Quilting...for the Rest of Us: Recent Episodes
Sandy Hasenauer
Recording without my usual equipment from an undisclosed location while on a trip, in this episode I share briefly why I've been absent; then I discuss my Hunter's Star project, my travails with EPP, and reveal a cool new project I'm starting based on some life transitions.
Check us out on Patreon at Quilting…for the Rest of Us — Quilting, mistakes, humor—embracing imperfect joy in stitching | Patreon.
It's been a minute! I'm catching up after a hectic May that included back-to-back busy weekends, a work trip, and a rough respiratory illness that finally gave in to antibiotics.
I give a project status update, share my plans for Angela Walters' Free Motion Feathers Quilt Along, and debate what's next — possibly put to a Patreon vote. I also talk about my day at the Genesee Valley Quilt Club Quilt Fest, fall down a Lucy Boston rabbit hole, and share some listener mail.
Connect with Sandy
- Email: sandyquilts@gmail.com
- Instagram: search Quilting For the Rest of Us
- Facebook: Quilting For the Rest of Us
- Patreon: free to join, paid tier for video content
- Website: quiltingfortherestofus.com
Quick retreat recap: I packed my entire life into the Highlander (as one does), stitched my heart out, and came home with a longer project list than when I left. Success!
In this episode:
- Retreat packing reality: you pack to the size of your car’s trunk, not the size of your needs.
- Weather report: yes.
- Quilt shop jaunt + cafeteria meals + retreat people-watching.
- Projects update:
- Charlotte’s 2025 Mystery quilt top: done (pics on Patreon).
- Hunter’s Star: up to 37 units… only 443-ish to go. 😅
- Embroidery wildflowers #2 finished; #3 is still living in the car.
- Crumb strips continue to be weirdly satisfying.
- New-to-me tools for fabric kaleidoscope shenanigans.
For links to resources referenced in this episode, visit www.patreon.com/quiltingfortherestofus
In this episode I do the usual (if brief) catch-up on my current quilting projects, review some books, and respond to listener comments including a discussion of using lines on your mat rather than your ruler. Also, a listener question for you: Have you been on a quilt tour? If so, what was your experience?
Both by Diane D. Knott
Scrap Quilt Secrets: 6 Design Techniques for Knockout Results
Strip Quilt Secrets: 5 Techniques-15 Projects
Also:
Crumb Quilts: Scrap Quilting the Zero Waste Way by Emily Bailey
Perfect 5 Quilts by It's Sew Emma (available at Fat Quarter Shop)
Triangles on a Roll Quilts by It's Sew Emma (available at Fat Quarter Shop)
In this episode, I give an update on my various projects, say a few words about selvedge edge quilts, and then talk about a couple of my unsung heroes of quilting notions.
Mentioned in this episode:
Jelly Roll Quilts in a Weekend by Pam and Nicky Lintott
SouthernFabric.com for scrap bags
Felted Wool Pressing Mat--available at this link from Missouri Star Quilting Company
Finger Protectors--available at this link from Amazon
Please see www.quiltingfortherestofus.com for show notes and giveaway for this episode.
In this episode, I remind you of the upcoming Banned Books Week Challenge and give a brief update about my guild's response to the challenge, and I officially (podcast-wise) announce the Scrapitude Mystery Quilt that has already been announced on my blog and in Twitter.
Links in this episode: Modern Scrap Quilts pinboard on Pinterest "Seamly Stitching" (My guild's embroidery stitches-of-the-month program): http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.it/2013/09/seamly-stitching-part-1.html
In this episode, I update my accomplishments during the Labor Day Sew-In last weekend (#LDSI), plus my Hawaii-Western NY Mash-up menu for my niece's party this weekend, plus what I'm working on now.
Announcing a new challenge! Also, update on where I've been and what I've been doing, including lots of quilty news and even a bit about yarn.
I am so glad to be able to share with you yet another great conversation! In this episode, I talk with fiber artist, author, and teacher Carol Ann Waugh. Carol's work brings together her love of hand-stitching, machine work, surface design and embellishment all to wonderful combinations of artistry. You can experience her, as I have, through her two classes on Craftsy: Stupendous Stitching and Stitch and Slash.
Please take a few moments and visit Carol Ann Waugh's website. Especially visit her pages with upcoming gallery shows and workshops--maybe she'll be in your area soon!
If you're not interested in general life stuff and want to skip straight to quilting, cut to about the 30 minute mark. Otherwise, I talk about my recent trip to Kansas City and some entertaining and way cool things that happened while I was there, then I talk about current quilt projects and give a shout-out to listeners and some changes in the quilt podcast world. See my website at www.quiltingfortherestofus.com.
In this episode, I talk with fiber artist, author, and teacher Jane Dunnewold. For show notes and links, visit www.quiltingfortherestofus.com.
In this episode, I have a conversation with quilt teacher, designer, and author Wendy Butler Berns about definitions of "art quilt," how to find your artistic voice, connections between quilt genres, and what Wendy's guiding word might be.
See www.quiltingfortherestofus.com for more.
I just got home from quilt retreat and have some stuff to talk about! Meanwhile, don't forget the Kimberly Einmo giveaway--be sure to enter by Wednesday, May 22! Also, here's the link for the Genesee Valley Quilt Show: www.geneseequiltfest.com.
In this episode, my interview with quilt designer, author, and teacher Kimberly Einmo and announcement about a giveaway sponsored by Craftsy. Visit www.quiltingfortherestofus.com for details.
Honey, I'm home! I'm back from AQS QuiltWeek in Paducah, KY, and lived to tell about it. More or less. In this episode, I describe my experiences in Paducah, including a meet-up with a listener, scalping tickets to a class, and a conversation with a very nice police officer. Oh, and quilts. Plus I announce the winners of my 3rd Podcastaversary Giveaway, and what's up for the next episode! Thanks for listening!
In this episode, I announce the new Project Hope Online Quilt Show that Sandi Colwell of QuiltCabanaCorner and I are co-hosting; I also let you know about a new-to-me app and what's going on in my life, as well as giving a little preview of my trip to AQS QuiltWeek at Paducah tomorrow.
It's my third podcastaversary and I announce a great giveaway! Please go to www.quiltingfortherestofus.com and click on "Podcast" for show notes and giveaway.
Having tested my feed, I now feel confident this one will work just fine! In this episode I update you on my progress with Laura Wasilowsky's Hand-Stitched Collage Quilts in Craftsy, make a mini-not-quite-an-announcement-yet about my Third Podcastaversary Giveaway, explain my new website, and some listener feedback.
(No comments on Podbean--all comments are now on www.quiltingfortherestofus.com, click on "Podcast.")
This is not an episode, this is a test. I talk for five minutes about current projects (sort of) just to see if my podcast feed is still working. Let me know if it is!
I'm back from vacation and feeling well-rested and rarin' to... slow down. Sound like a mixed metaphor or oxymoron or something? Check out the creative bytes in this episode to find out what toggle switch just got flipped for me and why. In addition to some highlights from Louisiana, I also talk about my experience doing the Kimberly Einmo Mystery Quilt on Craftsy and where I think I'm heading next. I announce a new "-Along" to keep us entertained, and mention some books I've been reading. A little listener feedback and some information about Google Readers' impending demise, and we have us an episode!
Mentioned in this episode:
Feedly (replacement for Google Reader) at www.feedly.com
Laura Wasilowsky's Hand-Stitched Collage Quilts on Craftsy
Deborah Crombie's Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series
Terri Thayer's Quilting Mystery series
Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia mystery series
I'm finally back! February was pretty much a waste. But now it's March 1 and I'm there with bells on! In this episode I announce the winner of the book giveaway courtesy Sarah of Houston; I give some Sandy Update about why I dropped off the face of the earth for three weeks; I talk about my adventure in hand-dyeing; and I do some listener feedback.
Mentioned in this episode
Jane Dunnewold's class The Art of Cloth Dyeing on Craftsy
Malka Dubrawsky's class Fabric Patterning with Wax Resist on Craftsy
Art Cloth: A Guide to Surface Design for Fabric by Jane Dunnewold (this is the book I bought after taking her class, but couldn't remember the title when recording my podcast)
Dharma Trading Co. is where I bought my PFD fabrics and is a great source for dye and fiber art supplies
Sandy Raw and Uncut. I didn't edit this episode so I apologize for any sniffles or squeaks you may hear. Fortunately, you can't catch my cold through the airwaves. In this episode (thanks to Nonnie!) all y'all weighed in with your thoughts on reading quilt magazines and quilt books in their print version versus digital, and then I give my two cents.
This topic was spurred by this blog post sent to me by Nonnie: http://blog.caronmosey.com/2013/01/the-future-of-quilting-books-and.html
Leave your comments here to enter in the giveaway sponsored by Sarah in Houston (yay, Sarah!). To win her copy of Afghans and Throws by Luise Roberts, just leave a comment on this episode telling me why I should learn how to knit--how it would change my life. Points awarded for creativity and entertainment value! Comments must be received by or on Sunday, February 17.
This episode is a mystery. Yep--I look back on my experience doing a mystery quilt. I also announce winners of the 2013 Quilty Resolutions Giveaway, seek input for an upcoming episode, have a very short creative bytes and Sandy Update, and spend just a little time with listener comments.
Who knows what day it is? I clearly don't. You get a 24-hour grace period on the Quilty Resolutions Giveaway if you hadn't posted yours yet! In this very short episode, I explain my recent absence from the airwaves, have a very confused time-space continuum experience, talk briefly about some creativity exercises I'm doing, then basically bag it for the night. Enjoy, if you can.
Jaye was gracious enough to take time out of her busy holiday schedule to talk with us once again about a design element that, frankly, I think is one of my favorites: negative space. She describes what negative space is and how to harness its power for good.
Also in this episode: Sandy Update, a little about pillowcases, a reminder of the Quilty Resolutions Giveaway and a related request, and listener feedback.
Visit Jaye's blog for her notes on negative space (and an image of that quilt block we kept talking about).
In this episode, I announce the Boxing Day Sew In (Dec 26), and the 2013 Quilty Resolutions Giveaway. (You'll want to listen to my explanation of the Resolutions Giveaway before trying to fill out the form below!) I also do Creative Bytes, talk about recent projects and some product reviews, and give some listener feedback. And somehow I ended up talking a lot about Sandi of Quilt Cabana Patterns!
