A few quilts from Mid-Atlantic

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival had some awesome quilts. Overall, the best I have seen in years! This one was fabulous and just my style! Made by Nancy L. Losee. Love the cheddar in the border!

Mary Chalmers of Alexandria, MN made two fabulous crazy quilts.  Amazing work. Above is Crazy with a Twist which won first place for traditional quilts. We are crazy about her twist! 

 Here is a close-up for you to drool over!

 This is a close-up of Mary's other quilt called In Praise of Wool.
Check out Lisa Bongean's blog for a much better picture of In Praise of Wool. What an artist!

Blogger is giving me grief loading photos today, so I will close for now. I know that Mrs. Goodneedle posted photos from Mid-Atlantic also, so check out her blog, From the Strawberry Patch.

More later! 

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Fest

Yesterday was one of those days we quilters wait all year for:  Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival! It is held in Hampton, VA at the Convention Center. I drove up there with my friends Joan and Sue, as usual. We start out together and get separated very quickly as we each see things that interest one of us more than another. So many different things for so many different quilters. Look what I spotted right off the bat--our friend Karen's book, A Bountiful Life! She would have been delighted with the setting as it was nestled in with nice rolls of wool and other cozy things.

 Minutes later I ran into Mrs. Goodneedle! We hugged and visited for a few minutes then met later to visit some more. Love that lady! One of the benefits of blogging is making some wonderful friends, such as Karen and Debbie.

 

 Notice the booth we are in, Attic Heirlooms, and the neat stuff they have. The quilt in the background is awesome. Check out their website. Lots  of wool and primitive, etc.

I ran into another friend, Janna-the president of Bloc-Loc. I met Janna and her husband Paul in Houston at Quilt Market a couple years ago. Their booth was right by mine. They totally sold me on their product and now I can't function without their amazing rulers. Their rulers each have a groove in them that gets placed on the seam line of a half-square triangle so you can trim it accurately. The groove locks in on the seam for greater accuracy. These are perfect for a scrapper like me because I am always trimming down triangles and flying geese. Yes, they have one for flying geese and they keep coming out with new ones. Be sure and check their schedule because they go to shows all over America and if you are a block trimmer you must have these rulers. They are only distributed through Bloc-Loc! I had to get a new 1-1/2" HST size because I left mine in Arizona.

Other purchases? Well, I made out OK. I bought titanium coated sewing machine needles at the Superior Threads booth. I had to get these after watching the very interesting and informative videos on their website. When you have some time you really should watch THESE. At least the ones that look interesting to you.

I also found fabric. Can you believe it? Honestly, I tried to resist, but there were a few that I had to have. Barbara Brackman's Battle Hymn  fabric is wonderful! From Moda Fabric.

One booth that I am always happy to shop is called Traditions of the White Swan. I always come away happy from that booth! They are from Hagerstown, Maryland and have lots of kits on line. Last year I bought the whole collection of fat quarters of Little Pink Stars, and designed a baby quilt that will be in McCall's Quilting magazine--June issue, so keep an eye out! This year I found this darling collection of grey and blue Buggy Barn prints from Henry Glass. I wonder what these will become?

Finally, I broke down and purchased this beautiful basket. I have been looking at these for years each time I go to Quilt-Fest. They are made in Africa and come in all shapes and sizes. The beautiful bag is a gift from my friend Sue Cruthers who made it for my i-pad! Isn't it the cutest thing?! I LOVE it!

All in all, it was a great day! I will post another day with a few quilt photos. There were some awesome quilts this year!

 

 

My Funny Dad

 Happy Birthday to my Dad! He celebrated his 89th birthday yesterday. Or as he says it, "I'm in my 90th year"!

 This photo was taken by my nephew Brock while Dad was in Minnesota last year.

It can be difficult to get a good photo of my Dad because he still likes to make goofy faces for the camera. Dad is a ham! Dad still likes to travel. He plans to fly to Florida soon to go deep sea fishing with one of his grandsons. He has always loved fishing and sports of all kinds. You wouldn't believe that one person could have so many funny stories about GOLF!

 Recently in Arizona we were all sitting outside visiting and my Dad mentioned that he was kind of chilly. Grandson Kyle went into the house and brought him back a Spiderman jacket that Dad promptly put on and zipped up over his face. Can you see the black Spidey eyes? He makes us laugh!

Dad lives in an apartment complex for (old) retired people. He said he didn't like living with all those old people, but he got used to it when he discovered it was easy to catch up to women with walkers. He still drives his car and likes to go on dates. Last week he took a friend who is in her nineties to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform in Phoenix. Her daughter drove them and picked them up, which I thought was very nice, but it also made me laugh because of all the times he drove me and picked me up when I was a kid. Things change, don't they?

