Time for more Show-N-Tell

Hi everyone!  I have more photos to share with you of Prairie Women who are attending the club meetings at shops in Indiana and Minnesota.

First, let's visit the Shades of the Past Quilt Shop located in Clara City, MN.   

The morning group of Prairie Women are busy working on their Yo-yos as they journey to the past listening and talking about life in the nineteenth century.  Looks like they're enjoying some goodies, too!

Their first show-n-tell is of the third quilt in Journey 1 called At Mama's Knee. 



At Mama's Knee ~ Antique quilt



This quilt was inspired by the antique quilt that I own, pictured above.  I chose to replicate it exactly as it is because I thought it was so sweet and perfect the way it was made so long ago.  While I don't know for certain, I'd like to think that it was made by a child, or was someone's first quilt.  Isn't it charming?

It's also a perfect example of a Make-Do quilt.  In a Make-Do quilt, we always look for a theme.  In this case, the theme is of a quilt made with shirtings and Four Patches of pink and dark blue.  The Make-do blocks are the two blocks where light blue was substituted for the pink. 

At Mama's Knee ~ PWSC Journey 1

Here's my version using today's fabrics.

As a designer, it's wonderful to see quilters make a quilt just as I designed it...it really is.  It's also fun to see the same pattern made with completely different fabrics. 

Here is Betty's version of At Mama's Knee

Here is Cindy with her version

And...Phyllis with her quilt.

I really like them all!

This is Susan.  The quilt she is holding is a smaller version of Heartland Crossing which is the second quilt in Journey 1. Ladies....you all did a great job!

Let's shop hop over to The Back Door Quilt Shop in Greenwood, IN

There are two large groups of Prairie Women who meet at The Back Door Quilt Shop and many more who participate by mail.  The staff keeps them well informed with an email and photos of the club meetings.  Another lovely verision of At Mama's Knee!

These ladies are showing off the first quilt in Journey 1 called Leap of Faith.  I'm loving how each quilt is just a bit different and how they made the quilt their own - their way!

What an awesome collection of Heartland Crossing quilts.  The quilt on the left was made just as I made mine.  The quilt in the center is a bright and playful version!  Love the scrappy border on the quilt at the right.  Kudos to everyone! 

Hope you enjoyed it, too!

Simply Charming is Simply Wonderful!!!!!

Tara Lynn Darr with Simply Charming cover quilt

I'm a firm believer in sharing something good be it a recipe, a neighborhood restaurant, a quilt shop...well, you get the idea.  Over the weekend, my dear friend, Tara Lynn Darr came to visit me and brought along the 20 quilts that are featured in her new book, Simply Charming.  I knew her new book was gonna be good, but she's outdone herself!  WOW!!!  Each quilt was more wonderful than the next. 

They are all small quilts like the one in the photo, and range from easy to a bit more challenging.....something for everyone!  There's more than one (more like a dozen) that speak to me.  "Make me now...make me now!!"  I even dreamed of one that night!  Don't be getting any ideas to call the authorities on me.  Yes....quilts and fabric speak to me and I'm completely sane! 

 


A must have!!!

 

Truth be told, you may think this post is completely bias.  Yup....I guess you'd be right, but that doesn't make me wrong either!   Every once in awhile a really great quilt book comes along where every project is delicious and wonderful, and you want to make them all.  Be advised, dear readers, this is one of those books.  Tara posted on her blog that the books have now shipped, so run to your local quilt shop and see for yourself.  Would I steer you wrong?  No way.....grab your scraps, start your sewing machines and enjoy!!!

Contest Winner & New Fat Quarter Shop BOM!

Hi Everyone!

Hope you're all doing great today!  It's snowing here this morning.....a very pretty snow with Arctic cold air to boot.  Aahhhh....winter in the midwest makes you appreciate spring all the more!  Anyway...on to important business.

The random number generator chose #19......Kristine!  Congratulations, Kristine!!  Please email me with your address and I'll send the patterns and quilt kit to you right away.

I was so touched reading your comments telling when you began quilting, who taught you to quilt and what quilting means to you.  Such kindred spirits we are!  I don't know about you, but when I'm quilting (read - piecing - as I don't quilt a thing) I feel very connected to the past ~ to our quilting ancestors.  We're carrying on the tradition, albeit with rotary cutters and computerized sewing machines....still  keeping quilting alive.  There aren't many crafts from the nineteenth century still being practiced today.  Don't know of any "wheelers" making wagon wheels.  There are a few tinsmiths and blacksmiths, but not 20+ million active "smiths" out there like there are quilters.   Amazing.....and so proud to be one of them!

I am so jazzed to tell you about the newest venture from the talented ladies at FatQuarterShop.com!

