> ~ Insights by SewCalGal ~

Monday, September 26, 2011

Fall Theme AccuQuilt Blog Hop - Tips, Tutorials & a Giveaway(s)

Welcome to Day 1 of the Fall theme AccuQuilt Blog Hop, where various members of Quilters with Modern Tools will be sharing tips, tutorials, inspiration, and a few giveaways throughout the coming week.

First, I want to share insights about the Quilters with Modern Tools.  This is a group of quilters that enjoy using modern tools to help make quilts, table toppers, wallhangings, purses, etc.  And, they also enjoy sharing insights on the tools that they use, when they blog about it. You can easily identify that you are visiting a blog that is part of this group, as they have a badge that shows the modern tools that they use. And, you can search their blog to find posts that will provide great tips, tutorials and inspiration on using modern tools.  For example, if you are looking for insights on AccuQuilt you can visit any of these blogs and type in "AccuQuilt" in their respective search box, to find a wealth of information.

This is also the 2nd year of the Fall Theme AccuQuilt Blog hop.  We continually have fun creating with our AccuQuilt products, so it just seemed appropriate that we continue with sharing insights on how to create Fall theme projects with the very modern AccuQuilt quilting tools!

Ok, time for me to kick this off.....

Do you ever feel like your fabric "breeds" in your sewing room?  Last year I created a Halloween quilt using the tumbler die. I had a few left over tumbler cuts, and I think they multiplied with some new fabric, creating more fabric.  But, as I do enjoy scrap quilts, I decided I'd make another Halloween quilt using the tumbler die. 

I find the tumbler die a "must have" die for those that want to do serious stash busting.  This die is an easy to use die to make fun quilts in a fast manner.  While I've previously shared tips on using the tumbler die, to minimize scrap, as well as share insights on an easy way to do fussy cutting with your AccuQuilt, I have a few more tips to share. 

For me, the tumbler die is fast and doesn't require pinning.  But, if you have any problems piecingn accurately, I have a couple of steps to recommend for the tumbler pre-cuts:

1) place your fabric, print side facing up, to align your tumbler cuts.(do your best to align corners)
2) place two tumblers print sides facing together, aligning the tops of both pieces

3) pivot one piece, to align the angle of the tumbler. (keep the corners aligned)

4) sew your rows of tumblers together, then sew the rows together.

In step #3 you may want to place a pin in the corner, approximately 1/4" in the center.  As you do this, you'll soon build expertise to where you do not need to use the pin and eventually, you'll not need to pivot your fabric.  The step to pivot is really a good check on your alignment, to ensure your "row" will be even. 

This lap quilt was so easy and fast to make.  I also liked using the black Halloween prints as the first border for this quilt.  To minimize scrap, I cut the tumbler pieces I wanted to use in the border in half (top to bottom) for the sides and half (middle cut) for the top and bottom of the quilt.  Then, I cut tumbler pieces in quarters for the corner portions of the border.


I need to square up and this week I'll add another border to this quilt.  I hope you'll come back to see what I do with this border.  It is a new technique for me, but I think it will really make this quilt even more special.

Did I mention this post is part of a blog hop?  The line up for this blog hop is:
Monday, September 26th
  • Darlene (SewCalGal)
Tuesday, September 27th
Wednesday, September 28th
Thursday, September 29th
Friday, September 30th

Did I mention a giveaway?  First, I want to clarify that this blog hop is not sponsored by AccuQuilt.  As much as I think this would be a great PR opportunity for them to sponsor, and it would be fun to have a giveaway for an AccuQuilt product, you'll find a few of the blogs in this blog hop will have a giveaway that they are being generous to give on their own.  But, all the participants are sharing wonderful tips, tutorials and inspirations in this blog hop, all with a Fall theme, so I hope you'll visit all the stops in this hop.  Plus, they are all wonderful quilters and have delightful blogs.

As, the fabric in my stash has a breeding problem, I am offering a giveway in this blog hop.  The prize is Halloween fabric pre-cut using the AccuQuilt tumbler die to make a lapsize quilt.  Fabrics will be similar to the quilt shown in this post.  If you are interested in winning these pre-cuts simply leave a comment on this post to let me know you'd like to win the pre-cuts.

For those that like extra ways to win, here are some ways you can get extra entries:
1) Be a follower of SewCalGal,
2) Be a member of the Quilters with Tools,
3) Be a blogger that is participating in the lineup of this blog hop,
4) Follow all of the blogs participating in this blog hop {leave one comment on this blog showing you qualify for this extra entry}.

