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Remembering their Service…

Memorial Day Weekend—as many meanings and memories as there are readers. Memorial Day, or as many of us grew up calling it Decoration Day, was created immediately after the Civil War to honor the Union soldiers who gave their lives to preserve the Union. After World War I the federal government declared the day was for all who had sacrificed their lives in service to their country.

Memorial Day has become the “official” start of summer with pools opening, car races, trips to the lake, cook outs and Memorial Day sales on everything! And even though I shop the sales and serve hamburgers, I do spend time remembering the lives and services that allowed me to enjoy my lifestyle.

My paternal grandfather suffered from the effects of mustard gas in the French trenches during World War I. My father landed on Omaha beach during D-Day and was injured in the hedge rows by German shelling. My son was on some of the very first flights over Afghanistan post 9-11. I will always remember their service. But I will also honor those who persevered here—a great-grandmother that strapped my grandmother to her chest so that she could continue the work of her dead husband on their prairie homestead. Or the grandparents that survived the 1930’s on a rocky Ozark farm but make sure their children were feed and educated. My grandmother who did not hear from my father or the army for six weeks after D-Day but had received a package of his personal effects in the mail. I will honor my mother who washed dishes at night in a cafe to pay for her college tuition and my father who read grown up books to me after a day in the fields.

My parents honored our families by decorating their graves with flowers from our yard. Peonies buds were cut during May and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in newspaper for Decoration Day. Honeysuckle was gathered and put in chipped mason jars. We traveled only a few miles to the cemetery with the flowers and jugs of water and divided the flowers among the graves. I may not be able to honor them today by placing flowers on their graves but I am grateful and they will live forever in my memories.

The time between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July has become the “red, white and blue” season. The strong colors of our flag are used everywhere! We created a red, white and blue showcase in the halls of First United Methodist.

Obviously we like this color combo –these were pulled from our stash that we have preparing for the October Quilts Etc. Sale.

These placemats were made later.

The placemats are 12″ x 16″ and could be reversible. They are machine quilted and the binding features a faux flange. They are machine washable. $40 for 4

More quilts from our cupboards that could be in this theme of red, white and blue that are for sale. And of course, these would be a great addition to your home anytime in the year!

We just keep adding items to our cupboards–here are the latest additions.

Made from cozy flannel squares, the quilt is lap size, 45″ x 54″. It is machine quilted with a machine applied binding. The backing is also flannel—perfect for snuggling. $100

This soft flannel set for the new mother to be is gender neutral. The set included a bib, drool cloth and drool big. $20

Project bags–the orange and pink and green one have clear plastic on one side, the green print one has green mesh. Use them to keep a pair of scissors, embroidery floss, marking pin etc . $10 each

Ready for Halloween –Heather made two versions of a spooky table runner. One is 13″ x 23″ for $30 and the larger one is 14″ x 30″ for $40. Those little witches don’t look to scary!

Elaine contributed these two utilitarian bags from pre-quilted fabric.

Use these for shopping bags, pool bags, —they are sturdy, washable and $15 each.

Enjoy a hamburger–make that a cheeseburger, for me this week end. And remember that each of us are enjoying this life because of the many people who gave it their all —

Small but Mighty

What is quick to make? Uses leftover fabric? Sells well at the Quilt Etc. Sale? Can be quilted on a domestic sewing machine? Quilters enjoy creating them? Quickly decorate your home for the season? Did you guess table runners? If you did- you are correct! Table runners do all that and more. We have had a wide variety of table runners completed lately…some flew off the shelves and others will be here for the sale in October. Table runners are popular for many reasons and have been around since ancient times.

The Egyptians used table runners decorated with hieroglyphics and symbols woven into the linens. Table runners were a practical necessity for hosts in the Middle Ages due to the sloppy manners of their guests. Table runners were easier to laundry than entire table cloths after a night of feasting. As manners improved and laundry became a bit easier, table runners became part of the linens used to decorate an elaborate table.

Today table runners still serve several purposes. Practically, they protect bare wood table from heat and candle wax. Table runners add interest to a table landscape by adding another layer of texture or color. Centerpieces-floral or figurines- would look lost without the layer of fabric in the center of the table. It is not uncommon to find a table runner on top of a tablecloth with the purpose of calling attention to the centerpiece or adding color or texture to the table scape.

