Quilts, Etc.

A Classroom Flashback

This past Wednesday I experienced a flashback to my “teaching” days. As we prepare for the Quilt Sale in October, our Church staff has been thinking of new ways to advertise the event. Kane, the Church Administrator for Membership and Pastoral Care, and local funny guy came up with the idea of a video replacing a quilter speaking during the offering time slot. Silly me, I was imagining an informational video stating the obvious–what, who, when and where. But Kane thought it would be better to show himself and Rev. Jeff learning to quilt and then say, “quilting is more difficult than we thought, come to the Quilt Sale and purchase something the pros made”–or something like that!

So, Wednesday at eleven I unlocked the quilting room to see lights and camera all set up ready to film. Hats off to Nathan and Elizabeth from our media team; not once did they show the frustration they must have felt as we quilters chatted, walked in front of cameras and moved lights.

Kane and Rev. Jeff were advised to select something simple as they perused block pattern books, but who wants simple? They chose this one. Going to tackle “half square triangles” along with everything else? Why not? But this pattern did illustrate one “rule of quilting”–use a dark, a medium and a light fabric for contrast. Next step was to select their fabric from our mini store. I did refrain from saying “Really?”

As I showed them how to use a rotary cutter, thread a machine and what a 1/4 inch seam allowance was, I mentally reminisced about all those years teaching Sewing I at Maize High School. When I had a classroom full of teens and a ninety minute class period, I would spend weeks on material that I crammed into a couple of hours Wednesday afternoon. Of course, with two adult men who are doing this for a lark and didn’t really care about the end product, I wasn’t as concerned about skills learned or about slicing a finger with the rotary cutter (yes, Kane, I am talking about the pizza cutter) or burning themselves with the iron. I did recognize the smiles and body language that said it was satisfying to learn something new or the pride in completing a task correctly.

How did the blocks turn out? Let’s just say they won’t be for sale this October.

It is difficult to remember “right sides together” every time. And most of the points match.

To be fair, I think I messed up Rev. Jeff pinning the rows of three together. But after two plus hours, he had to return to being the Associate Pastor of a Downtown Church and decided not to seam rip and resew.

I am looking forward to seeing how Nathan works his magic editing all the footage into a three minute clip. Watch our October 5 services on KAKE or on YouTube–it will be a inspiring service with great music and three minutes of comedy.

We are in the “ber” months–September, October, November, December—so anything holiday related is fine!!

Shirley appliquéd black cats to a rail fence quilt made up of Halloween prints. If you look really close you can see ghosts in the machine quilting. Even the backing is Halloween theme fabric. The 47″ x 57″ quilt would be perfect to throw over the back of your sofa or your recliner. A child could look for all the symbols of the season in a “I Spy” game–Halloween version. $125

Christmas is never far behind Halloween. A holiday table runner quickly changes the mood of a room. Traditional red and green prints were used in this 22″ x 46″ runner. It is machine quilted and hand bound. There is a touch of shiny gold adding to the festive look. $50

This block was donated to us and Vicki finished it as a table topper or small wall hanging. The gingham prairie points that form the basket’s handle are 3-D. The fabric prints are from the same line, coordinating beautifully. It is machine quilted and hand bound. 19.5″ x 19.5″ $40

Our October Sale has ETC in the title because we have so many smaller and less expensive items. All are handcrafted. We made many of some items, some we made just a few.

These fabric holders keep your tissues from becoming nasty and unusable in your bag. $5 each–a couple of dozen different fabric choices.

One of many pot holders or hot pads. This one has Insul-Bright as one of the layers of batting. Insul-Bright is a polyester batting with mylar woven into the batting, which reflects heat. $10. A good hostess gift or an addition to a gift basket.

