Cherry House Quilts

The end of hibernation - and a give away!

2012-02-23T12:09:30-06:00

It was 77 degrees in Houston yesterday, and I had to turn on the AC, so that means that hibernating is over, and I'm back in action. A more accurate statement would be that I'll be visible again...there is lots to share...new magazine projects, a big project, a personal project - I can't wait to share them all!

To start off this new year right (almost 2 months late) I've got a free book for you, Sonoma Rose from the author Jennifer Chiaverini. The kind folks at Penquin Group are offering a free copy, and I wanted to share it with you!

How to win? Leave a comment about why 2012 is going to be a great year for you. The give away will end on 2/26/12, and Penquin will mail the book directly to you. This contest is limited to those in the US and Canada only.

I cannot wait to share my reasons for loving 2012 - it's going to be a good great year!

xoxo,

Cherri

December already???

2011-12-13T08:33:56-06:00

Okay, who said it could be December already? Wasn't it just December, didn't we just put up the Christmas tree...like last week? The years go by quickly, but this one has been a blur.

While 2011 has been challenging, at the end of the day (and year) I can honestly say that I'm grateful for it all. I've been given an opportunity to honestly look at my life, to see what is wonderful, to see what is unimportant, and to change what I need to change. I'm looking forward to 2012 both personally and quilt wise...lots of exciting things in the works that I can't wait to share.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all ♥

xoxo,

Cherri

All roads lead to Houston

2011-10-24T08:53:00-05:00

For the quilting world all roads lead to Houston, and I'm so happy to be here! I can literally walk to Quilt Market and Festival from work, which has always seemed like such blessing, considering how far so many of you must travel to get here.

Just to give you an update, I'm on the mend...time seems to be doing the trick! Thank you for your kindness and concern; I will be forever grateful for the outpouring of support that I have received from this community. My #1 goal after getting well, is getting back to quilting, sewing, designing, and getting back into the blogging/tweeting/flickr groove. I've missed you all so much!

I hope to see lots of you at Market!

xoxo,

Cherri

Passport, Tickets, Money

2011-08-28T19:50:00-05:00

"Passport, tickets, money", this is a line from one of my all time favorite movies Shirley Valentine! This is also the name of my suitcase quilt, which I am working on, after too long of a delay. Thank you for your emails giving me a little push, telling me how much you want to make this quilt for the traveler in your life. I'll be using Kona Cotton solids for the background, and Moda Crossweaves for the suitcases.

I can't wait to get it made, and make the pattern available to you!

As soon as I have an update on the pattern, I'll let you know.

xoxo,

Cherri

P.S. Thanks for your continued concern over my headaches...they are not improving, and the medical procedures which I've undergone seem to not be working. While I am discouraged, I'm not giving up hope. My Melissa is home from Johns Hopkins Nursing school, and while searching for a job, she is acting as my own personal nurse. Wonderful healthly meals, and nightly walks have been started, and I believe (like Tinker Bell), and have faith that wellness is within reach!

Just call me the tin man

2011-07-03T07:57:10-05:00

Why would you call me the tin man?

Could it be that I'm staring in an off Broadway production of The Wizard of Oz? No

Because I've taken to wearing a funnel on my head?
Possibly
Could it be, because it's been so long since I've blogged on a regular basis that I feel quite rusty? Yes!

I am a rusty blogger, who knew there was such a thing? I won't apologize, it's all been out of my control, but sadly I do feel a bit tin man-ish...somebody pass me the oil quick!

Here's the thing - in the last year, I've shared with you the most embarrassing/personal events in my life. First, I fall in the lake trying to take a freaking photo, and share it with the world (embarrassing); then I check myself into a hospital for depression, and share it with the world (personal). It's like we've gone on a date, and I've told you way too much, and now I'm not sure where we are suppose to go from here. Maybe the best way to look at it is, even when you think it's the end of the world; it isn't...and that horrible saying 'what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger'...it's not actually a horrible saying, it just reminds me of Steel Magnolia's. So, can we start this dating relationship over again? I won't share too much, and I won't stay away so long. I think that is how we should proceed...yes, no, you'll think about it, and get back to me?

Before we start our new deal, I will share a few things (no more lakes or hospitals) since many of you have asked...

