another quilt (wallhanging)

heart quilt

The same person that wanted a pic of the Irish chain block also wanted a pic of this heart quilt. Um, it was late, I was tired... so not the best pic. Maybe I'll replace it later. The background on this heart are off-white, and the reds ARE reds - not the orange-y/rust that show up in the pic.

Irish chain throw

Yeah... another "block".... I need to start posting pics of the finished product.

But someone asked for a pic of this block, so I posted it here instead of emailing them, in case someone else was interested.

This will be a single Irish chain throw.... the squares in the 9-patch are 2" finished... and the solid block will be the floral fabric. I think just a solid rust border will work, hey?

This block is outta shape... the seams were lining up perfectly, but I didn't wanna take chances, so I pinned. Instead of pulling the pins out, I sewed over one, made a mess, and the fabric got all stretched out. hehe But the NEXT ones will be poifect!

sexist pigs ;)

I'm talking about Mill House Quilts in Waunakee, WI.

I went searchin the net one day for Wisconsin quilt shops, and found several nice shops. Though I've never been there, Mill House Quilts in Waunakee has a really nice website, and looks like a terrific place.

Like many shops with websites, they offer a periodic newsletter sent out via email. For those not familiar with the newsletter, they include class info., sales, links to online shopping, etc. Dakota Cabin Quilts in Hettinger, ND, sends out a really terrific (weekly) newsletter. They are some of the nicest, most helpful people you could find on the 'net, and they have a huge and very tasteful selection of fabrics, books, kits, patterns, etc. They always include a "slice of life" as well... some personal story about the goings-on in their lives... it's really a treat to read.

Anyway... back to Mill House. Their newsletter started out okay... and then their "hunting" newsletter arrived. The letter starts out - "When the men go hunting, the ladies go shopping!" That's all of that particular newsletter I bothered to read. I went and unsubscribed.

I guess it's "tradition" in Wisconsin (and other states), and I'm sure no harm was intended, but - sheesh. While I don't hunt myself, I come from a long line of hunters. Several of the women hunt/hunted, and often do a better job than the guys do! Likewise, many men quilt - and have been doing so for years. Many men - like Ricky Tims for example - are darn good at quilting.... so much so, that they've won awards for their work.

Isn't time that we get rid of some of the old stereotypes surrounding quilting - and life in general? I've been in plenty of quilt shops that sneer at you while you're shopping, cluck their tongues and sigh heavily while they're cutting your fabric - just cuz ya happen to be a guy. But their hands are outstretched and their mouths are drooling when ya drop a couple hundred bucks on quilting supplies.

Who needs it? Again, Mill House seems like a very nice store.... and I'm sure people will continue to shop there. But there are plenty of quilt shops around the country - many online. We have choices. And we don't need patronize those places that hang on to antiquated stereotypes.

Happy hunting, ladies! And happy quilting, guys! >:-)

recent project

quilters block....

Quilter's block? Hehe I did a quick search of the 'net to see if anyone else had any experience with "quilter's block". Unfortunately, when you combine the terms "quilter" and "block", everything that shows up is about actual quilt blocks. I found nothing about having trouble getting started on a quilt.

But I've had quilter's block all weekend.... and it's frustrating. I pulled weeds, did laundry, paid bills, cleaned bathroom tiles.... all of the "fun" things no one wants to do. I wrote emails, cruised the net, typed in the name of 100 people that I knew from way back when, to see if I could get any dirt on them... spent quite a bit of time looking at quilt websites, thinking I'd get some inspiration from there, but - no luck.

I considered crank phone calls, but everybody has caller ID these days... and if you block your number, you can't get through to a lot of places. Besides, I lost my patience with U.S. Customs on Thursday, when I called with questions about exporting vehicles into Canada. They didn't seem to understand why I was ticked that any calls into their office went straight to voice mail. They didn't understand that I was upset over the fact that their "preferred" method of contact was email. And they had to remind me that they had ties to Homeland Security when I strongly implied that I'd be by their office to obtain the info I needed - in person. That black car parked outside the house the next day could have been people visiting the neighbors... or it could have been Homeland Security. In any event, I wasn't about to find out.

