How is my fabric diet going? May is almost over–more than a third of the year and I am doing well!! I will admit to one slip up—I purchased two charm packs of “ZINNA”.

I have purchased fabric to be used for backing.

Large quilts need four or five yards of fabric

For this scrappy 60″ x 70″ quilt I was able to piece together these green pieces for the backing. (The quilt is for sale for $150)

But for this quilt, I purchased this red and white check–on sale! The quilt measures 65″ x 80″ and the price is $200.

I will need to purchase more solids. I use a lot of white fabric but my whites are every shade or tone of white available and it is easier to use one piece than stand in the natural light in my backyard trying to decide if the two pieces of white from my stash are the same.

I use a lot of white.

I didn’t “un-save” notifications from my favorite on-line fabric sites. A girl can look–stay abreast of the latest trends, right? Need to see what’s out there! I try to buy my backing and fillers from the local quilt shops. But while on this fabric diet, I give myself a very short time period to be physically in the store–must be somewhere in five minutes!

I started this diet for economical and environmental reasons. After five months, I still believe my original reasoning was sound but it has become a test of my will power and most importantly a challenge to see how creative I can be with what I have. Stay tuned, just seven more months.

New topic—

Our minister retired this month.

This photo was copied from Facebook.

The Quilters at First had a champion in the pulpit! We are so grateful for her interest, support–and financial contributions. On Wednesdays, she would climb the stairs to visit with both groups. She attended every sale and luncheon to celebrate our wins. She encouraged our outreach changes. We will miss her!!

We wanted to say thank you in a tangible way….but what did she want or could use? Why not let her decide? So we decided upon our first ever “gift certificate” to be used at the October sale or for items posted on-line. Hopefully, she will have fun shopping for herself or for gifts.

A gift certificate? Hmmmmm? Would others like to use this method of gift giving? So we will be creating gift certificates for anyone to purchase. If you want to “gift” a friend or family member something special, contact us and we will create a certificate just for you!

Check out the photo galleries. I can’t believe how busy my fellow quilters have been!

The difference between what a quilt is worth and what people will pay for it! This is a constant dilemma I face when determining the asking price of a quilt.

Recognizing most buyers are unaware of the cost of fabric and batting and don’t realize the number of hours spent sewing, quilting and binding, I have accepted that most of our quilts are extremely underpriced. We quilt because we enjoy the process; we quilt to support two important missions of our Church and we quilt because we can’t not quilt. But we don’t want to “give” our quilts away or set the price so low that the public believes them to be cheap.

Quilts, as well as pieces of art, are often worth much more than what buyers are welling to pay. The chart below has been floating around the internet for several years.

Another formula for pricing quilts was width (inches) x length(inches)X $.50=asking price. An example would be a 50 in x 50in baby quilt. 50×50= 2500x.5=$1,250. Yikes. in my wildest dreams–not happening!!!!

Another method is to check Etsy or eBay and compare the quilt with those listed. Of course it is difficult to check out the quality of fabric, the skill of the quilter, and the complexity of the pattern.

And in our situation, we have to look at our market. Years ago, I had an extended family member who collected unique cookie jars as an investment. He would show off his latest cookie jars and quote from some obscure internet site the extraordinary current worth of the jar with a prediction of what it would be worth in the future. A divorce and health issues happened. As far as I am aware, the jars were sold at garage sale prices. A lesson in worth versus what the market will pay.

Another consideration is that homemade quilts can not be compared to the mass produced “quilts” from China. If you are looking for a temporary splash of color for a room or just something to keep you warm, our quilts aren’t for you.

And to further complicate the dilemma of “quilt pricing” is the history or age of the quilt. Vintage or antique quilts are treasures. But how to determine it’s worth??? When pricing a vintage quilt, the history, the condition and the style are important. Vintage quilts usually reflect a slower-paced world in which quilts were hand sewed and quilted and the quilters wanted to show off their skills with intricate designs.

This quilt was donated to the Quilters at First.

