It is Thursday...how many days...

before Christmas? Christmas is less than a week away. I can't believe it. I still have to go shopping for our dinner and buy stocking stuffers. Our plans are still not confirmed of who is and who is not coming over, hopefully we will know soon.
Today though, I get to go to lunch with my Carol. I have not seen her in months!! I'm so excited to see her. Carol has been through some rough times these past couple of years, I'm hoping things are getting better for her. Before I can meet her for lunch I have to go have my fingernail repaired.
Why? Last night, my hubby thought it would be fun to wrestle...yes, wrestle....he thinks it is funny to pin me down and I can't do anything. I knew one of his moves was coming so I braced for it and tried to escape..all the while laughing....and guess what happened...my gel fingernails got in the way...I cracked one of them!! and man did it hurt!! That ended that wrestling match!!! LOL so we turned off the lights and headed to sleep and POW something blew...that something was a lightbulb in my nightstand light!! It exploded! That was scary. We jumped out of bed, realized what happened and cleaned up all the glass.
Now for today...lunch with Carol, fingernail repair and work on a customer's quilt.
I received wonderful news yesterday!! I can't tell what it is, but in June you will find out!!!
Happy Sewing!!!

and Have a WONDERFUL MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Monday Monday....

Good morning everyone, It is Monday. Today, I have a screaming sinus headache and a slight ear ache...not feeling so hot. I will lay low today and take it easy...maybe...lol
Last week I was on the phone with my biological mom, I'm adopted and yes, I found her when I was 19.  I have lots of pieces to my puzzle that are still missing...as in who I am and why I do the things I do the way I do them...my talents for one thing. I learned months ago that my love for quilting came from my mom's grandmother. She was a quilter!! Sweet! And last week I learned that 2 of my aunts love to draw, my mom said they are artists...I did not know this!! That really puts a few more pieces into place. I enjoying learning about where I come from. Its been kind of mystery all my life.
This week I have several quilts that need to be finished. I'm hoping I'm not getting too sick and I can accomplish this task. I want to work on my own applique designs. I've been drawing some things freehand, but I'm wondering if I should study a few more books on applique before I attempt to start cutting fabric!!

Have a wonderful day everyone, I must get busy....someone needs to clean the house too today...hmmm....

Wednesday maddness

Today I have to accomplish something! I have to finish something!! LOL You know that feeling? Can I just finish this one thing without being interrupted? Or be able to finish it because I'm interested in the project and not bored!! Often times I want to go try something different, I'm tired of seeing the same old colors...just like to mix it up a bit! lol

So what is everyone working on? Anyone working on Bonnie Hunter's Easy Street Mystery Quilt? I wish I had time to.
Well, I'm gonna put a picture up for your viewing pleasure...

I have made this quilt, I called it my orange beast!! It was published in Quiltmaker's  Quilts From 100 Blocks. I received it back from them last week...now to figure out where to hang it in up in the house!

I made this one for a friend....I want to remake it so that I can have one for me

Happy Sewing!!

What does one do when she can't sleep...

She watches Fons & Porter at 6am on my local PBS station and then decides to make it!

What do you think? The fabrics were screaming for me to play with them and well I have over 400 yo-yo's...

I like it, think it is cute! I think the finished size of my block is 12 1/2" x 12 1/2". I did not use Fons & Porter's measurements, just did what I wanted to. I don't remember who's quilt they were showing either on the tv show this morning. So who ever's pattern this is, I like it! Very cute!!

It is Friday...and it is rainy

So, since it is Friday and rainy I decided to celebrate!! I made myself leftovers for lunch...that is not the celebrate part..the celebrate was I put a brownie with vanilla ice cream in a bowl and enjoyed it thoroughly!! Hit the spot, now I think I might want to take a nap, lol
Today I'm working on Journey Man's Cross. This quilt I designed and submitted to F&P. They asked that it be for their QOV issue. I'm very honored!! Can't show pics yet, but when I can I will.

What are you working on?

Let's see if I can find a pic for your viewing pleasure....

How is this?

Happy Friday!

Look at my boots!!

It is pouring rain here in Michigan!  I bought these boots last month when I went to the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, NC. I also have leopard skin clog type...shoes too!! These shoes are so comfortable!!
Here is their website if you are interested, I'm not affiliated with them at all, just like them: http://www.sloggers.com/index.shtml

Red!! What a happy pair of boots to wear in the rain!

Question for you guys: if you were going to take a quilting class to learn a new technique, what would you like to learn? Paper piecing? Curve piecing? Applique?

Blog giveaways will begin in January!! I need more followers!! So please share my blog with your friends!!

Now, I'm patiently waiting for a picture to show up in my in box that I sent over 10 minutes ago of my slogger clogs. I wanted to share them with you before I head out the door...ahhhh, finally they have appeared!! So, what do you think of these shoes!!! LOL

 Again, they are very light weight and sooo comfortable!

