HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?

I now know what it feels like to throw a party and no one comes.  Last night I prepared a demo for the Mod Squad group today.  This morning I loaded my car with everything I could possibly need for the day, packed my lunch, and went to the Attic Window Quilt Shop, and sat there all by myself.  No one came!  Boo Hoo!

Actually, it was a productive day for me because instead of flitting around talking to everyone I got a private lesson from Chris.  I had picked up one of her pillowcase kits the other day and decided to put it together.  Chris helped me understand the directions (you know I have problems with directions) and Jill showed me how to finish the inside seams so there were no raw edges!  Above, Taitum (Chris's Granddaughter) is holding up my finished project.  She is such a pretty young lady and I’m sorry I couldn't show all of her, but I figured any woman of that young age would die if I posted a picture with her eyes closed.  But you can see her pretty smile!

This is a close-up of the fabrics.  I love anything with cats.  Chris has quite a few of these kits available in various fabrics.  The directions are included and the price is great too.

While there, Jill’s daughter, Megan stopped by.  She showed me her adorable snowman table runner that is now finished.  I think when I showed it before it was only in mid-stage of being completed.  Of course, she did not want me to take HER picture. LOL

I also got to see this quilt of Megan’s.  Previously I could only show the pillow because the quilt was being quilted.  You can read about the pattern here. 

I also took a picture of my table runner.  I made this last year but never quilted it because, with all those sharp angles I didn’t know how to attach the binding.  When I mentioned this to Chris, she showed me a different way to finish it.  I had it quilted and finished in one afternoon.  Actually, I’m glad I didn’t put any binding on it because I think it would have taken away from the design.  The pattern is from the book Flower Festival by Kim Schaefer and you can get it at the shop.

SHOP INFORMATION:

• The Shop will be open on Saturday, August 30th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The Shop will b e CLOSED on Monday, September 1, for the Labor Day Holiday.

ANOTHER NOTE:  

• A Quilter’s Table has a tutorial for a Red-Hots Quilt.  Love this one.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

APPLIQUE QUILTING BEE MEETS AT ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

The Applique Bee met Tuesday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Diana A. showed us her One Block Wonder that she recently finished.  It is stunning!  She even had me put on a pair of 3D glasses and boy did that change things.  Diana said she didn’t know it was 3D fabric until someone told her. 

Diane had a lovely wool and flannel table topper to show us.  She said she bought it as a kit.

Diane also showed us the center of her Prairie Flowers Encore quilt.  It is in the book by the same name by Jo Morton.  Diane does needle-turn applique and her work is excellent.  This is going to be a delightful quilt.

Everyone gathered around Sue S. (center, gray shirt) and watched while she gave a demo on how to do a whip stitch like Kim Diehl does. 

Judi (on the right) seems very into learning this stitch.

This is a close up.  I’m not sure it tells you much.  Everyone seemed intent on learning this stitch.

I had to show you a picture of the front of Sue’s shirt.  When I was snapping the picture someone said I should caption it:  And the boobs belong to….
What a fun group.  The picture is a little blurry because I was laughing so hard.

I didn’t get to the shop in time to take pictures of the Tuesday Morning Bee, but Judi took some for me.  Above, Gerry shows us this quilt.

This is a close-up of Gerry’s quilt.  What an outstanding quilt.  Thanks Judi for the pictures.  I wouldn’t want to miss this one.

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling. 
• The Painted Quilt has a nice tutorial for a sewing machine mat caddy.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

A LAUGH TO START YOUR DAY

This made me laugh and I hope you see the humor too.  Today I went to a new-to-me website.  Once I arrived there, the Quicksprout website told me they would analyze my traffic and my blog for free.  So I entered the URL for the Attic Window Quilt Shop blog and learned that my blog is the 6,094,844th most popular website in the world.

LOL.  What a hoot.  I was also told that my heading tags should be between 15 and 65 characters, so you may notice some changes soon.  I think I’ll rename the "Followers" (on the sidebar) to "People Who Follow" (that’s 15 characters).  I was told the interactive calendar title was too long, so maybe I’ll change that too.  "Free Pattern" I'll change to "Free Pattern for You" (17)…well, you get the picture.  What do you think?  Do you think these changes will bring more people to this blog?

I also learned that I have a Missing src attribute…whatever that is.

Really, should blogging be this difficult!  It’s supposed to be fun…at least that is what it is for me.  I love blogging and sharing all the wonderful pictures of my quilting friends with other quilting friends.  I count my blessings every day that I was born in this electronic age…well, maybe I should rephrase that...that I live in this electronic age!

DON'T FORGET:

• The Applique Bee meets Tuesday afternoon at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.
• The Mod Squad meets Wednesday from 10-4 at the shop.  Anyone interested is welcome to join either of these Bees.

 ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling.   
• Terry’s Treasures has a Charming Stars Sew Along.  You can get the free pattern by going to her site.  I think I’m going to have to make this one.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

APPLIQUE FLOWERS FOR YOUR WALLS

How about you?  Do you like appliqué as much as I do?  I told you about my new project last week.  As I was preparing my blocks to be sewn, it occurred to me…why not mount a block or two on stretched canvas and hang them on the walls?  I suppose it goes back to my early days of marriage when we were poor and had no money to accessorize our new house or buy anything for the walls.  In those days I don’t think hanging quilts on walls was done in California and I really wasn’t into quilting back then.  At any rate, since my new found love for all things sewing, I have decorated my walls with many things that I have made. 

Above my two blocks are brightening a dark corner of my sewing room.  They really are not stretched on the frames correctly as I couldn’t find my staple gun so I just taped them.  I’ll fix them when I find it.  I just wanted to show them to you now and get you thinking about other ways to use your blocks and let your entire family enjoy them.

DON'T FORGET:

• The Applique Bee meets Tuesday afternoon at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.
• The Mod Squad meets Wednesday from 10-4 at the shop.  Anyone interested is welcome to join either of these Bees.

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling. 
• Wow I Like That has a tutorial for a cute zipper phone pouch.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

WHAT I FOUND AT AQS! Update!

I went to the AQS show yesterday here in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I didn’t take my camera because I didn’t want to lug that big thing around all day and just wanted to enjoy the show, which I did.  We were there from 9-5 and enjoyed every minute of it.  I did ask Cathy M. to take the above picture for me with her cell phone.  I love this handsome guy!  He was sauntering by, looking at the quilts.  I noticed him because he had such a pleasant smile on his face.  Then when I read what was on his shirt I asked if we could take a picture.  He nodded, gave us a big smile as he posed so I could read his shirt.  I bet his wife adores him!

 I forgot to tell you about the awesome quilt I did see at the show.  Quilt of Belonging is a 120 foot (36 meters) long collaborative textile art project, a richly hued portrait of the human family. Quilter coordinator and originator is Esther Bryan. If you can’t see this fantastic quilt in person you can go to the Quilt Of Belonging site and read all about it and see all the wonderful pictures. You won’t want to miss this.  It brought tears to my eyes.  

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling. 
• Molli Sparkles has an interesting article.  I think this article should be attached to any quilt you give away.  I don’t think most people understand how much a quilt really costs!Made By Chrissie D has a tutorial for a trapped square block.  Love it!

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

WHAT NEW PROJECT HAVE YOU STARTED?

Guess what…I’ve started another appliqué project.  I love flowers and love appliqué and when Chris showed me this pattern I had to make it.  The above square is just a trial piece.  I wanted to see how this flower would look on a black and white background and I also wanted to see how the flower should be placed on the block.

These two blocks are ones that will go into the quilt.  I love the black and white backgrounds but had to decide how I wanted to place the flower on the block.  This is pretty near to what the pattern shows.  I just need to be consistent.

These are the background fabrics that I have chosen so far.  Of course, I got them from the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Actually, there are a lot of black and white fabrics at the shop so I don’t think I will have any problem choosing backgrounds.  The name of the pattern is Happy by Sew Be It.  I saved that information for last because the patterns are on order and have not yet arrived at the shop. 

DON’T FORGET:

• AQS Quilt Week begins in Grand Rapids, MI Wednesday, August 20th and runs through Saturday, August 23rd.  Be sure and stop by the Attic Window Quilt Shop booth. 

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling.  
• A Few Scraps has a tutorial for a goose in the corner block.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

AQS QUILT WEEK BEGINS!

AQS Quilt Week begins in Grand Rapids, MI, Wednesday, August 20th and runs through Saturday, August 23rd, at DeVos Place Convention Center.  Be sure and stop by the Attic Window Quilt Shop booth.  Among other things you might see, is the above quilt.  I made the pattern into a bed runner, but the entire quilt pattern is in the book El Camino Real.  The pattern is In Remembrance by Nancy Rink.  This was such a fun quilt to make.  The book is also filled with a number of beautiful patterns.  You won’t want to miss this one.

ANOTHER NOTE: 
Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling. 
Happy Quilting has a Going Dutch Block Tutorial.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

APPLES FROM A BEE

Isn’t this the cutest wall hanging?  Judi A. sent me this picture from the Tuesday Morning Bee at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above is Julie Barnum with her Apple Art Quilt.  It is adorable!  Thank you Judi for sending.  I would have hated to miss this one!

The last time I was at the shop, Marilyn showed me this darling table runner.

This is a close-up of the block.  I love this fabric.  Stop by later in the week for more details on this wonderful fabric and the pattern.

DON’T FORGET: 

• AQS Quilt Week in Grand Rapids begins Wednesday, August 20th, at DeVos Place Convention Center.  I’m getting so excited!