The person donating the quilt estimated it was made several years before 1970, given the family history. This is probably as close as we will get to dating it.

The pattern is “Fruit Basket”–with 72 baskets. The scalloped border is very rare. It measures 87″ x 96″. The hand quilting is exquisite…very dense.

The second photo is the back side–the quilting pattern is easily seen–every stitch came through.

Every triangle point is nearly perfect!

I haven’t found a stain or worn spot on the entire quilt. Probably it was put away in a closet to be save for something or someone or sometime very important. I doubt it was ever spread on a bed.

The quilt isn’t bulky, if batting was used, it was a very thin layer.

I would love to know the story of this quilt. Who was the artist? What was the occasion-a wedding or housewarming gift? Was it a “check this off my bucket list” project? I will never know the history of this beauty, but hopefully I will know its future. I want a home for this quilt where it will be treasured and enjoyed.

So here is the million dollar question! What price do we decide upon? Please leave a comment with your suggestion.

“Summer Sunday Afternoon” As soon as these three words are spoken, I have this nostalgic yearning for a sunny, warm, afternoon without any responsibilities. An afternoon with a novel by my favorite author. An afternoon after Church. An afternoon following a larger than usual lunch allowing dinner to be pop corn or a bowl of ice cream. An afternoon that eases into evening. But a perfect summer Sunday afternoon for my husband is a baseball game. For a close friend, the best summer Sunday afternoon is a drive with no destination. Some families spend several summer Sunday afternoons each year with the extended family enjoying traditional recipes and connecting with different generations.

Many people don’t have the luxury of experiencing the “Summer Sunday Afternoons” of my memories — mothers of babies and young children, family care givers, service workers and first responders, minimum wage workers who need to work two or three jobs. Probably there have been more Sunday afternoons that I graded papers and projects, or did laundry or mowed the lawn than afternoons I just relaxed. But one of the perks of being “of a certain age” and retired, no matter how full you have filled your calendar, is that Summer Sunday Afternoons can be more like what you want them to be.

Since this is a “quilting” blog, I want to re-introduce to the readers to some quilts that would help create a “Summer Sunday Afternoon” feeling.

The “recycled” denim quilt would perfect to spread on the lawn for “Twilight Tunes on the Terrace” at the Botanical Garden. Do you set on the hill at the Wind Surge Games so your little ones can run around while you watch the baseball game? You need this quilt–see it is backed in a green cloth–won’t show grass stains!

Feathers are a popular motif this year. It is 60″ x 72″ and can be yours for $150.

Softer colors were used to create “Vintage Summer”. The machine long arm quilting is a vine pattern for a garden theme. This quilt would look great “artfully” draped over a rattan love seat!

Measuring 62″ x 63, – 80/20 cotton/polyester batting was used. This beauty is $200.

Nine patch blocks are one of the most traditional blocks used. These nine patch blocks were set on point–they are diagonal. The fabric is from a Lori Holt jelly roll. Using one designers line, the quilt has a coordinated scrappy look.

The borders are from the same jelly roll as is the binding. The curved machine quilting is “Baptist Fan” and cotton batting was used. The quilt could fit a twin bed–65″ x 73″. $250.

Maybe spring more than summer, this lap quilt or toddler’s bed quilt features floral fabrics and warm season colors.

The lime green adds a bit of sassiness. It measures 50″ x 62″ and is for sale for $100.

Who says quilts are just for winter? Quilts for picnics, Quilts for cool nights at the lake, Quilts folded up on the deck rocking chair. Quilts for those evenings watching TV with a friend that controls the AC and the ceiling fan. Quilts are multipurpose. Quilts are for the entire year.

