Pages

Friday, August 3, 2012

Think Christmas! (and a giveaway...)

Hello everyone! Welcome to my stop along the Think Christmas blog hop! I'm very excited to be posting today. I wish I had one more block to share with you. I had several planned, but there's only so many hours in the day! Before I get started I'd like to thank Lesley (you can find the whole schedule at her blog) and Madame Samm for hosting and cheering on the hop. It's been great fun to see what everyone has put together so far, and I'm going to be very sad when it comes to an end. :(

But, for today, I get to share the festivities with these lovely bloggers:


So, have you been thinking Christmas as you've been hopping along? I definitely have been, and I think there are a few more Christmas related projects coming up for me in the next couple months because of this hop. I've already been inspired to put together a Christmas Table Runner for my Aunt-in-Law and I think there's at least one more table runner in my future!

So, without further ramblings, here are the 12.5 inch blocks I've designed for your crafty/Christmas-y inspiration:

Block #1: My version of a sunburst

Block #2: My version of a poinsettia flower

Block #3: My version of a wreath (with a Christmas star in the middle)

I think I'm going to combine all of these into a table runner for someone special that I'll be visiting later on this year. Here's a couple lay outs that I've come up with...




Layout #1


Layout #2





But, I'm curious to know how you would put these 3 blocks together, so I've got a giveaway to help me out. Just leave a comment letting me know how you'd put these blocks into a table runner. You can choose layout #1, layout #2 or tell me something completely different. Would you use sashing? Borders? Just as they are? I want to know! :)

So, what will you be winning? (**giveaway closed**)

These 3 fat quarters (red butterfly, green floral and purple geometric)...

...and this swatch of bright fish fabric (measures roughly 7 inches wide by 28 inches long)!

Please, please, please leave me your email in your comment if you are a no-reply blogger. There are always so many great comments that I can't respond to because folks are no-reply bloggers, but I'd hate for you to miss a prize too! So, if you're not sure if you're a no-reply blogger, give me your email address anyway! :) I'll draw the winner on Monday, August 6th, so your comments will count up until 11:59pm central standard time on Sunday, August 5th.

Thanks for hopping along! Be sure to check out the other bloggers today, and come back to my site in the near future to see how I put the table runner together! Feel free to follow along if you want to be kept in the loop! :)

102 comments:

  1. I've never been first before!! Love the blocks, especially the wreath. Thanks for the great blocks and the giveaway.
    dianacarofano(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. They are all lovely personally I would go with Layout #1 as that poinsetta looks better in the middle and I would put a red border on it. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like layout 1! Would do a small border in a festive print to finish it off. Thank you for the giveaway, what quilter doesn't need more fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like layout #1 the best, I would use sashing and a border, but I don't know how big the table of your Aunt-in-Law is and what looks better.
    You made great blocks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your blocks are beautiful! I like layout #1, it seems more pleasing to my eye, and I think a border of the red fabric would really pop!
    Not sure if I can post this any other way but "anon" so I'll include my email.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Patti
    napergal50@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great blocks and I love layout #1 , the blocks look really great that way . Thanks for a chance at your giveaway and thanks also for sharing your terrific work :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love the blocks, especially the poinsettia so it is layout#1 with green borders and red binding. Do not know about sashing as the blocks flow so well. Thank you for the giveaway as love butterflies, purple and can always use green & something fishy.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What cute blocks. I would vote for layout #1. I like the mass of red in the middle. I would narrow sash between the blocks and around the runner. Thanks for sharing your blocks.

    ReplyDelete
  9. you're block are very pretty. love the color fabric. i would place it like the layout 2 with a line of fabric between and 2 fabrics as a boder i think! thank's for the giveaway hope to see you on my turn tomorrow

    ReplyDelete
  10. I like both layouts, but I would put a sashing and border on it. Great work...thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely! I would definitely use sashing and border. Each block should have its moment center stage and sashing gives the eye some space to readjust. Nice work! I might put the lightest block in the center (layout 3?)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Beautiful blocks, Karen! That is going to make a sweet table runner! Nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Karen, your blocks are gorgeous! I want to make them all...the colors are so bold and wonderful together. Love the idea of a table runner...sounds like you already have some great ideas coming in. I would definitely go with the poinsettia in the centre. Thanks so much for participating and enjoy the rest of the hop!

