Quilting Inspirations

I was in Petoskey Michigan within the past few weeks taking some time off and enjoying my family. We took our grandson to the park which is across from my daughter's former home. There on the school building I saw the brickwork which inspired my pattern Partial to 4's. I had forgotten where it had come from! I have started taking pictures with my camera or phone of brickwork or stepping stones at the zoo, downtown and the places I visit. It is amazing how many quilt ideas can come out of this kind of observation. Patterns for machine or hand quilting, pieceing, applique and more can be used singly or in combination. I was surprised when we went to Israel 2 years ago, that the tiles in a floor built around Christ's birth, were many quilt patterns we see today!

So, this summer as you travel, even in your own home town, observe design. Take a notebook or use your camera/phone to record things of interest. You just might discover something you need in the future.

Summer sewing

Does the heat get to you or do you love it? Some of us sit inside and sew, enjoying the air conditioning and sipping our favorite summer drink. Others of us spend a lot of time in the garden or by the pool soaking up the summer weather. Do you miss your sewing? Try putting small pieces of your project in a ziploc bag and doing a little each day. Pin strips together one day; sew them together another day. Then pin the pieces together yet another day. Slowly your project will get done but you'll still enjoy the summer weather. You don't need hours and hours to sew. In 10-15 minutes every few days, the project will get finished eventually. AND you won't feel deprived or guilty at all!

Enjoy your 4th of July weekend. Come take a class or join us for Monday Minimizer on July 20 from 10-3. Also, remember Kaleidoscope of Quilts Show on July 15-16.