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

WILL THE BIG BAD WOLF COME TO YOUR HOUSE?

Julie L. who leads the Doll Class at the Attic Window Quilt Shop sent me this picture.  She said, "Barb Vis finished her Little Red Riding Hood and Big Bad wolf."  Aren't they adorable.

Julie also sent this picture.  She said, "There is also two teddy bear pics of a bear Barb made.  We are considering teddy bears for doll bee. Having said that, on Thursday we are doing a hedgehog."

The Doll Bee is open.  You can join them on Thursdays at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and make these darling items.

Thank you Julie for sending these wonderful pictures.  Looks like you gals are having lots of fun!

DON’T FORGET: 

• Doll Bee, Thursday October 8
• UFO Night, Friday, October 9
• Happy Scrappers, Saturday, October 10

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  

• S.O.T.A.K. Handmade has a tutorial for a scissors cozy.

♥ Caroll, 
Caring , Sharing and Creating Smiles

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

IS THERE A DOLL IN YOUR FUTURE?

When I stopped in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop last Thursday the Doll Bee was in session.  Naturally I had to take some pictures.  Above is the darling doll that Shirley S. is making.  I may be wrong, but I think call this a Hitty doll.

Barb V. shows us her work in process.  I’m a doll person and go crazy when I see these.

This is Shirley working on her doll.  You can read more about the Doll Bee by going to Julie’s blog.  There is also a link on the sidebar.

JUNE AND JULY CLASSES:   

• Spiral Lone Star – This is a two-week class taught by Vickie S. The first session is on Saturdays, June 21 and June 28, from 10-2.  Another two-week session is on Thursdays, June 26th and July 10th.  The class is $30.  Check out the sample for this wonderful wall hanging, or table topper at the shop.  Or you can see Vickie’s quilt here. This is an intermediate to advanced class.Irish Chain – Vickie D. will be teaching this two week class on Wednesday, June 25 from 6-9 p.m. and again on July 23 from 6-9.  It is a beginning to intermediate class.  It is a fun and easy basic quilt done with 2 ½” strips. Class fee is $20
• Big Blocks – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Thursday, July 31 from 5-9 p.m.  It is easy to piece this lap size quilt that is 72 ½” square.  Class fee is $15.
• Rectangle Rumba Tablerunner – Vickie D. will be teaching this one week class on Saturday, July 26 from 20-12.  This two color runner is easy to piece and perfect for any table.  The fee is s$10.
• Strip Street Bag – Lee Anne will be teaching this darling bag on Saturday, July 19, from 10-3.  You can make this simple easy strip pieced bag in a day and you can choose from two different size handles. You can see a picture of my Strip Street bag here.  The pattern was designed by a local quilt shop. The Class fee is $25.

These are just a few of the fun events at the Quilt Shop.  Check the calendar on the sidebar daily for new class additions.

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 it.   
• The Selvage Blog has a tutorial for an Asterisk Quilt.  You do not need to use selvages for this block.

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

DOLLS AND TRAVELING

Since I have been a bit under the weather lately, my lovely quilting friends have been sending me pictures of what is happening at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above, Maggie is participating in the Doll Bee.  I love these little dolls and wish I had the patience to make one.  Julie L. teaches the class and runs the bee.  She is a fantastic teacher and if you are interested in making one of these dolls you should stop by and join her Bee any Thursday to see what is going on.  You might want to join one of Julie’s doll making classes.You can check the calendar on the sidebar for classes/Bees and times.
Thanks, Julie for sending me the picture.

SOMETHING TO TRAVEL ABOUT:  Are you traveling this summer?  Before you get on the road be sure and check the Row By Row website.  This is a new kind of shop hop.  There are no fees and no passports required, but you can visit the shops all summer long.  You simply visit any of the participating shops and receive a free pattern, and if desired, you can participate in a contest where you may win a great prize.  It tells all about the experience on the website.  Simply, click on the "Start Here" tab, and then click on the license plates of the states you are visiting to see which shops are participating.  NOTICE:  The Attic Window Quilt Shop is participating, so be sure and stop by!

ON ANOTHER NOTE: Seaside Stitches has a tutorial for a fabric box.

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

FREAKING FRIDAY!!!

