Imagine the Possibilities

Heartwarming Possibilities

2011-11-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

C&T Publishing just released our newest pattern packet--Heartwarming Possibilities! This pattern packet includes 4 quilt projects to celebrate family and friends. The projects, a quilt, two wallhangings, and a tote, combine piecing with easy fusible applique--a Possibilities signature. The row quilt, approx 62 x 75" includes the verse "Friendship is the thread that stitches the world together" on the bottom row.

The Heartwarming Possibilities pattern packet will be available in mid November. Check your local quilt store, or contact C&T Publishing at http://www.ctpub.com/.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all who made this pattern packet come together!The quilt was designed several years ago and just didn't fit into any of our books. We would bring it out at design meetings and end up tucking it away again and again. We were thrilled when C&T came up with this pattern packet format that fit this quilt to a "T". Thanks to Amy and Lynn and everyone else involved in this project at C&T for believing in us!

Thanks to everyone at Possibilities who worked on these projects--Susie, Lexie, Sharon, Jane, and Ann. (I hope I didn't forget anyone) Thanks to Merrie for the beautiful quilting.

Lynda Milligan and Nancy Smith
Possibilities

Tour to the Emerald Isle and the International Quilt Festival of Ireland

2011-10-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

CÉAD MÍLE FÁILTE—100,000 WELCOMES!
Have you heard about the International Quilt Festival of Ireland?

Well, we have and we are so excited about it that we want to escort 40 wonderful quilters and friends on an incredible 11-day tour of the Emerald Isle—wouldn’t you like to join us?
Nancy and I will be the personal escorts for an 11-day tour of the Emerald Isle, starting Friday, June 1st in Belfast, and culminating in Galway for the IQFI. Our husbands are also coming along. We fly from Denver to Belfast and will enjoy several sights and tours in the next few days as well as a visit with quilter’s of the Northern Patchwork Society. On the 4th we travel to Derry/Londonderry and along the way stop at the stunning Giant’s Causeway—one of my favorite sites in Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway is a spectacular rock formation featuring 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the sea. We will also make a special visit to the famous Bushmills Whiskey Distillery for a special guided tour—one of my husband’s favorite stops on our last trip to Ireland. We continue on to the city of tribes, Galway, stopping at the picturesque Glencar and Ashford Castle. The last few days we’ll spend in Galway attending the IQFI with opportunities to visit the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and more.

As far as the festival itself, Jim West of Sew Many Places has outdone himself planning the IQFI. It is going to be a new kind of quilt festival! The festival will be held on the University of North Ireland campus in Galway, Ireland June 7-10th, 2012. The campus will be transformed into a glorious Quilter’s Village on the banks of the River Corrib. In the village there will be a Quilter’s Market where you can buy everything from Irish crafts to traditional Irish food. The Fat Quarters Chocolate Shop will be the place to obtain anything chocolate. The Town Hall will be filled with vendors who have created booths to tease you with their latest state-of-the art products and services.

Visit the Wicked Thimble Pub to relax and enjoy live Irish music in a pub atmosphere. Ready to chill out—the local movie house will be showing continuous free Irish movies such as the 1952 John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara movie, “The Quiet Man” filmed just a couple of miles away. Over a dozen special quilt exhibits will be on display in various buildings throughout the village and quilting classes will be held in the Schoolhouse.

Last, but not least are many Non-quilter’s programs, including an Irish pub crawl (I know my husband that will be attending), fishing, woodcrafting, golf, Hell’s Kitchen Museum/Railway Museum (Nancy’s husband will certainly be attending), and much more.
The festival begins with a special GRAND RECEPTION on June 7th featuring legendary quilter Jinny Beyer, a 3 course dinner and a Riverdance-type show, Trad on the Prom. Nancy and I will be attending but space is limited so sign up soon.

Please join us, Nancy Smith and Lynda Milligan along with our husbands, on this remarkable tour of the Emerald Isle and a visit to the first International Quilt Festival of Ireland. For more information, click here:
http://www.iqfoi.com/tours/nancysmith.html

Any questions, just email me at millilyn@aol.com .

Happy stitching,
Lynda Milligan

My Alphabet Quilt Blog of the Month, Part 2B

2011-01-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

I know that I said the machine appliqué lesson was next, but my machine was acting up and I had to have it cleaned and checked--thanks Kurt! So, in the meantime, I've been working on getting more blocks ready. As you can see on Amy's directions that are listed at the bottom of the placement sheets, she starts at Step 5. You have already prepared your appliqué pieces and are ready to fuse them into place.

Amy has done a terrific job giving you the order of placement for the appliqué pieces. However, I found that in some cases it helps to pre-construct some units. Place the pieces on the Appliqué Presser Sheet or the release paper from the fusible web, press in place and they will release when cool. I also have found that I like to mark some of the detail lines before I fuse the pieces together.

So, with that said, here are my hints for the first eight blocks...................

Letter a
I would mark the bow knot and tails; the eyes, nose, mouth; and the circles for the hair fasteners. I pre-constructed the paintbrush, and the collar and bow.

Letter b
I marked the eyes, nose, Band-Aid lines, fingers and bubble circles. I pre-constructed the hat, hat brim, and hair; and the hand, thumb, and bubble blower as one unit. After fusing pieces to the background, finish marking the bubble circles.

Letter c
Mark the eye, mouth, hair bow, and fingers. Pre-construct the camera as one unit.

Letter d
Mark the eyes, nose, and mouth. Pre-construct the headbands, top of hair, and reflector. You can also pre- construct the hair right, hair left, and face.

Letter e
Mark the eyes, nose, and mouth. Pre-construct the outside and inside of both earphones with the earphone wire.

Letter f
Mark the girl's eyes, nose, mouth and hair bows. Also mark the frog's eyes, mouth, and chin. Pre-construct the hair, frog, and frog eyes as a unit.

Letter g
Mark the eyes, nose, and mouth. Pre-construct the goggle lenses, goggles, goggle strap, and buckle as a unit.

Bus front
Mark "abc" on the top of the bus. Construct the top of the bus, the windshield, the mirror supports, and the mirrors as one unit. Construct the bottom of the bus, the bumper, the wheels, the stop sign support, and the Stop sign as a second unit.

Cut the fabric for the backgrounds.
From your background fabric, cut seven strips 11 1/2". Cut each of these strips into four blocks 9 1/2" x 11 1/2". I like to treat my backgrounds with a couple layers of Spray Starch to make them extra crisp so that they naturally act like they have been stabilized.

Follow step 8 of Amy's directions. Read the instructions directly below the block placement sheet for any instructions specific for Step 8. On a light table, put a 9 1/2 x 11 1/2" fabric block background right side up over a block placement sheet. There should be approximately 1/2" of extra fabric around the block. Place appliqué pieces and/or pre-constructed units in place on fabric background aligning with placement sheet. Fuse into place.

Lots of preparation for the applique to go smoothly, but well worth the effort. I will give you the order in which I will applique the pieces next.

We were able to put together a button kit for the eyes. The kit contains 50 small black buttons and one larger black button for the eye under the magnifying glass. It is $8.99 and is in limited supply. Click here for more information.

I'll be back soon,
Lynda

My Alphabet Quilt Blog of the Month, Part 2a

2011-01-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

I'm sooooo excited to start My Alphabet Quilt Blog of the Month!!!

Because there is so much to talk about this first month, I am going to break the information up into a few blogs. We have made available on our website the My Alphabet Quilt pattern and book and two different kits to get you started. The first kit is our Skintones Kit. It includes 4 different mottled fabrics for the faces and hands. These will be the exact fabrics that I will be using, in fact, I accidentally used the wrong side of the fleshtone fabric for my artist's face--ooops, but it turned out fine and it gave me another choice. The second kit is the background/border kit which includes the white-on-white for the block backgrounds and borders, as well as the turquoise and the red. The fabrics may change but I will try to stay true to the colors. For more information on the kits and patterns, click here. There are also links on that page to the notions and tools that I will refer to.

Getting organized:

Pre-washing your fabric is a personal choice. We hardly ever pre-wash because we start projects at work and don't take the time. I am not pre-washing my fabric and I realize that the fabrics could possibly run. I will use Shout Color Catchers when I wash the quilt and not allow the quilt to soak.

Cut placement sheets and pattern sheets apart. Set placement sheets aside for now. There are many fusible products on the market. This project requires that you have a least one side covered in paper that you can trace on. The two that I use are Wonder Under and Steam-a-Seam 2 Lite. I like them both, although SaS 2 Lite creates a better bond because there is more fusible that comes in contact with the fabric. Whatever fusible product you use, be sure to read and follow the directions on the package.

Tracing the pattern pieces:

Place your fusible product over your pattern sheet with the paper side up. Leave at least 1/4" between pattern pieces. Using a Sewline Pencil in black, I trace all of the pieces from the pattern sheets onto my fusible web. I cut them out roughly--DO NOT CUT ON PENCIL LINE, but at least 1/8" away from it. I place them in a repurposed spiral notebook that I have marked with the alphabet letters, one set of pattern pieces per page.

If you want a softer feel for your appliqué blocks, trim out the inside of your fusible pattern pieces, about 1/8" inside of penciled line. I especially recommend this on any pieces that have many layers such as C is for Camera. Save these larger cutout pieces to trace smaller patterns, therefore saving on the amount of fusible that you will be needing. Be especially careful when trimming out the letters. Leave a bridge to connect the inner cutout pieces in letters such as "a and b" (see letter b below).

Some light fabrics placed over dark fabrics (such as the letter "m" where the dark fabric might show through the light skin) would benefit from lining the light fabric. To line the light fabric, iron a piece of fusible web to the wrong side of the light fabric, peel the paper off and iron to a separate piece of white fabric. Then treat this bonded fabric as one fabric. I will let you know which pieces I have lined.

Press fusible pattern pieces to fabric:

Place the pattern piece on the wrong side of your chosen fabric and press according to the fusible web instructions. Let cool. Now, cut out the pattern pieces on the pencil line. I find the Fiskar's Curved Scissor allows me to cut smoothly and accurately and can flip over to cut inside or outside curves.

Pattern Placement and Details:

This is where the Applique Presser Sheet (APS) pays for itself! Place the Letter Placement Sheet on an ironing board. Place the APS over it. Read the instructions directly below the block placement sheet for specific instructions from step 5 (refer back to the main Instruction Sheet for any steps not listed). Remove the paper backing from the fused pattern pieces. Place them in numerical oder on the APS using the placement sheet as your guide. Press as you go and the pieces will stick to the APS. When all pieces are placed, press again. Let cool. (Hmmm-I just noticed that I lost a bow for her braid-back to the ironing board).

Mark the detail lines and eye dots with a Sewline pencil in a color that contrasts with the fabric. Peel the applique away from the APS. Place the entire piece on your background rectangle and press into place.

If you don't have an APS, lay your background fabric over the placement sheet and center it. Place your applique pieces in order on the background and press into place. A light box might be helpful for placement, but do not press your pieces on it. Mark the detail lines and eye dots as described above.

Next up, Part 2b, Applique

If you have any questions as we go along please add a comment to the end of the blog entry or email me at millilyn@aol.com.

Back at you soon,

Lynda

My Alphabet Quilt Blog of the Month, Part 1

2010-12-19T17:04:00.001-08:00

It's time to gather some notions to help you with this project. Here are some of my favorites!

Sewline Fabric Pencils--the best marking pencils I've ever used. The specially formulated ceramic lead gives a clear, easily marked fine line on fabrics. If needed, lines are easily removed from most fabrics with the special Sewline Eraser or by dabbing with a damp cloth or washing. Pencils are available with five different colors of lead--black, white, yellow, green, and pink. Lead refills are also available. For this project I am using the black and the yellow pencils.

The Applique Pressing Sheet--I have at least 3 of these sheets. It is a transparent reusable Non-stick Pressing Sheet, Craft Sheet, or Pressing Cloth. For this project it will allow you to fuse your designs together as one unit using your placement pattern as a guide! I love them and can't do without them!

Fiskars Curved Blade Scissor--these scissors help to keep your threads clipped as close to your work as possible without cutting your fabric. They also make cutting curves on your appliqué pieces a snap! Flip them over in your hand for inside and outside curves.

Clover Soft Touch Steel Crochet Hook or Soft Touch Thread Pick--this amazing little tiny hook will pull your threads to the back of your work as easy as pie so that you can tie your threads off! Self-Threading Needles will also work but sometimes I forget to leave a long enough thread to pop into the needle.

Clover Seam Ripper--my favorite seam ripper. Now don't tell but I, too, have to rip seams out now and again. Seam rippers do get dull--just like any blades. Treat yourself to a fresh, sharp blade with an easy to hold handle.

4-in-1 Essential Sewing Tool--this is a fairly new tool from Alex Anderson and C&T publishing. The tool includes a Bernina Seam Ripper, a Flat-ended presser, a Pointed End Cap, and an extra-long Stiletto.

Bendable Bright Light--I don't think that I could get along without this, anymore. Attach it to your sewing machine, adjust it so the bright light centers on your presser foot area to stitch and adjust it to center on your project to pull your threads to the back. I love it!

Mary Ellen's Best Press--the Clear Starch Alternative with Soil Guard and Wrinkle Remover--leaves no residue, acid-free, makes ironing easier, gives crisp seams to patchwork.

Mettler Thread--size 50, color 0618 Dark Brown--all of the applique is stitched with this thread.

Find all of these notions on our website, or call, or email me and I will help you find them.

Well, I'm off to gather my fabrics. We will be kitting a basic kit with the white-on-white fabric, the turquoise, and the red fabrics, as well as a kit for 4 skin tones. These should be ready in a few days. Fat quarters and scraps will work for most everything else.

I'll be back in a day or two to remind you of what else you need to gather so that we are ready to start January 1st.

Lynda

Quilts for Afghanistan and the view from my office!

2010-12-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

Our store's co-manager's son was deployed to Afghanistan a short time ago. One of his requests after he was there a few days, was a flannel quilt with a wool batting. It seems that most of us think that Afghanistan is hot, but Jason found out that the nights can be brutal. He asked for Kelly to get the word out that the troops and the Afghan people could use hats, gloves, and coats. She shipped a box to him a couple of weeks ago with those items.

We put the word out for quilts on our weekly e-mail a couple of weeks ago, and of course, our wonderful customers and employees brought quilts, and coats, blankets, and even money for postage. Here is a picture of Kelly and the pile of gifts. We will be packing them up and sending them in a few days to Jason. Thank you to all who participated! Jason is really excited to get the packages and to be able to bring a little warmth to his friends.

On a different subject (although it still has to do with sons) here is the view from my office this morning--a very content Kian in his jumper swing. He amused both Ashley and I for a good half an hour. Kian is Nancy's grandson and you might remember him from the blog Baby Boy Blue in a Box!

I'm off to work on my next blog which will be the notions to gather to start the "My Alphabet Quilt" Blog of the Month.

Happy Stitching,

Lynda

Quiltmaker 100 Blocks Blog Tour winners! Hip Hip Hooray!

2010-11-19T10:01:00.001-08:00

Yikes!
It's only 6 days until Thanksgiving!
Where did November go?
I feel so unprepared!
As does this guy ; ) !

My daughter special ordered 6 loaves of Stuffin' Bread at our local King Soopers. Do you realize how much stuffing that will make? (Stuffin' bread is basically a white bread that is enhanced with herbs and spices that you usually put in stuffing--it smells and tastes delicious.) Stuffing is Kim's favorite Thanksgiving dish and she will eat it for a week--morning, noon, and night. I'll cut the loaves up tonight and start the drying process. I think I will only use 4 loaves and save the other two for Christmas--unless she has another special order in. ; ) I've watched a few of the Food Network specials on Thanksgiving dishes lately and have to laugh when they cut up 3 stalks of celery, 1/2 onion etc. I'll be cutting up 3 bunches of celery and at least 2 onions. Maybe this year I will be more attentive to the ingredients so that I can give her a recipe to make it herself.

Now, to announce our winners of the Quiltmaker 100 Blocks Blog Tour! First of all I would like to thank all of you who commented on the blog. I'm so happy that you liked the free Table Runner pattern. I hope that you can see the Possibilities if you just replace the applique block with a different applique block or even a pieced block. If you do, please send me a picture. You've all inspired me to design more Table Runners--Thanks!