The headaches are not gone, the shots didn't work, and now my doctor is trying another procedure. It will involve 2 outpatient surgeries...I sincerely pray this will fix the problem
My depression is under control...thank heaven for medicine and good doctors

Thank you so much for your kindness, support, and patience with me through this whole ordeal. It hasn't been fun (not in the least), but I've learned a lot of lessons because of it.

much love,

your rusty trusty tin man

Cherri

Calling All Quilters! You answered, THANK YOU!

2011-05-24T14:49:00-05:00

Back in March, I sent out a request for quilts for little ones in need. You answered with love, generosity, and quilts; I thank you with all my heart ♥

I've asked Heather, president of the Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild to do a guest post about the quilts, and the program.

You can download Heather's post here, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did! Did you see your quilt in the photos? I saw mine...so fun! Download SEEHS QUILT DRIVE

Thank you again! As you can see from the photos, our quilt drive was an overwhelming success! We've touched the lives of these families in a positive, and loving way...that's what quilting is all about in my book.

much love,

Cherri

GRAZIE MILLE

2011-05-06T20:14:17-05:00

Or thanks a million; whichever you prefer! Your emails and comments of support, and sisterhood in the depression and headache club have meant the world to me, thank you so much! UPDATE FROM THE NEUROLOGIST: The diagnosis for my headaches is Occipital Neuralgia, something about nerves from the spinal cord, up the neck, over the scalp being very unhappy. According to the doctor 75% of the people that have this, have headaches at the back of the skull; I fall into the other 25%. I was given 4 steroid shots at the base of my skull where the nerves are...holy hell, that was horrible!!! I'll go back in two weeks for another set of four shots. The doctor thinks this should take care of the headaches...hallelujah, what a blessing that would be, seriously; what a blessing!

Okay, I'm losing sleep over the batting giveaway, so this is what I'm going to do...the first 12 entries are the winners...that's it, if you are one through 12 you've won! Email your mailing address to me cherryhousequilts at gmail dot com, and I'll forward it on to the great folks @ Hobbs Batting. Thank you for your patience over this, longest contest ever, right???

Have you received your Summer 2011 issue of Quilts & More? Did you see my quilt on the cover? This is the quickest, and best quilt to make, plus; it's just so cheery! The Piece of Cake girls are selling kits for this quilt in case you want to make one just like the magazine.

What else? I know there is more, but my thoughts are foggy, so I'll save it for another day.

xoxo,

Cherri

Expectations

2011-04-26T08:11:14-05:00

Dear Friends,

In my recent post regarding my diagnosis of depression, I was apprehensive, and a little afraid; having no idea what to expect from sharing something so personal. What I received was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded all my expectations. Your comments and emails have touched my heart.

I sincerely, and gratefully thank you for your incredible kindness during this challenging time. Knowing that I could be honest, and share what was really going on, has a lifted a burden that I haven't known how to carry alone. I had two doctors appointments yesterday, both assured me that I'm on the right track, and I'm moving in the right direction. The next step to finding out what is causing these headaches...eye appointment, sleep study, then the neurologist.

This blog is about quilting, and I'll get back to that as soon as possible...I miss it, and I'm itching to sew. Thank you again for your understanding, and your kindness. Many of you have shared your journeys through depression, and I'm grateful for your openness...a new sisterhood I didn't know existed.

much love,

Cherri

Where to begin...

2011-04-21T08:09:25-05:00

My dearest friends,

This is completely personal, and not quilt related; by the end of the post I hope you will understand my sharing this bit of my life.

A week ago I checked myself into a hospital for severe depression, and it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. THE ONLY REASON I SHARE THIS is in hopes of helping someone else who may be suffering. I've suffered with clinical depression off & on throughout my life, but due to the headaches I've been having since February (and are still unresolved) I finally got to the end of the road. My upbringing is all about getting over your problems, pushing ahead, not feeling sorry for yourself, and moving forward. Well, I had tried all of those things, until I just couldn't try any more. I went to my family doctor, and he suggested that I check myself in a hospital specializing in what I was going through. Normally I would have fought the suggestion, and said, "I'll be fine, it's okay"; because that is the standard answer in our family...but not this time, I was too exhausted, and too tired of fighting.

So I drove to the hospital, checked myself in...it was not what I was expecting! I thought I would get to sleep 12 hours a day, and get feeling better...no sir. We had lots of group therapy, individual therapy, and one on one sessions with doctors. What a blessing walking in that door was for me...and hopefully my family.

