pages

Friday, May 30, 2014

in LOVE {AMB blog tour :: Indiana}

I have to say, I was pretty ecstatic to get Candice's invitation to participate in the American Made blog tour the other month.  My mind immediately started off in a million directions.  (...One might even say it was racing.)

At one point I was considering jampacking all-things-Indiana into a checkerboard layout; as in, sixteen snippets of Indiana-isms, each in its own 1.5" square package.  (I do have an affinity for tiny piecing, after all!)  Because really, there's so much to choose from!  Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home, Hoosiers and basketball, home to Raggedy Anne, James Dean, and the publisher of The Saturday Evening Post; a small town in Indiana even stakes a claim to the former "Circus Capital of America."  What's not to love about all that?

But at the end of the day, I decided on something a little more, shall we say, straightforward...  simply in LOVE:


Robert Indiana's iconic LOVE symbol embossed on a checkered flag (a nod to the ever-popular Indy 500, which just celebrated its 98th running this past weekend).  A big shout out to my friend Amanda who encouraged me to use our state's abbreviation rather than the full name ;o)  To mix things up, I jotted it down in lowercase cursive, and then used a gray perle cotton that my friend Heather gave me.  (Aren't creative friends the best?)


And because I couldn't make just one, I also started a little red, white and blue tribute...


American LOVElies.  Which are soon to be joined by the full spectrum of colors, as I couldn't resist cutting into all 50 hues that AMB sent my way!


Want to make one, too?  Great!  The only special items you'll need are template plastic, your paper-backed adhesive of choice (I used Therm O Web HeatnBond Ultra), and the 5.5" LOVE template, which I will upload soon, so check back in over the weekend for that :o) Just remember to print at 100%!

Here you can see my various stages of progress:  
reverse LOVE template (bottom right) | traced+pressed LOVE emblems (left) | (partially) cut out LOVE (top right)  

The quick (as can be) and dirty for a 6" block:
Using 2" squares, piece two sixteen patches, pressing seams open as you go.  One of these will be for the LOVE lettering, and the other for the background.  Then, after creating a plastic template of the LOVE symbol, use it to trace the *mirrored* lettering onto the paper side of the adhesive.  Loosely trim around the symbol, leaving a little room beyond the letter lines (you'll cut more precisely once it's fully bonded to the fabric).  Next, center the adhesive on the *wrong side* of the sixteen patch (the one you made specifically for the lettering), and press according to the setting instructions.  Once it's secure, carefully cut out the symbol and then remove the paper.  Finally, overlay and line up the checkered LOVE symbol on the background block, press to secure, and channel your inner Casey York and finish the applique in your method of choice!

The block will finish at 6" x 12"
And if you're lucky, you just might be able to get started on your own American Made love... because the AMB folks are giving away a pack of eight fat quarters!  (And not just Indiana, but one for every state in the whole U.S. of A., so go check out the other states'  plates!) 

To win here, just leave a comment on this post :o)  Easy peasy!  A winner will be announced June 3.


Edited to add:  Congrats to No. 63 Carmen N.!  


Follow on Bloglovin

217 comments:

  1. All those checks are really cute. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the checkerboard on checkerboard idea. Very cute.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your checkboard plate is so fun! I lived in Indiana as a kid - Peru, Ft. Wayne, and Plymouth.

    ReplyDelete
  4. These fabrics are so lovely, as is your block!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love your block! And I looked through your blog - following you now. Had never heard of Massdrop, so I'm looking into it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The block is so cool!! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very clever design! Sneaky way to fit in the Indy 500 as well as the state abbreviation!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love this block!

    Beth

    oneoldgoat1962 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Let's go racing! Your checkplate license plate is so clever and cute. Thank you for being a part of the AMB Blog Tour and the chance to whose those fat quarters. Yes, we all want and we all need fabric.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the colors you chose - and the design. Great job! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love your block. Thanks for sharing & thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  12. As a Purdue University All American Marching Band Alum, the Indianapolis 500 is near and dear to my heart. Will miss hearing Jim Nabors singing Back Home Again in Indiana next year. Your checkerboard reminds me of the street painted on the parade route.

    ReplyDelete
  13. very nice and clever block...was wondering how you might incorporate the indy 500 in your square....love it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Really interesting way to pay tribute to Indiana, I really love it.
    Thanks for the chance to win fabric and for your creativeness.


    nroot@lycos.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. My brother graduated from IU in Bloomington, where he met his wife! I have very fond memories traveling there to see them and taking my brother back and forth to college! His wife is crazy about the Indy 500. The flag is perfect!! Thanks for sharing! tsvande@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Awesome block, Sarah! I love all the design possibilities in addition to license plates :-) Hugs from Texas!

