Winging It!

Get Away!

2012-01-23T17:23:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I headed out of town for a change in the usual routine, to Minnowbrook Conference Center, Blue Mountain Lake in New York's beautiful Adirondack Mountains, to be specific! Here's a quick review in photos.

It doesn't take long for quilters to create a home away from home. Sewing machines, patterns, notions, fabrics and way too many projects come out of boxes and bags to create a happy chaos at each table.

A quiet moment; creativity awaits.

Pam looks up from her purple and taupe piecing.

And the sewing begins.

Looky-looky! "Feedsack Peaks" from Cut the Scraps! Quilter-Janet is a little camera-shy.

Sharon at the design wall. Blocks get set in the perfect arrangement, carefully planned.

Kathy made this two-color block from a paper-pieced pattern by Carol Doak.

Laura is making this Irish Chain quilt for her mom. A touch of Piping Hot Binding was just the ticket to frame the center medallion.

Lynn and her sister Tammy enjoyed some family time. This is Tammy's very first quilt. Lynn is an accomplished teacher - didn't they both do a great job, teacher and student?

Pat made a Snap Sack Quilt, "Harvest Tradition."

My table mate, Gail completed a small quilt top with these colorful squares. Pretty!

Inspired by my surroundings, I brought a woodsy toss print fabric and my scraps, of course! What's this going to be? You'll have to wait to find out!

Sunset over Blue Mountain Lake

Magically, at the end of the weekend, all the colorful fabrics and creative energy are stored away for another sewing session on a new day. All is secured safely for the drive home.

All cleared away.

Just for a short while, it's nice to get away and just sew.

Until next time . . .
Joan

There's still time!

2011-12-09T13:53:00.001-05:00

Each year, when the December calendar hits double digits, I start to get a little bit nervous. I count the days left to Christmas and then count the number of gifts I still have to make. I normally have plenty of fingers to count the days left, but I run out of fingers when tallying up how many gifts I have left to make. H-m-m. Have you noticed that, too?

Here's a quick little idea for a fun-to-make sewing gift. These cute little flower pot pin cushions are so easy - I bet you have time to make a couple! Be sure to make one for yourself, too!

Run out to the craft store and pick up some supplies. You'll need a 1-1/2" diameter clay pot, a glue gun, an Olfa circle cutter or make a 2-1/2" diameter circle template - you can also raid your stemware cabinet - I bet you have a wine or juice glass that is just about the right size. You'll also need a miniature button, needle and thread (regular thread and pearl cotton), and some leftover batting or fiber fill. To make mini flowers, add pearlized pins to your shopping list. And dig out your felted wool scraps.

Then go into your ScrapTherapy scrap fabric bins (naturally) and choose four 2" scrap squares and one 3-1/2" scrap square. The 2" scraps should coordinate, but the 3-1/2" square doesn't have to be matchy-matchy; it will not be visible in the end product. Make a four-patch from the four 2" scraps.

Two four-patches, one sewn, and one pre-sewn.

Cut a circle from the four-patch, centering the seam intersection. If you are not using the circle cutter, trace the circle onto the four-patch and cut out with scissors.

Place the four-patch circle right sides together on the 3-1/2" scrap square. Sew a scant 1/4" seam around the edge of the circle, leaving about an inch or so unsewn for turning.

Trim extra fabric from the larger square, and turn inside out. Stuff with leftover batting or fiber fill. Don't be shy with the stuffing! Sew opening closed by hand with a whip stitch. Neatness isn't terribly critical to close the opening, but try to maintain the circle shape.

Thread your needle with pearl cotton and knot the end. Starting from the bottom, pull the thread up from the back and through the center of the four-patch. Then pull the thread around the side of the cushion and back up from the the bottom in the middle. Pull thread tight. Turn the cushion, one quarter turn, then repeat pulling the thread up from the back three more times, pulling tightly each time. The cushion should be nice and "poofy." Secure the button over the center of the four-patch. End with the thread in back, and knot.

Next put some batting scraps in the bottom of the clay pot.

Add a bead of hot glue along the inside rim of the clay pot, then position the four-patch cushion in place. It will be a little larger than the mouth of the pot, so squish it into place gently hiding the side seams. Work quickly while the glue is still warm.

To make flower pins, cut small flower and leaf shapes from felted wool and stick them onto a pearlized pin, layering one or two flower petals, then a leaf. Place a small bead of hot glue between the bottom flower petal layer and the leaf layer, then press toward pin head

And that's it. Ready for gift giving!

Now, how many more do I have left to make. . .

Happy holiday crafting!
Joan

It's Casserole Season!

2011-11-19T12:35:00.002-05:00

First off, a big thank you to my hostesses last weekend when I visited Gananaque, Ontario, Canada for a quilt technique workshop. We had a great day filled with scrappy quilt techniques. The day before the workshop, I arrived in Canada and couldn't wait to go visit the two host shops!

First, a quick stop at Wilton Creek Fabrics in Harrowsmith, Ontario revealed a wonderful array of fabrics and notions to delight any quilter. Shelly Lasalle and I selected some holiday prints featuring red cardinals so I could make a Hopper Topper later that evening.

The top was finished in an hour or so, and I'm sure, by now, she's done some beautiful quilting to finish it up. Dress up your holiday table or give a handmade gift - you must go buy a kit! The project looks something like this one, but her kits are even prettier and much more Christmas-y!

If you don't live near Shelly, ask your local quilt shop if they have any Hopper Topper kits. The patterns are available now!

Then I scurried off to Picket Fence Fabrics in beautiful Brockville, Ontario, right on the St. Lawrence River! No time for sight seeing, besides it was already too dark to take photos, you'll just have to take my word for it - or better still, go see for yourself! What a great shop full of fabric treats!

While at Picket Fence Fabrics, owner Jennifer Hodge showed me her demo for a Furoshiki Wrap. One and one-quarter yards of fabric, that's all you need to make a great hostess gift, perfect for holiday parties!

Carry holiday purchases, wrap a gift, or tote a pot luck casserole. A few folds, add some twists and knots, and your fabric becomes a fabulous wrap, then open it up to create a festive table topper for the hostess' table!

Here's what you do.

Cut a 40" square from your fabric. Then fold the edges under about 1/4" a couple of times and topstitch to make a hem. You're done with the sewing part!

I like to fold each corner in about an inch, then fold the edges over the corner fold to make a mini miter.

Fold the fabric in half along the diagonal, right sides together.

Then knot the folded corners.

Turn the fabric right side out, and place knots 'inside' the bag.

Then place your casserole on the bottom of the bag. If your casserole is hot from the oven, place a couple of batting scraps underneath the casserole for insulation to protect the table or counter top.

Pull the un-knotted corners up and make a generous square knot, creating two 'tails.'

Twist each tail tightly and make a square knot at the very end to make a handle, and away you go!

To make a hobo bag, Follow the same process to make the triangle, knot the corners, and turn right side out. Pull remaining corners up and make a square knot to create a slouchy shoulder bag.

With small variations in the placement of the knots and folds, the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy holiday fun!
Joan

Got an hour or two?

2011-10-26T15:03:00.000-04:00

By now, maybe you've discovered that there's a free pattern available for download on the Hummingbird Highway website. If not, by all means, go download it!

For reasons way too complicated to describe here, I decided to handle the bag corners a little differently from most patterns you've probably seen. To make a long story short, I wanted to make a quick & easy tote bag, use scraps, hide all raw edges, box the corners without creating extra bulk inside the bag.

Here's a walk through, step-by-step.

First, make the parts. I know it's hard to see from this picture, but the bubbly-looking purple stuff is my lining and handles. The pieced elements are folded up a bit to avoid having a gianormous picture.

Sew each lining to each scrap panel, pillowcase style. Turn, then close the opening. Place a ruler on the scrappy side of the panel with the 1" mark on the ruler aligned with the first scrap row. Fold the the top edge to meet the ruler to make a cuff. Press with a steam iron.

Open the cuff, and place the raw end of the handle right up against the cuff fold, so the inside of the handle is lined up with the scrap seam. Once both handle ends are in place, fold the cuff back into place, and fold handle over top of the cuff, then pin.

Topstitch across each cuff edge.

Place the bag sides right sides together. Pin and sew 1/4" seam across bottom of bag, starting and stopping 1/4" from each end.

To make the folded corner. With the bag upside down fold front side of bag so edge aligns with bottom, forming a 45˚ angle.

Fold back side to the bottom, creating a point.

Place a pin 2" from the point (blue pin).

Then fold fabric back on itself, right sides together and pin along side of bag (yellow pins).

Sew along side from the bottom fold (red arrow) to top edge of bag.

Repeat for folding and sewing for remaining side and turn bag inside out.

There you have it! Ready to fill with goodies!

Here's a fun idea: Use Halloween scraps and a ghoulish lining for a fun Treat Bag for Trick-or-Treating. You may wish to shorten the handle for younger tricksters.

Enjoy!
Joan

Leapin' Labor Day!

2011-09-13T20:59:00.000-04:00

As the summer winds down, my husband and I headed to Lake Placid, New York for the long weekend. Located in the High Peaks section of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid was home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games.

Mirror Lake

While most of the Northeast received a second round of late summer rain, Lake Placid greeted the long holiday weekend with overcast, but clearing skies. So, off we went to see some of the sights.

Beautiful Mirror Lake is adjacent to the village shopping strip. Just for kicks, we went into the bookstore on the main drag. "Let's see if they have my book," I said. Dave laughed. But looky what we found!!

Next, we headed to the ski jumps. A couple young men were practicing ski jumping off the 90 meter jump. Yes! Ski jumping in the summer! The mountain is fitted with specially designed wavy acrylic strips - they look a little like stiff green bristles on a broom. The strips are layered on the mountain - like a thatched roof - and sprayed with water to simulate snow. This video is really grainy, but you get an idea of the material on the mountain side.

Thinking this looked like a piece of cake, Dave and I headed up the elevator to the top of the 120 meter jump. Yikes! No doubt about it, it takes a special kind of person to strap skis on the bottom of his or her feet, point them down the hill, and let go. We took the elevator back down. Maybe we'll try the skis another day. . . NOT!

120 meter ski jump, the view from the top.

Village Comforts, unique fabrics and pottery

Of course, Lake Placid has a quilt shop, too. The weekend wouldn't be complete without buying a little (or a lot, in this case) fabric as a souvenir!

Lovely late summer flowers.

Once home, and back to the quilty tasks at hand, I set out for Moravia, New York, located at the southern tip of Owasco Lake in the Finger Lakes to do a presentation for the Piece Makers Guild. Great fun.

Did you know that Moravia has a historical claim to fame? Millard Filmore, 13th president of the United States was born there. I was informed that he was the first to install a bathtub in the White House. . . Who knew?

Scrappy travels to you!
Joan

Whoosh!

2011-08-26T15:11:00.000-04:00

That's the sound of the month of August flying right by! Seems like late summer has been filled with travel, lots of new and old friends and faces, and, of course, quilt shops!

First stop: Ontario, Canada for a distributor Open House at QuiltSource Canada. Nearby, a quick trip to The Hobby Horse Quilt Shoppe, a beautiful destination shop in a converted pig barn nestled in rural Georgetown, about an hour outside of Toronto. Every inch of wall space, even the angled ceiling is covered with quilt samples, fabrics and quilty things.

Inside, the barn is chock full of quilty goodies.

With a name like 'Hobby Horse' you know a few shop mascots are available to greet you!

The Hobby Horse owner, Gail, and grandson, Quinn.

Next Stop: Ohio! For Checker Distributors Open House. But first, a stop at The Quilt Foundry for a trunk show and book-signing.

Whimsical Fish are a recurring theme at The Quilt Foundry.

What a fun place! Everyone seemed to have a good time for the presentation.

In its earlier days, this building was a manufacturing facility for Oleo packaging. New owners Lisa and Rich Spalding have added their personality to the building, as well as lots of fabric, notions, patterns, and a sizeable classroom.

The town of Maumee, Ohio threw a parade (how did they know I was coming?) on the same day of my visit. So limited parking was even more so on this sunny August day. No matter for us quilters!

Next, on to Archbold, Ohio, and Sauder Village. An entire village of original homes and businesses have been moved to this site to preserve Ohio's small-town history. Here's the General Store, located next to the museum. The museum features all sorts of vintage farm equipment, automobiles, and tools.

Embedded right in the museum, you will find Threads of Tradition. A lovely quilt shop that seems perfectly suited for its historical setting.

An easy transition, museum to quilt shop!

Hey! Lookie, lookie! I can meet me!


On the frame and ready for some hand-quilting!

If that was August, can't wait to see what September brings! D'ya think I should do a little sewing?

Sunny summer greetings to you! If you live along the US East Coast beware of Hurricane Irene, and stay safe.

Joan

Floating Castle

2011-07-04T12:01:00.002-04:00

On Friday, with the long weekend ahead of us, and beautiful summer weather predicted, I suggested a quick trip to the 1,000 Islands to my husband, Dave. So, yesterday, after a two-hour drive, camera, and tickets in hand, we boarded the three and one-half hour tour from Alexandria Bay to Dark Island, and Singer Castle, the 'hunting lodge' of Commodore Frederick Bourne, the 5th President of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. (You knew, there was going to be some connection to sewing, didn't you?)

Dark Island ahead

We passed a small handful of the 1,800 Islands dotting the St. Lawrence Seaway to reach our destination. As you approach the island you certainly get the feel of living on a grand scale.

Singer Castle on Dark Island

Four bells, complete with Westminster Chimes.

The mansion, built in the early 1900's, maintains many of its original furnishings and displays several full suits of armor, well-kept antiques, and beautiful furnishings in a stone castle built in medieval style.

The Breakfast Room, surrounded by windows.

Vintage Singer Sewing Machines, many of them treadle machines, are on display throughout the mansion. Large windows offer splendid views and let in refreshing river breezes and sunlight.

A classic

Featherweight?

Ornate detail

It's easy to imagine transporting yourself to a different era on these grounds.

Turret office. Small but functional.

Turret Office. Is that an iPad?

Entrance to Swan Pond on Heart Island

And, of course, on the return trip to Alex Bay, we made a quick stop at Heart Island the location of the famed Boldt Castle. Work began on the castle in the late 1800's/early 1900s by George Boldt, dedicated to his wife Louise. Work stopped when Louise died suddenly, and the castle was and still is incomplete. In the mid-1970s, the Thousand Island Bridge Authority became owner, and began restoring and finishing parts of the castle according to original plans. Much of the main floor is now finished, with carved wood paneling, marble stairway, and leaded-glass domed ceiling.

Bedroom on second floor. Move me in!

Hope you enjoyed the mini-tour.

Happy 4th of July!
Joan

Summerberry Shortcake

2011-06-21T17:32:00.001-04:00

It's done!

The quilt I started during the blog tour last week is complete. I chose to use a combination of scraps and strips to make my own version of "Brownies a la Mode" from Kathy Brown's book, Strip-Smart Quilts.

And I asked for blog-hopper input to select a border. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of the green floral print . . . but there's something about an under dog that draws me in! So I used the creamy fruits. (Can you believe that?!)

Truth be known, when I opened the folded cream fabric, I discovered that I had two length-of-grain strips of fabric perfectly sized for the border, already cut! It seemed like destiny favored the cream print.

To those who chose the green floral, do not dispair! I still needed some backing fabric, so I thought the green might be perfect. Nope. Not enough. Back to the stash to look for something else. And there it was - that same Chez Moi fabric in pink - perfectly matched to the salmon-y pink in the blocks. Ughhh! Not enough of that either. About 4 or 5" shy. Back to the scrap bin, to make one or two more scrap strips to lengthen the backing. Perfect!


Not quite enough of the pink for the backing. More scrap fabrics to the rescue!

Because the little quilt is going to a charity (more on that in a minute), and will probably be washed a lot, to save wear and tear on a binding, I layered the batting, backing, and quilt top. Sewed a 1/4" seam around the edge, leaving an opening. Then turned everything inside out, and finished the edge with a decorative machine stitch before quilting the entire piece.

And the quilt even has a label, and it's own name, "Summerberry Shortcake."

Now, about the charity. This quilt along with several others made by the members of my local guild during a workshop this winter are going to the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site. Abused children, as young as 5 or 6 years old, get to select their very own quilt once they enter treatment at the center.

It breaks your heart to know that 300 children were examined by this organization in this community last year. So it's a small, small gesture to turn a little blog quilt project into something minutely positive. Worth every stitch!

On a quite different note, Summer has arrived at last. Enjoy!
Joan

Congrats!

2011-06-20T12:56:00.000-04:00

Kathy Brown has announced the winners of the Strip-Smart Quilts Blog Tour today on her blog! Congratulations to all the winners!

And many thanks for all the wonderful comments and input on my blog post! It was so nice meeting all of you!

My scrappy-strippy version of Brownies a la Mode is almost done. I hope you come back to see the results. Will the border be the green floral, or the creamy fruits, or something altogether different? You never know!

I'll post some pictures here in another day or two, when it's all done, quilted, labeled, and ready to be a special gift. I'll also tell you a little about the charity project it is going to.

In the meantime, here's a picture from a corner of the garden. This wrench was just sitting on the rocks. Not sure why, but it fascinates me. The color. The crusty rust. How did it get there?

Okay, enough of that . . . . Moving on.

Happy Quilting!
Joan

Scrap-Smart

2011-06-13T06:00:00.130-04:00

Hi all,

So, today it's my turn to review Kathy Brown's new book, Strip-Smart Quilts.

When Kathy asked me to take a look at her book and participate in her blog-hop, I didn't hesitate to say 'Yes!' because I know Kathy likes to make fast and easy quilts, and so do I.

The quilts in the book are beautiful, and there's about a kajillion ways to make really terrific blocks and quilts using the Creative Grids 90˚ Double-Strip ruler. All the projects start with strips. And the book walks you through the whole process.

If you've ever taken a ScrapTherapy Cutting Workshop at the local quilt shop, or if you've seen a copy of my book, ScrapTherapy, Cut the Scraps! then you know I'm all about using scrap squares, not necessarily strips.

So . . . I set out to find a way to use my scraps and Kathy's wonderful book. I chose a quilt from the book callled "Brownies a la Mode." Love the play of three different colors and values, plus who doesn't like brownies and ice cream?

Digging around in my fabric stash (and in my friend Gail's, too), I pulled out some solid colors and cut a few 2-1/2" strips. You can use the grid on the double strip ruler to cut the strips, so no extra tools are needed!

Then I took 5" scrap squares from my bins and chose an array of light- to medium-value scraps and cut them twice to make four 2-1/2" squares from each 5" scrap square.

I then chain-pieced the 2-1/2" squares into strips - to make a handful of scrappy strips - each using twenty 2-1/2" squares. I pressed the scrap seams open to reduce bulk.

Scrap-Strips, White Strips, and Pink Strips

Next, I put scrap-strips with solid-strips, and started sewing, cutting, and sewing again, following the pattern instructions. Watching the blocks come together is really fun! I didn't worry about where the scrap seams ended up. The ruler is designed so the shapes and the spaces between the shapes are the same size. After cutting, you have innies (scraps on the inside or smaller part of the triangle) and outies (triangles with scraps on the outside or larger part of the triangle)

Cut the strip-sets with the ruler to make 'innies' and 'outies'

Once I made several innie and outie blocks, I arranged them in a diagonal setting to make a small quilt top, made basically from three 'colors' - the cream solid strips, the pink solid strips, and the scrappy strips - like in the book. Now, all I have to do is choose a focus border print and I have a small quilt to donate to a local charity.

Blocks. Some with scraps inside, some with scraps outside

The quilt center with two border options. Which do you like?

Now, it's your turn. If you comment on this post today, your name will be entered into a drawing to receive a Strip-Smart Quilts book AND the Creative Grids 90˚ Double-Strip ruler at the end of the tour. There's a winner EVERY DAY of the blog hop!! As long as you're at it, why not help me decide which border to use? Comment whether you like the creamy fruits or the green/multi floral with the medium blue accent border.

Oh, by the way, there's a rumor going viral that there might just be a grand prize drawing at the end of the blog tour. Your comment is your raffle ticket. And it's free!

And, one more thing. . . hop over to dzyning things tomorrow and see what Linda Lum DeBono has to say.

In stitches,
Joan

Fast Forward

2011-06-08T18:43:00.000-04:00

I can't believe my last blog post was in March!! What a slug I have been! So, here's the fast-forward version of what's been happening here on the 'highway.'

Be sure to make it all the way to the end of this post. The Strip-Smart Quilts Summer Blog Hop is coming here, starting Friday, June 10!

Seems like the entire month of April disappeared. I signed up to be a first-time exhibitor at International Quilt Market, so I had some preparation to do. Still and all, I took some time to get out and smell the flowers. Spring seemed to be busting out in a big way with a bumper crop of pretty trees and tulips in Franklin Square here in Syracuse.

Love these colors!

Like driving through a flowery-fragrant dream!

A perfect-for-Spring Chunky quilt sample for the local quilt shop.

Featuring "Tidbits" by Kari Ramsey for Henry Glass Fabrics

Hours of hand-applique and machine quilting to complete two banners to hang in the Quilt Market booth.

More busting-out flowers in Salt Lake.

And a mini quilt shop tour. Lots of great shops to visit in Utah. It's important to support the local quilting economy when you travel, don't you think?

Schoolhouse, sponsored by Checker Distributors. I'm on YouTube!! Make some popcorn and check out the video!

There's the booth, a quiet moment before the 'opening bell.'

A new pattern. Around Town. Fun! Easier to make than it looks when you use the Creative Grids kaleidoscope double-strip ruler. . .

. . . Plus a new ScrapTherapy place mat and runner pattern, Hot Cross Buns. . .

. . . And some new Snap Sack kits for summer. . .

Regatta. Small wall-hanging.

Pretty!

. . . Then back home again to celebrate a birthday. Hubby Dave was out of town, but he sent flowers.

Couple days at Gail's camp in the woods. Luna Moth dropped by. Hard to believe this is a bug! It's so beautiful! Quilt inspiration, do you think?

Okay, so that should catch us up! *Phew!* I'm pooped!

So, now what?? Why, funny you should ask!!

The Strip-Smart Quilts Summer Blog Tour is about to begin! Friday, in fact. Kathy Brown's new book is in my hands. Boy, if you want to have some fun with strips and easy quilts, you will love it. But you know me, I'm big on scraps, square pieces, not strips. . . . I might have to get creative!

Here's the itinerary. There's a rumor going around that there will be daily prizes!

Friday, June 10. PamKitty Morning!
Saturday, June 11. Minnick and Simpson
Sunday, June 12. Sew Unique Creations
Monday, June 13. Winging It! (that's me!!)
Tuesday, June 14. Dzyning Things
Wednesday, June 15. The Late Bloomer
Thursday, June 16. ModaLissa
Friday, June 17. Spun Sugar Quilts
Saturday, June 18. Simplify by Camille Roskelley
Sunday June 19. Granola Girl Designs

See you on the tour!
Joan

Subway Series

2011-03-29T14:26:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, my friend Gail posted a link on Facebook to the quilt show at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. The special exhibition, entitled Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts features over 650 red and white quilts - more on that in a minute. As it goes, one thing led to another, and we hopped on a train from Syracuse Friday to see the show.

We arrived mid day in mid-town Manhattan, and dropped our bags at the hotel in Times Square, fully prepared to see the quilt show. But first, we simply had to do some shopping.