You will never mix up your bag with someone else’s when you have a “customized” bag by Diane. Eliminate plastic bags by always having a cute tote in your car for spur of the minute shopping trips. $10 each

“They” are predicting a cold, snowy winter. So be prepared with a new hand crafted cap. These are all adult sizes. $20 each

And of course, we have more hand embroidered tea towels. The towels are 100% cotton and measure 27″ x 27″. Most are bleached white but a few are unbleached-natural colored. $9 each.

We do have a little bit of almost everything, so I hope you have marked your calendar for the Quilt ETC Sale, October 16-18, and see for yourself.

Quilts as Fiber Art

Trying something new is a risky proposition! But we did! The Quilters at First participated in the Wichita First Friday Art Crawl this past Friday. It was an experiment. We saw the Art Crawl as an opportunity to show the Wichita community our quilts, or what we like to think of as Fiber Art. Yes–Quilts do qualify as “fiber art” because 1. quilts are made from fabric and fabric is made from fibers. 2. manual labor and artistic choices are part of quilting 3. Quilts can serve a utilitarian purpose but quilt designs also create visual concepts, imagery or a social statements. Plus, we wanted to use the show as a means to invite the community outside of First United Methodist Church to the Quilts Etc. Sale in October.

The Church’s Narthex is perfect for a quilt show. Lots of uncluttered space that curves around the front of the Church. We choose twenty quilts to show. We have 100’s of other items that will be for sale, but want to emphasize the quilts this time. Information about each quilt–size, quilter, pattern etc. was written up so our visitors would learn about each quilt.

Friday morning we set up–using adjustable background stands for portrait photography as nifty quilt holders.

Husbands were recruited–and if you have engineers helping, the quilts are level!!

We served cookies and lemonade. So the table was ready for the homemade cookies!

Five of the quilters also prepare a lunch for the Homeless Resource Center on the first Friday of each month. So there was a lot of multi-tasking! Much of the set-up occurred while the tator tot casserole was baking in the oven. We finished First Friday “set up” in time to serve lunch across the street.

Our show was from 6pm to 9pm–and even though the weather man promised the rain would be gone by evening it wasn’t! But many of our church members came out in the cold and rain to support us. You are appreciated! We had a few community members venture up Broadway to see a new venue. But it was something new for regulars “art crawlers” also.

Will we participate in another Wichita First Friday Art Crawl? Probably yes—watch for announcements and if you see this flag waving outside FUMC on Broadway, come on in and lets us show you our quilts and serve you homemade cookies. And hopefully it won’t be raining and the KC Chiefs won’t be on TV!

We only had two new projects finished this week.

A soft flannel baby quilt was completed. This bright pink and aqua quilt is 40″ x 56″. Both side are flannel. It is machine quilted and very machine washable. $50

Judy made this 13″ x 40″ table runner in an assortment of blue prints. I like that the largest square has the largest print. This table runner would compliment many different types of dinnerware. $40

I am not the first person to say this–But it is September already??? The October Quilt Etc. Sale is just around the corner. It is going to be huge with lots and lots of tempting items!

Some days are diamonds….

Do you remember the 1989 movie PARENTHOOD with Steve Martin? I used the movie in my Family Lifestyle class I taught in high school. The students watched the movie with a worksheet.

One of the questions was “What did Grandma mean when she told Gil (the complaining, stress-out main character-Steve Martin) “You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster. Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride! I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn’t like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.”

Some of the students got it–I must admit some students thought she was just talking about a roller coaster. That quote has been swimming around in my head this week. Our week has had some really high points. My husband has been feted and shown so much love this last week of his work. We are both so excited he is retiring but both of us are unsure of how this will change in our schedules, habits and relationships.

This week we also received some scary medical news from a family member. This could play out so many different ways. I have no control over any part of it. I just have to hang on to the handlebars and offer my love and prayers.

The Quilters at First are trying something we have never done before–participating in the First Friday Art Crawl in Wichita. We are putting ourselves out there. What if no one comes? What folks don’t think our quilts should be on an “Art Crawl”? We are excited to show off our treasures to the larger community. We see it another way to advertise our sale. But it is proving to be stressful and more work than just preparing for the October Sale. It would have easier to just have stayed on the merry-go-round and just repeated what we have always done.