The 3 winners (chosen by a random number generator) are Mary from Illinois, Becky from Georgia, and Nancy from Maine. Mary wins the Quiltmaker 100 Blocks magazine from Quiltmaker. Becky wins a copy of the magazine from Possibilities. Nancy wins the prize pack from Possibilities. You should have received an email from us asking for your addresses, if not, contact Ashley and we will get your prizes to you ASAP!

Enjoy a very peaceful, yummy, and Thankful Thanksgiving!
Here's to a little stitching in between holiday activities!

Lynda

Baby Boy Blue in a Box and My First Favorite Notion

2010-11-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'm going to share with you two of my favorite things--my favorite baby and my favorite notion. Here is my favorite baby! His grandma, Nancy, popped him in this cardboard box lined with a quilt that matched his outfit! He was very content (as long as grandma kept moving) while grandma carried him through the store to say a big hello to everyone. Kian is Nancy's youngest daughter, Laura's newest boy. He has two big brothers who absolutely adore him. It's a treat for us all when Laura stops in to visit or to work. Thanks, Kian, for letting me get a quick photo!

Now, on to my favorite notions. One of my very favorite's (could not live without) is an Applique Pressing Sheet. This double-sided sheet is made from an ultra high temperature fabric that is coated with non-stick Polylon. We carry it in two sizes--13 x 17" and 18 x 20". The sheet has many uses. It can be used as a craft and painting surface. Paint and glue peel off easily when dry. It can also be used in the oven to bake shrink-art, clay, and salt dough projects. MY FAVORITE USE, though, is for fusing applique pieces together. The transparent construction allows me to see my pattern through the sheet to use as a placement guide while I fuse overlapping pieces together into one unit. Fused fabrics peel right off the sheet. I also use it to protect my ironing board cover when I am fusing fabric. I have both sizes and I've also cut a second large one into two smaller pieces.

Call the store, or check our website for pricing and availability. If we don't have them in stock, leave a request because we order both sizes often.

If there is a notion you would like to recommend or to learn about, please leave me a comment. All of the notions that I will be showing you will be great to have if you join me for the Alphabet Quilt Blog of the Month.

Happy Stitching,

Lynda

Quiltmaker's 100 Block Blog Tour part 2

2010-11-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Great American Quilt Factory/Possibilities Blog! We are so honored to have been selected to design a block for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks from today's top designers, volume 2.

We are giving you a Sneak Peek at this incredible Collector's Edition. Each day this week, you have an opportunity to go to about 12 different designer's blogs to learn a little about what inspired them and/or get free patterns. The Blog Tour started Monday and continues through Friday, Nov 12th. Make sure that you visit all of the sites for prizes and free patterns, including ours!

We have designed a beautiful table runner that incorporates two of our Spring Flowers Blocks, #111 on page 27. The table runner is approx. 18 x 54". This is a free download for you to enjoy--click here.

Please leave a comment on our blog for a chance to win one of 3 prizes. We have two copies of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks to give away, as well as a special prize--a variety of Possibilities books and patterns. Make sure you leave a way for us to contact you, should you win. Winners will be chosen at random.

Be sure to check out Quiltmaker's website for the schedule of daily bloggers and to enter to win the Grand Prize!

Best of luck to you and thank you again for visiting!

Happy stitching,

Lynda and Nancy

P.S. We are going to be listing our favorite notions on our blog in the next few days. You can suscribe by clicking on the RSS feed on the sidebar and we would love to know what notion is your favorite, too!

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour

2010-11-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow starts the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour Sneak Peek. Every day through Nov. 12th, you can check in with approximately a dozen designers to hear their thoughts about the design process and/or to get a free pattern that uses their original block. AND lots of prizes will be given away by the folks at Quiltmaker as well as by the block designers.

Our blog day is Thursday the 11th and ... did I mention that lots of prizes will be given away? I am designing a tablerunner pattern that you can download for free that uses our Spring Flowers applique block.

These magazines are truly Collector's Editions and feature today's top designers as well as up and coming newbies. Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks will be on the newstand November 16th, but until then enjoy the sneak peeks.

Back to designing,

Lynda

My Alphabet Quilt Blog of the Month

2010-11-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

We returned from International Quilt Market on Sunday. We had a wonderful time, but I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to attend, because I had re-injured my left foot and knew that I absolutely couldn't walk the entire market. Then I checked in to renting an electric scooter and found out that I could take it back to my room and virtually anywhere downtown that I would want to go. Hooray!!!!! I would have been so disappointed since I have attended every Quilt Market except for 1981 when my daughter was born. The scooter was wonderful and I only came close to demolishing one jewelry booth--no empathy shown by that woman at all. : (

One product that we got really excited about is Amy Bradley's My Alphabet Quilt pattern and book.

Amy's daughter Ashley Heryer, wrote the story for her daughter, and Amy illustrated it with quilt blocks. I am going to present it as a Blog of the Month like I did with Amy's Happy Halloween pattern. It will be an 8 month program. Each month, for seven months I will present 4 blocks and give you hints, techniques, and notions that will help you complete the alphabet blocks and then month 8 will be set aside for borders, quilting, and binding. To get a general idea of how it works, click on the Happy Halloween icon on the sidebar. Below is a close-up of block B.

I'm still working out the details but will let you know ASAP! I'd love for you to join me!

Happy Stitching,

Lynda

Judy's birthday flowers and a favorite little Autumn quilt!

2010-10-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Well, we have finally had a little bit of Autumn here in the Denver area. It was cool and rainy for a few days last week. The trees are still turning and have plenty of leaves still on them. We might have our first snowfall on Tuesday--so my agenda tomorrow is to get the patio furniture put away, the planters cleaned out, and locate my snowbrush to put back in the car.

Judy's birthday is October 17th and her son in Atlanta always sends a bouquet to her at the store, so we get to enjoy it also. It comes from my favorite florist-Happy Canyon Flowers. Every year we think that they can't beat last years, but they always do. Maybe it's because I love fall colors and fall flowers (achoo, achoo). Here are two pictures of this years bouquet. I think you will agree that it is absolutely goooorgeous!

I took this picture from overhead so that you could see the variety of flowers. I think my fav might be that green spider mum. Hmmm-I think I might make this my new desktop pic.
And now, onto a little quilting. This is one of my favorite little Autumn quilts. It isn't very big but it certainly depicts the season. We used it for inspiration to make our current Saturday Sampler wallhanging. The pattern for this quilt is in our book Home for the Harvest.

I hope you all have a beautiful Autumn weekend. I'm off to finish making Judy's present--a CD of all of her favorite Glee songs. Thank you Judy for sharing your beautiful flowers with all of us!

Happy Stitching,

Lynda

Halloween and Home For the Harvest

2010-10-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite books that we have published is Home For the Harvest! It is filled with wonderful Autumn and Halloween projects. This is one of my favorites with Dracula, a blue-faced Witch, Frankenstein, and a Princess. We show this in the book as a long, narrow wallhanging and also as separate placemats. What fun!

I sent my son an advertisement for an iPhone app from Pottery Barn Kids. You take a photo of your child (in his case, 5 year old twins) and then try on different Halloween costumes and send them out for friends and relatives to see. Hello Patrick and Lori--we are waiting for the pics!

The weather is absolutely gorgeous here. If you have been reading our blog for awhile, you might remember my post of I Love Orange. We have a bush in our backyard that starts out kind of red in the Spring and then turns to green for the Summer and then totally shines in orange for Fall. I am going to try to take pics of it everyday for the next couple of weeks to show you just how beautiful it becomes.

Today has been my day at the computer. I started out with my Quilt University homework for EQ6, worked on my EQ7 Bee homework, did a little blog hopping, tweeted a bit, and am now blogging. Be sure to check out our website for a Halloween Scavenger Hunt--some really great prizes will be awarded.

Busy, busy weekend, but I hope to actually sew some tomorrow. Until next time,
Happy stitching!

Lynda

Another Patchwork Lottery Winner

2010-09-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

Ginny Grimes, from Morrison, CO, won the Patchwork Lottery blocks in January this year. The block was a split 9-patch and one side was to be light and medium light blues and the other side, darks and medium dark blues. Ginny put it together in a Barn Raising setting.

The quilt is beautiful and Ginny got to pick the Possibilities book of her choice for bringing it in and sharing it with us and she chose Home for the Harvest.

Thanks Ginny!

Lynda and Nancy

Patchwork Lottery

2010-09-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here at the store we do a Patchwork Lottery every month. We post a pattern on our website (or you can pick up a free pattern in the store). Anyone who wants to participate makes at least one block and returns it to us. For each block you make you get an entry to win all of the blocks. On the last day of the month a winner is chosen.

Bess Lantz from Beatrice, NB won 29 blocks in the May Patchwork Lottery. She made one extra block and set the quilt together with yellow sashing and a dark blue border. The block is named Prairie Queen. We think the quilt is lovely and we thank her for sharing the picture with us. And, by the way, if you do make a quilt and send us the picture you get your choice of an autographed Possibilities book--nice prize!

If you are interested in participating in our Patchwork Lottery click here to go to the link on our homepage. September's block is a pretty red apple with blue sashing and we have already received several blocks.

Thank you Bess for sharing your quilt!
Happy stitching,
Lynda and Nancym

Projects our customers shared!

2010-08-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

It is always fun when our customers share their projects with us. This week I will share two of their projects with you. Debbie Due, from Centennial, CO, was in the store last Saturday during the Rocky Mountain Quilt Fever Shop Hop and was lucky enough to win a door prize--a charm pack from Moda fabrics. Well, Tuesday she brought in this wonderful little quilt top. We thought it was so cute and loved the pattern. I love the tiny sashing. The pattern is from an Art to Heart book and we are researching which book it is from. It is a great pattern for a quick present or for a charity quilt. Thanks Debbie for sharing your quilt with us.

The other quilt we have to share was made by Carolyn Green's 8-year old grandaughter Emily. Emily made this charming Halloween quilt all by herself and won 2nd place at the Firehouse Quilt Show in July. She even free motioned some original Halloween motifs in the border. Very nice, and congratulations Emily! Thank you, too, for sharing.

Thank you both for sharing your creative endeavors!

Lynda and Nancy

Good listens or reads!

2010-08-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I listed the books that I've been listening to on my way to and from work. It seems like I got into a more serious reading mood as you will see.

House Rules is by Jodi Picoult. I enjoy Jodi' books and they always seem to have a surprise ending and this one is no exception. House Rules is about a boy named Jacob, his mother, and brother. Jacob has a high functioning form of autism called Asperger's syndrome. I did not know anything about Asperger's--how it affects the person who has it as well as the family, and found it to be very interesting. Jacob is a forensic science wizard which gets him in trouble with the law. He has trouble communicating with the lawyers and the judge showing how our legal system does not always work well for people who can't communicate 'normally'. It is narrated by several people and is about 20 hours.

My next listen was My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor. Jill is a neuroscientist who had a stroke at age 37. She articulates the actual shutdown of her brain. The book is divided into sections. The first part gives a greater understanding of how the brain functions. In the second part, Jill articulates having the stroke, defining to herself that it really is a stroke, and then describing the actual shutting down of her brain. In the third part, Jill describes the methods and therapies that she used to get her brain functioning normally again, a process of about 8 years. For the most part, I enjoyed it. It got a little tedious at some points, but I highly recommend it to someone who has had a stroke and/or to their caregivers. It has some very valuable information about how to work with a stroke victim to help them regain their skills. The book is narrated by the author.

And then I got an iPad and actually read a book. : ) Still Alice was recommended to my by my friend Judy. It is a fictional story about a 50 year old Linguistics Professor at Harvard who develops early onset Alzheimer's. I found it to be very insightful and helped me understand a little more about such a horrible disease, and how it affects the victim as well as the family. I thought at first that it might be very depressing, and it was a little, but it was also a tender love story.
OK! Now for a recommendation on a happy and fun book. Finger Lickin Fifteen is another novel in the Stephanie Plum series. I find these books to be delightful getaways. I haven't listened to them all, so I'm not tired of the series nor the characters as some other reviewers have said. The first time my daughter listened to one of them with me she just rolled her eyes and complained. A couple of months later I found her reading the next one and she has already read Sizzling Sixteen and I didn't even know it was out. If you start reading this series, be ready to fall in love with Joe Morelli or Ranger or better yet, both.

Last, but not least, I re-listened to The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo on a trip to Aspen a few weeks ago. My husband was interested in it and I wanted to hear it again before I watched the movie--especially since it is in Swedish with sub-titles. Loved it all over again!

Well, that's all for now. If you've read anything that you would like to recommend, please comment. Until next time,

Happy listening and/or reading,

Lynda

PS My next listen might be Eat, Pray, Love again before I go to see the movie>

It's finally here, Rocky Mountain Shop Hop 2010!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-05T16:06:00.001-07:00

We have 7 shops in our Rocky Mountain Quilt Fever Shop Hop. The Hop lasts for 3 days-- Friday, August 6th through Sunday, August 8th, 2010.

This year each shop chose a patchwork block and made two of them. We also chose two reproduction fabrics in the same colorway--one medium and one dark. In our case we colored our block in two different ways. One of our blocks is in the upper right hand corner. See if you can find it's match. We were then free to design an exclusive setting for our quilt. As you can see from the picture, we have more than 14 blocks. We chose one of the blocks and made 3 more for the setting blocks in the corners. All of the light fabric in the blocks and border of our quilt is the light combination of the exclusive toile fabric. It made for a very nice background for the patchwork as well as the applique.

Hoppers go to each store, buy a kit to make two blocks (or get the pattern for free) and choose their favorite quilt setting. I've seen most of the settings and they are all unique, but guess which one I feel is the prettiest?

We will have some great demos going on and lots of new product. Nancy is especially excited about a new ruler called Leaves Galore. She has put together a wonderful storyboard showing some of the great things this ruler can do. Several of us want the set of 3, but we will wait until Shop Hop is over to see if there are any left.

We hope to see many of you during the next few days and if you can't come, check back here and we will let you know how it turned out.

Happy Hopping,

Lynda

P.S. Check the blog below for close-up pictures of the exclusive Toile fabric from RJR and our website for close-ups of the blocks. http://www.greatamericanquilt.com/

Rocky Mountain Quilt Fever, Shop Hop 2010, part 1

2010-08-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Yay! Shop Hop 2010 is finally here!!!! All of the shops work all year (and I'm not kidding-our first meeting for 2011 is the Wednesday after the shop hop) to make a unique and wonderful experience for our faithful and wonderful customers for next year.

Last year and this year, the Rocky Mountain Shop Hop shops, designed a special fabric exclusive to the shops in the hop. This year it's an incredible toile that we helped design with RJR Fabrics. It features Colorado landmarks and symbols. We think it is absolutely fabulous and anyone with a tie to Colorado should have at least a yard to keep for prosperity. Many of you are buying 6 yards for a very special backing, as I will be, plus a yard for fussy cutting. (See some of the images on the blogpost below) We have already placed a reorder because of the feedback we have received from posting the fabric online and in the shop, but, it will most likely not be reordered again. So, call us and place your order early--we will take phone orders and online orders starting Friday, August 6th at 9:00am. First come, first served. Ask to speak to Ashley or Lynda to place your order.

Happy hopping!!!!
Lynda and Nancy

Rocky Mountain Quilt Fever Shop Hop 2010

2010-07-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

It's almost time for the Rocky Mountain Quilt Fever, Colorado Memories Shop Hop. It's August 6, 7, and 8th. Yikes, it's almost August--where has the summer gone?

Last year for the Shop Hop we designed a beautiful batik. This year, we designed a beautiful toile fabric with RJR. The toile showcases many Colorado landmarks and symbols, including Grand Mesa, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the "Sleeper House", the State Capital, the and many others. If you have ever lived in Colorado, visited Colorado, or want to make a quilt for someone that has lived in Colorado, then you need at least a yard of this exclusive fabric. Six yards would make a beautiful backing for any quilt that has a Colorado connection. Here are a few of the images on the fabric.

All of the shops have designed an exclusive quilt that showcases the main fabric or the secondary fabric (the same design, but not as much of a contrast). We expect that this exclusive fabric will sell fast, so order ASAP!!

Happy Hopping!

Lynda and Nancy

Christmas in July

2010-07-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Christmas in July at Great American Quilt Factory, starts this Sunday, July 18th and goes through Saturday, July 24th. Customers in the store and online will enjoy 20% savings off of anything Christmas. What a great time to start your Christmas sewing.

