Tallgrass Prairie Studio

Scrap Potential

2012-01-27T08:22:00.000-06:00

Don't you love the potential of a pile of scraps?

This is going on the back for a quilt top I just finished. I think I'm going to like the back as much as the front!

I cleaned and organized the studio for a full weekend of sewing. I did something a little different this time. I sorted all my prints by color and by value.

Sorting by value didn't take that long and it's not really scientific or exact. I simply made three stacks, light, medium and dark and put each fabric in a stack based on a quick glance.

It was interesting to find out that I buy pretty evenly between values. I thought there would be an abundance of medium value fabrics.

The advantage to sorting this way is when pulling fabrics for a project. It's much easier to "think" about value when choosing fabrics. I'm going to sort my solids this way as well, but that's a task for another day.

Have a wonderful weekend! I'm going to try to get all those backs made so I can baste and quilt this weekend.

Can Wedges Dance?

2012-01-23T08:13:00.000-06:00

Thanks so much for all the questions and suggestions. I appreciate hearing what you are interested in reading. I guess I haven't been very good at talking about process lately. I've got some ideas for how to share more, so thanks!

Since I didn't have any kona snow, I decided to switch gears and go with another idea that was on my list. I've been working on a bunch of designs using the traditional dresden wedge in other ways rather than a dresden plate. I needed a baby quilt for a friend so I played a bit and came up with Dancing Wedges.

I used some leftover fabric from two of Aneela Hoey's lines, some Rich Red and Ash Kona cottons. I started with the wedges alternating like this. I liked it, but to make the prints shine more I framed each wedge in the red.

I wanted a bit more movement within the line of wedges so I adjusted them so they "danced" a bit more. I stair stepped them in threes. The last step was to cut additional wedges to fill in the background.

After I made the panel I decided I liked it vertical this time, and I added a blank wedge in the negative space to be able to add the baby's name and date. I'm thinking I'd like to embroider it.

I like how graphic yet simple it is. I think there are some great quilting possibilites too!

A little Monday business. Sorry I didn't get to the winner on Friday. The week slipped away from me! Here are the winners of the $20.00 gift certificates from Pink Chalk Fabrics:

Susie DW

Pmookie

Kris loves fabric

Piece peace

Congratulations! If that's you, drop me an email. I'll send everyone's info to Kathy and she'll set you up!

My Kona snow should be arriving today, so I should be able to get back to my red and white piece.

Have a great week!

Coming Along!

2012-01-18T08:39:00.001-06:00

It's coming along. Two panels are complete and I'm really liking the way the red strips are playing off of each other. The composition is taking me longer than I thought, but slow and steady is a good thing.

Let's continue reader appreciation month today! I have four $20.00 gift certificates to give away, generously donated by Kathy, of Pink Chalk Fabrics. Kathy is a big supporter of this blog and sewing and quilting in general. If you have a minute, drop by to say thanks and do a little shopping!

For the first two, I'm going to draw from all the comments since the last giveaway and for the next two I'll draw from all the comments on this post.

If you'd like a chance to win, comment today and tell me something that you'd like to learn or see on this blog in the future. Have a great rest of the week! I'm off to see if someone in Chicago carries Kona snow. I ran out this morning. Arrrg!

PS...I'll draw the winners on Friday!

They Led Me Up the Primrose Path Again!

2012-01-16T07:58:00.001-06:00

One of the perks of living in Chicago is that Wisconsin is right next door. My hubby is a Wisconsin boy and he wanted to drive up and do some skiing and stop by his favorite cheese factory. The boys were able to join us so it was a wonderful family weekend. We're heading home with a cooler full of cheese and no one is "broken" so it was a successful trip!

However, that doesn't mean there wasn't drama. I love to ski, but I'm done with the daredevil, speed demon kind of skiing. I like a long gentle run where I can ski without thinking and without working too hard. After the first half day at lunch, my boys convinced me to come on the runs they had been on. They smiled and said convincingly that they weren't steep and were just like the green runs we did in Colorado. I should have known better than to listen to them, but they're so cute and sincere.

So after lunch we headed up the lift to this long gentle run that I was going to love.

I got off the lift and stood there with my boys on either side of me. I said to them both...this is NOT steep? But when you're up on the top of the mountain you've got no place to go but down. It was only the first few minutes that was steeper than I like, and the rest was long and gentle, so in their own way my boys did tell me the truth. What they didn't tell me is that long gentle path ended up at the donner lift. The only way to get back to the chalet was to take that lift. Geez, they'd done it again...marched me down the primrose path right to my demise.

See that red dot on the right side of the map at the top of the mountain...yup, that's where I ended up with no where to go, but down.

I gave them that you've done it to me again lecture, and I was patronized and told how I could do it, no problem. I think they love to see me sweat! So, I headed down top notch, tentatively for sure. It wasn't only steep, it was skinny with a cliff on one side. There had to be a cliff! (My boys read the post and wanted me to correct this...no cliff...at most a small drop off. See what I mean?)

As I was going down, I stopped to gather some confidence and a young girl was laying on her side in the snow with what I assumed was her boyfriend leaning over her. She looked at me and said, "you're better than I am." I smiled and nodded, but I wanted to say...looks like you got bamboozled by a cute guy just like I did.

I kept going, slowly down the mountain and heard above me shouts of "look out!!!" A girl was careening straight down the mountain. She zipped right past me (too close for comfort) and just about took out a kid below me right before she wiped out. I skied over, collected her poles for her and asked her if she was ok. Just as she was about to answer her boyfriend arrived to help her. Does anyone see a pattern here?

The good news is I made it down the mountain and skied the rest of the weekend where I wanted to ski and had a great time. Lesson learned, beware of cute guys with ski run recommendations!

Building Bridges

2012-01-13T08:26:00.003-06:00

The 'Building Bridges' quilt is done and it's getting a special quilting treatment. I'm going to keep it under wraps until its finished. Sorry about that. I will say that I took out all the color that I was going to put in. It's nothing but the bridges, stark, gray and I love it that way. There is a bit of color on the back, but that's it.

My friend Sheryl, who will be a big part of this quilt, sent this to me yesterday. I think she may love this quilt as much as I do! I don't usually make labels, but this might have to appear on this quilt in some way. It's perfect. I'll leave you with this. Have a happy weekend!

Oh and just in case you want to look, the 'Tipsy City' quilt from the book is on the cover of the Interweave Spring 2012 Retail Catalog. I love that quilt!

THE BRIDGE BUILDER
An old man, going a lone highway,
Came at the evening cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim-
That sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned, when he reached the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting strength in building here.
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again must pass this way.
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build you the bridge at the eventide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head.
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him."

-WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE

Working Away and a Winner!

2012-01-11T10:13:00.000-06:00

I'm continuing to work on my 'abundance/scarcity' red and white quilt. I had to stop for a few days because I ran out of red fabric, but Tammy at Marmalade came through as usual. She is one fast shipper! I have one panel done. I like how it's coming along.

I had fun counting quilts. It got me thinking about how many quilts I've made in four years. I don't have any idea. I just know it's a LOT!

And now for the winner! I counted quilts, actually counted them a bunch of times to make sure I was correct. Believe it or not from all those comments only one person hit it on the nose. A bunch of you were close, but here's the official count:
Bedroom - 2
Studio - 4
Studio closet - 10
Hallway - 2
Bedroom closet - 12
Living room - 3
Dining room - 1
Kitchen 1
for a grand total of 35 quilts. Elizabeth, you are the winner. Drop me an email and I'll send you the code so you can do some fabric shopping at Sew Mama Sew.

A note about storing your quilts. I used to fold mine, but when I took my Broken Cogs quilt out to hang it in the hallway gallery, it still has lines in it from where it was folded. I now roll my quilts with the front inside and store them this way. When I pull out a quilt there are no folds or wrinkles and they are ready to use or hang.

A New Look Deserves a Giveaway!

2012-01-09T07:51:00.004-06:00

On Saturday I cleaned the house and the studio needed some serious cleaning. Dust dinosaurs had taken over the room. Deep cleaning means moving furniture and since I created chaos with my cleaning I decided to rearrange a bit. You wouldn't think there would be many possible arrangements in such a small room, but I was bound and determined to try something new. I also needed to create some wall space for this new quilt, so moving my bulletin board turned into a whole new look.

First I had to get some quilting done. Around and around I quilted!

I quilted echoed wedges in the center and then quilted concentric circles on the colorwheel itself and out to the edges of the quilt. That is some dizzying quilting! The quilt finished at 60" x 60".

I chose to do a ROYGBIV binding from shot cotttons and crossweaves. I think the binding makes this quilt!

I think it's perfect hanging in the studio. So inspirational! Makes me never want to leave!! Do you see my orange desk? Yup, orange! It's a steelcase desk that I found in a vintage store in my neighborhood and it makes a perfect cutting table.

I think I can sew in this room!

So, let's have a little fun with this giveaway. Kristin, of Sew Mama Sew, is offering a $20 gift certificate to one of my readers. Sew Mama Sew has done so much for the sewing, quilting community with its fabulous blog and forum. Thanks Sew Mama Sew!

I've made a lot of quilts in the four years since I started this blog. I've given loads of quilts away, but I've kept some too. Your job is to guess how many quilts I have in my apartment as of today. Finished quilts only, tops don't count. Only quilts made by me count and to qualify it has to be larger than 12 x 12!
First person who guesses the right number or comes the closest wins!

Have a great week everyone!
PS...I'll announce the winner on Wednesday.

Playing Catch-up

2012-01-06T01:04:00.003-06:00

This colorwheel quilt is first on the list. (more on the list later). It's basted and in the process of being quilted. It's made from leftovers from this quilt. I made it last summer right before the move. I organized some boxes that I haven't been through since the move and found it. I'm hoping I can hang it in my studio. It'll take up a whole wall, but how inspiring it will be! I found a couple other surprises in those boxes. More to add to the list!

Have you been keeping up with the 100 Days of Modern Quilting on the Modern Quilt Guild Blog? This is the first week and it's the week of shapes. We're working hard to provide some really great content over the next 100 days. Be sure to check it out!

I've been working a bit on my digital portfolio. Worked on the artist statement and added a bunch more quilts. I still need to get everything in the right order and add dates, sizes etc, but I'm making progress. Right now I'm happy to be making a little progress every day!

Giddy with Excitement

2012-01-05T08:52:00.002-06:00

I'm going to clean the floor today and get down on my hands and knees and baste. I'm giddy with excitement and anticipation. It's no fun to lean over a quilt with your head pounding, in fact, it's impossible. At least it is for me. Funny, what you take for granted. I used to whine and complain on basting days and now headache free it feels like a treat.

So how about a treat! I have one to share. It's Reader Appreciation Month, remember?

It's a giant Roll-up from Robert Kaufman filled with juicy pastels. I drew a random number from all the folks who left on comment on the last post. I know, sneaky of me, isn't it! The winner is Carol of Mamacjt! Congrats Carol and thanks for being a part of this blog. Send me your contact info and I'll drop it in the mail to you!

This is what's on the design wall today. I've always wanted to make a red and white quilt. Did you all see the Red and White exhibit....totally fabulous and so inspiring. I had red/white on my mind and then I had a little encounter. It all started with a visit to a small gallery in my neighborhood. I was walking the dog and happened on this gallery. A photographer was installing a new exhibit. He saw me pressing my nose to the window and invited us in (Bruno too!) We chatted for over an hour. His photographs were all about the concepts of abundance and scarcity. Those are the concepts that are driving this quilt. I'll be interested to see where it goes.

But for now I have basting to do. Off to get sore knees and an aching neck. Isn't it just the best!

It's a Quilty Anniversary!

2012-01-03T00:10:00.001-06:00

Four years ago today I wrote my first blog post. Actually I wrote four posts in the same day. I was excited both about blogging and about quilting. My first post was about this quilt. I remember buying and reading Denyse Schmidt's book along with a couple of the Gee's Bend books. I loved the look of that improvised log cabin block, but I was dismayed by the templates in the book. I wanted to improvise. I took the advice of one of the Gee's Bend quilters, "just let it go," she said, "the quilt will take you where it wants to go." I did and I haven't looked back since. I thought that a log cabin block would look more modern if I stretched it out, so instead of a square I made it a rectangle.

This is the first quilt I finished four years ago, hand quilting and all. I have learned so much since then. I don't even know how many quilts I've made since that first post on January 3, 2008. I've lost count. I've moved beyond the log cabin block now, but I won't abandon it. I hear every once and awhile that folks are sick of seeing them, making them. I'm not. I still think there are new possibilities with this block. I'll always be a fan.

I've never celebrated a blogiversary before. They didn't seem important. For some reason this year it feels significant. Maybe it's all the changes in my life these days.

One thing I do know is that I haven't blogged for four years alone. You have a been a part of this adventure. Many of you have been with me every step of the way. Your comments, advice, questions, support and even your challenges have helped me get where I am today and I can't tell you how much I appreciate that you are a part of my life. Many of you are now friends in real life. A special thanks to Sherri who left the first comment on my blog. A bit of encouragement, even from a stranger, can change a life.

So, let's celebrate. It's no fun to celebrate for one day so I'm dragging it out for the whole month. I'm declaring January reader appreciation month on the Tallgrass Prairie. I'm planning some surprises, possibly a challenge (does the word Spring have meaning for any of you?) and I have some special friends that are planning to do some really nice things for all of you. Spread the word and tell everyone you know! Let the party begin!

Hello 2012

2012-01-01T17:05:00.000-06:00

The new year is a time to look forward rather than back. Today I'm saying goodbye to 2011 by sending a fond farewell to my life in Kansas.

We sold our house in the country this month. The moose is temporarily living at my parent's house. He's happy in his new home!

Many memories are attached to that house. I took a walk around the property and through the house over Christmas and they all came flooding back. It was a wonderful place to raise our children.

But an empty house is just that...empty. It's time to make new memories in a new place.

