My husband has had a successful accounting career and as I have watched him work and deal with things, I have learned a lot. Since he retired 5 years ago, I get an even more close-up view of his work habits. One thing that drives me crazy as well as make me jealous is his motto "If you think it, do it." The idea is don't just set something down to do later--do it now. Have a phone call to make? Make it. Remember something you need to do, at least write it down so you can deal with it.
Now do I do this? Not always. I wish I did. There are so many times that I know I need to work on something, deal with an issue, make a phone call and start or work on a project. I am so pleased with myself when I act, not when I postpone things. The guilt gets you. I know I waste time by piling things up and not putting them away or in their proper place. My sewing room is a mass of piles and this weekend I started dealing with them.
Now I know it's taken me awhile to amass these piles and UFO's so it's going to take a while to plow through them. So, I straightened up and organized my countertop and desk...then the table next to my sewing machine. A funny thing happened while I was acting--I got excited to do a little sewing. I had accomplished a lot and it looked so much neater and enticing. What did I do? I REWARDED myself with sewing on something. It put a smile on my face because I was just that much closer to finishing it. Not finished, but closer than I had been 1/2 hour before.
So this is my challenge to you as we make our way into 2014--
If you think it, do it. Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
Just think of that smile on YOUR face!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
How to get things done when you don"t have a lot of time
I get asked all the time "How do you get all this stuff done?" I'll let you in on my secrets!
First, figure out what to work on first. If you are like me, you have a lot of projects lined up to do. Which ones have a deadline? Which deadline is closer? Start with that one.
Second, look at the directions. What can you do while making dinner, helping your kids study and so on? I frequently cut or pin blocks together while I am waiting on my family. I keep a small cutting board in my kitchen with a spare rotary cutter and ruler. While I am waiting for the noodles or vegetables to cook, I can be preparing myself to go to the sewing machine. Then when I get to the machine, all I have to do is sew.
Third, ask yourself if there is something you can do waiting for an event. I can embroider, knit, hand quilt and prepare applique with glue stick or thread basting at my grandson's karate class or in the car while riding out of town. I carry that same small cutting board to lay on my lap and work. Sandwich bags make great carryalls to keep the parts together.
If you begin to look at your time in chunks rather than thinking you need a long expanse of time, you can begin to conquer those UFO's one little step at a time. When you do, write yourself a note to tell what you accomplished and put it in a clear jar or vase. When you look at it, you will remember you really did accomplish things. CELEBRATE! With all the projects we want to do, it's easy to think you have accomplished nothing. Give yourself a treat--whatever you love to do, whether it's a half hour to read your favorite author, calling a friend or sipping a latte. Remember to treat yourself when you do something good!
First, figure out what to work on first. If you are like me, you have a lot of projects lined up to do. Which ones have a deadline? Which deadline is closer? Start with that one.
Second, look at the directions. What can you do while making dinner, helping your kids study and so on? I frequently cut or pin blocks together while I am waiting on my family. I keep a small cutting board in my kitchen with a spare rotary cutter and ruler. While I am waiting for the noodles or vegetables to cook, I can be preparing myself to go to the sewing machine. Then when I get to the machine, all I have to do is sew.
Third, ask yourself if there is something you can do waiting for an event. I can embroider, knit, hand quilt and prepare applique with glue stick or thread basting at my grandson's karate class or in the car while riding out of town. I carry that same small cutting board to lay on my lap and work. Sandwich bags make great carryalls to keep the parts together.
If you begin to look at your time in chunks rather than thinking you need a long expanse of time, you can begin to conquer those UFO's one little step at a time. When you do, write yourself a note to tell what you accomplished and put it in a clear jar or vase. When you look at it, you will remember you really did accomplish things. CELEBRATE! With all the projects we want to do, it's easy to think you have accomplished nothing. Give yourself a treat--whatever you love to do, whether it's a half hour to read your favorite author, calling a friend or sipping a latte. Remember to treat yourself when you do something good!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Book, Books, Books, Pattern, Patterns, Patterns
I am a book and pattern junkie!! I love to get new ideas from other people. Maybe I don't make everything I buy, but everything I buy somehow gets into my quilting in one way or another.
