Thursday, September 27, 2018

DO YOU LIKE TABLE TOPPERS?

I'm not sure if redecorating the Shop or getting ready for the upcoming show, but when I visited the Attic Window Quilt Shop yesterday I saw a pile of table toppers that Vickie S. had made and I wanted to show them to you.  I love the scalloped edge on this one.
 Vickie has a wonderful way with color.  What a nice gift this runner and place mat would make.
 Can't you just see this brightening up your holiday table!
 These place mats look easy to make as well as stunning.
Vickie made these place mats.  I've made them myself and can vouch that they are easy.  The pattern comes with the special tool that is needed to make them.

 I hope Vickie doesn't mind this one-woman show.  I love her work.  She is also an excellent teacher.  I'm hoping she'll have some classes on these.  You can get the patterns and tools required to make these table toppers and runners and place mats at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

Don't forget the BIG SALE Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 through Sept. 29.



Tuesday, September 25, 2018

DO YOU LOVE APPLIQUE?

I love applique and have been having a little applique withdrawal lately.  I've looked at patterns but nothing grabbed me.  Then I saw Becky Goldsmith's Hexie Garden Quilt pattern and had to have it.
This pattern is versatile.  You can make a table topper as I did above, or make a table runner, or make a big quilt.  Since this project involves using a 60 deg. ruler and some math is involved, I chose to make the small table topper first. 
Here it is on a dark background so you can see it a little better.  The pattern includes 9 whimsical hexagon blocks and I'm eager to get started on my next one. I'm thinking they will be such nice gifts.  You can pick up the pattern at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  If you are interested, let them know you'd like a class.  I didn't follow the pattern exactly since I made a faux binding and didn't put a flower in the center.

Check it out when you go to the Shop this Friday and/or Saturday to take part in the BIG SALE!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
  • The West Michigan Quilter's Guild show is October 5 and 6 at the Delta Plex, 9-5 each day.
  • The Second Annual Country Fair Road Tour 2018 is October 11, 12, and 13.
AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP
  • Bee Hive BOM, Wednesday, Sept. 26
  • First Blush BOM, Wednesday, Sept. 26
  • Doll Bee, Thursday, Sept. 27
  • Intermediate Quilting, Thursday, Sept. 27
  • FALL SALE, Thursday, Sept. 27 through Saturday, Sept. 29
  • Stitch-In, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 28 & 29
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

Sunday, September 23, 2018

A BEAR HUG AND FALL SALE!

BE SURE and stop by the Attic Window Quilt shop on Friday and/or Saturday to take advantage of the Big Special Fall Sale!!   While there take a look at my Snuggle Bear quilt and pick up the pattern.  It is so much fun to make and can be found in the book Happy Quilts by Antonie Alexander. 
These are the blocks before I put the quilt together.  I used the QAYG method of quilting and the fuse method of applique.
I think this little girl is my favorite.  I made a small quilt but you can make it the size you want.  In the book there are 18 bear blocks and the finished quilt size is 55 1/2 X 55 1/2.  There is also a pattern to make a Snuggle Bear soft toy.  I want to try that, but it may be a while as I have a couple other projects to finish.  DON'T FORGET THE SALE!!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
  • REGISTER NOW! If you are interested in participating in a Bee Hive, call the shop and register now.  The class starts in September.  We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. AND register for the First Blush BOM that meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month following the Bee Hive.  
  • The West Michigan Quilter's Guild show is October 5 and 6 at the Delta Plex, 9-5 each day.
  • The Second Annual Country Fair Road Tour 2018 is October 11, 12, and 13.
AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP
  • Stitch-In, Monday, Sept. 24
  • Bee, Tuesday, Sept. 25
  • Civil War BOM, Tuesday, Sept. 25
  • Embroidery Bee, Tuesday P.M., Sept. 25
  • Bee Hive BOM, Wednesday, Sept. 26
  • First Blush BOM, Wednesday, Sept. 26
  • Doll Bee, Thursday, Sept. 27
  • Intermediate Quilting, Thursday, Sept. 27
  • FALL SALE, Thursday, Sept. 27 through Saturday, Sept. 29
  • Stitch-In, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 28 & 29
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

