Quilts For Your Princess

Fellow quilter, guild member and designer, Beth Helfter, has had her new book published. While reading Beth's new book, I could hear her voice. In my opinion, that's the sign of a great writer. Beth looks for the fun in everything she does and this book is a reflection of how she creates fun and fantasy for her for own three little princesses. In addition, she has taken fantasy to another level and created a quilt book to motivate and guide quilters in the design of a unique quilt for their special little girl.

Why am I, a traditional quilter, so interested in Beth's book? Could it be I have a granddaughter, who is a princess fan ? Or could it be that I helped Beth by doing some piecing of her sample quilts. Check out the image of Page 18. I pieced those two castles. What a fun project !

It's an awesome book !

You can purchase Beth's book directly from her or from www.Amazon.com or www.Quiltwoman.com . Check out Beth's website, www.EvaPaigeQuiltDesigns.com , named after her twin daughters.

Signature Blocks, Tea Bag Wallet, Jeanne's Book List

"Jo and the Prairie Hands Stichers" Yahoo Group recently offered a friendship/signature block exchange. 135 members, at least one from each of the United States and some from out of country, signed up. We were instructed to make 135 Signature Blocks - Kindred Spirits pattern is found in Jo Morton's book, Vintage Journey. My 135 blocks were completed yesterday and priority mailed to the exchange hostess today. Photo of my blocks below. In July I should receive 135 blocks, one from each of the participants. Next, a quilt will be set with the blocks received. What fun to be a part of this exchange!

During our April 29, Jo's Little Women Club, members were shown how to make a Tea Bag Wallet. Photos of finished project are below.

While sewing, I often listen to audio books. Currently, a Jennifer Chiaverini novel, The Quilter's Homecoming is in my player. When I take a break from sewing, I like to sit outside in the sun with a book. At present, I am reading A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick. If you like to read quilt-related novels, you might want to check out her website, www.mariebostwick.com , to preview her books and writing style. I, for one, am really enjoying this book and have the next two in the series, so have my summer reading all set.

The sun is out, so I'm headed outside with my book.

Hope you all have a great weekend...

Completing One Project Makes Room for Another

February 7 I participated in Deb Tucker's Star Shadows workshop through my guild. Deb's pattern creates a 38" x 40" wallhanging. My version, photo above, is a 71" x 66" bed cover. 376 flying geese wings were clipped with Deb Tucker's Wing Clipper tool for this quilt.

Next must finish 135 signature blocks also known as "Siggies" for the Friendship block exchange organized by members of Jo Morton's Prairie Hand Stitchers Yahoo Group.

Quilting possibilities are truly endless...

Lesson Learned

Here's Carol showing Jo Club members her Holiday Inn work in progress. Nice job, Carol !

Remember the "let your fingers do the walking" commercial ? Sure wish I had today - would've had more time to sew. Needed two items at the store. Didn't call ahead. Drove 9 miles to find out both items not in stock. Nine miles back home. Ordered online.

A couple days ago I scooped up Better Homes and Garden's Spring/Summer 2010 Quilt Sampler magazine at The Quilted Crow. No New England shops this time, but Plain and Simple Quilt Shop in Apex, NC is nicely represented. My friend, Corinne, teaches and helps at this shop. Note to self: "Plan trip to visit Corinne and Plain and Simple in the Fall."

Sounds like it's supposed to rain tomorrow (Saturday) and I plan to sew all day. Must finish Shadow Stars, designed by Deb Tucker. Once borders are on, I will post a photo. Have been clipping wings like crazy for this one. So, stay tuned...

Guild, Jo sighting, Meghan Day

Last night, was my guild's May Guild meeting. After the usual Squanicook Colonial Quilt Guild business meeting, Cathy Miller, a well-known quilter and folksinger/songwriter from Victoria, BC, Canada, along with her husband, John, presented an extremely entertaining program of song and quilts. Check out her website: http://www.singingquilter.com/ for more information.

If you're as interested in Jo Morton fabric and designs as I am, you will be interested in
Quiltmaker's Summer 2010 issue of Small Quilts. log on to www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/details.html?idx=12405 to see Stars Over Texas.

Today was "Meghan Day" at my house - that is, my 2 1/2 year-old granddaughter, Meghan, spent the day with me. On "Meghan Days" I don't get near my sewing machine, but when she arrives and the first thing she says is, "Gammy, I need my fabwick," that's all I need. She's also renamed my Bright Tessellations to The Picnic Quilt, while we had a pretend picnic on the family room floor.

What can I say ? Life really is good...

Jo's Little Women Club #9

Above is Holiday Inn from Jo's Little Women Club #8.

Twelve members met at The Quilted Crow in Boxborough, MA for refreshments, quilt talk, sharing, tips and techniques and to make a special project. Each member received a 25-piece Jo Morton fat quarter tower and pattern for the first of five small quilts to be constructed withing the next 6 months. Our next meeting will be May 27, 2010, a 6:00PM at The Quilted Crow. If you are interested in joining us, either in shop or online, it's not too late to become a member. Simply logon to http://www.thequiltedcrow.com/ >Designers>Jo Morton to sign up today, or call toll free 866-266-9104 or 978-266-9102 or visit the shop at 61 Stow Rd, Boxborough, MA. While on the site, be sure to check out the beautiful fabrics, books, patterns and supplies available for purchase.

Welcome to my new Blog

Hello, friends. I'm blogging! I plan to customize this site and post about my quilting life... So return often and comment when you feel moved...