It's here and gorgeous as usual. Bridgeport from Jo Morton. 28 bolts of deep rich tones. Jo has a knack for designing fabrics that go with everything! Every style of quilting and every decor. Come and get it! ME first. 28 fat quarter Megabundle $84.50 available. We take phone orders and ship.
Quilting
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Most Topular Stories
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New line of fabric from Jo Morton
Little Quilts Blog27 Jan 2012 | 1:10 pm -
Star Flower Quilt Block
FaveQuilts.com Articles27 Jan 2012 | 4:09 pmThis free quilt block pattern makes pretty quilt blocks, but it's as easy as piecing half-square triangles! The Star Flower Quilt Block looks gorgeous made with alternating petals of colored fabric. Use similarly-colored scraps to make this pattern a stashbuster. -
eReader Kindle Bags and Hand Embroidery
Waterrose Handcrafted Obsessions20 Jan 2012 | 2:48 pmI've been looking for larger platforms to do embroidery and create something that is useful as well. I decided that ereaders needed a handmade/artsy carrying case to give them a bit more charm. These ereader bags have a shoulder strap that allows you to carrying across your body, or over your shoulder. I've padded them so that they also protect your ereader when you set it down. I -
Folk Art Gatherings
Cottons 'n Wool19 Jan 2012 | 1:56 pmOn our way to Seattle for Thanksgiving, we stopped at Folk Art Gatherings Too in Centralia, WA. The reason it’s got the “too” at the end is because they also have a shop in Sumner, WA and that one is Folk Art Gatherings. I love this little shop right off of I-5. Mr CnW usually drops me off, goes to fill the car with gas and picks up a newspaper to read while I shop. This year the weather was really stormy so I didn’t spend as much time as I would have liked. We just wanted to get to Seattle and out of the mess. This picture was taken during the middle part of the day. It was nasty, to… -
A Swoon-along update
Simplify28 Jan 2012 | 1:21 amYou might remember a week or two ago, Katy started a Swoon-along. Well, it has grown to nearly 700 members *crazy*, and the quilts in the pool are a-mazing. I've been staying up way too late writing a book manuscript,...
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Waterrose Handcrafted Obsessions
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eReader Kindle Bags and Hand Embroidery
20 Jan 2012 | 2:48 pmI've been looking for larger platforms to do embroidery and create something that is useful as well. I decided that ereaders needed a handmade/artsy carrying case to give them a bit more charm. These ereader bags have a shoulder strap that allows you to carrying across your body, or over your shoulder. I've padded them so that they also protect your ereader when you set it down. I -
Vintage Costume Jewelry Finds Eisenberg and Trifari
13 Jan 2012 | 9:39 pmI attended an estate sale a couple of weeks ago....look at some of the pieces I ended up with.... This is an Eisenberg Ice Brooch Possibly a D and E, Juliana Piece A Mother of Pearl Cameo ....it's beautiful! Trifari Royal Coronation Brooch from the 1950s Vendome Pearls and Gold Brooch Warner Cushion Brooch Not sure of maker, but it has grey and gold -
On New Years Eve
2 Jan 2012 | 2:22 pmWe spent an hour or two and took pictures at sundown from the Superstition Mountains... ...click to see larger version -
Animoto Video
22 Nov 2011 | 10:42 pmI decided to try out Animoto to create a long video of my creations. The purpose of this video is to have it playing on my laptop when I have a table at an art/craft show. It was quick and easy to make. But then I had all of the photo's I needed ready. Let me know what you think and if you have ever used this service. -
Slow Creating
1 Nov 2011 | 6:30 amAs I've been creating lately I've pondered the materials that I use. For 20 plus years I've been collecting fabrics, trims, odds and ends that I'm attracted to. Lately as I search through my collection I've been thinking about who owned these treasures before me. Just like me I'm sure there was an "idea" and purpose for them originally. Recently I found several yards of the linen that you
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Cottons 'n Wool
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Folk Art Gatherings
19 Jan 2012 | 1:56 pmOn our way to Seattle for Thanksgiving, we stopped at Folk Art Gatherings Too in Centralia, WA. The reason it’s got the “too” at the end is because they also have a shop in Sumner, WA and that one is Folk Art Gatherings. I love this little shop right off of I-5. Mr CnW usually drops me off, goes to fill the car with gas and picks up a newspaper to read while I shop. This year the weather was really stormy so I didn’t spend as much time as I would have liked. We just wanted to get to Seattle and out of the mess. This picture was taken during the middle part of the day. It was nasty, to… -
19 Jan 2012 | 1:55 pm
19 Jan 2012 | 1:55 pmLove this little pillow. So cute in its simplicity. I hope you enjoyed the eye candy from this darling store. If you’re ever on I-5 in the central Washington area, you really should stop in. Back soon with more catching up. Hugs, Anne -
Hollyhill part 2
15 Jan 2012 | 6:29 pmOh Blogger! I guess I had too many pictures for Blogger to handle, so had to remove some before it would post. So, this is part 2 but it’s actually gonna look like part 1…oh, you know what I mean. Here are the last (or first) 5 pictures. So now, that’s the end. Be sure and stop by if you’re ever in the area. Hugs, Anne -
Hollyhill Quilt Shoppe
15 Jan 2012 | 6:23 pmBack in November, Anna, Sandy and I went to Portland so they could attend the annual event, “Homespun and Holly”, at Hollyhill Quilt Shoppe. I hitched a ride with them because I was going to be helping out Anne, who was one the 4 featured teachers. Anne isn’t as pokey as I am with blogging, and posted pictures right after she got home, so check them out here. The shop is actually located in West Linn, Oregon which is a suburb a little south of Portland. It’s run by the wonderful Jan and her funny son, Brian. They were so accommodating and made the day so much fun. If you’re ever in… -
Some answers
11 Jan 2012 | 5:25 pmHi everyone! Hope your New Year is coming along just the way you want it to. A big thanks for all the wonderful comments about my snowmen collection. Yes, I have a lot of them, and no, I don’t know how many but that might be a fun thing for Emma and Mason to count some year. (It might keep them busy for a few extra minutes) Some of you wanted to know the names of the quilts, so here ya go. The first one is called “Whig Rose” and it’s by Betty Alderman. The pattern was in the December 2002 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine. The…
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Simplify
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A Swoon-along update
28 Jan 2012 | 1:21 amYou might remember a week or two ago, Katy started a Swoon-along. Well, it has grown to nearly 700 members *crazy*, and the quilts in the pool are a-mazing. I've been staying up way too late writing a book manuscript,... -
I love doctors (a PSA that doesn't involve Reeses ice cream treats)
24 Jan 2012 | 10:27 pm(Our visit to the motherland, right before our first fabric line was released, right around the time I got diagnosed.) This is a post I have considered writing for a long time. But never quite got around to it, and... -
Newby newby new
19 Jan 2012 | 5:33 pmYay! I have been dying to show you these for months now. Seriously. I turned the digital designs/covers in to Moda for the playbook (a book with all the new fabric/patterns in it) in November so it has definitely been... -
A day off
16 Jan 2012 | 12:21 pmToday the munchkins have the day off. If you are a mother you know what this means. Certainly not a day off! But doesn't that sound lovely? I have been working so much lately, and it fills every moment of... -
A newsletter of sorts
8 Jan 2012 | 1:29 pmI've been sewing my guts out over here. Really. Next week I'm going to have four new patterns and quilts ready to show you. Two of the quilts are done and done, I just have to finish sewing eighty zillion...
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Just Us Quilters
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Ok Peeps
26 Jan 2012 | 6:07 pmI've got the button HTML on my sidebar.Grab the HTML and add.Hopefully this will be easier for everyone to add my button now :) -
Click to get listed! Make sure to link back!
7 Apr 2011 | 7:00 pm
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All Things Quilty
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Charity Quilt
25 Jan 2012 | 5:09 pmI brought home several quilt tops from my bee's Sew-In Day in January, got a new customer quilt, and found one more that I had brought home from guild to quilt. So, yesterday I warmed up the machine and got busy. I finished this little one made from bright five-inch squares.Some of the squares were left over from my grandson's quilt that I made before he was born. His mom picked out the pattern and helped me choose the fabrics. I called it Jungle Boogie. I think the stars are from Jan Mullen's book Cut-Loose Quilts.I even drafted my own border quilting pattern… -
And the Winner Is...
23 Jan 2012 | 9:53 amToday I drew names to choose the winner of Georgia Bonesteel's first quilting book, Lap Quilting with Georgia Bonesteel.And the winner is...Pat!Years ago I used to check that quilt book out from the library for weeks on end. I get a little thrill just seeing the cover. I'd love to win it. Thanks for the chance. January 20, 2012 6:34 PMI am glad this little book that no one purchased at my guild's silent auction will be going home with some one who will love it!Congratulations, Pat!BTW, I am coming up on my four-year blogiversary, and my 1,000th blog post. I will be… -
What to do on a Gloomy Winter Weekend
22 Jan 2012 | 2:37 pmFrom last weekend's beautiful snows and blue skies in the mountains, we have transitioned to a cold, rainy, gloomy weekend at home. We have seen a few movies (War Horse in the theater, Great; the new Planet of the Apes on DVD, Not bad; and Charlie's pick of DVD, Cowboys vs. Aliens, so bad and loud that I retreated to my third floor craft room to work on journal pages.Nothing like getting absorbed in a riot of color to improve the mood on a wintry day!I usually subscribe to the "Pages in Stages" method of journaling. You paint a background and add collage elements, then later go… -
"Little Daisy" Makes Her Debut (and a Give-Away)
20 Jan 2012 | 10:46 amLast night, I attended the Capital Quilters' Guild meeting in Raleigh...where we all got to meet "Little Daisy!" Our next Heritage Day quilt auction (on Oct. 6, 2012) will help to raise money not just for the guild, but for the local Girl Scout council. There will be two raffle quilts. This one is "Little Daisy," a smaller version of "Daisy of Savannah." Both quilts will feature the same fabrics and quilting, but the larger one will have five rows of five blocks each. That one will probably be ready by the February meeting.Here is a close-up of… -
My Lucky Day!
18 Jan 2012 | 9:57 amEarlier, I posted about a fabulous give-away by talented quilter, teacher, and artist Carla Barrett of Feathered Fibers blog. Last night, I found out that I am the lucky winner of one of Carla's Freeform Crochet necklacesThis is the beautiful example that she used to illustrate the give-away. Stunning, yes? But that's not the one I will receive.Get this...I got to select my own colors for a custom-made necklace!So hard to choose. I eventually went with jewel tones in blue-green, blue, and violet. Won't that be beautiful! Carla is going to make…
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Hanne's Quilt Corner
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A girl got to do what a girl got to do……. :-)
25 Jan 2012 | 10:44 amSometimes me and my body are not in the same game……..I know that is to be expected with you come delivered as a heap of 2nd sorting parts.A lot has been on the back burner lately, but luckily it is getting better now, at last!I am happy you are dropping by to see what is going on in my sewing corner :-) The Dresden flower quilt is back from the quilter, and it is beautifully quilted by Merete at www.sy.no Remember the flowers from last summer, when I had them on display on my walker?I have not got the binding on yet, but I will shortly, and it will be the striped fabric you can see… -
A finish!
