Grieving With Gratitude

This is the end of the road for the "TEXT IT!" blog hop.

Sherri Noel has included such fun projects. The other bloggers made such  wonderful interpretations.  I chose to make the sewing machine pad. Below is the photo from the book.

It was perfect for this adorable new fabric that I had just bought at Stitch Central..

I had to widen the sewing pad a little to fit the panel, but it came out so cute.  

It's the most adorable fabric.   It's also available with cats. I just love the flower bouquets in their hair.

Do you want some of this fabric and live too far away from Stitch Central in PA, you can call them or  here's the selvage if you want to search on line.

So what would a blog hop be without a giveaway? Leave a comment sharing whether you prefer adding words to your quilts using applique or piecing it?  If you haven't done it yet, this book will be a real inspiration for you, so tell me which one you'll use first.  The winner will receive the book, TEXT IT! from Martingale and 2 spools of thread from Aurifil.  The final day to enter is Sunday 3/17.  I'll pick a winner at midnight.

For the wrap up of the hop, head to Sherri Noel's blog tomorrow for the final giveaway.

I'll spare you from talking about my grief journey in this post.  Let's just work on winning this giveaway!

Happy International Quilting Day

 

This is a copy of an email that I sent out to my email list. I apologize if it's a copy. If you want to receive emails from me directly, sign up on my blog.

Dear Quilting Friends,

Grab a piece of paper and a pen. It's time to start making your lists - both for quilt shows to watch and quilt classes to take. Read on for more info.

This is the cover of my first book. It was published in 2010. It was such an exciting time for me to actually have my quilts in a book. I just never thought this would happen. To promote it, my publisher, Martingale, arranged for me to do a taping on "The Quilt Show". In my opinion,it is one of the most prestigious on-line quilting shows. I was so excited as I packed my bags and headed to Boulder, Colorado for the taping and to meet the world famous hosts. I dragged my quilts as well as 2 of my friends with me! That day, I became part of their family and now I am thrilled to be able to share all of their shows with you to celebrate International Quilting Day on March 19, 2016.

The Quilt Show (www.thequiltshow.com), the web TV show hosted by Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims, will "open" all of its shows from the first seventeen series--that is, from show 100 through show 1713--for the entire weekend of March 18 –20. That means that—for three special days—everyone will have the chance to view these 221 shows, featuring some of the quilting world’s leading artists, for FREE.

I appeared as the featured artist in show 811. If you didn't have the opportunity to see this show the first time around, now you'll have the chance to see it—and so many other terrific shows—at no cost in this unprecedented three-day offer.

In addition to being able to binge watch the shows featuring so many famous quilters, there is also a contest with over $11,000 in prizes featuring a Grand Prize of a Bernina 570QE - my favorite brand of sewing machine.

I hope that you'll share this information with all of your quilting friends. It's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy three days of learning and fun without leaving your home…all for free. Really, it's free - no strings attached!

3 Day Quilting Getaway

Also, this summer I will be returning as a teacher to the Mid Appalachian Quilters, a 3 day retreat at Mt St Mary's College in Emmittsburg, MD. It's not far from Gettysburg, PA. I'll be teaching 3 classes. This retreat is full immersion quilting, living in the dorms and eating and stitching with many other friendly quilters.

I'll be teaching 3 classes - silk applique, my Convertible Backpack and hands on fabric dyeing. I love spending so much time with my students and so many other talented teachers.

It's a great price for a bunch of great classes. Registration begins this Saturday, March 19, at 9:00AM. Don't hesitate. Some classes fill up fast.

The website is: www.maqonline.org

Do something nice for yourself. Expand your creativity tool box. Watch a show or sign up for a class. You won't regret it.

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Great Quilting Tutorials

Martingale, aka That Patchwork Place, is one of the biggest publishers of quilting books.  They have a great blog called Stitch This!. They have scanned their authors' books and have put together a great list of quilt tutorials for basic techniques, including how to make bias tape, piece a quilt back,  sewing mitered corners and tying a quilter's knot.  I am so happy to be included with my tutorial on tips for a quick quilt label, using your printer,some scrap fabric and maybe a photo of your inspiration!

 

 To see all of the tutorials go to their blog, Stitch This!

 To see my tutorial on how to make a quilt label (which we know we should always do!), click HERE.

 

Happy Stitching!

 

 

Calendar Girl

I'm so excited to be a Calendar Girl!

 

 

 

I'm August - Hacienda from !Quilt Fiesta!

 

 

 

The calendar includes the complete instructions for all of the quilts.

You can buy yours here.  It's never too early!

