It's a Quilty Anniversary!

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!

Before Reality Sets In

Before 'real life' overwhelms me again in I wanted to live a bit in my Seattle experience. On Thursday we had time to visit Kathy Mack's (of Pink Chalk Studio) new warehouse. Since her fabric business had taken over EVERY room in her house, she decided it was time for a space dedicated to her business. It's a dream come true. Look at the high ceilings, the natural light, the lovely color blue on the walls and the fabric...bolts and bolts of Kathy's exquisite taste in fabric. I've shopped with Kathy since the beginning, first because she makes great choices, second because her service is the best, but most of all because she's a wonderful person. She's giving and open and her blog is a place where I always learn something new.
She let us dig through her scrap boxes. How nice is that! We pretty much covered her pristine floor with little stacks of fabric. Totally fun! Of course I came home with fabric. (Actually I had to borrow an extra suitcase to tote all my treasures back home.)

I had another pretty cool experience when I was in Seattle. After my trunk show on Tuesday I got to meet on of my project improv participants in person. Gabriella contributed a block and at the time she was just 11 with a brand new sewing machine. Gabriella came to the trunk show with a gift for me. Isn't it fabulous! Such great color choices and perfect construction. Practical too. I'm going to use it everyday in my studio.
She signed it for me too. (as all artists should!) Thanks Gabriella. Keep up the great work!

P.S.
Welcome to all of my Canadian friends. I was on 'Canadian Living' today. All my Canadian relatives are going to be sooo proud!

With a Little Help from My Friends and Family

I had a little extra help this weekend and so I was able to hunker down in the studio and get some sewing done.

The 'Feeling Blue' blocks are now a queen sized quilt top. You can see I ran out of space on my design wall. I'd love to know your thoughts on this one. My hand is itching to grab my snarky seam ripper and start again. That block in the center is bothering me.

I made a simple pieced back for the back of this pinwheel quilt. It's on the floor ready to baste.

'Red Hearts' is basted and ready to quilt. I'm having a little trouble deciding how to quilt it, but then I always struggle with the 'how to quilt' decision. Again, the snarky seam ripper is at hand in case I make the wrong decision.
The Neighborhood to Help a Neighborhood auction for Haiti is going great. Thanks to each of you who have put in a bid or helped publicize the auction! You're the best! At post time the bids were:

Pink - $200

Blue - $200

Green - $150

That's $1100 for the American Red Cross and the auction doesn't end until Friday. You can check it out here.

The Craft Hope etsy shop is exceeding all expectations. So many of my crafty friends have donated or bought items. My 'Hot Spots' quilt found a new home too. Doesn't it warm your heart to see how folks rally in a time of need?

Feeling Blue

Sewing time has been replaced by time at the hospital with my mom. She had a few setbacks, but now she's heading in the right direction. The only real sewing I've done is trying to keep up on a few commission pieces that are coming due. Today, I was snowed in so I set the timer for 2 hours and picked some of my very favorite fabrics and sewed for myself.
I love cutting and sewing with freedom and abandon. I finished 10 blocks of 'Feeling Blue' in my two hours. It has a quiet, soothing, blue feeling.

Nova emailed me last week to let me know that she had finished her 'deer' quilt. She contacted me awhile ago and asked if it would be ok if she made a quilt inspired by the quilt made by me and my common threads buddies, Jon's graduation quilt. Of course I said yes. The reason I wanted to post about Nova's quilt is because it is a wonderful example of how someone can be inspired by a quilt and still not make a copy. You can definitely see the connection between the two quilts, but Nova has done special things to make the quilt her own. On top of that she acknowledged her inspiration. I was so proud to see her gorgeous work and so happy to know that the recipient loved the quilt. It's people like Nova (and there have been others too) who make me happy to share my work. Nova, you made my day in more ways than one. Thank you.