    ReplyDelete
  14. You are going to have a lovely table runner. I like layout #1 as the colors look balanced in the picture. No sashing. Definitely a border - perhaps a double border of a small red followed by a larger green.

    ReplyDelete
  15. of coarse I think I would like the wreath in the middle, just to be different. All the blocks are beautiful. Thanks for showing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. The blocks are great! I'd choose layout 2 with some sashing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. The poinsettia in the center is lovely! I would do no sashing - just a border to highlight the wonderful blocks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good Morning Karen, you are doing such a remarkable job with your sewing..we are glad to see you participate...your blocks were terrific, and you were certainly in the riding for best today....
    hope to see you again

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful blocks. I think any way you put them together will be lovely. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great blocks. I think for my I like the first setting the best. I love the big star block in the center! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I like layout #2. I would put a red border around it though.

    ReplyDelete
  22. The blocks are just beautiful! I think a little sashing would really make them stand out, but they would still be lovely without sashing. ;O)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I like the poinsettia in the center for balance and a tiny red sash (one inch) with a thin red outer red to frame it all up - but you will get as many suggestions as responders - so good luck. Thank you for sharing with us today.

    ReplyDelete
  24. If I put the tablerunner together, I would put the wreath in the center and put red sashing around it. I love red, fav color :) Thank you for sharing your wonderful post and the chance to win.

    Happy quilting!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I like the layout #1. The reddest block in the center to balance it out. I think I would also put a small sah between them that would match the border. This will be beautiful when it's finished!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing today. I too prefer layout 1

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would layout your blocks as Block 1, Block 3 then Block 2 and have a red border. The red is bold and will make the layout simply gorgeous in the end. You have done a great job in making your quilt blocks and you will have a beautiful runner in time for Christmas. Thank you for making the Think Christmas so much fun and giving all of your followers to win 3 fat quarters and the oh so cute fish fabric.

    Sandi T.
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would sash them in red or green to make the runner.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I like layout #2 better. The blocks flow better. The center block on layout #2 has more... noise?? if that makes sense, and the other two blocks have more flow. That's just how my mind works it out. LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I like layout 1 best, and I would use a one inch sashing and border of red with gold cornerstones! :-) Thank you for the chance to win! and for participating in this fun hop! Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello from California! Your blocks are so colorful that any layout would look good, but I prefer the first one. I would not use sashing and only one border of a solid color as you have so much color going for you already. Thanks for sharing your work and the chance to win some new fabric

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks so much. really nice blocks. I think I would like to sash the blocks. Maybe in red and green. Thanks for the great sharing and being part of this fun hop!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Beautiful blocks! I would put the wreath in the center and a narrow sashing. Thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Your blocks are very pretty and I like lay out number one!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lovely blocks! I like #1 best but I think I would put a narrow coordinating sashing between each block...maybe the same fabric as the binding.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Karen: I I especially love the poinsettia block since we grew them for 30 years! Please enter me in the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for the chance to win, I like number two.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'd probably do it in layout one, but I wonder what it would look like in layout #3 with block 3 in the middle. Then again....you could do 6 more and have a beautiful square quilt!!! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  39. I lihe the layour #one. The block with the most red needs to be in the middle. I think sashing between the blocks would set them off nicely.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Like layout No 1. I will put sashing and border on it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love all your beautiful blocks! I would add a shash to block each one individual and I agree with Gloria above, the one with the most red in the middle and add a border. Your blocks will stand out anyway you lay them out. Wonderful job Karen. Thank you for sharing...Judith, Texas

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Karen....
    Hummmmm now this is hard 'cuz I want to throw a monkey wrench in the whole layout. I keep wanting to place the wreath block in the center. For some reason I see the two blocks with the green edges on the outside with a thin binding of red to bring them all together. As for the sashing, I think a nice finished 1" red on just the wreath block (in the center) in my vision would be JUST right. But with such pretty blocks any layout could really work for you. Thank you for the chance to win your pretty fabrics.