We are so lucky to have our Dad around and in such good health. He is a kid at heart with a very generous spirit. He is always optimistic, energetic, enthusiastic and affectionate.  We sure love him!

Knock-knock

 

 Knock, knock. Who's there? Heart. 
Heart who? Heart to hear you knocking.

 Ok, that was a funny one. I found this cute door knocker on Pinterest and today seems like a good day to share it. I hear my husband on the phone talking to our kids about doing an intervention. Seriously, Pinterest is that bad. It is like looking at all the best photos from all the best magazines without all the junk!


Well, here is something that you won't find on Pinterest. Our darling twins are 11 months old. My granddaughter, Becky, keeps a wonderful journal of their every growing moment on her blog. This is what she shared today, and I am sharing it with you, since I haven't given you an update in several months.

 

A wonderful sentiment! (I found it on Pinterest) LOL!

Post Toasties

Does anyone remember that cereal called Post Toasties? Is it still around? I have no idea, but that title came to mind as the weather turned on us last night! I went to bed and snuggled under my electric blanket (don't tell the girls at Primitive Quilts and Projects, but my bedroom is not that primitive)! The wind was battering the house and snow was falling. Snow--here in Virginia Beach. That does not thrill me. So I am being lazy and staying toastie while I post on my blog. Now do you get it?

I made an attempt to put things away in my sewing room. It is a mess. I know I don't have to explain to you quilters how this happens. It is really time for a knock down, drag out fabric fight. In the immortal words of Scarlett O'Hara, "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival is coming our way in a week. The shops are all gearing up in preparation for lots of traffic from out of towners. It is always exciting around here. I have been getting ready also. I am introducing three new patterns. I worked on these while I was in Arizona and have been writing directions and preparing covers.

 Tinder Box 38" sq, Hickory Sticks 19" x 26", Diamond in the Rough 60" x 80"

The covers are on order and the directions are in the works. These will be up on my website soon. Hope you like them!

My Trainer Phone

Woke up this morning wondering where I left my cell phone. First let me explain. I am a new cell phone user. My daughter-in-law decided I should have one and so she put me on her plan. I got a free phone and she pays $10 a month. What a sweetheart she is! I am just a beginner cell phone user, so I don't need anything fancy. I call my phone a "trainer". 

So where did I leave my cell phone. Here's a thought--use the land line and call the cell phone to hear it ring. Yeah, I know it's been done before, but remember, I'm a novice. So I dial my cell number and it rings. I find it, pick it up and turn it off. then I check messages on it. Oh look, my husband called just a minute ago. How did I miss his call? I press "send" to call him back and my house phone rings. Wonder who that can be? Caller ID says it is my cell phone number. Oh these darn hackers! How do they do that?

Maybe I am too blonde for a cell phone.

A Bountiful Life

Just in case you are unaware, let me tell you that Karen Mowery's book, A Bountiful Life, is arriving in quilt shops and bookstores right about now! Karen is a very dear friend of mine and I have been following her closely over the past year or so as she has secretly been preparing this book for publication, and making the quilt as well. I am so in awe of her and her talent! 

 The book is published by Kansas City Star. It is a collection of patterns from the famous Bird of Paradise quilt that is in the American Folk Art Museum. Karen has painstakingly drawn out the pattern for each block and for the extensive applique contained on the borders as well. Karen's adaptation of this quilt closely resembles the original, the exception being that Karen created the block for the missing man. The original artist drew up the block, but then decided to leave that block out for reasons we may never know. But it is truly adorable!

 Several of Karen's friends came to her rescue in appliqueing a block for her. In fact, I appliqued that beautiful bird block in the lower right corner, but sadly, it was rejected! Yes! Can you believe it? Talk about a tough taskmaster! I have never been known for my applique skills, and even tho I thought I did a pretty good job, Karen said my vines were too fat. And I don't want to hear any fat jokes! Anyway, I now have a lovely block to make into a wall hanging or pillow. 

Ask for this book at your LQS. It is also available on line at PickleDish Store and other places. 

Plus, Karen got a glowing review from Jo Morton!

 “In the ongoing effort to preserve our ties to the past, Karen’s book, A Bountiful Life, recreates this fabulous piece of American Folk Art. Like the antique quilt top, it is not quilted but is backed, tied and used as a summer spread or wall hanging. I’m so pleased that the designs are full-size and ready to use; no trips to the copy center to enlarge them. Get ready to begin stitching!” — Jo Morton

I am very excited about this book. It is a masterpiece that I want in my library just for the pictures! And because it is written by my good friend and yours, Karen Mowery!

 

Fun to Learn

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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