Just in time for Christmas in July is our newest pattern No Peeking. This delightful wallhanging/banner is approx. 14 x 40".

No Peeking's bright colors and simple patchwork and applique make this a perfect gift.

We have a ton of Christmas fabric and Nancy and the design team have stitched up lots and lots of stitching friendly panel quilts. See some of them on the website http://www.greatamericanquilt.com/.

Also on display in the store are several of the models from our newest C&T book Christmas with Possibilities.
Christmas with Possibilities is truly a lovely book filled with 16 holiday projects--some old fav's from out of print books and some wonderful new projects! If you can make it into the store, I'm sure you will enjoy seeing the actual quilts and projects.

Last, but not least, become a fan of Great American Quilt Factory on Facebook for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate. We have already given away 2 and are giving away at least one more when we reach our 1000th fan. Go to Great American Quilt Factory and click on "Like" at the top of the page next to our name. Good Luck!

Happy stitching,

Lynda

Happy Fourth of July

2010-07-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July friends,

It is a beauty of a holiday weekend here in Denver--a little barbequing, a little partying, and lots of friends. The quilt above is 1776 from our Seasonal Delights book. I thought it was very appropiate for this weekend.

We have a very special tradition in our neighborhood. For a reasonable price a couple of boy scouts put up a large flag on everyone's lawn for all patriotic days. The street looks lovely with all the flags flying. They put them up at dawn and take them down just before dusk. I can't wait to see them tomorrow.

Have a wonderful weekend and maybe get in a little stitching.

Lynda

More books for you to enjoy...............

2010-06-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finished listening to a couple more books that I think you might enjoy. The first is The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, which was recommended to me by a blog reader. I have never been much into history, but the last several books I have read are piqueing my interest. This book takes place in Seattle in 1986 with flashbacks back to the 1940's. It is about a Chinese-American boy named Henry and his friendship with a Japanese-American girl named Keiko. Keiko's family is interned into a camp during WWII. It is a somewhat bittersweet story but I really enjoyed it. Today I finished listening to Breaking Dawn--the final book in the Twilight Saga. I enjoyed the series, but found that I was more than ready for it to be over. I am looking forward to seeing the new movie Eclipse based on the third book.

My next audio book listen is also from a series. I'll start listening to it on my trip to the store and back for inventory, tonight. Fun, fun! It is the third book in a trilogy--The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, by Stieg Larsson. He is a Swedish author and I enjoyed knowing a little about Sweden, having been there on two vacations. His books are full of intrigue and his first book, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo will be out as a movie, soon.

I am also actually reading Shift by Peter Arnell. I saw him interviewed on the Today show a few days ago and found him fascinating. The subtitle for his book is "How to reinvent your business, your career, and your personal brand". He has worked with many of the top companies in the world with his branding and design expertise and he himself lost over 256 pounds. It's a very fascinating story!

Please send me your favorite books and I will check them out and possibly put them on my "wish list".

Happy listening or reading,

Lynda

Have you ever....?

2010-06-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been cleaning out your stash and come across something that has you saying to yourself "What was I thinking?" This is what made me say it--a pattern for troll doll clothes--what WAS I thinking? And yet, it's so funny that I can't bear to part with it. Leave a comment to let me know about one of your "What was I thinking?" moments. : )

Still sorting and cleaning,
Lynda

Kathie Savickas' Christmas Quilt

2010-06-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

We were treated on Monday to a special visit by Kathie Savickas, who lives in California. Her daughter lives in the Denver area, so she visits the store whenever she's in Denver. Awhile back, she decided she wanted to make a Christmas quilt. One of our ladies led her to our Seasonal Delights book that has a Christmas Sampler with a Santa Claus. The book also contains two other samplers--one with Uncle Sam, and one with a witch. Kathie creatively decided that the witch could turn into Mrs. Santa and enlarged the quilt to include her, also.

Here is her finished quilt. She repeated some blocks and created new ones, too. We think you will agree that Mrs. Santa is very charming. To see the original witch before she was transformed and other projects in Seasonal Delights, click here.

What inspiration you gave us, Kathie! Thank you for sharing your quilt and it's bittersweet story with all of us and some other lucky customers who happened to be in the store at the same time.

Keep inspiring others with your wonderful projects!

Happy stitching,
Lynda and Nancy

Dino Buddies--and more new stuff to come!

2010-06-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is one of the three new patterns we debuted at Quilt Market last month in Minneapolis. Writing the directions is my homework for today and tomorrow. These friendly dinosaurs (Tyrone and Bruno) are appliqued to a pieced background and are just perfect for a child's bedroom or playroom. The banners are 12 x 29" and the patterns will be ready to ship soon--if I get my act together and start working on them.

I'll have a couple more things to show you in the coming days, including the beautiful Pineapple Garden quilt that we made for the July/August 2010, McCall's Quilting magazine. For a preview, click here. This pattern uses our Pineapple Rule and we will have kits ready soon.

We also have a beautiful fabric line coming this month from Quilting Treasures. The line is called Autumn Harvest. Click here for a preview of the rest of the line, click here.

See you soon with more new patterns.
Until then,
Happy Stitching,
Lynda

Great American Quilt Factory a McCall's Hometown Favorite

2010-05-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

We are so honored to be one of McCall's Hometown Favorites featured quilt shops! We love working with the great women at McCall's Quilting and Quick Quilts and in fact we write a column each month for these magazines.

This new magazine features 16 quilt shops around the country and each shop has designed a quilt and kitted it. This special magazine America Quilts Hometown Favorites will be on the newsstand on May 18th. Starting Monday, May 10th, 3-4 shops will be featured each day in an online Shop Hop. Register to win the featured quilt kit from each shop and other prizes, including a delicious Moda fat quarter tower. Don't forget to enter each day. Just go to the Great American Quilt Factory website for the Online Shop Hop link.

Here is a picture of our quilt, Into the Woods. I must say that it is absolutely gorgeous and would be beautiful on a wall in my family room. Hmmmm--there is the finished sample. : )

Enjoy reading about the featured shops and deciding which is your favorite quilt. Register at the 3-4 featured shops each day and remember that if you don't win a kit there will be kits available for purchase.

Good luck and happy shopping,

Lynda

Denver National Quilt Festival

2010-05-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

We vended at the Denver National Quilt Festival last week. It was a great show and the competition quilts were remarkable--you can see the winners online here.

We had a display of 34 Possibilities quilts--the most Possibilities quilts displayed at the same time. It was so fun to see them in all of their glory. The quilts are from current books and patterns. I have put together a short slideshow so that you can see them, too. If you want more information on any of them, please comment, email us, or call the store. I hope you enjoy them!

Another slideshow design by Smilebox

Christmas with Possibilities Surprise

2010-05-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Nancy and I got a package in the mail today and a special delivery for each of us at the store!

Here is what was in the package--our newest book Christmas with Possibilities published by C&T. It is truly a lovely book filled with 16 holiday projects--some old fav's from out of print books and some new wonderful projects! I'm ready to jump right in since it is May and we are already receiving Christmas 2010 fabrics.

A little bit later, we each got one of these...................

.................a beautiful basket filled with flowers!

Thank you to all at C&T who helped bring this book to print. We always enjoy working with all of you and you truly bring out topnotch products!

Thank you for a wonderful surprise!

Lynda and Nancy

Sarah's Key and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2010-04-30T16:09:00.001-07:00

In the last couple of weeks I have listened to two wonderful books that I think you will enjoy. It is interesting that the last two books I reviewed were about women from the South and these next two books have ties to WWII.

The first one I'll tell you about is Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. This is what Publishers Weekly has to say: "De Rosnay's U.S. debut fictionalizes the 1942 Paris roundups and deportations, in which thousands of Jewish families were arrested, held at the Vélodrome d'Hiver outside the city, then transported to Auschwitz. Forty-five-year-old Julia Jarmond, American by birth, moved to Paris when she was 20 and is married to the arrogant, unfaithful Bertrand Tézac, with whom she has an 11-year-old daughter. Julia writes for an American magazine and her editor assigns her to cover the 60th anniversary of the Vél' d'Hiv' roundups. Julia soon learns that the apartment she and Bertrand plan to move into was acquired by Bertrand's family when its Jewish occupants were dispossessed and deported 60 years before. She resolves to find out what happened to the former occupants: Wladyslaw and Rywka Starzynski, parents of 10-year-old Sarah and four-year-old Michel. The more Julia discovers—especially about Sarah, the only member of the Starzynski family to survive—the more she uncovers about Bertrand's family, about France and, finally, herself. Already translated into 15 languages, the novel is De Rosnay's 10th (but her first written in English, her first language). It beautifully conveys Julia's conflicting loyalties, and makes Sarah's trials so riveting, her innocence so absorbing, that the book is hard to put down. "

I really enjoyed this book and yes, it was very moving and I had to sit in the car after I got to my destination several times to finish a part--always a good recommendation--and it was beautifully read!

I had a hard time getting into the 2nd book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society until I reread the description on Audible.com and realized that it was a series of letters--and then, I really enjoyed it. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is read by 20 different people and that is one of the reasons that makes it so special. From Publishers Weekly: "The letters comprising this small charming novel begin in 1946, when single, 30-something author Juliet Ashton (nom de plume Izzy Bickerstaff) writes to her publisher to say she is tired of covering the sunny side of war and its aftermath. When Guernsey farmer Dawsey Adams finds Juliet's name in a used book and invites articulate—and not-so-articulate—neighbors to write Juliet with their stories, the book's epistolary circle widens, putting Juliet back in the path of war stories. The occasionally contrived letters jump from incident to incident—including the formation of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society while Guernsey was under German occupation—and person to person in a manner that feels disjointed. But Juliet's quips are so clever, the Guernsey inhabitants so enchanting and the small acts of heroism so vivid and moving that one forgives the authors (Shaffer died earlier this year) for not being able to settle on a single person or plot. Juliet finds in the letters not just inspiration for her next work, but also for her life—as will readers."

Like Anne of Green Gables this book made me want to travel to the destination. I love to read books, but because I drive at least 1-2 hours a day to get to and from work, audiobooks are my salvation. I highly recommend them, not just for listening to while driving but for anytime you can't be turning the pages of a book.

If you have any suggestions for what I should read next, please comment.

Happy stitching, reading, or listening,
Lynda

Joy to the World Winners

2010-04-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, I'm so sorry. I chose the winners for the blog contest and then forgot to blog them. The three winners were chosen at random by a random number generator and here are the winner's names and comments.

paula, the quilter said:

"I am a 'totally prepared' gal myself. Starch on the edges around either a freezer paper or templar template, iron and then glue. I 'do' remove the template if it is freezer paper."

stitchinRN said:

"my favorite is using freezer paper, but i spray starch my pieces after basting to the freezer paper template. i remove the freezer paper before i stitch it in place, no removing later, easy to peel off. it looks like needle turn, but easier."

Lori H said:

"During a recent class, our teacher showed us needleturn applique. While my sister 'hated that day', I loved it. I look forward to many new projects."

I will send each of you an autographed copy of Joy to the World as soon as I receive your snail mail addresses.

Thank you to all who left comments! There are so many methods of applique out there and I think that I just might design an applique sampler.

Happy stitching,

Lynda

Hometown Favorites Online Shop Hop with prizes

2010-04-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

McCall's Quilting Magazine is introducing a very special, newsstand only issue titled America Quilts, Hometown Favorites available on newstands, May 18. There will be 16 featured shops that have each designed an exclusive quilt and we were lucky enough to be one of them. Our quilt is absolutely stunning--the only thing I can tell you is that we've named it Into the Woods, it's made in creams, rusty reds, browns, and blacks, and it's a variation of one of our favorite traditional patterns.

McCalls will also be hosting an online shop hop, May 10-14, where you will be able to read interviews with the selected shop owners and purchase a kit for their quilt. And...........prizes--each shop will be giving away a kit for their quilt and Moda will be giving away a tower of 40 fat quarters (and we all need more fat quarters)!!!!

Visit McCall's Quilting to get the full list of shops along with contest details. Bookmark this site and don't forget to check in on May 10th to start the hop. We're excited!

Happy Birthday to us and a blog contest for you!

2010-04-01T10:56:00.001-07:00

It's April and Great American Quilt Factory's 29th birthday, which means that we are going into our 30th year in business.! Hip, Hip, Hooray! I can still vividly remember sitting on the cement floor in a brand new vacant space, drinking a glass of wine and wondering how we were ever going to make it to the end of our first 5 year lease and here we are, many leases later.

Now the store is in it's 30th year which means I have been quilting for over 40 (I started at a very, very young age). Recently I have been researching different hand and machine applique techniques. I do quite a bit of machine applique but haven't done applique by hand for many, many years--my how it has changed! My method back then was to baste all the seam allowances under, baste the pieces into position, and then applique. Several years ago I tried a little bit of needle-turn and decided it wasn't my cup of tea. Just recently I took a class on the freezer paper method by Pearl Pereira-P3 Designs. I really enjoyed it, especially because after the applique was glued into place, it was totally portable. Next I'll be checking out the back-basting technique for hand applique and revisiting Beth Ferrier's machine technique.

Now, I'm asking for your advice. Please leave a comment telling me what your favorite method of applique is and why and/or your favorite applique tool. You will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of 3 autographed copies of our out-of-print book, Joy to the World--a collector's item and very difficult to find in perfect condition. You will have until Sunday, April 18th to comment and the 3 winners will be chosen at random on the 19th. Please make sure that you leave an e-mail so that you can be contacted.

For a quiltylicious way to celebrate your birthday or special occasion, this little quilt from the pattern Ode to a Cupcake, might be the perfect choice. In fact, I might use this pattern to experiment with my applique techniques making an applique sampler.

Quilting has changed so much in the last 40 years and I am so glad that it is still my passion! Next I'll be checking out hand piecing techniques and perhaps we'll hold another contest.

Best of luck to each of you and happy stitching,
Lynda

Eco-Friendly Snack Bags

2010-03-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

Nancy's daughter, Laura, shared her pattern to make eco-friendly snack bags with us. These are pretty darn cute little bags--about the size of a self-sealing sandwich bag--that are lined with a waterproof fabric called PUL. Think of how many self-sealing sandwich bags you can save by making a few of these eco-friendly bags and tossing them into the washer to clean.

We have made them up in sooooooo many different fabrics, from fruit and veggie fabrics, to cupcake fabric, to florals, and we are even making some kits up with the new Monopoly fabric from Quilting Treasures. The bags were featured this month in Quick Quilts magazine. Check them out on our website--kits and pattern or already made by Mamamade.

Happy stitching,

Lynda and Nancy

Beautiful Pineapple quilt top by Marcia Koester

2010-03-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

Marcia Koester was in my Pineapple class in late January and came in a couple of weeks ago with this beautiful Pineapple top. She made 56 blocks following the Barn Dance pattern from our book Positively Pineapple using the Pineapple Rule. The top is made entirely from scraps-florals, conversation prints, calicoes, and pretty much anything that she had.

It is what I call a "controlled scrap" quilt, because in this case, each row (or round) is made with the same fabric. When you look at the blocks upclose, you see this easily, but from further back it is hard to notice.

It is truly a lovely quilt and she did a wonderful job. I can't wait to see it quilted. Thank you for sharing the top with us Marcia!

To see more information about our book Positively Pineapple and the Pineapple Rule, check out our webite http://www.greatamericanquilt.com/.

Happy Stitching,

Lynda

"The Help"--a wonderful listen!

2010-03-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

I live almost 25 miles away from work and have to drive from one side of Denver to the other-35 minutes at best and 1 1/2 to 2 hours at worst-not fun! So my favorite driving pasttime (since I shouldn't be stitching) is listening to audio books. My favorite book in the last couple of months is "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett (her debut book). The story is about African-American women working in white households in Mississippi in the early 60's. I enjoyed it so much that when I got to my destination I had to make myself get out of the car and stop listening. When it was over, I didn't have another book downloaded, so I started listening again and enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. I have recommended it to several friends and have yet to hear of anyone that was not facinated by this story. The audio version is narrated by 4 gifted women, including Jenna Lamia who reads for Skeeter, the main character. Bahni Turpin, Octavia Spencer, and Cassandra Campbell are the other narrators. I highly recommend that you listen to this book, but if you can't listen to it, find a copy to read.