Purl SoHo is a special treat for quilters and crafters who love to play with fabric and fibers from around the globe. The atmosphere is bright, sunny, and friendly - and that's just the fabric and yarns! Staffed with cheerful, helpful people who clearly enjoy what they are doing, this shop, is nothing short of amazing.

Fresh, irresistable colors and comfortable spaces make you forget the bustling urban setting just outside the front window.

Even though it was getting toward dinner time, we made one more stop to shop for fabric (not counting that side visit to Lush).

The City Quilter, a well-deserved Quilt Sampler featured shop in New York City's Chelsea district, was a short trip from Purl SoHo. Recently expanded, the spacious store rivals those in a more suburban setting. The shopping fare incorporates many favorites: Batiks, bright, contemporary prints, Valdani embroidery threads, books, and New York City-themed fabric and notions. Wow! Sorry, I didn't take any pictures - I was too busy shopping! You'll just have to go and see it for yourself.

On Saturday, after the Red and White Quilt show, we headed to Pins and Needles on the upper East Side of Manhattan. I must admit this new shop was my favorite of the three shops we visited!

Owner Rachel Low has transformed an upper floor, narrow space into a sewer's haven with remarkable flair and decorating savvy. Surprisingly, the shop includes, a bright sunny classroom, complete with window seats for stitching, cozy space to thumb through a pattern book or two, and lots of luscious fabrics to choose from.

Making use of every bit of real estate and natural light, office space is separated from the main store by a sheer drape.

Vintage buttons tastefully decorate the tiny powder room. The entire shop feels much bigger than it is! Well done!

Before heading to Pins and Needles, our main destination for the trip was the incredible display of Red and White quilts at the Park Avenue Armory. Some 650 vintage quilts made only from red and white fabric were displayed in circular towers, some hanging at eye-level, many hanging one, two, or three quilt-lengths above. They were displayed back-to-back, draped over poles and suspended in a towering cylinder, similar to a farm silo. Show visitors could view the quilts around the outside of the cylinder, then walk into the center to see the quilts from the 'inside.'

Words and photographs do not even come close to describe the feeling invoked by the presence of all these amazing quilts. Many of them collected at garage sales for $5 or $10. Many whose maker is now unknown. This entire, remarkable collection is the product of one individual, Joanna Semel Rose, whose husband granted her 80th birthday wish to display the quilts as a gift to New York City. Many, many happy returns, Joanna!

The view from the center of one of the quilt 'cylinders,' looking out.

Gail and I said farewell to the City on Sunday morning. During our stay, we gabbed, laughed, walked until our feet ached, ate wonderful food, saw amazing displays of quilts, and supported the New York City quilt shop economy until our arms couldn't carry another thing!

Until next time!

Joan

One Stray Thread

2011-03-18T16:42:00.000-04:00

That one stray thread can make you crazy!

You've seen it. Traveling through the quilt show. Marveling at the beautiful workmanship on all the quilts. Log cabin blocks. Baltimore albums. Patchwork. Applique. You notice the colors, the quilting, the shapes.

Then you see it. That dang stray piece of thread. It blends in. . . almost. It matches the quilt. . . sort of. Noticeable, distracting, annoying. Try to look away, but it draws you in. One stray thread.

So remove it. Wait! Hold on! Quilt show rules: "Don't touch the quilts! Hands off! Gloved hands only."

My friend Georgia noticed stuff like that stray thread all the time. She made sure to get a pair of gloves at the quilt show entrance so she could take control of that one stay thread. She knew, it was bound to happen, and she'd be ready!

My friend Georgia passed away about a week ago. She was a quilter. And a fighter. A gem. And a stickler for detail.

I can't wait to go to my next quilt show. I'll be looking for that one stray thread on the beautiful quilts hanging there. And I will remember Georgia.

Will you look for a stray thread, too? Whose memory will it bring back? Who is your one stray thread?

(Thanks Dolly, for sharing this story about Georgia, so I can think of her . . . and smile.)

Warm wishes,
Joan

Conure Therapy

2011-03-14T18:24:00.000-04:00

When the fabric scrap bucket gets within reach of the bird cage, feathered friends get curious.

What do they say? One quilter's trash, is another parrot's treasure.

In stitches,

Joan

Comfort Cookies

2011-02-28T20:51:00.000-05:00

Everybody has a favorite family recipe. Stuffed in a book. The page stained with grease, dog-eared, and marked with a pencil star to alert anyone who thumbs through the recipe book that it's a winner.

One of my favorite recipes surfaces all sorts of good, yummy memories. A batch of Raisin Oatmeal Cookies can cure a glum mood or pull the sad sacks out of the doldrums. They taste like home.

Hold on! These aren't your average Raisin Oatmeal Cookies, mind you. I think I was in college when I realized that most of the world ate Raisin Oatmeal Cookies that were crunchy and spiced with cinnamon.

Those are okay, but the Raisin Oatmeal Cookies from my memory are soft and laced with pure vanilla flavor. The raisins aren't chewy and hard. They are soft and loaded with juicy flavor, plumped before baking to heighten the cookie-savoring experience.

This recipe originally came from a package of Spry. If you don't know what Spry is, ask your mom or gramma. If she's over 50, she'll probably know. Or there's always Wikipedia!

Want some of my favorite cookies? Visit the Hummingbird Highway website, scroll down, tap on the word "cookies" and download the recipe.

What's your comfort cookie?
Joan

Off and Running

2011-01-25T13:11:00.000-05:00

Seems impossible that it's already nearing the end of January. Where does the time go? Anyway, cold weather makes for excellent sewing time.

The first Scrap Therapy pattern for 2011 is ready to sew. Have you started yours, yet? It's a great sit-and-sew project for a snowy weekend. Use all your scrap sizes from your ScrapTherapy bins, and just go at it! Ask for the pattern and classes at your local quilt shop.

As long as I'm on the ScrapTherapy subject, thought I'd share a couple of projects made by students who have attended my classes. Here's Cecelia and her bright and playful version of Flower Ballet. Doncha just love it?

And camera-shy Liz is hiding behind her version of Lightning Strikes Twice. Instead of making her scrappy zig-zag panels with one set of light and dark scrap colors, Liz took control of the situation and reigned in scraps in three color-combinations.

I'm already moving on to designing the next few projects. I'm having a great time working with Creative Grids strip rulers and my scrap fabrics. So far, I've been having a blast with the Kaleidoscope Double Strip ruler. Can't wait to show you the results!

Stay warm!
Joan

Stitchery Giftery

2010-12-14T12:28:00.001-05:00

Spoiler alert! If you are on my Christmas card list and you don't want to see what's coming in the mail. Turn away now. (That means you, Jordan!)

This time of year, I do everything possible to avoid shopping at the malls. So, that usually means I break out the needle and thread and spend time at the sewing machine to make cards and gifts.

This year, it seems hand embroidery has been my sewing craft of choice. And with some great patterns and idea starters, how can you go wrong!

Blueberry Backroads has a pattern series to make small ornaments for the holidays and for year-round. Once I stitched several variations and repeats of the center stitching, I went back to the sewing machine to make the mini-block. I backed it and turned it envelope-style and added a little quilting and a hanger. A little mini quilt ready for the tree!

Next, the cards were made on my printer with some help from PC Crafter clipart, a little glue, glitter, and some spongy space-makers used to create a pocket for the fabric ornament.

Moving on to gift-making. To create whimsical bags big enough to hold a small portable computer or eReader (below), I started with a small embroidery/ applique pattern from Crab Apple Hill.

Then on to the sewing machine. The resulting bag is an original pattern variation from one of the patterns in my soon-to-be-released book, Cut the Scraps. The embroidery patch really could be any machine or hand embroidered motif.

I'm sure I'll have to head to the mall at some point, but not yet, I still have some sewing to do!

Happy Stitching!
Joan

Let it Snow! Then Let it Stop. . . please!

2010-12-08T13:18:00.000-05:00

I live in Syracuse, New York. Just south and a little east of Lake Ontario. This time of year, the big lake isn't frozen yet. Without getting too scientific, if the wind blows just right, Syracuse can get walloped with bad weather as winter sets in.

Just so happened, the 'right' combination of wind, and cold, and snow happened this week over Syracuse - and my house. It started this past weekend. It's Wednesday and it hasn't stopped snowing yet.

There is a little landing just outside the back door that leads down three or four steps to the back yard. Small railing. In the summer, it's the easiest access to the patio. In the winter, this landing becomes a wind magnet, often creating interesting shapes with falling and drifting snow.

For some reason, on Monday evening, I thought the amount of snow accumulated on the railing was rather 'amusing.' So I opened the door and snapped a pic. Little did I know what might come next.

The next morning, the wind made some interesting shapes that seemed to defy gravity. Kinda reminded me of that famous painting by Michelangelo on the ceiling - will the two 'fingers' meet or not? More snow.

This was last night. Yup. The two snow blobs are now one big blob. Snow's not done yet.

This morning. No more railing visible. I find the little red hummingbird feeder/holder a bit comical in this picture. That's about eye level for me. Much to my surprise (and dismay), not a hummingbird anywhere in sight!

Another 6-8" of snow is expected today and another 8-10" tonight.

At least I have fabric, thread and a working sewing machine. And heat.

Is it Spring yet?
Joan

Turkey Day

2010-11-24T13:29:00.001-05:00

When I got married 10 years ago, I inherited a new-to-me Thanksgiving tradition. My husband's family gets together and does the usual - eat, gab, watch football, and repeat! This isn't just a few immediate relatives - this includes ALL of my husband's family, aunts, uncles, cousins, and all their kids, pretty much. Before too long, three generations will become four, and there will be even more hungry relatives at the annual gathering. I grew up with a much smaller immediate family Thanksgiving meal and celebration.

With all the guests at the feast, and with most of the food elements covered, I often struggle with what to bring to add to the meal.

To save the day, about two miles down the road from my house, a new cookie bakery recently opened, called ICJ cookies. ICJ stands for Italian Cookie Jar, and boy-O-boy are the cookies yummy!

Okay, I know Thanksgiving is all about that 'family thing' - and the pies - not to worry. The pies will be well-accounted for. But who can resist a yummy Italian delight?

There is always room in the tummy for just one cookie! Or two. . .

And the best part is I didn't dirty one dish or bowl in the process!

I'm making a small turkey with most of the fixin's on Friday, so Dave and I can have some leftovers!

Maybe I should get another tray of cookies just for us too!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Joan

Best in Show

2010-11-04T18:40:00.000-04:00

Okay, I'm not an official judge, so that would be in my opinion. I love to walk the aisles at Quilt Market in Houston seeking out new gadgets and ideas. Sometimes a booth strikes my fancy. This one, I thought, was really original.

Don't Look Now! That's not an order, that's really the name of the pattern designers based in Melbourne, Australia. These pictures really don't do justice to the exquisite detail and dense quilting in all the samples. The booth was light, modern, and fresh.

Loved the border treatments on the quilts. Scattered appliqued flowers, or a combination of pieced and appliqued color.

And yes, one or two of the patterns may have made it into my shopping bag! A little indulgence never hurt anybody!

Happy stitching!
Joan

PS:
Retailers, don't forget to subscribe to the no-obligation newsletter for the latest news on patterns from the Hummingbird Highway - ScrapTherapy patterns and Snap Sack packs. Lotsa changes coming!

Exciting Times!

2010-10-28T18:44:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's already the end of October and I'm headed off to Houston for Fall Quilt Market in the morning. Unlike many of the past trade shows, this semi-annual show finds me in a bit of a transition.

Exciting changes are happening for the ScrapTherapy program - no longer autoshipped to enrolled shops - retailers may be pleased to know that absolutely nothing is required for the quarterly inventory purchases. The same great patterns, recommended notions, and tips - the best parts of the program remain unchanged! In fact, I'm working on the next project right now. Here it is, in progress. Isn't it beautiful! (At least it is in my head!)

And the Snap Sack Small Quilt Kits are changing too! Shops may now purchase kit-your-own packs in two quantities - 24 packs and 12 packs. So smaller shops can play, too! I can't show you what the next Small Quilt will look like - don't want to spoil the fun. It's due to start shipping in early November (oh my gosh, that's next week!). Alright, here are some hints - it's featured month is January, named Winter Chill, and includes four shades of icy blue! Love it! Ask for your kit at your favorite independent quilt shop!

Two brand new patterns are available. Chunky Quarters and Chunky Halves starting this Market. Almost too easy, and definitely way too much fun to assemble! Your favorite quilt shop can prepare kits for you so all you have to do is sew your lap-sized quilt together! A great gift!

If you are a retailer and want to know all the latest product information from the Hummingbird Highway, go to the home page of either of my websites, www.scrap-therapy.com or www.hummingbird-highway.com to subscribe to periodic e-nouncements! If you are a quilter, tell your LQS to get on the list so you don't miss one thing!

As if all this isn't enough! A new website is under construction, so watch for changes and be careful of the construction dust!

Scrappy Trails to you!
Joan

The Week in Review

2010-10-05T16:37:00.008-04:00

Dave and I finally had the chance to run away for a little week-long vacation. So, if you aren't bored with stacks and stacks of vacation pictures from this past summer, here's a few more.

We first headed to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. We stayed at The Brickhouse Inn, a wonderful bed and breakfast right in town. There are two buildings on the property, one dates to 1863 and has the bullet holes from the first day of battle in the brick to prove it. Daily breakfast included your choice of dessert! So I started each day with a slice of Shoo-Fly Pie, a Pennsylvania Dutch classic!

We started our journey into Civil War history with a trip to the Visitors Center. Amongst the many artifacts, a pair of gloves worn by General Lee intrigued me. They were grey, of course. Each day of the three-day battle was reviewed in depth. One room was completely dedicated to the Gettysburg Address, shown here dramatically printed on frosted glass.

Later that day, we toured the battlefield, specifically seeking out the 122nd New York Infantry monument at Culps Hill. Why, you might ask? On the side of the monument it reads "Organized Onondaga County, NY. Mustered into service at Syracuse, NY August 28, 1862." Hey, that's home!

A couple days later, on our way out of town, we stopped at Boyd's Bears. Four floors of stuffed bears and animals. Wow! This little guy with the blue ribbon found his way into our car for the trip home!

On to Washington DC. Museums, museums, museums! Spies, portraits, American Indian, and News. And a new monument. There sure is a lot to see in DC!

Our neighbors seemed nice. They were just across the street from our hotel in this little cottage. We didn't get to see them.

A couple days, and a lot of gushing rainfall later, we were on to West Point for a football Saturday at Michie (pronounced like "Mikey") Stadium. What an experience!

The cadets, dressed in white uniform, sit in a large section of the stadium. When the Army team scores, the cadets jump out of the stands to do push-ups - one for each point on the board, while the announcer says, "Drop and gimme [fill in number here]!" At the end of the game, both teams stand at attention for the school anthem (below).

Final score: Army 35, Temple 42.

Too bad the home team lost, but it was great fun and perfect weather.

Back home again, and back to business!

Happy travels,
Joan

Service and Remembrance

2010-09-11T18:49:00.001-04:00

Once a month, I get together with a few of my quilty friends to work on unfinished objects (UFOs). Yes, I am a finisher, but I will admit, a stray project (or several) have landed on a 'short' to-do list.

Last week, during our group quilting catch-up day, I pulled out a little project I started quite some time ago and added a couple of mitered borders to a pieced quilt center. This particular project was one of the last ones I brought to work on, so I didn't quite finish it before it was time to go home. It was placed back in the stack of unfinished projects for next month.

This morning I assessed, what seemed like a massive stack of quilted projects that need to get done - several holiday place mats, a few wall hangings and a full-sized quilt. All samples for the local shop. But one little project called to me. All it needed was a plush backing and some quilting.

Like so many others, I was profoundly affected by the events of September 11, nine short years ago. And today, it seemed appropriate to dedicate my time to finish something for someone else. Someone in need. My friend Beth is director at Interfaith Works. One of the programs she supervises assists refugees resettling to this country. And one of the families due to arrive in the near future includes a baby.

I hope the family enjoys this little baby quilt as much as I enjoyed the feeling of doing something - even something small - to welcome others to this great country we call home.

In service and remembrance,
Joan

P.S. Beth has LOTS of UFOs!

On the way . . .

2010-09-10T12:50:00.001-04:00

The two newest ScrapTherapy patterns are getting packed into boxes, headed to your favorite participating quilt shop in the next week or two. Want a preview?

Stained Glass is a cool twist on the nine-patch theme. For this project, each element of the nine-patch is a pieced on-point scrappy square with narrow lattice in between the scraps. If your stomach gets all twisted in knots with concern over sewing those skinny strips, fear not! Sewn lattice strips start twice the size and incorporate a unique piecing and cutting method to avoid the stress. You're gonna love it! The pattern includes both lap and bed sized projects.

Flower Ballet incorporates machine-appliqued flowers with three-dimensional petals. Here's a super-sized table runner that will dress up any decor.

And, of course, I do love my gadgets! You just have to have the new trimming tool by Studio 180 Designs, Square-Squared to make the on-point pieced squares for your version of Stained Glass. Plus, circles used in the table runner are fast and fun to make with the Olfa Circle Rotary Cutter. Or try my newest favorite notion to make half-square triangles, the Fons and Porter 6" Square Up Ruler!

By the way, did you know that the first sixteen ScrapTherapy pattern releases are now available to all independent quilt shops, even if they've never been 'officially' enrolled in the program? Just ask for your favorite scrappy projects, such as Bloomin Steps, the Scrap Sack, and Pick-A-Pair Pot Holders at your local quilt shop.

As a reminder, the ScrapTherapy program is a method to cut your unused fabric scraps leftover from finished quilt project into sizes that make sense. Then use those cut-up scraps in quilted projects.

Happy quilting!
Joan

A Good Idea. . . I Think!

2010-09-01T18:04:00.000-04:00

A few months back, I wrote that I would be participating in the Nine-Patch Project. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I have tons and tons of scraps I can use to make nine-patch blocks. And Karen Montgomery suggested that it would be fun, and she always has some pretty good ideas. So . . . .

I settled in and started sewing tiny nine-patches, each made from one 2" scrap square, which was cut in half twice to make four 1" squares. All batiks. Really pretty! (But small!)

Then I dug around in my stash for some fabric, big stuff. Determined to use fabric on hand, I found a cream-on-cream print. Probably about three yards, I'm guessing. And started cutting 1" strips, then 1" squares. In between other sewing, I made 2" unfinished mini-nine-patches with light centers and corners.

I know it sounds crazy, sewing all those small pieces. But I think sewing the small pieces makes sewing bigger pieces more accurate. I will admit, about two-thirds of the way through, I kinda got sick of sewing the small pieces. But I digress. . .

Then, I added either four or five 2" batiks to make 5" unfinished nine-patches, with alternating patched centers and whole centers. These were fun!

Sewed nine of the resulting nine-patches together for a nine-nine-nine patch that is about 13" square. I made twelve of these. Each one incorporates a total of 51 nine-patches - 41 teeny nine-patches, nine medium nine-patches, and the big momma nine-patch. The goal was 80 blocks for the summer. I guess I over-shot that goal, huh?

Now what?

I suppose that's my project for the fall. Stay tuned!!

To the 'nines!'
Joan

A Christmas Tradition

2010-08-26T13:42:00.024-04:00

I know, I know, it's still summer, but it's never too early to start thinking about making that holiday quilt project.

And who doesn't love some fruitcake over the holidays?

Okay, I've heard all the jokes comparing fruitcakes to hockey pucks. But here's a nice 'Chunky Fruitcake' quilt everyone will love!

This quilt features "Fruitcake" fabric collection by BasicGrey for Moda.

It's fast and easy to make. Subtle holiday prints that don't scream 'Christmas!' Chock full of nice big chunks of fabric. Yum!

And you can get the kit at Calico Gals in Syracuse to bake up your very own!

By the way, my mom really did make a great fruitcake at the holidays. No thick, sticky goo for her! The cake part was always nice and moist.

Want her recipe?

Mrs. Kolis' Delicious Fruitcake

1 cup white raisins

1 cup cut up candied fruit

1 cup pecans, chopped

2 cups sifted flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

1/2 tsp mace

1/2 tsp lemon flavor

1/4 cup orange juice, then add brandy to bring liquid to 1/3 cup line on measuring cup

Plus pecan halves and candied cherries to decorate top of cake.

1. Mix flour, salt, baking powder and sift over the fruit and chopped nuts. Blend well and set aside.

2. Cream butter and sugar

3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.

4. Add mace, and lemon favoring

5. Stir in floured fruit

6. Add orange juice mixture and blend

7. Grease and flour baking pans, either two loaf pans or one tube pan. Important! Place paper liner in bottom of pan Pour batter over paper liner, then decorate with pecan halves and candies cherries.

8. Bake in slow oven (275 degrees). Bake two loaf pans, about 1-1/2 hours, or bake tube pan 1 hour, 40 minutes, or until toothpick comes clean. Place a large shallow pan of hot water on rack directly underneath cake in oven.

Store in airtight container.

Please pass the Fruitcake!
Joan

Clipart available at www.pccrafter.com

One hundred thirty-seven. . .

2010-08-09T16:24:00.000-04:00

. . . days left until Christmas!

Plenty of time! Looking for a great holiday project to sew up in a jiffy? How about a Christmas-themed Baltimore Album quilt?

Normally, I wouldn't dream of attempting to finish a Baltimore Album quilt in just a few months. All that detailed applique. Lots and lots of stitching. Yikes!

However, I was inspired to make this quilt using Mimi Dietrich's "Christmas in Baltimore" fabric line by P&B Textiles. And you guessed it, you can make one just like it in time for the holidays with your very own fabric kit, complete with original pattern by yours truly.

Don't worry. Those beautiful applique blocks are cut from a printed panel. All you have to do is chop up the panel, sew up the sashing and borders, and it's ready to quilt!

Make yourself an impressive holiday treat before the first snow flies! Or, better still, before the leaves start to turn.

Oh, by the way, kits are available at Calico Gals in Syracuse, NY. You want one?

Happy stitching!
Joan

Time to Fly!

2010-07-28T16:24:00.001-04:00

Shortly after I put it up, this hanging planter full of purple flowers caught the eye of a pair of expectant parents - house finches. Nest building began in earnest shortly thereafter (see the piece of grass sticking out of the plant?), and Mama Finch laid five tiny speckled eggs.

Just by looking at the plant, you'd never know the bird's nest is deep inside, near the base of the plant.

Since one of my favorite summer pastimes is doing hand work on the front porch, this activity has been somewhat reduced this year, as Mrs. Finch spooks off the nest quite easily.

The baby birds, now a mass of brown feathers and fluff, are just about to fledge. The nearby window leads to my sewing room and the vocalizations from peeping babies and twittering parents are really very pleasant.

But I do miss my sewing spot. One of these days, very soon, maybe I can take up my hand work again on the porch. We'll see. . .

Happy first flight!
Joan

New Chunkies

2010-07-07T20:49:00.000-04:00

Two new Chunky quilt kits just joined the 'Chunky' family. As usual, kits are available at Calico Gals in Syracuse.

The 'chunkies' are a super simple quilt kit series featuring big bold blocks, super easy construction, and an extra-wide binding.

Chunky Bloomers 3, featuring "Peony Tales" fabric by Betty Wang for South Sea Imports.

Chunky Moxie, featuring "Moxie" fabric by Kim Schaefer for Andover Fabrics.

Have a 'chunky' kind of day!
Joan

Lavender Fields

2010-07-01T16:31:00.000-04:00

Last evening I attended a business networking event at Lockwood Farm in Skaneateles, New York. The weather was cool and overcast, but fortunately, no rain.

