The Row by Row Experience Shop Hop is almost here!

With some 2500 quilt shops preparing for the start of this event the excitement is building.  I really don't think there has ever been a hop quite this big before.  It's exciting for both the hopping quilters and the shop owners.  I am fortunate to be both.  My shop, The Village Quilt Shoppe, in Lake Orion Michigan is ready.  We've made our kits, printed lots and lots of patterns, hung the sample of our row for all to see, and the exclusive fabrics are ready to go. WE ARE READY!



The Village Quilt Shoppe's Row by Row Experience pattern.

Our kit for the row is $19.95 and includes all the fabrics to complete the 9 1/2" x 36 1/2" row, background and all appliqued pieces.  It looks more difficult that it actually is.  It's designed to use fusible raw edge applique and all the fabrics included are Hoffman Batiks.  If you haven't tried this technique, now the time to start.  You'll love it.  Using batiks, a microtec sharp needle, and a good fusible (My favorite is Bosal #345) is all you need to be successful. 

We also have a tote bag pattern for sale for $3.00 and we have all the fabrics to make that cute bag to display a license plate in the shop. 

One of our extra patterns exclusively for the Shop Hop.

So get on your walking shoes and hit the trails June 21st, 2015 for the start of the summer long hop.  If you're on vacation or just a long weekend check out the quilt shops in the area you'll be in.  Chances are you'll find a few quilt shops that are participating.  The patterns are free to all for the row.  One each per customer, the license plates and the kits are for sale.  Just think, you can design a row quilt from your travels or maybe, just maybe these rows will spark an idea for other uses.

Our extra setting for the Row by Row Experience. Kits available

 

I've taken our row and made a fun wall hanging perfect for a cabin or a man's den.  That kit is also available at the shop for $39.95. 

Are you planning to do the Row by Row Shop Hop?

As many of you probably know I also own a quilt shop in Lake Orion, Michigan so I get to participate in retail, wholesale and the publishing end of the quilting industry.  It's an experience that is amazing. 
Last year, the theme for the Row by Row Shop Hop was the seasons. It was my shop's first year in the hop and we were a bit surprised by the reaction and attendance.  I think everyone was.  My first thought when signing up for the hop was, it was a small 36 inch row and probably wouldn't be a big deal.  So of course, with that in mind, I really didn't prepare the way we should have.  I made a nice row pattern, printed a few dozen patterns, hung the sample row and even made an extra option on what they could use the row for.
The first day of the hop we were bombarded with quilters.  It was quick trips to print up more patterns, shock that these quilter's actually wanted the kits for the rows. We were totally unprepared for the turnout.   This year we are prepared.



Don't pay attention to the slippers.  This is our row for 2015.



 

Tons of patterns are printed, kit fabrics are all ordered and lots of it, row sample is complete and we even have an extra optional pattern, license plates (two styles) are ordered and we've purchase some awesome fabrics that will be exclusive to the Row by Row Experience 2015 H2O.

 Yes, H2O is the theme for this year. I actually started out thinking about lighthouses, and sailboats but decided that those would probably be the most common rows so I went with water in the background and a shoreline.  I just had to throw in a whimsical moose. 

So if you are in the mood for a fun summer road trip this year you might want to check out some of the shops along the way.  At last count, there were 120 shop in Michigan alone.  It is an event that is nationwide and most of Canada.  So check it out.  It's going to be a blast!!!!!  

New Year, New Ideas...... or maybe a review of the old.

I end my year with reflection on my accomplishments and failures from the past year and a plan to improve on it in the next.  I try to learn something new each year to improve my life, my family,  my home and of course my quilting. 
This year I've started a new column in Quilter's World magazine, The Vintage Review & Renew.  The one thing I notice about quilting is that it's sort of like reinventing the wheel.  The fabrics change and the colors... but the blocks remain the same.

Quilt World 1984 original pattern page. 

  Fresh new fabrics when placed in timeless quilt patterns tend to fit right in to our current lives.  The techniques change for piecing with the inventions of new gadgets and rulers, but a Churn Dash Block is still a Churn Dash block (or should I say Whirling Hexagon) no matter how it's pieced or cut out.

 
                                                     Quilter's World Spring Issue 2015, the update.


Starting with the Spring Issue of Quilter's World you will find quilts from past issues, some thirty years old, that I've updated with easier cutting and piecing techniques or just added my own flair for color or fabrics.  I hope that you will check it out and let me know what you think.

The Ruler Debacle

Does every quilter buy tons of rulers? 
Do you buy a ruler for one particular pattern and then toss into a draw and forget about it?

Just a few of the many rulers I have.
 

Well, I have more than my share of ruler let me tell you.  I am a gadget junkie and I know it.  I am looking for good ideas to organize and reuse my rulers.  Do you have any to share?

I think this is an issue that many quilter face.  We purchase a particular ruler for a pattern and then find it ends up in a draw or box somewhere and is forgotten until we manage, quite by accident, come across it while searching for something else.

