HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE SHOP SWAP?

Don’t you just love this quilt?  I do.  It was made during the Shop Swap.  Are you wondering about the Shop Swap?  What is it?  Where is it?  When is it? 

Quilted Memories in Montague, Michigan and the Attic Window Quilt Shop have teamed up to do a Shop Swap.  This is how it works.  You register at one of participating shops.  At that time you will get instructions and a kit.  The Swap begins on Sunday, Oct. 19, at which time, all participants will go to the Attic Window Quilt Shop and spend the day sewing on the project in your kit.  The following Sunday, October 26, you go to the Quilted Memories shop and finish your project.  Lunch will be served each Sunday (included in price).  Above is the beautiful quilt that Jill made during last year’s Shop Swap.  Now that I have your interest, call the shop to register and get more details.  Space is limited.

DON’T FORGET:

• To mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena.
• On Thursday, October 9th at 10:00 A.M., Vickie will be holding a finishing class for her spiral lone star for anyone who has previously taken the class with her and who needs some extra help with the finishing steps. 
• Shop Swap – Attic Window Quilt Shop and Quilted Memories – October 19 and 26

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Alamosa Quilter has a tutorial for a cinch sack back pack.  This is the one that all the kids are raving about.  Check it out!

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

IT'S GETTING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE REINDEER TIME

Saturday when I was at the Attic Window Quilt Shop taking a bag class, Laurie Schoebridge stopped in with this quilt.  I was so thrilled to see it as the blocks were free on this blog several years ago.  You may remember that Barb of Bejeweled Quilts and I shared these blocks with our readers.  She made the quilt in appliqué and I did my reindeer blocks in Redwork, as Laurie did.

Check out this close-up of one of Laurie’s blocks.  It is so cute! You can’t see it in the picture but she also added some silver metallic thread to the snowflakes.  She did a fantastic job of making this fun quilt and I was overjoyed that I was in the shop when she stopped by.  You can still get the patterns for these reindeer blocks by going here or here.  However, there is now a small fee for the patterns. ALL of the money made from the sale of these patterns goes to Judy and Clint Madsen for the Children of Romania.    I hope you will consider making this quilt or making the blocks into pillows and contributing to this very worthy cause.

A special thank you to Laurie for sharing this quilt with us.  I love it!

DON’T FORGET:

• To mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena.
• On Thursday, October 9th at 10:00 A.M., Vickie will be holding a finishing class for her spiral lone star for anyone who has previously taken the class with her and who needs some extra help with the finishing steps. 
• Shop Swap – Attic Window Quilt Shop and Quilted Memories – October 19 and 26

ANOTHER NOTE: 
The Busy Bean has a tutorial for an organizing bucket.  I think I need one of these for my car.

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

BAG LADIES TAKE A BAG CLASS

I attend a Ruler Bag Class Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above Teacher Vickie S. shows me how to measure correctly and place my handles.

Judi A. took the class.

As did Rosa.

Vickie has three different samples for us to choose from.  Above is the small and medium bags.

And this is the large bag.  Each bag was slightly different.  The smaller bags opened on the side.  Each of the smaller bags has a different size pocket.  Someone had asked Vickie about making the pocket larger to accommodate a 15" ruler.  The large bag above opens on the top and has lots of pockets inside.  Vickie is such an awesome teacher to make these samples and try to supply all our requests.

 Above is Rosa with her medium size bag.  She actually quilted all the fabric for this bag!

Judy also made the bag with a side opening.  Love that fabric. 

And this is the large bag with the top opening that I made.  I cheated and used pre-quilted fabric.  It was a fun class and as I've said before, Vickie is the best teacher ever! 

It was a busy day at the Shop on Saturday.  Chris was teaching a Machine Quilting class.  Above her students watch as she demonstrates!  There is always something going on at the shop.  Stop by and join the fun.

DON’T FORGET:

• Pick up The Sept/Oct issue of The Country Register.  The Attic Window Quilt Shop is featured on Page 9.
• To mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena.
• On Thursday, October 9th at 10:00 A.M., Vickie will be holding a finishing class for her spiral lone star for anyone who has previously taken the class with her and who needs some extra help with the finishing steps. 
• Shop Swap – Attic Window Quilt Shop and Quilted Memories – October 19 and 26

ANOTHER NOTE: 


The Crafty Quilter has a tutorial that shows you how to bind an inverted corner.  I'm bookmarking this as I run across this problem from time to time.  She makes it look easy.

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

DAY TWO WITH JACQUIE

This is day two of our class with Jacquie Gering.  This class was called Scrappy Improvisation.

This is Jacquie's example of what we were going to accomplish during the day.  Can you tell what the background fabric is?  I was surprised to learn that it is Osnaburg Fabric.  I thought it was linen.

Jacquie used a student's blocks to show us how using a large print fabric can look in the blocks.

She used those same blocks to show us how the choice of background fabric can make the blocks blend into the background.

It was not all work.  A special thanks to Donna and Adrienne who brought huge bags of scraps to share with all of us.

Jan got so excited that she rolled in one pile of fabrics.  What a hoot!  She is such a good sport and really has great talent.  I wish I had gotten pictures of what she made with those scraps!

