AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE ROUND 2

Looking at this block makes me want to shout Happy New Year!  It is just one of the beautiful blocks I received from those participating in the Around The World Quilting Bee – Christmas.

These are all of the blocks I received. (Click on the picture for a closer look) They came from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and in the United States: MA, NC, IL, WA, and CA. Thanks to all of you. I love every block and wish I could post an individual picture of each one. They are all so darn cute! Unfortunately, my quilt never did get to Mel so I missed out on her lovely feathered star. I saw some of the others she made and they were awesome. I’m not sure how many others I missed out on. I chose to have my quilt sent to me because it was just taking too long and I got the feeling some of those participating just weren’t interested any more. I was afraid my quilt would get lost somewhere along the way, so I asked that what was done be sent to me. I think I’ll make a couple more blocks to add to these and then start thinking about what sashing and border fabrics I’m going to use. It will take me awhile to get all that done. A special thanks goes out to Jane of Jane’s Fabrics for all her work and effort in keeping us inspired, on track and moving along during this past year. Jane you are a jewel!

Don’t forget the SNOW DAYS OF JANUARY at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Stop in anytime during the month and take advantage of the special events and sales. All month we are giving away a free snowman pattern. You can enter your name for a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate. You will also get 20% off all fabrics on bolts.

Each week during the entire month of January there will be a special sale.

1st Week – Jan 3-8……..20% off all patterns
2nd Week – Jan 10-15…..20%off all books
3rd Week – Jan 17-22…..20% off all kits
4th Week – Jan 24-29.....Buy five pre-cut fat quarters and get one free.

NOTE: There is a 50% off special on a selected Christmas fabrics, patterns, books, and kits all during the month of January.

Don’t forget that Allie Ooops Sweet Happy Life  has a Christmas Through The Year project going on that includes give aways, free patterns and more. Check it out.

Getting organized inside your house? What about your car? Keep it clean with this tutorial for a car trash bag by Homemaking Honeys.
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Stay Positive!
Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE ROUND 2

This is my latest block for Around the World Quilting Bee. It goes to Katy of I’m a Ginger Monkey  It looks like her quilt is almost finished and will be on its way home to the United Kingdom soon. Katy asked that all her blocks be in red and white. Check out her blog. She has a tutorial for a Fabric Covered Christmas Wreath. Click here.

Check the sidebar for all the other great classes at the Attic Window Quilt Shop this week.
 
Mark your calendar now for CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY, SATURDAY, Nov 27 from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Class is FREE. Kits are $5—$10. We are working on some neat Christmas gift ideas. Stop in at the store  and see the projects

The WHIMSICAL NORTH POLE BOM is now up in the shop. The books are here and starting Jan. 3, you can stop in anytime each month and pick up a $5 kit to complete a block of the month. There is no class, so sign up before Jan. 1 and receive a special discount on the book.

Esch House has a stunning hot pad tutorial
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Stay Positive!
Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE

This is my latest block for the Around the World Quilting Bee. It is for Brioni. She has asked for small trees that she will later make into placemats. What a great idea.

This is a shot of the contributions others have made so far as Brioni's quilt travels around the world. She’s going to have so much fun with all these blocks.

This is another great find at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. This fabric is Winter Wonderland Flannel, a Tricia Santry Design for Blank Quilting. Not only are all these snowmen so cute, but I can just see my grandchild snuggling up in this warm flannel.
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It’s been chaos around here. We had winds yesterday and again today. I didn’t turn on my computer all day yesterday, thinking that was the safe thing to do. I thought this was smart thinking since we did lose electricity for a couple hours. Now this morning my printer/scanner won’t work. Gads! It’s always something.

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Speaking of chaos, A Little Bit Of Kaos has a cute Jelly Roll Tutorial for you. Enjoy

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Stay Positive!

Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE BLOCKS

I have had so many things to show you lately that I haven’t had a chance to show you the blocks I made for the Around The World Quilting Bee. Remember, the theme this year is Christmas.