Mentioned in this episode:
Dritz Longarm Grip Discs Non-Slip Adhesive Circles Needle Felting tools Clover Wonder Binding Clips Side Cutter Foot for Janome Pearls n' Piping Foot by Creative Feet Masters: Art Quilts: Major Works by Leading Artists
2013 Quilty Resolutions Giveaway Online Submission Form has been moved to my blog since it's not playing nicely with this page. Use this direct link to the form.
Another design episode with Jaye--woot! Don't forget to check out her blog for notes. (If they're not there as soon as this is posted, they will be soon after.)
Updates on Easy Street progress, BFSI finishes, the announcement of my next giveaway challenge, a book review, a movie review, and two magazine reviews. Phew!
Journey to Inspired Art Quilting: More Intuitive Color and Design, by Jean Wells
The Art of Quilting, a PBS documentary now available on DVD
Quilty Magazine
Machine Quilting Unlimited Magazine
Another Creative Bytes, followed by Sandy Update, a book review, and listener feedback. I review Intuitive Color and Design: Adventures in Art Quilting by Jean Wells. By the way, much of the information in this book would be useful to any kind of quilter, not just art quilters!
Join the Flickr group "Bonnie Hunter Easy Street 2012 Mystery Quilt Group" and hang out with a bunch of us podcasters and listeners and friends who are all doing the 2012 Easy Street Mystery Quilt by Bonnie Hunter.
Welcome to episode 109, in which I announce a new feature of my podcast, do a little Sandy Update, and share what listeners have said about perfectionism in quilting.
My account of continuing progress on the 9-Patch Pizzazz, but a change of purpose for it; I also announce my winner of the Banned Book Challenge giveaway, give a brief retrospective of hurricane action in these parts, have some shout outs to Aussies, and do some listener feedback.
As I post this episode, the wind is starting to whip and my windowpanes are rattling with the rain. Yes, Hurricane Sandy is starting to move into my area, so I decided to post an episode quick quick before I lose power like so many of my eastern buddies have now done. The good news is, I finally made some progress on quilt projects! The bad news is, it could all come screeching to a halt depending on what happens in the next 24 hours storm-wise. Meanwhile, listen to my updates on my Banned Book Challenge (including a reference to moving the deadline) and my guild's Untouchables Challenge, and some listener feedback, and a bit about peppermint oil. And now I'd best get back to my sewing machine while I can still run it...
Catching up with y'all! I give a brief update on life in general, remind you of the Banned Book Challenge I'm co-hosting with Tanesha of CraftyGardenMom this month, talk about designing fabric on Spoonflower, and do some listener feedback.
I begin with a little Sandy update, plus an announcement of a new giveaway/challenge I'm co-sponsoring with Tanesha of CraftyGardenMom Podcast: The Banned Books Challenge Giveaway. Listen for the details! The fun then continues with another installment in the design series with Jaye--this time, we're talking about shape.
For Jaye's supplemental blog post, visit http://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog.
For the Banned Book Challenge Flickr Group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/2136152@N22/
We're on a roll! Two episodes in a row in the design series. Yippee! In this episode, we follow up our discussion about shape with conversation about form. And we leave you with some more existential questions to keep you awake at night. I also talk about some new apps I've been trying out, my trip to Keepsake Quilting, and do some listener feedback.
For Jaye's supplemental blog post, visit http://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog.
Apps mentioned in this episode:
My Inventory (Droid)
Itemizer / Itemizer Jr.
MyStuff2 Lite
iStorage--when I downloaded this app, it was called iStorage. It has since changed its name (since there's an iStorage app that's cloud storage), and is now called Items & Storage & Inventory Lite.
MyMemoir
Jaye's back! Woot woot! Finally we're able to return to our series on design. In this episode, we tackle "shape." That's not quite as straightforward as it may seem, so brew yourself some coffee or tea and get ready to dive in. Jaye has, as always, created a fantastic blog post to go with this episode with all sorts of pictures and recommended resources. Check it out here.
For previous episodes in the design series, click here.
This is a NON-QUILTING episode. If you've tried BigTent and aren't sure quite how to use it, I give a fast overview of the highlights, mostly focusing on how to adjust your email and privacy settings, and what parts of BigTent you can largely ignore. Make BigTent work for you! It would be best for you to be sitting at your computer, with BigTent open, while listening to this episode. (It would be pretty boring to listen to on a commute--sorry!) Back to our regularly scheduled programming in my next episode.
Turns out AJ and I were taking the same Craftsy class at the same time! So I thought it would be fun for the two of us to talk, compare notes, and make suggestions of things we had learned along the way. Also included: Listener Feedback, Announcements, and a little bit of a Sandy Update.
In this episode: AJ's blog post on her Stitch n' Slash finish: http://iknitnquilt2.blogspot.com/2012/07/too-many-projects.html
And her blog post on her Stupendous Stitching and BOM finishes: http://iknitnquilt2.blogspot.com/2012/07/happy-4th-of-july.html
My blog post with my Stitch n' Slash finish: http://quiltingfortherestofus.blogspot.com/2012/09/finally-finish.html
Stitch n' Slash on Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/class/Stitch-and-Slash/68
And so we begin our second hundred! Woot! In this episode, I share my current mistake-ridden project and use that as a springboard to share listener's stories about their own work-my-last-nerve projects. I also talk about my discovery of the circular sewing attachment, a review of #LDSI, and an announcement of upcoming fun and frivolity!
Listener Laura shared this link to her own blog post with a story of a mistake-ridden project: http://sewingoutofmycomfortzone.blogspot.com/2012/04/coping-strip-blues.html.
The real episode 99! I'm back from vacation and have some quilty updates, life updates, and a whole lotta talk about books.
In this episode:
Colleen Morris-Wilson, fabric artist, quilt show at the Art Scene in Atrium Gallery, City of Ottawa, Canada, October 27-November 26, 2012. Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Dr. http://ottawa.ca/en/rec_culture/arts/gallery_exhibit/atrium/index.html
Craftsy classes at www.craftsy.com.
Books I've been reading: * The Help (Kathryn Stockett)
-
A Trick of the Light (Louise Penny)
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Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Jamie Ford)
- Death on Beacon Hill, Nell Sweeny series (P.B. Ryan)
- The Cat, The Quilt, and The Corpse; a "Cats in Trouble" series (Leann Sweeney)
- The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie; Flavia DeLuce series (Alan Bradley)
- Chicken Boy (Frances Dowell)
- Ties that Bind (Marie Bostwick)
- Falling to Pieces: A Quilt Shop Murder; Shipshewana Amish Mystery #1 (Vannetta Chapman)
- Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert)
Book Reviews
The Black Family Dinner Quilt Cookbook: Health Conscious Recipes and Food Memories, with Dorothy Height & The National Council of Negro Women, Inc., 1993) The Quilter's Hall of Fame: 42 Masters Who Have Shaped Our Art, edited by Merikay Waldvogel, Rosalind Webster Perry, and Marian Ann J. Montgomery, PhD (Voyageur Press, 2011) (Quilter's Hall of Fame website: http://www.quiltershalloffame.net)
Quilt National 2011: The Best of Contemporary Quilts (Lark Crafts, 2011)
Listener Rose's recommended link to Elaine Lipson's 2008 article on the Slow Cloth Manifesto: http://handeyemagazine.com/content/slow-cloth
I recorded this one while on vacation so forgive it's skeleton-esque qualities! However, it's got very important and exciting information about the giveaway celebrating my upcoming 100th episode!
Enter the giveaway here: http://quiltingfortherestofus.blogspot.com
When recording this episode, I was under the mistaken impression that today was August 2. Ignore that. I was really recording it on August 4. Oh well. In this episode I just catch up on everything that's happened, quilty-wise (mostly!), while I've been AWOL. But now we're back on track and should be getting back into a regular schedule again! I talk about some fabric-y gifts and winnings and purchases, so it's just a textile extravaganza!
Mentioned in this episode:
Summer Gatherings by Lisa Bongean and Carole Charles
Primitive Gatherings Quilt Shop
My report on the Ricky Tims Super Seminar here in Rochester this weekend. In a nutshell: Great time! But listen to the episode for more detail. I've also posted some pics on my blog.
A short episode to let you know what's going on at the moment and to say thank you to everyone who has commented! Also, a bit about a guild challenge for donation baskets for an upcoming silent auction.
I got to play on a longarm and loved it! In this episode, I describe my experience playing with a longarm machine at my LQS. I also talk about a great Etsy purchase, review two books, briefly update you on my quilting life, and do some listener feedback.
In this episode:
Quilted Cupcake Etsy Shop. Here's a direct link to jewelry roll travel organizer.
Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Sweden (Taunton Press, 2011)
The Art Quilt, by Penny McMorris and Michael Kile (1986 edition reviewed; link goes to an edition published in 1996)
It's been a hey of a week, but I'm back. In this episode, I review three books and talk about my most recent finish, "Joy." Thanks for listening!
Mentioned in this episode:
Design Magic for Paintstiks, by Shelly Stokes
Quilting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time, by Katherine Bell
Adventures in Design, by Joen Wolfrom
3-in-1 Color Tool, by Joen Wolfrom
In this episode I review three books (listed below). I also catch you up on my WIPs, talk about #MDSI, and announce a new addition to my blog: Total Color Tuesdays. I hope you'll play along!
Mentioned in this episode:
Quilting Retreat Report (with photos of all my WIPs): http://quiltingfortherestofus.blogspot.com/2012/05/retreat-report.html (Ignore that the first picture doesn't show--it's a weirdism I can't fix. That's just a picture of the back of my car packed for retreat so it's not significant.)
Canal Country Quilters Blog (the blog for my guild): http://canalcq.wordpress.com/. The Quilter's Book of Design, Second Edition, by Ann Johnston
Jelly Roll Dreams: 12 New Designs for Jelly Roll Quilts, by Pam and Nicky Lintott
Color Magic for Quilters, by Ann Seely & Joyce Stewart
Charlotte's back! Woot woot! You may recall meeting Charlotte Hawkes, the scrap quilter from my guild, from episode 51 In Which We Get Scrappy Again. Some of you asked for more detail, so I invited myself over to her house and set up cameras and all sorts of equipment to go step-by-step through her process. As I mention in the episode, the originally-planned video episode didn't quite work out, so after listening to this audio podcast, please go to my blog for pictures of her system and her quilts. Educational, and eye-candy to boot!
Also mentioned in this episode: Amherst Museum Quilt Guild's 2012 Seminar. Information at www.amqg.org.
A quick catch-up to do some listener feedback, explain why I've been AWOL, and talk about my guild quilt retreat tomorrow. Be sure to visit Cindy of Fluffy Sheep Quilting's blog for updates on her new venture!
I'm back! In this episode, I announce the winners of the last two weeks of giveaways for my two year podcastaversary, talk a little bit about my vacation, give a couple of non-quilty recommendations, and do some listener feedback. I had fun being away, but it's nice to be home!
In this episode, Jaye and I continue our conversation about design principles and elements with a discussion of texture--visual and physical. Don't forget to check out Jaye's blog for information and resource recommendations. Looking forward to hearing what you think about it!
Jaye's back! Woot woot woot! In this episode, we talk about the design principle, pattern. For more information, be sure to visit Jaye's blog at www.artquiltmaker.com. We also do a little Sandy Update, announce winners of recent giveaways, and do a some listener feedback. Enjoy!
I talk about some things I've learned about my quiltmaking during my sabbatical, and resources that helped me make those discoveries. But I mostly talk about Shiva Paintstiks. Yay, paintstiks!
Mentioned on this episode:
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Transitions: Unlocking the Creative Quilter Within by Andrea Balosky (out of print, can be sometimes found used on Amazon or other sources)
Journey of an Art Quilter by Barbara Olson
A Fabric Journey: An Inside Look at the Quilts of Ruth B. McDowell
Ruth B. McDowell's Piecing Workshop
Sources for Painstiks and other supplies (plus tutorials):
Cedar Canyon Textiles Amazon Dharma Trading Company Laura Murray Designs
Learning Resources on Paintstiks and other surface embellishments
Paintstiks on Fabric, by Cedar Canyon Textiles
Fabric Art Workshop: Exploring Techniques and Materials for Fabric Artists and Quilters by Susan Stein
Laura Murray's Paintstik Inspirations: Shading, Stenciling, Rubbing Techniques, and More DVD
Jane Davila's Surface Design Essentials
I just came back from a road trip to North Carolina State University to see the "Textiles of Exile" exhibit at the Gregg Museum. In this episode, I describe my experience seeing works of textile art created by immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons. Incredible. Also in this episode: The winner of the drawing for the hand-dyed embellishments and pattern from quilt teacher Karen Lee Carter; listener feedback; Sandy Update, and more information on the Two Year Podcastaversary month of giveaways!
Links in this episode:
"Textiles of Exile: Fiber arts made by immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons," exhibit at the Gregg Museum, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC: www.ncsu.edu/gregg
Mapula Embroidery Project (photos of work): http://www.southern-art-exchange.com/index.php?option=com_rsgallery2&Itemid=82&gid=112
Amazwi Abesifazane/Voices of Women--South Africa: http://www.cas.org.za/projects/voices.htm
Zimbabwe Artists Project: http://zimbabweartistsproject.org/
Hmong Story Cloths: Google to find images--here's one site of many: http://www.gotlaos.com/hmstcl.html.
Los Hilos de la Vida (Threads of Life): http://artandremembrance.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.showHilos
Community Partners in Action, Connecticut (prisoners' art): http://www.cpa-ct.org/ (Current exhibitions include one featuring work by women, the other by men--information on their website)
Jaye's back! In this episode, we discuss the design principle of rhythm. For more information, notes, and resources, visit Jaye's blog at http://artquiltmaker.com/blog/2012/03/design-series-rhythm/.
Reminders:
Karen Lee Carter Giveaway posted here
And get ready for the month long celebration of the Two Year Podcastaversary! Giveaways galore! Subscribe or visit my blog.
To complete the survey about the BigTent Quiltcast Supergroup,if you haven't already, click here.
(In the podcast, I mistakenly refer to this as episode 85. Sorry! It's episode 84!) I had the happy happenstance of meeting Tiffany Sherman at a lunch table at Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, VA, in February. Making small talk, I discovered that Tiffany had recently become owner of "Quilter's Corner" quilt shop in Midlothian, Virginia, and that she came from a very interesting artistic background. She was gracious enough to let me interview her on the fly and I'm thrilled to share with you the conversation! Also in this episode: Sandy Update, Two Year Podcastaversary Announcement, Listener comments, and "Quilting is a Dangerous Sport!"--a listing of listeners' injuries, mishaps, and mayhem. Listener, beware!
The survey about BigTent and social networking options is at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GBVWQVT.
You can find Quilter's Corner at 1257 Sycamore Square, Midlothian, VA, 23113, at www.quilterscornerva.com, and on Facebook. You can subscribe to their blog and email newsletter, too!
Giveaway announcements here! First, I'm so happy to be able to share with you this great conversation I had with art quilter and teacher Karen Lee Carter while we were both in Virginia for the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival. I had great fun talking with Karen and really took to heart her own personal story of empowerment. I also announce my National Quilting Day giveaway (this weekend) plus Karen gave me some fun stuff of hers to giveaway as well. So listen carefully for the many ways you can get some great gifts in the next few weeks!
In this episode:
Karen Lee Carter's website is http://web.mac.com/klcquilts
Karen's Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/KarenLeeCarterQuilts
Books we talked about:
Art + Quilt: Design Principles and Creativity Exercises by Lyric Kinard
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Out of the Box: Unleash Your Creativity through Quilts, by Mary Lou Weidman
Fabric Embellishing: The Basics and Beyond, by Ruth Chandler, Liz Kettle, Heather Thomas, and Lauren Vlcek
Another installment in the design series with Jaye! This time, we talk about repetition. I also announce the winner of the podcast introduction giveaway, talk about some Sandy Updates, announce another upcoming giveaway, and do some listener feedback.
Mentioned in this episode:
Be sure to check out notes about repetition on Jaye's blog.
The quilt I entered in the Patricia's show is the topic of episode 17.
The show is at Patricia's Fabric House, Saturday, March 17. Check it out!
Ruth McDowell's book, A Fabric Journey: An Inside Look at the Quilts of Ruth McDowell is a great way to learn about design principles!
In this episode, I talk about my adventures getting to the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival and about the festival itself. I describe the lectures I attended and my purchases, and a visit with rocket scientists at NASA. A little bit of Sandy Update on the quilting front, and some listener feedback. Good times are had by all!
If you're interested in more information about The Quirky Quilter, contact Kim Fess (the Quirky Quilter herself), at kimfess at aol.com.
We had a great time at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, VA, last weekend! Check out our conversation between our Celebrity Listeners and Frances of Off-Kilter Quilt, AJ of The Quilting Pot, Tanesha of Crafty Garden Mom, Pam of Hip to Be a Square, and myself. Pictured above--back row, left to right, Frances, me. Front row, left to right: Pam, AJ, Tanesha.
More pictures:
For more pictures taken during the conversation, here's a few more links:
Pam's pictures: http://flic.kr/p/byzXhi (and others in that stream)
AJ's pictures: http://flic.kr/p/bkKKiE (and others in that stream)
Reminder to Meet at the Waterfall! Also, I talk about my paper-piecing adventures, a new contest, and plans for next week.
Announcing the Meet-Up information for the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, VA, Feb 23-26. If you're going to be there, be sure to listen to at least the first 10 mins or so of the show you know where to find the rest of us! Also included: Sandy Update, reviews of two books (and a third thrown in), quilting apps for iPod/iPad, and listener feedback. It's a chock-full episode since I've been out of the loop for a couple of weeks. Glad to be back!
In this episode:
Karen Lee Carter, teacher at Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival
Fabri-Sabbatical Blog
Sandy's Tech Tips Blog
In Their Shoes Blog
Country Threads Goes to Charm School, by Mary Ehterington and Connie Tesene
Ruth McDowell's Piecing Workshop, by Ruth McDowell
A Book of the Saints for Quilters, by Barbara Brackman
Listing of Quilt Apps for iPod/iPad (search the iTunes app store for these names)
QuiltRef, Easy Stitch, Easy Quilt, Project Quilt, Quilt Helper, Quilting for Everyone, Quilt Envi, Aurifil, Quilting or Quilting Revealed 101--Beginner's Guide to Quilting (not recommended), MyInventory, Infinite Variety HD (highly recommended), Thread Selector, Quilt Shops, FabStashXL, Block-Fab, Quilt Index (recommended), Palettes (way way way highly recommended).
Great listener input episode again! I asked about pattern storage ideas, and you responded! With a brief Sandy update and a whole lot of listener feedback, this episode is a wonderful conversation about quilting, food, and snails.
Yay! Jaye's back! In this episode, Jaye and I talk about the design principle of unity (sometimes also named harmony). Lots of great examples and resources, as always!
Be sure to check out all the great information on Jaye's blog.
In this episode, I give my own three quilty resolutions (see episode 73 for the 2012 Quilty Resolution giveaway), and do a little catch-up with a whole lot of listener comments! Woot woot! Love my listeners when they get chatty!
Thanks for your patience, everyone! I finally had enough of a voice today to record a podcast, and we had a lot of catching up to do! In this episode: a few announcements, catching up on the Quilting Gallery 4th Birthday Blog Hop, the Boxing Day Sew-In, and my thoughts on donation (aka charity) quilting. Plus, a new Flickr group and ongoing giveaways announced.
Don't forget the 2012 Quilting Resolutions Giveaway!
Sandi Colwell's Little Quilts for Big Occasions
Sue Hecker's Blog
Boxing Day Sew-In original blog post with great comments about donation quilting
BDSI follow-up blog post with my rant (and great comments, including alternative views)
New Flickr Group: Donation Quilt Projects (QFTRU)
Also--in this podcast I mentioned World of Charity quilts group--it's actually World of Charity Stitching. Here's their blog--they're starting a newsletter, so check it out!
