Transitions

This week was the first time I wore my heavy coat to walk the dog early in the morning and we had our first freeze of the season. The transition from autumn to winter has started. We had a beautiful fall–

Who needs to go to New England to “see the leaves” when you can just walk around your neighborhood? This change toke forever to begin and then in a minute, the leaves are gone and it is winter.

We are experiencing an transition on the national level, also. No matter your politics, the unknown is scary. A transition in the government can affect so many people; stress levels are high.

The Quilters are experiencing less traumatic transitions, but some changes are happening. We are closing this year’s sales with the mini sale on Sunday at the annual Thanksgiving Mission Lunch at First United Methodist. All sales after Sunday will be for 2025. We are rethinking projects and different means of getting our quilts out into the world. The yearly stopping and starting up again happens every year..we know the ropes.

But after Christmas we will be moving to another space. We will be leaving our cozy room in D Building and setting up in B Building–very close to the Head Minister and Associate Minister’s offices. Does that mean we will need to behave? So we have several weeks of arranging and re-arranging tables, cabinets and the treats table with the coffee pot for maximum efficiency and best use of outlets! It will be work to move all our tubs and bolts of fabric. We understand this a transition is needed but it isn’t one we look forward to– who said transitions were easy, even the small ones?

But one way we deal with the good or bad stress of change is to sew!!! Yesterday I needed to “fill my tank”…a full week of different tasks and exchanges has used up all my energy and patience. After completing my list of “after-to’s” in the morning, I spent the afternoon at my Bernina machine sewing. Sewing something simple and that I knew would take a long time— thus no need to hurry. I slept better last night!

We have been sewing some for the sale on Sunday–little projects that would be good gifts this holiday and before we give ourselves permission to sew for 2025.

This 12.5″ x 39″ table runner isn’t just for the holidays–it is a winter table runner with the Nordic sweater pattern. It is cross hatch quilted by machine and the binding is hand sewn. SOLD

The backing is a silver snow flake design. Two table runners for one price. $40

Are you ready for snowy days? These three snowmen are hand embroidered. An accent piece for the winter–$25

Hang this red work snow man on your tree or let it decorate your package—he is very jolly.

Need to protect your end tables and coffee table when you entertain this Thanksgiving? This mug rugs are patchwork in various fall colors and are in the shape of acorns. $10 each

A table topper that is small enough to fit almost anywhere. $30 and approximately 20″ from side to side. Children would love finding the petit Santas, teddy bears, gingerbread men and snowmen.SOLD

Another table topper–made festive with prairie points. Approximately 30″ square and $40.

There are still lots of Sundays before the Super Bowl. Use this Chiefs pennant to decorate for your watch party, It has 10 flags — and is approximately 90 inches long. $15 (I have 3 for sale–2 black and 1 red.).

Baked potatoes are my “go to” meal in the winter–steaming hot potato with cheddar cheese, steamed broccoli and butter–the real stuff. That is a “fill you up” warm winter meal. These potato bags are designed to be used in the micro wave. We have 5 potato print bags and two white bags. $10 each. They come with detailed instructions.

The Giraffe’s smile is intriguing–and the baby zebra’s wobbly stand adds charm to this baby/toddler quilt. It is 45″ x 66″, machine quilted and washable. $100

Paulette was given these “plaid” blocks and ask to do something with them. And look what she did! The lavender sashing, green and purple borders made this quilt outstanding. It is 57″ x 57″— lap size. Machine quilted, hand bound and very washable. It would be striking on the end of a bed or over the back of the sofa. $100.

This quilt isn’t for sale and still needs to be bound, but it was especially made for a little boy in KC whose parents are Royal’s fan. Fun to make.

I hope you have a peaceful and grateful Thanksgiving. And what ever changes you are experiencing, remember change is just part of living. Centuries ago, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus was credited with saying “the only constant in life is change”–and that is still true all these years later.

“I am Back!”

Hello, I have not vanished—just walking around unfocused and unsure…national events and our calendar. We are in a limbo at quilting–the sale is over but we have a table at the FUMC Thanksgiving lunch on the 24th with lots of little items–so can’t really total our final sales yet. Most of us are working on personal gifts for Christmas or large projects that take time for next year’s sale.