On October lst, SewCalGal will randomly draw a winner and announce on this post, as well as a new post.

This Fall Theme AccuQuilt blog hop is all about fun.  SewCalGal hopes you have fun visiting all the blogs participating in this blog hop and be inspired.










158 comments:

Caren Kristine said...

How cute. I was just thinking I need to make a Halloween quilt. I'm a follower and would love to win.

Carolyn said...

This is great! I have the tumbler die and some Halloween fabric (not a lot, but enough to make a small quilt or table runner). I think I will do some cutting on that today. Thank you for the inspiration! Loved the post!

Pat said...

Your quilt looks great. I have the tumbler die, so I don't need to throw my hat in the ring for this prize. I'm sure whoever wins it will enjoy the pre-cuts!

Patricia Lessell said...

Love the quilt. I am a follower and would love to win some precuts please.
Patti xxx

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Great tip on piecing the tumbler blocks, your quilt is so cute. Thanks also for putting this blog hop together!
Quilting by the River

Library Gal Quilts said...

I saw a darling quilt recently and wondered about those tumbling blocks.
wow! It's a great design and I would love to win and give it a try! Thanks! Pam

Patty said...

I'd love a chance to win these precuts. i don't yet have a Go (and enter whatever giveaway on the web I can find.) Actually getting to make something from precuts would really help me understand if I want to buy one. I am a follower!

andsewon said...

I am a follower& member with tool. I do not have this die been thinking on it! Would love to sew up these precuts to see if I would like to buy the die! I did a post on your Blog Hop!
Lola

stephmabry said...

Thanks for the chance to win! I have a friend who's always telling me I need to decorate for holidays - this would be a great way to start! :)

Marj said...

Great tip on piecing the tumbler blocks, your quilt is so cute. Thanks also for putting this blog hop together! Also thanks for the chance to win some tumbler blocks.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Thank you for doing this hop! I loved your tumbler quilt - and the halloween fabric is AWESOME! What a fun idea! I would so love to win those tumbler pieces! I don't have a fun halloween quilt - this would be adorable!

Anonymous said...

I love your Halloween tumbler, anyone that knows me, knows Halloween is my FAV! Thank you for putting together a great Fall Blog Hop! I'm all ready one of your followers..

stuffyquilter said...

I love my Go machine but I haven't invested in the tumbler die yet. Winning your precuts would be a nice intro to the die. :-) and since I have an October birthday (the 29) Halloween fabric is always a favorite with me. Thanks for the great opportunity to win.

deserae said...

I would love to win! Thanks for the blog hop!

Vicki B said...

I follow your blog and am a quilter who loves her tools. Would love to win Darlene. Thanks for the opportunity. Am looking forward to following along on this one.

Diane N said...

How cute! I would love to win some pre-cut tumbler halloween fabric!

Diane N said...

I have been a follower for a while! Thanks for the great giveaway!

Rosa said...

I love your tumbler quilt and the fabrics are fun.
Thanks for the blog hop!!

Rosa said...

I follow your blog and I`d love to win your some precuts tumblers.Thanks for the chance!!

Catskill Quilter said...

How cute that quilt is! I would love to win the Halloween precuts!

Catskill Quilter said...

Thanks for the info on this blog hop! I am a new follower of your blog -- silly, really, as I usually stop in every day or so! (I had thought I was a follower ages ago!)

Mom C said...

I'm still trying to decide if I will use an AccuQuilt enough to justify the purchase. Then I see a cute quilt like yours and realize all the time it would take to cut and re cut each tumbler and I think, "what am I waiting for?" Maybe Christmas and Santa. I'd love to make that Halloween quilt. So fun. Thanks.

Mom C said...

I have followed your blog for a while now and always enjoy your posts. This blog hop looks fun.

Joanna @ ShapeMoth said...

I'm your follower :)

And at the moment I'm in the middle of doing a tumbler quilt ;)

Josie McRazie said...

Well you know I follow you and do SO MUCH appreciate the wonderful insites you give!

Gill said...

I love tumbler quilts and your Go! machine makes it all look so easy!!

Paula Ganyard said...

I would love to win!

Paula Ganyard said...

I am a follower of your blog and have been for some time now. You do a great job!

Kathy H said...

I would love to win some tumbler blocks. Thanks for the tips about sewing them together. I have a kit I bought just waiting to get started.

Kathy H said...

I follow your blog.

Jeanne said...

