One stop of my life's road trip was spent teaching pre-engineering at a vocational school in a very small town in Wyoming. While I didn't stay there for long because of circumstances, I was fortunate to make several very good friends at the school where I taught. One of them, Barb (in the middle of the pic), is always on the go doing something - she is a nurse and works at the hospital, and she also teaches the CNA classes at the vocational school in where I taught engineering for 10 months. The last several years her students have decorated the hallway leading to their classroom with garland that is shaped into the output of an EKG. It was this display that the design for this block came from.
This is a shot of one of the sample blocks I made while testing the pattern.
I use red, white and blue fabrics to test my block patterns because then the blocks will always go together in quilts for injured veterans.
I've just set the blocks together, but with coloring reversed on alternate blocks so that the color bands flow across the quilt. This quilt layout reminds me of the large cities where I've lived over the last 40 years of my road-tripping life - Phoenix, Boston, and the Dallas area. All are busy cities with lots of buildings and traffic and the 'heartbeat' of the cities is very active and busy.
Next up is a layout showing what can be done with the block when you play around with which sections of the block that you use. This layout was designed to use a large scale print as the background and allows the maker to feature large sections in the solid white squares.
This layout reminds me of the slower pace of life in the towns of Lafayette and Fort Wayne. Both are smaller than the big cities where I've spent so many years of my life, but I've made some really good friends in both of them. And Lafayette is where I went to grad school at Purdue for my degree in education. Both towns are unforgettable stops along the road trip of my life.
For this layout of a table runner, I played around with the sections of the block so that only one band of the color goes across the layout for a table runner or bed runner. This simple layout reminds me of the time I spent in Wyoming and of living in the small town of Rawlins out in the middle of nowhere in I-80. Again another unforgettable stop along the way of my road trip in life.
And finally, by once again using only part of the sections of the block, along with a few additional blocks made this 36" square table topper. The additional blocks used in the setting were the 4 corner blocks (small green squares, small pink triangles, and large background squares), the green square in the middle of the quilt, and the pink/green rail fence blocks. Fabrics for this all came from my stash. I've named this one, "Heartbeat of a Friend" and it is in honor of all those that I've been privileged to call my friend over the course of my life's "road trip".
I hope you've been inspired by the sample layouts that this block allows you to make. And I hope that the different layouts inspire you to experiment with the block and come up with a layout that makes you think of your "road trip" and friends.
And now for the giveaways to celebrate my 5th block published, the first giveaway is for a copy of the magazine QuiltMaker's 100 Blocks, volume 16. This will be mailed out from QuiltMaker. To enter use the rafflecopter widget below.
And the second giveaway will have two winners - One person will win a lovely assortment including a 1 yard piece of a rose print, a FQ of the same print and three coordinates. A second person will win a 4-FQ set of green prints from Benartex. Enter through the rafflecopter widget below.
Gratitudes:
1. For all those that keep me inspired to keep on designing.
2. For the inspiration that comes from friends and all that I see and do along this road-trip we call life.
188 comments:
Moira, your first rafflecopter thingy doesn't have anywhere to enter...not sure if it downloaded properly!! The layouts...I like the first, hectic one (imagining how to quilt it is consuming me!) and the table runner. Totally cool block!! When I create a block, I use pencils, rulers and paper - one of these years I'll get a computer program to help me out!
Congratulations on having your block included in Quiltmaker’s 100, Vol.16! Such a striking and bold block. I like all the layouts. Your block reminded me of lightening as well as Tazz, the cartoon character, hehe. I think I’d do some fussy cutting of Tazz in my quilt.
Awesome job!
usairdoll (at) gmail (dot) com
I like the first layout the best. Seems to draw me in. Jmikebalou (at) aol (dot) com
I might make these in aqua and green, for a very peaceful feeling. Cute idea, using ekg strips as an inspiration--the "Wyoming" quilt kind of reminds me of that.
I think the table topper layout is my favorite; it reminds me of a starburst.
I am particular to fall colors so I think I'd use browns, rusts, golds, olive green to make the block.
I think I like Heartbeat of a Friend best. Beautiful!