I want to ask a favor–What would you like to see next year in the sale? We had items sell out–embroidered tea towels and micro wave bowls! (More have been made for the sale at Thanksgiving sale.) But next year, hmmm.

What is the best size of quilts for you? Most of the quilts offered and still available are lap or twin size. Larger quilts cost more to make and thus cost more to buy. But we have requests for “full” or “double”. What is your interest?

What seasons or holidays are you buying to use as home decor? I am not a long term planner and I usually am looking for the next holiday. Who knows what will happen in my life and I will be stuck with excessive stuff? Most of our home decor is for fall and Christmas. But do we need to branch out? What holiday/season would you like to see more items for sale?

Fourth of July? Christmas? Halloween? Easter? Valentines?

What “gender” ? Friends reached out and said they were looking for a quilt for a single man. I realized many of our items are “feminine” meaning floral or pastel–not all, some are neutral. But do we need some “masculine” items–i.e. plaids, stripes, browns, navy, grey or beige? Yes I know I am stereotyping but is that needed?

Masculine? Gender neutral? Feminine?

What sort items that are not quilts but made from fabric? As I mentioned before micro wave bowls were very popular. Here are some new ones made since the Oct. sale. There will be a few Christmas print ones at the sale.

Gift card envelopes sold well–very inexpensive. Our husbands wanted us to charge $5 each but for this year they are still $3 each….and there will be some KC Chiefs print ones.

But what else would you be interested in besides micro wave bowls/ gift card holders? Scrub hats? trivets? small bags? tea towels? rug mugs? stuffed animals? aprons? fidget boards? bookmarks? We have the fabric and the know how, just want to make items that are will sell.

Traditional patterns or Contemporary patterns?

I see the red and white one being more traditional and the the black and grey quilts more contemporary. But does it matter to you? A friend told me she only pays attention to the color or colors used.

Do vintage quilts belong in our sale? Should all of items be new or are you interested in items that have been slightly use or vintage items. Often we buy or are given items that we really don’t care for or don’t use. Does it bother you we include them at the sale for re-purchase?

My thoughts are that we serve as the conduit–We all know there are items hidden in the back corner of the linen closet unwanted. But by including it in our sale we will bring it to the attention of someone who will treasure it and two missions of FUMC will benefit. This beauty is 66″ x 87″ and $200–almost perfect condition.

The last question has nothing to do with what we offer for sale, but what is the best times to have a sale for you? How early to you like to shop? What days work best for you? Is a night event worthwhile? How many days should a sale be open? Of course, not everyone will agree but would like your thoughts.

Write me at jrelfoswald@gmail.com or add a comment to the bottom of this post. I look for to hearing your thoughts. The design below is my favorite embroidery pattern –I like the message. Wishing “peace and joy” to all of you.

Sort of like having a baby!

Having a three day Quilt Sale is very similar to having a baby! The new parents prepared for this momentous event for nine months–each year the quilters start preparing for the next Quilt Sale after the winter holidays — nine months before the sale.

Many items must be purchased or borrowed before bringing baby home. Quilters at First collect items to showcase the quilts and to ease the set up—twinkle lights, wig stands, garage sale quilt racks, and photo background stands

New parents can’t wait to announce their child-to-be with gender reveal parties, Facebook posts and snail mail announcements. We strive to advertise our sale any way we can–Facebook posts, flyers, church announcements. We want the world to know. Lucky new parents have a village of helpers–grandparents, friends, birth coaches, highly trained doctors and nurses. Quilters at First have many people in our corner helping us at each stage; I will elaborate later in this post.

But the similarity I focused on was this—For weeks afterwards you can’t imagine doing this–giving birth or having a Quilt Sale– again anytime soon! New parents are delighted with their brand new family member but usually they are exhausted. The Quilters at First are happy we met our goal but we were tired. Quilters at First needed to do laundry and cook a real meal for their family, all those things we ignored while giving five long days to the Quilt Sale. But like new parents who start thinking a second baby would be nice, we will slowly regain our momentum and start making a list for next year.