And we may call them “table” runners but they can be found many different places besides a dinning table. Have you envisioned your table runners on a coffee table? the entry way table? bookshelves? side boards? a dresser? the fireplace mantle? an event registration table? a picnic table? the kitchen island? on the end of a bed? Some of our table runners would also be cute/interesting wall hangings. Thinking out side the box is easy with your table runners.

(photos from the internet)

Traditionally table runners are placed in the center of the table, end to end. Some designers suggest that a runner should extend over the ends of the table by several inches. That isn’t my style. But for a formal occasion and if the fabric has a great deal more drape than quilted runners, I probably would extend the runner. Occasionally a table runner is arranged across the table to create a separate space for each guest or to serve as a placemat.

Table runners are the easiest method to decorate for any holiday or season. Traditional colors such as pastels for spring or orange and black for Halloween set the mood.

We are the Quilters at First so of course the table runners we make and offer for sale are quilted. But we do have many different styles, themes and sizes. Here are our latest ones.

One of our smaller ones, it measures 12.5″ x 26″. It would fit smaller tables. Machine quilted and hand bound. $30

This close up shows the true colors better.

Blue and white is classic. The majority of the prints are geometric with one or two floral prints. This table runner is perfect for all year, no matter what month it is. Machine quilted and hand bound. The backing is a pale blue. 14″ x 38″. $40

True fact–some of the big box craft chains already have fall and Halloween items out on the shelves. So, guess this table runner isn’t too early.

Another small one- this Halloween explosion of traditional colors and icons would be great on an entry table with a candy dish or on a side board with grinning jack o lanterns. 9.5″ x 29″ Machine quilted and hand bound. $30.

These three batik stars are on a background of silver snowflakes. The traditional red and green suggests Christmas. 19″ x 63″ It is machine stitched in a meandering pattern. The backing is a white on white snowflake print. $40

Cousin to the table runner is the table topper. Usually a table topper is square or round and used on a smaller table.

Four different color families were used in this topper–red, purple, green and yellow/gold. It measures 20″ x 20″ . These traditional prints would add charm to a country or cabin style home. $35

This lovely hanging over the banister at Church is already sold! But I wanted you to see this “eye-candy”.

This 80″ x 80″ quilt is simply half square triangles but all of the fabrics are from a Kaffe Fassett line. He is known for his dazzling colors and larger prints. The stripes, dots and plaids create order. Plus the points are spot on! It was quilted in a butterfly motif with a variegated thread.

Vicki has make 3 more red, white and blue table runners that were requested after our last post.

We had to rearrange our showcases due to great sales but we still have “red, white, and blue” items for your home –microwave bowls, splatter guards, pennants, placemats, table runners and a lap quilt.

If you visit a previous post Photo Gallery-of the ETC items: home decor, accessories, gifts, twenty one different table runners plus five table toppers are listed for sale!

Happy Memorial Day. I honor all those who gave of themselves so that I can be me and enjoy my life and will continue to work for all people to have that privilege.

Maycember

Graduation, Mothers’Day, Anniversaries and Birthdays–Did you know there is a term coined by the Holderness Family (the funniest, most realistic digital creators on Instagram and YouTube) that describes this time of the year? It is Maycember–is used to describe a frantic, jam-packed period at the end of the school year. I “graduated” i.e. retired from teaching fourteen years ago, but this May seemed especially busy. There were several one time events and once a year events, short trips, birthdays and graduation receptions. I am aware my calendar looks nothing like families with elementary children and teens but it was full enough I began to crave some “sewing time”. Sewing time is my happy time. Give me a no-stress project, an interesting audio book–preferably a mystery, and ice herbal tea; can’t ask for more!

But we did have some great projects completed this week.

The story behind this one is that it was completed sometime ago, put away and forgotten! Shirley was looking for batting stored in a box and found this prize! I call it an “I Spy” quilt, because so many different novelty fabrics were used. I see eye glasses, cats, cows..you name it. The quilt would be great for an older child’s bed. The faux flange added interest to the binding. Measuring 49″ x 58″, it machine quilted and can be yours for $150.

A quilt is has both sides pieced. Elaine used fabric from a Kansas Troubles line to make this quilt featuring Friendship Stars. The back is from the same line of fabric. A small lap quilt, 39″ x 39″, it could serve as a table covering. The quilt has a subtle patriotic feel. $75

This table runner combines “hourglass” and “flying geese” blocks in a toned down “red, white and blue”. Perfect for a smaller table, it measures 14″ x 24″ and is $35.