I'm now listening to another great book, "Saving CeeCee Honeycutt" by Beth Hoffman. It is another Southern debut novel narrated by the same Jenna Lamia. I'm enjoying Jenna's interpretation so much in both of these novels that I will search her out in the future. (She also narrated "The Secret Life of Bees".)

I'll continue to let you know what I am reading and I'd appreciate any recommendations from you to add to my wish list.

Happy reading or listening,

Lynda

When I grow up I want to be...

2010-03-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

One of the services that we provide at Great American Quilt Factory is making photo transfers-usually from photos, but this time from drawings. Lenora Chavez made this quilt from her daughter's and classmates drawings at St. John's Lutheran School, in Denver. The kids are 7 and 8 years old and they had to illustrate what they would like to be when they grow up.

Some of their answers depicted doctor, veterinarian, paleontologist, spy, detective, dentist, and pet store owner. Lenora pieced the quilt together (her very first quilt). Doesn't she look happy?

The quilt will be auctioned off for a school fundraiser. I hope it brings in lots of money and I hope it goes home with one of the lucky artists. Thank you for sharing your first quilt with us, Lenora!

Happy stitching,

Lynda and Nancy

California here we come!

2010-02-25T19:29:00.000-08:00

Yea! Yea! Yea! California here we come!

Nancy and I are headed to one of our favorite places for a busman's holiday. We love to go to the Empty Spools Seminars at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, CA. We are taking an Independent Study class from our friend and fellow author/teacher, Becky Goldsmith.

That means we can do anything we want--although that is what we always try to do--5 days of sewing without too many expectations. Sewing, walking the beach, sewing, great dinners in Pacific Grove, sewing!!!! If you have not heard of Empty Spools, check it out or call/e-mail us for more information. It is supposed to be rainy and cool which is a change up from snow, snow, and more snow.

We will also make at least one trip to Back Porch Fabrics. BPF always has something new and fun--Gail always seems to have fabric that we don't carry and has a great gallery exhibit. Be sure to stop in if you are ever in Pacific Grove.

Happy stitching,

Lynda

Receiving Blankets Going to Haiti

2010-02-11T15:32:00.001-08:00

Last Friday, we were given an incredible opportunity to help the people in Haiti. Nancy Boyd is one of our customers and her husband is part owner of a business aircraft called a Pilatus. These aircraft are smaller and can land in the smaller Haitian cities. Her husband was going to spend 5 days flying people and cargo into and out of Haiti as part of the relief effort. Nancy found out that the Haitians needed receiving blankets and immediately thought of us. The plane was going to be loaded with medical and other supplies, but receiving blankets could certainly be stuffed into nooks and crannies. We sent out an email to our customers on Friday and by 12:00 noon on Wednesday we had received 477 mostly handmade receiving blankets. What a wonderful response! To see the piles of blankets click here Receiving Blankets Going to Haiti. We will keep you updated when we get more information. Nancy was going to try to take a picture of the airplane packed to the gills. Thank you all for making this quick effort a huge success!

Lynda and Nancy

AND THE WINNER IS....

2010-01-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

Jill from Maryland is the winner of the gift basket filled with Possibilities! Jill said "I wish Maryland was closer to your store...I'd be a good customer! Interesting to hear you on Pat's new show."

Jill, you didn't leave an email address, so contact me or Pat with your information.

Thanks to everyone who left comments--it was so fun to read them all! I can't wait for the weekend so that I can listen to Pat's second show.

Happy stitching,
Lynda

Pat Sloan's radio interview

2010-01-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

Hip Hip Horray!

Today we made history! We were Pat Sloan's first guests on her new radio show!! Pat asked questions and made comments and we talked, talked, talked--of course Pat makes it soooo easy. To hear the interview, click on this link Pat Sloan's Radio Show . After you listen to the interview, check back here, leave a comment by Friday the 22nd and be entered to win this wonderful gift basket filled with lots of 'possibilities'.

Enjoy,

Lynda and Nancy

Lynda & Nancy's interview by Pat Sloan

2010-01-12T11:20:00.001-08:00

Our friend and fellow teacher/blogger, Pat Sloan, is starting a one hour Internet Radio Show on Monday, January 18th and......drum roll please.......Nancy and I are her first guests! Pat's word of the year is Possibility, which led her to think of us.

Pat will be talking about creativity, motivation, inspiration, trends, techniques, GIVEAWAYS and much, much more. You will be able to listen to it live or download it to listen later. If you follow Pat at all, you will probably agree that she is the original Energizer Bunny. Her brain and body must not sleep. We are so honored to be her first guest and hope you will be listening in.

Speaking of GIVEAWAYS, leave a comment on our blog (by Friday the 22nd) about the interview and be entered for a chance to win this gift basket valued at more than $50.00. It's filled with lots of Possibilities.

To read more about Pat and her new show click here.

Remember, Monday the 18th at 4:00 PM EST and be sure to leave a comment on our blog for your chance to win the basket of goodies.

Congrats on your new venture, Pat!

Lynda

Patchwork Lottery at Great American Quilt Factory

2010-01-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

We have a special monthly lottery at Great American Quilt Factory. Every month a block pattern is given out for free in the store or online. Customers make however many blocks they would like in the suggested colorway. They then bring or mail the blocks to the store by the last day of the month. They get one entry for the drawing for each block they enter. One lucky person will win all of the blocks for that month.

This August, Layne Quiring won our Patchwork Lottery. She is the first one to bring in a completed quilt from the blocks. The block was an easy Log Cabin and the suggested colors were blue and yellow. Yeah Layne! Layne made 2 blocks, won 32 blocks and made this quilt with 30 of the blocks and used the 2 extra for the corners in the border.

It is really a cute quilt and so refreshing. Thank you Layne for sharing!

If you would like a chance to win this month, download the block here, make as many as you want in the suggested colorway and be sure to get them to the store by the end of January. Maybe we'll see your picture and your quilt right here.

Good luck and happy piecing,

Lynda and Nancy

Texture Magic winners from Dolly Dresses Blog

2010-01-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

I finally have chosen 3 winners randomly to win a package of Texture Magic.

jaybird said:

"The Texture Magic was such a great idea!! Your quilt is so cute!"

Christy said:

Darling project, as are all the others so far! I love the Texture Magic effect. And, of course would love to win some to give it a try. I'm in awe of all the creativity of the women and men in the quilt world. Thanks for inspiring!

brigette said:

"The Texture Magic worked wonderfully on the dress panel!! Thanks so much for the generous giveaway! "

I contacted jaybird and brigette with an e-mail. Christy, please send me your address and I'll get a package sent out to you, too.

Thanks to everyone for participating and commenting. It was great fun!

Happy New Year and Happy Stitching!

Lynda

Dolly Dresses Blog Event, Day 17

2009-12-17T12:05:00.001-08:00

Well, the Dolly Dresses Blog Event is almost history. Today's quilt comes from Penny Sturges of Quilts Illustrated--very charming. To see her quilt go to Holly Holderman's Holly Blog for the link.

I've been remiss in picking the winners of the Texture Magic. I'll try to get that done over the weekend and I'll let you know the winners here on the blog. I'll be around the house because my 21 year old son is having his tonsills removed tomorrow.

Talk to you tomorrow,

Lynda

Dolly Dresses Blog Event

2009-12-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Day 15 and 16 of the Dolly Dresses Blog Event brings two more wonderful quilts. Day 15's reveal was Tricia Cribbs of FriendFolks. Today, Day 16's quilt is a real cutie that is being auctioned off to help raise money for the Irish people who were involved in the epic flooding. The quilt was made by Elizabeth Scott of The Late Bloomer.

To see these quilts, go to Holly Holderman's Holly Blog and click on the links. Enjoy!

See you tomorrow,
Lynda

Dolly Dresses Blog Event

2009-12-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

Today is day 14 of the Dolly Dresses Blog Event created by Holly Holderman of LakeHouse fabrics. What fun it has been and what creativity. Today's reveal is Sheri Bignell from Freckleberry Farm--cute, cute, cute! See Sheri's quilt by clicking the link on Holly's Blog.

For now, I'm leaving for the snow and cold up at Beaver Creek, Colorado.
Back tomorrow afternoon.
Lynda

Dolly Dresses Blog continues...

2009-12-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

I don't have much to say today because I'm getting ready for our store party and for a short 2-day trip to the mountains to hear my favorite all female Irish group--Cherish the Ladies. But, I had to let you know that the Dolly Dresses Blog Event continues for a few more days. Today features Rachel Griffith of PS I Quilt--very cute quilt and an added storyline. To see Rachel's quilt, go to Holly Holderman's Blog and click on the link.

Enjoy,

Lynda

On the 12th Day of Christmas...

2009-12-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Need one last quick project? This is the cutest kit from a pattern by Patrick Lose. What a nice gift for a special friend or for newlyweds that are decorating for their first Christmas.

Fusible web applique will have this cutie finished by Christmas. Kit includes pattern and all fabrics for top and binding, and the buttons. Just $35.99 and if you order it today (Customer Appreciation Day) it will be 20% off. Click here to order.

The Dolly Dresses Blog Event continues. Here are the last two dresses that were treated with Texture Magic. This first one features a little loose apron stitched to the dress with a rickrack trimmed waistband. There's no batting and the apron fabric was stitched with a meander. The apron was zig-zag stitched all around and a little trim was added to the bottom.

This next apron has batting sandwiched between the layers and was stitched in straight vertical rows, about every 3/8 to 1/2". After it was zig-zag stitched to the dress, a little trim was added for a waistband and rickrack was added to the bottom edge.

To see the quilt and to read more about Texture Magic, go to the blog of 12/6. Please leave a comment for a chance to win a package of TM so that you can share in the MAGIC!

The Dolly Dresses Blog Event continues. Today's reveal is from Jenny McLean of Tula Pink. Go to Holly Holderman's blog to find the link. I hope you are hopping along and leaving comments, because there are PRIZES to be had!

Six more quilts to be revealed,

Lynda

On the 11th Day of Christmas...

2009-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Why not start the New Year with a present for yourself? Maybe you would like a kit to make this delightful quilt--it's a favorite of mine. Let's Build a Snowman is one of our newest patterns. It's very colorful and cheery and measures 48 x 58". To see a larger picture or to place your order, click here . And, if you order this Saturday, Customer Appreciation Day, you will get 20% off. Don't forget, we also have gift certificates on sale through Dec. 31st as well.

Now, back to the Dolly Dresses Blog Event. It has been fun sharing with you the different dresses and how the Texture Magic was used. The ruffle treatment on this little dress was sandwiched with batting and stitched with straight rows of a decorative stitch.

This next little dress has a vest and an apron texturized. The pink fabric was sandwiched with batting and quilted with a small feather. The apron was not sandwiched with batting and was stitched with a small meander.

For a chance to win a package of Texture Magic, leave a comment here on the blog by Dec. 12. Winners will be chosed at random.

The Dolly Dress Blog Event continues with the next quilt revealed (or maybe not) by Monica Solorio-Snow of the Happy Zombie. You can see this quilt by hopping to Holly Holderman's blog and clicking on the link. I hope you can take the time to go see the other quilt--they are all so different.

Happy stitching,

Lynda

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

2009-12-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Need a stocking stuffer idea? How about a Sewline Fabric Pencil or two with a refill of lead in all of the available colors. The Sewline Pencils have specially formulated ceramic leads that make a very clean and clear line. I prefer having 5 pencils, one of each color (the cap is colored to let you know what lead is in the pencil) but some people don't mind changing the lead as a new color is needed. The colors are black, white, yellow, pink, and green. The lines can be removed with water or the eraser that is on the pen. Package them up in a pretty little pencil box and tie on a cute bow. To see available colors as well as other Sewline products, click here.

Now, for two more Dolly Dresses treated with Texture Magic. The little apron on this first dress was has no batting sandwiched between the layers. The fabric stitched with different stitches (a tight little cross stitch and a much looser cross stitch) in each color stripe. To attach to the dress, a small piece of fusible was fused to the wrong side of the dolly dress, along the bottom edges of the jacket. The corners of the jacket were cut so that the apron could be tucked under. The apron was tucked under the jacket and the jacket was fused back into place. The apron was zig-zag stitched to the dress and the jacket was also zig-zag stitched.

The fabric used for this pretty little red apron was also not layered with batting. It was straight stitched to the Texture Magic with every row stitched vertically and every other row stitched horizontally. The edges of the apron were zig-zag stitched and lace was stitched to the bottom edge. The apron was tucked under the jacket using the method above, but left loose. Very cute!

For a chance to win a package of Texture Magic, leave a comment here on the blog by Dec. 12. Winners will be chosed at random.

The Dolly Dress Blog Event continues with the next quilt revealed by Julie Herman of Jay Bird Quilts. It's a cutie! You can see this quilt by hopping to Holly Holderman's blog and clicking on the link.

Happy stitching,

Lynda

On the 9th Day of Christmas...

2009-12-06T12:46:00.001-08:00

Magnet-Ficent Invisible Quilt Hangers allow you to easily and securely support your quilt for display, yet it wll appear to be floating very close to the wall with no means of support.

This hanging system uses a small mounting plate attached to your wall using 3M Command adhesive strips. Powerful, specially designed magnets securely hold you quilt to the plate via the adjustable metal rod inserted into your quilt's rod pocket. Go ahead and hang quilts 10 inches to 48 inches wide, or even larger with additional kits. It's easily adjustable-just slide the magnet! Remove, re-hang, or change your displayed quilt with no hassel. All you need to add is an adjustable metal rod (such as a curtain rod) the length of your quilt., inserted into a casing on the back side of your quilt. Just $35.99 Click here to order.$35.99

Here are the next two dresses using Texture Magic. On this first one, a little lace trimmed apron with a waistband was added to the dress. The fabric was layered on the texture magic with no batting inbetween. The stitching was a small feather stitch. The edge was zig-zag stitched and the trim was added covering the zig-zag. The apron was tucked under the waistband and left loose and the waistband was zig-zag stitched in place.

The next dress has a little red jacket. The quilt sandwich included batting and was stitched in straight rows about 1/2" apart. Before it was stitched to the dress, a new blouse in a different color was added as well .

For a chance to win a package of Texture Magic, leave a comment here by Dec. 12th. Three winners will be chosen at random.

The Dolly Dresses Blog continues. Today's reveal is Gina Halladay from Quilter's Buzz. It is another darling quilt. Go to Holly Holderman's blog to get the link.

It's freezing cold here, stay warm,

Lynda

On the 8th Day of Christmas...

2009-12-06T12:43:00.001-08:00

The Gypsy Sit Upon Comfort Cushion would be a great gift for almost anyone.

This is what the package has to say-"Sit comfortably for hours while quilting, sewing, reading, and more." (I think I left out driving-yikes, balancing and driving at the same time) "Softly inflated disc prevents fatigue and reduces pressure on the tailbone. Helps relieve lower back pain, strengthens core muscles, and improves posture. Nubby texture allows cooling air flow and promotes improved blood circulation. Durable purple rubberized material remains soft and pliable. One size fits all. " It takes a bit to get used to, but it really helped me with my posture at the sewing machine. We've recently cut the price and it now retails for $29.99 Click here to order.

Now, back to the Dolly Dresses Blog Event. Our quilt was revealed on the 6th and I promised to show you more ways that we used Texture Magic. Here are two more dresses. The vest was made from one of my favorite LakeHouse fabrics that has shiny dots on it. Check yesterday's blog to read about making a template and sandwiching the fabrics together. A feather stitch was stitched between the dots and then it was appliqued in place with a zig-zag stitch.

For the second dress another dotted fabric was used and it was layered to the Texture Magic with no batting. Straight lines were stitched between the dots, creating a vertical grid which is really emphasized after it shrank. I hope you are enjoying seeing the possibilities that Texture Magic creates!

We carry Texture Magic in a 47 x 36" sheet and in a 47 x 18" sheet . Click here for more information. For a chance to win 1 of 3 packages of the 47 x 18" sheet, please leave a comment by December 12th. The winners will be chosen at random on Dec. 13th.

Today's quilt reveal on the Dolly Dresses Blog Event is Taffy McLaughlin from Intown Quilters. Everyone really brought their 'A' game to this project and what a fun way to see blogs you might not have known of. To find the link to Intown Quilters, go to Holly Holderman's blog.

Have fun hopping,

Lynda

On the 7th Day of Christmas...

