Sunday, November 30, 2014

DO YOU SUFFER FROM CHAOS?

Hello everyone!  I hope you survived the holiday.  Now I'm hoping I will survive the next 25 days!  Can you believe it is Dec. 1st already?  Yikes, I really need to buckle down and focus on what I have to do before the big day.  Also, since it is the first of the month, it is once again Sampler time at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above is the block we were to make in November.  However, I have no idea if this is what it is supposed to look like.  Somehow during all the chaos at my house I lost my kit and directions.  Last Saturday I called the shop and asked Jill what block we were supposed to make.  It was Craft Day and I know she was busy and I really hated to bother her.  After stating in a shocked tone, "What you haven't made your block yet?" she said that the block was #9 Mosaic.  Sunday when I went to make the block, I discovered that #9 in the tool is not named Mosaic.  In a panic I called Cathy only to learn that the block and directions were not in the tool but on a piece of paper which was distributed during class.  Cathy took a picture of the directions and emailed it to me.  I hope this block above looks somewhat like what we were supposed to do.  Come to the first Sampler class this coming Saturday and see what everyone's block looks like.

 NEW CLASS:
  • Vickie S. will have a One Block Wonder class on Monday, December 15th from 10:00-4:00.
DON’T FORGET:
  • Craft Day, Friday, December 5.  Call the shop for a reservation.
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Georgia Leigh has a tutorial for a CD holder that is great for the car.
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Not much to show you today.  When cleaning the house and getting ready for out of town guests, I came across this unfinished wool project.  I think it needs leaves and other embellishments. Does that ever happen to you?  Do you have unfinished projects?  (I’m laughing to myself.)  Anyway, I wanted to post a picture you haven’t seen before and one that was kind of in the Thanksgiving theme.  Mainly, I wanted to wish everyone here in the U.S. and around the world who celebrate this holiday,  a Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday.  I’ll probably not be posting the rest of this week as I will be busy with great grand kids.  You can’t blame me for that!

NEW CLASS

  • Vickie S. will have a One Block Wonder class on Monday, December 15th from 10:00-4:00.
DON’T FORGET:
  • Craft Days scheduled this year at the Attic Window Quilt Shop are Saturday, November 29, and Friday, December 5.  This has always been a popular event and in order to accommodate everyone, Chris added a Craft Day to the calendar.  Just call the shop and let Chris know which day you would like to attend. 
ON ANOTHER NOTE:  
  • Wedding Dress Blue has a tutorial for a Film At Five quilt.  This is a great way to use scraps and it will be my goal to make this next year.
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, November 24, 2014

A GIFT FOR MOM

How is everyone doing today?  Between this weather and the hustle and bustle of getting ready for Thanksgiving Day, I’m a little frazzled.  I did make this purse for my mom.  Every time I went to see her she would comment on my purse, telling me how much she liked it, how she’d like one.  I kept looking at the department store for another purse like mine, but couldn’t find one.  What did she need a purse for anyway? I reasoned.  She does not handle money.  She does not wear lipstick.  She has her tissues in her walker bag.  Why should I worry about getting her a purse?  She doesn’t need one.  But she wants one, my conscience told me.  So yesterday I made her this purse.  I didn’t have enough black and white polka dot fabric to make it look just like mine, but I think these fabrics will work.  It is the Runaround Bag by Lazy Girl Designs.  It is a quick and easy bag to make and making it for my mom made me feel good.  She will probably never use it.  Or leave it somewhere.  Or within a day or two forget that I even gave it to her.  But the point is … I will know.  It gives me joy to make her happy even though it might be for a few minutes, or only a few days.  Giving her a little happiness is what is important!

NEW CLASS
  • Vickie S. will have a One Block Wonder class on Monday, December 15th from 10:00-4:00.
DON’T FORGET:
  • Craft Days scheduled this year at the Attic Window Quilt Shop are Saturday, November 29, and Friday, December 5.  This has always been a popular event and in order to accommodate everyone, Chris added a Craft Day to the calendar.  Just call the shop and let Chris know which day you would like to attend. 
ON ANOTHER NOTE:  
  • Loft Creations has a tutorial for a pooch pouch.  Great gift for a friend with a dog.
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Sunday, November 23, 2014

ARE YOU IN A DOLL MAKING MOOD?

