I am happy to live in Kansas with the four distinct seasons. Each season has something special about it… fresh tomatoes in summer, the sound and smell of dry leaves in fall, the first snow, daffodil buds in spring . Some of my friends decorate for every season–heck, every month. (I could wake up from a long coma in one friend’s home and know just by looking around what month it was! ) Others are very minimalist. I take the middle route. For example, I use red, white and blue pieces before Memorial Day until long after July 4. No matter your “Modus operandi”, we have something that will fit your decorating style.

By the end of August, most of us are ready for Fall, at least for cooler weather. The rich colors of autumn stir memories and raise expectations for the holidays approaching.

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Hour glass blocks surrounded by a purple border is perfect for tables in October and November without screaming fall! It is for sale for $50.

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Remember these Fall items? They are found in previous posts and are still available.

Winter as a season is overshadowed by the biggest holiday of the year, Christmas. But there are those couple of months after the New Year that we spend much of our time indoors. No reason to get the blahs with these cuties available.

This happy snowman is very tactile with neutral fabrics folded into prairie points–the tree is also touchable. This would be a fun wall hanging for anyone but especially if you had toddlers to enjoy it. Measuring 28″ x 29″, it would fit all sizes of walls. It is $50.

Snow people and January and February go together. This guy is reminding us to enjoy the snow. The pillow is 14″ x 14″ and has an envelope opening. It is $30.

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Some winters seem to never end, but spring has always come! Our signs of spring don’t need to wait for a sunny warm day. You can bring these out on a snowy day and dream of spring!

April showers bring May’s flowers—22″ x40″. This cheerful wall hanging is for sale for $65.

Ida C., one of the original members of the First Quilters made this floral baby quilts or table topper or throw. Reproduction 30’s fabrics were used in the patchwork and in the applique. Prairie points surround this quilt. It is both hand and machine quilted. It is $200.

What is you favorite thing about summer? Ice cream is “legal” to eat? Bouquets of zinnias? Smell of fresh cut alfalfa? Sounds of kids in the pool? This quilt is the essence of summer–the colors, the butterflies, the flowers.

The quilt is 80″ x 106″. A butterfly motif was used to machine quilt this beauty.

Right in the middle of summer–our National Holiday! This bargello flag can be hung on your door, the deck or above the mantle. The flag is appliquéd onto the star background and measures 24″ 29″. It is $40

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The early morning sounds of birds is especially a plus in the summer. Although you may not see these birds on your walk, this wall hanging in your home is a happy reminder of summer. “Tweet Tweet Condo” is 36″ x 26″, machine appliquéd and custom quilted. $100

Fall, winter, spring or summer?? I really can’t say I have a favorite.

Barn quilts have been around since the colonization of Pennsylvania. They were brought to the new world by Mennonite farmers. Originally they were “hex” signs hung on their barns to bring good luck and protection. But since the late 1990’s these colorful symbols have evolved into painted quilt blocks. This art form spread to Minnesota and then to the rest of the US. Usually they are 36″ to 48″ inches square without much detail that would get lost from a distance. You don’t need a barn–I have seen them on homes, garden shed, garages and store fronts.

We will have two versions of this popular art form at the October Quilts Etc Sale. Four large ones, 32″ squares and painted, will be for sale. These will be featured in a later post. We will also have 8 “mini” barn quilts that are pieced from stained wood. These mini-barn quilts could be hung outside but I already have a spot picked out in my home!

The smaller barn quilts are created by George Stover. George has a workroom full of lumber scraps, chairs in need of TLC and recycled wood. George’s skill was highlighted in a video clip our minister used last spring in a series about RESTORING. We saw his workshop and some of the chairs he brought back to life. When he offered his mini-barn quilts for the Quilts Etc. Sale in October, we didn’t wait for him to finish his inquiry. Yes! We wanted them for the sale and –Yes, I want one for me!

No two are exactly the same. And the measurements are exact, after all, George is a woodworker!!

Based on the “economy block” or “square in a square” or “diamond in a square”, #1 block is 8 3/4 inches square.