2009-12-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever, Great American Quilt Factory is having a Gift Certificate Sale. What a great choice for holiday giving for a quilting or sewing friend or maybe just for yourself. We always have beautiful kits, great notions, gorgeous fabric, and the newest in books and patterns. Come in to shop, or buy your Gift Certificate online.

Now, on to the Dolly Dresses Blog Event. Our quilt was revealed yesterday and I promised that I would tell a little more about our use of Texture Magic. Here is the block with the pink bunny jacket.

A plastic template pattern was made of the jacket. Batting was sandwiched between a piece of the pink bunny fabric and a piece of the Texture Magic. It was stitched with a small meander making sure to not stitch over the bunnies. The fabric sandwich was heated with a steam iron and shrank to reveal this darling fabric that emphasizes the bunnies. The template pattern was traced around on the TM side, the jacket cut out, and zig-zag stitched back into place. Here is a close-up that shows how darling it is.

The second dress has a new apron attached to the dress. The template plastic was laid on top the the dress and an apron was drawn. A quilt sandwich was made with the TM, a layer of batting, and the red checkered fabric.

The fabric was straight stitched diagonally between the colors. Heat was applied and the fabric shrunk to look like a little biscuit quilt. The pattern for the apron was drawn on the TM side and the piece cut out. It was zig-zag stitched into place and a small waistband was added. I wish you could see this in person--it is may favorite block! Here is the closeup.

Alrighty then--I will share two more blocks tomorrow, so please check back. To order Texture Magic, click here. For a chance to win a packet of 47 x 18" Texture Magic be sure to leave a comment by Dec. 13th. Three winners will be chosen at random.

The Dolly Dresses Blog Event continues. To read more about it, check out my Nov. 30th blog. Today's quilt is from Jere McDade of Quilted Quickies. Her "calendar girl" quilt is precious. Pop over to Holly's Blog for the link.

Have fun,

Lynda

On the 6th Day of Christmas...

2009-12-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

It's all about the magic...

Yippee! Today is our day to reveal our Dolly Dresses Quilt. Holly Holderman of LakeHouse fabrics asked me at Quilt Market if we would like to design a project using her two Dolly Dresses panels and be part of this blog event. I pondered for a minute, asked a few questions, and said YES! What an honor to be chosen as a featured designer. Thanks Holly!

We wanted to design something colorful, dimensional, and fun. I think we succeeded! This quilt is definitely colorful, thanks to beautiful LakeHouse fabrics.

We added a pinwheel border to add lots of dimension. (We designed a dimensional pinwheel quilt years ago in our PS I Love You, Two Book). The feather border and the outline quilting done by Ann Petersen adds even more dimension. And...

we added a little magic to the dresses for the fun!

Texture Magic! Each Dolly Dress has been treated to a Texture Magic make-over. Check out the pink bunny jacket and the red checkered apron.

Texture Magic is a material that when stitched to a fabric, and heated with a steam iron, results in the fabric shrinking approx. 30% in all directions creating a textured fabric. Over the next few days I will show you some of the textures that were created with different stitch patterns--so please check back. Many projects can be magically made-over with Texture Magic. Let your imagination soar--the 'possibilities' are endless!

We carry Texture Magic in a 47 x 36" sheet and will be getting in a 47 x 18" sheet soon. Click here for more information. For a chance to win 1 of 3 packages of the 47 x 18" sheet, please leave a comment by December 12th. The winners will be chosen at random on Dec. 13th.

The next Dolly Dresses Blog Event project will be revealed tomorrow. Go to Holly's blog to find the link.

Enjoy the creativity!

Lynda
P.S. If you would be interested in purchasing the two Dolly Dress Panels and the pattern for this quilt (not available until Spring 2010), please email Ashley at info@greatamericanquilt.com.

On the 5th Day of Christmas...

2009-12-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Brand spanking new to the market is Alex Anderson's 4-in-1 Essential Sewing Tool for quilting, applique, papercrafts, dollmaking, and more. The tool includes a super-sharp Bernina seam ripper, extra-long stiletto, flat-ended presser, and a pointed wood end cap for turning and stuffing. Because it is so new it might make the perfect present for your quilting and sewing friends and for you, too! $19.95 Click here to order.

The Dolly Dresses Blog Event continues with Jennifer Bosworth of Shabby Fabrics. Jennifer designed a darling tablerunner. Very, very, cute! For more info on this event, check out our blog from November 30. The event is the brain child of Holly Holderman from LakeHouse fabrics. Check out Holly's blog to get the link to Shabby Fabrics quilt. Our turn is tomorrow and I can't wait for you to see our quilt.

The days, hours, minutes, and seconds are counting away--happy stitching,

Lynda

On the 4th Day of Christmas...

2009-12-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Because the holidays are such a great time to make personalized gifts, I'd like to introduce you to TAP. TAP is Transfer Artist Paper and was invented by Lesley Riley. TAP allows you to make iron-on transfers for almost any surface--fabric, lutradur, wood, polymer, canvas, glass, and more. Check out our story board to see transfers on some of our favorite surfaces. We also show transfers done with paintstix and magic markers. It's easy and fun--just add your imagination! A package contains five 8 1/2 x 11" sheets and retails for $11.99. Click here to order.

The Dolly Dresses Blog Event is in full swing. The first quilt to be revealed is from Debbie Taylor at Fat Quarter Shop. It's a delightful quilt! Check out Holly's blog to find a link to the Jolly Jabber blog. Remember, our day to reveal our quilt is this Sunday. Don't forget to check it out.

Happy stitching,

Lynda

P.S. Just for fun I added the Hallmark Christmas Calendar on the sidebar--don't let it make you nervous or stressed. ; )

On the 3rd Day of Christmas

2009-12-03T14:55:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite notions is the Bendable Bright Light that attaches to the side of your sewing machine. You can aim the bright LED light right were you need to and it doesn't get hot. A low voltage 8' power cord, a power pack, and a mounting bracket are included for the price of $49.99--I think it is worth every penny and it can be used for other crafts, not just for sewing. For another photo of me using it click here. To order click here.

Tomorrow is the start of the Dolly Dresses Blog Event. I think there are 15 designers altogether, so it should be great fun to see all of the quilts and hear what the designers have to say. I'm pretty sure that there will be some prizes given for comments. Our day is Sunday December 6th. I hope to see you then. For more information, go to Holly Holderman's blog.

See you tomorrow with another one of my favorite quilty things.

Lynda

On the 2nd Day of Christmas...

2009-12-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

Hello quilting friends,

We design fabric for Quilting Treasures and our newest line is Petals and Paisley and it will be delivered to stores this month. Petals and Paisley consists of prints with an Old World wood block character in rich tones of denim, aqua, browns, and teals that will work well in traditional as well as contemporary projects.

Check out the Quilting Treasures website to download a wonderful quilt that we designed to showcase this delightful fabric. This quilt would be so easy to make for a special Christmas present for a special person. I'll let you know when we receive the fabric in the backdoor.

Only two more days until the Dolly Dresses Blog Event starts. We have designed a special quilt using Holly Holderman's (LakeHouse Fabrics) Dolly Dresses panels. The Blog Event starts this Friday. Check out Holly's Blog for more information and to get a sneak preview of Dolly Dresses 2 and 3 fabrics--they are lovely.

See you tomorrow,

Lynda

On the 1st Day of Christmas...

2009-12-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness!

December is here and Christmas is a few short weeks away. Over the next few days, I would like to share some of my favorite things for Christmas giving or receiving. Here is the 1st one on the 1st day of December.

Today, I'm happy to tell you that Patchwork Party, Fall 2009 has been extended until the end of December. We had an incredible Spring Patchwork Party and the fun continued through the Fall and we were not quite ready for the fun to end. So, need a wonderful Christmas gift for yourself or for a quilting friend? Collect a sampler block ($7.00 each, postage included) from each of the participating 12 stores and then choose your favorite finishing kit. WOW! Each quilt looks soooo different and they are all beautiful--it would be a hard choice, although I like ours the best.

See some closeups here. The fabric line is Samsara from Benartex--gorgeous focus fabrics and great coordinates. Don't wait, Patchwork Party Fall 2009 ends December 31st.

Also, only 4 more days until the Dolly Dresses Blog Event starts. I can't wait until you see our quilt.

Talk to you tomorrow,

Lynda

Dolly Dresses-Quilts and More coming soon!

2009-11-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

We have some exciting news!

We have been chosen by Holly Holderman of LakeHouse fabrics to be a featured designer for a fun blog event. Each designer was given two panels of Holly's new Dolly Dresses fabric and were to design a quilt or other projects using these panels. If I do say so myself, our quilt is wonderful!!!! Let's just say it incorporates a new product in the quilting industry and it was so fun to use.

The Dolly Dresses Blog Event starts this Friday, December 4th. I don't know what day our quilt will be revealed, but as soon as I know, I'll let you know. I'll be anxious to go blog hopping to see everyone else's quilts. I did a little blog hopping today to see some of the other designer's blogs that I haven't visited before--fun, fun, fun. I hope you will hop with me!

Lynda

Jill McNeilly and Sherri Moore--stitching visitors!

2009-11-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

A month or so ago, we got an e-mail from Jill McNeilly, from Franklin, MA, stating that she would be in Denver with her husband who was attending a conference. Jill wanted to know if she could borrow a machine and sew in the store for a few days. We, of course, replied yes. Jill was with us for 3 days last week. She was making a quilt for a girlfriends' 13 year old daughter. The pattern was Topsy Turvy from an American Quilter magazine. It was fun to keep tabs with Jill and see the quilt progress. (Notice the beautiful ORANGE color?)

On the third day, Sherri Moore, from Indianapolis, IN, was in the store (her husband was also at a conference) and struck up a conversation with Jill. When she found out that Jill was borrowing a machine she inquired if she, too, could sew. We set up another machine and with the biggest grin on her face, Sherri announced that she was in heaven!

What a delightful time was had by all. Jill almost completed her quilt, Sherri almost finished a Grids & Grommets purse and we all had fun checking in on them from time to time.

I think the young lady that Jill is making this quilt for is very lucky--it was turning out great.

If you are ever in the Denver area and looking for a place to sew and be inspired, please call.

Thank you Jill and Sherri--we really enjoyed your visit. Come again soon!

Lynda, Nancy and the staff at Great American Quilt Factory

Jean Bonelli's Beautiful Scrap Quilt

2009-11-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

It's always nice to share our customer's projects on the blog. This fun quilt, made by Jean Bonelli, was made from a pattern in a McCall's Quilt magazine. Jean told us she is a beginning quilter. We thought she did a great job with the pattern and especially with the color. We can't wait to see what else Jean will make.

Beautiful quilt, Jean, and thanks for sharing!

Lynda and Nancy

...and I'm not so fond of WHITE.

2009-10-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is how my beautiful ORANGE bush looks today.

To be honest, most of the ORANGE was gone. The snow is coming down sideways at times and continues to pile up, so I'm working at home today. It reminds me of the snow storm we had last Spring.

I hope everyone has a stitching project to work on. What is your favorite snowy day activity? It's hard to decide between stitching and cooking. I guess I'll stick something in the crock pot so that I can do both.

The Denver weather should be nice, but chilly for the trick or treaters. I plan to see lots of coats covering up cute costumes.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Lynda

I LOVE ORANGE....

2009-10-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I love Fall and the change of color in the trees and bushes. I have a bush in my backyard that is an unassuming bush for 3/4 of the year, but in the Fall it becomes a STAR! Last Saturday it was pretty nondescript and then we had a couple of cold nights and this is what it looks like now--Gorgeous, gorgeous, ORANGE!

I've never noticed that it had berries until I took this closeup. I'm going to look closer tomorrow. I don't know what kind of bush it is, but I always look forward to its beautiful ORANGE display in the Fall.

Here's to the color ORANGE,
Lynda
(FYI-First pic, orange and blue, GO BRONCOS!)

International Quilt Market - Day 1 and 2

2009-10-10T20:02:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm Laura, Nancy's youngest daughter. I was just 9 months old when Nancy and Lynda started the business, so I guess you can say I literally grew up in the quilting industry. I am here in Houston, Texas this week, along with Nancy, Lynda, Judy (our buyer, show coordinator and more), and Ashley (our Director of Marketing, author of the weekly update, and more).

(From L to R: Lynda, Nancy, Judy, Laura & Ashley)

We had a fun idea to share with all of our readers just exactly what happens at these wonderful markets. Every fall (for 30 years now), hundreds of quilters and vendors gather in Houston, Texas to attend a wholesale show known as International Quilt Market. It is a time when fabric companies debut brand-new lines, pattern companies show the latest patterns, and designers prepare to show everything they have created new in the past year.

Shop owners come from around the world (literally) to attend this event and stock their shops with new and exciting goodies for customers. We have a unique position at market, as we are both vendors (of Possibilities books and patterns) and buyers (for Great American Quilt Factory). The electricity in the air for the three days of the show is undeniable, and we undoubtedly return to the shop feeling renewed, refreshed and excited to share all of the new ideas with our customers.

But it does take preparation! The booth isn't decorated when we arrive, in fact we ship cartons of quilts, displays, curtains, even carpeting, directly to Houston to "decorate" our booth. There are hundreds of vendors at the event, and each is assigned their booth space. We arrived in Houston on Thursday afternoon, and started setting up our booth on Friday morning.

Nancy and Lynda getting ready to unpack the boxes and set-up the booth (pretty sparse!)

Now there are some poles to hang quilts on, and the tables have been moved:

We're not the only ones getting set up!

Nancy stood on the ladder to hang poles, and cover and wrap the poles in fabric:

I helped a little too!

With the basics of the booth put together, we loaded the quilts in suitcases, and headed to the upstairs floor of the convention center for Schoolhouse. Schoolhouse is a day of 15-30 minute presentations from vendors, designers, companies, basically an information session about new products and good ways to help your customers get the most from a product.

Nancy and Lynda presented a Schoolhouse about their new fabric line, Petals & Paisleys (for Quilting Treasures), and talked about making an "Inspiration Station" in a store:

Shop owners love to hear Nancy and Lynda's ideas!

After Schoolhouse, we return to hang the quilts up in the booth. On Friday morning, they turn on all of the overhead lights, turn on the air-conditioning (a must in humid Texas) and the show is ready to start.

In a few short hours, we turned our booth from bare to stunning, ready for visitors.

Check back soon, we'll post more about all of the other fun stuff to see at Quilt Market!

:) Laura

Quilt Market Sneak Peek

2009-09-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

We are displaying a veritable smorgasbord of new patterns at fall Quilt Market. Here is a sneak peek at my favorite new pattern, No Guilt Quilt. I'm thinking of making this one as another Blog of the Month--any takers?

The pattern and possibly kits will be available very soon. I'll be giving more sneak peeks in the next two weeks at more of our smorgasbord--anyone hungry?
Lynda

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month, Part 7

2009-09-16T09:39:00.001-07:00

WOW! WOW! WOW! Ann Petersen, an award winning quilter, finished quilting the Happy Halloween quilt and now it only needs to be bound and buttons stitched on for the eyes.

For the back, I wanted to use a cute Halloween fabric that we designed. It needed to be pieced with a vertical seam. I bought a little extra fabric (4 1/4 yds) because I wanted the characters to be spaced evenly and semi-lined up. It wasn't until I was sewing on the binding that I saw that Ann matched the two pieces exactly!!! Ann is truly an awesome piecer and quilter.

We used Warm and Natural Batting which is a nice choice for a quilt that will be displayed on a wall. First she ditched the quilt next to the sashing strips, squares, and borders using Madeira Monofil (Smoke) in the top and an orange Aurifil (to match the backing) in the bobbin . Then she outline stitched the characters, including the features, and around the Happy Halloween letters, also with the Madeira.

She free motioned quilted some soft curves in the block backgrounds using two shades of Superior Rainbows, #848 Buncha Violets for the darkest background and #847 Fuchsia Fusion for the others. Rainbows are lovely variegated threads where the color changes about every inch. They also have a beautiful sheen.

She meandered the green Happy Halloween banner with Superior Rainbows #820 Lime Squeeze and added a couple of spiderwebs in the corners. Ann used Superior King Tut #977 Ebony to quilt bats in the sashing strips and stars in the sashing squares.