I love it in the red, white and blue that you show in your first layout--very striking!
Great block, Moria! I like your red and blue on white. Red and black on white would be nice too!
I really like the second layout forming the squares!
Love your idea of test blocks in red white and blue, with a wonderful project already in mind. My colors might be black and white with a strong color or colors for accents. But the pink and green one is really beautiful as well.
I like the first layout best. I'd make it in red, black, and white...the colors for the local college.
Awesome block Moira! Congratulations!
I think I would try it in pinks and greens since those are my favorite colors. Thank you for the giveaway.
I like the block in red, white and blue! It would be fun to see how it looks in purple and hot pink with a black background.
I really like Heartbeat of a Friend. For some reason, it reminds me of a flower and I love flowers. Thank you for the giveaway.
Wow - I love the inspiration behind your block!! Goes to show that you just never know where inspiration will come from. So many layout options, too! I have a block in Vol. 16, so no need to consider me for drawings...I just enjoy traveling the Road Rally and enjoying the stops!
I like the navy and red that you used.
I like the second layout and think they would make great frames for a center picture or some special quilting.
I really like the idea of making test blocks in RWB. We have a very active Quilts of Valor chapter in my area, so I could donate my test blocks instead of just having them pile up.
I think this block and quilt layout might be what I want for my thirteen year old granddaughter. I'm trying to find something I consider modern. Love. Now I have to do shopping for magazine.
Would love to have more fabric.
Thank you
Enjoy all your blocks and ideas. Very Creative
I like the table runner layout the best. They are all so cool!!
I would use a dark blue and lighter blue!! Enjoy your day!!
Fun block, Moira! This would be a great QOV block!
I would use red and white which are Badger colors.
I might do the layout with large spaces and utilize some of my stash of Kaffe Fassett fabrics.
Oh probably blue and yellow? So many possibilities!
Cool block! I think I would try black and gray fabrics.
Red, white and blue would be my color choices
I now live in a small town, but grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and I really like the heartbeat version.
Would love to see it in green and yellow, like a forested road.
I'd do my block in blue and yellow.
I love the table runner layout. Would make a great gift for a medical person as it looks like a heart trace.
Such a cool block, and full of possibilities! Do not enter me on the giveaway as I am also part of the Block Tour today!
Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? You want me to pick just one? Impossible. I was so impressed with how many different ways you used this block. Are you putting all those in one pattern for Craftsy? Because they are all fabulous and don't even necessarily look like the same block to start. I was interested in the prose of your post, too. So many things I didn't know about your inspiration for this design process! Thanks for the chance to win.
Red and black with tone on tone white might be great.
I like your explanation of this block representing busy cities with lots of buildings and traffic and the heartbeat of the cities is very active and busy. Just like my life. I like this block very much indeed. Thank you for being a part of the Rally Tour Blog and giving us this chance to become a winner. Happy Holidays.
Sandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
I'd love to do some of these blocks in colors of autumn batiks. Thank you for showing so many ideas.
I like the heartbeat of a friend. My dil is studying to become a nurse and it would be a lovely present.
I would use burgundy and gold on a creamy background.
I like Heartbeat of a Friend. The middle star makes it special.
Moria, Thanks for the great variations of your snazzy block, I really appreciate all of your different ideas. Kathy in (kinda windy ne)colo repzjratplainsdotnet
We have some cardiac nurses in the family, so I could see the heartbeat layout in Reds and pinks, even dark blue and black for the police logo colors. The changes in layout are so dramatic. I love it!!!!! Congrats!!!
Hi, I enjoyed looking thru your other blog entries and I would like to follow you. Kathy in colo repzjratplainsdotnet
I do like the layout of the one with 4 quadrants... I'd use black and yellow, like batman colors. The layout reminds me of the old 60's batman show where they would have "BAM" Kapow" in big letters. Would make a great lap quilt for my son!!