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is adorable! I love how you played with the transparency! You've got my mind racing now ;)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am "in LOVE" with the finished block! Turned out so cute, way to represent!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Just watched the race this last weekend so your plate is fitting!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm enjoying this blog hop. The plates are so diverse and I love hearing about the history of the states.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love this block! The transparency effect is so neat!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like your checkered flag block. I am having fun with the hop.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I really like your block. The LOVE sets it off!

    ReplyDelete
  24. So cute and creative! I was born and raised in Indiana (although I now live in GA) and my family still lives there! I'll be back next weekend actually! :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very clever use of symbol for your state.

    ReplyDelete
  26. i love solids. i also like how you filtered your idea down to a straightforward take on our lovely state.

    ReplyDelete
  27. That's cool how you made the love look so gauzy and see through. At first I thought it was really just a thin fabric overlay. Nice work.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh that is just too cute. I love your license plate and all the other color ways too. Can't wait for the template. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Your creativity shines with this block design. Looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love the checkered flag design and the use of the abbreviation. Very creative!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Soooooooo Cooooool!!! I love the grey over the black and white. It looks like the background is peeking through.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Soooooooo Cooooool!!! I love the grey over the black and white. It looks like the background is peeking through.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Nice checkerboard. 24Tangent "at" gmail "dot" com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I really like your block. fun!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I absolutely LOVE that the AMB folks picked one blogger from each state. And that ya'll are giving us a little history lesson on each state. I was never much of a history buff but I am LOVING these so far.
    I LOVE your blog too.

    paula

    paulacox7198@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh I love the simplicity of this, I knew right away what the checkerboard and love represented! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  37. About two years ago we purchased some photography of Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture and have them displayed in our living room. I think a mini quilt using these blocks would be the perfect addition for our space, thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love your Block!! Sometimes plain & simple says it all! I think it says it Perfectly!! Great job!!!
    Looove the lil blocks you did too....love colors!! thease fabrics are all so Gorgeous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh, this is so cool! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love your block and the lower case in.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love how the words shadow the squares!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I like that too how the letters look transparent. Very pretty. Dora G. @ ladyhawk201@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Loving those colors! Your block is great--creative and sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Very clever block! I'll be back for the Love this weekend. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love it! These solid fabrics look wonderful, thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oooh, that transparency effect is brilliant! Awesome work, as always! :D <3

    ReplyDelete
  47. Great block/plate whatever you want to call it and I can't wait to see it when you have it all finished.

    ReplyDelete
  48. The transparency illusion is amazing, along with your concept.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Family who have moved to Indiana have loved it, and I love visiting them. Love your checkered design.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Wonderful block! I also like the other colors as well. Thanks
    dragonfly9716 at yahoo at com

    ReplyDelete
  51. thanks for the upcoming LOVE template - love it!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thank you for the 'LOVE' idea. You could coordinate the colors for birthdays and holidays: neat idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. forgot to add my email. maryellen1304@hotmail.com

      Delete
  53. What a great transparency effect! Great Indiana references too.

    ReplyDelete
  54. What fun! I love your block and the Indy 500 theme

    ReplyDelete
  55. Nice play on "Indiana!" Great fabric line!

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a sharp design! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I learned something new through your blog post....Robert Indiana and his art / love.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Very nice quilt block!! Thanks for the giveaway. info {at} cocoplumbeachhouse {dot} com.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Love your block and its 'see through' effect!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Your block is great. LOVE it. Thanks for the chance to win some of these beautiful fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Your block is very cool. And I love Raggedy Anne. I donated a Christmas ornament that I had made to your museum, my DH and I were doing the covered bridge tour. Had a lot of fun!!
    meandyou1974@sbcglobal.net.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Wow, very clever! I lived in Illinois for two years so I have stopped off in Indiana many times.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Iowa here - a very unique idea on your block

    ReplyDelete
  64. Such a cute technique, the way you've layered the applique in the next color. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  65. The transparency effect you have going is very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Very cute and creative! I have to come back and get your LOVE download. Thanks. Stargal714@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. "Love" your block. My BFF is from Terre Haute, and will love this when I show it to him. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  68. The colors are amazing and I love your design.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I love your design. It looks great in all the colors!

