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Fun to Learn

2012-01-27T14:23:00.001-05:00

Many, MANY years ago, when I was a girl I was occasionally on a TV program in Buffalo, NY called Fun to Learn. Jeanne Massing was the host of the show and she was also my Mom's best friend. The program was designed to encourage children to create things from whatever they found around the house. Just the other day my brother Rand sent me this photo. Rand is on the left, me in the middle, Jeanne, and Jack Harmson, Rand's friend, on the right. Crafting was quite simple in those days. We had paste and paper and paint and that was about it. Construction paper was also an important element. Jeanne was definitely ahead of her time in DIY TV!

Buffalo, NY was also the television home of the Howdy Doody Show and Buffalo Bob. Great TV that! Things have sure changed, but that really was a fun show for kids. Remember Mr. Bluster and the Indian Princess Summer-Fall-Winter-Spring? Yes, I am revealing my age, but only to those who also remember.

I think I am officially an antique!

Smitten

2012-01-16T15:49:00.001-05:00

Like I need another distraction, but there I go, falling headfirst into Pinterest. I didn't mean to do it, but suddenly I have friends inviting me to join them. How did I know it was another ship sinking me into the depths of timeless pleasure. Somehow the initials OCD seem to surface once again. I have a little Pinterest button on my sideboard now so you can follow me if you dare. Like blogs, you find yourself jumping from one point of interest to another. Unlike blogs, you don't have anything to read, just look at wonderful pictures. Yes, wonderful, amazing photos from many blogs and websites all collected onto "boards" showing the interests of each person who pins them.

Here is one from All People Quilt, at American Patchwork and Quilting. Such a darling idea of rolled up quilts on a shelf.

Another beautiful and interesting photo from Savvy Southern Style. Love it!

Maybe you are looking for a cute home dec idea. They can be found in abundance thru Pinterest. I found this great site today. Check it out.

If you are smart you will set the timer and limit yourself. Take it from one who knows!

Old Soul

2012-01-11T16:21:00.001-05:00

Where have I been? Still in Arizona, if you can believe it. I have a house here in Mesa that I mentioned months ago, and we are very slowly, as money permits, trying to restore it to livable condition. It all takes time, but hopefully we will enjoy it when it is finished. Meanwhile my wonderful daughter-in-law provides me with a room and I occasionally cook something for dinner. Not well known for my culinary skills.

But that all is minor news compared to this! I have a quilt appearing in the Spring issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects! Yes, it's true! First off, let me say what an exciting new magazine this is. They have only been publishing for one year and their issues have been filled with top notch designers that we all admire, including, but not limited to, Lynda Hall, Cheri Payne, Gloria Parsons, Lisa Bongean and now ME!

Here is my quilt, OLD SOUL. I have to say that this is one of the most fun quilts I have ever made. I began it while at my daughter's house and so I dug into her scraps, most of which were my old scraps. Then I came home and added some of my newer scraps. So it is really a mish mash of fabric all tied together with a Jan Patek fabric that I used for the alternate plain squares. But wait, I ran out of that fabric and had to use an additional fabric in a few squares, so all the plain squares don't match. I seriously felt like a pioneer woman, tho I doubt they had this much fun. To top it off, my quilt was beautifully quilted by Rosemary Skinner of Virginia Beach, VA.

If you don't already have a subscription, jump onto the Primitive Quilts and Projects site and get one now! They have offered to give you a free pattern if you subscribe for a year, and two free patterns if you subscribe for two years. Just mention my name, Marcie Patch. There is a comment box when you subscribe. You might also mention that you want to see lots more of my quilts in the future. Just a thought.

Kits will be available from the Fat Quarters Quilt Shop in Vista, CA. Phone:760-758-8308. They also have kits for OLD ELEGANCE--photo on side bar. Check out their website after you order your subscription!

Stockings at last!

2011-12-19T22:36:00.000-05:00

The stockings were stuffed in the mailbox with care, in hopes they would travel to my grandchildren by air! Well it rhymes, but will never be a hit. Yes, I finally got the stockings mailed off to the kids just in the (St.) Nick of time!

All the stockings I have made for my nine grandchildren and two greats have been from denim jeans. You can see the seam that runs down one side. These make nice sturdy, home-style stockings. These stockings were smaller than the others because I had to beg for jeans from a lady who only had skinny ones. What is with that? If this trend continues I will be making crazy patched denim stockings next. Sounds cute, but too many seams. As it is I had to piece the toes, but it doesn't show under the toe patch, or on the back, so it is fine. The applique is all done in wool. This is different from years past as well. I love wool applique!

Just as I was beginning this project my Jan. 2012 issue of McCall's Quick Quilts arrived in the mail, and there was a cute snowman quilt in it. I used the pattern for those snowmen on my stockings. Great timing!