This one is sold, but it is such a great design, I just wanted to share it with you.

What do you think of when you see this quilt? Mountains in the distance? A roof top? But there are butterflies ..see in the machine quilting? This 39″ x 39″ quilt is $75. It is machine washable and had bound.

We have a wonderful friend of the quilters who watches First Church on TV. She is a remarkable quilter. She called me last week to ask when she could bring two items for the sale to the Church. I was so excited to see what she had made. And I was even more excited after I saw them. I was so excited that I forgot to note the important details last Wednesday, sooooooo I will share photos in this blog and will add details Tuesday after I am at Church.

“Strawberry Fields Forever”. The rich red of the patchwork strawberries suggests very ripe and sweet berries. The low volume prints do not fade away in the background and create interest. This table runner would be great for a dessert buffet.

This fabric was bought while on vacation in Colorado. The simple cone flowers and the colors certainly remind me of western scenes. It is machine quilted.

This photo shows of the prints and colors better. You can judge the size better in the first photo.

We meet every Wednesday at the Church. Some of us work with machines and some with needles and thread at frames. As I passed the Hand Quilters room, I snapped this photo of them working.

The rest of us spend our Wednesday with our sewing machines when we are not at the cutting table or ironing boards. But we take time to keep the showcase up to date. Wednesday we created a “red, white and blue” themed display.

if you are at First Church, go to 1B to see what we are currently displaying.

Hope your weekly calendar is as full or as empty as you are comfortable with.

Grades of Fabric

When I taught clothing classes in high school, I knew I had converted a student to the of love of sewing when the student walked around the classroom (we were a considered a lab class, less structured) and judged the new fabrics of other students. They would rub it between their fingers, pinch it or pick it up to study it. All of this would be done subconsciously. They had passed through that portal of recognizing quality fabric from lower grades of fabric. Once you have gone through it, you can’t go back!

For true beginners, I would recommend and urge parents to buy the “big box” store fabrics. For their students “learn to sew” bag, I did not want parents spending $9 a yard…this was a few years back. The “learn to sew” was designed to practice measuring, cutting with a rotary cutter or shears, sewing 5/8″ seams and top stitching a pocket and a casing. And in some cases, it was a difficult lesson to learn. Most of these bags were used later to carry sewing supplies to class and after class was over they became shoe bags in suitcases or something similar. Very few self respecting teens would carry their “learn to sew” bags through the high school halls. Therefore, less expensive fabric was the way to go.

But, after they had mastered the basics and wanted to make something more long term, I tried to steer students and families to the better quality fabrics. Quilts became very popular. Below are some of the quilts made by advanced classes that were exhibited in the Prairie Quilt Guild bi-annual show at Century Two

Photo quilts were very popular and expensive. After the expense of buying supplies to print photos and printing them, one did not want fabric that would shrink or fade or ravel.

The quilters at Quilters at First are proud of the quality of workmanship and of the fabric used in our projects. Thus, we are a bit picky with our choices of fabric. Most, but not all of the fabric used is premiun or quilt shop grade. This fabric is 100% cotton, with a tight weave (higher thread count) and high density printing to prevent shrinking and bleeding. Easily recognized names include Moda, Hoffman, Free Spirit, Kona, Andover, Maywood Studios, Ruby Star Society, Michael Miller and Riley Blake. But check a brand out for yourself.

Specialty fabrics are used for backings such flannels and polyester fleece. When selecting a flannel for a quilt, it is especially important to use a better quality–thicker or high thread count, because flannel shrinks. Flannel should be pre-washed before it is used. Fleeces are cuddly and soft and used on baby, toddler and teen quilts for their feel. Polyester won’t shrink, a major concern when purchasing fleece is that is anti-pill, which usually translates into the more expensive fleece.

Linen, gauze and voile are used occasionally either with cotton or together. These fabrics fray more easily and a larger seam allowance is needed. I am not a fan of using these fragile fabrics.

Thicker fabrics –corduroy or high quality flannel with nap result in thicker seam allowances and attention must be paid to the direction of the nap when assembling the quilt. Quilts with larger blocks or blocks made up of larger pieces are best.