I like the first layout where you commented about living in the big cities. It looks kind of like "fractured" to me. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
I have been to Rawlings! I lived in Julesburg Colorado way back...well that was a lot of years. lol
Love the block idea, thank you :)
I think I would like to use Halloween colors, black and orange, for a Halloween tablerunner. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
The red white and blue are perfect for this block. Red white and black would be pretty as well. I love the straight layout, that looks like an EKG print out.
I like your idea of using red, blue, and white fabrics.
I like the table topper layout, it reminds me of a flower.
I would use the first setting for a teenage boys quilt with black & red or his favorite team colors. pjrquilter at msn dot com
I can decide which I like better of two of your examples. I like the Wyoming/Rawlins table runner because my daughter is in her first year of residency and I think it would be a fun gift for her. I would use reds and blacks on a white background. I also like the Heartbeat of a Friend table topper. The sentiment is lovely and the colors as you have them really appeal to my tastes!
Colorwise I often use black with some lie green & pink would be fun for a teenage girl quilt. For me I would go grey for softer tones.
I would make the block in white, lime and teal.
I like the layout for the table topper. It would make a nice gift.
Colors...mercy!! I've been on a teal, purple and gray kick lately so I need to change that up. Orange and lime green for the heartbeat and yellow for the background!! I don't like orange, not in love with yellow and I've never used lime green, but I want to try that combo...however, since I like to at least have some plan to actually use what I make, maybe a hot pink background with black and pale pink for the heartbeat. (Maybe even both and make it reversible!!)
Love your block. I'd make it in blues and greens.
I would choose lime green and navy. It's got to be bright
I like your original layout - it's just crazy
I'd use purples and greens I think!
I love the tabletopper arrangement!
I like the layout that could be a tablerunner. It is the most realistic and my cardiac nurse niece would Love it. Thanks. cork@pa.rr.com
I think I like your 1st layout the best because it has so much energy.
I would chooses orange and blue for the University of Illinois or red and white on gray for the University of Alabama.
Don't know what colors, but I do like the orange one. Very different block :) 24Tangent@gmail.com
I'd do greens and blues, my favorite combination.
I like your first layout.
Layout one - more traditional, looks like a crazy pinwheel. 24Tangent@gmail.com
I think I would use navy blue (my favorite color) tangarine and pink! tks
I would make the block in purple and green.
I would like to use greens and purples.
I would do heartbeat of a friend.
My favorite layout is Heartbeat of a Friend. Thanks for sharing the alternate layouts. It is always interesting to see the different arrangements.
I love the layout with the table topper! thank you again!
It is getting close to Christmas. Maybe red, green and a neutral print?
I would choose purple and lime green - love those together!!!
i likethe circular arrangement!
I like the large, single block. It reminds me of a wreath.
I like the original layout the best. I could see this in red and black.
The table topper is amazing and would look great in blue and green batiks. Thanks for giveaway.
djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com
The table topper with your design would look great on my round table, thanks so much.
djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com
I would like to try this in aqua and royal blue on a yellow background.
I like the second layout with the open areas of white. I'm thinking about what kind of applique design would be good to feature in those spaces.
Wow! What an amazing block. I would like to do it in the 36" square table topper in red, white and blue. That's my fav!
Congratulations on getting in to the book.
Smiles, Sue
My color choices would gravitate to aqua, teal and navy in some fashion with low volume as the background prints.This block has a lot of energy and movement.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I like the table topper block layout. It has just enough movement for me.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
What an interesting block with all the many variations that can made with it...I like it. I am looking out at the sky at the moment and think that something like it, with blue, white and gray tones would make it perfect, a Southeastern Alaskan winter sky.
I think the block would be striking in black and red on a gray background.
I like your first design the best...definitely looks like a city heartbeat.
VERY interesting block! I love the table runner . . . reminds me of an EKG! Love it!
Your block is very unusual & full of possibilities & variations! I would use my two favorite colors together - turquoise and brown! Delicious! Thank you for sharing, Susan
I like the original pattern, too. I think it would be great in LSU purples and gold!! (Geaux, Tigers!!!)
I love your block! My favorite layout is the square table topper - very much more soothing! Thank you for sharing, Susan
The colors I would choose would be Christmas colors--red, green, and white. I like the original layout.