I follow your blog

Jeanne said...

I would love to win the fabric. Read your blog almost daily. Thanks for the giveaway.

Four dogs and one quilter said...

I love my GO and have been looking forward to this blog hop. And yes please, I would also like to have some Halloween tumblers to add to my collection. Loved you tip on using freezer paper as a fussy cut window. Thanks for the chance.

Four dogs and one quilter said...

I am a follower!

dorthac said...

I would love to win the fabric tumblers. I have never seen any fabric cut with a GO cutter. dorthac@aol.com

Marcia W. said...

I am a follower.

LisaVH said...

The tumbler is my favorite die that I do not yet have. It is next on my list so I would LOVE some precuts to play with!!

LisaVH said...

I am a new follower to SewCalGal.

Marcia W. said...

I would like to enter to win your fabric tumblers set. Think I can sew these correctly using your method.

ritainalaska said...

i am one of your followers!

ritainalaska said...

i'd like to win your tumbler pieces ... i would help me to make up my mind about getting a fabric cutter.

Sallie said...

I love tumbler blocks. Thanks for the great giveaway!

Sallie said...

I'm a follower of your blog.

Sallie said...

I follow all the blogs in this blog hop. Thanks!

Kathryn said...

I would love to win your Halloween precuts. It might just be the inspiration to push me over the edge to buy a GO Baby. Thanks so much. Kathie L in Allentown

Kathryn said...

I an one of your loyal followers. Kathie L in Allentown

Lee said...

Thank you for the tips for making a tumbler quilt - I just love the look of it! cant wait to see what you do with the borders. I would love to be entered for the precut tumblers - my MILs b-day being Halloween - that would be nice!

Lee said...

I follow your blog also! thank you!

suemac said...

When I get the tumbler die I am sure I will come back to this post. Thanks for the good information.

Kylie Carlson said...

Thank you for the lovely giveaway, and for all the tumbler tips. I hadn't though of making freezer paper windows for fussy cutting.

Kylie Carlson said...

I'm a GFC follower.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Of course!! I want to win some precuts.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'm a follower of sewcalgal

Cheryl Greenleaf said...

I am a follower of SewCalGal blog via Google Friend Connect.

;-) I just love leaf themed projects. ;-)

Thanks for sponsoring this blog hop giveaway!

Cheryl Greenleaf said...

I am following the Bits and Pieces blog via Google Friends Connect.
cgreenleaf2(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl Greenleaf said...

I am following the Craizee Corners blog via GFC.

cgreenleaf2(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl Greenleaf said...

I am following the Sunshower Quilts blog via GFC.

cgreenleaf2(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl Greenleaf said...

I am following the Quilting by the River blog via GFC.

cgreenleaf2(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl Greenleaf said...

I am following The Tulip Patch blog via GFC.

cgreenleaf2(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl Greenleaf said...

I am following the Aunt Polly's Porch blog via GFC.

cgreenleaf2(at)gmail(dot)com

JoAnn said...

I'd love a chance to win some fabric! Thank-you, looking forward to the other stops on the blog hop!

teachpany said...

Thanks so much for starting this blog hop! I love the Tumbler. I need the 3 1/2 inch die! It is fun to use, and great for scraps. I need to get at my scrap pile, too. Funny how your Halloween fabrics multiplied! Wish mine had! Thanks for the chance to win. I do follow SewCalGal, and on Facebook.

Bev said...

I've never made a tumbler block quilt even though I've been quilting for many years. Pre-cut tumblers would be a delight to sew. Thank you for a fun blog and great information.

Bev said...

I'm also a follower of your blog.

Annmarie said...

Since I've never won an Acuquilt or Baby Go & since the tumbler die was always my first choice when asked in the giveaway, I would LOVE to at least win some tumblers made with the die! Thanks for the chance.

Annmarie said...

I am a follower of SewCalGal - thanks for all the inspiration!

Laura said...

I have always wanted to make a tumbler quilt. I have a GO, but not the tumbler die. Thanks for the chance to win and for participating in this great blog hop!

Laura said...

I am proud to be a follower of yours!

janet chrzanowski said...

I would love to win the Halloween precut tumblers. Janet

Donna Joy said...

I am a follower of sew cal gal. I don't have an Accu Go , but I sure like the chance to get some pre cuts. I need to make some lap quilts for camping.
Thanks so much.

Anonymous said...

I'm a follower!

Anonymous said...

I follow all the blogs listed in your hop!

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

I would love to win some precuts.

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

Im a follower.