Spider webs were quilted in the border. When quilting on the darkest background squares, the sashing, and the borders, Ann used black Aurifil in the bobbin. This way, if the tension isn't perfect, there won't be little dots of a different color thread popping to the top. All of these threads work best with a 90/14 Topstitch needle. (Can you see the backing seam?)

I stitched on buttons for the eyes as the pattern suggests. The larger buttons (approx 1/4") were used for Mummy, Bat, Mr. Monster, and Skeleton. All of the rest have smaller buttons (approx 1/8"). Because this quilt will most likely be a wall hanging the buttons could be glued on. They could also be embroidered or beaded. I hid the knot under the button and stitched the button on by stitching through to the back. My backing fabric is busy enough that it is very hard to see where these stitches are. I stitched through each button three times. I poked a pin through to the back to mark the position for the second eye, and I traveled my needle from the first eye button to the second under the backing fabric. I stitched through the button three times, made my knot, and then traveled the needle through the backing fabric for a short way and trimmed the thread.

Yeah! We are almost finished. I'll do a binding tutorial next and then it will be time to hang the quilt in plenty of time for Halloween decorating.

Happy quilting,

Lynda

P.S. If you are interested in a thread packet for the 5 threads we used, please email me. Also, we have 5 button packets that contain the two different sized buttons available on a first come, first served basis for $6.95. Please email me if you are interested. millilyn@aol.com

CANUKUS Pineapple Quilt

2009-09-15T12:27:00.001-07:00

Diana Hill sent us a picture of this beautiful Pineapple quilt made using our Positively Pineapple book and Pineapple Rule. It is named CANUKUS PINEAPPLE because the ladies that made it are from Canada, UK, and the US. It was pieced by Janet Vigeant, Thelma Price, Diana Hill, and Alanna Petrusich and was quilted by Alanna. They are all members of the Kuwait group KTAA-Kuwait Textile Arts Association. The quilt will be raffled for funding to pay for educational speakers for KTAA Quilt members, also known as the Q8 Quilters.

What a beautiful Pineapple quilt--great job ladies!

Thanks for sharing,

Lynda and Nancy

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month, Part 6

2009-09-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hello again Happy Halloween friends,

It's time to get this quilt together. Your character blocks should be trimmed and ready to be sashed. To begin, let's trim the Happy Halloween strip if you didn't already. I don't know about you, but that was a lot of applique. Now, my advice to you is 'measure twice, cut once'. Follow the pattern directions and place the HH strip over the placement sheet. Mark the final trim line on all four corners. I then folded my strip in half, matched the 4 corners and marked my cutting lines. I measured the height in several spots to make sure it was consistently 11 1/2". I measured the length to make sure it was consistently 20 1/4" (40 1/2" unfolded). I found I had to add 1/4" to make the 40 1/2". When you are sure of your measurements and that the corners are square, cut to size.

Vertical Sashing
Cut your sashing and setting squares, following pattern directions. Stitch vertical sashing to all applique pieces as shown on pattern and press all seams toward the sashing strip.

Horizontal Sashing
Years ago, I learned a tip that makes sewing squares together so much easier. When stitching a quilt of all squares together, first identify the lengthwise grain of each square. The lengthwise grain has the least amount of stretch. Sew the squares together matching the lengthwise grains. This leaves the unsewn edge with all crosswise grain, which allows for the stretch and/or ease you may need to match the seams perfectly. I applied this hint to the crosswise sashing strips. Find the lengthwise grain of the sashing squares and stitch this edge to the sashing strip. This leaves the unsewn edge with all crosswise grain, making it easy to match all the vertical strips. Stitch the quilt top together. Press seams towards the sashing strips.

First Border
Press the top from the wrong side, following pattern directions. Flip to the right side and make sure that there are no tucks in the seams. Follow pattern directions to cut and stitch border strips together. If using a stripe, try to stitch the seam so that width of stripe is similar in width to the others.

Measure the quilt from top to bottom at center of quilt.

It should measure 54 1/2". Mine measured 54 1/4". I measured in a few other spots and the measurement was consistently 54 1/4".

If your measurements are not consistent, average the measurements together and cut your strips accordingly. Cut 2 border strips to the size that your quilt top measured. Fold your top into fourths and mark with pins. Fold Border 1 into fourths and mark with pins. Pin Border 1 to quilt top, matching pins. Stitch seam with Border 1 on top. Work on one quarter at a time, leaving pins in position until you get to them. Press seams towards outer edge of quilt top. Measure quilt from side to side. It should measure 46 1/2". Adjust your measurement if necessary. Match and pin quarters, stitch and press as before.

Outer Border
Measure and cut side borders as before. Match and pin quarter sections. If you cut your outer border strips on the lengthwise grain as pattern suggests you will probably need to ease your quilt top to fit the border. There is a lot of stretch in the outer edges of the top, since it is all crosswise grain. Mark and pin quarter sections accurately. Stitch with the quilt top closest to the sewing machine bed. The feed dogs will help ease any fullness into the border. Keep pins in place until you get to them. Press seam to outer edge of quilt top. Repeat for top and bottom borders. Yeah--a completed quilt top!

Quilting

We are now ready for quilting. I quilt with my wallet--overheard in a class we taught. : ) So, mine will be going to one of our long-arm quilters, but I'll be back in a few days with some hints. In the meantime, choose and prepare your backing.

Backing
With a crosswise seam, you will need 3 1/2 yds of fabric for your backing. If you want a lengthwise seam, you will need 4 yards. If you are using a directional Halloween print (and there are soooooo many cute ones out there) you will probably want a lengthwise seam. Unfold your backing fabric and fold in half crosswise. Cut along this fold to make two pieces. Place these pieces right sides together and stitch one side along the selvage edge. I usually stitch with about a 1" seam and then go back and trim off the selvages. Press this seam open.

Well, it's been fun appliqueing and piecing the top with you. I can't wait to decorate for Halloween and put my quilt on the wall. I'll be back to give you some quilting tips in the next few days and then a lesson in binding.

Until then, happy stitching,
Lynda

Meet our friends, a new quilter and a long-time quilter

2009-08-21T11:02:00.001-07:00

Good morning everyone,

Having a quilt store gives us many opportunities to meet wonderful people and to share our passion with them. This last week I was privileged to talk to two of them. One beautiful young lady has been quilting for just one year. She brought in two finished quilts to share with us and her arms were filled with several more that she was working on. Meet Carrie DeBoer with two of her newest quilts!

It seems Carrie is a very generous quilter. These quilts were made for Carrie's friends and her next project (a queen size bed quilt) is going to another friend. Great job Carrie--I loved the sparkle in your eyes when you were telling us about your quilts!

The other quilter has been a customer of ours from close to the beginning of our store--almost 30 years ago. She's taken lots of classes (in fact she is taking one today) and loves fabric. She was lucky enough to win a stack of batiks--over $100's worth last week at our Shop Hop. Meet our friend Joan Parpal!

Congratulations on winning so many fat quarters, Joan--I bet she's using some of them today!

I think I'll go wander through the store and classroom and soak up some inspiration! Happy stitching!

Lynda

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month, Part 5

2009-08-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Happy Halloween friends,

We are almost finished with the applique and will be ready to start constructing the quilt. I saved the Mummy for last because I thought it looked so hard. In reality it was one of the easiest blocks to applique. The Mummy is just six applique pieces--head, eyes, eyelids, nose, and eyebrows. I sprayed and ironed the background fabrics (the darkest background for the Mummy and the green for the Happy Halloween words) with spray starch to stiffen them so they would act as a stabilizer. I used my lined white fabric for the Mummy.

Again, build small sections on your Applique Presser Sheet before combining the pieces together. For Mummy build 1 section: eyes, eyelids, and nose. After fusing the sections together, use the placement guide to fuse them into place. Mark all detail lines. I used my Sewline black pencil and a sunny window to see the lines. Fuse Mummy to the background.

Stitch all of the detail lines. I stitched the bandages with a straight stitch--I did not need to stitch over the lines. Be sure to bring all of the threads to the back and tie off as you go. I found a neat tool to help with this. It is a very fine crochet hook. You punch it through from the back to the front, wrap the thread around the tiny hook and pull to the back. It took a bit to get used to wrapping it correctly, but I love it now!

Blanket stitch the head. Stitch his left eye from the top right lid around to the nose. Stitch the right eye from the right side of his nose around the top of the lid and down to the nose. Stitch across bottom of eyelid and then the nose. I stitched his mouth with a very narrow and short zig-zag stitch. As you can see in the photo, I forgot to stitch his eyebrows.

Now for the Happy Halloween word panel. Tape paper pattern together and cut out on the trim line. Press it flat and then press it in half horizontally and vertically. Do the same to the green background fabric. The green fabric will be larger than the paper pattern. It will be trimmed to the correct size after the applique is finished. Pin the pattern to an ironing board and pin the green fabric over the top, matching all of the pressed lines. Place and fuse the letters from right to left, following the placement pattern that shows through the green fabric. Applique in place. My black letter fabric frayed a bit while I was sewing, but I think it added a little character.

Press the word panel flat and place it over the placement sheet. Mark the final trim line on all four corners lightly with a pencil. Double check that the measurements are 11 1/2" x 40 1/2". Square and trim using a rotary cutter and a ruler.

Follow placement sheets for trimming all 12 appliqued blocks or make a plastic template that measures 9 x 11 1/2". Place template over block with bottom edge of template along bottom edge of applique. Mark corners and trim with a rotary cutter and ruler.

Trim all 12 blocks and we are now ready to construct the quilt. See you in a few days!

Happy stitching,

Lynda

Rocky Mountain Fever Shop Hop Block Tutorial

2009-08-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah!!!! This is our 10th anniversary shop hop! We have designed an exclusive (only our 8 shops can sell it) beautiful batik in 6 colorways. We chose our favorite colorway for the shop hop quilt. The quilt consists of star blocks set into an 8 pointed star. Each shop designed their own finishing kit.

We promised we would have a tutorial to help you make our shop hop block--so here it is! You will need to refer to the printed pattern as you watch the slideshow. We also have two classes scheduled to help you. One will help you make the 8 different blocks from all of the shops. The second class will help you make our beautiful quilt. Call or email for more information.

Here is our version of the Rocky Mountain Quilt Fever Shop Hop Quilt.

Have fun,

Lynda and Nancy

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month

2009-08-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
I got a new hard drive for my computer this month and have had to re-install so many things, so the Blog of the Month will be a bit late. Computers are wonderful and dreadful at the same time--glass half empty or half full--but so far it is taking far less time to post than before. See you soon.
Lynda

"Blogging for Bliss" and Let's Build a Snowman

2009-07-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy blogging. I guess I'm not very talkative in person, but I have a lot to say. I've enjoyed pushing myself in the last year and a half to learn new things--uploading pictures, linking, making slideshows, etc. But I'm wanting to learn more. So on Friday, I discovered the book Blogging for Bliss, by Tara Frey, on Amazon, available Aug. 4. I surfed over to Tara's blog and found out that it was already out. I found out my B&N had a copy and zoomed over to get it. I read it cover to cover in a few hours. WOW! It's a great book with lots of information that I was looking for. Seven chapters of info are interspersed with descriptions of other blogs and their creative owners...and these bloggers reference their favoite blogs. I'm now going page by page to see these blogs. What a treasure! If you enjoy blogging or reading blogs, check it out--Blogging for Bliss. Let me know what you think.

I promised you a sneak peek of our newest pattern. It is the cutest snowman quilt ever--and you don't need to get wet and cold to build it. If you start it now you will have it ready just in time for colder weather.

Isn't it great? Makes me smile every time I see it, but then, I'm not the one who had to kit it. Let's Build a Snowman will be available in 3 different ways--a complete kit for the top, a Row of the Month option, and pattern only. Click here for more information. I will be posting tips on the blog to go along with the Row of the Month (similar to Happy Halloween entries). I can't wait to get started.

Well, I'm off to make dinner, a little more blog surfing and looking into classes for photography and html!

Happy surfing to you, too!

Lynda

Rocky Mountain Quilt Fever-A Celebration of Stars

2009-07-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Yeah! It's almost time for the Denver area's 10th shop hop--A Celebration of Stars--to honor our customers, who truly are our stars. To make it extra special we designed a gorgeous batik with columbines, aspen leaves, pinecones, and pine needles.

Each shop chose a star pattern and then the blocks were set into a giant Rolling Star, that features the specially designed fabric. The hoppers will buy kits to make up the Rolling Star portion of the quilt and then each of the participating 8 stores designed different finishing kits. This is our (Great American Quilt Factory's) quilt. It finishes to approx. 77' square. It is beautiful!

We also have 5 additional colorways of the featured fabric. These fabrics are exclusive to our shops.

Rocky Mountain Quilt Fever Shop Hop is August 7, 8, and 9th. See more information and download the passport on our website.

We hope to see you hopping,
Lynda and Nancy

Artifacts by Possibilities for Quilting Treasures

2009-07-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Our new fabric line from Quilting Treasures is now in stores. Artifacts features soft, stylized imagery reminiscent of native motifs in soothing colors of turquoise, green, lavender and purple. This beautiful, sophisticated group lends itself to art-to-wear as well as accessories and quilts.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We think it is a very beautiful line and can't wait to share some projects with you!
Happy Stitching,
Lynda and Nancy

American White Pelicans

2009-07-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

It has only been the last few years that I have seen white pelicans in the Denver area. They arrive in late Spring and stay for awhile before heading North. I saw this flock a month or so ago. They are huge with incredible wing spans. I think they are terrific!

They reminded me of this poem, possibly by Ogden Nash or Dixon Lanier Merritt--there is some dispute.

A wonderful bird is a pelican,
His bill will hold more than his belican.
He can take in his beak
Food enough for a week;
But I'm damned if I see how the helican.

Have a great day!

Lynda

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month-Part 4

2009-07-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hello again, Halloween friends,

I'm sorry that I'm a bit late this month in posting the blog, but June went by soooo fast! June is the end of our fiscal year here at Great American Quilt Factory (which means lots of extra bookwork and inventory counting) and we've been blessed with having our son Barry and his two great kids, Ellen and Neil, visiting for a couple of weeks.

Well, we're on month 4 and October is just 3 months away. I hope you are able to keep up, but if not, these lessons will be here for a long, long, time. Just click on the Halloween Blog of the Month icon on the right side of the blog and bring up all of the lessons. You will find them in the newest to oldest order, so scroll down to the first lesson you missed and work up from there.

Our three applique blocks this month are Death, Cat, and Werewolf. I, once again, sprayed and ironed the background fabrics with spray starch to stiffen them so they would act as a stabilizer. I used my lined white fabric for all of the eyes, teeth, white collars, and scythe blade. If werewolf's face is much lighter than his hair, you might need to line it also.

Again, build small sections on your Applique Presser Sheet before combining the pieces together. For Death, build 2 sections: eyes, eyelids, nose, and hood, face, cloak. After fusing these sections together, use the placement guide to fuse them into place. Mark all detail lines. I used my Sewline black pencil and a sunny window to see the lines. Fuse Death to the 2nd to the lightest background.

For Cat, build 2 sections: eyes, eyelids, nose, and shirt, collar, BOO. After fusing the sections together, use the placement guide to fuse them into place. Mark the detail lines. (The yellow or white Sewline pencil or refills are perfect for marking Cat's mouth and whiskers.) Fuse Cat to the 2nd to the darkest background.

For Werewolf, build 3 sections: eyes, eyelids, nose, and shirt, collar, tie, and face, hair, ears. Mark the detail lines and fuse Werewolf to the lightest background.

For the stitching, I started with Death, the easiest. The stitching order I used for Death:

Inside of hood
Outside of hood
Right and left collar
Scythe blade
Scythe handle
Eyes, eyelids
Nose

Each eye, eyelid, and nose combination seems to need a little different treatment. Trace the stitching path with your finger to see what works best. For example, for Death, I stitched his left eye first, from the top of the lid around to the nose. Next, I stitched his right eye from the right side of his nose, across the lid and down to the top of his nose. The bottom edge of his eyelids came next, and finally his nose.

The stitching order I used for Cat:

Shoulders
Arms
Left and right side of head
Collar
Eyes and eyelids
Nose
2nd "O"
1st "O"
"B"

For Cat's eyes and nose, I stitched them in the same order as Death's.