Back to work...Jacquie reviewed the Paneling and Framing methods for building your quilt.

She also showed us various sewing techniques.  Above she uses Adrienne's machine for this technique.

These are Adrienne's blocks on her design wall.  I went around the room and took pictures of other works in progress.

These are all so interesting!  I don't know who the above blocks belong to but I do know that this red one above is Donna's.  What a group of talented ladies! I wish I could see and take pictures of the finished quilts!

This is another of Jacquie's quilts.  I think I have to make one like this!  I love the way the blocks float.

Jacquie is an excellent teacher.  The past two days with her have been a wonderful experience. I recommend taking a class with her, getting her book, and taking one of her classes on Craftsy.  I've done all three! Thanks West Michigan Quilter's Guild for bringing her to Grand Rapids, and thanks Jacquie for a wonderful experience and informative and inspiring time. You can learn more about Jacquie and where she will be teaching by visiting her blog Tallgrass Prairie Studio.  It is also on my sidebar. 

DON’T FORGET:

• Pick up The Sept/Oct issue of The Country Register.  The Attic Window Quilt Shop is featured on Page 9.
• To mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena.
• On Thursday, October 9th at 10:00 A.M., Vickie will be holding a finishing class for her spiral lone star for anyone who has previously taken the class with her and who needs some extra help with the finishing steps. 
• Shop Swap – Attic Window Quilt Shop and Quilted Memories – October 19 and 26

ANOTHER NOTE:

• Here’s a nice gift you can make for that favorite gardener.  Sew Mama Sew has a tutorial for a Garden Tote.

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

JACQUIE GERING COMES TO GRAND RAPIDS

For the past two days I have attended classes with instructor Jacquie Gering, modern quilter, perhaps best known for her “out of the box” designs.  Jacquie is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Modern Quilt Guild. When I learned that the West Michigan Quilter’s Guild was bringing Jacquie to Grand Rapids to speak and lead a couple classes, I knew I had to attend.

Jacquie brought lots of quilts to show us.  Above she explains what inspired this stunning quilt called Shattered.  She said that when her house was broken into and she saw the broken window glass, she was so angry and upset and when she went into her studio she started slashing away and made this quilt.  She often gets ideas for her quilts from life, what she sees in nature, how she feels about something, what speaks to her.

She also showed us this Red Cross quilt.  Note: None of the crosses are the same and none are perfect. Yet, the quilt is perfect!

 Above, Jacquie explains the mechanics of Slice and Insert Improvisation.  She said that improvisation is not a random process.  It is a thoughtful process.  She said the most exciting part of her studio is her scrap pile. She will dig into it and think, will this give character to my quilt?

 Later in the day, after we’d had a chance to practice, Jacquie shows us Julie B.’s block as an example of what to do.   

I don’t know the name of the person who made these blocks but we loved them.  Jacquie shows us the various ways to put these blocks into a quilt.  She talked about the Framing method and the Paneling method.

Jacquie also explained the effect a different colored background will have on our blocks.

Above they experimented with a yellow background in one square.  Is that out of the box or what?

Donna finished her Slice and Insert Improvisation quilt!  Note how the various sizes and angles give this quilt character.  I can’t wait to see it quilted!

Jacquie brought several more quilts to show us. Above, and ...

 This and...

This.  Note that little slice off the upper left corner of this quilt.  Now that is improvisation!

There will be more pictures tomorrow of Jacquie’s quilts and our Scrappy Improvisation class. 

DON’T FORGET:

• Pick up The Sept/Oct issue of The Country Register.  The Attic Window Quilt Shop is featured on Page 9.
• To mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena.
• On Thursday, October 9th at 10:00 A.M., Vickie will be holding a finishing class for her spiral lone star for anyone who has previously taken the class with her and who needs some extra help with the finishing steps. 
• Shop Swap – Attic Window Quilt Shop and Quilted Memories – October 19 and 26

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Here’s a nice gift you can make for that favorite gardener.  Sew Mama Sew has a tutorial for a Garden Tote.

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

HAVE YOU BEEN SNIFFING FAIRY FARTS?

Have you been sniffing fairy farts?  I kid you not; I got an email today with that in the subject line.  I guess it is someone’s way of asking if you are addled in the head. Anyway, I’m not going to go into that.  It’s a whole other story.  But I did want to get your attention and I thought that would do it.

I don’t have any pictures to show you today, but I do have something I have to say.  The other day I received a notice that someone had stopped subscribing to this blog because there were too many updates.  I am so sorry the person feels that way and I hope others do not feel the same.  I feel compelled to explain why I try to post something new each weekday.  I started this blog to tell people about all the classes being held at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Over the years I have met many of the women who come into the shop and feel they are my friends.  I love and enjoy them and my heart breaks when I learn that someone has become ill, is going through chemo, and is unable to come into the shop.  We even have some who are home bound because they can no longer drive.  When several of them told me how much they enjoyed reading about what is happening at the shop, and seeing the pictures of their friends and what they are doing, I became even more determined to update this blog as often as I can. In fact, I feel guilty when I cannot create a new post.  I know the loneliness and boredom of being cooped up in the house, and I hope my blog brings those who are home bound some joy.  So I hope you don’t mind my frequent updates.  Also, I have to admit, as a former newspaper reporter I love doing it!