I'm heading out the door! 

Have a wonderful day!!

Happy Sewing!

Redesign of Berry Pie quilt

I redesigned the Berry Pie from the previous day, just played around with the colors a little bit and changed the border...what do you think?

I like the brightness of the white fabric and I took out some of the lighter blue fabric and replaced it with dark blue. I love chains!! Love Love Love them! What about the border?  I can see some serious quilting going on there!!
I have some book giveaways coming in January!! Please share my blog with your friends!!! My followers need to increase....most people just read the blog but don't join...we all love looking at the pretty pictures of quilts, huh?! LOL

I also redesigned my Rose of Sharon, I added an appliqued border....too much?

One of these days I will get to make this quilt...I'm sure, matter fact, I'm pretty certain it will not be needle turn applique. I think I'm too squirmy and impatient for that...I will all be machine appliqued. I wonder if I did 1 block a month that I could finish it in 2 years...wow!! 2 years! Lets not think about that and just enjoy the quilt!! LOL

Happy Sewing everyone!!

Candy Wishes quilt

Good morning world! It is a beautiful day this Sunday!! I woke up, read some email...have my cup of coffee right here, looked on facebook for a bit and then decided I wanted to design a quilt...again...so what do you think?

very colorful!! I wonder what it would look like in more subdued colors....lets see....

how about Berry pie

I like both!! I don't know which one I like better! Last night I wanted to sew but did not feel like working on what I'm supposed to be working on...a quilt for F&P. I started looking through my bins of UFO's and found a quilt I started a couple of years ago. I worked on it instead and it felt great!! I will post pics of it later on today, now I have to go get ready for church. We have praise band practice at 8:30 in the morning to make sure we know the songs..just a warm up...Have a wonderful day!!
Happy Sewing!

just found this quilt...

I just found this quilt design in my files!! I don't remember when I designed it, but I really like it and want to make it. What do you think?

This is definitely a scrap quilt!! 

Catching up

playing with camera features...maybe I should have smiled?

Hello everyone, I have been playing catch up and I am just about there!! Here are some pics so that you can have a slight glimpse to what I have been up to!!!

extra blocks for a special project

My new gel fingernails!! This is new for me!!

flowered hibiscus wreath 

playing with YLI thread on my gammill

Countdown....

I have 2 full days left to finish the quilt I am piecing for quilter's world magazine. The quilt is gorgeous!! I can't show pictures yet, you can see pictures next summer ;o(   (I need to go find some little expression faces for my posts).
On day 3 I'm heading to Charlotte, NC. My sister and I are going to be going to the Southern Christmas Show on Sunday. On Monday I will be touring YLI Thread Corp, going to lunch with an ol' high school friend, then that night a group of us will be going to a friend's restaurant Grumpy Brothers for a fun gathering!
On Tuesday, I will be going to lunch with another friend and then flying home. I think I'm gonna be tired!! I would like to see if after lunch my sister and I could head up to a quilt shop in Charlotte.
Once I return home it will be a day of preparing food for Thanksgiving!! Wow! I'm suppose to have some downtime...but I can't seem to fit it in. On Friday, the day after...the ever famous Black Friday...I will NOT be shopping! I will be sewing a quilt for Quilty magazine. Not my design, they just need one for their magazine to fill a need.
Great news!! I got another quilt accepted with F&P! Don't know which issue or what it will be going in, I will know later when I receive my contract. I'm also waiting to find out from Quiltmaker if my block was accepted in their vol 7 of 100 Blocks...I'm not expecting it to though...don't know why, just have a feeling...but that is ok. I'm also waiting to hear if one of the designs I sent to Quilter's World will be accepted. I enjoy the piecing of all these quilts!! It does get somewhat hectic, BUT guess who starts and finishes the project?!! That would be me!
Happenings at the Village Quilt Shoppe: Today, my friend Dawn is teaching her Bargello table runner. This quilt is beautiful!!
Friday, is Potluck Sit and Sew night!! It only costs $5, bring a dish to share and any project you wish to work on. We have staff on hand to help you with your project. Great people, food and a wonderful time! And if you have show and tell Bring it!! And well Show and Tell...or Show it Off!

Well everyone, please drop me a line! I'm still trying to grow my numbers on my blog so that I can begin my book giveaways and other goodies!!! I will be advertising products, classes and such for Annie's so click on the links when you see them. Annie's offers classes and I will looking for great deals to share with you!

Happy Sewing....

Friday, Mystery Night at the ....

It is Mystery Night at the local quilt shop "The Village Quilt Shoppe" in Lake Orion, Michigan. I'm excited about tonight's Mystery Night. We have 18 signed up for mystery. I think it is going to be a blast!! All the ladies that attend are wonderful!