Lockwood Farms is a 120 acre flower and fiber farm that overlooks scenic Skaneateles Lake, one of the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Karen Lockwood, our hostess, says she has lost count of the number of sheep in her herd, raised for their fleece. Here's Karen with a two-week old lamb, which was as cute as can be!

Karen's passion is the lavender. She grows sixteen varieties of lavender plants for fragrance and culinary uses. The plants need to be hearty varieties to survive the harsh central New York winters in the Finger Lakes.

The intensity of the dark purple lavender hue is nearly overwelming in the flower patches that are approaching full bloom just in time for the Lavender Festival, scheduled for July 10th and 11th at the farm. The farm is open to the public on weekends in the summer and even features a small shop with all sorts of lavender products.

We were also treated to a fabulous spread of traditional fresh Lebanese cuisine made especially for the event by Julie Sageer (on the left in the photo below). Each dish incorporated lavender flavors and Lebanese culinary tradition.

A feast for the eyes and for the tummy!

Consider a summer drive to the farm.
Joan

Ahoy Maties!

2010-06-15T17:28:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, I headed north to Alexandria Bay on the New York/Canada border. The 1,000 Islands in the St. Lawrence River is such a beautiful spot for a wedding. Unless it's raining!

My sister, Valerie's wedding weekend started out perfectly. Blue sky. Warm weather. Terrific sunset. So I settled into my room in Alex Bay on Friday evening, ignoring the forecast for Saturday, wedding day.

I woke up to buckets of rain water falling outside my hotel window. I snapped a picture of this barge crossing in front of Boldt Castle on Heart Island, the location for the wedding later in the day. You can see how gray the skies were first thing in the morning.

Because this area is heavily tourist and resort oriented, it's easy to forget that it's also a major shipping thoroughfare. Then you see the barges and you are reminded of the river's importance to commerce.

Fortunately, as the day went on, the weather cleared. We caught the boat for Heart Island for the short ceremony around four. George Boldt built the castle on Heart Island as a summer residence in the early 1900s. As the story goes, all work stopped on the construction when his wife, to whom the structure was dedicated, died. The Castle fell into hard times until it was purchased by the Bridge Authority. It is now beautifully restored and the grounds make a perfect wedding destination. And it's a popular tourist stop on the tours through the 1,000 Islands.

Even though the clouds didn't completely dissipate, the short ceremony was in the clear.

My sister has always loved the Popeye cartoons. Can you tell by their cake?

Here's the happy couple. The wedding theme featured tropical flamingos! Notice the fun glasses. Al may not be happy that this picture is now on the internet.

But that's what sisters-in-law are for!

Stay dry!
Joan

Birdie Bags

2010-06-09T12:16:00.011-04:00

I've been busy. I'm going to a small wedding this weekend. I made a bunch of sweet little embroidered bags for all the women guests.

For starters, I downloaded the Blue Wren's Nest embroidery patterns from one of my favorite blogs by Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches. Once I downloaded the pattern, I did a little Photoshop magic and reversed the stitching pattern, then printed it onto Quilters Freezer Paper Sheets (made by C&T Publishing) on my inkjet printer.

Using a light source, I traced the stitching pattern on the front of the background fabric, in my case I used muslin. The freezer paper stabilizes the fabric so it doesn't shift while I'm tracing. Neat trick!

And I stitched. . . and stitched. . . and stitched some more!

Cash and Carry, a terrific little bag pattern by Atkinson Designs became the basis to finish my project. I adjusted some of the sizes from the pattern sightly to accommodate the stitchery. Instead of making a pocket for each side of the bag, I have a pocket on one side and the stitchery on the other.

Great pattern! Really easy. Zippers, too!

Added the little birdie zipper fob to finish it off.

Fourteen handy little bags ready to go to a wedding with me!!

Happy Stitching!
Joan

I'm doin' it. Are you?

2010-06-03T15:54:00.004-04:00

I'm talking about the Nine-Patch Project, of course!

During the course of the summer, grab some fabric - anything - your scraps, some fat quarters, something from your stash, or heaven-forbid run out and buy some fabric at the quilt shop! Then make one nine-patch block every day throughout the summer. Read Karen Montgomery's June 1st blog for more details.

As I understand it, there's no Nine-Patch Police, so even though this whole thing started on June 1st, you really can start any time. You can play catch up and make three blocks today, or make two nine-patches for the next three days and you'll be right on track. Or just start today. By the end of the summer you should have a bunch of nine patches - if you count one for each day of June, July, and August, that's 92 blocks!

You can follow along on facebook, or watch for more information here.

For my blocks, I went scrounging around in my ScrapTherapy bins and found a bunch of 2" batik squares. I pulled out some cream fabric from my stash and rolled up my sleeves. I decided to make nine-patches within nine-patches, so I cut my 2" square twice to make four 1" squares. Then cut 1" squares from my cream fabric (bet this would also look good with black fabric!) and went to the sewing machine.

Once the mini-blocks were sewn, I added more 2" scrap squares to make a 5" unfinished nine patch. For odd days of the month, I'll do a nine patch with five mini nines, and for even days of the month, I'll do a nine-patch with four minis.

Yep, those are tiny pieces of fabric, but I find that every once in a while, it's good to stretch a little bit. Besides, when you piece something small, you have to be accurate. When you have to be accurate, your overall piecing improves. Kinda like being an average Sudoku or crossword player. Then you try your hand at an uber-difficult puzzle. You fail miserably (or at least I do!), but when you go back to the average skill level puzzles, they are so much easier!!

By the way, my blocks have all the tiny squares. Yours can be any size you want, scrappy or not, lights and darks or not, light centers, dark centers, or not. Here's a simple scrappy nine-patch to show you what I mean.

One simple block each day. Now that's not so overwhelming, is it?

See you on the 'back nine!'
Joan

Market Celebs

2010-05-29T10:40:00.003-04:00

You meet all kinds of interesting people at Quilt Market! Last weekend, I snapped a few photos reflecting some of the connections I made in Minneapolis.

I arrived in the host city a day ahead of the show. So I wandered down the Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian mall in the heart of the city. Since Minneapolis is the setting for the classic television sitcom, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," there's a statue of the famous opening scene where Mary tosses her hat into the air. It's located on the Mall in front of the main entrance to Macy's.

Next it was on to Quilt Market, several authors of recently published books had scheduled book signings. Here's Debra Henninger at the F&W Media booth signing her new book, Hobo Quilts. As a shop owner, she designed blocks based on the symbols depression era hobos used to communicate to each other, almost like a secret language amongst hobos. Fascinating subject!

Laura Hurd was in the Brewer Booth signing her book from F&W Media, The Farmers Wife Quilt Sampler. The book is filled with letters written in the 1920s which inspired some 100+ quilt blocks in the book.

Amy Butler also has a new book, In Stitches which incorporates a full range of projects including garments to home dec, bags and totes.

And this cute little critter with the fancy attire was found keeping watch over the Tina Givens booth. Love her shoes and hat!

The Quilt Market experience can generate all kinds of great contacts, ideas, and inspiration. But it's a long weekend with lots of walking and hard work on the trade show floor. I found these two booth workers, taking a pizza break at the very end of the show while they waited for their packing materials to be delivered. They managed to maintain the spirit of fun while they seemed to channel communications through the thread spools floating above their heads!

Show's over for now!

On to Houston in the fall!

See you there!
Joan

Flamingo!

2010-05-14T14:34:00.000-04:00

The weather in central New York has been crazy lately. For a couple of days, it seemed like we skipped past Spring and started right in on Summer!

Then last weekend, we had a little bit of snow on Mothers' Day. So, as long as it was snowing, I decided to linger in my jammies with some tea and some stitching.

I picked up this little cross-stitch kit by Mill Hill from their Spring Bouquet Kit Collection. I purchased the kit at The Village Sampler in Big Flats, NY on a mini road trip recently. The project base is heavy-weight paper with a punched-out stitching grid. The kit included everything I needed to make this little project! Here's what the stitching looked like in progress.

Keep stitching, add beads, trim the paper base, then add the beaded legs.

Next thing I knew, I had forgotten about the snow outside and was thinking 'Flamingo!'

Look! The whole piece is only about 5" head-to-toe. The kit comes with a little magnet to put on the back, but I bet I could fuse a piece of fabric to the back, flannel or wool, and make it into a pin.

Happy Stitching!
Joan

Going to 'Hell!'

2010-05-07T13:57:00.001-04:00

Okay, I'll admit I haven't been a very persistent correspondent, have I? I have all kinds of excuses keeping me away from writing blog posts, none of them very juicy. So I guess I'll just have to take my licks and suffer the punishment - in 'Hell' of all places!

Wait! It's not what you might be thinking! Spring Quilt Market, a huge trade show for the quilting industry, is just a couple of weeks away. This spring, the host city is Minneapolis, so I'm headed there to take part in the show. A few short steps away from our hotel is Hell's Kitchen a breakfast, lunch, and dinner eatery where they serve 'damn good food!' Janet Lutz, owner of Calico Gals, is my travel partner, and we've been to 'Hell' before, and we're so glad to be going back. Hey, if you're in town for the show, why not join us in 'Hell' . . . you'll love it there.

While at the show, I'll be spending lotsa time in the Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies booth taking about the three programs I author: the ScrapTherapy program, Snap Sack Small Quilt Kits, and Skinny Minis. Meet me at the Brewer booth if you're headed to market and I'll fill you in.

Series 11 ScrapTherapy patterns are in progress, and they are oh-so-cool! The quilt is almost all quilted and ready to go. It's a really easy throw-together project and has great 'guy quilt' potential depending on color direction. Here's a mini sneak peek! The full quilt will be at Quilt Market and patterns will start shipping during June.

See ya soon!
Joan

Continuous Binding

2010-03-30T13:44:00.001-04:00

I am aware of at least a half-dozen variations to attach that last bit of binding to a quilt with a smooth bias seam. Some are easier than others to remember.

I don't remember when I learned to finish the binding so that it appears 'seamless.' But the method I learned has stuck. For some reason, it makes sense to me. I've tried other methods, some of them with fewer steps, some with more, and I always come back to my old stand by.

Here's how it goes.

1. After trimming the batting and backing even with the quilted top, sew the binding 1/4" from the edge of the quilt, leaving about 24" of the binding unsewn, that's at least 12" of 'unattached' binding on each end. Place the unbound section of the quilt flat on your work table. Lay the binding ends evenly along the raw edge of the quilt and fold the binding back on itself so the folds meet and 'kiss.'

2. Make two marks on the top binding layer one half the width of the binding from the fold. In other words, I've cut my binding strips 2-1/4", so one half of that is 1-1/8". I have two lines on the binding, each 1-1/8" away from the fold. Let's say you cut your binding strips 2-1/2" wide, then half of that is 1-1/4" - half of a 3-1/2" binding is 1-3/4" - half of a 4" binding is 2" - works for any binding width.

3. Fold the quilt onto itself, and pin the quilt layers creating some slack allowing you to work with the binding ends easier.

4. Bring the binding end from the left above the quilt onto the work table and open the fold. Place the binding so you can see the marking line, right side up.

5. Open the crease, and fold the right binding end, wrong sides together, at the marking line,

6. Then place the fold from the right binding aligned with edge of the left binding. At the same time, align the marking on the left binding with edge of the right binding.

7. Open the right binding fold, then draw a line, parallel to the quilt top, from edge to edge as shown. Secure the binding with pins on both sides of the drawn line.

8. Sew on the line.

9. Trim about 1/4" away from sewing (un-pin the quilt to test it first, if you like!)

10. Pin and sew to quilt edge.

11. Seamless!

Whatever method you choose to create a 'seamless' continuous binding, you'll never have a 'lumpy' edge again!

Bound to quilt!
Joan

Spring!