I do realize there is a world of difference between having a baby and hosting a quilt sale. That new person changes the dynamics of a family forever. The Quilts Etc Sale has an impact but not sure how much in the very long run. A bad decision when preparing for the sale is usually forgotten quickly, but a poor decision before the birth of a child can be catastrophic. But all of us have had a baby or completed a marathon or painted a house and thought immediately afterwards “Don’t want to do that again!” but begin thinking in a few weeks or months or even years “That was fun/challenging/enjoyable, lets do it again!” As I write this, I am glad the Quilts Etc Sale was last week and not this coming week. But like a new parent, I am very proud of what we did.

We don’t have the exact totals from all the sales yet. We don’t close the books until the first of December. In early December checks will be presented to a representative from the Religious Nurture Center and the TV Ministry at a lunch and I will share photos and amounts.

As I mentioned earlier, the twenty five plus quilters could not do this sale by themselves. We had much good help– Erin Davis, the Director of Communications at First Church, created our flyer and slides for the Church screens. She also made sure the event was well advertised in the newsletters and weekly announcements. Rev. Amy Lippoldt and Rev. Jeff Graber encouraged us, gave us permission to display quilts and mentioned the event on TV with its many viewers. Six men from the Seekers Church Class came early on the first set-up day and carried heavy tubs down from the quilting room and stands etc up from the basement. The coffee shop adds a special touch to our sale. Nonie, Delaine, Kathy, and Sandy transformed the RNC main room into a cozy spot with delicious baked goodies and delicious coffee. Ray and Donna S heard me talking about the sale and volunteered to bake for the coffee shop. Our cashiers were three quilt husbands.

Folks only associated with FUMC thorough the TV Ministry reached out. Lorra E. contributed two beautiful Christmas quilts. Another friend gave a vintage quilt in nearly perfect condition. People have contributed fabric to us when family members could not longer use it.

Our families and friends came just to support us. It meant a lot to look up and see a co-worker or friend or family members at the sale.

A most of all, if we did not have persons purchasing the quilts or potholders or cinnamon roll, all this work would be for nothing. So, a huge, huge thank you to each and every shopper! Each purchase added up and I can’t wait to tell you how much we can give the two ministries we support.

Ready to Open the Doors

I am posting these photos at 5:30 am —just too excited to sleep or you know “at a certain age”, sleep is elusive. For the last two days we have prepared for the pinnacle of our quilting year…The Quilts Etc. Sale! And we are ready—the quilts are hung, the lights are strung, the cash box has change and the coffee will be brewing. I will list later all the wonderful people who have helped us get this far, but just want to give a shout out to those men who came early Tuesday to carry racks and tables and tubs from the basement up and from the quilting room on the third floor down to Wilke Family Life Center. Of course there were donuts — but they would have helped with out a bribe!

The rest of this post is photos–

Two of our largest quilts

Lots of Christmas items

Autumn and Halloween

Quilts and bibs for babies, toddlers and children

Table runners, tea towels, micro wave bowl and potholders are just some of the ETC items

Traditional and contemporary

A little bit of everything!

And we can’t wait to start all over again—

Variety is the Spice of Life!

How often this fall have I heard folks say, “I love living here where there are four different seasons in a year because we have Autumn!” We may gripe about the freezing winds in January or the blistering heat in July, but most of us enjoy the variety in seasons. It is fun to visit San Diego and marvel at the consistently lovely weather, but we come home to Kansas to experience the four seasons.

When I am planning our dinner, I think back on the last couple of week’s menu and make an effort not to have tacos or loaded baked potatoes more than once a month. I do realize this is part of my privileged middle class lifestyle. My grandmothers in the 1930’s fed their families the same simple meal day in and day out and was grateful their family left the table full. Now, with all my food choices and the budget to purchase those foods, I tell myself there must be a variety of meals each week.

And don’t even think about wearing the same outfit repeatedly! We like a variety of outfits to choose from for each occasion. (I must admit I wore the same top to an annual dinner two years in a row. I over thought that decision–but not surprisingly, no one came up to me and commented on my wearing the same outfit two years in a row!)

One quilt “rule” is to have a variety of shades/hues in a quilt that has several fabrics–obviously this doesn’t apply to two color quilts. The quilt is more interesting if there is a balance between dark, medium and light shades. This baby quilt has a pleasing formula of light–the prints, medium–the grey, and dark-the green and blues

This wall hanging has a light background, medium inner borders and dark outer border as well as the focal point–the cat and pumpkin.

