missing houston

I have been to Quilt Market in Houston at least twice before opening my own shop.  This is the first time though that I have really, really, really missed being there!

There is so much inspiration and good will every where you look!  The quilting community is so generous.  And that is what I am missing.  The creative energy and being with my sister Mary (and Judith) just makes it the best little vacation ever.

I can hardly wait to read everyone's blog to catch up on all that's exciting and new!

a binder and a ruby

Christmas Binder

Saturday, October 22

10:30 - 12:30 p.m.

This class is just around the corner!  You can make yours using any fabric of your choice.  It will be just right for planning your holiday menus or shopping lists.  Give it to your favorite scrap book friend to fill it up with fun, fabulous photos.  You can make yours using any fabric of your choice.  Cover it in a zebra print with gold and blue accents for the LHS student.

I am bringing a binder that my son gave up on using for his class work.  And this is a peek of some of the gorgeous fabric that I want to use.

Here's what Moda has to say about Ruby by Bonnie and Camille:


Ruby is a small town girl with big dreams, and even bigger style. She works at the town ice cream parlor in her favorite red polka dot dress and can be found doing the jitterbug with her best girlfriends at the Country Diner on the weekends. This cheery line is full of Ruby’s favorites, in red and aqua, retro flowers, vintage prints and pretty little scallops.

If you are interested in signing up just call Sew Katie Jean: 916.209.3930 to reserve your spot at the sewing table.

12 days of Christmas

Christmas is coming! It will always be here sooner than you think.  With this in mind, I am scheduling classes to get you ready for the holiday season of gift giving.  So I have set up a table in my shop to not only show you the classes, but to give you an idea of what you can make on your own.

My next upcoming class will be making these Christmas Tree Napkins.  They only use two 1/2 yards of fabric.  I think they would be cute with a little bit of ric rac added or some pom pom's!  You make four napkins, which are then perfect to be given as a hostess gift, or to be set out on your own sweet table at Christmas.  Plus, it is a perfect excuse to get out of the house during the day, instead of doing whatever other chores you might have.

Tuesday, October 18

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. / $10

yellow brick road

Last Tuesday, my friend Melody Lake, taught a class on the classic Yellow Brick Road Quilt pattern by Atkinson Designs.  We chose this sweet fabric from Cosmo Cricket, by Andover.  And you can also see the traditional yellow and blue combo on the cover of the Atkinson pattern.

This is the fabulous fabric combination that one of our students made in our class.  She picked a range from Robert Kauffman and a great Kona solid.  We were so lucky that night to see 4 different fabric choices from each student.  Each one so different.  I don't know why I didn't take more pictures for you!

art quilts

I have never made an art quilt.  But I am always in awe of the talent and amazing creative spirit that is embodied in these true pieces of art.


When I came across this article in the December issue of Quilter's Newsletter, I knew that it had to be shared with you.  This is the Lost Heroes Art Quilt.

It commemorates the  more than 5,000 service members who died in the wars against Afghanistan and Iraq.  At least one person from each state is represented in this quilt.

 

The quilt features a black and white photo of the fallen soldier, as a child.  Then a vintage cloth G.I. Joe jacket is stitched in place.

Like so many art quilts, there are smaller details lovingly sewn in by hand.  And this quilt is made to remember these soldiers and their dreams and personal goals for life.  Made, "so that our heroes will not be forgotten".


Please visit  Lost Heroes Art Quilt for more information and where you can see it on display.

upcoming classes

This week is going to be a perfect time to come in to the shop and sign up for a class.  My calender is filling up for October.  And there is plenty there for you to sign up for.

Trick or Treat Bag

Tuesday, October 4

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. / $25.00

This is a fun class for any age of student, or mother/daughter.  You will learn to make this versatile lined bag, and then you can make it again any size you like.  It also  works well after Halloween as a book bag.

Yellow Brick Road Quilt

Thursday, October 6

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. / $30.00

This quilt is simply made using fat quarters, and is the perfect quilt to make using some of your favorite fabrics you might have been hanging on to.  You will be making the quilt top in this class.  The teacher will also be going over free motion quilting and binding basics.

FREE Sew Days

Every Wednesday

10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.

If you would just like to get out and sew with plenty of space to work and meet new friends, then please come in for a FREE Sew Day.  Beginning this Wednesday, October 5, you are invited to come to my shop, every Wednesday, with your project to sit and sew.  It is also a perfect time to ask others for help or hints if you need them.  I hope to see you soon!