Werewolf was my most challenging block yet. He is not that hard, but I seemed to forget everything I have learned so far--just so you know, you will never see the backside of this block. : )

Here is my stitching order:

Right and left ear
Face
Hair
Shirt
Collar
Tie
Eyes and eyelids
Nose
Teeth

For the eye section, I first stitched the inner side of his right eyeball, and then from the right side of his nose around the right eyelid. I then stitched his left eye from the top of his nose around to the left side of his nose. Next, the bottom of the eyelid, and finally his nose.

**As I was explaining this I realized that I stitched his eyes just opposite from the pattern--just goes to show you that there is more than one way to do anything. : )**

There are at least two ways to stitch the detail lines. For the heavier lines, such as the mouths, I'm going to use a very tiny, very close zigzag stitch. I would suggest that you put together some practice squares that are similar to your block--two layers of fabric with or without the fusible in between (since I cut away most of the fusible, I folded a square of fabric together and ironed it with several coats of spray starch, like I do for my backgrounds). I experimented on a scrap of fabric until I had a stitch that I liked. Choose the zigzag stitch on your machine, needle down position if you have one, and have the same thread on the top and in the bobbin.

The settings on my Bernina that worked best was with the zigzag slightly less than 1 and the stitch length just 2-3 bars above zero. This made a stitch that was no wider than 1/16 or about the width you get with a chalk pencil. Stitch steadily, but not too fast. As you go around curves, pivot on the outside edge of the curve so that you don't get gaps in the stitching. Make sure that you have enough thread in the top and bottom so that you don't run out--it is very hard to match your previous stitching--guess how I know?

Some of the detail lines are not as bold as the mouth stitching, such as Witch's scar and Mummy's bandages. For these lines, use a regular straight stitch and stitch across the same lines 2 times. This takes some practice and a steady stitch. See the right side of my practice piece.

Below is a closeup of Werewolf's mouth.

If you are not happy with your practice stitches, you can always hand embroider the detail lines.

Yeah! We are coming right along. Next month we will work on the last applique block--Mummy and applique the Happy Halloween panel. Have you chosen your backing fabric? We have a terrific selection of Halloween fabric in the store and some of it is online.

Please comment if you are enjoying this blog of the month concept and/or if you have any questions or ideas for another blog of the month. I am really enjoying bringing it to you.

Nancy and I leave Tuesday to teach and lecture at two guilds in Southern California. We plan on visiting some quilt shops along the way. I plan on bringing you more inspiration.

Happy stitching,

Lynda

Can memory loss be prevented?

2009-06-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is a great article on helping to prevent memory loss! As we all know, sewing and quilting are very therapeutic and now we know that it is also great for the brain! Enjoy the article and please comment to let us know what you think.

http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/can-dementia-be-prevented/?em

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month, part 3b

2009-05-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

OK, now on to the stitching. Mr. Pumpkinhead has the most intricate stitching so far, but no worries, I'll lead you through. Let's start with Witch.

The stitching order I used for Witch:

Top of hat
Top edge of hat brim
Hat band
Hair*
Head
Shirt
Eyes and eyelids**
Nose
Bat (I used a shorter, narrower stitch for the bat)

*I decreased the width of the zig-zag stitch as I stitched the points of her hair. As you get closer to the point, decrease the stitch width one point, stitch a few stitches, decrease the width another point, stitch a few stitches. After finishing the point, start increasing the width a point at a time until you are back to your regular width. I hope you can see this on this close-up.

Each eye, eyelid, and nose combination seems to need a little different treatment. Trace the stitching path with your finger to see what works best. For example, for the witch I stitched the bottom of her left eye first. I then stitched her right eye from her nose, around the lid and back down to the nose. Lastly, I stitched the top of her left lid and then across the bottom of her eyelids.

The stitching order I used for Vampire:

Right and left shoulder
Right and left collar sections
Right and left sides of bow tie
Bowtie knot
Bottom of ears
Head
Hair
Eyes and eyelids*
Nose
Fangs

*For Vampire's eyes, I first stitched the bottom edge of the eyelid and then around the entire outer edge of eye and lid.

Mr. Pumpkinhead has the most applique challenges. Here is my stitching order:

Shirt, right side and left side
Neck, right side and left side
Face #4
Face #5
Face #6
Right side of bow
Left side of bow
Bow knot
Face #7
Stem*
Mouth
Eyes and eyelids (I stitched his eyes in the same order that I did Witch's)

*When stitching the stem, it is best to start along a straight edge and not at a point. You can see where I started. You will also find it helpful to decrease the width of your zig-zag stitch when you are stitching the fine points along the edge of the face. Just take a few stitches, decrease the width, take a few more stitches, decrease the width, finish the point, and then start to increase the width gradually.

Well, I hope you are having fun. I sure am! I wanted to get this posted before Nancy and I leave town to teach in Liberal, KS, this weekend, so I'm going to do a third post this month which will cover the satin stitch for the detail lines. I will (hopefully) post that next week. Next month we will work on Werewolf, Cat, and Death, leaving the Mummy for last.

This is a great time to think about your quilt's backing. We have some wonderful Halloween fabric in now or coming soon. We have posted some of it in the store and I blogged about our Quilting Treasure's Happy Halloween fabric line a couple of days ago. I'm thinking that I want the orange skeleton fabric for my backing. You will need 3 1/2 yds for your backing. Check it out to get the best selection. Please leave a comment to let me know if I am helping you, or if I need to give you more detailed information and pictures.

Until next week,

Lynda

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month-Part 3a

2009-05-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Halloween friends,

It's already June and we're on month three of Happy Halloween--my how time flies! Are you able to keep up? If not, these lessons will be here for a long, long, time. Just click on the Halloween Blog of the Month icon on the right side of the blog and bring up all of the lessons. Just remember that they are in newest to oldest order, so scroll down to the first lesson you missed and work up from there.

Meet my new friends--Mr. Pumpkinhead, Witch, and Vampire. By now you know how to prepare and fuse the applique pieces on the LSAS2. I sprayed and ironed the background fabrics with spray starch to stiffen them up so they act as a stabilizer (see last lesson). If you have a kit from us and have misplaced a fabric (darn, I know I saw that darker green fabric somewhere and how can you misplace something when you haven't even moved from the sewing machine?) or just want something different than our choice, feel free to go to your stash and choose something different--I wanted a different fabric for Witch's nose. : ) I used my lined fabrics for all of the eyes, Pumpkinhead's mouth, and Vampire's shirt and fangs.

Again, build smaller sections on your Applique Presser Sheet before combining the pieces together. If you don't have an APS you don't know how much easier life will be with one, or two, or three--three of the best investments ever!!! (I have one at each of my ironing boards).

For Mr. Pumpkinhead build 3 sections: the head wedges and stem, eyes and eyelids*, and the body, neck, and bowtie. After fusing these sections together, use the placement guide to fuse them into place. *I chose to fuse the eye section and the mouth to the pumpkin after I did the buttonhole stitching and because they were lined fabric, the previous stitching did not show through. Mark all detail lines (don't forget to mark the teeth even though the mouth is not yet fused to the head. I used my Sewline black pencil and a sunny window to see the lines--yeah I remembered this time! Fuse Mr. Pumpkinhead to the lightest background.

For Witch build 3 sections: the hat and hatband, the eyes, eyelids, and nose, and hair and head. After fusing the sections together, use the placement guide to fuse them into place. I chose to do the buttonhole on the shirt, before fusing the bat in place. Mark the detail lines and fuse Witch to the 2nd to the darkest fabric.

For Vampire build 3 sections: eyes, eyelids, and nose, head, inner ears, and hair, cape, shirt, collar and tie. Mark the detail lines and fuse Vampire to the 2nd to the lightest fabric.

We are ready again to do the buttonhole stitching. It might be time to change your needle--we have been doing quite a lot of applique. I noticed that my needle had a little fusible goo residue on it, so I cleaned it off. These 3 characters are slightly more complicated than the previous ones, but I know that you can handle them. I'll give you more hints and tips in the next lesson.

I'll also be posting or sending you an email because we are getting in the most wonderful Halloween fabrics that would make great backings for this wonderful quilt. Halloween fabrics can sell out fast and I want you to have the best choice. Check out the blog from May 29th to see the Happy Halloween fabric that we have designed for Quilting Treasures. This fabric will be in soon and I'm having a hard decision about which print I want for my backing.

See you soon,

Lynda

Happy Halloween fabric from Possibilities & Quilting Treasures

2009-05-29T12:27:00.001-07:00

Our newest line of fabric, Happy Halloween from Quilting Treasures, is full of ghoulies and ghosties and things that go bump in the night...this scarily fun collection will make spooky Trick or Treat bags, accessories and quilts for your favorite goblins! Coming to Great American Quilt Factory soon, info@greatamericanquilt.com, just in time for making lots of Halloween treats.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Where in the world was Nancy?

2009-05-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Judy and I were at Quilt Market in Pittsburgh recently. Nancy was to be in Ohio for her nephew's wedding, but............................she kept popping up, not wanting to miss her first market in a bazillion years. She of course, helped me with our Quilting Treasures Schoolhouse presentation where we debuted our two new fabric lines, Artifacts and Happy Halloween, but she was a lot less talkative than normal.

She got plenty of sleep every night, and woke up totally refreshed and ready to go--hair and makeup perfect--gee whiz, when I wear my lipstick to bed, it never looks that good in the morning.

She had a great time at the Quilting Treasures dinner, although her choice of wardrobe was a little unusual and doesn't that look like red wine and not white zinfandel?

Hmmmm--Cranston Print Works President, George Schuster was also wearing the same suit and tie.

Nancy, Judy, and I ordered lots of beautiful fabrics, although Nancy wasn't as quick to give her opinion as usual.

Janet and Elliot were on their way out of the show when Nancy ran up to get a last minute pic. You can tell from their smiles how great Spring Quilt Market was!

Here's Nancy and Judy with our Benartex friends.

Nancy wanted to tell Mother Superior about how much we like her threads, but Mother Superior was having an out of body experience.

We got a chance to ham it up with Mark Lipinski, although he was on the hunt for his parents and son. Thanks Mark, for the Kodak moment!

Our last trip on the May Quilt Market Free Shuttle and Nancy still has that sparkle in her eye and that beautiful smile. She was so happy that she could be in two places at the same time.

Well, another Spring Quilt Market is over. Good times, lots of laughs, great friends!

I LOVE MY JOB!!!

Lynda

The Quilting Answer Book

2009-05-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

Barbara Weiland Talbert will be here at Great American Quilt Factory in Denver on Saturday, May 23, autographing copies of her new book. This book is a real treasure trove of questions and answers covering everything from choosing fabric, to battings and bindings, and lots, lots more. Barbara is a noted quilting and sewing author, columnist, editor, and designer. Visit her at www.joyofsewing.com or come in Saturday (10-12) and try to stump her with your quilting question. The book is well worth the $14.95 cost, especially if you are a late night stitcher and can't quite remember how to attach that binding.

On another note, Judy and I had a great time at Quilt Market and spent lots of money on pretty fabrics, great patterns, inspirational books, and the newest notions. Packages will be arriving everyday, so come by to see what is new. Although Nancy said she was in Ohio for her nephew's wedding, she was cited several times around the market. Stay tuned for Where In the World Is Nancy?

Happy Stitching,

Lynda

And the winners are....

2009-05-11T09:59:00.001-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all your nice comments about our books! So many of you could not pick out just one--and I agree. When we do a trunk show, I am constantly saying "and this is one of my favorite quilts from one of my favorite books".

We've had to discontinue a few books recently and it is always hard to say goodbye to them. We are not reprinting Super Simple Triangles, PS I Love You 3, and Home for the Holidays. If you have these books, hang on to them. If you are interested in them, contact your favorite quilt bookseller as soon as possible. We are totally out of Trianges, but we have a few copies of PS 3 and Holidays with slightly damaged covers that we are selling for 20% off. Call and ask for Chris if you are interested (303-740-6206).

Now, drum roll please.........................................................

The winners of autographed copies of our two newest books are:

Ann whose favorite book is PS I Love You (no longer available)

chickencindy whose fav is Wildflower Sampler

J-Kel-R who couldn't pick between Super Simple Squares and More Joy to the World

Congratulations to all 3 of you! I'll email Ann and J-Kel-R to let them know, but I don't have an email for chickencindy, so chickencindy give us a call or email me at millilyn@aol.com.

Lynda

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month, Part 2b

2009-05-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

It's time to do the applique on these 3 blocks. I have a few hints for you. Blanket stitched fusible applique does not usually need a stabilizer, because the fusible web basically becomes a stabilizer. But, if you are having trouble with the stitch puckering, try using spray-on starch to help stiffen the fabric. I learned this method from Sue Nickels, an incredible applique artist and author. Before you bond your shapes to the background, spray starch the background and iron until dry. Apply several coats until the background is very stiff. Works great!!

Another tip for taking care of the loose threads is to pull them to the back (pull up on the bobbin thread or pop the top thread into a self-threading needle and stitch to the back). Pop all loose threads into the needle and slide the needle under several stitches and then clip. The back looks much neater and there is no chance for renegade threads to be seen from the front.

Check out how neat the Bat looks when most of the threads are treated this way.

Now for the stitching order for the Bat:

Left and right wing (stitches will be on the black fabric and not very visible)
Line between inner & outer left ear (stitches will be on the black fabric and not very visible)
Line between inner & outer right ear (stitches will be on the black fabric and not very visible)
Outer edge of ears and head section
Bottom of head
Eyes and eyelids
Teeth

The stitching order for Mrs. Monster:

Left and right bolt
Hair stripe
Hair
Left edge of face from bottom of neck to hairline
Right edge of face from hairline to bottom of neck
Collar
Eyes and eyelids
Nose

The stitching order for Mr. Monster:

Left and right bolts
Forehead hairline
Head, starting at left neck edge stitching all the way around to right neck edge
Top edge of v-neck
Shirt, starting at left shoulder stitching all the way around to the right shoulder
Eyes
Nose
Unibrow

Congratulations! We have 5 blocks almost finished. I will demonstrate the satin stitch for the detail lines next month. If you have any questions, please comment below or contact me at lynda@greatamericanquilt.com.

Next month we will be working on the Pumpkin, Vampire, and the Witch.

For now, Happy Stitching!

Lynda

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month, Part 2a

2009-05-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Happy May everyone and welcome to month 2 of the Happy Halloween Blog of the Month!

Well, I did some calculating and decided that in order to have this quilt made in time for Halloween we need to make 3 blocks each month. This month we will be working on Mr. and Mrs. Monster and the Bat. These blocks are a bit more complicated than the first two, but I'll walk you through it. Feel free to ask questions (click on comments). Chances are if something is unclear to you it is unclear to someone else.

I like to consolidate my pieces when I'm drawing the patterns. By squishing pattern pieces closer together and placing smaller pieces inside of larger pieces you will use much less LSAS2. You can see how I did this on Mr. and Mrs. Monster. Keep any large unused pieces of LSAS2, like those around Mrs. Monster, in a zip-lock bag to be used on another block.

All of the bat pieces are such strange shapes that you can't do too much squishing. Do not draw any pieces inside of the Bat's tummy, because I have a special hint that I learned and modified this week to help us press down large shapes such as the ghost's body from last month.

As we did last month, cut the shapes out leaving about 1/4" on either side of the penciled line, except for the smaller pieces and the bat's tummy.

For the bat's tummy or any other large piece, cut the shape out with the 1/4" on either side of the penciled line, except, leave the paper attached in a few places. You can see that I left the inside shape attached for about 1" at the top and bottom of the shape.

Keeping the shape together will help you press the LSAS2 down without distorting the shape. Press the shape carefully making sure not to press the inner part. Cut the inner LSAS2 away when you know that you will not distort the shape.

Bond the fusible shapes to the fabric. If you don't like the fabric we chose, feel free to choose something from your own stash. I used the wrong side of the aqua fabric for Mrs. M's bolts because I wanted them a little lighter than her face. Remember to line your light fabrics. I used lined fabric for all the eyes, Mrs. Monster's hair stripe, and the Bat's teeth. Depending on how dark the background fabric is, you might need to line other fabrics.

Build smaller sections on the Applique Pressing Sheet before combining them together. For Mr. M bond the eyes, nose, and eyebrow as a section, the shirt and v-neck as a section, and the bolts, head, and hair as the final section. This makes it easier to complete the face accurately. Be sure to mark the detail lines using a lightbox or a sunny window before bonding the head to the background fabric-notice that I forgot this step. Mr. M is bonded to the darkest fabric.