This Post Is Brought To You By....Scraps

Scraps are treasures. Sheree sent me a box of scraps from a giveaway and when they arrived I decided that I would make something to share the love...kinda like an unofficial pay it forward. I think Sheree likes pink because there was an abundance of pink scraps in the box, so this is what I came up with:
before quilting...
after quilting and a wash and dry...
The quilts are pink, pink sun, pink clouds, pink back, pink binding. Everything from scraps (Sheree's and mine)...even the background is a scrap from an old tablecloth. Thanks Sheree! If only I had a little girl, or even a pink room, I'd keep this in an instant, but alas, I don't. So, if you'd like this to come to your house, let me know where it might go or who you might give it to. I'll draw a name randomly on Friday. If you left a comment on Ben's blog, consider yourself entered and feel free to enter again! It's 25 x 22.
I made more houses too....I'm up to 21....these all need their sashing.
I might want to live in the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired one.
Amy's blocks are done for her month in the Common Threads virtual quilting bee. Again, fun blocks to make. These range from 2 inches to 6.5 inches.
I'm done making small quilts for a bit. Mostly I've done them to practice with my machine. It's time to break out the big quilts and get them under that machine.

Speaking of scraps and treasures...you should see Penny's 'Scraps to Treasure' quilt. Stunning! I'm working on my scraps to treasure project this week too.

A Working Weekend

I created chaos again.
I've been fussing for weeks about what colors to paint the studio. Look to what you love to find colors you love. So, I made a choice. I'd call it 'Flea Market Fancy' green though it's actually Lime Rickey...and the lighter color is Citrine.
I made a new bulletin board to keep my reminders.
And I painted the accent wall....pretty bold for me, but I want the studio to be a bright, happy place.
I made a new design wall. I use foam core presentation boards, the kind you get at office supply stores. Last time I covered each with flannel individually and then put them on the wall. This time I taped 9 of them together into one big board, covered the whole thing with flannel and then attached it to the wall. Can't wait to fill it up!
Things got put back together. I still have a ceiling to paint, woodwork to paint and the rest of the walls. They'll be a much lighter shade of the green. You can tell, I like to work in phases. It will all be done eventually.
I've had a few wonderful surprises come in the mail. I won a giveaway on Nicolette's blog, Dutch Comfort. She sent me this gorgeous bag and some fab fabric. I love the bag so much...it's made with beautiful Dutch fabric...and it's the perfect size for me. Thanks Nicolette!
I also won a giveaway at Sheree's blog, Sheree's Alchemy. There is so much here I could barely fit it all in one picture. It's a quilter's dream and look at that fabric spilling out of the box. I can't wait to sort through it. Thanks Sheree! You know I will use it all.

Making and Receiving Gifts

I've been cutting these...

to make another quilt like this one. The tutorial is almost done. Amazing how different fabric choices can change a quilt.

My Christmas in July package has arrived! (after an unplanned detour) It came all the way from Norway from Anne Marie's house. She sent me all of these things snuggled into this beautiful bag.





I think this book might be my favorite thing. It's so wonderful to see the work of quilters from another part of the world.

Thank you so much Anne Marie. I appreciate all the work you put into my gift. They will all find special places in my house.

Sage Advice From Those Who Have Been There

I'm ready...the mini city cabins are finished...my artist statement has been edited for the last time.
To keep my mind and hands occupied I played with a new design. This one is inspired by a door I saw on our trip to Oregon last summer. It was this fabulous orange with 3 windows filled with kind of 70's feeling glass tiles. It's stayed with me ever since. This is pretty close...I love the fabrics, but the quilting isn't right. That's why I make small versions like this...to give things a try. I think the windows may need a bit more separation too.

My eldest son asked the other day how I was feeling about the show. I told him I was nervous about the holiday weekend and whether anyone would show up. He told me in a stern, but quiet voice, "Mom, every artist plays to an empty room some time in his career. It builds character." Jon, my youngest nodded his head and said, "We've been there, Mom. Now, it may be your turn."

So, I'm counting my blessings and realizing how fortunate I am to have this show at all. I'm going to be a happy girl no matter who comes. I have so many people to thank for this opportunity. Each and every one of you who has left a comment on this blog has had a part in making this happen. So, thank you. I can't wait to share the experience with you.

If you'd like to come, just drop me an email at jgeringirre at yahoo dot com and i'll send you details, directions etc. (Kate, get in touch...I'd love to see you there and get to meet you.)

