

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  152. Definitely my favorite block so far!!

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  153. Love that your block can be paper pieced! I like to do paper piecing and I can often save fabric waste by doing it.

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  154. Oooooo....that block makes me dizzy! but how beautiful it looks when all of them are put together! Thanks for sharing your block!

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  155. The block by itself is wonderful. Then you put it together into a quilt and it's mind blowing. What beautiful designs!jsabol@min.midco.net

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  156. I love the block and the story behind it. Thanks for sharing your inspiration.

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  157. The "long" HST seems to work in so many unsuspectful ways. I've been using it recently in a border. I like how you orientated it to bring a barn swallow to us. Sandi

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  158. We too, have barn swallows in our barn, and you certainly captured their speed and flight patterns. Thanks for that!
    Very creative, yet a workable design to use.































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  159. Neat block. Can't wait to see the quilt

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  160. I love the movement in the block. The design possibilities are appreciated. Different colors might also be fun to try.

    LizE

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  161. Congrats on having your block in the magazine! And yes - I know what barn swallows are. They lived in our barns when I was a kid. Like your block. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

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  162. Congratulations for being published in Volume 7 of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks. You have a designed very unique block. I look forward to seeing your quilt in the Quilts from 100 Blocks magazine this fall! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  163. Will be watching for your quilt! I would definitely paper-piece this block. I love how the block disappears into the overall design of the quilt!

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  164. I really like your block and from your inspiration, I think it is spot on. Although when you put a lot of them together in the quilt it made me a bit dizzy but I think it would be terrific fun to experiment with.

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  165. I really like your block and the quilt layout. Can't wait to see it! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

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  166. Love your block. Growing up on a farm we had lots of barn swallows and I would have to say you definitely captured the look of a swallow in flight with your block. It really makes a very interesting quilt.

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  167. Barn Swallows are amazing to watch! Your block is a great interpretation of the movement of these birds!

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  168. Great Barn Swallow makes a wonderful quilt.
    Thanks!

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  169. I love your block! It really reminds me of swallows!

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  170. Happy to see your block can be paper peiced. I've tries those long triangle/blocks a.nd have not always been sucessful

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  171. Paper piecing would be the only way I would want to try your wonderful block. Have you tried it set in point? On point with sashing and cornerstones?

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    1. I can't reveal all the different ways I placed the blocks :) Look for the magazine Quilts From 100 Blocks this fall to see the quilt revealed. Happy Sewing!

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  172. Your barn swallow block is amazing! Love the whole quilt!

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  173. I love how your block makes into a beautiful quilt. Thank you for sharing your creation.

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  174. What a lovely block, I love the gray &red combo.

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  175. looks like one I'll try -thank you

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  176. Congratulations on your block being published. It's lovely. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  177. Love the secondary pattern created. thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing more blocks and quilts.

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  178. Impressive yet easy to create secondary pattern. Perfect and another on my to do list:)

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  179. What a great looking block. I can totally see the Barn Swallow in your block. We lived in a small town with the river in our back yard when I was growing up. Our house had redwood siding and the garage was an open one with no door to close it off. Even though we were in town, the inside of our garage must have really been something the swallows loved because we had nests all over the ceiling in our garage. I had to laugh when you mentioned how they swoop down because my cat would go out the front door and because he was older he really didn't move too quickly BUT, the second that poor cat was down the two steps onto the floor of the garage those birds were swooping down and dive bombing my cat's head constantly. He looked like a bobble head cat bobbing his head up and down to avoid those birds. He never moved any faster though because I guess he just didn't feel like it OR felt that it was HIS house and he would get even since he would bring birds home that he had caught near the train tracks after 'playing' with them a bit to hard and deposit them onto the steps to show my Mom how brave a hunter he was. Maybe he thought the swallows would be afraid. HA NOPE.

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  180. Love your barn swallow block. The motion it gives when all put together is great too. I really like the secondary pattern it makes. Thanks for sharing.

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  181. Congrats on your block! It's amazing that is where the first quilt came from! it's so beautiful (not that your block isn't, you know what I mean though!)

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