How to you deal with your many rulers?  Do you have a system? Or are you like most of us?

HELP!!!! I need help.

Personal Gifts for the Holidays!

With the holidays fast approaching, it might be a good time to start your holiday quilting. If time will allow, I plan  to make a few projects this year for family members.  I love to get homemade gifts.  I love the fact that someone actually spent the time to create something just for me and I hope they will feel the same.  I love that feeling and I want to show my love and appreciation in the same way.  Being away from home so much makes you really appreciate the one's you leave behind. Here are a few of my planned gifts.  I hope this list will also inspire you to consider the same, or at least consider similar ways to make the holidays special.

I have a few ideas.  Pinterest has been a great source of inspiration for me this year. 
First, I've decided to make some of those gourmet recipes I've been pinning and then place them in some of those fantastic fabric storage boxes I've been wanting to make.  You know the ones that are everywhere. 

Fabric Boxes as an idea instead of a basket.

Canning Sauces

I can customize them to suit each persons personality.  How clever of me, right?  It's all about the whole package.  I may even share some of those recipes on hand-printed recipe cards. (Annie's also has a paper-crafting division, CardMaker) of course, I have lots of inspiration for those recipe cards.

While I'm at it, my daughter-in-law pointed out a casserole and insulated carrier she suggested as a Christmas gift recently.  I can make a better one. And of course it should have a recipe card or two to go with it.  I know its not a quilt, but I can quilt it and also use some of my wonderful fabric stash.

One possible casserole carrier.

I have a granddaughter that recently moved out of her home for her first adventure as an adult and I'm sure I can think of at least a dozen or so things she could and should have. A daughter that's a professional chef, and a son who's a product manager, hmmmm I wonder what I could make him?

Well let's see how many things I actually accomplish from my list. The list is getting longer.  Autumn is a very busy time in the quilting industry.  I'd love to hear how you blend your quilting with the holidays. 

Available at AnniesCatalog.com.
 

Another great source for holiday inspiration is Quilter's World Quilting for the Holidays SIP.  The only way you can buy it is as a download from Annie's catalog.  We sold out early on the hard copies but it's still a great collection of Christmas patterns.  It's worth checking it out. 

And what are you doing this weekend??? Got and good gift suggestions I'd love the hear them. 
Carolyn

How Many Projects Do You Have Going Right Now?

Okay, I'm getting a bit side tracked with other projects.  I can't help it.  It seems I have no will power then it comes to control then selecting a creative project.  I bet at any given time I have at least six projects going at the same time and I could almost guarantee that is a low estimate.  When you work doing your favorite pastime, sometimes the lines are blurred and you can't separate the work from the pleasure.


Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. It's just sometimes I can't decide which to work on.  I start researching products for the magazine or the newsletter and I find I've added another project.  My latest addiction is wool felting.

 

Products for review.

While testing and reviewing some absolutely wonderful products I again got sidetracked.  Felting is one of those things I've always wanting to try and now I have.  The problem is I've added several new projects to my already too long list.

 

Scarf number one>

 

Well, if all goes well, I think several young ladies in my family will get a new wool scarf under the tree in December.  One good thing about the timing, I have plenty of time to finish them.

Have a wonderful creative quilty day!
Carolyn  

Repost of information for Neo-natal quilts

Here is the information again for those asking...

Fabric Scrap Solution with a Bonus

Neonatal Quilts

I love it when a plan comes together.

At a recent gathering of family and friends the topic of scraps, stash and charity quilts came up.  One of the attendees was a neonatal nurse at a local hospital and the subject of what and how they use the quilts donated intrigued me.  The size most desirable for preemies was a simple 24” square.  They use them to lay across the babies, and in the bassinette, that is the size that works best.  Now a 24” square is a simple project with a lot of possibilities.  You can whip one up in a hurry and without a lot of expense.  Actually, I found that I had everything I needed right in my sewing room.  Lots of fun fabrics in small amounts, leftover batting and of course my computer and QE program for fast and easy designs. 

I found that four simple 10” blocks and a 2” border make cute quilts without a lot of time invested or fabrics.  Everything I needed I already had. 

QE drawings of possible 24" neonatal quilts.

 

So on a weekend, on a rainy day, I managed to whip up a total of four quilts for the neonatal unit in Indianapolis, IN.

My finished quilts made from fat quarters and scraps. All made in one rainy day.

Ready to ship to the hospital.

If you would also like to make a few and send them in, here is the address.

St. Francis Hospital/NICU
8111 S. Emerson Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46237
Attn: Kathy Anderson

They need to be freshly laundered before sent to the hospital and the best size for the neonatal unit is a 24” square.

It’s a great way to use up some of the stash and fat quarters you have laying around and feel good about it.  You’ll be totally amazed at all you can accomplish from your scraps. 

I'd love to hear if you choose to try this and your success story.  It's truly is a feel good experience I hope all of you try. 
Carolyn