Making Blocks for Boston for BMQG

I spent the weekend making
Blue, Yellow, Grey and White blocks
for the Boston Modern Quilt Guild effort

Starting with a Mariners Compass,
 it is one of my favorite blocks

 I know it's not very modern,
but I liked it and
hope someone else will too!

Then using one of my newest books....

I made three more blocks....

Diamond Ripples

Follow the Leader


and
Seeing Double

Think I'll keep going...


If you are interested in making blocks to
"Quilts For Boston"
effort please check out
the BMQG blog for details.

Quilts for Boston

I've tried for several days to write this post,

still feeling numb from the events that unfolded

at the Boston Marathon.

You see I was sitting at my sewing machine working 

on my Winter Taupe quilt when I received a text from my daughter

"Somethings happened at the finish line, I'm fine"

 I turned on the tv and my heart sank.

My daughter was volunteering at the medical tent

as part of her college experience.

I am so thankful she was unharmed and was able

to help those in need.

As a quilter there are ways to help others and 

the best way is to do what we do best...

make blocks and quilts.

I am please to share the fact that 

The Boston Modern Quilt Guild is asking for help

in making blocks and quilts for the survivors of the

Boston Marathon bombings.

Check the BMQG blog for the details

Blocks are due by May 24, 2013

SO let's do what we do best...

Let's Quilt.

Winners Announced ...

Announcing the Winners of 

Jennifer Chiaverini's book "The Giving Quilt" and Pins

Jennifer Walston

and

Linda Long

Congratulations!

Please contact me ...

Winter Taupe Snow Days quilt coming together....

Next step in the process...

Trimming the embroidered blocks....

Stitching up my Japanese taupe fabrics....

Bringing the embroidery into the pieced taupe blocks....

It's coming together ....

Loving this process!

Now the big dilemma ...How to Quilt it?

Any Suggestions?

"The Giving Quilt" by Jennifer Chiaverini ... Giveaway!

A few weeks ago Plume Books contacted me to see if I would be interested

in offering my blog readers a special give away ...

Ummm .... YES!

From Plume Books: 

Thanksgiving inspires generosity once a year, but what happens to the spirit of giving on the other 364 days? In THE GIVING QUILT, now available in paperback from Plume, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini takes a page from her own life to deliver an emotional and poignant story very close to her heart. As a long-time member and advocate of Project Linus, an organization dedicated to providing handmade quilts and blankets to children in need, Jennifer decided to donate a very unique and special gift—a prime spot in one of her bestselling novels.

At Elm Creek Manor, the circle of quilters is hard at work preparing for “Quiltsgiving.” Held annually the week after Thanksgiving, expert and novice quilters from near and far gather for a special winter session of quilt camp to make pieces for Project Linus. As the week unfolds, the quilters respond to the question, “Why do you give?” in ways as varied as the life experiences that drew them to Elm Creek Manor. Each of the quilters, including a librarian, a teacher, a college student, and a quilt shop clerk, uses her unique talents to teach, inspire, and give back to her fellow campers.

With numerous New York Times bestsellers, Chiaverini is undoubtedly one of the masters of both modern and historical women’s fiction. Year after year, Chiaverini’s stories remain beloved by fans and praised by critics.

Jennifer is my favorite author, love how she draws you into the story,

I feel like I know Sylvia and Sarah, 

and all of the nooks and crannies of Elm Creek Manor!

"The Giving Quilt" is now available in paperback, 

and Plume Books was kind enough to send me 

a few copies to offer as a give away!

If you are interested in receiving a copy of "The Giving Quilt"

and a special enameled Elm Creek Quilt Pin!!

Just leave me a comment (make sure I can contact you!)

The giveaway will close on April 18th at midnight (East Coast time)
Please enter only once!

Good Luck!

New book by an old Friend ...

Most of you that follow my blog know that I belong

to the Silver City Quilt Guild...

The SCQG is full of wonderful women who are so willing to share

their talents and knowledge with others

especially one .... Jessica.

Jessica was our guild president back in 2007, 

she worked very hard to bring the guild up to date with all things "techy"!

She started our web page, got us on Yahoo, made everyone sit in a circle

at one guild meeting and really introduce themselves...

To me she really brought the guild closer together 

and made it what it is today.

