Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE NEXT SAMPLER BLOCK AT THE ATTIC WINDOW

Are you ready for the August Sampler at the Attic Window Quilt Shop?  Above is my block which we were to make during July and take back to the August meeting.  The shop makes kits of various fabrics: batiks, brights, Civil War, 30s.  As you can see, I have chosen to make my blocks from the 30s fabrics.  You can see other samples in a previous post here.  The first of the August Sampler series is this Saturday at the shop.  Can you believe it will be August?  Where has the summer gone?  Yikes!

JULY & AUGUST CLASSES:   
  • Big Blocks – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Thursday, July 31 from 5-9 p.m.  It is easy to piece this lap size quilt that is 72 ½” square.  Class fee is $15.
  • Squedge Tool – Vickie S. will be teaching us how to use this new tool!  On Thursday, August 7th, from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. we will learn how to use this tool and make a table topper or table runner (your choice).  Or you can take the class when Vickie teaches it again on Friday, August 15th from 10-2.  The fee for each class is $10.
ANOTHER NOTE:  
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

SHOW N TELL AT MOD SQUAD

Isn’t this Lone Star Swirl looking lovely?  When the Mod Squad met recently at the Attic Window Quilt Shop, Jill showed us her changes .  She changed her background in the surrounding squares and added a little swirly design. I love it!
Maggie showed us this beautiful quilt.  She said this quilt is titled Quilted Memories and is from this year’s Civil War BOM at the shop.
I made this block.  It is from Mary Lou Weidman’s book, Flower Power.  I just love her designs.
 Judi is making progress on her quilt-as-you-go quilt.  Above she has attached two blocks together.  Can you tell where the connection is?
 Rosa shows us her quilt.  You may have seen it before as I think she had it completely finished at one time but took it all apart and changed some things.  (Been there done that)  By the way, when you see Rosa ask her about Sven.  She told us that when she is elderly Sven is going to drive her around.  Rosa, who is Sven????
Diana (when she wasn’t helping Adrienne) worked on this bag.  Above she shows us how she used a glue pen to keep her fabric from moving when she sews on the zipper.  I have to get one of those.

JULY & AUGUST CLASSES:    
  • Big Blocks – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Thursday, July 31 from 5-9 p.m.  It is easy to piece this lap size quilt that is 72 ½” square.  Class fee is $15.
  • Squedge Tool – Vickie S. will be teaching us how to use this new tool!  On Thursday, August 7th, from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. we will learn how to use this tool and make a table topper or table runner (your choice).  Or you can take the class when Vickie teaches it again on Friday, August 15th from 10-2.  The fee for each class is $10.
ANOTHER NOTE: 
  • Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling Pretty Modern has a tutorial for an iPod clutch.
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Sunday, July 27, 2014

DUELING THREADRIPPERS OR DID I SEW OR RIP MORE TODAY?

Has this ever happened to you?  Last week when the Mod Squad met at the Attic Window Quilt Shop, Adrienne (left) wanted to try a new layout for her strip blocks.  She wanted to put them on point but seemed to be having a difficult time of it.  "I had no idea putting blocks 'on point' could be this tricky,"  she said.  “What on earth is wrong with me? I just can't seem to get them right."
Diana answered Adrienne's cry for help.  "Now you've got it......over there, in that corner, just one more and the layout will be finished," Diana said.
This is the layout that Adrienne wanted. “Okay, that looks pretty good," Adrienne said.  “Now I will just stitch in the sashing and it will be done in no time at all. Yay!”
"Yippee, one row done, six to go,” cried a happy Adrienne as she showed us her first row sewn together.  Uh..ooh…something is wrong.  “Shouldn’t there be a black sashing strip between the blocks? Someone asked.  ”Oh no, I can't be that dumb!" signed Adrienne as she shook her head.  “Yep, I guess I am that dumb! Always in too much of a hurry!”
 "I'll help you.  Come on, two of us can do it in half the time, each at one end,” I said.  "Ever heard the "Dueling Banjo's" music?" laughed Adrienne.  "Well this is dueling seam rippers going flat out to race to the middle."  Later, Adrienne said, "It was actually fun, and amazingly fast.  What a friend .... Stopping her work to fix mine! Quilters are the best!"