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

    tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Your block is SO creative! I have had a lot of coffee but not enough sleep, I can't help staring at the LOVE over the checkerboard and the shading, it's really playing an optical illusion. Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Your checkerboard idea was "spot on" and the LOVE is certainly a well-known symbol. I like your enthusiasm and I understand the desire to cut into all those lovely AMB colors; I felt the same way! QuilterinMotion (Vermont)
    marsha(dot)hodgkins@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Your block is the best one yet! I can't wait for the template. :) Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  74. What a cute and fun block. I love all the states so far on this blog hop.

    ReplyDelete
  75. This is so cute! Not surprised though because I love everything you make!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Your checkerboard Love block is so cute! Great idea. Thanks for sharing. Cyndy Knapp cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  77. I've not spent much time in Indiana but know about the 500. Your license plate is most appropriate!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Yes, I will be coming back for that LOVE block :) Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  79. A race flag...quite unique. It has been fun seeing what comes out of each state!
    cheri
    quiltingnanny at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. Definitely fits your state. I've been to Indianapolis several times, although not lately. Even found a quilt store on one of my visits.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Great idea - love the tiny squares!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Will be watching for the LOVE Block :) Checkered flag was a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Great idea for your block. A neat way to showcase your state.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Never knew the origin ove the LOVE block. Traveling from Wisconsin to Florida, I know Indiana is one of the l o n g e s t states.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Sarah, Thanks for the art history lesson. So funny to think a guy my dad's age designed the iconic LOVE sculpture. I LOVE how you incorporated it into your Indiana license plate. Very fun! Thanks so much for participating in the tour!

    ReplyDelete
  86. I love the block. Did you use a die cut machine for the letters?

    ReplyDelete
  87. Nice letters. Better than I can make.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Love Indiana with all the farms. Would love to win .

    ReplyDelete
  89. Love the checkered flag look of your blog along with the LOVE, it looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  90. That's a beautiful and creative block. Nice job. Thanks for your state's info, too; very interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Okay, this is genius! That you would think of a checkerboard on checkerboard idea is genius! I'm pretty impressed and now I want to try this technique on other things besides a checkerboard. Can you tell that I love your creative design?

    ReplyDelete
  92. The block is so cool. You can use it anywhere.

    suebennett1975@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. Clever block. They look awesome :)

    ReplyDelete
  94. The love is so different and special. I can think of a lots of ways to use it even in scrapbooking. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  95. What a cool block! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Oh this is WONDERFUL! So simple yet so fun - this would be a great throw pillow as well!!! Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  97. This is the loveliest block on the tour so far! What a fabulous idea you had!

    ReplyDelete
  98. "Love" your block! Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Love your plate. Can't wait to see my state.

    ReplyDelete
  100. These fabrics are wonderful looking. I've not ever seen them in person. Your block is great. Takes me back to the late 60s/70s when I was growing up.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Your block was created by thinking out of the box. Way to go!!

    ReplyDelete
  102. It's fun learning about the various states.

    ReplyDelete
  103. What a cute block!!! Love the LOVE. :)

    ReplyDelete
  104. I've been to Indiana many times - spent a lot of summers there in my youth (a long time ago - ha ha!).

    ReplyDelete
  105. Cute block! I love the checkered background in all of the colors. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  106. I love it! Thanks for the tutorial too.

    ReplyDelete
  107. What a clever block! Thanks for the great tutorial, too.

    ReplyDelete
  108. I was waiting for your stop on the tour. I knew your block would be creative. I "love" it! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  109. I love the way you made the word Lovehas a transparent quality... Can't think of a more accurate description.

    ReplyDelete
  110. I really love the way you made these. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  111. I "Love" how creative your checkerboard block is. I have never been to Indiana, but have ancestors from there. I follow on bloglovin. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. Would love to try their fabric, thanks! wonderlandbyalyce(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  113. Your block is fantastic! Thanks for the giveaway! sarah@forrussia.org

    ReplyDelete
  114. Great block. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Love your cute block. Went to Indianapolis for a conference once. It was downtown & we thoroughly enjoyed the city & the people. Got to see the fabulous children's museum!

    ReplyDelete
  116. I had never thought of doing this. Thanks for the great idea

    ReplyDelete
  117. Very creative block and thanks for the giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
  118. I love your Nascar /Indy 500 inspired block, can't wait for your pattern to be uploaded.

    ReplyDelete
  119. Indiana is also home to a great glass factory.

    ReplyDelete
  120. Your block is great. I love the idea and it will look fantastic with all the other blocks in the final quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  121. Here's my comment - LOVE your license plate!