2012 is going to be a wonderful year and a great quilty year too. I am celebrating a quilting anniversary all during the month of January. It's exhilarating to be sewing again and I can't wait to share new projects with you. Stay tuned for an exciting month full of surprises!

A Quiet Blog

2011-12-19T12:49:00.002-06:00

...means a quiet life. I'm focusing on taking care of myself and getting ready to spend the holidays with my family. We have many holiday traditions, but those on the top of my boys' list revolve around food. One of the most labor intensive, but really special are the peppernuts (also called papenate or pfefferneusse). It wouldn't be Christmas without them. It's one of our family's Mennonite food traditions.

They've also become a giving tradition for my husband. We give everyone he works with a little bag filled with Christmas cheer.

My husband works with a LOT of folks so baking peppernuts is a week long activity involving about 20 cups of flour and thousands of these little dime sized cookies.

Star anise gives peppernuts their unique flavor.

In addition to the cookie jar, my boys like to have their own peppernut stash, so these houses will be stuffed full and go under the tree for each of them.

I have managed to make a few gifts, though I didn't get to everything I wanted to make. I finished these infinity scarves made from a couple of my precious liberty fabrics, a Kokka fabric and some coordinating shot cottons.

I'm hoping that after Christmas I'll be feeling more like myself again, and let me tell you when that happens, I'll be quilting with a vengeance!
Have a wonderful holiday!

Tangerine Tango

2011-12-08T08:08:00.001-06:00

The Pantone color of the year for 2012 is Tangerine Tango. For those of us orange addicts, it's going to be a great year!

Tangerine Tango is vibrant, uplifting and universally flattering. What else does this girl need?

Cogs has a baby!

2011-12-05T11:04:00.000-06:00

Baby cogs is finally bound and finished. I like to lay quilts on the corner of the bed. Doesn't matter their size. It's another way to get quilts out and seen.

Angela quilted it much like daddy cogs. Simply fabulous! Click on over to Ang's blog and see her new book. We could all benefit from Angela's expertise and advice!

I hung daddy in the hallway gallery. It's fun to change quilts often. I hate to have quilts stored away!

Attended my first meeting of the Chicago MQG yesterday. All I can say is it's a great group of really talented folks. I'm so happy to be a part of it. I've missed my guild and I could tell right away that I was going to feel at home here. Can't wait for January!

Quilting Modern...Introducing....The Cover Girls!

2011-11-30T00:12:00.014-06:00

Cover girls...not me or Katie, but some of the quilts in the book are the cover girls of the Spring 2012 Interweave Books catalog!

Katie and I are so happy...there is dancing in the streets in Chicago and Seattle. Interweave has also posted more info on the book on their website. You can see the table of contents and also get a peek inside the book. We are chomping at the bit to show you the whole thing. April can't get here soon enough for me...a little over 4 months and counting!

The design folks at Interweave did a stellar job on the book. They must have an on staff mind reader because they created our vision for the book to a tee! I have to say, it's simply beautiful. It's bursting with color and they used the quilts to design the art for the book. As an author, it's amazing how little things make a difference.

Sorry to gush, but I can't help myself.

Building Bridges

2011-11-28T01:00:00.018-06:00

It was great to have most of my family around for a few days. Nothing makes you feel better than family! I actually felt like sewing yesterday. My migraines have prevented me from doing much around here, but I'd rather not even go there. So, let's talk quilts.

I have two more bridge sections to share.

This is the largest section so far. My biggest challenge with these blocks is not to overcomplicate them. I have to hold back from adding too much. This one makes me want to climb it!

This one is pretty different from the rest, but I think its elegant in its simplicity.

I made this bridge harder than it had to be. All those white strips were cut on the bias...yikes and some were over 40" long. Keeping skinny, really long bias strips straight as an arrow is challenging. They didn't have to be done on the bias, but sometimes my design as I go process doesn't result in the most efficient construction methods. Eventually, I do seem to get where I want to go.

Here are all five of the bridge blocks randomly on the design wall. My hubby was pushing me to make 5 individual quilts, but I really want these blocks to come together into one quilt. I think I've decided on a final layout, but a little time on the design wall will tell. This quilt is becoming quite a meaningful process as I continue building bridges.

PS
Thanks for all the "likes" on facebook!

Thank goodness...

2011-11-27T15:03:00.003-06:00

for good kids... (one was gone on tour so he escaped the Thanksgiving photo shoot)

Jon wasn't quite so lucky.

Kids who work hard...

Along with my hubby and my Bruno...my world overflows with handsome, talented, hardworking men!

Tomorrow...more peeks at the bridges quilt.

I Love a Parade!

2011-11-24T12:53:00.000-06:00

It pays to get up early on Thanksgiving morning in Chicago. We crammed onto a jam packed train full of other parade goers, staked out a good viewing spot and enjoyed the bands, the horses, the dancers, the floats and best of all...the giant balloons.

Oh, and I saw the Clydesdales too. Two things to check off my bucket list today.
X Clydesdales and Spot the dog
X Giant parade balloons

Tallgrass Prairie Studio 2.0

2011-11-23T10:19:00.001-06:00

So, I drank the facebook kool-aid. My youngest son is in Chicago for a few days over Thanksgiving and I have built in tech support, so I took the plunge and created a page for Tallgrass Prairie Studio. I have a personal facebook page, but I haven't been there since I started it. I'm more interesting as a business than I am as a person. I'm going to try to keep it up to date and actually use it.

I understand the facebook protocol is that you're supposed to ask people to like you. To make it easier for you, there's a button on the sidebar that when you click, magically tells facebook that you like me. Doesn't everybody want to be liked?

In other news, I received the latest catalog from C&T and I'm a cover girl! That's my quilt on the cover of We Love Color which is all about using Robert Kaufman's kona solids. I do love konas and all those luscious colors! I'm so excited to see inside and I have to say it's simply thrilling to be in the company of the other 15 designers in this book.

For those of you celebrating Thanksgiving this week, have a happy day. I'm thinking about where I was three and a half years ago, having never made a quilt before. I am more than blessed and thankful for what quilting has added to my life.

Advice from a Wise Dog

2011-11-22T07:50:00.004-06:00

The holiday is near...

Kick back, enjoy your favorite beverage, and spend some time with those you love.

Photo disclosure: No staging was done in the taking of this picture. He's cute and naturally talented!

Back to the Seventies

2011-11-21T07:47:00.001-06:00

Finally had time to tweak this a bit...added a block and moved one of the orange strips. I'm not sure if it's where I want it to be.

I do hate to tear it apart again, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

Digital Quilt Portfolio

2011-11-14T00:01:00.019-06:00

I make a lot of quilts. Sometimes I even forget what I've made. I made the Storm Windows quilt years ago. It's still one of my favorites. I sold it in the gallery show and I miss it.

Last week I had a furniture design store owner ask me to see a portfolio of my work. I hung my head a little and gave her my card knowing that she really didn't want to see pictures of Bruno or my kids and I didn't have what she wanted. While I love this blog, it's not just about finished work. It's about process, and family, and screw ups and making lots of things. My flickr is more like a dumping ground for pictures than a place to go to see quilts.

I'm going to show her my quilts in person next week, so maybe she'll forgive the gratuitous cute dog photos that she had to wade through to get to the quilts, but that experience motivated me to create something new.

I wanted a place where all my finished quilts would be in one place with just a few words to remind me how or why I made them. I've barely started putting this together. It's not in the right order or even close to complete, but it's a start. I have loads of pictures to go through, more pictures to take and quilts to find. Bottom line, I think it's a great idea and I'm excited to work on it some more.

It's times like this when I wish I took better pictures.

Even though I don't have many of these quilts any longer, my digital portfolio will be a place where I can drop by, visit them and remember.

Everyone Needs a Friend

2011-11-11T01:00:00.008-06:00

Thanks for being a friend of this blog. Have a great weekend everyone!

PS..Kim from CA with a Janome...I still haven't heard from you. Do you still need to cover your sewing machine? If I don't hear from you by Saturday, I'll have to give it to someone else. Does anyone know Kim? Help a gal out and let her know.

Sprout and Bloom

2011-11-09T07:32:00.000-06:00

Added a couple of pillows to my sofa. Every new place needs new pillows. These are done in 4 tints/shades of orange with an ash gray background.

I love how the quilting makes veins in the leaves!

I have two more versions made, but not quilted yet. They're on the list.

These have definitely inspired a couple of quilt designs!

Now for the winners. Who knew there were so many naked sewing machines out there!
Sonia B
EG
Kim from CA with a Janome
Terri
Sharon T in Huntley IL
Hollymade
LizA
Sarah in Denver
Congrats! If I could find your email, you should have gotten an email from me. Sharon T and Kim, if you would drop me an email with your contact info, I'll get these little presents in the mail ASAP! Congratulations!!
The pattern for this cover will be available on the Sew It All TV website when my episode airs. I'll let you all know. It's fast and soooo simple. Hopefully all those machines out there can stop choking on dust and snuggle under cute covers!

Cover It Up!

2011-11-07T00:01:00.019-06:00

Give me a hammer, a screwdriver and a mission and you never know what might happen! I dismantled one of the metal shelving units in the studio and with a herculean push to separate two of the rails, not only did I slice the tips of three fingers, I also sent a couple of metal rails flying across the room. The fingertips are healing, there's a slice in the wall, and one of the rails hit the back of my chair and left a nasty scratch. This is what I ended up with. I made the unit shorter, shrunk the space between shelves and made the top into an ironing surface so I don't have to have the ironing board up at all times. It's a bit less claustrophobic without that tall shelf. As Nate Berkus says, in a small space things need to do double duty.

Of course I created a new problem, the chair needed something to cover that scratch.

No problem! I grabbed a bit of fabric, traced a pattern and made a chair cover to hide the scratch and you know what? I think I'm going to make a couple of covers for the balcony chairs and maybe even for the metal chairs in the dining room. What a great way to decorate for the holidays!

Speaking of cover ups...I cover my sewing machines religiously. Sewing rooms are notoriously dusty and I try to protect my machines whenever they're not sewing.

One of the projects I did on Sew It All TV was a quick, easy sewing machine cover. Well, for TV there are loads of step outs that need to be made. I only have two sewing machines, but now, thanks to the magic of television I have EIGHT extra sewing machine covers.

I made all the step outs into finished covers, but I can't use them, so I decided to share them with you. Do you need a cover for your machine? Want to give one as a gift? They're made to fit a Bernina 156 not my giant 820, so they should fit most sewing machines.

I'll draw eight random winners on Wednesday...that is if there are more than 8 of you who want them.
Finished two quilt tops this weekend. Now to clean the floor so I can baste!
Comments are now closed....choosing the winners!

Eeek!

2011-11-04T15:25:00.002-05:00

My last post got hijacked....evil spam doers. Can't let that nasty junk show up. Maybe it was the word "hell" in the title....nothing crazy, just in hell with pins. I was complaining about having to use pins....that's what I get for complaining at all.
Desist evil spam goers or hijackers or whatever you are!

Inspired Quilting

2011-11-02T11:15:00.002-05:00

Between work and family and day to day things, I'm trying to finish what's hanging in the closet. I can't even remember when I pieced this, but it's a Christmas gift so it needed to get done. The quilting was inspired by a dream catcher.

It has a large center of circular quilting...

...points that extend from the circles

...fans that open out and divide the center medallion diagonally, vertically and horizontally.

I'm still not sure if more quilting needs to be added. I'm going to live with it a little while before I decide. I struggled a bit with thread, needle combinations and tension with this one. The mix of quilting cotton and home dec is a challenge. I hope to have it bound and ready to show in the next post. I always have hope!

It was so great to hear about all the holiday sewing plans! You all charged me up and I made a list. Nicke and Katie are the winners of the copies of Stitch. You should have received an email from me. Congrats ladies!! Send me your info and I'll get them in the mail to you.

Stitch On!

2011-10-31T08:09:00.004-05:00

Have you picked up the latest Stitch magazine?

These are my Ornament Tree placemats. I'm making a couple more so I can have them for the whole family. There are loads of great projects. Trisch's bag is so cute and Lisa's towels have inspired me to make some Christmas towels for my kitchen. Be sure to check it out!

I have a couple of extra copies to give away. Would you like one? Leave a comment and let me know what you're sewing for the holidays.
Winners have been chosen! Thanks for sharing your holiday project lists!

He's #1

2011-10-28T20:05:00.000-05:00

I just had to share...Jon's got the #1 Remix. Yes, that's my boy. Super talented and he's an awesome kid too. Give it a listen if you'd like. Over a million other people have! Way to go Jon!!

Tin Ceiling Quilt Comes Home

2011-10-27T11:12:00.000-05:00

This quilt has been away since early this summer. I've missed it even though I was so proud to have it in the Scrap Art Exhibit at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. I breathed a sigh of relief when the Fed Ex man brought it home.

Since it was ready to hang, I hung it right out of the box in my hallway gallery. It's a great place for it. I walk by it all day long and it's protected from direct sunlight. I may have to watch Bruno to make sure he doesn't rub up against it though.

A few more pictures in case you're like me and can't stop looking at it.

Temporary Rock Star

2011-10-24T17:33:00.004-05:00

My youngest son Jon is filling in for the regular keyboard player of The Devil Wears Prada during their Australian tour. He's fulfilling his dream of being a rock star. My oldest is on the crew for the band. They're in Australia together. I'm so proud of both of them. Wish I could be there. Sigh!

Jon is the one in the hat.

Photos taken by BeAsT #1 from Flickr
October 23rd at The Devil Wears Prada Melbourne show
Used with permission

Roberto Capucci Maquette becomes a Tornado

2011-10-24T08:59:00.001-05:00

It all started with a Roberto Capucci dress. I made this giant chevron inspired by that dress and didn't have a clue what to do next. Sometimes when that happens I make a maquette (a small version) to play with and see what happens. This playing happened right after the devastating tornado in Joplin and a tornado in our backyard. I guess I had tornados on the brain. I bound it this weekend and hung it in my hallway gallery.

