Primitive Quilts and Projects ~ Fall 2015 Issue!

I'm very blessed to say that I am one of the lucky designers to have a project in one of my favorite magazines....Primitive Quilts and Projects,  Fall 2015 issue!  

Photo used with permission by Homespun Media LLC.  Photo courtesy of Jim Osborn.

I love a sampler quilt, and in this quilt called Simply Charming, I combined two of my loves...sampler blocks and stars!   Each sawtooth star block has a different sampler block in the center for some very fun piecing!  

Notice how your eyes are dancing around the quilt?  Do you find yourself looking at the centers of each star, and all the warm, lovely colors and prints in the fabrics?  You and I can thank my pal Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles Quilters for the beautiful fabrics as I used a bunch of KT charm squares to make everything but the last border in the quilt.  Fun with color play, stars, and sampler blocks....you'll no doubt have a lot of fun piecing this quilt for yourself!  

And, just in case you'd like to buy a kit, using a variety of Kansas Troubles fabrics, you can!!  Just call Jaime at KT Bernina and Quilts (785) 488-2120.

The fall issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects is available now at your local quilt shop and has 14 more wonderful fall projects to welcome the changing season.  AND.....

I have three extra issues of the magazine that are lonely and need a good home, so...leave me a comment about the end of summer and beginning of fall, and what you will be working on in the next few months.  Post your comment and I'll choose winners on Sunday.  

We've got to keep our sewing machine and hand piecing needles busy and happy!

Cheers for Lynne!!

The post man took his sweet 'ol time in delivering the latest issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine to me!  I've been waiting and waiting at the mailbox each day for this special issue.  It isn't everyday when one of your very best friends is the featured designer in a favorite quilting magazine!!  But...oh, it was worth the wait!!  And...that's Lynne's quilt on the cover!

Did you get your copy of the magazine yet?  You have to so you can see all the pictures of Lynne and Robert's cabin, quilt shop and retreat center!  If you love vintage quilts, antiques, and of course, Kansas Troubles you'll savor every picture.  Not to mention that Lynne's beautiful quilt, Rustic Stars pattern is in there.  It's Lynne's simplified version of the difficult, very striking Hunter's Star pattern.  I visited Lynne's cabin, shop and retreat last month.  Click here to see the blog post of my visit.  Congratulations, Lynne....just don't stop doing what you're doing!  We all love Kansas Troubles!!  

Did you visit Paula Barnes' blog last Friday for the next block in our sew-along?  Her block is great...I'm loving it!  Check back with her this week to see the winners of her give-aways, and remember to visit Sarah Maxwell's blog (of Homestead Hearth) on Friday for her block instructions.

I also have a wonderful announcement!  Erica H., who lives in the great state of Alaska, has set up a Yahoo Group for the Friends & Companions sew-along!!  Our thanks to Erica for taking the time to set all of this up and be the group moderator.  So kind of you!  Click here to see the Yahoo Group site.  Enjoy!  

A Spa for my Soul

Lynne Hagmeier ~ Kansas Troubles Quilters

There's nothing quite like a visit to the home of a best friend.  Well, that was what I did for a couple of days after leaving Quilter's Station and Primitives of the Midwest.  I went to visit my BFF, Lynne Hagmeier, the designer extraordinaire that is the creative force of Kansas Troubles Quilters!!  

We stayed at Lynne's Kansas Troubles Retreat....had this enormous place all to ourselves!  

The sewing room has 10 individual work stations complete with swivel chairs and lamps.  There are three ironing stations and a roomy cutting station, too.  All decorated with Lynne's quilts, antiques and folk art.  

Adjacent to the sewing area is this comfy sitting area where you can stitch, read, watch TV or post on social media!  

The sleeping area is one of my favorite places ever!  You truly feel like Goldilocks.  Having to choose one bed is a hard decision!  Ten people can sleep in the "dorm".  Kansas Troubles quilt or vintage quilt?  Hard choices!!  This room is also filled with lovely antiques, quilts, and fun stuff everywhere.  