I seriously wondered if these stockings would ever get done this year. I am itching to sew on other projects, but that may not happen for a while. Christmas is just around the corner and I am all for deep breathing and relaxing when possible! January will be here soon enough and then I can become a serious sewer again.

I made up this cute little pot for my sister. It contains a sprouting Amaryllis, which my mother always loved, along with a little Christmas trim. I think she will enjoy watching it grow. Have you ever had one? They are so pretty!

Merry Christmas friends! I have appreciated all the nice words of comfort and love sent my way this past year. I am constantly amazed at the wonderful friends I have made out there, and most of you I have never even met! May the blessings of the holidays warm your homes and your hearts.

Marcie

Celebrating Chocolate, er...Christmas

2011-12-16T15:48:00.001-05:00

Chocolate lovers unite! The Christmas baking has begun! So how many ways are you baking with chocolate this holiday season? Me? That's all I can think of. Chocolate Chip Cookies is the basic in our family. Not Christmasy at all, but essential. Chocolate Crinkles with a little crushed candy cane on top were baked this morning. Then Peanut Butter Pinwheels, a peanut butter cookie with melted chocolate chips swirling in the center. Anna Marie made No-Bake Chocolate Drop Cookies, with cocoa, oatmeal, peanut butter, etc. Then let's not forget the Hershey's Kisses and the colorful Christmas M&Ms!

Hmmm, what will we bake next? Any ideas? What are your favorites, chocolate or otherwise?

Picks from the Past

2011-12-10T12:26:00.002-05:00

Remember this quilt? I showed it way back when. This month it is showing up in the Feb. 2012 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting! I am so pleased to be published in this great magazine. It has long been one of my favorites!

I don't have this magazine, but have seen that some of you have received your issue. Since I am not at home to receive mine in the mail, I need to go on a search today to try and find it.

This is what the cover looks like, depending on where you live. It seems they couldn't decide which quilt they wanted on the cover. I would have been happy to help them make that decision. No brainer, right? LOL!

Anyway, I am thrilled with the photos of my quilt in this magazine. They really know what they are doing at APandQ.

By the way, the quilt was made primarily of Marcus Fabrics Civil War Chronicles by Judie Rothermel. Such a fabulous line of fabric! I previously called it Celebration Stars in honor of Marcus Fabrics 100 years in business.

Just so you know, Christmas music is filling the house here in Arizona. But since the most influential person here is 15 year old Danielle, we are listening to Justin Bieber's Christmas album. If only I could get it out of my head!

Marcie

Light Up My Life!

2011-12-05T18:24:00.002-05:00

I love this photo so much! Whenever I need a pick-me-up I just go to Becky's blog and my day brightens. I look at this photo and I think, "Joy to the world"! There can be nothing more beautiful than healthy, happy, smiling babies. These cuties just turned 9 months old.

Most of my readers know that Becky is my granddaughter and these little lovies are hers. She shares them with the world on her blog, which is sometimes educational, sometimes ridiculous, and sometimes hilarious. Just as we quilters are connecting with our blogs, young mothers are doing the same and offering support and information, funny stories and lots of photos. For grandparents who live far away it is the most wonderful thing! The first thing my husband does when he comes home from work is check Becky's blog for new photos. Becky loves to write and has a whacky sense of humor, plus, she has lots to write about. Also, she has been known to make things up if it is a slow day. I love my family so, so much, and everyone of my children and grandchildren is a blessing to me and so special in their own way.

Thanks to all my wonderful blogging friends for your kind words and prayers in recent days. It means so much to me to know that you would take the time to write and send your love.

Lots more good stuff coming up!

Marcie

Matthew

2011-12-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

My normally upbeat blog report is tempered by the loss of my son. He passed away November 10. I haven't really wanted to discuss it, and still don't, as it is so personal, and I do not have an open book policy on my life. Just suffice it to say that I am at peace with it and I know he is being tended to by our loving Father in Heaven. Still, I feel his loss deeply. He was 42 years old and left behind a wonderful wife and two great kids. I am with them now and will be here in Arizona until after Christmas. It is not necessary to comment on any of this, I have trouble talking about it. My next post will be back to the normal things. I need to get back to the normal things.

Marcie

Spaced Out

2011-11-28T13:51:00.000-05:00

Have fallen off the planet.

Trying to reach NASA but no answer.

Seeking God.

Annual Ornament Feature

2011-10-30T12:58:00.002-04:00

Getting a jump on Christmas and making ornaments for my grandkids. This is a tradition I began with my own children, and as they had children I continued with the grands. Oh there have been a few years where I didn't follow through, but that was before my grandson, 15 at the time, said that he loved to decorated the tree and find all his ornaments that I had made him through the years. When I discovered that it really meant something to him, a teenage boy no less, my heart was touched! Let's face it. we love to make things. It's in our blood or something. But if no one appreciates what we are doing it kind of takes the heart out of it. We all love a little recognition, right?