“After five hours at Attic Window, I actually got one row correct, and the rest laid out ready for sashing!" Adrienne said.  "I ripped out twice as much as I sewed. That's hard to get passed.” Then she added:
  • Lessons learned: ahem,....many
  • Sewing achievement: barely
  • Lessons learned: too embarrassing to mention
  • Experience: laughter, friendship, support and encouragement.
  • The day: PRICELESS
JULY and AUGUST CLASSES:  
  • Big Blocks – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Thursday, July 31 from 5-9 p.m.  It is easy to piece this lap size quilt that is 72 ½” square.  Class fee is $15.
  • Squedge Tool – Vickie S. will be teaching us how to use this new tool!  On Thursday, August 7th, from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. we will learn how to use this tool and make a table topper or table runner (your choice).  Or you can take the class when Vickie teaches it again on Friday, August 15th from 10-2.  The fee for each class is $10.
ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling 
  • Sewn Up By Teresa Down Under has a tutorial for a folded star pot holder.  Wouldn’t this make a wonderful gift?
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

LEARN TO USE THE SQUEDGE TOOL

NEW CLASSES ANNOUNCED!  Have you ever used a Squedge tool?  I had never heard of it until Vickie S. showed me this stunning table runner.  She said there are two different times you can take a class from her and learn how to use this tool while making a table runner or table topper. (Read below for dates and times)
This is a close-up of the block.

Above are two different table toppers.  It looks complicated, but I know that with Vickie teaching the class you will have no trouble making something stunning.  She is an excellent teacher.
Doesn’t this make you want to take Vickie’s One Block Wonder class?  When I saw this darling table runner I knew this class is a must.  I wasn’t up to making a full size quilt, but this table runner is the perfect size for this fun project.  I’m also thinking that it will make wonderful gifts during the holidays.  Look for Vickie’s class on the September calendar.
Vickie also showed us this beautiful wonky quilt.  She hadn’t intended to teach a class on this one, but I think we have her convinced to do so.  It probably won’t be until the fall, which will give me enough time to collect all those batiks and black and white fabrics. 
This is a closeup of one of the blocks.  When Diana and I were trying to convince Vickie to have a class, Vickie said it would be fun to trade squares of fabric with others in the group.  Sounds like fun to me!  
This is another quilt that Vickie showed us.  Isn’t it beautiful!  Thank you Vickie for sharing with us!

JULY & AUGUST CLASSES:   
  • Irish Chain – Vickie D. will be teaching this two week class on Wednesday,  July 23 from 6-9.  It is a beginning to intermediate class.  It is a fun and easy basic quilt done with 2 ½” strips. Class fee is $20
  • Big Blocks – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Thursday, July 31 from 5-9 p.m.  It is easy to piece this lap size quilt that is 72 ½” square.  Class fee is $15.
  • Rectangle Rumba Tablerunner – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Saturday, July 26 from 20-12.  This two color runner is easy to piece and perfect for any table.  The fee is $10.
  • Squedge Tool – Vickie S. will be teaching us how to use this new tool!  On Thursday, August 7th, from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. we will learn how to use this tool and make a table topper or table runner (your choice).  Or you can take the class when Vickie teaches it again on Friday, August 15th from 10-2.  The fee for each class is $10.
ANOTHER NOTE:  
Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling this summer.  You won’t want to miss it.
Kitchen Table Quilting has a tutorial for a Kissing Diamonds quilt. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, July 21, 2014

A SINGLE WEDDING RING - SAMPLER SERIES


Have you started working on the Sampler block for this month?  I’m not answering that question, but I can show you two of the samples that Chris displayed at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  This is block #80 in your Quick and Easy Block Tool.  It is called Single Wedding Ring.  At first glance I thought, doesn’t look too difficult.  Then as I analyzed it I thought of all the piecing involved and cringed.  But I will do it!  I’m using the 30s fabrics for mine.  I’ll post a picture when I get it made.  No time right now as I’m expecting a visit from my brother later this week.  He lives out of state and I always look forward to his visit.

JULY CLASSES:   
  • Irish Chain – Vickie D. will be teaching this two week class on Wednesday,  July 23 from 6-9.  It is a beginning to intermediate class.  It is a fun and easy basic quilt done with 2 ½” strips. Class fee is $20
  • Big Blocks – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Thursday, July 31 from 5-9 p.m.  It is easy to piece this lap size quilt that is 72 ½” square.  Class fee is $15.
  • Rectangle Rumba Tablerunner – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Saturday, July 26 from 20-12.  This two color runner is easy to piece and perfect for any table.  The fee is $10.
 ALSO:  Mark your calendar now.  The Lighthouse Quilt Guild is sponsoring the “Treasures: Past, Present, & Future” Quilt Show in Grand Haven, MI on July 25 & 26.  The doors will be open on that Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Admission is $6.  There are more than 150 member quilts on display.  There will also be vendors.  In fact, the Attic Window Quilt Shop is a vendor at this show, so be sure and stop by their booth.
ANOTHER NOTE:  
  • Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling this summer.  You won’t want to miss it.
  • Have you checked out Persimmon Quilts “purple sage” BOM?  Love these blocks.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Sunday, July 20, 2014

