Christmas Exchange

Our Guild has a Holiday Block Exchange that is a great way to showcase the variety of talents in a single meeting.  To participate, you prepare a block of your choosing and size, wrap it up and bring it to the Guild meeting.  There were over 50 blocks exchanged but I only managed to get a few pictures.   But what a wide variety of styles and designs there are.  I'm proud to be affiliated with this talented group of women - and now men!  We have a male quilter who joined late this year and we're delighted to have him with us!

Beautiful applique on this block.

All this needs is some batting, backing and a little quilting to make this into a lovely wall hanging. 

Cute little Santa delivering packages at night.

And here's a present - all ready wrapped!

This beautiful redwork took quite a bit of time - what a lovely block.

Cheers!

Margaret

Rug Hooking - I'm Hooked!

Pat Probst was the featured speaker at the monthly meeting of the Columbus Star Quilters Guild.  Pat is also a quilter and does fabulous painting on eggs (there's a name for what she does with egg painting that escapes me at the moment).  She's quite a talented lady.

I found her talk quite interesting.  She didn't describe the rug hooking technique and mentioned it only in passing.  She talked briefly about her introduction into hooking and what she looks for in classes (teachers that assist with technique and use of color, not so much on completing a pre-specified pattern).  She focused on where she gets her inspiration for the rugs she's hooked through the years.  Those stories and the things she learned about using different types of wools were what made this a fascinating program.

Not a clear picture but Pat is holding the first rug she hooked.  She found this at  Sans Souci - a local thrift store.  It was a partially completed rug that she finished.  She shops at Sans Souci quite often for wool skirts, pants and other items that she can cut into strips for her hooking.

The larger rug in the center of this picture is one that was an inspiration from a turn of the century shawl she owns.  Wonderful color and placement with designs that she created for use in this rug.

This gives you an idea of the variety of rugs, seat cushions (the round items), mug rugs (small square items) , wall hangings and rugs that she's hooked.  Because this picture isn't focused on a single item, the thing that strikes me is the range of colors that she's used in her hooking.  Pastel colors as in the larger rug toward the top right, blues and greens in the rug on the left, and darker colors in some of the smaller pieces.  She overdyes alot of the wool that she uses - a lesson for another time!

While I don't know that I need to add another creative endeavor at the moment, Pat's work and her talk really has me thinking about getting into rug hooking.  The only thing is I'm going to have to figure out how to get those woolen items before she does!

Cheers!

Margaret  

CSQ Quilt Show

The Columbus Star Quilters Guild biennial show was a huge success.  Despite the rain and the detour into town, we had an excellent turnout and a great time.  We added several new features this year, including a preview night for members and spouses - well attended and with delicious treats.  During the show we had several scheduled demonstrations on various topics - from hand quilting to rug hooking to making batiks.  Thanks to Sharynn's Quilt Box, we also had a longarm and a midarm quilting machine on display that generated interest.  Of course, there were lots of quilts, quilters and non-quilters who visited during the two day show.  If you missed it this year, put October 4th and 5th 2014 on your calendar!

Guild President Sue Paris making some opening remarks during the pre-show Reception.

Columbus Mayor Kristen Brown came to the evening reception and selected Susan Wilson's quilt, Four Into One, for the Mayor's Choice ribbon.  One of the things that Kristen liked about this quilt was that Susan did all of the work on this quilt.  Susan did a fabulous job on it, too.  

Carol Walp's quilt, Paducah Block of the Month, won Best of Show.  Carol's getting ready to tell me something.  I had the distinct honor of quilting this for Carol.  The gridwork in the center was tedious but the result is stunning.  And Carol's applique is wonderful.

The theme for our Challenge was "Into the Woods."  There's quite an assortment of designs around the theme.  And some lucky Guild member will be able to bid on these blocks when we have our Auction in 2013.

I was thrilled when my good friend Kathy's quilt Filmstrip won a ribbon.  I just love the black and white filmstrip border around the vibrant colors in the center.  What you can't see in this picture is the variegated thread flame quilting on the black border.  I credit Kathy and another friend, Debbie, for getting me so involved in quilting.  

Jan's quilt Ice Cream Cone Flowers was my personal favorite of all of the quilts in the show.  Jan's a great fiber artist - dying fabrics, painting fabrics and using all sorts of other interesting techniques to create quilts.  Her quilt won the Viewer's Choice - Art Quilt category.