The quilting is spectacular and there's a story to go with that too. It has an Arkansas connection. Karen took my class in Arkansas and I was talking with her about a quilt she brought to show and tell. I loved her quilting and we got to chatting. I happened to have this top with me to use as a teaching example, and before I knew it I was handing it to her and saying, "have fun with it!"

Sometimes you just have a feeling that another person gets it. Karen is in to color and she asked if I minded her going a bit crazy....no problem and look what she did. The quilting is beautiful, colorful, but doesn't overwhelm the piecing. It adds movement and just a bit of sparkle to the piece.

The quilting flows from the top left to the bottom right corner and the density of the quilting opens as it flows to the bottom of the quilt.

The thread colors also flow across the quilt echoing the colors in the piecing.

I think I've found another quilting gem. This won't be the last time we work together. Thanks Karen!

I still have the large chevron hanging in my closet. I wonder where I'll go with that?

Sew It All TV...The Inside Scoop

2011-10-21T01:41:00.007-05:00

Welcome to the set of Sew It All TV with your host Ellen March and her fabulous crew.

As soon as I walked into the studio I felt at home. Can you see why? Orange, orange and more orange. Orange everywhere and touches of lime green. Ellen even has the same orange totes I have in my studio. After a few seconds of gawking, it was right to work unpacking, prepping step outs.

I was looking forward to this magic chair, hoping it would transport me to the place where there are no bags under eyes, long sexy eyelashes, and flawless complexions, but alas there were no disappearing wrinkle creams or magic potions, so I had to appear as myself.

Angela was great and with a light touch she coiffed my hair and fixed my face (as much as this face can be fixed) and sent me on my way.

Kim, who is the go to gal for everything on set, helped me prep. She threaded the machine and changed the needle (which I BROKE!) and showed me the ropes. I spent a bit of time at the machine practicing. You wouldn't think I would have to practice, but I am a creature of habit...sewing on my machine...no problem...someone else's...it's like I'm a teenage boy who took home ec just to meet girls and has never sewn a stitch.

The set was dressed with some inspiration from me. Amazing that the sewing machine cover worked perfectly on the set!

Behind this table is where all the action happens. Did you know that on TV you have to work upside down? All the practicing I did at home, the step outs were facing me like I was watching TV...well, on set it was just the opposite. Of course, makes total sense when you're there...at home, not so much. Ellen was a terrific host, so at ease and supportive. It's all a blur to me. I think I did fine. I guess we'll all be able to judge when the show airs. Want to come over and have a watch party? I think wine and salt and vinegar chips will be served! Or maybe I'll let you all watch it and you can tell me about it.

This is what you see as a guest on the show. The crew, the camera guy, sound guy, etc. The guys were terrific and turns out everyone of them had a Kansas connection. They were either from Kansas, went to school in Kansas, or worked in TV stations in Kansas. I couldn't have been more at home. I got to know the sound guy the best. You get to know someone fast when they have to put wires down your shirt and battery packs on your pants. Turns out that well endowed women are a sound guy's worst nightmare. Cords tend to shift more and don't lay flat like they should. Double stick tape however, is a sound guy's best friend.

What you don't see is the director. She is the voice behind the curtain, sort of like the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz. Most of the time when you hear from her, you've messed up in some way. I heard from her. Thank goodness I met her earlier so I could picture her smiling face as I heard the words in the headset tell me where to start over.

In a flash it was over and I was grabbing my suitcase and running for the Super Shuttle to take me to the airport and back to my everyday workaday world and out of the stunningly orange world of Sew It All TV.
The show is currently airing season two. My episode will be in season 3. Stay tuned and be sure to contact your local PBS station and ask them to carry the show!

Modern Vintage

2011-10-19T01:00:00.012-05:00

Some of my friends have called my style vintage modern. Though I think I'm evolving a bit, it seems to describe my work. I have a quilt to show you today that I call modern vintage. Seems like a bit of an oxymoron, but read on.

When I was speaking and teaching down in Arkansas this summer I had the pleasure of viewing the show and tell of the Q.U.I.L.T. Guild of NW Arkansas in Springdale. When this quilt came up, I gasped out loud. I couldn't help myself. I was taken with it from the moment I saw it. I cheekily asked if it was for sale, but alas the answer was no. A few weeks later I got an email letting me know that the quilt was available and that it would be in Kansas City for me to see. Well, we got together and I took the quilt home with me. It has a few condition issues, but they don't detract from the design and it's so unique I felt it belonged with me!

I don't know the history of this quilt, but it's probably from the 40's, definitely made from feedsacks and clothing, and is a great example of minimalism (at least for me). It may have been a patriotic quilt made during WW II. I like to imagine who the maker might have been and the story behind the quilt. I was reading a bit about quilts from this mid-century period and found it enlightening.

The fabric used for the giant circle is this beautiful starlike print. The quilt is tied in red about every two inches and tied well. Very few are missing and that's pretty rare. I love how the ties become part of the design of the quilt.

The center circle appears to be some type of clothing, possibly a shirt or a dress.

This quilt is such a good example of what's old is new again. It's bold, graphic, stunning and totally modern. I'm happy to give it a home.

PS....I forgot to share this with you. Generation Q, a new online mag, did an article on me. Thanks to Melissa and Jake for including me. If you'd like to know a bit more about me, check it out.

Yikes...Slam!

2011-10-17T15:39:00.009-05:00

It seems these days that if you have an opinion, it entitles you to slam others. Yikes. Why can't we state our opinions politely? Be nice.
I think this is simply rude (link gone, picture removed, issue over!) and I don't appreciate her taking a picture of my quilt without permission and using it to illustrate her point.
Enough said.

I had to add this...from Kaye Prince...you are a classy and fab person to have sent this...you made me giggle (actually i almost spewed my diet coke right thru my nose!) when i was seething inside. Go to this link instead of the one above!

Comments are now closed. Please, let's end this.

Stepping Back

2011-10-17T11:32:00.002-05:00

For me, a design wall is so important to my process. My new studio has two 4x8 sheets of foam insul-board covered and it's great for putting pieces up, but stepping back is also important. What I mean by stepping back is being able to move back from your design wall, to see value, shapes, and layout. In my studio, if I scrunch myself back in the corner I can only get about 5 feet away and today I learned that it's not enough.

I worked all weekend to get this top put together and I thought I had the layout nailed. After it was all sewn together and hung in the living room I noticed some problems. It doesn't flow from bottom right to top left like I wanted and one of the orange strips isn't right at all. Closer up, it worked. Stepping back, not so much.

It won't take much to fix it, but I learned a lesson today. I may need to rearrange again.

I'll admit, I was hurrying a bit too...I wanted that quilt off the design wall so I could get the bridges quilt up. I have three sections completed and I'm itching to keep building!

Have a great week!

The Bruno Chronicles - The Many Lives of Bruno

2011-10-15T13:18:00.001-05:00

Guest Blogger: Bruno

As many of you know two years ago Jacquie and Steve adopted me in Kansas City. I was a kennel dog. I didn't know much about country life, but I trusted these two and learned to swim and hunt and how to chase deer. Little did I know that I had more learning to do.

Helloooooooooo Chicago! After a LONG ride in a cramped car I arrived in the windy city, a concrete jungle filled with sidewalks, bridges, more sidewalks, cars, smoky loud trains and dogs...lots of dogs and people....so many people.

I brought a few friends with me to make sure that my new home felt familiar. At first I needed those friends to feel at home. I had a lot to learn and not much time to learn it. At first I stuck pretty close to my mom and was a little nervous.

Let me tell you it's quite a change. I've had my first elevator ride, gotten to know and love the doormen, learned to cross streets and poop where and when the time is right. I am bound and determined to meet, greet and politely slobber on each and every Chicago resident. I've already gone swimming in Lake Michigan and every day I play fetch in my local dog park. Sometimes I have to share my ball.

The balcony is one of my favorite places. I can feel the wind, enjoy the outdoors, and look out on this beautiful city. I'm out and about in the city all the time. I even saw the Chicago marathon. (I wanted to run too!)

I got some new duds too. I have a leash and a good supply of poop bags. No more hiding poop in the woods. It goes in these bags and we keep the city clean!

Got a new houndstooth collar too...pretty uptown don't you think? City guys are well dressed and classy. That's me!

I've learned that as long as I stay with my family, I can live anywhere and be happy. Thanks to everyone who has been asking about me. I'm good and learning to be a city boy!

Art Makes a House a Home

2011-10-14T09:40:00.004-05:00

I'm slowly, but surely getting the apartment decorated. It takes me awhile to put things on walls and find just the right place and choose what I want to put there. Having an apartment makes it more of a challenge. The walls aren't mine to make as many holes as I please so again creativity comes into play.

As some of you know in my old house I had an old ladder that served as the railing to the basement. That ladder was so long that to make it into a railing I had to cut off a section of the ladder. I couldn't bring the railing with me, but the extra section went on to the truck and it's found a special place in the new home.

I finally finished sewing the binding on this quilt and I love how it looks hanging on the ladder. I only have one bed now, so quilts on beds aren't an option. I do have wall space though, so more quilts will find their way onto walls. They're art whether they are on beds, walls, chairs, or hung on a ladder!

In order to hang quilts I need to make some sleeves. I need to hand sew this and then on to the wall it goes. I'm trying to create a hallway gallery. We'll see how that goes.

One little tip today: I've discovered the joy of Command hooks. Easy peasy and no holes in the walls! Genius! In my small space having things right where I need them helps me work. I hung my scissors right above the ironing board. Seems like a small thing, but they're right at hand, no searching and I use them at the ironing board all the time. Command hooks are amazing for hanging everything! Quilts too!!

Can't believe it's Friday. Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to take a few minutes to take the Modern Quilt Guild survey. Big things are in the works and we want you to be a part of it!

PS: The winner of the Quilt Retro book is Carla G. Send me your contact info and Jenifer will send you your book. Congratulations!

Building Bridges

2011-10-11T07:56:00.004-05:00

It's been such a long time since I could post something I've sewn. Feels pretty good. When I haven't been working on the TV stepouts I've been sewing on this, Bridges. The idea started when my son Jon sent a sketch for my new logo, very bridge, scaffold like. I sent that to Sarah and she worked her genius and came up with the logo, but that original sketch got me thinking. Then I moved to Chicago and started exploring the neighborhood. I didn't have a clue that in Chicago there are bridges everywhere...at least in my neighborhood. I walk under them, over them, around them, and I can see multiple bridges from my balcony. I started with the idea of making a couple of pillows, but it seems to be morphing into a quilt. Bridges are pretty inspirational...so many lines, and shapes...it's fun to play with.

I also finished my swap items for the KC guild's swap with the Portland guild. We were supposed to use Susan Beal's Modern Log Cabin book and her talk at our meeting as our inspiration. Not a problem. That girl is a walking log cabin encyclopedia. If you ever have a chance to hear her talk log cabin, grab a seat and pay attention!

I used three different log cabin variations. This is the most traditional with a traditional spiral and color placement.

I went more minimal on this one with just a touch of a pineapple log cabin added in.

And I went minimal with this one but spiced up the quilting on it. I did some spying on my partner, so I hope these fit in her house. Wrapping them up to send back to KC.

Don't forget to check out Jenifer's book in the last post....leave a comment for a chance to win a copy!

Quilt Retro

2011-10-10T06:31:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday! I have another book to share with you this morning. This one is written by KC MQG member, Jenifer Dick. Jenifer has a unique voice and and has put together a wonderful book with a retro vibe. I'm so excited for her!

You can read about Jenifer's inspiration and the story behind this quilt, Dinner Bell. I'll just say, I love it...so creative!

The book is filled with creative, unique projects, many of them using applique. Jenifer shares her simple, no nonsense method and gives lots of tips for applique success. I know I could use those.

Jenifer has generously provided a copy of her book to one of my readers. Leave a comment and talk some applique...do you do it...by hand, or machine? I'll draw a winner on Wednesday.

Continue on the tour with Deb Rowden of Deb Rowden’s Thrift Shop Quilts, and check out all the tour stops!

Monday 10/3: Alissa Haight Carlton of Handmade by Alissa

Tuesday 10/4: BonnieHunter of Quiltville!

Wednesday 10/5: Tammie Schaffer of Crafty Tammie.

Thursday 10/6: Me!

Friday 10/7: Angela Walters of Quilting is My Therapy.

PS...the winner of Deploy That Fabric is Robin, of Robin Island Crafts! Congrats!!!

Deploy That Fabric Blog Tour

2011-10-07T06:00:00.021-05:00

Several of my friends have books coming out and have asked me to share them with you. Today it's Deploy That Fabric by Jen Eskridge and brought to you by Stash books. Jen is a fellow Kansas gal and a military wife and mom. Reuse, recycle, remember is the theme of her book. Jen shares projects that use recycled uniforms and at the same time honor our guys and gals in uniform.

The projects are mostly simple small projects and there are some great bags. I'm not a skilled bag maker, so simple, straightforward bags appeal to me. Love the hardware on this one!

I think my favorite project in the book is the simplest, these little notecards. Simple, but powerful. Can you imagine children making a card from their own clothes or even a uniform to send to a parent far away. It's like sending a part of you. Genius.

I also love that she included a technique section. It's great to be able to learn things even though I may not make a specific project. There are some good zipper instructions in here!

Jen and Stash have offered a book and a Camo-quilt Eco Messenger bag to one of my readers. Leave a comment for a chance to win. Are you a bag lady...guy? What's your experience making bags? I'll choose a winner Sunday evening, 6:00 central time. (international folks are welcome....your prize will be an ebook!)
The next stop on the tour is My Bragg Bag. Check it out for another chance to win!

I Thought It Was Over

2011-10-05T19:30:00.000-05:00

I was cured...I thought. I had an affliction, or maybe it was an affection....for fabric. And then I moved. After packing it, moving it so I could load it, loading it, unloading it, putting it somewhere, putting it somewhere else, then moving the boxes so I could get to other boxes, moving it again so I could make room to put the stuff in the boxes where the other boxes were sitting...after lifting it, carrying it, toting it and sliding it, I was done with it. Once it was unpacked and finally arranged I thought I didn't need any more fabric. I thought my obsession with fabric was over.