Yesterday was a glorious day! I was at my sewing machine for 8 hours with short breaks to do “life” stuff–empty the dishwasher, let the dog out, fix dinner. These days don’t come around often. Activities that support my choices take up time. Causes I really believe in require time away from my “happy” place. But yesterday I sewed! The planning, the fabric gathering and the cutting had been done a few minutes here and there earlier in the week. Yesterday I turned on all my lights–room overhead light, the OtteLite on the sewing table, the strip LED lights taped above the throat plate and the sewing machine light. I carefully placed my coffee cup on the patchwork coaster to my right and adjusted the ironing board to be used setting down on my left. The only thing remaining was to sign in to Acorn.TV to stream my current obsession, Brokenwood Mysteries filmed in New Zealand. While Mike Shepherd solved murder after murder, I matched seams, pinned and sewed–with an occasion use of a seam ripper to make those pesky points match. These days don’t come often enough. But I suppose it is like Christmas—if Christmas came every month it would not be special.

Each quilter has their own requirements. Several members of our group sew in the evening, enjoying the quiet. I don’t machine sew after dinner, that time is devoted to watching one or two episodes of a streamed series and /or reading. (Watching TV is so different than 10 years ago—watching Ted Lasso now, just finished Clarkson’s Farm and looking forward to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.) I have a great sewing room, but some quilters do lovely work “out in the open”. Their sewing time is limited to available space. Audio books are a distraction to some quilters; I need something to listen to when moving around cutting, working on the design wall or looking for fabric. But no matter the environment, the Quilters at First have created some wonderful projects!!

Interestingly, three sets of seasonal placemats were completed these past weeks by different quilters.

Ready for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, these patriotic placemats are $40. Paulette chose backing could be easily used for a different look or to be flipped over if someone dripped mustard from their hot dog. These placemats are washable–and would make a great hostess gift.

Judy N was thinking ahead to the fall and Thanksgiving. You wouldn’t need a centerpiece if these were used on your holiday table.

The mats measure 12″ x 18″ The six different mats are $55 .

Diane was preparing for the Christmas holidays when she made these scrappy placemats with the wonky trees. These mats are approximately 12″ x 16″ (I forgot to get the measurements but will post them next week!) and are for sale for $40. Might not wait until this fall to think about holiday placements–they may be sold by then.

Colors create moods. This 62″ x 67″ flannel quilt in soft beiges, creams and browns is the embodiment of the Danish concept of “Hygge– a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” (Oxford English Dictionary)

Each unique snowflake was machine appliquéd by Peggy. Snowflakes are also used in the machine quilting. Cotton batting added to the coziness of this large twin size quilt. $150 SOLD

Elaine’s grey, turquoise and lime green quilt is full of motion. The “hour glass” blocks twist and turn the vertical rows. The “half-square” triangles that form the middle border act as a fence to keep all those moving pieces confined.

The quilt measures 62″ x 78″ and is machine quilted on a long arm by Elaine. The colors used would add a spot of color to any modern home. $150

Our newest member of Quilters at First, Heather, contributed this Jungle theme juvenile quilt.

There are lions, elephants, giraffes, antelope and jaguars! This “non-gender” quilt would make a great “I Spy” quilt for a child learning all the animals’ names. Hang it on the wall, lay it on the floor for tummy time/play time or use it on a toddler’s “big person bed”, this quilt would be a favorite throughout childhood. It is approximately 39″ x 59″ and is $100.

Quilters at First may have many different habits and sewing environments, but we all share the joy of showing our projects to you!

Well, what has been happening in the past few weeks? In my world we traveled to Florida for baseball! With a couple of friends, we joined Triple Crown Travel, (https://triplecrowntravel.com) for three spring training games in the Grapefruit League and two professional games, the Miami Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays. In addition to baseball we waded in the Gulf, ate seafood, watch alligators in the Everglades, and made new friends.

We flew from Miami to Dulles to visit our daughter and son-in-law in VA for a few days. I had my French Toast—thanks to Gary, played with Sarge and Bandit, walked the dogs on the Bluebell trail, searched of family records in Leesburg Library, and visited a brewery on top of a mountain.

Then we tried to come home—in past trips we have had great luck flying so I guess it just was our turn to have one of those trips. Going we spent an unexpected night in Dallas. Coming home was also two days in airports due to storms in Chicago and Houston. But we are home safe and sound with our luggage!

. So thanks to Pinterest and some experimenting, we delivered 10 felt stick horses.

