Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Dot Crazy Blog Hop

Welcome to my day on the Dot Crazy blog hop featuring the Dot Crazy collection by Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr!

 I love the infusion of color these fun prints have brought to my studio! Like Weeks and Bill, I too have a love affair with polka dots--check out this scrap quilt I made back in 2012, completely from dotted prints: 

(read the whole post, which also shows two other polka dot quilts, here)

For today's tutorial, I used a pinwheel of 2-1/2" wide strips and yardage of the Fun & Games print to make the Dots Squared quilt:

The quilt as pictured would make a wonderful baby or kid's quilt (42" x 40"), but you can easily add more blocks and rows to make a larger lap or bed-size quilt. The blocks sew up so quickly (thank you, pre-cut strips!). 

What I used: 
1 pinwheel (forty 2-1/2" wide strips)
1/2 yard Fun & Games print
2 yards backing print
1/2 yard binding fabric

Let's look at that pinwheel unrolled. Such fabulous color! I'm in love. Dot Crazy includes multiple sizes of dots, plus some fun coordinating prints that offer a little variety from our round little friends. 

I took a photo of these three strips because they have a little surprise in them--multiple kinds of dots! Look carefully and you'll see how I used these in the quilt. 

Cutting:
I cut the fabric strips one block at a time. I'd choose the three prints I wanted to use, decide on placement, and then cut the pieces. 

Per block, you'll need:
(the quilt contains 12 blocks)
Fabric #1
(1) 2-1/2" square 

Fabric #2
(2) 2-1/2" squares
(2) 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" pieces

Fabric #3
(2) 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" pieces
(2) 2-1/2" x 10-1/2" pieces

Additional Cutting:
From the Fun & Games print:
(12) 4-1/2" x 10-1/2" pieces

Make the Blocks:
1. Lay out the pieces for one block as shown. 

2. Sew the (3) 2-1/2" squares together in a row. Position the 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" Fabric #2 pieces on the top and bottom.

3. Sew the 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" Fabric #2 pieces to the top and bottom. Position the 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" Fabric #3 pieces on the sides.

4. Sew the 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" Fabric #3 pieces to the sides and position the 2-1/2" x 10-1/2" Fabric #3 pieces at the top and bottom.

5. Sew the 2-1/2" x 10-1/2" Fabric #3 pieces to the top and bottom to complete the block. The block measures 10-1/2" square. 

6. Make a total of 12 blocks, varying fabric placement. Choosing which fabrics to use together in each block was my favorite part! Here are my 12 blocks. This layout would make a fun quilt too, but I like the addition of the Fun & Games pieces to mix up the design a litle.

7. Lay out the blocks and (12) 4-1/2" x 10-1/2" Fun & Games pieces into four horizontal rows as shown. 

8. Sew the blocks and pieces into horizontal rows and join the rows to complete the quilt top. 

9. Layer the backing, batting and quilt top and quilt as desired. Bind the quilt to finish it (you'll need five 2-1/4" x 42" strips). 

Enjoy! 

For a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of Dot Crazy fabrics, leave a comment below letting me know your thoughts on polka dots. Giveaway is open through Friday, December 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. Make sure I have a way to contact you! 

Head over to Benartex's blog to learn more about the Dot Crazy collection.

39 comments:

  1. Polka dots are great to use in quilts and projects.

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  2. I love polka dots! I have a whole section of dots on my fabric shelves.
    cecilialyoung at gmail.com

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  3. I just love Polka dots. This collection is spectacular. Not sure what I’d make but I do love it!

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  4. You have used one of my favourite blocks. Would love to make the quilt.

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  5. I LOVE polka dots, doesn't everyone? I think the are a great basic plus they add a bit of whimsy.

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  6. Ooooh I Love Love LOOOOVE Polka Dots!! :D they are so versatile!! Love your Quilt too! It just Radiates Fun & Happy!! (& is grrrreat for gray Winter days!!) Thank you for sharing & for chance to win your Give-a-way too!
    Merry Christmas Blessings!! :)

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  7. Polka dots rock! Love your quilt! Happy holidays!! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom

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  8. I love dots because they go with everything! Even dots with applique using K Fassett fabrics to add some fun. Thanks for your happy quilt tutorial!

