PRODUCTIVE DURING THE SNOW DAYS OF WINTER

Saturday was Stitch-In at the Attic Window Quilt Shop, so some of us Happy Scrappers who couldn't get to the shop for our meeting last Wednesday, due to snow, met there today.  What a good time to socialize and sew with quilting friends, and see the show-n-tell.  Above, is the table runner that Cathy M. made.  She's getting ready for Easter.  How cute.

Cathy also made this table runner.

And she made this table runner.

 And here she is hiding behind another table runner that she made.

 She said she particularly liked the backing fabric.

This is a close-up of her snowflake.

Above is the project that Cathy is currently working on.  See the flying geese above on the right?  That strip is just pinned there.  She said she had to make 40 more flying geese.  I think Cathy was snowed in a very long time!  Then she lost power!

When her power was out, Cathy said she knitted this while snuggled by the log fire to keep warm.  So soft and pretty.  

Marilyn showed us the wool blocks she has been working on.  They are from the book Whimsical Wool Applique by Kim Schaefer.  I'm making some of the blocks in cottons.  

 Marilyn also showed us this cute little Gertie box that she made.

I opened the top so you could see inside.  This is so cute and Marilyn will be having a class on how to make this.  It probably won't be held until next month because the patterns are not in at the shop yet.  

I think I caught Lee Anne laughing.  She worked all day on sewing blocks together.  I made her promise to let me take a picture when her quilt is all put together.  Her fabrics are stunning.

ATTENTION: Monday hours have changed.  The Attic Window Quilt Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday during the months of February, March, and April.  Tuesday through Saturday hours have not changed and will remain the same as usual.

DON'T FORGET:

• A New Beginning Embroidery Class will begin on Feb. 20, at 11 a.m.  There are two teachers, one for right handed people, and one for left handed people.
• Search For the Stars Shop Hop is the end of April.
• Row By Row begins in June.

 AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

• Tuesday, Feb. 19
• Bee, 10
• Embroidery Bee, 6-8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 20:
• Sampler, 9:30
• Civil War BOM, 10
• Vintage Christmas, 10
• Beginning Embroidery, 11
• Thursday, Feb. 21:
• Doll Bee, 10
• Intermediate Quilting, 3:30
• Friday & Saturday, Feb. 22 & 23:
• Stitch-In Fri., 10-5
• Stitch-In, Sat., 10-4
• Monday, Feb. 25
• Stitch-In, 10-6
• Tuesday, Feb. 26
• Bee, 10
• Civil War BOM, 10
• Wednesday, Feb. 27:
• Starburst, 10
• Thursday, Feb. 28:
• Doll Bee, 10
• Intermediate Quilting, 3:30
• Friday, Mar. 1
• Stitch-In, 10-5
• Saturday, Mar. 2
• Sampler, 9:30
• Bee, 10

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

• Quilts of a Feather has a tutorial for a Zipper-Mouth Shark.  The little ones would like this!

Caroll, 

Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

STITCH-IN FUN

I attended the Stitch-In at the Attic Window Quilt Shop today and had so much fun.  I learned a lot, laughed a lot, and met a new friend.  Above Kathy shows us the quilt she is working on.  This quilt was a BOM a year or so ago.  Kathy bought the leftover kits and got to work.

This is another section of her quilt.  I love the colors.  This quilt will be stunning.

Cathy M. made some more Fold It Hold It bags for Dégagé Ministries.  

Then she made this!

Since this is Cathy's first project with this "fabric" she chose an easy-to-make coupon holder.

 She used Kraft Tex Paper Fabric.  Cathy says you can wash it, wrinkle it, sew it, and paint on it.  She said she will do a lot of testing with her coupon holder.  She promises to send before and after pictures so we can see what happens after it is washed and painted.  Can't wait to see what she does.

This gray is what Cathy used today.

The Attic Window Quilt Shop has Kraft Tex in these beautiful colors too!

Chris (shop owner) showed me a quilt in a magazine.  It was a Dresden made scrappy.  I thought how much fun it would be if everyone came to the shop with their scraps and made a scrappy Dresden.  I used the 30 deg. Squedge ruler which I got at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  It is large and I wanted to make large blocks for this project.  Next I'm going to make a smaller Dresden for the center.  I'll keep you posted as this project develops.