Turns out, time dulls the memories. Sore muscles heal and slowly, in those quiet moments I found myself thinking about fabric. And then Tammy emailed me that the Yoshiko Jinzenji fabrics had arrived. I first saw her new fabrics at quilt market in Salt Lake and fell in love with them. When I saw her fabrics again that deep place in me where those secret fabric desires live was awakened.

I popped onto Tammy's store, Marmalade Fabrics, and stocked up. I can't wait to see them in person. They're so unique and I love working with fabrics that are different and interesting. Tammy tells me they are selling fast. I'm not surprised. Take a minute and check them out.

I picked up a few other pieces too. She's got so much great fabric, it's hard to resist. Who am I kidding...cured...I'm sicker than ever!

Though, when the box arrives, I might get someone else to move it.

A Different Kind of Hero

2011-10-03T14:00:00.002-05:00

I've been sewing up a storm, but I don't have much I can show you. In the past few days I made a couple of heros. Yes, you can make a hero. A hero, in TV lingo, is the finished product. (You learn something new every day!) I can't remember if I told you I'm going to be on television. I was asked to do an episode for Sew It All TV on PBS. The taping is just weeks away, so I'm working hard to get prepped. All those pieces on the chair are step outs for one project. I'm doing 3 projects on the show. It's loads of work and uses up LOTS of fabric, but I'm so excited (and a bit nervous) for the taping!

I've been spending time decorating the apartment too. I found the perfect place for my dad's quilt rack. I had 3, but was only able to take one with me to the new place. I love having it front and center in the living room. I think about my dad every time I look at it.

He called the other day and told me he's making one just like it for a quilter in California. He's shipping it to her. I'm so proud of him. I know she'll love it just like I do! Congrats Dad....he's my hero too!

The Modern Quilt Guild Family

2011-09-30T10:02:00.001-05:00

I've written before about how the MQG has changed my life. With the move to Chicago, again the guild has played a role both in my leaving Kansas City and in arriving at my new home. The Modern Quilt Guild has definitely become the Modern Quilt Guild family. Check this out.

I finally unpacked this quilt and right now it has a home on my couch. I'd love it to hang in the studio, but wall space is too tight. The blocks are made by members of the KCMQG. Each block reflects the personality of the individual who made it.

All are signed and some have personal messages.

This quilt is a daily reminder of the friends and fun I had as a member of the KC group.
Check out Jaime's block. She's my Bernina gal....sold me and lots of other members our machines.

Paula used a fabric that has special memories for both of us.

Andrea made this amazing block...

She's loved too and with her fetal demise project has spread that love to so many families.
I could go on and on and on. Thanks to Shea and her mom Mary for getting it put together and Angela for doing the quilting. I'll treasure it always. I'm hoping I'll always be a member of that guild.

So, then I arrive here and join the Chicago guild and right away there are welcoming emails from Chicago members. I hadn't been here three days and Beth, the Chicago president invited me to lunch. She and Jen picked me up, took me out and welcomed me to the city and the group. It was the first time I got out of the apartment and they gave me a welcome break along with some great advice and info on the city. I can't wait for the first meeting!

My friend Kate, who I met through my blog, is also a CMQG member. She has been my Chicago guide....from parking to a vet for Bruno and where to take my recycles. I'm settling in so much faster because of her. She's coming over today for a sewing day. A sewing day...I'm so excited!

So, are you a MQG member? Do you have a guild near you? I'm so thrilled at the growth and development of the guild. It's hard work, but hard work definitely pays off. Did you know there's a new chapter in India? Amazing. The MQG is simply amazing! (and for my KC peeps...FABULOUS!)

Oh Happy Day!

2011-09-27T08:30:00.002-05:00

It's official! It's real! I pinched myself and I'm wide awake. It's not a dream! The book is finally on Amazon for pre-order. I have one of those permanent smiles on my face today!

I'm so proud of it. I'm hoping you all will love it as much as we do. The next milestone will be actually holding the real thing in my hands.

Starting Slowly

2011-09-26T08:21:00.000-05:00

I didn't have a bunch of time to sew this weekend. I spent most of the time working on organizing the apartment. I even hung some pictures. I'm getting to the fun part...decorating!!!

I took a couple of hours off and did some practical sewing. I think I left my grocery bags in my car that I sold back in Kansas, so I needed to make more. I whipped up these three to keep my shopping green. I used Irene's tutorial on Sew Mama Sew. Her tut is wonderful, quick and easy...no lining, but french seams to keep everything neat and a flat bottom for easy grocery packing.

I have to say I felt a bit unsteady at the machine. I haven't sewed for so long, I was a tish nervous. I know that sounds weird, so it was good to sew something easy and fast to get my sewing legs under me.

I also packed up a few quilts. I have too many and now I have no place to put them, so I figured that they should go to a great cause. Many of you know Victoria of Bumble Beans and her BASICS project to provide quilts for homeless families in New York City. Victoria is doing a push to get another 400 quilts to the project by Thanksgiving. That's a lot of quilts, so she can't do it alone. Do you have an extra quilt or two? Please send it on. All the info you need to participate can be found on the BASICS site.

I have a few more quilt tops (from the infamous closet of creativity) that also don't have a home here. As soon as I figure out how I'm going to baste quilts, I'm going to get those done and send them on their way.

I've always wanted to be a part of the distribution of those quilts. Wouldn't it be great to put a quilt in the hands of a family who needs one? How many quilts do you think we could contribute together? 50? 100? If you send a quilt...let me know. I'd love to keep a count. There are so many families who have so little. Let's try to start them out with something both practical and beautiful.

A New Look...A New Life

2011-09-23T11:35:00.001-05:00

New digs means a new look...no I didn't color my hair...I've got a new studio and in honor of Chicago, my new home...a new look for the blog. I'll always be Tallgrass Prairie Studio, but I wanted a sophisticated, modern, city look and my friend Sarah took on the challenge. (and I mean challenge...I struggled making choices on this one!) I love what Sarah did. It's so me and it's so inspirational. Perfect, simply perfect! I hope you all like it too.

The studio is about ready! It's a tiny bedroom, so I pulled out every organizational trick I had to fit everything and still make it work as a place to sew. The ceilings are very high so whenever I could I went vertical. For a short gal, that's a challenge, but with stepstool at the ready, I can do anything!

My sewing table fit perfectly (with mm to spare) into this alcove. Yoda is there as always to watch over me.

I covered two 4 x 8 sheets of foam insulation board for a design wall. Gotta have it!

The closet is for fabric and project storage. Again, I went vertical.

The 5 shelf industrial shelving units aren't really pretty, but they were only 39 bucks and they are tall and give me lots of extra storage. Where did I get all this stuff?

I repurposed things from the old house for new jobs. This magazine rack is now holding my rulers.

It's nice to have familiar things like my dad's thread cabinet and things from the old studio to make me feel at home.

Kajsa's tomtar are there to remind me of my blog friends and how blessed I am to be a part of the quilting community!

I will miss my big orange cutting table, but you make do with what you've got, so it's time to fire up the machine and get sewing!
Have a great weekend and I hope you get some sewing done too!
I'm a happy city girl!

A Different Kind of Life

2011-09-19T08:48:00.002-05:00

Hi all!

I'm in Chicago and surrounded by boxes and it's a bit chaotic, but I'm here and ready to get settled. Moving from acreage in the country to downtown Chicago is going to be quite a change for me, but I'm embracing it with open arms.

This is the view from my balcony. You should see it at night...simply breathtaking!

So after 24 hours I've learned:
People (especially the ones with dogs) are friendly and helpful!
Take extra poop disposal bags when walking your dog. You never know when you might need an extra. (Bruno is a two bag dog!)
It's great to be able to walk to a grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop, restaurant, etc. etc.
I didn't purge enough from the old house. I'm not sure I can make everything fit in the apartment.
It was nice to see my hubby fall asleep during the football game. (Simply nice to have him underfoot!)
I miss my friends in Kansas.

That's about it for now. I can't tell you how much I have missed sewing this last month or so. I'm chomping at the bit to be back to it. It won't be long now. Thanks for sticking with me!

The winner of Nancy's book is Flying Blind! As soon as I get your contact info I'll send it on to Nancy's team and they will send you your book. Thanks for participating!

Sewing A to Z! Review and Giveaway!

2011-08-31T09:04:00.003-05:00

Sewing A to Z is pretty much everything you wanted to know about sewing in one book! Written by Nancy Zieman of PBS's Sewing With Nancy fame, this book is filled with sewing info for quilters, everyday sewers and especially for those once and awhile sewers. It's like having Nancy right there next to your sewing machine!

The book is organized alphabetically by technique which makes finding the information you need quick and easy. I love quick and easy. I sew more than just quilts and some of that sewing I don't do very often and frankly, I forget things. This book helps a sewer like me who doesn't sew a zipper all the time and who needs a quick, clearly written refresher.

There are quilting techniques so quilters will find info they need.

There is lots of general sewing information that I found very helpful. Needles can be so confusing...what do those numbers mean anyway? It really is good to know. Choosing the right needle can make all the difference in the quality of a project. Nancy explains each topic clearly, briefly, and with effective illustrations.

Sewing A to Z is on a month long blog tour and Nancy kicked it off here. Check out her post for a chance to win this fabulous prize package worth $450! Wowsers!

Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of her book. Tell me what sewing skill or technique you need to brush up on! The next stop on the tour is tomorrow at True Up. Be sure to drop by the rest of the stops on the tour to read more about Sewing A to Z! I'll do the random number thingy on Friday!
August 15 Nancy Zieman
August 16 Whipstitch
August 17 Sew Mama Sew
August 18 Diary of a Quilter
August 20 Amy's Creative Side
August 22 Quiltville
August 23 Crap I've Made
August 24 Eileen Roche's
August 25 I'm Just a Guy Who Quilts
August 26 The Free Motion Quilting Project
August 27 Sew Serendipity
August 29 Lazy Girl Designs
August 30 Pat Sloan
September 1 True Up
September 2 Sew News
September 6 Off The Cuff Sewing Style
September 7 V and Co
September 8 The Cottage Home
September 9 Colette Patterns

PS....I did draw a winner for Mary Lou's book. Sorry I didn't get around to posting about it. Lisa was the winner! Has your book arrived? Hope so, you lucky gal, you!

Coming Up for Air!

2011-08-30T20:42:00.003-05:00

3 days and counting until the truck arrives and all my furniture and all those boxes I've been so carefully packing will be on their way to Chicago. I've saved the studio (and the garage...aaaak!) for last on my packing agenda. I've had my nose to the grindstone, fixing, painting, and sprucing. The house looks amazing. It's ready for a new owner (hopefully someone will want to buy her), and I'm ready to say a fond farewell.

I was able to come up for air a bit last week. I spent a few days in beautiful northern Arkansas talking and teaching with the lovely folks of the Q.U.I.L.T. Guild of Northwest Arkansas. It was great to get out of the house and back to doing what I love to do. I had the pleasure of talking to their guild and doing a trunk show as well as teaching a full day workshop on improvisational quilting. We had a big group and so much fun. A few friends from the KCMQG came down (thanks guys!) and then there was a bunch from the Arkansas guild. What wonderful folks...so open, willing to try, jump out of the box and totally talented. We had a ball!

Carmen posted this on facebook...I was so excited to see it. My freelance writer friend, Linzee McCray, wrote an article on Modern Quilting for the French magazine, Magic Patch. It was pretty cool to see my quilts published internationally. Congrats to Alissa, her quilt is in there too. Thanks to Carmen for allowing me to use her photo. I'm hoping my copy will arrive soon!

A few more weeks and I'll be in Chicago permanently. I'm ready to be settled with my hubby and back to sewing! Won't be long now!

Be sure to drop by tomorrow for a review of Nancy Zieman's great new book and a chance to win a copy for yourself.

Action Kivu - A Little Goes a Long Way

2011-08-12T07:51:00.002-05:00

Today I have an opportunity to share with you my support for Action Kivu. I found out about the work of Action Kivu through my friend Alissa and her sister Cate, who is the workhorse and one of the driving forces behind this effort. I was happy to be reminded that everyone doesn't have the opportunities and safe environment that we do, and best of all that we can help make that possible for others.

Action Kivu provides some of the Eastern Congo's victims of violence with the opportunity to rebuild their lives on a foundation of hope, dignity, and economic self-sustenance. Their approach is spearheaded through two programs. First, they run a sewing workshop that teaches women who are victims of the conflict to sew. This leads them to be able to support themselves and their families. Secondly, they pay for children to go to school which is not free in Congo.

Action Kivu is all about changing lives with sewing machines, fabric and thread. As we all know, those things aren't cheap. It is through our donations that Action Kivu can do its work.

Alissa has set a goal of $15,000 this year and earlier in the week she told me that many people were coming to her blog, but weren't giving. I know times are tough and money is tight, but I also know that a lot of caring, generous people read this blog. There are prizes for donating (some really great ones), but the biggest prize is a woman who can live with dignity and a child who is educated and who will live a better life because of it.

You can read more about Action Kivu on their website. You will be impressed by the work they do. Please head to Alissa's site and click the donate button. It's simple, quick and most importantly it makes a difference. If each of us donate even $10 Alissa will make her goal. Give more if you can, but please give.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stupid Is As Stupid Does...#? or Sometimes Improvisation is the Only Way!

2011-08-10T08:27:00.001-05:00

I've been working like a dog getting the house ready to put on the market. I'm making lists and tackling things systematically room by room, painting, fixing, packing.

We have this 12 x 12 foot screen porch that jutts of the back of our house. It has a beautiful view and is a nice area to sit and relax at the end of the day. Next on the list was to sweep and spiff up the porch. I swept and had a nice pile of dirt ready to hit the trash, but no dust pan. I walked to the door to go inside and get what I needed. I was so excited to check another task off the list.

