Tuesday, November 30, 2010

ARE THEY MUG RUGS OR CAFFEINE CARPETS?


I’ve been busy this week running mother to various doctor appointments.  She’s really doing well for her age.  She sleeps until about 11 every day so I have a chance to spend some uninterrupted time in my sewing room.  This week I’m still making mug rugs.  Maybe I’ll have them perfected soon.  Every time I make one I try a new technique or way of doing something.  I’ve discovered the using the envelope method for making a false binding, really doesn’t work for me.  I must not be able to sew a straight line because the edge curves in like this [  I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. 
I was at loose ends this morning, not wanting to get into a big project, so I went blog hopping.  I was visiting Stash Manicure (see link on sidebar) and came across some interesting blogs.  Carol at Mamacjt blotspot calls herself the Queen of Mug Rugs. She is correct. Check out her blog and see some of her darling Mug Rugs. She is quite the artist. I got the idea for the above snowman from her. I wasn’t going to make a “Caffeine Carpet” with a holiday theme because I thought it too limiting. Who wants to see a snowman in the middle of summer? However, I gave in when I saw all the cute ones Carol has made.

Are you making Christmas gifts? Here’s an idea that is almost as quick and easy as a mug rug. Ava Landen has a nice tutorial for making napkins with mitered corners.

I have put up the last free pattern on my sidebar.  Some of you may notice that this is the same pattern from Last December.  It has been a year and I though instead of just stopping it, I would post this last one again for those who didn't get into saving them until the first of the year.  Enjoy!  (Besides, my copy/scanner broke and I can't deal with it right now.)

Knotty Girls Stitching Bee meets tomorrow evening at the Attic Window Quilt Shop so I should have some new things to show you later in the week. 

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Sunday, November 28, 2010

CRAFT DAY AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

Craft Day at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Saturday was a lot of fun.  Those participating made mug rugs, snowmen bags/ornaments, mug warmers, and book covers.  I was only able to attend the first part of the day when we made the mug rugs that I blogged about here
I’ll share some pictures with you.  Here Yvonne and Rosa are hard at work.
Jeri said her friend that she is giving the Mug Rug to drinks tea so she added a pocket.    
 Everyone received the same kit with the same fabrics.  It was fun to see how each one turned out so differently. 
Linda shows us her Mug Rug.
 This is Rosa with her Mug Rug.
 Tari shows how she pinked her edges instead of using binding.  What a clever idea.
Above are pictures of the other items the group made that day: composition book cover, mug cozy, snowman gift bag/ornament. Wish I could have been there for all of it. I left just as they were putting on the food. I didn’t know that was included! Plan ahead next year to attend this super fun event!

Tipnut is a fun place to visit. It has lots of tutorials.

Love Laugh Quilt is building a neighborhood and needs your help. Build a house and send it to her. The directions are here

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, November 22, 2010

WHIMSICAL NORTH POLE BOM

 The WHIMSICAL NORTH POLE BOM is now up in the Attic Window Quilt Shop. I didn’t realize I hadn’t posted a picture of it. Isn’t it cute? The books are here and starting Jan. 3, you can stop in anytime each month and pick up a $5 kit to complete a block of the month. There is no class, so sign up before Jan. 1 and receive a special discount on the book.
Following are close ups of some of the blocks.




 You can go to  Laugh Yourself Into Stitches blog and see what she has done and to get ideas of uses of fabrics.  Ooops, I forgot to say that this is a Piece 'O Cake design.  Thanks Michele.

Mark your calendar now for CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY, SATURDAY, Nov 27 from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Class is FREE. Kits are $5—$10. We are working on some neat Christmas gift ideas. Stop in at the store that week and see the projects.

OH Sew Addicted has a cute purse tutorial.  It's different and I think you'll like it.

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, November 19, 2010

MAKING MUG RUGS

 I’ve been busy making Mug Rugs.  What fun.  I’ve seen these lovely little creations posted on other blogs and they have inspired me to get to work.  Above is a collection of what I’ve been doing.

 These are my favorites.
 This is a close up of my first one.  I got the idea from Paloma at Three Kitchen Fairies.  I love her simple artistic style.  Check out her blog and be sure and visit her Esty shop to see her other creations.

