Are you a member of International Association of Quilters?

What is IAQ? Click here to visit the website.

Designed by: Becky Jorgensen of Patchwork Posse.  Joining her this year are guest designers:

• Diane- Butterfly threads quilting
• Amy- Amy Barickman 
• Cherry- Cherry blossoms quilting 
• Kelly- My quilt infatuation 
• Brooke- Silly mama quilts 
• Beth-  Eva paige quilt designs 
• Becky- Bobbin in quilts 
• Sherry- Powered by quilting 
• Amanda- Jedi craft girl 
• Jo- The crafty nomad  
• Joanne- Canuck quilter 
• Diane & Audrey- The cloth parcel

IAQ details: 1 year from purchase- over 60 patterns + 2015 year to current year patterns is included!

Finished projects: During 2019 there are 2 Block of the months -one is a sampler the other is part mystery (the guest designers are helping this year!), 3 extra projects, swaps, challenges, giveaways and more!

Skill level: Beginner – Confident Beginner.  Because of the community atmosphere, you are able to get help if you are stuck, ask questions and share a hint.  

Technique: Because of the guest designers and variety of patterns you will be exposed to a rounded amount of different styles and techniques, including applique, embroidery, paper piecing, patchwork, hand sewing hexagons etc.

Price: $120 / year

IAQ details: 1 year from purchase- over 60 patterns + 2015 year to current year patterns is included!

IAQ membership format:  The group has an online community as well as a private facebook group for members only.  There you can share your own projects you are working on or have finished, meet and get to know the members from around the world, download patterns, and participate in the group. Everything is in one spot- simple and easy to use on your computer or on your phone.  

And here’s how it works:

The IAQ starts the day you join.  Everything from 2015 is available once you join.  The 2019 projects will be starting on January 1st and will be shared during the first full week of the month.  During each month there will be two block of the months, guest designer pattern, with the occasional extra project and rotating swaps and challenges.  Each Sunday you will get an email from the quilt group about what’s happened during the week- but the group online is always open! You can share any time during the day.  

Why should you be part of “the International Association of Quilters”?

The group is online.  You will have access to all the patterns, members and show and tell 24/7.  No missing out on anything. This is a group that fits your schedule, has members that are passionate about quilting,  gets you excited about designers you would normally not have access to.

When you join you will also have full access to all previous patterns- both in the group and by the guest designers.  There are more patterns than you have time! You will be kept sewing all year long.

We help you keep up to date on trends, patterns & designers- You’ll go from sewing alone and the same ‘ol patterns, to connecting with others while exploring new techniques, patterns and designers from around the world.

The International Association of Quilters allows quilters to explore new designers from around the world, enjoy current and fresh patterns, and share & sew with others.  no more "sewing alone and the family not getting it" --- it's time for "having fun and sharing with someone who understands"

Did you notice who the guest designer for January is? That's right, it's ME!! I'm so excited. I've already sent them the free exclusive pattern, and the free block for the sew along quilt. If you don't have a local guild (or even if you do) this is a great option for you! I'll be participating in the online group and the facebook group available to members only. I hope to see you there!

Click here to join.

Enjoy every stitch!

Diane

Strip Quilt Secrets

I might have mentioned a time or two thousand that I wrote another book. I don't think I ever explained why I wrote another book though...

I have had a wonderful couple of years traveling and teaching from my first book Scrap Quilt Secrets. It's been a joy and a pleasure to visit so many guilds with my trunk show and teaching workshops. And just like with my first book, this book is a result of the questions and comments I was hearing time and again. Comments like...

• What is a scrap?
• How do you sort your scraps?
• What system do you use to organize your fabric scraps/strips/pre-cuts?
• How do you come up with your ideas?
• Why do you use a particular technique/method?

Since Scrap Quilt Secrets was a design based book that explored how I combine my stash/scraps into fun quilts, I felt that I needed to focus on techniques I use most often. I think the quilts in both books reflect my personal style which is often referred to as "happy scrappy."

Strip Quilt Secrets is a technique workbook that explores 5 methods I use for my strips/stash/scraps. The thing I like most about the book (besides the quilts!) is the Index that is a quick reference for strip sizes. Have a collection of strips? Just go to the index to see which quilts utilize that size strip.

What happens next?

To celebrate the release of the new book, I'll be doing a giveaway on Instagram soon. Follow me there at dianedknott, I'll have a post on the C&T blog this month. I'll also feature each of the quilts (and techniques) here on this blog throughout the next month. I'm considering doing a blog hop as well. If you would be interested in participating in a blog hop by hosting a stop, please let me know and I'll send you all of the information (including a copy of the new book!) Spaces are limited so reply soon if you are interested.