8 Jan 2012 | 2:40 pmRecently I have been working on several things not yet bloggable, but today I have made something I can blog about.The heart is from May Britt, and the pouch is also May Britt's pattern, slightly adjusted to fit my needs. I have made several of these over the years, for gifts, but this is the first I will keep myself :-) Hanne -
Simplify and enjoy
1 Jan 2012 | 4:13 pmI want to wish you a Happy New Year and share with you my slogan for 2012 - Simplify and enjoy!If you like to stitch the design too, you can find it here. Please keep in mind that this is my pattern and I enjoy sharing it with you. You can make as many hearts as you like, to keep, to give away or to sell, adjusting the size if you so preferBUTI will ask you kindly not to teach from my pattern and not to copy my pattern to your blog or website.You are welcome to refer your friends to my blog to print their own pattern, and I love to see what you have made from my design!Enjoy! I am not… -
The last day in 2011
31 Dec 2011 | 10:58 amIt is time to make a tally for the year 2011. It has been a year of many events - some good, some not so good.The foot and its surgery in May took a lot of time and effort, both before, under and after. Outcome - maybe not so good, but it is sloooowly improving, sort of.I guess it is also a matter of adjusting to the current situation - I can do that, over and over ;-)I think it is good to look for the bright sides instead of focusing on what is not so good.Very good is the fact that I can again use the sewing machine pedal without pain!WISP (work in slow progress) situation - well… -
Christmas days
28 Dec 2011 | 3:49 pmThe last presents were made the last week before Christmas - 4 cushion covers with redwork stitcheries and red fabrics from the scrap box.It was hard to part with some of these cushion covers- especially the one on the first photo! That is when you know they are good gifts, right? :-) I tried to make nice backings too, from different fabrics. I am not fond of gold prints anymore, but they do make nice mixed backings, and as a bonus my red stash is shrinking too. :-)You will never see me buying anything with metal print again! I still have some gifts I can not show you, as the postal…
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Little Quilts Blog
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New line of fabric from Jo Morton
27 Jan 2012 | 1:10 pmIt's here and gorgeous as usual. Bridgeport from Jo Morton. 28 bolts of deep rich tones. Jo has a knack for designing fabrics that go with everything! Every style of quilting and every decor. Come and get it! ME first. 28 fat quarter Megabundle $84.50 available. We take phone orders and ship. -
Log Cabin
26 Jan 2012 | 12:35 amThese two ladies, Kathy and Kristina, are sisters and stopped by on Friday to pick fabric for a log cabin quilt for their friend's nephew. It is to be a wedding gift. Today is Tuesday and they brought this quilt back finished. How awesome is that! You ladies are super women! Congratulations on a jobwell done! -
Projects in a Project. Impressive
21 Jan 2012 | 7:26 pmJeanette came in with all her projects in this cute basket that she made. The wool appliqués around the outside were so cute and the basket was large enough to hold several projects. We loved it! -
Conclusion of 2011 Second Saturday Sampler Quilt
20 Jan 2012 | 12:04 amI hope these quilts inspire you to look forward to/participate in..the 2012 Second Saturday Sampler. Mark your calendars for Feb. 11th for a brand new kickoff. A Patterns set for this quilt is available for $15.12" inch… -
Shhhh! Silent Auction...
14 Jan 2012 | 7:26 pmThis fabulous quilt, with fabric donated by Little Quilts, was made by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild for the silent auction to benefit the Center For Children and Young Adults. We know it’s going to bring in lots of $$$ for a very worthy charity.
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Stitchin' Friends
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Oooops
4 Jan 2012 | 8:02 pmHave you ever done this??I like to test my tension before I start machine quilting and I just sandwich a small piece to sew on until I get it right. So, my little test piece, unbeknownst to me, got under the piece I was quilting. Now you would think I would notice that the fabric had gotten much thicker - but nooooooo. I mean really, this was not just one layer of fabric, it was two layers of fabric and one of batting - how did I miss that?? Didn't see it until after I finished all the quilting and turned the piect over to "admire" my handiwork. … -
Beaded Applique
18 Dec 2011 | 6:14 amSomeone on a blog asked the question "What is your favorite Christmas decoration." I have so many that bring back special memories, but this one is my favorite. This is my mom's Christmas tree. When I was growing up, we would always go into the woods and select the perfect cedar tree for our Christmas tree, a task my oldest brother Michael seem to enjoy the most. Then we would decorate it with lots of pretty ornaments that Momma and Daddy had collected and that we had made. As the years went by, and we grew up, they switched to a huge artifical tree, that was… -
Designing Applique
8 Dec 2011 | 6:06 pmI love to do applique, but have never tried to design my own applique patterns. Well that is not quite right, I have tried and never could get it right. I am hoping to do a class next year on a Fall table runner, with this applique that yes, I designed. Its pretty simple, but its my first design. I will use it to teach back basting applique and thus it needs to be a simple design, at least that's my story and I am sticking with it! Here is a glimpse of the runner. I don't have both sides appliqued yet and obviously it is not quilted yet - but this will give… -
Another border idea
27 Nov 2011 | 3:46 pmIn my last post, I talked about various border ideas for my hexie quilt. While going through some old magazines I came across this quilt in an American Patchwork and Quilting 2005 magazine.I just love the look of this border and am thinking I could do something similar, but using my little hexie flowers. Maybe a birdhouse in one corner and a little blue bird or two in the other corner. I have not done anything like this before, so should be an interesting project.In the meantime I have been working on a "secret" project and having so much fun playing with beads and… -
Border Options
13 Nov 2011 | 6:51 amI have been on the road again - this time to Washington DC for a business conference. The weather was lovely, even if I did spend all day (8:30 - 5:00) every day in meetings. Rather than show you the typical pictures of Washington, I thought I would show you some of the other visitors - the Occupy Washington crowd was there too. I took my hexies to work on in the evenings, and this is the stack I completed. They are smaller than the ones I have been working on for my quilt, measuring just 2.5 inches across. I want to use them in the border - but…
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Quiltville's Quips & Snips!!
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Evening Edition, Free Kindle Book!
27 Jan 2012 | 5:07 pmI’ve still got Florida on the brain! That state has SO much history that most of us do not know! Looking for the fountain of youth? It was said it could be found there! Ponce De Leon landed in what is now known as St Augustine in 1513. Wow! I remember a trip down to Key West in the early 1990s --- we drove and drove and drove and thought we’d see so much --- but all you see basically is the -
iPhone-o-gram!! Need more chocolate!!
27 Jan 2012 | 11:59 amThought I was making such good progress on my midnight flight quilt---sewsewsew, presspresspress---oops!! Someone had the 4-patch turning the wrong way! Just where is my seam ripper?? :-/ -
Home Again!
27 Jan 2012 | 9:43 amWhich means I slept in, which means this is a late blog post! You can pretty much tell when I’m home because I didn’t write a post the night before to go live early in the morning like I do if I’m out on a trip and have to leave early to teach a class…THOSE posts I write at night before going to bed so I don’t have to get up extra early in the morning to write! TODAY – is NOT a teaching day…it’s -
iPhone-O-gram!
26 Jan 2012 | 5:41 pmA quickie post from my iPhone--- Jeff picked me up at the airport and we headed straight to a "new to us " Chinese place in Greensboro. We both had to laugh at my fortune cookie--- It seems even the fortunes are making fun of the fact that I've turned 50! -
A Florida Kind of Day!
26 Jan 2012 | 5:45 amI wasn’t able to even able to CHECK for comments to yesterday’s post until I was back to my digs after last night’s lecture and trunk show! What a full day! It was really interesting to read the comments, and to hear people’s thoughts. I do think it is all about BALANCE, as is everything else in our lives. And --- I was so encouraged to hear that kids ARE still playing and imagining in many
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Canton Village Quilt Works
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Paper Piecing, A Step By Step Tutorial
28 Jan 2012 | 4:45 amHello Everyone,This is something that I have wanted to share with you for a long time. Since I will becoming a Certified National Teacher for Judy Niemeyer, I thought I would share the basics of paper piecing with you. As I realize there are always several ways to do various techniques, this is the way that I paper piece and I hope that it is informative and helpful to you!This tutorial will focus just on straight piecing of flying geese, no curved piecing.It is based on Judy Niemeyer's pattern, Which Way is North, which can be found in my shop by clicking here if you are… -
Batik Fat Quarter Giveaway
26 Jan 2012 | 4:45 amHello Everyone,As many of you noticed, I have been doing a month's worth of weekly fabric giveaways! This will wrap it up for this month. Each week it has been a different type of fabric that I carry in my shop.I hope you all have enjoyed it! This won't be the last ever though. You will just have to keep on visiting me to see if I do more in the future.This week's feature fabric is Batiks!!Pin It I love batiks for many reasons, color being one of them.So I have chosen 7 fat quarters in blues, greens and purple/magentas for you. But to enter the giveaway you… -
Blogger's BOM Month 5
25 Jan 2012 | 4:45 amHello Everyone,Welcome back to Month 5!!I am so excited for this month! We have had the following blocks so far...Sherri's Month 1.Vicki's Month 2.Stephanie's Month 3.Pat's Month 4.All have been fabulous! I hope you are enjoying playing along because this month we have a super block from my very talented friend...John Adams, A.K.A. Quilt Dad. Wait until you see his block... oh, that's right you don't have to wait any longer, just click here to see the block and get the tutorial right now!!Don't forget to post your block to the Flickr group. -
The LeMoyne Star Made Easy
22 Jan 2012 | 4:45 amHello Everyone,A little while ago, my friend Deb Tucker asked me if I wanted to "test drive" her newest ruler for her. Of course, I jumped at the chance! Unfortunately, I haven't posted this until now. I tested it for her last year in April and she introduced her LeMoyne Star Ruler at Quilt Market in May 2011! I do carry them in the shop, just click here. Now to show you the magic of of this somewhat difficult block and how nicely it comes together.This first photo shows how little waste there actually is when you are done squaring up the block.You can see how… -
Totally Forgot to Post These Snowballs....
