HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Knotty Girls met recently at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Judi made this Halloween quilt. She said it is from the book Simple Seasons by Kim Diehl. Isn’t it cute!

She also shared her latest purse made out of Halloween fabrics. She said she used the Ying Yang Scrap Bag pattern to make it. How cute is that!

Marcy Westveer finished another wonderful stitchery and pieced quilt from Crab Apple Hill. She made this Over The River quilt with white and black fabrics, which made an eye-catching quilt. Great job Marcy!

Want to make a Bow Tucks purse like the one above? Lee Ann is a master at making these. You won’t want to miss her class on Wednesday. Don’t forget all the other great classes coming up at the Attic Window Quilt Shop this week. Check the calendar on the sidebar or take a look at the Newsletter (woman with the hat) on the sidebar.

Sew Many Ways has two great gift ideas for you.

♥
Stay Positive!
Caroll

LOOK WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH BABY CLOTHES

Do you remember my Flower Festival Quilt? I blogged about it here. Shari Kimbro saw it, liked the pattern and decided to make one of her own. She got the book “Flower Festival” by Kim Schaefer and started working. I heard about it and asked her to send me a picture when it was finished. What will interest you is her story about how she made this beautiful quilt. This is Shari’s note to me:

Thanks again for answering my questions about your "Flowers for Mother's Day" quilt that you had on the blog in May. As soon as I saw it on the blog I KNEW that was the pattern I had been searching for. My friend has a 10-year old daughter. She had kept her daughter’s infant and toddler clothes over the years. One day she mailed me a HUGE box full of these clothes. At the beginning of the summer I started using the fabric from them to make the quilt blocks. I just kept making blocks. I purchased the white on white background, lattice, cornerstone and binding fabric. The rest is all baby clothes (some had spandex and polyester but I made it work!). Once I had used every piece of clothing I ended up with 35 blocks, so I just made 5 more to make an even 40.

And this is the result. It does lay flat! It's laying over a mattress to take the picture. The nice people working at Attic Window Quilt Shop helped me pick out the yellow and dark pink for the lattice and cornerstones. I'm very excited to turn it over to my friend. It was a ton of work but lots of fun. I had no idea what I would end up with when all was said and done. She lives in Texas and we see each other a few times a year. I'm delivering it to her on November 9th. I hope she likes it! I love the way it turned out.

Thanks again,

Shari Kimbro
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Shari I’m sure she will love it. What a thoughtful friend you are! This is something to be cherished over the years and passed down through the family. You should be proud!

Thanks for sharing this lovely quilt with us. I hope all our readers are inspired to do what you did. You certainly have me thinking and planning!
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Stay Positive!
Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE

This is my latest block for the Around the World Quilting Bee. It is for Brioni. She has asked for small trees that she will later make into placemats. What a great idea.

This is a shot of the contributions others have made so far as Brioni's quilt travels around the world. She’s going to have so much fun with all these blocks.

This is another great find at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. This fabric is Winter Wonderland Flannel, a Tricia Santry Design for Blank Quilting. Not only are all these snowmen so cute, but I can just see my grandchild snuggling up in this warm flannel.
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It’s been chaos around here. We had winds yesterday and again today. I didn’t turn on my computer all day yesterday, thinking that was the safe thing to do. I thought this was smart thinking since we did lose electricity for a couple hours. Now this morning my printer/scanner won’t work. Gads! It’s always something.

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Speaking of chaos, A Little Bit Of Kaos has a cute Jelly Roll Tutorial for you. Enjoy

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Stay Positive!

Caroll

BE HAPPY, BUY FABRIC!

Don’t you love this little guy? He looks like how I feel when I go into the fabric shop. I want to hug everything and take it home with me. You can have a monkey like this in your house too. Just flop him down anywhere and he looks cute. His body is created with yo-yos strung together and attached to a stuffed head. Add a curly tail and you have this darling monkey. There is still time. This Yo-Yo monkey will make a great Christmas gift. You can get the pattern at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

While you are at the shop, take a look at all the new fabrics that are arriving daily. I don't know when this came in, but I just found it and fell in love with this line of fabric. Above is a picture of Happy by Me & My Sister Designs for Moda.

Here is Happy in yellow.

You will also find Happy in a Jelly Roll, Charm Pack and Layer Cake. The colors in these packages are stunning.
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Mary Lou has an interesting post today. Hop on over and read about God’s Math. Very fascinating.

Country Hill has a free Raven placemat pattern. Really cute!

♥
Stay Positive!
Caroll

NEW AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

Don’t you love this fabric? It is Spirit by Lila Tueller for Moda. I saw it at the Attic Window Quilt Shop last week and couldn’t resist. Don’t know what I’m going to make with it yet, but I’m sure I’ll find something.

