Little Gems Blog Hop

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Little Gems Blog Hop

I am excited to take part in the Little Gems Blog Hop featuring Connie Kauffman’s new book called Little Gems: 15 Paper Pieced Miniature Quilts which was published by Martingale. Connie is a fellow Island Batik Ambassador and everyone participating is using Island Batik fabrics for their projects.

My project is called Playing with Plaids and is a super easy paper piecing project. I also used a Ackfeld Table Top Fabric Holder to display my miniature.

Little Gems Blog Hop

Here is the same miniature quilt that is in Connie’s book made with plaids.

Little Gems Blog Hop

What I used was Full Bloom by Island Batik.

Here is the piece before adding the buttons, they really change the look of the little wall hanging don’t you think?

Little Gems Blog Hop
 
Little Gems Blog Hop

Connie’s book Little Gems contains 15 beautiful paper-pieced miniatures that are each 12 inch by 12 inch and easy to follow directions. If you have never paper-pieced before this is a book you will learn from and enjoy. Here are just a few of the designs you will find in the book and every day through April 18th you will see how these designs have been redone with baLittle Gems Blog Hop

 
 

Did you know if you buy a quilt book from Martingale you also get a e-book when you order a print version.

You can find Little Gems: 15 Paper Pieced Miniature Quilts at: Martingale.

Little Gems: 15 Paper Pieced Miniature Quilts
is also available on Amazon.

Images from Little Gems by Connie Kauffman, Martingale, 2015; 
used by permission.  Photos by Brent Kane.  All rights reserved. 

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162 Comments

  1. Dar Welch says:

    I've done a little paper piecing but never miniatures. Would love to try it! Your version is lovely!

  2. Love your little gen–like it in their plaids as well as your yummy batiks! Of course I've done paper piecing (I think I've tried all the types of quilting). I had a ball doing some Sunbonnet Sues and Sams and lots of 3" Christmas ornaments but most fun was the Harry Potter bookcase from sewhooked!

  3. I have never tried paper piecing but it is on my to do list.

  4. Jen Barnard says:

    I have tried paper piecing, I really like it. I love the buttons you added to your mini.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

  5. I love paper-piecing! I get going in a rhythm and can't seem to stop. I have yet to do a whole quilt made with paper-piecing, but I've done a lot of sampler blocks.
    reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

  6. Wow, your version of the quilt is so very different from the plaid one! I didn't recognize it at first. Yes, I have tried & do paper piecing of all types. Epp, Fpp, & cut out the shapes with freezer paper, iron it on & sew next to the paper, not thru it.

  7. Pam Geisel - For Quilts Sake says:

    I have tired paper piecing a few times and enjoyed it. I also think the buttons on your mini quilt really make the colors pop.

  8. I have tried paper piecing and enjoy the process – as long as I cut enough fabric.

  9. Laura Ferdal says:

    I love your quilt – so very neat.
    I have not paper-pieced as yet – am new to the world of quilting. I would love to try it out soon.

    thanks for the giveaway!
    merryorganic@gmail.com

  10. I love to paper piece. I've been dabbling in it for years. Carol Doak is my go-to for that side of the quilting fun! Your creation is breathtaking. Thanks for sharing and allowing us a chance to WIN!!!

    Pat O

  11. SBDavis603 says:

    I really enjoy paper piecing, especially for smaller projects. It's a great way to get sharp points

  12. I dabble in paper piecing. I am comfortable except for joining the sections together. Too much bulk I guess.

    I really like your version of the plaids quilt. It's vibrant and pretty.

    Thanks for the chance to win.

  13. To this day I do not have the courage to live paper-piecing technique. It seems to me it is so difficult! But maybe I dare as I can win this great book ???

  14. Quiltsmiles says:

    Your miniature is a beauty. I enjoy paper piecing and have done several projects with precise results which I love. Thanks for the chance.

  15. Marlene @ KISSed Quilts . com says:

    Love the accuracy I can get with paper piecing. Love that Full Bloom collection!

  16. Brandy Pettit says:

    I have done a couple blocks of paper piecing, and hope to get a few more in this year.
    ~Brandy

  17. Christine Regan says:

    Love to paper piece. Comes out soooo well.

  18. I love your version of Playing with Plaids. Those buttons are super cute. I am convinced that I MUST have Connie's book. Thanks for participating in the blog hop and for sharing.

