One Stitch at a Time: October 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Rainy Halloween

Yes, it is Halloween and it is raining. The rain woke me up during the night, so I guess it is safe to come to the conclusion that there may not be a lot of trick-or-treaters...we have a 90% chance of rain for today.

While checking email this morning and looking on facebook, I decided to make a "bucket list" of quilts that I want to make.

And yes, I will design them, all of them.

1-Double Wedding Ring: already redesigned and making it. Actually I've designed 3 different versions.

2-Broken Star: you know the lone star or Star of Bethlehem that has the star points surrounding it

3-Winding Ways

4-Jack's Chain

5-Large Compass/Mariner's Star with Flying geese circling the compass

6-Applique: I want to design my own leaves, flowers...all of it and I don't want raw edge, I want the edges finished, but machine appliqued with beautiful silky threads

7-Triple Irish chain...why this one? Don't know, just never made one and I love the way they look

8-Y-seam quilt...don't have a particular one in mind, just need to perfect the Y seam or find a better way to make it look perfect!

9-Giant Dahlia!! Oh yes! Need to do this one!

Maybe one day I will have a #10 project to add to my bucket list, but I think this is a good start.

Now for today since I kind of have some free time, I think I am going to attack my sewing room. I want to clean and organize my sewing room. I would like to have a more organized sewing area, machine sewing not longarm quilting. I've went from a 14ft longarm table down to a 12ft table. I gave my daughter Kate, the chest of drawers and baker's rack that was in my sewing room...I needed more room and she needed those 2 pieces of furniture for her new house...her sewing room and Brandon needed the chest of drawers for his clothes.

Rearranging the sewing room:

I need stations/storage for:

Sewing

Accuquilt

Cricut

cutting table

threads: both domestic sewing & longarm

ironing

storage for books

storage for fabrics

scrap fabrics

scrap batting

Rulers both longarm and piecing

marking pencils, pens

scissors, blades

UFO's

Customer's quilts

My quilts....

Let's focus on scrap batting: I think I would like to begin a couple of "quilt as you go projects". But, do I go and cut all the batting pieces down to say 12 1/2", 10 1/2", 8 1/2" or 6 1/2" squares? And have them in a nice bin to just grab and go? Hmmm.... Or should I have a variety of sizes to work with. I love the quilt as you go concept and you can use up your scraps both batting and fabric.

I was also noticing in my sewing room that I have too many UFO's that I started and well I know I am not going to finish them...at least in the original pattern intentions. For example: I have 2 Shakespeare in the Park quilts in pieces stored in a plastic storage bin. I know for a fact I cut some of the units wrong...that was why I gave up. Soooo, I have all these pieces...what am I going to do with these? I know! I'm going to make some Quilt as you Go projects from them. I can make tablerunners, table toppers...pillow coverings...small wall hangings..why not?!

My point to all this is I need a better organization system! I find that my room is too crowded and I cannot get to things without stumbling, pulling things off the shelf as I pass, knocking things down...you know what I mean. It is time to attack!

Now my Gammill is gone. I'm waiting on my Innova to arrive. I have space to move things around before my new machine arrives. I believe it is time to attack. So what do you say? Time to attack? I believe so! Wish me luck! I think I will have some breakfast first....

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Longarm inspiration

Early this morning I realized the paper towel holder had only 1 sheet left on the role. So I walked over to the cabinet, pulled out another roll. Now you have to realize it was only 5:45AM! I picked up the roll and as I placed it on the holder I saw the following:

feathers

leaves

vines

pearls

flowers

bumpy feathers.....

oh my goodness!! Longarm inspiration at its best! LOL

Of all things for inspiration, a paper towel! I got a chuckle from myself!

Yesterday.

Yesterday was wonderful!

I received some wonderful news about my first online video class with Annie's.

I figured out how to reconnect my wifi printer! And let me tell you that has been driving me nuts!

Made a wonderful dinner last night!