Today though, I have to be at the shop for teaching. I'm teaching the Blooming 9patch!!! Here is my digital image of my quilt...I'm still making mine!!!! I have all the rows sewn, now to attach them to make the body of the quilt. I want to add one more dimension to the quilt....I have to do redesign the borders, when I do I will post a picture of the final project.

Till later everyone!!

Happy Sewing!!

Whatcha up to today?

Hi everyone! It is Thursday! Are you preparing some wonderful plans for the weekend? So tell me, whatcha doing today? Me? I'm sewing...what else do I do?! Not much. Yesterday I cleaned the house, felt good to stop and vacuum and dust and just straighten up a bit. The sun was shining yesterday so that helped a whole lot with energy levels!!
If you have noticed I posted a link to Annie's Online Classes. I will be doing this from time to time. I personally know the teacher of the applique class, and she is the editor of Quilter's World, so click on the link and go take a wonderful class at home on machine applique! Carolyn Vagts is a wonderful person and very talented!! She is the one that pushed me further in this wonderful world of quilting! Thank you Carolyn!!
I have a few more of these diamonds to piece today and then the quilt body begins to take shape...

Love this!! What do you think?

Happy Sewing!!

Day after election

Again, I've been so busy I'm not posting on my blog...I will work on this. I may not be happy with the election results, but life will continue on.
I've been working on 3 projects at once each day.
So, for your viewing pleasure....

Drunkard's Path

Drunkard's Path

needed a break!!

How cool is this?!!!

I can't show you all of this quilt, but it is paper piecing. There is lots more to this quilt, and you will get to see it in due time. I've taught myself how to paper piece the hard way...while I'm working on it!! If I would have had some of Carol Doak's books on hand I would not have gone through all that I did...rip it rip it rip it!!

November 1st!

How many days till Christmas? I don't even want to think about it. Too much to take care of and too much to do....and since the "perfect storm" has caused so much damage to the east coast and neighboring states I bet those folks are not even thinking about Christmas, they are thinking survival. I feel for them!!! I survived hurricanes Hugo and Katrina....don't like hurricanes! I think I've said this before.
So, today, working on a couple of different projects. I have to go into the quilt shop and give a demo on a ruler. Before I have to make sure I have everything ready...like me....I don't think I'm mentally prepared for it....maybe it is just too early in the morning...oh well....
I also have to work on getting some paper piecing completed. My project deadline was moved up by over 2 weeks...that really affects life! My husband flies to Austria tomorrow for a week's stay so I'm thinking I can sew a lot while he is gone.
I was reading Bonnie Hunter's blog the other day and captured this picture, I think it suits life's events well....

Goodness Me!!!

I had no idea that my last post was on Oct. 7! I know I have been busy, but sheesh! Good news for me, I was able to get an extension on 2 quilts that are due this month! One of the quilts I have due to a different magazine, I had 6 due between mid October and the first week of December to 3 magazines, changed the due date and moved it up by almost 3 weeks! Hokey Smokes!! I had planned my piecing, quilting and binding all out for these 6 quilts so I could also fit in customer quilts and family time. When I read the email that the due date had been moved up I about had a major panic attack! No Joke!! And I also took in 8 customer quilts since my last posting...way too much work for 1 quilter. But I am trying to save up some money so that I can attend the Pigeon Forge Quilt Show in March.
I've joined a program with Annie's so that I can advertise the books that I have work in and I can show their newest books coming out too!! So, what does this mean for my readers? I will be hopefully having some giveaways ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I do have a book, magazine and some "candy packs" that I will be posting soon for giveaways.
So, can I get some help from my readers? Can you spread the word that I have to increase my numbers on my blog? Can you help me? Send your friends a note asking them to come and join my blog. I'm going to get the "Sew Along" back up and running (found my camera and battery...it was up in a child's room), I will have the giveaways going as soon as the my numbers increase (that is one of the requirements), and for next year, I have a few patterns that I am going to need testers. So....are we ready? Can you help me?

Do you like this one?

Or this one?

What would you do to change the two wall hanging quilts to make them what you would like?

Scrappy heaven!

I don't know why I'm so into making scrappy quilts these days and I love working on quilts that give an optical illusion! This one though, I have to work with the value of the colors to make certain the illusion forms correctly.

I tried to add this quilt design a while back. For some unknown reason the file had not saved properly, so I had to rework it. and looking it the colors now...I think I want to change the yellow to something darker....What do you think? I would like one in tropical blues and greens!!

Opinions!! Let me know!!

Happy sewing!

Busy week

Sorry everyone for no posts and no sew along pics or updates. I've had a family emergency along with other things that have taken me away from the computer. I hope to be back up and caught up in the next couple of days.
Quick update: 1) talking with Gammill about something very exciting, 2) a magazine editor contacted me to ask if I can piece 2 quilts (small size) for them. Absolutely, the challenge...can't help myself...I love it! 3)Need to interject that I have some wonderful friends and mentors who are helping me....can't say what this is about but exciting 4) another exciting event for me in the quilt world.....5) I have to piece 6 quilts by the end of October.......
I was going to try to drive down to Rock Hill, SC, my home town, at the end of the month. But with all that has been going on I don't think I can afford the travel time. I might have to make the trip in December.

