Quilts With An Angle by Shelia Christensen

I met Shelia when I was teaching in New Zealand and I was so happy for her when she told me she was writing a book.  I was excited when her title came across my email from C&T Publishing.  I dropped her a quick email to say congrats and she asked me to participate in the blog hop for her book.  I had already perused the review copy and was impressed.  I always know I'm going to like a book when I find something I can use or things I don't know when I open a book.

I love how this book is organized.  It is everything you would ever want to know about using sixty degree shapes in quilts.  For each shape Shelia goes into great detail about the shape itself, methods for cutting, sewing, and being creative with that shape.  She has these great cutting charts for each shape which I know I will use often. She goes into detail about how to get the most out of your rulers.  I love when there is more than one way to do things and she thinks of everything in this book.

Of course there are great quilts in the book.  These are two of my favorites, Cosmic Rays made from parallelograms and Pot of Gold is in the sixty-degree strip piecing chapter.  

I know you all will love this book and when you get it you're going to learn lots.  I sure did. Go ahead and order it, but if you want to risk it Shelia and C&T Publishing are giving away an ebook.  If you'd like to win just leave a comment and you're entered.  I'll pick the winner at the end of the blog hop.  Please make sure you're not a no-reply blogger.  If you are, be sure to leave your email address in your comment!

Good Luck!!

Be sure to check out the rest of the tour and enter to win an ebook.

April 17 Wendy Welsh 

April 18 Shelia Christensen

April 19 Angie

April 20 Juliet van der Heijden

April 21 Kim Moos

April 22 Yvonne Fuchs

April 23 Aurifil

April 24 - You are here!

April 25 Shelia Christensen

The contest is closed and the winner is Linda H.  Congrats Linda.  Shelia will be in touch with your ebook.

Sulky's National Quilting Month Block Party!

Sulky's Block Party

I am thrilled to participate in Sulky's Block Party to celebrate National Quilting Month.  I had no idea what I was going to make, but when Sulky asked I happened to be experimenting with lines and trying to stretch how I use one of my favorite techniques, slice forward, insert backwards.  SF/IB is a slice and insert technique that allows me to create blocks with precise lines with no matching.  Who doesn't love no matching?  I created my Starline block to test the blocks for a linear star quilt that I want to make for my family room.  I made the test block 30" x 30" so that it would make a nice class sample and so the final quilt will finish at 60" x 60".

My Starline block is made up of four identical blocks and since they are symmetrical they can be rotated around the center to form the star. The diagram below shows the order for cutting and piecing.  I stacked four 15" squares and cut them all at the same time. I sliced the lines in order from one to seven and then inserted 1" strips from the last line cut (seven) in order back to one.  I pieced my block using Sulky 50 weight thread, perfect for piecing. This technique require precision and accuracy in piecing, but I love the challenge!

I am pretty happy with how the block turned out. The second photo shows the colors a little better.  I used two shades of aqua for the sample block.

           

I decided to quilt the block since I plan to use a quilt as you go method for the Starline quilt that will be composed of four Starline blocks.  I used a heavyweight thread, a beautiful Sulky 12 weight with a Sulky 40 weight in the bobbin.  With that combination I get great stitch quality and perfect tension.  The heavy 12wt thread gives the quilting stitches loads of presence on the quilt and look at that gorgeous chartreuse color!

I'm still in progress on the large four-block version in orange.  I can't wait to show you the quilt.  I love how all the lines come together and I think it has loads of potential for some color play too.  Thanks Sulky for the nudge to play and create something new! Have a great National Quilting Month!

Learn With Me in Kansas City

Reading a book is fine and an online class can be great, but there is nothing like learning in person!

Join me in Kansas City for a weekend of walking foot quilting. You will learn techniques, practice your skills and fill your quilting design toolbox. I'll begin by reviewing the basics and establishing a firm foundation for expanding and growing your skills with the walking foot.

