I have a dilemma—I am not sure if I share this particular worry with other quilters but every holiday season, every birth or special occasion I spend too many hours worrying over this … Do I gift a homemade item?

I love making quilts and quilted gifts for my family and friends–but have I gone over board? I don’t have this issue when sewing for our annual sale and auction. People can buy the placemats, table runner or not. They can buy the items for themselves or as a gift. No pressure on me. But for my family-ehhh.

One exception is when a family member or friends asks for a quilt and shares exactly what they want. For example I am finishing a quilt for a grandson in which he choose the pattern and fabrics.

To add to pressure, I just finished a novel in which the newly married couple received an ugly oil painting from an aunt (yep, an aunt again) that she painted herself. It was so ugly that it was scary. They kept in a closet and only hung when she visited. In this case it was the clue that solved a murder! I don’t worry that my gifts are frightening, but I do worry that the gift isn’t right for their lifestyle.

This Christmas I had two such dilemmas. The first is a table runner/wall hanging that I had intended to give my son who used to collect Santas. During the dark nights of winter in a pandemic, I embroidered what I thought would be the perfect gift! It was a pattern by Bird Brain of four Santas in red work. I quickly finished it and it has hung on my design wall for months needing the patchwork frame and quilting! Should I give it to them before Christmas–but then they would need to display it when I visited them over the holidays. Is he “over” Santas? Does my sweet daughter-in-law want decorate her home with her choices? Finally I decided to give it to them Christmas morning and they don’t have to use it this year–the house is already decorated.

My other “homemade” gifts were for friends in my quilting group. Giving an homemade gift to people who quilt well is a challenge! Every year at Christmas we exchange fat quarters because ..well, every quilter can always use more fat quarters! We have a limit of two fqs per person, but traditionally we add another treat in each gift bag. It can be candy or a quilt pattern printed nail file, etc. This year I had some fun snowman fabric that I wanted to use. But what?–I did not have that much. Mug rugs? Yes! Well, personally I am not a big fan of mug rugs, but I could just squeeze out the number I needed. I could have made coasters (the same thing but smaller) but one mug rug sounds better than one coaster! Plus there are less calories in mug rugs than candy.

Perhaps I do over think somethings–well, a lot of things. But friends, I do put much thought into your gifts. And with each gift I give there are many warm thoughts and love.

I am looking forward to sharing some of our new projects in January. Until then, Merry Christmas to all of you who have shared this new adventure with me and a huge thank you!

This past Wednesday we celebrated our 2021 Quilt Sales. Traditionally we have a luncheon and invited church staff and present our checks to the representatives of the TV Ministry and the Religious Nurture Center. COVID prevented us from having the delicious luncheon—–but both groups of quilters did met with the head minister and the director of RNC to announce the amount of our gifts.

See the smiles on Rev. Cindy and Matt. We were able to give the second largest gifts ever–and this would be the 28th year! We were able to give this money because of you, all of you that supported the Quilts Etc. Sales by buying table runners, baby quilts, barn quilts etc. Thank you to those that visited the sale in person and thanks to you that bought items from Facebook and the blog. Thank you to those that shared the posts online to reach a larger number of people

The funds given to the TV will support a month of broadcasting! Join us on KAKE TV at 11 am every Sunday morning if you want to see what it is all about. During Advent the sermon series is “Coming Attractions”.

The monies given to the Religious Nurture Center allows adults with disabilities to participate in special events through out the year. For example, tickets the Lights at the Zoo and the Christmas special at the Forum were some of the fun field trips.

By the way…the lovely blue and white quilt we used as back drop for our photo is still for sale! It is 88″ x 108″–fits a queen or king size bed. The machine quilting is a soft floral. It is for sale for $500. If you want to see more photos go back to the post “Not too Busy”.

Words can not express our gratitude for your support. Thank you!