Want directions for the Ugly Quilt project? http://www.uglyquilts.org/. (Check local organizations serving the homeless to see if they'd accept donations along these lines.)
First off, I announce the Boxing Day Sew-In on December 26--find out what's going on and who all is involved! Next, it's time to enter in the 2012 Quilty Resolutions Give-Away! We had fun with this last year so I'm doing it again, but with a twist. Listen to this episode for the new guidelines--I'm keeping it focused!
Check out last year's resolutions podcast (Episode 33 In Which We Make Quilty Resolutions) for more information about SMART Goals and how to be successful at working your plan. And by the way, I've since removed the former Resolutions tab that was referenced in episode 33.
Use the online form below to submit your 2012 resolutions (please be sure to listen to today's episode first!). Submissions must be received by January 31, 2012. If, for some reason, the form does not appear below, click here for a direct link.
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Another listener-created episode! This week, I share with you the responses that everyone made during the Facebook giveaway in November celebrating the QFTRU page hitting a nice round number of likes. I'd asked, "What quilt project would you absolutely love to be able to do right now, if you had everything else on your 'need-to-get-done' list done?" Hear everyone's responses!
I'm participating in the Quilting Gallery's Blog Hop Party celebrating their fourth birthday! Visit my blog entry for more information about my own give-away and be sure to participate! (Your comments responding to the question must be on that particular blog entry--I won't be able to track comments emailed or left in Facebook or in other locations.)
Be sure to visit the Quilting Gallery's Blog Hop Party page for the list of all the bloggers participating!
You all wrote this episode! A listener asked what the pros and cons are to shopping online versus shopping in a local quilt shop (LQS). I posed the question to all y'all and this episode is the result!
Listed in this episode:
Fabric.com Connecting Threads Whittles Fabrics
Quilt Fabric Closeouts EBay Hancock's of Paducah (different from Hancock Fabrics)
EQuilter Keepsake Quilting Missouri Star Quilt Company Etsy Pink Chalk Fabrics CV Quiltworks Erica's Craft & Sewing Center Rocking Chair Quilts Quiltshops.com (search engine)
Fabricworm.com Webfabrics.net Ginger's Quilt Shoppe
Stitch-n-frame.com Hawthorne Threads Intrepid Threads
Shelly used "My Pumpkin Patch Quilt" pattern by OTL designs at www.otldesigns.com or www.quiltwoman.com.
Merumo's thread catchers: http://pleasentreeus.blogspot.com/2011/11/something-fun-making.html Craftsy.com
Jaye is back! Wheee! In this episode, Jaye of www.artquiltmaker.com and I talk about the design principle "Balance." She gives us descriptions of a variety of types of balance and addresses some issues with each one, as well as tips for creating balance in your own quilts.
Background information, resource recommendations, and the homework can be found on Jaye's blog at www.artquiltmaker.com.
Also mentioned in this episode: YouTube video on machine sewing hexagons in rows, sent to me by listener Mary: http://youtu.be/CQG0V42O0fI.
We had a fun, spur-of-the-moment Anti-Black-Friday Sew-In (ABFSI) day on the day after Thanksgiving--some of us on Twitter and Facebook cheered one another on as we sewed our day away and avoided the malls! Listen in as I share who participated and what we all accomplished in our day.
Lots of helpful hints for gifts in this episode! One product review, my fave reads of 2011 (including some quilt books), and thoughts about gifts for the quiltmakers in your life--including Secret Santas if your guild does something like that. Have your own suggestions for gifts for quilters? Leave them in the show notes for this episode!
Mentioned in this episode:
Five-Yard Quilts, Pattern #506 "Shadow Box" by Mary Danielson. The line of patterns can be found here.
Giveaway #1: Paint-Chip Challenge Blog post (deadline November 24, 2011) http://quiltingfortherestofus.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-would-quilter-do.html
Giveaway #2: Facebook Celebration: http://www.facebook.com/quiltingfortherestofus (Please leave your responses under the correct post--you'll see it!)
Non-Quilty Podcast List (all can be found by searching in iTunes): History Chicks, Bowery Boys, The Splendid Table, "Wait, Wait--Don't Tell Me!", Stuff You Should Know, This American Life, WNYC's Radio Lab (*Note--this section was not re-recorded in version 2 of this episode, but I'm leaving the info up here in case you're interested. These are non-quilty podcasts I listen to regularly.)
Clearly Perfect Angles by New Leaf Stitches
Fave Reads of 2011
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot
At Home: A Short History of Private Life, by Bill Bryson
Bossypants, by Tina Fey
The Psychopath Test, by Jon Ronson
The Hunger Games Trilogy (Hunger Games, Mockingjay, Catching Fire) by Suzanne Collins
Molok'ai, by Alan Brennert
A Thread of Truth, by Marie Bostwick
Someday Quilts series, by Clare O'Donohue
Missing Persons, by Clare O'Donohue
Making History and America's Printed Fabrics, both by Barbara Brackman
Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts, by Pam and Nicky Lintott (one of many great Lintott girls books!)--the link goes to their author page in Amazon with a listing of all books they have available.
Schnibbles Times Two, and Another Bite of Schnibbles, both by Carrie Nelson
Gifts for Quiltmakers
Quilter's FabriCalc
Pincushion patterns available at: http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.net/VictorianSewingAccessories.htm
Sachet pattern available at: http://quiltingintherain.blogspot.com/2010/12/lavender-sachets.html
Spiced coaster pattern available at: http://www.planetshoup.com/easy/holiday/coastscent.shtml
In this episode I have a wee little bit of a Sandy Update, a fun new website I stumbled across, some listener feedback, and several book reviews! Hope I can spend your money for you.
In this episode:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pumpkin-Bisque-with-Smoked-Gouda (It's a member exclusive, though, so I'm not sure if you'll be able to see the recipe unless you already subscribe to the magazine. Great magazine, though--so I recommend it!) Stash Slash: https://stashslash.com/index.asp
Another Bite of Schnibbles, by Carrie Nelson (2011)
America's Printed Fabric 1770-1890, by Barbara Brackman
Making History: Quilts & Fabric from 1890-1970, by Barbara Brackman
Threads: The Basics and Beyond--The Complete Visual Guide to Thread Techniques & Creativity, by Debbie Bates and Liz Kettle
Inn on the Twenty, by Anna and Michael Olson
In this episode, I talk about my guild's quilt retreat in October--some tips for going on your first retreat, lots of product reviews, my project progress update, and listener feedback!
Here's a teaser...
For the rest of the photos, check out my blog.
Also in this episode:
Amy, A Redeemed Sheep: http://www.aquiltingsheep.com/
Karen's blog: http://nanakarennever2manyquilts.blogspot.com
Sew-Ezi Portable Table: http://www.seweziusa.com/
Cheryl-Ann's Portable Design Wall: http://www.cherylannsdesignwall.com/
Rowenta Compact Iron: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=zprd_01448034a.
Creative Grids Multi-Size 45 & 90 degree triangle ruler: http://www.creativegridsusa.com/products.cfm?item_num=CGRMS4590&ref=c
Cosco Adjustable-Height Activity Table: http://www.target.com/p/Cosco-Adjustable-Height-Activity-Table/-/A-12759974
Honey, I'm home! After several months of seemingly unending travel, I've finally come home to roost. I spent the last week regrouping, reorganizing, and (re)cleaning. It seems like I've picked up quite a bit of stuff in my travels.... In this episode, I review three books--plus the usual (short) Sandy update and listener feedback. Enjoy!
Reviewed in this episode: Stitch-Opedia: The Only Embroidery Reference You'll Ever Need, by Helen Winthorpe Kendrick (St. Martin's Griffin, 2010)
More Layer Cake, Jelly Roll & Charm Quilts, by Pam and Nicky Lintott (David & Charles, 2011)
Cut the Scraps: 7 Steps to Quilting Your Way through Your Stash, by Joan Ford of Scraptherapy (Taunton Press, 2011)
My travel journal, of sorts!
Things referenced in this episode:
Generations Quilt Shop, Pottstown, PA: http://www.generationsquiltshop.com/
Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting
Back to the design series with our friend Jaye of artquiltmaker fame. (Follow her on Twitter--@artquiltmaker.) This time we're talking about line. Why do we need to think about line when designing a quilt? What affects can line have? What kinds of line are there? What creates line in quilts? And yes--there's homework!
For resources, more information about line, and some other great pictures, check out Jaye's blog.
For photos of quilts that illustrate what we discuss in this episode, check out my blog.
The resources Nonnie sent me that are related to design are: * http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/perception/brain-damage-art.htm
- "Stuff to Blow Your Mind" podcast series, March 3rd 2011 episode
In this episode, I talk a little bit about Snail's Trail blocks, give two book reviews, and describe the starting of a new design study group in my quilt life. What fun!
In this episode:
Traditional Two Block Quilts, by Sally Saulmon
The Complete Artist's Way: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice, by Julia Cameron
Fearless Design for Every Quilter, by Lorraine Torrance & Jean Mils
The "Attack of the Hexies" blog image may be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aboyandhisblog/5804636354/, courtesy of Pam of Hip to Be A Square podcast. She says you can size it down to 180x180 if it's too big as-is, without a lot of distortion. Thanks, Pam! (By the way, Pam says she's winning. I certainly know she's beating me!)
Wheee! The long-awaited day has finally arrived! In this episode, I launch a new, on-going segment featuring Artquiltmaker blogger Jaye Lapachet. Jaye and I have been working on this for months so I'm absolutely ecstatic to finally be able to share it with you. Learn a little bit more about design principles and elements with Jaye and I, starting with Design 101 in this episode.
Also, I announce the winner of the summer quarter stash mystery challenge (yay!) and the last quarter's theme. Plus, Sandy Update and Listener Feedback. Can it get any better than this?
Visit Jaye's blog at http://artquiltmaker.com/blog.
Check out the Quilting for the Rest of Us Flickr group for pics of the stash mystery challenge. (I'll get the rest up next week.)
In this episode, I share some listener responses to the question, "how do you respond to the events of the world through quilting?" It's been an really interesting discussion in BigTent and I'm looking forward to hearing your comments after you listen to this episode! Also, Sandy Update (such as it is) and listener comments.
