Your Fourth of July Stories and a trip to Wisconsin

Well......I had the best time reading all of your comments and stories about your favorite July 4th celebrations!  If you haven't read the comments from my last post, please take a moment to do so.  They are Independence Day snapshots of how we celebrate all over the US....just wonderful!!  Thank you for taking the time to share your memories!!  Now....for the contest winner......

Congratulations to Doniene!!! Here's what you won.......

It's summertime, of course, and time for Lightning bugs to fill the night air.  Do you remember being a kid and running around at night catching Lightning bugs? This jar is filled with a little string of Lghtning bugs that glow and flicker from a battery nestled in the lid.  All the effects of this summer ritual, none of the running around to catch them!  Perfect for your picnic table, kitchen counter, or anywhere you'd like to add a dash of summer!  I thought it was so cute!!  Hope you like it Doniene!

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Last week I had the pleasure of visiting with the wonderful ladies of the Lodi Valley Quilt Guild in Lodi, Wisconsin.  On my way, I made a few stops.  The first was to my favorite local quilt
shop, The Quilt Merchant, where I teach and feed my stash regularly.  I had a new and surreal experience there....seeing my new fabric line, Heart of the Prairie, on the shop shelves!  What a thrill!!  Unfortunately, I couldn't stay too long as the power was knocked out for the whole town as they had a terrible storm the night before, which explains the darkness in the shop.  Bummer.....good thing I'll be back there in a few weeks!

Next stop.....J.J. Stitches in Sun Prairie, WI.  If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know how much I love this shop....and shop owner, my dear friend, Julie Hendricksen!  I'll let the photos speak for themselves.  See anything you like.....click on the shop link above.

Naturally, I found a few items I absolutely needed! Then....on to Lodi for a guild presentation that evening. I spent the next day with this delightful group of women who were so fun to be with!! 

Thanks to everyone at the Lodi Valley Quilt Guild for inviting me!

In my next post, I'll be hosting the Show-N-Tell from my

first Pocket Patchwork Sew-Along quilt called Busy Work!

I'll also annouce the winner of a Fat Eighth pack of my

Heart of the Prairie fabric!

I know most of you are suffering with this God awful heat, so hoping you're

somehow staying cool and enjoying the summer.  We're due to have a cool front

come thru tonight, bringing us from a high today of 100 to a cooler 79.

Bring it on!!!!!

Pam

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

Afghan Contest Winner

Drum roll please........and the winner is...... Comment #5.....Jill from Pennsylvania!  Congratulations, Jill!  Please email me and I'll get the warm and cozy afghan in the mail to you mucho pronto. 

I want to thank all of you who took the time to comment and tell me about your winter weather, where you live, and about how much you quilt.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading every one of your comments so very much.  Thank you, thank you!

Yesterday, I had the best time.  I spent the day at The Quilt Merchant teaching both Journey 1 and Journey 2 of the PWSC club.  What a wonderful group of ladies (now officially Prairie Women!) in both sessions of the club.  We talked a lot about life in the 1800's and Make-Do quilts, had some terrific show-n-tell, made some Yo-yos, and had lively discussions.  Makes my heart sing 'cause I get to do what I love with so many kindred spirits.  Oh....and lets not forget about the bolts upon bolts of yummy CW reproduction fabrics! 

Tomorrow, I will get back to work on the blocks I showed you in my last post.  In a few days, I will post a bit about Make-Do blocks, so stay tuned, stay warm, and keep your sewing machines humming!

Stitchin' Away......and a new Contest!!!

You may recall last week Wednesday...during the blizzard... I showed you a photo of some yummy fabrics I was gonna start to play with.  Well.....here's what I've been up to.

Isn't this a cute block?  Simple, fun and fast but cute as can be.  I love the combo of fabrics.  The assorted shirtings, the bubblegum pinks, reds, blacks and blues.  Makes my quilty heart sing.  Perhaps I'm easily amused.....I don't know...but why question it? 

I thought the red and blue blocks would make a mighty fine patriotic quilt, too!  What do you think?  This quilt is for a special event I'm participating in over the summer....July I think.  So, I won't be able to show you the whole quilt when it's done....not just yet anyway, but I plan on making extra blocks to make a small bonus quilt.  And, when that one is finished, I will definitely post photos and instructions for you...in case you'd like to make one for yourself.

I have to set this project aside until next week.  Tonight (Wed), I'll be visiting the Pieces 'N Patches Quilt Guild in Steger, IL....so if you're in the area, please stop on by!  We'll be at the Steger Community Center.

Then...I'll be getting ready for Saturday when I will resume teaching my Prairie Women's Sewing Circle club ~ both Journey 1 and Journey 2 ~ at The Quilt Merchant in Winfield, IL.  I can hardly wait!  I love, love, love teaching, especially the PWSC club because it combines my favorite pastimes ~ American life in the 1800's and Make-Do quilts.  It's wonderful being with all of the ladies whom love the same things.  We're kindred spirits and we have the best time....great discussions, spectacular show-n-tell with lots of laughter.  You know....there's always room for one more and you're welcome to join the fun!