 

Color vs Value Give-Away

COLOR     VS     VALUE

Original

Do-over

I have received a bunch of e-mails  and comments about my stitchery coffee cups.  I have often struggled with contrast and lots of you told me you have the same issue. It brought back a memory of a saying that another quilter told me once.  I don't remember who it was and I don't think she invented it, but this is the saying:

"Value does all the work, but color gets the credit."

 Lots of you also gave me suggestions about how to avoid the low contrast - can't see the difference problem.  And it is all about value.

Other then using a design wall, one of the most popular suggestions was the use of a red tinted viewer. I checked around and the one that is the most commercially available is the Ruby Beholder. It was \made for value comparison.

It's made of plastic and That Patchwork Place markets and sells it.  You can find it here:

Ruby Beholder

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it is sold by my publisher, so I thought I would ask them for 1 to give away.





Do-Over

        

Original





Now this is what happened when I used this gadget with my blocks.  The value of the threads in my original block was just too similar to the background fabric.  In the Do-over block, the values are different enough that  most of the thread shows up.

I'd like to share this tool.  You'll have fun with it. It will minimize those value mistakes.  Become a follower, if you are not one already, and leave a comment letting me know either your solution to value or how you would use the Ruby Beholder.  I'll pick a winner on Monday, July 16th.

 (Make sure there is an e-mail address in your comment and you are not  no-reply blogger.)

And if you missed the free pattern for the coffee cup, click HERE.

Spring Quilt Market and Some Free Stuff

I promised to share my experience at the Spring Quilt Market. I have to apologize for the length of this post, but I hope you'll think it's worth it if you make it to the end.  The show is open only to the trade and it is overwhelming. I flew out to Kansas City to help Martingale promote my book at the Kansas City Convention Center.

 

My first visit to the convention center was during set-up.

Martingale

Riley Blake

Wonderfil Threads

Clothworks  (Fabric)

Michael Miller Fabrics

It is amazing to see the effort and expense that the companies, especially those selling fabrics, put into their booths.

This is Michael Miller's booth after the show opened.  Can you see the circus themed backdrop?  I just love the elephants but after seeing them all  set up, I wonder how they shipped them.

It is really surreal and a pinch yourself moment, to see your name on the cover of a book.  Martingale aka That Patchwork Place has been so supportive and wonderful to work with.  Look at the end cap with my book projects!!!

And here's the banner that was hanging during my demo.It is 3 feet wide!  I got to bring it home :) 

 Where shall I hang it?  Hmmmm

 Everyone was very nice and so friendly.  I was star struck. 

Karen Combs and me in front of her new fabric, Midnight Blue.

Marcia Derse and her gorgeous fabric based on her hand dyed fabric.  I tried to get a sample.  Visit her website for a better look at that fabric:  www.marciaderse.com or visit your local quilt shop. 

Do I look like a shrimp or what?  Who knew Amy Butler was so tall?

I do love Susan Cleveland. She was generous in both her professional advice to me and she also gave me one of her Prairie Pointers. When I told her that I renamed this folded piece of fabric a crown in my book, she loved it. But I don't think she'll jump on the bandwagon.  I will definitely experiment with it.  If you want one of your own, visit her website:

www.piecesbewithyou.com

I expected to see lots of pattern companies.  I loved this company.  Do you think it was because they had a bicycle in their booth?

www.HemmaDesign.com

 

A few companies gave me some freebies that I want to send to one of you, my blog readers. 

It includes a 1 yard package of Trans Web, one of my favorite fusible web products, made by HTC Handler. They were at the show.  I shared with them my consternation that I can only find their product on-line at Jo-Anns.  So they gave me some so I would go away(LOL)!

I do love this pattern from Hemma  for a carrier for a bag to hang on the handlebars of your bicycle.  I really want to make one for myself, but I promised to give it away.

 Do you think I can fit Bailey in it?

I went to a talk about life in Bali supported by the fabric company, Kaufmann.  It was fascinating plus they gave me a fat quarter of one of their artisanal batiks.

There's also a fabric tote from Andover Fabrics made from one of their latest fabric lines, some jumbo rick rack, a clear tote from Eleanor Burns, a plexi neon ruler and a few other goodies.

All of these items are going to be given to one lucky winner.  Leave a comment and become a follower if you are not already.  Make sure if you are a "no-comment blogger" that you leave me your e-mail.  I'll be picking a winner on Friday.

I don't know how many miles I walked going up and down all the aisles,

 but my feet are happy that I'm home.  And I want to send a big thank you to Susan Brubaker Knapp from www.bluemoonriver.com who gave me lots of tips for maximizing my visit.

