If you’re a subscriber, have you gotten the new issue of American Patchwork and Quilting?? It would be the April 2022 issue and the cover looks like this…
Look closely at your issue. Carla of Longarm Quilting Inspirations and I teamed up (with a little help from Kayla) to make this amazing tulip quilt. If you’re not a subscriber, this will be on the newsstand on February 4th.
I’m super excited about it. This one has been on my radar for years to make…and it FINALLY happened.
You know me…every quilt has a back story and this one is no different. Grab some coffee or your favorite beverage and let me tell you the story.
Some time ago, probably about 2016 or so, Kelli and I toyed with the idea of writing a second book. We liked the idea…but kind of held all of that off until we found out how our first book experience would go.
In the meantime, I was busy designing quilts. We never did write that second book.
I had seen a tulip quilt block in an old magazine. No pattern was given for the block and it was a black and white image that was only about 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″. I loved the block but had no idea how to construct in.
I ended up playing around and was able to draw the block using Word on my computer. Back then I didn’t have EQ the quilt design program. I played with things enough that I came up with this design using an alternate block and the tulip block. Oh my, I loved it!
The problem…UGH. Word allowed me to design things, but it did not give me any numbers as far as how to cut the fabric or construct the blocks…or even how big the block could be. I was so frustrated. I ended up showing the design to Kelli. She loved it but try as we might, we had trouble construction the block and making it work…so this quilt sat, and sat and sat.
Fast forward to the fall of 2020. Our daugther, Kayla, was at my house visiting. She talked me into buying EQ8. I had bought it before but could never figure out how to use the program. We tried to get my old program to work but alas, that didn’t work so I bought EQ8.
I told Kayla I’d buy it, but also told her she had to help me figure out how to use it.
So she got it installed and she said, “OK, what do you want to design”. I could have picked something easy…but I knew immediately what I wanted to do. I wanted to design the tulip quilt. After all, I figured if we could figure out this quilt that seemed so illusive to me, I could figure out other hard things later.
In about 5 minutes, with ZERO advanced knowledge, Kayla figured out the tulip block.
Try as we might, we could get the measurements of the patchwork alternate block to work. Kayla asked me how set I was on the patchwork block and I said I was okay with anything that looked patchwork-like. This was what we came up with for the alternate block that would make the math work.
I knew the layout I wanted…exactly what I had originally designed. This was good. I liked it.
Then Kayla showed me the features of EQ8 that gave me the cutting directions for both of the blocks and the fabric needed. SOLD! I was sold on EQ8. All of that only took about 20 minutes!!
I had labored and labored on this quilt on and off for about three years before I had ditched it. Now in 20 minutes, I had the quilt I had longed to make. I had the fabric requirements and I had the cutting instructions.
I still didn’t make the quilt. Other things popped up or the timing was wrong to submit it. Then in Febrauary of 2021, I submitted the quilt to American Patchwork and Quilting…they immediately accepted it.
…and that’s when I got busy finally making the quilt.
In was an easy decision for me to team up with Carla of Longarm Quilting Inspirations so she would do the longarming. Carla is such a talent and I knew my longarm skills would not do the quilt justice.
Last week…the quilt finally came back to me. Here it all is….
I took it outside for photos but had trouble. Please forgive that they aren’t the best. We have too much snow piled up.
Plus the quilt is 102″ x 102″. She’s a bigg-en.
Carla worked her magic on this one. Isn’t the quilting amazing??
She impresses me every single time with her work.
She treated each of the tulip blocks with their own unique design.
I just love it.
I am so happy that this quilt finally came to be. It truly was a journey quilt for me.
I used up LOTS of red in the making of this. Moda Fabrics was awesome and provided me with the Bella Solid background fabric, the green marbled fabric and the backing fabric.
I think the quilt is a real “looker”. So fun…kind of traditional, but a little modern.
I got a little excited making blocks and made too many. The extra’s went on the back.
It was great to work with American Patchwork and Quilting. They always do such a great job showcasing our quilts.
I’ve told be before that the magazine writes the directions and block construction to their preference. I was able to figure out how to construct the tulip block without using a template as they did in thier directions. You’ll all have to let me know if you’d like me to walk you through how I constructed the tulip block using no templates. You will need an Easy Angle Ruler though…
Seeing this one has inspired me to dig through some of my other old designs from that time. I’ve had so much fun looking at them.
This quilt is what sold me on EQ8. I am definitely never going back to any other way of designing quilts. It really wasn’t hard to use…I just had have the want to learn. 100 times THANK YOU to Kayla!
Carla of Longarm Quilting Inspirations would LOVE to do the machine quilting on your quilt if you decide to make one….(or any other quilt of yours) You can find all of her contact info HERE.
…and that ladies and gentleman is the rest of the story for our quilt, Tulip Bed.
Wow! Just Wow!!