So.... what do you think? Do you like this quilt? Look for it in a magazine next year....I will let you know when the time gets closer!! until then.........Happy Sewing!

Sew Along! oops!!

Hello everyone, I forgot yesterday was my "post sew along" blocks!! I totally forgot! I was busy working on my Blooming 9patch, sitting with Kate and grandbaby AnnaLynne...just enjoying my Sunday...so sorry!!
I will go and get the next blocks up! It will take me a bit so be patient with me.
Now, who turned on the cold temps!!? It is freezing here and we had a frost advisory last night. I never said that could happen!! LOL brrrrr.....
Off to work I go!

Our Potluck Sit-n-Sew

Last night's event was fun! As usual, I did not get anything of mine done, but I'm supposed to be there for helping others and help I did. I enjoyed all the different projects the ladies are working on. I love it when my students come in!
Chef Shannon was with us last night, loved her Asian cuisine! That was some good eating!  Great job Shannon!!

Before the potluck I had to stop at Kroger to pick up cookies. While I was in the store I stopped by the magazine stand. There was the newest magazine!! Fons & Porter Scrap Quilts Bookazine!! My Blackford's Beauty was in there, page 82!!! Wooohooo!!!

Hopefully I will have the quilt back in my possession soon!!

Happy Sewing everyone!!

Sit-n-Sew Potluck at the Village Quilt Shoppe in Lake Orion

For those of you Michiganders....Tonight is Sit-n-Sew at The Village Quilt Shoppe!! It is potluck too and I hear we are having a chef cook some Asian cuisine for us!! If you plan on attending, bring something to share!! The cost is $5, give the shop a call 248-391-5727 so that we can make sure we have enough tables set up!! Its gonna be fun fun fun!! Food, Sewing and Great Conversation!! The staff is here to help you with your project, so come on out and join us.

I've been viewing my quilt recently, this is the one that made the cover of F&P Easy Scrap Quilts last year. I love this quilt!! I do believe I want to make it again...but alas I have other projects in front of it...like..............

This quilt is my Blooming 9patch. I am using Robert Kaufman's fabric line oh darn...what is the name of it...season of splender? Oh I forget now...when I go to the shop today I will find the name and update this!!

Now this quilt is due back here at home any day!! It is Fons and Porter's Scrap Quilts newest release....I wonder when it will arrive at my doorstep?

Happy Sewing everyone!!

Why oh why do we quilt?

So, can you answer that question? What makes you want to sew? What makes you want to create? Do you get an adrenaline rush when you pull into the parking lot of the quilt shop? or, see that "perfect" fabric, that you must caress, touch, hold, carry around the store in your arms so that no one else can have the fabric? What about thread? Do you get excited from seeing all the threads and what you could possibly do with it?
What inspires you? Is it nature? Someone else's pattern? Is it something that is in your surroundings example: curtains, rugs?
Now, this question was posed on one of the yahoo email groups I belong to: Who taught you how to sew?
So, did you take classes? Did one of your friends beg and plead you to come take a class with them and if you did not like it then you never had to do it again...and as it turned out, you were the one hooked!! and not your friend?!! LOL
Did you take home ec when you were in school? Did you love it or hate it?
Are any of you self taught?
Even after taking lots of classes do you feel confident to tackle things on your own?

How about choosing fabrics? Can you do this? Do you prefer to purchase kits? This way the colors are already chosen for you and you should not have any waste? That means, no scrap stash!! But for some that is exactly what they prefer. Me, I love my stash! Do I use it? Sad to say not very often...why is that?

So, why do we quilt?....that is the ? of the day..........

Happy Sewing! Love to hear from you!!

Classes at The Village Quilt Shoppe

Hi everyone, I thought I'd post the newsletter so you can see what is being taught at my favorite shop!

Sorry for the winter shot!! This is the only picture I have...maybe I should go update it!! Road trip!

Volume 9, Issue 4 Autumn 2012

The Village Quilt Shoppe
2359 Joslyn Ct.
Lake Orion, Michigan 48360
(248) 391.5727
www.thevillagequiltshoppe.com


Autumn Shoppe Hours
Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 11:00am-5:30pm


Inspirations for tomorrow’s heirlooms…….
Where OPTIONS are a must……..

