Dritz is a company we all know and have used their products, so they have a nice article about types of sewing needles that is helpful. I also think this link is helpful about finishing elastic, reminds me of my home ec days. Since so many of us sew much more than quilts, its often that we use elastics too.
Gypsy Quilt has a really wonderful hexagon quilt, the site is in French but you can translate it on the top of the page and a picture is worth a thousand words, isn't it? Wish I would have thought of that hexagon idea.
Ivory Spring has a beautiful quilt for you to download, it's called Queen Anne. Here is a link to her tutorials and other patterns, she has a lot of good quilting tips and ideas for what to quilt on your top.
Sew Quilt has a tut for a Disappearing 16 Patch, looks like a neat idea.
The Little Red Hen has a very pretty and bright block on her blog, it is for the blog hop.
All Wrapped Up is pretty caught up in making purses, totes, clutches, she does have the ideas! She is very inspiring as she is a young medical student and she has lots of stuff going on, here are some of her tutorials. If you can't find a wallet pattern that you like here, you haven't looked hard enough!
Have a safe day, looks like snow again. Diana
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
January Show and Tell
Before we get to the Show and Tell, I would like to point out that the blog has a new feature, called PNQ EVENTS. Just scroll down a little bit and look in the right column, you will find it printed in red. We will keep a listing of dates of our meetings, sewing sessions and other fun activities that the guild has planned.
It sure was a fun meeting wasn't it? So much activity and ideas floating around. I thought I would get these show and tell pictures up for you.
A very lovely Four Patch Posy made by Kathy.
Kris with her Wickedly Easy Quilt, with snugly fleece backing. Love that she used up her scraps to make a neat matching pillow!
Joann made a very sweet baby quilt using the 10 minute block
Susan shared her festive Christmas Quilt....I wouldn't want to pack this one away either!
Susan also made a really cute frog apron for a lucky little one.
Laurie
Great Meeting!
Sometimes our meetings really come together and last night was a fun time! Maybe because we haven't seen each other for such a long time or some of our new members and guests are present, but it was good. Laurie's demonstration of that block was just the best and I'm sure she'll have to post some pictures soon of her demo and of our show and tell. After one of our meetings, I just want to go home and cut up a lot of fabric!
I found a nice site with some beautiful fabrics that are hand dyed. Candied Fabrics is a colorful and inspiring treat for the eyes. Those birds on the branches and her creations with this fabric is really fun. Look at her tutorials also, many good ideas.
DaisyJanie is an organic fabric company and is having a blog hop right now featuring their latest line of fabric. It is bright and fun and the "hop" takes you to some fun places so check them out.
It's slippery and icy today so drive carefully. Diana
I found a nice site with some beautiful fabrics that are hand dyed. Candied Fabrics is a colorful and inspiring treat for the eyes. Those birds on the branches and her creations with this fabric is really fun. Look at her tutorials also, many good ideas.
DaisyJanie is an organic fabric company and is having a blog hop right now featuring their latest line of fabric. It is bright and fun and the "hop" takes you to some fun places so check them out.
It's slippery and icy today so drive carefully. Diana
Monday, January 28, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Monday Meeting Reminders
Just a reminder that our meeting was rescheduled to Monday, January 28th. We hope that you will all be able to attend, and hopefully the roads will be all cleared off for our travel.
Deanna wanted you all to know that the guild is tentatively planning a bus trip to the Prairie Heritage Quilt Show in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin on Monday, April 8th. In addition to the quilt show, there would probably be a couple stops at quilt shops along the way....imagine that. Remember this is just in the thinking stage right now. What Deanna would like you to do before tomorrows meeting is to please check your calendars to see if you would be able to go on the bus trip, just so the board can get an idea of how many people thought they could go. There will be discussion on this potential trip at our meeting.
Other reminders for the meeting:
We will start to sign up for our "Summer Picnic/Lawn Chair" party, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd. (so again, check those calenders to see if you are free!)
Backing for soldier quilts is available at the town hall, so if you are in need of some, please bring your yardage requirements, and we can get that cut for you.
Look forward to doing my demonstration on the "X" Quilt and seeing you all tomorrow night!
Laurie
Deanna wanted you all to know that the guild is tentatively planning a bus trip to the Prairie Heritage Quilt Show in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin on Monday, April 8th. In addition to the quilt show, there would probably be a couple stops at quilt shops along the way....imagine that. Remember this is just in the thinking stage right now. What Deanna would like you to do before tomorrows meeting is to please check your calendars to see if you would be able to go on the bus trip, just so the board can get an idea of how many people thought they could go. There will be discussion on this potential trip at our meeting.
Other reminders for the meeting:
We will start to sign up for our "Summer Picnic/Lawn Chair" party, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd. (so again, check those calenders to see if you are free!)
Backing for soldier quilts is available at the town hall, so if you are in need of some, please bring your yardage requirements, and we can get that cut for you.
Look forward to doing my demonstration on the "X" Quilt and seeing you all tomorrow night!
Laurie
BOMs Are Popping Up All Over!
The fabric companies offer so many nice ideas for us. I went to Lecien and found a beautiful quilt called Elegance in Centenary which is a larger wallhanging. They have many more patterns including this Hello Sunshine embroidery pattern, isn't she cute? I could spend hours looking at their patterns.
Peck Pieces has some really cute Christmas blocks, they are very unique and also a lot of pincushion tutorials in her tutorial area. That block with the hearts and roses is just gorgeous and is a neat combo of applique and paper piecing.
Shabby Fabrics has a mystery quilt called Celebrate the Year. The first block is now up and it has detailed directions about her BOM's and mystery quilts. She also has a sweet Country Cottages BOM. The fabrics are just beautiful on their website and so are all the patterns.
The Aurilfil site just continues to give us great ideas. Their patterns are just wonderful and the blog has many links to them. The Pat Sloan embroidery blocks are great, love those colors. Also just some of the new DOMs are from Erin Russek, she is the first designer of this years Designer of the Month Blocks. They have an ornament of the month, I think this project would be totally doable , just a small embroidery every month! There is also previous years of Designers of the Month plus a wonderful Mystery quilt at the end, applique and piecing together. Well, I have to get out of that place before I go cut up all my fabrics!
Jillily Studio, what a neat designer, love the Christmas placemats and that Holiday Lane Pillow is a must make. The long shape of the pillow is so nice. She has some other quilt size patterns like Elizabeth's quilt and the Sorbet quilt and also a tutorial on making cathedral windows. She also has a shop with some nice items for quilters and fabrics too.
Hope you enjoy these. Diana
Peck Pieces has some really cute Christmas blocks, they are very unique and also a lot of pincushion tutorials in her tutorial area. That block with the hearts and roses is just gorgeous and is a neat combo of applique and paper piecing.
Shabby Fabrics has a mystery quilt called Celebrate the Year. The first block is now up and it has detailed directions about her BOM's and mystery quilts. She also has a sweet Country Cottages BOM. The fabrics are just beautiful on their website and so are all the patterns.
The Aurilfil site just continues to give us great ideas. Their patterns are just wonderful and the blog has many links to them. The Pat Sloan embroidery blocks are great, love those colors. Also just some of the new DOMs are from Erin Russek, she is the first designer of this years Designer of the Month Blocks. They have an ornament of the month, I think this project would be totally doable , just a small embroidery every month! There is also previous years of Designers of the Month plus a wonderful Mystery quilt at the end, applique and piecing together. Well, I have to get out of that place before I go cut up all my fabrics!
Jillily Studio, what a neat designer, love the Christmas placemats and that Holiday Lane Pillow is a must make. The long shape of the pillow is so nice. She has some other quilt size patterns like Elizabeth's quilt and the Sorbet quilt and also a tutorial on making cathedral windows. She also has a shop with some nice items for quilters and fabrics too.
Hope you enjoy these. Diana
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Some BOMs
If you like traditional blocks and especially blocks about women who made a difference, then you might like the Grandmothers Choice BOM. For 49 weeks, 8" block patterns will be featured along with a great story about the block and the right to vote for women. Green, white and purple were adapted as the suffrage movements's colors in New England, a cheddar yellow was most of America's color and green, gold and white was Australia's. This blog is just a treasure of information so spend some time there and you'll really appreciate one of our most important freedoms.
There is just a huge amount of projects at Angie's Bits n Pieces and there are a few BOM going at once. Click on the BOM and you will find three going for 2013, Animal Babies, Nana's Kitchen and a really sweet Kokeshi Dolls.
Erin Russek at One Piece at a Time is starting a beautiful BOM called Jingle Belle and the first installment is out. It is going to be beautiful just from the sample of that block.
Tracee Doran is going to make 36 quilts in one year and give them away to 36 special people. You will want to read her quilt stories and watch her progress.
Ewe's Quilting has a BOM from last, so all you sheep and wool lovers, take a peek. They are kinda cute.