I love the secondary pattern your basic block makes! How unique.
jskbloomers@gmail.com
I love the Heartbeat of a Friend Table topper I could sure see it made by also adding the cancer ribbon to the center. So I would make it more in pinks or my cancer friend favorite colors. Like purple. But for the heart it would be more in shades of red and pinks.
teal, purple and black. I think it would make it pop!
I like the first layout. What a very neat block and great story to go along with it!
My color choices would be blue and green to match our guest bed room. This block in a bed runner would be lovely!
Interesting block! I would probably use pastels.
My favorite variation is the table runner/bed runner layout. The single "mountainous" line is striking and keeps the eye moving all along!
I like the last variation. It has a pretty pastel background.
So unique! I like the Patriotic version! Such a cool way to do pinwheels!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
I think of fire and ice (orange and navy?) when I see this block. Don't ask me why because I have no clue.
dlk3265 @ gmail . com
Crazy cool block - I love it. I'd make it in patriotic red/white/blue colors. Thanks.
I like the table topper layout.
I like the table runner version, because it looks like EKG lines, which totally goes with your Heartbeat name. My husband is a paramedic, and I work in the ER as a registrar, so it would be fun to add that to a themed quilt for my husband. I also like Heart for a Friend, and would use more purple and aqua to it.
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like the table runner layout the best - it's like a heart beat - pretty cool. Thanks.
I would use blues in my block.
I would make the block in lime green and black with mottled light background. I like the tablernner layout which could be used to make a much larger quilt. prycek@mymts.net
Very interesting block. Does strange things to my eyes in some of those settings.
I would use greens and browns.
I like the "city" one. It is a neat design.
I am into a pink and gray phase right now. Thanks for sharing the great giveaway!
I like heartbeat of a friend best!
Congratulations on another block being published. I love this one for it's wonderful movement no matter how you place it.
Way to go!
Elaine M.
I like the red and black on a white background...reminds me of the old EKG paper strips.
remills (at) amtelecom (dot) net
Elaine M.
I like the layout that reminds you of the city life. We all need reminders to slow down and lower our stress levels.
remills (at) amtelecom (dot) net
I like your idea of rd, white and blue for veterans--my husband served in Korea.
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)
Would love to win the rose fabric--although would also be excited to win any!
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)
Forgot to say I like "Heartbeat of a Friend".
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)
It is amazing how something as simple as an unusual garland decoration can become inspiration. I love how your block looks. Thank you for sharing your talents and for a chance to win.
I like the top heartbeat of the city layout the best. It has a fun and chaotic vibe to it.
Great block. I love the Big City heartbeat layout. I wanted to see what happened as a secondary design, and I'm glad you mentioned the different colored blocks. Thanks.
I think I would use 3 colors. I would keep white as background, and maybe black and red, or purple and pink. Thanks for the fun block.
I think I’d make one in red, pink and white
Great block! The colors I might use are blue & yellow.
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Congratulations on your publish. I think to have your finger on the pulse of things is a wonderful thing. You truly are an educated person who values friends. I now have some wonderful friends. I like how it symbolizes the places and friends in your life. I think it can be taken even further to the pulse and importance of life. I love the block. Job well done. Thanks for the chances for the giveaways.
I like the Blues, so that would be the colors i gonna use for this fantastic patter/ Block
I Like the second design . The open space between the block are a nice opportunity for a nice quilt design
Love the placement variations! What a different feel they have.
Congratulations for having another block in the magazine.
This is a very unique design both of them. I think I like the 2nd design the best. Congratulations on your block being published.
I,like the placement of blocks that looks like an EKG! Would do that one in red, black and white!
I love the electric look of the block when it forms a square. I would make it in black and yellow so it would SHOUT!
What a versatile block. Thank you for showing so many great variations. I love brights but I can see this in pastels for some reason. And my favourite version is definitely the table topper.
I like your story of how you came to design this block. Your life sounds great and maybe a little insane!! But having friends that can inspire you in this way is wonderful
Heartbeat of a friend is my favorite layout. But the long heartbeat scan above it is also very attractive too. Congratulations on having your block selected!