It’s truly amazingly beautiful. You did and awesome job and Carla too. I always wanted to try the EQ. But at the time I looked at it it was around $60 and I knew it was a luxury we couldn’t afford then. Love the setting of the quilt being showcased on your porch. The touch of snow brings spring flowers to life. Hope you’re feeling better. I’ll have to travel to find a copy of your magazine- maybe when my husband heads to his VA dr appt in a few weeks. I’ve had to go back to pt work for alittle while- so much for retirement…
What a GORGEOUS quilt and long arming. Its so cheerful, my favourite colours , adore reds. Can see a use finally of my French General FQ’s Thank you Jo for the inspiration, as usual. please realise we all think you are an amazing lady. God Bless and take care.
Jo, this is a fabulous quilt and makes me wish I was a quilter. I prefer the new layout too. Sometimes you just have to wait until inspiration grows to the perfect point. Well done to you, Kayla and Carla!
That quilt is gorgeous! And I always love reading your “stories” of getting through the whole process. I would LOVE to have directions on making the tulip block without templates – which is not my favorite thing ever! I hope you can take the time to walk us (me) through the process. Thank you so much.
Oh. My. Goodness. This is fabulous! I love the design and the quilting! Beautiful work, Jo and Carla.
Ohhhh, yes, this is a lovely quilt. My local, where I get my mags from, just closed down, grrrr looks like I will be a new subscriber by mail, I will look 4ward 2 getting my new mag by post. Also this little beauty of Tulips.
Cheers
I bought your book for that first retreat with Bonnie Hunter. Fabulous book. I made the star quilt and gave to our best friends and she keeps telling me how she wraps up in it and loves it. Your designs are the reason I keep buying those American Patchwork magazines. Thanks for the back story.
It is a beautiful quilt and so is the quilting! I’m looking forward to getting my subscription issue in 2-3 weeks. About 15 to 20 years ago I bought EQ and after spending hours and hours was unable to learn more than the Bare Basics. Several years later I purchased it again and had the same situation. I need a class, or your daughter’s tec smarts! And yes, I’d love to see how you made it without a template.
Great job, its a beauty!
I have had a some sort of tulip quilt on my bucket list of old fashioned quilts to make for years now! I’m so excited for this issue to come out! Jo, you are truly an inspiration!
What a beautiful quilt! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent and all your back stories. Please share your directions for your tulip block.
Beautiful quilt. Yes, please share your no template technique.
Stunning Jo and one I would so love making. I have loads of red that has hung around for ever. And there is always more to be had. And yes, now you will have to show us the directions on how to cut it. I’ll be on the lookout for the magazine. I dont subscribe but do like to get your quilts!
It is beautiful and red is a favorite color. I hope you are beginning to feel better and the side effects are going away, please keep us informed.
Absolutely beautiful! Great job Jo and Carla! So glad the new EQ8 worked for you. Enjoy playing with it. And yes, a pattern without templates would be great!
This quilt is gorgeous! You, Carla, Kelli, and Kayla did a fantastic job!
Love and prayers
The quilt is beautiful! I can’t wait for my issue of the magazine to arrive. I would be interesting in seeing how to make the tulip block without a template.
I hope you are feeling better this week.
Gorgeous ! Now I understand better what goes into quilts featured in magazines. Well done !
Outstanding! What a beautiful quilt. Congratulations on learning to use EQ8. Hope you’re feeling better each day.
Wow, you sure kept that one under wraps. It’s beautiful. All of you involved using your talents made the back story a fun read.
Love ❤️ the quilt. I have EQ7 and got frustrated trying to learn it, so I have never done anything with it. Wish I had a Kayla to teach me. You have a wonderful family.
Just subscribed to American and Patchwork quilting magazine for the year. Gone via Newsstand Magazines here in the UK. Very reasonable price, so I don’t miss any of your designs Jo. They say my first issue starts Feb 22nd, and the cover pic is different from yours. Looks like I need to order the previous copy? Is that correct? I don’t want to miss your Tulips.
Update , OOOh I am so so happy , my first issue of my subscription is issue 174 and there on the front is a Jo Kramer quilt, YES, so The tulips are Issue175 , another Jo quilt, feeling very happy, Thank you Jo for all your hard work. God Bless.
Such a gorgeous quilt! I’m always amazed that the magazines don’t ask you how to construct it and then decide to go with templates! Looking forward to seeing how you did it.
Beautiful! Beautiful! I love tulips and the colors in these tulips are wonderful. Oh, do I dare put another quilt on my bucket list?! hmmmm.
Years ago, my son overheard someone commenting on my quilt at a show. She decided that it was “old” rather than “new,” and he was offended on my behalf. I explained that it was actuality a compliment. That said, this quilt looks quite old to me, and I mean that as a compliment.
I love EQ; I’ve had every version they’ve put out. I did a Block of the Month for my guild for about 15 years, and EQ made it really easy to do.
I see Christmas and Valentine. I love the “bigness” (that probably ain’t a word) of the tulip, the crispness of the colors and that it’s only three colors. You go Jo Kramer!!!!
Pray you’re doing well. Your quilt in a magazine I’m sure can boost your energy. I’m sooo happy for you.
Beautiful Quilt.
