And thanks to Alex Tsubota for the photos.

Applique

• First Place – Homeland by Charlotte Newkirk
• Second Place – Elaine’s Kitchen by Elaine Hotra
• Third Place – Pretty Poinsettia by Nancy Jengo

Art Quilt

• First Place – Time to Blossom by Stephania Bommarito
• Second Place – Plovers in the Moonlight – An Illustrated Haiku by Barbara Beer
• Third Place – Flight of the Cranes by Suzanne Millar

Basket Challenge

• First Place – Flowers in Bloom by Elaine Hotra
• Second Place – Lenore’s Basket by Peggie Wormington
• Third Place – Bodacious Basket of Possibilities by Stephania Bommarito

Garment/Accessory

• First Place – Jerry’s Neckties! by Karen Rakita
• Second Place – Golden Bamboo Bosquet Vest by Stephania Bommarito
• Third Place – Captain Morgan Coat & Hat by Mary Jane Jewell

Hand Quilted

• First Place – Homeland by Charlotte Newkirk
• Second Place – Spring Flowers by Julie Maas
• Third Place – Elaine’s Kitchen by Elaine Hotra

Machine Quilted

• First Place – Little Monsters by Peggie Wormington
• Second Place – Crabby Corners by Sue Glass
• Third Place – Meet Me In Paris by Carollee Schuegraf

Mixed Techniques

• First Place – Ruffled Roses by Peggie Wormington
• Second Place – Crabby Corners by Sue Glass
• Third Place – Little Monsters by Peggie Wormington

Professionally Machine Quilted

• First Place – Ruffled Roses by Peggie Wormington
• Second Place – My Faberge Quilt by Nancy Jengo
• Third Place – Sue’s Ruffled Roses by Sue Glass

Traditional Pieced Miniature

• First Place – Grandmother’s Flower Garden by Beverly Mulligan
• Second Place – Pickles by Bonnie Blahut
• Third Place – Pickles Too by Bonnie Blahut

Traditional Pieced Small

• First Place – Birds in the Christmas Tree by Carol Berg
• Second Place – Shiloh by Elaine Hotra
• Third Place – Amish Garden by Lois Pio

Traditional Pieced Medium

• First Place – Civil War Star by Elaine Scheier
• Second Place – My Faberge Quilt by Nancy Jengo
• Third Place – Pyramids by Susan Gibbs

Traditional Pieced Large

• First Place – Hot Summer Wedding by Janet Coggins
• Second Place – Plaid Stars by Ann Spring
• Third Place – Shining Through by Carol Thomas

This is a great way to find fabric from an era.

Or, find color combinations if you already have one color in mind.

Melody Johnson is generously giving away her (circa 2003) 16-page free motion quilting designs booklet.  Click on the link or the image to go to her website.  Then click on the button at the top right to go to the pdf.

I purchased this booklet when she visited our guild and it was a good value.  At $0, it’s hard to beat.

My quilting markings have long since faded and I’ve can’t remember what I was thinking. But, Leah Day’s Free Motion Quilting Project is full of ideas and inspiration. My mom’s quilt may just resemble the no-mark wavy matrix shown below.

The We Can Do It! Skill Builder Sampler is a series of quilt block tutorials that begin with basic quilting skills (cutting, accurate piecing) and build up to sewing half square triangles, quarter square triangles, curves, applique, paper piecing and more!  This is the perfect quilt along to build your quilting skills.  We will have you saying, “I can do it!”

Go check out the fantastic blocks.

Hat tip to Dottie Daybell.

More details are available from the Daily Breeze article. And the Guild appreciates orders placed through our Amazon links on this site.

Happy shopping,

Sherilyn

The purple fabric is made from one of my husband’s old t-shirts that had frayed at the neck.  The navy set on the bottom is made from a gigantic t-shirt found at a local Goodwill. It is printed with the name of a plumbing parts supplier in Gardena!

Because each adult t-shirt contains a great deal of embedded water* and chemical input**, I prefer to reuse cotton as long as possible.  Water is heavy and cotton is often grown in deserts and irrigated with water transported over mountain ranges and across long distances at enormous energy cost.  Then the cotton is (literally!) transported around the world to chase low labor costs before being brought to market.  Why not mine the embedded energy and water found in gently used clothing right in our backyard?

See more examples of post-consumer waste sewing.

If clothes like these are deemed acceptable by child protective services, we can hold a sweatshop at my house to churn out dozens of these.

* Depending on where the cotton was grown, it takes about 650 gallons or one CCF of water to grow the cotton used in one adult medium t-shirt.

** More chemicals are used to produce cotton, pound for pound, than any other cash crop.

This month, we are holding a baby shower to collect baby and toddler stuff things for child protective services.  Who wants to tie-dye onesies with me?  See here and here for more examples.

Also bring canned goods.

From the Muller House website:

Open from 1:00 to 4:00 PM every Sunday except holidays, the Muller House Museum offers guided tours, monthly exhibits, discussions of historical interest and special events. See our Calendar of Events for specific activities. Admission is free, but a donation is encouraged.

From the press release:

Sunday, April 29, 2012, 1 to 4 pm
Quilts by Artists from a Friendship Group of the South Bay Quilters Guild, Redondo Beach, including:

Carol Berg
Dee Evans
Margaret Schucker
Carollee Schuegraf

Traditional & Art Quilts

142 Beacon Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

Suggested Donation $4.00

Exhibits at the Muller house rotate monthly; be sure to see the quilts before the end of May.

The quilts needed are ”quick quilts” with just 3 requirements:

• Size is 4 ft x 6 ft 6 in, or 48 inches by 78 inches (the size of stretchers and gurneys)
• All cotton; no synthetics, including the batting
• Red/white/blue or appropriate patriotic theme (no cartoon characters)

The design can be simple and anything you choose. Since many quilts are needed, quantity is more important than time-consuming patterns, but all quilts are welcomed.  You can be as creative or simple as you want and they will all be deeply appreciated. One Doctor in Iraq thinks the quilts do soldiers more good than receiving a medal, which they often pin onto their quilts.

More information about the program can be found here.
Contact: Arlene Zobrist

Quilts sent out in April 2012 include these by SBQG members NK,

JA

and the Lawndale Library Quilting Ladies.

Our Fashion Show will be held in June at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance. All details on the location, catered menu, and tickets are available on our website.

Please join us for this special event and insight into Japanese culture.

I must admit, the cover of this book gets my attention — lots of pink and flowers. The book is just released and I haven’t seen it in a store yet, but I’ll buy it through our Amazon link.

Reviewing the book on Amazon, the Table of Contents includes sections for:

• 5-Hour Favorites
• 10-Hour Treats
• 17-Hour Sensations
• 24-Hour Treasures
• Take Your Time

The projects are appropriate for baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, house warmings, and more. I see coasters, an armchair chatelaine, a tote bag, a baby quilt, ruffled flowers … many items to choose from.

Each project includes Project Specifications, Materials, Cutting instructions, Completion steps, and pictures to illustrate the steps.

I see a few things I would like to make. How about you?

The video below is a 6-minute story on Diane Rose, who learned to quilt after losing her vision. Reading her story, she achieved her goal of 500 quilts and is now working toward completing 1000 quilts by 2013, her 15th anniversary of quilting. She runs a quilting business and is a motivational speaker. The subtitle on her website is The Amazing Quilter. I think you’ll agree.