Dottie did a beautiful job on this New York Beauty quilt, titled Let's Do New York.   I couldn't convince her to let me keep the quilt when I was done with the quilting.  These really are my colors - especially the blue border she used.

Jeannette, Lois and Jamie enjoyed some time doing some hand quilting.  It was a  nice way for them to  share their love of hand quilting with others at the show.

Jamie's quilt, Sedona Reds, was made with fabrics she purchased while visiting her daughter in Arizona.  It's a gorgeous medallion quilt with an interesting collection of red fabrics.  In particular, I loved the fabric in the two skinny borders that has yellow spikey things on a red background.

Thanks to Kay, who led the Quilt Show Committee in our efforts this year.  She had everything very well organized and things went off like clockwork.  Thanks to The Republic and photographer Andrew Laker for the wonderful full page spread of pictures of the show.  It was a wonderful weekend of all things quilty.

Cheers!

Margaret

Quilt Show Frenzy

This week has been Quilt Show week.

Monday saw me driving to Grand Rapids to observe in the judging room prior to the West Michigan Quilters Guild.  Andi Perejda and Beverly Fine were the judges.  Having taken a design course taught by Andi and Beverly at NQA in June, I was looking forward to observing their judging.  The only picture I was able to take was of Andi and Beverly signing the judging forms - couldn't take pictures of the gorgeous quilts as they were being judged and I wasn't able to stay for the show.  If you're in the Grand Rapids area this weekend (Oct 6-7, 2012), it's worth a visit to this show at the Delta Plex Arena.  They have fabulous quilts, lots of vendors and you'll be in for a real treat.

Andi (on the left) and Beverly getting ready to review the judging forms.  I think I caught Andi with a cookie in her mouth - the treats prepared by members of the West Michigan Quilters Guild were delicious.

This weekend is also the Columbus Star Quilters Guild and the Evening Star Quilters Guild Biennial Show.  Early this morning we loaded all of the poles (I provided the pickup truck - the supportive spouses loaded the poles).  Observing in the judging room at our show was interesting, as well.  There was just a single judge and she was meticulous and thorough.  It may be odd to say this since I'm a machine quilter, but I was pleasantly surprised at the number of hand quilted quilts.

Kristen Brown with the quilt awarded the Mayor's Choice.  You can see the special ribbon with the Columbus  "C" on the blue background on the right edge of the quilt.

We had a reception for guild members this evening with a special award - the Mayor's Choice.  Kristen Brown spent over an hour walking through the show, talking with guild members and learning about quilts.  She selected this quilt as her choice - beautiful applique and wonderful piecing.  On a personal note, it was fun to talk with Kristen about her parents.  My office was next to her Dad's office for several years and her mother is one of the nicest people I know.

The Best of Show award went to Carol Walp, president of the Evening Star Quilt Guild.  Her quilt is absolutely gorgeous and deserves this recognition. 

I'm on the left; Carol is on the right.  Her quilt is a beautiful medallion quilt with a variety of quilt blocks surrounding the quilt.  She does impeccable work and her quilt is certainly deserving of the Best of Show award.  She invited me to stand in the picture because I quilted her quilt.  Why didn't someone tell me I had my glasses hanging from the neck of my shirt?!!

Carol and Ann are at the Quilter's Boutique.  We have many unique gifts this year, reasonably priced and Carol has done an excellent job of preparing the Boutique for the onslaught of shoppers.

This year's Challenge was to design a block depicting a scene based on the theme "Into the Woods."  What a lovely collection of blocks using a variety of quilting techniques.

So - if you're near Columbus, Indiana or Grand Rapids, Michigan this weekend, make sure you stop by to see our quilt shows.  They'll be a treat and are certainly worth an hour or two of your time.

Cheers!

Margaret

Quilt Connection Guild of Greenwood Show

Friday afternoon, Deb, Kathy and I took off to see the quilt show sponsored by the Quilt Connection Guild of Greenwood.  Here are some of the items that caught my eye.

I had made a presentation to the guild about the Fractured Quilt technique earlier this year.  I was delighted to see that at least one member of the guild attempted a Fractured Quilt.  I love the look of this quilt.

The note with this pillow said the material had been purchased on a trip to Hawaii 18 years ago.  What a wonderful way to showcase the material and the Hawaiian applique.  Maybe this is what I'll do with the 2 and one half blocks that I've completed with a Hawaiian applique motif!

I loved the beading along the bottom of this fanciful quilt.  Great embellishments.