I don’t know about you, but I’m sick, sick, sick of this weather.  Here’s me (note:name tag says Carol) sitting by the window wishing I could go outside and play.  I think a number of quilters here in Michigan are feeling the same way.  I just called the Attic Window Quilt Shop to see if anyone showed up for the Stitch-In.  I guess there were two brave ladies!  I just am not that brave.  Of course, those weather people on TV scare you into not leaving your house.  I do know that Lee Ann’s Strip Street Bag Class scheduled for Saturday has been CANCELLED!  Ugh!  Have I told you how much I hate this weather!  BTW, Carol and other dolls in the shop are for sale.  You can read about them here. 

At least we will have a driver and a nice warm bus when we go on the Heart of Winter Tour!  Have you made your reservations yet?  You can read here  about all the fun we had last year.

The Applique Bee is still on the schedule for Tuesday from 1-3.  I’m hoping Martha will bring her quilt to show us.  I understand that she has it finished and you can see a picture of it at Garden Path Quilts.  Does anyone else have their quilt completed?

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

• 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!
• UFO Day on Monday, Jan. 27th, from 10-5.
• Next Saturday is February 1st, and that means the 2014 Sampler will be held at 9:30 a.m.
• As always, call the Shop to reserve your spot.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  Why Not Sew has a tutorial for a birdie wall hanging.

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

NEWS ABOUT DOLLS, SAMPLER, AND BEING PUBLISHED

It is Doll Week at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Class teacher, Julie said that since Christmas is coming, all the Christmas elves are meeting every day this week at the shop.  She said is was the time for you to bring whatever doll you want to finish in time for Christmas.  Julie sent me this picture of the doll that Shirley brought.  She said that Shirley just finished this awesome Columbian doll dress.  Thank you Julie.  This doll is adorable.

Change of subject:  Do you have your block finished for this month’s Sampler?  I worked all afternoon on this one.  Naturally I waited until the last minute and could not read my notes or remember what Chris said about the easy way to do this block.  However, I did remember those piecing instructions that Vickie gave me while we were on retreat and I think it has made a difference.  I did have to do some un-stitching but I’m pleased with this one.  Remember, the first class for this month’s Sampler is this Saturday at the shop.

Congratulations to Robbie:  Remember Robbie who used to work at the shop?  We miss her and love hearing what she is up to.  You have to pick up this copy of Steampunk Magazine because Robbie is once again published in it.

This page shows some of the items Robbie makes.  She is a fantastic recycler because Robbie takes things that others would call junk and makes beautiful works of art out of them.  Note the tea kettle spout on the clowns head.  Congratulations Robbie.  We’re so happy for you.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  During Quite Time has a tutorial for a scrappy armrest pincushion.  She uses selvages but you could easily use any fabric.  What a nice gift this would make for your sewing friend.

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

DO YOU LIKE CATS?

Are you like most quilters…love cats?  I love cats, although mine is giving me problems at this time.  I’ll tell you about that at another time, but first I want to tell you about this cute wall hanging.  Actually it is part of a quilt pattern.  Cindy is teaching a class called Crazy Cats.  It is an interesting quilt that is not paper pieced but uses a freezer paper pattern for cutting. Fabrics are stacked and all cut at once then shuffled to achieve diversity.  This class is Wednesday, April 24, from 1-4 p.m.  Call the shop to register. 

I wanted to show you the dolls that Yvonne and Rosa are making.  Aren’t they fantastic?  Yvonne’s is on the left, and Rosa’s doll is on the right.  They wanted me to tell you that they didn’t make the baskets that are on the table next to them.  Barb Hassenrik made them for the dolls.

This is a closer look.  Look carefully.  I thought the face and hair was painted on.  It is not.  This is done with very small stitches AFTER the heads are stuffed.

Here is a closer look.  Isn’t this amazing.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  Moda Bake Shop has instructions for making an interesting quilt.  Wouldn’t it be nice to make this and donate it to your local library or school?

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

NEW DOLLS AND FABRICS IN AT THE ATTIC WINDOW

I’d like to introduce you to ….well, I’m not sure of her name.  She is one of the new dolls by Donna Barnes now at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  She is all “dolled” up and dressed like a hippie.  The story goes that she is going “commando.”   What a hoot!   I’ll be showing more of these dolls over the next few days. (I think the others are fully dressed and they all have names) They are so cute!