May we all be thankful for our talents and gifts!

One beautiful example is Shining Town by Masako Katou. (It doesn’t look like Be*mused has licensed the photos for sharing, so all I can do is include the link.) This quilt is a spiral design of scrappy houses and trees, with small yellow flowers on the interior scalloped border, and an outer scrappy/modern piano key border. The primary color scheme is blues and greens. I wish I could display it! It’s amazing to think of the hours that Masako put into the quilt. (Here’s the full-sized version, so you can see the detail up close.)

I encourage you to view some of the photos, and hope that you enjoy the stunning work as much as I did. Thank you to Dottie for this link!

Sherilyn

Sherilyn

You can also visit Martha’s site to see her other designs.

Sherilyn

The Fine Print: No, I did not obtain copyright permissions from anyone. If your quilt or wearable is featured in these two posts and you would like the photo removed, please let me know.

Please join us for your chance to win one of these treasure troves of quilting and sewing treats!

Americana

Aspen Quilt

Black and White

Child's Play

Christmas #1

Christmas #2

Country Christmas

Garden Delight

Hawaiian Punch

Locker Hook Rug

May Flowers

Needlework

Retro

Teachers' Favorites

AAA Sewing & Vacuum Center

Betty’s Photos On Fabric

Buttonwillow Designs

Cathy’s Crafts

Cats & Cobwebs

Cindy’s Fabric Shack

Crafts by Jean

Dogwood Designs

Dragon Lady Quilts

Elkhorn Quilt Company

Emanations Jewelry and Fabric

Fabulous Fabrics

Generations

Kalimba Soundz

Momen Plus

Ohana Creations

Pegboard Highway

Stitchin’ by the River

Summer Sky Creations

Sweet Comfort Quilts

Tanner’s Sewing & Vacuum Center

The Batty Lady

The Quilt Cupboard

Turkey Red

(photo by caitlin)

Pam, our Guild President, mentioned in the January newsletter that she was looking for quilt room organization ideas. And then Mishka at the Quilting Gallery, and Pat Sloan, started The Learning Center with the first topic on organization and storage! Getting organized is always a great way to start the year.

Pat’s article starts out with taking inventory, with the thought that you need to know what you own in order to organize it. Then prioritize the items that are used most often and therefore need to be nearby for easy access. The next two sections provide tips for “the overhaul”, whether you can do the whole area at once, or focus on one section at a time. I especially liked Pat’s suggestion for sorting fabric:

• MOST loved
• sort of loved
• maybe this can go to a new home
• why in the world do I still own this stuff?

Pat will be posting more tips in the coming months to help us all! What tips do you have? What tricks have you learned along the way to keep your area clean and improve your productivity?

Until next time … happy quilting!

And again I had the privilege of winning something for the Guild! Woohoo! Ellen Medlock was one of the party sponsors, and very generously donated the pattern and supply kit for her Charmant Clutch.

From Ellen’s site, “charmant” in French means charming, and this is definitely a charming purse pattern. With the pattern and supply kit (which includes the purse frame), all that’s left is to pick out some charming fabric! And Ellen has designed some fun, colorful fabrics that would look so cute made up in this pattern.

Thank you again to Ellen for her wonderful gift and to Niki @ Stitchin’ Heaven for a lively New Year’s Eve!

Arlene Zobrist has been leading the Quilts for Wounded Warriors program through the South Bay Quilters Guild for a few years. Members of the Guild make patriotic quilts meeting specific size guidelines, and Arlene ships the quilts directly to her contacts at combat hospitals in Afghanistan.

A few days ago, Arlene received an email from Bagram stating that they’ve had an increase in trauma. June had the highest trauma rate in years, and July and August are expected to be high, as well.

Arlene is in need of quilts to send, so we’re spreading the word and asking for participation.

Following are the requirements for the quilts, and we will soon be adding a page to our website with these details:
Size: 48″ x 78″ (stretcher size)
Fabric and Batting: Cotton preferred; 80/20 is acceptable
Theme: Patriotic
Pillowcase (optional): 20″ x 30″, coordinating with the quilt

Recently Arlene spoke at the Surfside Quilters Guild in San Clemente, and they started a Wounded Warrior Special Committee led by Susie Russell. How wonderful to have another Guild joining in the effort to comfort our wounded soldiers while in intensive care or on their way home to the States!

Contact Arlene or South Bay Quilters Guild for any questions on the quilts.

Sherilyn

Unfortunately, Governor Brown has signed into law the bill that we emailed you about earlier today. As a result of this, contracts with all California residents participating in the Amazon Associates Program are terminated effective today, June 29, 2011. Those California residents will no longer receive advertising fees for sales referred to Amazon.com, Endless.com, MYHABIT.COM or SmallParts.com. Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned before today will be processed and paid in full in accordance with the regular payment schedule.

Thank you to all who have supported our Guild by placing Amazon orders through our web link! The income from the program has provided additional opportunities for the Guild in our educational and charitable endeavors, and we are grateful.

I will remove the Amazon Associates links from the SBQG website over the holiday weekend.

Sherilyn

Sherilyn

Thanks to Dottie for finding this challenge!

3 Creative Studios is hosting a color palette challenge for 2011. On the 16th of each month they announce a new palette, and the rules are quite “open” as to what you can create with that set of colors. By the 15th of the following month you upload your project photo to their Flickr group and then are entered into the drawing. The palettes are based on photographs, and they use beautiful and inspiring colors. If nothing else, enjoy viewing the entries and collect the palettes to spark your creativity. We’d love to see any of your creations!

Sacred Moondance is closing its doors by the end of May. They began a 30% sale earlier this month, so hurry on down. While you’re in the neighborhood, just across the freeway (take Lake Forest Drive) is another fairly new shop that has some bright, fun fabrics . . . Sewing Party in Laguna Hills. Lots of Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, Alexander Henry fabrics and a wonderful “romantic shabby chic” area. Are you into making purses? They have everything you’ll need. Patterns, fun fabric, purse notions (handles, snaps, etc). Let’s support our local quilt shops!

Sherilyn

Last weekend the Traveling Quilters headed north to the Seven Sisters Quilt Show. If you haven’t been to that show, you should really mark your calendar to attend next year. It makes for a great weekend trip! We didn’t visit Hearst Castle this time, but have you ever been there for an evening tour? A must! From April through September (I think) they have docents there on the weekends that dress in period costume. You can chat with them but remember that they are always in character. The conversation will be centered around something going on in the 30’s! The lamps are lit, the garden walkways are lit. It’s just magical! Take the tour that will have you driving up the hill just before sunset!

Back to the show . . . .There were 50 vendors there and lots of wonderful quilts. Many of the vendors were from Northern California or Central California so we don’t see them at our local shows.