This has been one of the snowiest and coldest winters on record here in the Chicago area.  Not a problem for us quilters as we have loads of cozy quilts to snuggle under.  My grandma was an avid crocheter and I have several wonderful afghans that she made for me.  Not long ago, I found this adorable afghan from Moda Home and had to buy it.  Well...I actually bought two....one for me and one to give away!  If you'd like to win this afghan, please leave me a comment and tell me what the weather is like right now where you live, what's your favorite season, and do you quilt all year long or does the weather make it uncomfortable to quilt?

Leave your comment before midnight on Saturday, Feb 12th and I'll announce the winner on Sunday.  Enjoy your day!

Pam

P.S.....just wanted to encourage you all to participate in the contest no matter where in the world you live!  The contest is open to everyone...no worries!



Ta Da! Here's Journey Two!!

I am so happy to finally reveal the projects for Journey Two of the Prairie Women's Sewing Circle club!  The quilt on the front cover is called Remember Me, and is a Friendship quilt.  This time, I decided to print all of the quilts on two sides of the cover to be able to enlarge the size of the quilt photos. 

This is the back cover, revealing the other five quilts and the bonus pillow project!  Do you like them?  I sure hope so!  From the top left, they are The Quilting Gathering, Prairie Huswyfe, Peace Among the Flowers, Next Door Neighbor, The Mill Girls, and Olde Settler's Way. 

I can't wait to get back to hosting the club and spending time with the wonderful ladies who join me in our journey back in time.  If you're in the Chicagoland area and would like to join the fun, our club will begin next month at The Quilt Merchant, in Winfield, IL.  Click here for club information.

For anyone interested in information for a shop outside of the Chicago area, please email me, and I will do my best to help you find a shop near you, or one that offers the club by mail.

I want to tell you all how much I have enjoyed your emails and comments since I began writing this little blog of mine.  You have touched my heart!  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year full of time spend with the ones you love, doing what you love!

Pam

Hand Applique by Machine ~ Lesson Two

Ready for the next step?  Here we go...

Turning the Seam Allowance

You'll need a few basic tools as shown in the photo above.  Gather the following items:

* A pressing surface.  I use the June Tailor Cut 'N Press because I like to work on the appliques at a counter in my sewing room, but your ironing board will work as well.

* A small container.  A deli container works nicely, or whatever you have handy.

* A can of spray starch.

* A brush.  This should be a natural bristle brush because a nylon brush lets the starch just run out of the bristles.  A natural bristle brush holds the starch, then releases it evenly.  I use a Lowe-Cornell number 8 round brush (which is actually tapered nicely at the tip).  They are about $10 at Michaels.  Use your 40% coupon!  It's worth it!!

* A Clover mini iron.  You may wonder about this iron, but it really is necessary.  You can try to use a regular size iron, but you'll struggle with it and it just doesn't work well.  It's worth the investment.  Your local quilt shop can get this item for you.

* A Stiletto.  Also very necessary.  Don't try to substitute using a seam ripper or bamboo stick.  They just don't work.  Believe me, I've tried and many of my students have tried.  Your quilt shop can get this also.

Five simple items are all you need for this technique.  It's a small investment for the tools, but remember you'll have them for years.  But first....read on to see if you like the technique!

Spray some starch into the container. 

Begin "painting" the starch onto the seam allowance.  It's very important that you try to keep the freezer paper dry.  It's not a tragedy if you wet it some, but try not to.  The freezer paper needs to be dry and stiff so it can form your applique shape.  You can paint as much of the seam allowance as you want.  I generally keep a couple of inches wet ahead of where I'm working.

Using your stiletto in your left hand, bring the seam allowance over the freezer paper.  This will feel weird....all thumbs at first.  Practice a bit.  It becomes second nature in no time!  Promise!

While you're holding the seam securely in place with the stiletto, bring the iron just to the area you've folded.  Hold it there until it's dry.  When dry, the starch will keep the seam folded over.

Continue working around the entire circle, adding gathers in the fabric when needed.  If you get points, peaks, and divots, don't worry!  Just wet them with the starch and use your stiletto to smooth them over, then repress them dry.

 Your applique will look like this when it's finished.

Now, here's the best part!  When you're ready to stitch the applique, remove the freezer paper before stitching it in place!!  Yes, before stitching!  This is why I love this technique.  I don't want to be fooling around with cutting the back of the block/applique after stitching.  I don't want to submerge my work in water to get the paper out!  No need with this technique. 

The seam allowance stays folded.  Now, I can stitch by hand if I prefer, or by machine.  I've done both.  The applique itself is soft and pliable, just like needle-turn would be. 

Stay tuned for the last lesson.  I'll show you how to stitch your applique with your machine so it's barely visible.   Please let me know what you think so far? 

As with any new skill, practice makes perfect.  If you're in the Chicagoland area, I will be teaching this technique in a workshop on March 26, 2011 at The Quilt Merchant in Winfield, IL.  I'd love to have you join us!

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I wanted to answer the question about stabilizer....there is no need for a stablizer as the freezer paper is, in essence, a stabilizer.  The freezer paper is also wonderful in that you can mark your pieces, make notes, arrows, etc, to aid you in assembly.  Remember, too, that if things aren't working out with a particular piece, you can always remove the freezer paper, press your fabric and start over!  I encourage you to try this and practice a bit.  The learning curve isn't bad a all!