  19. While I can't say that paper piecing is an all time favourite, I do like doing it. I love the 'surprise' at the end after all the parts are sewn up.

  20. I've done two blocks – it is so fun to do and gives such nice results.

  21. I love your version of this mini quilt in such beautifully vibrant colours. I would like to make one just like it!

  22. Vicki in MN says:

    Oh Connie that's just adorable! Love the additions of the buttons too! Yes I have paper pieced before, love the accuracy you get with it.

  23. Looove your Quilts! Soooo cool! Would love to win this Awesome book!

    Only tried PP once…was fun..but had other projects going, and my 2 little blocks are still waiting for my return! lol

  24. Carole @ From My Carolina Home says:

    I'd love to win the book!! I have one of those frames, and I only have two little miniatures done for it. Love your batiks mini! I like the plaid one with the buttons too. Thanks for sharing about this book!

  25. Mary Marcotte says:

    I just love the way the bright colors of your Batiks look in this pattern. It's so different from the original!

    I have tried PP and I'm sorry to say, I can't seem to get my brain to work with the concept. It's too "turned-around" for me. I'd give it another go if I won her book, of course. It would be silly not to try, especially since you say her method is easy to understand.

  26. I haven't tried paper piecing yet. Love your wall hanging,the buttons do make it pop. Thanks for the chance to win. vickise at gmail dot com

  27. Great fabric choices. Love your mini. The buttons really do take it up to another level.

  28. Yes, I have tried paper piecing. Once you get used to it, it's very effective in helping with accuracy.

  29. Paper piecing certainly makes for some beautiful quilts.

  30. Cute mini quilt Connie!!! I've never tried paper-piecing but it's on my list of new techniques to try!
    cwayons(at)yahoo(dot)com

  31. Susan Mulvihill says:

    I've done a little paper-piecing and like the results but find it's tricky to get the hang of at first. I really need to do more, esp. after seeing the amazing quilts above! So pretty!

  32. I have tried paper piecing, but I have to admit it is not my favorite method of making a quilt. I feel like I waste too much fabric.

  33. Katharine Retherford says:

    I love paper piecing – I always thought it looked too complicated until the first time I tried it!

  34. I have done paper piecing and enjoy it. I like the "spring" look to your little quilt. Thanks for a chance

  35. JudyCinNC says:

    Thank you for this wonderful opportunity … I love paper piecing and these are beauties. All would look good in my house. Judy C

  36. Totally love your Little Gems quilt in the batiks. It's a riot of gorgeous colour.
    I think it's time I perfected this technique. Thank you for the opportunity to win the book.

  37. QuiltLaughLove says:

    I've paper pieced a couple times with fairly good results. I'm loving these minis – and batiks are just my all time favorite fabrics!

  38. Barbara O. says:

    I have recently started a foundation paper piecing project and I'm hooked because of the incredible precision. Thanks for the chance!

  39. I always struggle with paper piecing, these little projects seem like the perfect practice pieces.

  40. I love the preciseness of paper piecing!

  41. I haven't tried paper piecing yet but it is in my list of things to try. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

  42. I have done some paper piecing. It sure makes it easier to get small pieces accurate.

  43. The Victorian Girl says:

    I do paper piecing occasionally. It really does help make things precise.

  44. I love the mini-quilts. maybe I am ready to try paper piecing

  45. Janet Sabol says:

    I love the bright batiks and cute little flowers. I'd like to do some more paper piecing and these mini-quilts are adorable!

  46. Dar Welch says:

    This looks like a lot of fun! Changing the fabrics really changes the look!

  47. Like the mini quilts. Seem do able for a novice like me!

  48. scottylover says:

    I love to paper piece, especially when there are small pieces and lots of points! 🙂

    Love seeing how a few changes makes the quilt look so different, too!

    Sandy A

  49. I have done a little paper piecing…I love how it makes everything come out so precise. Thanks for sharing the giveaway!

  50. I am just learning to paper piece and love, love, love it. Your mini is beautiful. I would like to win this package. Thanks for the opportunity to try.

    Becky

  51. Cindy Freshley says:

    The buttons really transform the quilt! really love these little quilts. They would make great presents! thanks for the opportunity!

  52. Createology says:

    I adore these little Gem quilts and yours is beautiful in Island Batik fabrics. How generous of your sponsors to be sharing their wares.