We will host the Sale in a different location this year. We will be in Meredith Hall instead of Wilke Family Center–the opposite end of the building. Pros and cons with the move. It was easier to set up when we just repeated what we had done in the past. The table runners went here; the Christmas items there. We are being forced to look at how we will display our quilts etc differently. Maybe it will be a fresher approach. Our equipment for the sale is stored next to Meredith Hall–no climbing two sets of stairs with racks and stands but it is more difficult for our guests to come to the sale. What is the line?Change is the only constant in life.

John Denver expressed his view of life’s ups and downs with a song. “Some days are diamonds, some days are stones
Sometimes the hard times won’t leave me alone
Sometimes a cold wind blows a chill in my bones
Some days are diamonds, some days are stones”

How do you navigate the ups and downs of life? The friendships formed at Quilters at First and the act of creating with my hands helps me ride out the roller coaster of life.

I finished this scrappy quilt with a twist this week.

This collection of 2.5″ squares came together with the addition of teal sashing and sawtooth stars. The quilt is machine quilted in teal thread in these swirling designs. The quilt measures 69″ x 69″. $175. The bad news is that I still have hundreds of 2.5″ squares. Maybe another one with a different color of sashing?

Football season is here–and in Kansas it feels like autumn is here weather wise. So, here is a KSU quilt to wrap up in.

Elaine quilted it with Wildcat paw prints! The quilt is 56″ x 77″. The backing is two different KSU prints! $150

A friend ask if we would have any table runners at the Sale. Oh! we have table runners. this week we had three new ones appear.

Shirley used some “found” paisley in our stash and used it to collect solids that matched. This table runner makes a statement! It is ( I took the photo before she had finished the last two inches of binding 🥴)

Fall tablescapes were on the minds to two of our quilters.

This 20.5″ x 32″ table runner glows with the metallic accents in the focus fabric. It is machine quilted and hand bound. $50

Heather’s table runner could be used on both sides..both sides are fall but with a different intensity. The runner is 16.5″ x 44.5″ and is $50.

More items for your table include two sets of placemats.

This set of four placemats are made from batiks. I think they suggest autumn but could be used year around. 12″ x 18″. $40

This set spells it out for you–with printed messages such as Fall Days and Autumn Blessings. The backing is a pale blue with monochromatic blue pheasants. 11″ x 18″. $40

Pretty cute? Small hand crochet pumpkins and acorns with shy smiles. $5 each. Diane made several.

So soft and sweet. And it won’t make a noise when dropped on the floor. Washable. $25

For toddlers and preschoolers who are learning their alphabet, we have soft and quiet letters. All are from a polka dot fabrics. These could be washed also–maybe with a press afterwards. All for $25

And to carry all your treasures home, Elaine made a duffle bag!

You could put a lot in this bag. The fabric is quilted. There is a zipper on the top to close it up. The handles are constructed so they will stay with a heavy load and they are padded. $50

The shelves, cupboards and tubs in our quilting room are filled to the max with a huge variety of items that will be at the Quilt Etc. Sale October 16-18. The twenty quilts we will show at the September 5 Wichita Art Crawl have been selected. We are almost ready for you.

And remember–“Some days are diamonds, some days are stones” for everyone.

Pros and Cons of Retirement

Big changes are coming to my life–in a week. My husband is retiring! He worked a decade after most people hang it up. But he loved his job, until he didn’t. Folks are very gracious and he is feeling the love. But both of us are treading softly, not sure what new patterns will develop. My friends have been issuing warnings and shakes of their heads with eye rolls when I tell them I don’t think it won’t be too different. Of course, there will be changes, but some habits have already be formed.