20 Jan 2012 | 4:45 amHello Everyone,December's Two's Company Bee Blocks were for Helen. I did finish them in December, as well as sent them to her and posted on the Two's Company Blog. But totally forgot to post it here for all of you to see.Helen requested scrappy whites and reds in the snowball block. To my surprise, I actually had quite a few white on white prints in my stash. I think I had purchased them years ago, but they were totally perfect for these blocks.How many of you purchase fabric that you totally forget about?? It seems to be a like a little present to yourself when…
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Quilter Going Bananas
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Loading Please Wait
27 Jan 2012 | 3:44 pmWait until you here about the great stuff I have been up to recently! I just returned home in the wee hours earlier today from Gulf Coast area of Florida, namely Venice, just south of Sarasota. It's a "stay in my pyjamas" type of day because well I'm just totally exhausted! Please be patient and I will post more about what I've been up to soon. In the mean time enjoy this pic of this t-shirt from ThinkGeek.com that describes how I am feeling today, LOL. Until next time... -
1 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am
1 Jan 2012 | 12:00 amHappy New Year 2012! Wishing you all much happiness and good health as well as lots of time to quilt! Until next time... -
Merry Christmas
25 Dec 2011 | 1:09 amMerry Christmas everyone! Hope you are spending time with your loved ones. Until next time... -
Check this out!
6 Dec 2011 | 11:06 amThis YouTube video is causing quite the buzz here in Winnipeg. Thought I'd share it with you all.Enjoy! Until next time... -
Thank You
30 Nov 2011 | 11:50 pmThank you all dear readers of my blog for helping and encouraging me during my challenge to post on my blog for every day for the month of November. I am pleased to say Mission Accomplished! I will continue to blog on a regular basis, but no promises that it will be everyday. I enjoy composing short posts, instead of long-winded ones, lol. Until next time...
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A Quilting Life
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Pattern Testing...
24 Jan 2012 | 11:50 amOne thing I've been working on for the last week is some very exciting pattern testing for Kimberly at Fat Quarter Shop. Each year Fat Quarter Shop hosts a Mystery Designer Block of the Month. I always participate and love each of the quilts I've made from these patterns. The blocks are always wonderfully designed, and Fat Quarter Shop always includes plenty of fabric. I've been working my -
Hopscotch
20 Jan 2012 | 9:48 amJust before Christmas I got the chance to sew with Vintage Modern, a new Moda line by Bonnie & Camille! If you loved their earlier lines Bliss and Ruby, well then Vintage Modern is like the icing on the cake! I seriously heart this fabric...it's one of those lines where it's love at first sight! It was so much fun to piece "Hopscotch" for Camille (yes, I pieced the quilt, but she did the -
Wordless Wednesday...
18 Jan 2012 | 10:21 amWell...almost...seems I can't post without saying something. Thank you so much for all the motivation to work on this some more! -
A "Work in Progress" Day
16 Jan 2012 | 2:03 pmYou might remember these scrappy stars, made with left-overs from my Denyse Schmidt Swoon quilt. I wasn't able to make as many as I had wanted, so I've been trying to decide on another block to put with them. A little while ago I picked up some more Denyse Schmidt fabric and came up with a plan. Since there was no deadline for this project, it's been sitting a little while. It sure felt good -
A Little Sample Sewing
14 Jan 2012 | 12:39 amJust stopping in to share some of my recent "secret sewing" that doesn't have to stay secret anymore! Last week I got to piece together a sample for a fun table runner...out of some very whimsical patriotic fabrics! Introducing the Windy Point Park table runner made with Stars & Stripes by Mind's Eye for Riley Blake--did I mention these fabrics are really a lot of fun...I already have a few
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Anyone Can Quilt
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Quilty Christmas Gifts
2 Jan 2012 | 2:43 pmHappy New Year! How was your Christmas? We had the most wonderful time with family and friends. I made lots of quilted gifts, but in my rush to get everything finished and wrapped, I failed to get pictures of everything. I always do that! But, I did get a few pictures of my gifts to Sabine. I made her a little quilted needle case. Inspired by this tutorial by Sew She Sews. I love that it closes with a little snap. I have a thing for snaps. It's not natural. Open it up and it has little felt pages for needles and… -
Can you guess what this is?
16 Dec 2011 | 2:37 pmMy great-grandma Crystal made it in 1982, when I was 7 years old. I remember visiting her cozy little house at Christmastime and staring at each and every piece of costume jewelry. I thought it was wonderful. And I still do. My great-grandma Crystal made all kinds of neat things. She was always crafting something. She wasn't one to sew though. Go figure. My favorite piece on this jewelry tree is the little heart locket above, with the flower on it. Because inside is a picture that was very special to her. A picture of… -
Super sweet Christmas gifts...and a visit from the Christmas Bunny..
6 Dec 2011 | 1:56 pmMy sweet mama made me a beautiful gift. The most beautiful gifts are handmade aren't they? As soon as I held these in my hands I couldn't wait to share them with you. These really inspired me to make kitchen-y Christmas gifts for the ladies in my family this year...which I haven't actually started sewing yet. Of course. Look how sweet! Fabric adorned kitchen towels and a potholder to match. Love it. Mom bought a few yards of this kitchen toweling at a quilt shop last year and this is what she's done with it. These go… -
Happy Halloween from Prairie Dog Rosie!
31 Oct 2011 | 1:39 pmThis year Rosie is a prairie dog. She's so happy about her costume, can't you tell? What kind of a face is that? I think she was mocking me. Oh how I do look forward to Halloween. When I get to put a hat on my dog and take pictures. What's the fun of having a patient little dog if you don't take embarassing pictures of her? She's such a good girl! Now it's time for some treats and cuddles for playing along. Happy Halloween! x -
Crisp air, chimney smoke, cozy quilts...
28 Oct 2011 | 11:38 amFall makes me so happy. I feel like I wait all year for the leaves to start changing. Happiness to me means cool crisp days, smoke coming out of chimneys, fog in the mountains, apple spice candles.... you get the picture. I could go on forever. I always have a quilt hanging behind the couch, one for each season. I was so excited to put up my fall/Halloween quilt this year. Which is actually a sight to see cause I'm barely tall enough to stand on my smooshy couch and clip the thing up there. I have to use my mind powers to finish the…
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Red Fish Circle
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Another Fly Away Give Away
27 Jan 2012 | 8:00 amThe release of Fly Away got pushed back a couple of times, so I started blogging about it a wee too early. Well, it should be in stores in Feb and is starting to show up. I found it here and here. And keep checking the list I have on my blog as well.So because I have been teasing you I at the very least should give another yard away. Just leave me a comment on which fabric you would like - check out my pictures of the prints here (keep scrolling down to see the collection).Also, the minky fabrics will be available for wholesale the end of March.I will pick a winner… -
Studio Time
22 Jan 2012 | 2:41 pmBlogging about my 100 hours project over here. Finally able to grab some "me" time. -
More Madison Park
20 Jan 2012 | 9:44 amHere are some more cards from my collection with Madison Park being released this month.Sympathy cardGet well card (without text) Birthday card (without text) -
Madison Park Greetings
12 Jan 2012 | 8:39 amI did an everyday collection of cards for Madison Park Greetings that is due to come out in January. I did seven cards for the collection, here are four of them.FriendshipNew BabyBirthday (without the text)Thank You (without the text) -
Etsy love
11 Jan 2012 | 8:35 pmSpotted this adorable backpack on Etsy -here
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Quilting with the Past
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Done
27 Jan 2012 | 12:32 pmThe binding is on and this doll quilt is done :-)Lucy -
Crochet
12 Jan 2012 | 1:26 pmAi, I have a quilt blog and now I'm into crocheting :-)I taught my daughter how to crochet....I made these key ring ducks in different colors since everyone likes it and would love to have one by me..I bought some lovely yarn. (believe me being in a yarn shop is the same as being in a quilt shop I'm drooling over the yarn, at the colors and the feel of it. I want to buy everything *sigh* I wish I wasn't that crafty and want to do it all!)Well I choose a 100% alpaca wool from drops in a natural color. It feels so soft.I want to make a small lap size blanket of it.I will use this pattern. -
22 Dec 2011 | 4:00 am
22 Dec 2011 | 4:00 am -
Inspired by an antique doll quilt
8 Dec 2011 | 6:59 amAfter weeks of recovering Ihave a bit of my spirit back to make a little quilt.One of my favourite quilt books is Childhood Treasures by Merikay Waldvogel.You can find lot of very cute doll quilts in it. Actually every quilt inthis book is an inspiration. Kathie has already reproduced a few of thedoll quilts. Take a peek at her blog and you will be amazed!I made this block maybe a year ago inspired by an antique quilt I found on the web. ( don't remember exactly where). I wanted to use it for this center. It is not my intention to reproduce this quilt exactly. I just want to achieve the same… -
Advent Calendar
29 Nov 2011 | 3:30 amLaura from Pine Ridge Quilter is doing a very interesting kind of advent calendar. Each day she will be showing a stunning antique quilt.Lucy
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Art and Quilts, cogitations thereon
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What does the teacher aim to do?
24 Jan 2012 | 9:05 amI just read a very interesting article in International Artist, a magazine written by practicing artists in most traditional media around the world. At a large conference, artist teachers were asked what they felt were the most important things to tell their students about art. Many of them at first responded with “traditional knowledge” – the craft of painting. Looking at the roster of classes at any big quilt conference, you can see that this is the focus of many quilt teachers too. Piecing, applique and machine quilting are always very popular. Basic dyeing… -
To design or not to design, that is the question! Shakespearian advice for quilters.