The Quilters at First shares many similarities but there is also a lot of variety. We all like creating with fabric, we all believe in the ministries of FUMC that we are supporting, and we all like to each other. But there is a great deal of variety in our interests, skills, and methods. And that is a good thing!

Every Wednesday approximately ten Quilters at First meet at 9 o’clock to hand quilt. Their work has won ribbons at the local Prairie Quilt Guild show and at the KS State Fair. Thank goodness these Quilters are so talented and dedicated! These quilters work on group projects while the rest of the quilters work more individually.

Janis loves to appliqué–most of the items in the sale that are appliquéd were made by her.

Diane is our only knitter. She also creates scores of small gift items from what seemly nothing. The Hobby horses were hers.

Vicki has the patience and “stick-to-it ness” to create large quilts with lots and lots of little pieces. She is also the “binding queen”.

Heather has made table toppers and runners for almost every holiday.

Tammy and her best friend Carol like to great “girly” items–Sorry this beauty didn’t even make it to the blog before was sold.

Elaine has made most of our bags for sale, as well as many other items. (I don’t think she sleeps!)

Judy likes strong colors–has done several red, white and blue items. Maybe because she has family in the military?

Shirley probably has more contemporary or modern quilts than others. She does her own quilting –see the butterflies in this piece?

Susan has a gift with color choices. The first quilt in this blog that illustrated the use of light, medium and dark colors is hers also.

Peggy finds patterns and uses them–some of us are not sure how a quilt will end up when we start it!

Lorrie’s first choice when selecting fabric is the rich tones of autumn.

Me? I like scrappy quilts, I like red and white quilts, I like 30’s and 40′ reproduction—but while we were sorting items for the sale, I realized this year, I really liked to embroidery! We have lots of tea towels for sale.

And this is just a few—I must find something else to do while watching TV at night!

Because each quilter in our group is unique–has special talents, we have a wonderfully diverse collection of items for our sale this coming week!!

This week we were busy preparing for the sale–but we do have a few new things to share.

Marty G is a wonderful friend to the quilters. For the past few years he has donated his time, skills and supplies to create a different quilt rack each year. He is a master craftsman and he used the best materials. This rack is made from red oak and finished perfectly. It is 43″ high and 45″ long. It would hold three large quilts. He even included the feather duster and volunteered to deliver the quilt rack anywhere in Wichita. $150

Janis whipped up two seasonal table runners for the coming holidays.

The print is all the beautiful things about winter. The border resembles a Nordic sweater design. 13″ x 41″. $40

This beautiful print is simply quilted in a cross-hatch (one of my very favorite designs). But it is the curvy edges that sets it apart! 14″ x 40″. $40

As I write this post, I have realized that this time next week, the 2024 Quilt Etc Sale will be over. I will be feeling relief, excitement and tired! But I love it! I hope you can come see what a variety of items we have–and a variety of prices, all handcrafted well and with love!

It is all in the Attitude!

Isn’t attitude everything? Sunday night I was reviewing my upcoming week. Yuck, four events that I didn’t particularly look forward to doing. But then I looked at my schedule again differently. I am grateful we have dental insurance — one hour every six months that is covered with our insurance; probably shouldn’t complain. Six hours once a month shopping and preparing a meal for 120 people in a homeless center–with close friends is a minor part of my month. I resent giving up my “free day”—but I know I spend more time than 6 hours on Instagram each month, hmmm.

Sometimes when I have a long “to do list” but I am physically or mentally tired, and all I want to do is lay on the sofa and read cozy mysteries, I must remind myself of a couple of things before I can make an attitude shift. What are my “live by values”? What I believe to be true and good determines my choices. These choices may be demanding but I must remember I chose them. Also, a good night’s rest always helps!

Also, I need to remind myself, perfection is over-rated! I will do my best, but I will not beat myself up because each detail of the event/project/responsibility was not perfect. Nor should I waste time and energy trying to make it perfect.

“Work smarter, not harder” which can include asking for assistance is a very important aspect when changing your attitude. It becomes very easy to feel “poor me” if you are also feeling “all alone and lonely”.