Currently I'm in an outpatient program for the next two weeks - what a blessing this is as well. The staff at this hospital couldn't be kinder, and more genuinely concerned with my well being. In case you're wondering, my diagnosis is Major Depressive Disorder; I was grateful it wasn't anything more serious...not that this isn't serious.

So, that's where I've been, and that is what I've been up to; for once in my life, I'm taking care of myself. My Mom has been here for the last month, and I couldn't be more grateful for her kindness and support. Ashlee is coming in today, and I cannot wait to see her. I'm heartbroken about not attending market in SLC, but that is okay; there will be another one in less than 6 months.

I still have to have the batting drawing, which I haven't forgot about about; plus our quilt along show & tell. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your concern about my headaches. I've felt your prayers and I'm more grateful than you will ever know. Going through all of these challenges, I knew that I was never alone.

much love,

Cherri

p.s. the reason the blog post say Lizzy House at the top, is that Lizzy & I share a typepad account. If it's signed Cherri; then you know it's me...the Mom, not the daughter.

p.s.s. Start looking for the new copy of Quilts & More Summer 2011...there is a quilt on the cover from yours truly ♥

I didn't forget, I promise!

2011-04-01T16:51:51-05:00

Remember the drawing that I was suppose to have on the 31st to give away 12 crib size rolls of Hobbs fusible batting, and obviously didn't? I didn't forget, I promise, I really didn't. The truth is I'm going for the worlds record on who can have a headache the longest, and so far I'm at about 6 six weeks. I've had more doctor appts & tests than I can count, and more still to come. So, if you don't mind, just leave some more comments about batting, or about headaches, or why you like me so much (kidding, kinda), or whether you realize that my daughter Lizzy House (artist, and fabric designer extraordinaire), and myself Cherri House (owner of Cherry House Quilts, designer of all Cherry House Quilts patterns, and author of City Quilts) are actually TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE...Mother (me) & Daughter (her). Peeps are confused by this all the time.

Thank you for your patience, your prayers, and good wishes! As soon as I have an ounce of energy, I will draw those 12 names, and get your prizes moving in the right direction ♥

xoxo,

Cherri

NEVER in all the world, could I have imagined this, NEVER!

2011-03-27T19:43:13-05:00

Does anyone utilize Google Alerts? I do, I find them mostly helpful, informative, and time saving. Well the other day the one I received made me fall out of my chair...this is what I read:

Red and White and Sewn All Over
Wall Street Journal
At the gift shop, those who wanted to make a deeper inquiry into quilts could purchase books like "Start Quilting," "City Quilts," "Crazy Quilting," or even ...

How on earth could the title of my book City Quilts be listed in a google alert for the freaking WALL STREET JOURNAL??? Had I lost my mind, had I lost the ability to read, was my mind creating willy nilly sentences out of thin air? How could this be? I believe; I almost hyperventilated! I know there are other books listed besides mine, so maybe there are more women falling out of chairs, and hyperventilating around the country, I have no idea. I just know that MY BOOK was referenced in the Wall Street Journal, and I am still dumbfounded!

Can I just tell you something about my book? It was a labor of love, and something I was actually compelled to do. Besides the quilting part; I had no idea what I was doing, I had no idea how to do it, I had no idea how it would be received, if it would be purchased, or cherished by anyone. It's been out for almost a year now; lots of you like it, some of you love it, there are some folks who don't like it all - their biggest annoyance is that there are no prints in the book...hello...it's a books about solids, but whatever floats your boat, right?

I love all of you...even the ones who aren't crazy about solids!

xoxo,

Cherri

Two little things:

Remember to leave a comment for the free crib size fusible batting from Hobbs
Thanks a million for sending your beautiful baby quilts to the Baltimore Head Start program...they still need more, if you are able to share. I'm sending 2 this week!

Calling All Quilters - Beautiful News!