17 Jan 2012 | 8:56 amYou start thinking when hiking in the woods and one thought that came to mind on a recent hike (High Shoals falls in N. Ga) was that I get the impression from chat groups and blogs that when it comes to an art quilt, quilters either have to have no design in mind and work “intuitively” or they “over design” it! But, to me, both charging right in to cutting and throwing up fabric on the design wall, and sitting down with graph paper ready to draw out a full cartoon, have advantages and disadvantages. Yes, it’s lovely just to go into the studio, see all these luscious colors of fabric… -
Keep it Clean: tips for using a design wall
10 Jan 2012 | 2:41 pmI think most art quiltmakers now use a design wall – composing their images vertically, since it is easier to get a clear view of how the piece progresses by being able to step back from the wall. This was never possible when working on a table unless one had the power of levitation! Which, alas, I do not! My wall is like any other: a layer of foam insulation (that pink stuff about an inch thick that is sold in home improvement stores) which is very easy to pin into. Some, I know, use a tougher kind of board but my fingers would never permit me to pin into it. Plus,… -
Inspired to Design
2 Jan 2012 | 8:19 amInspired to Design is the title of my (4 lesson) class that starts this week at Quilt University and I’m looking forward to that first day when I hear from people all over the world! I think it really does take inspiration to start designing!! I just don’t know how people manage it when faced with a blank wall, a blank canvas, blank sheet music or a blank monitor!! I don’t think it’s so much that there isn’t a rich internal life going on – whirling thoughts in every direction - but rather being able to focus them. That’s what the inspiration does: it… -
Quiltopee
28 Dec 2011 | 4:09 pmQuilters often say they wish that “they” (critics, museums, galleries, collectors, the public) would recognize quilts as a mainstream art medium. Other media, for example photography, have developed to the extent that most museums now include photographs in their collections and display them regularly. So, why not quilts? At least part of the answer is that quilts have not developed from their early beginnings in anything like the way that other media have. The possibility of printing very large color photographs has lead to major shows of photographs in…
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- The Quilter -
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Design Wall Monday 01-23-2012
23 Jan 2012 | 6:52 amLots of things are happening at Casa del Quilter! The fabric storage in the sewing room is getting reorganized -- inspiration by Mrs. Goodneedle. No photos of the reorg, sorry. But. Progress is being made on the AAQI Priority Quilts. The Road Knight quilt is spray basted, layered and ready to quilt. Plus, I dug out an old orphan block and made it into another Priority Quilt. When I was rummaging around in the box, I found another little block (the Lemoyne star) that I'll make into another AAQI quilt. And then buried at the bottom of the box were 4 unused pieced borders. Using the black… -
First Quilt Finish of 2012
20 Jan 2012 | 6:00 amBack on December 12, 2011, I posted a design wall update on the progress of this quilt. It's done! Yay! I realized that I had a duplicate of one of the shirts and found an Alexander Henry fabric of just Cameros that fit right in. Since the request was for a certain size, I did not put borders on it. I know how hard the recipient of this is on quilts so instead of quilting it, I tied it with wool yarn. The wool will felt in the first hot wash and form little balls on the top that will not come loose. The recipient is very pleased and so am I to have this done. -
Wordless Wednesday - Leaves
18 Jan 2012 | 9:05 am -
Design Wall Monday - 01/16/2012
16 Jan 2012 | 9:50 amThe design wall is empty! It has even been rollered with the tape roller.What you see here is the first block ready to applique for the Baltimore Christmas quilt. See how many pins are in the cords at the top of the photo? That is how many each piece will end up having. I am a firm believer in lots and lots of pins. After using glue in the last applique quilt, Hugs and Kisses, which, incidentally is still just a flimsy top, I realized that I do not like using glue. I am back to my standard way of hand applique which is a combination of totally prepared applique pieces and needle turn.The… -
With and Without Flash
11 Jan 2012 | 8:10 am
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Giraffe Dreams
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Friday Books: Long-Shining Waters
27 Jan 2012 | 7:12 pmworking on a binding... still have a couple bindings to do after this one... bindings: my nemesisIt’s Friday evening. I waited until now to write my Friday Books log, because I was hoping I could say that I finished my book. I’m close to done, but I just didn’t take any time today to read.I am inundated with quilt bindings and hanging sleeves, so I didn’t set aside any reading time. Oh, I did -
Quilts for the Show, Part 1
26 Jan 2012 | 4:42 pmI think I will have as many as 16 quilts ready to hang in our guild's show this year. I don't think I ever had that many, even the year I was Featured Quilter. Well, this year they are encouraging small quilts, and small is part of the theme, so it was easier to churn out a bunch. Many of mine are just simple, quick, unimpressive, and small. A couple of them are beauties, but most are average. -
Are These Your Shoes?
22 Jan 2012 | 2:34 pmHave you been to my house some time in the last 4 months? If so, did you leave a pair of shoes here? I don't know who belongs to these shoes that are now waiting quietly in our front closet.I have about 12 quilts registered for our upcoming show which runs for the month of February, and I have to finish about six bindings. I hate doing bindings! They are soooo B-O-R-I-N-G!! But it will be fun to -
Friday Books: ARC
20 Jan 2012 | 1:20 amLast weekend when I went to visit my mom, she had recently finished reading an Advance Reader Copy of The Good Dream by Donna VanLiere. Mom said it was good, so I picked it up and started reading. By the time I left town the next day, I was about 2/3 done with the book, but had to bring it home to finish it. I finished it quickly and give it about 3.5 stars out of 5.A single woman in 1950 ("an -
Hiding Peas Under My Knife
15 Jan 2012 | 2:17 pmWhen I was a kid I absolutely hated peas! Yecchh! I would take the smallest serving possible, eat as few as I could get away with, then hide the rest of them under my knife and declare that I was done with my peas.I went to see my mom this weekend, and she served peas. I can eat peas now, but they're not my faves, so I still don't eat many of them. She glopped a huge pile on my plate, and I ate
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Third Girl From the Right
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Book Club
25 Jan 2012 | 2:11 pmThe DJC book club is meeting at my place tonight, which is giving me an opportunity to do a few things I love:Read "The Cookbook Collector" by Allegra GoodmanStyle the Dining RoomOo, what an ugly pictureHang a welcoming wreath - I hope I won't offend this fairly secular group too much with my Dollarama heartSet the timer on the coffee makerMake a seasonal craft to place in the powder room or with the tea things. I just stuck a pin in each rose to hold my flower together instead of using hot glue. I might want to unravel them and reuse the strips. Do you recognize the fabrics from my two… -
Get it done and give it away!
25 Jan 2012 | 12:15 pmSometimes it's more important to be finished than fabulous. My new mantra when it comes to finishing UFOs (Unfinished Objects) is:Get it Done and Give it AwayI've decided it's better for a quilt to be snuggling a sick child or brightening someone's wall than it is for it to be sitting partially finished in my UFO cupboard.I've been in an organizing frenzy lately. Every craft material and tool I've collected over the years has been taken out, dusted off, sorted and put back where I can find it. It's given me a whole new lease on life, and it's made me realize how many abandoned projects I have… -
Quilting and Listening to Music on a Saturday Morning
21 Jan 2012 | 11:23 amI'm so happy. I've just finished turning a pile of scraps like thisinto this beautiful quilt top:The pink scraps came in a kit prepared by the charity quilting group of the York Heritage Quilters. I don't have backing or batting, and quilting is not my favorite part of the quilt making process. I'll hand the top and binding prepared from strips cut from the remaining scraps in to the guild and some generous quilter will finish it before it's donated to one of the charities the guild supports.My husband is sitting comfortably surfing in the armchair in my studio. Asher the Yorkie was running… -
Attempting Felting
19 Jan 2012 | 4:43 pmJumping in feet first I am copying poor Mary Elizabeth yet again. I think I may have mentioned that after seeing her beautiful felted basket at our November meeting I begged her to give us a workshop on how to make them. She very kindly agreed, has been working on instructions, scheduling times that we're all available, working methodically to help us succeed at our first attempt at felting.Ya, that doesn't seem to really work for me. I am so sorry ME but I tend to just sort of jump in and see where my experimenting takes me.Tuesday we had our January get together at Judy's. I arrived… -
Extending that holiday feeling
6 Jan 2012 | 8:49 amTravel for work, for love, for family, for research, for fun has kept the Wolfes and our offspring apart over the holidays. Many emails and phone calls helped us to find one magical evening when most of us could be together. We were missing one branch of the family that lives out of town, one recalcitrant twenty something and one nonagenarian who prefers to be at home to visitors. Many kind aunts, uncles and cousins crowded into the family room to indulge the littles in a hilarious Game of Life. Conversation, brisket, cauliflower and parsnip soup, wine, chocolate, laughter, hugs.A photo op…
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Denise Aumick ~ Wild Thread Studio Art ~ Life Among Many Mediums
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Pastel Abstract
22 Jan 2012 | 7:35 amKaren Stiehl Osborn posted the photo above on Facebook yesterday. I asked her if I could interpret it in a painting. She gave me her blessing.So last night I picked up pastels for the first time in - like forever. I've never done an abstract with pastels. I'm not even sure how I feel about this painting but I do know that I liked visiting this medium again. All that layering and rubbing (or adult finger painting as someone I know calls it) really speaks to me. -
More Gellies
21 Jan 2012 | 10:59 amMessed around with gelatin plate printing on this snowy Saturday morning. I'm pretty satisfied with the results and find that Golden fluid acrylics work really well on the gelly plate. I have some other art plans for this weekend....that involve a photo taken by Karen Stiehl Osborn. Karen is an incredible multi-media artist. More later.... -
Gellies!
15 Jan 2012 | 2:57 pmMy daughter came to visit today and since I had the gelatin plate ready for printing we decided to give it a go. Of course I completely forgot to take work-in-progress photos but some of the more successful results are below. The first two are mine. I was just getting into the groove when we had to stop and Feed The Boys as it was getting late in the day and they wanted to get on the road before dark. What a drag when life and commitments interfere with ART!Heather made the two below. This first one is quite sweet. There is lots of very subtle texture in the background that doesn't show well… -
Winter Endeavors
14 Jan 2012 | 7:54 amMade this vessel last week. It needs to be scraped, sanded, glazed and fired. Right now I'm thinking I'd like to put this in a cabinet that has a window as the door.....Guarded Memories....of course I need to find (or build) the right cabinet. Hmmm...trips to antique/junk stores? Gee, what a horrible thought.Today I have prep ready to do some gelatin printing. A media friend I haven't visited in quite awhile. I plan to take wip photos and - if all goes well and I remember to take the photos (sigh) - I'll post a small tutorial to this blog....stay tuned... -
Musings
7 Jan 2012 | 11:16 amAt varioius time I consider myself an art quilter, a fiber artist, a pastelist, an acrylic abstract painter and a mixed media assemblage artist. Lots of mediums in which I try to voice what moves me, what inspires me, what speaks to me. I work to manipulate mediums so they allow me to express my fascination with disintegration, beauty out of ruin and the continuum of life. Of course the age old question rears it head from time to time...I get what I'm striving for but does the message appeal to others? In other words, are my artistic expressions successful? Lately I have been creating pod…
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Textile Art Quilts by Lynn In California
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"Another Place" Was the most recent Challenge
2 Jan 2012 | 6:32 pmMy last post showed the challenge that was "Barcelona". This challenge was to make something from "Another Place". These both done with the women of "Quilts Around The World Group". As you can see on the previous post that I passed through Barcelona on my way to Israel in 1961. It seemed only appropriate that I finish the story here with this quilt depicting the State of Israel and my time spent there.We were also to use paper and/or plastic in our art quilt making. This front top is fully made from papers that are in Hebrew print or written by hand. The shape of the… -
A Memory Quilt From 1961: "Passing Through Barcelona"
3 Oct 2011 | 11:53 amThe Challenge group at Quilts Around The World suggested we make an art quilt that had something to do with BARCELONA, SPAIN. On that blog you will see many interpretations of this theme, everything from famous artists from that area to historical buildings. Mine is a more personal art piece of memories of a time when I was indeed "young and adventurous"! I used a plain piece of off white muslin onto which I transferred photos (of myself in Torremolinas, Spain...setting off on my journey... through Barcelona to Franceand finally to Israel where I went for five weeks, but… -
Sunflower III Finished at Last
6 Sep 2011 | 10:14 amI worked several months to finish this, my third sunflower art quilt.I am excited by its 3-D sculptured flowers on a heavily textured multi layered background. Click on the photos to enlarge to see more detail if you like. The fabric used for the leaves was from Dyed Candy ETSY and is hand dyed.The rest of my fabrics are mostly up cycled from thrift stores and garage sales.However, now I am recalling actually buying the batik and lime green & flannel fabrics new from a wonderful store I discovered in Berkeley, Ca. The background is torn strips of fabric sewn together then… -
"Indian Summer" art quilt SOLD!!!!
