Monday, December 31, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

All of us at the Attic Window Quilt Shop wish you a very Happy New Year.  Don't forget the Sale tomorrow at the shop and all the wonderful happenings during the month of January.

The New Year means it's time to start new projects.  What better time to take advantage of a fabric sale?  The New Year’s Day Sale will take place at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on January 1st, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.  You will get 20 to 75% off of selected items.  It gets better every year!  You won’t want to miss this one.

There are lots of new classes during the upcoming year.  January is always Snowman Month at the Attic Window.  Stop by the Shop and get your free pattern along with snowball candy!

SAVE THE DATE!  The Second Annual Spring Cleaning Sale will take place at the Shop on March 23-23. 

THE NEW 2013 SAMPLER begins in January.  This year the kits/class is only $5.  Call the shop to register for one of the many classes held each month. 

Stay tuned for more information of upcoming events such as the Heart of Winter Tour which takes place on February 9th (remember last year I posted about it here).  What fun!  Also the Spring Fling Shop Hop is in April and the Quilter’s Road Trip is during the months of April, May, and June.  Details for these events and the many new classes at the Shop will be available in the latest Attic Window Quilt Shop Newsletter which will be out soon.


Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Saturday, December 29, 2012

A SALE AND OTHER REASONS TO SMILE!


It’s almost the New Year and a great time to start new projects.  What better time to take advantage of a fabric sale?  The New Year’s Day Sale will take place at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on January 1st, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.  You will get 20 to 75% off of selected items.  It gets better every year!  You won’t want to miss this one.

There are lots of new classes during the upcoming year.  January is always Snowman Month at the Attic Window.  Stop by the Shop and get your free pattern along with snowball candy!

SAVE THE DATE!  The Second Annual Spring Cleaning Sale will take place at the Shop on March 23-23. 

THE NEW 2013 SAMPLER begins in January.  This year the kits/class is only $5.  Call the shop to register for one of the many classes held each month. 

Stay tuned for more information of upcoming events such as the Heart of Winter Tour which takes place on February 9th (remember last year I posted about it here).  What fun!  Also the Spring Fling Shop Hop is in April and the Quilter’s Road Trip is during the months of April, May, and June.  Details for these events and the many new classes at the Shop will be available in the latest Attic Window Quilt Shop Newsletter which will be out soon.

On Another Note
- Sew Delicious has a cute tutorial and free pattern for a cat softie.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, December 27, 2012

WE HAVE SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE

Another reason to celebrate!  My mother will be 95 years old this week.  She’s always smiling like this.  I’m so lucky to still have her and her wonderful positive attitude.
This is my beautiful daughter with Mother.  My daughter is a saint!  I appreciate her and all the help and support she gives me and attention she gives my mother.
The other day when I took Mom shoe shopping, we parked to go into the mall and she said, “I think I’ll just wait in the car.”  That’s the only funny story I have today.   I think Mother had a pretty exhausting day.  Me too!  Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.

On Another Note:  This might be fun to try during the holidays.  Melissa of Happy Quilting has a nice tutorial for freezer paper printing.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, December 24, 2012

WAITING FOR SANTA

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

From the gang at the Attic Window Quilt Shop
 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS BASTING METHOD?

Between baking and shopping and family, I have been able to spend a small amount of time in my sewing room, fortunately.  I say fortunately because I noticed that I get a bit cranky if I don’t get to fondle my fabric.  So today I hand basted this heart table runner.  I blogged earlier about it here.

I used the method that Sharon Schamber uses.  In this video she shows you how to use boards when basting a quilt.  I took a class from her when the West Michigan Quilter’s Guild brought her to town.  I like this method and feel that it secures the three pieces of the sandwich and keeps me from worrying about wrinkles. 
Notice the masking tape around the edges.  This Knife Edge binding that the magazine (where I found the pattern) describes is very different from those I saw on the Net.  I put on the masking tape as a guide so I would know when quilting, not to stitch beyond this point.  Maybe after the holidays I’ll get a chance to actually quilt it.

On Another Note:  Pink Chalk Studio has a tutorial for a water bottle carrier that I think is pretty cool!

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH CATS?

