Sew Some Wild Oaks

Huckleberry Hill by Lynn Wilder of Sew'n Wild Oaks Designs (c) 2017

When I design fabric, 80% of the time, I already have the quilt designed for the collection and therefore, a specific picture is cemented in my mind of what I'll do with it.  Usually, I do make several other things with the collection, but after that, I've moved on to the next new thing.  

So, I am just delighted when I receive photos of what another designer is inspired to create with some of my fabric,  and so goes the story of the photo above.  This absolutely stunning basket is the creation of a very talented quilt designer, Lynn Wilder of California.  I had the pleasure of meeting Lynn at Spring Market last year after becoming smitten with one of her quilts that was hanging in the Marcus Fabrics booth.  

(Lynn's quilt, Heritage, is the quilt furthest to the left in the photo.)

She wanted to share what she is doing with my Star Spangled Liberty fabric and sent me these two photos.  Isn't it clever to use Log Cabin blocks like this?  And the ribbon border for the basket weave at the top?  And the bow is to die for!

Huckelberry Hill by Lynn Wilder of Sew'n Wild Oaks Designs (c) 2017

Here's an upclose photo of the basket rim and applique details.  I see some prints in there from Old Green Calicos and the little leaves with the berries are from Conestoga Crossing as well.

The basket blocks you see are for Lynn's new upcoming pattern called Huckleberry Hill.  Lynn plans to make two red and two blue baskets for her quilt.  I can't wait to see it all finished.  She also writes a fun, informative and inspiring blog I think you'll enjoy.  Click here for her blog.  Her pattern company is called Sew'n Wild Oaks.

I've seen sneak peeks at several of Lynn's upcoming projects that she's making with on of my future fabric lines, and let me tell you......DIVINE!

Enjoy reading Lynn's blog and perusing her pattern selections.  She's a very sweet and friendly lady, too!  

Introducing Old Plum Calicos!

I had such a wonderful time reading all of the comments about your least favorite fabric choices!  Within your comments, I realized there are quite a few more types of fabrics that I'd have to agree would never make it into a quilt for me either.  Isn't it funny how one of us can be madly in love with a color and another never use it?!!  

I have chosen 4 scrap winners!  Here are their comments....

Judy commented.....I don't like modern fabrics or the brights! Thanks for the giveaway!

U Keep Sewing commented.....Fun to read all these comments. I can't do pinks or some of the lighter colors, some look like oatmeal.  Love red when it acts as a neutral. Don't care for the real busy fabric or the wild colors.  Thanks for the chance. 

Anonymous Linda commented.....Hi Pam, you are very generous....all fabrics have a home somewhere...but I haven't used modern prints or brights....I would love, love, love your scraps....thanks for the chance.  (Thanks for including your email!)

Joyful Quilter commented.....I have a very difficult time with purple or lavender - don't like them - but have used them when it was the only color that would work. For me to use them there has to be lots and lots of green also.

Congratulations to the winners and my heartfelt thanks to all of you whom took the time to comment.  Your comments mean so much to me and keep me writing this blog and so much more.

Winner, please email me at Pam@HeartspunQuilts.com with your mailing address and we'll have those scraps on their way to you!  

I'm so very happy to finally announce my next fabric collection is.......

Old Plum Calicos!

I happen to love Civil War fabrics in shades of purple.  The problem is, like many other colors, CW repros in plums are few and far between.  I sought to rectify that problem!  

While I do so love purple fabrics, I can't say I make entirely all purple quilts with them.  I love adding purple to scrappy quilts.  I also favor adding purples in an autumnal and Halloween quilts.  

When I'm piecing scrappy quilts, I use purples in the same way I use blues and greens in that they can have similar color values.  I honestly don't know what I'd do without purples.  

I was tickled to read how many of you don't care for purples and it's your never, ever color.  I totally respect that.  I also know that many of you love purple as much as I do.  It's my daughter's favorite color!  Of course, I've designed an all purple quilt for this collection, and she's already laid claim to it.  More about that quilt in an upcoming post as it's being made as I write this.  

I made a little video of all of the Old Plum Calico fabrics.  

(Gee, I hope this video works!  I can't tell if it will while I'm writing this post, so I'm crossing my fingers, and sayin' a little prayer that when I publish this, it will be there for you to see.  If it works, I'll be feeling like I've conquered a little part of the tech world and will most definitely be showing off to my kids....teehee!  If it doesn't work....well....I won't tell them if you don't.)