So here is this years simple little offering. The pattern was in American Patchwork and Quilting magazine December 2011 issue. It is a pattern by Sue Spargo that I adapted to my own needs. Hers is wonderful, but I needed something that was easier to mass produce because I needed so many. Years ago I made felt ornaments every year. In those days my mom would design the pattens and she always made them for everyone. Now I am working with wool, but I still had a nice big hunk of heavy white felt from "the old days" that worked well for the background. So I am happy to say that the ornies are done for this year!! Now I need to design and make four Christmas Stockings! Boy, these kids expect a lot!

On another note, someone telephoned me the other day to ask if I take credit cards for my pattern purchases. I do not. My website is set up to accept Paypal, which is so easy to use, and safe as well. If you haven't tried it, do so on something inexpensive, like one of my patterns, just to get the feel of it. If you are uncomfortable doing that and you don't want the hassle of mailing a check, you can always call this number: 757-523-2711. It is the local shop here in Virginia Beach (What's Your Stitch 'N Stuff) and they carry ALL my patterns. They also often have kits available for at least one or two of my patterns. It changes. Of course I also mentioned two shops in my previous post that have kits for Old Elegance, and naturally they have that pattern as well, plus other Patchalot Patterns.
Seems like I am doing a lot of self promotion lately. Well I ask you, who else is gonna do it? LOL!

If you are living in snow country and got blasted yesterday, my condolences. We actually turned on the furnace for the first time last night. I hope this winter it is not going to be a repeat of last winter. Warm wishes to all!

Update! Please!

2011-10-24T05:21:00.001-04:00

I just noticed that my post from yesterday did not update so I am trying again and adding a cute picture to boot! Be sure to see the post previous to this one!

Aren't these guys ridiculously cute?

Cocheco IV Fabric and Kits!

2011-10-23T17:04:00.001-04:00

I just came home from the grocery store and am collapsing for a few minutes. My husband is expecting an apple pie. But before I begin that I need to catch my breath. I left several bags of groceries at the foot of the stairs by the garage. Our kitchen is on the third floor and it about kills me to carry heavy bags up there. I just carry the frozen and refrigerated stuff up and then Hubby gets the rest later. What a plan, huh?

Here it is again, Old Elegance. I am excited about this quilt being displayed at the Marcus Fabric booth at Quilt Market in Houston. I know you have all heard this before, if you read my blog. The additional great news is that there will be kits available at two fabulous shops. Coincidentally, both are AP&Q top shops!

When I called Michelle Joyner of Fat Quarters Quilt Shop in Vista, California she was very enthusiastic about my pattern because she had ordered this fabric line from Marcus. She now has the fabric and the pattern in stock so hopefully kits are in the works! You can reach her shop at 760-758-8308. Also see the link to find out what other great things are in the shop. I had the pleasure of visiting this shop several years ago and love it!

Another great shop, and closer to home for me, is Millstone Quilts, right here in Virginia. Millstone Quilts was just featured in the most recent issue of Quilt Sampler magazine. You probably have the magazine so you can take a look at how darling the shop looks. Regina Simmons is the owner and when I spoke to her she decided to order the fabric so she could make up kits. You can contact this shop at 804-779-3535. Wow, make my day!

I can't tell you how delighted I am to have these two great shops kitting up this pattern! It gives me the opportunity to share this pattern with you kitted in the original fabric pictured in the photo. I hope you love it and give one of these great shops a call!

Also, you can purchase the pattern individually at the Patchalot Patterns website, or ask for it at your LQS. I am always happy to take shop orders!

Smiley Babies

2011-10-21T11:28:00.002-04:00

I haven't shared photos of the boys lately. Granddaughter Becky posted exceptional photos today on her blog, so I swiped a couple. I can't wait to get my hands on these babies! Isn't this a cute family photo?

I love this one because they are both smiling at the same time and they always smile with their mouths wide open. They just turned 7 months two weeks ago. They are such happy babies! Just don't ask me which is which.

On another note, I was in the LQS, What's Your Stitch 'N Stuff, the other day and they have a darling kit for sale. It is of the ever popular tumbler blocks, pre-cut with the Accucut Studio Cutter. Very handy, don't you think? It is mostly from the Howard Marcus Quilt Collections for a Cause, I believe. Lovely shades of pink and brown--a personal favorite of mine! Give them a call at 757-523-2711 if you are interested. The quilt will finish at 54" x 72" and sells for $79.99. And it is all pre-cut! Just thought I would share, since it caught my eye.

I am still putting in lots of time at the computer doing so much busy work. I am dying to really spend some quality time in my sewing room. How do I cut the cord to the computer I want to know? When I first got it I never realized that it would take over my life!

