Sunday, November 29, 2009

I'VE DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM

Honest to pete I do not know why I can’t sew a straight line. At first, I thought it was my ruler, but I think I've discovered the problem. I am the problem. I’ve been working on a new sample for the shop. Above is the block. I love appliqué and thought this quilt was right up my alley. However, I did not realize how much piecing was involved in the various blocks. I think I took the piecing rows apart three different times on each one of these blocks. Things still did not line up exactly, and I ended up slicing some parts off. Maybe I’m too obsessive about this, but I want everything to match exactly. Does anyone else have this problem?


This is another block. I am making the quilt in the black background, but wanted to make this block sample so people could see how it would look made up in the 30s prints. The above photograph better shows you the piecing involved in this block. Gads!
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Reminder: Knotty Girls will meet at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Tuesday, Dec 1st. This meeting replaces the one missed last week due to the holiday. The group will meet hold their regular meeting later this month.
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Tall Grass Prairie Studio has an excellent tutorial on straight line quilting. Check it out.

Park City Girl has a great tutorial for making a Christmas stocking.

Happy Quilting,
Caroll

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

EQ EXPERT SPEAKS AT WMQG

The West Michigan Quilter’s Guild held its regular meeting tonight. Nationally known teacher Barb Vlack spoke on using EQ. Her message was extremely interesting and I wanted to share some of her quilts. She designs all of her quilts in EQ. The above quilt she calls her anniversary quilt. The picture is not that great, but I did want to show this to you, as the quilt is truly beautiful.

This next one is of her houses. Each house has a specific purpose and has a specific name.

This one is lovely with all those soft 30's fabrics.


This one is truly awesome as it is only 12 inches square. Can you imagine working with those tiny pieces?

Vlack did not make this quilt. It is made of blocks from members of the guild. You may remember a few months ago when I posted a picture of the challenge blocks. Those blocks make up this a beautiful quilt.

This quilt is a gift to the outgoing president. She said these are her favorite colors. I am sure she will enjoy this quilt given to her in love for all the work she has done over the past two years.
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Don’t forget about the Annual Turkey Sale at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on November 27th and 28th. On Friday the hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday the shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Start your Christmas shopping at the quilt shop and get from 20 to 50% off.
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Popcorn Day is Saturday, Nov. 28th. Stop in and sit down and make a special bag to give as a gift. Special discounts and popcorn will also be available that day.

bdieges designs has a nice autumn block for you this month. The oak leaves and acorns are perfect for this time of the year. Check it out.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Caroll

Monday, November 23, 2009

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #7

This is number 7 of the Aunt Millie’s blocks. It was so much fun to make. I just hope it’s not too bright.
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I imagine everyone in the US is busy this week getting ready for Thanksgiving. Hope everyone has the best day ever. I’m having my family in, then shopping on Black Friday. My daughter and I are up early and standing in line with all the other crazies. Not because we intend to buy as we have really cut back on our lists this year. But this craziness always gets us in the holiday spirit. Contrary to what you may have heard happened at some places last year, where we have been it has always been fun. People sing songs while standing in line, someone passes out hot chocolate or coffee, one year someone even distributed cookies! I remember how surprised I was the first year I went with my daughter. We were in the checkout line at one store, and three women in front of us had their cart stacked high. Not so high that they couldn’t put their pancake breakfast plates from McDonalds on top of their purchases and enjoy breakfast while waiting. What a hoot. Usually people come dressed in Santa hats or wear something with bells to jingle. It’s been a great experience for us and I hope it is for all of you shoppers this year too.
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When you're out shopping, don't forget to stop by the Attic Window Quilt Shop and take part in their Turkey Sale.
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Since we’re talking about the upcoming holidays, you might find this Candy Cane tutorial at Lavieen Rosie interesting. I thought these candy canes would make excellent stocking stuffers, or be cute hanging on a tree, or tied to a package. Check it out.

Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll

Friday, November 20, 2009

LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT

It’s that time of year and you are rushing around trying to think of some things to make as Christmas gifts. Here are some cute, small, quick and easy-to-make projects. They would make a nice hostess gift, or gift for that co-worker or neighbor who you really don’t exchange gifts with but want to give something. This first picture is of the tissue cosies that Kim has generously supplied the pattern for (see button on the side bar). Aren’t they cute? You can make one in about 30 minutes. It's a good way to use up those scraps. What fun it is to put your various fabrics together and see how this projects turns out. A gift any woman is sure to love.