I liked that his job required a routine. His alarm clock made sure we were up and at it fairly early. (But not as early as a neighbor who runs at 4:30 am..what?). Dinner was soon after he returned home in the evening. Consistency reduces some decision making! He has already lined up two volunteer jobs; one on Monday morning to get the week started.

Each of us prepares our own breakfast and lunch and I only prepare dinner. This was our pattern even on Saturdays and his days off. That will continue.

Each of us are fortunate to have our own space..my sewing room and his office. Both are messy and unorganized to the untrained eye. But it keeps the common spaces neater and we don’t irate each other with our personal valuables!

My husband had the privilege of choosing when he retired. Many people did not have this luxury. Poor health, company downsizing, replacing expensive older employees with new hires, and pandemics have forced many to leave a career they enjoyed and needed. Starting over when one is over fifty is difficult. True, some folks have found a completely new employment path but it is not as common as we would like to believe. I am extremely grateful the decision to retire was his.

What am I looking forward to with this new lifestyle? Breakfast out occasionally instead of dinner. Not ironing so many dress shirts. Small day trips. Not helping with the lawn care. Some home improvement jobs. His helping with the Quilt Etc. Sale set up (he doesn’t know this yet!!!). So yes, I am very much looking forward to his retirement!

Quilters at First hear this clock ticking inside our brains–count down to September’s “First Friday at First” Quilt Exhibit and the Quilt Etc. Sale. We are gathering all our projects together. This week we received a treasure trove.

Folks, it is not that long to Halloween –and it is legal to put up Halloween decor anytime after Labor Day. This little guy amuses me…I feel his vibe.

12″ x 12″. $35. There is a hanging sleeve already sewn on the back.SOLD

New tea towels–pick your season. Each is $9 each

After we take down our Halloween decorations, some of us go directly to the Christmas holidays.

No room for a real or artificial tree in your home? This wall hanging could be your tree. Various shades and prints of green make up the pinwheels that form this one-dimensional tree. It is 28″ x 31″ and also has a hanging sleeve already sewn on the back. It is machine quilted. $50

Technically this table runner isn’t for the holidays–it would look good on your table all winter. In Kansas we really don’t see many snow people until January or February. 18.5″ x 33.5″. $40

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”–Know someone who loves this Christmas carol? The table runner is machine quilted in a hatch pattern and the binding is hand sewn. 13″ x 42″. $40

I finished the binding just in time to share the finished project this week. I am most please with the binding. The black stripes are the same “faded” black with hints of blue as the pieces in the quilt. It is square 68″ x 68″ , perfect for a single bed or to have one the back of a chair just in case you need to wrap up in a quilt. The backing is a multi rose colored floral. $160

When this quilt was fold up I wasn’t that impressed–but wow–look at it when it is hanging from the stair railing! I love the big bold design..a winning combination of solids and prints. The solid colors are all on the cool side of the color wheel and the prints contains all colors. The machine quilting softens the sharp angles of the pattern.

The fabric on the back has a mid-century feel. Look at those radios from the fifties and sixties!

The quilt is larger than many–68″ x 84″. $200

Janis makes one large appliquéd piece each year for our sale–in addition to the many smaller wall hanging, table runners etc. She finished in time for it to be the centerpiece of our first Art Crawl venture.

Ta Dah! Here it is! The pattern is “Tweets and Twinkles”. She made some adaptations to the pattern. She used bright batiks instead of the prints suggested and a zigzag stitch instead of the blanket stitch to appliqué the birds and florals. It is custom quilted perfectly…so many different machine quilting patterns were used. The feather stitch on the border frames the pieces so well!

Don’t these owls have an attitude?

How does she always choose the perfect fabrics? (see the machine quilting on this square?)

But this little robin is my favorite! The robin’s front is “robin-egg-blue”

The quilt is 50.5″ x 62.5″ . It took over six hours to custom quilt this piece. She can not even to begin to count the hours it took to copy the patterns, select the fabric from her stash and cut out the individual pieces (look the robins beck is a piece that need copied and cut out!) and to appliqué. This is a work of love. $500.