Some of our customers have said that they don't feel guilty about buying books or magazines because they are a source of inspiration. They grab a pile of their books, a cup of their favorite beverage and sit down to get inspired and entertained. It's much like watching a show--entertainment not production. What a different way to approach your quilting stuff. NO GUILT!
How do you keep them organized so you can find one when you want it? That's what I need to do. Right now they are just all mixed up on the shelf and I have to look sideways to see what the title is and heaven forbid, some of them don't have titles on the sides!! Now what???
Here's some suggestions from a speaker I heard:
1. Sort them according to subject matter: applique, piecing, hand quilting, machine quilting, art quilts, specialty design techniques, blocks, embroidery, reference (like borders, bindings) and so on.
Perhaps you also have historical books or art and architecture that are inspirational books or fiction like Jennifer Chiaverini. Even though you see book/magazine dividers on my shelf....there is very little organization to my shelf at the moment. I got to get this fixed so I don't have to hunt all the time. It's very time consuming!!
What if you don't want a book anymore? Well, donate to the library for their library sale or find someone who belongs to a guild. Many people would love to own your book.
I am a book and pattern junkie!! I love to get new ideas from other people. Maybe I don't make everything I buy, but everything I buy somehow gets into my quilting in one way or another.
Some of our customers have said that they don't feel guilty about buying books or magazines because they are a source of inspiration. They grab a pile of their books, a cup of their favorite beverage and sit down to get inspired and entertained. It's much like watching a show--entertainment not production. What a different way to approach your quilting stuff. NO GUILT!
How do you keep them organized so you can find one when you want it? That's what I need to do. Right now they are just all mixed up on the shelf and I have to look sideways to see what the title is and heaven forbid, some of them don't have titles on the sides!! Now what???
Here's some suggestions from a speaker I heard:
1. Sort them according to subject matter: applique, piecing, hand quilting, machine quilting, art quilts, specialty design techniques, blocks, embroidery, reference (like borders, bindings) and so on.
Perhaps you also have historical books or art and architecture that are inspirational books or fiction like Jennifer Chiaverini. Even though you see book/magazine dividers on my shelf....there is very little organization to my shelf at the moment. I got to get this fixed so I don't have to hunt all the time. It's very time consuming!!
What if you don't want a book anymore? Well, donate to the library for their library sale or find someone who belongs to a guild. Many people would love to own your book.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
"Creativity is intelligence having fun." quote by Albert Einstein
What a cool way to approach creativity! Think of something you see everyday. Take a picture or draw it. Trace what you have drawn or photographed. Cut it up and rearrange it. Now trace it again. Pick a few colors you like and use them in the dark or medium or light places. You can use fabric, colored pencils or colored paper. JUST HAVE FUN!
How do you translate this into a quilt? Using graph paper, of course.
Assign the squares of the graph paper a size like 1" or 2" per square. Draw and color your idea in squares, rectangles or triangles. To translate that into fabric to be sewn, add 1/2" to any square or rectangle measurement. For example a 1 x 2 rectangle, becomes 1 1/2" x 2 1/2". Triangles must be figured as squares and 7/8" added to them and then cut once on the diagonal. Sew it together row by row--Sometimes you may find that you have a seam you must sew in partially. We can help you with that. Bring it in for help!
Now if you want to be even simpler, you could use fusible web and just fuse your piece together. We carry several different types of fusible. Once you create your picture or block, just quilt it down or zigzag all the edges.
Lots of times we forget how to play and just have fun. It is a huge stress reliever. And guess what? Just because we have drawn and colored and figured doesn't mean the piece needs to be made!!! It goes into your brain and pops out some other way just when you need it. It is kinda like exercise--you do it because you know that it's good for your body.
Well, playing is good for the soul and spirit so HAVE FUN and PLAY!
What a cool way to approach creativity! Think of something you see everyday. Take a picture or draw it. Trace what you have drawn or photographed. Cut it up and rearrange it. Now trace it again. Pick a few colors you like and use them in the dark or medium or light places. You can use fabric, colored pencils or colored paper. JUST HAVE FUN!
How do you translate this into a quilt? Using graph paper, of course.