This first block (above) is for Jen. She sent along special fabrics for us to include in our block. This block is made with the paper piecing method. Not my forte, but I think it turned out okay. Hope she likes it.

This is Dionne’s block. It’s supposed to look like a Christmas present. Actually, it is the State of Michigan block that I found at Bellaonline.com. It really does look like a wrapped gift, doesn’t it? This block is made with straight, old fashioned piecing.

This block is for Patty. It has been a while since I finished this block and sent it on its way. I think I recall there being several of trees in her other blocks and that’s why I chose this design. I like it because I was able to appliqué this block.

And I must have made this for someone in the group, but I can’t remember who. It is on its way around the world. If you are reading this and it is in the collection you now have, please let me know who it belongs to so that I can put a name on it.

Don’t forget that Quilts On The Grand 2010 starts this week. Over 250 quilts are being featured. There is also a vendor mall and a small quilt auction. The show is Oct 1 – 3 at the DeltaPlex Arena, 2500 Turner Avenue, NW, Grand Rapids, MI. Admission is $8. Proceeds will benefit the Tie That Binds Fund at the Neonatal Unit at Spectrum Butterworth and the Covenant Enabling Residence, Faith House.

Sew Mama Sew has a tutorial for a three ring binder pencil pouch. What a great idea for those school kids, young and old. Think Christmas Gift!

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Stay Positive!
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Until next time,

Caroll

YOU CAN MAKE THIS DOLL

Have you ever thought about making a doll like this? Julie tells me it is very easy (even I could do it). You can see some of the steps to doll making by clicking on the button on the side bar. Check out Julie’s blog for further information. You can join Julie just about any Thursday morning at the Attic Window Quilt Shop from 10-1 and make one of her dolls. Call the shop in advance and get your supply list so you can come prepared.

This is Terrie’s block for the Around The World Quilting Bee. She sent along a piece of fabric and asked that each of us use some of it in our block. I placed her fabric in the middle square. Terrie’s theme is “home for the holidays.” She asked us to create a block around whatever made us think of being home for the holidays. I have such fond memories of when I was a child and our home brimmed with happiness and good smells and anticipation during the holidays. Since our Holidays were always very traditional, I created this traditional block for Terrie. I hope she likes it.

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Speaking of AWQB, one of the women in the group shared this link with us. It is for a Christmas tree table runner. Get started on those Christmas gifts now. Check it out here.

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Until next time,

Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE ROUND 2

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. I woke up to thunder storms this morning. It rained here on and off all day. Some people lost electricity. Our Cable, phone, and internet were down, but fortunately we still had electricity. My heart went out to all those who had outdoor activities planned.
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Because of this busy weekend I didn’t get much done, but did want to show you another Around The World Quilt Block. This one is for Round 2 and goes with the quilt for Beth Novak Of modern jax. She wanted a white background with bright fabrics. It is now on its way to Massachusetts and then making progress around the world.
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Have you seen this cute pattern? I remember at Christmas time, hostesses were attaching those cute little charms to wine glasses so their guests could tell which glass was theirs. Great idea. But I like this one better. This free pattern from Creative Grid serves as a coaster as well as an identification piece for wine glasses. I would make each one in a different color or design to make it easy for the guest to make a quick identification.
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Until next time,
Caroll

AWQB ROUND ONE COMPLETED

I recently received all my blocks from the Around The World Quilting Bee (AWQB). These blocks are fantastic. Each one is individual and unique to its creator. Aren’t they beautiful! I can’t decide how to put them together, what sashing to use, etc. I need time to put some thought into it. However, I was so excited about getting them that I had to show them to you. This quilt has been to the United Kingdom (several times), Indiana, Texas, Washington ( a couple of times), New Hampshire, California (more than once) , Tennessee (a couple times), Australia, The Netherlands, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Michigan (east side of the state), Massachusetts, and I believe Brazil. I have a block with no name on it and I thought Brazil was in the mix.
Anyway, I want to thank all of you who participated. You have made beautiful blocks for me and I will think of all my wonderful AWQ Bee friends every time I look at it. It will cover me with warmth and love for all my new friends. Thanks again!
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And a very special thank you to Summer Sadie for putting this group together and keeping us all on track. Great job!
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Chris, owner of the Attic Window Quilt Shop, has been at Market this past week. I can't wait to see what she brings back. I'll post about it as soon as I can.