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling. 
• Six White Horses has a tutorial for a Diamond Stack Block.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

OH THE BLOCKS WE CAN MAKE WITH THIS NEW RULER

I stopped by Vickie S.’ Squedge class at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and have some pictures to show you.  Above is Catherine’s work in progress.

I love the fabric Catherine chose and never would have thought you could use something like the above to make this block.  It is going to be awesome!

Above, Vickie (left) shows Lee Anne how to place the ruler on her strata.

This is a close-up of what Vickie is showing Lee Anne.

I caught Nancy working on her block, but she said she had nothing to show us just yet.

And Sharon is really serious about getting her strata sewn so she can get on with making her block.

Vickie sent me this picture of Sharon’s finished block. It is marvelous!

Above, Vickie and Sally have some discussion on Sally’s block.  Sally was visiting from Florida and when she read on the blog about this class, she decided to take it!

This is Sally’s finished block.  Another spectacular block!

As I told you before, Vickie is an excellent teacher.  She puts together lots of samples so her students can see the various designs that can be achieved by choosing different fabrics.  Above, Vickie shows the students how cutting one piece can change the look of the block.

The above is a college of the block samples that Vickie made.  You can see how important it is to choose the right fabric to get the look you want.  If you are interested in taking a class with Vickie, just call the shop and talk to them about it.

DON’T FORGET: 

• AQS Quilt Week in Grand Rapids begins Wednesday, August 20th, at DeVos Place Convention Center.

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling.
• Little Lady Patchwork has a tutorial for a Stacks Stacks Block.

 Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

MAKE THIS BEAUTIFUL BLOCK WITH A NEW RULER

Yesterday I showed you a picture of Vickie S. who is teaching the Squedge Ruler class (and other classes) at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  I wanted to show you these pictures from her last class, but we were having computer problems.  So, I get to show them today.  Above is Diana’s table topper.  I love these beautiful autumn colors.

This table topper was made by Caroljean (CJ).  What a beautiful quilt!

This is Judi’s table topper.  I’m not sure which Judi this is but I sure like the quilt!

Vickie is teaching another class today (Friday) and I’ll try to get up to the shop and get some more pictures.  I love seeing the different, unique patterns develop as you build the block.

DON’T FORGET: 

• AQS Quilt Week in Grand Rapids begins Wednesday, August 20th, at DeVos Place Convention Center.

ANOTHER NOTE: 
Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling.
The Sewing Rabbit has a tutorial for a cute pocket pals pillow. 

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

THE SQUEDGE TOOL CLASS AND OTHER WORK BEING DONE

Have you ever seen a quilt that you love but thought it too difficult to make?  Nothing is difficult when you take a class at the Attic Window Quilt Shop from Vickie S.  This is a class you won’t want to miss!  Not only because you will learn to make a beautiful table runner or table topper, but because Vickie S. is a great teacher.  Above, Vickie is holding one of her demonstration boards.  She prepares many of these boards for each class to help you understand each step along the way in making a quilt.  Vickie will be teaching you how to use the Squedge Tool on Friday, August 15th from 10-2 p.m.  We will learn how to use this tool and make a table topper or table runner (your choice).  The fee is $10.

The Happy Scrappers met Wednesday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and a lot was accomplished.  Above Judi shows us another stripe quilt-as-you-go block.  I love her fabrics.  A class on making this quilt-as-you-go stripe quilt is planned for the fall, so if you are interested, start collecting your stripe fabrics now.

Catherine worked on this appliqué block.  It is a Piece o Cake design.  I love her choice of fabrics.

Paula made this Row By Row quilt.  I think she picked up this row in Indiana.

Adrienne worked on a new quilt.  Above she is placing her blocks on this print fabric just to get the idea of what it will look like.  Actually, she will be using various black and white prints between the blocks.

This is a close up of her blocks.

Diana worked on her One Block Wonder quilt.  Above are a couple of her rows.  I love these fabrics and look forward to seeing the finished quilt.

We had a little silly time too.  Above Chris (owner) came dancing into the class room to the Happiness song and wearing this plastic bow.  She wore sun glasses too, but I couldn’t get my camber out soon enough!  What fun.

Does anyone know what Adrienne is doing?  Check out the fan below.  LOL  I think someone was hot!

Paula also made the Attic Window’s Row By Row.  Above she watches Chris paint the face on the snowman.

I asked Chris if she did this face painting for everyone who purchased the kit.  She said that she only did it for people who brought her pounds and pounds of blueberries.

I guess Paula made a bargain with Chris…I bring you freshly picked blueberries and you paint my snowman face.

Isn’t he cute!

DON’T FORGET: 

• AQS Quilt Week in Grand Rapids begins Wednesday, August 20th, at DeVos Place Convention Center.

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website?  This is a must for anyone traveling.
• Craft Passion has a flower appliqué pattern and tutorial.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll