Rag-Quilt Saga

Since sometime last year I have known that the extra colorful quilt I kept on my bed would have to be replaced. It had been way overly loved since it was made in 1998 and had gone beyond just showing wear to having holes. These holes were made even bigger by a certain kitten who will remain nameless.

I had tried time and again to think of a design that I wanted to use, but it wasn't until I got my birthday present from my friend Angelique that I KNEW what the bed was calling out for. Angelique knew that I wanted a lap quilt for the living room which had been redone and she sent me a wonderful rag-quilt!

When I saw that quilt, I knew Angelique had provided the perfect idea for the bed quilt redo. All the colorful fabrics in my stash could be used....
I was off!!

 

 So I pulled a ton of fabrics from my stash.

 And, even though Ralphie took over the piles I managed to get all the fabric cut.

 I could tell from the scraps that I was going to like it.

 Edgar....

 and Ralphie helped with the sewing....

 until the blocks were stacked high...

then the blocks were stitched and stitched.

Lastly, all was cut and washed to fluff.... leaving a very contented kitty.
He no longer has the holes to play with, but I don't think he misses them.

If you think you want to try one for yourself there are a ton of quilters who have given directions on how to.
Click here for one of those wonderful folks.

Happily covered in Kentucky,
~Rose

btw - that old quilt just might show up is some other transformation soon

Word Teasing Continues

Ok, I admit it....
I have been having too much fun!

Work on my Creative-Design-Alphabet(CDA) has been calling my name over the last few weeks. It's coming together nicely, and I'm excited to report that it is ready for it's debut during Quilt Week here in Paducah.

The CDA is just what is says -- a whole set of letters along with directions on how that you can creatively use the set to add YOUR words and design your own 'wordy' stitching projects.

When constructing my own own 'wordy' projects, I like to use the letters along with Fast-Piece Applique (of course), but if you love needle-turn applique or fusible machine applique the letters are perfect, too!

I have two quilts up on the wall ready for couching and quilting, but by the time I begin demo'ing the CDA how to's at Ephemera I hope to have another two done.

What word or words would you like
to add to your next stitching project?

Warm Up With this Sneak Peek

Ok, it is 13 degrees outside.
Another record making cold day.
A perfect time to remember some warmer ones.

With warmth in mind, this week I figured I would give you sneak peek at the quilt Umbrella Beach from my new book. This way I could also share a few images to warm me up.

The quilt Umbrella Beach was inspired from a walk along the boardwalk in St. Martin Island in the Caribbean. There the blue sky, met the blue water and the sandy beach was engulfed in bright orange and yellow umbrellas.

Throughout the islands you'll find lots of umbrellas -- in the streets, and markets. Islanders carrying them to keep out the sun.

A nice thought on this cold morning.
Yes, this last picture is of me that day --
walking through the shops.

The quilts that are most special to me are the ones that bring back a moment in time -- just when you need a bit of warming up!

Enjoy your day, and remember that if you have a special memory that you want to create in a quilt -- to keep it -- share it... Fast-Piece Applique may be the perfect method to stitch it all together.

Make it Sew!
Happily stitching,
~Rose

Summertime Checklist

Doing both...BLISS!

This summer my personal checklist is a bit longer than most...
OK, maybe not.
I admit that I create an ongoing list of things I want to do and things that need to be done that gets kind of long at times. BUT, this summer I filled my list with fun projects, BIG and small and happily things seem to be clicking along.

One of these projects is getting my 1st on-line workshop up and ready for students.
And, I can hardly wait for the students to arrive.

I chose the workshop that has been a long time favorite at guilds and conferences for a while and revamped, reworked, reinvented into an on-line version which:

• lets you learn my favorite way to design a  quilt
• use this process to create your own design
  (with me guiding the way)
• then learning Fast-Piece Applique to stitch it all together

So, if learning tools and methods to create your own designs...
Or, adding the perfect construction technique to stitch together any shape, any curve:
ANY IDEA...

then add my
SHAPING UP WITH FAST-PIECE APPLIQUE
August 1st - On-line Workshop
through Academy of Quilting

to your checklist;
follow your heart,
and be a blissfully happy quilter!