Have a happy day!

DOLL CLOTHES

2011-10-18T13:57:00.001-04:00

Some people enjoy making doll clothes. I am not one of them. Just let me make quilts day in and day out. But we bought my granddaughter an American Girl Doll for Christmas last year, so naturally I enjoy providing for her. My daughter sent me a link to an Etsy shop that I flipped over. The shop belongs to Terri Wilson, and if you are in the market for beautifully made outfits for an American Girl Doll, or any doll of that size, you must check out this site.

This is the dress that I chose to buy for MYSELF! This dress is from Terri's historical section. If you need a doll dress to fit an era, Terri has it! This little dress comes with an Abe Lincoln button and the Emancipation Proclamation. I am afraid I may have to buy a doll for myself now. She has so many adorable clothes that fit the 17th Century.

And below is the outfit I bought for my granddaughter (formerly know as The Plumpkin). How cute is this? And it comes with the saddle shoes! Also see the Poodle Skirts!

If you are looking for a gift for a little girl, or an adult with a doll habit, take a look at Terri's Etsy Shop. You won't be disappointed. She has a larger variety than you will find at the American Girl website. Love their dolls! Love Terri's doll clothes!

Oh look! She has doll quilts too! I think she is one of us!

And here is our own American Girl Doll! All dressed up and ready to party! Of course she is taking her own picture with the phone, just like the big girls do!

Thanks for reading my blog! It is fun to share.

Helpful Hands

2011-10-02T18:22:00.000-04:00

Just checking in to say hello. I have been madly writing directions for my quilt, Old Elegance, as I have named it. That is the one I showed back HERE made in the brown and blue Cocheco Mills IV fabric from Marcus Fabrics. The worst part of writing directions, for me, is figuring the fabric requirements. I always worry that I may have forgotten something. Hopefully that is not the case! I know people count on accurate instructions. The thing is, when I make a quilt I just cut and cut and it is not until later that I have to figure out how much yardage I used. I realize that people need to know that!

The good news for me is that my dear friend Mary Flynn at Quilt Hollow got my quilt quilted and back to me in record time! I am so pleased with it. She always does beautiful work!

For those of you that may be interested in buying a kit for this quilt, please come back later and I can tell you of a couple shops that will be kitting it once the fabric arrives. Don't know about this sideways shot! Blame Blogger.

I managed to make a few blocks for Johna'Lee at the Scrappy Appleyard for the patriotic comfort quilts she is making. Check out her blog for more information. I know she would be so happy to receive blocks from anyone who cares to contribute. They are for the family of a fallen soldier (her daughter's fiance) and his best friend.

The weekend is almost over. I am going to watch some TV while I stitch down the binding on Old Elegance. The rush is on to get it to Marcus Fabrics along with the pattern in time for Houston Quilt Market. Will I make it? Come back in a few days for a progress report.

By the way, is anyone willing to share the longest amount of time they have continued to stitch after the bobbin thread ran out? Just curious. Not that it ever happened to me or anything...

Lost in the Fabric

2011-09-25T18:47:00.002-04:00

We have had a very rainy weekend here.I was content to spend the time in my sewing room playing with fabric. First I spent time on EQ7 designing a medallion quilt. I meticulously sized each border around the center so that I would know just how to proceed with the cutting. Then I sorted through my fabric carefully choosing each piece. I knew I wanted some cheddar in the center and so I added it to the star and corner points. Oh yeah, I liked that a lot!

As I began adding the next round I found that I was spending way too much time making these decisions. Just when I thought I had it figured out another fabric jumped in and I had to change my mind. Finally I pulled this star off the design wall and made a new one.

I didn't plan on the inner border of blue, but as you can see, the blue got its way. After I added the hourglass blocks and another thin border strip I planned another pieced border. But before I knew what was happening, this striped fabric of blue and red jumped into the action. Seriously, this fabric was not in the equation, but I am merely a servant of the cloth, so in it went. The final border was a fabric that I had been wanting to add since the beginning, and in fact, the center of the star is from this fabric. There is just enough blue in this fabric, along with red, green, brown, tan, etc., for it to work--at least I hoped it would still work. Not being certain enough on that point, I ended up cutting borders of two other fabrics which, in the end, I rejected for my original choice. Do you care? Probably not, but I am hammering this our regardless because you have the choice to stop reading at any point.

I kept looking at that border fabric and telling myself that there was not enough fabric. Finally I got something right! There was not enough fabric! But at this point destiny had taken control and we (me and the fabric) decided it was a go, and so we added hourglass corners, because that would conserve several inches of fabric, and we pieced in other dark fabric on two border pieces because that is what Libby would have done. Right? And I do love that look of substitution. (Did you even notice?)