All of the Old Plum Calico fabrics are reproductions of nineteenth century fabrics from my vintage quilts.  As is always the case, the folks at Marcus Fabrics were so very dedicated to getting these colors just the way I wanted them, and I'm hoping you'll love them as much as I do.

I thought you'd like to see what the fabrics look like once they've been pieced.  After all, that's how you'll be using them, right?  

Here's a peek at two of the blocks that are in my new Letters From Grace quilt, which uses all of the prints in the Old Plum Calicos collection.  I think it's so nice to see the new fabrics in patchwork. What do you think?

If you like what you see, and you're like me and are quite fond of plum fabrics, for a limited time, you can PRE-ORDER a Fat Quarter or Fat Eighth bundle of Old Plum Calicos at 15% off the regular price.  

Click here to order a Fat Quarter Bundle at the sale price of $43.35

Click here to order a Fat Eighth Bundle at the sale price of $21.70

Old Plum Calicos are scheduled to be delivered in October, so as soon as they arrive, we'll package your bundle and send it to you mucho pronto!  Shipping is extra and is a flat rate of $7. within the U.S. only.  International orders, please email me for shipping costs to your home.

Thanks so very much for reading my blog, and I hope you find some time to sit back and sew with your favorite color fabrics!  

Star Spangled Scraps Give-Away!!

New fabric lines are arriving and scraps are overflowing, so that means it's time to send these Star Spangled Liberty scraps to a new home!  

Star Spangled Liberty Block of the Month patterns are shipping to all participating quilt shops right now as the program begins next month!

  
As you can imagine, after piecing both versions of the Block of the Month quilt, and the new Tokens of the Past: Union Forever trio quilts, I have fabric scraps with pieces big a small.....red, lights and blues, and I have enough for several winners!

Can you make use of some of my Star Spangled Liberty fabric scraps?  

I'm curious about your fabric tastes....what fabrics never, ever make it into one of your quilts?

I work with and create fabrics that are Civil War reproductions, or choose to use fabrics that play very well with them.

The fabrics I love would not be considered bright by any means, even if they are true to CW reproductions.  I can't add some of your favorites like cheddar....I just can't!  I don't work in chrome yellow or poison green, and even my very favorite red won't be added if it's too bright.  I'm not a lover of polka dots either.  Don't own one printed dot, and I'm very picky about stripes, too. 

We all have our likes and dislikes, and I'd like to know what colors and prints never make it into your quilt! 

Leave me a comment about your fabric dislikes for a chance to win some Star Spangled Liberty scraps.  

For fairness to everyone, only comments to this blog post are eligible.  If you comment anonymously, please consider leaving your email address in your comment.  I have had more than a few anonymous winners never collect their prizes because they don't check my blog post to see if they won, and their prizes went to someone else.  I regret that I can only ship to addresses within the U.S.

I'll announce the winners on Monday, along with an introduction of my next fabric line for Marcus Fabrics, coming very soon!

Welcome to our Summer Blog Hop!

Welcome to my day on the Buttermilk Basin Summer Blog Hop!  

Summer is in full swing here and I'm doing my best to enjoy every lovely day.  We've had a run of warm and comfy days here where the weather is perfect and being outside is wonderful. 

The house is still decorated in all things Americana, and I've been in this patriotic mode for awhile.  I'm sure it has everything to do with my new patriotic fabric line, called Star Spangled Liberty (Marcus Fabrics), about to hit your local quilt shops next month.

Stacy asked all of us some summer related questions, so I'll fill in my answers for you:

Do I have a Green Thumb?  Well...I can grow things outside the house but have no luck growing plants and flowers inside.  I'm OK with that.  

Average Temp Where I Live:  Here in the suburbs of Chicago, we average temps in the high 80's to 90's with some humid, sultry days getting into the 100's.  I'm not a fan of the hot, humid days and look forward to the cooler days of fall.  

How Do I Stay Cool During The Summer?  Staying indoor with the A/C.  We used to have a pool, but no longer.  I try to enjoy the cooler mornings.

Favorite Summer Drink:  Iced Tea (year round favorite), frozen peach slushes and strawberry martini's.

What Did I Do For July 4th?  Stayed home this year, had a BBQ, and enjoyed the mild weather outdoors.

S'Mores:  Well....I've only had one once and I don't care much for marshmallows.  Am I the only person who doesn't enjoy S'Mores?

