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.

A Bumper Crop

It rained last night! We had 3/4 inch in our rain gauge. Receiving rain in Kansas is very exciting. Ninety two percent of the state is in drought with twelve percent being in extreme drought. We have had rain in August which is unusual but it has not made up the deficit that has existed since the first of the year. We are still under Stage 2 water rationing; Cheney Lake, our water source, is down seven feet! I have talked to Ross the weather man all summer –of course, it is a one way conversation– about getting my hopes up and then dashing them. So rain is welcomed!

Partially as a result of no rain and 100 degree days, our tomato crop was terrible. Last year we had a bumper yield. We gave away boxes full and I froze several bags of juice. This year we have one or two BLTs and a few salads. When the grower is moaning over his wasted effort, I remind him we are not making our living by farming. It can’t be easy to be a Kansas farmer.

But we have had a “bumper” number of projects completed for the Quilts Etc. Sale in October. The lack of rain has not effected our creativity!

This quilt came in last week but I forgot to take the info!

Colorful butterflies on the print and the half square triangles are positioned to suggest more butterflies! The backing is a soft Minky in the same vibrant pink. The border is a batik that blends perfectly. The quilt is machine quilted and measures 62″ x 80″. $200

Baby/toddler quilts were included in the new items—

The hour glass block in primary colors is for that baby gift when you don’t know the gender. Or you just like the bright color found in a crayon box! Machine quilted and very washable–it is for a baby or young child! 38″ x 50″. $75

Here is the crayon box! Who doesn’t like a brand new box of colors for the beginning of school. This quilt would be a striking wall hanging in a class room or in a child’s room. It is machine quilted in a geometric design with cotton/poly blend batting–very washable. The binding is hand sewn. 42″ x 69″ $150

Does Dad or Mom want their little one to play baseball growing up? Or do you remember your days on the sandlot?

Vintage inspired prints evoke the good old days of America’s favorite sport. The backing in a coordinating print is the second photo. Machine quilted with a baseball design. (I think that is a “Royal” Blue used in the borders and sashing, Yes?) Baby’s quilt or a wall hanging 41″ X 41″. $75

Yes, you are seeing spots–or polka dots, all sizes and colors. Play mat on the floor? Car quilt for those frosty mornings in a car seat? Snuggle quilt for watching TV? 42″ x 48″. $45

I have said before–Kansas is the Sunflower State. Even though sunflowers are usually late summer-early fall, since we are in Kansas, they are year around appropriate. 🙂

This table topper would be perfect up until you start decorating in December. The cornucopia is the focal with rich autumn colors . $30

The center print of a cornucopia is made more striking with the rich colors of the coordinating fabrics circling it. This table topper fits a round table well. $30

Tea towels are a very practical gift for someone else or for yourself.

Hand embroidery makes drying dishes more fun. We have lots of single designs and this charming set of five. The five coffee theme towels are embroidered with coordinating coffee print fabric…and they have rick rac! The coffee towels are five for $45 or $10 each.

Diane is our quilter who also knits and crochets. She surprised us with these cuties.

So cute–and you know sometimes you must have things just because they are cute!!! Acorns are $5 each–Owl key rings $5 each–Candy Corn guys $6 each

Diane is great about making “little” things.

The pumpkins with real pumpkin stems are $5 and the gift card holders are only $3 each. Next week she will have several KC Chiefs ones–$3 each

A phone case with zipper pockets and clear plastic on one side. Don’t want to take your purse with everything in it shopping? Leave it at home, slide your phone, ID and credit card in the zippered pockets and you shop hands free. $15

This project bag with mesh and a zipper pocket may be used to carry all your supplies for sewing on the go. $10

New aprons include—

And at the very end of the day this beauty “did appear”–

This appliquéd scene of Santa and his tiny reindeer is machine appliquéd and machine quilted. Do you see the stars or snowflakes quilted into the sky? Batik fabrics add depth to each element. The size, 22″ x 26″, allows it to be displayed many places in your home. $75. SOLD

We have a “bumper number” of items for sale–online and at the Quilts Etc. Sale, October 17, 18, and 19. We have more choices than we have ever had; there is something for everyone! See you there!