Week two in production—not all have been made and we haven’t added the ribbon reins and harnesses. Another spotted one joined the herd. We used our felt, ribbons, stuffing and buttons we had been saving “just in case” so the dowel rods were the most expensive items used.

Party time at OJ Watson park, so Mia and her friends could ride “real” ponies before receiving their party favors–cowboy hats and horses.

Birthday girl, in boots, is leading the charge! Each child was allowed to chose their horse.

While I have been traveling and Mia has been partying, quilters have been working diligently on new projects with some finished gems to share with you.

Judy N. finished this spring beauty. The floral fabric is show cased with this pattern. It measures 48″ x 64″–a great throw size. $150

Who doesn’t love a scrappy quilt that doesn’t really look too scrappy? The traditional four patch is connected with half square triangles to create movement. The modern pattern selected for the machine quilting give a more contemporary look. 56″ x 82″ $200. SOLD

I named this Starry Night. If you look up in “dark skies” you are able to see the galaxy of stars. Vicki used her Christmas party dark blue print fat quarters for this table topper, 25″ x 25″. $45

Before you know it, we will be buying pumpkins and Halloween trick or treat candy! This spooky 34″ x 42″ walling hanging or table topper by Elaine gets you in the mood. $65

I have seen KC Chiefs projects, Christmas table runners and placemats set, a patriotic red, white and blue quilt—all in the final stages of production. We have filled our storage cabinets full of items for Quilts Etc. Sale in October! So feel free to do some early shopping.

Do you use these terms interchangeably? Most of us do. We were told to grab a tea/dish towel and dry the dishes that were washed by hand. After a large family meal several towels would be used before the mountain of dishes were dried and put away. We might get a way with spreading a tea towel on the kitchen counter top and stack washed dishes in a intricate pyramid. And all of us had the cousin or brother that used the damp towel to snap it on our arms or legs. These humble kitchen accessories have had an interesting history.

Google search found that persons in the UK and Australia almost exclusively entered the term “tea” towels and persons in Canada and the US looked up the term “dish” towels. This has been attributed to the English and Irish’s long practice of serving tea…from the “cuppa” in the simple cottage to “high tea” in the lords ad ladies manor drawing room. A towel was wrapped around the tea pot to keep it warm and catch any spills. Tea towels were spread over the bread or cakes before the tea was served. Linen was usually reserved for the wealthy. Mass production with the cotton mills allowed the ordinary housewife to use cotton tea towels. But with the severe depression of the nineteen thirties, no money was available to spend on fabric.

In the last half of the twentieth century, printed terry cloth towels became more popular. They were very absorbent and were printed in the colors of the time or season. I still have some of those avocado green and gold floral towels–as cleaning rags. They were inexpensive and were great for wiping counters and drying hands. But terry cloth leaves lint on dishes, glassware and flatware. Regular woven cotton towels are now preferred for dish towels.

Paper towels were “invented” in the 1890’s but were not marketed specifically for kitchens until the 1930s. They were hailed for their convenience and sanitation. BUT they have a tremendous negative impact on the environment–they can’t be recycled, they use virgin paper pulp contributing to the depletion of the forests and harmful chemicals are used in their manufacturing. Personally, I have reduced my use of paper towels–not eliminated their use. I still wipe the countertop with a paper towel after cutting up raw chicken. But cloth towels are much better for our world!

Embroidered tea or dish towels make great hostess gifts or a special thank you gift.. …. useful, unique, and not expensive. Use an embroidered towel as the gift wrap…a gift wrap that won’t be put in the trash. Plus a kitchen with an embroidered tea towel seems homey!

We will have several embroidered projects in the Quilts Etc. Sale in October, but here is a peek of what is available now. The towels are approximately 26″ x 33″ and all cotton muslin.

The following are single towels–

Ric rac and reproduction fabric is used on some….

These towels are great to have in your kitchen, no matter if you call them dish or tea or kitchen towels. Come to the Quilts Etc. Sale in October to see in person all the towels we will have—-or buy one now!