Carolyn’s Corner

I love autumn. It is my favorite time of the year. I love the warm days and cool evenings and the colors are awesome. My second authored book just hit the book shelves, I Can Quilt. It’s a great book for young “tweens”. If you have a daughter or granddaughter interested in quilting, this book was designed with them in mind. All the projects are geared for young ladies wants and needs in colors they will truly enjoy. And what also makes it special, is that all but one project can be made mainly with pre cuts. I hope you check in out.
Lots of new fun fabrics have started to show up at the shoppe. We have many new and exciting things ordered. Our instructors have added some fun and exciting classes that may interest you so make sure to check them out.
I understand that there will be some changes in Canterbury Village and I think these changes are long overdue. In the next year you will notice improvements in the grounds and new merchants. There is a push to bring in events and the people back to the village. As you all know, Carroll and I love this village and have stuck by it even in bad times. It will be wonderful to see interest in it again. Watch for the new changes and support the shops, if you can. The village is a treasure that only needs a bit of shinning.
Be happy, be creative and
Keep Piecing, Carolyn

This Year’s Motto: Refresh!!!

Learn Something New

Sewing Machine Cleaning and Tune ups
We are now offering basic cleaning and tune ups for your sewing machines here at the shoppe. Next time your machine needs a little TLC stop on by.

Join the Breakfast Club….Today

The first Thursday of every month. Come join us for coffee, tea or…. and a light breakfast. A great way to meet quilters, share recipes, show and tell, demos, get motivated, and be inspired and we try to have a special project each month. 10:00am - ? Everyone is welcome. RSVP please. (248) 391-5727. It’s a fun club.
October 4th, 10:00am - ?
November 1st, 10:00am - ?
December 6th, 10:00am - ?
January 10th, 10:00am - ?
February 7th, 10:00am - ?

Potluck Patchwork Party

Looking for a night out? Need some help with a project? Or maybe you just want to hang out with great people who quilt. We are having a Potluck Quilting Party for quilters. All you have to do is RSVP, bring a dish to pass, a project to work on and enjoy. We will supply the expert help, drinks and all the paper products. The cost is $5.00. The party will be held on a Friday evening each month.
September 21st, 6:00 – 9:30pm
October 19th, 6:00pm – 9:30pm
November 16th, 6:00 – 9:30pm
December 14th, 6:00 – 9:30pm
January 18th, 6:00 – 9:30pm
February15th, 6:00 – 9:30pm
What a way to spend an evening.

Mystery Night, It’s Time Again!

Friday, November 9th, 2012 6:00 – Midnight
It’s time again for the bi-annual Mystery Night. Come in and pick out your fabrics, pay for the class and we will send you home with your cutting instructions so you can be ready to sew, sew, sew! We will serve you dinner and be your ironing slaves for the evening. What more could you asked?
*Must pre-register…………………………………. $25.00

Let’s Help Lighthouse of Oakland Co.
Thank all of you who donated stockings and the stuffers, doll quilts and pillowcases. Again this year, we will manage to make a sizable donation for the Christmas Store. I know we will make some little ones a bit more cheerful on Christmas morning. If you are still working on projects you have until the weekend after Thanksgiving to drop them off.
I know they were truly appreciated last year and were given to needy families in our community. Now don’t forget we also have a food drop box in our foyer. Now is the time to start if you intend to donate, either food or stockings and pillowcases. With the economy still a mess, there are many in need and I personally feel every child should have a Christmas no matter the circumstances.
Don’t forget the paper bags also. They really need them.

The Great Escape Retreat... 

will be

October, 11, 12, 13 & 14, 2012, for details stop in the shoppe. 

There are still a few open slots.

WHAT’S NEW!!!!
• New fabrics coming all the time!
• I Can Quilt Book by Carolyn S. Vagts
• Batiks, Batiks, and more Batik!
• Follow me on Quilter’s World Facebook and on Pinerest
• We are carrying knit books.
• We are carrying Kanzashi Flower Makers one of the hottest new trends in quilting!
• Innspire Moldable Interfacing for Bowls
• 3D Cubes
Inspiration for tomorrow’s heirlooms…
Registration and Class Policy
• Class fees are due upon registration.
• Phone reservations will be held three days to allow for mail or drop-off of payment.
• Cancellation deadline is five days prior to class. If we do not have at least three people for class, the Village Quilt Shoppe reserves the right to cancel the class and your registration fee will be refunded or applied to another class.
• Patterns, books, and handouts cannot be shared or photocopied due to copyright laws. Let’s help to keep these talented and creative designers in business.
• A supply list will be given at the time of registration. Please come to class with all required supplies. We appreciate your purchase of supplies from us-it helps to insure that we will be able to serve your needs.
Sewing machines should be brought to your class unless otherwise stated.
Is there a class you would like to do? Let us know and we will see what we can do.