24 Jun 2011 | 6:36 pmAfter the Yolo County Sunflower Art Show ended this past week I learned upon returning from our vacation that "Indian Summer" had been SOLD! What mixed feelings I get when one of my pieces goes to a new home...feelings of being honored as an artist, complimented; and then sad to say goodbye to a good friend I've lived with for a while! But the woman who bought her sent me a note saying she'd be (the quilt) "enjoyed by her family for years to come!" That made me happy. I am tickled that both Sunflower art quilts I made for this annual show sold, one before the show started 2 yrs ago and this… -
Gossamer Spring
3 Apr 2011 | 12:01 pmGossamer Spring was made for the Quilts Around The World Group for the challenge: "Different". Things that I did new/different for my work was using crocheted flowers, zippers for stems, jewelry wire stamens and new rather than re purposed fabrics for this piece! The entire quilt was done by hand. Hand embroidery and beading gives a rich texture to this piece.I love the three D look! Gossamer Spring will show at the Dixon May Fair, Dixon CA May 4-8 2011; and will be offered for jurying for the Vacaville Juried Art Show May 13, 2011.She is for sale for $200 to be taken into possession after…
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Art-Quilt-Works
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Tomorrow will be the start of a busy next two weeks
19 Jan 2012 | 11:27 amin my life as a curator and member of the guild. On Friday early I will be on the road to Daytona Beach to open the boxes and shipping containers filled with the art work that was submitted for the "Faces of Color" exhibit. I am looking forward to seeing if the art I saw as digital images lives up to those submitted images.I have only today to decide if I am entering a piece in the "Ah Spring" exhibit for the Quilts Inc Cincinnati Show. I keep telling myself I really should.I have at last reached the end of the guilds 2012 calendar year and the planning for… -
I kinda, sorta forgot
16 Jan 2012 | 3:45 pmwhat it meant to be an active member of a quilt guild that leans more to the traditional than toward the art. Don't get me wrong. There are many in the group who do create original work. And because I love quilts in all styles and form I do apprciate a well crafted quilt of the traditional kind. Saying that leads me to say that being an active member also means I have to get aboard and support what is happening with the guild and one of the things is "Fun Night". For one of the Fun Nights I proposed we do a quilt making race. A race… -
Creating PR stuff is almost as much fun as creating a quilt
11 Jan 2012 | 10:45 amnot so. That is why I like having a daughter that knows her way around publishing programs. As a result I am getting to know my computer better. a few minutes ago I had no idea that you could take a document and change it into a gif file(?) and then publish that file to my blog. Oh the wonders of the times we live in.Now I am back to the sewing machine were I was able to put in several hours of interrupted stitching yesterday. -
Given the choice
10 Jan 2012 | 9:51 amon most days I would rather be sitting here rather than here.Making art is fun and sitting at this desk for hours is work. And there I was "silly me" thinking I had retired. But I must admit I have gotten really excited about being an independent curator and gallery consultant. I am truly looking forward to working out all the details, even problems associated with getting all of the exhibits I have planned for the 2012-2013 Visual Arts calender for Bethune Cookman University and their gallery space in the Performing Art Center and… -
Happy New Year to all
31 Dec 2011 | 10:10 pmIt has been a really busy 2011, but in looking back I would not have traded it for anything. I met some really nice people. Some I didn't know this time last year I now consider friends.On the other hand, some of the people who started the year with me are no longer in my life on a daily bases, namely my middle grandson Justin. Shh. Don't tell him I miss him and my daughter Rene', she knows I miss her a lot. Amongst other things she and I do together or have a common interest in (reading books) is my going to the movies buddy. I know I could go alone…
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Barbara Strobel Lardon Art quilts
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Update
26 Jan 2012 | 8:32 pmDecided I needed a fresh new look to my blog. I hope you like it. I especially like the new font and the new background pattern. I'm glad blogger finally added some more interesting ways to design your blog. -
Poppies At Sunset
22 Jan 2012 | 1:02 pmI have added three of the poppies to my background. They are pretty interesting even without the leaves, There is more to come on this piece and I hope to find some time during the next few days to make some more progress.We have started a new stricter heart healthy diet. It means spending lots of time at the grocery store READING labels on everything. Thank goodness things like fruit and vegetables only require finding out the country of origin. We are also heading up to Grafton Wi. to go to a few specialty stores to find some of the things that are unavailable… -
Poppy No. 1
17 Jan 2012 | 2:43 pmI finished quilting my background for my new poppy piece. It was snowing up a storm this morning but has stopped now at 2:30. Referring to my sketch I constructed Poppy No. 1 on my teflon sheet. There will be 5 poppies in the scene so permanent placement will be made once they are all finished. I love how everything changes by moving one element to different locations. See how this makes you feel so differently to your relationship to the flower and the background recedes. This is my favorite part and can be the most frustrating part when it does not… -
A good joke Monday
16 Jan 2012 | 3:27 pmA married couple in their early 60s was celebrating their 40th weddinganniversary in a quiet, romantic little restaurant. Suddenly, a tinyyet beautiful fairy appeared on their table. She said, 'For being suchan exemplary married couple and for being loving to each other for allthis time, I will grant you each a wish.'The wife answered, 'Oh, I want to travel around the world with mydarling husband The fairy waved her magic wand and - poof! - twotickets for the Queen Mary II appeared in her hands.The husband thought for a moment: 'Well, this is all very romantic,but an opportunity… -
Fish
13 Jan 2012 | 7:29 pmThis is the most amazing artist, take time to watch this.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=21bFpgEfDFM
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Art @ The Hermitage
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Etta James 1938 - 2012
22 Jan 2012 | 5:43 pmA beautiful, strong, brave woman who overcame some pretty heavy stuff in her life. Every time she sang you could practically see her soul. The choir in the next dimension is richer for her presence.The many faces of Etta... -
Johnny Otis 1921 - 2012
21 Jan 2012 | 2:40 pmWe all have heroes. Some of us have lots of them. In my 70 years, I've had a boatload of heroes, but a few truly stand out... in a class by themselves... my "Super Heroes." Johnny Otis is one of those stand-outs.He burst into my life on my eleventh birthday. My mother and father had gifted me that day with my very own radio for my bedroom. I'd had a rambunctious party that afternoon, and was feeling really tired, so had decided to go to bed early, and allow my new radio to lull me to sleep. After some dial twiddling, I found the local classical station - the station most often played in our… -
I'm so happy...!!!!!
12 Jan 2012 | 8:53 pmI FINALLY had my second cataract surgery yesterday, and I am one very happy lady!! After two years of dealing with totally unbalanced eyes - the right one working at close ups and the left one working at distances - I can finally walk around without glasses and not fear falling on my keester and breaking my butt. Now, I can work at the computer, read a book, sew, play Solitare on my iPhone, climb stairs, read labels in the grocery store, watch television, order food from a menu, and, best of all, read music on the music desk of the piano and organ or on my flute music stand... ALL without… -
Something New for the New Year
2 Jan 2012 | 5:39 pmThis book was recommend to me by my late friend Angus Crocker. In the last years of his life, Angus developed prostate cancer, and by the time it was discovered, it was already at "stage 4." Like anyone would, Angus wanted to fight the disease and live as long as he possibly could. Unlike just anyone would, Angus completely changed his diet and, with the help of this book managed to live several years beyond the time originally predicted for him. I visited him twice during this period of his life, and both times he prepared a lunch of recipes from this book. He declared it, "one of the best… -
Doo Wop White Christmas
25 Dec 2011 | 5:34 pmFrankly, I think people who yearn for a white Christmas are nuts, and I've always thought the sentiments expressed in Mr. Berlin's famous song are drivel, but this arrangement is one I can truly wrap my head around. I think Birdie (a fellow blogger who has some very emphatic ideas about everything connected with the concept of a white Christmas) might even like this.Enjoy!!
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Twisted Sister
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Juliette Low and Girl Scouts!
27 Jan 2012 | 9:00 amA Girl Scout sister of mine asked me to design a logo for an upcoming event to celebrate 25 years of Song Share. Juliette Low is the founder of Girl Scouts. Celebrating 100 Years! She has been the subject of many of my art quilts and custom artwork for Girl Scouts Orange County, California council. History - This group started with a few Camp Scherman Staff who love to sing. There are about 100 members of Song Share, mainly Alumnae who are all members of the "old" Southern California Ten Councils. They meet once a year and rotate who will host the event, either the… -
More Doodles
24 Jan 2012 | 12:11 pmThe January theme for the Sketchbook Challenge is "Doodles" and I love to draw them. This is a little departure from my usual one color doodles, because I used Sharpie markers for this visual delight.This is the back side of the paper. I am contemplating order some fabric on Spoonflower with the top doodle. -
In the Studio
20 Jan 2012 | 4:10 pmI've had a busy couple of weeks. Did some reorganizing of every room in my studio to make it more efficient. What do they call that? Purging. It felt good to just get all of the fabric that I'll never use, and other things out of my studio. I had my husband add a 6" higher table top extension to my rolling table, making it design height, not back breaking too low.Here is another view of it. The shelf nearest the top stores the dies for the AccuQuilt machine. One of the best parts of having a table that rolls, is that I can add it to the end of my design… -
My Color Palette
19 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amThursday, January 19th - I am honored to be part of a color study on Victoria Findlay Wolfe's blog - Bumble Beans; click HERE to read all about it. This is my color palette, bold, bright and fun. I often find myself using the same three colors - red, royal blue and lime green in my work. Tea Fairy House - 2011 - Quilting Arts Magazine Oct/Nov 2011 issue "Put a little zip in your art quilts." Girl, part of a larger work that was made to celebrate the Girl Scouts Orange County's 40th Anniversary. Private Collector.Sing is part of a collaboration love quilt for a dear… -
Heirlooms from the Homestead
16 Jan 2012 | 5:23 pmThis is a twin size quilt, that looks like it is completely hand quilted. A friend said it might be the pattern "Kings Crossing." I love the block with the red in it. Sort of like pin wheels. It has sustained some damage in the blue squares, but it is in pretty good shape. My Grandma Alice was a quilter, and she might have made this. She is the one who taught me how to sew. This was a great surprise to find this nine patch quilt top, that was never finished. I love the color scheme. The blocks were hand sewn, but the sashing was done on the…
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Me and My Quilts ~ Exploring the Possibilities
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Too Many Monkeys . . .