If you love Dresden Plates, you should check out the "Dare to Dresden" blog hop. There are links to 100 bloggers who are featuring their Dresden plates and many different ideas for a favorite block.
There is just a huge amount of projects at Angie's Bits n Pieces and there are a few BOM going at once. Click on the BOM and you will find three going for 2013, Animal Babies, Nana's Kitchen and a really sweet Kokeshi Dolls.
Erin Russek at One Piece at a Time is starting a beautiful BOM called Jingle Belle and the first installment is out. It is going to be beautiful just from the sample of that block.
Tracee Doran is going to make 36 quilts in one year and give them away to 36 special people. You will want to read her quilt stories and watch her progress.
Ewe's Quilting has a BOM from last, so all you sheep and wool lovers, take a peek. They are kinda cute.
If you love Dresden Plates, you should check out the "Dare to Dresden" blog hop. There are links to 100 bloggers who are featuring their Dresden plates and many different ideas for a favorite block.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Fun Stuff
Wow, the Lawn Chair Party sounds fun and I could use a bit of fun right about now! I love the idea of the "snowbirds" sewing along with us and wouldn't it be great to keep in contact with them with all those Ipads and tablet thingies that everybody got for Christmas. I bet there's a way we can send pictures of our activities back and forth, worth thinking about...
This Scrappy Trip Around the World has been very popular on the web and looks so cute and a great way to use up that every increasing scrap pile. Bonnie from Quiltville always has the greatest ideas.
There's a simple Bee Block that I really like at the Bee's Knees of course. I don't see the instructions but it is a nine patch really, I think it would be great for a theme fabric in the center.
For those of us who have lots of little kids toys underfoot, this great Toy Sack Tutorial is a great idea. I think it could also be a great way to pack for a "lazy woman", just pull it all up and you're ready to go! Pink Suede Shoe has some other good ideas too.
If you like Moda, you might check out their blog. They are also sponsoring a Friendship quilt along where designers are providing blocks everyday, it starts in February so put it on your calendar to check back to.
At our meeting on Monday, I will be introducing a Block of the Month if you wish to follow along. Every month I will bring two patterns for 12" finished blocks that you can sew and then bring for show and tell the next month if you wish. These are not exchanged, these are your blocks to keep, I think it's just a fun way to introduce new blocks into your quilts. They will all be pieced, no applique. I will ask for input as to how many blocks we should make. A full years worth or stop at 16 or whatever a popular size might be? I'm also hoping that we can discuss some setting options after we get them all pieced. I know you have great ideas for putting things together.
Stay warm, be careful shoveling snow today and see you on Monday. Diana
This Scrappy Trip Around the World has been very popular on the web and looks so cute and a great way to use up that every increasing scrap pile. Bonnie from Quiltville always has the greatest ideas.
There's a simple Bee Block that I really like at the Bee's Knees of course. I don't see the instructions but it is a nine patch really, I think it would be great for a theme fabric in the center.
For those of us who have lots of little kids toys underfoot, this great Toy Sack Tutorial is a great idea. I think it could also be a great way to pack for a "lazy woman", just pull it all up and you're ready to go! Pink Suede Shoe has some other good ideas too.
If you like Moda, you might check out their blog. They are also sponsoring a Friendship quilt along where designers are providing blocks everyday, it starts in February so put it on your calendar to check back to.
At our meeting on Monday, I will be introducing a Block of the Month if you wish to follow along. Every month I will bring two patterns for 12" finished blocks that you can sew and then bring for show and tell the next month if you wish. These are not exchanged, these are your blocks to keep, I think it's just a fun way to introduce new blocks into your quilts. They will all be pieced, no applique. I will ask for input as to how many blocks we should make. A full years worth or stop at 16 or whatever a popular size might be? I'm also hoping that we can discuss some setting options after we get them all pieced. I know you have great ideas for putting things together.
Stay warm, be careful shoveling snow today and see you on Monday. Diana
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Come to the "Summer Picnic"!
Well this winter is getting long already isn't it? It is time to HEAT UP THE WINTER with a SUMMER PICNIC! Pine Needle Quilter members you are invited to:
A "SUMMER PICNIC" SEWING DAY
(Lawn Chair Party)
SATURDAY, MARCH 2ND
9:00 a.m. - ????
BREED TOWN HALL
We will be signing up at our next meetings for our potluck lunch, which will be "picnic style" food. The guild will supply hot dogs and buns and the fixin's.
