Lessons Learned, Part II

Remember the quilt I was making for my grandson? (Lessons Learned) It is on its way to Washington State via UPS! I can write about it and show photos here before it reaches him because… do you know a 16 year old boy who reads his grandma’s blog? No, didn’t think you did!

He choose the backing from an online company while I was visiting them over the holidays. He kept saying he wanted denim–that his “baby” quilt had denim on the back. No, it didn’t. The backing was a tone on tone blue that to him resembled denim. After his mom and I convinced him that denim would make the 100″ x 100″ quilt so heavy that he would be trapped under it, unable to turn over, he selected a dark green grunge.

He still wanted the National Parks panel on the back. I wonder what his future wife will think of this addition? To add the panel on the back, I had to cut the 108″ backing down the center, and piece the panel with the other pieces. Do you know now much I hated doing this? One of the joys of 108″ wide backing is not having to piece it! What we do for grandchildren.

Trish L, long arm quilter extraordinaire, suggested this pattern to compliment the top and the recipient.

This pattern was the right density and not girly. It was a quick turn around and now to sew on the binding. I have a love/hate relationship with binding. I love hand sewing the second edge to the back, but dread machine stitching the raw edge. This would be even more of a challenge given it was 100 inches square. I had to clean up my sewing table to give myself room to maneuver that monster under the machine.

After several episodes of 1883, Ozark and Vera, it was finished! I even embroidered his name, the date and “my title” on the back–maybe less likely to come off over the years than a sew-on label?

I had to take it to Church and hang it from the stair well to get a good photo.


It was only fitting that after all the challenges with this quilt, that the “quick” trip to the UPS store took 20+ minutes at the counter. New worker and unfamiliar software? But we all kept our cool and wished each other a good evening with smiles as I left. I wanted only good vibes going with this package.

I do realize that this quilt means a lot more to me than to a 16 year old, but someday in the future….? He has a 13 year old brother. I had better get started. It will be a whole different ballgame with him!

(New additions to the photo gallery)

UFOs

Every career, hobby and organization has its unique abbreviations or acronyms. When my son was in the Navy, I hardly knew what he was talking about when his conversations consisted of one abbreviation after another. Once while standing on shore looking out in the bay, I ask about a ship on the horizon. “It is a BFS”. I will leave it to you to figure that one out. My daughter is well versed in education jargon. When she is explaining her week to me, I understand about half of the various programs or plans of actions since all have a shorten title –usually just letters! My daughter- in- law speaks medical jargon. My husband is well versed in engineering talk.

But I can confound them with my “quilting” verbiage! “I need to go to my LQS to pick up a couple of FQ.” “I would love to join a BOM club but I have too many WIP as it is.” “My favorite block is a HST.” Need a translation? “I need to go to my LOCAL QUILT STORE is pick up a couple of FAT QUARTERS (18″ x 42″ precut).” “I would love to join a BLOCK OF THE MONTH club but I have too many WORKS IN PROGRESS.” “My favorite block is a HALF SQUARE TRIANGLE.” And some of those words have particular meanings in the quilt world. New quilters often have a difficult time understanding a commercial pattern if the author relied on abbreviations that are common to seasoned quilters such as RST (right sides together) and WOF (width of fabric) and don’t include a glossary.

Most of us lament the number of UFOs hiding in our closets and storage bins. We are not suggesting alien spaceships have invaded our sewing rooms. UFOs in quilting world are UNFINISHED OBJECTS. I won’t share how many UFOs I have tucked away, embarrassing but not uncommon! Why? I became frustrated or I had to purchase more fabric to finish or I needed to clean up for guests and it was put away and forgotten. Or most likely– I can’t wait to start a new project with this lovely new fabric or intriguing pattern and I will just put aside this project “for a while”. There are as many reasons as there are UFOs. I do finish most eventually and it is a wonderful feeling.

January is the month of resolutions, especially among quilters. Many of us vow to finish up projects before we start anything new! Shirley has already eliminated two UFOs that had been hanging around too long. Fresh from LAQ (long arm quilting), they are TGIF (thank goodness it’s finished) and we are happy to share them with you!

The teals, purples and grays are combined in this pattern to give a very contemporary feel. Measuring 62″ x 84″, it fits a twin bed perfectly. The machine quilting of randomly spaced straight lines–matchstick–also add to the modern mood.

I would be tempted to occasionally flip the quilt over and use the backing for a different look. Morning glories match perfectly and are a happy reminder of summer. The quilt is $200.

Solid black fabric combined with random batiks create another striking non-traditional quilt.

