Thursday, February 27, 2014

MODERN BEE HAS INITIAL MEETING

Those interested in creating a Modern Bee at the Attic Window Quilt Shop met Wednesday at the shop for a short organizational meeting, which I found informative and exciting.  Since most of us are relatively new to modern quilting we didn’t have anything to share.  However, Marti K. came prepared and showed us this beautiful quilt.  This is her first quilt, by the way.  Can you believe it!  She did a beautiful job. 
This is the back of the quilt.  If this is her first quilt, I can’t wait to see what develops as we get our Bee up and running.  Anyone interested in participating in the Modern Bee please come and join us on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 10 – 5.  Note: you need not stay the entire day if you don't want to, but we’d like you to come spend what time with us that you can.
Today I was scheduled to attend a class at the shop.  I had my pattern, fabric cut, and everything ready for a productive day.  Then I got up to a blizzard swirling through western Michigan.  Ugh.  I was filled with mixed emotions when I received a call to tell me the class was cancelled.  I was thankful for the cancellation as I didn’t think I’d be able to get out of my drive, much less make it to the shop.  However, I was really looking forward to the class.  So, all primed to sew, I went to my studio and made my sampler block.  How wonderful not to be making this block at 9 on a Friday night to get it finished for the Saturday class, which is usually the case.  This block was not easy for me.  Piecing is not my best talent.  However, I took it slow and easy and followed Vickie’s directions which she gave me when she recently visited.  I don’t think it turned out too bad.  How about you?  Do you have your Sampler block finished?

UP COMING EVENTS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP:
  • 7th ANNUAL SPRING FLING SHOP HOP, March 28th through April 5th.  Six west Michigan shops are included with giveaways at each shop.  Passports can be purchased for $5 at any shop.  Visit the shop to sign up for a drawing and receive a free pattern.  At the end of the shop hop there will be a drawing for a sewing machine from completed passports.  Participating shops are:  Attic Window Quilt Shop; Calico Creations (South Haven); Custom Quilts Unlimited (Fennville); Pressing Matters Quilt Shoppe (Holland); Queen Bee Quilt Shoppe (Grand Rapids); So South Haven (South Haven). 

ON ANOTHER NOTE
BOM Quilts has a free pattern for a table runner.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

APPLIQUE BEE MEETS AT ATTIC WONDOW QUILT SHOP

The Applique Bee met this afternoon at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and we had a wonderful Show-N-Tell.  I could hardly wait to show you.  Above is Cathy M.’s Kaleidoscope quilt.  Cathy has been taking a curves class and it is really paying off.  I love how the eye goes directly to that circle in the quilt.
The next quilt Cathy showed us is a Drunkard’s Path.
Cathy not only made this stunning table runner, but she quilted it herself.  I think I’m going to have to take that curves class.
This Bee developed out of last year’s Whimsical Garden BOM.  Above is the quilt that Cathy made during the BOM.  I love how she is finishing it. 
Cathy said this is her favorite block.
Judie M. is a new member of this bee and showed us the above queen size 3-D quilt that she made a couple years ago. 
This is a close up of one of the blocks.
Another close up.  This quilt is awesome!
Jane V. was not attending the bee, but stopped in the shop.  When I saw her quilt I had to ask her if I could take a picture.  Isn’t it wonderful!  This barn quilt is for her grandson and is from a book by Eleanor Burns. Thank you Jane for sharing with us.

ON ANOTHER NOTEMorning Glory Designs has a Festival Of Flowers BOM.  The February block is available. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

ISN'T THIS STUNNING?

