Linda's last Crazy Quilt class was Monday night and we got to see so many of the finished and partially finished creations, there was lots of "oohing" and aahing" going on!  Most of us have agreed that we're ready for Linda's next class.  She showed us a small box with a beaded top that is what she's working on right now . . . if the test run with her Round Robin goes well, watch for that class in the coming months.




 

Wilma's creation -- made using MANY of her grandmother's jewelry and accessory items

 

Judy's creation in progress

Ollie's creation in progress

Martha's creation

Ann's creation -- she took apart a crazy quilt she'd made years ago, is adding stitching and motifs,
then will put it back together.

Patty Stith's creation -- her's will include her collection of Apple Blossom Festival pins, some of which she has used in the blocks, very cool!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We've been enjoying Linda Riesterer's Crazy Quilt Block of the Month class for the past year, it's been such a treat to see each month what students have created.  Linda is a great teacher and under her tutelage people have done some amazing stitching and beadwork.  The last Wednesday day class was yesterday, the last Monday evening class will be on the 6th.  Here's just a small sampling of what we saw at Wednesday's class.

Quick tip from the kitchen to the sewing room

I recently found a new tool on Phillips Fiber Art's website, watched the video and had to have the tool. A quick table topper in a day project - love it. The tool, Squedge 22.5 is used on both sides and like many plastic templates is made of a smooth, shiny material that can slip. Cheryl Phillips recommends putting little clear discs on both sides of the ruler. I do not have any discs and as I was sewing at a friend's house, Anita recommended using plastic wrap. She went and tore off a piece, placed the Squedge on the plastic and we rotary cutted around the shape. Imagine my surprise when it worked. I did my first set of cuts, removed the plastic wrap and even though it wasn't smooth, applied the same piece of wrap to the back of my Squedge. Even wrinkled and not covering the whole tool - it worked. Last Sunday, Debby Phillips (no relation to Cheryl or I am sure she would have told us) taught the Dresdan Plate table runner class using Marti Michell templates. One of her students was having some difficulty with the template sliding. I went to the kitchen, tore a piece of plastic wrap and it worked on her template. Don't you love it when a solution to a problem is found in the kitchen. Glad to know my kitchen does produce something these days!

Chubby Chicks!

This pattern continues to be one of the favorites among both staff and customers.  It's easy and fun:  grab a charm pack, a background fabric and a pin wheel fabric and you're ready to start sewing.  Those of you who love hand applique are welcome to put the chicks on that way, but most of us opt for using fusible webbing, then machine stitching with a blanket or satin stitch.  Here's just two examples of how cute it is, made by our own Kathryn and Teresa. Kathryn made the full-sized version, Teresa opted for something a bit smaller, both are beautiful!  We love them done in the fresh, bright colors of spring and summer . . .and we've got lots of charm packs to choose from right now.

Another successful table runner class

Debby taught another great Dresden Plate table runner class on Sunday and look at the results -- each one is gorgeous in its own way! Everyone who's ever taught a quilting class knows that the instructor has as much fun as the students -- it's so great to see the creations come together using all those different fabric combinations.  It's a good thing we don't have to pick a favorite because that would be beyond difficult.  The exciting thing is that each combination gives you ideas for future creations and projects.

 

 

 

Table Runner Class is the Double Wedding Ring (made easy using QuiltSmart printed interfacing) taught by Diane.  Check out all the details here.

 

 



Yes, it's been a looooong time since we've posted on our blog, but we're going to change that and start updating it on a regular basis.

Let's start with a couple of great classes we had this week.  Our own Debby Phillips taught the first session of Table Runner of the Month.  She showed everyone how to make great Dresden Plate blocks, as well as the bonus of using Deb Tucker's trimming tool for easy Flying Geese.  Looked like everyone was having a great time and their creations were varied and beautiful.  She's teaching another class on Sunday, so you may still be able to get in on the fun!  Check out class details here. 

Cassie's Mini Dresdens



Angie's Dresden Variation

Debbie's creation in progress

On the same day, Martha had three students learning her ever-popular Hunter Star  -- also using a great Deb Tucker tool!  Look at the great blocks they created; the Hunter Star pattern is so versatile, stunning and easy to create with Deb Tucker's tool.  Stop by the shop for a demonstration of how this great tool works.  Put together a group of four or more people and schedule a class with Martha.  As part of the class fee, she will do a custom quilt design for each person, check out more details here.  

Cora's block and quilt

Dena's quilt and block

Donna's quilt and block

   



5th Saturday Challenge - March 2012

Come into the shop and vote for your favorite today!  Voting ends April 14th.
They are all great...so hard to choose!