Another Happy Aunt

Yay, the quilt is finally finished! My Aunt and I went shopping for the fabric over a year ago and now it's done. Doing a small victory dance behind the computer here. After all the trouble this quilt caused it's another in the finished category. I used the pattern Fireworks by Thimble Blossoms. We picked out an assorted group of taupes and warm grays to make the top, with a cream background. The range of tones really helps make this quilt pop. 

In true Patch flair, the back also got pieced. My aunt had mentioned that she likes how I piece the backs as well, so she got one too. The triangles came off all the blocks, it's the other half of the corner pieces, and an extra block. I love the front of this one but I also love the back! 

I quilted all over using a stipple pattern in a cream colored thread. My aunt was very happy when I pulled this out of the car for her so hopefully she will enjoy it for many years to come :)

- Patch & Chels

More HST for Quilt Along

Another update on the NHMQG HST Quilt Along. As of now I am half way done with 15 blocks completed. It's never been a secret that I despise squaring half square triangles, so I am not sure why I agreed to this quilt. Although these are not my typical colors I am loving them more and more. 

Before this picture I was thinking these blocks don't need sashing. After seeing all them all laid out, they definitely need sashing! Guess I will be changing my plans. 

-Patch & Chels

Tech Tip for the New Blogger

Some of my blogging buddies are taking on the challenge of hosting the 2015 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop and asked if I would create an advice or tech help post. That got me thinking, what did I most want to know this time last year as I was just starting to blog. The thing that came to mind was some blog bling! Those little icons in the sidebar that cleaned up the clutter and linked readers to different forms of social media. I had drooled about them since I started blogging. I figured they were out of my expertise. Turns out, they are not difficult.  

The icons themselves can either be purchased (I got mine from Etsy) or make your own for more personalization. They come in a variety of different social media icons.  I just picked my favorite forms of social media to link. It's also fun to look through the styles available. There are so many to chose from, they should match any blog. 

So, now is the confession. I do not know how to write code and have no idea how computer programing works, but, there is a shortcut around that for my non compute friends. Don't worry. The videos show how to step-by-step just pick blogger or wordpress.

How to Install Social Media on Blogger Sidebar 

How to Install Social Media on Wordpress Blog 

Right, not so bad? The best part about the video, was I was able to see her actually do the direction, pause the video, do the task, then move onto the next direction. Breaking the information into smaller parts made it more manageable for myself. 

Another fun note. This is also how I create buttons in my sidebar to link to different events/activities happing on my blog or in the blogging community.

Good luck in creating your own blog bling! 

-Patch & Chels

P.S. If you would like to be apart of the 2015 New Bloggers Blog Hop the links are below ... 

Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl

Stephanie @ Late Night Quilter 

Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs 

Terri Ann @ Childlike Fascination

Attention New Bloggers!!

If you are new to blogging you must check out the the 2015 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop. A wonderful group of bloggers has taken on this monumental task for organizing the hop (insert applause). I was part of last years class and it was hands down the best blogging decision I ever made. Most of my best blogging buddies came out of this group as either alumni or new bloggers like myself. This is a great way to link into the amazing quilting community and gain some followers! Here are the requirements: be an active "modern" quilt blogger blogging for 2 years or less. The discussions will be held on Facebook Group so must have an account. 

Contact (links included): 

Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl

Stephanie @ Late Night Quilter 

Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs 

Terri Ann @ Childlike Fascination

These ladies are also hosting an Advice and Tech Help link up, so check back later this week I am posting a Tech Tip for the new blogger! 

Don't be shy come join the party!!

-Patch & Chels