Shop Local, Shop Small

We receive many pieces of “junk” mail. Usually they get tossed in the recycling cart on my way in from the mail box. But this ad magazine cover grabbed me. “Shop Local Shop Small”. That could be the theme for our Quilts Etc Sale and for all the items sold by the Quilters at First online!

Shopping local is smart. Here are six reasons that shopping local tells the world you are a savvy shopper!

  1. You know your seller and the person who made your purchase. Most of the quilts, table runners, aprons, bags etc are made by members of the two quilting groups at First United Methodist. We do have some items donated to us by non-members but usually we have ties to these persons. For example, my daughter in law donated a Christmas quilt. At the Sale in October, you can personally meet these persons, they are in the teal t-shirts refolding quilts and serving coffee. Ask us who made a quilt and we can tell you. Find the maker and they will sew a personalized label on your quilt or a hanging sleeve on your wall hanging.
  2. Most of the items are unique, one of a kind. The quilts are not mass produced in a sweat shop in China. Most quilters don’t even make the same pattern twice. And if they do, it is in different fabrics.
  3. By buying local, you are reducing the carbon footprint. Your quilt or table runner was not flown to Wichita and trucked to your home. (That said, we will mail your purchase to you.) And yes, the fabric we used was not locally milled and printed, it had to be shipped to local shops or from an online store. But, we are the Queens of Scraps! We use left over fabric from a previous project, we use donated fabric, we use quality fabric found at garage and estate sales and thrift shops, we use each other’s fabric. Very little fabric makes it to the landfill from us.
  4. We pay local taxes. The local, county and state tax combined is 7.5%. That translates to every $100 you spend, we only keep $92.5 for our ministries. I don’t begrudge taxes–we need fire and police departments, parks and libraries. When you shop local the taxes stays in here.
  5. Great prices! We sell beautiful well made items very inexpensively. All the materials, equipment and time is donated by the quilters.

(Chart is by Janet Bate, found on Pinterest–and yes, fabric does cost $13 a yard or more)

No one would buy a quilt, if the cost of the fabric, batting, pattern, quilting and time were figured into the project. Our projects are priced to sell. Our sale is a bargain shoppers paradise–quality pieces for sale prices.

6. All, yes all of the money goes to two ministries in our Church that are not limited to members of the Church. The Religious Nurture Center for adults with disabilities is open to all. The TV ministry is for anyone that tunes in on Sunday morning–persons that are in care facilities or homebound, persons who don’t feel comfortable “going to church”, persons who don’t have a Church they can attend in their community..the viewers tune in for as many different reasons as there are viewers. This ministry is very expensive and our contribution is a small part of their budget but welcomed.

There you are–six reasons for feeling great because you shopped locally–at the Quilts Etc. Sale!

🧵New projects this week—–

Remember I wrote that most quilters don’t use the same pattern twice? Well, Elaine did but two different fabric lines were used for two different looks.

Bonnie and Camille are fabric designers for Moda fabrics. They are well known for their use of red with turquoise color scheme. This star table runner is 12″ x 40″ $40

The table runner is made from American Jane fabrics. Same pattern but different feel. Measures 12″ x 40″. It is machine quilted and machine washable. $40

Sunflowers and bees, sure signs of late summer and early fall. The backing is the tiny bee fabric. 12.5″ x 37″. $40

This simple floral patch quilt would be great for a floor play quilt or a car quilt. The yellow is gender neutral. Measuring 53″ x 53′”, is machine quilted and very washable. $45

This “butterfly” quilt is made with fabric that reminds me of Asian prints or prints from the Art Nouveau period. This a sophisticated use of pink, purple and blues.

The backing is a simple light batik. This photo allows you to see the machine quilting design. The quilt measures 62″ x 80″. $200

Show your support for the Chiefs by wearing this hand crochet hats–toddler, child and adult sizes. $15 each

Another tea towel–$8.

Please share with your friends that shopping locally—especially at the Quilts Etc. Sale can be fun, ecologically smart and a bargain!

