Have you heard about AMB fabrics? It's a new line by Clothworks, which produces quality, solid quilting weight fabrics here in the U.S.A. The cotton is grown in American soil and milled right here, a philosophy I can vibe with. You can read more about the AMB story HERE and see all 50 great colors HERE!
I am incredibly honored and thrilled to have been selected by American Made Brand {AMB} to represent my home state of Michigan in their virtual blog tour of each of the United States, it's a road trip! No gas required. This challenge asked each contributor to design a license plate for their state, with the idea that each block will be incorporated into a quilt, it's the ultimate national quilting bee.
My License Plate Block:
Far from perfect, and not quite as I first drafted, but I'm super pleased with it. The letters are paper pieced using Carol Doak's 300 Paper-Pieced Quilt Blocks book, and yes, I tediously reduced the patterns to 1 inch, leaving 1/4" seam allowance around the perimeter for sewing the pieces together. I'm just hoping nobody looks at the back of this block ;) For the state, I fused Heat and Bond to the back of the fabric, traced the state on the paper side, used really sharp snips to cut around it, then fused it to the background fabric with a steamy iron. To finish the state, I took a single strand of embroidery floss and made tiny blanket stitches around the edges. The block is 6.5" x 12.5" So if you're a glutton for tiny piecing punishment, give it a shot.
My State, Michigan:
Michigan is the Great Lakes State, it's the Mitten State, it's home to Motor City, the birthplace of Gibson Guitars, Bell's Beer, the Kalamazoo Promise and Motown music. Michigan is home the largest freshwater coast in the world, which lends well to the fruit and wine producing industries. If you haven't traveled to Michigan, I recommend you do so. Please enjoy some of my favorite Instagram photos depicting some of the beauty of Northern Michigan. You can find me on Instagram at @cbhandmade
Old Mission Peninsula
Where the Platte River meets Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear National Park
Downright sweet example of a Michigan Made vintage 9 patch quilt.
Because you can't do Northern Michigan without fudge...
and you can't do the fair without a truck.
Enjoy the rest of the blog tour! You can find all of the participating designers HERE!
Please leave a comment for chance to win a bundle of 8 fat quarters from American Made Brand fabrics!
Giveaway open until Monday, June 9.
227 comments:
1 – 200 of 227 Newer› Newest»you almost made me miss the midwest with your tour (I'm an Ohioan transplanted to Texas) UNTIL I got to the snow pics. nope. never going back! thanks for the chance to win
Great photos of your state. Being from Southern CA I am intrigued by snow,but not enough to live in it!
Those itty bitty letters are impressive!
What a beautiful round trip through the midwest, thanks for sharing! It looks worth considering a holiday trip (quite some way from Germany).
I had no idea michigan had vineyards, never been but my friend was from Kalamazoo which we never let her forget.
that is some truly tiny piecing there!! Yes to Michigan!!
Hi from Wisconsin! I love the truck at the fair! I can't wait to try some of this fabric! The colors look great :)
I love the tour you gave of Michigan. Your license plate is great. Thanks for sharing
thanks for the pictures
Lovely homage to Michigan, and I'm so glad they picked you to represent our State. I heard mention of this new company during Quilt Market hype, but thanks for solidifying it for me. That is definitely a business model I can get behind.
Love hearing about AMB fabric! Thanks for the tour.
Yay! What a fun tour! Thanks!
I really like your license plate. I enjoyed the neat tour of Michigan. Thanks for a great giveaway.
Love the michigan plate! I grew up spending every summer among yoopers and ended up going to Michigan for grad school (Go Blue)! Thanks for the giveaway!
Love your work. And the pics of MI were fabulous!
I am now craving some fabulous Chateau Grand Traverse Ice Wine. Your photo tour of Michigan reminded me why I love living here. Such tiny piecing, kudos to you on making it look so good!
Beautiful pictures. I'm proud to be from Michigan and these are some of my favorite areas of the state.
Now I want fudge :)
Love how the fabric is all in America!!!
Great photos. Love your block and that Michigan made quilt!
Been to Michigan several times and loved my visits. Went to the UP when I was younger and it was a memorable vacation. Lots of fudge consumption.
I too am a proud Michigander! Can't wait to see AMB in a quilt store soon!
Thanks for the giveaway! I have lots of family in MI.
Love your tour of Michigan! Love the seasons but glad not to be in the snow! Great license plate! tweetyb936@aol.com
What a fantastic license plate block!