The “pinwheel ” quilt block is very popular. #2 block is 9 13/16 inches square. SOLD

This block is appropriately called “log cabin”. #3 measures 10 1/2 inches square. SOLD

#4 is based on the “bear claw” block pattern. If the bottom brown square had been a stem instead of a solid block , it would be a “maple leaf” block. This block measures 8 3/4″.

#5 block is the another paw on that bear. It measures 8 3/4 ” also.

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There are three blocks like the one seen here. They are 12 9/16″, 13 1/6″ and 13 1/4″ (he is exact!). This star block pattern has many different names–from simply “eight point star” to “flower star” and “Sarah’s choice”. The 13 1/4″ Two are SOLD.

Each block is $45. You can put in your order now if you want it hanging on your wall sooner than later.

All the $$ we collect goes to our two ministries at First United Methodist–the TV Ministry and the Adult Religious Nurture Center for disabled adults.

I really, really like Halloween. I allow myself to buy bags of candy–for the children who will come trick or treating, of course. And it is my “duty” to taste test every bag to be sure the candy mets my high standards for all those cute little witches and supermen that come to my door. Ah, Reece’s peanut butter cups.

Commercially, Halloween is the second most popular holiday next to Christmas. One fourth of all the candy sold in the US is for Halloween. Pinterest has over 900 pins saved for “Halloween Decorating”—that isn’t counting adult, children and pet costumes, goulish looking foods, party activities or lists of movies!

Some folk go over the top with elaborate decorations on the mantle and in the entryway. Porches are decked out with wreathes, real and faux pumpkins–natural or painted, dried corn stalks, scarecrows, witches and clever signs. The typical colors of orange and black have expanded to include purples, lime greens, and all different blues. Decorating for Halloween can be less stressful than for any other holiday– it is supposed to be weird or wacky!

Due to COVID last year, trick or treating was a challenge. My creative neighbors spent hours setting up a safe trick of treat station. My grandchildren were not allowed to knock on doors–but they did decorate their home with carved pumpkins, orange and black lights and skulls that made spooking sounding noises and a Halloween table runner and wall hangings provided over the years by the “quilting” grandma!

The weather in October can change in a few hours -we have trick or treated in the sweltering heat and in an ice storm–so having a quilt on the back of the sofa is great for an unexpected chilly evening.

This scrappy quilt could be a “themed” an I Spy quilt..and it certainly would be cozy to keep an October chill off. It is for sale for $125. SOLD

This similar quilt is a modified rail fence pattern and is machine quilted. It is $100.

In this 64″ x 71″ quilt the same fabric was used in the border and in the broken horizontal lines that gives a pattern to the multitude of Halloween prints.

“Witch Parking” is patchwork with appliqué and measures 47″ x 58″. A hanging sleeve would be added if you want to hang this cutie.

I grabbed a photo of this wall hanging or table runner before Janis finished the binding also. “Trick or Treat” is 14″ x 40″ and is for sale for $60. (Check out the quilting in the borders)

We are planning and in the process of making several more items for Halloween. A Halloween theme Little Houses wall hanging and bunting will be at the sale. “Treat” your self to an original Halloween decoration for your home.

I have a family in Australia, they live on a huge farm/ranch in Queensland. They raise cattle, ride horses, and have six children. Actually–they are not family, but I have been following their blog and instagram account for years. I watched the first child go off to boarding school and graduate, saw photos of Christmas celebrated around the pool, and marveled at the exotic animals that visit their garden and paddocks. If I was given plane ticket to anywhere in the world, I would be off to Australia.

Often these Aussie parents mention dropping by the children’s boarding school to deliver “bits and bobs” requested by a child or left at home after school holidays. Over time, I learned that quaint phrase means “this and that”–small items that won’t be named. Doesn’t “bits and bobs” sound more interesting than “this and that”?

The Quilts Etc. Sale will have “bits and bobs” for sale- small items that might be called “stocking stuffers” or “hostess gifts” or “nice to own”.

Fabric trimmed tea towels in school or team licensed fabric with a crocheted dish cloth solves the problem of what to give your neighbors as a thank you gift for collecting the mail while you were on vacation. Each set is $15.