Late Summer Vibes

The grandchildren have returned home from visiting their grandparents. The Church Class Ice Cream Social happened last night. The school buses are rolling through the neighborhoods, and there have been a couple of cool evenings when dog walkers ventured out to marvel at the fall like temps while reminding each other there is still lots of summer yet! All these events are precursors of autumn, even though there are thirty five more days of official summer. But the most telling signal that fall is around the corner is the start of football. Preseason has already started.

Personal note–at our house, baseball is king and there is much more interest in who will make it to the playoffs and ultimately the World Series. But for my son-in-law, this is his time of the year!

The Quilters at First recognize the importance of supporting your team and have created a few items that are perfect for get-togethers and watching the game while snacking!

Table runners set the mood for your Chiefs’ watch party.

This table runner doesn’t say KC Chiefs because isn’t official licensed fabric—but the arrow heads are red and gold with “you know who’s” number 15 ! It is 13.5″ x 40.5″ and is machine quilted. It is washable. $40

This 19/5″ x 30″ table topper uses “official” KC Chiefs fabric—but it may bled when washed. I recommend using a couple of sheets of SHOUT, the color catcher that attracts the color and keeps it from turning the white half triangles pink. It is machine quilted and hand bound. $35

This purple and gold table topper has an autumn feel about it, although it would fit in any season.

The table topper or wall hanging is 35″ x 35″ and machine quilted using the “scrollwork” pattern. $45

If it is “almost” fall, is it too early to be planning for the Christmas holidays? I don’t think so- Two Christmas table runners were completed.

Traditional prints were “braided” for this 14″ x 42″ table runner. The backing is a rich print that could be used for a different look. $40

This table runner design suggests stylized poinsettias. The background is a white on white prints.

The backing and the binding is a simmering red and green batik. The table runner is 15″ x 53″. $40

Need a gift for a friend that doesn’t live in Wichita any more but needs a reminder of what a great city it is…or a “welcome bag” for a new neighbor.

Only $15 and there is plenty of room to fill it with candy from the Nifty Nut House and coffee from The Spice Merchant..and maybe a book from Watermark.

What about portable checkerboards that can be rolled up and easy to carry? The checkers are in a zippered pouch that is attached to the “board”. My mother loved to play simple games when she was in skilled nursing. This checker board would be easy to transport to the care facility when visiting. $25 each

I have been told many times not to “wish my life away”, so with that in mind, I will enjoy these last weeks of summer! I won’t get impatient for fall–but that doesn’t mean I won’t look forward to World Series, cooler weather and the Quilt Etc. Sale!!!

TV Ministry and Quilts

The TV Ministry at First United Methodist Church is 48 years old! Every Sunday morning at 11am, thousands of viewers watch FUMC’s worship service in their homes, care facilities, shops and hospitals. It was a life line for me during the COVID pandemic. My dog and I would curl up on the sofa and be connected to my Church family. The services gave me hope in a very dark period of our world.

An added benefit to having Church on line, is the word is out about the Quilt Etc Sale in October; a sale that benefits two very important ministries of the Church–The Religious Nurture Center for Disabled Adults and the TV Ministry. TV viewers have visited the Sale in October knowing that all they spend will be help these important ministries. Plus they have some well made quilts and/or home accessories to use or gift! We have mailed quilts etc to viewers who have learned about the blog via the TV Ministry.

An unexpected result of the Quilt Etc Sale being announced on TV has been all the wonderful friends of quilting that have contributed quilts and fabric!

Several vintage/antique quilts have been donated when family members were dealing with inherited estates.

These beauties were in our sale in 2022–all from TV viewers.

This exquisitely pieced and quilted piece was purchased last year at the Sale–and it was from a TV viewer.

We also received boxes and bags of fabric, pattern books, “works in progress” and tools from former quilters or their families. Any usable fabric selected by a First Quilter for a project adds to the profit margin–and we feel good about not contributing to the land fill!

A wonderful surprise was a viewer of the TV ministry that is also a quilter–a very good quilter– and wanted to contribute “brand new” quilts to the sale. This summer Laura called the Church asking to be put in touch with the quilters. Arrangements were made to meet and she arrived with two beauties for the sale!