So much for my idea with the cheddar. I may have to start this exercise all over again with the cheddar block!

Back to the topic of rain, did I ever tell the story of how our bedroom ceiling collapsed during Hurricane Irene? Well, thank heavens the leak that caused all the problem is finally fixed. Our bedroom has a covered deck above it, and somehow the water was so torrential and the wind was so strong that it blew the water sideways under the deck until there was enough water that the ceiling collapsed. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the leak was immediately below where a squirrel had built a nest under the floor of the deck. He/she ate through an inch of blacktop on the roof and then began chewing on the board below it.

The black pieces that you see are the blacktop roofing that was chewed up, and the straw looking stuff is shredded wood from the board beneath. There is also something that looks like quilt batting which, I promise you, I did not give him! The wire that is sticking out of the nest was pushed up from the bedroom ceiling where we could actually see daylight! Don't talk to me about cute little squirrels!

It is still raining and we are glad to be dry. Tomorrow I have an appointment with the eye doctor and will be reminded once again that I am not getting any younger. My solution is to follow Martin Short's advice from "The Three Amigos" and "sew old woman, sew like the wind"! Another great quote from this movie, taking place in Mexico, is, "Do you have anything here besides Mexican food"? I believe that one was Steve Martin.

Stars of Comfort

2011-09-22T13:44:00.001-04:00

Most of us go through our daily lives without being too much affected by what is going on in Iraq or Afghanistan. We may voice support of our troops and wave our flags, but by and large our life goes on as before. I know many of you have given service in the form of making quilts, etc. Quilters seem to be, by nature, comforters. They care when they see those in need, and try to provide comfort by creating a tangible object in the form of a quilt that someone can wrap up in an hopefully feel the comfort that it provides, knowing that it was made with love. It may not solve problems, but it does show that people care. And we do care!

How long have quilters been stitching stars?

I am mentioning this today because my friend, John'aLee has put a call out for star blocks to make patriotic quilts. Sadly, her daughter Tory lost her fiance in Afghanistan recently. She is grieving and in deep pain. Her mother, a quilter, wants to bring comfort in the form of a quilt for Tory and for the parents of her fiance, as well as his best friend who was there at his side when he died. If you would like to contribute a star block or two please go to The Scrappy Appleyard blog for more information. Block info can be found HERE. We all know that many hands make light work. Thank you.

How Many Quilters???

2011-09-20T11:45:00.001-04:00

I had to call an electrician last week because the light in the bathroom just wouldn't stay on. It would work for a week, then not work for a week, then work for a week, etc. Finally I made the dreaded call to bring in the experts. Surely there was a short in the wiring or something. No, that wasn't it. Turns out the bulb was the wrong wattage and finally burned out. You know where it says inside the lamp, "don't use a bulb with watt higher than...". Well I ignored that advice. The electrician replaced the bulb with a lower watt and went on his way, laughing, no doubt. How many quilters does it take to screw in a light bulb? None, we are busy with other things. My husband said he told everyone at work this story and I told him he should be ashamed of himself, he didn't even TRY to fix it! Talk about burned out!

So what have I been so engrossed in? Well, my friend Pati at Marcus Fabrics sent me a parcel of fabric and asked if I wanted to make a quilt for their booth at Houston Quilt Market.

I am not sure if I should be posting this because it isn't even on their website yet, so don't tell anyone, but here are a few pieces of the new Cocheco Mills fabric by Judie Rothermel. They have had four versions of this and I think this is the prettiest one yet! This fabric will be available in October. Watch for it!

And here is what I have done with it. I used the larger brown floral for the borders and the corners in the star block. I brought in creams and shirtings and the tan fabric from other Marcus lines to complete the quilt. It is very old and romantic looking in person. Now I can take a deep breath and get it off to be quilted! I will show more of this when I get a pattern out, hopefully by the end of October.

Hope you are all enjoying nice fall weather!

September Stitches

2011-09-01T11:04:00.001-04:00

September first! How can this be? Hurricane Irene has come and gone. We didn't suffer much damage, thankfully. There are many that did, and to those we offer prayers and good wishes.

My sewing room looks like a hurricane hit it, but that is nothing new! I was hoping to dig into a UFO and finish something substantial, but another project came up and now I am feverishly making 9-patch blocks for a new quilt design in an effort to get it done for quilt market in October. I actually love deadlines. They get me moving!

I recently got this project back from the framer. It is by Blackbird Designs. I love the way they encourage you to honor your ancestors or others who have touched your life by including their name in a sampler. This one has the name of my great-grandmother, Kate Spencer North. I love samplers, but being a novice at this, and rather ill informed, I didn't realize the photo on the pattern was done in a variegated type of thread, but I liked the look of it, so I changed thread colors here and there to try to achieve the same effect. Silly me! My own accidental original!