T-shirt quilts or quilts made from worn garments (memory) quilts use a fusible interfacing to add stability to the knit or worn fabric.

If you are wanting know more about choosing fabric, there are many sites online with advice. I would suggest https://www.missouriquiltco.com/collections/fabric-by-the-yard-fby?page_view=1

Quilters at First prefer to use the best, thus budgets require us to shop sales, welcome fabric donations and use every scrap of the yardage.

We have some new treasures to share with you–

This a quilt for a “Princess” or “Sweetheart”. The 48″x57.5″ quilt is backed with a soft pink fleece which shows off the side to side machine quilting. It is hand bound and washable. $100

Rich deep traditional Christmas colors contrast beautifully with the pre-printed panels showing off holiday flowers and birds. The coordinating stripe fabric was used for the backing. The quilt is 70″ x 80″ . It is machine quilted in a holly leaf motif and hand bound. $225

Pealing bells are the sound of the holidays. This table runner in holiday prints is a great reminder of the season’s sounds. The backing makes this piece a 2 for 1 bargain!

14.5″ x 40″ $40

This Fourth of July will be a big one! The USA is celebrating its 250th birthday. So I am sure you will want to decorate for this holiday. We will have several “red, white and blue” table runners in the making. Two are newly finished.

13.5″ x 41″ $40. The backing is a red and white print.

12″ x 39″. $40. The backing is blue with white stars.

This is a “sweetheart” of a table topper. The hearts are machine appliquéd. Tiny buttons create a chain look. The diameter measures 17″. Machine quilted in a cross hatch pattern. $30.

And of course, we just can’t stop embroidering tea towels while watching the latest streaming series.

100% cotton toweling $10 each

I won’t whine about the huge increases in fabric prices when gasoline is $4+ a gallon and a pound of hamburger is $10. These are essentials, and admittedly quilt fabric is an extra. Just want you to know that “no fabric scrap will be left behind”!

A Different Fabric Use

Are you a “reduce, reuse” recycle” person? Do you have two or more trash containers–one for trash and others for paper, metal and glass? Have you had your shoes re-soled or a zipper replaced in a jacket rather than purchasing new shoes or jackets? Is your rice stored in a cleaned pasta sauce jar? Do you use cloth napkins? Do you have a donate box in your closet? If you answered yes to some of these questions, then this post is for you!

Mark has found a great way to “reuse” fabric that will no longer be used for its original purpose. Sheets that are faded or are torn or are no longer needed and will probably end up in the trash are cut into 2 inch strips, joined together, and rolled into balls.

This set of strips was cut 2″ with a niffy tool called a Stripology. (Acrylic ruler with built-in slits that allows for precision cutting.)

He joins the long strips with a non-sew method and rolls them into a ball to be crocheted.

Mark enjoys creating his own patterns. His color choices are limited by what has been found at estate and garage sales, donated fabrics that were appreciated but probably would never find their way into a quilt and friends’ contributions.

The rugs are thick and used more fabric than one would suspect. I always think I have mailed him more fabric strips that he could possibly use, only to learn he made up all the fabric. The finished rugs, averaging 24-30 inches diameter, are heavy…too heavy to send back to Wichita via UPS or the US post. So when family travels to Texas, they bring back his current inventory.

Last year at the Quilts Etc Sale, we included his rugs with the other fiber projects. They sold well, so we will showcase more this fall!

Since I didn’t number the photos, these rugs are 1-5 going clockwise.

These rugs are 6-10.

These rugs are 11-15. I really like #15.

These rugs are 16-20. For those of you from FUMC, #20 is from the curtains in the children’s choir room in C Building.

and these are 21-27. #24 is blue and white, my new favorite color combo.

He has been busy!!! Most of these are $25 each.

Here is my review– I have received and used several over the years. They last forever, I I moved all I own to my current home and that was ten years ago. They look and feel just the same as they did ten years ago. I launder them in the my washer and hang them to dry over the deck rail. They don’t unravel (un-crochet?). The one by the deck door has enough texture that it is a great shoe sole cleaner before entering the house. They are comfortable to stand on when working at the sink or workbench due to their thickness

If you don’t like the shape, these rugs can be washed and “blocked” to reshape them a bit.