Do I Frequent Farmer's Market:  YES!!  We are so blessed to have a truly excellent Farmer's Market about 10 minutes from home.  You can see more about this below.

Favorite Summer Fruit:  Summer brings all of my favorites.  I adore dark cherries and haven't met a berry I didn't love.

Do I Enjoy Handwork Outside?  Oh yes...outside, inside, in the car, on a plane.  I enjoy hand stitching wherever I go.

Favorite Summer Tradition:  It's funny how our favorite summer traditions have changed over the years.  They are so different now than when our kids were small.  The one thing that remains over the years are cooking and dining outside to enjoy the weather because winter will be back before we know it!  We frequent places with outdoor dining, and several places where we meet our friends to enjoy live music, drinks and good food.  

Every Sunday in Frankfort, IL, which is the next suburb over from where I live, they hold a spectacular Farmer's Market.  The village of Frankfort has a town square, village green, loads of artisan gift and antique shops and lots of wonderful restaurants.  (On Thurday evenings, they also have a terrific Cruise Night where my hubby goes to show his collection of vintage cars and hang out with friends.)  We try hard to attend the Farmer's Market every Sunday, weather permitting.

They always have live entertainment.  We bring lawn chairs, a small cooler and choose a shady spot to enjoy the music and people watching.

Loads of people, old and young, families with little ones, and dogs all come for the fun.

Of course, we all come for the food and special items by local farmers and artisans.  The variety of offerings is quite amazing.

Our absolute favorite booth is Stamper Cheeses.  They're a local family whom make their own over-the-moon delish artisan cheeses and offer samplings of everything.  Smart move as they often sell out early in the day which is why we make it our first stop.  We enjoy so many of their creations with the Almond Apricot Gouda and Raspberry Asiago being our favorites.  This Farmer's Market is such a gem in our community and it's absolutely free.  What is not to love?

The Potluck recipe I want to share with you is a big, big hit whether I take it to a Potluck, or just make it for us at home.  It's easy, has just a few ingredients, and is absolutely delicious!

Ice Cream Jell-O has been in our family since my kids were young and a neighbor brought it to a block party one year.  It's something cool, light and fruity when you're serving heavy things like BBQ chicken or ribs, bratwurst and smoked brisket.  It's so, so good, we often have a little as a dessert!  Are you groaning over another Jell-O recipe?  TRUST ME, this is not your ordinary Jell-O recipe and is quite DIVINE!

There's nothing hard about making it.  Like all layered Jell-O recipes, it just takes time and is totally worth it.  You can substitute any flavors of Jell-O you like, but lime, lemon, peach and black cherry are the standard flavors the recipe calls for, and we love them just the way they are.  Click here for a downloadable/printable copy of Ice Cream Jell-O.

In keeping with my Americana theme this month, I was inspired to design this little Americana Pinkeep for your stitching pleasure.

Just the perfect, small stitching project to bring to your porch or patio and whip up.  You'll have the remainder of the summer to enjoy it!  

Click here to download/print my Americana Pinkeep pattern.

If you love making patriotic quilts, be sure to visit my blog for a limited-time special offer on my new Tokens of the Past: Union Forever! quilt trio.  

Click here to read all the details.

My thanks to Stacy West of Buttermilk Basin for once again hosting this oh-so-fun Summer Blog Hop. 

Hey, it's so very nice outside, I'm gathering something fun to stitch, a strawberry martini, some cherries, and a slice of Raspberry Asiago cheese.  See you on the deck!  

A Little Patriotic Decorating

The Fourth of July is one of my all time favorite times of year for decorating.  Bringing out all my folk art finds is like seeing an old friend and having a visit.  It was even more fun this year with the new quilts from my Star Spangled Liberty fabric collection!  

Flag Day ~ Tokens of the Past: Union Forever pattern

Thought I would share some pictures of how I displayed the new quilts in my house.  I always love seeing how other people display their quilts as I get some good ideas, and perhaps you'd like something you see here, too.  The quilt above is Flag Day.

Patriot's Parade ~ Tokens of the Past: Union Forever!

Here's the Patriot's Parade quilt displayed with a sweet little pie safe I found on a recent antiquing trip.  It's super old, has original blue paint and dove tailing.  A lucky find to be sure. Such a simple little block with lots of movement and patriotic heart.  

Honor & Glory ~ Tokens of the Past: Union Forever!