Why am I thinking so much about attitudes? Well, to be honest, I get a little overwhelmed by the Quilts Etc. Sale at this point. So much to do, so few days left. But, do I enjoy the sale? Oh yes! One of the high lights of the year for me. I love showing off our handcrafted items. Do I think it is important? Very! Significant monies are raised for two very important ministries of our Church. Am I doing this all by myself? No! Of course not! Approximately twenty five women work all year long creating hundreds of handcrafted items. Several men will contribute hours to helping set up and tear down the theater for the sale. Other men help with the sales–collecting money, carrying items to cars etc., so the quilters can be on the floor. Staff at FUMC helped with advertising and facilitating the transformation of theater to market. It is not a one-woman show!

I still have a super long to do list to complete before October 17, but you know what? I am going to have fun and enjoy the process as well as the production!

Our variety of items is amazing! Every week’s “show and tell” just keeps getting better.

For example-

This Halloween wall hanging could be from the early 1900’s. The pattern and fabric prints are straight from our grandparents time. It is 24″ x 36″. The machine quilting is a spider web design–perfect for the season. Mr. Cat and Mr. Pumpkin are machine appliquéd. $50

Treat bags for grandchildren or co-workers? Lined and only $5 each.

These pumpkins will last year after year for your fall decorating. They are not jack-o-lanterns so you could easily use this runner up until Christmas decorating. It is approximately 15″ x 45″ ( I forgot to get the measurements this week, but will have them later.) Machine quilted in the ditch. $40

We Kansans love our sunflowers! The floral panel is surrounded by autumn prints. 35.5″ x 48″. Machine quilted and hand bound. A hanging sleeve has been sewn on the back. $60

A set of two pillowcase –will fit standard size pillows. The interior seams are encased (French seams) so there are no raw edges. Include your bed when decorating for Autumn. $20

Are you planning on doing a lot of cooking this fall? These aprons are made from a heavier fabric than the usual quilt fabric. The apron on the left is a cross over style–no ties to mess with and it is double thickness with patch pockets of both sides $25

The apron on the right is a butcher apron pattern. Ties make it adjustable for your size. It is a single thickness. $15

Baby quilts are so fun, especially since we have quit being so “traditional”.

Happy little faces and bright colors on soft flannel make up this 36″ x 45″ baby quilt. Machine quilt and being hand bound, this quilt would make a great back drop for all those photos of baby. Very washable. $60

For the sophisticated parents–this light sage greens frames the floral prints and abstract prints is perfect. Gender neutral, it is 37.5″ x 54″. Machine quilted and hand bound–$75

Cloth baby books can be dropped in Church without a sound. They are chewable and easy to pack into the diaper bag! What a deal. $10

Two banners for the price of one! This reversible banner/garland can to used in both November and December–just flip it over. Wooden beads add a unique touch. $30 SOLD

We also have treat bags for Christmas!

These mug rugs were made from the Merrily line of fabrics –each animal has added an accessory for the holidays-scarve, wreath. Machine washable in case you spill your tea or hot chocolate. 4 for $30.

The Quilts Etc. Sale is a fun place to shop for family and yourself. The items are unique, locally handcrafted and reasonably priced. All the sales go to further ministries of the Church. I can’t wait to see you there!

PS–if you can’t be at the Sale, don’t forget anything you see on this blog is for sale today. I can mail anywhere in the US.

The “Pros” of Volunteering

As advertised, every penny from our Quilts Etc Sale goes to two ministries at First United Methodist Church–the TV ministry and the Religious Nurture Center for disabled adults. I was explaining this to an out-of-state friend and they ask about the cost of supplies–donated! The hours and hours spent sewing and quilting–donated! I thought about this as I prepared my part for a panel on volunteering next month. Why do I do this? What do I get out of this? I came up with four good reasons to donate your time or to volunteer

  1. Meet new people and really get to know acquaintances. In our quilting group, we have three members who are not members of FUMC. I would have never known these women, if it had not been for this group. The hand quilting group is mostly women a bit older–in another Church Class. I recognized their faces, but now we are friends. At my Open Door Food Ministry “job” I have made great friends that I would have missed if I had not volunteered here.
  2. Volunteering helps create a schedule in a retirees life. Too often, I hear my fellow retirees say. “What day is this–Monday or Tuesday?” I have two days in my week that I volunteer–Monday and Wednesday. So those days plus Sunday become focal points to my week. Days devoted to volunteering also encourages me not to waste my “off” days.
  3. Volunteering has resulted in me learning new skills. Quilters love to share tips and tricks of the trade. New tools are introduced and shared. But I have also sharpened my computer skills from being a part of Quilters at First. I had to learn to blog and to post images on social media if we wanted our quilts to be purchased by folks outside of the church. Never ever would I have learned to edit a photo, if not for wanting to increase our buying public.