 I love Altoids and have collected these tins for years.  Today I decided to use some of these tins for Christmas gifts.  I would make little dolls to go inside them.  My great granddaughters could put them in their pockets and take them wherever they go.  I searched the web for a pattern.  I could swear I had seen a picture of someone else putting a doll inside a tin.  But I only found patterns for animals and I wanted a doll for my little grand girls.  So, I decided to make my own pattern.
 Let me tell you the most difficult part about making that doll was not designing the pattern, it was turning those tiny pieces inside out and stuffing them!  Ugh!  I wanted a doll with arms, and almost gave up on that idea, but then finally got them turned and stuffed and attached to the doll body.  Above, I placed the pieces beside my snippers to give you an idea of how small these pieces are.
 Here she is all put together, even with a little skirt!
 And here she is in her little tin.
 I made some bedding for her.  But thought something was missing.
 So I found some beads and made her a pair of earrings!
 Well, I knew I could not make another doll like this.  In fact, I felt this doll not appropriate for my very young grand girls and decided to make a doll out of felt.  I sewed the sides by hand and stuffed the doll as I went along, so there was no need for turning.
 However, because it was felt, I had a difficult time creating her face.  When I went to the hospital today to see my 90-year-old friend, I took my dolls along in their tins so she could see what I had been doing.  When I showed her the above doll, she said, "But it has no arms."  I agree.  It needs arms.
Here she is in her little tin.  I'll think about adding those arms later.  Ugh!  I don't feel I accomplished a thing today.  How about you?  What did you do this weekend?

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
  • The Jingle Bell Hop has been decided to EXTEND through Tuesday November 25; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
DON’T FORGET:
  • There are two Craft Days scheduled this year at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  This has always been a popular event and in order to accommodate everyone, Chris added a Craft Day to the calendar.  You can attend on Saturday, November 29th, or Friday, December 5th.  Just call the shop and let Chris know which you would like to attend. 
ON ANOTHER NOTE
  • Sew Simple Gifts has a tutorial for a hanging potholder dish towel.  This would make a great hostess gift!
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, November 20, 2014

JINGLE BELL HOP EXTENDED

 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
  • The Jingle Bell Hop scheduled for Nov 14 through 22 has been EXTENDED.  Due to all the snow we have received these past few days, it has been decided to EXTEND the "Jingle Bell Hop" a couple days.  The Attic Window, Pressing Matters, Queen Bee and Quilted Memories will be open for you on Monday, November 24, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Tuesday November 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hope to see you there!
Since the weather has kept me inside too, I thought I’d show you some of what I did at retreat and during the long lonely snowy days in my sewing room.  Above, is what I’ve been doing.

 These are bookmarks.  I had started out wanting to make the bookmarks with magnets.  I got a package of magnets that you can put business cards on.  I followed directions, made a bookmark, and used it for about a week.  When I dropped the book, and the bookmark flew across the floor, I realized the magnet was not strong enough.  I looked for stronger magnets, but they were thicker and I didn’t think that would work, so I finally decided to just make these with the little ribbons on the end.  I haven’t tried it, but I don’t think these will fly across the room if I drop the book.
 These are those Little Wallets, a Valori Wells pattern.  I love making these.
 Above are pillowcases.  The older grandchildren of course want the Michigan State ones.  The one with the monkeys goes to my great grandson.  These are so fun to make.  Chris has kits at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.
 These are pot holders made from various left over blocks.  I like making these because it makes use of those blocks and also gives me a chance to try out some new quilting.
 These are Market bags.  I don’t know where the pattern came from as I got it a long time ago and there is no information on it.  They are reversible and my daughter loves them.
This bag is the Runaround Bag by Lazy Girl Designs.  I love how this pattern goes together.

Well, I’m off to shovel more snow.  There are advantages to being snowed-in, but  I hope I can get out of the house and to the grocery tomorrow.  I may be getting a lot of sewing done, but I’m going stir crazy!  Hope you have a great weekend!