I saw this bag being made on the Quilting Arts TV show yesterday. It is another quick and easy project. The pattern comes in four different sizes and can be found on the Quilting Arts web page. You have to register, but it’s free. Go to the TV section and on the left is “download projects.” It’s project 107-2.

Peace and Quilt has a great tutorial on U Create. It is or a Snuggle Snowman quilt. Very cute.

Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

ANOTHER BAG FOR US BAG LADIES

This is another cute Bow Tucks purse that Lee Ann made for the Attic Window Quilt Shop. I love how she uses fabrics. You too can make a lovely purse like this. Pick up the pattern and choose from the many fabrics at the shop. You’ll have it done in no time.

The pattern for this snowman stitchery is from the Stitch Connection. I think the pattern has been out for a few years, as I made this wall hanging up from a kit the shop had a few years ago, but the patterns are back and not just for hand stitchers. The shop has the patterns for machine embroidery also. Check it out.

This is a close up of one of the blocks. They are so cute and easy to make no matter what technique you use.
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Don’t forget about the Annual Turkey Sale at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on November 27th and 28th. On Friday the hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday the shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Start your Christmas shopping at the quilt shop and get from 20 to 50% off.
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Don’t forget Popcorn Day is Saturday, Nov. 28th. Stop in and sit down and make a special bag to give as a gift. Special discounts and popcorn will also be available that day.

So You Think You’re Crafty has a nice tutorial for a no sew wreath.

Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll

Sunday, November 15, 2009

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #6


This is my 6th Aunt Millie’s block. Looks like I got lazy here, but the pattern was such that I couldn’t break it up and put a lot of different fabrics in the flowers. Then when it came to the berries I just didn’t have the time or the various fabrics that I thought would work, so that’s why this one looks a little more plain, which might not be too bad. I might need something like this to help tone down the others. You should see the wild block I’m working on now. Hope to have it done to show you next week.

We have a couple classes this week at the Attic Window Quilt Shop that I bet you would like. Cindy is holding her Grommet Bag class Monday and I hope I can get out of work in time to run up and take that class. I have a special person who would love this Bag as a Christmas present.

Another class I hope to take is J.D’s Crazy Pieced Jewelry Roll. This heirloom crazy pieced jewelry roll is easy to make and well received as a gift. I think I’ll make several as I have friends who like to travel and this would be a great gift for them. Check out all the wonderful classes coming up at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

Brown Paper Packages has a Scatter Sunshine Scrappy quilt tutorial that is rather unique. Very pretty and a great way to use up those scarps. What a great gift for that special someone and it won’t cost much money at all.

Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll


Friday, November 13, 2009

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK LIKE CHRISTMAS

The Attic Window Quilt Shop is getting all dressed up for the holidays. Above is a sample of a cute table runner. You can find the pattern and fabrics in the shop.

The pattern for these cute ornaments is at the shop. Better pick them up before they are gone because this fun and easy project is sure to be a sellout.

This is the block I am making for Aunt Pitty Pat’s Christmas swap. Hope the gals like my blocks because they have been fun to make. If anyone wants the pattern let me know and I can e-mail it to you. Check out Aunt Pitty Pat's blog. I think she still has a couple spaces open if you are interested in joining the swap.

Carolyn has not chosen the name for her pattern yet, but when she does, I will let you know.

Piece N Quilt has a tutorial for a cute quilt. She has named it Desired Quilt and I can see why. You will desire to have it and make it!

Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll



Tuesday, November 10, 2009

CAROLYN IS LOOKING FOR A NAME

I have a few more samples of upcoming classes at the Attic Window Quilt Shop to share with you. Above is a sample of Carolyn E’s new jacket pattern. I love this pattern. She hasn’t named it yet and is looking for suggestions. My suggestion is “Pink Chocolate.” What’s your suggestion?


This beautiful blue/brown/white quilt is called “All Shook Up” and is a sample for Vickie’s next class. This will be a great class for beginners. Watch for class dates and times in the next newsletter, due to be out soon.

Sue shows us a nice table runner that she made as a shop sample. Isn’t it pretty? This would make a wonderful hostess gift or Christmas gift. Better start that project now.