Very cool looking block - Like the inspiration.
My favorite version is the table topper.
I love red,white,&blue. Always a fav of mine even before Wounded Warriors quilts started. Your life sounds so busy. Good on you.
Wow! You certainly have a nac for movement and inspiration with your block. Love it.
I like the first layout, because it is very Ziggy-Zaggy!
I would like to make the block in in charcoal, yellow and white.
Red, definitely, and maybe bright yellow as the contrast. Mixing quilting and medicine appeals to me as I had a career in the medical field!
I would love to use this block in a row by row quilt. It would be in black, white and red.
I like the table runner layout the best. It reminds me on an EKG.
I suppose it should have red in it seeing as it's a heartbeat, but I'd like to see it done in pink & purple & teal.
I'm a nurse so I'm loving the real heartbeat layout on the table runner!
I can see making a tablerunner with the blocks making the heartbeat Love it drhodes9@cox.net
That's a wild block!! I'd do a layout to calm it down a bit. The fabrics i'd use... maybe red and white.
Love the first layout. And the heartbeat!
Fun to see your layout variations.
This would make a great guys quilt tyty for sharing I love it... happyness04431@yahoo.com
I like the first layout. It's electrifying.
I would make this quilt in orange and yellow with a black background.
Wow! What a neat block and I enjoyed seeing the possibilities. Green is my favorite color, so I think I would try some different shades of green with black and/or white.
quiltschon@att.net
i would make this block in black and red on a white background
I love the table runner.
Inspiring descriptions I'd do red,white,blue as I mostly make donation quilts
I like "The Heartbeat of A Friend", meaningful.
What a unique block!! Thank you for the chance to win!
I would probably use blue and purple with a white or black background fabric.
I like the first layout as it really showcases the block and since I live in the howmtown of Nike headquarters reminds me of a runner (which I am not).
I like Heartbeat with the read, white, and blue. Really sharp!
I love your original design and especially the fact that you make all your samples in red, white and blue for quilts of valor.
I like Heartbeat of the Cities because it is such a well balanced design.
I like the 'heartbeat' of the cities" layout. It makes the little pinwheel stand out.
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Very creative Heartbeat block. I would use purple & Lime green to create the quilt.
rozz01 at cox dot net
I love the table topper layout and would use blue and teal colors just because!
Very interesting block that has some pretty cool modern possibilities! Thanks.
Wow, I really love that straight line layout. I can see a heartbeat quilt in some modern bright solids.
I would make the block in RW&B. I like to make quilts for returning soldiers, too. I also went to Purdue and got both my bachelor's and master's degrees there.
I like the table runner design. It would make a nice border.
I really love the red / white / blue combination in Heartbeat of a Friend because it is so patriotic and gives length to those that are here with us still after service in wartime.
The block reminds me of an ECG. Not so sure I would like that on a table. Maybe with some purples/blues it would be more reminiscent of “purple mountains majesty”.
I believe I'd make the block using pink, purple and white. Some of my favorite combinations. Thanks for the inspiration. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
My favorite layout is your first one that reminds you of the large cities you've lived in. I really like the secondary pattern it shows. Thanks for the inspiration. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
I love the versatility of the Heartbeat block! I would make it in green and purple. Thanks for sharing!
My favorite layout is Heartbeat of a Friend, because the closed shape would highlight some intricate quilting inside. I also liked reading about your inspiration for it, and I would think about friends along my road as I made it. Thanks for sharing this.
Wow there are so many cool designs made with this block ; love it!
Wow love all the combinations!
Fun design! I liked the 2nd layout with the open space in the middle so that a focus fabric, applique or embroidery can be added. I also like the table runner because it is different and fresh.
I would use blues and green to make this block.
Your block has a lot of energy! I, too see a heartbeat (it's the nurse in me, I'm sure.) I think your design will incorporate nicely in my nephew's comic book themed quilt. Pow! Great block!
Love the possibilities with this block. I'd make it in black and white with lime green.
kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
Both layouts are great. Decisions are not my strong point.
kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
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