Can you feel the chill in the air? The switch gets flipped on September first. Fall is around the corner.

A Little Sharing

2011-08-21T16:27:00.001-04:00

Once in a while I get emails from people who have completed one of my patterns. I don't always get the time to show them all, but I got two recently that I want to share.

This little cutie was made by Christelle Taquet. I happened to hear from Christelle because I saw another quilt that she made posted on Lynda Hall's blog, Primitive Pieces. I commented on how much I liked it and then heard from Christelle that she made one of my little quilts (Medallion Doll Quilt, above) and is working on another one. Apparently Christelle lived in Virginia Beach for a while and before moving back to France she stocked up on supplies at What's Your Stitch n Stuff, a LQS. Among her purchases were a few of my kits! It makes me happy to think of her in France stitching along on Patchalot Patterns! Thanks for sharing Christelle!

I also heard from Michelle Condon, a fellow blogger from Quilts and Stuff. Michelle was in Millstone Quilts, in Mechanicsville, Virginia recently and bought a few of my patterns. She wrote to tell me about it, then later sent this picture of Stitchin' Time that she had completed! Nice job Michelle! By the way, Millstone Quilts will be featured in the next edition of the Quilt Shop Sampler magazine by Better Homes and Gardens (the American Patchwork and Quilting people). I always love to see the great shops they feature in that magazine!

On another front, I had the pleasure of speaking to the Colonial Quilt Lovers Guild yesterday in Camden, North Carolina. I had such a great time and really felt welcomed in their midst! My husband asked if I was going to another support group, and yes, it is something like that, except we kind of encourage each other in our addictive habits. I spoke a little bit while I showed my quilts. Heaven knows that is an easy format for me! I also have to say how impressed I am with the good work they are doing in supplying quilts to Project Linus, and baby quilts to a local hospital as well. Quilters just overwhelm me with their goodness and generosity! Thanks ladies for a great day!

The Joy of Reading

2011-08-18T22:39:00.000-04:00

I have spent far too much time playing with my Ipad of late and consequently have not read as much as usual. I enjoy my books too much to let them be overshadowed by ever changing electronic gadgets. Not to say I don't enjoy my Ipad. I do! I also enjoy reading books on it, but it is not the same as gripping an actual book and turning the pages. Plus I haven't outgrown the need to peruse the shelves of bookstores, or scan through the best sellers at Sam's Club or Costco. Many times my husband and I read the same books, and then I often send them to my dad or my children. Good books are meant to be shared!

Recently I finished reading Dreams of Joy, by Lisa See. This is a great book! Fascinating and frightening in its historical setting in Red China. It follows the journey of Joy, the daughter of Pearl and May in the book Shanghai Girls. You really must read Shanghai Girls first! Lisa See is an American of Chinese descent. Her family's history is amazing (On Gold Mountain) and she draws on this history and their experiences in her writings. I often see books reviewed on blogs that I read, and I find that helpful and enjoyable, so I thought I would add my 2 cents worth.

And then there are QUILT STORIES! I love them! I read two good ones on blogs recently. There are probably lots more out there, but I am not straying very far afield these days. Check these out for good reading, I know you will love them:

Sweet Home Quilt Company by Melisa Morrison
Bunny Hill by Anne Sutton

Please let me know if you see other stories I can add to this collection.

And here are those darling twins again. Can you believe how they are growing! Coming up on 5 months old!

Summer Progresses

2011-08-16T12:07:00.000-04:00

I was perusing Ebay the other day and look what I found! Not only that, I won the bid for it, so I am now the proud owner of a really straggly, well used, deteriorating old quilt! And so why did I buy it? It was advertised as a cutter quilt, for one thing, and I had to save it from that fate! Also I love the old indigos on the pink. A wonderful combination!

At first glance I thought the block in the lower left was a square of dark fabric! But no, it is a shoofly block with literally no contrast! Do you think quilters of old did this just to be playful as we do today? These blocks are 9" squares. I adore the zig-zag setting! Now here is the funny part, to me at least. It is virtually the same pattern as my Pioneer Trail!

Pioneer Trail done in prairie colors, but the exact same block and setting! And here I thought I designed this pattern! Seriously, "nothing new under the sun", as they say!

Meanwhile, back in the sewing room there is little to report. Little blocks that is. These are three inch blocks. Simple enough for even me to accomplish without much sweat! A new design in the works!

CONTENTED QUILTS

2011-08-05T20:05:00.001-04:00

Long time no blog. We all know how time flies so there is no point in bemoaning that fact. I was in Arizona for a couple weeks in July and then had company when I came home. Fill in a little of the normal ebb and flow and there you are--a full time life! So that's a good thing, right?