Where In The World Is Quilt Fiesta? Give-Away

I know I am repeating myself, but I still can't believe it, so pinch me. My book is here and it is so exciting to see people's reactions.  It's real!  I'm a book author! Woohoo! 

What's even more exciting is that there have been Quilt Fiesta sightings in some of the local quilt shops!  This has inspired me to have some fun with this.  Instead of Where's Waldo, let's play:

Where's Quilt Fiesta?

Here's the deal.  Look for my book in your local quilt shop or bookstore.  Take a photo and e-mail it to me.  Comment here as to where you found it.  Let's see if we can go around the world.    In 1 week (next Weds), I will draw 2 winners.  You can live any where in the world.  The winner will get  either 1 yard of hand dyed fabric or Fig Tree Quilt's book.  If you can't do the photo thing, leave a comment.  For each comment you leave, you will be entered once.  Each photo and comment will count as 2 entries.  You can do this for as many different shops where you see the book.  

Here are the prizes:

Fig Tree Quilts' "Houses", a great book published by Martingale.   OR  One yard of hand dyed fabric, dyed by yours truly.

 

OR

 If you have a preference, add it to your comment and I will try to accommodate you.

Did someone say road trip?  Let's go!

Give Thanks - Calendar Giveaway

Let's share.
That Patchwork Place sends me books to review and then I get to give them away.  I could keep them, but my shelves are running out of space and I just enjoy sharing.  These two 2011 quilt calendars are just beautiful.  One features award winning quilts from the International Quilt Association.  The other features 12 traditional style quilts with instructions.

There will be 2 winners, chosen on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th, at 7AM EST.
To enter:

• *Leave a comment
• *Become a Follower (or let me know that you are already a follower)
• *Put my giveaway on your blog

 
Receive one entry for each action.  Make sure your e-mail address is available somewhere either in your comment or on your profile.

Good luck everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!

A Great Day

Look what came today!

I am a lucky girl!

Not only did Martingale do a wonderful, fabulous job publishing my book, they sent me flowers too along with my advance copy!  And how did they know how much I love rick-rack?  You will have to check out the inside pages to see what I mean.

Coming in January.  Stay tuned.

Wool Folk Art

I have been procrastinating updating my website.  It's not that I do it myself.  I have a wonderful, patient woman that does it for me, but it means getting all of the information together.  All of the photos, all of the dates, all of the changes that I want to make. But with !Quilt Fiesta! and my upcoming appearance on The Quilt Show, I thought it should be up to date for the throngs of readers that would be drawn to find out about me!  (Ha ha)

My husband has taken over my pattern department.  He has been the shipping department for a while.  Now he is organizing and printing them.  With the website update, he thinks that I should include all of the patterns that I ever designed. This includes my wool folk art patterns.   Many people don't know that I designed these other patterns in addition to my OyVey! patterns.  In the early part of the 2000's, I taught at this wonderful quilt shop owned by Cyndi Hershey in Montgomeryville, PA called The Country Quilt Shop.  I found a niche teaching primitive types of quilting and stitchery.  I designed a line of wool folk art patterns that I called Mother Hen Productions.  We sold them at the shop and were having a great run.  Unfortunately that ended when Cyndi sold the shop to a new owner. It became a different place to work and it was time for me to move on. 

Wool Pumpkin Pillow

 
So my new pattern department manager thought this would be a great time to resurrect them.  Folk art IS really timeless.  The funny thing is that in bringing these patterns and almost patterns back, I've had to write and re-write some of them.  Hey, I tell my new employee, I thought  you were supposed to be working for me.  Why are you giving me work to do?  But I am thankful that he is getting me organized.  I do need someone to organize me.

I really need a team to organize me.  All I want to do is sew. 

So now all of the wool patterns are available on my website and there are kits for some of them.  Can I get back to sewing now?

Speaking of wool, I have to share with you a book that is coming out in November.  It's called Pennies From Heaven.  My friend from The County Quilt Shop, Gretchen Gibbons, wrote it.  If you love working with wool, you'll love this book.  I hadn't spoken to Gretchen in quite a while.  It was such a coincidence then that both of our book proposals went to committee at Martingale at the same time.  We've been in touch frequently as we have gone through the publishing process together.  I've seen her first proof and the book is gorgeous.

You can pre-order it from Amazon.com.