“Twist and Shout” is in rich greens and reds with winter prints. The plaid used in the border is a woven plaid insuring that it is perfectly squared. The machine quilting is “side to side” scrolls. 57″ x 70″–perfect to throw over a sofa back or a rocking chair during the holidays. $200

Laura’s second quilt was also a “Christmas” quilt.

The “Around the World’ quilt has vibrant colors and winter nature prints. It measures 57″ x 66”. If you look closely you will see the machine quilting pattern is holly leaves and berries. Both of these quilts are machine washable. $195.

Laura— Thank you! Your work is perfect and the color choices are right on!

Members of the our group also are thinking about the holidays.

A table runner with stars—12.5″ x 36″ is for sale. $40

Mug rugs make perfect gifts for your work or bunco friends. In the very popular color combination of yellow and grey, these mug rugs are 8″ x 11″. The set of 4 is $32.

This patriotic table runner won a blue ribbon in the country fair! Labor Day entertaining is just around the corner. $40

Oh autumn–can you get here soon enough?? Navy and gold- contemporary fall colors without the standard prints of leaves, and pumpkins. Graduates of the US Naval Academy and many other universities and colleges could claim the quilt as being a “school spirit” quilt. Or, you just like this color combination! 47″ x 48″ $125

More fall theme towels were finished and ready to be purchased. Each is $6.

Quilting brings folks together. We are very grateful for our “quilting friends” and for our TV Ministry that aids in this connection!

“A Time for Gathering”

Every summer, “”it” arrives. This past Wednesday afternoon, Janis casually placed a large bag on my table and announced that “it” was finished! And every year we can’t imagine “it” will match last year, much less exceed “it”. Well, it did and we are excited to share “it” —Janis’ appliquéd wallhanging for the Quilt Sale.

Announcing—–

“A Time for Gathering” was designed by Kathy Cardiff.

This is the original pattern–the designer explained that fall is a time of Gathering—animals gather for the cold months of winter, farmers and gardeners gather their final crops and families gather together meals and holidays. This pattern was ideal for Janis.

Janis did all the appliqué on a domestic machine. One member of our group kept repeating–“Look at all those tiny circles”. If any of you have appliquéd, you appreciate how slowly she stitched to keep all those “tiny circles” even!

The colors are vibrant and “play together well”. She selected multiple colors to add depth to the image—three shades of berries. The basket has three tweeds to complete the image of a weaving.

Look at the trees..the lines in the wool were positioned at an angle to suggest branches. The fabric used on the roof gives the impression of tiles.

The background fabric is very unique. It looks like Dotted Swiss but is a textured heirloom fabric by Diamond Textiles USA for this very pattern. The taupe color allows the bright oranges, purples and greens to sparkle.

By using wool fabric or felt, a 3-D look was created after closely stitching the leaves, etc. I don’t know if Janis counted the number of different threads used—but notice the thread is not noticeable unless she wanted it to be.

The Gathering was custom quilted, of course! It is the quilting that created the cobblestone path of the Church and the clouds in the sky above the barn and Church. Feather plumes frame the sunflowers. And there is a forrest floor of leaves quilted into the squirrels home. The quilting in the outside border creates a traditional looking frame. Janis teamed up with a very talented long arm quilter!

The backing is a batik with most of the colors used in the appliqué.

Only four cornerstones were used…the colors emphasizing the colors used. But by using only four, the quilt has a more cohesive feel.

She gave this to the Quilters at First for our annual sale. We can not put a price on it that reflects what it is actually worth—the special and many fabrics, the pattern, the hours and hours spent bent over a machine, and the custom quilting. After much deliberation, $600 was decided upon as a fair price.

We will put a hanging sleeve if so desired. It can be mailed anywhere in the US for the cost of postage and insurance.

I am looking forward to A Time for Gathering in our lives!

Who is Learning to Sew?

“Young people aren’t learning to sew” or “Quilting is a dying art” is often said to me when someone learns I quilt or that I taught sewing. And it is true that the numbers of youth learning to sew is much lower than it was in the 20th century. But, after being part of two county 4-H fairs this summer, I know that there are children and teens sewing! And they are sewing some amazing garments, quilts and accessories. Where did they learn to sew since many of the public schools have closed the traditional Family and Consumer (Home Economics) classes such as sewing? The top two answers I hear when I ask the young people are Grandma and YouTube–with YouTube being the most popular answer! Yep, YouTube is the “go-to” source of “how-to” for everything from loading string on a weed eater to crocheting cute little critters.