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  9. I love polka dots. They add motion to a quilt and if they contain a variety of colors you can match them up with a mixture of colored fabric. Thank you for your tutorial.

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  10. I enjoy using dots. They add a little pizazz to any quilting project. Thanks for sharing

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  11. My thoughts about dots are that I simply adore them! I love the retro vibe polka dots create. I designed and stitched up some tea towels a few years ago with a black with white dots ruffle on the lower edge and red yo-yo flowers on the towel. What fun! Thanks for the great quilt tutorial and generous giveaway.

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  12. I remember from the time my Mother had a polka dot dress that I have been in love with polka dots. Tricia Deen tweeky42@yahoo.com

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  13. These polka dots are great--I really like those bright colors!

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  14. Polka dots are fun. The smaller ones always remind me of button candy. Those little dots candies that are stuck to paper, that you pull off with your teeth, and always end up eating a little paper with each one? :)

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  15. I remember a polka dot skirt my mom made that I could twirl with. Fun. Thanks for sharing your quilt.

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  16. I love polka dots. I find that ones that are uneven on the fabric are so useful as background fabrics. Other polka dots are just plain fun.

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  17. Polka Dots are a blast to create quilts with! They are a usually a fabric that can be used as a background or a focus even a blender. Plus, I believe that they always make people smile and think of something good. Your quilt is a delight and I look forward to making one! Thank you for sharing and have a great day!

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  18. Polka dots are beautiful and love to use them on baby quilts in special de small ones.

    Your quilt is fantastic and love how you play wiht the fabrics.

    Merry Christmsas!!

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  19. Dots in all sizes and colors are my favorites. The Dot Crazy fabric is perfect for your quilt and it does make the perfect baby quilt. I just love how the squares are offset with the strip of fabric--its definitely a pattern I can see myself making.

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  20. I love polka dots, any size. Your quilt looks sweet. Thank you for the tutorial and the inspiration, your blog is nice and colorful, but not to overwhelming. I like it.

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  21. I love polka dots. This new fabric collection is terrific. Thanks for the tutorial too.

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  22. Dots are just fun!!! Your quilt is adorable!!

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  23. I enjoy dots in my
    creations. Fun look
    in your quilt.
    Carla from Utah

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  24. I love your quilt and I love dots!

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  25. I love polka dots ... they are fun and who doesn't like polka dots. Your baby quilt is perfect for a wee one, with all of the bright colors.

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  26. I love using polka dots in quilts. They go with everything, and really tie the colors together.

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  27. Polka dots are so much fun I can't resist them. This collection is wonderful.

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  28. I have always loved polka dots - so cheery & so impressive! Your quilt is so bright & happy - everyone smiles! Thank you for sharing, Susan

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  29. I like polka dots--I just made my youngest Granddaughter a blue and white polka dot dress and a matching one for her 18" doll.
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  30. Awesome quilt! I adore polka dots! I have made whole quilts with just dots! Mumbird3(at)gmail(for)com

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  31. I love polka dots! They are one of my top 5 prints and I use them everytime! Love your quilt! Thanks

    tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

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  32. Your Dots Squared quilt is a great way to show off this collection! I adore polka dots and have quite a stash of them, ranging from mini dots to large dots! Everything seems to coordinate with polka dots. Have you seen all the criticism of Princess Kate's choice of wearing polka dots? The Brits definitely think it's in-becoming for a princess to wear them. I think she look beautiful in dots! duchick at gmail dot com

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  33. I love dots. I really like this quilt. Very nice would be great for a child or a baby. Jmikebalou (at) aol (dot) com

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  34. I love polka dots. They're so versatile in quilts and mix well with other prints. golfingofcourse at gmail dot com

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  35. I just bought a neutral (beige) color polka dot fabric to use as a quilt background. rozz01(at)cox(dot)net

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  36. They are fun and add moment to a project. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  37. I love polka dots--Can't have too many!

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  38. You gotta love polka dots, right? I have several polka dot skirts that I love to wear especially my black with cream polka dot skirt. Ooh and I have a yellow with cream polka dot skirt. I have a navy jacket with white pin dots. Does this count. I love polka dots. :)

    tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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