Sunday, February 28, 2010

RED PURSE, BLUE PURSE, WHICH PURSE?

Can a woman ever have too many purses? The answer is NO, NO, NO!!! Have one for every outfit is my motto. This lovely red purse is a sample that Lee Ann made for her purse class at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Isn’t it lovely? The tucks/pleats at the top really give it that feminine touch. It will look perfect with my new red coat (maybe Lee Ann will let me borrow it for a while).

This is another work of art by Lee Ann. Look for her upcoming classes in the new calendar and Newsletter, which should be out by the end of March. If you can’t wait that long and want to try this on your own, patterns may be purchased at the shop.

More new fabric at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. This line is from Robert Kaufman fabrics. Darlene Zimmerman calls this 1930s reproduction fabric Little Blessings. I’m making a doll quilt out of the one with the dots and the animals in the circle. It is in pink. I’m thinking my new granddaughter needs one too! Stop in at the shop and see all the new fabrics. They will get you thinking about spring!
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Speaking of doll quilts, Nothing Fancy has a tutorial for a darling baby doll bassinet. Think granddaughter, bassinet, doll quilt. This is the perfect gift for that precious little one.

Until next time,
Caroll

Thursday, February 25, 2010

KNOTTY GIRLS ARE BEING KNOTTY AGAIN

The Knotty Girls Bee met recently at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and as usual are working on some wonderful projects. Above Phyllis D. shares her all wool BOM project. It’s called Settler’s Price by Black Berry Primitives. It is beautiful! Can't wait to see the finished project.

Cindy S. worked on her Twilling. I fell in love with the colors she is using. Most Twilling I’ve seen is white on white. You might not be able to tell from this picture, but Cindy is using a blue background with a darker blue thread. Very lovely! And the patience. Would you believe she is filling the heart centers with gazillions of little French knots!

Sherri P. shared her finished project. I love these trees. The flowered vine border is perfect! Sherri does such beautiful work. And does she have the energy. She made two of these quilts!

Vively On Line has a great tutorial for covering those plastic baskets to get that all together chic look.

Jenny from Elefantz has a wonderful basket tutorial. Be sure to check it out.


Until next time,
Caroll

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

YES, SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Join Colleen at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and make this lovely wall hanging. Above is the Spring version of the Changing Seasons BOM. (The sides and borders are yet to be added.) This traditional appliqué BOM has four different wall hangings (33” X 45”) to represent that particular season. It runs three months for each season. After finishing one season, continue the program for each consecutive season, or pick your favorite one and join us. The cost each month includes class, kit, patterns, and finishing kit. Call the Shop for further details.

New Fabrics in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Above is the Civil War VII line by Windham Fabrics. Isn’t this panel wonderful!
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May Your Bobbin Always Be Full has a quilted zipper bag tutorial. Check it out.

Until next time,
Caroll

Sunday, February 21, 2010

CLASS FOR BEGINNERS

Years ago when I lived in California I thought I would like to quilt. That was in the 60s and information on quilting was limited. Recently I came across the square pieces of knit that I had sewn together, but never finished, and tossed it. Aren't we lucky today because there are all kinds of quilt classes available. If you always wanted to start quilting but just didn't know where to start, join us at the Attic Window Quilt Shop for this Beginning Quilting class! A lap size quilt will be made. You may choose from two different designs. The above picture is a sample Chris made for the class. Call the shop to learn more about this fun class.

Above are some new fabrics that are in the Attic Window Quilt Shop. This line is called “Let’s Play” by Bernatex. Wouldn’t you just love to play with these fabrics?
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Don’t forget UFO days at the shop. A day class has been added to this popular class. The next session is Monday, Feb. 22. Bring your UFOs and get them finished while you enjoy the company of other quilters.

Spun Sugar Quilts has a tutorial for a green beer table runner. Just the thing for March, don’t you think?

Miss Nancy of Tea and Quilts has some paper piecing tips for you.

Until next time,
Caroll

Friday, February 19, 2010

ARE YOU A GREEN QUILTER?

Are you a green quilter? I got the idea for this little piece by watching a Nancy Zieman TV show. You cut out the leaf from your Heat N Bond, or whatever you choose to use, but you place the design on the background fabric. Iron it and pull off the Heat N Bond. Then using your rotary cutter you make confetti out of your scraps. Place them onto the background fabric so that you cover the design you have ironed onto the background. Using your silicone mat, cover the scraps and then iron them onto the background fabric. I then did some random stitching, sewed on a few beads, added a piece of yarn, and toyed with a fabric pen. It was fun to play and use up my scraps. I think I’m going to frame it.