Measuring 50″ x 65″, it is a large lap quilt that could be used in a variety of decors. The black fabric compliments each batik and ties together the scrappy look. I like the use of HSTs –remember, half square triangles! The machine quilting is a swirl pattern softening the points and block’s straight lines. Yours for $150.

I often must look up the abbreviations my younger friends use in their texts to me– being of the age that spells everything out, but I do know my quilting abbreviations!

As always, leave a comment if you are interested in a quilt or have an interesting story about abbreviations.

“Sew” much Love, Part II

Do you remember the boxes covered in red, white and pink crepe paper and lace dollies that were created to set on our desks in the elementary classroom for the single purpose of collecting valentines. I am not sure why we had to have boxes–everyone signed their cards and in my small school with two grades per room, twenty five valentines were the most even the most popular student received. Well, as a retired teacher, I do know–it was an easy “art” project to occupy student’s time for a week and everyone had something in which to carry the valentines home–most of us rode buses, a magnet for lost papers, report cards and library books.

Several years ago, the art teacher in my grandson’s school sponsored a contest for the most unique, most well crafted, etc. valentine boxes. A eleven year old boy can not have the adjectives frilly, sweet, pretty or cute used to describe his entry.

The entire family came up with ideas. He chose to create a USP mail box. Dad, Mom and Grandma were itching to help but it was his project! It didn’t win, but he was so proud of it.

I think we all wanted to help because Valentine “art” is fun–it is bright, it isn’t serious and it is short term. The Quilters at First have had some fun with valentine fabric “art” –each piece has been listed in the Photo Gallery, but since we had so much fun with them, here they are again.

This table topper is and made from a variety of red fabrics. Each piece is an half square triangle, one of my favorite blocks to make. It is machine quilted and if you look close there are hearts in the quilting. It is 30″ x 30″ and for sale for $40.

Many different valentine prints were used to create this charmer. The center is filled with dozens of “hour glass” blocks. The backing is also a valentine print–no photo–but one could flip it over and have a second table runner. The table runner measures 14″ x 38″ and is $40

A greeting card or a pillow pattern or an ad in a magazine will give Janis an idea. She uses her magic and creates something new and even more charming. This table runner would go great with a dish of conversational hearts or cup cakes with lots of frosting near by. It is 11″ x 38″ and is $50.

As always, if you are interested, leave a message in the comment section. Have fun getting ready for February 14.

Kansas Day

Do you celebrate Kansas Day on January 29? According to Google, Kansas Day is “fairly unique” among the different states. I grew up in Missouri and I have no memory of a classroom party for my state or coloring pages of the state tree, bird or reptile! When my children were in elementary school and I volunteered to be a co-room mother due to my working/single mom guilt, many cup cakes were decorated like sunflowers for Kansas Day parties. Later, my husband, born and raised in Kansas, created Kansas trivia contests for us. I have made him sunflower placemats. It is a big deal in our family.

The Quilters at First may not have a party to celebrate, but we do like sunflowers, the state flower. They work well in January as well as part of your fall decor.

This table runner is 12″ x 42″ and made from various batiks. The sunflowers win the diagonal corners are “Dresden petals”. Dresden quilts were very popular during the 1920-30’s, but have been adapted into contemporary designs. The runners is $40.

The pillow measures 18.5″ x 18.5″. Dresden templates were used to make the petals from tonal yellows, oranges and browns. The petals are hand appliqued. Pearl cotton was used to hand quilt around the flower as well as the petals. The back of the pillow is machine quilted. The pillow is $30.

At present Kansas is suffering from drought conditions. I can not remember the last time we had rain of any substance. We need moisture and would welcome precipitation in any form–well, maybe not ice, but measurable snow would be fine!

These snow people express our feelings well.

The pillow is approximately 15″ square. The snow people are hand embroidered. The pillow is machine quilted. It is $30.

Shades of green fabric was used to create the framework of sawtooth stars and flying geese. The table runner is 22″ x 57″ and would fit into your decor all winter long.

These hand embroidered snow people would be happy as a table runner or chest of drawers topper or even a wall hanging. It is $75.

If you are interested in any of these pieces leave a note in the comments section. We will ship these items for the cost of the postage. Happy Kansas Day–even if you are living in Virginia or Washington–temporarily 😉!

“Sew” much Love

Happy 2022! Yes, it really is 2022. I wrote my entire annual Christmas letter referencing 2020–it wasn’t until I was proof reading the draft a few hours latter that I realized we were finishing up 2021! I hope your holiday was filled with love and laughter. I traveled to Seattle to be with both my children and grandchildren. Grateful for Alaskan Airlines, dishwashers and negative COVID tests.