I love this stitchery too. This sample was made into a pillow. The pattern is by This & That and is called Autumn Blessings.

This Birdcage Panel is by J Wecker Frisch for Quilting Treasures. You could make a quick wall hanging out of this lovely panel. Or, how about a darling baby quilt. So many choices, so little time.

Congratulations to the Attic Window Quilt Shop blog. Mama Pea from Peas in a Pod awarded this blog the Sunshine Award. Check out her blog and see all the fun links she has to other blogs that she has presented with the Sunshine award. Thank you Stephanie! What an honor to receive this award and to be among this group of wonderful bloggers.

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QFD Creative has a fun hanger tutorial that would make a nice gift for your grandchild at Christmas. Check it out.

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Stay Positive!
Caroll

IT'S TIME TO THINK ABOUT CHRISTMAS!

When I stopped at the Attic Window Quilt Shop last week, I saw this quilt from Crabapple Hill. It is Snowmen A to Zzzz. The pattern says “From “A - Angels we have heard on high..." to our last little sleeping snowman "zzzZ, this colorful 48 1/2" x 72 1/2" quilt can't help but make you smile! “ It got me to thinking about Christmas and all the presents I need to make. The best time to do that is NOW!

While browsing at the shop, I saw gift suggestion number 1. This darling bag is a Sonoma Swing Bag by Pink Sand Beach Designs. It has a long skinny strip, a zipper top and lots of pockets. Teenagers on my list will love it.

Gift suggestion number 2: City Weekend is a kit designed by Liesl Gibson for Oliver +S for Moda. Each kit includes fabric for the top, binding and the pattern. Saves time on what fabrics to choose. Just take it home and make it!

GapingVoid had another cartoon that touched me. Check it out.

Mrs. Schmenkman has a wonderful tutorial on a butterfly block. Scroll all the way down and see how pretty this quilt looks on the bed. You can also check out Freda’s Hive and see how Nanette’s butterfly quilt is turning out.

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Stay Positive!

Caroll

HAVE YOU TRIED THE 10 DEGREE RULER?

I stopped in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop Friday night to pick up some fabric and the UFO class was in session. Diane Miller agreed to share her latest project with us. She made this tree skirt with a ten degree wedge ruler. I’ve never heard of that but thought this project might be something I (a non-piecer) could do. You can read about this ruler at Quiltz. Diane said that it is a very easy design to make as it is really all done with strip piecing. She has made four of them so far and has one more to go, one for each of her children. She makes each one unique by using different fabrics. She thought it might be fun sometime to close the hole in the center and turn it into a table topper. This is a must-try project for me.

Members of the UFO class in session that night seemed busy with various projects. However, all work ceased when Chris demonstrated a new technique. She thought it would be fun for them to learn something new. I believe this monthly evening class if full, but there is a day UFO class also. Call the shop if you are interested in either the day or evening monthly sessions.

Don’t forget about all the classes being held at the shop this week. Above is a picture of the 30’s Windmill quilt. The class is this Wednesday.

Denise Clason has a great tutorial for a designer luggage handle cover. This is a great gift for those who travel.

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Stay Positive!
Caroll

DO ALL QUILTERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM?

I noticed that quite a number of bloggers are posting what is on their design wall, so I decided to join in the fun. Eagerly, I grabbed my camera and ran to my sewing room, only to discover that my design wall looked like this (above). It occurred to me: I think I might have an attention problem. I start a lot of projects (there are so many wonderful ones that I must try), and don’t seem to finish anything.

I tried this block when I saw Scraps and Strings and Empire BOM posts about their Ticker Tape quilts. It looked like so much fun and it was. I love this block and put it on the design wall, planning to make more. However….

Before I could make another block, I saw the Teens & Tweens, Quilting Fun with Family & Friends book by by Anita Shackelford and Jennifer Perdue and had to try a block that I saw in there. I liked the above, and planned to make more as I am sure my granddaughter would love it. However…

I had a Fiber Arts meeting that night and became inspired to try rusting fabric. I came right home and made this(above). Do you see the fabric beads? Click on the picture for a closer view. You can learn how to make them by going to Sew Many Ways. Karen has a great tutorial for making fabric beads! I had fun with this project but don’t know what to do with it, so it stays on my design wall…waiting for inspiration. However…

I got a pattern on a small card called The Cut-Up by Pieced Tree Patterns. I thought this would be a nice way to use up those 30’s fabrics. Because of the fabrics I used, however, I thought the blocks looked dull, so I had to make some bright flowers to appliqué on them.