4. Volunteering is great for my mental health. We have a sign in our quilting room that “quilting is cheaper than therapy”. I am not sure that is true–have you priced a yard of fabric at a quilt store? But, what is shared in the four walls of the quilting room, stays there! Plus, the feeling of satisfaction and pride that comes from creating a quilt is wonderful. And no matter how many mistakes and boo-boos you know is in your quilt, your fellow quilters will look at the big picture and offer praise and point out the positive selling points.

All the profits help two very important programs of FUMC that reach out into the community. Most of the adults that come to RNC are not members of FUMC and probably never will be, but Wednesday evenings are very important in their lives. The TV ministry reaches out all to thousands of viewers. Many of these viewers can not attend a church, most will not contribute financially, but for forty years plus, FUMC has been “church” on Sunday morning. During Covid, I grew to really appreciate the TV ministry. I was connected to “my church”, even though the world had shut down.

I know that there are people who could easily write a check that equals our donation. But the Quilts Etc Sale is an opportunity for quilters and shoppers to contribute in small and large ways to these two ministries. Being creative and helping others are big mental health boosters!

This quote was published by the Assistance League–another group of women who contribute hours and hours to serve the needy in our community. Quilters at First use both hands to create and help!

So what did we use our hands for this week?

This quilt reminds me of a beautiful tile floor in a grand church–the colors and the pattern.

Each block is the same pattern but the fabric color variations is what grabs our attention. It is 84″ x 84″–perfect for a double bed. It is machine quilted on a cotton/polyester batting and hand bound.

Just look at the fabric used for the backing. You could flip this quilt over and a lovely different cover for your bed. $225

Sooooo cute! This 49″ x 59″ toddler quilt is so cuddly with Minky on the back. The happy animals are machine appliquéd and it is machine quilted. The machine quilting is widely spaced to add to the “cuddle aspect”. It is washable and hand bound with the orange Minky.

What a super surprise gift for some little one. $150

Fall is here with Halloween not too far off–

This appliquéd wool felt wall hanging is 12″ x 15″. It is a lovely reminder of all the things we should be grateful. $50

Do you have a sister or are a sister? Are you a Wizard of Oz fan? Believe this 14″ x 17.5″ wall hanging would be a great addition to your Halloween collection? Watch folks smile when they see this! $50

Are you a little “batty”—I believe these are very friendly bats and they would like to visit you home. The table runner is 18″ x 44″, machine quilted and hand bound. $40

We have more pumpkins—

The latest to arrive are black velveteen timmed in silver. They provide a nice contrast to their orange cousins.

Another seasonal tea towel.

Coasters for the holidays–we have six tree coasters.

A simple but elegant table runner for December entertaining. Difficult to see in this photo, but there is a tiny touch of gold in the holly print to add a bit of glam. 13″ x 40″. $40

Can you guess what these are used for?

They are playing card holders—for very small hands playing UNO or for hands suffering with arthritis. A very clever idea and would make a great stocking stuffer.

Three weeks from today and we will be in Wilkes Family Life Center offering hundreds of treasures for your shopping pleasure!!! Hope it is on your calendar.

I am probably “preaching to the choir”—but I hope you have found an opportunity to experience the joy of volunteering.

New items for the Sale (but can buy them now!)

I had a “to do” list–but everything on the list did not get done. In fact, a lot of the list is still not marked off! House guests for the long weekend, house painters working, decorating and un-decorating tables for a mission lunch, another annual charity event to attend, regular volunteer commitments–I am sure you know what I am talking about. Sharing last week’s treasures via quiltersatfirst.com just didn’t get done! But here they are:

This non-spooky Halloween wall hanging is already sold, but it is so cute I wanted to share it with you. I was so tempted but did resist and it went to a good home.