27 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amPhoto courtesy of Google ImagesMany years ago, DH brought this book into our lives.However, instead of the day-job focus of the book,we adapted/incorporated elements ofmonkey management into our home life.Photo courtesy of Google Images"That's your monkey, not my monkey"can be heard frequently.(usually followed by good-natured laughter)Many days, between work and home and life in general,I feel like there are waaaaaaaay too many monkeysin need of care and feeding . . .I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in this!* * *Breathe inBreathe outOne monkey at a time* * *Courtesy of Google… -
Uncle Will's Closet - Final Flimsy Notes
26 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amThe fabric above will be the backing for Uncle Will's Closet(Kaffe Fassett's Shirt Stripes)Uncle Will's border idea came from another of Bonnie Hunter's quilts.I've used it before ~ in the back of Dandelion Detour (2008)The instructions are in Bonnie's second book:Adventures with Leaders and Enders* * * And last, but not least,the winner of the leftover shirtings from Uncle Will's Closet is . . . JaneB!Quiltdivajulie -
Wordless Wednesday (more or less)
25 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amGestation ZoneReminder I will draw a name tonight after workto find a new home for the leftoversfrom Uncle Will's Closet.p.s.If you are a no-reply blogger,I have no way to contact you unless you include your e-mail address in your comment.Quiltdivajulie -
Uncle Will's Closet - the flimsy
23 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amThe flimsy is finished!62" wide by 74" long, Uncle Will's Closet has been "claimed" by our younger son.Taken using the "super wide shot" feature ~first time I've tried it.* * *I've decided not to piece a scrappy back for this quilt.Anyone want to use the leftover shirtings?Leave me a comment and I'll draw a winner Wednesday after work.Quiltdivajulie -
Tree Work
20 Jan 2012 | 5:00 amI resigned as family historian nearly ten years ago.(shortly before I made my first visit to a quilt shop)Over a seven-year period of time,I spent countless hours building Julie's Genealogy ~when WYSIWYG was a still-new concept.Even though it has been years since I've updated that site,and computer issues have, sadly, caused the demise of my Family Tree Maker database, the photographs and documents andother handed-down items continue to live in our house.That is about to change!I've found a local history museum in Pennsylvania that is…
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About.com Quilting
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Heart in a Snowball Quilt Block Pattern
27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 amThis vibrant Snowball quilt block is assembled with a white on white interior and purple tips. A red heart is appliqued to the center of the 6" (finished size) block. If you're already into applique, the gentle heart will be a breeze, and beginners will find that it's a perfect first applique project (read my Needleturn Applique Basics for technique how-tos). The block is from a 2009 Quilting Forum event, where it was sewn by numerous members....Read Full Post -
Reverse Capital T Quilt Block Pattern
26 Jan 2012 | 1:22 pmThe reverse version of the Capital T quilt block isn't seen as commonly as its counterpart -- where dark fabrics create the diagonal T-shape at each corner. Both blocks are assembled the same way, it's just the color values that are flip-flopped, but the two versions are unique enough that I felt a separate pattern would be a good option for the quilt block shown here. I've included instructions to make the block's flying geese units in a couple of ways -- both are quick-pieced but one technique results in no fabric waste. Choose the method that works best for the fabrics you have on hand. I… -
Hearts 'n Rags Rag Quilt Pattern
26 Jan 2012 | 12:00 amHearts 'n Rags is an easy rag quilt pattern, one that you can assemble pretty quickly. The quilt is made with a combination of block types: squares with raggy heart applique, plain floral squares, blocks cut from a border print and another unit created by sewing two bars together. Mine is lightweight, with no batting, but I've provided yardage and cutting instructions for a middle layer if you choose to add it....Read Full Post -
Here's My Heart Quilt Pattern
25 Jan 2012 | 12:00 amHere's My Heart is a 64" x 84" quilt that's a combination of patchwork and appliqué. Alternate Snowball blocks are adorned with Sunbonnet Sue and Overalls Sam -- two traditional characters that quilters seem to either love or hate. The appliqué blocks are separated by "chain-type" patchwork that helps create a diagonal flow across the surface of the quilt. Increase the quilt's size by adding blocks or altering the borders, or make a quick wallhanging from fewer blocks. -
Mosaic Pinwheel Quilt Block Pattern
24 Jan 2012 | 9:06 amI wanted the two sets of spokes in the Mosaic Pinwheel quilt block to vary a bit in color value, but not enough to create high contrast between the two ...Read Full Post
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Thimbleanna
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Hot Patterns Review
25 Jan 2012 | 9:48 pmHmmm, I seem to be dragging my blogging feet around here, but I have a pretty good excuse. I’ve been slaving away on my applique border! When I get home from work I make dinner and then sew a little before bed, so, not much time for posts. In addition to my applique, I managed to get my Amy Butler corduroy shirt finished. Garment sewing is probably my first crafty love, so that makes me deliriously happy! I chose Hot Patterns Plain and Simple Superfantastic Shirt pattern for my shirt. Have you heard of Hot Patterns? When I purchased my fabric at The French Seam, I asked if they… -
Five for Friday
20 Jan 2012 | 8:54 pm1. SNOW! It’s snowing here tonight. They said we might get as much as five inches. I’m trying not to get too excited, but. SNOW!!!! 2. I had a VERY lucky streak in blog winnings a few weeks oops, months ago. From Alison I won a beautiful set of Christmas ornaments. Aren’t they pretty? They arrived just in time for Christmas — Thank you Alison, I love them! 3. In another giveaway, I won a pattern for the very pretty Crossroads block from Meredithe. For some reason, when I won, I didn’t realize that the pattern included a template set. I love the… -
Soups On!
17 Jan 2012 | 8:25 pmWith apologies to those of you in the southern hemisphere, I’m here to share a soup recipe. It is soup season, after all. When we had the Gingerbread Competition, I made this Kale and Kielbasa soup and MyDadLovesMeBestSister has asked me twice now for the recipe. I promised I’d put it here on the blog for her. And for me too — I love having recipes on the internet ’cause I can call them up on the iPad while I’m in the kitchen. I didn’t realize that I loved kale until I made this soup. Sorry — the picture isn’t the greatest, but it’s the… -
Laundry Basket Liner
13 Jan 2012 | 12:56 pmShoot! I didn’t mean to be gone so long, but it’s been pretty boring around here. It’s been a long dull week — back to work after three happy holiday weeks isn’t easy! Plus, we’ve had something every night after work this week, so, just not much excitment — or sewing. I did manage to finally line my laundry basket last weekend. Mine isn’t nearly as cute as the version I did for MyDadLovesMeBestSister, but it matches the other accessories in my laundry room, so I’m happy. I used every last scrap of fabric that I had from the… -
Five for Friday
6 Jan 2012 | 12:19 amOne. I’m a day late with some Very exciting news! Several weeks ago Pat Sloan contacted me and asked if I’d join her and eleven fabulous ladies in creating the Aurifil 2012 Block of the Month. Of course, I said yes, and I’m so looking forward to the 5th of the every month to see what the new block will be. (I’m Miss May!) We’ll each be doing an embroidered block and you’re invited to join the fun. LOOK at this fantastic block that Miss January, Roseann from Rosebud’s Cottage has created: Isn’t it ADORABLE? She’s certainly set a…
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crazy mom quilts
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finish it up Friday, week 12
27 Jan 2012 | 7:53 amWelcome to week 12 of finish it up Friday! I started this quilt for a friend shortly before Christmas and finished it on the 31st of December, so it's been done for awhile. Last night I gave it to a sweet friend as a belated birthday gift (she LOVED it!), so I can finally blog about it! I started with a simple patchwork center, made mainly from 30's prints (Hope Chest fabrics from Connecting Threads and other stash) and then added a wide white border, which I scalloped. It was my first time ever scalloping edges and I love the look! The process wasn't too bad, either. -
playing
23 Jan 2012 | 1:58 pmI've had my cool colored solid scraps set aside for quite awhile now and I've been wanting to play with them in the worst way, but it seems like there is always something more pressing that needs to be done. I recently signed up for the Fab Little Quilt Swap and I'm using that as an excuse to finally dive in. Yay!! I'm trying my hand at improv piecing again and I'm feeling very rusty. It's been awhile! Swaps make me a little (ok, a lot) nervous and I feel like the pressure is on. But on the other hand, it will be a good challenge. The biggest challenge will probably be… -
hailey's pillow
21 Jan 2012 | 6:44 pmMy daughter and I attended our friend Hailey's 5th birthday party this afternoon. I'm always stumped at what to buy/make/give for birthday presents. Once this idea popped in my head I just ran with it. One scrappy patchwork pillow, complete with personalization! It measures about 18" finished and it has an envelope backing, so it washable. I was so thrilled when Hailey opened it up because she immediately hugged it. I think I have a new go-to gift for the next year of birthdays....hip, hip hurray!!! Now my daughter wants one. Come to think of… -
finish it up Friday, week 11
20 Jan 2012 | 9:34 amWelcome to finish it up Friday! I hope you had a more productive week than I did!I feel like I was so busy this week but all I have to show for it is this little mini quilt. Don't you hate that? I guess I have to consider that I was sick and so very tired this week. This mini quilt was languishing as a WIP in the craft room for a good long time. That's a sure sign that I have too many irons in the fire! So, having it bound and done IS a good thing...even if it is little. :)How about you? Do you have a finish from the last week to share? If you do, please link to a… -
let 'em mingle
19 Jan 2012 | 10:17 amsherbet pips fat quarters on the left, ruby fat quarters on the rightI came to the decision that I needed to split up these lovelies, even though it just seems so...wrong...you know?Normally, I sort my stash by color, but when I get a FQ bundle, I have a hard time letting them mingle in the stash. It's silly, really, because mixing colors and fabric is one of my very favorite parts of quilting. It's NICE to have the pretty stacks of fabric all color coordinated. But then I have to think of the PERFECT quilt idea that matches that fabric bundle. And then I have to actually find the…
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A Quilty Kind of Girl
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The Finished Valentine’s Table Runner
25 Jan 2012 | 11:03 amToday, I am grounded. To my bed. Being 35.5 weeks pregnant with Babe #10 and having contractions all day yesterday, and overnight got me here. So of course I am bored outta my mind. Which makes this the perfect opportunity to share my little Valentine’s Table Runner with you all! The first one I made was on an impulse I had. There was a muslin quilt sandwich on the Lenni frame and I just began slapping patches down and stitching to experiment with piecing a quilt on the long arm. Within minutes, I had this: It was awesome! Quilted as I went too. It took a little bit of playing around to… -
And the Winner of the Accuquilt Go Cutter is….
18 Jan 2012 | 11:59 amDo you remember what your entry number was? LOL. Just kidding. I’ll tell you who it is…. “Hey Bradie! Awsome of you do to this girl! 1. Since I dont own any cutter, the 4 1/2 strip cutter may be a place to start. 2. I’d design a Cathederal Windows cutter for hand piecers to get some use out of a cutter! I LOVE that pattern, and someday, I hope to make one for myself. The UFO i’d like to finish the most, is a “saved” dresden plate. I rescued it off of ebay. Replaced a half dozen of the plates/petals due to holes, etc,..replaced with old flour sack material to match,… -
Two Hour Valentine’s Runner Tutorial Announcement – Today!