Mr. Greenman the One-Eyed Alien from outer space. Well, that’s what I call him. I saw something similar to this on someone’s blog about a month ago. Of course, I’m not so organized that I wrote down the blog address. I spent almost one afternoon looking for it to no avail. I decided I would just have to make the pattern on my own. It was a gift for my great grandchild. I love stuffed toys.
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Just Quiltin with Denise Russart has a new BOM called Crop Circles.
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The Tattered Garden has a great tutorial on how to make a snappy bag. What’s a snappy bag? Well it’s one of those you can just snap open and closed, but this one is made by using a metal tape measure. Very clever.

Until next time,
Caroll

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT FIBER ARTS?

Isn't this wall hanging beautiful? During a recent meeting of the Lakeshore Fiber Arts group, Julia Voake shared her latest project – rust dying on fabric. I’d love to have this hanging in my home. You can meet the artists of the Lakeshore Fiber Arts group during a reception on Monday, March 8th from 6-8 p.m. at Lakeshore Sewing in Wyoming, Michigan.


Well known author, teacher, and fiber artist Beth Ann Williams demonstrated how to do gelatin dying at the meeting. Beth recommends that anyone interested in exploring fabric and paint check out the book "Create Your Own Hand-Painted Cloth" by Rayna Gillman. The book is chock-full of great ideas and lots of inspiration - including a nice section on gelatin painting. The Fabric Arts group will be participating in a quilting and fiber art exhibit during the month of March. Stop by Lakeshore and take a look.

Above you can see what the piece of cloth that Beth dyed looks like. I love the circles left by the rubber bands. Can't you just see this in your next project?

Marlis Egger’s blog will lead you to a tutorial for making the cutest heart block. I want you to go to her blog first to see what she did; then you can go to the tutorial (link is on her blog) and see something entirely different. Both are very cute. Maybe a little late for this year, but why not get it done and ready for next year?
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The Mad Quilter has a great folding bag tutorial. This one is different and I think you'll like it.


Until next time,
Caroll

Monday, February 15, 2010

WOOL FELT CLASS AT ATTIC WINDOW

Penny Rug Club starts February 26th at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. The club meets the fourth Friday of the month from 6-9 p.m. Above is a sample of the first block. Sorry that it is a little blurry. When I arrived at the shop Saturday it was sooo crowded. The Heart of Winter bus tour was that day and the first bus had arrived. It looked like everyone was having a wonderful time, but I had a little difficulty taking the picture.

You can better see in this picture the various blocks that Glenys has scheduled for you. This is sure to be a fun BOM. Call the Attic Window to register and get a supply list.
If you like the picture I use as my avatar, you will like the other patterns at Quilted Quickies. Check it out. Jere has lots of really cute patterns. For those of you in the Grand Rapids area you can check at the shop. I know some of the patterns are there and you can ask Chris to order patterns for you too.

I found two new BOMs that you might like to check out. Molly’s Place and Val Laird. Each BOM looks like it's going to be fun.

Until next time,
Caroll

Saturday, February 13, 2010

ONE PATTERN DIFFERENT QUILTS

It amazes me how a group of women taking the same class can make quilts that look so different. This is an example. Above is Roxanne’s version of the 2009 Quilt Sampler at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Roxanne chose to use the 1930’s fabrics with a dark border.

This is Jerry’s version. You’d never know this is the same quilt that Roxanne made. Jerry chose to emphasize the negative spaces by using the darker fabric, which guides your eye along the zigzag design.

This is Maggie’s version. Note how she used the back and white combo in all her extra blocks. I think this coupled with the black border gives her quilt a more contemporary feel.

This is Judy’s version. She used a different setting altogether and made this quilt truly hers. I love seeing how everyone's quilt turns out so differently. Be sure to sign up for the 2010 Quilt Sampler at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Classes begin in March.
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Peaceful Kwilter has a no waste flying geese tutorial that is great .
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Patchwork of Mini Grey has a tutorial for the cutest house block. This blog is new to me and I bet promises to be one I will continue to visit.

Until next time,
Caroll

Thursday, February 11, 2010

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE

More blocks for the Around The World Quilting Bee. This is the block I made for Anita from the Netherlands. Her blog is Bake And Sew . Hope she likes bright colors.

This is the block I made for Kendal of Color . I wanted to make another flower block because I love applique so much, but all the other blocks in Kendall's quilt were pieced and had such a distinct flavor to it that I didn't want to interrupt.
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Have you been to Mrs. Moen's blog lately? She has a great tutorial for a heart wall hanging that you will love. Check it out.