Assign the squares of the graph paper a size like 1" or 2" per square. Draw and color your idea in squares, rectangles or triangles. To translate that into fabric to be sewn, add 1/2" to any square or rectangle measurement. For example a 1 x 2 rectangle, becomes 1 1/2" x 2 1/2". Triangles must be figured as squares and 7/8" added to them and then cut once on the diagonal. Sew it together row by row--Sometimes you may find that you have a seam you must sew in partially. We can help you with that. Bring it in for help!
Now if you want to be even simpler, you could use fusible web and just fuse your piece together. We carry several different types of fusible. Once you create your picture or block, just quilt it down or zigzag all the edges.
Lots of times we forget how to play and just have fun. It is a huge stress reliever. And guess what? Just because we have drawn and colored and figured doesn't mean the piece needs to be made!!! It goes into your brain and pops out some other way just when you need it. It is kinda like exercise--you do it because you know that it's good for your body.
Well, playing is good for the soul and spirit so HAVE FUN and PLAY!
Monday, August 26, 2013
New classes!
Have you got our newsletter yet? It's full of classes to learn new techniques. Don't be afraid to try something new....we'll make sure you understand everything and we'll encourage you all along the way. Here is a picture (a little blurry) of the Jelly Bargello. Helen McWilliams and Cathy had a private lesson to remember how to do bargello. They used a Hoffman 1895 batik bali pop. Didn't it come out stupendous. This method saves you the fabric selection and the initial cutting. The first class is scheduled for October 17th and 24th. If you have a desire for a class in the evening, just let us know and we'll get one scheduled!
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Jelly Bargello!
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Jelly Bargello!Sunday, August 19, 2012
The "safe" place
Ever put something in a "safe" place only to not remember where you put it? Of course, you have! Now, what if we had a clear plastic medium-sized tote called "The Safe Place" ?
When we go to look for that item, we'll know exactly where we put it. Over time, we will hopefully finish the project, file away the pattern, or decide you don't need it there. Otherwise, the safe place will become a mess. Also, the project contents could be put in a ziploc bag so all the parts would be together.
Wouldn't it be nice to never lose ANYTHING? I suppose this is probably impossible, but one can dream.......
When we go to look for that item, we'll know exactly where we put it. Over time, we will hopefully finish the project, file away the pattern, or decide you don't need it there. Otherwise, the safe place will become a mess. Also, the project contents could be put in a ziploc bag so all the parts would be together.
Wouldn't it be nice to never lose ANYTHING? I suppose this is probably impossible, but one can dream.......
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Designing your own embroidery
Have you ever seen a saying that you would like to hang on the wall? If you have a computer, a printer and some Sulky Fabri-Solvy, you can embroider it and put it in a quilted wall hanging or tabletop display.
Here is what to do:
Open Microsoft Windows or whatever word processing program you have. Type a word and try different fonts and font sizes. When you have found the one you think you can stitch well, type out your saying. I like to copy scriptures myself! Use the rulers along the top and bottom to block out how large a square you want to cover. Many 12" blocks have a 6" or 7" center that work well.
Once you have designed your square, place a piece of Fabri-Solvy in your printer. Take the paper out of the printer so only the Fabri-Solvy is in the tray. Make sure the Fabri-Solvy is in correctly so the print will come out on the interfacing side. Print.
Cut out your square of background fabric. Be inventive in what you use. Solids are not the only fabrics that look good with embroidery. You might also cut the background slightly larger than you think you need so that if the embroidery pulls the fabric in, it can be re-cut to the correct size. Try a light print with darker thread or even a medium print and then use lighter thread. Peel the Fabri-Solvy off its freezer paper backing. Place it on the right side of the background fabric and stitch.
Add borders or finish the block. Put a rod-pocket in the back and hang it or use several for a special wall hanging or quilt.
Here is what to do:
Open Microsoft Windows or whatever word processing program you have. Type a word and try different fonts and font sizes. When you have found the one you think you can stitch well, type out your saying. I like to copy scriptures myself! Use the rulers along the top and bottom to block out how large a square you want to cover. Many 12" blocks have a 6" or 7" center that work well.