THIS AND THAT AT THE ATTIC WINDOW

 Diana sent me this picture of the new flannels in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  I'm so glad she did and can't wait to get some of these warm cuddly fabrics. 
I forgot to tell you about Happy Scrappers when they met last week at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  I saw these two quilts and fell in love.  What a wonderful way to use up your scraps.  Chris (owner) said the book with the patterns will be in soon.
I don't have the name of the person who made this wonderful Jelly Roll quilt but I understand she is going to be a new teacher at the shop and this will be her first project.  Can't wait!
Cathy shows us her new fitted crib sheet that she made for her grandson.  She followed Chris's method for making the corners.  Love that fabric!
I don't think I ever showed you my latest Itty Bitty from Holiday Happenings.  These are so fun to make.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
  • REGISTER NOW! If you are interested in participating in a Bee Hive, call the shop and register now.  The class starts in September.  We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m.
  • The West Michigan Quilter's Guild show is October 5 and 6 at the Delta Plex, 9-5 each day.
  • The Second Annual Country Fair Road Tour 2018 is October 11, 12, and 13.
AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP
  • Sampler, Wednesday, Sept. 19
  • Civil War BOM, Wednesday, Sept. 19
  • Doll Bee, Thursday, Sept. 20
  • Intermediate Quilting, Thursday, Sept. 20
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

Sunday, September 16, 2018

DOLL TEA A SUCCESS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

It was Tea Time at the Attic Window Quilt Shop this past Thursday.  Above are just some of the fabulous dolls that the women in the Doll Bee make.
Julie heads up the Doll Bee and is an excellent teacher in making these dolls.  Julie said, "Gail Wilson is the designer of the dolls we make and usually bases them on antique dolls."


Julie even designed the fabric for one of her dolls.  For the doll on the left in the ivory with red sprigs dress, this is what she says:
"At Spoonflower, you upload your design, pick a repeat style and your choice of fabric (many choices) and then you place your order.  Spoonflower (based in the mid Atlantic USA) prints the fabric and mails it to you. I scanned an antique apron, shrunk down the size of the design, tweaked it a bit and then picked cotton woven fabric and used the resulting fabric to dress my doll with an historically correct fabric design. It’s hard to find very small prints that are historically accurate for specific dolls. Anyone wanting some of this fabric can go to my Spoonflower shop (julsie3193) and buy some.  This doll was based on dolls made by Izannah Walker. She was the first women to get a US patent.  This doll has a molded head (made by Gail Wilson, from a paper mache type air dryable slip called Flumo). Then the head was covered in a stockinette fabric (think T-shirt material) and then gessoed and painted. This is what Izannah Walker did, although she used heated molds over batting instead of paper mache for her heads. No one knows for sure exactly how she did it, it’s been a mystery doll makers the world over are trying to puzzle out."
Notice the small doll on the left in the chair.  This is what Julie said about it. "For the smaller doll with a molded head with blond hair with a braid wrapped around the back of her head, and she wears a heart necklace. In one doll class, we poured our own doll parts for a doll called the Make Your Own Doll. We can have a class on how to pour doll parts if anyone is interested. However, I have a very limited amount of flumo, so first come, first served.  Just call the store and request my contact info so that we can schedule the class. On some of these dolls, we did apply some paper clay to style a hair do.  On others we made wigs from mohair roving.  On others, we painted hair. Lots of options here.  And FYI...two of us are planning to pour some parts soon, so if anyone wants to watch, they are welcome to. This would be at our Thursday doll bee."
General doll info : Some doll faces are made of cloth. If they are to be painted with oil paint, they must be gessoed first. If not, you can just use ordinary acrylic paint.  Some of the dolls have molded heads. These can be plain or covered with some knit fabric (if you are trying to be historically correct, for example). But they can also be just painted.
Notice the leather shoes in this doll.  Julie said, "Shoes can be made of leather, or painted on. Some of my students like ultra suede, but I like leather the best. It can be sanded to make it look old. Yes, even dolls wear out the toes on their shoes!"
These women try to make the dolls as authentic as they can, even down to adding rings on their fingers.  (I didn't check to see if they had bells on their toes. LOL)
I am amazed at the work these women do.  Check out that small , not as big as my thumb nail, rose on that hat!
 Barb Vis had all her dolls there.  I think you've seen them before, but...
You haven't seen the Santa.  Isn't he adorable!
The very small doll Julie was working on is Hitty. Julie said, "She is Gail Wilson’s interpretation of the doll written about by Rachel Fields back in 1929. She found the original one of a kind Hitty (her real first name is Mehitable) in an antique store and since she looked very old Rachel imagined a story about her first one hundred years. The book won a Newbery Medal for excellence in children’s literature. Wikipedia has a nice explanation about her story, here’s a bit about the book from Wikipedia"

"The book details Hitty's adventures as she becomes separated from her little owner, Phoebe Preble and travels from owner to owner over the course of a century. She ends up living in locations as far-flung as Boston, New Orleans, India, and the South Pacific. At various times, she is lost at sea and also under sofa cushions, abandoned in a hayloft, serves as part of a snake-charmer's act, and meets the famous writer Charles Dickens, before arriving at her new owner's summer home in Maine, which turns out to be the original Preble residence where she first lived. From there she is purchased at auction for a New York antique shop, where she sits among larger and grander dolls of porcelain and wax, and writes her memoirs."

