I couldn’t resist sharing 1 more Halloween paper pieced block…SPIDER.
This pattern is designed for an intermediate paper piecer, and would make really cute Halloween potholders or pillows. Consider pairing it with my Spooky Spider block from the BOO Collection.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN to everyone!
Watch for the Pick A Pumpkin Blog Hop starting next week! Can’t wait to have some “Pumpkin Fun”. 
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I want to thank my friends for creating such clever items using my Halloween blocks.
Donna just shared this Halloween quilt. Love it! Some of these 12 blocks are FREE. You can download the free Dracula and Frankenstein right here.
Count-Dracula-and-Frankenstein-MERGED.pdf (2138 downloads )
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Shelley created this adorable table topper using 8 of my blocks. I have posted her sweet table topper once before, but couldn’t resist sharing again. She was just getting ready to bind this baby, and put it out for Halloween.
Lynne created this funky table runner. I am enjoying her fabric choices! I’d love to see what you are creating for Halloween.
To see all of my Halloween blocks, visit my Etsy or Craftsy shops.
Linking this week with:
Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework
Here’s a new paper piecing pattern hot off my sewing machine and just in time for your Autumn tablescape.
To construct this table topper, you could use any 4 blocks that measure 8″x 8″ unfinished. The Jack O Lantern Table Topper pattern has 2 pumpkin blocks that repeat.
One pumpkin has a toothy grin…
And the other is toothless…
Or, be creative and substitute some of my other Halloween blocks for some of the Jack O Lanterns. Wouldn’t it be cute to have a table topper with all black cats?
And my fave…Skat Cat block. These 4 cats would look adorable together!
One thing I love about this octagonally shaped mat, it looks cute from every direction. Whatever you create with my patterns, I would love to see. Email me a photo and I might share it in my next post. My email: maryannhertel@gmail.com
Linking this week with:
Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework
Confessions Of A Fabric Addict
Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
Welcome to “12 Days of Christmas in July”. On my post today you will find a FREE tutorial on paper piecing AND a Give-Away at the end of this post.
Thank you to Sarah Craig from Confessions of a Fabric Addict for hosting this blog hop!
I love designing paper piece patterns for the holidays. I am sharing a tutorial on paper piecing today using one of my new Christmas patterns. “Must Be Santa” can be made into a table runner or pillow if you follow the directions in the pattern. However, you can use the four 7 1/2″x 7 1/2″ blocks in this pattern for any number of projects.
This table runner is made using the four blocks in the pattern, Elf, Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus, and Rudolph. The pillow below is also included in the pattern.
For my tutorial, I will be using this Santa block, but any block in the pattern may be substituted.
I have designed many Santa blocks. This 1 is my favorite. I pride myself in offering very EASY patterns with just a few pieces. This particular block is NOT one of my easy blocks. It has a number of different sections that must be paper pieced separately, then sewn together to complete the block. Don’t let this deter you from trying paper piecing if you are a beginner. Each segment is fairly simple. So…let’s take this 1 step at a time…
Start by setting your stitch length to 1.5; that’s about 20 stitches per inch. Shortening the stitch length perforates the paper so as to make it easier to rip away the paper pattern when you are finished with the block.
Make 4 copies of the original pattern and cut around each segment (outlined in red lines) adding a 1/4″ seam allowance around each segment. Cut segments A/F from copy 1, segments B/E/I from copy 2, segments C/D/G from copy 3, and segment H from copy 4. Above you can see segments A, B, and C with the 1/4″ seam allowance around each piece. Now you are ready to start piecing!
Let’s start with segment A. Pin piece #1 to the appropriate fabric (background color), wrong sides together. There should be at least 1/2″ of excess fabric all the way around piece #1. You can check this by holding your pattern up to a light source.
Trim the excess fabric. Double check: The WRONG SIDE of the fabric should be facing the back of the pattern. This scrap is a 1/2″ larger than piece #1.
Find the stitching line between piece #1 and piece #2.
Use a bookmark or any piece of card stock to fold back piece #2 along this stitching line. It’s a bit hard to see because the bookmark and the back of the pattern are both white, but look closely to see how the pattern is folded.
The Add-A-Quarter ruler is very handy for trimming seam allowances.
Use an “Add-A-Quarter” ruler to trim away the excess fabric, trimming 1/4″ away from the stitching line (fold).
Piece #2 is skin color, so I am using a tea dye fabric. This scrap is a good 1/2″ larger all the way around than piece #2.
Place the pattern on top of the skin colored fabric scrap so the trimmed edges (seam allowances) line up.