We stopped at a few shops along the way too! Quilters Studio in Newbury Park has a wonderful selection of fabric – Kaffe Fassett, Alexander Henry, batiks, and much more. Sadly the Treasure Hunt (a favorite of mine) is closing in June so we didn’t stop there. The The Creation Station in Buellton is also fun. Lots of “theme” fabrics and it’s just a fun place to shop. Dawn and Patrick are so clever in how they display merchandise. The notions, for example, are displayed on old ironing boards mounted to the walls! The Cotton Ball was great as always. Again, a wonderful selection of fabrics. We visited the Quilters Cupboard in Atascadero this time as well. Hadn’t been there in a number of years but it was as great as I remembered. Lots of “rooms” of fabric and nooks and crannies filled with fun things. We also stopped at Old Town Quilt Shop in Orcutt. Where’s that?? At the southern end of the Santa Maria valley. It’s just a few miles off the 101 and worth the stop. Again, lots of fabric and a great variety of it. Wonderful selection of batiks! They seem to stock something for everyone! Needless to say we shopped and shopped. Great fun!

The Central Coast Quilt Shop Tour is coming up in June . . .

Pam

Sherilyn

• Over 200 Quilts and garments on display
• The chance to win the Opportunity Quilt or a Bernina Activa 230PE donated by AAA Sewing and Vacuum Center or a raffle basket
• The Quilter’s Café (the Peach Cobbler is delicious!)
• The miniature quilt auction
• Community Services and educational demos
• and, of course, shopping!

I want to mention the wonderful vendors who will be joining us. I’m always eager to see what new fabrics and patterns and notions they bring!

Betty’s Photos On Fabric
PO Box 930
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701

Cindy’s Fabric Shack
949-636-9216

Crafts by Jean
14124 Desert Rose St
Hesperia, CA 92344
909-946-9347

Cranberry Quiltworks
3810 Prospect Ave Unit A
Yorba Linda, California 92886

Dee’s Designs
Fontana, CA

Dragon Lady Quilts
PO Box 6305
Oceanside, CA 92052
760-612-4807

Elkhorn Quilt Company
2244 N Hunt Circle
Mesa, AZ 85203
480-773-0190

Fabulous Fabrics
11300 Maverick Drive
Weldon, CA 93283
661-600-6044

Kalimba Soundz
1060 Winter Ct
Tracy, CA 95376
831-234-1240

Luella’s Quilt Basket
1512 Aviation Blvd
Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Momen+
1323 El Prado Ave
Torrance, CA 90501
310-328-0500

O’rajess Creations
12830 6th St #66
Yucaipa, CA 92399
909-633-5014

Pegboard Highway
Marina Del Rey, CA
310-242-5217

Rusty Crow Quilt Shop
6949 Elfin Oaks Road
Elfin Forest, CA 92029
760-752-7784

Sew EZ Quilting
3254 Reese Lane
Gardnerville, NV 89410

Sewing Arts Center
3330 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Sweet Comfort
PO Box 27898
Santa Ana, CA 92799
949-642-3276

The Batty Lady
1831 Lexington Drive
Corona, CA 92880
951-279-9624

The Fabric Quarter
Santa Barbara, CA
805-683-3300

The Quilt Attic
106 Bridge St
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

The Quilt Cupboard
11891 Valley View
Garden Grove, CA 92845
714-891-8639

We look forward to seeing you next weekend!

Sherilyn

Dottie directed me to a wonderful post about the importance of passing along our hand sewing and other skills. Giving the Gift of Hand Skills at Craft Nectar (by Weeks Ringle of Fun Quilts) suggests a new tradition of sharing a hand skill with a child or young adult. Dottie also mentioned this as a possible New Year’s resolution. Weeks provides examples of how surgeons would benefit from improved fine motor skills, and that texting and using a computer mouse are not helping to develop these skills. I recommend a quick visit to Weeks’ blog to read the short article.

Who are you passing your skills to?

Sherilyn

While participating in the chat, a couple of questions were posed and I’d love to know your comments.

1. What’s the first project on your 2011 plan? Mine is to finish some charity quilts.
2. What new technique would you like to learn this year? Your comments might also give some ideas to Carollee in arranging for new speakers! I think mine would be applique techniques to improve my skills.

I hope that 2011 is off to a good start for you, and wish you a wonderful new year!

Sherilyn

• Finishing a quilt project that you were determined to complete this year? I crocheted a baby blanket a few years ago with a goal (that I pulled out of thin air) to complete the blanket before the new year. I worked as fast as I could until a couple minutes after midnight, so didn’t quite make it, but it felt great to finish the project.

• Preparing for a New Year’s Day mystery quilt? I found four mysteries planned for tomorrow:
  • Stars in My Eyes
  • Diminutive Vessels wall hanging
  • About.com’s Mystery Quilt
  • Susan Being Snippy’s Mystery Quilt

• At a gathering with family/friends? Watching the ball drop at midnight?

• Closing out year-end tax and financial records? Making files and labels for 2011? Yes, I need to do that, but it’s an easy task to procrastinate!

• At an online party? I thought it would be interesting to check out Stitchin’ Heaven’s Twitter party. I’ve never followed a Twitter party but it sounds fun. The party starts at 8pm Pacific, and details are here.

What plans do you have for this evening?

Sherilyn

Our annual catered dinner, turkey with all the trimmings, was enjoyed with much conversation and friendship.The table decorations were donated by Guild members, and each diner received a box of See’s candy. Yum!Of course, Mr and Mrs Claus also joined us.Three auction quilts were submitted for the 2011 Quilt Show and were quietly resting on a table where I could quickly snap some photos.Handmade stockings were donated by Guild members and filled with toiletries for those in need.A couple of quilts were donated for the Read Me A Quilt program. For those unfamiliar with this project, Guild members donate a quilt and complementary book. The quilts and books are given to CASA, and then delivered to children in the foster care system. From the thank you notes written by the children and their advocates, the warmth of a handmade quilt of their own is very significant to the children.Dessert looked wonderful! (Can you ever go wrong with chocolate?) Chocolate cake and pumpkin pie were available in abundance.The last half of the evening was reserved for tying of charity quilts. We also had the pleasure of listening to Christmas music by Mary Ann and Walter Sereth. Here’s a look at the many busy hands making music and finishing quilts.Thank you to Mary Ann for all of her planning, and it looks like everyone enjoyed themselves!

Sherilyn

Thinking about the factory tour further reminds me that the Traveling Quilters has a Hoffman International Tour and Quilt Shop Hopping trip scheduled for September 2011. I bring this to the attention of anyone who has not had the privilege of touring their facility, and those who would like to go again! As the Traveling Quilters’ site mentions, you will see the design and manufacturing process up-close. The day trip also includes a visit to two Orange County quilt shops.

OK. I’ve talked myself into it. I’ll contact Sue and hope you will too!

Sherilyn

PSBD has also announced their first annual 12 Days of Christmas countdown, where they are randomly giving away items to those who post a comment on their Facebook page. (Twitter users can also follow PSBD at @Pink_Sand_Beach.)

So check out their website, Facebook, and Twitter. Spread the word. Participate in the comments. And hopefully you’ll be a lucky winner!

Sherilyn

Medium Bags:

• Fat Quarter Bag
• Lunch Bag
• Purse Pouch

Large Bags:

• 1 Yard, 1 Hour Tote
• Basic Lined Tote

For fun:

• Rounded Playing Card Purse (very clever!)

