Leaf (feather) Quilt Block Tutorial

Friday, November 22, 2013


Hi Everyone,

I had so many lovely comments about the blocks I made last weekend that I thought I would write a little tutorial for you. I have to admit am I kind of in love with them myself. Some people are calling these feathers and that is fine... I choose to call them leaves because that is what I set out to make :)
Updated pictures as of 4/29/17 and here is a downloadable PDF



This Tutorial Makes Two 9” (unfinished) Blocks

Supplies:
14 - 2” x 9 1/2” Strips for Leaf
4 – 3 ½” Squares for Background
1 – 1 ½” x WOF Strip for Stem
Instructions:
Lay out 7 strips for each side of your leaves. I chose to do one side in warm tones and one side in cool tones but you can choose whatever you like of course. If you decide to add a low volume piece try to put it in a different place on each side. 




Sew the strips together to form two rectangles as shown.


Square these units to 9 ½” by cutting approximately 1/2 “ off each end.




Lay the units out so that the strips are horizontal. Cut units on the diagonal. Make sure to cut from left top to right bottom on one and right top to left bottom on the other. If you are making more than 2 blocks just be certain to cut half one way and half the other. 










Lay out your two halves so that the stripes form a chevron in the center.



This is the sort of tricky part but not really… just look closely at the picture. Lay the left side of the leaf on the stem fabric strip so that the bottom of the leaf is next to the left edge of the bottom of the strip and the top edge of the leaf is ¼ inch from the right edge of the strip at the top.



Sew ¼ from the edge of the stripped piece.



Trim close to the edge of the stripped piece.



Press toward the stripped piece


Lay the right side of the leaf on the stem fabric strip so that the bottom of the leaf is next to the right edge of the bottom of the strip align along the edge of the stem fabric so that the stripped pieces overlap at the top. 


Sew ¼” seam.


Press toward the stripped piece.






Square the block to 9” keeping the 45 degree angle line on your ruler somewhere in the stem fabric. It doesn’t have to be perfectly down the center because leaves are organic (and so are feathers).




Draw a line diagonally on the back of each of the background 3 ½” squares.



Line up your squares on the outside corners of the leaves as shown.





Sew down the marked line and trim.



Press and Voila... your blocks are done! Please, if you use this tutorial all I ask is that you give me credit and link back to me. You are welcome to make things to sell with it as well.  Every once in a while I do something I am extra proud of and want a little credit :) Thanks so much! Also if you make some we would love to see them please post to Instagram with the hashtag #featherleafblock






 Here is the original picture:


and the original quilt

 I am adding 2"sashing between the blocks so they look like this.



167 comments on "Leaf (feather) Quilt Block Tutorial"
  1. I love the "Medallion Peony" print....and all colors of the "Buttons" fabric.

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  2. My favorite is the Medallion in Aquamarine.

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  3. Super tutorial. Thank you. I really love the Buttons and Leaves prints.

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  4. I love your leaf blocks! I am so excited about true colors, especially the grey woodgrain!

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  5. I think the Sealing Wax in clear is my favorite but I also really like the amethyst colors because there are so few purple modern choices. Love your choices of neutrals for the blocks!

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  6. I like the cresant bloom in ruby. Such pretty colors and I love this block. Looks very doable even for a person learning to quilt. Thanks!

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  7. I love Pop Blossom in Turquoise! Great blocks! Thanks!

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  8. Medallion in Violet is at the top of my list. Love the leaf tutorial and can't wait to see them pop up in the flickr group.

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  9. I've got to go with Crescent Blooms in Tangerine.

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  10. Oh what a fabulous block! Thanks so much for sharing your tutorial! I love the Medallion in Aquamarine!

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  11. Crescent bloom in turquoise is gorgeous! I love your block! I can so tell it's a leaf, not a feather :-)

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  12. Herringbone in turquoise. Love them all.

    Your block is fantastic.

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  13. Love the madillion in violet babscorbitt@gmail.com

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  14. i like the buttons in teal print. thanks for the tutorial.