Primitives By The Light Of The Moon has a great primitive ABC sampler that you will just love. Be sure to scroll down and get them all.

Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll


Sunday, November 8, 2009

SHOW AND TELL AT THE BEE

The Saturday Bee met at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and are those girls productive or what! Above Judy Raymond shows us the overnight bag she made for her 10-year-old granddaughter. That fabric and those bright pink handles are just perfect for a young woman. (I really like it too and I'm WAY older than that as my mother often reminds me.)

Linda Brosseit shows us the Thimbleberries BOM that she has completed. She joined the class last year and just finished this beautiful quilt. She's proof that it is better late than never. Love this quilt!

Catherine Mueller took a Stack N Wack class from Carolyn and decided to try something on her own. She had these fabrics available in her stash and made up her own design using techniques she learned in Carolyn’s class. Isn’t it fun to be creative! (I'm sorry that this picture does not do this quilt justice.)

Gay at Sentimental Stitches has a new BOM starting. It is called Beyond the Cherry Trees Album Quilt and is stunning!! Each block is available for only one month so hurry over and get the first block today!

Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll


Thursday, November 5, 2009

NEW CLASSES AND KITS FOR YOU

The Teachers of the Attic Window Quilt Shop met last night to plan classes and events for the next session. Here are just a couple of the fun projects in the works. Above is a pillow featuring the fabrics from the Welcome Home collection of Clothworks Textiles. Kits will soon be available in the store, but the fabulous fabrics are there right now. Check out this fun easy project, which will make a perfect gift for the holidays.


Above is the first month’s block for Barb’s Redwork BOM. The other blocks are beneath this first one and that is the shadow you see. Barb never needs to put a foundation piece on the back as she does not “travel” when she embroideries. The back of her blocks look as perfect as the front. Wish I could say that! This is a must class/club to take if you want to improve your embroidery skills.

I am in awe just looking at this. This block is from the upcoming Twilling Club. Barb’s work is breathtaking. The white on white gives such an elegant effect. Join this group and you too can make these wonderful blocks. Wouldn’t that be a fantastic wedding gift?
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Are you thinking about Christmas projects? Park City Girl has a nice tutorial for making a Christmas Stocking. Check it out.

Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll



Tuesday, November 3, 2009

FRESH SQUEEZED CLASS SAMPLE

Fresh Squeezed is the name of this quilt and the pattern is from Moda University. This 54" square quilt highlights slices of all the brightly colored fabrics of your choice, choosing from the fantastic selection at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. The class will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 – 3. Come join me in making this fun quilt.

Don’t Look Now is doing a Joseph’s Coat quilt along. Even if you think you don’t have time to participate, you will probably still want to check out this blog for the fantastic instructions and tutorial. The first one is here. The second one hit today and the third one will be Nov. 6th. This is really a quilt I want to make, but am afraid to over extend myself right now. So, I’m reading the instructions, taking copious notes and plan to make this quilt in the future. Don’t you just love her pink fabrics!

Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll



Sunday, November 1, 2009

A SUNDAY CUP OF TEA

Everyone was so helpful in giving suggestions about how to finish my teapots, that I thought I’d show you the finished product. I do like the way it turned out. I think the way it is on the design wall and the angle that I’m taking the picture at, throws things off and sure makes it look uneven, but it really is square.

It's November all ready! Have you started those projects that are to be Christmas presents? Check out the class schedule at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Attending classes will help you with project ideas and is a good way to socialize with your friends while finishing up a project. Stop by the shop and check out all the samples, new fabrics and new books and patterns in the shop.

Piece N Quilt has a nice tutorial for a self-binding receiving blanket. What a quick way to get a gift finished just in time for that new arrival.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Caroll
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Attic Window Teachers

Attic Window Teachers
Attic Window Teachers

Quilting for Kids With Cancer

Quilting for Kids With Cancer
Generosity has no bounds. Above are the women in the Quilts For Kids group at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Left to right, Henrietta, Phyllis, Nancy, Carol, Karen. These women donate their time, fabric, money once a month to make quilts for kids who have cancer.

Quilts For Wheels

Quilts For Wheels
Many thanks and much appreciation goes to the women who work diligently each month to make quilts for those in wheel chairs. Kudos go to: Yvonne, Mary T., Fran, Joan, Mary Ellen, Barb, Lee Ann, Nancy, Mary.
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