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These potholders have Insul-Bright Insulated Lining—–which keeps the heat away from your hand or the table top. Each has a middy braid loop so they can be hung on an easy to reach hook. We will have more at the sale. $5 each

These microwave spatter guards have a vinyl like back side that keeps the food in the container and doesn’t melt. Great to put over the butter stick you are melting in the measuring cup. $5 each

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Warm your bowl of soup without burning your fingers as you transfer the bowl from the micro wave to the table. Fill it with individually wrapped candy for a hostess or office mate’s gift. This size is $8. 10 inch ones are $10. There will be Christmas fabric and other school prints offered at the Sale.

Mama wolf and her cubs is a great gift for the outdoorsman in your family. Measuring 34″ x 43″, it could be hung on the wall or thrown over a couch.

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Zipper lined bags —carry your make up in your luggage? keep sewing notions together when taking handwork out of your home? They are quilted and no two are alike. $10 each.

Hope you can join us for the Quilts Etc. Sale and Auction. You just never know what “bit or bob” you may find!

Every time I show a new quilt top to my husband, his standard reply – “Is that a little busy”. Huh? I have threaten to name several quilts “a little busy”. In his function vs. form engineer world “busy” means more than two colors! There is something special about a quilt using one color family and a neutral. Though out quilt history many lovely tops have been made using this formula.

Two color–or one color with a neutral quilts are classic, they are never out of style even if the color is typical of a certain decade. Their color scheme goes well in an established home decor. The Quilt Etc. Sale and Auction has two quilts that would fit into your home style perfectly.

This soft blue and white quilt is spectacular.

Peaceful, calm not busy! The pinwheel blocks and border add motion but the color scheme suggests serenity. It is 88″ x 108″–would fit you queen or king size bed.

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The back of the quilt compliments the color scheme. I am fascinated by the border–sort of flying geese but not–more difficult to do and you won’t see this pattern very often. A simple floral pattern was used for the machine quilting. The quilting isn’t dense which makes it softer. This quilt is $600

You have seen the next quilt –before it was machine quilted. Machine quilting gives the quilt a new personality.

This is the Cherries and Cream quilt back from the long arm quilted and with the binding.

NOTE TO ALL: I will ship your purchases anywhere in the US. The cost of postage will be based on the fixed flat rate of the standard US postage boxes. The postage will be added to your purchase price. For international purchases, contact me.

I am having to write this post under the cover of darkness so I won’t be detected, because the other half of this household is a proud alumni of the “the other university and he bleeds purple”. But I did not graduate from either school, and my taxes help to pay for both of these great universities, so… I did some research and learned—

#1. “Rock Chalk” originally referred to a type of chalk found in KS that is similar to the Cliffs of Dover, England.

#2. “Jayhawk” originally was a term used in the Civil War to refer to guerrilla fighters in Kansas and later was used to refer to all citizens of Kansas.

#3. A student at KU may chose from 325+ degree programs!

#4. Jayhawks love basketball for good reason with an unparalleled history of championships.

#5. Many famous and successful folk have graduated from KU including 3 astronauts.

AND there are 60 Alumni Chapters worldwide! I know there are many, many proud Jayhawks out there and do I have a prize for you!

Current and vintage t-shirts were used to create this history book quilt of school pride. The quilt measures 81″ x 97″ (king size) and is machine quilted. It is totally machine washable, so don’t be afraid to use it on the couch, enjoying your favorite snack while watching your team win the championship!

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Close ups of the t-shirt blocks, the quilting and the licensed fabric used in the border.

In our home, we hang our “fan/pride/school” quilts in the stair well, visible from main level and the basement. If you purchase this quilt, a hanging sleeve can be added to the back so it can be hung in your home or office for all to see. This unique KU quilt is $600.

Did you grow up in a home where putting out the family’s nativity scene was as important as putting up the Christmas tree? Some nativity scenes are put out with a great deal of ceremony and often are used as a teaching tool about the true meaning of Christmas.