A FUN DAY OF SEWING AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

 When I walked into the Attic Window Quilt Shop’s classroom Saturday, I was surprised!  Notice anything different in the above picture?  The class I attended was Lee Anne’s Strip Street Bag class.  Carol wanted to quilt her bag but was having problems with her machine.  Above, Chris helps her get it working properly.
 Now do you notice anything different?
 How about here?  The classroom has been rearranged to allow for a more comfortable working space.  I love the new open feeling that the room has and that with this new arrangement it is easier to see and talk to everyone.  What a great idea Chris!
 Above Deb shows us her finished bag.  I love the fabrics she used.
 This is a close-up of Deb’s bag.  You can see the decorative stitching she used when she quilted it.  In the background is teacher Lee Anne.  More about her to follow.
 Nancy was in attendance.  She didn’t take the bag class but joined us in sewing.  This is another block for her Rose of Sharon quilt.  Rosa was there also to sew.
Jill auditioned her fabrics and design for her Lone Star Swirl. I like what she is doing.   Judi was working on her Lone Star Swirl also.  She has it finished and ready to quilt.
 This is the bag I made while attending Lee Anne’s class.  Lee Anne is an excellent teacher and when I looked at this pattern, I knew I needed her help.  Lee Anne accepts students in her class even if they want to make a different bag from what is being taught.  She graciously agreed to help me with this bag.  And boy, did I need help.  I can read an instruction fifteen times and still not understand what I am to do.  Lee Anne can read it once and then demonstrate what I am supposed to do so that I can "see" what the instructions were telling me.  As I said, she is a great teacher and I highly recommend her classes. 
 Above you can see the many pockets on the bag and the two zipper enclosures.
 Here are the inside pockets.
 And here are the pockets on the back!
 Okay, I have to show you this.  Me with my new bag.  Judi took the picture and said I had to post it because I post pictures of everyone else.  Only fair!  The bag is the Barbados Bag from Pink Sand Beach Designs.  I made it as a sample because my granddaughter wanted me to make her a bag.  I just pulled from my stash to make this bag so she could see it and tell me if it was the right size and if it has enough pockets and zipper enclosures.  I figure there is no loss here.  I love the bag and all its pockets.  My tablet fits nicely in it too!  This one is for me!

JULY CLASSES:  
  • Irish Chain – Vickie D. will be teaching this two week class on Wednesday,  July 23 from 6-9.  It is a beginning to intermediate class.  It is a fun and easy basic quilt done with 2 ½” strips. Class fee is $20
  • Big Blocks – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Thursday, July 31 from 5-9 p.m.  It is easy to piece this lap size quilt that is 72 ½” square.  Class fee is $15.
  • Rectangle Rumba Tablerunner – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Saturday, July 26 from 20-12.  This two color runner is easy to piece and perfect for any table.  The fee is $10.
ANOTHER NOTE:  
  • Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling this summer.  You won’t want to miss it. 
  • The Inbox Jaunt has a  fireworks paper piecing project.
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, July 17, 2014

YOU CAN MAKE THIS TABLET COVER

Does it make you thrilled when someone asks you to make them something?  If so, then you know how I felt when my granddaughter asked me to make her a bag for her iPad similar to the one I made for my Mini Samsung tablet.  I love it when I know one of my grandchildren want what I make for them.  I jump for joy and quit worrying about if they are going to reject something this old lady made for them.  Above you can see my finished bag.   I love how it turned out and hope she does too.
As I did with mine, I made her a removable pocket for the inside of her bag.  Actually it is a small quilted piece of fabric that I fold around the tablet for added protection from the accessories I also keep in the bag.
Above you can see what I mean.  I fold the rectangle of quilted fabric and tuck it inside the bag.  Then I slip the tablet between the folds.  Behind it, I keep additional supplies such as the cord for recharging, a SanDisk, and USB Connector.  This handy little bag keeps everything in once place so I’m not running all around the house wondering where in the heck I put this or that.
Above is my bag.  Maybe this will help you see what I mean.  I love this simple little bag and have made it in several sizes.  It is called a project bag and I first got the pattern a couple of years ago when I attended Craft Day at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Kits are available at the shop.  Each kit sells for about $13.  In each kit is enough fabric to make three bags in various sizes and the pattern. What a deal!!