The Quilters at First have lots of “Quilty” projects on the drawing board but most of us took a break from sewing. We did not take a break from shopping some of the great fabric year-end sales!

After the Christmas lights and decor are put away, the house can seem a bit bare. I believe that is why Valentines Day with its pretty pinks and reds is welcomed. February in Kansas can seem longer than the twenty eight days on the calendar.

Also, Valentines Day can be somewhat iffy for some folks. But affection and gratitude can be shared with best friends, extended family and co-workers. In fact The Atlantic Monthly wrote that over fifty percent of Valentine cards sent are to others than a “significant”. But we all can agree that February can use some color other than grey. The following items from the Quilters at First are sure to add some love to your home.

This small wall hanging or table topper is 21″ x 24″. Hanging triangles are in the back top corners for a dowel rod, making it easy to display. Or use it on your table under a vase of flowers or greenery. $30

Octagon shapes are perfect for round tables but are at home on end tables or dining tables. This valentine fabric with grey hearts is more contemporary than some of the seasonal prints. Measuring 24″ x 24″, it is $45.

Table runners areas not just for tables–this 14″ x 28″ collection of hearts covers the top of a chest of drawers. It is machine quilted and bound in a valentine print with an inner flange. It is $40. SOLD

This 17″ x 21″ wall hanging is a cozy collection of hearts-appliqued and pieced. To add to the vintage feel, it is hand quilted. The hanging sleeve is already on the back. $30

Bunting can be used many different places–fireplace or vintage furniture or a corner that needs a party feel. Each one is $10. One has 10 pendants, the other two have 9. From end to end the tape measures approximately 120″.

These delightful mug rugs (coasters) are machine appliqued and machine embroidered. Buy the set and keep them all for yourself or gift one to six lucky friends. These wool felt rugs are $40 for all six.

A variety of seasonal prints were used in this table runner. Due to my poor photography skills with a phone camera, it is difficult to see the hearts in the machine quilting. Measuring 23″ x 42″, this piece could easily be converted into a wall hanging. $45

Presidents Day, close to Washington’s Birthday is also in February. What do we associate with Washington from that childhood fable? Cherries!

These red and white potholders would be a great valentine for the cook in your life. Ric-rac, my favorite trim, is used on these functional as well a decorative potholders. There is a layer of batting and heat resistant fabric used. Each one is $5.

If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, please contact me in the comment section. It shows up in my email so I won’t miss you!

A Quilter’s Dilemma

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.

Do you remember this scene from the movie “A Christmas Story”? I am positive his aunt spent hours and hours making these warm, unique pj’s? Getting those ears to stand up and putting a zipper in fur would not have been easy. And then there was the thank you note! Maybe she should have just sent a cowboy puzzle from the dime store.

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.

So, family this is one of your presents. Mom loves you and if you want to donate it to a charity sale sometime, I am OK with that.

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.

With fellow quilters, it is questions about my binding corners or where I joined the binding or the points on the flying geese! But then, I came to my senses…It is a seasonal mug rug, not a quilt! They can boxed it up after the new year.

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!

Thank You, Everyone!

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.

Two representatives from each group of quilters with Rev Cindy and Matt

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!

Laurel Burch

Do you remember the first time you saw a piece of Laurel Burch’s artwork? I was in a gift shop somewhere in California and spied these colorful earrings. These unique pieces were “cloisonné” and everyone of them featured a cat! I bought a pair for my Mom and I still have them–they hurt my ears to wear, but I will keep them forever.

Laurel Burch had severe osteopetrosis and in her life time she had over 100 bone fractures. She never owned a cat, but drawing their faces in bright colors gave her joy and comfort. Cats were not her only inspiration, but no matter the design, the colors were intense and rich. Her passion in life was to create beauty and to help others. Her studios continue this mission with the motto of “live colorfully–give colorfully”. Originally Laurel Burch worked in metal and enamel but later included all sort of materials including fabric. Shirley used Christmas fabric from a Laurel Burch licensed manufacturer to craft this holiday quilt.

The wall hanging/table topper/ sofa quilt is 40″ x 40″. It is machine pieced and machine quilted.

The gold and black outlines around the deep colors copy the “Cloisonné” artwork.

This happy but unusual holiday piece is only $50. Please leave a message in the comments if you are interested.

Sold–Neat Christmas gift for someone!

Gifts from a Friend

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.