Worked on Dr. Donna's quilt project while watching tv.

I feel like great things happened yesterday.

It was good to be home.

Today: I will be sewing, and getting the laundry done.

Oh, yesterday afternoon I decided I needed to relax and watch some tv. This does not happen often. I turned on the tv and watched a few minutes of Dr. Oz. On the show he stated it was good to be messy. Ok, well here is what stuck with me: You don't have to make your bed as soon as you get out of it. Let the bed "air out", let the sheets dry so that the bed bugs don't have a feast...eeewww...but he was right...you should let your sheets air out for a while before you make the bed. I always thought it just helped the sheets smell better, you know? who knew it was cuz of those pesky little bed bugs (mites) that you don't want to talk about...still...eeewww. So when Dr. Oz was giving the explaination, I just thought, "why don't I just go vacuum the mattress while the sheets are in the washer/dryer" That made me feel a little better.

Happy Sewing!!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Fantabulous Feathers and Frivolous Fillers class

This past weekend I was on the west side of Michigan at

Accomplish Quilting.

Accomplish Quilting is an Innova longarm machine dealership.

I was teaching Fantabulous Feathers and Frivolous Fillers class, 2 days, 2 classes, 25 students (13 students on Friday and 12 on Saturday).

I had a wonderful time!!

I never thought my class would fill up, I'm very new to teaching longarm classes, I've taught one on one, but not groups....it was kind of eye opening for me. I loved it though and I'm ready to do it again............in the spring.................not in the winter........not driving over to the west side of the state.....a little too dangerous..........Love Accomplish Quilting staff, but not that much! LOL

So, with no further delay, here are a few pictures:

This was Friday's class, I had an extra student. Class capacity was suppose to be 12, but somehow an extra person got signed up and she was not put on the roster. You know what? It doesn't matter. I had a blast and we were able to fit her in!! And that is what is important!!

Another picture from Friday's class, these ladies were wonderful!!

Saturday's class, also, great students!! I had 2 men in this class and they were awesome! Poor Greg was tired though. He had a bit of a drive ahead of him and didn't sleep well the night before. So he left about 30 minutes before class let was over. I totally understand how he felt.

One of my favorite parts of teaching was going to each student's area and asking them if they would like for me to draw/stitch the design for them, they could trace it! Then I would go back a little while later and wow! They were doing wonderful! I enjoyed talking with all of them! It seems like each was willing to also share with each other and offer tips they had picked up along their longarm quilting journey!

I had all levels of students in both classes. I even learned something! Ha! You can never never never know all there is to know about anything! I want to always be able to learn, always be open to learning.

I hope my students went away feeling more confident and were able to take something (knowledge/tip/technique) home the class.

The staff and I had a discussion about how to improve the classroom. So come spring time, everyone will be able to see better. We are gonna rearrange the sitting/viewing area so everyone can see what the teacher is doing :)

My spring classes will be on the schedule soon. I'm hoping to also be teaching at a few quilt shows with Accomplish Quilting.

Happy Sewing everyone!!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

An odd thing

Last night my husband and I went out to dinner. We sat outside the restaurant waiting for our name to be called for our table. While we waited 4 Italian men also waited on the bench next to us. I was glad when our name was called because they were smokers. I'm getting over a cold and the smoke made it a little difficult to breathe freely.
Our name gets called, we are seated and place our order.
As I was sitting there eating my salad I noticed one of the Italian men coming out of the restroom. He was holding something red right at his chest level in his hand. It was small. As he got closer I noticed this device was a camera and it was on. He had it pointed in my direction and well he was taking pictures as he walked past! Odd! I couldn't believe it. Oh well, I hope he got all he needed...creepy

This week, took me all week to work on this customer's quilt because I was sick...had a nasty head cold. No energy at all...plus I taught at the quilt shop 2 full days.

I stitched elephants and flowers all over this quilt...I traced the elephant with my laser light. This elephant pattern came from Quiltmaker's cd of quilting patterns

Friday night's Mystery quilt at the shop. I love this quilt and I definitely want to make this one.