I love table topper quilts in a small vignette.  Something about having textiles in the mix gives color and warmth, and often sets a theme.  This quilt is called Honor & Glory and gosh do I love this block.  I adore the Capital Dome birdhouse, and looks great with my vintage noodle board and firkin.  Makes me wanna pass through the dining room often!  

Don't forget that I have a special offer to pre-order a kit to make all of these quilts for your very own.  Click here to find all the details.  

Summer is in full bloom.  Hope you get some stitching time for yourself.  A rocking chair on a shady front porch sounds heavenly.  Wish I had one!  

Found Scraps Of Time

During evening television and over the weekend, I found scraps of time to work on some personal projects and was able to finish a few things!  Yes...I said finish!

Lady Liberty, designed by Lynn Horsford for Need'l Love ~ Liberty Threads book

I have been wanting to make this for soooo long, and now, FINALLY....she's done!  Just in time for the July 4th holiday.  I'm so jazzed....doing the dance of JOY!

I'm not sure why I am so drawn to Lady Liberty designs, but I am.  Maybe it's her strong, defiant stance?  I think she's so cool.  Love the details in this piece.  Her face is so simple, yet really suits her, don't you think?  

I didn't have to look far to find just the right fabric to frame the wool center.  The flash on my camera makes the red border from my new Star Spangled Liberty collection seem a lot brighter red than it really is.  (Don't blame the camera...the problem is with the person pressing the button.)  I substituted stars for wool pennies in the background.  Seemed appropriate, and I'm all for changing things to make them your own.

My goal is to have different wool quilts I can swap out during the year to have something wool wonderful to enjoy while I'm doing the dishes.  Presently, I have this Kim Diehl quilt to enjoy.

 Here she is in her place of honor.  Big honor.....center stage over the kitchen sink!  Teehee.  Well, she really will be enjoyed all day as we all pass through the kitchen, or are in the kitchen.  
How have you been doing with finding time for a little sewing each day?  I'm not doing badly at all.  Finding more time than I thought I would now that I've set my mind to it.  

Oh, and I completely lost my mind and signed up for not one, but TWO new scrappy projects that I just could not resist.  I blame it all on my obsession/addiction, love of fabric, and apparently no will power.  

I'll show you the projects I couldn't resist in my next post.  Try not to judge me too harshly...you might find yourself joining the fun!!

Tokens of the Past: Union Forever!

Here they are!!  Coming soon, my newest pattern in the Tokens of the Past series called Union Forever!

The trio made their debut at market to a big splash of excitement.  I gave a Schoolhouse presentation for both the Star Spangled Liberty BOM program, and the new Tokens: Union Forever! quilts that had everyone bursting with patriotic pride.  

The first quilt in the trio is named Honor & Glory, and for some reason, it reminds me of the medals that grace a soldiers' uniform.  Love, love, love this block!!  I think it looks fab in red, "white" and blue.

The second in the trio is called Patriot's Parade because it reminds me of pinwheels I used to hold at the July 4th parades down Main Street.  Such a sweet block!

And the third quilt in the trio is called Flag Day...because I just had to have a quilt with Flags!!  
And...as always...all of the blocks for all three quilts are made using just one 10" x 10" Star Spangled Liberty precut.  

There will be a special offer for the Union Forever! trio coming the first week of July, and I'll announce it right here on my blog. 

I can't believe tomorrow is June 1st already!  Where has time gone to this year?  As soon as I returned home from market, I began work on my next Block of the Month program which will debut later this year.  And....Quilt Market brought me more fun opportunities for exciting projects in the near future.  Geesh....with all of that going on...I'd better get back to work!  

Coming Soon....a New Tokens of the Past Pattern!

My Star Spangled Liberty quilts are all completed!  Pieced, quilted and bound....what a great feeling that is!!  They are temporarily gone for photography which means that very soon, I can have the pattern covers printed.  The pattern is nearly completed as well, and has many eyes proofreading every detail to deliver as problem free a pattern as is humanly possible!  

In the meantime, I've been itching to begin making the three new quilts for my next Tokens of the Past pattern coming soon.  The photo above shows the fabrics that are included in the 
10 x 10 precut of the Star Spangled Liberty collection.  I think the 10 x 10s will be available in September, but that might change.

I am so, so, so JAZZED about the three quilts in this new pattern which will be called

Tokens of the Past: Union Forever!