2010-03-22T22:07:00.004-04:00

Central New York finally got a clip of nice weather this past week. Happy flowers seem grateful for the sunshine. Soon lots of flowers will burst forth and the earth will smile again!

With splashes of color arriving one little patch of flowers at a time, it seems appropriate for some uplifting quilted projects!

"Chunky Elizabeth" is another in an on-going series of original 'chunky' quilt kits made from big bold prints matched with only the slightest bit of piecing to keep things interesting.

I just love the fresh, spring-like combination of blue, green and yellow. And this project is no exception. The fabric collection is "Elizabeth Anne" by Alex Anderson for P&B Textiles and the kits are available for purchase from Calico Gals in Syracuse, NY.

The lap-sized quilt is so fast and easy to sew together, you can have yours all ready - quilted and bound with an extra-wide binding - in time for the cool spring and summer evenings to come. . .

Welcome Spring!
Joan

Distractions

2010-03-08T13:46:00.001-05:00

It certainly has been a while since my last post. My, how time flies when things get busy!

"Busy doing what?," you might say. The next two ScrapTherapy patterns are due to arrive in quilt shops very soon, and it seems there's always a frenzy of activity just as the patterns are about to be released. Here's a 'sneak peak' of the Series 10 patterns, Dog Gone Scrappy and Framed! Take a look at the ScrapTherapy website for more details.

Both projects are just too much fun to make. Dog Gone Scrappy is a machine applique pattern, based on a traditional Scottie dog motif. Use the new Dog Gone Scrappy printed interfacing by Quiltsmart to make the scrappy-dog applique. So cute! Tons of scrap fabrics disappear into this quilt.

Are you headed to a graduation party this spring and need a gift? Maybe you're invited to a summer wedding and you're scratching your head trying to think of something unique to bring. Perhaps you'll enjoy making Framed! This scrappy picture frame uses Texture Magic to make the puckery-framed border. Perfect for a special occasion! You can even use the scraps from the grad or wedding quilt to make this perfect go-along.

As always, you can find ScrapTherapy patterns, classes, and gadgets at participating quilt shops listed on the website!

Enjoy the new projects!
Joan

Joan-Sock Sunday!

2010-02-13T11:12:00.000-05:00

I used to knit all the time. Norwegian sweaters were my favorite to knit - all the fancy snowflake patterns and bright colors. Challenging and fun!

Once I took up quilting, it seems there's never enough time to work on the bigger knitted projects with all the charts and graphs to follow.

Socks are hot! About ten years ago, the yarn manufacturers started making self-striping yarns in sport weight colors and durable wool-blends. Perfect for socks. So I set out to find a simple pattern that mimicked a commercial sock - a long rib at the ankle, and seams at the heal, not bulky flaps. At the time, I couldn't find one (now that type of pattern is fairly common), so I made it up. And started knitting. . . . and knitting. . . and knitting . . . socks!

I always have at least a half-dozen socks in progress. They are portable too! Since the pattern is so straightforward, you can pick it up anywhere and not worry about details in a complex pattern.

Then I started giving my socks away to friends and family. And folks asked me how I made them, could they have the pattern. . . I don't use a pattern, really. So I started teaching sock classes. Social and laid back, once a month on a Sunday.

Here's a couple of fun new items from Knitcellaneous, a mini sock blocker key chain and dog tags with a quick review of the Kitchener stitch.

Lotsa fun!
Joan

New to me!

2010-02-03T12:05:00.004-05:00

When I first tried it, I didn't like hand applique very much.

Needle turn. All that basting. My blocks had puckers and distortions. And never laid flat. Never.

Maybe I wasn't ready for hand applique. It's so mysterious.

So I tried machine applique. That's okay, but . . . sometimes you want something that doesn't require a sewing machine.

Then I found the 'starch method' to do hand applique. Loved it. Pieces were nice and flat. BUT, there's quite a lot of prep work with freezer paper and liquid starch. Then you have to rinse the block so the starch doesn't attract critters from three adjoining counties.

I recently found my 'new' favorite applique method. It's not really 'new' - but it's new to me! It's described in Vintage Journey by Jo Morton. Jo references Jeana Kimball who calls it the "template-free" method of hand applique.

I won't go into too many specifics here, get the book for all the dirty details.

Basically, start on the back of the base fabric with an outline of the applique. With heavy thread and a bigger needle, secure the applique piece to the front with a running stitch along the drawn outlines. I used YLI cotton hand quilting thread (one of my favorites!), a size 7 sharp, and I kept my stitches really small. Now, I'm not so keen on basting, but I do love running stitches!

With the applique secured, let the block set a while. Later, work on the front with a smaller needle and your favorite matching applique thread (I like YLI Soft Touch). Pull out the running stitches, a little at a time, and turn under the allowance. You'll find that the heavy needle and thread have created enough perforation in the fabric to allow the fabric to turn under neatly.

Here's a couple of my blocks from Moda's Greenpiece block of the month pattern. The butterfly applique is done, the block just needs cornerstones. The bird block is in progress, if you look closely, you can see the running stitches on the wing.

This applique stuff isn't so mysterious, after all!
Joan

Thread with Attitude

2010-01-26T18:26:00.000-05:00

So, I've been making an effort to get better organized. I recently added a spacious cabinet to the sewing studio, so the time seems ripe to purge and compress.

Everything was moved out of the studio to the adjoining room temporarily. Now that the carpet is installed and the cabinet is in, one by one, items are finding a home where they belong.

Except for that drawer full of thread. . .

Where on earth did all this thread come from? That old drawer was full to overflowing and tangled with unruly loose ends sticking out everywhere! Some spools new and untouched, some with just a few yards wound around the sorry center.

Roll up the sleeves, time for a thread attitude adjustment!

First the near-empty spools. Found a cardboard basket and in they go. They'll be the first to go when I'm piecing something scrappy. Ahh, feels better already!

Next, the 'ugly' colors. Oh, I know, "I might need that color . . . someday." If I haven't used it - or thought about using it - in a year or more, it's got a target on it. Into the piecing basket it goes.

Finally, the unruly threads. Now this is cool! Hugo's Amazing Tape. Have you seen this stuff?? It doesn't stick to anything, except itself. Wrap it around the spool capturing the loose end, and VOILA! It's clear, so you can see the thread color. Comes on a huge roll - so there's enough for those of us who have lots of thread, a-hem! And it works on other stuff too, like electrical chords (can you say, 'computer spaghetti?').

Ask for it at quilt shops and craft stores - I got mine at Calico Gals. It's about 2" wide, but it can easily be cut in half to fit nicely around a thread spool. Shops can order it from distributors, like Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies.

Problem solved. Well, sort of. Let's say problem's improved!

Joan

Fresh Air

2010-01-12T17:58:00.008-05:00

This past weekend, I headed to Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake in the Adirondack Mountains, about 15 miles north of Old Forge, New York. About 25 quilters gathered there for a quilting get-away.

The conference center is a perfect spot for a quilting retreat - there's plenty of room to sew and, back up at the spacious, rustic lodge, lots of time to socialize over a glass of wine or a tumbler of Bailey's (with a hint of carmel!).

Despite frigid temperatures, on Saturday, the clouds cleared away, and the sky turned a brilliant blue - perfect conditions to venture out for some fresh air.

You can only imagine the hidden summer treasure that sleeps below the surface of the Blue Mountain Lake ice.

A couple of white-tail deer greeted me along the path. They decided I presented little danger. They were right!

On my short 'adventure,' I met the property caretaker and chatted with him. He mentioned he had a pet macaw. We conversed about our mutual interest in birds, and he invited me inside his cabin to meet Cara. She is a beautiful Catalina Macaw and keeps him company inside the cabin while the snow falls just steps away outside the cabin through the winter.

Back in the conference center, Donna worked on her first quilt ever! Welcome to the world of quilting! Great job, Donna, can't wait to see what's next!

Do you have a mid-winter get-away planned? You never know who you might meet!

Joan

Defying Gravity

2010-01-05T14:05:00.002-05:00

In December, I decided it was time for a little change. The sewing studio is getting a bit of a make-over. New studio equipment on order, new carpet. Exciting. But. . .

I think the panic set in for real when the carpet guy said I have to clear out the room for the installation. Obvious, right? Now, picture that movie, "The Blair Witch Project" - the woman with the flashlight at her chin, scared out of her socks over what might lie ahead. Funny, that's what flashed through my mind when Steve said, "See you on Wednesday!"

No, I'm not going to bore you with the 'before' pictures of the sewing room. Suffice it to say, the Scrap'Therapist' is doing a little self-help these days! (Where did all this stuff come from??) Will keep you posted on progress.

In the meantime, as long as half the country is currently enjoying chilly temperatures, I thought I'd share a couple of frozen images, right from my own back yard.

We've had a bit of snow here in Central New York. That's nothing new. But it's not how much has fallen, it's how it landed that seems to defy gravity!

Stay warm, and make more quilts!
Joan

Not again!

2009-12-31T13:35:00.003-05:00

Here we are, it's New Year's Eve and it's that time . . . again! A new year, a new decade. . . where did the time go?! What's your New Year's resolution?

I don't know about you, but I still have holiday sweets leftover in various hiding places. A few more cookies in the tins on the kitchen counter, that box of yummy chocolates from Esther Price on the coffee table, the package (or three!) of Gertrude Hawk smidgens in the family room, the homemade sugar-coated pecans right here on my desk (mm-m-m, yum!). If I start a diet tomorrow, that means I gotta eat everything in the next few hours ('cause you know I'm not going to throw it away!). That doesn't even sound appealing.

So here's a thought. This whole ScrapTherapy program . . . those leftover scrap quilting fabrics, tossed in a bag, in a bin, or in a corner. This could be interesting! It's time. Organize them. Use them. And have fun with your favorite hobby in the process!

Spending time in the sewing studio, using up perfectly wonderful leftovers (fabric that is), is so much more fun than spending the next week coming down from a last-minute New Year's Eve sugar high!

Speaking of scraps, here's a variation on Fly Away, one of the newest ScrapTherapy patterns. Even this baby size quilt uses up lots of scrap fabrics, plus, I've been dying to use those delicate blue and green prints in something

And, then there's Sue's project. Sue started the Something Fishy quilt during a workshop this past fall. So that she could finish all the piecing in time for holiday gift-giving, she alternated fish blocks and background blocks for a great variation on the pattern, simple as that! These aren't just ordinary fish, however, they are happy fish and they now have a happy home. I'm told, four-year old Sean just loves his new quilt, made with love by cousin Sue! Terrific, Sue!

By the way, I'm already busy working on the next ScrapTherapy projects. Watch for them in a couple short months. So exciting! And so much fun!

Here's my list of resolutions for 2010 - Sew something everyday, use up scraps, and have fun sharing and spreading creative energy!

Have a Wonderful, Safe, and Happy New Year!
Joan

A True Story

2009-12-16T17:44:00.001-05:00

With Christmas only about a week away, I thought you might enjoy this variation on a familiar theme. The "Sgt. Ford" referred to in the poem is, in fact, my husband and this really happened to him last year. Enjoy!

Joan

'Twas the night before Christmas

And all through the mess hall,

The soldiers were restless

Planning many a phone call.

The deployment was over,

From Afghanistan, they'd come,

But a holiday with family

Simply could not be done.

To Fort Bragg they'd arrived,

All safe and all sound.

Paperwork, physicals,

And meetings abound.

Before they could fly home,

Via military transport,

They had to check boxes

On forms and reports.

When out from the office,

Did the Commander shout clear,

"My family's in North Carolina,

And we have no reindeer!"

"Sgt Ford, you're selected!

To bring Santa's sleigh

For the party this evening

and the kids who will play."

"Here's a box with a suit,

It has a hat and red trim.

Get dressed for the party,

And be wearing a grin!"

To the barracks Ford went

To don the suit from the box,

Just in time to discover

It was missing the locks.

The suit was all there,

No boots, but who cares.

The red coat and red hat,

But no facial hairs!

With the feast in one hour

There was no time for passes.

It was off to K-Mart

On Christmas Eve with the masses.

To the back of the store,

And the front of the aisle,

No beard or hair-do

Would be found for a while.

A call to the Commander

To deliver bad news,

"Christmas with Santa, it seemed,

Just could not come true."

Commander to children,

Tucked in the back seat:

"You don't mind that St. Nick

Had to shave to be neat?"

"Security is tight,

On military bases, you see,

So to reveal his identity,

Santa, clean shaven, he'll be."

The kids both agreed,

"Santa's Santa, no matter.

The beard is no issue.

Let's get on with the clatter!"

So Santa arrived,

No beard on his face,

And he sat down to visit

With Tommy and Grace.

The humvee was parked

Outside the front door.

The reindeer, he told them,

Waited for the grand tour.

With all satisfied,

Santa went out to his deer

For his trip to deliver

Lots of toys and good cheer.

And as he drove the humvee,

To catch up with the sleigh,

He wished, "The best of the Season,

And a great Christmas day!"

Festive Finishing!

2009-12-08T16:41:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, my sister gave me a bunch of cross-stitch pieces. Beautifully done. Colorful. Several of them with quilt blocks incorporated into the cross stitch patterns, holiday patterns, florals, and hearts. There were probably about a dozen rolled up canvases, all different, ready to become 'something.'

My sister, who doesn't sew, requested: "Make something out of these, no rush." She did the work on them when her daughter, my niece, was taking ballet lessons. You know the drill, mom in the background, waiting during rehearsals, reading, knitting, stitching while they wait to provide the ride home. My niece is thirty-something, now. Got married this summer. Doesn't need a ride home from ballet lessons anymore.

Every once in a while I pull out the cross stitch canvases. Get inspired. . . or not. A few have become pillows. Others wait their turn. Waiting to become something.

Last week, I ran across those canvases again, while moving fabric from one part of the stash to another. Decided to play. Pulled out some scrap fabrics (I have a few of those!), bought some fabric (I love doing that!) and dug in. During a workshop last Friday, Eddie suggested that I make some quarter-square triangles to mimic the X in the stitchery (good idea!).

And then the project had a life of its own. Sew. Test. Cut. Sew some more. Play. Sew. Trim. Turn. Quilt. And voila! Add a few jingle bells and a door. A project started in 1989 (the date on the stitching) is complete a mere 20 years later!

Here's a challenge for you: Do you have something lurking in your stash, waiting to become a gift this holiday season? Skip the mall! Shop in your stash instead.

Now, what do you think I should do with these?
Joan

Cards Complete!

2009-11-29T13:28:00.001-05:00

So, I told you about this idea I had to make Christmas ornaments for my holiday cards. First, as I mentioned in the last post, the book A Christmas Story by Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched provided the patterns for adorable embroidered ornaments.

On Saturday, my sisters were to arrive around noon with their Christmas card supplies ready to create. That morning, I still wasn't quite sure how my cards were going to come together. I had the ornament part under control, but not the cards.

I purchased some foamy double sided tape and figured I could make a frame for the ornament - with the foamy stickies creating just enough space between the frame and the card - so I could slide in the ornament. But I needed a little something to fancy up the frame - just a little, not too fancy.

Off to the internet, where I purchased some wreath clipart from pccrafter.com. Did a little magic in Photoshop, then printed the illustrations onto heavy paper and started cutting out the circle frame shapes. Found some more clipart for the message inside the card, and downloaded it, quick as a wink!

Photoshop to the rescue one more time - if the card recipient takes the ornament out of the card, the card would look fairly plain, so I scanned the ornament images from the book, printed them, and placed those images under the frame.

Well, all this creating can make you hungry, so my sisters provided some appetizers and some bread and I made one of my favorite recipes, Rachel Ray's Spaghetti and Meatball Stoup! Everything gets thrown into one soup pot, so the clean up is quick. Instead of using spaghetti noodles, I substitute small pasta shells. Yum, yum, yum!!

Now that the cards are done, I have to find some time to mail them! Please pass the postage stamps!

Joan

Holiday Distraction

2009-11-25T12:18:00.005-05:00

Every year, my two sisters and I get together during the long Thanksgiving weekend to make Christmas cards. We have a friendly competition to see who has the most creative card idea.

This year is no exception. We're getting together on Saturday, and I'm getting my creative juices in gear. I've decided to incorporate a handmade ornament in my holiday greeting cards. Wanna see? . . .

I started with A Christmas Story by Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched. The book has several absolutely adorable projects, some of them featuring cute little holiday-themed medallions. I decided to use the medallions for my ornaments, using a construction method not in the book.

First, I traced the medallions onto ivory muslin and then embroidered them by hand. I used one strand of hand-dyed embroidery thread by Valdani. Okay, yes, it's time consuming, but so relaxing. And isn't it a treat when you can escape the holiday insanity with a little handwork?

I cut the embroidered medallions apart, then used Quiltsmart SmartEase Circles to make my embroidered pieces into perfect circles that can now be fused to a backing. For my backing I'm using felted wool - because it's soooo nice and yummy!

Align one QuiltSmart Circle centered over the embroidery, right side of embroidery facing the bumpy or fusible side of the interfacing. Cut the center 'X' of the circle first, so you can turn it later!

As with most QuiltSmart applique products, sew on the solid line, cut on the dotted line. Then turn the ornament right side out.

Fuse the medallion to a piece of wool, then trim the wool even with the medallion. Back to the handwork - with two strands of embroidery thread, blanket stitch around the outside to hold it all together. Add a hanger - I used Aurifil wool thread for the hanger.

And ta-da!!

So you're probably thinking, 'How does this become a Christmas card?' I have no idea! But I'll have to figure that out by Saturday, eh? I'll keep you posted.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Joan

A New "Chunky"

2009-11-19T14:53:00.002-05:00

With so much going on, I haven't been able to finish up any samples lately. Until today. I love making shop samples, they feature fun new fabrics and it's a nice break from the other quilt design work I do.

"What's a 'Chunky,'" you say?

It's a really easy, super-simple lap-sized quilt you can put together in a flash. The quilt blocks are big and bold - and chunky! Just a few stitches and the blocks are assembled. The fabrics are bright and cheery, hand-picked from the "Piccadilly" fabric line by Clothworks.

And the best part is the fabrics are all packed into a kit. All you have to do is get the kit, sew it up, and you're ready for a good book (and a nice nap!). "Chunky Piccadilly" is latest in a series of 'chunky' quilt kits featuring different fabric lines.

In case you're curious, the Chunky Piccadilly kits, including original pattern, and all the fabrics to make the quilt top, are available only from Calico Gals in Syraucse, NY. Give them a call (315-445-0617) or stop in, and have yours ordered up in a jiffy!

Holidays are coming - there's still time to stitch up a gift! Hey, if I can squeeze in enough time to make one, you can too!

Joan

Apples and Cider!

2009-11-09T13:23:00.002-05:00

With my October full of speaking and teaching engagements around New York state, including New Quilters on the Block Guild in Candor and Lake to Lake Guild in Gorham, it was finally time to take a break for a little fun travel.

Saturday was a picture-perfect day around here, so it was an absolutely terrific day for my sisters and me to head out on an annual journey - to Fly Creek Cider Mill, of course!

Fly Creek is located in Central New York near Cooperstown, well-known as the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Every fall, for the last several years, we start thinking 'Fly Creek' when the leaves start to turn. To make the annual trip even more memorable, we put on our matching pumpkin applique sweatshirts before we jump in the car.

The cider mill houses a 19th century water turbine as well as a gas turbine installed in 1924. Both engines support the production of good old-fashioned apple cider! Yum!!

But, 100,000 visitors to the cider mill per year don't just come for the cider, the mill is a virtual cornucopia of apple treats, delicious fudge, to-die-for cheddar cheese (aged in nearby Howe Caverns), soup and dip mixes, and what seems like about a million other products! On Saturday, I managed to put a good dent in the holiday shopping list!

By the way, there's a great little quilt shop in Fly Creek, too! You simply must go!

Joan

Utica Bound!

2009-10-28T14:22:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I traveled to the historic brewery district in Utica, New York! Yes, this is indeed the home of Schultz and Dooley - do you remember the beer steins that chatted to each other in the old Utica Club beer commercials?

Not only is Utica the home of the F.X. Matt Brewing Company, known for their seasonal Saranac ales and lagers, and Utica Club beer (the first beer sold after prohibition) but it's also the home of a very fun quilt shop - Tiger Lily Quilt Company.

Located in the historic brewery district in Utica, Tiger Lily kicked off their ScrapTherapy program on Saturday. I was their guest speaker with a full house of anxious quilters ready to get their scrap fabric organized! The weather outside was cloudy and rainy, but inside, it was just perfect to work on preparing fabric scraps to make ScrapTherapy quilts and projects!

After a trunk show with lots of inspirational ideas, we got down to work, pressing and cutting scraps. Everyone had a great time!

Joan

Time to Sew!

2009-10-19T18:26:00.003-04:00

Seems like I just got back from the trade show in Houston and turned right back around and headed down the road to Dutchess and Ulster County, New York for a trio of ScrapTherapy workshops with the Wiltwyck Quilters Guild.

What a fun group of quilters! We started on Friday at the Esopus Library (pronounced ee-SOAP-us) with a double workshop. Trunk show on Saturday in nearby Red Hook at the guild meeting and then another workshop after the meeting. Made a quick stop at the Village Fabric Shoppe to say 'hi' to Diana Louie who runs "Therapy Thursdays" at her store once a month.

On Sunday, it was back to the library for another working session. The featured pattern on Sunday was 'Something Fishy' - everyone enjoyed making (and showing off) their fish blocks!

Just outside the classroom at the Esopus Library, a small gathering of ducks kept us company and made a lot of noise when anyone went in or out of the classroom. Maybe they were 'cold ducks' . . . yuk-yuk!

My hosts for the weekend were Carol and Tom Natoli whose home overlooks the Mohonk Preserve near New Paltz. What a view, eh?

Joan

A few more Market notes

2009-10-15T15:35:00.003-04:00

I've been home from Quilt Market in Houston for a couple of days now and it feels like I'm still catching up on my rest! After an early start on Tuesday, travel was uneventful. That's good.

Before closing the Quilt Market chapter completely, it may be worth noting that I taught a "Take and Teach" class on Sunday morning to help introduce the Skinny Mini Kits (see earlier post). A "Take and Teach" class is a hands-on opportunity for quilt shops to learn a new technique or start making a sample that has potential for a product or class offering in their stores back home.

Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies provided the tools, including Skinny Mini kits; Bernina supplied the sewing machines; YLI supplied the Soft Touch thread. And I was the 'instructor!' It was a good time.

These ladies are smiling because they're almost finished with their Skinny Mini samples! And the class was only 90 minutes long! Many quilt shops stopped by the Brewer booth to ask about these fun, easy skinny table runner projects. Watch for them at your local quilt shop!

With all the activity on the market floor, it's sometimes hard to remember there's a big international quilt show going on in the convention center. I managed to see a small part of the quilt show and snapped a picture or two to share. This mariner's compass quilt is amazing with 128 points! What makes it even more amazing is that the entire quilt is only about 12" square! This project was an entry from Kumiko Frydl of Houston, Texas in the "Miniature" category, sponsored by Pellon.

Now, I'm told there's snow coming our way from the south. I'm headed to Kingston, NY tomorrow for a full weekend of ScrapTherapy workshops with the Wiltwyck Quilters Guild. The fall foliage might have hint of white, though! I hear it's snowing in parts of southern New England right now!

Joan

Notes from Houston

2009-10-12T08:46:00.007-04:00

Janet Wecker-Frisch is a fabric illustrator. She is in attendance here at Fall Quilt Market in Houston to promote her new fabric line, "Animal Alphabet Games" with Quilting Treasures.