I grabbed the handle and turned...nothing happened. I knew instantly that I was in trouble. The door was locked and I was on the porch without a key. Not only without a key, but without a phone, without another human in earshot, without hope of escape. I was alone, locked on the porch with my neat pile of dirt.

Like an idiot I wigged the doorknob, secretly praying that Schlage made a faulty lock and the door would somehow magically open. Bruno sat quietly on the other side of the door, looking at me, wondering why I was asking him for help. Again, hope springs eternal and a quick thought flashed through my mind. Maybe Bruno could unlock a door. It was only a fleeting thought.

As I stood on the porch that deja vu feeling welled up in my chest. This isn't the first time I've been in this situation. Sad to say, I didn't learn my lesson.

So, it was time to figure out a solution to my dilemma. It was time to improvise! I looked at all the screens on the porch and chose one in the corner (it had a post directly underneath and had the most space below so if I took a big fall maybe I wouldn't hit anything else.) I didn't want to, but I knocked out the screen. As I stood there making more work for myself, I said a few choice words.

With the screen out of the way, I steeled myself, took a few deep breaths and climbed over the railing. I stood on the ledge, gripping the railing, my heart racing. After a few seconds, I thought better of what I planned to do and I climbed back over onto the porch. It's a full story above the deck and to add to the drama, I'm afraid of heights. I calmed myself down and told myself I had to do this.

So I looked over the side and made a plan. There was a towel hook screwed into the post below. I thought if I could lower myself down and get my foot on that hook, well, I didn't quite know what I was going to do then, but at least I had a plan. So, I climbed over again, grabbed the rails and lowered myself down and my foot found the hook. Success! But in a spit second the hook broke, my hands slid down the rails and I was hanging there for what seemed minutes, but I knew was only seconds.

I instinctively wrapped my legs around the post with the gutter with nowhere to go but down. I slid a bit and then dropped to the ground. I hit the deck and fell backwards. The thought that ran through my mind was that I had probably broken something. I got up, dusted myself off...a little humiliated, a lot bruised, but very happy to be walking back up to the house.

Sometimes, improvisation is the ONLY way.

Mary Lou and Melanie Write a Book!

2011-08-09T08:06:00.003-05:00

The internet is a wonderful place and I've met such kind and talented people. Mary Lou Weidman is one of those people. She and Melanie McFarland have written a book and Mary Lou asked me to tell you about it. These ladies have bottled the joy of quilting and put it in a book. When I read in the introduction, "Who wants to do things like everyone else?....Be a stray once and awhile!" I knew they were my kind of quilters.

I'm a self taught quilter. I like to learn on my own and I'm always looking for new ways to do things. When I looked at the quilts in the book I told myself, I know how to do that. Then I read the technique section. These ladies have shared some interesting, unique techniques for making the blocks and shapes they use in their quilts. I learned new improvisational techniques that I can and will apply to my own work. I love a book where I actually learn something!

Mary Lou and Melanie are into letters and word in their quilts. It's such a great way to personalize a quilt and again, more good technique information here!

This book is about making quilts, but for me it's also about attitude, doing your own thing, stepping out of the box, and viewing quilts from an artist's perspective. Mary Lou and Melanie provide instructions for projects to make, but more importantly they offer great techniques that you can learn and use in your own original creations.
My favorite project in the book is this purple cow. It's funny I don't like purple, but when I saw this cow I thought about the cow that blocked the road as I drove home the other day. I just may have to make a giant purple cow, hang it in my new apartment to remind me of Kansas.

Mary Lou and Melanie have given me a signed copy of their book to give away. Just leave a comment and tell me your thoughts on improvisation...do you do it? Would you like to?
I'll draw a winner on Thursday! Don't know what time, so comment early!

What Do I Do With A Giant Moose?

2011-08-03T15:23:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much for all of your well wishes. It was hard for me to write that last post. Saying it out loud makes it real for me. I never liked being the new kid at school, (which I was way too many times) and it feels a bit like that, so I truly appreciate you reaching out and your welcoming comments.

As some of you know I live in a rural area outside of Kansas City. I have acres...space to spread out and when space is available, things tend to fill up that space. About 10 years ago my sons and husband decided that I needed a sculpture to accent part of our land, so for Mother's Day, I received a giant iron Moose. Who doesn't love a moose on the Kansas prairie? I adore my moose. Aren't his antlers simply fabulous! He watches over me and guards the entrance to our property.

I've been cleaning out every room and deciding what gets tossed, what someone else might want, and narrowing down what will come with me to Chicago. If I haven't used it in a year, it's out of here!

But then there's the moose. I'm wondering if there is an iron moose adoption program, or better yet a moose on loan program. It takes a special person to adopt a giant iron moose. There would need to be an interview of course, and a site survey. My moose won't live just anywhere.

It's a lot easier to find homes for excess quilts.

Can you Move a Prairie to the Big City?

2011-08-01T08:49:00.001-05:00

Well, I hope so! The big news around my house is that Tallgrass Prairie Studio is relocating. Windy city here I come! My better half has taken a permanent job in Chicago and so, it's time for a change. As I type there are a few tears welling up because I love Kansas City. My guild, my first real quilting friends and my family are here. Those are hard to leave behind, but this is a new adventure, new opportunities, people to meet and an amazing city to explore and enjoy.

The best part, my hubby and I will be in the same city 7 days a week. We haven't had that for many years. I'm not sure what it will be like having him walk through the door each night instead of only on weekends.

I spent the last four days scouring the city of Chicago for a place to live. It's not easy to find a place within a budget and that will welcome a big, sloppy black lab. Yes, Bruno is going to be a city boy. His only request, an elevator. He's not much for a third floor walkup!

Turns out, with a little hard work, it's possible. This will be the view from the balcony of my new apartment. I'll have a little bedroom for my studio, but as long as I have fabric and a sewing machine I'll be good. I'm worried, overwhelmed and excited all at the same time! My hubby will move in a week. It's going to be a few months before we're together again, but knowing that it's going to happen is what will motivate me to get all the work done that it will take to move.
Wish me luck!

There's a Lot Going On!

2011-07-27T16:59:00.000-05:00

Have you been following along with Pink Chalk Studio's Where I Sew? Kathy Mack has been highlighting sewing spaces all month. I'm the last stop on the tour this Saturday. It's so great to be a part of this group! You can add where you sew here. Take a cruise around and check out all these unique sewing spaces. I love that everyone's is different and I've gotten some ideas from all these great spaces too!

The Modern Quilt guild has put out a call for submissions for the 100 Days of Modern Quilting. I'm so excited about it. Read all about it and send in your submission ASAP! The MQG has also composed a new 'About Us' statement defining the mission of the guild and clarifying the definition of modern quilting. I'd love to know what you think.

My friend Alissa, of Handmade by Alissa and Block Party fame, will be hosting her yearly fundraiser for Action Kivu the week of August 8th. Mark your calendars. This is such a wonderful cause and dear to my heart. Sewing, women, children, empowerment...all right up my alley. You can read more about it here. I'm trying to put together another complete set of fat eighths of Denyse Schmidt's hard to get your hands on, Flea Market Fancy for the fundraising effort. I have 40 prints out of 46. Ashley, my friend at Film in the Fridge is sending 3 more, so only 3 left to find. If you happen to have a fat eighth of the acid green or gold bubble dots or the brown posies that you'd be willing to share, drop me an email. It would be great to have a whole set to give. This will be the last time I could come close to putting together a whole set....many of these are my last large pieces.

Gee, that's probably enough for one post. Sorry to say not much sewing going on here. I'll be able to tell you more in a few days. I will say, big things are happening on the home front. Now, see if you can guess. Those of you who know...your lips are sealed!

Working Away...

2011-07-20T07:12:00.001-05:00

A quick update...almost done with this. A few hand stitches and it can be the centerpiece of the table. I love how bright and happy it is.

Last week I attended the wedding of one of my dearest friends. It was the most joyful event I've attended in a long time. You know how some weddings are sort of hushed and tense and everyone whispers in the pews. This one was filled with joy, and song and well wishes. The very best part was the processional. Her dad walked her down the aisle as he sang "You Are So Beautiful" and at the same time her future husband stood at the top of the aisle playing his guitar, serenading her as she walked. There wasn't a dry eye in the church. It was such a wonderful experience to be a part of her joy and be enveloped by the happiness of her family.

That's a long story, but it is the story of this quilt. Her favorite color is brown and the wedding was done in this warm chocolate brown, creams and just a tiny touch of orange. (a girl after my own heart!) I make a quilt for all of my friends who get married. None of them receive them on time, but they do get them eventually. I had every intention of finishing hers on time, but at least it is back on the design wall. It's going to be Windows of Joy someday. I'm still tweaking the blocks and the layout, but at least it's in process.

Hope you're staying cool and having a great week.

Some Like It Hot!

2011-07-18T08:47:00.001-05:00

It's going to be a scorcher again today...temps over 100 and humidity which sends the heat index soaring. Such oppressive heat saps energy and motivation. I've been dealing with no electricity, dead internet and a wilting spirit. Today, I told myself to look on the bright side. Weather aside, there are some things where hot is a good thing....
men (you knew I had to say that)
peppers (i need spice in my life)
and of course hot colors.
I have gotten a few things done...made a back for the mid century house quilt from some leftovers and one of my fav orange prints....i'm in the middle of quilting that.

Finished these awhile ago...

It's fun to change up the look of a room with pillows. Simple and easy to make.

Finishing up a table topper made from my scrap buckets, well, it's more the size of a quilt. It'll be a class sample, but get some use on my dining room table too.

I was going to post last week about my new internet and brag about how I was going to be able to visit blogs again and fly through cyberspaces...and then it slowed, crawled and finally came to a dead stop. Am I an internet jinx? Does the cybergod not like me? When my hubby came home he brought his sprint card with him, so at least I can connect for a bit.
I'm looking for a hot internet guy with a sizzling connection? This heat is really getting to me.

Mid Century House Quilt

2011-07-13T00:01:00.005-05:00

Thanks so much for all the great comments, suggestions, and feedback on the Toddler Time quilt. I have so much to think about and experiment with. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.
Next on the list is my house quilt. Shea brought me another block on Sunday and I made one more so it's been expanded with these two houses.

I had to think a bit on how I wanted to quilt this. I decided to stick with the mid-century theme and free motion an atomic shape throughout the negative space of the quilt.

I don't usually mark my quilts, but for this one I decided that I might get lost as I was quilting, so marking would be a good thing. Marking takes some time!

I have about half the quilt left to mark, and then on to the quilting. I'm still thinking about what to do with the quilting of the houses, but it will come to me.

With this heat (over 100 degrees here today) it's great to be inside. I'm still fighting this silly summer cold, but hopefully the drugs will work and I can work today!

Toddler Time

2011-07-11T00:01:00.005-05:00

This is my "Toddler Time" quilt. It's an idea I've been playing around with for a long time. It's sort of my modern and minimalist version of a child's I Spy quilt.

I've been a teacher and principal for many years and dealt with a lot of overstimulated, hyper children. It seems today that children are introduced to technology earlier and earlier and television, videos, and video games have become the substitute for interaction with friends and parents. Children learn best not from fancy computery things, but one on one with us. This quilt is my way of providing an opportunity for some of that one on one, parent child quiet time. I would use this quilt to spark conversation, for telling stories and for learning together.

There are 12 pictures hidden under the letter flaps. The purpose of the letters isn't really to learn the alphabet; they are simply a way to open the conversation. There is something in the picture that starts with the letter on the flap....maybe multiple things. It may not be so obvious in the beginning.

For example: P is for...
...painter, painting, paint brush or even pink! Think of all the things you and your child could talk about from this one simple picture. Places to visit, things to do tomorrow, what happened in art class in preschool...the possibilities are endless. We could talk about artists, easels, palettes, canvases, museums...I could go on!

W is for...
...wheelbarrow! What do you think this little man is doing? Where is he going? What is he carrying in his little wheelbarrow? Do you think you and your little one could make up a story together about his adventures?
The back has a few more pictures, but not too many to be overwhelming.

I'm still working on the design and concept. I'd appreciate some help if you have some feedback for me. Does the quilt need more color, or are the flaps enough? I do like the solid background to keep the quilt visually simple, but the white might not be practical. I'm also wondering how big would be the best size for the quilt. Would you make it in a twin size? I'm also wondering if I should have quilted over the pictures? It obscures them a bit. Lastly, do you think it even needs the letters? I have this great fabric with these letters which made the flaps easy, but that's not available for everyone. There are lots of options for the letters, printing, piecing, embroidery...but are they necessary? I'm trying to work this into a pattern, but I'm not sure which way to go. Any help would be so appreciated.

I have to thank Kerri of Sew Deerly Loved. Kerri helped me with prints for the pictures and she's your online source for lots of great fabric that would work in a quilt like this. This was one of the ideas we threw around for the book, but it really didn't fit. I'm glad I'm finally back to playing with the idea. On to version #2!

In the meantime, I have a new grand niece or nephew on the way and this quilt already has a home.

Minimalist Exploration Continues

2011-07-08T10:17:00.005-05:00

I'm continuing to explore the concept of minimalism. I'm working on a series of black and white quilts. I think removing all color and print is challenging me. It's now all about how the shapes work together.
The second one I'm working has a more "organic" feel with sweeping curves. It's an interesting experiment for me. So far....I'm in to it.Every time I post a picture like this, I get a slew of emails asking about the quilt rack. The rack was designed and built by my dad. I have three of them. They're so great. He even started to write a pattern for them since so many folks asked about them, but it never got in final shape. Let me know if you want me to talk with him about it again. If you're in the area I'm sure he'd love to make one for you....for a price.
Have a great weekend everyone!

What Do You Do on Vacation?