Mentioned in this episode:
Ye Olde Fabric Shoppe in Stratford, Ontario: http://yeoldefabricshoppe.blogspot.com/
The weekly app review appears on Jan's blog at Quilting Revolution: http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/
Amherst Museum Quilters Guild Seminar, Sept 14-17, 2011: Information can be found at http://amqg.org/.
As a follow up to my decluttering episode a couple of posts ago, this time I explore what makes us buy fabric. Sure, sometimes we buy for a project--but most of us probably buy fabric on occasion as "fabric retail therapy." This mostly-lighthearted exploration of the motivation behind fabric shopping includes listener input and my own thoughts. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!
Hey everyone--I've been reading your comments right along, and this week I finally sit down and respond! In this episode, listener comments, listener comments, listener comments! Plus a little Sandy Update, and a question to help me prepare for my next episode.
Mentioned in this episode:
Jan's post at Quilting Revolution
OK, you asked for it, you got it. Several listeners had asked me to share about how I'm approaching the whole "empty nest" thing as I send my daughter off to college. I have been doing a lot of processing this summer, and am now sharing that with you. How does attending to our fabric stash relate to empty-nesting? You'll just have to listen to find out!
Mentioned in this episode:
Blog posting on quitting quilting in order to have an organized house: www.myspinningplates.com
Listener Jan's own reorganization of her stash and sewing room: http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/2011/08/design-wall-monday.html
Peter Walsh, Enough Already: Clearing Mental Clutter to Become the Best You
Leah Day's blog post about clearing out her grandmother's house: http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2011/06/estate-junk-clean-up.html
I'm home! In this episode, I catch up on some life updates, tell the story of my "cautionary tale" quilt, talk about my recent shop hops across country, and give a book recommendation. Plus, as always, listener comments! (For pictures of my purchases, visit my blog.)
Mentioned in this episode:
Yoder's Lolly's Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts, by Pam and Nicky Lintott
It's Quilter on the Road time again...and I'm posting this episode from a hotel room. I just had to share about a new quilt shop I visited today: The Quilt Foundry, in Maumee, Ohio.
The Quilt Foundry: www.quiltfoundry.com
Also mentioned in this episode: Five Yard Quilt patterns, available through www.easyquilter.com.
For pictures of my fabric purchase, visit http://quiltingfortherestofus.blogspot.com. (Sorry--hotel internet isn't playing nice with podbean to upload photos here!)
Another great, entertaining listener content episode! I posted a question about desert islands in BigTent and on our Facebook page, and in this episode I share all of your responses. Also, the results of the book give-away, and several book recommendations from listeners as well (see below for list and links).
Books mentioned by listeners: Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
Brandilyn Collins, Color the Sidewalk for Me
Louise Penny, Inspector Gamache and the Three Pines series
Geraldine Brooks, March and People of the Book
Lisa Lee, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Marcus Borg, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time
Frances O’Roark Dowell
Barbara Kingsolver, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Anna Lee Waldo, Sacajewea
Neil White, In the Sanctuary of Outcasts
Like the Whos down in Whoville, I feel like I should be shouting, "I am here, I am here, I am HEEE...EERE!" In this episode, I talk a little bit about what's been keeping me away; but I also announce the winner of the stash mystery challenge drawing, I announce the next stash mystery theme, and I announce a surprise give-away this month! So listen up for all your opportunities to win fun stuff!
Mentioned in this episode:
Jaye's hexagon tutorial on her blog. (Her blog is www.artquiltmaker.com/blog. Easy to remember!) Parallax: Views of Contemporary Quilt Artists, Booksmart Studio, 250 N. Goodman St., an international display opening June 1. 585-598-9322 or www.booksmartstudio.com.
Art quilts by Pat Pauly: solo exhibit at Nazareth College Arts Center Gallery, 4245 East Ave., Pittsford, June 30-Aug 14. www.naz.edu/art/arts-center-gallery
Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival, Sept 18-19, Hemlock Fairgrounds, 7370 Water St., Hemlock, Livingston County. Vendors, demonstrations.
On June 5, 2011, the fate of the world hung in balance while hordes of hexagons battled the earth.... The Attack of The Hexagons. In Technicolor.
Yes, folks, it's the hexie episode. Jaye of www.artquiltmaker.com (and http://artquiltmaker.com/blog) has convinced me--and Pam of Hip to Be a Square podcast--to take on the hexie challenge. We're inviting you to wander along the yellow hexie road with us to Oz. Or, at least, to join us in our hexie adventures and hopefully actually finish the dang quilt. In this episode I describe how this all came about, exactly what we mean--and don't mean--about doing this as a quilt-along, and some things I've already learned about working with hexies along the way. By that, I mean, doing math.
Here are the fabrics I'll be using--or, at least, will most likely be using. Or not. Maybe take some out, add others...it's still in progress. But the basic color scheme will say the same.
My hexies will be about 5" finished, I think. I might have to try a few with scraps to see if that's a size I can live with for a long time to come.
Mentioned in this episode:
Jaye's initial blog entry about hexagons that ultimately got me involved. (Note that this blog entry also has links to other photos and design possibilities.)
Little Bluebell's blog entry with information and the Kaye Wood cutting technique video link.
Clearview 60 degree Triangle Ruler with no blunted tip' (Mine's the 10" size, they're available in other sizes.) And don't just trash the packaging--there's ideas on that too.
I also picked up the Fons and Porter templates in case I want to use them to double check the accuracy of my hexies cut the Kaye Wood way, or if I want to make hexies out of scraps.
I also mentioned Sandy's blog at "Quilting and More" in which she talked me into buying the pattern and hardware kit for making hanging name badge bags. It's a nice kit, and she speaks highly of it!
Don't forget to post photos of your own hexies as finished products or WIPs (or UFOs--maybe this can be your inspiration to finish them!) to the Quilting...for the Rest of Us Flickr group! (You'll need to have a Flickr account to post--it's free and easy to set up. Join us!)
Charlotte Hawkes is our local Queen of Scrap Quilts. A quilter for 10 years, Charlotte's very first quilt was scrappy and she never looked back. In this episode, I interview Charlotte about her system for cutting and saving scraps, choosing quilts, and keeping track of all the projects she's got going on at once. I got a lot of great ideas from her, and I'm sure you will too!
I haven't been able to dig up a picture of the blue and white quilt she made that I referenced in the episode yet, but here is one of Charlotte with one of her more recent scrap projects.
Also in this episode: Sandy Update, Listener Comments, and many, many thanks!
Welcome to episode 50 (50! Can you believe it?) and a fantastic interview with fiber artist Lauren Sgranfetto about thread-painting. Lauren taught the thread-painting class at my guild quilt retreat and she agreed to sit down with me to allow me to share the wealth with you through an interview!
You may contact Lauren directly at lsgranfetto@roadrunner.com.
Lauren also talks about her upcoming fundraising event for animal rescue, Whiskerfest. Sounds like a fun time and it's definitely a great cause, so if you're within driving distance of Western NY, you should head on over!
In this episode, I provide a brief retrospective on my guild quilt retreat this past weekend, including some tool recommendations, a guild challenge idea, and a new quilt shop you just have to visit if you're in the area.
In this episode:
"Serengeti" quilt kit by Toni Whitney (note: I mistakenly referred to her as Toni Malloy in the episode--sorry!); kit by Bigfork Bay Cotton Company, at www.bigforkbaycottonco.com.
Quilter's Daughter Quilt Shop, Perry Center, NY (contact info coming)
Welcome to episode 48 which has a rather random assortment of things: a few announcements about new podcasts and a podcastiversary, Sandy Update, Listener Comments, and a review of Orphan Block Quilts: Making a Home for Antique, Vintage, Collectible, and Leftover Quilt Blocks by Tricia Lynn Maloney. Oh, and did I mention the list of "Top 10 Ways to Annoy a Quilter?"
In this episode: Orphan Block Quilts: Making a Home for Antique, Vintage, Collectible, and Leftover Quilt Blocks
New podcasts! "American Patchwork and Quilting Radio," and "Quilter in the Gap," both available on iTunes.
And don't forget to hop on over to Off-Kilter Quilt to wish Frances a Happy First Podcastiversary!
Ahhh, it's that time of year: Allergy Season. In this episode, I announce the winner of the felted wool giveaway, give a brief Sandy update, respond to listener comments, and do a little whining about what spring does to me. Achoo.
OK, so I recorded this intending to post is on Saturday, April 23rd, but didn't end up with enough time to finish the editing and get it posted. It's now Monday, April 25th--sorry about the delay! It's still a fun episode with tons of listener input!
Mentioned in this episode:
GoodReads: www.goodreads.com
You can find me there at www.goodreads.com/sandyquiltz
Jaye's blog (where you can read her most excellent book reviews): www.artquiltmaker.com/blog
Howdy, podquilters! Today I bring you Erin Rissberger of Quilting Acres and her Etsy shop filled with beautifully colored, hand-dyed felted wool. She and I talk about how she got into wool, her process, uses for felted wool, finding wool in thrift shops and your closets, and a few other topics tossed in between! And yes, I announce yet another give-away! Woohoo-the presents are flying!
Erin's Etsy shop is: http://quiltingacres.etsy.com Click here for instructions about how to felt wool yourself.
Felted wool give-away: For the opportunity to win a stack of hand-dyed felted wool from Erin Rissberger's shop, leave a comment about why you would like to have some felted wool! Leave your comment by April 30, 2011. Good luck!
Reminder on the Podcastiversary give-away: Deadline has been extended to April 18th, 2011. Remember, leave a comment about what you've learned (quilty-related) in the last year. Those who leave comments will have their names entered in a drawing for some fabricy-goodness from me in celebration of my first anniversary of this podcast.
And check out the Mystery Stash Challenge by clicking on the "Stash Challenge" tab at the top of this page. I hope you'll play along!
I'm back with bells on! Well, swingy-type bells anyway. The soundtrack is back! In this episode I describe some Quilter's Exercises, and then review several books.Thanks to everyone who has posted comments--you're giving me content for a future episode. It's great! Keep it coming!