Wow, your piecing MICHIGAN is awesome, and your 2 peninsulas are great, too. "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." Life is good here in da U.P. And AMB fabric looks great! Thanks
Love your ode to Michigan.
You didn't mention my favorite Michigan product...peaches! Can't wait until they are available at the local farmers market. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for the memories. I was born in Michigan, grew up and went to college there, then ... after moving away and living in Texas, New England, France and California, moved back again for a while. Michigan definitely is an interesting and beautiful place. Now I live in New Mexico, where those Pure Michigan ads play in regular rotation and make me a little homesick.
Congrats on your Michigan "plate."
Greetings from Montana!Such beautiful photos of around Michigan,such a fantastic state!
Thanks for a sweet giveaway as well! Happy Summer!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com
Your Michigan block is outstanding! Thanks for sharing all the lovely pics.
love the pictures, and your license plate block is really great.
64507
I truly love what this great company stands for!! Your pictures are awesome!
Michigan is one of my favorite states! I spent many summers in Manistee and Petoskey.
Great piecing from a Great State! I love living here too!! thanks!
Just delightful! I love visiting the Midwest, but like Ellyn, prefer not to be there during the winter months.
I'd love to visit more of Michigan! I have only been in the lower, more industrial parts of the state when visiting family in Illinois. Beautiful photos!
I have been to Michigan twice. Once on a family reunion to Interlochen which wad fun and gorgeous. The other to Escanaba on the UP. Also beautiful... and that was in November (1983...). I'd love to go back.
Beautiful pictures! I've never been to Michigan but after seeing the photos, I'll plan a trip.
Well, howdy, neighbor. I've spent my entire life next door in Wisconsin and have traveled through Michigan often. After looking at your license plate, I spent some time admiring the quilts on your blog. I'm impressed.
spirit dot in dot stoney at gmail dot com
Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos. Your tiny letters are very impressive. Thanks for the chance to win.
Great plate, especially the teeny tiny paper piecing. Thanks for the great pictures. Makes me want to take a little gander around Michigan more.
This is so much fun, great photos I feel like I've gone on a short vacation and I've learned a few things about Michigan in the process. Thank you!
Some day my husband and I hope to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Michigan photos you shared are lovely!
Yikes! Tiny piecing indeed, but yours turned out well! My brother-in-law attended Central Michigan for his Master's degree.
That is some tiny piecing. Love it. Love reading about the states.
suebennett1975@gmail.com
I love your blog and your block! I've never been to Michigan - but I have several friends who are Michigan State alumns!
Beth
oneoldgoat1962 at gmail dot com
Love the pictures of Michigan - would love to visit one day! Great scenery!
I went skiing for the first time in Michigan, they told me I was spoiled for life because the conditions were perfect that day. Great memories
You did a great job on your block.
Northern Michigan reminds me so much of my childhood home in western NY state - same beautiful fall foliage and snowy winter roads.
Have not been to Michigan, but your photos make me want to visit. Love your quilt block. info {at} cocoplumbeachhouse {dot} com. Thanks!
I'm originally from IN so I've been to Michigan many times before. I learned to ski at Boyne Highlands!
I have been to Michigan lots of times since I am next door in Ohio. The Ford Museum, Kalamazoo, Detroit to see the Tigers play in the old stadium before they tore it down at the request of my son, and to the dunes.
michigan photos are reminiscent of maine....4 distinct seasons, water, snow, foliage....beautiful!
We'll be traveling to Michigan for a wedding later this year, thanks for the tips on things to do.
I love Michigan! But I can say that because I've never had to live through a winter! Thanks for the chance!
The snow pictures spoke to me. I've always been a fan of winter, and now I find myself living in FL the past two years. Go figure!
johawks21@gmail.com
What terrific pictures! I love the fall leaves. Your plate is so cool!
Loved the tour! Thanks for showing us.
I enjoyed seeing your photos showing the various seasons.
Great pictures! Thanks for the tour.
The AMB Blog Tour has been a lot of fun with the different license plates available as well as the history involved with each State. This takes a lot of time to do and I just want to thank you for being a part of the AMB Blog Tour and giving all of us the chance to win that awesome bundle of fabric. I am from Sonora, CA, the golden State as well as being the foothills. We are 10 minutes away from Jamestown, where the famous No. 3 engine of the Sierra Railroad is. This was used in many movies. Do you remember Petticoat Junction?
Sandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
Love MI! Although I dont recommend visiting while theres a snowstorm going on as we tend to do!
I have never been to Michigan, so thank you for the beautiful tour!
Thanks for sharing the tour of Michigan it looks like a very pretty place to visit. The simplicity of your plate really makes it shine.
nroot at lycos dot com
Those tiny letters are incredible! I love your block, and your pictures made me homesick for Minnesota, where I grew up. :) Thanks for the giveaway! sarah@forrussia.org
i've yet to really visit the UP but have managed to cross the bridge!
Thank you for sharing your state with us. Love your license plate and the herringbone quilt (beautiful). Dora G.
I've been to Detroit (for a conference) but nowhere else in your state.
Comment above. forgot email Dora G. ladyhawk201@hotmail.com
All that tiny paper piecing on your license plate is impressive!
Wow - I never realized Michigan was so beautiful! Thanks!
After seeing some of the interesting blocks on the tour I have to question whether I can recreate them all. Your itty bitty letters are incredible! I do love them but I may not want to make them. I hope to visit one summer. Louisiana people don't do snow very well.
Thanks for the state tour! I've been to Kalamazoo and the Ann Arbor area but not much else as we have to drive through Chicago to get there from WI. Thanks for the opportunity! notwendy gmail
Michigan looks interesting and that fudge looks delicious. 24Tangent "at" gmail "dot" com
Great photos and really great quilts reflecting the light and inspiration you clearly feel in your home state. Thank you for inspiring me. I hope to make it to Michigan soon.
I need to make another trip to Michigan. It is a beautiful place.
Wow!! Your tiny PP is super. You gave a great tour of your state, Thanks!!
Those letters are quite impressive. Thanks for the lovely little tour. It looks beautiful there.
I have visited Michigan and enjoyed my drive through the countryside. Your picture tour was great!
Fall is beautiful but the winter picture reminds me why I don't live in the Midwest.
I am impressed by the letters! The blog tour was lovely, I've been to MI many times and it's a great place to visit. Thanks!
really like your license plate design and the tour of your state.
Beautiful piecing on your license plate and a wonderful pictorial of your state!
Michigan is a beautiful state. Thanks for sharing!
You have way more patience than me! Such tiny paper piecing. Nice tour of your lovely state.
How beautiful! I have never been, but need to visit one day.
Good work on the letters!
I've been to Michigan several times, mostly in the Detroit area and Kalamazoo. Accidently found a quilt show last May near Detroit, where my husband was attending a political campaign items collector's show and sale.
Thanks for the memories, moved away in'93, and the snow pix brought the reality back to me! And I do love all the pix you shared, and your plate. B-)
We used to vacation in Michigan, and I remember thinking there was no end to the lake!
Another beautiful state!
Nice pictures!
I'm impressed with your tiny pieces on your plate!
My son-in-law is from Grand Rapids, and he and his parents love to sail the lake. I went out with them once and got very seasick :-< I have a friend who retired to the UP. I couldn't believe it; most people go SOUTH to retire! But she and her DH love fishing and the laid back lifestyle, so it fits them perfectly.
I love your plate and all of the pictures! I haven't been to Michigan yet, but am hoping to change that this summer!
I have many fond memories of visiting your beautiful state. My most fun summer was spent being a counselor at a Girl Scout camp after my first year of college.
Great pics of your state. I have been along the southern edge of Michigan, but haven;t made it further north yet, although it is on my list.
dragonfly9716 at yahoo dot com
I'd like to visit the Upper Peninsula in the summer some day. That's an impressive block with those small letters!
I learned you are The Mitten state because of the shape of the lower peninsula. I thought that was interesting. Love how you made the letters on your block.
I've enjoyed visits to the Detroit area but would love to see the UP and all the lakes. What impressive little letters you have made!
I'd love to visit Holland, MI again-all those beautiful tulips!
Beautiful block, and even more beautiful scenery!
Great pictures of a great state!
I lived in Michigan, went to college in Grand Rapids. A friend and I once biked Mackinaw Island; it was exhausting! Love the fudge and the salt water taffy!
I love your photographs that include the different seasons.
diannc(at)aol(dot)com
Iowa here - love you beautiful quilts on some of your earlier posts - Michigan is beautiful
I have been through the UP many times, but only once or twice to lower Michigan. I remember driving north on the interstate and seeing elk along the road. What a great sight!