Random Acts of Kindness

This arrived in my mailbox from Dorrie. Heather Ross's Happy Camper Vans. I'm giddy and glowing inside!

She didn't want anything in return. She said random acts of kindness are good for the soul. She's right, but she forgot to mention the joy they bring the recipient. JoAnn and Cheryl sent packs of selvages too. Your kindness and generosity made my day. Thanks all, the happy feeling has helped me deal with the little quilty bump in the road that happened today.

I finished Jon's graduation quilt last night and disaster struck in the washer. My mother in law is downstairs ripping out the quilting so I can make repairs later today. I'm trying to stay calm and solve the problem. (Inside I'm freaking out and crying hysterically.) I still have hope that I'll be able to give it to him tomorrow.

More relatives arrive today...I've got cooking to do. Have a great weekend...I know we will...finished quilt or not.

I Love My Mailman

First, because he's a nice guy and he puts your packages up on the porch to keep them dry and protected and second because he delivers things like this! Feast your eyes...oogle it for a long time...look closely at the piecing and quilting. It's all mine and I didn't have to make it. This is the work of Jackie, of Canton Village Quilt Works (she's one of our project improv longarm quilters). Aren't we fortunate to have her!
I signed up for a Pay It Forward a year ago on Jackie's blog. Wasn't that sneaky of her to wait a whole year....I'd forgotten all about it and it sure made for a nice surprise. She sent a beautiful pin too, and chocolate. The pin is downstairs on my coat. Jackie, I adore this quilt. It's so me and it's perfect in every way. I can't tell you how it made my day. Thank you doesn't seem enough. I'll treasure this and make sure it has a special place in my house.
My mailman has also delivered all the scraps in this bag. This is my magic 'Scraps to Treasure' bag. So far it contains treasures from Stacey, Emily, Anna M., Lolly, Anna K. and Penny. Nine of us are sharing scraps and each of us has committed to making a project (or two), and the only requirement, we have to use all of the scraps. Our goal to finish projects is October. Penny is our fearless leader. Thanks everyone! I love what you've sent and my mind is churning with ideas to put them to use. You can see everyone's contributions and projects here.
I have been doing a few things besides the project improv tops...drinking lots of coffee and I made a cover for Bernie...dust is the enemy you know. (pattern is free from Spool)
...and more spidey blocks...so many more to do.

Project Improv arrivals:
....they're coming like crazy now...thanks everyone...keep'em coming. Thanks for the emails letting me know when blocks will be arriving. You all are the best. CHECK THE SIDEBAR TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR STAR.
Amanda KY - 2 blocks and cash for postage...thanks!
Beth KS - 1 block
Cheryl A Canada - 2 blocks (thanks for the fabric...yours finally made it to the post office. thanks for the CD too...the boy disappeared downstairs with it...)
Anna PA - 2 blocks
Carla MO - 1 block (great binding, Carla thanks! the pen will help for all those labels!)
Kat NC - 2 blocks (thanks so much for the fabric...i adore those letters and you know I love the color!)
Priscilla MI - 2 blocks (thanks for the tea...perfect! and the money will go right to postage...thanks!)
Amory TX - 1 block
Kajsa Finland - 2 blocks (thanks my friend...you made my day!)
Kate IL - 3 blocks (thanks for everything Kate...the fabric is perfect and I think a pillow for an auction quilt will be perfect (how about orange/pink?)
Carol T WI - 4 blocks (thank for the cash, Carol...so sweet of you!)
Melanie WI - 1 block
Nani CA - 2 blocks
Gerrie - GA - 2 blocks
Stephanie HI - 1 block
AmandaJean WI - 1 block
Ashley VT - 2 blocks
Julie R VT - 2 blocks (thanks for the fabric Julie...it's gorgeous...great binding for an orange/pink quilt!)
Mel UT - w blocks
Saranya Thailand - 3 blocks
Jean MD - 1 block
Jennifer F TN 2 blocks
Natalie Washington, DC - 1 block
Andrea WA - 3 blocks and money for coffee! thanks, you know i need that!
Heleen Netherlands - 2 blocks ( and a special heart from these two dutch gals!)
Corry Netherlands - 2 blocks
Iva KS - 6 blocks (thanks...Kansas represents!)
Jill D NY - 3 blocks
Melinda MO - 3 blocks (thanks for the cash...we'll put it to good use!)