I have to confess, I finally got a few more of Barbara Brackman's Civil War blocks done. I know I am way behind many of you, but I am OK with that. I do what I can do. I am not competitive in that way. I am remembering the Carnation Milk commercial from when I was a kid that talked about their milk coming from "contented cows". Does anyone remember that? So I make "contented quilts"! It's good!

This is a photo of my darling cousin Brenda. I was visiting at her house in Arizona and she pulled out this quilted coat that belonged to her husband's grandmother (I think it was). This coat is so beautifully made! It is a treasure! I just had to share it with you who read my blog. It is museum quality!

Since I am feeling so contented I thought I would show a quilt that I made a number of years ago while living in Issaquah, Washington. The Good Will in Seattle had an auction where they auctioned off any quilts or parts thereof that had been donated. Of course they advertised the event to the local quilt guilds and it was always mobbed. My husband took me downtown and we ended up bidding on a few things. I won the bidding on this stack of vintage Dresden Plate blocks. They were all appliqued onto muslin squares that were really in bad shape. I picked them off this nasty muslin (that I wish I had kept because old soiled looking muslin is all the rage now) and I restitched them onto clean muslin squares. I found the yellow gingham that so closely matches the yellow in the blocks, and happily stitched the whole thing into a quilt! I even hand quilted it, something I never do anymore for lack of time! This summer I placed this quilt on my bed for the first time and am using it! I guess I was too worried in the past to take any chances with it. But this summer I am feeling contented, so I brought it out to enjoy.

Just check out these great fabrics! What do you think, 1930's or 40's?

I know those of you in the US are feeling the heat! This summer has given us record temperatures across the country. Keep cool and contented wherever you are!

Progress

2011-07-21T13:05:00.001-04:00

Can it actually be July 21st? I just returned from Arizona, land of heat waves and dust storms and also my family. I have a very nice LA quilter there who finished up three little quilts for me. This one I made years ago and uncovered it recently and decided that my new little granddaughter could use it while she is still so small, then later have it as a doll quilt. It is 30" square, so she will not use it for long, probably. The quilting is adorable and really makes it, so I hope you can view it close up. I hate to see unfinished tops languishing in boxes. The colorful border gives this just the right finish. It makes me smile to have it done!

Also, thanks to Carol at Brown Quilts, I got going on patriotic pillow cases. After making a couple to send Carol for her friend's cause (distributing to hospitalized soldiers) I decided my grandkids needed them also. You know how easy it is to make several while you are on a roll? I bought some fabric and used up some from my stash. That wavy flag fabric has been around for years! If you would like to use up some of your patriotic fabric for a good cause, hurry and make a pillowcase or two to send Carol.

My main purpose in going to Arizona in heat that is over 100 degrees was to make some decisions on a house that we own there. Our renters moved out and since we are so close to retirement we are fixing it up for us to move into...eventually, but not immediately. This is what it looks like now. We tore down a wall here and really opened it up. I was trying all kinds of paint colors and I finally chose one that I hope will work. None of those in the photo, however. I seem to know what I am doing with fabric colors, but when it comes to paint I am a disaster. It never looks the way you expect it will and then it changes to different colors as the light changes. I seriously am praying that I picked a good color because they are going to paint all the walls in the whole house that color!

Meanwhile, the twins passed their 4 month mark! We celebrate every day with new pictures on Becky's blog. (Oh right, so today she doesn't have any!)

Most of the country is under a heat wave, so stay cool my friends!

Liberty Belles

2011-07-04T18:56:00.001-04:00

No company here today, making it pretty much business as usual. My husband made the astute remark that the only thing that makes holidays worth celebrating is KIDS! Our kids may as well live on another planet. So today we went out for lunch at a less than desirable place, the best one being closed. Then I went to my sewing room to turn this little cross stitch project into a pillow.

I worked up this little project during the winter. It is called Liberty Belles (love the name) by Little House Needleworks. I have so many little stitcheries that have not been turned into anything finished, so I am happy to get this one done. I had just enough big rick-rack left from an earlier project to add to the two ends.

It is getting dark earlier than usual tonight and I just heard this huge crash outside and thought maybe someone lit off a stick of dynamite. But no, it is thunder cracking loudly close by. People have been staking their claim to spots on the beach all day long and our street is lined with many more cars than usual. There are always wonderful fireworks at the beach on the 4th of July, and now it is raining. I feel sad for all the people and especially the kids who look forward to this big event. I wonder if the fireworks will get rained out?

Hope all you Americans are having a happy holiday!

It's a Grand Old Flag

2011-07-02T20:39:00.001-04:00

I love pictures with flags! This one happens to be my grandfather, I think around 1907. Just guessing by his age. How do you like that outfit? I wouldn't be surprised if he was marching in a parade that day.