2011-07-05T15:02:00.006-05:00

Read books, walk on the beach, lounge at the pool? Sounds fabulous doesn't it. Unless we get in the car, on a train or plane, that's not what vacation looks like at our house. For us, it's a chance to tackle that every growing list of things to do that never seem to get done. Sometimes, they're optional things, you know, like that hole in the bathroom ceiling that's been adorning the bathroom for a year or so. And then there are those not so optional things like the flood that happened a few days after we decide to install the new dishwasher. We added "fix the water damaged studio ceiling" to the list of things to do. I was lucky, the water avoided my stash and sewing machine....the house god was smiling on me, for a minute or two. I wouldn't even have known about the flood if I wouldn't have gone down to the studio to grab some painter's tape. Thank goodness, as I walked into the studio, a waterfall was pouring through one of the can lights on the ceiling. I knew choosing to install the dishwasher ourselves was a bad move. Such is the life in a DIY household.

Do those kinds of things happen at your house, or are you one of those people who call those angels, the home maintenance and repair guys? Maybe I could be that kind of person? Wishful thinking!

A year or so ago I saw some stains on the ceiling in the bathroom. I grabbed my my trusty drywall saw and cut a hole to see what was up. Turns out the shower above was leaking. The neat thing is, when I cut the hole the shower leaked into the tub in the bathroom below. That's my kind of solution. The hole remained for over a year since there was no urgency to actually fix the leak. We finally did figure it out and fix it, but we had gotten sort of fond of the hole and again, no urgency to make that repair. It was time to fix the ceiling. I had to rip a bit more out to make it fixable.
I patched the hole and now I'm in the dusty, mud, sand, mud some more and try to make the ceiling look like one piece. Maybe in a week or so I'll be able to show you a finished room. It could happen.
We got out the chainsaw and cut up and hauled away the giant tree that fell in the storm a few months ago, replaced all the screens in the front windows, powerwashed most of the deck, and tackled a few other miscellaneous things that have been on the list for way too long. We even put in the new shower door that has been sitting in a box in our bedroom for a month or two.

I even took some time to put quilts back where they belong. I've been traveling and hauling quilts all over the place they've been in boxes and in stacks in the studio.

I put this one on the dining room table just for fun.
There's always a quilt or two on a chair for when someone gets chilly.
The guest room always has a quilt on the bed.
This one hangs in my room.
This one is hanging in a closet...yes, in a closet, but I can see it from my desk in my office.
Some quilts hang on racks waiting for their turn on a bed.
It's been a nice break, a busy, but productive time. Remember that house god who smiled on me during the flood? Must not be too happy today...I went to change the wash and the dryer isn't heating. I'll add it to the list.

Glad to be back. Time to get back to the real work.

Taking a Break

2011-06-30T09:45:00.005-05:00

My hubby and I haven't much time together in so long so we set aside a few days for ourselves...no work, no email, no nothing. That's tough. The computer, the office, the studio seem to call to both of us...work consumes us. Balance can be difficult to achieve. I have to tell myself that time away is a good thing. We're not going anywhere, we're simply going to check out of the rat race and check in to some relaxation. I'll probably still sew, but no work....no stress. I have to do something with those late night hours.

So in the interest of fun I played with a new block. I was trying to achieve some movement and a bit of zing in a string block. I'm not really into block based quilts right now...they seem to be too traditional and restrictive for me, but it was fun to experiment with this and maybe it has potential for something.
For those of you who are asking...the block isn't a pattern...I just made it up. When I have a free minute I might do a quick tutorial...or maybe someone else has a block like this one.
I actually started playing with this block in selvages...just because there was a leftover pile from another project. The block doesn't really work with selvages.
You know, that's OK with me. That's what experimenting is all about.
Dang, I'm on the computer. Busted!

BTW....Cindy was the winner of the Block Party book. Congrats Cindy! Megan will send you your book. Enjoy! (Ok, that was work related...I'm done, I really am.)

Exciting News!

2011-06-24T07:00:00.011-05:00

I'm so happy! It's really happening...it's finally confirmed. The forms are filled out, the appraisal done, the quilt is packed and on its way! What's this all about?

Well, last spring a call went out across the country for pieces for an exhibit called SCRAP ART that will be at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles in San Jose, California. I saw the call, but ignored it and then I got an email from my KC guild friend Trisch suggesting that I submit the Selvage quilt. I was flattered, but not convinced. Then I got an email from my friend in San Francisco who had read about the call for quilts locally and she made the same suggestion. With a little pushing and shoving from friends I submitted the quilt. To my surprise I got an email from the museum asking to use my quilt. I'm so thrilled and honored that this quilt was selected. Thanks to my quilty friends...you made it happen for me!
The quilt needed a hanging sleeve before it could be sent on its way. I used Libby Lehman's instructions for a "D" shaped sleeve. (Scroll to the bottom of the linked page to get the pdf.) Notice how the sleeve doesn't lay flat on the quilt. The quilt will hang better with this type of sleeve. This is how I make all the sleeves for the quilts I hang.
The exhibit opens in August and runs through November. I'm flying out to attend the opening reception for the exhibit. How could I not?

I have a favor to ask. My friend Mary Lou lost her blog of 6 years to the black hole of Google, who knows why, but those of you who have blogs know how devastating that would be. She lost all her followers and folks can't find her. Well, she's not lost, she's here on her new blog Mary Lou and Whimsy Too. If you don't know Mary Lou, check her out. She's a dynamo and into story quilts and improvising. Say Hi and tell her Jacquie sent you!

Block Party Blog Tour

2011-06-23T03:07:00.023-05:00

It's time for the Block Party blog tour! I'm thrilled to be a part of the tour for this special book. I remember when Alissa and Kristen asked me to be a part of the Block Party virtual quilting bee. I'm so proud of how these two woman and Stash Books have translated that original bee into this extraordinary book. The book, in its unique way, captures the power of quilters working together, the internet, and the creative process. The book supports both beginners who would like to learn to quilt and more experienced quilters who want interesting quilt ideas. This is my quilt in the book, Profit Margins!
I think you'll love the quilts in the book. I know there are several that I want to make for myself! You can see a quick glimpse of all the quilts in this great video!

Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee book promo from Alissa Haight Carlton on Vimeo.

If you'd like to have a copy of the book for yourself, check out Amazon or your local quilt shop. If you're feeling lucky, I'm giving away another copy to one of my readers. Simply leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite quilt in the book or why you'd like a copy for yourself. (Watch the video to see all the quilts!) Comments will close midnight on Sunday. (central time). I'll announce the winner on Monday. Good luck everyone!
Be sure to continue on the tour with all these crafty folks:

June 24 Oh Fransson

June 25 Ali Buttoned Up

June 26 West Coast Crafty

June 27 Connecting Threads

June 28 Crafty Girls Workshop

June 29 Whip Up

June 30 Pink Chalk

July 1 True Up

July 5 Block Party Blog

July 6 Anna Maria Horner

July 7 Craftzine

Traveling, Teaching, Talking

2011-06-21T14:47:00.004-05:00

That's what I've been doing lately and having a ball. I love talking about quilts and teaching quilting is about the best thing ever. The only disadvantage is that it takes me away from my sewing machine. I have a stack of quilts that are basted and ready to quilt. I'm hoping to get to them soon!This is the "Leftovers" quilt top. I don't think I shared the finished top. It's made from leftover strip piecing that was laying around taunting me. The background is that fabulous Kona Pomegranate. As much as I love that color, my son said it looks like Barney threw up all over it. I hate to quibble, but Barney was purple, not pink.

Nevertheless, it's in that stack of basted quilts. I had to clean and organize the studio when I got home. How can chaos happen when I'm not here? Well, maybe it was that way before I left. Well, the studio is clean, organized and I'm ready to start quilting.

Yipppeeeee!

Did you know that the Block Party blog tour is up and running? Check out the schedule, visit all the stops and be sure to come back here on Thursday for your chance to win a copy of the book! See you then!!

A Little Shopping

2011-06-14T00:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't been doing loads of fabric shopping lately, but Tammy of Marmalade was the sponsor of our guild meeting last week and fabric in person is sooo hard to resist. My favorite finds were these three from Bryant Park and Theory from Anthology fabrics. I've already used the orange geometric for the back for the house quilt.
I went a little orange crazy, but it's my favorite color and I have this quilt that needs LOTS of different orange prints. It was fun to have such a great variety to choose.

These are all available from Tammy at Marmalade fabrics...she's got Jessica Jones Outside Oslo too. (I'm doing all new pillows, cushions etc for my living room in that fabric.) I can't decide on which colorway to use....both would work....I need to decide and get going on it.

Pieced Together

2011-06-13T12:13:00.003-05:00

I had just a bit of time to sew this weekend with all the goings on...rehearsal, wedding, anniversary. Thank so much for the anniversary wishes! We are planning for many more!

I put my mid-century house blocks together into this wall quilt. It's a bit bigger than the space I wanted to hang it, but I'll find a place. In between the wind and the rain I tried to take a photo of it for you.I changed my idea for putting these blocks together and decided to go very neutral and architectural with the setting. I wanted the shapes of the houses to be the focus.
I love the interesting house blocks that the bee members made for me. Thanks everyone! This is going to find a special place in my house.
I have 4 quilts basted now and I've run out of basting pins. That must mean it's time to do some quilting. Hopefully this week will go smoothly and it'll be full speed ahead!

My Buzz

2011-06-11T10:59:00.004-05:00

Today is my anniversary and as I am every year I'm "BUZZED" about it. Buzz, (or Steve as he is known to some), is my husband of 28 years.
It's difficult to articulate what he means to me as a partner, a lover, a father and a friend. I know the phrase is "a good woman behind every man", but in my case there is a good man behind this woman. I am a better person because I'm Mrs. Buzz. As I tell my boys (every chance I get), the most important decision they will make is their choice of a life partner. I made a good choice and I'm thankful that he chose me.

We're spending the day celebrating with Meredith and Michael as they start their married life. What a wonderful way to reminisce together about the early days in our marriage.

Happy Anniversary, Buzz. I love you.

Tuscan Inspiration

2011-06-10T07:25:00.003-05:00

The KC Modern Quilt Guild decided to do a Chef's Swap...no, we didn't swap Paula Dean for Bobby Flay, we packed up a bag of scraps and some info about our kitchens, secretly traded bags and made something for each other's kitchens. I drew Sharon and she gave me scraps in burnt orange, green and gold and the inspiration of Tuscany. I made her this tablerunner.
It was fun to free piece and put this together for her. I so hope that it works in her kitchen.

Can you believe it's Friday already? Enjoy the weekend! Happy sewing!

Strength and Stability of a Square

2011-06-06T06:53:00.003-05:00

Sorry to have disappeared for a bit. Pick an excuse...

My laptop died. It really did.
My internet provider and I broke up. I'm starting a new relationship and we're in the 30 day trial stage. I'm hoping it will be a long lasting, satisfying relationship.
I have family to take care of....they come before quilts.
Bruno ate my fabric...naw...he'd never do that.

On to business. I was finally able to get the comments on the Block Party giveaway to appear and the random number guy gave me lucky 13. Paula, that's you! Congratulations. Block Party is yours!

I've been reading and rereading Yoshiko Jinzenji's book, Quilting Line and Color. She's such a master of simplicity and minimalism. She talks in her book about "the strength and stability of the square." In this top I used very simple piecing and played with composition of large scale print fabrics. I love how in many of her pieces she lets the background integrate with the prints and her work appears complex though simple in construction.

Placement is everything in a top like this. I wish I could show you all of the versions this top went through to come up with this. As I look at it in the picture I wonder if I made the right choices.
The "strength and stability of a square" are inspiring words for me. Strength and stability and two things that I could use right now. Another top is on the design wall that has come from that phrase.

Hopefully, lots of sewing this week. Have a good one!

Inspiration is a Funny Thing

2011-05-25T07:56:00.005-05:00

People ask me all the time how I get inspired. Inspiration is a funny thing....you never know when or how it might strike or manifest itself. Between storms, bad internet and power outages I did get a little sewing in. I was considering how to tackle this Roberto Capucci inspired chevron and I decided to make a maquette to experiment with some ideas. A maquette is a preliminary piece, sometimes a small version of a larger piece used as practice or a test. I learned about the concept from the Gee's Bend ladies.

I improvised another chevron from the scraps left over from the larger piece. I experimented with setting it in the background with some improvised curves....at this point I was simply practicing. I happened to put it back on the design wall upside down and there it was...a tornado. After my experience this weekend and the crazy weather in the midwest I felt compelled to go there.

That coincided with a conversation with Katie, my writing partner, and she happened to mention an idea of slicing the chevron in half. After that I started playing with making the chevron appear to rotate like the funnels we saw near our house.

The black seems to give it an ominous feel to me. 'Twister' is about 16" x 36". Quilting lines have the potential to enhance the tornadic feeling of this piece even further, but I'm not sure I want to work on it any more right now. It's weird.
The large chevron still on my design wall is taller than I am, so I still don't know where to go with that. Maybe I should make a larger version of Twister, but I'm not sure.

A reader in Monday's comments said something like could a tornado quilt be in my future...inspiration is a funny thing.

PS...I'm working on getting a winner for the Block Party book...arrg crappy internet. I'll have it as soon as I can!

Wild Weather Weekend

2011-05-23T07:16:00.004-05:00

My hubby, son, Bruno and I spent some time huddling in the basement hiding from a potential tornado. For a couple of hours we watched the wall cloud, which was about 15 miles from our house spawn funnels. They dropped down and pulled back up over and over again. Several times there were multiple funnels dropping from the cloud. The rain and hail would fall so hard they would disappear, though we knew they were still there.

When we thought it was over, Ben and Steve headed out into the back yard to check things out. Bruno and I lagged behind (I was cleaning up) when the guys came running back in. As soon as they got out in the yard and were able to see around the house they spotted a funnel and started running.

We had lots of warning and actually kept electricity during the worst part of the storm so we could follow the radar and watch the supercell move and track the tornado signatures. I'm buying a battery operated TV today. Without the television coverage, we would have been so much more in the dark about what was happening.

There was damage nearby and a larger tornado that hit farther away in Reading, KS and then yesterday the giant tornado in Joplin and Minneapolis. We heard about the Minneapolis tornado on the radio and immediately called our younger son who was in that area.