This is the mug rug I am currently working on.  I think I will use the yellow fabric for the binding and backing.  I also got the idea for this design from Paloma. Wish I were creative and could come up with my own ideas. These mug rugs are such fun to make. I wonder if anyone will be making mug rugs on Christmas Craft Day?

Mark your calendar now for CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Saturday, Nov. 27 from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Class is FREE. Kits are $5—$10. We are working on some neat Christmas gift ideas. Stop in at the store that week and see the projects

The WHIMSICAL NORTH POLE BOM is now up in the shop. The books are here and starting Jan. 3, you can stop in anytime each month and pick up a $5 kit to complete a block of the month. There is no class, so sign up before Jan. 1 and receive a special discount on the book.
Presser Foot has a tutorial for a beautiful scarf.

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #11


This is my latest Aunt Millie’s block. Only one more to go and then the big decision of how to put it together and then start on that border! I’m anxious to see how all these blocks look together. I’ll post a picture once the last block is finished.

Mark your calendar now for CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY,  at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Saturday, Nov 27 from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Class is FREE. Kits are $5—$10. We are working on some neat Christmas gift ideas. Stop in at the store that week and see the projects

The WHIMSICAL NORTH POLE BOM is now up in the shop. The books are here and starting Jan. 3, you can stop in anytime each month and pick up a $5 kit to complete a block of the month. There is no class, so sign up before Jan. 1 and receive a special discount on the book.

Road Home Quilting has a tutorial for a cute touchdown turkey. Just in time for the holiday.


Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, November 15, 2010

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE ROUND 2


This is my latest block for Around the World Quilting Bee. It goes to Katy of I’m a Ginger Monkey  It looks like her quilt is almost finished and will be on its way home to the United Kingdom soon. Katy asked that all her blocks be in red and white. Check out her blog. She has a tutorial for a Fabric Covered Christmas Wreath. Click here.

Check the sidebar for all the other great classes at the Attic Window Quilt Shop this week.
 
Mark your calendar now for CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY, SATURDAY, Nov 27 from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Class is FREE. Kits are $5—$10. We are working on some neat Christmas gift ideas. Stop in at the store  and see the projects

The WHIMSICAL NORTH POLE BOM is now up in the shop. The books are here and starting Jan. 3, you can stop in anytime each month and pick up a $5 kit to complete a block of the month. There is no class, so sign up before Jan. 1 and receive a special discount on the book.

Esch House has a stunning hot pad tutorial

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, November 12, 2010

MAKE A CHRISTMAS GIFT

 Pardon me if I seem like I’m bragging.  I probably am, but mostly I’m thrilled with my latest project.  When I was at the Lakeshore Fiber Arts meeting earlier this week, the instructor, Gail, had on a beautiful neck scarf.  Someone asked her if she made it, and she said yes, took it off and passed it around for us to see.  I was so taken with it that I had to try it.   Since there were no instructions, I flew by the seat of my pants while making this.  I love the way it turned out, and had to share it with you.  Last year I spent $20 for a neck scarf very much like this one. Needless to say, this one didn’t cost anything near that and I had a ton of fun making it.  I’m going to make some more as I think they will be nice Christmas gifts.

This is a close up.  Looks kind of messy, but I wanted to show you the detail. 

Lolly Quiltz has a tutorial for a whirligig.  This one is a little different and one I want to try.


Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, November 11, 2010

GETTING READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS



I love the crisp winter feel this pillow gives to my living room. This foundation pieced snowflake with its sharp points gave me the precision piecing look I wanted. It is my adaptation of the Snowflakes pattern from the book House Party by Sue Hunt. You can get the book at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

Mark your calaendar now for CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY, SATURDAY, Nov 27 from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Class is FREE. Kits are $5—$10. We are working on some neat Christmas gift ideas. Stop in at the store that week and see the projects

The WHIMSICAL NORTH POLE BOM is now up in the shop. The books are here and starting Jan. 3, you can stop in anytime each month and pick up a $5 kit to complete a block of the month. There is no class, so sign up before Jan. 1 and receive a special discount on the book.

Threads of Conversation has a tutorial for a very easy table runner.


Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

FIRST SATURDAY BEE SHOW N TELL


There was some show n tell at the Attic Window Quilt Shop First Saturday Bee. Above Judi shows us her latest quilt that is made of pre printed blocks. She hand quilted this lovely quilt.