Before I could finish another block, I saw a new blog 15 Minutes Play by Bumbe Beans and had to try using up some of those scrap. Then…

These flowers keep calling out to me. They were left over when I made the quilt from Kim Schaefer’s book Flower Festival. I love them and can’t toss them, so I do plan to make a table runner with them (maybe). Anyway, I plan to use them someday.
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To top it off, I went to the library today and picked up another quilt book, “City Quilts,” by Cherri House and have to try something in there. I love modern quilts. So, it’s off to the Attic Window Quilt Shop to get some plain fabrics.

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So, tell me…is it just me, or do all quilters have this problem?

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Saw this on the Quilting Board. Liesl Made has a tutorial for a folded star hot pad. Check it out.

♥
Stay Positive!

Caroll

HELP PLEASE

Hugh MacLeod has a great blog. I get his daily cartoon. Sometimes his comments are right on target. This one certainly spoke to me. I’m showing it today because I have something important to tell you and thought this would grab your attention. If you’d like to join me in receiving MacLeod's cartoons you can sign up here.
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And now to WHY I want to get your attention. Vicky Babcock is requesting help. This kind of help you will enjoy giving. Here is her request:

Hi, I am writing a book called, "The Dog Ate My Quilt," creative solutions to quilting disasters. I am collecting stories from anyone who has ever had a mishap--canine or otherwise--with a favorite quilt and what (if anything) they did to repair the damage. This does not need to be animal related, but I am finding a definite correlation between the puppies we love and the quilts we create--and also love. Please e-mail me with any stories you would like to share at: vbabcock@wingsisp.com or call me at: 616-696-4227. Ask for Vicky. Thanks.

I hope you can help Vicky with her book.

Quilter’s World has a cute table topper pattern for you. Now "go create something."
♥
Stay Positive,
Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #10

This is my latest Aunt Millie’s block. I know….I know the flowers are not all alike and not symmetrical, but this block has been a problem since day one. I had a heck of a time choosing fabrics. Then the flower itself gave me a lot of trouble as I used the needle-turn method and I really have yet to master that. There comes a time when you just have to quit fretting about it. So, this is it. It’s staying as is. I’m just glad this one is done. What I enjoy most is searching blogs for pictures of what others do with these same blocks. It’s fun to seeing their fabric choices, how neat and symmetrical each one is. They give me inspiration. I can do better and will do better next time. We should have a show-n-tell blog just devoted to Aunt Millie blocks.
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Don’t forget all the classes being held at the Attic Window Quilt Shop this week. Jan V is teaching a couple beginning appliqué classes. I think she teaches needle-turn so, I better attend. I need the help. Julie’s Doll Bee meets Thursday. Chris has a beginning Intermediate Quilting class on Friday. You can make either a Rail Fence or a Single Irish Chain pattern. Vickie is teaching A Little Off Kilter on Saturday. There is also a Make It Take It Class Saturday where Chris will be teaching Paper Piecing (another one I should attend).

Quilt Patterns From Seattle has a Flowers In My Window quilt pattern for you. If you scroll down you will see other patterns that you might like to download.
Stay Positive!
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Until next time,
Caroll

SATURDAY BEE SHARES PROJECTS

We had show and tell last Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop when the First Saturday Quilting Bee met. Above is a Rail Fence by Judy. I love her bright colors.

This is by Cathy M. She said this hand stitching was her summer project. Love the colors and the design. Reminds me of my childhood.

MOM: Speaking of childhood, let me tell you a story about my mother. The other day I took Mom to the senior center for bingo and lunch. By the time we got back home I was feeling sluggish and decided to take a walk while Mom took her nap. On my walk, I noticed several trees with unusual leaves. I picked up a fallen leaf and thought about how I could use this design in a quilt. I gathered several more unique leaves along the way and was planning my design in my head when a nice looking young man crossed my path. We smiled and he said, “Grandson has a leaf collection, huh?” I just nodded yes and walked on. When I got home, I told Mom about the man’s comments and how I thought it funny that he just assumed my grandson had a leaf collection. Mom said, “Wow, what a great conversation starter. I never thought of that. Sure beats hassling with kids, or walking behind a stinky dog. Let me have those leaves when you get through. I’ll take them with me on my next walk.” Must be nice to be nearly 93 and still have dreams. ;o)

U Create has a free Halloween appliqué pattern. You can use this one in various ways, child’t T-shirt, wall hanging, placemat, etc. Click on the “free downloads” and it will take you to other free patterns.

Stay Positive!
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Until next time,

Caroll

KNOTTY GIRLS ARE BEING KNOTTY AGAIN

The Knotty Girls Stitching Bee met recently at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. It’s so nice to be able to depend on Sherri for something to share. I don’t know how she gets so much done. Her things are so beautiful too, not slapped together like I do when in a hurry. She’s amazing. She is working on a Sue Spargo quilt. This one is titled Magnolia. I love how she has put the silk flowers on the wool for embellishment.

This is another block of her quilt. Those silk flowers really make her quilt pop!