Anyone looking to see Gail’s Website for lots of doll eye candy, they can find it here.
And what is this?  Roving used to stuff the dolls.  Julie said, "It has wonderful qualities, like being resilient and always wanting to expand out as opposed to condensing like other stuffings.   So anything stuffed with it will remain nicely plump. It also is a very nice stuffing for a pincushion as it tends to keep your needles and pins from rusting.  Gail sells nice roving for stuffing on her website along with anything you need for doll making."
Last year the group did Gail's nursery rhyme series.   Above is Pinocchio.  They also did Mother Goose, Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, Little Bo Peep and....
And this is Humpty Dumpty.  

A special thanks to all the women in the Doll Bee for having this wonderful Tea and letting us see your awesome dolls. It was a special treat!

Don't forget, if you are interested in participating in the Doll Bee or have questions for Julie, call the shop and someone there will help you.

Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

Thursday, September 13, 2018

NEW FABRIC, NEW BOOKS

A special thank you to Diana, who works at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  She sent me photos of what's new in the shop today.  I love this new Robert Kaufman fabric. 
 These are also by Robert Kaufman Fabrics.
And these are Robert Kaufman fabrics.  I love all these Christmas fabrics. 
 Above are Henry Glass & Company Houndstooth Basics. 
 This is a close-up of one of the bolts.  So cute. 
These are some of the new books just in.There is something for everyone! The All For Fall book is filled with whimsical wool projects and warm quilts. Since I love scrappy, I know I have to have that Scrap Basket Beauty book.  And doesn't that Merry Makers book look like just the book to help you celebrate the season! It includes 15+ handmade gifts to give or keep.  It says you can complete most projects in a weekend or quicker.  So why wait for that holiday crunch time.  Pick up one of these books now and get started on that Holiday sewing.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
  • REGISTER NOW! If you are interested in participating in a Bee Hive, call the shop and register now.  The class starts in September.  We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m.
  • The West Michigan Quilter's Guild show is October 5 and 6 at the Delta Plex, 9-5 each day.
  • The Second Annual Country Fair Road Tour 2018 is October 11, 12, and 13.
AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP
  • Stitch-In, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 & 15.
  • Bee, Tuesday, Sept. 18
  • Sampler, Wednesday, Sept. 19
  • Civil War BOM, Wednesday, Sept. 19
  • Doll Bee, Thursday, Sept. 20
  • Intermediate Quilting, Thursday, Sept. 20
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Quilt Art has a tutorial and pattern for a Curve Pieced Hydrangea Flower.
Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

SEE ME AT THE DOLL BEE

Attention Gail Wilson doll fans!  At the Doll Bee on Thursday, September 13, at the Attic Window Quilt Shop you will be able to view this rare Gail Wilson doll called “The Child Like” doll. This doll was featured at a doll making retreat awhile back and not generally released in kit or pattern form. This doll was made by Gail Wilson so you can see how lovely Gail paints, shades, and antiques her doll faces. She has vintage fabric clothing and leather Mary Jane shoes.

You can take a look at all the wonderful dolls that these ladies have made and ask questions about them.  No need to make reservations, just come and enjoy!


This event is open to all who want to view the dolls.  Also, if anyone wants to request that a class be held to make a certain Gail Wilson doll in the future, you should let Julie know at the Tea.  She can do a class for any Gail Wilson doll upon request.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
  • REGISTER NOW! If you are interested in participating in a Bee Hive, call the shop and register now.  The class starts in September.  We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m.
  • The West Michigan Quilter's Guild show is October 5 and 6 at the Delta Plex, 9-5 each day.
  • The Second Annual Country Fair Road Tour 2018 is October 11, 12, and 13.
AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP
  • Doll Bee Tea, Thursday, Sept. 13, from 10:30 to 3.  You won't want to miss seeing these fantastic dolls.👀
  • Stitch-In, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 & 15.
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Pat Sloan has a tutorial and free templates for a pumpkin table runner.
Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

HAVE TEA WITH THE DOLL BEE

The members of the Doll Bee at the Attic Window Quilt Shop have always fascinated me.  How do they make those fantastic dolls?  Above Barb V. shows us one of her works in process.  You can take a look at all the wonderful dolls that these ladies have made and ask questions about them on Thursday, Sept. 13, when you attend the Doll Tea.  The tea is from 10:30 to 4 p.m.  No need to make reservations, just come and enjoy!
This is another picture of Barb and her dolls.  
These women also pour molds to make doll parts.  Come to Tea with the Doll Bee.  If you have made a doll with Julie, bring it that day for display during tea time so everyone can enjoy these special dolls.  This event is open to all who want to view the dolls.  Also, if anyone wants to request that a class be held to make a certain Gail Wilson doll in the future, you should let Julie know at the Tea.  She can do a class for any Gail Wilson doll upon request.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
  • REGISTER NOW! If you are interested in participating in a Bee Hive, call the shop and register now.  The class starts in September.  We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m.
  • The West Michigan Quilter's Guild show is October 5 and 6 at the Delta Plex, 9-5 each day.
  • The Second Annual Country Fair Road Tour 2018 is October 11, 12, and 13.
AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP
  • Happy Scrappers, Wednesday, Sept. 12
  • Doll Bee Tea, Thursday, Sept. 13, from 10:30 to 3.  You won't want to miss seeing these fantastic dolls.👀
  • Stitch-In, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 & 15.
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