Come to the First Friday Art Crawl on September 5 to see this piece in person!

I drank my coffee from a cup from Urban Abbey; not sure why I have the cup, but the printed saying always reminds me of what is important.

Are you a list maker?

Are you a list maker? Do you have a “To Do” list for errands and chores you want to complete in a day? Do you grocery shop with a list or do you travel the aisles looking for bargains and what looks good? Are most of your lists for the short term or do they reach out to the distant future–a “post- a-note” of what to pick up at the fabric store or a notebook filled with future home improvement plans?

List makers have different styles. Some of us use the back of a recycled envelopes to jot down our list, others use printed forms or templates found on the internet. Some of us sort of cheat and list chores we have already completed so we can mark off items immediately. Others would aghast of that practice!

Making lists is given credit for making one more organized and productive. Susanna Wesley, the mother of nineteen children including John and Charles Wesley the founders of the Methodist movement, organized her life with a weekly spreadsheet- an advanced “to do list”. This was in the 1700’s! Historical accounts tell us she was a very organized and productive woman.

But it takes time to make a list and there are always exceptions. My husband has a saved list on his computer of “what to pack and do before leaving for a trip”. I am usually finished packing before he is; I don’t often forget items, but I am usually more stressed!

I have just started making my grocery list on my phone. I know, I am old school. I still prefer writing out the list on paper but I had a terrible habit of leaving the paper on the kitchen counter. I seldom forget my phone — so the list is with me!

Traveling by plane or long road trips is the perfect time to make lists. During our last trip I made several lists. Since the Quilt Etc. Sale is only two months away I made lists of projects I want to finish, what decorations I need to find or buy, publicity ideas, people to contact etc. And in the meantime, there will be two First Friday Art Crawls in which we are participating, a Volunteer Fair/ Mission lunch, three sets of over night company, a Church Class social at our home, a retirement and the usual living life events! I am counting on those lists to help me be organized!

Many of the Quilters at First are beginning to complete their lists of projects for this year’s sale. Of course, most of us just keep adding to the list!

I did finish the hand sewing the binding on MaggiePearl.

The quilt measures 60″ x 80″ and is machine quilted side to side in an abstract geometric design.

The pieced backing and the binding is the same batik fabric that was used in the front. No new fabric was used! $175

Elaine entered this sail boat quilt in the Harvey County fair and won a blue ribbon!

The backing is a soft polyester fleece with embossed hearts. A great choice for a toddler or child’s bed. (Yikes I forgot to note the size and cost– will be added next week)

Are you a Shocker fan? Here is the perfect quilt to show your allegiance to WSU.

The machine quilting is a Wheat pattern–very Shocker-like!! The backing is a solid black. 56″ x 76″. $150. -I wouldn’t count on this being in the sale–I have a feeling it will be in someone’s home before the middle of October.

We are so grateful for “friends of Quilters at First” who donate to our sale. Lorra E. who attends First United Methodist via KAKE TV, is a quilter. She dropped this beauty off Wednesday. How did she know we needed Christmas items for the sale?

Traditional Christmas colors with traditional florals prints were used. The binding is sewn with the serpentine stitch. (Why do my photos always capture the only loose thread on the quilt?) The 46.5″ x 56.5″ throw is $75.

These coasters or mug rugs are “simply” charming. The ecru muslin is a perfect match to the 30’s reproduction prints used for the flowers. Each back is a different reproduction print. The set of 4 is $20.

Traditional holiday red and green fabrics were used but in darker shades, creating a more sophisticated holiday table runner. The machine quilting in the border is an elegant frame for the piece.

15″ x 33″ $40

Do you party on the 17th of March? It has been said that everyone is a little bit Irish on that day. This 16″ x 36″ table runner is even quilted in a shamrock pattern! $40

If Halloween is your thing, this table runner would be perfect on your dinning or hall table.