Until next time,
Caroll

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

NON-PAID “FAMILY” SERVICE ADVERTISEMENT




Got car problems? Need brakes? Problems with your exhaust system? Need a tow? You can rely on Auto Source for reliable, trustworthy service while you are having fun at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Auto Source is a family-owned business (my son) and offers you that personal touch. It is located just a block away from the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Drop off your car at Auto Source, and a service man will drive you to the Quilt Shop. You can take your time to shop or attend class, and when you are ready, the service man will pick you up and take you to get your car. With this fast and dependable service comes a discount if you mention that you saw the ad at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Call Auto Source at 616-784-3177 for an appointment. This has been a “family” service announcement.

Hyena in Petticoats has a great tutorial for cathedral windows.


Until next time,
Caroll

Sunday, February 7, 2010

HEART OF WINTER TOUR


The Heart of Winter Quilt Tour of 2010 will take place this Saturday, February 13th. Hop on the bus at the Attic Window Quilt Shop for a day of shop hopping. You will visit Around the Block Quilt Shop in Portland and Quilted Memories in Montague. You will have two hours at each shop to visit, touch, look, drool and buy. Each shop will provide you with a free pattern of the Heart of Winter project shown above. Demonstrations and a kit for a portion of the project will also be available for sale. Lunch is included. Call the shop for further details and to make your reservation.

Don't forget to check out the First Friday Freebie at the Painted Quilt. It's a cute one
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Are you into paper piecing? After seeing what Deb Karasik does I want to learn this technique. Check out 365 Quilt Blocks for some great ideas.

Until next time,
Caroll

Thursday, February 4, 2010

ATWQB BLOCK

The Around The World Quilting Bee is on the move again. It seemed that everything was put on hold during the holidays, but now the blocks are on the move. This is the block I made for Maria in the United Kingdom. Hope she likes it.
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I read a blog today where it asked the question about how much clutter is costing you in time and money. Well, I spent the first two weeks in January cleaning the clutter from my sewing room. Everything is nice and neat. Fabrics are folded and sorted by color. Batting is in one place. There is just one BIG problem. I can’t find anything. I can’t help but wonder how much time and money I’m wasting looking for something I know I had just a couple weeks ago. In my before cluttered state I knew exactly where everything was. I may have forgotten what I had, but if I needed something, I knew where to look. After doing the big re-arrange I can no longer go to the spot where I know the item is supposed to be. If I didn’t have my fabrics lined up in the open along one wall I probably wouldn’t be able to find them. Do you suppose this little mind problem I have has anything to do with my age?
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Magnolia Bay Quilts has a nice tutorial for a string quilt.

Until next time,
Caroll

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

PATTERN NAME CHOSEN

Remember back in November when Carolyn Eary was looking for a name for her new jacket pattern and I posted about it here? At that time Vicky F. left a comment and suggested Carolyn name her jacket Stained Glass Chocolates. That is the name Carolyn chose. As a thank you for her suggestion, Carolyn is sending Vicky a free Stained Glass Chocolates jacket pattern. I know this was not a contest, but I’m so glad that Carolyn chose a name suggested on the blog and that she wanted to thank the person who suggested it. Doesn’t this jacket look fantastic in the above picture! You can purchase the pattern at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Watch for Carolyn’s other upcoming classes on how to make her fantastic jackets and quilts. Design Your Own Quilt is Feb. 18 and is in lecture format. Just Start With a Square is Feb. 19th and Pick One Then The Other Jacket begins Feb. 24. For further details check out the Newsletter (button on sidebar) or click on the calendar on the sidebar. Congratulations Vicky and thanks Carolyn for your thoughtfulness.

Have you seen Esther's blog? She has a great tutorial for her Red Delicious pattern made into a pillow. You’ll love her blog and wonderful patterns.

Until next time,
Caroll

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Attic Window Teachers

Attic Window Teachers
Attic Window Teachers

Quilting for Kids With Cancer

Quilting for Kids With Cancer
Generosity has no bounds. Above are the women in the Quilts For Kids group at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Left to right, Henrietta, Phyllis, Nancy, Carol, Karen. These women donate their time, fabric, money once a month to make quilts for kids who have cancer.

Quilts For Wheels

Quilts For Wheels
Many thanks and much appreciation goes to the women who work diligently each month to make quilts for those in wheel chairs. Kudos go to: Yvonne, Mary T., Fran, Joan, Mary Ellen, Barb, Lee Ann, Nancy, Mary.
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