Isn't he adorable?  When I saw this fabric, I got so excited I had have some and show it to you.  I saw it at the Attic Window Quilt Shop when I stopped by the other day.
I got a yard of fabric and got all these fabulous squares.  I had such a great time making my paper pieced log cabin focus square quilt that I blogged about here, and when I saw this fabric with these cute cats I knew I had to make another one.
 The little squares are perfect for the focus centers of the quilt.  
Even if I have to cut some of them a little larger, I can just eliminate a row or make it smaller so that all squares are the same size.
I can think of a number of things to do with cats.  Wouldn't they make cute coasters? How about on place mats?  On a bib?  I bet you can come up with lots of other ideas too. The fabric is Kitten Capers by South Sea Imports.  Since I’ve already purchased mine, you can go get some now. ;o)

On Another Note: A Quilter’s Table has a tutorial for a unique three zip pouch.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

THE BEST WAY TO USE YOUR SCRAPS

 What to do with these scraps? They are so small, most people just throw them out.   I never throw anything out and by golly I’m glad I don’t.  I found a wonderful use for them recently when my granddaughter and great granddaughters came to visit.
 Norah with her beautiful smile found a use for them.

 Older Sister Claire with her great sense of style used them.
 They probably get their artistic bent from their Mom who is helping them make jewelry.
Claire shows us how it is done.   You just take some masking tape, make a circle (a little larger than your wrist) with the sticky side out, and stick those little pieces of fabric to it.
Norah has her bracelet finished and is ready to start on a necklace.  They made bracelets, necklaces and rings.
 

 Claire is laughing at me because I didn’t know how to make beads.
 Norah shows me how to make a bead with a straw and some fabric and some glue.  (check out her necklace).  These kids showed me even more uses for these little pieces of fabric.  It kept them busy for hours!
 This is a bead and you can string it! Doesn’t this look like a nice bead?
What a perfect day.  Could I ask for anything more?  It looks like they had a fun day too.  I sure did!

On Another Note: The Busy Bean has a nice tutorial for a place mat.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, December 17, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

This is block 61 of the Modern Monday Quilt Along.  It’s called Improv.  Guess why!  Jennifer told us to take our little scraps left over from other blocks and make a totally improvisational block.  I think this has been my most fun block.  Not only do I love the creative process, but I absolutely love using those scraps.   I liked creating this block so much that I might make some more.  I certainly have plenty of scraps.  The last I heard, Lynn was going to have some blocks to show us this week, so check out Alamosa Quilter.  Then go to Jennifer’s blog and see what the pattern is for this week. 

On Another Note: Check out Moda Bake Shop for a Fancy Folded Star Potholder.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, December 14, 2012

HOW TO MAKE THE CUTEST SOFTEST SCARF EVER

Aren’t these fabrics luscious?  They are Minkee and I’ve been making scarves out of them.  They are so soft and luxurious and drape around your neck so nicely.  I saw a Missouri Quilt Company video on how to make them.  It takes no time at all and they make wonderful gifts.  Check out the video instructions on How To Make The Cutest Softest Scarf Ever

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, December 13, 2012

17 FUNNY VERSIONS OF JINGLE BELLS


Last Saturday I attended the Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops concert and saw Tony DeSare play 17 Funny Versions of Jingle Bells.  Check it out!   17 Funny Versions of Jingle Bells - Tony DeSare

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

HAPPY SCRAPPERS MEETING

The Happy Scrappers met last Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Usually the group is so large that it is difficult to find a space for your machine.  Apparently, December is a very busy month as quite a few members were unable to attend. (I was one of those absentees).  Jill, who works at the shop, graciously agreed to take pictures for me. This beautiful lady with the wonderful smile was knitting a rag rug.  I hope she brings it back as I really want to see it.  Look at the size of those needles!
Above, Brenda and Ruth look like they are picking out new fabrics. Buffie often refers to these two as the troublemakers.  I wonder why? (Check out that wrapped rope snowman basket sitting on the counter.  You can call the shop for more information about that and upcoming classes for rope wrapping.)
Lee Ann looks like she was having a good time and staying out of mischief.  Since the Happy Scrappers is such a popular group, another meeting day has been added to the schedule.  Look for a Wednesday Happy Scrappers (in addition to the Saturday one) on the January calendar.  Both the new calendar and Newsletter will soon be available.

On Another NoteThe Brown Needle has a tutorial for non-slip patchwork seat cushions.

Also:  Remember the Reindeer patterns (still available by clicking on the tab at the top)?  Lynn at Alamosa Quilter has taken a couple of the blocks and made the cutest pillows.  Check it out.  What wonderful gift ideas!

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

A MAN'S SHIRT INTO AN APRON?

Judi Anderson showed me this picture of her latest project.  It is an apron that she made from a man’s shirt.  Judi said that she saw an apron like it in a store in Rockford, Michigan.  She doesn’t remember which store as she was doing a lot of shopping that day.  She said that she came home and did a search on her computer for a "shirt apron" and found lots of instructions.  She said that she mainly made the apron by remembering what she saw in that shop in Rockford.  I’m sorry the picture isn’t very clear as I tried to make it larger from the picture Judi sent me.  I did a search myself and found a couple tutorials you might be interested in.     Gabriel’s Good Tidings has a nice tutorial and Grow And Make also has a nice one. 