Huh?  You’re probably asking what the heck is this and why would we want to look at it.
Here’s the rest of the story.  I have a friend whose hobby is ironing.  I kid you not.  While stuck inside because of all this snow she told me she not only cleaned out all her drawers and closets but she spent a lot of time ironing.  “I ironed everything,” she told me.  “I iron a lot,” she said.  “Always have.”   Then she proceeded to tell me that the other day she was putting her iron away while it was still hot and it burned whatever she sat it on and got her iron all gunky.  I knew right then what I would make for her.  I made the above ironing pad.
I started out to make the larger version of the little ironing caddy that I blogged about here, but discovered I didn’t have enough of what was on the supply list.  So I made my own pattern using the fabric and Insul Brite that I had on hand.  I added the two ties in case she needed to wrap the pad around the iron when she put it away. Now I bet you think it's stunning...right? ;o)

HAPPENINGS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW
  • The Modern Bee will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 10-2.  This is a new Bee being formed for those who are interested in Modern Quilting.  This initial meeting we will be discussing what modern quilting is and discuss what our meetings will involve.  Also information will be distributed about the Great Lakes Modern Quilt Guild and how we can participate in that.

ON ANOTHER NOTEModa Bake Shop has a tutorial for a Candy Scraps quilt. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll


Monday, February 24, 2014

GETTING A HEAD START ON THINGS!

Woke up this morning to beautiful sunshine!  YEAH!  It was a wonderful day.  Vickie D. stopped by with a couple finishes to show me.  She made this adorable wallhanging for a friend.  She’s getting a head start on those holiday gifts!
Vickie also showed me this quilt.  She participated in Sampler at the Attic Window Quilt Shop a couple years ago and finally assembled the blocks into this darling quilt.  Great job, Vickie.  I love how you finished this.  You are my inspiration as my blocks are still in the box.

HAPPENINGS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW

  • Applique Bee meets Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 1-4 p.m.  This is a new Bee and all are welcome to come sit and sew.  From time to time we will have demonstrations.
  • The Modern Bee will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 10-2.  This is a new Bee being formed for those who are interested in Modern Quilting.  This initial meeting we will be discussing what modern quilting is and discuss what our meetings will involve.  Also information will be distributed about the Great Lakes Modern Quilt Guild and how we can participate in that.
ON ANOTHER NOTE: Farbstoff has instructions for a puzzle box quilt.

PS:  Juju Bag Lady:  I don’t know why you could not open that Witch’s Feet file.  It works for me.  You are a no-reply, so if you’d like to send me your email address I’ll be glad to send these files to you.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, February 20, 2014

DOES THIS MAKE YOU THINK OF SPRING?

Not much happening around here.  Rain, snow, sleet, hail…that’s just about it!  Above is what I’ve been working on.  The pattern is Clovers & Jam by Fig Tree & Co.  I started it while on retreat last November.  Maybe I’ll get the borders on soon and get it quilted.  Mainly, I just wanted to grab your attention and point out the upcoming events at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

HAPPENINGS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW
  • UFO Day on Monday, Feb. 25. This is a great time to get out of the house and work on those put-aside projects.
  • Applique Bee meets Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 1-4 p.m.  This is a new Bee and all are welcome to come sit and sew.  From time to time we will have demonstrations.
  • The Modern Bee will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 10-2.  This is a new Bee being formed for those who are interested in Modern Quilting.  This initial meeting we will be discussing what modern quilting is and discuss what our meetings will involve.  Also information will be distributed about the Great Lakes Modern Quilt Guild and how we can participate in that.
ON ANOTHER NOTE: Craft Passion has a tutorial for a darling Secret Garden Trapunto Quilt.  You will have to make several clicks to get the entire pattern.   It will put you in the mood for spring.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

WHAT DO YOU DO TO KILL TIME?

Another hot pad and a couple of potholders.  Can you tell it’s snowing again and I’m bored.
This is a close-up of the hot pad.  It is made from one of my “stretch your skills” blocks that I posted about some time ago.  I just went through my UFO blocks and decided to make this one into a hot pad.  I like the circular quilting, but when I do this, the block does not lay flat.  I wonder what I am doing wrong.  Anyone know why this happens?  Does it happen when they do a large circle on a large quilt?  I’m curious.
I made these potholders from a kit that I picked up at Quilted Memories when I was on the Heart Of Michigan Bus Tour.  It is called the “Strip It” Pot Holder and each kit includes enough fabric, and Insul-Bright to make two potholders.  I’d love to learn how to apply binding with a sewing machine (no hand sewing).  I’ve seen others do it on other blogs, but was too afraid to try it on these since they are a gift and I wanted them to look nice.  