Marsha B said...

Thank you for a chance to win the Halloween tumblers, they would be fun to play with!

Marsha B said...

I am a follower of your blog!

quiltmom anna said...

What great pre cuts_ I have never made a Halloween quilt so it would be fun to play with those tumbler pieces. Thanks for the chance to win such funky pieces.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna

quiltmom anna said...

I have been a follower for quite awhile- it is always fun to see what things you are busy with on your terrific blog.
Warmest regards,
Anna

Mhairi said...

My son would love to win these pre-cuts. He is really into ghosts and hawaween. And I would be happy to make him a 'warm' to replace the one that is falling apart.

marilyn said...

I'm following you, but I'm not a stalker, honest!

Mhairi said...

I am a follower of your blog. I love reading about your projects.

Kathy MacKie said...

I am a follower of your blog and find it very inspirational, thanks.

StitchinByTheLake said...

I'd love to win the precuts! And I've been a follower for quite some time now. :) blessings, marlene

Kathy MacKie said...

I am a member of Quilter's with tools.

Kathy MacKie said...

Yes, the precuts would be great to be won!

Vail said...

Love to win some tumbler precuts.

vail in tn

Vail said...

I'm a follower of your blog.

vail in tn

Janet said...

It would be fabulous to win!

Janet said...

I follow Sew Cal Gal.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to win! I was just looking at my bare table this morning thinking I need to make a fall/Halloween inspired table runner!

Anonymous said...

I follow SewCalGal via GFC

Anonymous said...

I'm a member of Quilters with tools.

Tracey @ The Peony Teacup said...

I would love to win some gorgeous Halloween fabrics.. my kids would go crazy for them!

Tracey
thepeonyteacup.blogspot.com

Tracey @ The Peony Teacup said...

I am also a follower of SewCalGirl through GFC (and have been for a while!)

Tracey @ The Peony Teacup said...

And I'm following all the blogs in the blog hop :)

Tracey @ The Peony Teacup said...

And last but not least, I've applied to be a Quilter who loves her modern tools (GO!)... if you'll have me!

KaHolly said...

It would certainly be fun to have something new and festive to play with!

KaHolly said...

I already am a follower!

Betsy said...

Your little quilt is so adorable. I do wish Accuquilt would make an even smaller tumbler. Thank you for the chance to win.

JoyceLM said...

I'd love to win the tumblers to make a Halloween quilt. Thanks for the giveaway.

JoyceLM said...

Been reading your great blog for awhile, but now I'm an official follower. Thanks for the giveaway.

JoyceLM said...

I'm a follower at all the participating blogs, most of which I always usually read. Love being introduced to new(to me) quilt blogs. Thanks for the giveaway.

Average Quilter said...

I am a follower. Thanks for the chance

amy dame said...

i would LOVE to win the precuts! i really wanted to make a halloween quilt this year, but i don't think i'll have time, i have too many other quilts to finish before christmas. if it was a fun and simple layout like the tumbler blocks , i might be able to sneak it in!

also, i really really love how you did the border, it was like a lightning bolt and i thought "oh my goodness, how did i never think of that before!". i'm so accustomed to borders that are strips, i never thought beyond them! thanks for the inspiration!

amy dame said...

i've followed you with google connect, and tried to follow you via e-mail (it's the only was i can actually keep up with blogs!), but it's acting funny. i'll try again after i've restarted my browser!

Mama Spark said...

I would love to win your pre-cuts. Both the tumbler and Halloween are my favorites!

Mama Spark said...

I am your follower.

Mama Spark said...

I am a member of Quilter's with tools.

Thearica said...

Sounds like a very fun event! I am a couple days late but better late than never! :)

I hope to be able to play in your next event!

Please enter my name for some of your fabric. :)

emmy said...

Love getting ideas for our tools, especially the dies. You're on my Google reader list, so I don't miss a day. Off to join Quilter's with Tools. Thank you for the giveaway

Terrie Sandelin said...

Hi Darlene! I'm a follower.

Terrie Sandelin said...

And I'm a quilter with tools (AccuQuilt and EQ7).

Terrie Sandelin said...

And I'm a blogger in the AccuQuilt Fall Blog Hop -- thanks for all you do promoting this blog hop!!

Nanbon44 said...

I really need to get the tumbler die as I keep seeing so many great quilts made with it,.. and I really need to make ME a halloween quilt...

Nanbon44 said...

I am also a member or Quilters with tools

Deb said...

I follow you -

Deb said...