NEW CLASS

  • Vickie S. will have a One Block Wonder class on Monday, December 15th from 10:00-4:00.
DON’T FORGET:
  • There are two Craft Days scheduled this year at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  This has always been a popular event and in order to accommodate everyone, Chris added a Craft Day to the calendar.  I'm so glad she cancelled the one scheduled for this Friday.  Craft Day is now scheduled for Saturday, November 29 and Friday, December 5th.
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Sunny In Cal has a tutorial for a wonky braid.  Great way to use scraps.
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

THE REST OF THE STORY

 We had show-n-tell the last day of the the retreat.  Above Rosa shows us the Minni Quilt she made for her granddaughter.
 Rosa also made this darling Micky quilt for her grandson. 
 I never did get a picture of the quilt Glenys was working on.  Sorry Glenys.
 Sue put together these bow tie blocks that she had previously made.
 Sue also put together these Whimsical Garden blocks.  I love that sashing fabric.
 Kathy Boomgard was busy during retreat.  Above she shows us a wall hanging and table topper.
 Kathy also made a table runner.
 Kathy also made two identical table toppers.  Above she shows us one.
 Jill worked on this lovely king size quilt. 
 Jill also finished attaching the borders and the binding for this bright quilt.
 Jame shows us this beautiful quilt. 
 Jane also made a table runner.
 Mary Ellen shows us this lovely table runner.  She showed us a smaller/shorter version yesterday.
Yvonne was busy making pillow cases to give away at Christmas.

As you can see, this was a very productive group.  Lots of fun.  Great food.  Great time.  Be sure to call Quilt N Go if you would like to sign up for next year's retreat.

NEW CLASS
  • Vickie S. will have a One Block Wonder class on Monday, December 15th from 10:00-4:00.
DON’T FORGET:
  • The Jingle Bell Hop is Nov 14 through 22.  Mark your calendar now.  With the purchase of your $5 passport you will receive a free pattern.  Each participating shop has designed an exclusive ornament that you may purchase as well as a table topper kit designed to compliment the free pattern.  Participating shops will have extended evening shopping hours for your convenience.
ON ANOTHER NOTE
  • Elsie's Girl has a tutorial for a sunburst baby quilt.  I've always wanted to make this one.
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

ARE YOU AN ARTIST?

 I have a few more pictures taken at retreat this past weekend.   Above are just some of the many stockings that Deb made.
 These are my favorite.  What has really impressed me is that all of these beautiful stockings are made from recycled fabric! How clever.
Above, Deb shows us two more stockings.  Note that scolloped edge on the one.  I love the way she has embellished each stocking with different items.  She is an artist.
 I was in awe when I saw this bed runner.  Martha is a fine artist who raises horses and has a farm and other animals as well.
 All of the animals on the bed runner belong to her and she sketched the pictures for the applique on the blocks.  Above is one of her horses.
And this is another of her horses.  I think if you click on the picture you can get a larger view which will enable you to see the intricate work on each of these blocks.  Stunning!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
  • There are two Craft Days scheduled this year at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  This has always been a popular event and in order to accommodate everyone, Chris added a Craft Day to the calendar.  Originally they were scheduled for Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 29.  However, things have snowballed.  There are far too many things going on right now and the Craft Day scheduled for Friday, November 21, has been moved to Friday, December 5.  If you prefer, there is still room in the Saturday, November 29.  Just call the shop and let Chris know what you would like to do.
NEW CLASS:
  • Vickie S. will have a One Block Wonder class on Monday, December 15th from 10:00-4:00.
DON’T FORGET:
  • The Jingle Bell Hop is Nov 14 through 22.  Mark your calendar now.  With the purchase of your $5 passport you will receive a free pattern.  Each participating shop has designed an exclusive ornament that you may purchase as well as a table topper kit designed to compliment the free pattern.  Participating shops will have extended evening shopping hours for your convenience.
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
 Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, November 17, 2014