You'll have plenty of time to apply that knowledge to learn and practice walking foot-friendly designs from simple to complex.  I'll teach strategies for managing large quilts and quilting intricate designs.  Together we'll explore how to analyze quilts to create quilting designs that will support and enhance your piecing.  You'll leave with a toolbox filled with creative quilting options and the knowledge, skills and confidence to quilt your own quilts.

Betsy, my event planner extraordinaire and all around good egg, and I have planned a fun and learning filled weekend.  Come and meet new friends, learn new skills, and let me show you a bit of my home and Kansas City.  

To see the itinerary, get more information and to sign up head to HelloVoyager.org.

Hope to see you this spring in KC!

(yeah, I know my name is misspelled on the graphic...glad you noticed too!)

A Mid Century Dream

In April we sold our condo in downtown Kansas City. I loved that place, but there were reasons we had to let it go.  It went fast and we were left without a home again. My youngest son was kind enough to let us move in with him and his girlfriend while we found a new home.  Cheers to living out of suitcases again.  I'm pretty good at it. It's weird how things happen and how this house came to us.

We bought and have now moved into this 1958 Don Drummond built mid-century home.  It's only about 15 minutes from our Westside condo, but it feels a world away. It is a Castillian model and was designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederik E. Emmons.  The top photo is our home this spring.  Below is a newspaper article from the 50's about the design of our home.  I love how it is described as having the "look of tomorrow".  It is a timeless, well-functioning design. It's post and beam construction with seven...count'em...seven sliding glass doors.  Talk about bringing the outside in!

I love my new home with all its quirks and originality from the 50's.  I am learning to understand it by living in it which we haven't done much since move in date since we've both been on the road much of the summer.  My sabbatical kicks in in earnest this fall and so I'm looking forward to spending time here and making it our own slowly, but surely.

We've done more than I thought in just over a month, but some things can't wait.  We've fixed some plumbing and electrical issues and I've even done a few changes like new wallpaper. I think I'll document those here so I'll share them in detail as we go along.

I want to preserve the historic character of this house.  It is a mid century treasure in Kansas City, but I also want to make it Jacquie and Steve's house.  It isn't a museum.  I can't wait to share more with you.  You can see a few more pictures on my Instagram feed, jacquietps, if you're interested, but for now enjoy the exterior!

Exciting Announcement

I'm excited to announce my first Kansas City based event, Composing with Line.  I'll be working with a small group of students to explore designing with line and I'm excited to share with participants a little bit of the city I love, my new home and our vibrant art community.  The details of the event are below, but know that my goal is to have fun, learn with you and help you leave inspired and with knowledge and skills that will support you in your own creative journey.  Register by July 15th to receive an early registration discount.  

For registration contact my friend Betsy at Betsy.Blodgett@gmail.com.  Betsy will help you get signed up and answer any questions you might have.  I look forward to seeing you in October in Kansas City.

Composing with Line Workshop

Weekend Itinerary Day 1 – Thursday, October 25 Explore the beauty, simplicity and complexity of line in this weekend design class. We’ll start with the basic principles of linear design and analyze quilts to see those principles in action. Jacquie will lead you through a series of exercises to ground you in the fundamental principles and as the weekend progresses you will apply those principles to create original designs. Students will work with Jacquie and each other in a fun, collaborative environment to explore linear design, piecing techniques and the elements and principles of design. Students will create one or more small pieces that may serve as seeds for further explorations and larger pieces. Composing with Line with Jacquie Gering October 25th - 28th 2018 Kansas City, Missouri $795.00* The weekend begins with a bus trip to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Here you will meet Jacquie for an evening of inspiration to kick off your weekend of creativity. She will guide you to her favorite works of art and you are encouraged to wander and find your own inspiration. Then, get to know the group at a fun and casual welcome dinner. Day 2 – Friday, October 26 Class with Jacquie begins on Friday morning, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, hop on the bus as we take a trip to nearby Lawrence, KS to visit the Spencer Museum of Art, home to a one-of-a-kind collection of Yoshiko Jinzenji quilts, followed by a visit to Sarah’s Fabrics. Friday evening, join Jacquie at her home for a private trunk show. Day 3 – Saturday, October 27 Spend a whole day exploring linear design with Jacquie. That evening, join Jacquie for an open studio tour. Visit and see the work of her fellow artist quilter Kim Eichler-Messmer. Day 4 – Sunday, October 28 Enjoy your last morning of classes with Jacquie, followed by a farewell lunch. Pricing & Inclusions Join us for the Quilting with Lines weekend workshop for $795.00. Included in the trip: Small Group for a fun, personalized weekend with Jacquie Gering 15 hours of dedicated classtime + opportunity to sew in the evenings Welcome dinner on Thursday, October 25 Lunch included Friday, Saturday and Sunday Transportation to and from the Nelson-Atkins and roundtrip to Lawrence, KS Deposits & Payments A non-refundable depost of $250 will secure your spot in this workshop, due immediately at signup. Balance due and non-refundable 60 days before the start of the workshop. Contact Betsy Blodgett at Betsy.Blodgett@gmail.com to register or for more information. *Register by 7/15/2018 and pay only $725.oo for the workshop!