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  15. I like Crescent Bloom in turquoise.
    Thanks for the chance to win. I already have the 20" pillow form just waiting to win.

    shawn

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  16. Sealing wax in saffron. Thanks for the tutorial. These are wonderful blocks!

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  17. Citron Is my favorite. What a beautiful block.

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  18. I would choose crescent bloom in turquoise. These are lovely blocks! Can't wait to try them out!

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  19. True Colors - Medallion Peony

    Thank you for the tutorial and the giveaway!

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  20. True Colors - Herringbone in any of the colors though the yellow is calling to me on this cold, gray day.

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  21. Love this block! Thanks for the tutorial. I'll say sealing wax in saffron if I can only pick one. I like them all! :) Pat

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  22. I love at the jewel tones, particularly the eal and purples

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  23. This block is awesome! Thanks for the tutorial. I can't wait to try. I looked through the colors, what an amazing palette! I am not sure this is the color but it is a deeper blue called "Clear." I also love the Peridot.

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  24. I love the JD woodgrain prints! Esp the turquoise ;)

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  25. I think your leaves are beautiful! You have done a wonderful job! Thank you for the tutorial also. Your directions are very clear with great pictures. I will say that in the past pictures of feathers/leaves just didn't do anything for me but yours have got me wanting to go make some leaves (I like that name better) right now. Thanks!

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  26. Gorgeous leaves! Love the colors. they really look like Autumn.
    Hard to chose but think I would go with "True Colors - Sealing Wax in Clear"

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  27. Hard to pick just one of these lovely fabrics - I think I like the Sealing Wax in Amethyst best.

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  28. I'm dying to get my hands on True Colors. Just pinned this tutorial for future use :) My favorite is going up in Garnet!

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  29. Thanks for the tutorial. The herringbone is my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  30. These blocks are so fun! And how I supposed to pick just 1 True Colors print!?! I'll go Lodge Lattice in Turquoise.

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  31. Wood Grain in Violet is my favorite. Your blocks look difficult and you've made them so easy. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  32. My favorite is :True Colors - Medallion in Aquamarine

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  33. a favorite?! how do you choose? I really like this one though, haystack Bouquet in Moss.

    :)

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  34. Love the leaf tutorial! My favorite print from the collection you linked is "leaves in purple". Thanks for the chance to win!

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  35. I like the ribbons--but it's a shame to have to choose just one!

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  36. Love these blocks! Thanks for the tutorial. My favorite is Sealing Wax in Saffron :)

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  37. Oh, that's hard, but I think I prefer medallion in aquamarine. Thanks so much for sharing

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  38. Sealing wax in amethyst...so pretty! thanks for a chance to win and sharing your tutorial.

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  39. I love anything purples and blues.
    Thanks for the tutorial, can't wait to make a bunch

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  40. I love the sealing wax print in peridot! Thank you for the tutorial! Such a sweet block and giveaway!

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  41. Lovely! My favorite is Crescent Bloom in fuschia.

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  42. This is such a great tutorial - thank you so much!! Sharing with my MQG and everyone... :)
    True colors are so gorgeous, tought to choose one, but my eye stopped at Lodge Lattice in Gray and Salmon...
    Thank you!

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  43. Although it may not look so great in the leaves, I really like the Herringbone in turquois and yellow.Thank you so much for the leaf block tutorial. It looks like such fun.

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  44. HI, MY FAVORITE IS 'CRESENT BLOOM' IN FUSCHIA! THANKS FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  45. your block is really cute, pinned it for future use:)
    i love all the true colors but i think this is my fav Haystack Bouquet in Navy

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  46. very nice tutorial..loved the medallion in emerald

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  47. I just love Sealing Wax in clear (the blue)

    susie
    legato1958@aol.com

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  48. This is gorgeous! I love Sealing Wax in Clear. christina112358 at gmail dot com

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  49. Very cool blocks! Thank you for the tutorial! :) I love the True Colors - Medallion in Aquamarine. :)

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  50. So hard to pick just one! Pop blossom in turquoise and buttons in teal are on my list though

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  51. Great tutorial! It looks easy to understand and do: cant' wait to try it!! I love the Diamonds in Pink!! thanks for the tutorial and the chance to win some to make some!!
    Hugs, H in Healdsburg

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  52. Julie,
    LOVE your tutorial. Absolutely perfect! LOVE the leaves. May have some done by the time we are back at the shop on "our Tuesday."
    My favorite (like I can pick only one) would have to be "Cresent Bloom in Ruby."