I doubt these rugs are for your formal living room or dining room..but they are great for a porch or deck, in your work shed, utility room, bathroom, bedroom, cabin or vacation home. These rugs would fit in a “rustic chic”, “prairie style”, “lodge” or “primitive decor” vibe.

These rugs are a wonderful example of “up cycling”– the process of transforming waste materials, old, or discarded items into new products of higher value, quality, or environmental utility. Up cycling uses less energy and materials than “recycling”does. And best of all, tons (well, not really tons but lots and lots) of fabric did not end up in a land fill.

Contact me at quiltersatfirst.com if you are interested in one.

Photo Gallery Fall- includes Halloween

50″ x 64″. $150

Halloween table runner

Coasters or mug rugs. $5 each.

Photo Gallery”Christmas Theme”

$40

Santa or Saint Nicholas. $40

23″ x 23″. $40

$5 each

Photo Gallery-of the ETC items: home decor, accessories, gifts

Table Runners

The above is two sides of a 25″ x 46″ table runner/ wall hanging. Cinco de Mayo and autumn. $50

Wall Hangings/Table toppers

Placemats

**6 for $55. 11.5″ x 17.5″. reversible**

Two sets of four placemats -12″ x 18″. $40 per set

Quilted with long zipper opening and mesh interior pockets. $40

Quilted with long zipper opening and mesh interior pockets. $40

Only check on available

Check towels $10 each

**Splatter guard to use in Micro wave. $8 each**

or 4 for $10

double thickness burp cloths. $3 each

**Burp cloths Terry cloth lined. $5 each**

Project bags $10 each

Aprons

**Mug Rugs. each is 8″ x 11″. set of 4 $32**

Barn Quilts. each is 28″ x 28″. 3/8 inch plywood painted on both sides with primer. Two clear top coats. $50 each

Helps small or hurting hands hold playing cards. 2 lef

Easter Accessories

Bunnies $8 Carrots $8

Watch for the Joy

What brings you joy? Joy is different than happiness or gratitude. Joy is the spark that happens unexpectedly; it can’t really be planned and sometimes quickly passes. I have a lot for which I am grateful; overall I am a happy woman. But just watching thirty minutes of world and local news can depress anyone. It is a dumpster fire out there. That is why I think it is so important to recognize the sparks of joy we experience. Joy can be an act of resistance. Recognizing what is joyful to me helps me define myself rather than giving that power to someone else. Joy reminds me that I am in control of my emotions. I may react to another person’s actions with anger or sadness or hurt but I never want those reactions to crowd out moments of joy.

Quilting is my hobby, ministry, and therapy. I wouldn’t go to my sewing room if it wasn’t all those components and more. It is also the source of much joy. What has brought me joy lately?

Perfectly match seams!! I just finished this quilt top. Every time I sewed a nine patch together and then checked the matching seams and they were perfect, I celebrated! Of course, I didn’t have reason to celebrate every time–sometime I rationalized “it’s close enough”. But yes, perfectly match seams give me joy.

The first cut with a new rotary blade in my rotary cutter! So smooth, so clean a cut..one swipe, no sawing fabric.Why do I wait so long to replace a dull blade? Sure they are a bit expensive but so worth it! (Plus I shop sales–another joy.)

The correct number of blocks for a top! I will count and re-count and sometimes count again my stack of finished blocks needed to complete a top. My last quilt top needed 150 small nine patch blocks to make 30 larger blocks. And what do you know, I had exactly the correct number. This is not a joy I often experience.

A similar situation is knowing you cut out X number of pieces of a certain fabric needed in the construction of a block. Finishing up the last block, you discover one piece is missing and there is absolutely no extra fabric to cut out a new piece. Panic!!! Ah, the joy of finding the missing piece hiding under your iPad or on the floor!

Learning an event was unexpectedly cancelled, freeing up a large block of time for sewing. Too often it is the opposite–something unexpectedly comes up and I must give up a sewing afternoon. So yes, surprise free time is a joy!

Discovering that a fat quarter or yardage I bought a long time ago just because I liked it, is the perfect print for the new project I am making out my stash. Joy because I will use it and joy because I know myself and what I like!

I have other joys–not quilting related–fresh sheets, fresh pjs and a shower, fresh coffee brewing when I return from walking the dog, an unexpected call from one of my children for no reason (if one of you are reading this, these calls do not happen often enough😘). I am trying to be more aware of those little and big things that bring me joy. Frustrations seem to slam you in the face, but joys are a quiet tap on the shoulder.