Machine Quilting

Thursday, September 27th, 11:00am – 3:00pm….…..$30.00
Saturday, October 27, 10:00am –3:00pm…….….…..$30.00
This is a technique class. Learn all the tricks to machine quilting from Elizabeth. She will teach you the how-to’s and all the little tricks to make your quilting a success.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Instructor: Elizabeth Helwig

Biscuit Basket

Saturday, September 22, 10:00 – 3:00pm……..……. $24.00
Learn to make this clever little basket in an afternoon. Once you make one you will want to keep making them. It’s a great way to use up leftover fabrics and create beautiful gifts at the same time. Just think of how organized you will be with these gorgeous baskets to fill.
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Carolyn Vagts

Inn-Spire Leaf Bowl

Saturday, October 6, 10:00 – 1:00 pm……………$18.00
Create beautiful bowls with Inn-spire and your stash. They’re like potato chips, one is never enough. Come and spend a day learning all the possibilities with this new product.
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Carolyn Vagts
Inspiration for tomorrow’s heirlooms…………

Machine Appliqué Carolyn’s Way

Saturday, October 20, 10 – 3:00pm………………. $30.00
Come in and spend a day creating a fun and easy floral wall hanging. Let Carolyn show you her way and discover a care free way to create quilted art.
Level: Confident Beginner/ Intermediate
Instructor: Carolyn Vagts

Elizabeth’s Appliqué Day

The first Sunday of every month…………………...$15.00
Many of you are in the midst of projects started, and some of you need to get going. This class is an open workshop that will benefit everyone. Come join in the fun whether you are experienced or just beginning. Hand appliqué only please. Elizabeth is knowledgeable in all forms of hand appliqué.
September 9& October 7, 11:00am- 2:00pm. Must pre-register for this class.
Level: All
Instructor: Elizabeth Helwig

Holly Bowl

Friday, November 23, 10:00 – 1:00pm…………... $18.00
These bowls are like potato chips. Once you start making them you can’t stop. Learn to work with Craftex and how-to finish edges with satin stitches. This bowl can easily be completed in class.
Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor: Carolyn Vagts
*Your machine must have a satin/zig zag stitch.

Beginning Quilting 101

Wednesday, October 10 &24, 10:30 – 3:30pm
Or Saturday, Nov.10 & 24, 10:00-3:00pm…………. $60.00
If quilting is what you want to learn, this is the class for you. Learn the basic to quilt construction along with all the tips to make it a successful journey. Nancy will teach you all the basics to cutting and piecing.
Level: Novice
Instructor: Nancy McNally

Monday Morning Sit and Sew

Come on in every Monday from 10:00am to 1:00pm for our sit and sew. It’s free and the coffee is always on. What a great way to meet new friends and get a little sewing done.
You’re always welcome.

Blooming 9-Patch

Saturday, November 3, 10-3:00pm …………………$30.00
Or Friday, November 9, 10-3:00pm…………………$30.00
This quilt shows you how to work with contrast and value. You will layout your fabric choices first and then begin working from the center out. You will love the end result!
If you need help in picking out fabrics, let Nancy know in advance and she will meet you at The Village Quilt Shoppe to help you. The collection Nancy has used: Robert Kaufman's: Shades of the Season,
Level: Confident Beginner

Instructor: Nancy McNally

Scrappy Delectable Mountain

Saturday, December 1, 10 – 1:00pm……………. $18.00
Come on in and learn to make the Delectable Mountain Block. It’s “sew” easy to construct. This block is also great to add as a border. Nancy will show you a couple different layouts and let you run with it.

Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor: Nancy McNally

Christmas Tree

Saturday, November 17, 10-1:00pm………………. $18.00
You will have two options for quilt size in this class, full size or table runner. Please choose a size when signing up. This is such a fun and easy quilt to make, 3D Christmas Trees and Pinwheels. Choose bright and fun fabrics. You’ll fall in love with this quilt
Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor: Nancy McNally

Bargello Table Runner

Thursday, November 8, 10:30 – 2:30pm & Nov. 15, 10:30-1:30………………………………………………. $42.00
Grace your table this holiday season, with a beautiful bargello table runner. Learn the bargello technique based on
Historic needlepoint patterns, updated into a quilt pattern. Using Eileen Wright’s book, Twist & Turn Bargello Quilts, you will create a timeless piece for your table.
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Dawn Nelson

3D Magic Cube

Tuesday, October 16, 10:00 – 2:00pm………..……$24.00
Or Tuesday, November 13, 10:00 – 2:00pm…...$24.00
Create a fascinating piece that will have young and old alike, twisting and turning the blocks to see what pattern comes up next. Using a kit created by Carla, we will make a cube from fabric and foam. This will make a fun gift for someone special.
Level: Confident Beginner
Instructor: Dawn Nelson

18” Doll Clothes

Thursday, October, 18, 10 – 2:00pm………………$24.00
or
Wednesday, November, 28, 10:00 – 2:00………$24.00
Is there a young lady with an 18” doll in your life? Do you love those colorful fat quarters, but are not sure what to make with them? Try making some bright fun outfits for 18” dolls. We will be using a House of White Birches book available at the Shoppe. And learn some shortcuts, and fun techniques along the way. Let Dawn show you how to turn fat quarters and scraps into treasures.
Top 3 Patterns
1. Poorhouse Inn-spire Bowls
2. Turning Twenty Again
3. Bailey Island Bag