  53. Loving your quilt in the Full Bloom batiks…so pretty! I have only practiced with paper piecing a few times, never done a quilt using this process; but would love to win these patterns to make because I have that table stand to display them on, and it is just waiting to be used.

  54. I've only tried paper piecing once. These are cute and would be fun to try.

  55. Your colors are so refreshing for this start of spring.

  56. The first paper pieced block I made I designed myself. It was a dragonfly.

  57. Judy Zoll says:

    Both samples are beautiful. I do paper piece and have made several minis for my girls and I. Would love it if I won. Thanks for the opportunity. Zollj@bpsnetworks.com

  58. The Island Batik colors are so vibrant, but I love the subtlety of the plaids too. I've tried pp, but could certainly use more practice. Little Gems would be great to work on.
    swalker287(at)aol(dot)com

  59. Your little gen is gorgeous! I've done paper piecing before, and I love the accurate results!

  60. Sherrill McKinnon says:

    Love the bright fabrics although I like it just as much without the buttons. Also love the frame.

  61. Brown Family says:

    It is amazing how the different fabrics change the look of a quilt. I am all for the bright colors. The buttons do change the quilt!

  62. I enjoy paper piecing. It's so relaxing and fun. Love the bright colors you used in your mini. Thanks for the book giveway!

  63. JoAnne in southern California says:

    I have not tried Paper piecing but I think it's time to start. Your bright colors with the buttons quilt is my favorite. I'd like to make one like that for my daughter's desk at school. She's an Art teacher.

  64. I've tried paper piecing and enjoy it!

  65. I´ve sew paperpiecing and I just love it. I have a project with hearts in paperpieceing. I love to see the block grow in. Yours sincerely! Titti

  66. I have tried paper piecing and I love it!! I'm also into making mini quilts lately, so this is a very attractive giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  67. I haven't done paper piecing in a long time, but these little wallhangings are a good reason to make me want to try again. Love the fabric choices in your sample!
    slbook3@aol.com

  68. Love your version. Just started working with paper pieced.

  69. glassbylindi.blogspot.com says:

    Love the fabric. Yes I love PP! L

  70. I love your little quilt and your use of the buttons. I have so many buttons! My cousin's grandfather was a part owner of the Muscatine Button Company and when he died my cousins got lots of buttons which they shared with family. Some are still on the original cards.

    I just never seem to remember to use them. Maybe it is time.

    Diannia

    Diannia

  71. I have made a number of paper foundation pieced blocks. Making one of these Little Gems would be a great way to do a whole little quilt. Loved your interpretation of the plaid quilt.

  72. Like all the small quilts I have seen, so far I have tried paper piecing. It was part of a row by row quilt I did. I definitely need more practice..

  73. I would love to win. I really enjoy PP. the buttons really add that little extra punch on your mini. so very pretty.

  74. GranChris says:

    Your plaids are unique. I have tried but I must be in the right frame of mind because I have to think backwards.

  75. Rhonda Davis says:

    I love the bright colored batiks you used in your version of Playing with Plaids. Would love to win a copy of Connie's book and the beautiful batiks and the table top fabric holder…what an awesome giveaway

  76. I've been doing some paper piecing lately and just finished some fun little blocks for a gift project for a friend. The blocks are paper pieced paper dolls. So cute!

    I must admit that I prefer your bright batiks to the plaid, although that mini quilt would be cute in any fabric combo.

  77. Yes, I have tried paper piecing. I enjoy it and like it because it is so precise. Love the quilt and holder!

  78. Lorie Bugaiski says:

    Yes I have tried paper piceing but have never finished a pattern. I have several patterns that I need to get done one of these days I'll get them done. Thanks for a chance to win!

  79. PatsPassion says:

    Yes, I have done paper piecing and enjoy it.

  80. Yes, I have done some PP and do enjoy it. I'm loving these little gems of quilting. Of course, you can't go wrong with Island Batiks – aren't they gorgeous? I do think the buttons are just the thing to set off "Playing With Plaids"!

  81. Like the plaid one the best and the buttons make it! Have only dabbled in paper piecing in the past, but think I would like to make a little quilt now.

  82. what a beautiful difference the bright colors make! Love all the patterns!

  83. Apple Avenue Quilts says:

    I love your quilt. It's so bright and happy. I love to paper piece.

  84. Susan Arnold says:

    Love paper piecing for its precision, but I usually use freezer paper because I'm lazy when it comes to removing the paper!

  85. jefferson says:

    Yes, I tried it once.