Colors in the batik backing match the colors of the candy houses. The reverse side would look great by itself or with a vase of bright fall flowers. It is 14.5″ x 41″, $40.

Who doesn’t need this reminder? The table runner or wall hanging is perfect for the transition between summer and fall. The letters are a deep brown, the background an aqua “grunge”. 15.5″ x 32.5″—appliquéd by our Janis, of course! $75.

You might mistake this tote for a Vera Bradly–but it was made by Elaine! The bag is quilted and lined and has a zipper closing. The front pocket is also quilted. The bag is large enough to hold your lap top and the padding gives extra protection. $40

Add these events to your “fun things to do” list

✏️First Friday Art Crawl at FUMC on Sept. 5 at 6 pm

✏️First Friday Art Crawl at FUMC on Oct. 3 at 6 pm

✏️Quilts Etc. Sale, Oct 16, noon to 6 pm, OCT 17, 10 am to 5 pm, Oct 18, 9 am to 1 pm

Remember, all these items are for sale now. Also, I will ship anywhere in the US for the cost of postage.

Pacific NW Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum

My husband who has a passion for baseball and wants to visit 100 ball parks before he can’t, planned his own minor league baseball tour in the Pacific Northwest this summer. To give credence to his claim that it is a Baseball and Quilt tour, he finds something quilt related. Thus, we visited the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum in La Conner, Washington.

The museum is located in the beautifully restored Gaches Mansion in La Conner, WA. La Conner is a small town on the Skagit Bay. When we turned off the main highway and traveled through the flat valley to get to La Conner, we noticed the farm houses are built several feet of the ground. Then we saw the signs-“Entering Tsunami Hazard Zone” Being from Kansas I did not expect to see this! The bay is lovely, the weather was perfect and the small town has lots to see.

The museum has three floors. The restored trims, stairs and floors complimented the white painted walls that showcase the different exhibits. Each floor had a different artist or artists. The front side parlor and dinning room was home to a small gift shop.

One the first floor, small wall hangings from the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild were displayed.

Members had created a design to reflect a song they remembered from the radio- I Heard it on the Radio.

The second floor was totally dedicated to the work of Terrie Hancock Mangat. Her quilts were colorful and accented with a lot of embellishments, embroidery, and hand reverse appliqué.

This one was my favorite. It is difficult to see in this photo, but in front of the quilt is a frame supporting brightly colored spikes/ slates. The quilt is one of a series titled FIREWORKS.

Look at all the embellishments used to created coconut frosting on the birthday cake! This was in remembrance of the cakes her mother made from her.

The third floor was devoted to Virtual Voyage: Pixels and Patchwork by Victorian Findley Wolfe –a very recognizable name in the world of quilting. She has ” cleverly merged the techniques learned in the 90’s–painting, photography and digital skills–with her expertise in sewing, patchwork and layering of color for a display that evokes a variety of emotions.” https://www.qfamuseum.org/

This is a good example of her mixed medium –an tribute to her grandparents.

Each quilt on display had a very personal significance to the artist. Shows such as this one reminds me of the difference between a quilt artist and a quilt crafter–I definitely belong to the second group but I have so much admiration for the first!!

The Museum has another site for their permanent display items but we didn’t find until it was time to travel north to our grandson’s soccer game.

I want to spend more time in La Conner. Since it is on the Skagit Bay, sea food restaurants line the water’s edge. Many of the huge original warehouses still remain; some re-purposed, many not. Due to the mild climate the floral displays were amazing. But there were soccer and baseball games to be seen!

Due to my “Fabric Diet” I only allowed myself to visit one quilt shop. Quiltmania in the Tri-Cities area in southeast Washington had no visual appeal from the street but had soooo much fabric. The manner in which it was displayed did not over whelm me as it can in a very full shop. The perfect stripe for a binding of a quilt I have ready to finish and three coordinating fabrics for fall placemats was my only purchase.