Every year for the last four years, Kimberly Jolly creates a new mystery Block of the Month.  Each year she chooses a new quilt theme and uses a fabulous Moda collection.   Kimberly invites 12 different quilt designers to design new, original blocks for the quilt and.....luckily....I was invited to participate again this year!  Last year, it was a Christmas quilt where the blocks were all different Christmas motifs.  You can still get in on that BOM by clicking here.

The new Designer Mystery Block of the Month is a flower garden theme!  There are 12 different flower blocks featuring the new Strawberry Fields fabric collection by Fig Tree Quilts.  The featured designers who created the monthly blocks are Acorn Quilt & Gift Company, Anka's Treasures, Bonnie & Camille, Bunny Hill, G. E. Designs, Heartspun Quilts, Me & My Sister Designs, Miss Rosie's Quilt Company, Pieces from My Heart, Stitch Studios, The Pattern Basket, and This & That.  I've seen a little sneak peek and geez.....it's really lovely!

To check out this awesome exclusive Block of the Month - click here!

Hope you enjoy your weekend and have some time to pick up needle and thread.  While I'm not a sports fan.....far from it....I am a proud Chicagoan, and just have to say.....Go Bears!

Journey 2 is finished & a New Contest !

Howdy everyone!

Hope you had a nice weekend.  It's very cold here - Bbrrrrrrrr - and about to become colder still.  Great cozy quilt weather!  Good thing I've got lots of quilts to cuddle under.  I'm also feeling a lot better every day.  I still have about 10 days to go until I can drive myself around town, and boy, will I ever love that!  My family has been great about taking me hither and yon, but I'd still like to get around on my own.  I also finished listening to The Help, and loved it.  I have a new Nicholas Sparks book to listen to next, called Safe Haven.  Hoping to get to that later this week.  On to more important stuff......

How about a new contest?

Guess what?  Journey 2 of the Prairie Women's Sewing Circle is finally finished!!!!  YEAY!!  I celebrated all weekend.  The covers have been printed and I'm about to take the patterns to the printer.  (Have to wait for a ride there.....ugh!)  Anyway, I want to celebrate with a contest.

The Quilting Gathering - Prairie Women's Sewing Circle
Journey 2

This quilt, called The Quilting Gathering, is one of the new projects in Journey 2.  The story is about how quilter's in the nineteenth century made and quilted their quilts.  This quilt has a paper piecing template which makes this block turn out picture perfect!  Leave me a comment on how you learned to quilt...who taught you, how long have you been quilting, and anything else you'd like to share.  What will you win?  Well...how about a kit to make this quilt from the same fabrics I used, and the complete pattern set for Journey 2!  Comment before midnight Friday ~ January 21st, and I will do the random number thingy to choose a winner.  Can't wait to read your quilting stories!

Read Any Good Books Lately?

There's been an ongoing debate in my house.  Perhaps you can help me!  You see, I'm the proverbial multi-tasker.  I have to be doing something, well more to the point....many things....at once.  That's the only way I get to do all I have to do, trying to have a business and do my "mom" job.  Can you relate?

Well, there was a very long time span....maybe 20 years...when my kids were young, that I didn't read one book.  I hate to admit that, but it's true!  I wouldn't allow myself the time to just sit and read.  I still don't.  My mind wanders to the other things I should be doing.  I know.....that's bad, huh?

Then....about 5-6 years ago, I decided to try listening to books on CD, and well.....it changed my life.  I can listen to the book and doing something else....multi-task!  Now, I read about 20 books a year and love every minute of it!

Right now, I'm reading this book.....The Help, by Kathryn Stockett.  It's just wonderful.  I understand it will be made into a movie....and it should.  One of my favorite things to do when I read a book, is to be the casting director for the movie.  Who would I like to see play the roll of Skeeter?  Aibileen?  Minnie?  Do you do that, too?

Of all the books I read in 2010, this one was the one I enjoyed the most.  Envy, by Sandra Brown.  I would love to see this one made into a movie, too.  I highly recommend this book....what a great ride!

Now...for the dilemma.  There are some members of my family, whom shall remain nameless, who think that listening to a book is not reading a book.  I maintain that I "read" everyword, and just because I used a different sense...my ears instead of my eyes....I most definitely did read the book.  After all, I'm not listening to a Cliff Notes version!

So, dear reader, let me know what you think about my dilemma.  Do you take the time to read books?  What books are on your recommended readling list?

I've got some piecing to do today, and I hope to finish  The Help, and return it to the library.  

Enjoy your day!   Pam

Feelin' Groovy!

Hi everyone!