I also worked on these blocks.  When I saw the blocks at the top of the pictures that Chris had made (the ones with red borders) and noticed she had lots of fabric, I decided to make some blocks too.  However, as you may remember, my piecing skills leave a lot to be desired.  I'm not sure I've ever made a log cabin block before.  I did do one in paper piecing years ago, but this was different.  In fact, if you look closely, you can see that my red center square is in the wrong place.  But Chris came to my rescue and showed me how to do these correctly and easily.  Chris is a fantastic teacher and is so willing to help when you are having a problem.  She sent me home with fabric and new knowledge and now I have to get to my sewing room and make blocks!  There is another Stitch-In tomorrow.  Come join the fun!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW:

• AQS is here in Grand Rapids August 22- 25
• 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, Saturday, August 11  
• NOTE:  The Attic Window Quilt Shop is having a SPECIAL during the month of August.  Pay $5 and come to any or all Stitch-ins during this month of August. 
• Sampler, Monday, August 13
• Sampler, Tuesday, August 14
• Bee, Tuesday, August 14
• Embroidery Bee, Tuesday, August 14

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

Quilt Fabrication has a tutorial for pinwheel place mats that would be great for the Christmas Holidays.  
Caroll, 
Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

STITCH-IN FUN AT ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

When I stopped in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop this past Saturday, the Stitch-In was in session.  Above Tammy shows us this nice iron cover that she made.  You can use it as a pressing pad as well as wrap your warm iron in it when you are ready to go home.  No more burned carpet in the car.

Adrienne (left) made an iron pad/cover too.  Above you can see how the case folds around your iron.  NOTE:  When Happy Scrappers met recently, Adrienne was looking at a pink batik fabric.  Look at the lovely dress that she made out of it.  Great job Adrienne!

 This was the scrappy technique that was being taught.  You use your scraps by sewing them to old adding machine tape, and then use these strips to make a block.  I wish I had taken a picture of the block they made, but forgot.  Sorry.  Above are Adrienne's strips.

 Diana made these strips.  Notice that on some of the pieces she sewed scraps together to make the strip wide enough to go across the tape.  Great idea Diana.

Nancy shows us the block she is making for Sampler.  Love those colors.

AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

• Bee, Tuesday, July 24
• Civil War BOM, Tuesday, July 24
• Knotty Girls, Wednesday, July 25
• Doll Bee, Thursday, July 26
• Stitch-In, Friday and Saturday, July 27 & 28

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

• Allie of Allie-oops Sweet Happy Life has an adorable free pattern for you.  

Caroll,

Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

HAS THIS HAPPENED TO YOU?

 I was so excited when I saw a poinsettia table runner during a recent shop hop. I thought I'd make it as a sample for the Attic Window Quilt Shop. The pattern is free from So Sew Easy on Craftsy.  I figured it would be a snap to make.  Easy peasy.  Wrong!

I don't know what I did, but apparently something happened because my circles were not the same size so when I put the circles together to make the flower, my points came out like this.  Yikes!  I either made a mistake during cutting (I cut two circles at once) or I forgot to position my needle at the same place when sewing.

I was going to take it all apart, then figured I'd just use this one for my table and stitch up another one, making sure I cut correctly and my needle was in the correct place when I sewed.  The pattern really is easy and it is free on Craftsy.  Check it out.

STITCH-IN

• Stitch-In, Friday & Saturday, July 20 & 21.  COME JOIN IN THE FUN AND LEARN CHRIS'S SCRAP BUSTER TECHNIQUE!
• A reader asked about what to bring so, this is what I would do:  Bring regular sewing supplies, sewing machine and a project you want to work on that day.  And bring lots of scraps so you can try out the Scrap Buster Technique.  It's sure to be a fun day!

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

• Jacquelynne Steves has a new Save The Bees BOM starting in August.  Check out her site and sign up!
• 
  

Caroll,

Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

TRY A MAKE IT TAKE IT CLASS or A STITCH-IN

Not much going on around here due to the fact that the weather has finally decided it's spring...I hope.  I nearly froze last Wednesday sitting with my winter coat on as I watched my great grandson play baseball.  This week the weather is behaving and I've been working in the yard.  I did want to tell you about some things that are happening at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  There is an Itty Bitty Skinny Clover class on Monday, May 21.  This is a make it take it.

Also, a Stitch-In has been added to the Calendar.  On Friday, May 25 and Saturday May 26, there will be another stitch-in.  Don't forget, if you come to two stitch-ins you only pay $5 for the two of them (not $5 each). 

Don't forget that  Starburst BOM begins Wednesday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  You will be making two blocks each month.
Suggestion:  We suggest that you stay and sew during the afternoon for the first few months to learn how to use the ruler and make the blocks.  As you gain experience, you may opt not to attend class or enjoy the free sew and socialization time and just pick up the monthly fabric kits.
Notice:  Space is limited.  Registrations must be in by Friday, May 18, so that your kits and space will be guaranteed.

Please call the shop for details on price, discounts, supplies needed, and other information for this class.

AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

• Sampler, Wednesday, May 16
• Civil War BOM, Wednesday, May 16
• Embroidery Bee, Wednesday, May 16
• Intermediate Quilting, Thursday, May 17
• Doll Bee, Thursday, May 17
• Stitch-In, Friday and Saturday, May 18 & 19
• Itty Bitty Skinny Clover Class, Monday, May 21

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

• Quilting In Amsterdam has dozens of Free paper piecing patterns.  Love the shoes.

Caroll,

Caring, Sharing, Creating Smiles

YOU CAN MAKE THIS COLORFUL QUILT

 I was unable to attend the recent Stitch-in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop, however, Diana and Adrienne were so sweet to send me pictures.  Above is the quilt that Adrienne is working on.  Diana sent this work in progress.

 The pattern is called Summer Slice and is from Cluck Cluck Sew.  You can find the tutorial here. 

 Adrienne sent me this picture.  As you can see she is moving along in getting the blocks made.  Adrienne said, “This is a super fast quilt. I made all those blocks that day, as I had pre-cut the rectangles and 2 1/2" strips.  I  sewed and assembled nine 16" blocks during my 10-5 day.  I’m thrilled with the rapid assembly and am going to make it again in a three color way next time. Six blocks with a border makes a wonderfully colorful neonatal quilt.” 

Caution:  Adrienne also said, “It pays to read all the instructions not just the general idea.!!!!”  Adrienne said that she realized this after she made the cut the wrong way on a couple of the blocks; so she cautions you to think before you cut.  How does that saying go:  measure twice and cut once!
Thanks Adrienne and Diana for sharing with us!

That's all for today Folks!
Your quilting reporter
Caroll

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL QUILT

This past weekend there was a Stitch-in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above from left to right, Catherine, Rosa, and Chris look at the quilt.   Diana sent took these pictures and sent them to me.  Catherine stopped by the shop with this beautiful quilt that she had just quilted for a customer.

 

This is a closeup of her work.  Catherine Martin is a professional long arm quilter.  The name of her business is Quilten Bee Express.  You may contact her at 616-363-0703.  You can see more of her work in a post I did here. 

Thank you Diana for the pictures!

DON'T FORGET:  The Applique Bee meets Tuesday afternoon and the Mod Squad (Modern Bee) meets all day Wednesday at the shop.  Don't forget to bring your supplies to participate in the demos.  Each Bee will have a special technique demonstrated.  Hope to see you there.

 
ON ANOTHER NOTE:  Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website.  This is a must for anyone traveling this summer.  You won’t want to miss this. 

Sew Mama Sew has a Modern BOM.  Take a look!

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

REDWORK IS NICE TO HAVE AROUND

Diana sent me a couple pictures that she recently took while at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  I think there was a Stitch-In last week.  Above, Sharon R. shows us her finished embroidered snowmen quilt top.  Diana said no one knew the name of the pattern but that Sharon had purchased it at the shop in 2009.

Nancy shows us her embroidered teacup quilt top.  I’m not sure of the name of this pattern is either.  I love both of these quilts.  Redwork is such a nice pick-up project.

Diana also said that there was going to be another Stitch-In this coming Friday and Saturday.  Hope to see you there!

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  Did you go check out the Row By Row Shop Hop website.  This is a must for anyone traveling this summer.  I talked more about it on yesterday’s post. You won’t want to miss this. 
 
Mommy By Day Crafter By Night has a tutorial for a salt air lattice quilt.

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

A STITCH-IN WITH A LITTLE HUMOR

Val showed us the above block during a Stitch-In at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  She said this is block one with 99 to go!  She is making this quilt for her husband Dave.  The quilt is called 9-11 Quilt and is by Laundry Basket Quilts.  I admire her beautiful work!

Judi looks serious as she works on her appliqué.  However, laughs were sprinkled throughout the day.

Somehow the topic got onto Judi’s height.  When Rosa asked Judi how tall she is, Judi said it depended on whether she was at Weight Watchers or not.  That brought laughter from us all.

Dorothy was working on these bright yellow blocks.  Can’t wait to see this quilt.

Diana was busy blocking her diamonds for the Lone Star Spiral quilt.  I struggle with piecing and after trying unsuccessfully to make my diamonds using the technique Vicky (teacher) showed us, I decided to ask Diana for help.  She taught me the special technique she used to get her seams to line up so precisely.  Didn’t work for me.   Judi tried to help.  I still couldn’t get those seams to match.  Finally I asked Chris for help.  After 7 ½ hours I had the eight diamonds basted together.  Thanks everyone for all your help!!!