 Jill Moore made this darling All About Trout quilt. She said she still has to add the borders.  She plans to give it to her husband for Christmas.

Mary Jane Krantzman stopped in at the shop Saturday and showed us what she is doing with some of the blocks she made during Barb’s Twilling class.  I love the way Mary Jane has added touches of color to these blocks.  She told me that she “commutes” from California.  She comes to Grand Rapids twice a year and always tries to get in a class or two at the shop before she returns.

Sew Inspired has a tutorial for designing her own circle quilt. Part 1 is here.  Part 2 is here. 

Blogger has changed everything again so I don't know how this blog will turn out.  Hope the links work.  

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Sunday, November 7, 2010

CLASS SAMPLES AT THE ATTIC WINDOW



This is the quilt you will be making when you take Jan’s Scrappy Stars class this Saturday at the Attic window Quilt Shop. She will be teaching her hand piecing techniques. I love this quilt and I love handwork. I’m going to make this quilt with all those 30’s fabrics I have and love so much.

There are a lot of other happenings at the Shop this week. Quilts For Wheels meets Monday and welcomes volunteers to come help make quilts for those in wheelchairs.

There is an English paper piecing Make It and Take It class on Thursday.


Above is a picture of Wednesday’s Basket of Flowers class sample. The pattern is by Mary Engelbreit for Moda. There is also a beginning Redwork class that day.

UFO night is Friday. Call and see if there is space available as this is a popular class.
Check out the calendar on the sidebar for information on these and other classes.

All Crafts has instructions and templates for a Tablerunner and placemats from McCalls Quilting Magazine. Great gift idea for this time of year.

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, November 5, 2010

SALE AT ATTIC WINDOW


This Amy Bradley wall hanging is a great way to honor members of your quilt group. Just embroider their names and the name of the group. I haven’t decided yet which group to honor. I love the saying at the bottom: Friends are the threads that bind.

Don’t forget the First Annual Fall Cleaning Sale at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Sale is today, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure an stop by the shop and take advantage of these great prices. Support your LQS!!!

Penny of Penny’s Hands has a tutorial for a no bias binding hexagon coaster.

Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, November 4, 2010

KELLI NINA PERKINS GIVES DEMO


Kelli Nina Perkins spoke last night at the Grand Rapids Public Library as part of their annual Celebration of the Book event. Kelli says that she is a mixed media artist, author and librarian, in no particular order. Her blog is one I frequently check. I have her book Stitch Alchemy and have read her How-To articles in the 2010 edition of Quilting Arts Magazine Gifts. You may have seen her on the TV show Quilting Arts. She lives in Holland Michigan and I love her artwork. Above Kelli holds up one of her first pieces in Stitch Paper.

Above is another piece of her work that she shared with us that night. Since this was the celebration of the book event, most of what she shared was her altered books. She demonstrated how she makes her Stitch Paper using layers of fabric, paper, and glue. She then showed us how she applies paints, inks, dyes and embellishments.

Above is another of Kelli’s handmade books. This creative woman has many ideas as to what can be done with Stitch Paper. There are numerous instructions in her book Stitch Alchemy and in the Quilting Arts magazine.

Check out her blog, book, and magazine articles. Above I directed you to Amazon because you can look inside the book and see what you are getting. You might find some unique Christmas gift ideas.


Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

WHAT'S GOING ON AT THE SHOP


At our recent Knotty Girls Stitching Bee at the Attic Window Quilt Shop, Barb David was finishing the binding on City Weekend, a kit designed by Liesl Gibson for Oliver +S for Moda. I blogged about it here. Color, shape and style all converge to bring you a fabulous quilt! The picture on the kit doesn’t do it justice. Stop in at the shop and pick up a kit. It will make a fantastic Christmas Gift.


This is a close up of the quilt. Don’t you love these clear colors!

My Winter by Disa Designs is a new book in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. It includes ten funny winter projects; runners, wall hangings, and a snowman apron! Anyone can do these easy-to-follow patterns. They are excellent for beginner, but advanced sewers and crafters will enjoy them too.

Oh Fransson has a tutorial for a quilt that represents a Tokyo subway map. Very interesting and very modern. It is a quilt along, but all the links to the directions are here. I want to try this one.


Stay Positive!
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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