On Another Note:  Looking for a Santa Face Block?  Check out Quilter’s Cache

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, December 10, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

This is Modern Monday Quilt Along Block 60 -the No Name Block.  I agree with Jennifer, it isn’t much of a block, but was easy and fast and my kind of block for this busy time of year.  Check out Jennifer’s blog and see what the pattern is for this week.  Lynn said she wouldn’t be doing a block this week and would show us later, but you still might stop by her blog and see what she’s been up to.

On Another NoteJulie Lewis teaches doll making at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and this week was featured in Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood’s column in the Grand Rapids Press.  Julie also has a wonderful blog where you can see pictures of her dolls and adorable chickens.  From what I hear, Julie makes the best Baklava in the world and the recipe is included in the Press article.  You can read all about Julie in the article here.

Also: Michelle of With Heart and Hands has a nice tutorial for a coffee press wrap and some potholders. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, December 7, 2012

DO YOU CHALLENGE YOURSELF?

Today I did some forward thinking and made a table runner for Valentine’s Day in February.  I know it looks like something I could use during the holidays, and I suppose I could.  Those are little cherries on the fabric and I thought would be appropriate for spring.  I’m not a great piecer and figured this project would be a good way to improve those piecing skills.  Information on the pattern tells me that my friends would love this cheerful table runner.  That it would add warmth to my home on Valentine’s Day.
Right off the bat I remembered why I do not like piecing.  The pattern said, on the square to draw a line on the diagonal and then stitch on that line.  Wrong!  There were 20 blocks, each with two of these squares to be stitched on the line.  After stitching ten squares, I decided to see how things looked and discovered that something was wrong.  When I flipped the square over, it was now too small.  Then I remembered that I learned in a class Not to stitch on the line, but to stitch slightly above the line.  This makes everything work out the right size when you flip the piece over.  So a lot of unstitching was done.
Making this table runner was a challenge to my skills, however I persisted!
And this is how the piece turned out.  A lot of cutting and piecing was involved, but I liked how this pattern went together.  It is Heart of the Home and can be found in the January/February issue of McCall’s Quilting Magazine.  The pattern calls for a knife-edge finish, which I’ve never done, so that will be another learning experience.  I’ll show you a picture when I figure out how to do it and get it finished.

On Another Note: Molly Flanders has a nice tutorial for making a block.  I’m not sure what it is called, but I think it’s a great way to use those scraps.  I want to give it a try.

Also check out Peas In A Pod for a pattern review and link to making these cute ear bud pouches.  They make great gifts.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

CHURCH DOLLS MAKE NICE GIFTS

I’ve been working on Christmas gifts this week.  I made two sets for my great granddaughters.  The pattern is called Church Dolls and includes instructions for making 3 ½” dolls, tri-fold carrying pouch, fabric notebook and blanket.  It is by Down Memory Lane.
This is a close up of all of them.  On the website it says, “A child’s difficult task of sitting still during an endless sermon is eased by a small cloth bundle in Mom’s purse.” 
This is a close up of one set of dolls all tucked into their little carrying pouch. 
And this is the pouch all closed up, ready to be tucked into a pocket or Mom’s purse.  I got this pattern several years ago and made them for almost all the kids in the neighborhood (even the three boys next door asked for some).  I was so glad that I kept the pattern because my great grandchildren are growing up and would like something like this.  The pattern calls for a church on the front, but I decided it best to put the girl's initial.  Maybe save on the spats.

On Another Note: Check out these free patterns at Jillily Studio.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THIS?

In October I posted about sewing scraps of fabric to a dryer sheet.  You can read about it here.  Anyway, a reader and friend wrote and asked why I was using dryer sheets and asked if that sheet wouldn’t ball up after numerous washings. 

Well, she had me thinking.  I don’t know why I chose to use dryer sheets.  I think it was because an award winning quilter at the Grand Rapids Quilt Guild used them on a very large quilt.  In the past I’ve just sewn scraps together without using a foundation.  I think it was my frugal nature that got me to making good use of those used dryer sheets.  Besides, not only did the wonderful aroma of those dryer sheets waft through the air, but sewing the scraps to these sheets gave me kind of a Zen experience.
So, before I got too far into this project (I had already made dozens of these rectangles and had the finished design planned in my head) I thought I better do a test.   I took one of my finished rectangles, added batting and backing, did some straight line quilting and attached the binding.  Then I threw it in the washing machine.  Again, and again, and again.  This is how it looked after five washings.
 This is a close up of the test piece.  I don’t see any bumps or feel anything that would make me think that the dryer sheet was coming apart.  I like how it looks and intend to make some more.  However, I would like to hear from anyone who has had experience using these dryer sheets in a larger quilt and how you feel it has held up over time.