I miss this little girl! She fell asleep on me. Precious! and Priceless!

Happy Sewing everyone!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

More GI Joe's..(just a couple)

My son Chris is very clever and creative when it comes to placing GI Joe's around the house. I think he enjoys my reaction...I love it! I laugh!

so, he posed 2 more yesterday in the house and here they are...

Now this guy is taking a little break from his watch on Home Security...he is just a little thirsty

And this guy is wondering where his relief is!!

Look above you, he is taking a break! LOL

Design thoughts

IT is very early and my brain is already working, I also have a nasty cold, but! My brain is still creating! lol

I own an AccuquiltGO, with probably close to 10 dies, maybe a few more. I have been trying to figure out a quick an easy way to use the dies more efficiently, that is for me, more efficient for me. I tend to be self taught with most crafty things I do....so why change now?

So, I was thinking of an applique pattern, and how can make this happen with the dies I have and not waste lots of fabric, provide visual interest

(the WOW factor)

and also give the, look at the movement .... you know choosing the color/fabric that will provide both "Love that color" and "Look at the pattern in the fabric and how it adds texture"

Continuing on with my thoughts...how can I do this?

First: lets begin with the dies

Look at the dies and measure the size of the shape you are wanting from that die and cut your fabric just slightly larger than needed. You always do this any with applique. Just so you know, most of my dies are for applique.

Accuquilt offers measurements with their dies. Now, at the moment I am sitting up in my family room and not near my sewing room which is downstairs so I do not have my Accuquilt near me. I don't recall if the literature included in the dies offers measurements, but I know it is online on their website. If you did not keep your literature from the dies and you don't want to do the measuring yourself, it is online.

My plan is to cut the sizes I need out of variety of fabrics (mostly jewel tone batiks), and I will have a light weight fusible already prepared on the back of the batiks. I plan on preparing a group of fat quarters for this project.

About a month ago I came across a garage sale that had Sulky and YLI threads for sale! I hit the jackpot! I bought a container of them. I will be using these threads for the applique.

I will post my progress of this idea/projects as they happen...it will be a little while though, my schedule is very full.

Happy Sewing!

Monday, October 7, 2013

The Village Quilt Shoppe, newsletter for the Fall

This is the quilt shop I teach at, here are the classes and events going on....

The Village Town Crier Volume 10, Issue 4 Autumn 2013

The Village Quilt Shoppe 2369 Joslyn Ct. Lake Orion, Michigan 48360 (248) 391.5727 www.thevillagequiltshoppe.com
Carolyn's Corner
Finally, quilting season. This is my favorite time of the year. I love it when the nights are cooler and the leaves start to turn to beautiful shades of orange, reds and yellows. These fabulous colors make me want to stay inside and nest. I want to fondle my fabrics, get creative, and sketch new ideas and QUILT. I worry sometimes that I won't live long enough to finish all the quilts I have on my bucket list. It grows constantly and more are added than completed.
The magazine keeps me very busy along with all the books I plan and edit. I also advise on the on-line class videos, do video tutorials, design for textile companies and work with our advertising staff. There are more duties than I can begin to explain in a publishing company but… I love it.
Thank God I have a loving and very understanding husband that tolerates my craziness and not to mention is doing a fine job running the shoppe. I love my weekends at home and at the shoppe. We have some fun and trendy classes for you this time. Make sure you check them out.
Nancy is teaching several fun rulers with awesome quilt projects. Sally will be teaching a class from her new book, and I have a few classes on the schedule also.
All and all it promises to be a wonderful autumn. I hope to see you often in the last quarter of this year. I also want to personally thank every person who made an Ugly Fabric quilt for the Challenge. They were all wonderful. Such talent.
Thank you all for your loyalty and friendship. Be happy, be creative and Keep Piecing, Carolyn
Ugly Fabric Challenge Results
Well the results are in and if we could everyone would have gotten a prize. The winners for the Viewer's Choice were as follows;

1st place - Marilyn Flowers
2nd place- Mary Schrader
3rd place- Ruth McCormick

Thank you all for the participating and I hope you enjoy the prizes.
Customer Appreciation Bingo November 9th, 6:00 - 9:00pm All of you with earned cards please RSVP if you will be attending.