Also new at the shop are these fabrics by Timeless Treasures.  This line of grey and yellow fabrics is called Eclipse.

This is a close up of my favorite! 

These Sport/Brown and Sport/Pink fabrics are also by Timeless Treasures. 

 

This is a close up of Sport/Pink.  What great fabric for your daughter/grand daughter who plays soccer!  Be sure and stop by the shop and check out the new dolls and fabrics.

On Another Note:  I love this paper pieced daisy by Christine Thresh.  Check it out here.
 

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

CHURCH DOLLS MAKE NICE GIFTS

I’ve been working on Christmas gifts this week.  I made two sets for my great granddaughters.  The pattern is called Church Dolls and includes instructions for making 3 ½” dolls, tri-fold carrying pouch, fabric notebook and blanket.  It is by Down Memory Lane.

This is a close up of all of them.  On the website it says, “A child’s difficult task of sitting still during an endless sermon is eased by a small cloth bundle in Mom’s purse.” 

This is a close up of one set of dolls all tucked into their little carrying pouch. 

And this is the pouch all closed up, ready to be tucked into a pocket or Mom’s purse.  I got this pattern several years ago and made them for almost all the kids in the neighborhood (even the three boys next door asked for some).  I was so glad that I kept the pattern because my great grandchildren are growing up and would like something like this.  The pattern calls for a church on the front, but I decided it best to put the girl's initial.  Maybe save on the spats.

On Another Note: Check out these free patterns at Jillily Studio.

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

HAVE YOU BEEN TO A DOLL MARATHON?

Last week while at the Attic Window Quilt Shop I discovered a Doll Marathon in process.  Barb showed me two of the dolls that she made.  I can’t imagine making these intricate dolls.   They are so authentic looking.  And you would not believe all these doll makers go through to get this genuine look.

This is a close up of Barb's dolls.  Note the hand embroidery on the dress and the adorable little shoes they both wear.  These dolls are truly fantastic.

When I first saw all the body parts hanging around the shop, I thought they were getting ready for Halloween.  As it turned out this is how the doll makers dry the cloth bodies and various other parts after they have been dipped in Gesso or painted. 

Maggie decided to add  "real" hair to her doll instead of painting the head like Barb’s dolls.  Here Maggie auditions the wig.

Above, Julie (class teacher) explains to Maggie how to secure the wig to the doll’s head.

This is another picture of Maggie and Julie getting ready to secure the wig.  You can learn more about Julie’s doll making class by going to her blog. (It is also on my sidebar.)  And/or you can also call the shop for information and to register for a class. 
 
On Another Note:  Wee Folk Art has a tutorial for the cutest glasses case.

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

ROSA IS FEELING GROOVY

 Rosa came to class at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Thursday ready to get down to work.  First she had to show me her latest accomplishment.  She made this ruler caddy.  Rosa designed the pattern herself.  It has two pockets and can carry all those long rulers in one bag.  Great job, Rosa.

 While we were at the Feeling Groovy class, there was also a Doll Marathon going on at the shop.  I’ll post pictures of that next week.  However, I did want to show you these fabrics that Julie made.  Julie teaches the doll class and has her own blog (see sidebar) and is one talented lady.  I had a picture of her but as it turned out, it was too blurry to print.  This is a close up of her hand dyed fabrics.  Aren’t they beautiful!

 There were all kinds of body parts and dolls in various stages of development around the shop.  Someone thought this little doll needed a mask for Halloween.  These gals are a hoot!

Despite all the body parts hanging around the shop, Rosa and I were able to get some work done on our Feeling Groovy quilts.  Above Rosa is surrounded by her beautiful batik fabrics and intent on having something to show for a day at the shop.  However, we did take time to decide that we were  definitely going to meet for class during the next doll marathon.  Those doll makers had the best pot luck lunch and shared with us.  Not only do those gals know how to create darling dolls, they know how to cook too! It was wonderful and we thank them so much!

On Another Note: Pile O Fabric has an interesting Triangle Wheel Quilt Block for you.           

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