There was a time in my life when Gibson guitars and Bell's were a common site on the weekend. Now that I'm older I'm more likely to want a piece of that fudge LOL
Your little paper pieced state name is very cool! My husband and I are planning a trip to Upper Michigan in the first week of September. I am really looking forward to it. Be sure to check out my block on June 12, renaissanceSandi.blogspot.com
I have never been to Michigan. I didn't know there were vineyards there. I figured the winters would be too harsh.
Would love to visit someday.
Was born and raised in Michigan... I miss the lakes and the gorgeous colors of the trees in the fall. Time to go back for a summer vacation! Nice job on the 'Mitten' :)
Nice tour of your area. It certainly is pretty country, event the snow pictures. Thank you for the giveaway.
maryelle1304@hotmail.com
Love the winter landscapes! I don't know ...okay,... anything about Michigan! But... I was impressed with your quilting of the word Michigan..very good talent there!
Cheri
quiltingnanny at yahoo dot com
I have never been to Michigan, but it looks like a pretty state. You have a cute license plate.
Love your block!
great plate. love the letters you did. I will have to try those. Thanks for the tour of MI
Very fun tour of the state! Great block!
Thanks for the great pics of Michigan and for the chance to win the giveaway.
I love Michigan I visited a friend there a few years back for two weeks during Christmas. It was my first white Christmas. I am from Houston, TX so it was amazing when I woke up that morning and snow was drifting down in a soft floating cloud.
I love Michigan, grew up right across the Lake in Chicago. Loved your tour, my favorite place to see is Saugatuck and my sister in law lives in Grand Beach - which is almost NOT Michigan, but still lovely. bbmolony@comcast.net
Beautiful photos, I hope to visit Michigan some day!
I live in northern Wisconsin and visit the Upper Peninsula many times in the summer. Love searching for the waterfalls & love walking the beaches!
Great Tour!!
I visited Michigan when I was very young but I would love to check pout many of the spots you featured... Especially the Upper Peninsula!!
Great block! I have driven through parts of Michigan (we were lost!)but haven't had the chance to spend much time there. romanczukc@gmail.com
Thanks for your tour of Michigan. We will be traveling there from Wisconsin this summer to visit the MG Summer Party sponsored by University Motors.
I loved the photos you provided. I especially love the fall and would like to see Michigan in the fall. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
Love your tour! Your block is wonderful too. All that tiny letter block looks really hard. Nice job.
Wonderful pictures of Michigan. Makes me want to plan a visit. Great job on your license plate.
Carolyn B162
Wonderful pictures of Michigan. Need to plan a visit. great job on your license plate.
Carolyn B
Thanks for all the great photos of Michigan. Love your navy and white herringbone quilt and also your baby rainbow quilt. Nice work!
Greeting from NY.Awesome photos
I love the photos and history on Michigan.
Paulacox7198@yahoo.com
Block is cute and pictures are beautiful.
seamstress2@roadrunner.com
Nice block! I would love to visit Michigan and get some of that fudge.
Would love to be able to give this line a try. Cool!
thanks for the tour! looks like fun
thanks for the tour! looks like fun
My husband and I have taken quite a few spring golf vacations to Michigan. We drive up and around from Wisconsin.
I enjoyed your pictures and the tour through Michigan. Like another poster I never realized there were vinyards there.
Gorgeous photos - thanks for sharing.
Thanks,
Peggy
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net
Yea...Michigan!!! Have been a Michigander for 61 years. Love your pics...except the snow, not looking forward to it this year.
Loved looking at all your pictures... Want to visit your State!!!
thanks for showing everyone that your state has a sunny side. always hear about how cold it is up there.
Awesome lettering on your plate :)
You did a nice job with your block. Thanks for sharing!
I didn't know Gibson guitars came from Michigan. But I do know Bob Dylan was born and raised there.
I like your Michigan block and I would love to win some of the new American made fabric. Thanks
Wow! The lettering on your license plate is impressive! And thanks for the great pictures of Michigan too. This is such a fun blog hop. I want to take lots of vacations!
I love the photos you showed. Made me wish I could visit there.
Your block is so cute! I'm from Ohio, so I've been to Detroit once and visited a couple restaurants and the MGM Grand. I was a fun time. Thanks for the giveaway!
tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com
I love the Great Lakes. They make for a wonderful summer. Winter - not so much!