When I asked Janet to talk about her craft, she said, "I've tried to describe my art and it's difficult; it's not quite whimsical, although lots of people have described it that way, but I'd rather view it as 'classical' with a sense of humor."

To provide insight into how she works, Janet brought several pieces of original art from the 'Tiny Tailors' fabric line, which is available in quilt shops now. Each new fabric line starts with many individual watercolor illustrations like those pictured here.

One of the things I like best about coming to Quilt Market is connecting with friends and colleagues from the quilting industry.

Even more inspiring is getting to see new patterns and ideas. This quilt display includes a pattern named "Merry Christmas to All" from Daisy & Dell, and is a perfect example.

Take a close look at one of the blocks in this amazing quilt! The detailed embellishments are really something! Designer Pat Bruce is here promoting this project to quilt shops as a 'block of the month' pattern. Look for it at your favorite quilt shop and in a few short months, you can have your very own quilt just like this one!

Joan

What's a Skinny Mini?

2009-10-07T13:51:00.000-04:00

A Skinny Mini is a kit that is available at independent quilt shops. It's new (designed by me!) and it will be introduced at Quilt Market (a big trade show for fabric retailers and quilt shops) in Houston over the weekend.

A Skinny Mini is like a quilted table runner, but is a little bit narrower and a little bit shorter, so it's perfect for those places in your home where a table runner is too long or too wide. All finished, it's about 6x40". Window sills, plant shelves, sofa tables. Hang them on the wall to brighten a tight spot. Cheer up even the most plain powder room by placing a Skinny Mini on the toilet tank top!

The kits are unique in that all the fabric needed to make the Skinny Mini is included in a handy little zipper bag. The patterns are named after friends and customers. Who wouldn't want to be a Skinny Mini?! The first pattern in the series to be released this weekend is named Roberta. And she's a doll! Fast and easy to make in time for the holidays.

If you are a quilter, ask for Skinny Minis at your favorite quilt shop! If you're going to be at Quilt Market in Houston, stop by the Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies booth to see me. Brewer is the exclusive distributor for the Skinny Mini kits.

Joan

Fabulous Feast

2009-10-04T16:05:00.002-04:00

Dave and I headed to Minnowbrook Conference Center on Blue Mountain Lake in the center of the Adirondack Mountains in New York. The flaming fall colors, crisp, cool air and morning mist that rises above the mountain lakes and embraces the trees on the hillsides more than hinted at the change of seasons and the coming winter.

The featured event for the weekend was a five-course dinner served exquisitely paired with wine selected specifically for the ultimate dining experience.

Gary Decker, proprietor of Vinomania in downtown Syracuse, NY (315-422-8466) selected five wines from Italy. Each course, prepared under the expert supervision of Minnowbrook's Chef Kevin Callahan, was perfectly matched to enhance the complete dining experience.

Our journey of Italian tastes started with a white bean and sausage soup paired with a crisp white Pinot Bianci, and was followed by wild mushroom ravioli with pecan pesto (pictured), served with a Salice Salintino red. The third course featured broiled salmon with calamata olives, capers and tomato paired with Col de Bacce from Morellino de Scansano. My favorite course was the filet mignon with spicy peppercorn brandy sauce served with Chianti Classico Riserva from Rocca Del Macie. *Yum!* And last, but not least, came dessert: canoli with orange zest and tiramisu served with a 1999 Vin Santo (wine of the saints).

The event truly was an adventure served in the elegant and rustic surroundings of the main lodge at Minnowbrook. Out of reach to most service providers, cell phones were gloriously silent to allow every diner to enjoy the feast uninterrupted! With fall foliage at peak color, every vista was more beautiful than the last, revealing around each bend in the road, another riot of brightly-dressed hardwood trees and mountain lakes, all picture-perfect.

Our journey back home on Sunday morning included a stop at The Donut Shop on Route 28 just south of Inlet, where they serve old fashioned donuts in two flavors - plain and cinnamon. 'Just like grandma used to make!'

Certainly feels like my creative energies got a delicious boost this weekend!

Joan

There & Back Again!

2009-10-01T12:13:00.001-04:00

For the last two days, I was off to Connecticut to lead a couple of ScrapTherapy workshops at Bear Hollow Quilt Company in Colchester, Connecticut.

The enthusiastic group was ready to get their scrap fabric organized. Everyone seemed motivated to start putting those scraps into lots and lots of quilted projects! And you can't have a ScrapTherapy workshop without leaving a little time for shopping therapy. Quite a collection of patterns to choose from at Bear Hollow!

Holly Potvin, the proprietor, has a beautiful home in a 100-acre forest preserve in rural Connecticut, southeast of Hartford. Just steps away from the perfectly decorated house is the Bear Hollow Quilting Company where Holly offers long-arm quilting services to her clients on a by-appointment basis. She also holds a variety of quilting classes in the bright, sunny new building.

It's that time of year! The leaves in Connecticut are just starting to turn. As I drove home along route 84, I could just imagine the riot of fall colors that will be at full peak in a week or two. There's nothing like fall in New England!

Joan

Cool Cake!

2009-09-25T13:39:00.003-04:00

Earlier today, I stopped by Patchwork Plus in Marcellus, NY, where final preparations were underway for a visit from Libby Lehman. It sure looked like a lot of fun!

This cool cake was made by Colleen Head to welcome Libby to the store. Colleen is the niece of one of the associates at Patchwork Plus. I just had to take a picture! Kinda gives new meaning to the question, "Wanna piece?"

Wish I could have stayed for the lecture. The shop was hopping with activity when I left!

Joan

To Market, To Market

2009-09-21T20:14:00.001-04:00

So, if you are a quilter reading the subject line, maybe you were thinking this post might be about 'Quilt Market,' the big trade show in Houston. . . . no, not quite yet. Although I'm sure I'll have a detail or two about Quilt Market to post here before too long.

With the end of summer in central New York the Farmers' Market is the place to be!

The sights, the colors, the smells, and the gurgling tummy at the thought of all the tasty concoctions that will come from local farmers' fields. Doncha just love it?!

My sister and I grab our quilted Scrap Sack bags and come home with them full, arms weak from carrying all the veggies and goodies they can hold!

A couple of my favorite stops at the regional market in Syracuse, early on a Saturday morning, include the Pappardelle's Pasta stand and the Mu Mu Muesli stand. The flavored pastas make the most interesting taste combinations. And the muesli - it's pure breakfast yum! Note to self: Must try the 'Famous Amy's' muesli cookie recipe soon!

Enjoy the tastes of the changing seasons!

Joan

Pizza! Pizza!

2009-09-18T09:26:00.079-04:00

Yesterday, I participated in a "Sewing Expo" at the Eden Creative Sewing Center in Eden, NY, just south of Buffalo.

About 50 enthusiastic women were in attendance and learned about Jenny Haskins machine embroidery products during a lecture/trunk show. Afterwards, participants visited several make-and-take and demonstration areas in the large room to sample various quilting and sewing techniques and test-drive new sewing machines. The event was topped off with a delicious dinner!

My part of the event included a demo of the ScrapTherapy pattern, Pick-A-Pair Pot Holders. I love to work on this project in the fall. Like it or not, the holidays are just around the corner, and who doesn't need a 'little extra' stocking stuffer or hostess thank-you gift.

The pot holder set is made with a fat quarter and scrap fabrics. There's some Insul-Brite inside to ensure they're heat-resistant. The pizza fabric I used for this set of pot holders is from the new Timeless Treasures munchies line. So cute! Almost don't want to give them away!

The super-easy pattern includes three scrappy block variations all using half-square triangle units made with Star Singles papers. With the papers, make eight half-square triangle units from two 5" squares, very fun!

Both the pattern and the Star Singles papers are available from participating ScrapTherapy shops. Bon Apetit!

Joan

Meet the staff!

2009-09-15T12:36:00.003-04:00

Maintaining a small office takes a competent staff with very special talents, educational background, and experience. Thought you might like to meet those behind the scenes at the Hummingbird Highway.

First, let me introduce the receptionist. Peaches, second from the right, the amazon parrot, says 'hello' and 'goodbye' but not much in between, unless she's squawking. Her favorite part of the day is lunch time and break time. The rest of the day is reserved for important business like naps.

Loepsie, the sun conure, is in charge of security. Loeps produces a loud scream when the FedEx dude is making deliveries anywhere in the area. Loepsie alerts me (and everyone nearby) to any imminent danger to the facility. Like spotting cats, people walking by, or hawks. Mostly Loepsie is a good bird, it says so on the magazine cover on the screen.

And the staff wouldn't be complete without making mention of my husband, Dave. He's a part-time consultant to the business and chips in with opinions, pattern-bag stuffing, and picking up Chinese take-out when deadlines near. I'd post a picture but his 'other' job is in the military, and I probably need three levels of security clearance to do so.

And then there's me. Speaking of that, I'd better get back to work!

Joan

Good deed

2009-09-11T14:25:00.003-04:00

Like so many, eight years ago I was taken in by the events of September 11, 2001 as each unthinkable detail unraveled everything. Yesterday, I received information about the National Day of Service from a fellow quilt guild member. The website inspired me to do something. I shared my plan and started thinking. And digging in my fabric stash.

Leftover flannel, soft and cozy. Not enough for a big quilt. Just enough for a quilt block. Perfect for a tiny life, having a rough start.

So this is how I started my day today. I finished up one of the small quilts - just a quilt block. Added a border and some backing. Turned. So simple. Only about 18" square. Little bit of quilting to hold it all together. Just enough. Blue for a baby boy. Didn't take long. Another in pink. Why not? For a tiny girl.

These will go to the Neonatal Intensive Care unit at the local hospital. The small quilts brighten up the nursery and offer some cheer to mom and dad. And something soft for baby. Hope.

This is a favorite project of mine. A lift to wrap up a hectic week. A great way to practice a new stitch or play with color combinations for a bigger quilt project. The babies never complain, nor do the parents, if a stitch is out of place. I save up a stack and every so oftern, I take the whole bunch of small quilts to the hospital. Unfortunately, the need for quilts is on-going.

It's a nice thing to do, especially today.

Joan

Headed South

2009-09-09T13:54:00.001-04:00

Some very good friends are leaving town. They go south for the winter months. But they'll be back; they return every year in early May, as predictable as the seasons. I look forward to their visits each year. They stay about four or five months, then move on again as the cycle repeats.

I'm talking about the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds that frequent our feeders all summer long. The picture is fuzzy, taken from across the room, while the male hummingbird rested on the hanger.

I just adore these little birds, and my heart sings at the first sighting each spring. The name of my company, Hummingbird Highway, LLC, is inspired by these amazing creatures. The Hummingbird Highway is the name of a road in central Belize.

The activity at the feeders is steady during the summer, but the pace increases during the month of August. In early September, the tiny birds migrate to Central America, traveling alone, rather than in flocks. They fly by day and rest by night. Until they get to the Gulf of Mexico, which they cross in one clip. Can you imagine?

I'm sad to see the hummingbirds leave our yard, but know they'll return in the spring. In their place, the chickadees, juncos, and blue jays compete for food at the feeders. It's their turn. Until May, I keep this link handy so I can get a hummingbird fix through the videos, as the chill of fall and winter settle into upstate New York.

Joan

Here we go!

2009-09-07T14:00:00.010-04:00

I'm giving this 'blog' thing a try. Hope your Labor Day holiday weekend included some sewing! Mine did!

For a change, central New York has had a stretch of nice weather, so I've spent some time on the front porch with some sewing and cross stitch.

The quilt in the title box above is a close-up of one of several 'Sew Lovely' samples I made. My inspiration for the quilting comes from watching Patsy Thompson DVDs and reading Sue Nichels' books. When you're tired of plain ole meandering, it's fun to expand your quilting repertoire with some playful 'fill' techniques.

Joan