I sure hope you will enjoy this new book as much as I enjoyed making these quilts and sharing them with you. It's a long and complicated process to turn quilts into a book, and it's not for the faint of heart, but I do hope you find some treasures that you can't resist stitching.

Are a member of guild? Would you like for me to visit your group? Please let me know ASAP. My schedule is filling fast! I'm booking dates through 2020 at this point.

Hugs and quilts!
Diane

Sew Your Stash Along Step 4

Sew Your Stash Along Step 4

(32 blocks that are 5'' finished)

Cutting Instructions
From each of the 4 fabrics (or scraps) - Cut 8 strips 1 ¾’’ x 18’’

Sewing the Blocks

Select one strip from each fabric.
Sew the strips together lengthwise. Press the seams open. 

Make 8 strips sets.

Cut each strip sets into 3 units 5 ½’’ wide.

Make 32 blocks. 

Adding to the units to the quilt

Arrange the blocks as shown and sew them into 2 rows of 7 blocks each.

Arrange the remaining blocks as shown and sew them into 2 rows of 9 blocks each.

Sew the rows of 7 blocks to opposite sides of the quilt.

Sew the rows of 9 blocks to the remaining two sided of the quilt.

Press the seams toward the sashing strips.

The quilt will now be 45 1/2'' square. Trim if needed.

For a printable version of this step click HERE.

For detailed photos and instructions of each step, go to:

Coloring Sheet

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3
Step 4

I hope you have fun with this easy step!

I can't wait to see your photos.

Diane

STRIP QUILT SECRETS IS HERE!

My new book with C&T arrived on my doorstep last night at 7pm! I have filled the pre-orders and they are shipping today. I am still waiting on more rulers (which should arrive in the next couple of days) so please be patient if you ordered one.

Order your signed copies of the book or book bundle now! I will ship all orders as they arrive so you'll be enjoying your new book in plenty of time for the holidays. Order extra copies for your friends and be the best quilty gift giver of the season!

I'm so proud of these quilts and so excited to share all of my secrets with you! I wrote this book as a response to all of the questions I was hearing while teaching the last couple of years.

• How do you store your stash?
• What do you do with your scraps?
• How do you use your stash/scraps/strips?
• What size strips to you cut from your scraps?

All of this is included in the book and the best part?

• Each quilt is offered in 4 sizes!
• There are coloring sheets for each quilt!
• The index allows you to quick reference which quilts use which size strips!

I have some fun events planned to celebrate this new book, so stayed tuned for some exciting things here and on Instagram and Facebook...

I put my heart into this new book, I hope you will love it!
Enjoy every stitch!
Diane

November Reading List

Get the book HERE

Women in the Castle was an excellent read about the lives of a few women in Germany during the second world war. They were connected through the resistance work their husbands were involved it to try and defeat Hitler. While the book was immersed in the war, the characters were really just trying to survive in the best way they could. They each had very different stories and strategies and were all very easy to empathize with. I liked that they were real and had flaws. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about strong women and historical fiction.

Get the book HERE

Bellewether by Susannah Kearsley did not disappoint! I have loved every book by this author. She has a way describing people and places so that I can see them in my mind without getting bogged down in too much detail. I love how her books move and continue to inform about the characters and story line throughout the book. There's no waiting to the end to get to the good stuff. While The Winter Sea remains my favorite book by her, I do love everything she's written. Highly recommend!

As always, your purchases through these links provided help me keep reading! A few cents from every purchase amounts to a book or two a month for me. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Keep reading!
Diane

My Favorite Things of 2018

Book Bundle with Free Gift!

As we begin thinking about our holiday shopping, let's not forget to do a little something special for ourselves (or forward this list to your Santa!) I am so happy to announce that my new book will be here in time for the holidays! If you purchase both books from my shop, I will include a free pattern called "Lucky Stars". I am also offering a special price of $40 for BOTH. Grab a set for yourself and for a friend!

New Book with Free Gift

If you already have my first book (thank you so much!) and just want to get a copy of my newest book, I will ship it out the day it arrives! I have my fingers crossed that these beauties will arrive on my doorstep very soon.  Buy this book in my shop and get a free copy of "Lucky Stars" as well.

This free pattern is available only to those purchasing the books. It's exclusive for now, so I hope you will enjoy finding it tucked into your new copy of Strip Quilt Secrets!