HAPPENINGS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW
  • Stitch-In on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22.  Be sure to make your reservation now for this fun-filled event.
  • UFO Day on Monday, Feb. 25. This is a great time to get out of the house and work on those put-aside projects.
  • Applique Bee meets Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 1-4 p.m.  This is a new Bee and all are welcome to come sit and sew.  From time to time we will have demonstrations.
  • The Modern Bee will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 10-2.  This is a new Bee being formed for those who are interested in Modern Quilting.  This initial meeting we will discuss what modern quilting is and what our meetings will involve.  Also, information will be distributed about the Great Lakes Modern Quilt Guild and how we can participate in that.
ON ANOTHER NOTE: Sycamore Hill Quilts has a Sycamore Rose BOM.  You can find block one here.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

DO YOU LIKE CHICKENS?

Like chickens?  I do and fell in love with this fabric when I recently walked into the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  This new line of fabric is called Black Tie Boogie and is by Red Rooster Fabrics.  Check it out!

HAPPENINGS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW
  • Stitch-In on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22.  Be sure to make your reservation now for this fun-filled event.
  • UFO Day on Monday, Feb. 25. This is a great time to get out of the house and work on those put-aside projects.
  • Applique Bee meets Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 1-4 p.m.  This is a new Bee and all are welcome to come sit and sew.  From time to time we will have demonstrations.
  • A new Bee is being formed.  If  you like Modern Quilting please join us on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 10-2.  During this initial meeting we will discuss what modern quilting is and what our meetings will involve.  Please bring pictures, samples, magazines of what Modern quilting is to you.  Also information will be distributed about the Great Lakes Modern Quilt Guild and how we can participate.
ON ANOTHER NOTE: My Quilt Infatuation has a tutorial for a purse strings block. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, February 17, 2014

HAPPY SCRAPPERS HAVE A HAPPY TIME

The Happy Scrappers met Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above, Nancy shows you her Amish With A Twist block that she is working on.  It is a BOM at the shop.
These are Yvonne’s Amish With A Twist blocks.  She is doing hers with a scrappy look.
 Lee Ann finished this darling bag.  It think it is from the Bow Tucks pattern.
Janalee was working on this cute little table topper.  These hexagons were maybe an inch in diameter.  I admire the way these women can do such beautiful work on such small items.
Judi (left) and Tari (right) made these darling little draw string bags.
We call Judi the bag lady because she  also made another bag!
This is the bag opened.  Judi said she is using this one for her tatting!  She has a bag for everything!
Tari also worked on this adorable pinwheel baby quilt.  She still has to attach the borders.
When Tari got tired of sewing she brought out her knitting.  Look at this fabric she using!
And now I must show you what Judy F. was working on.  Look at these small items in this box.  She made everything, including the box.  Check out that little round thing on the left.
This is what it unfolds to be.  A small little thread catcher.
I’m not sure what Judy uses this for.  It is so small it might hold a couple pennies.  But it is so cute!
Judy was also working on this front for a charming little needle book. 
To end with a smile, I want to show you Judy’s sewing box.  Needless to say there were many comments and lots of laughter about this sewing box.  Judy said it’s her safe quilter’s sewing box. (And that’s all I’m going to say about it ;0))
From the box, Judy also pulled out this tool.  She said it was an eyebrow shaper (or something like that.  I was laughing so hard I’m not sure I heard right.)  She said you can buy lots of them in a package at the cosmetic counter.  She said it is her favorite tool for seam ripping!  I’ll have to look into that.  I think a good/fun time was had by all!

ON ANOTHER NOTE: Freshly Pieced has a tutorial for a Ribbon Star Block

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, February 14, 2014

A FINISH AND A SALE!