Books referenced:
Happy Gloves: Charming Softy Friends Made from Colorful Glovesby Miyako Kanamori (Penguin, 2007)
Make a Monster: 15 Easy-to-make Fleecie Toys You'll Love to Sew, by Fiona Goble (New Holland Publishers, UK, 2010)
One of a Kind Quilt Labels: Unique Ideas for a Special Finishing Touch, by Thea Nerud (That Patchwork Place) 2004
Quilt Block Leftovers: Clever Uses for Spare Squares, by Sarah Phillips (2005)
Pretty Little Mini Quilts, edited by Ray Hemachandra (Lark, 2010)
15 Two-Block Quilts: Unlock the Secrets of Secondary Patterns, by Claudia Olson, (C&T 2002).
(Still no theme song due to computer issues. Sorry! Just hum yourself a few bars....) Welcome to my podcast birthday episode! Woohoo! In this episode, I respond to Kris' question about the difference between "quilt shop quality" fabric and "discount store" fabric. I also announce my podcast birthday give-away!
Mentioned in this episode:
Jera's sachet tutorial at Quilting in the Rain
Jim Salinas' article, "The Difference between Chain Store Fabric and Quilter's Grade Fabric," at Cat's Quilt Art blog.
(Due to technical difficulties, there's no theme song music or my usual intro. Welcome to "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" unplugged!) In this episode, I announce some winners, reveal the next stash mystery challenge theme, and share the stories listeners have left in the BigTent forum on "Following in Our Mother's Footsteps." Listener comments and some upcoming stuff too!
To join the "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" Kiva team: http://www.kiva.org/team/quiltingfortherestofus (You'll need to become a Kiva member first, if you're not already.)
I had so much fun talking with Kim Templin, inventor of the Double Diamond Ruler, for this episode! The ruler is cool and fun, and it's inventor is too! Listen in as Kim talks about the Double Diamond, how to use it, the process of inventing, and her favorite thing about quiltmaking.
To check out the Double Diamond Ruler, www.bright-quilting-notions.com. Don't forget--listeners to the "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" podcast can get 20% off their order by typing my name, Sandy, into the coupon code!
Other things mentioned in this episode:
Seamed Up: www.seamedup.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com
Stitchtalk: www.stitchtalk.com
New podcasts and less-new-podcasts to check out. Use these links or find them on iTunes
Crafty Garden Mom with Tanesha: http://tanesha.podbean.com/
Peacebrook Quilting with Victoria: http://www.peacebrookquilting.com/
History Quilter with Susan: http://historyquilter.podbean.com/
Katie's Quilting Corner with Katie: http://www.katiesquiltingcorner.com/
The Overall Quilter: http://www.overallquilter.com/
In this episode, I talk about dog-sledding, Irish Quilting, and the stash mystery challenge. How's about that for a mix? I review several quilt magazines published in countries other than the U.S., give a Sandy update, and a respond to a few listener comments. Come along for our international ride! Irish Quilting: (digital editions available): http://www.irishquilting.ie/Irish_Quilting/Digital_Downloads.html
Fabrications: Quilting for You (United Kingdom--no digital editionsavailable): http://www.grosvenorshows.co.uk/html/fabrications_magazine.html
New Zealand Quilter (no digital editions): http://www.nzquilter.com/
Australian Quilters Companion (find the magazine under "subscriptions"): http://www.completecraft.com.au/
Quiltmania (France): http://www.quiltmania.com/english/home.html (or quiltmania.com and click on the little British flag on the right corner to get the English version of the site)
Come to the movies with me again as I review three (and sort of a fourth) quilt DVDs. You asked for it, you got it! So it's time to make the popcorn and settle in for a movie date.
DVDs reviewed on this episode:
Fons and Porter MasterClass: Flying Geese (with Liz Porter): www.shopfonsandporter.com
Quilting Arts TV with Pokey Bolton (100 Series): www.interweavestore.com
Patchwork Schoolhouse: Finishing Well (with Joann MIddleton): www.patchworkschoolhouse.com (Also check out "Basic Training" for beginners.)
Other resources mentioned: Pat Sloan's "Complete Guide to Quilting on Facebook" at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/PatSloanCompleteGuideToQuiltingOnFB
Inventory Software: Organized Expressions for Quilters: http://www.lns-software.com/quilters/index.html
Welcome to episode 38, in which we go retro hippy and I talk about the peace sign quilt I have completed for my niece. Each step of this project was a learning process. I talk about what I did right and what I could have done differently, plus a little bit about using directional fabrics.
For more photos of the quilt, check out my blog.
Stash Mystery Challenge deadline on Monday, March 7th. Can't wait to see your pictures!
This episode feature's listener's responses to the question, "If you could have a quilty do-over, what would it be, and how would you do it differently?" I got a lot of great responses! Also, Sandy Update, winner of the Quilty Resolution drawing, and reminders of upcoming challenges.
I reference Jeanne's blog entry--it's a great read: http://noscraptoosmall.blogspot.com/2011/01/vote-for-quilting-happiness-before.html
Hey, podquilters! This week I rave about a couple of things I'm seriously digging at the moment, and then I spend a few minutes briefly mentioning a couple of things I'm not digging quite so much. So you get a book review, a couple of product reviews, and a few tips. Plus, listener comments had some great inspiration this week!
From this episode:
Quilts around the World: From Alabama to Zimbabwe, by Spike Gillespie
Carol Doak's Foundation Paper (Scroll down to find the paper only, or buy it as part of a bundle with other books and notions if you look in other areas of her store. Amazon has it for the same price at the moment.)
Quilt University for online classes
In this episode, I review the "Carol Doak Teaches You to Paper Piece" DVD--that and listener comments are the highlights of the episode! Some good tips from listeners, entertaining comments, and a sweet story of families reunited.
Make yourself some popcorn and get ready to watch some movies with me! Well, OK, the movies are quilt instructional videos and you may not want greasy-popcorn-hands near your fabric, but we'll still have a good time! In this episode I review five quilt instructional videos, and share a tip that I learned from each one. I also review the Stash Mystery Challenge and New Year Resolution Give-Away, do some listener comments, and complain a lot about thread. "Dian McClun & Laura Nownes Teach You Beginning Quiltmaking", from C&T Publishing--At Home with the Experts Series #8 http://www.ctpub.com/client/client_pages/AHWTE.cfm
"Precision Piecing" with Joann Middleton, from Patchwork Schoolhouse (www.patchworkschoolhouse.com).
"Fluff and Stuff: Machine Quilting with Paula Reid," from Paula Reid/Batts in the Attic, http://www.battsintheattic.com/
Fons & Porter MasterClass: "Perfect Binding" (Liz Porter) and "Log Cabin ABC's" (Marti Michell), from Fons & Porter, https://www.shopfonsandporter.com/category/Master-Classes
It's that time of year! Whether or not you like making New Year's Resolutions, setting goals for ourselves at any time can help motivate and focus us on growing as quilters. In this episode, I give some tips for making goals (or resolutions) that are useful and may actually be able to be kept!
If you want to check out the website I got some background material from, visit www.topachievement.com.
Congratulations to Carolyn A--the winner of the holiday challenge drawing! Woop Woop!
I put the call out for about five volunteers who are experienced in applique--any method, machine or hand. Let me know if you're willing to be part of a panel discussion for an upcoming episode.
I've also launched TWO new challenges! Check out the Challenge tab at the top of this page for the stash mystery challenge, and check out the Resolution tab for the resolution challenge (that's not really a challenge, rather, another motivational-type thing).
In this episode, I talk about some software and electronic gadgets that I find extraordinarily helpful in my quilt life.
For Quilt Album software: http://www.quiltalbum.com/ Quilter's FabriCalc Electric Quilt
Digital scrapbooking sites I mention:
http://www.designerdigitals.com/ http://www.scrapgirls.com
Directions for Potholders - Coasters - ornaments
(from Barbara via Carolyn--editorial notes are Carolyn's) 1. Cut 5 squares 1/2 inch larger than you want the finished item to be. (in my case, I went by the size of the scraps available) i.e. 7 1/2 for a 7" potholder (cut 1 of batting, if using) 2. Fold 4 squares in half. 3. Lay out in this order: 1. batting 2. whole square right side up 3. Folded squares with fold toward the center 4. Weave folded squares and pin in place. 5. Sew around the outside of the item 6. Trim corners diagonally 7. Turn to right side.
In this episode, Hollis Chatelaine describes her initiative, Imagine Hope, a special exhibition featuring her art quilts and the work of photographers on global issues such as poverty, war, refugees, environmental justice, and much more. The exhibit is extremely moving, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to talk with Hollis a little bit about her process, her quilts, and Imagine Hope's role in bringing people to awareness and action. (Following the interview, my usual announcements, listener comments, and Sandy update.)
Hollis Chatelaine (right) and Leslie Genszler, vice president of the Imagine Hope team. (Also a wonderful person to talk to--I just didn't get it recorded!)
For more information about Imagine Hope, visit www.imaginehopeworldwide.org and on Facebook.
For Hollis Chatelaine's textile arts, visit www.hollisart.com, and on Facebook.
See the "Do Good" page on this blog for information about the Imagine Hope shop--a great place for gifts (for others or for yourself!) that support this project.
I was so happy to have the chance to meet and talk with Amy Milne, executive director of The Alliance for American Quilts, about the AAQ's "Quilter' S.O.S.--Save Our Stories" project. This is a great oral history documentation project capturing thousands of quilters stories; sort of my "quilters like the rest of us" interviews on steroids! I loved having this conversation and I'm sure you'll love meeting and listening to Amy as well.
For more information about The Alliance for American Quilts, visit www.allianceforamericanquilts.org.
"Our mission is to create inspiring cultural works that provide sustainable income and well-deserved development opportunities for African women & girls." (Mission statement of BabaBlankets)
I was introduced to BabaBlankets at the International Quilt Festival in Houston this month where they had a vendor booth. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce them to you as well! E. Aminata Brown, founder and designer of BabaBlankets, was able to take a few minutes out of her busy day to talk with me about the work of BabaBlankets in Ghana.
Below: Aminata Brown (left) of BabaBlankets with me in front of her booth at Houston. Photo courtesy Broderick Webb.
For more information, shopping, and their bricks-n-mortar store in New Orleans, visit www.babablanket.com.