I also want to give a shout out or give a loud “yea!” to 4-H Leaders who spend hours helping seven and eight year olds make pot holders and reading pillows. These very basic skills bloom over the years into some amazing work by older teens. The best of show at one fair was a quilt made by a 15 year. I had to look long and hard to find something to “suggest” she do differently next time. (And she was very willing to learn how to evenly line up blocks with sashing in-between. Most adult would not have been as gracious.). At the second fair, the top quilt was by a 18 who will be off to college this fall and can’t decide if she wants to study political science or fashion design. I have a hunch she would excel in either.

As to “quilting being a dying art”, just get on the internet and check out a few of Instagram reels or posts with the tag line of quilting. Go the web sites of the well known fabric companies and check out the fabric designers! For the most part, they are persons in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Read quilting blogs—less popular now because the younger generations like the easy and speed or Instagram or Threads– but there are many authored by Generation X and Z or Millennials. Yes, the members of quilting guilds or circles are usually Baby Boomers and persons born on either side of the 1946 to 1964. Why? because the Generation X, Z and Millennials are still in the work force and often have young families at home. But that doesn’t mean they are not quilting using any spare minutes they might have; they just don’t have the luxury of spending hours with other quilters.

Persons will argue the number of quilt fabric stores are on a sharp decline. But across the retail vista, brick and mortar stores are closing due to the popularity of on-line shopping. I try to support my local quilt stores but it is sooo easy to order the special print fabric I need at 11 pm on-line..in my pjs.

Learning to sew or crochet or knit at 10 years of age may not result in a life long hobby. But anytime a child is exposed to something new—music lessons, cooking, horse back riding–their brains become even more receptive to “thinking out side the box” and creative problem solving– two skills that are very important in adulthood!

So what new projects did the Quilters at First contribute to the Sale this week?

Baby quilts were popular.

Perfect for a newborn–and especially if you do not know the gender, this 33″ x 33″ pinwheel quilt has pink, teal, purple, blue and yellow as does the floral print flannel on the back. It is machine washable. $40

Pink “coins” have green accent blocks for visual interest. This cozy 47″ x 49″ quilt is backed with a solid pink fleece. Machine quilted and hand bound, it is machine washable. $60

Well, this is a cute as a bug!

How about four bugs….do caterpillars count as bugs? They are dancing around a field of pinwheels. The machine quilting adds texture to this fun gender neutral quilt. It is hand bound. The quilt measures 38″ x 38″ and is $75. Interested? They are so cute, they may not be around during the quilt sale in October.

Beautiful rich batiks in shades of brown were used for this lap size quilt. The backing glows. The use of light and dark colors create the predominate design. It would “work” especially well in a contemporary setting or in a guy’s room. 60″ x 70″. $150

The appliqué master contributed this wall hanging.

SNOW –appliquéd on flannel and in muted colors is so soft! It evokes a still winter evening after a snow storm. The machine embroidery adds special details. It is 9″ x 32″– and $50.

Towel are functional–but they can add to your seasonal decor. These hand towels have been trimmed with summer and fall prints.

Each is $6—hint, hint–they make great hostess gifts or even serve as gift wrapping!

Hand embroidered on muslin towel with old fashioned ric-rac trim, each measures 26″ x 26″. $8 each

Did you know there is only 83 days before the QUILTS ETC SALE ? Hope it on your calendar. I don’t believe we have ever had as many items as we do this year! Something for everyone!!

Pot Luck Quilt Sales!

Last Sunday our Church had a Pot Luck lunch to welcome new staff members. It was a huge success! The hall was full of families, couples and singles enjoying the food and the conversations–measured by the sounds of laughter and occasional bits of dialogue. The long tables were crammed with all sort of salads, side dishes, and desserts. We were encouraged to return to the food table for seconds.