    Sincerely,
    Tricia

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love your blocks. I think that I would put them in this order--sunburst,poinsettia flower, then the wreath (just the way you showed them to us). I would also add a border. Thank you so much for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Your blocks are so nice. I would use a white tiny sashing in between the blocks, and a white border around the whole thing in the end. Thanks for the giveaway! tubakk@online.no

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'd put the round one in the middle with sashing between and around the table runner. If is is white, I'd use white Kona as the sashing and border. Thanks for idea

    ReplyDelete
  46. I too Looooove layout #1....sashed in red (my fave color! lol) too. It's beautiful already! You did grrrreat job!

    Thanks for chance to win! :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. I like layout #2. I love all your blocks!! I would use sashing between them. Thanks for sharing with us!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. HI! I'D CHOOSE #1 AND MAYBE SASH THEM WITH A SMALL CHECK OR STRIPE. THANKS FOR THE POST!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I personally like layout #1. It doesn't need sashing unless you want it longer. Sashing would showcase each block and they are wonderful enough to deserve individual attention. Wishy, washy answer wasn't it. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I would go with layout 3 - the wreath in the middle block 3, I know that was not an option. they are all great blocks! I am sure your tablerunner will turn out beautiful
    annstorle@yaoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Love the blocks - how about putting 3 in the middle and sashing and borders. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I would use layout 2 with a narrow green border. Very nice blocks.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Layout one with the poinsettia in the middle looks best. I might add a narrow strip of a metallic gold fabric to separate the blocks and possibly the same narrow gold fabric all around as an inner border. Then you could add a red or green border around that. The gold would help to define and "pop" the blocks a bit more, since you have so much red and green already.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I think I'd put them together with narrow white sashing to keep the blocks separate from each other.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Your blocks are very nice. I like #1 with the "red" block in the middle. I think it would look good with sashing to separate the blocks and around the blocks (so it's like a border).

    ReplyDelete
  56. great blocks. I like layout #1 and would put some kind of border around the blocks. No sashing. thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Lovely blocks! I like layout 1 the best too~ it has the best symmetry. No sashing, but maybe a small red border. Thanks for being part of the hop!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Great project! I currently love sashings so yes, I will use sashing! I, too like layout #1, I like the burst of red in the center.
    I enjoy your blog, I'm glad to have found it.

    ReplyDelete
  59. your blocks are wonderful. Hmmmm I would put block #3 in the middle. I would bind the edges in white with red thread. Simple yet very Christmassy.
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  60. Great blocks! I would go with layout #1 and add a small white and larger green border!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Layout 1 with sashing and borders to tie it all together. Thanks for the lovely giveaway. These are lovely blocks and it will be a great surprise for your friend.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I like both layouts for different reasons...did you try it with the top block in the center? I would sash it in green 1.5" strips, 1" white inner border and then do a 3" border of red (cut sizes, not finished size).