Autumn is pumpkins, sunflowers and rustic barns –maybe not always in “real” life, but in our dream world, yes! This 12″ x 15″ wall hanging was created with that in mind. Look at the fabric used for the background..wow. Decorative stitches were used to appliqué. Size is good for anywhere in your home. $50

Janis celebrated all the major holidays and for Christmas she finished this beauty.

The tea dyed green ticking makes a striking background for this appliquéd wall hanging to throw. It is machine appliquéd and custom quilted.

The backing is a neutral print. This close up photo shows off the custom quilting. 46″ x 54″. $225

All Mary Engelbreit fabrics were used for this 56″ x 70″ quilt. The side to side machine quilting is a simple wavy design to off set the busy prints. My daughter in law, who is a perfectionist with points, pieced the front. Washable. Certain to brighten the gloomiest of days, the quilt may be purchased for $200

A panel of Cardinals are surrounded by coordinating bright red poinsettias and holly. A bit of gold adds glam to the 46″ x 64″ throw or wall hanging.

A holiday print is used for the backing. It is machine quilted and hand bound.

$175

So many puppies and look– their favorite treat is machine quilted into the side to side quilt pattern. The backing is a soft flannel. 37″ x 46″. $40

Batik fabrics were used to make these small bags. The pockets are handy for carrying your phone or keys. The straps are long enough to allow crossbody when shopping or walking.

New kitchen towels were added

No surprise we have lots and lots of pumpkins for an October sale. These coasters are made from homespun and are $5 each.

Pot holders or trivets have appliquéd pumpkins on a Insul-brite batting. The background is a durable ticking.

Fall seems to be the season we think about pies–pumpkin or pecan or both for Thanksgiving. Have you had sweet potato pie? Family gatherings are great for the variety of pies brought to share –and bring them to the dinner in style with the simple quilted pie carrier.

The best part– it stores flat when not in use. Washable

To help make life in the kitchen easier, we have a lots of scrubbers and variety of micro- wave bowls.

While our friends were visiting, I enlisted the help of April to paint two barn quilts for the sale.

April chose the patchwork pumpkin with the black crow and I stayed with my favorite, a Cardinal. Each is 28″ x 28″. The boards are 1/2 inch plywood that has been coated on both sides with primer. After the design is complete, two coats of a clear top coat are spray on to help make it weather proof.

You don’t need a barn to hang a barn quilt–we hung ours on the back fence. The barn quilts painted for the sale are $50 each.

Only 22 days until the Quilts Etc Sale– can’t wait for you to see all the “pretties” we have for sale.

Finding happiness

Our world seems crazy now–lots of turmoil, division, hate and change. Easy for a person to feel sad, confused, and afraid. But it is also very important to find comfort, happiness, serenity and to be grateful for all the good things in our world. I keep telling myself this isn’t the first time our world has experienced anxiety and fear. I am a history buff and the “good ole’ days” were not always so great–for example the fall of 1860 and the next five. years, the fall of 1929 and the next ten years, the summer of 1939 and the next six years. But I believe during these awful years, there were times of joy, excitement and hope. And I believe we too can find times of joy, excitement and hope.

After a discussion with a friend, I am aware that I am indeed “blessed”, “lucky” and “privileged”. I can not speak for those in different situations, but even in my blessed, lucky and privileged personal world, scary thoughts cause me to struggle. To keep these scary thoughts in perspective, I depend on my solid personal relationships, my Church, my volunteering, my dog and my “hobbies” or “passions. Quilting gives me problems that are solvable. Quilting allows me to be creative. Quilting is a way to give–personally and to a greater cause. The time I spend quilting in the company of other women is a valuable. We have a sign in our quilt room that reads “Quilting is cheaper than Therapy” –I am not sure about that, but I am certain being part of Quilters at First is therapeutic. Being part of this group is one of my most important tools in my fight against scary thoughts dominating my life.