The Quilters at First lost a very dear friend this past year. She was part of the hand quilting group and for years she was in charge of the bake sale at the quilt auction. Coila had the sweetest smile which was a reflection of the person she was. I can only hope people say a fraction of the nice things about me when I am gone as I have heard about her in the past months.

Coila, like many quilters, had a secondary hobby that accompanied her passion for quilting. Coila liked to buy fabric–in all forms–fat quarters, yardage, panels, precuts, kits. If you share this hobby, you are aware that sometimes you have a plan and sometimes you don’t. But the fabric was… so pretty, or interesting, or unique, or inexpensive that you could not resist. When visiting a new shop you don’t want to be rude and walk out without purchasing something–so a few fat quarters that will be used sometime!

Coila instructed her daughters to give her “stash” to the Quilters at First. She knew her fabric! The Quilters have sorted and selected projects to make for the Quilts Etc. Sale according to their individual interests. Coila’s “Works in Progress” are being completed. Some of the projects will take longer periods of time to complete–I am working on a quilt using my favorite ’30’s and 40’s reproduction prints with approximately 1500 rectangles that measure 2″ by 3 1/2″! But smaller kits and panels have been finished!

The following three wall hangings have been completed by Vicki and quilted by Elaine. It would be a shame to just fold them up in the cupboard to wait for next October, so here they are!

“Wishing you Peace and Joy” measures 30″ x 45″ and is $125. The machine quilting is perfect for this piece that features snow. Look at the close ups below.

The Christmas theme panel below is flannel and measures 28″ x 38″ and is $75

The machine quilting is also a holiday theme. See the candy canes and bells.

For the traditionalists or folk who like the rustic farm look, this wall hanging or table topper is your choice.

Measuring 22″ x 22″, you could find lots of places to put this in your home. It is machine appliquéd and quilted by stitching in the ditch. It is only $25.

Coila was a beautiful woman. We miss her, but her gifts to the Quilters will continue to inspire and support the missions of her Church.

Shopping in her stash at home, his mother found the perfect fabric. It was white with green and blue lines made up of dashes. It was a “blender” from a quilt designer in 2015. Wonderful! She had several yards of it. Hurrah! Not being able to wait , I started cutting fabric at their home using her special ruler. When packing up the fabric to return to Kansas, she insisted I take all the blender fabric, “just in case” I needed it. I had all the triangles cut–even though I was making it a bit larger than the pattern, but I brought it with me.

Fast forward to after the Quilts Etc. Sale and Auction. Finally, I could start sewing “the quilt”. I was so looking forward to making these simple blocks for his quilt. I would sew perfect 1/4 inch seams, I would press very carefully, not stretching the fabric and I would listen to “a” really great novel while doing so! I joined the different green and blue fabrics together, trying to make every color/print combination that was available. I loaded a new blade in my rotary cutter and flipped the ruler every other time as not to waste fabric when cutting the block. Then I started sewing the white triangles on to the cut strip set to make a 6.5 inch block. The photo below is the two parts of the block.

But I very quickly discovered half of my triangles were cut wrong! Half the pieces were mirror images of the correct pieces. I had cut the triangle from strips of fabric that were folded right sides togethers–creating with every cut, one facing left and one facing right!

No problem, I would use all I could and then cut new ones correctly from the extra fabric I had brought with me—but wait–It gets more complicated!

No matter how well I sew and pressed, my block were wonky. So I decided the best thing to do was to trim my imperfect 6.5 inch blocks down to almost perfect 6 inch blocks. (Remember this quilt was for my grandson!). But I would lose half an inch per block–therefore I will need to make at least 20 more blocks to insure the quilt is the same size. I will need 20 more “left facing” white triangles in addition to the 180 I need to replace my “right facing” triangle that I cut earlier and can’t use!! No matter how I finagle –I don’t have enough fabric. Even if I didn’t quite cut them to the original size–I use every piece of scrap I brought with me. Still not enough. What do I do? I search the internet- Etsy, eBay, the distributor’s web site, the giant on-line stores–not out there. I could start all over but this was the perfect blender.