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 3rd, 10:00am - ?
November 7th, 10:00 am- ?
December 5th, 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 20th, 6:00 - 9:30pm
October 18th, 6:00 - 9:30pm
November 15th, 6:00- 9:30pm
No potluck December…Holidays you know!

What a way to spend an evening. Potluck will resume in January!!!
WHAT'S NEW!!!!

Sally Behrend's new book, Doll Quilts, Mini's & More
The Web Store is OPEN
Chevron Bag Pattern Booklet
Rulers, Rulers, Rulers, Philip Arts
Love Those Precuts Book
Batiks, Batiks, and more Batiks!
Follow me on Quilter's World Facebook and on Pinerest
It Takes Two pattern
November - First Choice Pattern & Wheel of Fortune patterns

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.

Mystery Night
Friday, October 11th, 6:00pm - Midnight $25.00 plus your purchase of fabric This is a beautiful quilt when finished… but you can't see it until the end of the evening. Come on in and sign up to reserve your spot and select your fabrics. We'll help you with your fabrics to ensure a nice finish. We will iron for you and serve you dinner and chocolate. Fabrics must be purchased here at the Village Quilt Shoppe to attend this event. Sign up early. We have a limited seating.
CLASSES

Blackford's Beauty
Saturday, October 12th, 12:00pm-5:00pm………..$30.00
This traditional block pattern can easily be made with contemporary, traditional, bright or batik fabrics. Its fat quarter friendly and Nancy will show you how to save your scraps and incorporate them into a beautiful unique optional border. Pattern required and can be purchased from Nancy. Level: Confident Beginner/Intermediate Instructor: Nancy McNally

Hunter Star
Saturday, November 23rd, 12:00-4:00pm…………$24.00
Make a small table topper or square quilt. Learn this quick and easy technique to piece the Hunter's Star with the Rapid Star ruler. You can have this ready for your holiday table. Just takes two fabrics. Pattern and ruler required. Level: Confident Beginner Instructor: Nancy McNally

Machine Quilting
Saturday, September 28th, 10:00 - 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

Simple Curves Runner
Saturday, November 9th, 10:00-3:00pm……………$24.00
Strip piecing and a fun ruler is all it takes to make this beautiful runner. You won't believe how easy it can be. Make stunning projects and make them with ease. The possibilities are endless once you begin to play and see just how easy the designs are once you learn to use the rulers. Level: Confident Beginner/Intermediate Instructor: Carolyn Vagts

Cathedral Window Ornament
Thursday, November 7th, 12:00 - 2:00pm………..$12.00
Here's your chance to learn how to make cathedral window blocks and practice the technique making Christmas Ornaments. I bet you can't make just one. Create a special ornament for each special person on your Christmas list while clearing out your scraps. Level: Beginner Instructor: Sally Behrend

Is there a class you would like to do? Let us know and we will see what we can do.

Infinity Bargello
Tuesday, October22 & November 5, 10:00 - 3:00pm…………………………………………….$60.00
Or Thursday, November 21 & December 12, 10:00 - 3:00pm……………………………………………..$60.00
You will be delighted by the effect of an endless ribbon that the Bargello pattern creates. With a dark background and bold bright color, you will enjoy having this quilt around to show off. Dawn will teach you how to make this beauty. Book required for this class. Level: Intermediate Instructor: Dawn Nelson