Each week we share our finished projects that we are donating to the Quilts Etc. Sale. We are always excited to see what has been created. There is no time for scary thoughts while we are admiring each others work. This week we had—

The rich fall color of this panel is lovely, but look what adds a special touch–

–happy bumble bees! You just have to smile at these cute fellows. The wall hanging is 33″ x 49″, $100

The black “friendship stars” remind me of witches hats or perhaps flying bats–but it is very Halloweenie. Look at the machine quilting on this one–webs. The back of the 43″ x 52″ quilt is an interesting fall abstract print. $75

And look who arrived in time for Halloween–Hilda and Hazel!

They come with their broom sticks and plaid capes. They would be happy to grace your home with their presence. $25 each. ONE IS SOLD-ONE LEFT

We have more pumpkins! These off-white or perhaps taupe knit pumpkins would look great mixed in with their orange cousins.

Cardinals are part of the winter landscape.

The four placemats are $40 and measure 12″ x 19″. Perfect for the holidays and beyond.

Sometimes the emphasis of a table runner is the color, theme or shape but in this contemporary one, it is the quilting.

This simple pattern is made extraordinary with the elaborate machine quilting. 15″ x 37″ $40.

WSU fan in your life? This wall hanging/table topper is made from a t-shirt front with a frame of pinwheels and flying geese blocks. $40. Approximately 26″ x 26″–machine quilted

Here is the “official” poster for this year quilt sale. Thank you Erin!!

I hope you can visit the sale–it is a fun experience. Plus the coffee and baked goodies are delicious.

My wish for all of you is to find many things to make you smile and enjoy life.

“What I did on Vacation”

Remember the stories and jokes about students required to write a paper “What I did over my Summer Vacation”? This post could be titled “What I did over my Labor Day Weekend”. We had a staycation after a spring and summer full of trips. But we did do some “vacations” things. We went to two Wind Surge games, we went to two new (to us) restaurants and we made two barn quilts to hang on our back fence.

My husband has found something fascinating about barn quilts. We have traveled country roads looking for barn quilts listed on a tourist guide. We have engaged grandchildren in the making of barn quilts.

This summer a granddaughter painted this one with a bit of help.

After I (a long time quilter) showed him ( a newbie) that almost any quilt pattern can be broken down to a five-patch, nine-patch or eight-patch and that different geometric shapes can be created using half-square triangles and hour-glass blocks, he was ready to go!

We had the perfect weather and space to work outside. And Lowes is just up the road, so when we needed a different shade of yellow, it was just a few minutes away. He had already primed the 28″ x 28″ pieces of 1/2″ plywood, so we could get started right away.

We just need to spray the clear protective coat over them before we hang them on the fence. I am not sure how many barn quilts one needs on a fence–it is a very long fence–but they were very fun to make–and probably easier than a fabric quilt block!

We are debating making one to have at the Quilts Etc Sale. What do you think?

What did we have new for the Quilt Sale this week?

More towels–

The towels vary in price due to quality of towel–we have discovered not all muslin towels are created equally and the amount of work spent on the towel varies greatly.

These are made with Insulbright–a thermal product that reflects heat or cold back. Much safer for your hands and table top than just cotton batting.

A Halloween table topper –30″ x 34″. $40. It is machine quilted with a spider web design to add to the spookiness and look at the binding–candy corn!

This table topper is a bit smaller–17″ x 19″ and is more autumn than Halloween. $30

Santa or Saint Nicholas is here! He is decked out in velvet and fur with gold trim. His bag is full of surprises. $40

We are adding to our collection of baby/toddler items–

The 35″ x 42″ pre-printed panel was machine quilted and bound to make a sophisticated “I Spy” or interactive play mat. All around the panel are suggestions to search for in the center of the quilt. Shirley quilted it with an alphabet pattern in different primary colors. This play mat will not be one-and-done experience for the child–so many different items to find. $50

This 39″ x 39″ quilt is simply half-square triangle–but I love the forrest animal prints found. It is gender neutral with greens, rusts, beige and pale blues and pinks. The backing is a fleece in a very pale sage. Machine quilted and hand bound–$50

The Quilt Etc sale is getting closer and closer. We have started exhibiting a quilt in the narthex each Sunday before the sale. You are invited to see all these items up close and personal on October 17-19. As someone said last Sunday after seeing our first displayed quilt–“It is so much prettier and interesting than in the photo”. See you soon.