To make a short story long, my website is now up to date with all my new work,  all my new patterns and an updated list of where my quilts have been.  Holly Knott is my wonderful webmaster and did all of the work.  The best thing about Holly is that she is a quilter too.  She understands the ins and outs of structuring a website for another quilter, although she does websites for anyone. I also envy her relationship with her mother.  Her mother is also an artist and they work together sometimes.  They now have a shop on Etsy with some beautiful items.

Book Reviews and Give A Way

Oh Happy Day! I was so thrilled to be asked to review some books for Martingale & Co. I had my choice and chose what seems to be on the surface 2 very different books. But at their core is the opportunity to stretch your creativity.

Mary Lou Weidman has distilled her creative process and has articulately included it in Out Of The Box, unleash your creativity through quilts. This is truly fabric folk art with all of the how to's. Mary Lou offers extensive tips on how to come up with a theme, how to put together fabrics, putting words on the quilts and where to find inspiration.

You can't help but smile as you leaf through this book. The fabric color choices - plaids and polka dots and stripes - and the people depicted as caricatures, are bright and cheerful. These are combined to enable you to make a quilt that tells a story - the joy of becoming a Grandmother or a tribute to her Grandmother, the cowgirl. Included there are also lots of quilts created by her students. An added bonus is directions for preparing these wild scrappy borders, that she calls hoochy mama borders. But be warned, this book assumes prior knowledge and gives little instruction on applique - the predominant technique used for putting together the quilts.

Although you may be attracted to this book by the colorful quilts, all of Mary Lou's tips and techniques can be added to your quilt design toolbox, no matter what your color palette.

The second book is Pat Durbin's Fabric+Paint + Thread = Fabulous. This book involves the use of paint and threadwork to create nature type art quilts. It is a peek into the methods that Pat uses to maker her amazing landscape quilts. Since these techniques were new to me, I decided to give them a try. I went to my local chain craft shop looking for the paint that Pat recommends in her book - SoSoft Acrylic by DecoArt. I didn't find that brand, so I chose what I thought was a suitable substitute. For the threadwork, I already had the water soluble stabilizer and the spring loaded embroidery hoop and lots of different thread.

I love making trees, so I thought this might be a good opportunity to use Pat's method and make a little artquilt with a painted background. I started by painting an 8x10ish piece of fabric. I learned that less is more. Since you start with damp fabric, it is best to let the paint move a bit on its own.

While it was drying I worked on the trees. I thread painted a large one and 2 smaller ones. They were fun to make. To keep it simple, I cut the background to make 2 little pieces. I really didn't want to add any other elements.

I layered with batting, did a little free motion quilting, fused and stitched down the moon and then added the trees. I finished one as a postcard

and the other I bound as a little piece.

This was a lot of fun. I am happy to say that I have added some techniques to my toolbox. And I would like to share the fun with you. I want to give this book away! Leave a comment here before Thursday, April 22rd. On Friday, April 23rd at noon, EST I will pick a name from everyone who left a comment, with a random number generator. If your name is chosen, I will send you this wonderful book via US Mail. BUT, YOU MUST LIVE IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES. (Sorry to my overseas friends.) So check back here on Fridayto see who the lucky winner will be.

The Joy of Teaching

I received an e-mail last week from one of my students from a workshop I gave at the
Loose Threads Quilt Guild in Spring City, PA. Linda Hamel sent me a photo of her finished project. Woo hoo Linda, you did a great job. There were a lot of people that attended the workshop and it was a lot of fun for me to share my knowledge, teaching them many tricks that they didn't know their computer could do.

It has been a little frustrating for me this Fall, because of a wonderful opportunity that I have. The bad news is that I have not been able to share a lot of what I have been working on recently. And I have been working on a lot. The good news is that I am working on a book to be published by Martingale. It is slated to be released in January of 2011. I do really love to share what I know about quilting with others, especially the design and inspiration part. The computer is an integral part of my process and I want everyone to be able to get more out of it.

This year, I made a concerted effort to get my name out there and actually started getting booked for guild lectures and workshops. I am pretty eclectic and have several topics that I talk about. You can check them out on my website under lectures. I have been thrilled with the response.

When I do teach, I feel that anything that is in my head is yours for the asking. I know that not every teacher feels that way, but I feel that if you go to the trouble and expense to bring me to your guild: if I know it, I'll share it. One of the best parts of teaching is when you see your student's work, like Linda's.

Here are samples of what people can make in my Personalize It workshop. Learning to use the computer to manipulate photos, make fusible alphabet appliques, print on fabric and do embellishing are all part of a chock full day.

I would love to come and speak to your group. Quilters are the most warm and wonderful people. It would be fun to meet you and share what I know. Drop me an e-mail.