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  53. I love love love the herringbone prints. Thanks for the great tutorial and giveaway.

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  54. Adorable leaves! Beautiful Collection - but I really like Buttons in Teal!

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  55. LOVE this! Thanks so much for the tutorial. The citron is my favorite color! nicole at lillyella dot com

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  56. Fabulous tuto!Thanks!!
    Only one?True Colors - Buttons in Purple

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  57. My current favorite (which may change later) is True Colors - Going Up in Garnet.

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  58. Fabulous tutorial.Thanks!!

    Only one?True Colors - Buttons in Purple

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  59. I like Going Up In Sterling! Love your blocks!

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  60. I love the true colours going up in garnet
    So pretty
    Jessica

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  61. Thanks so much for the tutorial! I'm definitely making these lovely leaves. And the fabric is awesome. I like the Crescent Bloom in turquoise. Thanks!

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  62. I like your leaves, they look simple to make. I like the Herringbone pattern in turquoise.

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  63. lovely leaves :D

    i really like medallion in violet

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  64. The entire True Colors range is on my radar. So to choose just one .. I like Sealing Wax in Amethyst.
    suegribble(at)gmail(dot)com

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  65. I love True Colors- ribbons. In orange. Neat block. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  66. Crescent Blooms in turquoise is my favorite, but love all the colors in your leaves.

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  67. True Colors - Going Up in Garnet

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  68. My favorite is medallion in aqua marine

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  69. Medallion in Aquamarine! What a great block! VermontPines at aol dot com

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  70. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. on my to-do list now. Pop Blossom in Turquoise is my favourite. So pretty.

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  71. Love your block & tutorial. My favorite is Buttons in Green. Thanks
    for the chance to win.

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  72. this is a gorgeous block Julie. I love Crescent Bloom in Fuchsia.

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  73. Love the blocks!! Thanks for the tutorial. And my favorite print... Sealing Wax in Amethyst {I love purple :o) }

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  74. Love your leaves! I like Lodge Lattice in Turquoise.

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  75. Buttons in Teal is my favorite. I love all the True Colors collections! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  76. Love the crescent bloom in fuschia!

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  77. Like the tutorial, thanks. I like Going Up in Smoothie.

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  78. (To be read in epic 80s rock star vocals:) AND I SEE YOUR TRUUUUUUUE COLORS, THAT'S WHY I LOOOVE YOU!!!!
    Lol, seriously, that is now still in my head. I LOVE the sealing wax and lodge lattice prints. My favorite point is the woodgrain on gray.

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  79. (To be read in epic 80s rock star vocals:) AND I SEE YOUR TRUUUUUUUE COLORS, THAT'S WHY I LOOOVE YOU!!!!
    Lol, seriously, that is now still in my head. I LOVE the sealing wax and lodge lattice prints. My favorite point is the woodgrain on gray.

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  80. Split the difference and call them Feathery Leaves? My fave in the True Colors collection is AMH's Going Up in Sterling. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  81. I think the sealing wax in clear - I thought the leaf was cute but couldn't figure out what I'd do with it, but seeing the 8 of them laid out like makes such a different feel, I love it!

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  82. I think the leafs are so pretty. I'm really taken with True Colors, so many colors, and designs and they are so pretty. I like the Going up in Sterling and the medallions. Thanks.

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  83. These are so pretty!! Thanks for the chance to win!! I am in love with the Medallion and Haystack Bouquet prints - in all the colors, I mean, how can you pick just one?! haha

    prajaline(at)gmail

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  84. Ooooh! I love the Herringbone in Turquoise! And LOVE the leaf block, thanks!