Free Style T-shirt/ Memory Quilt
Saturday, October 26, 10:00 - 2:00pm…………..….$24.00
Do you have T shirts to create a quilt with? Do you have other items that you would like to create a memory quilt with? The possibilities are endless. In this class we will discuss how to get started, how to prepare the memories, what to include, and how to incorporate them into a loving memory quilt. Level: All Instructor: Dawn Nelson

Squedge 18 degree Table Runner
Saturday, November 2nd, 10:00 - 2:00pm………….$24.00
You'll love how great this ruler works to create these gorgeous blocks. Strip piecing makes the cutting and piecing a breeze. Nancy will help you with the construction and teach you all the tricks. Pattern is included with required ruler. Level: Confident Beginner Instructor: Nancy McNally

Machine Applique Carolyn's Way
Saturday, October 5th, 10:00 - 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

New Shoppe Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-5:30pm Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm

Japanese Lunch Bag
Wednesday, October 16th, 10:00 -12:00pm…….…….$12.00
Learn to make this adorable bag and you will want to make one for everyone you know. Once you learn to do it you won't be able to stop. It's a great project to make for special gifts. Pattern Required. Level: Beginner Instructor: Sally Behrend

Poppy Bowl
Saturday, October 5th, 3:30pm - 5:30pm………..$12.00
Create beautiful bowls with Bosal Heat Moldable Stabilizer 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…………

Elizabeth's Appliqué Day
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. 11:00- 2:00pm, Sunday September 8th Level: All Instructor: Elizabeth Helwig
Top 3 Patterns

The Big Easy Bag

Turning Twenty Again

It Takes Two

Beginning Quilting 101
Wednesday, October 9th 10:00 - 3:00pm & October 30th, 10:00am - 2:00pm ……………………………..….. $54.00
Or Wednesday, November 6th 10:00 - 3:00pm & November 20th, 10:00- 2:00pm……………………..$54.00
If quilting is what you want to learn, this is the class for you. Learn the basics to quilt construction along with all the tips to make it a successful journey. Nancy will teach you all the basics from cutting to piecing. Level: Novice Instructor: Nancy McNally
New Shop Hours

Closed Monday
Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 5:30pm
Sunday - 11:00 - 3:00pm

Doll Quilts, Minis & More Quilt-As-You-Go
Wednesday, November 13th, 10:00 - 2:00pm…$24.00
This is the perfect technique to use your scraps. Let Sally walk you through this fun and useful technique from her first book Doll Quilts, Minis & More. This technique has multiple block size options. This book is a great go to book for lots of techniques. Level: Beginner Instructor: Sally Behrend

Cosmic Vibrations
Saturday, November 16th, 12:00 - 4:00pm……$31.00 *Price includes magazine with pattern and will be given to you when class is paid for.
This is a paper pieced quilt pattern designed by the instructor. In the class you will learn how to construct the blocks and borders. Nancy will show you how to precut your pieces for paper piecing to conserve waste. If paper piecing is your thing or you've been wanting to try it, here's your chance. Level: Intermediate Instructor: Nancy McNally

Inspiration for tomorrow's heirlooms…..

Sweat Shirt Jacket
September 19th, 10:00 - 2:00pm…………..……....$24.00
If you always wanted to learn how to turn a sweat shirt into a beautiful quilted jacket here's your chance. Roxanne will teach you all the tricks to designing your own jacket. Level: Confident Beginner Instructor: Roxanne Tischler

End of Year Sale

December 27 & 28th, 2013 10:00am - 5:30pm Holiday Hours

We will be closed December 24th & 25th, and December 31st & January 1st

Friday, October 4, 2013

September is gone

My goodness, September is gone and October is here. This morning as my husband was leaving for work I asked him what the date was, October 5? Really? I had no idea! Where has the time gone!?

So here are some pictures of what I've been up to this past month...

Rooster tail, learned this from Dusty Farrell's class in Atlanta

Rooster Tail 2

I also took 2 classes from Pam Clarke, I don't have any pictures from her class. If you ever have a chance to take a class from her, do!! She is so nice, great teacher and so talented!