Flip the pattern piece back down and pin in place. Sew on the seam line between pieces #1 and #2, starting and stopping your stitching 1/4″ before and after the seam line. There is no need to back tack, as each seam line will eventually be covered by another seam line.
Flip the fabric behind piece #2 and press in place. I also like to pin it flat so there is no movement as you add the next piece.
Looking at the pattern from the front, trim away any excess fabric from piece #2, but be GENEROUS with your seam allowance. I always allow for 1/2″ seam allowance; later to be trimmed to 1/4″. Piece #1 and #2 are now in place. Everything to complete segment A is now repeating these same steps.
Using the bookmark, fold the pattern back on the seam line between piece #2 and piece #3. Do you see that small 1/4″ seam projecting into piece #3…just to the right of my finger?
That little seam needs to be ripped open so the pattern will lay flat when folded back onto the bookmark.
Use the 1/4″ ruler to trim the seam allowance. Use a scrap of white for piece #3.
You can see I am using a sparkly white fabric. Piece #3 is part of Santa’s mustache. Line up the outer edge of the seam allowances, right sides together.
Flip the pattern open and pin in place.
Sew on the line between piece #2 and #3, again start and end 1/4″ before and after the seam line.
Flip the fabric behind piece #3, press, and pin in place.
Trim away the excess scrap of white, leaving a generous 1/2″ around the edges of piece #3.
By using larger scraps and trimming AFTER sewing, you will not have to guess what size to cut your scraps to fit each piece.
Continue in this manner until segment A and B are completed.
Trim the seam allowances that are between segment A and B to 1/4″.
These are the 2 edges that are now trimmed and ready to be pinned together and sewn.
Use a straight pin to poke into and line up the edge of the red seam line on segment A and the corresponding spot on segment B.
Pin the 2 segments together.
Sew on 1/4″ before and after the seam line. Rip away the paper in the seam allowance area on both segments. Open the segments flat and press, pressing both seams to one side or the other, depending on which way they want to lay.
The “Must Be Santa” pattern and many more of my patterns can be found on Etsy or Craftsy.
See more free tutorials on my Tutorial page, or visit Made By Marney on YouTube.
And now for the Give-Away! I will be giving away a free copy of my “Sew Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” book. This book is filled with adorable holiday paper pieced block patterns and 8 different patterns that use the blocks.
These are just a few of the 16 paper pieced blocks in this book.
Due to the extremely high cost of postage overseas, I am only able to mail this book to a customer from the US. If someone wins from a foreign country, I will download this Christmas pattern to them, instead of the book: Must Be Santa Table Runner/Pillow pattern.
For a chance to win the free book (or pattern if you live overseas), leave a COMMENT on this post. Please make sure your email is included. The winner will be announced on Thursday, July 26.
Please visit other participating designers and quilters:
Saturday, July 14th
Joy @ Days Filled With Joy
Selina @ Selina Quilts
Sunday, July 15th
Joanne @ Everyone Deserves a Quilt
Jan @ The Colorful Fabriholic
Monday, July 16th
Carole @ From My Carolina Home
Jamie @ L’Fair Quilts
Karen @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels & Eats
Tuesday, July 17th
Sharon @ Vrooman’s Quilts
Mary @ Made by Marney
Wednesday, July 18th
Karrin @ Karrin’s Crazy World
Marian @ Seams To Be Sew
Thursday, July 19th
Christina @ Christina’s Handicrafts
Sherry @ Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc.
Danice @ Homespun Hannah
Friday, July 20th
Kristi @ Confessions of A Fabric Addict
Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts
Saturday, July 21st
Cindy @ Stitchin’ At Home
Meloney @ Mel’s Quilting Blog
Sunday, July 22nd
Anja @ Anja Quilts
Moira @ Quilted Snail
Monday, July 23rd
Brenda @ Songbird Designs
Amy @ Sea of Estrogen
Bonnie @ In Stitches With Bonnie
Tuesday, July 24th
Kathy @ Kathy’s Kwilts and More
Summer @ Summer Lee Quilts
Wednesday, July 25th
Susan @ Quilt Fabrication
Brandy @ Pampered Pettit
Jean @ All Points of the Compass
Linking with:
One of my favorite quilt shops, Keep Me In Stitches, is showcasing my latest, newest paper piecing designs now through April 30. Visit Jacqi in Appleton to see samples of my newest creations.
Homeward Bound is a great quilt for Quilts Of Valor projects. It incorporates paper piecing, applique, and piecing all in one project. What a great way to use up red and cream scraps.