You may bring any project of your choice to work on. Perhaps you still need to get a soldier quilt done? Or, perhaps you would like to bring your lawn chair, and work on the Lawn Chair Quilt that some of us plan to do. You can find the pattern for the Lawn Chair Quilt
here.
Come spend a fun day with your quilting friends at the Summer Picnic!
We will be talking more about this at our next meeting, which remember is MONDAY, JANUARY 28! Also, be sure to check the other blog postings below, I see that Diana has been busy finding some fun sites for us to visit. Snow bird friends; if you would like to long distance sew with us that day, please do so! Email me a picture of your sewing day or projects, and I will be sure to post them on the blog.
Laurie
here.
Come spend a fun day with your quilting friends at the Summer Picnic!
We will be talking more about this at our next meeting, which remember is MONDAY, JANUARY 28! Also, be sure to check the other blog postings below, I see that Diana has been busy finding some fun sites for us to visit. Snow bird friends; if you would like to long distance sew with us that day, please do so! Email me a picture of your sewing day or projects, and I will be sure to post them on the blog.
Laurie
More Ideas for a Long Winters Night
It's a little warmer outside, I feel definitely giddy at -2 degrees but that's winter and its a good time to dream and plan projects. LR Stitches has some nice projects to take a look at. I know those of you who save selvadges would like the Scrappy Selvadge purse straps and I'm up for the potholder which is terribly cute and too nice to put a pot on. I also love the spool garland, do you save yours or did you just throw them away like I did? In writing about selvadges, I just learned that there are three ways to spell them, selvadge, selvage and selvege, you pick the way you like it I guess.
I know I've mentioned Stitched in Color before but it's worth checking it out again. Here is a pattern for using up those large prints that you don't want to chop up too much. Check out here other patterns too, I love the Herringbone Block, would be a great way to use up scrappy strips.
I know I've mentioned Stitched in Color before but it's worth checking it out again. Here is a pattern for using up those large prints that you don't want to chop up too much. Check out here other patterns too, I love the Herringbone Block, would be a great way to use up scrappy strips.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Places to See
Blue Elephant Stitches has a great tutorial for one of my favorite traditional patterns, Jacob's Ladder. She has it done in some fantastic colors that will get your creativity and quilt envy going. This is the first link to the pattern, just go to tutorials and there are two more steps to her tutorial.
My Three Sons has some great ideas for cathedral windows and many smaller projects too. Maybe we could use up some scraps and also some great ideas for small gifts.
I'm a Ginger Monkey has some great ideas for scraps including a strip pieced Granny Square and an interesting one called Scrap Vomit. Sounds like my scrap bin... Actually this blog is called Monkey Do but the link comes up as I'm a Ginger Monkey, interesting names. Anyway, check out some of her pillows too.
Heather from Olive and Ollie has a lot of tutorials, some simple, some more complex. I would have a hard time choosing where to begin.
All of the above quilters are having a give away at this time for an eBook with their quilts in it. So sign up for the eBooks too. Stay warm.
My Three Sons has some great ideas for cathedral windows and many smaller projects too. Maybe we could use up some scraps and also some great ideas for small gifts.
I'm a Ginger Monkey has some great ideas for scraps including a strip pieced Granny Square and an interesting one called Scrap Vomit. Sounds like my scrap bin... Actually this blog is called Monkey Do but the link comes up as I'm a Ginger Monkey, interesting names. Anyway, check out some of her pillows too.
Heather from Olive and Ollie has a lot of tutorials, some simple, some more complex. I would have a hard time choosing where to begin.
All of the above quilters are having a give away at this time for an eBook with their quilts in it. So sign up for the eBooks too. Stay warm.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Quilt Show
Meeting Cancelled and Rescheduled
Due to the extreme cold expected for tonight, the decision has been made to cancel tonight's meeting and reschedule for next Monday, the 28th, at our regular time of 7:00 pm. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate, get a bit warmer and not snow on us!
We know how difficult it is to get out when the temperatures drop so much and we don't want anyone to miss Laurie's demonstration. Please call anyone who you know is planning on going tonight and might not get an email or read our blog. Let them know this new plan. Thank you.
We know how difficult it is to get out when the temperatures drop so much and we don't want anyone to miss Laurie's demonstration. Please call anyone who you know is planning on going tonight and might not get an email or read our blog. Let them know this new plan. Thank you.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Hexagons and How Many Can You Make?