Techniques:

• Zipper instructions (creates a very nice finish)
• Zippered Inner Pockets

Sewing and Other Organizers:

• Fabric Scrap Basket
• Fabric Basket
• Sewing Accessory Bag
• Quick Pockets
• Corkboard/Wall Pocket
• Back-of-Car-Seat Organizer

Other:

• Sweetheart Pincushion
• Luggage Tags – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th tutorial
• Tissue Case
• Half-Eaten Felt Gingerbread Ornaments (so cute!)
• Scandinavian-Style Gift Tags
• Wristlet Key Fob
• Camera, iPod, or Cell Phone cases – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th tutorial
• Laptop Sleeves – 1st, 2nd tutorial

Well, that will keep us busy! Happy crafting!

Sherilyn

Also, once you reach the Amazon page, why not add the page to your browser’s Favorites/Bookmarks for easy shopping the next time? Our unique web link includes the text tag=soubayqui-20 in it.

Happy Holidays and happy shopping!

Sherilyn

Gift Bags:

• 5-Minute Gift Bag
• Quick Gift Bag

Wristlets:

• Wristlet
• Patchwork Wristlet
• Zippered Wristlet

Coin/Change Purses:

• Change Purse
• Zipper Coin Purse with Vinyl Pocket
• Lined, Zippered Coin Purse
• Lil Cutie Pouch

Small Bags:

• Pleated Pouch
• Mini Makeup Roll
• Lil Zipper Bag
• Boxy Pouch
• Simple Clutch
• Velcro closure Clutch
• Open-Pocket Pouch
• Toddler Purse
• Hip Pockets Purse
• Zippered Pouch
• Origami Pocket Pouch

Wallets:

• Credit Card Wallet
• Mini Wallet
• 20-minute Wallet with Snap
• Wallet/Purse with Coin Compartment
• Wallet with Credit Card Slots
• Mini Wallet
• Summer Wallet
• Wallet with Vinyl Pockets

Additional ideas are coming in part 2 for larger bags, luggage tags, camera/iPod cases, sewing items, and zipper techniques. If you have other gift suggestions, we’re all ears!

Happy quilting,

Sherilyn

Knots in twisted or tangled thread are certainly no fun, but we’re here to talk about the good kind of knots. Knots to secure our thread and let us get going with the sewing. How are your knots serving you?

Heather Bailey has a photo tutorial of her favorite knot (click on Enter Gallery). I think I learned this same method in Sally Barnes’ hand quilting class, and I agree that this is a great knot to use. It’s so easy to create. This YouTube video illustrates the steps in Heather’s photos. (The video resolution is low, but good enough for this purpose.) The video shows one wrap around the needle, which might be suitable for applique. Heather’s tutorial shows 3-4 wraps, better suited for hand sewing or tacking down quilt binding. (In my opinion.)

Becky at Piece O’ Cake Designs is asking for feedback on Which end do you knot? I read through the comments, and the consensus is to knot the end that you cut from the spool. This is what I’ve been taught since I started quilting, and it makes a difference. I also never thought about the thread on a bobbin, which is reversed from how it was wound on the spool, so it makes sense to knot the end that you pull from the bobbin. Also, all commenters agree that high quality thread makes a difference.

What tips would you share on knotting?

Happy quilting!

Sherilyn

With all the recent energy and press for Claudia Gomez’ fabric dyeing classes, I was delighted to find a new site (thank you, Diane!) with a recent post on dyeing. Elizabeth at Oh, Fransson! posted photos and an overview of her latest venture with dyeing fabric on her blog in Sunshine Quilt Part One: Dyeing the Fabric. As she states, the post isn’t a tutorial, but the pictures show the steps and make it look so fun and creative! Visit her site to see the images!

Do you have photos of your hand-dyed fabric? Why not share them on our Facebook page!

Sherilyn

Taking care of business:

Free Christmas fabric for the Holiday Stocking Contest:

Dottie’s antique quilt from Show ‘n Tell:

Auction quilts for the 2011 Quilt Show (these pictures do not do justice to the quilts!):

Our guest speaker tonight was Marcia Stein, with her lecture entitled Destinations: Travel-Inspired Quilts. Marcia showed her beautiful photographs and described methods for going “from photo to fabric.”

Marcia’s latest book Picture This!: Capture the Essence of a Photograph in Your Pictorial Quilt (released last week) presents her techniques for photos and quilts “even if you don’t know how to draw or consider yourself to be an artist or photographer.” That’s always good to hear! Her book includes the following two quilts, so we were privileged to see them up close and personal:

Since the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge is continuing throughout 2010, and is still an active topic in the blogging world, I decided to look around for pillowcase tutorials and patterns. Whether it’s called the hot dog, sausage, or burrito method (hungry yet?), this seems (seams) to be a very popular and quick method of assembling a pillowcase.

Here are some of the video and written tutorials for the hot dog method:

• APQ video and written instructions

• Judy for Quilts of Valor video – using french seams; excellent camera angles make it easy to see all the steps

• Missouri Star Quilt Co video

• Robin Gallagher video and written instructions – using french seams

• Pairie Points and Pillowcase written instructions – for a decorative look

If you prefer the traditional, non-tube method, here are some tutorials:

• Kari Me Away – Pillowcases of Love

• Lucy A Fazely – Cuffed Pillowcase

• Quilt Magazine – pattern

• Crafty Chic – written instructions

And lastly, some free patterns from the APQ site.

Happy sewing!
Sherilyn

Happy quilting!

Sherilyn

And what projects are you working on this Fall? Happy quilting!

Sherilyn

Education of the Textile Arts
Irvine, CA
October 15-17, 2010

More information is available from their website.

If you’ve attended this event in the past, do you have any insights or tips to share?

Happy quilting!

Sherilyn

Heat Press Batting Together
1.5-inch cloth tape to fuse two sections of batting side-by-side. There’s also a brief demo on YouTube.

Sewline’s Water Soluble Glue Pen
Temporarily hold fabric pieces together for sewing. Blue glue dries clear.

Luna’s Soy Soft Batting
Made from soybean protein fibers. Naturally anti-bacterial. No binders or resins. Stitch up to 8″ apart. 50% soy fiber, 50% cotton.

Hang it Dang it Quilt Hanger
Self-leveling. Place rod into the quilt’s hanging sleeve and snap to wall-mounted magnetic clasp.

The quilt hanger sounds great. I saw some similar magnetic hangers at the Long Beach International Quilt Festival.

Happy quilting!

Sherilyn

I also noticed the SunBurst thread, which is white indoors but turns color in the sunlight (and returns to white when the quilt is back inside). A child would definitely enjoy this in their quilt! Or maybe for a Halloween quilt or garment.

Happy quilting!

Sherilyn

Me and My Sister Designs has a new line called Dilly Dally created for Moda. It will be shown in Houston and hopefully our local shops will have it available next Spring! Here’s a preview of the turquoise colorway:

Their site has images of all colors and prints in the set.

Also from Me and My Sister Designs are a couple of patterns that would look so nice in their new fabric line:

• Happy Dance quilt pattern

• Juliet Bag pattern – Besides the black and white model, here are photos from a recent class, showing other variations.

And Barb from Me and My Sister says Hi to all of us! (How nice!) So what other projects are you dreaming of?

I hope all the attendees have a great time in Carol’s class, and please bring your finished items for Show ‘n Tell!

Sherilyn

Color lovers, are there other sites that you refer to for color forecasts?

The Cat in the Hat (a la Dr Seuss) is set to ship this month. The collection is created in primary colors plus black and white. Wouldn’t these be great for a Read Me a Quilt project?