Diana also showed us this Irish crochet that she is doing.  Note the dime at the top next to the little flower.  I cannot fathom how she does such small, intricate work.  It is stunning.

Rosa is all serious here as she works on the lining for her bag. 

There was just too much soberness for me so I had to tell them a little story about my neighbor’s kid.  I think he is about six.  One day my neighbor looked over her son’s shoulder to see what he was drawing.  There was a large circle on the page with several odd shapes inside the circle.  She admired his skills.  His hand-eye coordination had improved.  She recognized what he had drawn.  With great confidence she complimented him on his drawing of the Earth.  The child looked up at her with that expression that only a little boy can give his mother.  “That’s not the Earth,” he said.  “It’s a toilet bowl.” 

Kids, you gotta love em!

In the meantime, don’t forget these Bees are open to all:

• The Applique Bee meets Tuesday, March 25th from 1-4. 
• The Modern Bee meets Wednesday, March 26th from 10-4.

MORE UP COMING EVENTS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP:

• 7th ANNUAL SPRING FLING SHOP HOP, March 28th through April 5th.  Six west Michigan shops are included with giveaways at each shop.  Passports can be purchased for $5 at any shop.  Visit the shop to sign up for a drawing and receive a free pattern.  At the end of the shop hop there will be a drawing for a sewing machine from completed passports.  Participating shops are:  Attic Window Quilt Shop; Calico Creations (South Haven); Custom Quilts Unlimited (Fennville); Pressing Matters Quilt Shoppe (Holland); Queen Bee Quilt Shoppe (Grand Rapids); So South Haven (South Haven). 
• THE QUILTER'S ROAD TRIP is April.  12 Shops are participating.  Passports are $5.  Each shop chose a different month for its wallhanging.  Chris chose January because she loves snowmen.  Secretly she’s afraid we’ll all be made at her for choosing snowmen since we are so sick of snow here in Michigan.  I don’t think she needs to worry because that snowman is so darn cute!  Patterns and kits are available for purchase.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  Flossie Blossoms has a tutorial for a small quilted tote with a lid.

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

STITCH-IN AND MYSTERY BLOCK

Look what happened at the Stitch-In on Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop!  This stitch-in included a mystery block and above you can see the mystery block reveal.  Don’t you just love those fabrics!  I was unable to attend as I was home nursing a head cold, so Diana kindly took pictures and sent them to me.  From left to right, Diana, Judi, Rosa, Pam, Nancy, and Lee Ann.

Unfortunately I didn’t get to see Rosa’s quilt either, but thankfully Diana sent me this picture.  I have watched Rosa work on this quilt for her husband for a while and was so looking forward to seeing it completed.  The fabrics were so colorful in this King size quilt.  I think she used the 10-minute block.  I like how your eye sees circles.  Beautiful quilt, Rosa.  And a special thank you to Diana for sending me the pictures.

SNOW DAYS:  FREE Snowman Pattern during the month of January*   Specials for the month:

• Week of 20-25 – Notions – 15% off.
• Week of Jan. 27-31 – Fabrics – Buy three yards and get one yard free of equal or lesser value!
• *Does not include sale items.
• Reminder – All handmade consignment baskets are $5 off during the month of January.

DON’T FORGET: 

• The Heart of Winter Tour is February 8th.  Call the shop to make your reservation as space is limited and the bus is filling up fast!
• You won’t want to miss the Easy Heart Ornament class on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 1-2. 
• So many of you have asked about this – A Folded Star class will be held Thursday, Jan. 23 from 1-4. 
• You can’t have too many bags!  Lee Ann is teaching a Strip Street Bag class on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10-3.
• For those who just like to sew, come sew with us when we have another Stitch-In on Friday, Jan. 24, from 10-5 and/or the UFO Day on Monday, Jan. 27th, from 10-5.
• As always, call the Shop to reserve your spot.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  Gwenny Penny has a tutorial for an out-to-eat place mat.

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

ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP HAS STITCH-IN

 The Attic Window Quilt Shop had a Stitch-in this past weekend.  I was unable to attend, but fortunately Judi Anderson took a couple pictures for me.  Above Peggy F. shows us latest finish.  I love the fabrics she used for this darling quilt.

Above, Jill shows us her quilt.  I think I saw her working on this one during the last Happy Scrapper’s Bee.  I think this is her Poppy quilt. It looks huge! Don’t you just love those fabrics!This quilt reminds me a little of the Merry Go Round quilt at Missouri Star Quilt Company. 

Thank you Judi for taking these pictures and sharing them with us.  I hate to miss anything and love seeing what everyone is doing. 

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  Sew Mama Sew has a tutorial for a Dancing Queen Quilt Block.

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