Hexagons are a fascinating shape and as quilters, we are compelled to work with them. I found a link to a hexagon calculator just in case you must know how many hexagons you need to make that California King size quilt! CD Designs provides this calculator but they also have PDFs for many projects made from shapes that can be paper pieced. These are smaller projects too so you don't have to get burned out on making them. There are patterns for diamonds, squares, hexagons, etc., I really like that fish, which would make a super cute "softie" for a baby. I think you will have fun with this site.
Here is a link to another beautiful "shapes" quilt by Anna Marie Horner. Very distinctive colors and fabrics would make this so much fun and it is machine pieced. Also, that dress for little girls on the same page is really cute.
Just got the Connecting Threads catalog yesterday, maybe some of those new fabrics would be great with any of these patterns. Diana
Here is a link to another beautiful "shapes" quilt by Anna Marie Horner. Very distinctive colors and fabrics would make this so much fun and it is machine pieced. Also, that dress for little girls on the same page is really cute.
Just got the Connecting Threads catalog yesterday, maybe some of those new fabrics would be great with any of these patterns. Diana
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Cold Spells
Yesterday was perhaps our coldest night of the winter, definitely of the year! I'm glad for my pile of quilts on the bed. Do you need to make more?
Ricochet and Away! has a cute baby quilt made with half square triangles and set together in a different way. If you need a new purse for the spring, you might look at her tutorials as she has many many purses listed there with the instructions for each. Very cute ones too.
If you need help with half square triangles or HSTs, here is a link to a blog with a pdf file to print your papers for piecing them and help with your triangles. No fear, no more, just make triangles. Katie's Quilting Corner also has podcasts about quilting, more tutorials and she loves Corgis. Need I say more.
For those of you who love to do the blanket stitch around applique, Purl Bee has some great ideas with different types of blanket stitches so you can add some interest to those edges. I love that chevron blanket stitch and will have to try it for sure.
Stay warm, Diana.
Ricochet and Away! has a cute baby quilt made with half square triangles and set together in a different way. If you need a new purse for the spring, you might look at her tutorials as she has many many purses listed there with the instructions for each. Very cute ones too.
If you need help with half square triangles or HSTs, here is a link to a blog with a pdf file to print your papers for piecing them and help with your triangles. No fear, no more, just make triangles. Katie's Quilting Corner also has podcasts about quilting, more tutorials and she loves Corgis. Need I say more.
For those of you who love to do the blanket stitch around applique, Purl Bee has some great ideas with different types of blanket stitches so you can add some interest to those edges. I love that chevron blanket stitch and will have to try it for sure.
Stay warm, Diana.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
More Projects
I just love the chevron look and this one is a large and fast chevron from the Elven Garden. The Twisted Chevron looks interesting too.
Also love these Lawn Chair quilts from Moda Bakeshop. Wouldn't these make nice soldier quilts but in a dark color?
Also love these Lawn Chair quilts from Moda Bakeshop. Wouldn't these make nice soldier quilts but in a dark color?
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
New Projects
Looking for ideas for Soldier quilts? Here is one called a Pez Quilt by Me? a MoM? She also has some very nice tutorials if you click up top. I especially like the God's Eye and the Flying Geese, but the rest are great also.
Jeni from In Color Order has a beautiful and easy Chevron Quilt for you to make. If you click on her tutorial button, she also have many, many tutorials on many smaller objects and quilts.
This Girl On A Swing mini quilt is just too cute. This project is from Comfort Stitching and she also features other tutorials so check them out.
You will also find a lot of fun at Ellison Lane Quilts, I have a need to make her Fabric Scrap Sock Puppets! Hope you enjoy a few of these. Diana
Jeni from In Color Order has a beautiful and easy Chevron Quilt for you to make. If you click on her tutorial button, she also have many, many tutorials on many smaller objects and quilts.
This Girl On A Swing mini quilt is just too cute. This project is from Comfort Stitching and she also features other tutorials so check them out.
You will also find a lot of fun at Ellison Lane Quilts, I have a need to make her Fabric Scrap Sock Puppets! Hope you enjoy a few of these. Diana
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
President's New Years Message
Happy New Years Ladies,
Has been a long time since we've all been together
but with now changing the calendar that will mean we all get to have the sewing
sessions begin again and the first meeting of the year will be just around the
corner. Hopefully Santa was good to all of you and you had a great time with
family and friends during the Holiday season.
I want to say thank you for your prayers, calls and
concerns for my surgery that is coming up on January 8th.
I've been told that I'll be quiet for
awhile......won't you gals be lucky!!!
So hears just hoping the New Year brings everyone
health and happiness.
Your President, Deanna
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