It is March, the beginning of spring–in Kansas. Today the weather man predicts we will be in the low 70’s and that next week we could see snow! Your winter clothes are too heavy and you are tired of them. Your spring clothes seem a bit premature. But there are hints of spring.

A personal sign for me is March birthdays. In my hazy memories, we celebrate these important birthdays in a spring like environment.

In our house, the Bunny Invasion is a sure sign of spring. I collect bunnies to hide around our home—they are not expensive but fun and will stay out until it is time to celebrate Memorial Day-Fourth of July with red, white and blue.

But the surest sign of the seasons changing? Our furry child– a handsome, stubborn, and dramatic Shibu Inu starts shedding!

This is from one session this week! He loves to be brushed and will stand still for five minutes or more if I tell him how handsome he is–and he know he will receive one of the special soft treats when we are done! I vacuum everyday –a shout out for my Dyson cord free vacuum. I keep a lint brush in the car, in the bathroom, in the kitchen—. Yep, spring is around the corner!

#. Paper-pieced log cabin table runner, 14″ x 26″. $30

#2. Braided placemats, 15″ x 18″ 6 for $55

St. Pat’s pillowcases $15 each, reg. pillow. Irish chain table runner 14″ x 30″. $30

And we are having fun with some spring projects.

The tulip table runner is 17″ x 46″ and can be yours for $40.

The flowers might be summer flowers, but the colors are spring-like. The wall hanging was donated to us. It is hand quilted measuring 37″ x 56″ . $125

In my next post I will share some other projects just for Easter–so, dress in layers, enjoy the sunshine and the snow. It is March in Kansas!

You have a new quilt! No matter if the quilt is beautiful or interesting, just finished or gently loved, sentimental or an investment, with a history or bought at a sale, the next question is often “what do I do with it?” I have many quilts and only two beds. And this is a little embarrassing, but I like having a coverlet on the bed on which I sleep rather than a quilt. So, how do I store my quilts and how do I display them so I may enjoy them. Each of my quilting friends likes to be surrounded by their quilts so I have ask them to share photos.

Quilts on beds seem the natural show cases, especially the guest rooms.

The quilts made from ’30’s and “40’s reproduction prints goes well with the metal day bed frame Peggy found. Vicki’s guest room showcases two of her interests–light houses and quilting! I have layered or stacked quilts on my guest room bed. At most, the room is used by guests three or four times a year. So under the top quilt, I am storing a Halloween quilt and a Christmas quilt until I ready the room for “sleep over” guests.

Quilt racks vary a great deal

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Janis has another popular free standing rack, a ladder designed to display several quilts.

Several quilts can be displayed at one time and it adds visual height to the room. This rack could be moved from room to room but you must have an empty spot for it.

I like to use walls to show off my quilts. Anything I hang on our walls, must have meaning to me or my family, so quilts are perfect for decorating our home.

Drapery rods or curtain rods work well. They are easy to install and can be inexpensive.

A hanging sleeve was sewn on the back of the quilt for the rod to be inserted. Temporary sleeves or loops may be carefully pinned on the back.

Quilts can get quite ingenious in an effort to show off their work.

Quilts make wonderful table toppers or table cloths.

What do you do when you have more quilts than walls or chairs or tables? Again, necessity is the source of our creativity.

Open shelving is one solution.

Quilts add warmth to a home …on a wall, in a basket, over the sofa back. Want to make your home inviting? Scatter a few quilts about!

Valentine’s Day sneaks up quicker than any other holiday–well, my husband’s birthday just jumps onto the calendar. I am never prepared. Never. And now, Valentine’s Day is five days away! I do have the grandkids cards in the mail, but otherwise, yikes! In lieu of getting my husband something creative, but meaningful, he will have to settle for a Hallmark card. Maybe an heart shaped pizza?

Some fun facts I found on the internet about Valentine’s Day:

1. February 14 was chosen to celebrate Valentines because it was believed in France and England that birds started mating on this early spring day.