Boy did I have fun designing three patriotic quilts.  I mean, what's not to L*O*V*E about red, white and blue quilts anyway?  So here's a sneak peek at some sewing I'm doing for one of the three quilts.  Just a tease, I know.  Sorry!  You'll have to wait awhile longer for the big reveal.  

We're running our sewing machines hard to complete these three quilts so they can make their big debut at spring market.  

I'm really hoping you'll love them as much as I do!  

Hope you're finding time to sew something as well.  So, so good for our souls!  

Star Spangled Liberty Quilted!

The first of the two Star Spangled Liberty quilts has been quilted and the binding is in progress.  Feels great to get the to this point!  I'm dropping the second quilt off at my fabulous quilter Ronda's place today.  Aahhh...they're done!  But the work is far from being complete.  Finishing touches on the pattern and shop guides will be happening this week and then off to the proofreader to check, check and double check every little detail.  I promise more pictures when both quilts are bound.  

Thank you!  Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment to my last blog post.  It feels nice to hear from all of you, and believe me, I read each and every comment.  Loved hearing your thoughts on which fabrics, patterns and BOM programs inspire you to want to buy and or make them.  So much of what you said resonates with me, too!

These 8 comments were randomly chosen to receive the Heartspun Quilts pattern of their choice:  

Jennifer - Pam, your Star Spangled Liberty is wonderful. I feel this question is a bit hard because it can be a number of things like, color, print, design etc. I guess it's more a feeling it gives me, warms my heart, a familiar comfortable I got to have you kind of feeling: ) 

Patti - I need no spurring, I just love to buy fabric. And I have a wide range of taste. I buy more when a fabric evokes a feeling or memory. The BOM is lovely.

Jill - I buy and make what speaks to me, it's that simple I guess.

  

Gwenette - Be still my heart!!! I love anything red, white, and blue!! Your new pattern is so Americana!!!

Sunny - I love mostly old fashioned, traditional type patterns. And I love fabric. Most fabric. No rhyme nor reason to what I buy. I'm not good with BOM's because I lose interest if I can't keep working on something. And I'm on a fixed income, so if I can make something from my scraps or stash, it's all very good!!

Kathy F. - Pam, your fabrics are simply stunning. I am in awe with each new selection. It is obvious you love what you do. You inspire me. Thank you.

Aunt Bee - I love your work...but like many others, we are retired. Our income does not go up any more which is sad because our wants still do! And with MS the medical bills are sky high. Good thing I worked for a quilt store and stocked up and have a good stash. When doing a BOM I look for something different...something that I may only have to add 1 or 2 fabrics to. And this is a big one! Are the patterns offered free?  Thanks for listening and all your excellent work!

Anonymous - I love doing block of the months, it is always hard to decide which one to do, I had 3 going last year and didn't enjoy them as much so I think now I will stick to one at a time. I am not sure what draws me in, I read a lot of blogs and Instagram, sometimes it is just love at first site. This quilt is amazing, I will have to hold off on doing a block of the month so maybe I can do this one.

Please email me at Pam@HeartspunQuilts.com with your mailing address and which pattern you chose.  Thanks so much for your comments! 

The Moment You Get Your First Look

At this moment, this glorious moment.....when all of the piecing of the "parts" of a quilt are complete.....you're about to get your first look at what the quilt really looks like.  So exciting!

Star Spangled Liberty is about to become a real quilt instead of an EQ drawing.  Drum roll, please!

My friend Deb and I pieced the quilts just as you will, by following the monthly patterns.  I'm writing as I am piecing, checking and double checking what seems like a million details, all to deliver (to the very best of my ability!) a perfect BOM program.

By the time you read this, I'll be sorting blocks, adding sashing and borders, and seeing what was a creation of my imagination come to life.  

I know I've been kinda MIA from my blog the last week or so, and now you know why.  Don't think I'm not thinking about blogging, or wondering how you all are doing.  You've been quiet, too!

So....let's get some chatter going here.  

Leave me a blog comment on what spurs you to buy that great piece of fabric, a quilt pattern, or sign up for a BOM.  What is it about that product that says "I have to have that", or "I really want to make that?"

On Monday, I will choose a bunch of you to receive the Heartspun Quilts pattern of your choice!!  (PWSC patterns not included.)  To be fair to everyone, only comments left to this blog post will be entered.  If you leave your comments anonymously, is most helpful to type your email address at the end of your comment like this: PamAtHeartspunQuiltsDotCom  

Enjoy your weekend!!  You know what I'll be doing.....sewing!!  Yippee!!