Loft Creations has a new idea for using up those scraps. She calls them Silly Strings. Really pretty.

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Until next time,
Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE BLOCKS

Cancel your weekend plans and ….no wait, that was something for a winter blog when you "got" to stay inside and quilt. Now is the time to get outside, garden, go to art fairs, take long walks, plan picnics. Have some summer fun!
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Since there is a lot to be done outside my house right now, I don’t have too much to show you. These two blocks are all that I’ve accomplished this week. On Stash Manicure blog, Marjorie of Appliqué Addict talked about lessons she has learned while quilting. I personally subscribe to #6, which is what I did when making these two blocks for the Around The World Quilting Bee Round #1. This first block is for Paloma. This is her final block and I’ve mailed her quilt to her. I bet she’ll be thrilled with her quilt. There are so many talented women in this group. (You’ll have to go to the Stash Manicure blog and scroll down to Stash Quilt Lesson’s Learned to see what #6 is.)

This block is for Aimee of Salt Marsh Designs. There were so many beautiful colors in her quilt and most of the block designs seemed to involve curves (can you see me sewing curves?). I had a difficult time choosing fabrics and design. I hope she likes this block. I had fun making it. As with Paloma’s block, I had to make some adjustments to the pattern, too, since I didn’t want to cover up too much of that lovely blue fabric. I think I’m done with Round #1 now, so it’s on to Round 2. I just received Paloma’s blocks today so I hope to add my block to it so I can get it in the mail Monday.

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Here’s something you might find of interest. Beadlust has a free e-book that you can download. It’s about exploring creativity with bead embroidery.
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Until next time,
Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE ROUND 2

Round 2 of the Around the World Quilting Bee has started. Our theme this time is Christmas. Above is my block for Paloma’s quilt. I hope she likes my poinsettia flower. It should look nice with her starter block of a Santa and Trees. Paloma’s blog is Three Kitchen Fairies. I almost forgot to tell you - if you want to see what others in this group are doing, scroll down on my sidebar to the patchwork globe that says Round Two and click there. It will take you to the flicker group and you can see lots of pictures of what these talented women are doing.

I was recently blog hopping and saw on Freda’s Hive a really cute quilt. Then I saw there was a link to the pattern. Jina Barney Designz has The Alpine Quilt Group 2010 BOM. You should take a look at it. I especially like the wonky flowers. You can also see the quilt on Freda’s Hive.
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Until next time,
Caroll

Round 2 - AWQB

Just a quick note today. I wanted to show you my starter block for Round 2 of Around The World Quilting Bee. This one is to have a Christmas theme. I’m not much into red and green together so I decided on a whimsical look with a predominately blue color. This group is so talented I'm excited to see what blocks they put with it. I was concerned about the dark background and thought about a do-over, but decided against it. #1. I decided that I like the dark background against the white snowman. #2. I have to get it in the mail tomorrow. BTW sewing on that batik (background fabric) is difficult!

Do you know how to identify the fibers in an unknown piece of fabric? Check it out at Ditzy Prints. Very interesting.

This is something cute that I saw on Bee She Bags. You have to take a look at “Let’s Talk About SEX.” It’s not what you might think and is really cute. I think we all can relate.
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Until next time,
Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE BLOCKS

I finally finished three blocks this weekend for the Around The World Quilting Bee. This first one is for Sudi-Laura (Isaccs Mama). She asked us to make our blocks using fabrics from our scrap bag. She loves seeing what fabrics people have in their scrap bags, and hopes that making our block will cost us nothing more than postage to send it along its way around the world. I love using my red scraps.

This is for Lady Belle’s quilt. Her only instructions were that the block size is 12” square. Hope she likes this flower.