The fury of nature is so random. One house untouched and others gone. My heart aches for those families in Joplin. Such devastation.

I hugged my guys a little tighter this weekend.

Back to quilts soon.

More Quilt Market Goings On

2011-05-19T01:00:00.002-05:00

The first day of Quilt Market is Schoolhouse. Schoolhouse is a full day of short presentations on what's new in the quilting industry...new fabrics, books, patterns, notions and even ideas. Each time slot has multiple presentations so you have to make choices on what to see. I am pleased to say that "modern" was the subject of several schoolhouses. Schoolhouse is an opportunity to talk directly to a group of potential buyers.
Alissa and Kristen, the authors of Block Party did a schoolhouse presentation. These gals were prepared and had a well thought out presentation that not only showcased the fabulous quilts in the book, but talked directly to shop owners on how the book would be good for business. I had the opportunity to see my quilt that's part of Block Party for the first time in over a year. Thanks to Kristen for giving my quilt such a great name...Profit Margins...love the name and coincidentally it speaks to what Quilt Market is all about. The exhibits open the morning after Schoolhouse and book signings happen periodically over the next three days of market. Publishing companies provide a limited number of free books that are given away during the book signing.
You can see from the crowd that Alissa and Kristen and their publisher did a great job marketing their book. The signing was packed...lots of folks wanting Block Party who didn't get in line soon enough to get a copy.
Block Party isn't on shelves yet, but is available for pre-order on Amazon. It's a wonderful book with great quilts and 12 interesting and very different women. I'm proud to be a part of it.

I'm going to share one of my advance copies with one of my readers. If you're interested, leave me a comment telling me what you look for in a quilting book. I'll announce the winner on Monday. Good luck!

Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering. I'll do the random number thing and announce the winner as soon as I can!

Quilt Market...It's About?

2011-05-17T13:20:00.009-05:00

Choose the best answer.

Quilt Market is about?

A. Fabric

B. Parties

C. Networking

D. Business

E. Quilts

For me, the best answer is business. Quilt Market is the trade show for the quilting industry and it's about doing business: selling books, patterns, fabrics, notions etc and the majority of people there are all about business. It's pretty easy to identify the saavy businessmen and women. I noticed the serious and sometimes stressed looks on faces as quilting business owners worked market. People are making decisions which will affect their livelihood and it's hard work. Attending quiltmarket is an investment of both time and money and making that investment pay off in terms of your quilting business.

Allison of Cluck Cluck Sew....Workin' It!

My purpose for attending market was two-fold, to prepare for and understand book marketing so that when my book is released I'm ready. Also, I was gathering information for my new business venture. I came home with a two foot tall stack of information/ideas to sort through and with many decisions to make. I so appreciate those quilt market veterans who were willing to share, talk with me and give helpful advice to a newbie. I'd love to name all of you, but I'd miss someone for sure. Thank you. Coincidentally, my first market coincided with the release of Alissa and Kristen's book, Block Party, so I was there to support their book and accomplish goal #1 with friends.

Next post...All about Block Party and a chance to win Alissa and Kristen's fabulous book!

I hope you want to hear more about Quiltmarket. I have so much to say and Bruno is a little tired of hearing about it.

Right now, I've got sewing to do...laundry will have to wait!

Quilt Market

2011-05-13T17:35:00.003-05:00

It's day two of quilt market and because of the lapse in blogger I haven't been able to report all the goings on. It's busy, busy, busy, so a quick update. It's been amazing to meet all those loyal followers in the flesh. I'm constantly bumping into people in the aisles who come and visit the blog and really exist in real life! So much fun!!
A quick peek at part of the Robert Kaufman booth, the Kona solids and the Modern Quilt Guild Challenge quilts. KCMQG is well represented and I'm thrilled to see our quilts being showcased! Congrats MQG and KCMQG! More pics soon.
On thing I found intriguing was the back of the Michael Miller booth with their walls of inspiration from architechture, interior design and fashion. Very modern and kind of non quilty. Totally inspiring.
I'm pinching myself. Am I really here? So many exciting things to tell you and show you. More later!

Pre Market Sewing

2011-05-09T08:50:00.004-05:00

I'm heading to quilt market in Salt Lake City on Wednesday. I'm so excited. I have my list of things to do, things to learn, people to meet. It's a first for me. I've been trying to whittle down the list of things to do before I leave. One of those things is to finish class samples.I had this leftover pile of strip piecing from a previous quilt so I decided to make a quick sample for my improv class.
I started cutting and sewing and before you know it I was making a whole quilt. How does that happen? I ran out of pomegranate kona cotton so this will have to wait until after market.
If you're heading to market too, don't forget about the Modern Quilt Guild meet-up on Friday night. We'll be at the Marriott Destination's Lounge, Friday, May 13 at 8:00 p.m. See you there!! Can't wait to meet everyone!

Oh, and thanks for entering Friday's giveaway. Laurie's fabric will be heading to ColoradoLady! Congratulations! Send me your contact info and I'll get your fabric off to you. Thanks again to Laurie for providing the fat quarter set.

Pickup Parking...and a Giveaway!

2011-05-06T05:00:00.004-05:00

A couple of weeks ago Laurie Wisbrun sent me a fat quarter set of her new fabric line, Pooches and Pickups. She said to play with the fabric. That freedom was just what I needed. As soon as I opened the package and saw the trucks I thought of my boys and how they would play with their collection of miniature cars and trucks. They would take blocks and make giant parking lots and roadways. So, out of my brain came "Pickup Parking".

Those trucks begged to be fussy cut, so I did and I placed them in different parking configurations just like my boys would have. The quilt was on the design wall when a friend's young son came over. He liked the quilt and asked me who I was making it for. I told him it was a baby quilt. He told me in no uncertain terms that this was NOT a blanket for a baby. This was for a big boy bed. I turned it into a twin size quilt in no time.
He also told me it needed one more thing....a license plate. When I asked him to help me choose the letters and numbers for the plate, he said no. It didn't need letters and numbers. It needed a vanity plate. How he knew about vanity plates...well, I was impressed and asked him what it should say. He said matter of factly, TRUCK. So, truck it was.
I made this for no one in particular, so I think it's going to get boxed up and sent to BASICS in New York City. I'm hoping some little boy needs a quilt for his bed.
I didn't forget about the Pooches part of the fabric. I just happened to have this pooch who looks pretty spiffy dressed up in Laurie's fabric.
So, would you like a fat quarter set of Pooches and Pickups to play with at your house? Leave a comment and let me know. I'll draw a winner on Monday. Thanks Laurie!

Comments are now closed!

Nose to the Grindstone

2011-05-04T17:33:00.004-05:00

That's where it is. I hope I'll have this quilt done to show you on Friday. It's super cute.

My youngest son is home from college for a week between semesters. I've forgotten how much time it takes to wait on a young man. (Making gravy...big breakfasts...dinners...desserts...hugs...long conversations...)

Block a palooza!

2011-05-02T14:55:00.002-05:00

Catchin up on some bee blocks!
For Blair whose inspiration was mid century modern fireplaces.
For Rebekah...another mid century inspiration.
For Debbie...a linear architectural inspiration.
For Robin...if Mondrian loosened up a bit.

A Little Sprucing Up

2011-04-27T09:57:00.004-05:00

I decided to use my new Jessica Jones fabric to spruce up the studio a bit. A cheery place to work does wonders for the attitude!
I made a new sewing machine cover, new curtains and recovered my sewing stool.
For the sewing machine cover I made up a pattern. I need a cover that only has one side on it because I don't like to mess up the threading of my machine with a cover and I like to cover it all the time it's not in use. This one slips off and on in a snap!
For the curtains I used my own "Uncurtain" tutorial, but this time I made two larger panels instead of four smaller ones. I also pieced a simple log cabin block so I could make the best use of the fabric I had left over.
I'm going to clean today too. Then back to work!

A Daisy Janie Day

2011-04-25T09:42:00.003-05:00

One of the ways I figured out to break out of my funk was to work with something I love and that happened to be Daisy Janie's Shades of Grey. So I made this. It's one panel of a much larger quilt, though this is pretty big all on its own. (36" x 42") It's going to be the Jacks quilt. Did you ever play jacks? It was a daily playground activity for me and brings back great memories. It's perfect with the greys and the light blue background. Even though it's dreary and raining again, I'm feeling a bit sunnier inside.

I worked on something else with the greys too, but I'm still playing with it. Still pushing through the doubts.

It was fun sewing free yesterday. Back to the list today. Have a happy Monday!

A Bottomless Pit

2011-04-22T13:01:00.003-05:00

I had coffee with an artist friend yesterday and we talked about a little bit of everything; about inspiration and creative surges, those exhilarating times when the juices are flowing and everything is clicking, as well as those creative bottomless pits where everything seems dark and hopeless. Your head tells you that you have no ideas and your work confirms it. I'm in that pit right now. It happens to everyone I'm sure, but it doesn't feel good. It can be confidence busting.

Her advice to me was to step away. Do something totally different. Though it's been cold and wet and the garden and yard hasn't been calling me, when I get home I'm going to spend the weekend away from the studio and work outside. Or maybe I'll paint a room. Just thinking about it is making me feel more positive. I'm putting the list of have to's aside for the weekend.
It hasn't been all doom and gloom this week. I spent a couple of days down in Wichita teaching a workshop to members of the Prairie Quilt Guild. We had a ball. They were fabulous. I was so impressed by the creativity and openness of the group. I can't wait to see all the quilts they make. It was the highlight of my week.

I'm going to look on the sunny side and spend some time doing nothing on my list. Have a great weekend!

Home Dec?

2011-04-18T08:27:00.003-05:00

I picked up these three Jessica Jones prints at my local quilt shop this weekend (Sarah's Fabrics in Lawrence). I've loved Jessica's fabric forever and when I stumbled on to these locally I had to have them. My only issue with them is that they are home dec. I'd love to recover my couch and a few chairs in them, but a quilt? I use home dec in my quilts, but it's not my preference.

What do you think of home dec in quilts? If you like the print, do you buy it anyway and use it?

Robert Kaufman No Prints Allowed Challenge

2011-04-15T09:41:00.006-05:00

Finished this just under the wire for the KC MQG challenge. I chose the charm square set in the pastel palette. I knew that would be a challenge for me because I don't really love pastels. As you can tell it was difficult for me to stay with pastels only. The challenge rules allowed us to add as many solid fabrics as we desired, so I did.
I'm happy with how it turned out though there are loads of things I would change if I tackled it again. I'm not going to list the faults or the imperfections because I'm trying to get away from always talking about my quilts by what I'm not happy with. I do love the composition and I think I did a pretty good job with the colors. All in all it was a fun challenge.
I'm pretty happy with the quilting too.
The challenge was to use every color in the pack...this bit of green on the binding simply didn't fit in the piece, so this is where it ended up.
Kona solids are an amazing set of fabrics to work with. I've grown to love them and I'd love to have every color. My friend Tammy at Marmalade Fabrics has that same goal. She's hit a milestone this week with over 100 of the Kona colors. She's having a little celebration and is giving away a dozen fat quarters on her blog. Pop over to the store and start or add to your collection of Kona colors and then head over to the blog and enter the giveaway.
Happy Friday everyone!

Procrastination

2011-04-12T18:51:00.003-05:00

Since I was in LA for the March meeting, I didn't push to finish my Kaufman solids challenge quilt. Thursday is the April meeting of the KC MQG and now I have 48 hours and counting to get this done.
Of course some of the quilting was in the wrong position when I looked at it again. I wanted it changed just a bit, so out came the seam ripper. I know, 48 hours and counting. Anyone up for some late night quilting?

A Working Sunday

2011-04-11T09:19:00.006-05:00

Sunday was another example of how the KC MQG has changed my life. Three of my new guild friends, Camille, Darcy, and Melissa, gave up their Sunday afternoon to come all the way out to my house (not a small task in itself) to help me prepare the kits for the fetal demise pouches that our guild is making as our service project. We cut a LOT of fabric and ribbon!We have kits to distribute at Thursday's meeting and soon these will be finished pouches to deliver to the hospital.It's great to have more than just me working in the studio. I had to clean before they came. In that process I was looking at a stack of quilts folded in the corner. I asked myself why I was holding onto them when they could be being used by someone who needed them. So I packed the whole stack in a box to send to Victoria's project. I've sent quilts before and it seemed a much better place for these quilts to be than gathering dust in my studio. I can't say I won't miss them just a bit.
If you happen to have a quilt or two that you're not using, there are some needy families that could use them. Check out Victoria's project, Bumble Beans Basics.

Give Peace a Chance...Redux

2011-04-07T05:00:00.009-05:00

It's nice to have second chances and to have friends who don't mind when you mess up.
I redesigned the pattern and remade the "Give Peace a Chance" quilt. This time it really is a peace sign. It all started with a Peace quilt that my friend Whitney showed at the KC MQG. I fell in love with her quilt and I asked her if she would mind if I designed one of my own. She said sure and so I did.
Sort of feeds my hippie wanna be, child of the 60's side. I love the back as much as the front.
I quilted it with straight lines 1/2" apart and then I crosshatched the 4 corners to emphasize the shape of the peace sign. I love that little detail.
I made the pattern to share so it's available as a free download here. This quilt is perfect for a beginner, lots of squares and a few half square triangles. Tammy of Marmalade Fabrics has put together bundles to make the whole quilt or fat quarter packs of the prints needed for the quilt. Check out the Marmalade Mix, it's fab!

I'm proud of this quilt. It's cute and kind of a cool way to spread a message.

I was going to keep this one and give away the first one that ended up being the Mercedes Benz quilt. I may have to keep them both.

Lines, Lines and More Lines!

2011-04-05T16:51:00.007-05:00

I chose to quilt the new Peace quilt with straight lines, but this time vertical lines 1/2" apart. That, is a whole bunch of straight lines. I find it a challenge to keep them vertical and straight. Time consuming, but worth it. Such a clean, modern look. There are a few boo boos in there. I call them "Bruno curves". Those are the wacky curves that happen when Bruno, my loving black lab, comes to my sewing table, puts his nose under my arm and flips my elbow to say "enough already!" I'm so busy concentrating on the quilting, that it surprises me every time and I lose control of the quilt, and hence, a Bruno curve. He's a pretty sweet guy to make sure I get a break every couple of hours.