    ReplyDelete
  63. Love your blocks. I would go with #1 and put a border around it. Thanks for the inspiration and sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Love your blocks! Think I would use block #3 for the center and definitely put a border around it with thin sashing in between.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Nice blocks, I have to say I'd go with layout #3 with the wreath in the middle because I like the green edges of the other two blocks to surround it) then I'd add a green border. I'm sure whatever you pick will be perfect. Glad you decided to join us in this hop...you made a wonderful addition :) Look forward to getting dotty with ya!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Beautiful Christmas blocks! I would use layout # 1 but with red or green sashings and a border. Thank you for the chance to win the fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Love your blocks they will make a beautiful table runner and since you design them I think that you will know how to finish them the way you like. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  68. Lay out #1 really pops with the pointsetta block in the middle. thank-you for the great give away Becky
    derry04@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I would choose the second layout I think, but I would sash it and border it. I like to have my quilts with frames so I am biased towards sashing.
    Thanks for sharing your lovely blocks and for participating in the hop. I am one of you followers
    Regards from Western Canada,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  70. Your blocks are so pretty! I would put block #3 in the center of the other two because it is the only one that is more round. The other two are more starburst and would look nice on either side of it, I think.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Great blocks! I would choose layout number 1 with the poinsettia in the middle. I would add a thin red sashing and border.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I would put the wreath in the middle, no sashing, and a red border. Whatever you choose, it will be a nice tablerunner.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I like #2 as I like balanced design. I would put a thin red binding.
    Thanks for sharing and the opportunity to win.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Great Blocks! I would go 1,3,2 with red sashing. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I love your blocks! I personally would small sash to break up the block in snow white. Then I would bind it with the red. Green is the dominate color right now and the red will tie it all together

    ReplyDelete
  76. Love all your blocks. I would use layout # 1, and put a border around them. I am a new follower. Thanks for the chance to win.

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Wonderful blocks!! Thanks for sharing them! I think both layouts look great!!

    ReplyDelete
  78. I would do #1and place a border between them and on the sides.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Beautiful blocks! These will make an awesome tablerunner. I like option #2 for the layout of blocks but I think sashing would look nice. Great job and thanks for sharing your blocks with us.

    Thank you for a great giveaway and a chance to win some winderful fabric.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  80. The block are Christmasy I can not wait to see how you put them together, I think having a Christmas in July (Aug) is a brill idea gets us in the mood for creating gifts for friends and family thanks for sharing ttfn Nicole
    nicoledemana@yahoo.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  81. I like Option #1 - because the two outside blocks are similar with the points and the one in the middle is more rounded = a nice balance.

    Deborah
    homemakerhoney @gmail .com

    ReplyDelete
  82. They're gorgeous blocks so will look great no matter what you do with them. I'd go for layout 1 and I'd sash in white.

    ReplyDelete
  83. I think I would go with Option 1 because the reds are more dominate in that one or else I would put the top block from Option 1 in the middle. Thanks, for sharing. The blocks are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Beautiful blocks! I would use the layout #1. Thank you for sharing your work.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Your version of a Christmas wreath is marvelous. All your blocks have such an impact and together they rock the Christmas theme =)
    I would consider the wreath in the middle with sashing and borders.
    Thank you for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  86. Lovely blocks, I like table runner number 1 but I would had the red sashing and bind it in red. Thanks for sharing your talent.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Such beautiful blocks! I would put the wreath in the center and I would sash the blocks and add a border to pull it all together. I'll look forward to seeing the finish product.
    dbrightwell1960@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. Blocks with sashing just pop! No matter how you do it, the end result will be great!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Great blocks! I think I would put the wreath block in the center and add a narrow - maybe 1 1/2 inch - border. Thanks for a chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Great blocks - they are so pretty!

    nhsarab at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Love the christmas blocks.
    ebbtide 45 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I like the first layout the best and think I would use some smashing to set off the blocks. They are very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Wonderful blocks... and I like layout #1.
    Too late for the give-away, but that's okay. Just ran out of time for visiting.
    I'm a new follower to your blog. That's what I like about these hops... meeting new "Karen's." :-)

    ReplyDelete
  94. I would go with option # 1 with green sashing and borders. have a great day

    bonnielarson58@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love your blocks...if they were mine I would put the wreath in the middle...the green on the outer edges of the other blocks balances the green better. It will make a festive table runner...thanks for sharing...happy stitching!

    ReplyDelete
  96. I would choose #2, only I would put sashing in between to give them some definition. Doesn't have to be too wide.

    Lisa
    sewlisa14@a-znet.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I probably would put some sashing between them, and then layout 1 would be my choice. Thanks for sharing. Nice blocks!

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments and questions. Feel free to drop me a line!!