2011-03-23T22:15:14-05:00

Below is a comment from the director the Baltimore Head Start program, the one we are collecting quilts for. Before I post the note, I want to thank you with all of my heart for your sweet generosity to those in need. I've said it before; you ALWAYS come through, you ALWAYS share all that you have. I'm so grateful and impressed by each and everyone of you♥

Much love,

Cherri

Dear quilters,
You are all absolutely wonderful folks to send us some of the most beautiful baby quilts I have seen. It is so exciting to see them flowing into the Center. Box after box of wonderful handmade quilts. To answer a few questions; one, our parents are not carrying water to their homes. They all have Baltimore City running water. However, they are all Early Head Start participants which means that they are all living at or below the Federal poverty level. So although they have running water in their homes, none of them has the luxury of having a beautiful handmade quilt.
Two,Our program emphasizes early literacy, helping both the parent and the infant and toddler feel comfortable with and love books. We help to create a "cozy corner" in each of our children's homes. This Cozy corner consists of a blanket (now a handmade quilt) and a book. Throughout the year we bring other books to supplement the corner. As the year(s) pass, the cozy corner becomes the infant/toddler "library". A place they go to in order to feel comfy and warm and enjoy a book. ( of course some infants chew their books, but that is ok, as long as they love them)
The quilts you all are making and donating to this cause will truly help our little ones learn to love books and reading. Snuggling up with a warm quilt and a book will be one of their childhood memories, thanks to many of you.
Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your quilts are beautiful and will be loved and cherished by our little ones in Southeast Baltimore Early Head Start.
Please be sure to put your names on your boxes, or in them. I am trying to send notes to each person who is donating to us. One wonderful box with two quilts arrived today from Ipswich NY. No name or return address. So thank you Ipswich NY the quilts are gorgeous.
I am new to blogging, so I hope this makes it onto the page. If I can figure out how to do it, I will take some pictures when we give out the quilts and post them so you can see the children receiving your largess.
Again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You do great work, both in the quilting and in donating your hard work. Our parents don't know yet what is being collected for them, but my staff are totally overwhelmed with your generosity. So THANKS
Gayne Barlow-Kemper
Southeast Early Head Start at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore Maryland

Quilt Batting Giveaway!!! UPDATE INFORMATION

2011-03-22T12:53:09-05:00

City Green from City Quilts

A quilt batting giveaway...could you ask for more? Okay, how about 12 crib size quilt batts...even better right? I'm here to shout from the roof tops how much I LOVE HOBBS FUSIBLE BATTING!!! There are many reasons to love it, and many reasons I use it, but I want you to use it to, I want to you bug the heck out of your LQS, and say "give us the fusible!!!"

Reasons I use it?

I detest safety pinning a huge quilt
I'm not a fan of the spray for batting - makes the needle gunky (real word?)
If I do safety pin, I can NEVER get the back flat, without it puckering
It works...I swear to you, it works!
If I quilt it, I use it! All of the quilts from City Quilts that I quilted use Hobbs Fusible!

I believe so much in Hobbs products that I emailed them, and said I wanted to share the fusible love, and how about giving away some batting...kind folks that they are said 'you bet!'.

Here's a little more info from Hobbs: Heirloom® 80/20 Fusible Cotton Blend

Heirloom® Fusible is an iron on batting which is fusible on both sides. Our Fusible 80/20 is made the same way as our Premium 80/20, except we use a fusible resin in the spray bonding process. This resin eliminates the need for pinning or basting, saving quilters’ time and effort. Simply press your quilt from the center to the outer edges. Make sure you keep your iron moving, pressing approximately 3-4 seconds in each area. Once you have covered the entire surface area of your quilt, allow the quilt to cool. You may then begin quilting by hand or machine. Shrinkage of 3-5% and may be quilted up to 4” apart.

Something else that I love...it's made in Texas! There is even a brand now for made in Texas, check it out.

UPDATE: SOME INFO & ANSWERS

Yes, the fusible washes right away the first time the quilt is laundered, no residue
Lots of where to purchase questions...I know this product is available @ Hobby Lobby Stores; otherwise your best bet is to google Hobbs Fusible Batting. I did see many online quilt stores that sold the product, if all else fails, have it shipped to you!
Also, in honor supporting your local quilt stores - request that they carry this fusible batting on hand...let's support our home teams ♥
Now, I'm not being unkind...but I've about some other brands of fusible batting, and what I heard was less than positive. I've never tried the other brands myself, this is the only brand I swear by.
Any other questions? If so, leave them in the comments, and I'll answer you here.

