Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Dots on Dots Blog Hop -- and a giveaway!

It's my day Dots on Dots Blog Hop!


Who doesn't love polka dots?  I know I do -- and here is my "dots on dots" block.

 
It's not an Aunt Marti original.  In fact, if I said "applique' in really bright colors," wouldn't you instantly think "Piece O' Cake Designs?"


You'd be right!

This block is from the February 2004 American Patchwork & Quilting magazine. Completely Dotty was designed by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins, the geniuses behind Piece O' Cake Designs.

 The blocks are made using the paper-piecing technique and assorted light and dark "dotty" scraps.

Someday, I will have the entire quilt to show you! 

But in the meanwhile, how's this for a polka dot cutie?

Those of you who guessed "skirt" when I posted this photo:

Were right.

I saw a similar skirt at the quilt show in Tacoma last month and decided I just had to make one for my granddaughter.  Orange is her favorite color, so every fabric I used has orange in it somewhere!

This skirt is super-easy to make.  If you can make a Dresden Plate block, you can make this!

I used my 9 degree ruler and 4 1/2" wide strips of dotty fabrics cut to 12 1/2" long.  I placed one short edge of the 12 1/2" by 4 1/2" rectangle on the 6" mark of the ruler, then cut each side.


When I started sewing the wedges together, I tried to put a light next to a bright or dark.  No more planning than that!

Fold each wedge right sides together lengthwise and stitch across the longer of the short ends.  Turn the point right side out and the wedge will magically look like a man's necktie!

Sew two together, then four together and sew on until there are enough to equal the waist measurement plus 2" for wearing ease.  Nadia wears a size 4, so I used 24 wedges.


Press the seams open, or to one side, whichever you prefer.

Once you have enough wedges to go around your little model, cut a 2 1/2" strip of fabric the waist measurement plus 3-4".  Press wrong sides together lengthwise and stitch to the top of the skirt. (There is no back seam yet, the skirt is still flat like a big clown's collar, so it's easy to stitch the waistband on and serge the seam if you have a serger.)  As you can see in this photo, the waistband is longer than the stop of the skirt -- not to worry, it will be trimmed off after the back seam is sewn.


Cut a length of 1/2" elastic the waist measurement plus 1" - 1 1/2" and insert into the waistband. If your granddaughter lives nearby, try the skirt on and adjust the elastic.  Secure at the ends with a straight pin (use safety pins if you're trying it on a child!).  Then sew the back seam from the bottom up through the waistband, securing the elastic with the stitching. 
Now trim the waistband even with the seam allowance.

If your granddaughter lives 1400 miles away, you'll need to find  friend who has a young girl willing to model for you!


Twirl, Lizzie!


Little girls love "twirly" skirts.  And Ladybugs.

Thanks, Maryann and Jen -- and especially Lizzie!



Be sure to visit the other dotty hoppers today:
And remember to sign up for my giveaway here!  You could win this fun Kate Spain stationery stuff:






From the desk of your auntmartisignature

100 comments:

  1. Oooh I love your quilt - very effective with all those colours and the little girls skirt is just adorable. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. WOwo love the skirt. And yes, little girls love twirling and ladybugs!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the block and LOVE the skirt. It looks amazing. Thanks for the tutorial, I might have to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the block, please go on, it will be a stunning quilt! But I like the twirling Lizzie the best, nothing looks greater than dancing girls!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such a cute dotty skirt and the model is adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That`s a cute skirt! i love primary colors. Thank you for sharing your tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I hope that skirt makes one of the top 2 for today! Love that and I know that sweet little girl does too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love it! So creative and unique. Great use of your dots.

    ReplyDelete
  9. how sweet, any little girl would love this!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Good Morning Aunt Marti and Lizzie...loved your dotty projects..we even put your Lizzie twirling in her delightful skirt on the board...glad you joined us..

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great dot block, sew colorful! Lizzie's skirt is just darling. Thanks for being part of the hop.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love that skirt - if only I were young once again. Wonderful giveaway - love anything Kate Spain. Thanks for this opportunity. Judy C

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wonderful block and skirt...love the "twirl"!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lindas!!!modelo e saia.Você fez para sua neta mas,tenho certe za que fará uma para a modelo LIZIE também.Estou encantada.Quase comentei que era um cocar indígena....coisa de brasileira,háha´Beijos.