Eco Pouches Set

These zip pouches continue to be best sellers in my shop. I've been using mine since they first arrived and I love how soft yet strong they are. I carry then in my purse for all of my essentials. Because they are made from recycled fibers they are good for the earth as well as good for organizing!

My Favorite Triangle Ruler

This ruler is also available in my shop and will change the way you cut triangles forever! I used it for all of the quilts in my both of my books. I will never cut triangles from squares again. I've said goodbye to trimming forever, because these triangles are perfect every single time!

My Favorite Thread Snips

These thread snips sit on my sewing machine all the time. They are perfect for clipping threads between chain piecing as well as helping to guide points and tricky pieces.

My Favorite Pressing Product

I always use a dry iron. That's right, I never put water in my iron. I get much better results using this fantastic spray! It comes in several sizes and fragrances (as well as fragrance free). And here's a secret: you can water it down 50% with water and it still works just as well! So your amazing pressing product goes twice as far! This link is to the refill bottle, but it's also available with spray nozzle and in a gallon size refill.

My 'Go To' Thread

I use light gray for all of my basic piecing. It's most likely the color in my machine at any given moment. I love that the spool lasts forever and that there is very little lint. I almost never have a thread break either! I'm sold on this stuff!

My Dream Thread

And if a little is good, a lot is better! Aren't these pretty colors? I just might have to add this one to my wish list for Santa. Click through all of the color options, you're bound to find one that calls your name!

My Favorite Scissors

I use these scissors all the time! I can't believe I ever used anything else. They feel good in my hand and they cut through fabric like a hot knife through butter. They come in different sizes, and I don't have them all but I wish I did! They clip to the very tip, even the sneakiest of threads can't escape!

Cute and Comfy Shoes

And what holiday wish list is complete without a pair of cute shoes? This style is my favorite for standing and teaching all day. I love the cute designs available, but aren't these sprinkles fun? I think I might have to indulge in a pair of these! After all, I have been a very good girl this year.

While I can't compete with Amazon prices (I have discounted my books as much as I can) please consider buying items from my shop or through my links to help support this one woman's dream of helping to send her 3 kids to college. Your support means the world to my family.

Happy Holidays to each of you!
Diane


The Fine Print: the links in this post are to my shop or affiliate links to Amazon from with I earn a small profit. These links help me continue to bring you free content. As always, I am thankful for your continued support!

I'm Home for the Holidays!

My Christmas Cactus is already blooming!

My travel teaching year ended Wednesday when I returned home from a fun time in Pennsylvania. I do have one more program to give in December but it's local, so I will be able to sleep in my own bed until the end of the year! Unless my husband whisks me away on a romantic adventure, but I'm not holding my breath. LOL

It's so good to be home and in my warm cozy space. The Christmas lights are up on the outside of the house and I'm curled up under a quilt inside! I have big plans to sew and quilt and decorate and bake and prep for my kids coming home for Thanksgiving and then just a few weeks later for the winter holidays. It makes me happy just thinking about it!

I did have a wonderful time in Pennsylvania though. I spent the day doing the Lime Twist with the ladies of the Calico Cutters Quilt Guild on Tuesday, presented to the Brandywine Valley Quilt Guild Tuesday night, and then presented my trunk show again Wednesday morning to the Calico Cutters. So it was a busy whirlwind of a trip but they took great care of me and made me feel so welcome!

And seeing this quilt made from the selvage pattern found in my book Scrap Quilt Secrets made my whole day! There is nothing better than seeing a gorgeous quilt someone has made using one of my designs. I love the purple sashing and multicolored basket handles. Just gorgeous!!

During show and tell, the workshop attendees showed off their Lime Twist blocks from the day before. I can't wait to see these finished quilt photos. The variety was awesome. No two of these quilts will look alike, and that's the magic of quilting! (In my opinion anyway.)

I left just before the snowstorm started. But I'm so glad I was able to spend a couple of days having fun and sewing with these quilters. They are a talented and enthusiastic group! I even got to meet my online friend Kelly in person! And I also got to meet the very first editor who accepted my first quilt ever published! Deb Finan got a BIG hug and I was excited to meet her I totally forget to take a selfie. Good grief!

What a great way to wrap up my travel teaching for the year. Speaking of teaching, I have a few available dates left for 2019 so contact me quick if you are considering a visit. I'm booking 2020 dates as well now. Where does the time go?

Enjoy every stitch!
Diane