To listen to Allison's "Within a Quarter Inch" podcast interview with listener Tami about printing photos on fabric: http://withinaquarterinch.blip.tv/file/2765570/
In part two, I describe the lectures that I attended at the International Quilt Festival in Houston: Kaffe Fassett, Hollis Chatelaine, Marti Michell, Hanne Wellendorf, Mary Sorenson, and Elly Sienkeiwicz.
Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts, and his website
Hollis Chatelain's website
Marti Michell's website
Hanne Wellendorf's website (If this link doesn't take you directly to the English version, click on "English" in the bottom left hand corner.)
Mary Sorenson's website
Elly Sienkeiwicz's website
I'm going to divide my reflections on my experience at the International Quilt Festival in Houston last weekend into a couple of different episodes or they'd be too long to upload! In this "Part 1" episode, I talk about why you should go to such events, and a few tips if you do. I also share a few tidbits of my experience along the way--such as meeting a very helpful Australian and a pretty neat person who grew up an hour from me! There are also just a few listener comments at the end--I'm dividing those up among the episodes I post this week. Part 2 will be posted in another couple of days.
As a follow-up to last week's episode and my journey with my family quilts, in this episode I share my very strong opinion that y'all ought to be documenting your quilts! I give some thoughts about the whys, whats, and hows of documentation, and a very important tip about quilt labels.
Don't forget about the holiday challenge!
Welcome to episode 26, in which I talk about the antique quilts I inherited from my mother, and what it taught me about fabric and family. For photos of the quilts discussed in this episode, visit
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39296555@N06/sets/72157625099928783/with/5108190746/
There it is, sitting in your sewing box...or perhaps in a drawer in your sewing cabinet...or maybe under the couch after a kid or pet got at it...your thimble. Have you thought much about the august heritage of this mundane tool? In this episode, we discuss the history of thimbles, some tips for collecting, information about using thimbles (including listeners' favorites), and how to find a thimble that fits. Plus, "quilters like the rest of us" interview with Fran, listener comments, and a Sandy update.
My family heritage in thimbles, displayed in the printer's drawer from my BFF/BQF Kate:
For a couple of additional pictures, visit my blog. (I like Podbean for so many things, but hate the way it deals with multiple pictures!)
Welcome to episode 24 and my interview with Patricia Smith, a member of my guild and all around history buff. Pat is self-educated in the world of quilts and quilt history, and serves as a consultant with her Civil War reenactment group to make sure they have quilts representing the right period of history on their cots. Pat and I also talk about her Dear Jane quilt progress, and her theories about the underground railroad quilts. Have fun listening in on the conversation!
Pat's Quilt (taken with my cell phone while it was laid out on the floor at our retreat--sorry about the quality!)
Mentioned in the episode:
Batavia Quilt Guild's "Stitches in Time" Show, Oct. 15 and 16, featuring George Siciliano: http://museumquiltguild.blogspot.com for more information.
This is the video version of episode 23. In episode 23, I share the process and learnings from the folks who have participated in both of my creativity challenges to date: Frances, Virginia, Lynn, Jackie, Jill, and Darla. If you are listening to the audio version, you will want to visit the Quilting…for the Rest of Us Flickr group to see the photos from both challenges. (The link is in the menu on the right-hand side of this page.)
This is the audio-only version of this episode. In episode 23, I share the process and learnings from the folks who have participated in both of my creativity challenges to date: Frances, Virginia, Lynn, Jackie, Jill, and Darla. If you are listening to the audio version, you will want to visit the Quilting...for the Rest of Us Flickr group to see the photos from both challenges. (The link is in the menu on the right-hand side of this page.)
Our topic for this episode is teaching kids how to quilt. We have two interviews and all sorts of input from listeners--great stuff! Our first interview is another installment in the "quilters like the rest of us" interview series. Last May, I interviewed Jan from my guild, and we ended up talking about kids n' quilting, so I had already earmarked it for this episode. The second interview is with Lynn, a long-time listener, about "Aunt Lynn's Sewing School." Lynn had responded to my question in BigTent about teaching kids to quilt with a great email all about Aunt Lynn's Sewing School, and I just had to follow that up with a conversation. (Thanks, Lynn!) In this episode, I also share other great input from listeners about their experiences in teaching kids to quilt plus some resources you might want to check out.
Mentioned in this episode:
Kids Start Quilting with Alex Anderson (C&T Publishing, 2002)
"Quilting with Kids" at http://www.thecraftstudio.com/qwc/index.htm
Maria Peagler, http://quiltsandcreativity.com/summer-sewing-camp (Thanks, Darla!)
In this week's episode, I talk about the invasion of UFOs into the average quilter's studio. We'll talk about reasons why you should deal with your UFOs, how to decide which UFOs are worth finishing (or, at least, are worth you finishing), how to motivate yourself to deal with your UFOs, and what to do when you just don't want to deal with some of your UFOs at all.
Don't forget the deadline for the summer creativity challenge is Monday, September 6th, at midnight (whenever midnight falls in your part of the world!). I'm looking forward to seeing your responses!
Another, but this time unexpected, brief hiatus in the life of the "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" podcast series when my son ended up in the hospital with a ruptured appendix. He's home from the hospital now and life is slowly getting back to normal. In this episode, I respond to listener comments, share a little bit about my first foray into Hawaiian quilting, a major math error, and the international quilting scene.
Here it is! The long-awaited Hawaiian Quilting episode! I had the opportunity to interview Anne Fujiwara, a designer and teacher of traditional Hawaiian quilting, in her shop, "Anne's Hawaiian Quilts" in Waikiki on Oahu. I also talk about visiting a couple of quilt shops, do an audio "show n' tell" of my purchases, and give a few resource suggestions for learning more about Hawaiian quilting.
Anne Fujiwara of "Anne's Hawaiian Quilts" in front of her sampler quilt.
(For other pictures of her shop and the Sew Simple shop in Maui, visit my blog.)
Other links from the show:
Jaye's blog entry about how to tag photos in Flickr to your blog reader: http://artquiltmaker.com/blog/2010/06/odds-and-ends-thurday/
Denise in PA's blog in which she tells her story of a quilt that almost didn't get finished: http://mylifeinquilts.blogspot.com For information about Anne's Hawaiian Quilt shop and Sew Simple in Maui, visit the "Shops" page (use the tab at the top of this page).
Do you consider your quilting "art," "craft," or "hobby?" In this episode, I reference a conversation that I started in BigTent about how we view our own quilting. I explore what the words "hobby," "craft," and "art" mean to me and my own evolution in how I view my quilting. Then I invite you to ponder your own response to that question!
Referenced in this episode:
Great Sets: 7 Roadmaps to Spectacular Quilts, by Sharyn Craig
Quilting Gallery (where I'm the currently featured Guest Blogger)
The "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" subgroup of the QuiltCast Supergroup in BigTent. Subscribe using the link on the right of this page!
Have you ever had a quilt that just works your very last nerve from beginning to end of the project? Listen in as I spin my own tale of woe and redemption! In this episode, I describe a quilt that I made and experienced several junctures at which I hit a wall--then how I turned those walls into design opportunities.
Sign up for my new free, monthly e-newsletter! The companion e-newsletter to the podcast series will include additional product reviews, tips, and links to additional goodness for your quilty pleasure. Spread the word--you don't have to be a listener to enjoy the newsletter; and, as always, you can send in your own tips and reviews to share! (The link lives permanently in the right-hand menu of this page.)
Items I mention in the episode:
Setting Solutions by Sharyn Craig
Sensational Sets and Borders, Rodale's Successful Quilting Library
Jodi Barrow's Square in a Square Method
Photos of the quilt in the episode will be posted in my Quilting...for the Rest of Us blog.
Join me for a great conversation with Tara Thom, an award-winning long-arm quilter! Tara and I talk about why someone might want to avail themselves of the services of a long-arm quilter, how to prepare your quilt for the service, how to find a long-arm quilter and considerations to make in choosing who to work with. Additionally, Tara shares her own experience about going into business for herself and some things to think about if you have dreams about becoming a professional long-arm quilter yourself. (With apologies for a delay because I've been down with a respiratory flu, I'm finally posting this week's episode a few days late. Sorry! Still recovering, but I have high hopes that this coming week's episode will be posted on schedule.)
Do you have problems deciding how much fabric to buy when you're buying without a specific project in mind? Join the club! In this episode, I share the habits I have developed over the years as well as some suggestions for ways you can figure out the best amount of fabric that would work for you.
I also introduce the new creativity challenge! Check out the tab at the top of this page, "Creativity Challenge," for the new photo, plus guidelines and the deadline. Get your friends to play along!
Sherry mentioned in her comment to episode 13 the "Empty Spools Seminar." You can get information about the seminar at www.emptyspoolsseminars.com.
In this week's episode, I share the results of the creativity challenge! After our "Quilters Like the Rest of Us" interview with Kathy and some listener comments and updates about what I have going on in my own quilty life, I talk about the responses I received for the creativity challenge. Then I walk through the process I took in my own response to the creativity challenge. In my explanation, I also deal with working with Lutradur, printing photos on fabric, matching sewing machine needles to specialized needs, and couching.
For photos of the creativity challenge, visit the Quilting...for the Rest of Us blog.
Links shared in the episode:
"Quilting...for the Rest of Us" Facebook page Patsy Thompson Designs Nine Patch Media (Anna's suggested source for quilting DVDs)
Strip Clubbing (the book which has the "State of Grace" pattern)
Have you thought about taking classes and just haven't made the move yet? Have you taken classes but haven't been sure you're getting as much out of them as you'd like to? In this episode, I share my experience--as always, based on mistakes I've made!--in taking classes from a wide variety of sources over the years. Leave your own tips and hints for others in the comments!
Check out your local quilt shop for classes being offered!
Sources for online classes:
Quilt University CraftEdu Annie Smith's Quilting Stash Classroom Fons & Porter Master Class The Quilt Show
(This list is not comprehensive by any means, nor in any particular order. I only have direct experience with Quilt University but am considering taking classes offered by a couple of other of the above. Please leave comments about other online classes you've taken and would like to recommend--or not!)
This episode is all about value! In what could arguably be considered the second half of episode 11, "In Which We Get Colorful," we explore the concept of color value and its impact on quilts. Learn how value is important, how to work with value in your quilt design, and tools and resources to help you learn more about value.