Within the last year, Lynne's husband, Robert, opened a quilt shop on the first floor of the Kansas Troubles building.  Robert also became a Bernina dealer.  

The shop has all of Lynne's KT Quilt patterns and an ever-changing variety of her fabric, too.  

You'll also find some great gift items tucked here and there as well.

Every corner has one tempting quilt or project after another!  Believe me!  You'll be inspired!!

There are a few patterns from other designers such as this quilt, which is my pattern called Endless Summer, made from Lynne's Kansas Troubles fabrics!  Love it!!  Call the shop and they may be able to pull a kit together using similar KTQ fabrics!  

There are a couple of new things you've got to know about!!! 

Lynne has a brand new book coming out any day now called Layers of Love.  It's her second book that showcases her unique and super popular "layered patchwork" technique.  Click here to read more about Layers of Love.  Call the shop to order yours today!!  (785) 488-2120 and tell them Pam sent ya!

The other thing you've got to know is Lynne, the retreat, the shop, and even her home will be featured in the next issue (Sept,  2014) of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine!!    You don't want to miss picking up that issue, I promise.  

Rarely in a life, there can be a place that you feel as home as you do in your own home. Comfortable, happy, delighted to take it all in and soak it up.  This is how I feel about being there....from the first time I visited Lynne and the stayed at the Kansas Troubles retreat, and even more so now.  It certainly has a lot to do with Lynne being there as well!  It was, as the title said.... a spa for my soul.  A very special place, indeed!  Do yourself a favor and book a stay at the retreat!  It's quite wonderful!

And...please consider joining both Lynne and me on a Great Girlfriend Get-Away!  Our next Get-away is coming September 8th in Mackinaw City, MI!!  Click here for all the info!!

Reminder!!

How are your Market Day Sew-along quilts coming?  Pictures are beginning to arrive in my email in-box from around the world!!  Lovely, lovely quilts!  You know how much you enjoy seeing everyone's quilt, and we want to see yours, too!!!

Please email and attach a jpg picture of your quilt(s) along with your first name and the state or country where you live before September 15th for the......

Airing of the Quilts!

Remember, your quilt(s) do not have to be quilted!  

Out and About

It's a good feeling when you finally get unpacked from a trip, don't ya think? Now that everything is back in place, I've had a chance to catch up on a few things that needed my attention.  I've also been loving the new fabric finds I bought, letting them swirl around in my head to collect into new ideas.  While I was traveling to Wisconsin from home (the Chicagoland area), I made a few stops.  The first was to a favorite shop ~ The Quilter's General Store in Rockford, Il.  My dear friend, Deb Peterson owns this shop.

Shop owner Deb

As you walk up to the door, here is what greets you.....

Yes....I enter with a happy heart full of anticipation of the goodies I will find, and leave with a happy heart because of it! 

Enter the General Store on any given day and you'll find loads of inspiration,

Oodles of fabric in every category you might like, want, need.....

And many, many temptations.

Because Deb asked, I reluctantly posed for a photo next to my quilt, The Farmer's Daughter, which was designed for the shops upcoming Farm Fest event.  I hope you'll be tempted by one of the many class offerings!  Farm Fest is a blast, so if you're looking for something fun to do, please consider joining us.  You can learn more about Farm Fest using the link above and by reading my blog post of  April 4th entitled "Camp WannaQuilt"!!

From the Quilter's General Store, I traveled to another of my all time favorite shops, JJ Stitches in Sun Prairie, WI.  The store was buzzing with many shoppers, and my friend and shop owner, Julie Hendricksen was busy packing, getting ready to travel to Cincinnati for Quilt Festival.  I didn't have the heart to ask to take photos, but needless to say, the shop was as glorious as ever.  From there, I went to the Country Sampler where I spent 4 wonderful days retreating at the 2nd Story with my pals, Lynne Hagmeier (Kansas Troubles Quilters) and Lois Sprecker.  Lynne & Lois worked on several new quilts that will be shown at Quilt Market next month and I worked on a new quilt for the Prairie Women's Sewing Circle ~ Journey 3.  I promise I will show a sneak peek of that quilt in my next post.  Promise!!

