Good afternoon friends! I was just thinking to myself that this is one Friday you won’t catch me saying, “T.G.I.F.” on, so I’ll just say happy New Year’s eve-eve to you instead. I have pretty much been laying low this week, trying to stay away from work so I can recharge a little before the new year…. and I have to say, it’s been really nice! Aside from stopping into the studio for a few things here and there I’ve managed to give myself a little bit of a much-needed break from the grind, while spending the last few days hanging out with my grandsons Jace and O-Bug. I have always really loved the Christmas holiday, but there is something extra special about sharing it with them. Such young and curious minds full of wonder only add that much more to the magic. Ahh, to be young again… On the other hand, I am really enjoying being a “Mimi.” It has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life so… I guess I won’t wish away a good thing. 🙂

As I mentioned, working this week has been on my list of things to do but in small doses, so I’m not going to spend too much more time sitting at my desk this afternoon. We do need to cover one important thing before I get back to fun and games, however, and that’s talk about this week’s Sewcialites 2 block release! I hope after a week off you’re all caught up and ready to get started on Block 9, “New Plus Old” by Brigitte Heitl of Zen Chic. Originally from Germany, Brigitte learned to sew from her grandmother when she was only six years old! Once she got older, the love of designing and sewing her own clothing lead her to choose Interior Design as her course of study in college. She found herself increasingly intrigued by the students down the hall who were using needle, thread, and of course fabrics within their curriculum, and eventually ended up changing her direction toward textile design. From there, an accidental encounter with a quilting book sparked a newfound infatuation with patchwork, which ultimately resulted in her online shop and fabric line designs.

Brigitte describes her quilt designs as a reduced and pure with a clear style. She represents the modern area of quilting, yet highly regards the experiences and history that goes into our centuries-old quilting traditions. For this block, her goal was to contribute a design that looks wonderful in both modern and traditional quilt patterns. If you know her work at all, you may have noticed that she has a bit of a “thing” for plus blocks. “New Plus Old“ block follows suit with its simple yet aesthetically pleasing layout, earning it the rank of “Beginner Level” on the skills requirement scale.

When describing “New Plus Old“ Brigitte says that it’s easy to sew, and versatile enough to create a variety of different design, color, and fabric combinations. I know you’re anxious to see what you come up with for your own version of this fun little design so let’s get to it! You can find everything you need to get started on “New Plus Old” including the pattern, project instructions, sewing techniques, tips, and advice from Brigitte by visiting her blog by clicking the button below!

If you’ve been following along so far, you know that for my blocks I’ve decided to use my Garden Gatherings fabric line, without the five tans. For the background I plan to use a selection from the Garden Gathering Shirtings Collection, #49176 15 – a cream fabric with an adorable tiny mustard/orange floral print. If you like what you see and need it in your life A.S.A.P. click the button below to order!

If you’re still trying to decide whether or not to participate in Sewcialites 2? don’t worry about being behind. One of the best parts of this quilt-along is that it’s never too late to start – you can join us at any time! Previously released blocks will be posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page along with my blog in the Sewcialites 2 Block Archive, which is listed in the main menu of links at the top of the page.

Newly released blocks can always be found on Kim’s blog The Jolly Jabber, along with a video tutorial on her YouTube Livestream the same day. Each designer will also post their own block to either their blog or their website on that day as well. I will also be posting each block release here on MY blog every Friday for your convenience. Fabric requirements and all block patterns will be posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page, which you can access by clicking the link below. If you’d like to get automatic updates on Sewcialites 2 you can subscribe to the blog by signing up in the Email subscription box by visiting the Landing Page, or by subscribing to the YouTube channel by clicking HERE.

Alright, now that we got that all out of the way, what do you say we give away a couple of prizes? I can’t let the new year start off on boring foot so in honor of the holiday let’s do double again today. I mean because, why not?!? Suzann R., Cindy P., Pam P., and Leann K. – Please check your emails – YOU are the lucky prize winners this week! 

By now you should all know the drill but just in case you don’t, please remember that I do not post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re one of the lucky winners this week please be sure to check your email. You can also contact Heidi at heidin@primitivegatherings.us if you have not already received a prize confirmation letter from her. She will use your email address to confirm that you are in fact the winner (if you think you are a winner but have not received a prize confirmation email, please be sure to check your spam folder – it’s not often but our emails occasionally will end up there)!

Again, thank you all so much for continuing to leave me comments. I’d LOVE to give a prize out to each and every one of my readers and I think I have a pretty good start… If you haven’t been a winner yet, don’t give up! I have plenty more where that came from so please, leave me a comment so you too can be chosen! Want a hot tip? If your “handle” or user name is not your actual name, please leave your first name and last initial in the comment so I know what your name is. Otherwise I don’t have a good way of calling you out as a winner without exposing your email address. Simple enough I’d say!

Well folks, I can hear an awful lot of commotion and giggling coming form the other room and something is telling me I should probably go investigate. I hope you all have a SAFE and happy New Year’s eve and day. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do… and if you do, send pictures! You know what they say – no pictures = it didn’t happen. Maybe it’s better that way. LOL! See you all next week everyone.~Lisa