3D Kanzashi Flowers

Tuesday, October 23, 10:00 – 12:00pm…….………. $12.00
Or Wednesday, November 7, 10:00 – 12:00pm……..$12.00
Using Clovers Kansazhi makers, you can create a whole bouquet of flowers. Quick and easy, you will find much use for these adorable pieces; add to your purses, lapels, make magnets or add to just about anything.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Dawn Nelson


Top 3 Patterns
1. Poorhouse Inn-spire Bowls
2. Turning Twenty Again
3. Bailey Island Bag

Inspiration for tomorrow’s heirlooms…..
Top 10 Notions
1. Clover Binding Clips
2. Inn-Spire
3. Kanzashi Flower makers by Clover
4. Sewline Mechanical Pencil
5. IBC Glass Head Pins
6. inn-spire™ Non Woven
7. Kanzashi Flower Makers
8. Quick Yo Yo Makers
9. Little Gripper
10. Desk needle threader

Classified Ads

Long Point Quilting
Margaret Serda
Custom and Pantographs
Phone: 248-693-4349
http://community. Webshots.com/user/ms3rose
(Photo website)
Email: ms3rose@gmail.com

Nancy Hughson
Custom and Pantographs
Phone: 248-683-7983
Email: www.QuiltedImpressions.com

Nancy McNally
One Stitch at a Time
Phone: 248- 275-9465
Email: nancy.Mcnally@comcast.net
http://nancysonestitchatatime.blogspot.com

Darlene Zimmerman at guild meeting

We had a wonderful guest speaker last night at our guild meeting, Darlene Zimmerman. I enjoyed her trunk show and I love her products (rulers)! I wanted this book as soon as I saw it!

The cover caught my eye!! I can't wait to try out some of her techniques from the book. I think I'm ready to attempt new bindings!! Thanks Darlene for a great night!

Here is Darlene's website:

http://www.feedsacklady.com/

Happy Sewing everyone!!

Sew Along Time!!

I began posting this yesterday, which was Sunday afternoon, when I realized that I was so exhausted that I was not and could not think straight. So, I saved it and figured I would post it this morning (Monday). Sorry folks, my brain was just fried!!

Hello everyone, Sorry it is the afternoon and I'm just now getting to post the Sew Along. Sunday is a very busy day for me, I had to take a nap! LOL I was tuckered out!
So here goes the first two blocks. I will put up the chain block and a single block.
Please send pictures when you can.

Eight Pointed Star

I used my Tri Recs rulers for this block.

Cut 1 strip from the light background fabric 3 1/2" x wof. Out of this strip you should be able to gt all of the back ground units.

You will need 5-3 1/2" squares. For the equal lateral triangles, using the Tri Recs triangle that matches the shape, cut out 4 light colored triangles. Now for the Right Triangles (dark units) Cut out a 3 1/2" x 22" dark strip of fabric. Fold the fabric wrong side to wrong side, so now your strip will be 3 1/2" x 11". Use the right Triangle ruler and cut out your dark triangle units. If you have never used these rulers they are worth a trip to the store!! I use them often. Instructions on how to use the rulers are included when you purchase them. Also you can go to their website and print off the instructions if you have lost yours.

For assembling the blocks: we will do the triangles and right triangles first. I lay out my units just like this for sewing. Now you can line up your fabric pieces and sew. 

The rest of the block you sew in a 9patch formation. I layout mine just like they appear in the block. Make certain your center triangle units are facing in the right direction!! 

Chain block running through the quilt:  

Alabama Variation

You will need 18 blocks

Center square: cut 2 light background strips 2 ¾” x wof, sub cut into 2 ¾” squares (18 total). Set aside

Chain squares: cut 9 strips of background fabric 1 5/8” x wof, subcut into 1 5/8” squares if you are making the dark colored logs from a variety of scraps. You need a total of 216 of these squares.

***If you are “controlling” your colors, then you will want to cut two of the background strips for each “red” strip, to make your strip sets, then you will subcut these into 1 5/8” units.

Dark colored fabrics:

You will need 2 of the same size of each log (same color) for each block.

Green: cut 2 strips at 2 ¾” x wof, cut 2 strips at 5” x wof, cut 2 strips 7 ¼” x wof. With each of these green strips, sub cut the strips into 1 5/8" rectangles. You will need 36 of each one.

Strip sets for easier piecing: (red)

Strip set 1: you will be making 2.(red) cut 2 red strip at 2 3/4" x wof, cut 4 strips of light (cream) at 1 5/8" x wof. Make your strip set light, dark, light (cream/red/cream). Press towards the dark. Sub cut your strip set into 1 5/8" units, you will need 36

Strip set 2: (make 2) Red cut 2 strips at 5"x wof, cream cut 4 at 1 5/8" x wof. Make 2 strip sets: L/D/L or cream/red/cream. Press towards the dark. Subcut into 1 5/8 strips, you will need 36

Strip set 3: (make 2) Red cut 2 strips at 7 1/4" x wof, cream cut 4 at 1 5/8" x wof. Do the same as above, you will need 36 of these units.