Once you have designed your square, place a piece of Fabri-Solvy in your printer. Take the paper out of the printer so only the Fabri-Solvy is in the tray. Make sure the Fabri-Solvy is in correctly so the print will come out on the interfacing side. Print.
Cut out your square of background fabric. Be inventive in what you use. Solids are not the only fabrics that look good with embroidery. You might also cut the background slightly larger than you think you need so that if the embroidery pulls the fabric in, it can be re-cut to the correct size. Try a light print with darker thread or even a medium print and then use lighter thread. Peel the Fabri-Solvy off its freezer paper backing. Place it on the right side of the background fabric and stitch.
Add borders or finish the block. Put a rod-pocket in the back and hang it or use several for a special wall hanging or quilt.
Friday, May 25, 2012
How do your blocks come out? What is their size compared to what they should be?
Here's how to figure out how to sew a perfect 1/4" seam. Contrary to popular belief, all presser feet are not 1/4". And even some the 1/4" feet allow the fabric to push up against the bar and then the seam is too wide.
Cut 3 strips of fabric that are 3 1/2" long and 1 1/2" wide. Sew one strip to another along the long edge. Now sew the third strip to the other two along the long edge. You have 3 strips side by side. Press the seams carefully to one side. Measure the width of the block --it should be 3 1/2" wide. ( It should be a
3 1/2" square.).
If it is wider that 3 1/2", then your seams are too narrow. If it is smaller than 3 1/2", then your seams are too wide.
Accuracy counts in quilting because the blocks and sashings need to match each other. It's probably the only kind of sewing where 1/4" is a large discrepancy.
Measure the amount of space between where your needle meets the hold in the faceplate and where 1/4" inch should be. Put a piece of blue masking tape or several small post it notes at that mark. This will help you "see" the 1/4".
Sonflower has a "piecing basics" class this summer to help you sew these 1/4" seams as well as about 4 other kinds of shapes. We want you to be successful. Check out our newsletter for times.
Here's how to figure out how to sew a perfect 1/4" seam. Contrary to popular belief, all presser feet are not 1/4". And even some the 1/4" feet allow the fabric to push up against the bar and then the seam is too wide.
Cut 3 strips of fabric that are 3 1/2" long and 1 1/2" wide. Sew one strip to another along the long edge. Now sew the third strip to the other two along the long edge. You have 3 strips side by side. Press the seams carefully to one side. Measure the width of the block --it should be 3 1/2" wide. ( It should be a
3 1/2" square.).
If it is wider that 3 1/2", then your seams are too narrow. If it is smaller than 3 1/2", then your seams are too wide.
Accuracy counts in quilting because the blocks and sashings need to match each other. It's probably the only kind of sewing where 1/4" is a large discrepancy.
Measure the amount of space between where your needle meets the hold in the faceplate and where 1/4" inch should be. Put a piece of blue masking tape or several small post it notes at that mark. This will help you "see" the 1/4".
Sonflower has a "piecing basics" class this summer to help you sew these 1/4" seams as well as about 4 other kinds of shapes. We want you to be successful. Check out our newsletter for times.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Sauder Quilt Show
Don't forget the Sauder quilt show that is coming up next week, May 2-6, 2012. You can get a lot of ideas by attending a quilt show. Check out color combinations, patterns, quilting designs and workmanship. Notice what you are drawn to....do you have that skill? If not, is there a quilt shop nearby that can teach you? Read the little descriptions on the quilt. What can you learn from the quilter? And don't just look at the prize winners closely, but look at all the quilts. What would you do differently? What would you like to try? All these observations can make you a better quilter. Chat with your friends and perhaps write down some of things all of you have learned. Then copy and share it with each other. Post it somewhere so that you can remember what you learned. Most quilt shows allow you to take photos. You might write a caption under your photo to remind you of your observations of that quilt. Usually in the spring and summer there are quilt shows all over the United States. If you are taking a trip, note some places you might want to stop at. Have fun and keep quilting!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Using Glue Stick Creatively
Use a glue stick for all kinds of sewing projects. It holds items in place until you can sew them down.
For piecing: Where you would use a pin to match seams, touch one seam junction with glue stick and press the opposite side on it.
Instead of pins, especially with children, spread a bit of glue about every 3 inches to hold the seam before seaming.