Most of us are at that stage where we are knee deep in a projects for the October Quilt Sale, but some items have been showing up.

Embroidered while binge watching The Pitt or The Madison—

A table runner that is “braided” in traditional Christmas prints. The back is a solid holiday print.

The holiday table runner is 13″ x 44″ and can be yours for $40. The quilting is a modified clam shell.

This pumpkin patch is surrounded with a bright “fence” of colors from the print. The backing is the same fall print. It is 21″ x 51″ and is $40.

This 60″ x 60″ quilt is a wonderful example of color value. The same color is used in the larger blocks, but on the bottom it starts out very saturated and the blocks transition to a lighter version on the top. An “Irish Chain” is formed with the lighter bubble or pebble prints. This design is so subtle that I had to step back away from the quilt to see it. It is custom quilted in a simple geometric pattern. $175

Sometimes you must look for the positive when something bad happens. This cute Easter towel with lovely cross stitching is the result of Linda hurting her leg and having to stay put resting. Get a jump start on your Easter Basket gifts for next year with this towel. $15

Today I endured my semi-annual dental visit. She made my next appointment for six months ahead. When she ask if October would be good, my first thought was –Wow, only six months to the Quilt Sale! So friends, I hope you will visit us October 15-17 at First United Methodist Church for the Quilts Etc. Sale—I will greet you with my sparkling smile!

National Quilting Day ’26

Happy St. Patricks Day–or as it is known in our family, “the day before Navya’s (our only granddaughter) birthday! This holiday is short lived in home decorating. The valentine wall hangings and table runners have been put away for another year and the bunny rabbits and pastel colors for Easter and spring are out at my house. Sorry, St. Patrick. I didn’t do much decorating for your day. BUT, another very important “holiday” also occurs this week!

The third Saturday in March each year since 1991/92 has been recognized as National Quilting Day. The day began as “Quilters Day Out” by the Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society but was adopted by the National Quilting Association as a national event.

The day was to recognize the history of quilts that dates back centuries, the cultural importance of quilts the world over and the dedication of quilters!

Usually the day is observed with quilt shows, charity events featuring quilts–Quilts of Valor, Project Linus, ABC quilts– quilt workshops by guilds and SALES!!

Without fail, the third Saturday in March I am usually out of town and can’t participate in local happenings. Before retirement, the third week of March was spring break in the school district and there was a trip somewhere–grandchildren. Now, the third week usually is our trip to Arizona for baseball’s spring training. This year I will be on an excursion train from Flagstaff, Arizona to the Grand Canyon. But in honor of this very important day, I will explore some new shops in Flagstaff! And, as some folks always say about Valentine’s Day -“everyday is Valentine’s Day with you”, I say “every day is quilting day”!

Wednesday is “quilting day”at First United Methodist in Wichita. Here are some of our treasures from last week and this week.

The focus fabric in this 48″ x 62″ lap/throw quilt is tropical foliage and butterflies. The color combo of yellow and green would cheer one out of the winter blues. It is machine quilted. The binding copies the various shades of the green borders. $175

Winter time cozy–this quilt with its the evergreens and burgundy/gold nine patches is definitely made for cold winter nights. It measures 50″ X 61″– the right size to curl up with when reading a mystery! $175

We hung this beauty from the banister to photograph. The 55″ x 72″ quilt is a sophisticated combination of browns, teal and cream. Look at the machine quilting; it is similar to the print in the borders. The quilt has a calming mellow appeal. $200

This scrappy star quilt is a 2 for 1! The back of the quilt is pieced also! The fabrics are the dark greens, blues and reds made even more intense with the lighter background fabric. The machine quilting is very visible on the back. 54″ x 68″. $175.

A wonderful combination of browns and neutral batiks were used in this 62′ X 74″ quilt. I have joking called this “your African quilt” when Vicki was piecing this one. The rich colors and the complex design resulted in a striking quilt. It is machine quilted. $200

I finished my string quilt…very scrappy but cheerful. It would be a great picnic quilt, soccer watching quilt, deck quilt or for the person who likes “wild and crazy”. It is machine quilted and the binding is sewn on by hand. The backing is a neutral grey.