  86. Kim Sanderson says:

    I love paper piecing, love batiks and love this stand. Such a cool way of changing and displaying miniature quilt projects.

  87. I do some paper piecing. I like the colours you used in this mini. Looks like a good book to have on hand if you need to do a small project.

  88. teachpany says:

    Great job! It's such a cute design, and the batiks really are beautiful. I've finally tried paper piecing! It's fun.

  89. I tried it once and got frustrated. Would like to try again, with a easier, smaller pattern.

  90. Cindy Maki says:

    I love batiks. I haven't made many miniatures but sure willing to try after seeing all these wonderful renditions.

  91. Hooked on Quilting says:

    Paper piecing is fun…after the first two pieces!!! Wow, choice of fabrics makes all the difference in the world!!

  92. Wonderful fabrics in your mini. I have tried paper piecing and love it. The precise points are my favorite part.

  93. Farm Quilter says:

    Love how cheerful your mini is!!! The colors are fabulous and perfect for spring! I adore paper piecing and would love to have this book!

  94. Oh my goodness Connie – your little gem turned out so perfect! The colors and fabrics are a real delight! I know that paper piecing helps with accuracy, but it is still no guarantee, especially with minis. i am in awe over how perfect your piecing is. We can really see that in the exactness of the sashing between the little diamonds. Great work!

  95. Very pretty mini quilt Connie. Nope, still haven't tried paper piecing yet.

  96. Love the minis!
    I've tried paper piecing and love it!

  97. Allison CB says:

    I love to paper piece! Love the accuracy and the complexity of some of the designs! Miniquilts are my fav at the moment since they are quick to do and give lots of fabric usage satisfaction!!!

  98. Knittingdancer on Ravelry says:

    I have not tried paper piecing. I love the mini quilts.

  99. Susan Griffith says:

    Yes, I have tried paper piecing and I love it. I really like your little quilt and the buttons really make it!

  100. Calicojoan says:

    Oh Connie, those are both just adorable! I love this new book.

  101. alexfamily says:

    Just getting into paper piecing and enjoying what I am learning. This book would be a great help. Love the plaids.

  102. I have done a few blocks. I think it's a perfect method for minis.

  103. Your little quilt is so bright and springy! I love paper piecing-thanks for the chance to win!

  104. Lisa Marie says:

    Yes, I have done lots of paper piecing. It's one of my favorite things to do.

  105. Terri Hauge says:

    I have come to enjoy paper piecing. I like that my points are actually points! I really like your project in the bright colors – yea spring!
    Thank you for participating in the giveaway.

  106. Love your "mini" quilt. I have tried paper-piecing a few times, and would like to do more of it. I can see that paper piecing would work really well on "minis'. Thanks for sharing your version with us.

  107. Susan Coulter says:

    I love the bright colors you used. Just the thing to display after the long winter!

  108. Rosalind Gutierrez says:

    Yes I have paper-pieced and find it intriguing.

  109. I love Little Gems .. it is on my wish list. I have made a number of MugRugs to experiment with different techniques and colour combos. Have not tried paper piecing, but I am sure I will one of these days.
    Thanks for the great article.

  110. I do a lot of paper piecing. I love the accuracy you can get with it. The fabric you used is beautiful!

  111. Love your blog, I visit often. I tried paper piecing a few years ago and it didn't turn out well. I hope to win and give it another chance. Thanks.

  112. I have made 2 Judy Niemeyer patterns, and would like to try a Be Colorful pattern.
    cork@pa.rr.com

  113. These are adorable. I just love these mini's. Would love to have this book! Thanks!

  114. Deb G. in VA says:

    I love your little quilt! I like to paper piece and I love little quilts. Connie's book Little Gems looks like it has lots of great little quilts. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of it!

  115. Cute!!!
    Love mini's:)
    I haven't pp in a long time but just finished a fractured project and I have returned to the PP world:) There is also a New York Beauty challenge at my Guild:) That project is next:)

  116. Yes, I have done quite a bit of paper-piecing. I love minis too!

  117. Yes I have paper pieced and will want to get this book. What a great way to use scraps.

  118. Crickets Corner says:

    Love how using the Island Batiks changes the whole look. I have tried paper piecing and although it's not my favorite I love how the points and angles are so perfect. I'm getting ready work on a lap quilt that is paper pieced.

