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It’s our last day here in Madison and I want to give you a tour through all of the beautiful quilts that are featured in the show. Impressive is the word that came to mind while I made way through the show!
This quilt show has really grown and brought in a variety of artists over the past couple of years. If you live in the area and missed your chance at attending this year, I really hope you can make it next year. You won’t be disappointed!
Starry, Starry Night by quilter Maureen Fawkes was truly a work of art!
Thanks for all your support this weekend and we loved seeing everyone!
Sorry for the lack of posting these days. We’ve been really busy trying to get ready for the Madison show coming up in just about 1 week! Yikes! It’s been a frenzy of assembling kits and cutting fabric. But I did want to sneak in a quick post for everyone…
I got a chance to relax and enjoy our monthly sew-in this last Sunday. We all went out to Pattie’s new home. It was fabulous! She has great taste in decor.
She had a chicken salad ready for us and Watermelon Mojitos…yummy.
Kelly worked on the binding for a Halloween quilt made from charm square scraps.
This is a quilt Pattie had over a sofa in her living room. Stunning comes to mind. I think the kitty liked it too!
Pattie has four kitties. But Pete was our favorite. He insisted on helping us out at every turn. He happened to love the Cosmo floss. I’m pretty sure he thought I had brought it just for him:)
We decided to start a group project next year with all the SewMod girls. Each of us will make a 15″ to 18″ “house” block, whether it be pieced or applique. Anything goes. In January we will pass our block to one of the girls and she will add her own creativity to it, such as beads, applique, embroidery, buttons, etc. In February, it will go the next girl to embellish. I’m really excited about this project and I can’t wait to see the finished blocks. We really have a very talented and diverse group so the end results should be interesting.
So that’s what I worked on during our sew-in. I chose to do an embroidered gingerbread house from a pattern I purchased from an Etsy shop called BigBgd. Very cute stuff! I enlarged one of the designs and embroidered the outer lines so the girls could have fun with the landscape and “candy decor”.
I still have the side candy canes left to embroider but I made some pretty good progress this Sunday. Now gotta get back to embroidering the Witches Boot before another month sneaks by and it’s October.
Thanks Pattie for being a great hostess. We all had a great time and look forward to coming back.
I hope to post a couple of new quilts we’ve recently finished soon, so be sure to check back with us!
“Always gotta keep busy or the voices start telling me to do wild things.” A fitting quote I found on Google:) My voices tell me to shop & worse…eat!
Here are a few thing that have kept me busy lately. Let’s start with the shopping. World Market is a dangerous place and I shouldn’t be allowed back in…
Cute coffee mugs and cereal bowls that say Good Morning!
I poured myself a tasty cup of Red Velvet Coffee, yes I said it, Red Velvet! Sooo yummy!
I found more of those cute stacking measuring bowls and a new set of ceramic measuring spoons.
Cute reusable polka dot straws!
A mini colander in turquoise, a maple bacon sucker for neighbor Susan, who loves bacon & a mini measuring cup that is 2 Tablespoons..
I didn’t buy this adorable pillow but took a pic for inspiration…
Some fabric shopping..I found the perfect polka dot for Halloween applique and picked up a few Halloween fat quarters I didn’t have.
And a piece from 3 Sisters with Christmas post cards all over it. I love this piece!
I’m going to skip the food pics because, well, it’s just embarrassing :(
So to keep myself occupied and out of stores and restaurants, I’ve been busy working on shop samples and kitting them for our upcoming fall Quilt Shows.
Arbre de Noel was made using the Tinsel Christmas line from Blend Fabrics. It turned out really cute! Paige did some awesome quilting, adding snowflakes and swirls. The big red star is my favorite.
This quilt in progress is called Chopsticks. It’s currently awaiting quilty magic from Paige and I can’t wait to show the finished quilt soon.
I’ve also been working diligently on the Witch’s Boot. But, I’m going to wait and show you that when it’s completed. That’s how close I am to being done…very excited!