60″ x 80″. $150

Pinwheels in autumn prints were used to make this 26″ x 43″ table runner. I can imagine this lovely table runner with a large dried flower centerpiece with candles at each end. It is custom quilted. $50

This table runner features “string” pieced blocks. The soothing creams, beiges and winter white of the blocks are surrounded by a floral border.

The runner is machine quilted in straight parallel lines. 17″ x 38″. $40

Do you claim Kansas as your home? If not by address but in your heart? This 19″ square table topper features two of our best known symbols–aircraft and wheat. The block is surrounded by wheat also.

The backing has sunflowers, cowboys, combines and grain elevators. $25

How about some Kansas pot holders? Look closely and you can see the rectangles are really the outline of Kansas. Each has Insul-brite. $5 each

These six placemats were made from Kaffe Fassett fabric. The fabric designer is known for his “glorious color”. One side is pieced and the other is a solid piece. The placemats measure 11″ x 17″. The binding, which is the same on each mat, is sewn on with a serpentine stitch. The 6 mats are $60. These mats were created and mailed to us by a friend of the quilt ministry. What a fun surprise to receive this package.

All styles of tea towels are being made. These two are $10 each.

I love these book markers! I think each member of my book club needs one!! $4 each

Bet you smiled when you saw these cuties. Crocheted veggies are great additions for adult Easter treats! $5 each.

Happy National Quilting Day! Hope you have an opportunity to have some “Quilty” fun.

Lion or Lamb

Hopefully March is following the adage “In like a lion, out like a lamb”. We have had cold temps, cloudy days, strong winds and some rain. So, fingers crossed, in three or four weeks we should have warm breezes, sunny days and more rain. (Kansas always needs rain!). But signs of spring are popping up. The neighborhood lawns are greening up — I am taking bets on when our neighbor starts mowing. We have daffodils blooming and the pear tree is budding out. More estate sale and garage sales signs are out, although it is still very iffy to plan a garage sale in March in Kansas.

The Quilters at First have a St. Pat’s and a Spring Showcase on the first floor at Church. We have all sorts of green items for sale -some with rainbows and shamrocks and others that are just green. In the Spring showcase, pastels, bunnies, carrots, and soft florals are featured.

But do Quilters sew according to the season? Of course, we don’t! We sew what strikes our fancy or to use a new pattern or to use the jelly roll we found forgotten in our closet or to finish something we started a year ago! Thus we have Halloween and fall and Christmas items to show you.

These jack o’lanterns are not scary at all–in fact, they might be easily scared! This 15″ x 21″ wall hanging will fit right into your Halloween decor. Machine appliquéd and machine quilted with hand sewn binding, it is only $50.

Only batiks are used in this large table runner that would look great on your dinning table from late September to Thanksgiving. The colors truly glow.

This batik is used on the back. It looks as if leaves were randomly stenciled on to the fabric.

The runner is 25″ x 58″ and is $50.

New hand embroidered tea towels arrive weekly. All are on 100% cotton muslin. They are great for hostess gifts, gift wrapping and of course drying dishes and glass ware! $9 each.

Homespun plaids fit into “man caves”, cabins, or fall decor naturally. This 62″ x 74″ simple patchwork quilt is machine quilted in a geometric design–nothing floral or feminine about this large throw! The binding is a combination of several homespuns and is machine applied. The backing is a solid neutral cream. $125

Hot pads should not be boring. This “flying geese” hot pad has Insul-Brite to protect your table. $5

The vivid colors of this table runner would be perfect for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta! But look what is on the flip side……

a scene straight from autumn! You are getting two for the price of one! The “two for one” measures 25″ x 46″. Machine quilted and hand bound, $50

Look carefully and you can see the magic that happens when a repeat print ( the top third of this photo) is cut into triangles and sewn into hexagons (the bottom two-thirds). There is a hanging sleeve on the back, so this holiday design could be a wall hanging or a table runner.

The hanging sleeve blends into so well that this side could also serve as a table topper. Measuring 25″ x 36″ , it is machine quilted and hand bound. $50.

I GOOFED! I discovered when I went to write this blog post that the last blog post did not get published. I am not sure why because I pushed all the right buttons–but there are two new posts today!

Good luck figuring out what to wear! This time of year requires your entire wardrobe….freezing in the morning and warm sunshine in the afternoon. I am anticipating “out like a lamb” weather.