Wow, this quilt is stunning! The tulips are gorgeous, but I think the 9-patch design in between just makes it amazing. I have had EQ since version 2, I think. I only know the basics, but I love being able to do mock ups of blocks and patterns I see and play with size and arrangement. We used to have to use graph paper and pencil and this is so much quicker! Thanks for everything you share with us! Hope you are feeling better every day. God bless.
WOW!!! Love the quilt and the quilting – you and Carla made a winner for sure!!! Now I’m anxiously awaiting my issue of AP&Q – hope it comes before the next predicted storm!
Congrats Jo and Kayla and Carla, it sure is a BEAUTY!
Update , OOOh I am so so happy , my first issue of my subscription is issue 174 and there on the front is a Jo Kramer quilt, YES, so The tulips are Issue175 , another Jo quilt, feeling very happy, Thank you Jo for all your hard work. God Bless.
Love, love love your quilt!! I would love to make it without templates, please. I can’t believe the editors decided people would prefer templates! I love your blog.
She’s a real beauty! You are the reason I subscribe to APQ. I don’t even quilt, but I like to look!!
Jo, the tulip quilt is just absolutely stunning!!!
Yes please to template-free tulips! This quilt is timeless and so beautiful—love love love the 9-patch alternate blocks! Carla made this a showcase of her long arm quilting skills. You are a great team!
Jo, the tulip quilt is gorgeous. If you feel up to it and you bring the other quilts to completion I would love another book by you.
This quilt is fantastic Jo! I can see why the magazine snatched it up right away. You did it again!
That’s beauty, Jo! Kudos to Carla, too! It’s a fun quilt and I can’t wait to get started. Congrats for being published again. Great job!
Love the quilt!! You do have “April 2020” instead of 2022 for the magazine.
Your quilt is amazing and made me yearn for spring. I would love to see how you made without templates because that’s my choice any time it’s possible. Now I’m anxiously waiting for my magazine to arrive.
The tulip quilt is a major winner. The only change I’ll make is the color. I have had a Ted quilt on my bed for 26 years and it’s worn out. Time for a new one. I think shades of yellow tulips. Will be perfect. Thanks for the pattern. Yes I would like to know how you did it without templates.
So pretty, Jo! I may have to try it in a smaller size. No room or budget for big quilts.
I’ll be staking out the mailbox waiting for this issue. What a beauty!
I love red and white quilts and have a tub of fabric perfect for this. Congratulations on a stunning quilt.
Hope you are feeling better this week.
Congrats on your latest quilt publication! I think it’s safe to say we all want to hear how you made the blocks without a template, Jo. Who even uses those anymore? Not me, that’s for sure!
Oh; so, so pretty. I can’t wait for my issue to arrive.
I’ve been waiting for this quilt to come available. Oh happy day!!! Carla and you make a great team. I also appreciate you taking the time to tell us the story behind the quilt. Now I just need to find the magazine..
This tulip quilt is gorgeous!! I want to make it. No template though. That’s not in my good skill set. I would rather learn your way with the easy angle ruler. I will be buying the magazine when it hits the stands.
It is stunning! and I would love to see how you made it without templates. I hope my magazine comes soon, I need to put the fabrics together, lots of red will be easy to pull from my stash. Carla did a gorgeous job with the top quilting. Congratulations on another beauty and being published.
Jo, this quilt is stunning! I love the version you came up with for the pieced blocks. The tulips are so beautiful with the snow background. Is there a way to do it in queen size? I don’t have anyone with a king size bed. Continuing to pray for your treatments to work and for you to feel improved along the way.
Your first picture you say April 2020 magazine. After reading the post I think it is April 2022 which is great! as it means I can get it this week end. It is a hum dinger quilt!!
I would love for you to share how you made the tulip quilt. I have been thinking about ending my subscription to the magazine because their directions are sometimes so stupid and goofy. So far my favorite is your halloween quilt from last fall. I finally received my background yardage for it in December(the same as your quilt).
Absolutely STUNNING!
Please do a tutorial on this block! Pretty please with a cherry on top? Please?!?!?
It’s gorgeous!
Your quilt is BEAUTIFUL! I will be searching out the magazine. Please do share with us your method using the ruler. I already own that ruler from doing the first few Bonnie Hunter mysteries and would like to get more use out of it. LOL!
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I loved this quilt when you first posted that you would be published. I was so excited when I was able to find the magazine in the town 35 miles from here. Now seeing it- makes me want to make it even more. It’s truly a beautiful work of art.
I really like this quilt. I’ve been playing around with a trial block. However, I’m not a fan of templates. Can you tell me how you made it, please? Would be so grateful!
Here is a link to make the quilt without using templates.
I’m sorry, I don’t see a link.
https://www.joscountryjunction.com/tulip-block-short-cuts/
Could you please send the link one more time? Sorry to be a pest,
Thank you,
Joanne
Are you referring to the tutorial for making the block? Here it is… https://www.joscountryjunction.com/tulip-block-short-cuts/
Thank you so much!