The Mon Sheri collection ships to stores in October. Julie of Jaybird Quilts has a free pattern and video available on the Robert Kaufman site for her Mon Sheri Waves quilt. Julie uses a unique arrangement of Drunkard’s Path blocks, easily assembled with the Curve Master sewing machine foot, and the resulting quilt does look like layers of waves. The Mon Sheri collection is fashioned with very trendy prints, in shades of rose, clay, and olive, with lots of white overlays.

Hopefully we’ll see these in our local shop very soon! Happy Quilting!

Sherilyn

Gift Card Blast Off!

Super-size your money with our Gift Card introduction.

Yesterday our new Gift Card system was installed. We are now pleased to offer Gift Cards for your convenience. Gift Cards may be purchased in any amount, and look just like a credit card. You can even re-load them with more funds as time goes by. They are convenient and safe, and are something we’ve been wanting to offer our clients for some time now.

To kick off our new Gift Card program we are hosting a Blast-Off Increase-Your-Card-Value sale! For every $100 dollars you spend on a Gift Card, we will load up $120 on the card. Yes, that’s right! You’ll spend just $100 and get a Gift Card worth $120! This will work for any full $100 amount. For instance:

Buy a $100 Gift Card – receive a card worth $120
Buy a $500 Gift Card – receive a card worth $600
Buy a $1000 Gift Card – receive a card worth $1200
And, so on…

Take advantage of this special offer for yourself, or take care of your Holiday shopping early while getting more punch for your buck!

Valid one day only: Saturday, September 4, 2010

We’ll be open regular business hours Saturday, which are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come in early to get your Blast Off Gift Cards, and then enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend knowing you are a savvy shopper who got a TERRIFIC deal!

Sewingly Yours,

Amina, Aman, Salima, Sohail, and Suzy
AAA Sewing & Vacuum Center

Quilt Binding

Pat Sloan shares her technique for applying quilt binding by machine, and using a blanket stitch on the front. Her pictures and video are very clear. She makes it seem so easy!

Jennifer at That Girl … That Quilt created a method of binding the edges of her Hexagon quilt. Lots of tutorial pictures to follow. And I really like the look of her table runner using the hex shape:

Apron tutorials

A Girl’s Garden Party Apron

And then I searched for “free apron patterns”. Oh my! These ought to keep us busy making aprons for the Fashion Show! The sites have long lists, but some of the links have nice patterns. Click here and here and here and here.

Three-tier apron by Shabby Fig

Sewing, non-quilt items

Camera Strap Cover
Nice idea to customize a camera strap with the beautiful fabrics of your choice!

Scrappy Strip Rose
Embellish a sweater or purse. Here’s a sample from the author’s site, Cluck Cluck Sew:

Soft Fabric Basket
As part of a baby gift set, or for displaying fabric or yarn, or holding guest hand towels … Many uses.

Amy Butler Hourglass Pillow

Quilt patterns

Amy Butler Daisy Chain Strippy Quilt

Piece O’ Cake Designs Dutch Tulip and Simply Color

NationalSewingMonth.org has a list of ideas for getting more involved with sewing this month:

• Teach a family member or friend to sew.

• Volunteer your time and teach sewing to a local youth organization like Girl Scouts and 4-H Clubs.

• Make it possible for someone to learn how to sew. Give employees time off work so they can volunteer their time; or donate fabrics, equipment, and sewing supplies.

• Sew more often. If you haven’t been sewing lately, find out what’s new in the sewing world at a local fabric or sewing machine store.

• Join your local chapter of the American Sewing Guild at www.asg.org and participate in its activities.

• Register for a class at a local fabric store or sewing machine dealership and take a friend.

• Contact your local public television station and make a contribution that supports sewing programs.

• Create your own sewing circle of friends; it’s fun to sew with others!

The National Sewing Month website also has written instructions and a video for making either a Kindle or an iPad cover.

And lastly, there is an “Accessorize Your Life” contest through the month of September. Your accessory can fall into one of these categories: Fashion/Garments, Personal Items, Home Dec (including kitchens & outdoor), Sewing Room, Travel, Pets, Office/Work, or Auto. Guidelines and the entry form are available on the contest page.

We’d love to hear how you plan to celebrate your love of sewing!

Quilt Faire:

The Bowers Museum is proud to showcase the art of quilting in its contemporary forms with our Quilt Faire weekend. Browse the colorful, detailed works of local quilters and take a piece of the beauty home with you! Also, please check out our Quilts special events held in conjunction with the faire.

Lecture: Saturday, November 13, 2010
Keepin’ ‘Em in Stitches: America’s Funniest Quilts
Julie Silber, quilt curator and historian, reveals the hilarious anecdotes behind some 19th and 20th century quilts.

Film: Sunday, November 14, 2010
Hearts & Hands: 19th Century Women and their Quilts
Highlights women’s greatest achievements in textiles during major historic events of the 1800s.

Saturday and Sunday
November 13 and 14, 2010
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
John M. Lee Court
Admission: Free; Does not include admission to the museum or special events
For more information please call 714-567-3677

Vendor Opportunity:

The Bowers Museum is proud to host a Quilt Faire on Saturday & Sunday, November 13 & 14, 2010 held in conjunction with our current exhibit, Quilts: Two Centuries of American Tradition and Technique.

We are currently looking for creative local quilters to serve as vendors for the faire. The weekend events will include quilt sales, demonstrations, hands-on projects, a lecture and film screening.

For more information, please click here to download the Bowers Museum Quilt Faire informational flyer.

To apply, please click here to download and fill out the application and return to the Bowers Museum Education Department at education@bowers.org no later than September 10, 2010.

If you have any questions please call 714-567-3677 or email education@bowers.org.

We look forward to your participation in this wonderful event!

Thank you,

Nancy Warzer-Brady
Vice President of Education

Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
www.bowers.org
 

1. Roll your shoulders in large circles, up, back, down and forwards 3 times. Reverse the direction and repeat.
2. Lift one arm across your body, taking your elbow past your nose, and feeling the stretch behind your shoulder. Repeat with your other arm.
3. Drop one hand down your back and gently increase the stretch by pulling on the elbow with the other hand. Repeat with your other arm.
4. Stretch both arms above your head, clasping your hands high above you and squeezing your arms in to your ears. Breathe out then lower your arms.
5. Clasp your hands behind you at bottom level and pull your hands down, bringing your shoulder blades together and opening the front of the chest.
Forearm stretches:
6. Put the palms of your hands together and, keeping the whole hand and fingers in contact, press downward, stretching the under side of your wrist. Roll your fingers to point toward the floor then back to point at your body.
7. With arms at your side, straighten your elbow. With your shoulders relaxed, flex your wrist, pulling your fingers up, and slowly rotate your whole arm as far as possible in each direction.
8. Drop your arms at your side, flick your fingers and hands, stop and pause. Combine with a long breath out for good micropause effect. Stop, drop, flop and pause for 3 seconds.

   Micropause every 15 minutes when sewing continuously but if arm or hand pain occurs, micropause every five minutes.

   Do you have any other favorite stretches for quilters?

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/jo-anns_craft_and_quilting_contests/ Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:16:37 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/jo-anns_craft_and_quilting_contests/ Brief information on two contests sponsored by Jo-Ann stores, with links to the official websites.