Oh, yeah....I'm feeling much better!  Yeay!!!  I think I'm over the worst of the post-op recovery and getting my groove back.  My back is feeling much better, and I want to do all kinds of stuff, but must pace myself.  I'm just so grateful to have had such good medical care and had wonderful, tender loving care from my family.

I'm also very grateful to all of you!  Your comments and emails of well wishes cheered me up so very much.  Thank you all for thinking of me.

Remember the contest to win this cute Christmas decoration?  Well, Angie Shipley of Mooresburg, TN, won the contest and sent me a photo of how it looked in her home.  Very nice, Angie.  And....Angie also writes a blog, so if you'd like to check out Angie's blog, go to www.threadcatcher.blogspot.com

This week, I'm concentrating on wrapping up a lot of loose ends in my studio.  I'm very excited to begin a new quilt project, and hope that by the end of next week, I can start digging in to it.  It's a quilt I designed over a year ago that just had to be put on the back burner.  You know how that goes!  Are you working on something new? 

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  I don't make official resolutions, but I do make a committment to tackle new challenges each year.  This year, I want to learn how to use the PhotoShop Elements software I bought, to learn several new computer techniques (for better blogging!), and I will have the opportunity to learn how to make the Feathered Star block from reknown teacher Marsha McCloskey.  I also want to try making bread from scratch.  This was a late addition to my to-do list after reading the Blackbird Designs blog where Alma did this and fell in love with making bread.  It just sounded like fun. 

So....  I invite you to leave a comment about what new things you've got planned for the New Year. This back of mine better keep gettin' better, 'cause I've got big plans for 2011!

Calling In Sick

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for the long absence from posting and emailing.  I've been ill.  Early in December, I was diagnosed with a small, grape sized cyst on my spinal cord...the culprit for the chronic back pain I'd been having. 

Surgery was performed on the 28th, and a golf ball sized cyst was removed.  Recovery was described as - a couple of days rest, then you can resume "light" duty as you feel comfortable.  Ok, I thought...not too bad.  I can take it easy for a few days, knowing the first couple of days after surgery are the hardest, then I can watch movies, and stitch while spending time with my family sitting in my recliner.   

HA!

I think they forgot to tell me about the 'other' kind of recovery....the one I'm experiencing.  Let it suffice to say I'd sooner go thru another knee replacement.  This surgery has knocked me on my can.  I'm doing a bit better now, and realize that I will spend alot more time on the road to recovery than I ever thought. 

Still, I feel very fortunate to have had surgery, that it wasn't something much worse and, as my mother always says....this, too, shall pass!  I'll keep in touch as often as I can. 

Wishing you all the best of health and happiness in 2011.....and may you all find more time for the things you love!

Pam

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

Peace Among the Flowers

Peace Among the Flowers is the bonus project for Journey 2.  It's a pillow embellished with wool applique (which can also be done in cotton, of course) and Yo-yos.  It was a bit of a stretch for me to create an applique design, and I love the way it turned out. 

The club pattern cover is now finished!  Stay tuned for the big reveal of all of the full sized quilts!

I can't wait to show you!

The Mill Girls

Here's the sixth preview of the Journey 2 PWSC quilts called The Mill Girls!  I'll be posting a photo of the bonus project next, and then the big unveiling of the new pattern covers which will show ya everything!  WooHoo!  I'm so excited!

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Know what else I'm excited about???  Take a look....

I am soooo proud to say that my very dear friend, Tara Lynn Darr of Sew Unique Creations, has a new and wonderful book coming out in February!  If you know of Tara's work, then you know what a treat you're in for.  If you don't know Tara, then take my word for it.  She creates wonderful, traditional quilts with an authentic vintage look.  She's been published many times in American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, among others!  Click here to visit Tara's blog, to keep informed on just when her book will be ready, order the book, and see all the other fun and creative stuff Tara's up to! 

As we countdown the days to Christmas, I hope you're finding a little time to do something fun and relaxing for yourself! 

I'm gonna try to do the same!  Merry, merry....Pam

Next Door Neighbor

Next Door Neighbor is the 5th sneak peek of the quilts for Journey 2 of the Prairie Women's Sewing Circle.  I adore the combination of pink and brown fabrics....so vintage, so warm and lovely.  When my friend, Julie Hendricksen released her newest fabric line, Miniatures, I just knew I wanted to design a quilt with it.....right away!!  Yum!

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Because our house has been somewhat torn apart (to say the least!) for a couple of months, we're not decorating for Christmas as we usually would.  We're just decorating the kitchen and family room...the two rooms we live in the most.