JULY CLASSES:   
  • Irish Chain – Vickie D. will be teaching this two week class on Wednesday,  July 23 from 6-9.  It is a beginning to intermediate class.  It is a fun and easy basic quilt done with 2 ½” strips. Class fee is $20
  • Big Blocks – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Thursday, July 31 from 5-9 p.m.  It is easy to piece this lap size quilt that is 72 ½” square.  Class fee is $15.
  • Rectangle Rumba Tablerunner – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Saturday, July 26 from 20-12.  This two color runner is easy to piece and perfect for any table.  The fee is s$10.
  • Strip Street Bag – Lee Anne will be teaching this darling bag on Saturday, July 19, from 10-3.  You can make this simple easy strip pieced bag in a day and you can choose from two different size handles. You can see a picture of my Strip Street bag here.  The pattern was designed by a local quilt shop. The Class fee is $25.
ANOTHER NOTE: 
  • Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling this summer.  You won’t want to miss it. 
  • Sweet P Quilting and Creations has a tutorial for making a microwave bowl potholder.
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

THESE BABES TRAVEL IN STYLE

Yesterday I showed you a picture of the bag that Stephanie had started working on Saturday when the Happy Scrappers met at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above is the finished bag.  It is adorable.
This is the other side of the bag and shows the embroidery stitched initials that Stephanie added.
This is the inside of the bag…without the added box pockets.
What does she mean by boxed pockets, you are wondering?  Well, I don’t know if that is what you call them, but above you can see what I’m talking about.
This picture shows that they can be securely attached to each other via Velcro.
And here they are placed inside the bag, ready to hold Sweet Pea’s dolls.
Above Sweet Pea is ready to go on a trip with her dolls secure in this darling bag!
Of course, I couldn’t forget to show you this adorable picture of Sweet Pea with her new kitten!
A special thank you to Stephanie for sending me these pictures. I think she just wanted me to show them to the Happy Scrappers, but I had to show them to everyone!  The pattern is All Dolled Up Tote.  Here is one source for the pattern:  All Dolled Up Tote e-pattern pattern on Craftsy.com

ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling this summer.  You won’t want to miss it.
  • Thermo Web has a tutorial for a wet suit bag. 
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Sunday, July 13, 2014

HAPPY SCRAPPERS ISSUED A CHALLENGE

 Last month when the Happy Scrappers met at the Attic Window Quilt Shop, Chris (owner) issued a challenge.  This month when we met we were to come with ideas on how to use these fabrics to make ornaments.
Chris said that our finished ornaments will be on display and customers could vote on which one they liked best.  Above are just some of the ornaments we made..  I can’t tell you who made each one because we want you to vote without prejudice.  I can tell you that they are darling and I can’t wait to see the rest of them.  Some of the women took their ornaments home to embellish them.

We didn't spend all day playing.  Paula worked on this beautiful appliqué.
Marti sewed the binding on this lovely quilt.  I asked her if she used a layer cake, but she said that she just used fabrics from her 30s stash.  What a great idea.
Above, Stephanie shows us how to use a chop stick to smooth out the seam before she presses it.
Stephanie was making a stunning bag for her daughter.  Take a look at this 3-D pocket on the bag!  I don’t know how she did that, but it is awesome.

Sweet Pea joined us that day.  She is such a joy to have around.  I had to crop the picture so you couldn't see what she is holding because it is an ornament for the challenge.  You’ll have to stop in at the shop to see it!  Don’t forget to Vote!
Rosa was working on her caterpillar quilt!  I can’t wait to see the finished quilt.
Lee Anne was using beautiful Bali strips to make a large bag that will hold her rulers!  


JULY CLASSES:   
  • Irish Chain – Vickie D. will be teaching this two week class on Wednesday, June 25 from 6-9 p.m. and again on July 23 from 6-9.  It is a beginning to intermediate class.  It is a fun and easy basic quilt done with 2 ½” strips. Class fee is $20
  • Big Blocks – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Thursday, July 31 from 5-9 p.m.  It is easy to piece this lap size quilt that is 72 ½” square.  Class fee is $15.
  • Rectangle Rumba Tablerunner – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Saturday, July 26 from 20-12.  This two color runner is easy to piece and perfect for any table.  The fee is s$10.
  • Strip Street Bag – Lee Anne will be teaching this darling bag on Saturday, July 19, from 10-3.  You can make this simple easy strip pieced bag in a day and you can choose from two different size handles. You can see a picture of my Strip Street bag here.  The pattern was designed by a local quilt shop. The Class fee is $25.
ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling this summer.  You won’t want to miss it.
  • Janome has a free Skeleton Key tutorial for you.
  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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