The rest of our trip was devoted to five minor league baseball games, a professional soccer game (the Sounders) and time spent with family. Washington has such varied terrain and the views can change quickly. We will be back to explore more of the state—plus the weather has been wonderful–seventies and eighties.

Next week back to that latest from Quilters at First!

New this week

I have a love of vintage quilts. I want to know their stories–Why did the quilter choose to make that quilt? Did she (probably a she) fall in love with a particular pattern? Was it a solo endeavor or a “quilt bee” quilt? Was the fabric purchased especially for that quilt? Or was the fabric leftovers from garments and household items? Was it made for a special occasion–wedding or was it utilitarian-to help keep the family warm. Was it her first quilt or was it one of many? Sometimes I am lucky and learn a bit of the history.

This grand old lady was given to Quilters At First by a church family. The husband’s grandmother made it probably in the 1930’s. She was a Kansas Mennonite farm wife and mother. This period of history was not easy especially for Kansas farmers –economically or climate wise. Electricity and modern plumbing has not reached most rural areas. Meals were from gardens and farm lots. These “stay-at-home” mothers were some of hardest working homemakers in history. But somehow time was found to make beauty. Given the sun damage in the middle of the quilt, I would guess it was used as a bedspread or coverlet.

The piecing is near perfect…sharp points and matched seams. And there are curves! This wasn’t her first rodeo.

But it is the hand stitching in the four corner blocks that stole my heart. How many nights did she work on just this one square. It is a large quilt, 80″ x 100″. Months must have been spent piecing and quilting? Did she do it alone or did her friends gather around a quilting frame visiting as they quilted?

Just wish I knew more—-

The good news is that is going to a “good home” that appreciates it’s value.

No new finished quilts, but here is a peek of three newbies just back from the long arm quilters.

Another MaggiePearl quilt–this time out of batiks and various black fabrics. We had challenged ourselves to at least one quilt in the sale that was from the stash of fabrics in the quilt room. This is mine. These batiks are from the family of one of the original Quilters at First quilters. In these photos the binding is sewn on but needs to be folded over and hand sewn. It is 64″ x 72″ and you really must see it is person–the colors are so much vibrant than what I captured.

Those are my husbands hands doing quilt hanging duty on our deck-

I copied this scrappy quilt idea from a quilt made by Rachel Hauser who writes STITCHED IN COLOR. I used 2.5″ squares instead of 2″ x 3″ rectangles and sawtooth stars instead of friendship stars–what I had and what I like to make! The teal stashing rescues it from being an ordinary scrappy quilt. It is a square quilt–72″ x 72″. Sad news–I still have hundreds of 2.5″ squares in the bin.

The last quilt is made from a layer cake bought during the COVID lockdown with a very ambitious plan for it. Didn’t happen.

But I think these soft floral and blenders work well in the simple throw pattern. The backing is a pink floral in various shades. The machine quilting is what makes this quilt special. I tell the long arm quilter to pick what ever quilting pattern she thinks would work well. Glad she experimented with this new design.

We will be participating in Wichita’s First Friday Art Crawl in September and October. If you have not been, it is fun evening visiting art galleries, pubs and studios in the downtown and art district. We will be showing twenty quilts in the narthex of First United Methodist. Homemade cookies and tea/lemonade will be shared. Lots of free parking is just outside our AB entrance or you may park on Broadway. We are looking forward to showing off our fiber art pieces. Hope you make it September 5 or October 3 or both!

Dog Days of Summer

We are in the middle of the “Dog Days of Summer”; officially the dates are the forty days from July 3 to August 11.

When I think of the “Dog Days of Summer”, I have an image of a hound dog laying on the porch of a southern farm house, just too hot to move in the afternoon heat. (I realize this isn’t a “hound” dog–photo from SEA’S THE DAY)

But actually the term, “Dog Days of Summer” comes from the ancient Romans who believed that when the star system of Sirius (the Dog Star) was closest to the Sun, earth would experience extreme heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy and mad dogs. All sorts of myths circulated. For example, water was poisonous during this period of time. Serious problems were sure to develop if that was believed!