Beautiful block and lovely photos. I've visited your beautiful state exactly three times to attend Gwen Marston's inspirational Beaver Island Quilt Retreats - which, despite the name, the years I attended were held in Elk Rapids, near Traverse City, and not on Beaver Island.
How small can you go with paper piecing? Looks like you win the prize for it! I'd love to try some of that fudge.
Great block and it will look fabulous in the final quilt with all the rest of our blocks. Nicely done.
Love the block and some of the sites on your tour. Thanks for sharing.
Great photo tour. Impressive block.
Loved seeing the pictures from the great state of Michigan
Beautiful pictures of your state. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
what a beautiful state. Paper piecing is the way to go for accuracy. Nice work!
jean
jlickun@aol.com
I didn't know you could grow grapes in Michigan! Lovely photos.
Those are some teeny tiny letters! Nice work.
Michigan is so beautiful :-)
Wow! I so admire your tiny stitching! I love to paperpiece but that must be some small pieces! How's that fudge by the way? I'm drooling here.
my daughter and grand daughter vacationed in michigan and loved it.
What a beautiful round trip through the midwest, thanks for sharing and giveaway...martamanole@yahoo.com
Great state. I lived in Chicago for 25 years so I know you well.
Although I have never visited Michigan, it holds a place in my heart. My dad was born in Alpena, but his family moved to Colorado when he was 2. Northern MI looks beautiful.
I love the photos of your beautiful stat & your block.
Thanks for sharing such tiny letters! I have never been to Michigan, and until seeing your pictures, I imagined it was snowy all the time. I guess you have sunny days too!
wow, the workmanship on your license plate is so intricate. well done! i love the change of seasons so would like to visit in the fall but come home to my own snowfall by winter. i don't have a blog but can be reached by yahoo email fvfvfrf
I need to visit Michigan again. I was just a baby the last time. I need to find that fudge place! Fun. Thanks for the tour.
Love your license plate. Thanks for all the information about Michigan. I have been there a few times. After reading you blog I have a very strong craving for FUDGE! I wonder why! lol
The pictures you shared of your state were gorgeous! Thank you for the 'tour.' ;)
Michigan looks like a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing with us. Cynthia cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net
Very interesting! My son lives in Ann Arbor. I'd love to win the fabric!
I have never been to Michigan. that is a lot of tiny pieces in the name!
I'm from Vermont.
I don't know if my comment saved--I can't see it.
Anyway, it's cute and paper piecing is great.
And you had me at fudge! I would drive to Michigan for the water scenery, fall colors, and fudge!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
Love your quilts and enjoyed your photos of Michigan. And I happen to live on Michigan Way, true story.:-)
Michigan is like a second home to Hoosiers!!! Love your State, Love Michiganders, and LOVE Lake Michigan...no salt, no sharks!!! :)
Sweet little block, too!! What a fun USA blog tour!!!
We have family in michigan so have visited many times. We always have a great time and there is a lot to see and do.
I love Michigan! My best friend lives there so I get to visit every year or two.
Hi,beautiful state:Michigan; privileged to live there for about 20 years! Thanks for sharing!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com
oooh- fudge!!! your photos make me miss the snow!
allisonpogany@gmail.com
Your block is as beautiful as your state! catremus@gmail.com
What a great block, and I love your photos, too!
What a great block, and I love your photos, too!
Hi neighbor, I live in IL and enjoy visiting MI. Great Plate!
Love every thing about Michigan except for the winters. Would love to visit!
I enjoyed the pictures that you shred. From a neighbor in WI.
Your pictures are perfect and your paper piecing beautiful!
jpshirley@ymail.com
Hi to a fellow Michigander! I'm impressed with your tiny piecing. Loved the pics reminding me of my beautiful state.
Your licence plate is cute! The pictures are gorgeous.
Barb@Witsend
My husband's a Michigan guy - lovely plate and awesome pictures!
Fudge and a carnival. The photos made me happy, smiling right now.
What a job on the Michigan Plate. I would be daft by now. I'm from Ohio, you're my neighbor. I love a fair and the old pickups. Thw snow is OK since we can get a fair amount. Thanks for the giveaway.
katztoo at exede dot netstemiod
Love the plate, thanks for the chance!
Love the pictures and the plate. Great job.
Google was accidentally logged into my husband's email, so if a dupe comment shows up under a different name, you can delete it. Sorry ): I know you think your letters are not perfect, but they look perfect to me & you should be proud (:
what a beautiful state and I like your license plate very nice
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