For Applique:
Hand- Cut out the freezer paper templates for applique pieces. Put glue stick on the matte side, press to the wrong side of the fabric and use an iron to turn edges under that will attach to the waxy side of the paper. OR Iron the freezer paper to the wrong side of fabric and use glue stick to stick the edges of the applique to the matte side of the freezer paper.
Fusible- Using a non-sticky web? Use a bit of glue stick to attach the fusible web to the background so it won’t slip until you press it.
For Trims and Zippers:
Instead of poking yourself with pins, use glue stick to attach the trim or zipper before sewing it down.
Good for hems, too!
Anywhere you would use a pin, glue stick it!
Make sure you always use a water soluble, acid free glue so fabrics will not be harmed.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Organizing your ever growing scrap pile!
Here's an overview of ways to cut up your scrap fabrics. Begin by sorting them into colors and styles. Styles are such things as flannel, batik, or screenprinted cotton. Now begin to cut them into the following listed sizes according to what you like to work with. Use gallon plastic storage bags to store the various sizes and colors. I have listed commercial patterns that are scrap oriented which you can use with these scraps. Sometimes you need a background fabric to pull all the fabrics together. You decide how small the piece needs to be before you throw it away! NO guilt! Remember it's spring and birdies like bits of color to put in their nests. Place scraps in an onion bag, hang it up outside and let them pull out the bits to feather their nests.
Cutting up your scraps: common sizes
• Squares: 2″, 2 ½″, 3″, 3 ½″, 4″, 4½″, 5″, 6″, 10″
• Strips: 1 ¼″, 1 ½″, 2″, 2 ½″, 3″, 3½″
• To make flying geese from squares and rectangles:
1. 3 ½″ x 6½″ rectangles and 3 ½″ squares
2. 2 ½″ x 4 ½″ rectangles and 2 ½″ squares
Commercial patterns which use scraps and the sizes needed
• Four Square Farmhouse—strips of 4 ½″, 3″, 2″
• I Can’t Believe it’s a Beginner--3½″ and 6″ squares,
• Braids on Parade—2 ½″ strips
• Cabin Fever-- 2½″ and 3½″ squares
• Modern Thinking--1½″ and 2½″ strips
• Whirlin’--1½″ strips
• Cure for a Bad Day-- 2″ strips
• Partial to 4’s—1 ½″ and 3″ squares, 2″ strips
• Which Way Do I go?—3 ½″ squares, 3½″ x 6 ½″ rectangles
• Any jelly roll (2 ½″ strips), charms (5″ squares) or layer cake (10″) book or pattern
Ideas for storage:
Plastic zip seal gallon bags labeled with sizes
Shoe, Photo or clear boxes
Stacked drawers on wheels—one for strips in lights and darks
--one for squares of different sizes
Cutting up your scraps: common sizes
• Squares: 2″, 2 ½″, 3″, 3 ½″, 4″, 4½″, 5″, 6″, 10″
• Strips: 1 ¼″, 1 ½″, 2″, 2 ½″, 3″, 3½″
• To make flying geese from squares and rectangles:
1. 3 ½″ x 6½″ rectangles and 3 ½″ squares
2. 2 ½″ x 4 ½″ rectangles and 2 ½″ squares
Commercial patterns which use scraps and the sizes needed
• Four Square Farmhouse—strips of 4 ½″, 3″, 2″
• I Can’t Believe it’s a Beginner--3½″ and 6″ squares,
• Braids on Parade—2 ½″ strips
• Cabin Fever-- 2½″ and 3½″ squares
• Modern Thinking--1½″ and 2½″ strips
• Whirlin’--1½″ strips
• Cure for a Bad Day-- 2″ strips
• Partial to 4’s—1 ½″ and 3″ squares, 2″ strips
• Which Way Do I go?—3 ½″ squares, 3½″ x 6 ½″ rectangles
• Any jelly roll (2 ½″ strips), charms (5″ squares) or layer cake (10″) book or pattern
Ideas for storage:
Plastic zip seal gallon bags labeled with sizes
Shoe, Photo or clear boxes
Stacked drawers on wheels—one for strips in lights and darks
--one for squares of different sizes
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
OH-MI Shop Hop
It's the night before the shop hop starts and all is ready! Now if the weather will just cooperate! There's lots of fabrics on sale, lots to look at and adventures just waiting to be experienced.