    ReplyDelete
  122. I Love your block too-I grew up in Mishawaka In-near notre dame

    ReplyDelete
  123. How fun! My mother was born in Indiana, and my nephew spent 8 months there doing work experience. I love the block!

    ReplyDelete
  124. Your block is great - love it!

    ReplyDelete
  125. Your block is great! thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  126. Love your block, great idea! Great way to use solids

    ReplyDelete
  127. I'm from Indiana and you're right.... there is a lot going on here! Love the IN license plate.... it's so creative and visually pleasing. Wonderful job! And thanks so much for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  128. Love! And the "in" is a great touch.

    ReplyDelete
  129. Love the "Love" block. Can't wait to see these cottons, up close and personal. Hoping one of our LQS's will carry them!

    ReplyDelete
  130. Clever idea! I really like the two tone checkerboard. svonfumetti at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  131. Your block made square will be a sweet center for a medallion quilt, that's my plan

    ReplyDelete
  132. It's fun to see all the color variations you did!

    ReplyDelete
  133. i love your design, i think it is my fav so far and i plan to make it very soon. thanks for the giveaway amb

    ReplyDelete
  134. Ooh, what a neat block. I think I am going to make one in orange. Thank you for sharing the tutorial with us.

    ReplyDelete
  135. LOVE your plate! Great to see it in all the other colors too. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  136. Nice block. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  137. Great license plate.we have the love sign in Philadelphia so it would be fun to make one for here too.

    ReplyDelete
  138. Oh, that is a cute block! The solids are just perfect for the look of a sheer overlay. Until I started looking at the directions, I thought it was done with a sheer overlay.

    ReplyDelete
  139. Great block, and a super fun blog tour!

    ReplyDelete
  140. didn't know where the love symbol had come from- very cool! and love the checkerboard!

    ReplyDelete
  141. Love the checkerboard for the racing flag.

    ReplyDelete
  142. Nice license plate block! I especially like your idea for American LOVElies :)
    I was wondering about the HeatnBond Ultra. Is that the heavy stuff or can you stitch through that with your sewing machine?

    ReplyDelete
  143. Your block is adorable! Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  144. I LOVE your love :) what a great license plate/

    ReplyDelete
  145. in Love is a wonderful license plate block !! thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  146. I have relatives in Indiana and was there recently for a wedding. Love the checkerboard license plate

    Luann716@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  147. I enjoyed your graphics so much I have returned several times!

    ReplyDelete
  148. What an awesome block! Love it and looking forward to getting the template.

    ReplyDelete
  149. Oh that's great! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  150. Beautiful block. Thanks.
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  151. What an awesome block! Very creative.

    ReplyDelete
  152. Wooo! Go checkered flags! My hubby loves NASCAR, which is different than Indy of course, but racing is still in our home. Before that, I really didn't know anything about racing.
    Cute logo and pun! Congrats!
    reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  153. Love checkboards! I love AMB too....wonderful color selection! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  154. I love how you did the LOVE letters in pieced fabric, too. Very interesting look, and fun effect. Thanks! I went through Indiana on a train once. Fun!

    ReplyDelete
  155. Love the checkerboard design.

    ReplyDelete
  156. Start your engines, vroom vroom :) I've driven through Indiana lots of times, going from here to there. It would be great if someday I could slow down and wander the back roads.

    ReplyDelete
  157. Cute block! Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  158. Great idea for your Indiana block!
    from your neighbor in Ohio...

    ReplyDelete
  159. "Love" your Indiana block. I have family living in Indiana, and I can remember driving to a suburb of Indianpolis to "listen" - yes, listen - to the Indy 500 on the big ole radio in the living room! Am I giving away my age? ☺

    ReplyDelete
  160. I love your block! It's so creative!!

    ReplyDelete
  161. Great Block, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  162. Love your block. I can't wait to try the checkerboard applique effect. So creative. Ü
    Andrea.mccoleman@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  163. Very nice. I've never been to Indiana.

    ReplyDelete
  164. Ah…I have such wonderful memories of Indiana. Went to college there …a beautiful state. Looks like you enjoy it too!

    ReplyDelete
  165. Great block! I would love to win! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  166. I love this! I would love to give it a try. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  167. Love your block!
    seamstress2@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  168. Thank you for explaining your block! Have been to Indiana (I'm from Ohio), so I should have figured it out...but duh! Senior moment! :) Love you block and your blog! And love having creative friends!
    tweetyb936@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  169. this is so cute! love it! ;-)

    ReplyDelete