I arrived back home just in time to head over to my very favorite local shop, The Quilt Merchant.  The Quilt Merchant is home base for me, and is where I teach the PWSC club every second Saturday.

We have the most amazing group of Prairie Women!  Most of these ladies are my founding members!!  Along with shop owner, Docia Fuller, they all took a chance with me when the club was unheard of, and have been with me ever since.

They will always have a special place in my heart.

 

Heartland Crossing from Journey One



  

These Prairie Women are a busy, talented, productive bunch as well.

Heartland Crossing

 They bring wonderful Show-N-Tell every month!

Heartland Crossing

I love that they make each quilt their own...



Prairie Huswyfe - Journey Two



Prairie Huswyfe

Choosing their fabrics and showing their creativity!  They are all very inspiring to me!

Thank you for stopping by today....I hope you enjoy your day! 

Pam

New Magazine & PWSC Show-N-Tell

Have you seen this new American Patchwork & Quilting special edition magazine just for Precuts??



It's on the newsstand right now and is filled with loads of great projects.  Some of my favorite designers have quilt projects in there....maybe they're some of your favorites, too!

Quilt Designed by my pal Lynne Hagmeier ~ Kansas Troubles Quilters

Not surprising.....this is my favorite quilt!!  I've always, always loved Kansas Troubles fabrics and Lynne put her signature twist on making this classic quilt block.
Treat yourself to a copy of this magazine.  You won't be sorry!!

Time to share more Prairie Women's Sewing Circle club Show 'N Tell photos!

 
These lovely Prairie Women gather together at Erica's Craft & Sewing Center in South Bend, IN



They are busy making Yo-yos and showing their Leap of Faith quilts.  Love it with the dark background fabric, don't you?

I'm also loving how the Heartland Crossing quilt turned out! 

 

Prairie Women Sewing Circle club at Erica's Craft & Sewing Center ~ South Bend, IN

Looks like all of the Prairie Women at Erica's haven't had idle hands and have been very

 productive.  Great job, ladies!!

While we're in Indiana....let's mosey over to The Back Door Quilt Shop in Greenwood, IN.

This quilt is called Seneca Falls.....very nicely done!!

These Prairie Women are all showing off their Mrs. Olson's Hatbox tablerunners! 

And this cutie quilt is a wonderful version of  At Mama's Knee.  Love the colors and fabrics, don't you?

I am so proud and touched by the work everyone has done.  Thank you for sharing your Show 'N Tells with all of us.

Remember a few months ago when I told you all about my friend Tara's new book Simply Charming?  I said every quilt in the book was awesome and you'd love it!  Well, it seems that I wasn't the only quilter who thought that....because......Tara's book is among the Top 20 books with a major distributor!!!  Congratulations Tara!!! 

I'm not surprised at all and am so happy for her!  If you haven't picked up a copy yet, you're missing something very good!!!

Happy Stitchin'!  Pam





Back from the Fair

Lynne Hagmeier & me

I had a wonderful time visiting the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio, last weekend!  Country Living magazine hosts this event each year, and boy do they do a wonderful job!  There were thousands of pumpkins, gourds, hay stacks, mums, and corn stalks decorating the fair grounds, which was so festive.  There were approximately 175 vendors who came with their antiques, hand-made goodies, and food in a wide variety venues, but all with a country, folk art and primitive style. 






Julie Hendricksen & Jean Jacobsen


It was a wonderful get-away with my girlfriends, Lynne, Julie and Jean, to shop, eat, and gab.  My roomie, Lynne Hagmeier, will no doubt post more about the Fair on her blog, (http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/), so check be sure visit her blog, too!

While shopping the fair, I didn't forget about you, my friendly blog readers.  I brought something special back for an October contest, so check back with me later this week to see just what I bought for the contest, and see a sneak peak of a new quilt that will be in the next Journey of my club, The Prairie Women's Sewing Circle!  Stay tuned!