For assembly: you will begin working from the center out.
1) Attach 2 greens (2 3/4" x 1 5/8") rectangles to opposite sides (top & bottom) of your solid cream block 2 3/4" x 2 3/4". Press towards the dark.
2) Attach 2 reds strips from strip set 1, to sides of your unit (left and right).

3) Attach 2 green strips 5" x 1 5/8" to top and bottom, press towards dark.
4) Attach 2 red strips from strip set 2, to left and right sides.
5) Attach 2 green strips 7 1/4" 1 5/8" to top and bottom
6) Attach the last red strip set (3) to the left and right sides

You need 18 of these blocks. You can make 1 a week to ease the work, or make them all at once.

Happy Sewing!
Now I have to get to work on a quilt due to Quilter's World magazine....due next Monday and I still have to longarm quilt it! AHHHHHHH Sorry If I have made any mistakes....My brain is in a thousand places this morning!!

Rainy Friday

Today is raining outside and it is Friday!! But, I'm happy today!! My bestest ever quilting buddy is over!!! WOOHOO!! We have been working on quilts together for a long time and today I was helping her use the longarm machine...practice practice practice....

This coming week I plan on designing a few quilts, little quilts from this book. I would like to practice some of the blocks in the book and make some miniature quilts. Or should I say, small quilts...

Happy Sewing!

Autumn Breeze Design & Delectable Mountain

This fall I will be teaching how to make the Blooming 9-patch quilt. Most quilters already know that it is just a 9-patch and a solid square, BUT, when you make this quilt it is a study of color placement and values!! I love making this quilt, I have made a couple...don't own either one...I gave them away...sigh...
So, without further delay here is the one I will be teaching:

If you own the book Tradition with a Twist, you will notice the authors, Blanche Young & Dalene Young Stone, make their Blooming quilts very busy. I have heard numerous times that most quilters don't care for the busyness of the quilt. Most quilters add some solids or light colors to rest the eye. I agree. I did design my quilt in solid fabrics, just looks nicer in EQ7 to do this. I will not make my quilt out of solids. I probably will use batiks! I so love Batiks, especially Hoffman Batiks! If you pay attention to my work in the magazines, I use Hoffman's Batiks!

Also, I will be teaching a scrappy Delectable Mountain. 

 I love this with the applique in the border!! 

Hope you have a wonderful day!! 

Happy Sewing!

Wonder's Binding clips....

I used the clips today for a different purpose than binding. See how I attached my units to my pattern. I have a bazillion half square triangles to piece and keep them separated! So, instead of using paperclips or just making a pile, I clipped them to my pattern sheets.

SWEET! Love it when I can use something else for more than just its original purpose! 

They won't damage your fabric, are easy to open and close!

Here is the link to purchase the wonder clips if you would like some:

http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=15637&criteria=clips

And by the way, isn't this fabric adorable?!! It is from Moda, here is the link:

http://www.unitednotions.com/fcc_good_morning_me_and_my_sister.pdf  

I'm working on a quilt for Quilter's World magazine, and this is the fabric line I chose! I fell in love with it! It wouldn't have anything to do with being a grand mother now and have a precious little grand daughter, now would it?

Wanna see what I played with yesterday?

Hi everyone, yesterday I got a little curious and had to try out a method of piecing these Christmas Tree units from a customer's quilt. The pattern is free through Moda, I'm hoping the link still works!!
http://www.unitednotions.com/fp_jovial.pdf if not, please drop me a line!!

So here is what I made yesterday, I think this quilt is adorable!! And!! I wish I would have had some fun fabrics like my customer, I used what I had here. So here goes....

17" x 7

fold in half, fold is on your left

place ruler on diagonal, fold is on the left, only place your ruler this way!!

cut in half, you will use the bottom portion for your tree

I opened my triangle up to see the size, used several of my other triangle rulers to see if this could have been cut different, but none fit...so follow the instructions!!

sorry, I forgot a step!! Here you place a white background square that is 8  x 5 down, right side facing up.  The fold of the triangle (green) is where the scissors are. Place the tip of the triangle 1 1/8" away from the top of the rectangle. The raw edge of the triangle and raw 8" side of rectangle line up. Now take another 8 x 5 rectangle place on top, pin in place and sew the layers together. Yes, you will have excess hanging below your newly pieced unit....sorry, no picture, I forgot.  Open the unit and trim off the bottom excess. I pressed the seam open on the tree and added the trunk. click on the link for all the measurements. This quilt is adorable!! 

I love these blocks. Included in the pattern are 3D pinwheels also!! Just a fun quilt..now back to work!!
Happy Sewing everyone!!