Nativity scenes were originally designed to teach the illiterate about Christ’s birthday. And although they may not be absolutely accurate–the wise men were not at the birth- they have played an important role in telling the Christmas story. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with the first “living nativity scene”. What a tradition he started all those centuries ago!

Some folk collect nativity scenes from travels–each set reflecting the culture of the country they visited. Some of us have family heirloom sets. Some people just started with one set and friends and family added to the collection. Nativity sets are in every imaginable medium– simple clay, fragile porcelain, woven wheat straw, pewter, craved wood and fabric.

We have two very different nativity sets this year in the Quilts Etc. Sale.

This eight piece nativity set is perfect for a young family. You can’t break or chip these! The red work was embroidered by Vicki. Each piece is weighted so they will stand with out help. This unique set would be a great addition to a collection. It is for sale for $85.

This nativity set could be a piece of stain glass art. The tri- fold nativity scene was appliqued by Janis. The wire frame allows it to stand alone but fold when in storage. It is $125 . A very different addition to one’s collection of nativity sets that would become a family heirloom.

NOTE TO ALL: I will ship your purchases anywhere in the US. The cost of postage will be based on the fixed flat rate of the standard US postage boxes. The postage will be added to your purchase price. For international purchases, contact me.

Spoiler–I don’t have one! I use a lot of red—but I wouldn’t say it is my favorite. To me, colors are like children–who can chose their favorite child? Each child does well in a certain field, has particular charms and even goes through a period when you are not sure you even like them! But I am super happy to have each member of my family and I am super happy to have all the hundreds of shades and tints of color.

But some people do have strong feelings about their color! My 16 year old grandson always picks green–the green tiles when playing Blokus, the green toothbrush, the green backpack… So when grandma volunteered to make a new quilt for him–he still sleeps with the one I made 15 years ago and he is now 6’3″ tall–I was pretty sure it would be green. But just not any old green. We spent “quality” time together choosing just the right greens.

When I was enthusiastically discussing different aspects of quilting–quality of fabric, matching points, machine vs. hand quilting with a non-quilting friend, I was stopped by this comment. “Color is how I choose my quilts–the quilt must go with the color scheme in my home.” I get it. I drink a particular wine because I like it–I don’t give a fig about the finer points a sommelier would notice. I like what I like.

The quilters have enjoyed playing with color when creating for the Quilts Etc. Sale and Auction. We have bright colors and muted colors. There are soft tints and bold primary colors. Some the colors remind us of color combinations in other part of our life

This color pairing of pink and brown reminds me the old fashion candy–Cherry Mash! The pinwheel design is created from the rail fence block. It is 66″ x 68″ and is $100 (calorie free)

A pre-printed panel in the vibrant colors and design of a church’s stained glass window was used for this medallion quilt. The colors surrounding the center are suggested by the panel. The machine quilting pattern is “Cathedral Rose” to compliment the panel. It is $150 to purchase.

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This table topper is 42″ x 44″ and it took 4 hours to custom quilt this small quilt. But what are you noticing–the color not the quilting! This muted blue won’t call a lot of attention to itself, but will enhance the over all setting. It is $75.

Here is a hint for choosing colors–add some black-even a tiny bit, in the mix of fabrics. Black makes the other colors shine. This red, white and gray quilt needed the black sashing to make its dramatic appearance! The quilt is 54″ x 60″ and is machine quilted. It can be yours for $175

This baby quilt is an example of low volume colors, giving a restful feel with the spinning pinwheels giving a bit of motion. It is 38″ x 38″ and is for sale for $40.SOLD

Just the opposite of the previous quilt, this 59″ x 59″ quilt used highly saturated colors. It reminds me of the color schemes seen in the Amish quilt collections. $50.

This quilt sparkles with stars –some are high volume, some are medium volume and some are low volume. There are no “rules” in piecing/quilting, but—there are some “guidelines”! And this quilt is a perfect example of an inclusion and balance of high, medium and low volume colors. The quilt would be perfect on a child’s first big person bed, folded over the end of your bed or even a table topper that reaches the ground. It is priced at $275.

Life is too short to live it in black and white—add color! Quilts are great source of color!!!