Sunday, September 9, 2018

THESE PETS WORK FOR YOU

Hello Fellow Quilters.  It's that time of year again when you start thinking about gift ideas.  When you realize you need a quick hostess gift, you might want to make these quick and easy Pot Holders or Hot Pads.  I made them with insulating batting so they can be used as desired. 
 This is a closeup of the cat.
And this is a closeup of the dog.  The pattern is Please Feed The Animals Pot Holder Set found in the book Quilted Cats & Dogs by Annie's Quilting.  You can see the pot holders and pick up the book at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  I hope to make more patterns from this book that has 13 pet-friendly projects.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
  • REGISTER NOW! If you are interested in participating in a Bee Hive, call the shop and register now.  The class starts in September.  We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m.
  • The West Michigan Quilter's Guild show is October 5 and 6 at the Delta Plex, 9-5 each day.
  • The Second Annual Country Fair Road Tour 2018 is October 11, 12, and 13.
AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP
  • Charity Quilts, Monday, Sept. 10
  • Sampler, Tuesday, Sept. 11
  • Bee, Tuesday, Sept. 11
  • Happy Scrappers, Wednesday, Sept. 12
  • Doll Bee Tea, Thursday, Sept. 13, from 10:30 to 3.  You won't want to miss seeing these fantastic dolls.👀
  • Stitch-In, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 & 15.
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

Friday, September 7, 2018

IS THERE A PRINCESS IN YOUR LIFE?

I have a couple little princesses, but decided to make a wall hanging instead of a big quilt.  This pattern is Tiny Princesses from the book Happy Quilts by Antonie Alexander.  This book is filled with 10 fun, kid-themed quilts and coordinating soft toys.  You can get it at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.
 I love how you are able to put the patterns together with your own unique style.
 I was going to put "Friends" at the top but didn't have time. 
 I wanted to include diversity.  Each skin color is different. 
This little red head reminds me of my daughter when she was young. 

What a fun quilt to make.  Stop in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and take a look at the wall hanging and pick up this fantastic book. 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
  • REGISTER NOW! If you are interested in participating in a Bee Hive, call the shop and register now.  The class starts in September.  We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m.
  • The West Michigan Quilter's Guild show is October 5 and 6 at the Delta Plex, 9-5 each day.
  • The Second Annual Country Fair Road Tour 2018 is October 11, 12, and 13.
AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP
  • Charity Quilts has moved this month to Monday, Sept. 10
  • Drop by the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Thursday, September 13from 10 to 3, and enjoy looking at these wonderful dolls.  
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Lillyella has a free butterfly paper pieced pattern.
Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

HAVE TEA WITH THE DOLL BEE

Above is a sample of the fantastic dolls that the Doll Bee at the Attic Window Quilt Shop makes.  
 You can see these dolls and more when you come to the Doll Tea at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  It is open to everyone and you won't want to miss seeing the fantastic job that these women do.  The Tea is Thursday, September 13th. 
 Barb Vis made all the dolls above.  She was so kind to send me information on each doll, however, I got confused as to what description went with what picture, so the best thing to do is come to the Doll Tea and learn more about them.
Julie (instructor) made the above dolls.  This is what she wrote me:  "This doll pattern is The New York doll and is available from  www.gailwilsondesigns.com for $20. She is in the cloth dolls section and is from the historical dolls series.  The pattern is for the white doll, but we tweaked it and made a black version too."  Julie

Drop by the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Thursday, September 13, from 10 to 3, and enjoy looking at these wonderful dolls.  

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
  • REGISTER NOW! If you are interested in participating in a Bee Hive, call the shop and register now.  The class starts in September.  We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m.
  • The West Michigan Quilter's Guild show is October 5 and 6 at the Delta Plex, 9-5 each day.
  • The Second Annual Country Fair Road Tour 2018 is October 11, 12, and 13.
AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP
  • Charity Quilts has moved this month to Monday, Sept. 10
ON ANOTHER NOTE:
  • Why Not Sew? has a tutorial for a Farmer's Wife Letter Holder.
Caroll,  
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles
lkjlkj

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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