This tree, in the kitchen, is one of three we usually have.  You might say this is my tree.  It's really small, just a simple pencil tree, but I have all of my favorite folky ornaments on it.  Notice the red door?I chose to paint the kitchen walls a goldy tan color, but wanted some punch in the room, so...what the heck?  Let's go for a red door, and we all love it!  Did I ever mention that I'm definitely in a "red" period in my life?  I'm drawn to all things red for some reason, and I'm going with it!

When you pull out the ornaments to decorate your tree, it's like seeing old friends.  Remembering where you bought that one, or made this one.  But wait....what is that space ship ornament doing on my tree?  That is one of dear husband's favorite ornaments, and over my mild protests, said he'd really like to see it on this tree in the kitchen.  Ugh.  He doesn't ask for much.  

I must confess that this is a photo of our family room last year.  I hope it looks like this by Dec 23rd!  My kids decorate this tree with all of the ornaments that have been given to us over the years, or those they made in school.  It's definitely the centerpiece of our Christmas!

These tables are in our family room, too.  I love these red tables!  This is one of my favorite vignette areas to change up every couple of months.  This photo is from last year also.  It looks like this right now, except I haven't gotten the quilts out yet.  There's been too much dust.  Hopefully this weekend, I can finish up.

Another peek ~ Olde Settler's Way

Here's the next peek at another PWSC Journey 2 quilt. 

I love simple patchwork.  Nine patches, four patches, checker boards...there's just something great about it.  This quilt is done in blacks and browns with a few "make-do" blues in there for good measure.  It won't be long now, that the full collection will be revealed.  The quilts have all been professionally photographed and the cover artwork is being created as we speak.  I'm anxious to show the whole kit and kaboodle!

At long last the folks working on the house said their last good-bye on Tuesday.  They were all wonderful people who did a great job, but I don't think they'd mind me saying I'm glad they've moved on to their next client. Oh, for a normal, boring day at home!

Now, we'll be doing a final clean-up and giving our full attention to Christmas!  One of my favorite times of year is coming!  More about that next time. 

Stay cozy......Pam

So Proud!

Our son, Ryan, has been in the local Fire Fighter cadet program for the past 4 1/2 years.  We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful program, run by outstanding mentors of the fire department, whom are very dedicated to training young men and women for careers in fire service and emergency medicine.

Ryan, at age 15, took to fire fighting like a duck to water, and it's been wonderful these past 4 years to see him enjoy his chosen career.  Now that he's 19, he's working as an EMT, and is continuing his training and community service with the FF cadet program.  

Brian (Cadet Advisor) & Ryan

Last night, we attended the cadet Christmas party.  We were so proud when Ryan was honored with Cadet of the Year! 

We were also surprised that he was promoted to Cadet Assistant Chief!

Ryan will attend the Fire Academy in January.

Thanks, dear readers, for allowing me to share our happiness with you!

The Quilting Gathering

Time for another sneak peek of a new quilt coming in Journey 2 of my Prairie Women's Sewing Circle club!

This is one block from my quilt called The Quilting Gathering.  This particular block is a favorite of mine.  It's commonly known as a square-in-a-square-in-a-square, but it's real name is "Humility" for good reason!  The more layers, or squares to add on, the harder it is to be accurate. Fear not, dear readers!  I have a paper piecing pattern for you!  It is very easy and oh so accurate to paper piece this treasure.  I promise!

(In case you were wondering about the fabrics I used in this block, the pink is from the Miniatures collection by Julie Hendricksen for Windham, and the black is from the Civil War Chronicles collection by Judie Rothermel for Marcus Bros.)

I thought you might enjoy seeing what some of the Prairie Women from around the country are creating in their club.  The next three photos are from the PWSC club held at Adel Quilting & Dry Goods shop in Adel, IA. 

These ladies all made the first quilt, called Leap of Faith.  Don't you love how differently they all turned out!  Great job!

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Next are a few of the creations from the club held at Back Door Quilts located in Greenwood, IN.

This Leap of Faith was made by club member, Gracie, and was made exactly the way I made mine.  Love your choice of fabrics, Gracie!

This is a quilt called Heartland Crossing.  Gotta love a traditional & scrappy Log Cabin block!

Here is a closeup of the scrappy fabrics used in this quilt.

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The photo above, of Heartland Crossing, was sent to me by Prairie Woman Karen Wood.  She told me that she had leftover scraps from making the original quilt, and made four additional Log Cabin blocks.  She didn't have enough fabric to make them full sized, so she just Make-do with what she had, and made the blocks smaller!  Then she used the throw away scraps (of the connector corners) from the Flying Geese border to make the little Half Square Triangles seen in the sawtooth border.  Don't you just love it!  It's soooo cute!  Great job, Karen!