We have some sun today to I'll try to get a photo shoot of all the quilt tops today. 10 more tops are done...that makes 17 total so far....more in the works!

All Over The Place

I had trouble focusing this weekend, at least in the studio. I did work outside most of the weekend, raking leaves, uncovering plants, trimming bushes and mulching beds. It's a bunch of work doing all the townhomes (6 of them), but no one else takes care of the yard, so I do it. I will say it looks great.
A couple of geese were added to my flock. At this rate I'll finish sometime in 2011.
I added a pink panel for this quilt. Maybe I'll try to finish more of these today.
I sorted and bundled my scrap packs for Penny's 'Scraps to Treasure' swap. Nine of us are swapping scraps and we have to use them ALL in a project by next October. Doesn't that sound like fun! I got them all ready to go, and no envelopes to be had.
Aren't these cute? These were all in a pretty bundle when Kate gave them to me. (I had to unroll them to fit them in my little bag...I travel light!) Kate, of Kate Kwiltz, and I got together when I was in Chicago last week. She met me downtown and we stopped and got cupcakes at Sugar Bliss (to die for!) and had a lovely lunch and conversation. I felt like we were old friends. We talked about everything and shared our love of quilting and fabric. Kate brought her batik quilt to show me. Oh my goodness, it was gorgeous. The picture on her blog doesn't come close to showing the beauty of this quilt. Kate has gone out of her way to help me and my hubby. She's shared her knowledge of the city that has helped my hubby so much. He eats better because of Kate. She's also helped us get to know places to go and enjoy the city together. I can't thank her enough. It was great, Kate, let's be sure to do it again!

I'm hoping to find my focus and finish some things this week. Wish me luck!

I'm a Fan

Of Orla Kiely...so I changed these...
to these.
I've made 4 pillows so far from Orla Kiely dishtowels I finally found at Target. (whoever hid them behind the ugly black towels...shame!) I have leftovers too...I'm sure you'll see these pop up somewhere else. Kind of changes the whole look of the room, don't you think?
I'm a fan of Lisa and Sarah too. You might know them as A Spoonful of Sugar, the mother and daughter team. They were my Time for Tea swap partners. Honestly, it was like they knew me for years. The towel and apron are perfect for me, for my kitchen. I wish you could see that apron a bit better...it's spectacular...perfectly made and so practical and beautiful too.
Look at all my fabulous goodies. Look closely, yes, that says 'tub tea.' I love a bath and Sarah had the idea to make these lavender filled tea bags for my bath. Let me tell you that is one creative girl! And I will say they are a hit! See my name....being a girl who gets her name spelled incorrectly ALL the time, it means so much that they made me an ATC with MY name! I'm using it on my studio door so everyone who enters knows it's my room. Lisa made me a gorgeous tea wallet so I can have my tea wherever I go. It's traveling with me this week. Little cute tea cup buttons...I have to think of a special use for those. A keychain that goes with me every trip. Maybe I won't lose my keys any more. Probably not. And lastly, lots of tea...all sorts of new flavors to try. I'm thrilled. In my eyes, a perfect match. I'm a fan. If you go for a visit, you will be too.
This was a fabulous swap, organized and managed by Stephanie of Loft Creations. Stephanie invited us and did such a great job (at least for me) pairing up the partners. From what I've seen on other blogs this was swapnificent! Great job Steph! Look what Stephanie sent to all of us...our own personal tea house. It has a little pocket on the other side to hold a tea bag. Thanks Stephanie...you know I'm a fan!
Last but definitely not least I'm a fan of Susan of Chickenfoot. Susan made this adorable pin cushion for me after I placed in her 'most embarrassing story' contest on her blog. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say the major players were me, a skunk, my dog and a red faced hunter. Some nudity was involved. Thanks Susan. As you can see it is well used.