Not too long after her presidency she and her husband relocated

to the New York area and started a family.

I was very sad to see her go, she brought

youth and enthusiasm in to the guild. 

Well I am so happy to see that she has written a book!

Jessica always had an English Paper Piecing project with her,

so it stands to reason her book ... Yup!

English Paper Piecing!

That will be released on June 11, 2013!

I've already pre-ordered my copy!

If it's anything like Jessica it will be a treasure!

To see more check out her blog:

lifeunderquilts.blogspot.com/

My very Best to You Jess!

You Go Girl!

Rhododendron Needlers Quilt Show

Belonging to a quilting guild is a fabulous experience,
it exposes you to many different ideas, techniques and talented ladies!

This past weekend one of the guilds I belong to
 RNQG held their biannual quilt show.

With over 130 quilts on display,

 a very talented group of ladies put on a great show!

We had the opportunity to have our quilts critiqued
by certified quilting judge Pat Harrison.
To me this offers a great opportunity to learn more about
quilting, and how to strive to become a better quilter.


So EXCITED!!!

My Blue Hawaiian Hibiscus Quilt
WON
a Judged ribbon for
Exemplary Hand Quilting!!

Pinch me!!

And .... My sweet little beaded Birdie Stitches
won a first place viewers choice ribbon!

Pinch Me again!!

Must of been the Luck 'O the Irish with me!!
Had my green on too!

Had a chance to white glove and mingle amongst the quilts
(Love white gloving - must be the power of the gloves
and being able to touch the quilts!!)
and work the Comfort Quilt Table...


Notice I have my embroidery hoop out!!

New England Snow storm

What a difference a day makes!

Yesterday (and the day before!) 

it snowed, and snowed and snowed!

this is the view from my kitchen window

Friday afternoon ~ a snow day from school!

Saturday afternoon ~ bright and sunny

Used my snow day wisely to

worked on a new Sashiko table runner

My Big mistake was choosing a chalk pencil to 

transfer the pattern onto the fabric,
and it started to rub off as I worked on it,

so had to go back a re-traced my lines with my

favorite white marking pen by Clover,

now it wont rub off.

Lesson learned!

Last weekend I taught a class at 

my local quilt shop
this cute Barbados bag
by Pink Sand Beach Designs

And picked up a few goodies for myself while at the shop!

Fabric, patterns, magazines and a book,

 and my FIRST Bali Pop!

Can't wait to jump in and make a few pretty things!

Beaded Birdie Stitches Quilt

OK ... so ... I've been extremely under the weather with

asthmatic bronchitis ... cough, cough, cough!

Going on 3 weeks...UGH!

Making productive use of this down time

 I have been able to 

replace the binding, piping and

bead my "Birdie Stitches" Quilt 

all from the comforts of my sofa!!!

Sadly, the photo just doesn't show it off very well.

Block 1

Started in January of 2011

Block 2

February - Valentines Day

Block 3

March - cold & snowy

Block 4

April - Easter

Block 5

May - Flowers

Block 6

June - Rainbows

Block 7

July - Fireworks

Block 8

August - Hot Summer Sun Flowers

Block 9

September - Fall Leaves

My Favorite!

Just love the way the leaves came out!

Block 10

October - Pumpkins

Block 11

November - Thanksgiving

Block 12

December - Christmas

Originally there was a purple piping,

but it just didn't come out even.

Found this great blue iridescent cording

that blends in perfectly!

I stitched it on by hand so it looks like piping!

Let's not forget the label!
Just had to add a few embroiderd bluebirds!

If your loving the "Birdie Stitches" pattern you can find it here.

SO that's what days and weeks coughing on the sofa will get ya!

Now I really need to vacuum ...

coughing and beading are just NOT a good combination!

Stray beads everywhere!!

eBook Review: Modern Quilt Patterns by McCalls Quilting

The Modern Age of Quilting is upon us!

It features bright bold colors, asymmetrical designs, free-form piecing 

all adding up to fun easy energetic quilts!

Modern Quilt Patterns feature three easy patterns great

for the beginner, a quick gift or charity quilt.

The first quilt Baubles and Beads combines 6 inch blocks with large dash sashings. 

Rainbow Rhythm is all about the half square triangle.

Lemon Squeezy uses a flip and stitch quilt-as-you-go method.