So here's the contest...leave me a nice comment, and on 3/31/11 I'll pick 12 lucky winners, forward your names to Hobbs who will ship you a lovely crib size roll of fusible batting...pretty sweet, right! Be sure and check back to see if you've won!

xoxo,

Cherri

The Quilter's Bible - A Review

2011-03-21T11:15:22-05:00

Recently I was contacted, and offered a copy of The Quilter's Bible to review...I've never been so glad to have said YES to an offer!

What an incredible book this is, so helpful, full of great illustrations, and directions. The book is so comprehensive, covering it seems, every aspect of creating a quilt from start to finish.

There is an endless supply of

Projects
Techniques
Color photos
Step by Step instructions
Examples

I'm a firm believer in a having a well stocked reference library, and in my opinion, this book should be a part of that library! I've been quilting forever it seems, but there are some techniques that I don't use frequently, so having The Quilter's Bible on hand is going to be a great resource. Whether you've been quilting for years, or are a brand new baby quilter - this will definitely be your "go to" book, when you are looking for answers.

When you look through this book, you will realize what a labor of love it was to create a work so complete...thank you Linda!

xoxo,

Cherri

CHQ QAL - Binding the quilt (3 weeks late)

2011-03-20T02:13:15-05:00

Hello my friends!

So sorry for getting off track with the quilt along. There is definitely something wrong with my head, I've had these incredible headaches going on for four weeks - ridiculous! I've had tests, I'm changing my diet-giving up diet coke :-(, now to await the results. I know Julie was so sweet to share her binding tutorial, and many of you are finished with your quilts already - awesome work by way! I thought I would share some of my thoughts on binding, what I do, and what works for me.

First of all, I like a really really narrow binding - I cut all my binding 2" wide. Does anyone else cut it this narrow? The biggest reason is that I like the look, it looks like a thin frame to me. A second reason is that I often do not add a border, so using a narrow binding, attached with the 1/4 presser foot doesn't take away anything from the outer blocks - nothing gets cut off. Otherwise, I think I bind like the rest of the quilting world, nothing exceptional there. What is different (I believe) is how I join my ends, I will share that with you!

I've tried every trick under the sun for joining my binding ends, I wasn't happy with any of them. I bought the Fons & Porter tool but my dyslexic brain couldn't wrap around how to overlap the end pieces - not to save my life could I get it. If it works for you, more power to you, but in desperation I came up with my own method. I hope this makes sense!

When starting your binding, begin to attach the binding to the quilt near a center on any side - it doesn't matter which side, leave an approximate 8" tail.
Sew all the way around, as usual
When you get back to the beginning, stop sewing about 7" from where you began, leave another approximate 8" tail.
Cut all the necessary threads
Move your quilt from your sewing machine to your ironing surface
Lay the unfinished binding area flat on your ironing surface
Bring the beginning and end strips together
Fold them back on themselves, so they are touching...see photo
Press hard, hard, hard...you really need to be able to see the creases
Move the quilt back to your work surface
Open up the creased binding from the beginning and end tails
With right sides together, line up the creases from both tails, and place a pin in to secure
Carefully place the strips under your presser foot, and stitch the length of the crease. Reinforce at the beginning and end of the strip.
Trim 1/4" from the joined seam
Press the seam allowance flat or open, your preference
Stitch down the remaining binding, and now you are ready to bind!
Look how neat that is, no bumps, no bulk, just another seam.
FYI - this process is a whole lot easier with a little quilt like this, than something massive; but it doesn't matter, it's the only method I use.
Bind away...by hand or machine
Add a label

Are you a hand or machine binder? I used to bind strictly by hand, until I got in the biz, and there were just too many quilts to be bound. I love hand binding, there is something very soothing about the process, but it isn't a speed sport. It reminds me of nursing a baby, slow down and enjoy the process, no one is going anywhere, very fast.

Thank you again for joining me on this quilt along! I've got a special present for 12 lucky folks...check back on Tuesday, and I'll tell you all about it...tease, I know :-)

If you would like your quilt to be featured in a show & tell, send me images of your quilt to humblequilt at yahoo dot com, and we will take a minute to show everyone what we've been up to. Be sure and send your blog link so folks can come visit you, if you like.

xoxo,

Cherri

P.S. Cool fabric on my ironing board, it's not my ironing cover, it's a project I'm working on, and I was too lazy to find a flat surface to put it on.