15 Jan 2012 | 10:23 amHi all! Just a quick little post to announce I will be having a live tutorial about how to piece a quilt on a longarm today. This is my Two Hour Valentine’s Table Runner. I will broadcast live at 11am PST with a tutorial on how to make it. (of course this can also be done with your domestic machine as well!) I hope you will tune in to watch and learn! Here is where you can find us… http://ustream.tv/channel/long-arm-quilting See you there! Quilty Hugs, Bradie PS. While you are here be sure to enter my Accuquilt GO cutter giveaway below… Good luck! -
Bradie’s GO Cutter Giveaway!
13 Jan 2012 | 7:30 amHi everyone!! I am so excited to share today’s post with you. Let’s jump right in k? Again this week I broke up my tasks to make the job less daunting. Monday, I pressed the white background fabric so the cutting would be easier. Tuesday I cut the 15 inch squares and marked them for centering the Dresden plates. Wednesday, I laid out the plates and pinned them in place. Lastly, on Thursday, I stitched the first one in place. Being guild night, I had to cut it short, but I am pleased with finishing one. Oh! Look there it is! As you know from my earlier posts, the initial stage of… -
Not completely my Finish…
11 Jan 2012 | 7:30 amToday’s finish isn’t exactly my own. It is a beautiful sampler from a client in PEI who shipped three gorgeous quilts to us for long arming. Since I did the quilting, I am going to throw this in as a finish. Keeps the motivation up, you know?? Here is peek at the whole quilt. I quite like the colors and all the blocks. The blocks below were two that I really liked. You can also see the quilting design quite well in these. This is the back of the quilt. I have another pretty sampler quilt on the frame for tomorrow. I’m really liking these pantograph quilts, they FINISH up so…
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Snip-Itz
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Let’s Go Crazy
17 Jan 2012 | 9:03 pmCrazed glazing on Japanese ceramics displayed during the 1876 Centennial Expo inspired the irregular patches and rich fabrics of Victorian era crazy quilts. Today’s crazy quilts keep the asymmetrical piecing, but substitute modern fabrics and colors. I often recommend crazy quilt-inspired designs for adventurous customers looking for a contemporary quilt. If you are a bit of a free spirit, something like this tangerine and fuschia Whimzie quilt with a floral pattern would be a fun complement to your lively personality. Just imagine it in other crazy color combinations – amber and… -
Thank You “Sew” Much!
30 Dec 2011 | 6:42 pmI’ve had such a wonderful time celebrating the 7th anniversary of Whimzie Quiltz – my “7 Year Stitch” – and I hope you have enjoyed all the special newsletters, Facebook giveaways and fun times, too! As I move on to my 8th year in business, I want to say how much I appreciate ALL the custom quilt projects you’ve sent my way over the years and for letting me have a small part in creating such “whimzical” keepsakes for you and the ones you love. Can’t wait to see what fantastic quilts we’ll come up with together in 2012! Warmest… -
A Quilter’s Christmas Carol
20 Dec 2011 | 6:41 pmWith Thanks to Charles Dickens for the Holiday Inspiration… “Bah humbug,” I thought, as I sat sewing late Christmas Eve. “Nobody wants quilts for Christmas these days.” Tired and dejected, I laid my head down on the sewing machine. “Why do I bother?” I said aloud, as weariness overtook me. The clock chimed midnight, startling me. Looking up, I saw a spirit, scissors in one hand, needle and thread in the other. “I am the Ghost of Christmas Quilting Past,” she said. “Come with me.” Suddenly, I found myself watching a woman… -
Pledge to Shop Small This Year
25 Nov 2011 | 6:34 pmFirst there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, there’s the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday, the day people support small businesses like Whimzie Quiltz and More. Pledge to “Shop Small” on Nov 26th. If millions of Americans shop small, it will be huge! Learn More About Small Business Saturday ► -
Recipe for a Great Custom Quilt
15 Nov 2011 | 6:27 pmA lot of top quality ingredients go into creating your custom Whimzie Quilt – 100% cotton fabrics, longstaple thread, premium blend batting, but… The most important ingredient in the custom quilt “recipe” is YOU! Not only do you choose the theme, the colors, the pattern and the size of your quilt, but the more you are able to tell me about the person receiving your quilt, the better I am able to craft a special, personalized design. In the last 7 years, a lot of people have shared touching stories and fun tidbits about their lives with me so we could ‘cook…
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FaveQuilts.com Articles
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Whirling Star Quilt Block
27 Jan 2012 | 4:45 pmThis star quilt block looks complicated, but paper piecing templates make it easy to get precise points in the center pieces. If you've never tried paper piecing before, this Whirling Star Quilt Block tutorial is the perfect introduction. The clear step-by-step instructions make paper piecing clear even for beginners. -
Wonky Star Block
27 Jan 2012 | 4:14 pmThis Wonky Star Block is much easier than traditional star quilt blocks. Wonky quilt blocks don't require exact measurements, so you can piece without the stress of precision. Use this free quilt block pattern for any of your favorite star quilt patterns. -
Star Flower Quilt Block
27 Jan 2012 | 4:09 pmThis free quilt block pattern makes pretty quilt blocks, but it's as easy as piecing half-square triangles! The Star Flower Quilt Block looks gorgeous made with alternating petals of colored fabric. Use similarly-colored scraps to make this pattern a stashbuster. -
Tiny Wonky Star Block
27 Jan 2012 | 4:08 pmThe Tiny Wonky Star Block is the solution to small-scale star quilt patterns. If you'd like to make a star block for a doll quilt, mini quilt, or other small project, you can make this wonky quilt block using fusible interfacing to make the process easier. -
Wonky Barn Fence Block
27 Jan 2012 | 4:08 pmFree quilt blocks that can be made in the "liberated" piecing style are great for quick quilt projects. You can make this Wonky Barn Fence Block with any size strips you have on hand. The piecework in this block imitates larger rail fence quilt patterns.
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Best Quilting Solutions
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Charmed How To Make A Quilt Out Of Americans Part 5
28 Jan 2012 | 4:02 am -
Art Quilt Design Process – Part 2
28 Jan 2012 | 4:02 amSee the second half of this design video and see the back of Shadow Self and all the many motifs created in quilting stitches.Video Rating: 5 / 5 -
Charmed How To Make A Quilt Out Of Americans Part 4
28 Jan 2012 | 1:00 amVideo Rating: 4 / 5 -
Quick Strip Paper Piecing with Peggy Martin’s online class on Craftsy.com
28 Jan 2012 | 1:00 amClick: www.craftsy.com to find out more! About Quick Strip Paper Piecing: ——————————————— Here’s a whole new way to piece those tricky blocks with narrow points, such as New York Beauty and Mariner’s Compass. Award-winning teacher Peggy Martin walks you step by step… -
Make A Paper Quilt
26 Jan 2012 | 3:18 pm“Make A Paper Quilt” is a “Short and Sweet Art Project” at: Free Online Art Classes.com! There are many more art projects there. Have a look!
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The Q and the U - Quilting Blog
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Eek Monsters Baby Quilt
26 Jan 2012 | 6:44 amI made this little quilt for a friend who will soon be having a baby boy. It is made from a fabric line called "Eek Monsters" by Studio E. My friend is a quilter too and I knew from fabric shopping with her that she liked this line. (In fact I may have even sneakily bought the fabric when out with her. *wink* I believe it went something like, oh, I forgot something, you go ahead, I've got to go back for a second.)-For the front I bought three charm packs and then took out all the squares with black, dark stripes and purple and set them aside. … -
Just One Little Pillow
23 Jan 2012 | 4:42 amThis is a little pillow I made for Tess for Christmas. I used a leftover block which I had made a while back when trying to figure out how to make her Vitali-T quilt. So the pillow went together really quickly.I quilted it with an all-over angular stipple, which I may just have to declare is my go-to signature stipple. It is easy to do and I like how it looks.I used a Jennifer Paganelli fabric for the back.This is what happens to pillows which I make with a deep pocket on the back -- dolly sleeping bags. :-)-Posted by Riel Nason on The Q and the U -
Fun Fabric Ant Farm Quilt Top Done
17 Jan 2012 | 4:51 amSo, the quilt top is all done ... ... there's not a lot to say, except notice the outer border? I saw those big bugs at Marden's while shopping over the Christmas holidays and I knew they would be the perfect finishing touch for this quilt. (Sorry, I don't know the manufacturing info for that fabric. Only numbers were on the selvage) Can something be cosy and creepy crawly all at the same time?This is a large twin-size quilt and is just a smidgen too big for me to quilt myself, so I'm sending it out. I also really like getting a… -
Recent Fabric Fun
13 Jan 2012 | 4:45 amOf course I had to go to Marden's in Calais over the holidays. I know you all understand. I was good and only bought a bit of fabric. The pieces above are for backings. They were all on clearance. At $1.99/yard who could resist? Three of the fabrics above are Prints Charming. I loooove the soft seemingly brushed cotton feeling of those ones. Great I-Spy clocks and a bit of Jennifer Paganelli.These FQs were in my Christmas stocking. :-)And I even bought some fleece, just to cut a couple of quick scarves and make hats. -Oh, and I learned to… -
Christmas Strip Quilt
10 Jan 2012 | 4:47 amThis is my last finished quilt of 2011. It is Eli's Christmas Strip Quilt.It was finished in time for him to have it before Christmas. (Just barely)It was fun and fast to make and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.I quilted it with green/red/white variegated thread. I alternated between straight and wavy lines across each strip right near the seam. The wavy line is a stitch on my machine, so it is not me manually keeping it evenly spaced. I just have to be careful with the speed. I don't have a walking foot and just use my regular machine…
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Miss Print
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The Holiday Sewing Finishes!
23 Jan 2012 | 12:39 pmHey y'all! How are you guys doing? I am back as promised with some more of my holiday finishes - unfortunately, this year I wasn't able to get as many sewing projects done as I would have liked. I had grand plans for all the little things I was going to make people but in the end that just did not happen this year. However, I was able to finish one project for my Mum for Christmas - which was very important because I know how much she enjoys receiving handmade from me - and since I had Alex covered with the hat I knit him, I was able to give handmade to the two very-most-important people… -
Holiday Knitting Finishes and a Winner!
17 Jan 2012 | 8:22 amHey y'all! Hmmm, seems like I'm only just now getting around to posting some the things I made for the holidays! Today I've got a couple of knitting finishes and I'll share the sewing finishes later - how does that sound?I made this hat for Alex for Christmas using the Regular Guy Beanie pattern by Chuck Wright, which is a free download on Ravelry. I decided that Alex needed just a plain, neutral-coloured toque that he could throw on and wear with whatever, whenever. I changed the pattern slightly to make it larger and you can see my pattern notes here on my Ravelry.This is what happens… -
It's Giveaway Time - Kate Spain's Good Fortune!