Here’s a list of the upcoming shows we will be vending at this fall. If you’re in the ChicagoLand area, come see us. We love to meet our customers!
Quilt Expo
Sept. 6-8, 2012
Exhibition Hall at The Alliant Energy Center
Madison, Wisconsin
Sew Many Stars Quilt Show
Friday, September 28 10-7
Saturday, September 29 10-5
Church of Holy Apostles
5211 W. Bull Valley Road
McHenry, Illinois 60050
Prairie Star Quilt Show
Friday, October 12, 2012 9:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday, October 13, 2012 9:00am to 6:00p
DUPAGE COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS
2015 West Manchester Road
Wheaton , IL 60187
We will also be vending at our local guild
Northwest Suburban Quilters Guild
Oct. 18th , 6:30 pm-10:00 pm
PO Box 146
Arlington Heights, IL 60006-0146
Almost.
I did get some work done this week. I managed to do some finishes and start a new Christmas quilt. Christmas.Shocking. I know:) Love me some Christmas and what better time than July with this scorching heat wave than to sit in an air conditioned studio and wish for cooler temperatures. So that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I’m going to make you wait for the newest one I just finished. I’m waiting for Paige to work her quilty magic on it before I reveal. But here’s what I’ve done so far this week….
I added this cute Alpine Wonderland Christmas Quilt kit to Etsy yesterday. We used the Summer Tweets quilt pattern that Paige and I designed because it showcases large scale prints and the main fabrics in Alpine Wonderland are so darn cute I couldn’t bear to cut it up. Kit comes with the free pattern.
Paige quilted it in an all over stipple.
Chain Reaction is finally ready and added to Etsy as well. This is one of my faves! Very modern looking. We used all of the Art Gallery prints we had in stock to create a scrappy modern quilt. Paige picked an excellent all over quilt design to enhance the look. Kona white and Kona Ash Grey are the coordinating solids.
And last, I hung the finished Sassafras quilt in my living room. Paige also did an all over design on this since it was so busy but added some special touches to the cone flowers.
Today I’m off with Shelley over at Elsie’s Girl for the downtown Crystal Lake Sidewalk Sale. I hope I come home with lots of good finds and bargains to share with you! Talk soon!
We’re excited to release a PDF version of our Cannon Beach pattern released this past March. The PDF version has lots of pictures to support each step with more detail to give even a beginner quilter, looking for a challenge, the help to complete this quilt with ease.
The original quilt design was inspired by my trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon in 2010 with my mom, sister and one of my longest and dearest friends, Karen –it was such a memorable trip for me, and everything was so beautiful.
When I stumbled upon a bundle of Denyse Schmidt’s Hope Valley fabrics the images above, forever embedded in my mind seem to flow right thru the fabric into this giant Dresden design.
The machine quilting design seemed to flow just as easy once the quilt was loaded onto the Gammill. I started from the center and continued outward with concentric circular patterns, changing the design with each circle. This photo was taken when the sun was perfectly diffused thru the window over my front door – the quilting popped and the quilt came alive! This is definitely my favorite picture.
The small half Dresdens in the corners were quilted similarly.
When we received the Midnight Garden fabric line by Sandy Henderson for Michael Miller, Lorrie was inspired to make her version of the pattern. She added some Art Gallery Bespoken and Oval Elements, and one of Joel Dewberry Heirloom fabrics –they all went together so very nicely. I love how fabric can reflect a quilter’s vision, personality and inspiration so differently.
Isn’t the Midnight Garden Gate the perfect center! Lorrie requested a swirl pattern so I quilted each blade from the center outward to the tip.
The large center Dresden was made using Marilyn Doheny’s 25” 9-degree Wedge Ruler and the smaller outer half Dresdens were made using the Easy Dresden tool by Darlene Zimmerman. See Lorrie’s Easy Dresden Demo on how to use. These tools are so versatile and I highly recommend getting them so you can create any size Dresden and acrylic rulers do make it easier to cut multiple wedges. As a bonus though, we included paper templates for the specific size wedges in the Cannon Beach pattern.