Links I mention in the episode:
CraftEdu--online craft courses: www.craftedu.com
Maria Peagler, Color Mastery: 10 Principles for Creating Stunning Quilts, www.colormastery.com
American Quilters Society: www.americanquilter.com
Professional Association of Appraisers--Quilted Textiles (PAAQT): www.quiltappraiser.org
Lorraine Torrence: www.lorrainetorrence.com The Quilter’s Ultimate Visual Guide Rodale’s Successful Quilting Library: Creative Guide to Color & Fabric
Jim Saw’s Art 104: Design and Composition class at Palomar College
In this episode, we get the first interview with "Quilters Like the Rest of Us;" I'm excited! This time we chat with the Sandys from my guild-that-is-not-a-guild-but-a-bee, and the conversation leads into the discussion about color. In the "episode proper," after listener comments, I run through some definitions and describe color schemes, and then we talk about where to get color inspiration.
Items mentioned in the podcast:
Colorschemer--Online color scheme generator: http://www.colorschemer.com/online.html 3-in-1 Color Tool by Joen Wolfrom
Color Play: Easy Steps to Imaginative Color in Quilts by Joen Wolfrom
The Off-Kilter Quilt, a podcast by Frances! Woohoo!
Jinny Beyer's Color Confidence for Quilters by Jinny Beyer (I had only found this used on Amazon for $100 previously, but now there are some options for around $20.)
In this episode, I talk with Beth Davis, AQS certified quilt appraiser. We discuss how one becomes an appraiser, why you might want to have a quilt appraised, what's involved in an appraisal, the "tools" of appraising, and a little bit about antique quilts in particular.
Beth Davis, appraiser. Shown here with her "lifetime" quilt--one that she slept under as a child. (Made by her great-grandmother.)
One of Beth's "go-to" appraisal books, by Barbara Brackman. Beth mentioned having every Barbara Brackman book there was!
Another go-to book to help with dating fabrics.
Sandy's crazy-quilt with damaged silks. (Remember the story of the iron salts and the "swoosh"?
Beth's 1800s quilt. The reds on the borders are what she refers to as the "madders."
"Intermezzo"--a short piece between two longer pieces. This episode isn't an official episode at all, but a short addition for the in-between-times. Episode 010--the interview with the appraiser--is longer than my usual episodes. After debating for some time, I decided I really didn't want to ignore the fact that some kind people have been leaving some great comments and spurring some wonderful discussion! So rather than making episode 10 the length of a movie feature, and rather than ignoring the comments altogether, I'm posting this "Intermezzo" episode--a little snippet of a piece between the actual episodes of the series. In this intermezzo, I share listener comments from episodes 7 through 9, as well as a couple left on the "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" blog, and a couple of emails. Plus, I give a few hints of some things I'm working on for future episodes, and tell you what fun is in store for me this weekend. All in under 20 minutes! Woohoo!
Don't forget the creativity challenge! (See show notes for episode 9 In Which We Get Creative.)
Don't forget the deadline for having your name included in the drawing for the 5" pack--join the "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" subgroup of the BigTent QuiltCast Supergroup! Use the link on the right of this webpage to join the QuiltCast Supergroup--once you're in, you can then join the "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" subgroup. Anyone who joins by May 15 has their name put in the drawing! See you there...
In this episode, I talk about creativity. I offer a couple of definitions of creativity and then suggest a few ways you can grow your own creative nature. Then, I issue a challenge!
Creativity Challenge: Use the photo below for inspiration for a project, and send me photos of the results by June 7, 2010 (at midnight Eastern Time). It doesn't matter what the project is, and it doesn't matter how you use the photo for inspiration. You might print the photo on fabric and then do something funky with it; you might be inspired by the colors, the subject matter, the feel/mood...it doesn't matter. You can combine this project with other projects--allow this photo to inspire how you approach some other project that you're doing. Doesn't matter! Just be inspired. Post a comment below if you think you want to join the challenge. Then send me a photo (or a link to your blog where you've posted the photo) by midnight on June 7. Anyone who completes the challenge will have their name put in a drawing for a fun gift! Here's the photo:
(Remember, if you want to print this on fabric, you'll need to email me and I'll provide a high res version without my name on it. Just please give photographer's credit if you post pictures of your finished project anywhere. Thanks!)
Other notes from the episode
Leah Day of DayStyle Designs' blog: http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/ A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative, and A Kick in the Seat of the Pants: Using Your Explorer, Artist, Judge, & Warrior to Be More Creative, both by Roger VonOech (I've used these for years to help inspire me in developing creativity workshops for my job)
Get Creative! With M'Liss Rae Hawley: A Beginner's Guide to Color and Design for Quilters, by M'Liss Rae Hawley (I haven't worked my way through her exercises but I consistently pull this book out for inspiration and reference. This book is one of the first on my list of "things to do" in 2011 when I'm done with all my UFOs!)
Art + Quilt: Design Principles and Creativity Exercises, by Lyric Kinard (I just got this book this week and have already begun working my way through the exercises. I'll do as many as I can fit between UFOs. Just reading through the first couple of chapters--where she's laying the groundwork for future exercises--has already been very helpful.)
Keeping track of your inspirations
http://www.forevergreenquilts.com/inspiration-journal.html (ideas about having a paper journal)
Microsoft OneNote software--excellent "freeform" software for keeping track of notes, images, websites, and so forth. I use this for work, for my volunteer life, and for quilting.
Welcome to the second episode on scraps! In this episode, we get right down to business and I talk about specialty rulers for scraps, and share a lot of ideas about how to use scraps, including some books.
Referenced in this episode:
Judy Hopkin's ScrapMaster ruler (just google "ScrapMaster ruler" for a variety of sources)
"Ugly Little Star Quilt"
I really want to get better at using my scraps, so I decided to do some research on scraps and scrap quilts. I found so much, though, that I'm having to use two episodes to cover it! So, in this first episode, after doing some catching up with listener comments and contributions, I share with you my experience, my research, and some listener suggestions, as we talk about a glossary of scrap-related terms, a little history of scrap quilting, how to collect scraps, getting yourself used to doing scrap quilts, what the best sizes are to cut your scraps into, and a little bit about storing and organizing scraps. (In episode 8, I'll share ideas for using your scraps!)
Links to things I reference in this episode:
Silly Chick Designs podcast and blog: http://sillychickdesigns.blogspot.com (and iTunes)
Bonnie Hunter's Scrapusers system Scrap Therapy
(See http://quiltingfortherestofus.blogspot.com for more information and additional links.)
I just spent a weekend on the road and the only quilting I could do was "virtual." In this episode, I talk about ways we can get our quilty on through online sources.
Referenced in this podcast:
Village Comforts Quilt Shop (now listed in the "Shops I've Visited" page of this blog)
http://www.hudsonstarobserver.com/event/article/id/38311/ (Article about teaching quilting in Middle School)
Sew, Stitch, Create podcast by Brye Lynn at http://www.sewstitchcreate.com (or iTunes)
Quilt Cabana Corner podcast by Sandi at http://quiltcabanacorner.podbean.com (or iTunes)
Quilted Cupcake podcast by Jean at http://quiltedcupcake.libsyn.com (or iTunes)
About.com's quilting section and newsletter: http://quilting.about.com
Quilt University at www.quiltuniversity.com.
I spent a lot of years in a completely disorganized, completely dysfunctional quilting space. When I moved into the new house a few years ago, I took advantage of the opportunity to overhaul my organizational methods or...rather...get some organizational methods. In this episode I share with you a few of the things I think I did right. But there's always room for improvement--so definitely share your own organizational tips, and favorite organizational tools, with me and the rest of the gang! Post pictures in the BigTent group "Quilting...for the Rest of Us," a subgroup of "Quiltcast Supergroup." (See the widget for signing up for the Supergroup in the menu at the right--once you're in the Quiltcast Supergroup, look for the subgroup for this podcast and join!
By the way: Everyone who is a member of the "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" BigTent group by May 15 will automatically have their name entered for a drawing to win the cutest little charm pack!
Here are my rulers, as described in the podcast.
My two drawers, the top holding my fat quarter collection, and the bottom holding jelly rolls, strips, charm packs, layer cakes, etc.
Here's the pull-out tie rack for sorting strips.
And then, just to make sure you don't get the wrong impression of me...here's my other ruler storage! Not quite so well organized. But this is where I've stashed all the specialty rulers and others that I inherited from Mom, until I have time to try to use them and decide what I'm going to keep and what will be given away. No 3M strips can fix this!
Our stashes can be a point of pride or a point of contention--depending on who's looking at it and how well they understand the compelling need quilters have for fabric! My husband, for example, thinks my stash is huge. I've told him he should visit a few other quilters' stashes before casting judgment. The stories I've heard...
In any case, I did recently upsize my stash. This episode talks about what I've learned about my stash and what I need to improve. Perhaps it'll give you some things to think about as you look at your own stash.
Here's a picture of my stash--show us yours! ("I'll show you mine if you show me yours....")
I had a long weekend last weekend, with nothing much scheduled other than church and a family dinner on Easter Sunday, so I planned to spend as much of it as possible at my sewing machine, catching up on some UFOs--one of Mom's, the rest mine. Through the weekend, I came face-to-face with some fundamental truths about quilting.
What are your own fundamental truths? Leave comments!
Also notice the new page on this blog listing quilt shops I've visited. Use the comments section to recommend your own. And see the link to the right for my quilting-related blog "Tessellations."
It's been awhile, but I was finally able to attend another class at my local quilt shop. This one was a five-hour extravaganza in machine quilting, taught by a very popular local teacher, Janet Root. In this episode, I share a few tips that I've picked up about machine quilting in the years I've been trying to get good at it.
Welcome to "Quilting for the Rest of Us"--a podcast for anyone who loves quilting and loves to talk about it. I am not an expert, have never published, or competed in a show--but I've picked up a lot of knowledge along the way, if not the skills to match. I was raised by a quilter, picked up the habit in my 30s, and finally got consistent about it a few years ago. (No telling how old that makes me!)
Join me as we all talk about about quilting...for the rest of us!
In this first episode, I share with you a little of my history and what my Mom taught me about quilting.