On Another Note
At this time of year I can’t find too many of these cute little gift card holders.  Delilah’s Momma has a nice tutorial for a cute one.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, December 3, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG


It is Modern Monday Quilt Along time.  This is Block #59, Sunshine Star.  Jennifer said that it is really a Sawtooth Star block that she renamed.  I really don’t see that is it all that wonky and thought about not doing it.  There just seemed to be too much precise piecing for me.  Then I remembered why I joined this group – so I could improve my piecing skills, and decided to make the block.  I rather like how it turned out.  I bet if I had tried to make such a precise block I wouldn’t have been able to do it.  Go figure. 

The last time I talked to Lynn she didn’t know if she would have time to do these last blocks this month and may just wait until the end and do them all at once.  Hop on over to Alamosa Quilter and see what she is up to today.  Then go see what Jennifer has up for us today.

On Another Note:  Have you been to visit Ahhh Quilting?  I love her blog and if you click on the tab “free patterns” you will see some really cute quilts.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, November 29, 2012

WHAT TO DO WITH ORPHAN BLOCKS

The other day I was rummaging in my sewing room for a pattern to make a hot pad to go along with some kitchen utensils that I had purchased as gifts.  While digging around, it occurred to me…why not use one of your orphan blocks.  I certainly have plenty as I like to try new blocks in the hopes of someday finding a block that matches my piecing skills (LOL).  After auditioning several, I chose these two blocks.  Fortunately, I found enough of this same fabric that I used in these blocks to make the bindings.
However, I had to use scraps for the backing.
I used Insul-Bright plus batting for the centers.  It made them nice and puffy.  I like how they turned out and hope my friends do too.
Remember these from my previous post?  I stopped by the Attic Window Quilt Shop today and understand that several people who didn’t get to attend Craft Saturday are interested in making these project bags.  Chris said that she is having another class, so, if you would like to attend, call the shop for details.

On Another Note:  In My Own Style has a great trick to help you get your closet hangers organized.

Crafty Endeavor has a nice tutorial for a rice shoulder heating pad.  This is a great gift idea.

PS:  I'm linking up to Confessions of a Fabric Attic.  Check it out.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

A CRAFT DAY YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS

 
 This past Saturday I attend my first Craft Day at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  If you missed it you are going to be disappointed.  I’m now thinking about all the wonderful projects I missed over the past years when I didn't get to attend.  This year Chris B. had seven different project kits for us, all included in the one price to attend.  Above is #1 – a darling snowflake table topper.  Chris showed us a quick and easy way to make it.
This is #2 - An attractive table runner that will be good for the holidays (because of the red and green combination) as well as throughout the year.  I got this one entirely finished on Saturday.
Above are projects #3, #4, #5 – Chris provided everything we would need to make all the projects on Craft Day.  For these bags, we wandered through the shop and chose the fabrics that we most wanted to use.  I choose the yellow that was in the sample (of course).
This is #6 – This Christmas tree wall hanging is adorable.  The only items not included in the kit were the buttons.
This is #7 – I love this delightful snowman ornament.  There were enough supplies in our kit to make several of these cute little guys. There were so many projects for us that I didn’t quite finish all of mine.  Of course, it might have helped if I had read my blog and arrived at class in time!  LOL
Above, Rosa shows us her progress on the table runner. I think my laughing made this picture fuzzy.
 Tari shows us her table runner.  She even has hers quilted!
Pam is busy working on her table runner.
Chris is busy working away on her table runner.
Lee Ann shows us her darling table topper all finished!
 Chris and Tari show us their completed project bags.
Nancy shows us her finished project bag.  Love that fabric.
Several women said that Peggy's project bag reminds them of a Vera Bradley bag.  It is beautiful fabric!
Above, Chris B. show us the various ways to put the pinwheels on the table runner.
 It was a fun group and a fun day.  I love being with my fellow quilters.
Chris B. had nice bags full of what we will need to make the projects we didn't get around to.  It was a wonderful day full of surprises and fun.  Keep  your eyes open because you won't want to miss the next Craft Day at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

On Another Note: Yellow Cloth has a tutorial for a cute little teabag pouch.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! 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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