Life is good in Sitges, Spain

Thank you for all your kind comments.  Life is what we make it and I plan to take more control over mine.  In addition to planning events in Kansas City which I hope you will attend sometime, I plan to use the blog to do some teaching as well.  It's been too long since I've had time to blog and share what I've been working on.

For now, I am in Spain to help with the Best of QuiltCon traveling exhibit and to teach classes at the Patchwork Festival in Sitges.  It is my first time teaching students who don't all speak English which should be an interesting experience.  I'll have a translator and I'm sure enthusiastic students.  I've already met some wonderful quilters from several countries.  With Google translate and my high school Spanish I'm getting by when I'm not with the lovely Amanda, the Member and Sponsor Manager for the MQG who speaks Spanish and has been so helpful and fun to hang out with! Check out our trek through the streets of Sitges with the quilts in tow!

In between setting up the exhibit, womaning the exhibit and prepping for teaching I've had time to explore the city, sample the food and drink and a do a bit of cultural exploration.  I never thought that quilting would provide experiences like this.  

The twin beds and the tiny room have been our biggest eye opener.  We feel a bit like Lucy and Ricky if know what I mean!

The journey continues...

Announcement

Be sure to sign up to receive my newsletter or check back on the blog as I'll make any important announcements there.

NOTICE TO ALL:
I am taking a sabbatical in 2019 and 2020.  I will not be taking any more teaching engagements until further notice.  My family situation has changed significantly and I will no longer be able to be away from home for so many days during the year.  I will honor my commitments to those groups in 2018 and 2019 as much as my responsibilities will allow me. 

I am working on developing events to be held in the Kansas City area so that if you're interested in learning from me and having an intimate, personal learning experience, be sure to watch the blog for announcements of those events.  I would love to share my city and my studio with you.

I have had a blast teaching and visiting shops, guilds, museums and art centers.  I appreciate all the hospitality I have been given and how much I have learned from all of you. 

I am looking forward to having time to create and to take care of my personal and family responsibilities and find balance in my life. 

For those who haven't seen it, this is my latest piece, Veer.

I will continue to share here and for the best updates on my new work follow jacquietps on Instagram.

See you on the flip side.  It's been real.

Modern Quilts: Designs of the New Century

Happy Holidays to all of you! 
I am proud to be the next stop on the blog tour for the Modern Quilt Guild's new book:  Modern Quilts, Designs of the New Century. Congratulations to Riane, Heather and Alissa for putting together an amazing retrospective of modern quilting. 

I got my shipping notice yesterday and I can't wait to have this book in my hands.  I've seen sneak peeks and it's beautiful.  It's the quilting coffee table book that I have always wanted.  With gorgeous photos of more than 200 quilts curated by the Modern Quilt Guild, the book honors the modern quilting genre's past, present and future.  I am proud to have two quilts in the book, but I am overjoyed at the number of quilters represented and the variety of quilts showcased in the book.  I think you will be too.