Finally I start sewing blocks together. At this point I am on my third novel! Maybe I was at the crucial ending–I enjoy British mysteries –when I joined these two blocks together. Also, I tried not to have the same fabric in the two blocks I was joining but look..

But only two like this out of 364–not bad..

What have I learned so far…. 1. Self imposed deadlines are just that– self imposed. I wanted to gift the quilt this Christmas, but my grandson isn’t expecting it then. Not getting it in December will not ruin his Christmas. Rushing to meet my deadline resulted in some huge mistakes. I need to slow down and enjoy the process.

2. One mistake will not ruin the entire quilt. He is going to have a quilt big enough for his 6 ft. 3+ inches. His Grandma Judy made it for him. He chose the pattern and the fabrics. Hopefully he will remember the fun afternoon we had picking the fabrics–and this goofy mistake and the others his Grandma Judy made will cause him to smile.

3. Done is better than perfect. I am not the first person to say this, but some lessons must be relearned. This quilt, although not perfect, will wrap my eldest grandson with love and warmth all the rest of his life.

Stay tuned, I will show the finished quilt on this site…someday!

just returned from celebrating my grandson’s 13th birthday. Since it was the first actual birthday I had spent with him, I wanted to give him something very special, that he would remember for ever. After agonizing for weeks over the gift, I gave him money! I am sure money is high on a 13 year old’s list of desired gifts, but his other two sets of grandparents also gave him money …not so unique!

But I am delighted to be making a huge quilt for my 16 year old grandson. I am in “quilting grandma” heaven making his quilt in the fabrics he choose, in the pattern he selected. I am making a gift for him that is truly one of a kind and will always remind him of his Grandma Judy. Not everyone wants to make a quilt, but the quilts that someone purchased with one particular person in mind are just as special.

As the holidays approach, gift giving can become stress full. Even selecting a small gift for a neighbor or co-worker or your sister in law who has everything becomes worrisome. You don’t want to show up at the office party with a scented candle–just like everyone else. Gift cards are nice but not that personal, and as a recipient of cards, I always spend a lot more than the card or losing it!! After the gifted wine is set out, I forget who brought what.

I have a gift giving suggestion! Handmade gifts by the Quilters at First–they are unique, they are not setting on a cargo ship outside Los Angles, and for the quality of the product, they are inexpensive. We have several items that were not sold at the Quilts Etc. Sale in October—and in some cases, we would made an item specially for you to give.

For the college student or alumni, these pillowcases are a perfect gift. They are fleece which makes them especially cozy –and durable. $20 each

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Have one of these people in your life?

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This quilt would fit the bill for the potential sports fan in your life.

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Perfect for tailgating, spreading the ground for siblings to play on while Mom watches the game, or folding at the end of a twin bed. For the “parents-to-be” with a passion for sports , this would be a great baby gift. It is approximately 45″ square and only $90.

Wrap this little snow persons banner around a bottle of wine and your friends will remember your hostess gift. $15

All our microwave bowls sold out very quickly at the sale. They keep your hands from burning as you remove your soup from the microwave. Also, they help keep your hand warm while enjoying that late night dish of ice cream before bed. These bowls make great hostess gifts or white elephant gifts—fill them with wrapped candies or packages of nuts….it’s not a scented candle! If you would like to order some, please contact me in the comments section. Do you want a certain color? Christmas? KU or KSU or WSU? The standard 9 inch ones are $8 each.

Quilters at First want to expand our membership—no joining or monthly fees or contact to sign, just a love of fabric, an interest in creating and an opportunity to help others. Few sewing skills?—I would enjoy helping you get started and for a period of time provide the tools to do so. Contact me through the comments section. I hope to hear from you.

Have you observed that when a friend is really into something–gardening or cruises or antiquing–they really want you to become passionate about their passion also. I am not immune to that tendency. I “enjoy/love” all aspects of quilting. Fabric shopping, pattern selection, cutting out with a new rotary blade, sewing together small pieces of fabric to create blocks.