I love this paper pieced eagle. He is made from 2 square paper pieced blocks.
3 Cats And 1 Dog With A Bone is one of my newest whimsical table runners. This is so much fun to make! I love a pattern where all the blocks are different.
This dog is goofy but loveable.
I always love a calico cat!
See these projects and more at my Keep Me in Stitches trunk show now through April 30. You will be amazed with all of Jacqi’s adorable fabrics. I never walk out of this shop without a new treasure to add to my stash.
Linking this week with:
Confessions Of A Fabric Addict
Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework
A few weeks back, I designed this LOON ON THE LAKE paper piecing pattern.
Every year 2 loons inhabit the lake near my cabin in upper Wisconsin. I love to listen to them singing at night.
I liked my loon block so much that I decided to design more “birds on the lake”. This is SWAN ON THE LAKE. The dragonflies add some depth to the block.
GOOSE ON THE LAKE reminds me of all the Canada Geese that come to visit in the fall.
And finally MALLARD ON THE LAKE. It’s always exciting to see my first mallard of Spring.
I haven’t actually used my blocks in any projects. I plan to make a set of pillows for my cabin. I would also like to add more birds to this collection so I could complete a full quilt. I am working on a PELICAN right now. Can you help me think of any other “water birds”? They don’t have to be specifically northwoods. Which is your favorite block?
Linking this week with:
Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework
Easter is just around the corner. Per my friend Marilyn’s advice…I have been designing lots of Easter blocks.
My Easter blocks measure 8″x 8″ unfinished and can be used in table runners, potholders, gift sacks, pillows, or even quilts. This photo was shared from Marilyn who used my patterns to teach a class on paper piecing.
The bunny and chick blocks can be purchased as a total pattern: Easter Table Runner and Potholders. Some of these blocks are also available for single block purchase.
My Happy Easter Bunny and Happy Easter Ducky are another popular set of Easter blocks. Find a really cute fabric to use for the egg, and you are all set!
Isn’t this table runner adorable? Lisa England used my Happy Easter Bunny pattern and made the cutest Easter runner ever!
If you are into Easter Bonnets, this is the block for you.
And here’s a block to make your mouth water…Chocolate Bunny.
Here’s a real simple block, Easter Egg. Find a cute striped fabric to make this super easy pattern.
It’s time to “think spring”!
Linking up this week with:
Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework
Confessions Of A Fabric Addict
Confessions of a Fabric Addict
I have some fun paper pieced pattern blocks designed for March. Most of them are St. Patrick’s Day related. 
Leprechaun Block
His nose is a fabric yo yo, but could also be a button. Love that lopsided grin!
The secret of this block is to find 4 fabulous green fabrics.
Even though this shamrock only has 3 leaves, it is mighty lucky!
And Pot of Gold Block.
These “gold coins” are actually fabric yo yos, but could also be gold buttons.
One of my sweet customers shared this photo of a Leprechaun table runner, using my blocks. This is adorable. I love to post my customer’s creations using my pattern blocks, so please share your photos at: maryannhertel@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by!
Linking this week with:
Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework
Congratulations to Marsha. She is the winner of my “Scalloped Heart Pillow” pattern give-away.
My sweet friend Marilyn just shared a photo of her version of the scalloped heart. It is so lovely.
She also made a gift sack with my “Be Mine Puppy” block pattern. Too cute! There have been so many requests for holiday designs, that I am now working on blocks for every occasion.
This table runner and the gift sacks were also made by Marilyn. Didn’t she do a super cute job with my “Easter Collection“? I love when my customers continue to challenge me, and then inspire me!
Thanks to all who participated in last weeks Valentine Blog Hop. I enjoyed all of your comments.
For anyone who missed last week’s free pattern, you can still download the “Hearty Penguin” block pattern
HEARTY-PENGUIN-MERGED.pdf (2254 downloads )
Have a great week!
Linking with:
Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Here’s a fun paper pieced Christmas Tree Skirt pattern, using 8 cute holiday blocks.
The blocks could also be used for potholders, small pillows, or a table runner.
Stocking…
Present…
and Candy Cane are just a few.
And here’s a close-up of the bow ties
Get all 8 blocks in my Christmas Tree Skirt Sampler Pattern. This pattern is sold in “hard copy” format only, so it must be sent through the mail.
Check out this adorable wall hanging made by my friend Shelley using the Stocking Block from this pattern.
Shelley even stitched the names on the cuff of each stocking. So clever!
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