Modern Quilts: Designs of the New Century is more than a book for me. As many of you know I have been involved with the Modern Quilt Guild since the beginning and have worked with many of you to build and grow the organization.  This book is a tangible reminder of the challenges, the hard work and the accomplishments of the leadership and members of the Modern Quilt Guild.  Look what we did together!  I am overjoyed that this book is now a reality.  The lesson for me, dream big! 

Building Bridges and Bang You're Dead are my quilts that are featured in the book. They're two of my favorite pieces.  I hope you will get your copy of the book to see all the pieces in the book and support all the artists that are part of this project. Visit their sites and see the new work that they are making. 

The tour continues through the new year.  Check out the posts from all these designers to read their thoughts, see their work and then get a copy for yourself.  100% of the royalties earned from the book go to the Modern Quilt Guild, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Enjoy and have a wonderful 2018!

12/13/17      Amber Corcoran       Fancy Tiger Crafts
12/14/17      Heidi Parkes             Heidi Parkes Arts
12/15/17      Melissa Cory             Happy Quilting
12/16/17       Penny Gold              Studio Notes
12/18/17       Shruti Dandekar      13 Wood House Road
12/19/17       Amy Friend              During Quiet Time
12/20/17       Paige Alexander      Quilted Blooms
12/21/17       Angela Bowman      Angela Bowman Design
12/22/17       Lysa Flower             Lysa Flower
12/27/17       Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill  Whole Circle Studio
12/28/17       Jacquie Gering        Tall Grass Prairie Studio
12/29/17       Christa Watson       Christa Quilts
12/30/17       Heather Black         Quilt-achusetts
1/2/18           Kristin Shields         Kristin Shield Art
1/3/18           Krista Hennebury    Poppy Print Creates
1/4/18           Cinzia Allocca         Deux Petites Souris
1/5/18           Suzanne Paquette   Atelier Six Design
1/6/18           Yvonne Fuchs          Quilting Jetgirl
1/9/18           Ben Darby                Hunts Patch Quilts
1/10/18         Nicole Daksiewicz    Modern Handcraft
1/11/18         Kristi Schroeder       Initial K Studio
1/12/18         Kathy York               Art Quilts by Kathy York
1/13/18         Marla Varner            Penny Lane Quilts
1/15/18         Brigette Heitland     Zen Chic
1/16/18         Stacey Sharman      Hello Stitch Studio
1/17/18         Stacey O’Malley      SLO Studio
1/18/18         Kim Soper               Leland Ave Studios
1/19/18         Steph Skardal         Steph Skardal Quilts
1/20/18         Cheryl Brickey        Meadow Mist Designs
1/22/18         Shea Henderson     Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio
1/23/18         Katie Larson            Katie Larson Studio
1/24/18         Katie Pedersen        Sew Katie Did

Action Kivu Fundraiser

It's time again for the Action Kivu Fundraiser.  It's hard to believe that it's been eight years since I've been involved with this project.  It's a cause that is close to my heart first because it harnesses the power of sewing to change the lives of women and children and because it is a small organization that does targeted work to make a positive difference in the world.

This year the fundraiser will raise funds to purchase graduation sewing machine kits for 42 women who are victims of the conflict in the Congo. These kits will allow them to use the skills they have acquired through their participation in the program to support themselves and their families.

As part of the sewing community I ask each of you to give what you can to this cause.  Dig deep if you can.  There are wonderful prizes that have been donated by myself and my colleagues. 

I've waited until today to post hoping to see the thermometer rise more during the week.  It's not where we need it to be, so let's make this last push to get to the goal and fund this program.  The fundraiser ends Sunday so we have two days left to make it happen!

If you want to read more about the organization and its work check out the Action Kivu site.

To give, head here.  

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of these women and their families.

I love this photo that Lauren Hunt took for WALK. It makes me happy.

I don't have a blog post in me today, but I want to point you to a great read.  Anna Graham wrote this great post. The phrase I took away was "creativity is not a contest."  Sometimes I get caught up in all the great work around me and feel like I've got nothing. Thanks Anna.