All three quilts are quick and easy, and the patterns are clear and well written.

To receive your FREE copy of Modern Quilt Patterns

click here

You'll LOVE them!

Book Review: Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini

Back in the beginning of January, Dutton Books contacted me ... 

would I be interested in reading and reviewing 

Jennifer Chiaverini's latest book?

"Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker"

 ... Well ... 

YES! 

Boy was that a silly question!

Having been an avid fan of Jennifer's Elm Creek novels (all 20 of them!), 

I jumped at the chance to read and review her latest book -

which happens to be a historical novel. 

In "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker" Jennifer departs from the cozy town of 

Waterford and goes beyond the walls of Elm Creek Quilt Camp 

into the war torn world of the Civil War. 

Just like all of her other novels, Jennifer draws you deep into the story 

of friendship between the main characters in the book. 

The narrative is powerful and allows readers to view the tense and troubled 

life of Mary Todd Lincoln from the eyes of  one of her closest confidants, 

Elizabeth Keckley her dressmaker. 

The story grips the reader as it explores the relationship and 

personal interactions of Elizabeth Keckley and Mrs. Lincoln.  

"Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker," quilts a compelling story wrapped in history, 

making readers feel as though they are walking among the Lincoln family 

during and after their brief time at the White House. 

For all of those Elm Creek fans out there, 

this book will not let you down, 

it offers a look at life, love, friendships and hardships 

from the eyes of Elizabeth Keckley - 

freed slave, talented dressmaker and 

friend to Mrs. Lincoln.

It is a must read!

What I'm watching ...

Having spent the past week home sick with the 

worst case of asthmatic bronchitis in 10 years ...

I am thankful for a few (well more than a few) things:

Sick days, antibiotics, 

a loving husband, 

a caring mom, helpful children 

and...

I have spent the week watching all 3 seasons

AGAIN and AGAIN!

YUP twice ...

I had a lot of time.

Felt so miserable - couldn't even hardly applique!

Can you believe it!

Just can not seem to get enough of 

the sofa and this show!

Ebook Review of "Build Your Best Log Cabin"

Back in December I was contacted by the Online Media Coordinator 

for Fons and Porter and asked to review the eBook 

"Build Your Best Log Cabin"

After picking my self up off the floor!

a resounding "YES" was my reply.

Now realizing two whole months have slipped by .... 

 Blizzard 2013 is ready to hit Boston any minute

I find this is the perfect time to sit with a nice iced coffee 

(Yes we drink iced coffee in the winter in New England!)

cuddled under a quilt, watch the snow fly 

and write about building a log cabin!

Admittedly, having never been a fan of log cabin quilts,

I've never made one! BUT ... after reading this eBook

my creative juices are flowing!

This book is filled with log cabin history, pictures, patterns,

tips, sewing instructions, block sizing and a review 

of the types of log cabin blocks 

(traditional, courthouse step and chevron style).

My favorite of which is "Bear Paw"

an updated traditional version

of the log cabin quilt by Ricky Tims

This book also includes a few special bonus items...

trapunto and bobbin quilting, lump-free bindings and piped bindings.

All this information is available to you as

a FREE download!

It is definitely worth downloading and saving.

Hoping you enjoy your copy as much as I have!

Now I'm off to select the fabrics needed

to build my log cabin ... I better hurry

Nemo is supposed to dump 2+ feet of snow today!

Another Quilt Retreat!

Just back from another quilt retreat

This was a very low keyed relaxing retreat.

It's held at a Salvation Army Retreat Center...
Very calming and relaxing!

Here is my room...
Yup a little twin size bed, which was
actually pretty comfortable.
Had the room all to myself - that was a treat!
First time in 25 years I've been by myself!!

This is my favorite room,

a beautiful sitting room with gas fire places.

Just a wonderfully cozy room....

with a beautiful view of the frozen lake!

Saturday afternoon it was so sunny and beautiful,
made myself a huge cup of tea, gathered my applique,
and stitched for over an hour...
LOVED every tranquil minute of it!

 Here is the sewing room filled with 30 quilters, machines and Quilty Stuff!,
except me - no machine - just my sewing basket!

This weekend I worked on the  right border and was able to finish 

five flower sets and baste the last three in place.

 It's getting there!!!