I have plenty of fabric, plenty of patterns, plenty of notions, plenty of everything needed to turn out a spectacular quilt. But I just couldn't decide on fabrics or a pattern or get started. Even the fact that I have a Husky Quilt Designer II sitting there, raring to go - couldn't motivate me. If you have one of those babies, or know about them, you'll know what fun they are when you're actually sitting behind the wheel, with your foot on the gas pedal. Oh - and that's right... It's a Husky. I know the commercials on t.v. pronounce it Husqvarna (whooskvarna), but sheesh.... they've been making chainsaws for years, and everybody calls them a Husky.... not a Whoosky. Forget what the manufacturer says. They're wrong! (whoosk let the dogs out - whoosk! whoosk!) Hey... not a bad idea for a commercial. The dogs could be the feed dogs on the machine, and - ah, nevermind. Dumb idea.

When I talked via cell to the other person that lives in this house (he's currently in Tacoma, headed to B.C. tomorrow), I told him I couldn't decide on a pattern. He reminded me that we had enough quilt books, magazines, patterns, etc. to start a small library. He's right! Then I told him that I needed more fabric. He reminded me that we have enough fabric to start a small quilt shop. Unfortunately, he was right again. Um, the washing machine is broke? The dog ate my fabric? I was running out of excuses!

I think part of the problem is that there are so many choices.... fabric, patterns, layout... I was watching "Simply Quilts" the other day (why did they cancel that show????), and the guest that was on was explaining how you could get 450 different quilts out of one quilt block. !!!!! Crikey! THAT helps!

I stared, sorted and sifted through books and fabrics all weekend. I'll bet with a little more time, I could have come up with 451 (!) quilts out of one block. Sunday afternoon rolled around.... and it started to rain. Everything inside had been done, and I couldn't work outside, so I finally did what needed to be done. Grabbed a box of Little Debbie Nutty Bars, and sat down and watched "Planet 9 From Outer Space".

The movie was over, the Nutty Bars were gone, and I had run out of excuses. So about 5 p.m. I chose a pattern, selected the fabrics, cut what I needed, and started the washing machine. I even got the fabric pressed and the pieces cut - and then I lost my inspiration - again. But as soon as I finish this post, I'm headed back to the Husky (really!), and hopefully I'll pop out a quilt before morning.

But if you have any suggestions for fixing "quilter's block", I'd sure love to hear them!

Moon Song

This is the quilt I'm currently working on. The one in the photo was done by Helene Knott (incredible fiber artist). I ordered the kit, and I'll post a photo of mine when it's done, although I think it will take some time to get it to look as amazing as hers.

If you're into quilting, fiber arts, or just enjoy being amazed by incredible artistry, check out her website. Unbelievable!

current project- Lone Star

Had just laid this out to see what the colors would look like together, and to send to a friend so I could get their opinion, so decided to post it here. Good combo? Bad combo? The "red" is actually a mottled rust.... (all batiks) it doesn't really look so red in person. Of course this is just one of the diamonds in the star.... might look different when it's all put together.

quilting

Yes, this house(hold) has pumped out several quilts in the past few years. Unfortunately, I lost most of the photos on my 'puter during "The Crash of 06". There are photos SOMEwhere of most of the quilts made.... the problem is finding them, and getting them put back onto the computer, and then on this site.

Since that time, not many quilts have been finished. Life has gotten in the way more times than I care to count. Isn't that always the way? So there aren't a lot of quilt photos to share at this time. But..... I'll definitely post pics from time to time, and probably ramble on about quilt stuff as well. One of these days I might also learn to back stuff up on the computer, so if/when the next crash happens, I'll be prepared.

There are a bazillion online quilt shops, sites, etc. My favorite online shop is Dakota Cabin Quilts.
Their fabric is a little more pricey than some sites (and a little less than others). But they have the nicest staff anywhere, and their service is outstanding! Their website is awesome as well. They have a large selection of the Hoffman 1895 batiks (my fav)... all kinds of other fabrics, books, patterns, etc. When you don't know exactly what you want, shoot them an email, and more than likely you'll get a prompt response with all kinds of ideas and fabric selections. They're probably tired of MY emails, but.... they've been incredibly helpful. Only one time were they out of a fabric I ordered, and they called right away to tell me so, and to let me know when they would expect the fabric in. They also send out one of the most interesting weekly newsletters of any quilt shop I've seen. Many stores just include their newest products and sale items in their newsletter. Dakota Cabin Quilts also includes a very interesting slice of life. I definitely recommend checking them out!