This block is for Katy Jones (I’m a Ginger Monkey). Her idea was for each of us to make a house and she would end up with a village of houses from all around the world. I thought that every village should have a university medical center (Thus the big M) and I included the cherry roof because it is a reminder of the Michigan Cherry crop and the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Did you know that Tart cherries are loaded with antioxidant or that it takes about 250 cherries to make a cherry pie? Michigan grows 75 percent of the nation's tart cherries. You will find these facts where I found them at Absolute Michigan.

Kathy has a nice tutorial for a spiderweb block. Check it out here.

The Quilting Book Lady has a recipe for home made hand cream. My hands have been so dry this past winter. I'm going to try this recipe and see if it works!
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Until next time,
Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #8

It has been a busy week and before I take my mother to have her weekly appointment at the Beauty Shop, I thought you would like to see a couple appliqué pieces. Above is the eighth Aunt Millie’s block. I had to give up on these for a while as life took over, but I’m back trying to complete this beautiful quilt.

Above is a block for the Around the World Quilting Bee. This block goes to Indigo Blue. Most of her blocks included multiple pieces of pink fabrics, so I think this will look nice with the other blocks. I love her quilt. I bet Jane (Jane’s Fabrics) likes it too because she loves pink!

This Tea Time wall hanging or table topper is a fun quilt to have on hand when you have a friend over for coffee or tea. Come join me in the class at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Wednesday, Mar. 24 from 6 - 9 p.m.

Chestnut Junction has free primitive stitchery patterns. Really cute!
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Hope you have a nice weekend,

Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE

More blocks for the Around The World Quilting Bee. This is the block I made for Anita from the Netherlands. Her blog is Bake And Sew . Hope she likes bright colors.

This is the block I made for Kendal of Color . I wanted to make another flower block because I love applique so much, but all the other blocks in Kendall's quilt were pieced and had such a distinct flavor to it that I didn't want to interrupt.

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Have you been to Mrs. Moen's blog lately? She has a great tutorial for a heart wall hanging that you will love. Check it out.

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Until next time,
Caroll

ATWQB BLOCK

The Around The World Quilting Bee is on the move again. It seemed that everything was put on hold during the holidays, but now the blocks are on the move. This is the block I made for Maria in the United Kingdom. Hope she likes it.
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I read a blog today where it asked the question about how much clutter is costing you in time and money. Well, I spent the first two weeks in January cleaning the clutter from my sewing room. Everything is nice and neat. Fabrics are folded and sorted by color. Batting is in one place. There is just one BIG problem. I can’t find anything. I can’t help but wonder how much time and money I’m wasting looking for something I know I had just a couple weeks ago. In my before cluttered state I knew exactly where everything was. I may have forgotten what I had, but if I needed something, I knew where to look. After doing the big re-arrange I can no longer go to the spot where I know the item is supposed to be. If I didn’t have my fabrics lined up in the open along one wall I probably wouldn’t be able to find them. Do you suppose this little mind problem I have has anything to do with my age?
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Magnolia Bay Quilts has a nice tutorial for a string quilt.
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Until next time,
Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE

Today is all about the Around The World Quilting Bee. Above is a block that I just sent on its way around the world. I can’t say who it belongs to because you know I’m getting older and my mind is escaping me and I can’t remember who said they did not want to know or see pictures of their quilt. I just hope she likes it.

This is also another block for ATWQB, which I will send on its way tomorrow. I’ve had so much fun working with this group. It’s really been interesting to watch the quilts grow and to see the different blocks that are being contributed. I love applique and used the same method on these blocks as I did in my tutorial here.

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Within A Quarter Inch had a great idea the other day. She said that she could never remember when she last changed the blade on her rotary cutter, so she now writes the date she changed it in permanent marker on the blade so she wouldn’t forget. What a great idea!

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Allison at Cluck Cluck Sew has a great tutorial for a double hourglass block. Check it out.