This is yet another block of Sherri’s quilt. I never thought I’d like working with wool, but Sherri makes it look so inviting and tempting.

This is another finish for Sherri. She made this quilt out of Meinke fabrics and what amazed me is that it has a batting inside. I thought that would make it too heavy, but it is warm, soft and cuddly.

Sew Many Ways has a great tutorial for magnetic business cards. You’re probably thinking, what would I do with those? Check out her blog. She has several suggestions, some you won’t want to do without.

Stay Positive!
♥
Until next time,
Caroll

PURSES AND TWILLING

I stopped in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop last week and cornered a few people for pictures. Above is Lee Ann’s new purse. The pattern is Bahamas Blues by Thankfully Sew. It has lots of room and a nice zippered pocket inside. Lee Ann has two purse classes this week: Weekender Tote on Wednesday from 10-4 and Taylor’s Trio Bag on Saturday from 10-4. Lee Ann said that if you prefer to make any other purse that she has as a sample in the shop, instead of these two mentioned, you can do that on Wednesday or Saturday. Just call the shop ahead of time and leave word of your pattern choice so she’ll be sure to have the necessary items on hand for teaching.

Sue Sedine was also at the shop and graciously let me take this picture of her latest twilling project. She said she’s going to finish it as a throw. There are so many things you can do with twilling. If you haven’t taken a class, you’ll want to learn this interesting technique and perhaps make a lovely throw or wallhanging like this.

I love this Biscuit purse. I noticed it sitting on the floor beneath the table. It obviously belonged to a student in Barb’s twilling class. Carol Penrod said it belonged to her. Carol lives in Florida but comes to the Grand Rapids area every summer and tries to get in a class or two at the shop. She said this Biscuit purse is her own idea. She said that the front of each biscuit is 4” square and the back is 3” square. Isn’t it darling!

I can’t believe I haven’t shown this to you. I checked in my previous posts and can’t find it so I guess I didn’t. I’m so sorry. Allie Ooops Sweet Happy Life has the cutest birdcage stitchery. Check it out.

Stay Positive!
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Until next time,
Caroll

WMQG QUILTS ON THE GRAND

This picture is of one of the raffle quilts at the Quilts On The Grand Quilt Show. It is stunning and I wanted to share it with you. Holland Tulips was beautifully done by the Colonial Quilter Bee and machine quilted by Char Koppenal.

There were so many beautiful quilts at the Show, I wish I could show them all. As it was I just took pictures of those I want to remember, the ones that sparked my imagination, or urged me on to finish a UFO. I took this one of the baskets because I thought it was a great way to use up those scraps! Zippy Baskets is by Jan Landry and is a modern rendition of an antique basket quilt pattern.

I have a snail trail that I’ve been working on for five years. Well, maybe I should re-word that as I only have two blocks done. It’s in my UFO pile. I have good intentions. Happy Trails Through the Galaxy is by Marilyn Epavier. I’m using this picture as my inspiration and prod to get back to that UFO. I really admire anyone who can do piecing like this.

I took this picture because I like it’s whimsy. Underwater Adventure was designed and created by Bobbie Vruggink and her kindergarten class. It was quilted by Bonnie Vruggink. Isn’t it darling? I bet her students are so proud.

Assemblage is by Julia Voake. It is a canvas fabric layered with batting. Fabric pieces were machine appliquéd then various objects were hand stitched on. I love the order and elegance of this piece. The show was awesome, and if you get a chance get on over to the Delta Plex. The show goes through Sunday.

Saw this on Peas In A Pod blog. Click on her link to get a free Amy Butler pattern.
Stay Positive!
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Until next time,

Caroll

SUSAN HANSMA FEATURED QUILTER AT WMQG

Susan Hansma was the featured quilter at the West Michigan Quilt Guild’s recent meeting. Hansma said that she’s been quilting since she was in 7th grade. She has made many quilts over the years, as gifts and for donations to such worth organizations at the Neonatal Unit, Hospice, and Margaret’s Hope Chest. Hansma is pictured above with her 30’s quilt. She had numerous quilts in her booth, and this is my favorite.

Hansma said she didn’t care for the 30’s fabrics and the above quilt is more her style. It is usually hanging in her entryway. Hansma had to teach herself how to do the reverse appliqué on this quilt and came up with her own idea of how to make these intricate designs behave.

I love this duck and the brilliant colors Hansma used.

Another of Hansma’s works of art. I think I see why she’s not into the 30’s fabrics. She’s a modern gal at heart!

Speaking of modern, you might take a look at this Make a Mod Mood quilt that Daintytime has for you. Modern, different, and “moody.”

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Don’t forget the big quilt show at the Delta Plex this weekend. I’ll try to get some good pictures.
Stay Positive!
♥
Until next time,
Caroll