Wally Winspear, about 1907

I just was visiting Minick and Simpson's blog and they have a link to Jimmie Cagney dancing his heart out. Honestly, you should go see the video, it is awesome! I remember watching his movies when I was a kid and they had the old movies on late at night. I watched a lot of the old black and whites when I was up babysitting or whatever. Cagney made Oscar winning Yankee Doodle Dandy in 1942. Some of those old movies just can't be beat, even in black and white!

This is my darling granddaughter, Danielle, taken at our house a few years ago. Another flag waver! The quilt behind her is a favorite old pattern from Little Quilts!

Here is a quilt of my own design that McCall's published last summer. It is called American Dreamer and Minick and Simpson designed the fabric. They really do patriotic well! I mentioned once before in a blog post how active they have been in providing quilts for the military and funds as well. They are awesome! I can't tell you how much respect I have for them!

You can help too, just click this link for Quilts of Valor to find out more.

So I just wanted to share a little bit this 4th of July weekend! Hope it is a good one for you and yours!

A New Baby and a Quilt, of course

2011-06-28T14:06:00.001-04:00

When I was in Utah last month (yes, it was only last month!) I mentioned to my son that the quilt hanging on the wall was looking wrinkled at the top and the rod appeared to be bent. He jumped up and said, "well, this is why!"

Isaac loves to hide behind it and then surprise everyone!

And now look who came home and surprised Isaac! A new little sister! She was born Friday, June 24, and named Eleanor Louise Patch, after my husband's mother, Eleanor, and my mother, Louise. Quite a handle for one so small.

As you might imagine, I have been working on a baby quilt for her. The above photo shows my favorite spot for pressing pieces as I go. It is right outside my sewing room and very handy.

And this is the finished top! It would have been nice to have finished it BEFORE little Eleanor was born, but there were too many other things that jumped to the head of the line. I think it turned out sweet tho. I love pink, and already had several pink FQs set aside from a Blue Hill Fabric line called Little Pink Stars. Plus I added another one or two from my stash. Quilt delivery is scheduled for mid-July, after it gets quilted!.

The Great Unwashed

2011-06-19T18:33:00.001-04:00

The phrase, "The great unwashed" is a term coined well before my time, and I am using it only in regard to the washing of quilts. You know I love to play with words.

So tell me, what is your opinion on washing fabric before sewing it into quilts? Or how do you feel about washing quilts? And at which point do you decide they should be washed?

When I first began making quilts I would wash every piece of fabric that I bought. I thought it wise to wash the loose color out of it and shrink it before sewing with it. When I began teaching I always recommended that my students do the same. After we moved to Virginia I discovered that the employees in the LQS were telling everyone, no, they didn't have to do that. It took me a while to adapt to that, but I began to see what they were trying to achieve: they liked the fabric to shrink a little and give the quilt a vintage look. At this point I really began dealing exclusively with Civil War reproductions, and I wanted to achieve that vintage look also. And it was lots easier to not wash and iron the fabric!

Recently I made a queen size quilt using 100% cotton fabric and 100% cotton batting. I wanted that bubbly look that a washed quilt sometimes gets. After washing and drying, I placed the quilt back on my bed and was astounded at how much smaller it seemed. I measured it and discovered that it shrank about six inches! I was not happy about that. I guess in the past I haven't noticed any shrinkage, but on this one it was pretty obvious. And I was using 100% cotton everything, so what did I expect?

The lesson here is an easy one: if you use all cotton be prepared for shrinkage! But more than that, it also made me aware that as a pattern designer I need to adjust the sizes of my patterns. Instead of stating that a quilt is 90 inches square, I need to add "prior to washing".

I bet many of you have had similar experiences. Am I right?

This morning when I stepped out of the shower I discovered that I had not replaced my bath towel that was thrown into the wash yesterday, making me "the great undried", right? Seriously, I need a caretaker.

The quilt in the photo is Cocheco Gardens, available on my website, using all Marcus Fabrics. Be sure and see their newest Cocheco III line that is all pink and brown! Love it!

And We Have A Winner!

2011-06-16T22:00:00.008-04:00

Doesn't it feel good to be a winner? Well, I rarely win anything myself, so I gives me great pleasure to be able to give someone else the thrill of winning this book. You will love it!

I know that Tara Lynn Darr worked her little heart out writing this book and making all these darling little quilts! Follow the link below and you can see all the cute quilts in the book. I wish I could give one to each of you! So let me just say this, if you like to make little quilts, you should really buy it!

Everyone except Robyn because Robyn won the book!

Robyn *Ü* said...: Oh my gosh! Those babies are too cute. I'd love to win one of them :) but since that's not possible I would also love to win one of Tara's books.

Congratulations Robyn! Send me your address and I will send Simply Charming off to you!

Check out Robyn's blog and all the neat things she is making!

And Happy Quilting to all!

Oh what the heck, why not throw in baby pictures!