What a great way for all of us to fight cabin fever. With all the snow and ice and lack of electricity, we all need some laughter and excitement to perk our spirits. We hope to see you soon!!
What a great way for all of us to fight cabin fever. With all the snow and ice and lack of electricity, we all need some laughter and excitement to perk our spirits. We hope to see you soon!!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Winter Newsletter
The newsletter is printed and should be on the way to your house just in time for you to sit down and enjoy it. Hopefully all your holiday preparations are winding down and it's time for you to enjoy all of your hard work and planning. I am still wrapping and have just a couple of gifts to buy. One of our Christmas celebrations with family isn't until January 22 so I have some time to kill yet!
Kathy and I have tried to once again think up some new and different classes to teach. Also, we have added more sessions of "Keep Cutting" which was the Fall's most popular class. If you got closed out, notice that we have started over in January with Class #1 during both the day and the evening.
We have heard a lot of you moaning about all the unfinished projects you have (so do we!). So Pam and Lois have decided to host a "Monday Minimizer" two times per month. They'll be there to help. The shop will be closed to all but the participants, so attention will be easier to give! We do require a fee of $5 and preregistration so we can cover the additional heat and electric cost. Also, so we know someone wants to be there!! I am summarizing Pat Sloan's fabulous ideas of how to overcome and deal with all of our UFO's. That summary will be available at our Open House on January 8th. Maybe we can ALL get our UFO's under control and give ourselves a wonderful feeling of completion during 2011.
Happy New Year! See you soon.
Kathy and I have tried to once again think up some new and different classes to teach. Also, we have added more sessions of "Keep Cutting" which was the Fall's most popular class. If you got closed out, notice that we have started over in January with Class #1 during both the day and the evening.
We have heard a lot of you moaning about all the unfinished projects you have (so do we!). So Pam and Lois have decided to host a "Monday Minimizer" two times per month. They'll be there to help. The shop will be closed to all but the participants, so attention will be easier to give! We do require a fee of $5 and preregistration so we can cover the additional heat and electric cost. Also, so we know someone wants to be there!! I am summarizing Pat Sloan's fabulous ideas of how to overcome and deal with all of our UFO's. That summary will be available at our Open House on January 8th. Maybe we can ALL get our UFO's under control and give ourselves a wonderful feeling of completion during 2011.
Happy New Year! See you soon.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
If you come in the shop, you will see a patterns with yellow covers from a company called "Vine Designs". That's us!! Kathy and I have been designing quilts, tablerunners and so on for about 2 years and finally have used our newsletter printing company to create a pattern line. In 2009, I wrote "Bits n Pieces" patterns to use up our scraps and leftovers fabrics. Now, they are an official pattern with professional graphics and directions. Lots better than my hand-drawn and photocopied originals.
Watch for more of these patterns to come out in the future. Every day we are working on getting some more out in the shelf and into distribution.
Watch for more of these patterns to come out in the future. Every day we are working on getting some more out in the shelf and into distribution.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Traveling in alaska
Dan and I are having a wonderful time seeing the vast wilderness of
Alaska. Haven't visited in any quilt shops yet--think that will happen when we get on the boat. I certainly have found much to inspire me here. The wildflowers and scenery just make me want to create a quilt. Lake Forest block of the month looked just like the Byers Lake area and I can't wait to finish mine. Embroidery and applique beckon to let me design a quilt. Alaska is quite beautiful and certainly a mostly untouched wilderness. Now if I can just see a moose somewhat close up...but not too close!!
Alaska. Haven't visited in any quilt shops yet--think that will happen when we get on the boat. I certainly have found much to inspire me here. The wildflowers and scenery just make me want to create a quilt. Lake Forest block of the month looked just like the Byers Lake area and I can't wait to finish mine. Embroidery and applique beckon to let me design a quilt. Alaska is quite beautiful and certainly a mostly untouched wilderness. Now if I can just see a moose somewhat close up...but not too close!!
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