We had such great feedback on this fabric line, Lorrie made up kitsfor this version which include a free pattern. Kits, PDF patterns and the original hardcopy version are all available in our Etsy shop!
Paige and I spent last Thursday evening vending at a local guild in Algonquin, IL. We did a little intro about what our shop was about, demonstrated how to use the Easy Dresden tool by Darlene Zimmerman, and gave a trunk show with all of the quilts we have made in the past year. We had a great time and we’d like to thank all of the ladies who welcomed us into their guild!
Since we are so Dresden happy, a demo on the Easy Dresden tool was just that, easy! I’d like to also share with you the steps to make one and also provide a refresher just in case some of the ladies from the meeting visit the blog.
This is the Easy Dresden, which can be found at your local quilt shop.
First, you’re going to want to determine what size you want your Dresden to be and cut a strip of fabric to that width. For example, if you’d like a 5″ Dresden, cut a 5″ wide strip of fabric. The Dresden I’m working with today is 8″, so I cut an 8 inch strip of fabric.
Start cutting your wedges from the strip by alternating the tool. This will cut down on any waste from your fabric.
Take your cut wedge and fold it lengthwise, right sides together and sew using a 1/4″ seam allowance, begin sewing at the widest end.
Chain piece all your wedges.
Clip your corner, being careful not to cut too close to your seam.
Turn the wedge right side out. Use the turning tool provided to turn out your point. Don’t push too hard. You don’t want to push your stitches through.
Press the wedge flat, making sure the seam is pressed open. This helps remove some of the bulk.
Sew the wedges, right sides together to begin making your plate. Always start from the widest part and work your way down. A tip to hide all of the loose threads, is to start 1/4″ down, reverse your way back up to the beginning, and continue to sew down the side of the wedge.
Press in one direction, careful not to stretch your plate.
I find it best to sew the Dresden together in sections. For example, our Dresden has 20 wedges. I sew 10 each together to make 2 halves and then sew the 2 halves together to make a Dresden.
Here are some examples of Dresdens that we have made using this Easy Dresden tool and this technique. This is our new Christmas Dresden Table Runner made from our SewMod pattern called North Garden. It’s made with 8″ wedges. This kit is now available in the Etsy shop. Just in time to get started on some of those Christmas Projects. We used the new Tinsel line by Maude Asbury for Blend fabrics and the kit comes with the free pattern!
The corner Dresdens on the Cannon Beach pattern…
I used a 2-1/2″ wide blade for the “grass” wedges on my Wonky Wildflowers wall hanging.
And instead of using the template provided for the this quilt, I made it easier by using the Easy Dresden tool. Neither the Wonky Wildflowers or this quilt required a pointed blade. The “grass” was sewn into the seam and the “tree” blades edges were turned under using hand applique.
And last, Paige’s sewing machine cover…
I hope our Demo has inspired you to make a Dresden. It really is that easy!
I recently spent the day sewing at Paige’s house. She worked on a new quilt design, while I worked on a Christmas Dresden Table Runner, which I can’t wait to show you how cute that is. We are doing our first demo and vending at a local guild. We are going to be doing a show ‘n’ tell of our quilts and designs and doing the demo with the Easy Dresden tool. We’re very excited!!
As you know, Paige is an excellent longarm quilter. She gave me my first lesson on loading a quilt. I learned a lot.
One of the things I took away from the lesson, besides how important it is to have a square quilt for the quilter’s sanity, is to make sure that all my pieces, backing and batting are cut to size, only 4-6″ more on each side. Otherwise it creates more work for the quilter. I know in the past I’ve been guilty that. Another good tip is to remove all of your extra threads on the back that may show through on the front.
This beautiful Lone Star quilt hangs in her longarm room. Talk about inspiration. I’m always in awe of this quilt. What a find!
And check out this super cute sewing machine cover she whipped up. Of course there is a dresden on it!