In Kansas, we will continue to have many very hot days after August 11. So I will just use this time to celebrate dogs!

I discovered this on Facebook, and since my favorite dog in the whole world is a Shiba Inu, I had to save and share it. But, the person who created this meme did not have a Shiba–they are the most judgmental of dogs! My Shiba can give me the “side eye”, and I immediately feel guilty–for what, I am not sure, but I am sure I am in the wrong!

Sure dogs can be time consuming, expensive, messy and demanding. But the pros do outweigh the cons. My Taka has

walked me outside every morning unless it is icy, raining or below 15 degrees
encouraged a consistent “wake up and get out of bed” time–what is a week end?
introduced me to my neighbors that I probably would have never met (I do know more of the dog’s names than the people’s names)
checked on my safety when thunderstorms roll through in the middle of the night
cleaned yogurt cups when I am finished eating so we don’t waste water before recycling them
comforted me when I am missing my children and grandchildren who live on the coasts
announced the arrival of my husband long before the garage door opens
kept delivery folk, salespersons, and politicians off the front porch and several feet back on the sidewalk with his fierce bark.
tells me when the door bell rings–even when it is on TV
loves me even when I am not very lovable

I understand sometimes having a dog just doesn’t work given circumstances, but I hope you do have a neighbor dog, or extended family dog that you can love on during the “Dog Days of Summer”. We often ask ourselves, “What did we do before we had Taka?” Can’t imagine life without Taka dog!

The hot weather of July has not stopped the quilters from sewing! Several new items were brought to the quilting room this last Wednesday~

What could be appropriate for summer in Kansas than a Sunflower quilt?

Really, how many different sunflower prints were used to make this unique Kansas quilt? It measures 68″ x 84″ and would fit a double bed. It is machine quilted with a sunflower pattern. $250

Do you have a new baby in your life? This soft quilt is so very calming.

The custom quilt is very visible on the back of the quilt. The back is a pale blue Minky fabric. The block placement is interesting with the darker values in the corner and the lighter blocks in the center. $100.

This small quilt could be labeled a “lap” quilt but would be a great holiday quilt for a toddler. The print features vintage toys and holiday decorations. Custom machine quilted and hand bound. It is 38″ x 47″. $75

More Janis magic–in time for the fall holidays. Machine appliquéd, machine quilted and hand bound. The variegated or tie dye orange fabric is a striking addition.

The size makes it very versatile — 13″ x17″. The price is a bargain! $50

Blue birds of happiness–you never can have too many! This is our second table runner made from the same pattern–sometimes we surprise ourselves! 18″ x 46″. $60

Table topper ? Wall hanging? You decide. The floral border makes this piece extra special. Look at that custom quilting! 21″ x 22″. $40

This sloth pillow is reminding you that naps are an important part of life! Simple but cute! Approximately 18″. $25

Two unique bags were added to the collection–

The small clutch with zipper closing has a vintage feel with the crochet granny squares on the front. The batik bag has two zippers–one on each side allowing you to open the back wide. It is lined and has pockets on both sides. Both are $25 each

I am on a crusade to eliminate gift wrapping paper! Cloth bags that can be used over and over make so much sense and you won’t have that huge garage bag of torn wrapping paper for the trash man. These “girl friend” gift bags are the perfect size for a book or lotions–the holiday gift to let your girl friends know you are thinking of them.

What do you do with vintage blocks that you find at a garage sale? You make them into book markers! Need something for favors at your next Book Club meeting? Stocking stuffers? Accompany a gift card to your favorite book store? $3 each

Handmade ornaments for your tree at Christmas are special. $5 each

Our annual “in person” Quilts Etc. Sale is October 16-18. Sadly doggies are not encouraged to come shopping with their people. But I will ohh and ahh over all your dog photos–I know you have more dog photos on your phone than any other subject!