   

   Craft for a Cause Contest 2010

   • Use your creativity, skills & passion to help your favorite worthwhile cause.
   • Judged on creativity, quality & functionality for the charitable organization receiving the item.
   • Crafting contest begins August 15, 2010 and ends October 30, 2010.
   • Additional information from Jo-Ann’s blog

   Quilt Your Colors Contest 2010

   • Use your talent & skills to create an award-winning quilt made with fabric purchased from Jo-Ann.
   • Winning entries chosen for: Workmanship • Originality • Level of Detail
   • Contest begins August 29, 2010 and ends December 18, 2010.

   Will you be quilting for a cause or quilting your colors?
   

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/quick_weekend_projects_and_new_notions/ Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:49:31 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/quick_weekend_projects_and_new_notions/ Looking at the myriad of quilt-related blogs and articles on the web, I found some quick projects that could be accomplished over the weekend. Maybe some of these will fit into your schedule?

   Projects:

   Scrappy Bookmarks
   Very simple. Instructions are shown following the second photo. Back to school item?

   Organize quilt projects
   Inexpensive and space-saving method of storing in-progress projects.

   Cell Phone Pouch
   Hmmm, my Mom was asking for one of these. This pattern could also be made with a solid piece of fabric for a simpler style. Or add beads and other embellishments.

   Fabric Fortune Cookies
   These would be fun for a Friendship group or Asian-themed party. Or just because they would surprise my family!

   Fabric and fast2fuse Heart Ornaments
   Couldn’t this easily be adapted to any shape? I’m thinking pumpkins or Christmas bells.

   Christmas Tree napkin
   Dottie showed this at Show-N-Share last year. Never too early to start thinking of Christmas!

   
   Notions:

   Fiskars Fingertip Rotary Cutter
   Handy for cutting the intricate pieces. (Shown on Amazon; this is an extra “plug” for shopping through the SBQG Amazon link!)

   Clover’s Soft Touch Thread Pic
   “…the perfect tool for hiding or removing stray threads as it easily slips through fabric, leaving no marks or punctures.”

   Does anyone have additional quick project ideas? Happy quilting!

   Sherilyn

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/friday_freebie_-_american_glory_pattern/ Fri, 20 Aug 2010 04:17:57 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/friday_freebie_-_american_glory_pattern/ Thanks to Dottie and Arlene for this guest post.

   The Moda Bake Shop blog has a simple stars and stripes quilt that could be adapted to the Quilts for Wounded Soldiers size. The pattern creates 9″ finished blocks, which can be laid out in 5 blocks x 8 blocks (45″ x 72″), plus 3″ borders.

   The pattern calls for two solids and one print, but would also be interesting made from scraps. Or try switching the colors to a red/blue background with white stars.

   The pattern, with cutting and piecing instructions, is available on the Moda Bake Shop site.

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/new_forms_for_sbqg_members/ Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:08:52 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/new_forms_for_sbqg_members/ Two new forms are available in the Members Only section of the website:
   • Show ‘n Share (under Intraguild forms): Use this form to describe your show-and-tell project. Your information will be read while you present your wonderful, completed project to the Guild!
   • 2010 Fashion Show Entry (under Fashion Show forms): Use this form to submit your aprons, garments, and/or accessories for the November fashion show. Submission deadline is October 19th.
   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/fractured_landscape_quilts_book/ Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:00:35 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/fractured_landscape_quilts_book/ An SBQG member, Eva, would like to briefly review a copy of “Fractured Landscape Quilts” by Katie Pasquini Masopust at tomorrow night’s SBQG general meeting. If you have a copy of this book and can bring it to the meeting for a quick look, please contact Eva, or reply to this post, or contact Sherilyn (SouthBayQuiltersGuild@gmail.com) and I will put you in touch with Eva. Also, if you have any thoughts to share on the book, we’re all ears, er, eyes!
   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/luellas_-_upcoming_events/ Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:54:45 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/luellas_-_upcoming_events/ “Don’t miss this!” from Luella’s Quilt Basket:

   Please join us on Tuesday evening (August 17) at 6:30 for our 5D Embroidery Software Launch Party! This fabulous new software from Husqvarna Viking is so user friendly. There are so many new features that you will have to see it for yourself.

   Then on Thursday, August 26, we invite you to join us for Designer Ruby’s Debut Party. Join us at 6:30 pm to experience this wonderful new sewing and embroidery machine from Husqvarna Viking. It will be love at first touch!

   We have a new format for our Class Preview event. On Friday evening (August 20) at 7:00, come and “Meet the Teachers” and see the classes we have on tap this fall. Each teacher will give you a brief introduction to their classes and show their samples. The teachers will be available to answer your questions. You can sign up for your classes and receive a 10% discount off your class fees at this event. If you want a sneak peak at the classes, the new schedule is posted on our website.

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/tuesday_tutorial_-_machine_and_hand_quilting_techniques/ Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:00:44 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/tuesday_tutorial_-_machine_and_hand_quilting_techniques/ How to Tie a Quilt Using a Sewing Machine. Plain stitches, decorative stitches, or buttons.

   Hawaiian quilting by machine. “Some ancient Hawaiian princess is likely rolling over in her grave.”

   Quilt As You Go (video). Treat each block as a mini-quilt. Assemble the blocks with sashing, and then quilt the sashing. Very portable.

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/tuesday_tutorial_what_are_blogs_rss_and_google_reader/ Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:19:33 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/08/tuesday_tutorial_what_are_blogs_rss_and_google_reader/ Thanks to Dottie for this guest post to kick-off our Tuesday Tutorials!

   “Blog” is short for “web log”. A web log is a kind of online diary, where someone posts little articles about whatever they’re interested in. Many blogs are updated daily or several times a week. They show you photos, post free patterns to download, make you laugh, let you learn about life in other countries . . .

   There are some really good blogs about quilt making, knitting, crocheting and other crafts. How do you keep track of them? How do you know when they post something you haven’t seen yet?

   “RSS” stands for “Really Simple Syndication”. It’s an easy way to keep track of websites whose content changes frequently, without having to go visit each of those websites just to see if anything’s new.

   “RSS in Plain English” is a quick explanation of how to get started:
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0klgLsSxGsU

   Google Reader is a popular way to read RSS feeds; it’s the one I use. You need to go to Google, click the Sign In button at the upper right, and create a new Google account by entering your email address, and creating a new password. Don’t use your regular email password – create one just for Google. (If you already have a Google Gmail account, you can use that.)

   Once you have a Google account, at Google’s main page, click the “more” button at the top of the page, and choose “Reader” from the drop down menu.

   Here’s Google’s Help page on getting started with Google Reader:
   http://www.google.com/support/reader/bin/answer.py?answer=113517

   Depending on the way the blog owner has set things up, you may be able to read the whole article directly from Google Reader. Or you may just see a page title, so you need to click to leave Google Reader and go to that blog to read the rest. If you set your browser to open a new page or a new tab when you leave Google Reader, it’s easier to go back and take up where you left off.