While the machine was set up for quilting, I quilted my chevron block to make it into a potholder. I experimented with extending the angles in the chevron with quilting lines. It's fun to have small things to play with.
On to binding! Should be able to show you the new "Give Peace a Chance" quilt (that really is a peace sign) tomorrow!

Free Pieced Chevron...A Tutorial

2011-04-04T13:38:00.007-05:00

I received a bunch of requests for how to make this chevron block, so to start the week a quick tutorial. This is a great block to use up scraps, so grab a bunch and let's get started.Start with a square. Mine is about 4" x 4". The size of your starting square will establish the approximate width of your chevron. The chevron in the block above is 3 1/2" wide unfinished.
The remainder of your scraps should be rectangular (sort of) strips about 4" long...a little shorter or longer works too. Your strips can be the same or different widths. They should have one straight side so you can sew a nice straight seam. If your starting square is larger, your strips will need to be longer as well.
Place the first strip as shown below to create the initial angle. The strip should extend to about the halfway point of the bottom edge of the square.
Sew along the strip using a 1/4" seam. Trim the excess of the square maintaining your 1/4" seam.
Flip the strip and press.
Audition the next strip to create the next angle. Again sew, trim, flip and press.
Can you see the chevron shape starting to appear?
Continue adding strips in this manner alternating right and left side.
You can vary the angles of the strips from gentle to severe. As you get to the length you want your chevron to be you might want to lessen the angle, but you don't have to.
When your chevron is the desired length, trim to a rectangle.
I added some solid fabric to each side of the chevron to bring the block to size.

I see so much potential for these blocks...different shapes, sizes, positioning, fabric combinations. Have fun making chevrons! I'd love to see them if you do!

Response to the "Dumbing Down" of Quilting Conversation

2011-04-01T17:12:00.009-05:00

"Dumbing down is a pejorative term for a perceived over-simplification of education, news and television (among other things), or as a statement of truth about real cultural trends in education and culture. According to John Algeo, former editor of American Speech, the neologism dumb down "revise so as to appeal to those of little education or intelligence" was first recorded in 1933 as movie slang, and dumb up in 1928.[1]
The concept "dumbing down" can point to a variety of different things but the concept always involves a claim about the simplification of culture, education and thought, a decline in creativity and innovation, a degradation of artistic, cultural and intellectual standards, or the undermining of the very idea of a standard, and the trivialisation of cultural, artistic and academic creations."

A friend told me today about the conversation that seems to be sweeping the net about the "dumbing down" of quilting. My internet is so slow I can't get on blogs very easily, but I took the time and read the original post and the comments. At first, I wasn't going to engage and then I read one of the comments that I'm pretty sure referred to one of my quilts that was in my first gallery show a few years ago. It may not have been, but the description was pretty right on. The implication was that the quilt didn't deserve a spot on a gallery wall. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and can exercise their right not to attend my shows. It's hard not to take those kinds of things personally, but I stand by my work and can take criticism. The sad part about a post like this is that it seems to encourage this attitude of "I know what's best for you and everyone."

There's some talk in the post about lack of technique, seeing the same things over and over again, what is beginner, intermediate or advanced quilting. Is a half square triangle and a pinwheel block challenging? There is talk about bloggers wanting their egos stroked, doing a disservice to quilting by offering simple quilts or making "simple blocks" seem complicated. She encourages us to make quilts that require "focus, concentration, accuracy." Despite the repetition of the idea that she makes and loves simple quilts, the implication seems to be that if quilts aren't complex or technique laden that they in some way "dumb down" the art of quilting. She doesn't seem to like that some bloggers make simple quilts and are praised for them. Why not? If people like a quilt, they can say so.

None of what she is encouraging quilters to do is bad...but attaching it to the term dumbing down gives it a negative connotation.

I guess my response is I make what I love. Challenge yourself if you desire. I am a quilter and I choose what I want to make. I challenge myself because I want to, not because someone thinks I should or it's the right thing to do. I share my work with the quilting community simply because I want to share. If they like it, call it inspirational, or liken it to Picasso, so be it. If they don't like it, so be it.

It's a quilt, some fabric, some thread, and batting and may keep someone warm. What's the controversy in that? Calling it art?

A Good Screw Up Keeps You Humble

2011-03-31T08:04:00.008-05:00

Sometimes you have to laugh, call yourself an idiot and then put on your big girl panties and fix your mistake. This is my peace sign quilt...well, almost. Notice something missing...we'll I didn't and neither did all the people who read this pattern for me. Nice to know at least I wasn't alone. Too bad the commenter who pointed out my mistake was anonymous. I'd like to thank her. She's got a great eye for seeing what's really there, or not there in this case! Yup, the bottom bar of the peace sign is missing. Yeah, I have to redo the pattern. Shouldn't be hard, just embarrassing.

Good thing is I still love the quilt and it'll make me smile every time I use it.
So off to eat my crow and fix my mistake. What colors should I use for the next one?
Too bad it's not April 1....I missed being an April Fool by only one day. I guess I only get to be a regular everyday fool.

Make It Modern and Spit to the Rescue...Again!

2011-03-28T07:30:00.006-05:00

I wrote an article for the April issue of Quilter's World magazine. I love how they styled my quilts. Quilter's World seemed like a pretty traditional magazine to me, but they're moving to include more modern pieces and articles. I'm thrilled to share this issue with the likes of Jan, of Daisy Janie fame. Jan's got a cute quilt in this issue with her Shades of Grey fabrics. Jen, of Reannilily Designs has one of her signature bags in this issue. Jen is a Wichita gal. Pretty cool to have two Kansas girls in the issue.
Sewed and quilted a bunch over the weekend. Snow, yes, snow kept me out of the garden and from working outside.

Had a little stabbing incident quilting this quilt. I was quilting along and didn't even notice that one of the basting pins was stuck in my hand...just above my thumb....I don't even know how long it was there. I stopped to adjust the quilt, pulled my hand back and the pin popped out...blood was spurting everywhere. What a mess. I grabbed a scrap of batting and slapped it on my hand, but not before the quilt was covered in bright red dots.
Another opportunity to unleash the power of spit. Yes, I've done this before. Spit actually is the best method for removing blood when it needs to be done NOW and you don't have the traditional blood removal ingredients on hand. I had to rip out a section of quilting, but saved the quilt. Hoping to finish the quilting on this baby today...sore thumb and all.

Sewing for A Cause

2011-03-26T09:48:00.006-05:00

I sewed late into the night last night. The KCMQG is taking on its next service project and I was doing some sewing to test fabric combinations for the fetal demise pouch project. I spent a day last week shopping for some additional materials...solids and ribbons so that we can put the kits together to distribute at the April meeting. Anna Maria Horner and Free Spirit/Westminster have been so supportive of our project by providing some of the fabrics which the hospital chose for the pouches. I will tell you it's some of the most difficult, but rewarding sewing I've ever done.

Having had a child born prematurely, it's not easy to make or hold one of these pouches. The pouches are offered to mothers who have miscarriages and lose babies very early in their pregnancy, in the more technical term, fetal demise. These babies are too tiny and fragile for clothing. The pouches are only about 4" x 7". I made 3 out of muslin before I made one that was perfect. Then I made them with the selected fabrics. It had to be perfect.

Andrea, one of our guild members and a nursing student, saw a need and suggested the project. Until Andrea shared with me I didn't know there was such a thing. They exist and something beautiful was needed. I'm so proud of our guild for tackling this. I'm excited to get the kits made and distributed so our talented group can start sewing.

Word for the Day Is...

2011-03-25T09:52:00.006-05:00

Peace.
This is for the back of my "Give Peace a Chance Quilt". I hope I'll have it done to show you on Monday. The Metro Living prints arrived from Tammy at Marmalade and I couldn't wait to cut into them. They combine so nicely with my mingle prints and some special Daisy Janie fabric that I got in her etsy shop. Adore that big gray print!!
Found this at a resale store on Thursday. Isn't it great when your purse matches your quilt?

Happy Friday everyone! It's going to be cold and rainy here. Sounds like a weekend for sewing.

Thank you again for participating in my Love for Japan fundraiser for the Red Cross. With my donation we raised over $3000 dollars. Dang, that's a good thing! The winner of the quilt is Marjorie D. Marjorie lives a couple hours down the road from me. Hurts a little less sending the quilt away knowing that I could drop by for a visit. Congrats Marjorie! Thanks again!!

Roberto Capucci + Baby Romper =

2011-03-23T00:02:00.004-05:00

...this 72" long chevron. Fabulous! Nothing is pressed, trimmed, or attached, just raw free piecing ready to become something.It all started with the baby romper that Nettie posted as the inspiration for her bee blocks. I made this free pieced chevron and have been thinking about the chevron thing ever since.
Then when I was in LA I came across this picture of this amazing Roberto Capucci dress in Marie Claire. Eeek! If that's not a color inspiration I don't know what is. So my brain has been ruminating about those colors and then it hit me today....why not? So I went oversized with this giant chevron. Now I need to do something with it...
I love the black background. I'm going to add black to the top and bottom at angles to complete the chevron look, but how to trim it? It could be straight and narrow like the chevron in Nettie's block. It could widen at the bottom like the silhouette of the dress. Or it could curve gently. What do you think?

Then I need to consider placement...hmmmm....lots to think about. Want to weigh in? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The "With Love for Japan" ends today. I'll give you till midnight central time and then I'm tallying up all the entries and doing the random number thing. Again, thanks for taking action.

PS....Happy Birthday, JON!!!!

I love you...and wish you weren't so far away!

Mom

Cogs and More Help for Japan

2011-03-21T09:35:00.012-05:00

I'm so excited! I've been busy working with a couple of local shops to develop some classes and I'm ready and they're ready.
First up is a class to make the Broken Cogs quilt at Bon Bon Atelier in Westport. It's a 3 part class on April 9, 23, and May 7th. Cogs is an intermediate level quilt, but if you're a beginner, I'll help you tackle it! There will be homework with this class too. Space is limited, so contact Betsy at 816 756 0855 or pop over to her site to register.
I finished the top for the baby version of the Cogs quilt...I think I love it. I'm working on a full/queen size version too! Can't wait to show you that one!

Next up is a Improvised Modern Log Cabin class on April 30th at the Bernina Sewing Center in Overland Park. We'll experiment with all sorts of versions of the log cabin. You can pick one and make your own unique modern log cabin quilt. Call the shop at 913 341 6400 to reserve your space. We're gonna have a ball!

More classes coming later this spring and summer. Reserve your spot today!
June 4 at the Overland Park Bernina Sewing Center - Free Piecing
July 30 at Bon Bon Atelier - Free Piecing
August 13 and 14 at Bon Bon Atelier - Modern Baby quilt (Beginning quilting)

With Love to Japan!
Thank you so much for your support for Japan and the Red Cross. We're over $2000 in donations so far. I'll draw a random number on Wednesday to determine the winner of the quilt. There are many ways to help. Elizabeth is doing the same on her blog with her fabulous Tokyo Subway Map quilt and Merumo emailed me that she's gathered some friends and they are collaborating with their own effort. Check it out and help if you can!

With Love to Japan

2011-03-15T19:30:00.005-05:00

It's difficult to watch the news these days. Images from the continuing nuclear crisis and the devastation from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan are repeating in my head. It's difficult to imagine the circumstances that the Japanese people are facing. I've had a few people email and ask about making quilts for the Japanese.

While quilts can provide comfort, right now I am donating to the International Relief fund of the American Red Cross. Now is the time for organizations with the resources and infrastructure to provide the help that is needed immediately. The Japan Red Cross has requested assistance from the American Red Cross. The ARC has set up a fund for the affected area. You can easily donate here. Skip the starbucks this week and make a donation or do what you can in your own way.

I'm also giving away the Be Still My Heart quilt shown in these pictures to a reader of my blog. All you have to do to enter is make your donation to the American Red Cross International Disaster Relief Fund. For every $10 you donate, you get an entry.

Donate, come back and leave a comment with your donation amount and the tracking number on your receipt. Make sure I have a way to contact you too!

So, how much can we raise? Let's give it a week and see!

Thanks LA!

2011-03-14T08:46:00.004-05:00

My weekend with family in California started early with a quick side trip to LA, and I'm so glad I did! I had a chance to attend a meeting of the LAMQG. They actually rescheduled their meeting to coincide with my visit. I got to see the reveal of their Robert Kaufman solids challenge and shared a few of my quilts. I met so many nice people. I can't thank Alissa enough for inviting me and their great officer team for having me! Best side trip I've ever taken!

As you can see, talking quilts is simply a happy experience for me.
This is a peek at Sew Modern, the shop where the LA guild meets. Oh my I wish you could all go there and check it out. Such a wonderful layout and great fabric! Being surrounded by fabric makes me smile too. Next time, I'm spending some quality time at Sew Modern!
This is a glimpse of the folks who were there...so many talented quilters in this group! It was so inspiring to see their work and talk quilts with them.

Thanks for having me LA...I'll be back!

I'm Making Blocks...I Really Am!

2011-03-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

Three more to go and then I'm caught up. I think I've said that before. Will I ever catch up? My bee friends have been so patient. I keep expecting that angry email saying, "so...are you making my block, or what?" It hasn't come yet, but I deserve it!
Here are the latest that are in the mail.
Nettie's is an free pieced chevron. Her inspiration photo was the cutest baby in this little striped outfit with a strip of ROYGBIV fabric. This is my interpretation. It's going to be one cute quilt!
Heather wanted mini improv blocks. Love her fabrics. These are teeny tiny blocks!
Finally for Cheryl...geese, geese and more geese. Don't you love all the configurations you can make with flying geese!

I can't celebrate too much, have to stay motivated to finish those last three!

Have a happy Friday! See you when I get back from LA!