Our head minister has expressed her feelings about pot luck; red jello and deviled eggs are a must. And too much planning spoils a pot luck. If everyone brings dessert–what a feast! But of course, somehow, there is always a great balance of salads, relish plates, crock pots of baked beans, an occasional bag of chips and gooey chocolate brownies and luscious coconut cake. How does it happen? My theory is that most of us have a special “take to a pot luck or the in-laws” dish that we are sure to bring. My “go-to” recipe is broccoli salad–the chopped very fine raw broccoli flowerletts, red onion, bacon bits and dried cranberries with coleslaw dressing. Peggy brings the coconut cake. And those single elderly men are good for a bag of chips!

We all know these events don’t “just happen”. Someone has to make the tea, set the tables, count the chairs, and run the dish washer. But as we left the dining room long after everyone else, we were already planning the next one.

Our Quilt Etc Sale in October is very similar to a pot luck dinner. There is a lot of behind the scenes work, hours at our sewing machine, and very little organized planning as to what will be served! But just like a pot luck dinner, there will be a wonderful assortment of items. Truth be told, after each sale we seriously discuss what sold well and what do we need to include next year. BUT then we all go home and make our specialities! Some quilters prefer appliqué..some make kits …some use one line of fabric per project…some are scrap quilters..some like to make a lot of little items…some follow patterns …some create as they go. And all our individual specialities result in a very diverse offering at the sale!

As promised in my last post, many new projects are ready to be offered for sale. A regular smorgasbord of items!

Peggy’s favorite flower is tulips and these will last all spring on your table. The backing is a light blue. The machine quilting is a tulip floral pattern, also. The top measures 36″ x 36″ and is $50.

This table runner also has a floral print but more of a late summer -early fall vibe. It is 21″ x 40″ and $30.

Know anyone that “really” celebrates St. Pat’s day? Heather’s niece was born on the March 17, so she received one just like this for her special day. This size and shape is perfect to set on an end table or in the middle of the breakfast table. 16″ x 18″. $30 SOLD

Thinking ahead to Christmas? This table runner or dresser runner adds to the holiday decor without taking over. Machine quilted and machine washable–so it could be used when you are serving refreshments or dinner. 14″ x 45″ $40

These low- volume holiday prints are a gentle reminder of all we enjoy during this special season.–gifts, candy canes, holly. Measuring 41″ x 42″, it could be a table topper or sofa throw. $50

Again, a table runner doesn’t necessarily need to be on a table. This runner made with winter prints fits perfectly on top of a chest of drawers in the guest room! 13″ x 36″. $40

I may be old fashioned or really messy, but I use aprons most of the time when cooking! This coordinating Moda fabrics made a sturdy apron with pockets. The neck strap and the waist ties are adjustable. $20

We welcome Janis’ contributions to our “pot luck”!!! Everyone eagerly waits to see what she will contribute, given appliqué is her speciality.

Rich browns, gold and beige batiks are used for the background. The lime green leaves add pops of colors. A very special message is machine embroidered across the top. 16″ x 27″. $55

Appliqué with wool or flannels add warm texture to the art work. In these three pieces, warm colors and cozy fabrics add to the autumnal mood.

Fall colors, cozy fabrics, excellent craftsmanship and fall produce! So much more special than decor items picked up at big box stores! 17″ x 20″ $55

Pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie, white, blue or purple pumpkins–the lowly gourd has become the symbol of fall. I have friends that are counting the days until the coffee shops offer pumpkin spice lattes! My favorite pumpkin is pie–with real whipped cream!! This wall hanging is 15″ x 15″ and $50….maybe hang it over your coffee bar at home?

Fall, traditionally a time of harvest, has become a time to gather together with family and friends–an added bonus. We will hanging loops if you want—12″ x 17″. $50

This 11″ x 31″ runner is in the rich colors of fall but is favored by some people all year around. Either side could be used . $30

Bats! How did they get associated with Halloween? But they are a favorite addition to spookiness. I have read they are very nice animals–but pretty sure I will never have a bat for a pet! But a wall hanging, yes!

18″ x 23″. $40

Did you use a scrunchie with your long hair? A fashion accessory that comes and goes–and it is in now!

These have upped the style with the bow addition. $3 each.

Check out the photo gallery for our large selection of quilts, baby items–you name it! Thanks for coming to our “pot luck” –hope you found something to your taste!