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  85. I like crescent bloom in turqoise. Thanks for the tutorial

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  86. I love your block! Thanks so much for sharing your secrets with us. :)

    Medallion in Peony is my favorite of the True Colors, but it wasn't an easy choice to make.

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  87. Since I seen these on Facebook, I've been wanting to make them! Thank you for the tutorial and bonus, a giveaway too! I like the sealing wax print in all the colors.

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  88. Your leaves are beautiful, thanks for sharing the tutorial. My fav print would have to be Sealing Wax.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  89. I love them all, how can you choose just one?! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  90. I love those colors as well as your tutorial. The many graphics help out a lot. Thanks for sharing. All the colors are great but I think that Going up in Garnet is my favorite. I can see so many things I could use it in.

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  91. Thank you so much for the tutorial. I pinned it, and will link it to you after I'm done (think next year!)

    ***Some of your Heather Bailey posts are wrong or missing. This is so hard to choose!

    THIS IS SO HARD: Mod dot in aqua but I'd have to see all the pop blossoms before I decide a very most favorite.

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  92. Leaves in Emerald want to live at my house!

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  93. I love the Lodge Lattice and the Medallion in every color. Love your feathers and can't wait to do them for myself. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  94. True Colors - Crescent Bloom in Turquoise

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  95. Thank you for sharing how you make these. It is too hard to pick one favorite but I really like the Medallion Peony.

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  96. love crescent blue in turquoise!

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  97. I like Herringbone in turquoise.thank you for the tutorial and giveaway.

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  98. Pop Blossom is my favourite. Thanks for the block tutorial.

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  99. Thank you for the tutorial, Julie! I love these blocks. I think my favorite is the sealing wax.

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  100. What an intriguing block. I am taken with herringbone in yellow, although it was hard to pick just one!

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  101. Woodgrain in straw:) thanks for the tutorial!

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  102. Thank you for sharing the great tutorial. My favorite is Haystack Bouquet in Moss.

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  103. Crescent Bloom in turquoise is amazing! Thanks for sharing that awesome feather block tutorial. Super fun!

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  104. My favorite is sealing wax in clear.

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  105. Lovely! I like Crescent Bloom in Turquoise

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  106. Ugh! I can never pick just one!! I love all the woodgrain's and Button's in Teal. Thanks for sharing the tutorial and for the great giveaway :)

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  107. Thank you for the inspirations. I have to pick the Medallion in Emerald since I only get one pick.

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  108. So hard to pick just one favorite. I love them all. But Medallions in Emerald would have to be my # 1.

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  109. Love, love, love this tutorial! I have been wanting to do something like this for awhile and this definitely is doable for me. I can't pick a favorite fabric they are all scrumptious. So, if I win you can decide. Thanks for sharing.

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  110. I kind of love all of them. I have to pick a fave it would be Diamond in Pumpkin.

    Thanks for a wonderful tutorial.

    Cindy

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  111. I had a new favorite on every page but for the sake of brevity, I'll go with buttons in green. And I love this tutorial too. Thanks for sharing!

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  112. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this Block!!! Thanks so much for showing us "HOW" - so GLAD Mark Lipinski shared your blog link on his fan page today so that I have FOUND you...and now I can join the rest of your Followers! WhooHoo!!! My fav fab is anything Turquoise...especially love the Pop Blossom pattern!

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  113. I like this design. I have many 2 1/2 " strips already cut, I wonder if I could figure out how to make bigger leaves... Thanks for sharing

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  114. Love the leaf. Of the fabrics I like Pop Blossom in dove.

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  115. Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. It's easy to follow and the perfect balance between words and photos! It looks like a very fun block.

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  116. Thank you for the tutorial! I love New Wave in Olive, although they are all pretty!

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  117. I love so many of the prints. Flowers in blue, buttons in teal, all the Pop Blossoms.

    Love the leaf block- nice tutorial.

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  118. Great tutorial and I love Going Up in Smoothie

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  119. It's hard to pick a favorite but Scrollwork in black jump off the page for me,
    Thanks for the tutorial.

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  120. Can't wait to dig into my scrap bag(s) and make this block.

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  121. True Colors - Crescent Bloom in Ruby Of course, they are all gorgeous....