  119. Annika Eggers says:

    I have tried paper pieced and i like it 🙂

  120. Wow your full bloom fabrics are perfect for this project. I have done a little bit of paper piecing but not great at it. I am anxious to see all the different little quilts. They are so perfect for rooms with no wall space. Thanks for sharing

  121. I have tried pp and I liked it. Would like to win the give away to try again. Thank you for the chance.

  122. Marti Morgan says:

    I have paper pieced – a lot of log cabin blocks, but am far from being an expert!

  123. I love the fabrics in your quilt and I love to do paper piecing.

  124. Karen in Breezy Point says:

    I have to admit that I don't love paper piecing, but I do use it for certain things that I want to be perfect. Thanks for the fun give away!

  125. Beautiful, cheery mini quilt. It is amazing how choosing different fabrics brings on such a unique look.

  126. Jacklynn Grimm says:

    I have only tried paper piecing once, I look at the designs and get overwhelmed! I would like to try it again, because the seams look so precise! Thanks for the chance to win! jacklynnsteven at netzero dot com

  127. free indeed says:

    I've done a little paper piecing in the past just to try my hand at it. IT is super precise and I"d like to try something complex like mariner's star or something…just small projects. I'd love the book; I think I'd make a 'quiltlette' for every month to hang!

  128. Material Girl says:

    Love your mini- very bright and springlike- unlike our cold,rainy weather! Minis are my favorite.

  129. Lynnette Lamance says:

    I have never tried paper piecing but am more than willing to give it a shot!

  130. Love your block and this book looks great. I will have to go back and read the previous entries. Thanks for the chance to win. Drhodes9@cox.net

  131. I love the buttons. They really 'make' that piece. The book, however, would be a waste on me. I prefer to admire the PP work of others. 😀

  132. Sylvia Anderson says:

    Good morning Connie and thanks for the giveaway opportunity. What pretty little quilts. My favorite is the one you made with all the pretty batiks, since I love bright happy colors, especially if they're batiks. Enjoy the day.
    lv2bquilting2@comcast.net

  133. I have done paper piecing in the past, but not lately. These look like fun little projects.

  134. I STILL have not tried paper piecing, but I think these Little Gems would be perfect projects for my first try! Thanks for the chance to win!

  135. I have not had a chance to try paper piecing yet, but it is on my too do list. lol
    dragonfly9716 at yahoo dot com

  136. I have tried paper piecing a few times but I would like to do it more. Thanks.

  137. Happy Cottage Quilter says:

    These quilts look like such fun projects. Thanks!

  138. Michele T says:

    Beautiful mini quilt and I love the fabric and colours you chose!! I would love to win and give PPing a serious shot!!

  139. Terry Johnson says:

    I love the small quilts. Would love to try paper piecing some.

  140. Terry Johnson says:

    I love the small quilts. Would love to try paper piecing some.

  141. I've tried paper piecing and would love to try some more with the patterns from this book and my batik scraps!

  142. Such beautiful little quilts! Yes, I have tried paper piecing. I jumped right in with a very complicated pattern. It turned out better than I expected.

  143. Gorgeous. Thanks so much for sharing. This quilt is so bright and cheerful.

  144. Great job, Connie… love the happy, spring fabrics! Looks like a sweet book..thanks so much!

  145. I love to paper piece. And, I love these little quilts – amazing now many pieces one can get in a little quilt

  146. Podunk Pretties says:

    The flower buttons made this little mini shine.

  147. Sue G Johnson says:

    Paper piecing is my favorite technique. I am making 3 inch pineapple log cabin blocks using paper piecing. It is the perfect technique for such tiny pieces!

  148. I used to do a lot of paper piecing but lately I have been doing a lot of English paper piecing. LOL. Thanks for a chance to win – the minis are adorable!

  149. I LOVE your little quilt-and the buttons do just the trick!!! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win this fabulous book. I have not done any paper piecing but this book might be just what I need to get started 🙂
    Debby E
    samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com

  150. Gorgeous fabric and color for the mini quilt, Connie! The buttons are perfect!

    No, I have never tried paper piecing, but I will definitely give it a try, soon!

  151. Diane Price says:

    I love your choice of fabrics by using Full Blooms. Very pretty!

  152. Your fabric choice of bright batiks is perfect! I haven't tried paper piecing yet. This book certainly would give me a great start. — soparkaveataoldotcom

  153. Oh it's lovely! love the brights!!
    of course don't add me to the giveaway.