I'm a member of Quilters with Tools

Deb said...

I follow everyone on this blog hop!

Deborah in Atlanta said...

I'm a follower of SewCalGal,

Michelle said...

What a fun post! I'd love the chance to win!!! Thanks!

Michelle said...

I follow (& love) your blog!

pinsandneedles said...

I would love a chance at winning your precut tumbler blocks as I sadly don't have a Go! baby. Thanks!

Gari in AL said...

Hey, I am always up for winning precut fabric.

Gari in AL said...

I am a follower of SewCalGal. I follow through Bloglovin.

Marjorie said...

Love your quilt - beautiful bright colors for this season - and it's just the right size. No need to put me in the drawing - just wanted to say what a great project.

Jill said...

Love the idea. Had not thought about using the tumbler block with halloween fabric. Great idea!

free indeed said...

I think this is one of my favorite hops! I love the tips and inspiration that comes from it on using the GO cutter and dies. I don't have that die yet, but one of these days I hope to win one somewhere :).

free indeed said...

I'm a follower and so glad to be!

Ally said...

Oh wow what a great giveaway! A Halloween Quilt would be so fun to make!
Thank you so much!

Ally said...

I am a follower of your blog- which I love!

Jenelle said...

I love the tumble die cut and they are so easy to sew together. Halloween fabric is so cool and I would love to have a chance to win. I would be a follower but I don't know how to do that, can someone help me?

quilary said...

I would love to win some autumn precuts. Thanks for the chance :)

quilary said...

I am a follower of your blog :)

Carla G said...

I'm a follower of your blog! And would love to make a tumbler quilt! Thanks for a great giveaway! :)

JJ said...

I am a follower. I love how the tumbler block turns out. Barb let me borrow her die and I cut a bunch of cowboy fabric out for two grand kids for Christmas presents. I haven't started to sew, so the tutorial was great.

Carla G said...

I'm following all the blogs on the blog hop! :)

sarar1234 said...

Love the blog hop, such great inspirations!

Jeanne Gwin said...

Hmmmm, how did I miss this going on? Oh, never mind, I was busy. I love what you are doing here. How fun. I would love to have your precuts. Thanks, :)

Jeanne Gwin said...

I already follow your blog.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I just love the tumbler die with Halloween fabric. I have made a couple table toppers using my tumbler die.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I followed all the blogs (if I could find the button, you know how blogger has been this year).

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I am a blogger with tools lol.

Kristen King said...

I never thought to use the tumbler block for a halloween quilt...very cute!!!

Gidget said...

Oh my gosh cute! I would love to win those tumblers and make one!

Lindsay said...

Fun prize! I'd love to make a Halloween quilt with them!

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Fall is my favorite season!! Looking forward to getting lots of great ideas and learning along the way. I'd love to give your precut tumblers a happy home. I don't have a Halloween quilt yet so that's an extra plus for me.

Thank you for the giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Jodi - usairdoll said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jodi - usairdoll said...

I'm a follower of your blog.

Thanks for a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Lee said...

This was a fun hop and I went to all the blogs and commented and follow them too! thanks again - have a great weekend.

free indeed said...

I follow all the blogs listed. Seems every year I find someone new to follow...such great ideas and tips to be found...thank you Darlene for all you do in organizing this event.

Donna Baker said...

A Halloween quilt would be fun!! I am a follower here

Donna Baker said...

I participated in all the blogs but Terrie is not allowing more comments but someone posted about 3 hrs ago on her post :-(

Donna Baker said...

I was allowed an extra post for being a follower (that's how I learned of the hop)

VickiT said...

I would love to win precut shapes in Fall colors. The one thing missing in my fabric stash is anything having to do with Fall or Halloween. I am sad that I did not learn of this blog hop until late Thrs. night so I'm now playing catch up. Even if I don't win anything, I am still thrilled with all the great tutorials and ideas.

Thank you for putting this together.

VickiT said...

I am now a follower of SewCalGal so I will know next time you do a blog hop right away. I thought I already was following your blog but obvoiusly not so I am now via Google Friend Connect as well as via email subscription to make doubly sure I'll see all the great stuff going on here.

VickiT said...

I am a follower of all bloggers participating in this blog hop. Some I was already following and a few I subscribed to when I visited their stop in the hop.

Thank you again for the blog hop so we could see all these wonderful Fall ideas.

Jodi - usairdoll said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
cathy s said...

hi Im a follower of your site and love the tumbler block and love the halloween quilt