DON’T FORGET:

• Pick up The Sept/Oct issue of The Country Register.  The Attic Window Quilt Shop is featured on Page 9.
• To mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena. 
• Thursday, October 9th at 10:00 A.M., Vickie will be holding a Spiral Lone Star finishing class for anyone who has previously taken the class with her and who needs some extra help with the finishing steps. 
• Shop Swap – Attic Window Quilt Shop and Quilted Memories – October 19 and 26

ANOTHER NOTE: 
Film In the Fridge has a quick tutorial for a starburst block.  Great way to use those scraps!

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

HOW ABOUT APPLIQUE?

I forgot to show you my latest project.  Above is another appliqué block from the pattern  Fresh Picked Posies by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins.  I love appliqué and got so excited about showing you this block that I forgot to iron it before I snapped the picture.  Sorry. As you can see I'm still working on it. This is the sixth block of this 12 block quilt from Piece O’Cake Designs.

DON’T FORGET:

• Pick up the Sept/Oct issue of The country Register.  The Attic Window Quilt Shop is featured on Page 9.
• Mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena.
• Thursday, October 9th at 10:00 A.M., Vickie will be holding a Spiral Lone Star finishing class for anyone who has previously taken the class with her and who needs some extra help with the finishing steps. 
• Shop Swap – Attic Window Quilt Shop and Quilted Memories – October 19 and 26

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Katies Quilting Corner has a tutorial for a sewing machine mat.

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

CALL A FRIEND AND MAKE HER DAY

When a friend calls to say, “come sew with me,” does it make you feel all tingly and excited?  That's how I felt when I got an call from Rosa to tell me she was at the shop and I should come sew with her.  I eagerly grabbed up my latest applique project and headed for the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  I can't tell you how happy I was that she called.  Sewing with friends is a day without stress.  It is like eating chocolate chips cookies all day and not having to worry about calories!  I was so glad I went too, because I got to see this darling bag that Rosa has been making.

This is a close-up of the bag.  Don’t you just love that Rosa used fabric from an old pair of jeans for the top of the bag?  It really sets off those bright colors.Rosa also worked on getting this fabric quilted in preparation for our Ruler Bag Class with Vickie S. this coming Saturday.  Have you signed up for that one?

Lee Anne was there sewing too.  She showed us this Jelly Roll quilt that she had finished.

Yvonne was there too and she showed us her Jelly Roll quilt too.  Both of these quilts are from the book Jelly Roll Quilts by Pam & Nicky Lintott.  The name of the pattern is Sparkling Gemstones. 

Nancy was there working on blocks for a church quilt.

Diana was there working on her “bird” blocks.  She said that she thinks she has enough for a bed runner.  I’m looking forward to seeing this!

What a wonderful way to spend the day with friends.  Call a friend to come sew with you and make her day!

DON’T FORGET:

• Mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena. 
• Shop Swap – Attic Window Quilt Shop and Quilted Memories – October 19 and 26

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• Connie of Freemotion By The River has a free pattern for the cutest Go Fish Quilt!

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

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU PLAY?

I’m afraid I haven’t been very productive this week.  Sometimes life gets in the way of my quilting.  Does that ever happen to you?  I have been able to play a little bit.  I had “made” fabric from some of my green scraps with the intention of making the Leaves and Vine quilt from the book Sunday Morning Quilts by Amanda Jean Nyberg and Cheyl Arkison.  However, when I was at the Attic Window Quilt Shop last week, Chris gave me some pre-cut flowers and leaves and I decided to see how they would look on my “made” fabric background. I tried using several different methods of applique to see how it would work...freezer paper, needleturn, fusing.  I think I need to add some more flowers, but other than that I think it will make a cute wall hanging or table topper. I hope I can get busy and have a more productive weekend.  How about you…what sewing projects do you have planned?

DON’T FORGET:

• Mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena. 

ANOTHER NOTE: 

• I thought these would make splendid little gifts during the holidays.  Craftbuds has a tutorial for fabric corner bookmarks.

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

HAVE YOU MADE YOUR SAMPLER BLOCK?

Have you attended any of the classes this month for the Sampler series at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above are four of the class samples.  Kits in various fabric lines are being offered.

I have chosen to make mine in the 30s fabrics.  The above is not my block.  No such luck that I’d be that efficient and have my block completed so soon prior to when the October series starts.  LOL  This block design is called Cats and Mice.  At first glance I thought it looked easy; then I noticed a full page of instructions and thought…maybe not.  I’ll let you know later when I decide to tackle this project.

Me…I’ve been working on my Happy Scrappers quilt.  More to come on that.

DON’T FORGET:

• To mark your calendar for the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild Quilts on the Grand.  The date is October 3 – 5 at the DeltaPlex Arena. 

ANOTHER NOTE:

• It’s not too early to think about decorating for Christmas.  Fairy Face Designs has a tutorial for a Christmas Stockings Block.

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