    ReplyDelete
  15. So Sweet! Gotta love a twirley skirt! I think it's even better in dots.

    ReplyDelete
  16. How cute, she looks like she loves her skirt (and Grandma). That's precious.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great idea to make a skirt!! Love the tutorial!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Always have loved Piece-o-Cake designs - and I lOVE the little skirt! Nice job.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I LOVE the twirly skirt! My daughter would have loved one when she was Lizzie's age!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I LOVE the skirt!! Twirly skirts are a must, in my book. =) Well done....

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi!!! Love the skirt!!! Love the colors!!! Thanks for the tute also!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have that Dotty quilt pattern too. I never made it, but liked it and put it in my collection of patterns. I love all the bright colors in your block. Cute skirt you made too.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Adorable!!! that skirts looks pretty neat! Reminds me of one made out of men's ties -- but in this case, maybe a clown's? It looks really nice!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a cute idea.. a skirt! I hope I have a grandaughter some day! I want to dress her up in the cutest things. Now a Grandson would be fine, but I never could figure out how to dress my son cute, but I think I could figure out some things for my Grandson now that I have the internet..

    ReplyDelete
  25. OMG!! that skirt is just too cute! And little girls do love the twirly ones! Lizzy is adorable! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the bright colors!! Thanks for the fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. That block is so bright and beautiful--love it! The skirt is so adorable, as is the little girl wearing it. :O) Thanks for hopping with us!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love your bright modern dotted dresden block! The skirt is adorable on your adorable granddaughter! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love the block, but really LOVE the skirt - yes, great twirly skirt! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I remember that Completely Dotty caught my eye too when it was first published. I still have that magazine around here somewhere.
    Your little skirt is clever and cute.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for sharing your fun projects! That sweetie is loving her 'twirly skirt'..Cute!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love your block!! Gorgeous!!! And that little skirt is just darling!!! I love it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love the twirly skirt. My girls would have loved that.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh, that pillow and the skirt are so cute!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. That is a dotty block! And the skirt is so fun, I bet she loves it.

    ReplyDelete
  35. So Cute.. wish I had the time, Hope to see you on my Dots to Dots Day

    ReplyDelete
  36. Your little blonde is just darling. Love all your projects!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Very pretty, I think I will try my hand at the skirt for my granddaughter.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Lizzie loves her skirt and I don't blame her one little bit...it is so much fun. Ahhh granddaughters are so special :)

    Smiles,
    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  39. How fun!! Lizzie in the twirl skirt, too cute by a mile. Nice work!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. What a pretty block and that skirt is just so cute...love them both!! TFS

    ReplyDelete
  41. Very cute skirt! Who would have thought that you could make it from a quilt pattern? Wish I had a grand-daughter!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Little girls, twirly skirts, and polka dots...Winning Combination!
    Blessings
    Gmama Jane

    ReplyDelete
  43. Having two Boys, I do miss Little Girls and their twirls, I always twirled when I was little. Thanks for sharing a great Hop with us. Susie x

    ReplyDelete
  44. Such a sweet skirt for a sweet little girl. She will love it. I love the colors in dots and have to make some for my granddaughter. All for of them! Thank you for sharing. Judith, Texas

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love the skirt! And with making the ends like the Dresden plate, you don't even need a hem. Fantastic idea. Might have to copy that one from you! Thanks for sharing your dotty experience!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Rosemary B Here:
    OH MY I love both of your projects, so colorful. the skirt is adorable. I am sure your granddaughter will love this, and Lizzie is a great model.
    I have never tried Dresden plate but I will now. Thanks for the advice about color placement too

    ReplyDelete
  47. The block is cute but that skirt - over the top darling! blessings, marlene

    ReplyDelete
  48. Cute skirt! I will have to make one of t hese for each of my granddaughters. Thank you for sharing the directions.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Truly cute skirt for your cutie pie!

    susie
    legato1958@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the bright colors! That skirt is adorable and so is the model!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I LOVE the twirly skirt!!!! The quilt looks awesome too.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Two great projects! Such fun fabrics and design. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thx for sharing your post. Dresden is very interesting! The stationery is colorful + charming, a delightful giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Love the skirt! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  55. that skirt and your granddaughter are adorable

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love your pillow and the skirt is such inspiration, you have me hooked! I am a new follower now! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Good afternoon Aunt Marti, love your Piece O' Cake block and look forward to seeing the finished quilt....that will be a lot of dots. Lizzie is adorable twirling in her Dresden Dot skirt. Thanks for sharing and happy stitching!! Pauline

    ReplyDelete
  58. thanks for sharing thanks for the giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  59. How pretty! I love bright colors! I love the block and the skirt both! I might have to make a "skirt" as an apron that I can wear! (My granddaughter lives at least that far away, but she might get one too!)