They also had a display of some antique quilts.  This was a lovely way to combine some examples of quilt history with contemporary quilts.

Of course, there's also the fun quilt - this was a hoot!

There were also several vendors and I couldn't help myself - bought a Hallowe'en table runner kit from In Stitches.  Cathy carries the greatest kits and panels.  Deb bought one of the kits, too, and she sent me an email this morning saying she had finished the table runner.  What an over achiever!

Cheers!

Margaret

Boutique Preparation

The Columbus Star Quilters Guild biennial show is coming up next week.  If you're within driving distance, plan on visiting us on either Saturday October 6 from 9 - 5 or Sunday, October 7 from noon - 5 p.m. at Donner Center, 22nd & Sycamore Streets, Columbus, Indiana.  If you're from out of town, let me know you're coming as they'll be doing railroad track repair on IN-46.  I can give you a shortcut into town rather than the official detour which goes a few miles out of the way.

Anyway, Lisa, Lillian, Carol and I got together this afternoon to price the collection of items we have for the Quilter's Boutique.  There are lovely quilts, purses, credit card wallets, pillowcases (scads of them - in fun fabrics), jewelry keepers, pin cushions (again - scads!) and several unique items that will be for sale.  All proceeds from the Boutique will be used to bring top notch speakers to the guild for our monthly educational programs.

Can't write too much more now - have to go piece a backing for a quilt I'm entering in the show.  Then to quilt it and attach the binding.

Cheers!

Lisa & Lillian hard at work.  Carol kept records of items and recorded our recommended pricing.  Me - I flitted around but finally was put to work packing things up so they could be transported to the show next weekend.  Come check it out!

Margaret

Sue Nickels visits the Guild

Last week was full of fun quilting things - primarily Sue Nickels.  I had taken a workshop she led last year and was impressed with her teaching techniques.  I also learned lots about stitched raw edge applique and have successfully used her technique several times.  We were fortunate to get her as a lecturer for our Wednesday morning guild meetings and for a Thursday workshop.

First - Show and Tell...

Dottie showing two Christmas stockings she made for a soon-to-be inlaw & spouse (grandson's wedding, if I remember right)

Susan moved - but this is a quilt for her new granddaughter!   Since their family runs high to boys, this girl baby was somewhat of a surprise.  Look for lots of pink things from Susan in the future.  There's not much pink fabric in town these days.

Looks like Lillian - the quilt is for her daughter, a school nurse.  What a fun welcome sign this is!

Anne models this bonnet, which can also be used as an apron with just a quick unbuttoning .

 Then it was on to Sue's presentation on the history of Machine Quilting.  She and her sister, Pat Holly, collect antique quilts with machine applique or machine quilting.  She had slides of several of their finds and they were elegant examples of early machine quilting.  A few of the things I found interesting (Sue had lots of other information to share about the history and development of machine quilting - get her to come to YOUR guild - you'll be fascinated) ...

• Quilted petticoats circa 1870 are relatively easy to find.  Sue opined that this might be because they were small enough for beginners to quilt using the sewing machines of the times.
• Free motion quilting on applique makes its debut circa 1900.
• Sue theorized that as sewing machines became more affordable in the early 1900's,  machine quilting fell out of favor and hand quilting became desired way to have quilts finished.
• Harriet Hargrave's book Heirloom Machine Quilting was responsible for bringing machine quilting to the forefront again as she explained how to successfully machine quilt.
• Machine quilting is more readily accepted today (it took several years for this to happen) as there is a better understanding of the skill level required to successfully machine quilt.  If you've tried to machine quilt, you'll understand that it does take substantial skill to quilt beautifully - just as it takes substantial skill to hand quilt beautifully.

Sue then shared several of her quilts and talked about the evolution in her quilt designs and the collaboration she has with Pat on designing and making quilts.  An interesting process.  I helped hold the quilts so don't have pictures (sob) but you can see them on her website - www.sue-nickels.com. 

Here are Sue's quilts (including the small quilt on top of Pat's) available for closer inspection at the conclusion of the guild meeting.  What vibrant colors they are - something I didn't really notice until looking at this picture.

 Thursday was our workshop with Sue explaining the Stitched Raw Edge Applique technique.  Her book explaining this is excellent and I've referred to it many times.  It also has lots of other good tips relating to threads, needles and general sewing techniques.

Quilters are busy working on some aspect of the stitched raw edge technique.  This was the first time I've had the room set up with tables angled this way - worked well.  I'll have to remember it for next year.