2. Of the 145 million cards sold by Hallmark, teachers receive the majority followed by children, mothers and wives. Since I taught high school students, I can not verify this!

3. The 250 million roses given in US for Valentine’s Day are grown in the Southern Hemisphere.

4. Valentine’s Day is the most popular day to become engaged to be married.

5. The first heart shaped chocolate box was made in 1861 by Cadbury–and I always associated Cadbury with Easter. Chocolate used to be prescribed by physicians for patients suffering from a broken heart or pinning for a lost love. Makes sense!

6. $751.3 million is spent each year by pet owners for their furry family members. Sorry cats, dogs receive more Valentine gifts.

7. The original “lovebirds” were the rare parrots, Agapornia, that mated for life.

8. In many countries around the world, Valentine’s Day is a day to express gratitude for friends. I like this message. Amy Poehler on the hit show Parks and Recreation suggested “Galentines Day” be celebrated on February 13. She wanted “ladies celebrating ladies” and fajitas.

9. According to some experts, candy conversation hearts have a shelf life of 5 years. But if you find a bag in you pantry hidden behind a can of chick peas dated 2010–they are just fine for consumption!

10. Chocolate and flowers are the most common gifts given on the 14th The most money is spent on jewelry. But if you wanted to be creative–give a gift they have never received before. Check out the quilted gifts below. Each of these items would be great Galentine Day gifts!!

Peggy was creative when she made these pennants. One side is Christmas fabric and one side is Valentines. Don’t even put them away in January–just flip them to the other side for February. Each pennant of ten triangles is $15.

This table topper or wall hanging is larger….30″ x 30″. The hearts and pinwheels were made from an assortment of red and white fabrics. $40

Valentine Day is fun, but showing kindness and sharing gratitude for our family members and friends is important everyday. A romantic partner is wonderful, but the best test of relationship is what happens on other 364 days of the year. Happy ❤️ Day!

Happy Groundhog Day! Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter! According to news outlets, he has been right 100 out of 137 times since the late 1880’s. But, Phil, it is only the second day of February—what do you expect? All of us have experienced some of our coldest temperatures and most snow in February and March. Even in Kansas, I have had to bundle my daughter up in snow boots, winter coat and gloves over her new pastel floral Easter dress. So, I wasn’t too shocked to learn we could have six more weeks of winter.

The movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, a very, very funny comedy, is about a weatherman caught in a time loop, having to live the same day over and over. The title of the movie morphed into a catch phrase for ” same old same” over and over again–not in a good way.

Not the case at Quilters at First. We have something different each time we meet. Yesterday, four quilters brought finished treasures to share–and all of them are different from previous projects. Creative people find it difficult to do the same thing over and over–a previously popular project may be tweaked a bit to make it better or due to necessity.

Elaine used Kaffe Fassett designed fabric for this framed hour glass quilt. Kaffe Fassett has been called the “guru of glorious color”. HIs fabric is very distinctive and breathes new life into a traditional pattern. This quilt is 60″ x 75″ and machine quilted. $150

Valentines Day is only 12 days away. Measuring 28″ x 28″, this pieced heart wall hanging was created using Kansas Troubles fabric. The Kansas Troubles lines are more muted and suggest a past time in our state’s history. $50

Phyllis claims she only sews in the winter–but we have contradicting evidence. Her latest projects have different holiday themes.

Before you know it, we will be putting out pumpkins and buying trick or treat candy instead of Easter basket candy! This Witch table runner has dangling boots! The quilted plaid center is 13″ x 48″ and is for sale for $50;

We saw the “design board” stage of these charming wall hangings earlier this year–now the finished projects! All are “Janis’ appliqué”.

And guess who showed up–Korny Cat!!

Just ask him what he thinks of Punxsutawney Phil–or humans that dress him up for Halloween. Neither would be pretty! I am so tempted–my dog and my husband are not cat fans. Korny Cat would be a good substitute–are you in the same situation? 13.5″ x 18.5″ $50

It may be Groundhog Day on the calendar but not in the sewing room!