Would you like to explore this passion of mine and the other Quilters at First? We are inviting you to join us. If you are a quilter but don’t have a group, come check us out, remembering that our main goal is to sew for the annual Quilts Etc. Sale that benefits two ministries at First United Methodist Church, Wichita, KS. You don’t need to be a member of FUMC, three of our very active quilters belong to other churches. We bring our own machines, projects and lunch—and treats.

We meet Wednesdays from 11 am to around 5 pm in a room that is designated for quilters. Our members come and go according to their personal schedules. If you are interested, please contact me by leaving a comment. I will receive an email and respond to your queries.

If you are not a quilter and would like to learn, this is your opportunity. I would like to help you learn the basics of piecing and quilting with a machine. We have sewing machines, rotary cutters, mats, rulers etc that you can use during these learning sessions.

I would work with you for three to 6 weeks depending on your starting point. In my past life, I was a high school Family and Consumer Science teacher–I taught sewing and quilting but promise you I am not one of those Home Economics teachers that haunt your nightmares with a seam ripper! Done is better than perfect.

So, consider yourself invited! No commitments are necessary. You don’t know until you tried it!

Since my son was going to the Navel Academy after high school graduation, all the usual graduation gifts were unnecessary. The only thing the US Navy did not provide was a computer and printer. Family and friends showered him with money to purchase his own computer. Being old school, I insisted that he write thank you notes for each gift. Ouch–an eighteen year old leaving home for the adventure of his lifetime struggled. So we came up with a formula. Had to be three sentences, had to say for what he was going to use the money, and had to include one personal sentence….thank you for coming to my party, etc. After he left for the Navy, I received so many calls, emails, and comments about how pleased the person was to receive the thank you note. “Thank you” is so important!

The Quilts Etc. Sale and Auction is in the books for 2021.

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But I would be remiss if I didn’t thank each person or group of persons that made it happen!

Thank you…to First United Methodist Church for providing a huge space with easy access for the sale AND for the two rooms dedicated to the Quilters at First to use every Wednesday

Thank you…to the various staff members of the Church.

Our pastors that gave us encouragement and support

The media and communions staff that helped advertise the event

The custodial staff that moved furniture and equipment

Thank you… to the husbands that cashiered and cleaned up

Thank you…to close friends and family that came just to support us (and provide treats for energy)

Thank you.. to every Facebook friend that shared our posts in order to reach more people

Thank you…to the two wood artists that made the first barn quilts we have included in the sale

Thank you…to each quilter that bought supplies and spent hours creating amazing quilts and other projects

And to YOU…Thank you for visiting the blog, Facebook and the sale! For purchasing quilts, placemats, table runners, micro wave bowls, aprons, banners, wall hangings, pillows, baby bibs and burp clothes, mug rugs, kitchen towel sets, tortilla warmers, pot holders, dog collars, pin cushions ETC. Because of you, we will be able to donate a significant sum of money to the Religious Nurture Center and the TV Ministry. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The blog will continue through out the year with weekly posts. Items will be for sale all year. As it gets closer to the holidays and gift giving, remember we are an option for local unique gifts. If you want to purchase an item, leave me a message in the comments. I will get in touch with you.

The Quilts Etc. Sale and Auction is next Friday and Saturday! The Quilters at First are getting super excited…and just a little bit stressed. The pre-priced items will go on sale Friday, Oct. 15, at 10 am and we will stay open until 6 pm. On Saturday, Oct. 16, we will open at 10 am for shopping. At 12 noon we will have a live auction. Shoppers may continue to shop until 2 pm.

The following 29 items have been selected to be auctioned. But any of these quilts may be bought before the auction. If a quilt is purchased before the auction, we will replace it with another quilt–probably lap or baby size.

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If you have question about anyone of these quilts, please leave feedback in the comments.

And as listed in the flyer, there are hundreds of smaller, pre-priced items.

We look forward to seeing you there!