9 Jan 2012 | 2:45 pmHey all! So it's that time again - we've got another giveaway sponsored by the oh-so-very cool Fat Quarter Shop! This time around we're giving away a fat eighth bundle of Good Fortune, Kate Spain's new collection for Moda...that's right, isn't it awesome?!It's so pretty! I'm especially in love with the greys and dark purples! This little - or not so little - bundle includes 36 fat eighths from the collection and judging by the colours I think this would pair really nicely with Kate's previous collection Terrain - which I was just playing with last night!Yummy...Okay, so I… -
Tal's Habitat of Love
4 Jan 2012 | 10:33 pmSo my friends Jackie and Ben (who both attended "library school" and worked with me) had a little baby boy at the end of November. His name is Tallis - Tal for short - and I finally got to meet him tonight! Knowing that he was coming along I started thinking about making a quilt to welcome him to the world; initially I started with working out a design (as I usually do) but that just was not working, so I jumped to thinking about fabric instead. Originally I thought that I would use "typical boy" colours and go with lots of blues and greens, maybe mixed with some grey, but then I decided to… -
2011: A Stitchy Year in Review
2 Jan 2012 | 8:01 am2011: A Stitchy Year in ReviewHere's a little mosaic of some of the things that I made in 2011. There are a few things that are not included in the above, including two quilts that were completed in November which I only (finally) took pictures of yesterday, a couple of knitting projects that haven't been featured on the blog yet, Hanukkah/Christmas gifts, and a few other small things.Every year lots of bloggers/Flickrers make these mosaics with a little help from the mosaic maker, so if you've made one let me know about it! Post me a link back to your blog post or Flickr picture featuring…
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Lost Quilt Come Home Page
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Grandma Flower Garden
27 Jan 2012 | 8:58 amAlice Kennedy hopes to recover a quilt that was made by her grandmother, Etta Shaw. In January 2009, she gave it to a quilter who does longarm and hand quilting as a business in Garden Grove, California. At the time the quilter said it would take three to four months to finish. Alice was willing to give her extra time and stayed in contact with her until sometime in 2010 when she was unable to reach her by phone or email. Alice’s quiilt top is about double or queen size. The blocks are vintage fabrics from the 30′s and 40′s and the background is muslin. The blocks are hand… -
Toucan and Sunbonnet Sue quilts
27 Jan 2012 | 8:27 amSally Bishop is searching for two lap-size quilts she made. One is a large, primary-colored, paper-pieced toucan. The other is a pink and green Sunbonnet Sue. These quilts are machine pieced, fused appliqued, and machine appliqued. They were last seen mid-August 2011 in Dexter, Michigan when they were sent to Sally from the quilter. They were being shipped to Palm Springs, California. The quilter shipped eight boxes on same day. Only two made it to their desinations and six did not. If you see either of these quilts, please contact Sally at sabpsp@verizon.net. -
Born to Ride
2 Jan 2012 | 4:33 pmOn or around November 23, 2011, C. Diane Thomas shipped a quilt from Columbia Falls, Montana to Waterford, Wisconsin. The shipping company says they delivered the package, but it never arrived. They are supposted to be looking into the situation, but have found nothing. The quilt was intended as a gift to Anthony Hoffman. It is approximately 110" by 120". The main colors are black and white with a red and "snakeskin" checkerboard border which separates the central motif from the outer border. She used Alexander Henry's "Born to Ride" fabric #1584, which depicts skeletons wearing leathers and… -
Sunflowers
2 Jan 2012 | 4:16 pmDiane Severns is asking for help locating a missing Sunflowers quilt that she made for her daughter, Brittany. It was last seen in 2005 in San Marcos, Texas. It was taken by her daughter’s roommate. The lapsize quilt is about 62″ by 48. Diane used fall-colored and purple flannels to make this quilt. It has a sawtooth border, then a piano key border in purples and browns. This quilt is machine pieced, machine appliqued, and machine quilted. It has a label which says, “Made for Brittany by Mom.” The label was hand sewn at a bottom edge. If you’ve seen a quilt that… -
Benjamin Banneker Museum Quilt
29 Dec 2011 | 11:43 amA quilt has been stolen from the Benjamin Banneker Museum in Oella, Maryland. The quilt was last seen on December 19, 2011. According to police, someone broke the glass of the rear door of the museum around 4:25 AM. They vandalized various areas and removed the quilt which was hanging from the ceiling. The break-in triggered the alarm. A witness saw a white minivan leaving the property. This original quilt is 43" by 63". The main colors are red, tan, brown, and gold. One side has images of chains, an American eagle, and two hands. The other side has the phrase, "Maryland the Free State Code…
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Threads - All featured posts
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Project Runway All Stars: "Good Taste Tastes Good"
27 Jan 2012 | 10:30 amPosted by vicky_north The designers must create a garment in just six short hours. -
And the Winner of "Roberto Capucci Art Into Fashion" is...
27 Jan 2012 | 10:29 amPosted by beccas Are you the lucky one to receive a copy of "Robert Capucci Art into Fashion"? -
New Look for Spring
26 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pmPosted by annieoconnor Simplicity releases their New Look spring pattern colleciton -
Clothing History from Afar
25 Jan 2012 | 3:00 pmPosted by SLMiller No matter where in the country—or world—you are, you can view items from The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s costume and garment collection in detail. -
Sewing Rooms are Important Additions
24 Jan 2012 | 12:12 pmPosted by amm Enchanted Makeovers' mission is to transform shelters for women and children into an environment that inspires change. Sewing rooms can be an important part of that makeover.
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C&T Publishing Blog
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Heartfelt Valentine sachets—free project
27 Jan 2012 | 2:47 pmToday I have a very special Valentine…just for you! It’s a fabric envelope filled with sweet-smelling heart sachets stuffed with some of last summer’s lavender from my garden. Super easy and super fast – your favorite fat quarter, a fast2fuse® Craft Pack, and a couple sheets of Lutradur® will get you started. These would also make great party favors or thank-you gifts. And don’t forget the men in your life…just swap out the lavender for some cedar shavings. Not only is this fun and easy to make, you’ll also get to enjoy a little aromatherapy while… -
It’s baby day!!
25 Jan 2012 | 3:09 pmWe’d like to welcome a few babies to our C&T family…one of our photographers, Christina, just had a little girl, Lylia! Christina's daughter, Lylia Our staff always throws a baby shower for our expectant parents (really it’s just an excuse to eat cake). Christina's shower One of our sales reps, Tina, recently brought home a second foster daughter, Elizabeth, to join her first foster daughter, Isabella. Elizabeth and Isabella are biological sisters too…fingers crossed for Tina and her husband as they wait for the final word on being able to adopt these two… -
Quilt Blocks Around the World – with a giveaway!
23 Jan 2012 | 2:08 pmIn a follow-up to her first book, Quilt Blocks Across America, Debra Gabel takes us on a continental tour in Quilt Blocks Around the World. Her new appliqué pattern designs for exciting places like Tokyo, Sydney, and Venice are sure to make you long for a life of travel and exploration. Her signature poster-style blocks would be wonderful as part of a souvenir quilt commemorating your vacation, or as part of a dream quilt to map out the favorite spots on your bucket list. Here’s some of what Debra had to say about her journey into this book… The whole concept of destination… -
Quilt for a friend
21 Jan 2012 | 12:45 pmWe had an occasion to commemorate—Carolyn was retiring from C&T! Well, not retiring exactly; more like transitioning into retirement. She went from being a very-valued full-time employee to a very-valued freelancer. But we were going to miss seeing her in the office every day. She’d worked for C&T for 13 years and was a great resource as she knew everything a technical editor needed to know, plus some. Carolyn is the type of person who is not only a co-worker but a friend, too. So what do we do at C&T when someone retires? (Or has a baby? Or gets married?) We make them a… -
A chat with Lynda and Nancy from Possibilities
19 Jan 2012 | 3:56 pm"Friendship Quilt" from "Heartwarming Possibilities" Nancy Smith and Lynda Milligan began their business together in 1981. Their venture began with a successful retail store, The Great American Quilt Factory, then branched out to online sales, to book and pattern publishing under the Possibilities name, to designing fabrics, to making television appearances…they are two busy women! Their new pattern pack with C&T was released last fall, Heartwarming Possibilities—4 Quilt Projects to Celebrate Family & Friends. Let’s get to know them each a little…
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The Quilts of Ann Brauer
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Getting into the zone--being creative
24 Jan 2012 | 7:02 amHow does one design new quilts? What is the inspiration? I think of the theories of evolution--Stephen Jay Gould claimed that life evolves in small steps and large leaps. Is it the same for art? Certainly one of the secrets is to work at your art regularly--you know that old saying--how do you get to Carnegie Hall? Certainly I know that works for me.Beyond that--it is a bit of a mystery to--and I think I like it that way. Such a fragile time when one is inspired. I don't want to over-analyze. Jinx it. Anyhow--yesterday I had the new quilt--cold ocean --pinned up on the design board. Looks… -
the color of sand
22 Jan 2012 | 7:36 amRecently I read that scientists have figured out the precise color of the Milky Way and the color is--and let me quote:"fine-grained new spring snow seen in the early morning light, about an hour after dawn"You can read more about it on www.space.com Isn't that wonderful? So precise. Such a specific--well defined moment in time. Can't you just picture it in your mind's eye? Even add the freshness of the snow. The sparkle in the sunlight. The shimmer on the trees. Even the warmth of the sun. Amazing isn't it--how one statement--one color can evoke so much. But isn't that just what color… -
having fun with color
17 Jan 2012 | 9:02 amI love this time of year--I always feel like there is just that bit of a new start. New colors are forecast for the year. Do I want to use it? I check out the Pantone projections of colors--always fun isn't it? You can see them Pantone Fashion Color Report here. Love Solar Power and Margarita. Not sure about the Tangerine? What do you think?I must replenish my stock. After all, the Baltimore Craft Show is just around the corner. Yikes. So much to do. I know that I need more smaller items. I just read this great article by Bruce Baker in Craft Reports : 6 Simple Tricks to… -
why quilts take so long
14 Jan 2012 | 6:50 amNow, in my opinion good art is supposed to look inevitable. Like this was the only way this idea could be conceived and executed. Sure, the process of making it may take some time but isn't there just one resolution for any given statement. By this I don't mean that Josef Albers can't take the same concept and create many different color statements from this concept. But if he had started with one or two specific colors and wanted a specific effect, isn't there just one way of doing it?At least that is my theory this morning. You see yesterday I spent a lot of time working on the green center… -
how do you make a quilt sing?
12 Jan 2012 | 6:55 amNow sometimes I know how I want the quilt to look before I start. Maybe I have sketched it out. Maybe it is a custom order. Maybe I have made a similar quilt and I just want to change the colors or the size. Now that doesn't make the quilt any easier to make--now changing one fabric changes everything. You can't swim in the same river twice, can you?Other times though I like to just play. Start and see where it goes. Of course I do have an idea in my mind. Maybe I know the colors and the sizes. I can almost visualize the quilt. It is there--I just have to discover it. Figure out the…
