Happy Holidays!

My deepest apologies for not posting in such a long time. I have been enjoying the Holidays with my family and friends, working on lots of projects, and of course, overindulging in chocolate goodies! I have been anxiously awaiting Christmas so that I can post some pictures without spoiling the surprise for the lucky recipients. I hope to have them posted tomorrow. I helped a friend of mine make a quilt for a college course project that was also a Christmas present for his sister. We enlarged the Thoughtful Star block and printed photos for the centers instead of the enbroidered quote. It is so cute! I can't wait for you to see how the block looks in the layout we chose. Sam did a great job and Kenzie cried when she received it. So sweet.
I also have some adventures in knitting to share-yikes! I hope you also have been enjoying this holiday season and that your handmade gifts were loved and adored!

And the winners are...

Thank you all so much for the kind comments!
I wish I could send you all a little something, but I just remembered that I have to pay the shipping!
Here are the lucky winners...
Di-my very first commenter! You night owl, you get the magazine!
Avon-a mother, grandmother and a teacher! You get fabric from the Paisley collection!
Alda from Germany-you win fabric from the Back Porch Bouquet collection, perfect for your little girls!
My 1st bambina-I love newbies! I'm sending you a quilt pattern from Bate and Taylor, Fleurish with Flair. You can do it and it will be beautiful!
Jeanne Turner McBrayer-Those sweet compliments and permission to continue eating chocolate win you fabric from the Paisley collection!
Laurie-Thanks for the warm welcome to blogging, and yes, I am in my jammies! Sending you fabric from the Back Porch Bouquet collection.
Wendy-It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it! Sending you fabric from the Paisley collection!
Nanbon44-I love chocolate covered cherries! I used to live in PA, too. Home of Hershey Chocolate! Sending you fabric from the Paisley collection!
Janet-Because we share the same great name and because I so admire hand quilters! I am sending you some Paisley fabric!
Sewbig-You do seem like a kindred spirit! I am sending you some fabric from the Back Porch Bouquet Collection!
And last but not least, for jess-my sweet college girl-thanks for the love and support. You win Reese's Peanut Butter Cups when I see you next!

Winners please send your mailing address to janbate@gmail.com and I will get these things in the mail ASAP!

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks

I am beyond excited to be able to announce that my block design is being featured in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, a special edition of the magazine. What an honor and privilege to be included with my wonderful quilting idols! I am very happy to be able to give away a copy to one of you (someone who makes me laugh) and maybe even rustle up some of the delightful fabric I used for the block! It is Paisley, designed by Katie Frym, from Maywood Studio. I find it a very tasteful collection in four rich colorways. It is perfect for elegant Thanksgiving or Christmas projects and home decor. I must say, it looks fabulous with granite counter tops. Enjoy a fun blog tour of all the designers at http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/
I look forward to reading your comments and picking winners!

Block #37 Thoughtful Star

Hello and Welcome!

Talk about a day late and a dollar short! I am a very reluctant blogger, however I have succumbed to the pressure and here we go. Some of you may know me as the "Bate" in Bate and Taylor, fabric designers for Maywood Studio. I have since decided to do my own thing and although I am a little slow to transition, I have good things and great ideas to come. I am still very much "under construction". I hope you will hang in there with me!