   Some blogs you might like:

   Material Obsession, a quilt shop in Australia:
   http://materialobsession.typepad.com/

   Mrs. Schmenkman Quilts does interesting things. In her right hand sidebar, she links to some good tutorials, and has a long “blogroll” – a list of other quilters’ blogs for you to try.
   http://mrsschmenkmanquilts.wordpress.com/

   Moda Bake Shop, from Moda Fabrics, has free patterns for their jelly roll and layer cake bundles.
   http://www.modabakeshop.com/

   One Pretty Thing roams the Internet finding ideas from the craft blogs, and posts a daily selection for you.
   http://www.oneprettything.com/

   – Dottie

   Note: If you have additional questions on blogs or RSS Readers, please ask. We’re here to help you understand, and enjoy the abundance of quilt and craft blogs available on the web!

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/a_colorful_festival_in_long_beach_-_part_2/ Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:15:15 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/a_colorful_festival_in_long_beach_-_part_2/ Have you ever looked at a quilt exhibit, had a sudden vision of something you wanted to make, and raced back to a vendor to purchase the necessary items? I’m sure that happened for some of us attending the Long Beach International Quilt Festival this past weekend.

   This post is the second half of some show highlights (read part 1 here). The exhibits included a wide variety of quilts on display and for sale, as well as for our inspiration. Here are some of the quilts that I was able to capture. (The quilt name and artist are given for each quilt.)

   “Beyond City Light” by Sally Atkinson

   

   “Down Olive Way” by Maureen L Ashlock

   

   “Early Indigo Coverlet with Trapunto” (quiltmaker unknown)

   

   “Forest Symphony” by Sandra E Lauterbach

   

   “Grape Hyacinth” by Margo Fiddes

   

   “Hibiscus in Dappled Light” by Marianne R Williamson

   

   “Indigo Ohio Stars” by Vicki Mangum

   

   “My Quilt Room” by Yasuko Ito and Oharibako

   

   

   

   “My Stash at 50 (aka Log Cabin with an Attitude)” by Karen Eckmeier

   

   

   “Orcas of the Pacific” by Kathleen Carter

   

   “Pineapple Daiquari” by Rellajeanne W Cook

   

   “Pineapple Leftovers” by Jo Garvin

   

   “Pineapple Scrap Salad” by Jean Ann Wright

   

   “Pursonal Passion” by Sandra E Lauterbach

   

   “Silk Stars” by Mary Mern

   

   “Spring Field” by Akiko Kawata

   

   “The White City” by Zvia Strahilevitz-Klein

   

   “Three Roses” by Charlotte Hickman

   

   “Trellis of Red Flowers” by Deborah Kemball

   

   

   Aren’t those beautiful? And there were so many more, all with incredible detail. I found it to be a calm and peaceful part of the day when looking at the quilts, studying the techniques, trying to figure out “how did they do that?” and marveling at the color and composition. My skills are not nearly that accomplished, but I do feel encouraged to try something new. Trusting that the show also sparked your creativity, what are you planning to try? Please do share with us here or on Facebook!

   Dottie found out for us that the Festival will be returning to Long Beach for at least three more years. Until the next event, may you all find time to turn your dreams into tangible creations. Happy quilting!
   

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/a_colorful_festival_in_long_beach/ Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:18:26 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/a_colorful_festival_in_long_beach/ What would you consider the highlights of the Long Beach International Quilt Festival? Shopping? Friendship? New products? All of the above?? I had a great time on Saturday, and snapped a few photos to share. Here’s a glimpse into my impression of the event. Along with some quotes (in bold) that were overheard and brought a smile to my face.

   I usually dread long lines, but then lines aren’t too long when time is spent chatting with friends.

   

    

   In no time at all the ocean waves carried a sea of shoppers to the exhibit floor. (I couldn’t resist!)

   

    

   “I saw what a difference it made for my daughter and granddaughter to receive that quilt in the hospital. So it inspired me to make as many charity quilts as I could.”

    

   There are so many beautiful colors in the world, just waiting for us to create. And vendors always have them arranged for our easy access. Look at the wonderful selection:

   (photo courtesy of Cindy’s Fabric Shack)

    

   (photo courtesy of Monica’s Quilt & Bead Creations)

    

   “My stash? I’ll have to live to 200 to use it up.”

    

   (photo courtesy of Custom Creations)

    

   A number of different fabric types and styles were available, from Batik,

   (photo courtesy of Sew Batik)

    

   Hawaiian,

   (photo courtesy of Beyond the Reef)

    

   African,

   (photo courtesy of Maendeleo Imports)

    

   French,

   (photo courtesy of French Connections)

    

   and colorful florals.

   (photo courtesy of The Quilt House)

    

   (photo courtesy of Lazy Daisy Cottage)

    

   “Our husbands think we’re crazy. We just tell them, ok, let’s look at your hobbies!”

    

   More gorgeous, inspiring color was seen in the embellishments:

    

   (photo courtesy of WonderFil Specialty Threads)

    

   (photo courtesy of Tenaj Creations)

    

   (photo courtesy of Beads & Magic Wishes)

    

   (photo courtesy of Dutch Quilter)

    

   “This show is better than last year!”

    

   Some of the patterns available were backpack and purse patterns

    

   (photo courtesy of Sew Batik)

    

   (photo courtesy of Quilts Illustrated)

    

   and Cathedral Windows.

    

   (photo courtesy of Shelley Swanland)

    

   A number of products seemed new to me! Some very ingenious ideas. A design wall that rolls-up for storage.

    

   (photo courtesy of Vanishing Design Wall)

    

   Another that is collapsible and portable.

    

   (photo courtesy of Cheryl Ann’s Design Wall)

    

   A magnetic, invisible quilt holder.

    

   (photo courtesy of Magnificent Quilting Company)

    

   A project storage box to replace the pizza boxes.

    

   (photo courtesy of Block Box Company)

    

   And acrylic clocks, clipboards, wall hangers, and cups that display your quilt blocks.

    

   (photo courtesy of Quilt in a Cup)

    

   Busy booths,

    

   (photo courtesy of Monica’s Quilt & Bead Creations)

    

   “Oh, now I’ve lost my Mother. I swear I’m going to put a GPS tracker on her.”

    

   and classes,

    

   (photo courtesy of Lisa Engelbrecht)

    

   and vendor demos kept us busy.

    

   (photo courtesy of Creative Feet)

    

   After a day of shopping, taking pictures, and talking with vendors and fellow quilters, it was time to return home with new purchases and inspiration.

    

   

    

   Tomorrow I’ll post pictures of the quilt exhibits. Antique, art and traditional, colorful. Until then, I’m eager to start my backpack. What’s the first project you’re going to work on?

    

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/quilting_news_from_around_the_web/ Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:05:44 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/quilting_news_from_around_the_web/ Winning quilts, new use for plastic wrap, creating with fabric scraps, and preventing stiff necks. Inspiration and tips to get your week off to a good start!

   AQS Knoxville 2010 winners

   Use Press and Seal to audition quilting designs

   Online Quilt Museum

   Scrap Therapy in 15 minutes a day

   Saving Our Necks – Using a tabletop easel to prop-up hand sewing

   
   

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/current_exhibits_at_the_bowers_museum/ Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:51:53 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/current_exhibits_at_the_bowers_museum/ Thanks to Nadine Kirk for this guest post!

   I went to see the Secrets of the Silk Road exhibit at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on Saturday, and it is well worth a visit. Aside from the two mummies (which are amazing) there are some lovely textiles, including silk brocade and woven wool robes. There are also artifacts such as combs, boxes, statues, even some mummified food (part of a spring roll, a wonton & a couple of flower-shaped pastries).