Sue (in white blouse at right) explaining how to take one quarter of the pattern and manipulate it to create a full size pattern for the block.

Don't they all look happy?  This was taken at the end of a fun day with lots of learning squeezed in.  What a great group! 

Now we'll look for more projects with stitched raw edge applique as one of the techniques.

Cheers!

Margaret

Fabric Foray

One of my favorite quilt shops is having their Labor Day Sale - loads of bolts at $3.99/yard.  Pohlar Fabrics is a wonderful shop and if you're ever near the Richmond, Indiana - Cincinnati, Ohio area, it's worth a detour.  The scenery is lovely, it's near Brookville Reservoir and Pohlar's has tons of fabrics, patterns, sewing machines, threads...you get the idea.

I invited some friends to go with me as it's a good 1 1/2 hours away and I love having company.  Both Jeannette and Carol originally said no but changed their minds.  We got a somewhat late start but finally made it to Pohlar's around noon.  I made a beeline to the sale fabric and found two fabrics immediately.  I also noticed two tables of flannel - so took a picture and sent it to one of my quilting friends who loves flannels.  Couldn't get my phone to accept a message to text with the picture so I ended up calling her with the details.

I'm not sure what Carol was getting ready to say - but here she is standing in front of the flannels .  I'm not a real flannel enthusiast but these were lovely flannels.  Almost bought some for a backing for a quilt.  Almost...but not quite.

 We spent about an hour or so looking through the fabrics.  Carol was looking for binding to go with the quilt she's holding in her hands.  I think she's planning to take that quilt to Beaver Island in two weeks so she was pleased to find a good binding fabric for it.  She also found some thread to do some machine quilting with on another quilt.  Success!

Jeannette bought some fabric to make some of her fabric bowls.  She's making a few to include in the Quilter's Boutique for our Guild Quilt show in October.  I helped select the fabric so know that I'll like the combination!

After getting checked out, we searched for a restaurant I knew about that overlooks the Brookville Reservoir.  I couldn't remember the name (it's Ainsley's Cafe) so I missed the turn so we drove to the Quakertown Recreation Area and saw three original log cabins.  The gate attendant laughed at me - I was way far north of where the restaurant was located - and gave us directions.

We ate outside on the porch overlooking the marina and lake.  You can see the clouds  but no rain...yet.  Carol & Jeannette refused to turn around - I still asked them to smile when I got ready to take their picture!

We also found a short path leading to this overlook.  See the sailboat in the background?  Lots of boats on the lake today despite the forecasts for rain.

 We did drive through some rain on the way home but it was mostly dry.  It sprinkled as I dropped Jeannette off at her house and then again when I arrived home.  Looking out my window now, I can see lots of blue sky through the clouds.  Indy got several inches but it doesn't look like we got that much here.

Look at the luscious fabrics.  The red and white circles are the start of a new color collection.  No more collecting black and whites.  The ghost fabric was on sale and is for pillowcases for the Quilter's Boutique.  Colorful fabric on the white background is because I like it.  I actually like ALL of these fabrics but don't have a project for this particular piece.  The Black fabric with the swirls and the solids are for an upcoming quilt project.  I was tickled to find them as they fill a gap in my stash.  I realize I've been collecting batiks for several years but don't have very many blender type fabrics or solids.  So I'm getting a start on that!

The other thing I realized is that there are three condos at the edge of the lake - a perfect site for a quilt retreat!  There's a big meeting room under the restaurant - perfect for setting up sewing machines - and the condos come in 1 and 2 bedroom configurations.  With the lake just outside the door and Pohlar's down the road, what could be better?  Check it out - The Sagamore Resort.

Pohlar's sale continues next week.  If you've got the time, it's worth a trip.  Ainsley's Cafe will be open on Labor Day and closed Tuesday, reopening on Wednesday.

Cheers!

Margaret

Beach Quilting

It's been a busy summer - quilting, traveling, quilting, working, quilting and, believe it or not, mowing the grass!

I just got back from a visit to see my parents in Maryland.  As a part of this visit, we went to Rehoboth Beach to stay with my sister and her family for a few days.  In addition to playing in the surf on the beach (I'm the fun aunt that goes into the water with my niece, Diane!), we were regaled with evening concerts.  Diane has improved so much in the past year - it was truly an enjoyable time of music.  Keep it up, kiddo!

My sister, Mary, and niece, Diane, playing for the family during the evening concert.