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  122. Hi!!!! Happy Birthday!!!! I love the feather block!!!! I love the wood grain in teal!!!! They are all very pretty!!! Thanks for the fun!!!!

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  123. Since I have only bought one print so far I will have to go with it, and that is sealing wax :)

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  124. Julie- I love your leaves! They are really pretty and so colorful. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. K-

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  125. The feather block is stunning. I really want to try making it, I will give you credit of course. The medallion in aqua marine is my favorite color.

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  126. sealing wax in clear - thank you!

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  127. Beautiful block. It sure doesn't look like every other quilt block i see. I love it. Thanks for sharing it.

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  128. Crescent Bloom in Turquoise is my favorite. I like the block! Thanks for the tutorial. Joan

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  129. Sealing Wax in Amithyst is my favorite color by far. I love these leaves you've done and can hardly wait to make some!!! Thank you for offering them to us.

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  130. wonderful tutorial, thanks! I love the purple buttons!!

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  131. Super tutorial. I really like Woodgrain in Teal.

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  132. What a neat tutorial, thk. I like many of the colors but I love love New Wave in Turquoise.

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  133. Wonderful block and great tutorial. Thanks!
    Love all the fabrics in the true colors collection but my favorite is medallion peony.

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  134. Going Up Sterling is my fav - thanks for the opportunity - I am going to have to do this tuit - I love the scrappiness of it!

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  135. I love the leaf pattern and the fabrics that I love are the woodgrain in violet or leaves in violet.

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  136. True Colors - Damask in Violet was my favorite. I love purples and violets!

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  137. This is a terrific pattern. Nicely done. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Etty Robinson

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  138. I love this, thank you! String quilts are some of my favorite. I love the medallion in aquamarine, very pretty.

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  139. Crescent Bloom in Turquoise is my favorite! Bonnie's FB Quiltville sent me your way! Thanks for the tutorial on leaves!

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  140. i LOVE the buttons pattern in teal

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  141. I love the tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing it. My favorite colors, well I like so many...Haystack bouquet in Sunny!

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  142. Thank you for the giveaway- I like the Pumpkin in diamonds and everyone else too.

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  143. Terrific tutorial. Thank-you for posting it. I'm looking forward to making some leaves. I have many favorites but I'm going to choose Diamond in Sand.

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  144. I REALLY like this technique! Thanks for posting and thanks to Bonnie Hunter for leading me to it.

    Nancy

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  145. Thanks for the good tutorial! I love the Medallion in Aquamarine color.

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  146. As much as I love the purples, I LOVE Going Up in Garnet so much! I want it in all the colors :) Great tutorial. I pinned for future use! Thanks!

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  147. Thanks for the great tutorial. Loves the Leaves, especially the purple.

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  148. teal butterfly bliss, thanks for the give away

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  149. I think this is a very unique block,
    and can't wait to try it!
    I'm also going to suggest this block to my Quilt Guild friends.

    I think your New Wave in Turquoise is very pretty.

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  150. The tutorial was fantastic, easy to understand, great visual directions, and a keeper for my collection of patterns. Great way to use up my stash of fabric. My favorite True Color has to be the Crescent Bloom in fuchsia, ruby, and turquoise. They are so vibrant. Hard to choose one.

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  151. Diamonds in sand....such a great neutral!

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  152. Oh wow! Love the block and I know I will make this! The fabric's sooo nice! I'm torn between Damask in Turquoise and Pop Blossom in Turquoise, I must win or I will spend too much money!!

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  153. love this block and the fab rics you have used. I know what my autumn wall hanging is going to look like now!

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  154. PicnIc Daisy in Orchid is my favorite! Great job on the tutorial, can't wait to try this!

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  155. Leaves in sky is my favorite but it would have to go with a bright green. Love the leaf pattern. Leaves have always been my favorite things....still are. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  156. I love your leaves/feathers, gorgeous colours and an amazing block once laid out as you suggest.
    Thank you for a great tutorial, I'll be having a go at these.

    Daisy x

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  157. Beautiful leaves and clear tutorial. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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