BRRRRR! NEITHER COLD NOR LACK OF HEAT WILL KEEP US FROM OUR TASK

We had a little heating problem during our retreat this past weekend.  I couldn’t resist showing you the above picture.  She was trying to show the maintenance man how cold it was in the room.  I think he got the hint because we soon had heat so we could get down to the real business of sewing.
Progress was made.  Above, Lee Anne shows us this wonderful bag that she completed while on retreat! 
Nancy made more blocks for her Christmas quilt.
Joyce said these were blocks 41 and 42 of the 50 something that she needed to make.
Yvonne worked on her quilt-as-you-go blocks.
Jill made a Christmas Tree block and adorned it with little lights.
Jill decided the lights wouldn't work, so she took them off and added a border.  Looking good.
Jane made this cute little draw string bag.

Mary Ellen made an adorable table runner.

Watch for more retreat pictures tomorrow.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
  • There are two Craft Days scheduled this year at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  This has always been a popular event and in order to accommodate everyone, Chris added a Craft Day to the calendar.  Originally they were scheduled for Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 29.  However, things have snowballed.  There are far too many things going on right now and the Craft Day scheduled for Friday, November 21, has been moved to Friday, December 5.  If you prefer, there is still room in the Saturday, November 29.  Just call the shop and let Chris know what you would like to do.  I’m looking forward to this fun event.
NEW CLASS
  • Vickie S. will have a One Block Wonder class on Monday, December 15th from 10:00-4:00.
DON’T FORGET:
  • The Jingle Bell Hop is Nov 14 through 22.  Mark your calendar now.  With the purchase of your $5 passport you will receive a free pattern.  Each participating shop has designed an exclusive ornament that you may purchase as well as a table topper kit designed to compliment the free pattern.  Participating shops will have extended evening shopping hours for your convenience.
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Quilt Expressions has lots of gift giving inspiration.  Click on the pictures to see the tutorial.
Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Sunday, November 16, 2014

RETREATS ARE SO MUCH FUN!

This past weekend several of us attended a retreat at Shipshewana, Indiana.  This retreat is hosted by Ruth of Quilt n Go and she is to be commended for hosting such a wonderful event.  Everyone got down to business right away and I took lots of pictures. We used whatever space we could find to place our blocks in order to get a full view of them together.  Above, someone was in the large fireplace room trying to get a full view of her blocks.
 Above, Vickie D. and Vickie S. look over block placement for Vickie S.’s quilt blocks.
 In another spot, someone was putting together the side border blocks for this blue Winder Wonderland.
 This is a closer view.  I love this block.
 Then Vickie D. found a space to view her blocks.  Decisions, decisions.
 Sue was working on her Whimsical Garden.  It was a wool BOM a year or so ago at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.
 I have to show you this…
 And this...
And this.  These two women took a “How to Use Your Feet” class and used their samples to create these beautiful quilts. I don’t know about you, but I think I need to learn more about my sewing machine feet and what they can do.  These are stunning quilts.

I don't want to overwhelm you with all the photos today.  Tomorrow we’ll have some more show-n-tell and you can see the progress made during our retreat.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: 
  • There are two Craft Days scheduled this year at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  This has always been a popular event and in order to accommodate everyone, Chris added a Craft Day to the calendar.  Originally they were scheduled for Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 29.  However, things have snowballed.  There are far too many things going on right now and the Craft Day scheduled for Friday, November 21, has been moved to Friday, December 5.  If you prefer, there is still room in the Saturday, November 29.  Just call the shop and let Chris know what you would like to do.  I’m looking forward to this fun event.  You can see what we made last year here.  And the 2012 year here.
DON’T FORGET:
  • The Jingle Bell Hop is Nov 14 through 22.  Mark your calendar now.  With the purchase of your $5 passport you will receive a free pattern.  Each participating shop has designed an exclusive ornament that you may purchase as well as a table topper kit designed to compliment the free pattern.  Participating shops will have extended evening shopping hours for your convenience.
ON ANOTHER NOTE
  • This site should keep you busy.  Shop Martingale has quilting tutorials.  Scroll down for the videos.
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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