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I’m on my way Monday and Tuesday to take classes from Mary Lou Weidman. The first class is Hoochie Mama. The second day is the Flower Power class. These look like they will be such fun classes. I’ll post pictures next week.

Until then, have a great week,
Caroll

AROUND THE WORLD QUILTING BEE

Anita’s block for The Around The World Quilting Bee arrived in the mail today and I just had to share it with you. This block is so unique and she’s done a wonderful job making it. Look at the globe and how she’s pinpointed where the AWQB members are scattered around the world. The letters spelling out our Bee are nicely done too. Anita you are a very creative person. Wish this block were mine, but alas I forward it on to Paloma tomorrow so she can add her block to Anita’s quilt and then it continues on it’s journey around the world. You are going to end up with a lovely quilt Anita.
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Sue Daley Designs has a nice toturial for a thread catcher. This one's a little different from some of the others I've seen.
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Until next time: Happy Quilting
Caroll

ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER BLOCK

This is another block for the Around The World Quilting Bee. This one is for Debby Wolff who wanted liberated houses. This is the third redo and the final product--I thought. Then I reread her directions and discovered I didn’t add salvage, so back to the drawing board.
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Don’t forget the Annual Christmas In July PJ sale this Saturday, July 25, at the Attic Window Quilt Shop from 8 to 10 a.m. Wear PJs and come early. Those wearing PJs during the first hour of the sale will receive a special gift.
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How About Orange has a tutorial for making a basket out of old magazines or newspaper. (Don’t you just love the name of that blog!) Check out her other tutorials and free downloads. She has a lot of good great information.
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That's all for now. Happy Quilting!
Caroll

Around The World Block

When Courtney from Around The World Quilting Bee asked each us to make a block that told her something about our self, I was stumped. This is what I came up with. When I put the picture on our Flicker group pool and asked the others what it said about me, I was surprised at how closely they came to what I had intended to say. So, I guess this block can’t be too bad. In fact I kind of like it. Hope Courtney does too.

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Check out Empire’s BOM. Very nice block and looks like it’s fun to make.

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Hope you have a nice weekend. Happy Quilting.

Caroll

QUILTER'S SKIP AND ATWQB

The Quilter’s Skip is going on this week and the Attic Window Quilt Shop is one of the participating shops. Above is a picture of the shop’s quilt made for the Skip. Each participating shop created one block, which you may purchase during the Skip and then make up the quilt as you choose. You may purchase the finishing kit for this store’s sample at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. The top and the next row of three blocks was designed by Chris, owner of the shop. It is such a pretty quilt. Stop in and take a look if you can.

This is my next block for the Around the World Quilting Bee and has been forwarded on its trip around the world. The pink on the side is not part of my block. The person who started this block asked that the blocks be sewn together as it travels around the world, so what you see is from the previous block made and where I attached my block.
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Are you a bloghopper? Quilt Qua is another place to find blogs in one area. There is also a button on the sidebar of this blog for your convenience. Check it out.

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The Quilter’s Paradise Newsletter has a nice tutorial for a Soft Box Pincushion.

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Until next time: Happy Quilting!

Caroll

HAPPY HOUSES HAVE ARRIVED

Just had to show you all the happy houses I received in the mail yesterday. These are from the Happy House Swap that Kathy Earley of the Humble Quilter Coordinated. Aren’t they pretty! The nine blocks came from various places: Pat at Patspattering and Jeri from Florida. The other blocks didn’t have information on them so I don’t know where they are from, but I love them and thank all of you. Do you see yours there? Now how to make them into a quilt…let me think about that.

This block....

And this block are the blocks that I’m sending out Monday for the Around The World Quilter’s Bee. I’m not going to tell you who they are for just in case they want it to be a surprise. I never knew this Bee was going to be so stressful. I think I agonize over every block I make and worry if it is the right block to go along with the other blocks sent to me. Everyone’s taste is so different. Maybe I have a control issue. Oh, my, get over it already!

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Nicole has some great tips for all you bag makers. Check it out.

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Until Next Time: Happy Quilting

Caroll