   At the entrance to this exhibit is another one (Masters of Adornment; the Miao People of China), which included absolutely gorgeous garments, some heavily embroidered, some batik, including a pleated skirt that took 50 yards of fabric, and silver adornments (breastplates, necklaces, headdresses, earrings, etc.). We probably spent 20 minutes just looking at these.

   The next room has a new quilt exhibit of very old American quilts (Quilts: Two Centuries of American Tradition and Technique); not very many pieces but the ones that are there are beautiful, including a couple of crazy quilts (one partially assembled) and a Bethlehem star made out of fancy fabrics. Also a lovely whole cloth quilt.

   The Silk Road exhibit is there through July 25th.

   – Nadine

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/america_lives_on_pattern_for_quilts_for_wounded_warriors/ Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:39:40 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/07/america_lives_on_pattern_for_quilts_for_wounded_warriors/ Thanks to Arlene Zobrist for this guest post!

   Windham Fabrics has a free pattern called “America Lives On“, which is the right width for our Quilts for Wounded Warriors. These quilts fit stretchers, which are 48″ x 78″. The pattern is 48″ x 56″, so it just needs to be lengthened approximately 22”. This could easily be done by adding another row and then expanding the top and bottom borders. I haven’t tried the pattern but it looks like a good way to use up stash, and the star blocks could also be substituted with other fabrics, or even embroidered blocks.

   – Arlene

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/06/whats_not_to_enjoy_with/ Sat, 19 Jun 2010 05:09:33 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/06/whats_not_to_enjoy_with/ What’s not to enjoy with an evening of good food, friends, and laughter? That was my take on the annual South Bay Quilters Guild potluck on Tuesday evening, June 15th, when we closed out our 30th year as a Guild. All members seemed to be enjoying themselves as we discussed business, elected new Board members, and tied charity quilts. Here are some highlights:

   A local Brownie troop came to visit and show their first quilt. Guild member Claudia Gomez had taught them some sewing basics, and each of the girls helped with sewing and assembly of the quilt. We applaud their efforts, and hope that this sparks a lifetime interest in sewing and quilting for the girls!

   The potluck food was delicious and plentiful — main dishes, side dishes, and the ever-popular sweets!

   

   

   Show and Tell gave us the opportunity to ooh and ahh over so many beautiful creations. Members presented their quilts for Read Me A Quilt and Quilts for Wounded Soldiers donations, the Round Robin Challenge, and the UFO Challenge. Here are a few statistics on the completed UFO quilts:

    

   • A quilt started in 1954 is now complete, and won the prize for longest gestation period!
   • One member completed 48 out of 63 projects
   • Members listed 372 projects and completed 134 of them (36%)
   • 25 Guild members participated in the challenge

   Congratulations to all who worked so hard on their projects! A few pictures from Show and Tell:

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   The Guild makes an annual donation to a charity suggested and voted on by all Guild members. This year the recipient of the $1000 gift is Royal Family Kids’ Camp, which supports abused and neglected children. We count it a privilege to be able to help this organization and the children.

   With the business and potluck portions of the meeting complete, members were ready to tie quilts. And there was an abundant supply to be tied!

   

   During the tying, names were drawn for participants to select from member-donated door prizes. Thank you to all who donated such nice gifts.

   

   Our President, Julie, has served two consecutive terms and the bylaws dictate that she move on (to her next volunteer opportunity). As the outgoing President, she created a very clever Quilter’s Produce Stand of gifts for each of the Board members. (Where does she come up with these darling ideas??) The recycled berry baskets (go green!) held a variety of fruit and vegetable prints, a matching strawberry pincushion, and a miniature box with miniature sewing implements.

   

   

   Julie was also presented with a pair of engraved scissors, as well as numerous garden quilt blocks handcrafted by Guild members. We anticipate seeing Julie’s lovely garden quilt at the 2011 Quilt Show!

   

   

   Thank you, Julie, for your service, and I will take the liberty of speaking for all Board members to say that it has been an honor to serve with you for the past two years.

   So, you can see that Tuesday was a very full evening. For those who joined us, what are your thoughts about the evening? And for those who weren’t able to make it, we hope to see you next year.

   Until the August meeting, happy quilting!
   

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/06/luellas_quilt_basket_has_new_items_from_pink_sand_beach_designs/ Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:24:38 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2010/06/luellas_quilt_basket_has_new_items_from_pink_sand_beach_designs/ This evening Luella’s Quilt Basket hosted a showing of Nancy Green’s latest patterns from Pink Sand Beach Designs. After Nancy’s entertaining presentation, and door-prize Little Glam Bags, and nibbling on the goodies, we shopped and visited and checked who was buying what. Here are some snapshots and notes on the new patterns.

   The Barcelona bag is a great summer tote, and Nancy’s samples include some beautiful colors:

   

   The Bermuda Bag looks like a great size for every-day use, and again, look at these vibrant colors! Yummy!

   

   And just in time to start on Christmas gifts … the Snow Days Tree Set includes a 20″ tree skirt and ornaments:

   

   

   I’m inspired! Thanks to Luella for hosting the party, and stop by her shop to see the new items for yourself. Happy sewing!
   

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2009/10/2010_quilt_show_entry_form_-_release_for_photography/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:56:23 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2009/10/2010_quilt_show_entry_form_-_release_for_photography/ The 2010 Quilt Show Entry Form (in the Members Only section) is updated to include the “Release for Photography” section. Please use this new form when submitting your quilts for the 2010 quilt show. Thanks!

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2009/10/october_20th_meeting/ Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:13:13 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2009/10/october_20th_meeting/ Just a reminder that our October meeting is on Tuesday the 20th and begins at 6:45pm. See you there!

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2009/10/amazon_referral_program/ Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:50:23 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2009/10/amazon_referral_program/ Thank you to all Guild members who have submitted orders through our Amazon referral program. For the months of August and September, we earned $106 for the Guild! Wonderful! If you (or family or friends) plan to order through Amazon, please click on the Amazon link in the left navigation column of the SBQG website. The Guild earns a referral fee (4%-10%) of orders initiated through the SBQG site. And for your privacy, our monthly Amazon report shows the items ordered but does not show who ordered them. Happy shopping!

   
   

   ]]> http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2009/10/inaugural_sbqg_blog_post_from_the_president/ Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:53:12 +0000 http://southbayquiltersguild.org/blogwp/2009/10/inaugural_sbqg_blog_post_from_the_president/ Thanks to Julie for this guest post!

   My daughter was telling me yesterday that she was going to start a “thread” on Facebook with an idea she had for a friend’s birthday.  Of course, that kind of thread is not what immediately pops into mind when addressing quilters!  She had to explain it to me.

   Almost 30 years ago, I began my post-college career in business systems, but left after 10 years to raise a family.  Since then, the technology field has changed so dramatically that I am now like a dinosaur–extinct (technologically speaking)!  I can’t believe how many ways there are to communicate nowadays and I’m barely conversant in the lingo.  But thank goodness we have talented and enthusiastic members who are exploring new ways to keep in touch.

   Welcome to the South Bay Quilters Guild blog.  We hope to provide you with timely information about our organization and events.  Be sure to check out our website http://www.southbayquiltersguild.org/index.htm for details.  Happy Quilting!

   – Julie

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