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love the little skirt and Lizzy is a doll! I can tell she loves it too!

    ReplyDelete
  61. What a pretty twirl skirt, and your block is wonderful, too! I do so love Kate Spain...thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love the dotty skirt and the little girl seems to adore it too


    ReplyDelete
  63. Love the block and the skirt is just too cute ! just like the little model :)
    Thanks for sharing
    Marta

    ReplyDelete
  64. Great block and skirt! So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Aunt Marti-Your dots on dots block is very colorful. Thank you for the dresden skirt tutorial, and I really love your purple/blue braided quilt. Thanks for sharing=from California.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nellie, thanks for your kind comment! I don't know why Blogger didn't send your comment to my email, but I'm glad you commented.

      Delete
  66. Adorable! (and the block and skirt are wonderful, too, lol!)

    ReplyDelete
  67. I like your quilt block. It sure will be a bright quilt! Lizzie looks darling in the fun, twirly skirt.

    ReplyDelete
  68. I love the skirt.. I have a couple nieces who'd love a skirt like that but sadly I do not do garments. :( I tried once and it ended very badly. Love your block tho.. the bright colors are so fun!

    ReplyDelete
  69. The little skirt is adorable and Lizzie seems pretty happy with it too :-)

    ReplyDelete
  70. Such a cute skirt! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I love anything the Piece o'Cake girls come up with. Way to go on making one of their blocks...its wonderful and so happy! Cute skirt...your granddaughter is gonna love it...your model sure did! :)

    ReplyDelete
  72. Wow; what a cutie pie in that Dresden Plate skirt. How totally fabulous! And i love that Piece of Cake block with your dots. Debby (in Virginia, DC suburbs) Thanks for sharing today!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Your block looks terrific and I love the twirly skirt! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  74. You know, even me, a sometime sewer, could make this. Thanks for sharing Aunt Marti. Adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Beautiful model for your stunning skirt.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Your block is darling - I love dresden. But your dotty skirt is tops!!! Thanks for the tut.

    ReplyDelete
  77. What little girl would't love this twirly skirt. Thanks for the tut.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Oh my gosh is she ever the cutest little thing in that twirly skirt! Fun!

    ReplyDelete
  79. What a cute skirt and an adorable model!

    ReplyDelete
  80. That is the cutest twirly skirt! And your granddaughter is such a cutie!

    ReplyDelete
  81. What a great skirt! I have three little girls and could see myself making a few of these!

    ReplyDelete
  82. What a cute, cute little twirly skirt! Thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  83. that skirt is just made to twrill... thanks for sharing
    in stitches

    ReplyDelete
  84. Love your block, and the twirly skirt is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  85. That skirt is adorable!!!!! I love to be entered in your giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  86. How cute is that! What a lucky granddaughter!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Lizzie is adorable in that skirt. I feel your pain with your granddaughter being 1400 miles away. Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  88. The skirt is awesome! and I love your dot block!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I love your block and cute skirt on the even cuter little model :). Too bad I missed your give away!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Aunt Marti, I love the dotty block but nearly squealed out loud when I saw the twirly skirt in dots. Oh, my! Both are so gorgeous.

    Thanks so much for sharing and being a part of the hop!

    ReplyDelete
  91. That dresden skirt is sew much fun! Your granddaughter looks so adorable in it.

    ReplyDelete
  92. That skirt is so cute. She look great in it. Orange is my favorite color also!!!

    ReplyDelete
  93. I love your dotty block and the swirly skirt.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Great quilt and love your block...
    but Lizzie steals the show! Such a cutie twirling in her skirt!
    Thanks for sharing and joining in the hop!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking your time to comment. If I don't answer in an email, it's because you're a no-reply commenter and I can't find you!