Again, build 3 sections for Mrs. M on the Applique Pressing Sheet--the eyes, lids, and nose for the first section. Bond the hair stripe to the hair for the second. The bolts, face, and collar make up the third section. Mark detail lines before bonding to background. Oops, forgot again. Mrs. M is bonded to the 2nd to the lightest fabric.

The sections to build for the Bat are the eyes and lids for one section. The second section consists of the tummy and the wings. The third are the ears, inside ears, and head. After assembling them all together, add the teeth, and mark the detail lines-yes, I forgot again. The Bat is bonded to the lightest background.

Okay, we are ready to applique. Stay tuned, because I will have more hints in Part 2b.

These blocks are soooo cute and pretty darn easy!

Lynda

PS, It's not to late to work along with us and have a wonderful quilt ready to display in October. Patterns and kits are still available. Click on the HH Blog of the Month logo on the sidebar to see all lessons.

Sneak Peek and a chance to win....

2009-04-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

We have two new pattern booklets coming out just in time for Quilt Market. The quilts are absolutely beautiful and filled with color! This first quilt is named Trade Winds and the second one is Fireworks. Each booklet includes a section on choosing color and each one also has suggestions for other colorways and smaller projects. Be sure to look for ordering information next week.

For a chance to win one of 3 sets of autograhed copies, leave a comment telling us the title of your favorite Possibilities' book. There are over 70 to choose from and if you need a refresher you can see them all here. Also, don't forget the kid's sewing books.

A few simple rules:

Please leave only one comment per person.
Make sure to include your blog or email contact so we can let you know if you've won.
If you post anonymously, we may not be able to contact you, so please check for the winners on May 13, 2009.
Winners will be chosen at random using the random.org interger generator.
Winners will be posted on May 13, 2009.

To post a comment to most blogs, just click the "comments" link at the end of the post. For example, when I just looked at our blog it said "48 comments". Clicking on that link takes you to a new page where you can read all of the comments, and post your own.

Good Luck,

Lynda and Nancy

Patchwork Party 2009

2009-04-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

We are so honored to be a part of Patchwork Party 2009. Patchwork Party was created by Deb Luttrell from Stitchin' Heaven. Twice a year a special fabric is chosen and 12 blocks are created from that fabric line. Each of 12 quilt shops is assigned one of the blocks to kit and sell and each shop also designs a unique finishing kit. This spring the fabric line is Sachet Potpourri from Marcus Brothers. It is a gorgeous fabric line.

Our block is Fantasticks and we think it is pretty fantastic. All of the other blocks are equally great. Each block kit also comes with a pewter charm. Our charm is the cute heart-in-hand shown below the block. Each finishing kit also comes with a special Patchwork Party quilt charm.

Our finishing kit is shown below and we think it is beautiful. All twelve of the blocks are nicely showcased and the applique adds a special touch.

Come join the fun!!! To order our block and finishing kit, go to GAQF Patchwork Party. See all of the blocks and all of the finishing kits at Patchwork Party 2009. We are having a great time!!

Let us know what you think about our finishing kit.

Happy stitching,

Lynda and Nancy

Sarah's Four Seasons Quilt

2009-04-13T15:21:00.001-07:00

Hi!

I just got to see the first, almost finished, Four Seasons quilt from our last Saturday Sampler. This quilt belongs to a long, long time customer and friend, Sarah Neuscheler (pictured below) and was beautifully quilted by our own Sandi Fruehling. Isn't it a gorgeous quilt. Great job Sarah!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful quilt.

Also, our March Patchwork Lottery was won by Virginia Duvall and she won over 40 blocks. If you would like to be a part of the April Patchwork Lottery you still have time. The April block is an 8" Dutchman's Puzzle done in pastel scraps and we already have received several, so get stitching.

Till next time,

Lynda and Nancy

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month, Part 1b

2009-04-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Easter!

All of the applique pieces are ready to stitch down. I have gathered the tools I need, including an open toed applique foot, Mettler Black-50 weight thread on the spool as well as in the bobbin, a thread nipper, and a brand spanking new Microtex Sharp size 80/12 needle. Two other items, not shown and optional, but very worth it, are a self-threading needle and a Bendable Bright Light. I also have taken the time to clean and oil my sewing machine.

I did some practice stitching on some fused scraps to determine my stitch length and width and that the tension was correct. I will be using a Blanket Stitch for my applique. On my Bernina machine, the settings I used are 2 for the width and also for the length. This creates a stitch approximately 1/8" wide and 1/8" long. Engage your needle down position if available. I started stitching on the top of the ghost's head. I left a good length of thread and kept it out of the way while stitching. I also left a good length of thread at the end. By pulling the bobbin thread I can see the loop that is created by the top thread and I can pull the top thread to the back and tie it off. The top thread can also be popped into a self-threading needle and poked to the back.

Because my background is dark I just tie the ends into a double knot and clip the thread about 1/2" from the knot.

I invested in a Bendable Bright Light a few months ago and I don't know how I ever got along without one. You can see from the photo below how much extra light is concentrated on the stitching area. Also, because it is bendable, I bend it out so that I can see the threads I'm trying to pull to bring to the back.

This is the stitching order I used for the ghost:

Top of head
Right eye
Left eye
Nose
Bottom of the eyelids
Left side of body
Right side of body

Next comes the skeleton. I stitched the eyes and nose first. Because the eye and nose sockets are under the skull, you will be stitching on the white fabric. The photo below shows my threads popped into a self-threading needle so that I can poke them to the back. This is the stitching order I used for the skeleton:

Eyes
Nose
Top and bottom of hat band
Skull
Hat
Bones

Congratulations! You have finished your first two blocks. My photo of my two completed blocks didn't turn out very well, so I will take it again tomorrow in better light and post it below. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment or send me an email at millilyn@aol.com.

Happy stitching,

Lynda

Happy Halloween Blog of the Month, Part 1a

2009-04-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hi! Welcome to our Happy Halloween Blog of the Month tutorial. Every month I will be sharing tips and techniques to make this delightful quilt. So, let's get started.

Gather your supplies, the pattern, and fabrics. Cut apart the placement patterns and the pattern sheets to make them more manageable. This month we will be working with the Skeleton and the Ghost.

Follow the directions for your fusible web and trace the pattern pieces (with names and numbers) to the paper side of the fusible. Be sure to trace from the pattern sheets and not from the placement pattern. I'm using Lite Steam-a-Seam 2 (LSAS2). One of the paper liners will remove easily and then I'll trace the pattern on the liner that is still attached to the web. Note that the patterns are reversed for fusible web applique for convenience. Save the fusible web paper liners to use as fabric protectors when fusing applique pieces.

Trim fusible web on all medium to large applique pieces about 1/4" on either side of penciled line. This method will keep the fabric soft and not stiff, especially where applique pieces are fused over other pieces. Cut pieces apart and sort according to color. All of the pieces below will be fused to a white fabric. Save the larger pieces that are cut away (such as the inside of the ghost) to use again.

It is important to test the fabrics to see if they need to be lined. Place the fabric over the dark background. If you can clearly see the dark fabric you will need to line it. I used the same solid white fabric that I am using for the skeleton to line the skeleton fabric and the ghost fabric shown below. I cut a piece of fabric larger than the ghost pattern and cut a matching piece of fusible web and solid white. Iron the fusible web to the wrong side of the ghost fabric, peel off the paper backing and fuse to the solid white. Be careful not to scorch the fabric. The photo shows the paper liner being used to protect the fabric.

Fuse the pattern pieces to the fabrics of your choice. I lightly fused the LSAS2 to my fabrics. If you are using our kit you will need to refer to the Fabric Chart that was enclosed with your kit as some fabrics will be used more than once. Feel free to substitute fabric from your stash if you want more variety. The photo below shows the fusible web for the ghost body ready to fuse down to the wrong side of the lined ghost fabric. Take care not to distort the shape when pressing this large of an applique.

Cut out all of your pieces on the penciled lines and peel off the remaining paper liner.

Place the Applique Pressing Sheet over the placement pattern. You can clearly see your pattern.

Place your pieces over the placement sheet in numerical order. When you are pleased with the arrangement, lightly fuse them together. For the ghost, fuse the eyes, lids, and nose into place on the ghost body. Lightly trace the smile lines and the eyeball placement--you might need the help of a light box or a sunny window. For the skeleton, fuse the hat and band to the top of the skeleton head. Lightly trace the eye and nose sockets and teeth. Take a small scissor with a very sharp blade and cut out the eye and nose sockets.

Now, to prepare the background fabric. Cut twelve 10 x 12 1/2" pieces from background fabric. If using the background fabric supplied in the kit, cut three 12 1/2" strips across the width of the fabric. Next, open the strips and trim into four 10" pieces--four different shades of purple. These pieces are oversized to allow for a neat final trim after the applique is finished.

Use the darkest backgound piece for the ghost. Place background fabric right side up over placement sheet. Make sure there is extra fabric around the placement sheet on all sides. You can see in the photo where the placement sheet is and how much fabric is left around it. Place fused applique ghost on background, aligning shape with placement sheet. Fuse ghost to the background fabric following fusible web instructions.

Use the next darkest background piece for the skeleton. Place background fabric right side up over placement sheet as above. Place eye and nose pieces in place and fuse to background.

I lightly sprayed the wrong side of the skeleton around the eye and nose sockets with 404 Spray and Fix to bond the fabric in place around the sockets. Fuse the skeleton head over the eyes and nose and then add the rest of the pieces. You can see how I use the paper liner to protect the applique when I fuse.

Voila!!! We are now ready to applique. I will post Part 1b in a day or two. If you have any questions, please leave a comment with your email addy or send me an email at millilyn@aol.com. Have fun!

Lynda

Are you ready?

2009-04-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'm working on the slide show to go along with our Happy Halloween Blog of the Month. Pre-ordered kits and blocks have been mailed, so it is time to start gathering the things you will need. If you would still like to join in the fun, go to our website for all of the information. Below is a list of things for you to gather.

Paper scissors
Fabric scissors with a small sharp blade
Fusible web-I'm using Lite Steam-a-Seam 2-the pattern calls for 5.5 yds of 12" wide-call or e-mail info@greatamericanquilt.com to order
Applique Pressing Sheet
Marking pencils, one light and one dark, my favorite is the Sewline brand
Iron
Black thread-I'm using Mettler 50

These things, along with the pattern and fabric will get us started. I'll be adding other tools along the way. Check back soon for our first lesson.

Lynda

SNOW!

2009-03-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

We have had the mildest of winters, but today we are supposed to get the entire amount of snow that we usually get in all of March. This is the snow so far at my house at 8:00. At our store, about 25 miles away there is nothing. I'll add more pictures as the day goes on. Watch the bird bath disappear.

Snowfall, one hour later, 9:00. You can hardly see the top steps. It is finally snowing at the store.

10:00 No top steps, and the wind is starting to blow!

11:30 The wind is really kicking up and the drifts are starting to pile up.

12:30 These pictures are actually in color.The rock wall here is about 2 1/2 ft. tall.

1:00 No baths for the birdies today. : (

9:00 the next day Beautiful blue sky--let the melting begin!

You can barely see the corner of the bird bath.

Hey, I wonder where you were yesterday? Are you waiting for a bath?

I hope you enjoyed a little Springtime in Colorado!

Don't Iron on the Walls and Don't Flush Your Gloves

2009-03-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

I just finished transferring my photos to the computer and have made a small slide show of our teaching trip to Pigeon Forge, TN. I didn't take a lot of pictures and many that I took were blurry, and somehow I didn't get any pictures of the Christmas Pickle class--I apologize. As a fairly new blogger, I try to take pictures that will inspire you as well as make you laugh. Two pictures that I missed taking (Becky Goldsmith got one) were two signs that read Don't Iron on the Walls, and Don't Flush Your Gloves. Now, for a little explanation..it seem's that one quilter in a class attempted to press her/his block while it was on the wall, melting the newly hung wallpaper. The other sign was very prominently displayed in several locations in the restrooms. If you were not handed plastic gloves as you walked in the door (so that you could handle the quilts on display at will) the sign seemed really peculiar. To those of us who knew about the gloves, we just shook our heads and thought "Would someone actually flush gloves down the toilet?" and yes, someone did--therefore the signs.

Enjoy the slideshow--the music is The Hills of New Zealand, by my favorite Irish group, Cherish the Ladies!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Stitching,

Pigeon Forge, TN and a prize winning quilt!

2009-03-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I've been negligent in posting, but it has been a very busy couple of weeks. Nancy and I had a great trip to Pigeon Forge, TN for the 15th annual Mountain Quiltfest. We taught 4 classes, did a lecture and a panel discussion. We met some wonderful quilters with funny accents : ). Actually, Nancy had picked up that accent by week's end. It was an incredible week! My one regret is that we didn't have time to really see the quilts on display which were in another convention center a few miles down the road from where we were teaching. However, I did make it a point to see this quilt.

This quilt was made by Kathie Weatherford. She used to live in Denver and was a GAQF regular. She was a Saturday Sampler, Cabin in the Woods participant. Kathie's quilt won an Honorable Mention and here is what she has to say about it.

"The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. This park is the most visited park in the USA. As part of 'A Mountain Quiltfest' in Pigeon Forge, TN, quilters were invited to make a quilt to celebrate the anniversary. Each quilt had to contain 12 blocks from a pattern by Klaudeen Hansen that symbolized different aspects of the park." The winning quilt was purchased for $25oo and will hang in one of the park's visitor centers. Kathie's quilt used the borders from Cabin in the Woods. Kathie has donated her quilt to the city of Pigeon Forge and it will hang in the city's Visitor Center. Way to go Kathie--we wish you still lived in Denver!

I'll have more about Pigeon Forge next week, but for now, I'm off to California for a little family time. I'll be working on the Happy Halloween Blog of the Month and hope that you will want to join in the fun. Until then,

Happy Stitching,

Lynda

Patchwork Lottery winner and Store visitors

2009-03-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

Cathy Barnes was the February winner of the Patchwork Lottery Blocks. She won over 45 Shoo-fly Blocks in beautiful shades of red. I can't wait to see how Cathy puts them together.

If you would like to enter to win the March blocks, download the March pattern or pick one up at the store. Complete your block in the suggested colors and have them to the store by or on March 31st. Each block you enter equals one chance to win.

We had two delightful ladies visit the store this week. They are Maureen and Peggy and they work at The Happy Quilter in Valley Cottage, NY, not too far from New York City. They were refered to us by their hotel concierge and didn't realize that GAQF was also the home of Possibilities. They were so excited and spent a good portion of one day shopping, looking, and getting inspired and then they came back the next day for more. They have a very interesting blog, Happy Quilter Adventures, because their store owner is overseas in Shanghai for a few years. So, you can be inspired by the quilt stories on the blog and enjoy the travel stories posted by the store's owner, Lorraine. It was fun to meet them and talk to them! The little guy next to Nancy is her grandson Ryan.

Well, we are off to teach and lecture at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 15th annual Mountain Quiltfest. If you are there, please stop by and say hello. It is always nice to make new friends. I'll be back with more photos next week.

Till then, Happy Quilting!

Lynda and Nancy

Lori Broshears' T-shirt quilt

2009-03-03T13:16:00.001-08:00

One of the great perks about having a quilt store is having customers share their finished projects. Lori Broshears brought in a really terrific T-shirt quilt to be long-armed quilted. Merrie Jones quilted the quilt and brought it back in for Lori to pick up. We think you will enjoy seeing it.

Great job, Lori and Merrie!

Thanks for sharing,

Lynda and Nancy

It's never to early to think Halloween!

2009-02-26T11:01:00.001-08:00

It is never to early to think Halloween! I recently came upon this new Amy Bradley pattern for a great Halloween quilt and the proverbial lightbulb came on in my head--or it's that darn flourescent light flikering again. Anyway, I would like to make this quilt and would like some of you to make it along with me. It is going to be our Blog of the Month Quilt! I don't have all of the logistics figured out yet, but I thought that if we started in April and did 2 blocks a month, we would have it ready to be quilted in September, just in time to hang for Halloween. If you would be interested in more information, please email Ashley at info@greatamericanquilt.com.

I can't wait to get the pattern in the mail from Amy--I'm sooo excited!
An early (very) Happy Halloween to you,
Lynda