 I borrowed Kathy's Accuquilt to make a kit of the tumbler blocks to take with me.  My niece, Diane, was able to lay out the blocks that were cut and she assembled them into a lap quilt sized top.  I brought that home with me so that she'll be able to quilt it when she next visits - hopefully some time in the coming year.

Here's the basic quilt.  I tried to use fun fabrics in cutting the blocks.  Diane laid them out with help from her Dad.  It's a colorful quilt top...still needs a border but we have the material picked out for that as well as the binding.  Now all it needs is for Diane to make a trip to Columbus to add the border and do the quilting.  I'm pulling for the winter break she has - think she'll come to Columbus then??

While at the beach, we also went to Funland - a Rehoboth Beach tradition.  Diane got me to go on the Sea Dragon (never again - I'm becoming a wimp in my old age!) and the Haunted Mansion ride.  Just look at the fun we had!

We knew they were taking pictures and Diane had planned all sorts of different poses we could use.  Trouble was, they took the picture some place we weren't expecting it to happen - what a reaction!

Of course, there's the obligatory family photo.  Here it is!  Diane with her parents and grandparents.  Good looking bunch and a fun group to spend a few days with at the beach.

 So...a fun time was had by all.  Now we need to get Diane to Indiana to finish this latest quilt!

Cheers!

Margaret

Baby Books

I mentioned the baby book material I found at the Quilters Hall of Fame Celebration 2012.  It was too much to resist - had to make them!  They are cute but since I don't have any friends that are expecting babies (none that I know of anyway), they may end up at the Quilters Boutique at the Guild's upcoming show.  Put our October 6-7th show on your calendar!  Donner Center at 22nd and Sycamore Streets, Columbus, Indiana!  Y'all come!

Interesting that they are two different sizes.  

The Veggie Tales story is about the creation of the earth.

Not sure of the point of the Pillow Pals story but the colors are bright and the pictures are lots of fun.

 The other quilting tool I inherited recently is a pin picker-upper.  I'm sure that's not the name of it but Dad had two of them so I snagged one.  There have been times when pins fell beneath my longarm and I had to get down on hands and knees to retrieve them.  With this handy magnet on a pole, just wave it over the pins and ... Zap!  they get picked up.

I'm sure this is available at your favorite hardware store - magnet on a stick!

Cheers!

Margaret

The Quilters Hall of Fame

It was about time I made the trip to see The Quilters Hall of Fame (TQHF) in Marion, Indiana.  So I signed up for 2 lectures during this year's Celebration 2012.  There was time in the middle of the day to see Marie Webster's home which now houses TQHF with quilt displays and items that Marie used to design her quilts.  Marie was a prolific quilt designer from 1911 - 1940 or so with her designs published in the Ladies' Home Journal magazine.  She began making quilt designs around age 50!

This quilt wasn't labeled and I'm not familiar enough with Marie Webster designs to know what it is.  I'll have to research it...unless one of you knows the name of this pattern.

Wind Blown Tulips is the name of this design.  I love the applique along the border and especially the corner.

Eleanor Burns is the latest inductee into The Quilters Hall of Fame.  One of the first quilts I made was from her Irish Chain in a Day book.  I made several baby quilts using that book and loved them.  Still have that book so may make one for me some day.  It's on my list of quilts to make.

I made time to see the exhibit of Eleanor's quilts in the Marion Public Library and was able to stay for a portion of her "Walk Thru" where she talked about the inspiration for many of her techniques.

Here's Eleanor in the Library with the quilts.

 One of the lectures I attended was Eleanor talking about the quilts in her latest book, Tales of the First Ladies.  She puts on a very entertaining show and even got audience members to participate - one as Martha Washington, another as Dolly Madison and a couple as Mary and Abraham Lincoln!

There was also time to walk around the quilt display.  There were some modern quilts as well as some vintage quilts.  I love two color quilts and this orange and white Robbing Peter to Pay Paul was particularly striking.

Of course, I also took a stroll through the vendor mall.  Even found some fabric to buy!  In Stitches, a favorite quilt shop of mine in Rushville, Indiana was there.  I had a few minutes to catch up with Cathy and her mom.  Cathy had some panels to make into fabric books - something my friend Wendy made at a quilt retreat a few years ago.  I've been looking for those types of panels ever since and was delighted to find two different panels in Cathy's booth.  Thanks, Cathy!

Now to sew!

Cheers!

Margaret