I’ve posted a picture of this quilt in various stages before, but it is now quilted and bound and ready to be given to charity.  This quilt was made of blocks donated by the Happy Scrappers who will meet again on Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

 This is a close up of the quilt.  The pattern Converging Corners is by Film In The Fridge.

There are some new fabrics in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  This panel is Holiday Banners by Riley Blake.
These coordinating fabrics are also Holiday Banners.  Get some of that heart fabric and start that Valentine project now so it will be all ready next year!!! And what about those Easter Eggs to go with the banners.  And  St. Patric's Day will be here before you know it.  Stop in at the shop on Valentine's Day and take advantage of the SALE!
 
HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK AT THE ATTIC WINDOW: 
  • SALE!  SALE!  SALE!  Don’t forget the Red ♥ Sale Day on Friday, Feb. 14th.  Fabrics with red in them will receive a discount.  Also, check out the Sale fabrics that are from $3 to $5 a yard. 
  • Also on Friday is UFO Night from 3 – 9.
  • The Happy Scrappers meet on Saturday, Feb. 15th.  Don’t forget to bring things for show-n-tell.
ON ANOTHER NOTEPumpkin Patterns has a tutorial for a simple zippered pouch.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, February 13, 2014

HAPPY SCRAPPERS MEET AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

The Happy Scrappers met Wednesday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Denice of Denice’s Day Blog, joined us and showed us this beautiful quilt.  She said that when she was on retreat they decided to have a block exchange.  Each person was given a piece of fabric and told to use it in their blocks.  What a wonderful way to remember your friends and the great time on retreat.
This is the block that Denice made.  This is a lovely quilt.
Marcy W. made this large paper pieced quilt.  It is 116” X 116”.  She calls it her California King with drape.
This is a close up of the beautiful batik blocks.
Gene (Lee Ann’s husband) made this quilt.  Remember him?  I posted about another quilt of his here.  Gene made this quilt using the Scrap Crazy Template from Creative Grids.
 He also made this one and ….
 ...this one.  You’d never suspect these quilts were all made using the same ruler.  Gene makes quilts and donates them to charity.  I wish he’d come into the shop and let me take his picture for the blog.  What a great guy!
 Judi A. made another little bag.
I don’t know the name of it but the pattern is by This & That.  I love all the zipper sections and the clear plastic so you can see what is where.  This is smaller than the one she previously made.
I had to show you this.  Note the tag with the little spool of thread and Judi’s initials.  How cute!
Judi also showed us this awesome quilt that she made some time ago.  She said it was made with Rosemary Youngs and is called Amish Circle.  It was a BOM and they were to make 11 blocks a month.  There is a book that the pattern came from and a nice story with each block
According to the book “…Amish quilts represent personal expression, craftsmanship, and frugality, and are the most desired in the world. This book is the first to take quilters inside the Amish tradition of the Circle letter. From each letter, a quilt block is created to represent a significant event in the life of the quilter; these letters and blocks are passed around a circle of 11 friends, and once 121 blocks have been created, they are joined together to create a beautiful work of art that tells the story of family and friends - a circle quilt.You will enjoy the heartwarming stories while following step-by-step instructions for creating their own Amish circle quilt, as well as a baby quilt, wall hanging, table runner and appliquéd aprons and bags.”

HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK AT THE ATTIC WINDOW
  • SALE!  SALE!  SALE!  Don’t forget the Red ♥ Sale Day on Friday, Feb. 14th.  Fabrics with red in them will be sold at a discount.  Also, check out the Sale fabrics that are from $3 to $5 a yard.
  • Learn how to make the pineapple block and use the new tool with Marilyn on Thursday afternoon from 1-4.
  • Also on Friday is UFO Night from 3 – 9.
  • The Happy Scrappers meet on Saturday, Feb. 15th.  Don’t forget to bring things for show-n-tell.
ON ANOTHER NOTE:  This is so cute!  Moda Bake Shop has a tutorial for a children’s bed runner with pockets. 

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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