What Makes You Smile?

It has been a while since I have written on my blog. It's not that my life has been boring or that nothing is going on. It's the opposite! Sew many quilts, sew much fabric, and tons of things to do. But when my life seems to be spinning out of control there are those moments when the simplest things happen. They remind me that life shouldn't be taken so seriously. Enjoy the day. Make someone smile. My cat Hazel makes me smile...as I hope these pictures of her will make you smile. I guess she has found a different use than I have for both my quilts and my fabric. Have a great day...Spring is around the corner.

Also, 2 pictures of quilts I have finished recently.

Jo's Little Women Club - Autumn Crossing




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Scrapbaggers Challenge, Black & White + One - Pretty in Pink

My Challenge quilt along with other Black & White + One challenge quilts will be on display with approx. 70 other quilts at the Eagan High School's Library. The show is held in conjunction with celebrating "Women in History" month. For more information go to: www.eagan.k12.mn.us/librarynew/quilts

Packing up the Holidays

It's that time again when all the Christmas trinkets and do-dads need to be packed up. It seems to take forever. We put up 2 trees...why I don't know...I guess I'm a glutton for punishment. The family room is our Santa room. Most of the decorations are Santas, from the ornaments to the quilts, Santas are everywhere. Check out my pictures.

I am adding this info to my post 1/12/10: Some of you have asked who designed the Santa & Trees quilt...here's the answer...It is a packaged pattern called: Santas on Parade, by Brandywine Designs, located in Chanhassen, MN, copy write 1994...and to think it was only $6.25 back then!

As for a little tip...use leftover quilt batting to wrap those precious ornaments.

Christmas Quilt Ladder

It's a new year! 2010 promises to be filled with quilting and more quilts; both new and old. I've mentioned before that one of my favorite pastimes is collecting antique quilts. I don't know what it is about them but the appeal is certainly there. Could it be the colors or the pattern and intricacies? Or maybe it's the hunt for just the right one. I search in all sorts of places. I go to estate sales, antique shows, and of course there's eBay! Sometimes they come to me as a gift...that's a lucky day.

I like to share my quilts with others. So here are my Christmas quilts on a ladder. From the top down, Marie Webster's Poppy design 1920s, Hearts (?)1880s, Roses (kit quilt)1940s, President's Wreath 1860s, Drunkards Path 1920s. These quilts will remain up until February when I put up the red and white quilts for Valentines Day.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Wishing you the best in 2010...don't forget to start a few new quilts!!!

Happy quilting,
Annemarie

Table Runner Christmas Present

I picked up a new book about a month ago Stars by Magic by Nancy Johnson-Srebro. The timing was just perfect because my small quilt group, Scrapbaggers, decided to exchange table runners at our Christmas party. The techinque from my new book was just great; however there is a lot of waste. The projects in the book utilize a unique twist on the snowball technique. I really enjoyed how the stars were made. It made easy work of stars that are usually complicated. I would love to make more from this book. I give the book and technique 4 stars!!!

Happy quilting,
Annemarie

Jo's Little Women Club #9

On the 5th of January a new Jo's Little Women Club begins. For all you Jo's club fans now is the time to sign up. The class starts in a little more than a week. There is an afternoon class and and an evening class.

The first quilt will use bunches of fabric. You will get to pull both lights and darks from your Jo's scraps. The sample quilt pictured has a piece from each of the 'pack' fabrics...plus a lot more. The center could be the embroidery or a favorite focus fabric or maybe even a photo on fabric. You pick! I'm excited for class to begin. Hopefully, I will see you there. Give the shop a call and get your name on the list. Have a happy and safe new year!!!

Fall Quilt Classes Are Just Around The Corner

It's that time of year again when the kids go back to school and fall quilt classes begin.

I will be teaching several classes this semester. A new crop of beginners will learn about the all important quarter inch seam allowance and become familiar with their sewing machines and rotary cutters. The class is called, Rotary Star Sampler. I look forward to bringing new quilters into the fold.

For those more experienced quilters I will be teaching Invisible Machine Applique. This method is quicker than traditional needle turn applique and utilizes your sewing machine. After completing the applique block it can be finished into a pillow, wall hanging or added to a larger quilt of your choice.

The quilt top pictured is Jan Patek's Girl Gang sample called 'Favorite Things'. Last night was the 12th and final class in the series. All of the applique was completed using the invisible machine applique method. Finishing the top would have been a challenge if not for this method.

There's one more class on my schedule. I will try to post a picture next week. It's a 'bridging' class called 'Little Women' Signature Block Party. Since Jo Morton does not have club 9 ready yet I have planned a different project(s). Stop into the shop to see the sample and pick up the info. The class will meet twice and I promise it will be a lot of fun. We will share ideas, patterns, friendship and fabric. It will prove to be a couple of great nights out.

I Needed This...

The dreaded day finally arrived. I had to take my one and only off to college (Iowa State). He was excited. I, on the other hand, was scared to leave my baby. OK, 18 isn't exactly a baby but those of you who have left your child on the curb holding a bean bag chair and a floor lamp know what I mean. He's a good kid and will do fine. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Needless to say. I was depressed. Could hardly go upstairs to bed...I'd have to pass by his empty room. Didn't get dressed for 2 days. My husband was starting to roll his eyes at me. He just didn't understand. So I thought maybe it was time to get out of my funk and find a purpose again. I'd have to start simple.

I'd start a new project, a quilt...that always makes me happy. But which one would I pick? I have so many kits, patterns and ideas it's a wonder that I made a decision. (You know sort of like Bret Farve!) So, like him, I made up my mind and here it is. The quilt is called Prairie Vine from the cover of BH&G Quilt Sampler magazine. I have 9 blocks completed. Only 21 more to go and of course the 9-patches and applique border. It does get my mind off my empty nest and that makes my husband happier too. And yes, I am dressed and feeling human again!

Enjoy the pictures!
Happy quilting,
Annemarie