I can’t wait to show y’all the fabrics tomorrow for the Fabric Friday post. New patterns & fabrics. You won’t wanna miss!
Here’s a couple of patterns for quilts we’re going to place an order from a company called Metropolitan Quilt. I love the design on this one. So many possibilities! This one is Rome.
And a cute Christmas one Abre de Noel.
This is a quilt by Sue Daley….oh, my…
Check out these cool quilts for boys. Looks like something my son would like. This is the ‘Crazy Old Ladies’ Booth.
Patty Young from ModKid.
Violet Craft had some beautiful fabrics and quilts. I love the yellow that they used as their backdrop.
Let’s not forget Amy Butler’s booth.
Paige brought some samples home from a new company called Adorn It. Very nice fabrics.
An applique explosion in ‘Don’t Look Now’s’ booth. It really amazes me!
Big Blocks, Big Style by GE Designs booth.
And this booth by Green Bee. Love the circles!
Tomorrow I’ll show you all the goodies Paige brought back with her. See you then!
Last week Shelley and I took a day to shop hop. We hopped to 3 stores, had lunch, & bought too much fabric, at least I did! So I’d say we had a great time:)
Our first stop was Quilter’s Destination in Arlington Heights. I scored more of Anna Griffins Christmas line from last year. They had it 40% off so I managed to get some yardage.
The shop has a great selection of Batiks & Art Gallery prints, which I love! Check out this piece that looks like paper doilies. I should have bought more of this one.
Here’s a few shop samples she had made up.
Next stop, The Quilt Merchant in Winfield. Mostly reproduction fabrics, but they had added a new section on for all us modern peeps. I put together a cute selection of fabrics for a Mother’s Day gift, which I cannot show you for obvious reasons. There were lots of great ideas in this shop if I wanted to bring a reproduction pattern to life with bright colors. I was especially drawn to a section of patterns by Sue Daley. All hand work of course…what am I thinking??!!
They also have a great section of wools & stitchery.
Last we headed over to Batavia & visited Prairie Shop Quilts. They always have great samples hanging in their shop.This is the shop where I learned to applique. This Piece O’ Cake applique was hanging in their classroom. Lucky for me, Shelley had this pattern so I can add yet another project to my to-do’s:)
A pattern wall you can spend all day on…
And a very well stocked book section.
And of course some pretty great fabrics too!
If you’re dyin’ to go on a shop hop but can’t find the time, pick up the new spring 2012 issue of Quilt Sampler for the top 10 shops to visit. This is my favorite magazine. Lots of interesting stories about how the shops get started, free projects and eye candy to keep you entertained.
I hope everyone has a Happy Mother’s Day & a great weekend!
Good morning everyone! I’m back from a small break.
Last week life left me with an unruly teen, a 17 year old going on 25, post office mishaps, and other nonsense. Life’s sense of humor seems to be to throw all kinds of things toward you at once to see how much you can handle, or how much wine you will actually consume:) Dealing with such issues can be a drain on the creative process. Kinda leaves your head foggy and unable to focus. Which is why I chose to break for a bit.
Daisy seemed to be keeping herself busy though. This was the scene at my house most of the week. Every time I’d put her toys away in her “toybox”…..
she would drag them back out. It looked like I was running a daycare out of my living room!
Lucky for me, I have lots of friends to help me through. One of them being my good friend Shelley, over at Elsie’s Girl. We had a play date on Wednesday and I managed to get most of my Chain Reaction quilt finished. All the blocks are complete. All that’s left is sewing it into rows.
A scrappy modern throw with lot’s of space for Paige to work her quilting magic on. I’m pretty happy with how its turning out.
Next week we should be releasing the Cannon Beach Dresden pattern and kit on Etsy, so look for that coming soon. Paige will be writing up a blog post for it also. Showing us all the awesome quilting she did on it!
And I’ll be hanging with Shelley again next week. We’re going on a local shop hop on Thursday! I’m sure I will have some goodies from the trip to share with ya!
Enjoy your weekend everyone & we’ll talk more then!
SewMod