International Quilt Market

Well, here I am at Quilt Market having a fantastic time.  On Friday, I had a schoolhouse lecture to introduce my new book, A Russian Journey in Quilts.  Although the room wasn't packed, there was a nice comfortable number of attendees who seemed really interested.  A friend of mine kindly recorded my lecture and I watched it later that night.  I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I was and how much energy I showed.  My schoolhouse was actually only 15 minutes and although I ran out of time, I told those attending that they had to get the book to find out the rest of the story.

Yesterday (Saturday) I had a book signing at the Kansas City Star booth.  All of my tickets were gone and more people showed up than there were tickets, but by the end of the signing I had several left over copies because not everyone came to claim their copies.  Apparently there were a lot of signing all around the same time.  Guess they had a better offer.  LOL!

Took some time to visit the antique quilt booths, of course, and marvel over the amazing treasures there.

I also made some great contacts that will hopefully help.

Well,  time to hop in the shower and get started on the day.  Talk to you later.

International Quilt Market

I know I know, I've been away from blogging for quite a while, but I do actually have a legitimate excues, or rather many legitimate excuses.  First, I've been doing a lot of events to promote my new book, A Russian Jounry in Quilts.  Second, I've been doing a lot of events to promote mt new book, A Russian Journey in Quilts.  :)

Back in September, I attended Quilting Around Chautauqua for I believe the eighth year in a row.  It was marvelous.  In the evenings, my friends and I had a Dwnton Abbey marathon because two of the four of us weren't really familiar with it at all, while the third hadn't seen the first two seasons.  Well, was I surprised at how great it was, although there were some historical glitches, but boy, were my eyes opened.  I'm looking forward to the next season starting in January.  Did you know that Downton Abbey quilt fabric will soon be available?  I've seen some of the ads in my quilting magazines and it looks very nice.  While at Chautauqua, I also did some book signings at my friend, Melanie's booth.  It started out rather slowly, but then a lot of people seemed interested.  Sold quite a few books AND met a lot of really great quilters!

One thing about Downton Abbey that really struck me was the overlapping of it with my new book, A Russian Journey in Quilts.  Downton Abbey focuses quite a few episodes about WWI in Britain and my book focuses on WWI in Russia.  Interesting connection between the two, I think.

Tomorrow I'm headed to my third International Quilt Market in Houston, TX where I will be promoting my book to the world, so to speak.  Looking forward to it, but nervous of course.  I'm also going to try to get connected to a fabric company again.  So we'll see how that goes.  Stay tuned.....if all goes well during the next five days, I might even have some time to blog about Market while I'm there and show you some of the cool things to see.

  I have a Schoolhouse lecture on Friday at 2:05 PM and a book signing at the Kansas City Star book at 2:45 PM.  Wish me luck.....maybe I'll see you there.

BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNER

With the help of a random number generator online, commenter shout4joy won a copy of my new book, A RUSSIAN JOURNEY IN QUILTS!

Congratulations, Joy!


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Watch for my upcoming project, Russian Chain, in the Oct/Nov issue of THE QUILTER magazine.  There is even a nice review of the book, too!

BLOG INTERVIEW

Today you can find my interview with Lisa Ruble on the Fabri-Quilt blog.

http://inspiredbyfabric.blogspot.com/2013/08/calling-all-chocolate-lovers.html

It's not too late to leave a comment to win a free copy of my new book, A Russian Journey in Quilts. ends August 31st.

What are you doing today?

First, I want to remind everyone that I am running a BLOG GIVEAWAY for my new quilt book, A RUSSIAN JOURNEY IN QUILTS:  THE STORY OF NICHOLAS AND NINA FILATOFF. 

To enter, leave a comment on this blog (or any blog dated between August 15th and 30th).  If you are not already a follower, become a follower, and leave another message telling me that you are now a follower and you will be entered a second time.

If I get lots of participation, I'll even give away a copy of my first book, ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS!

So, please let any and all quilting buddies know about the GIVEAWAY! 

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Today I started a new project for an upcoming Annie's (formerly House of White Birches) book.  I can't show you the project (shhh  -- it's a surprise until the book comes out), but I can show you the delicious fabrics that I'm working with.  Yum Yum Yummy!  Pink and brown batiks.  Aren't they just too sweet?  If I close my eyes and concentrate really hard, I can almost smell them (ummmm, like cotton candy, I think). 

Sigh.......I admit it, I am addicted to fabric.

 



 

I am also working on designing some more projects for two more Quilter's World/ Annie's publications.  More on these later, of course.  I have several quilt design submissions out right now with several other magazines and I'm just waiting to see what happens.

 

The other night I had my first runk show and book signing with my new book.  It went well, I think.  At the beginning, I felt a bit nevous because I wasn't sure what all I wanted to say.  My friend Leslie went with me and she said that I did seem a bit nerous at first but when I got going, I wasn't hesitant at all.  There were between 25-30 people for the Lecture on the Lawn at Quiltessentials and they seemed to really enjoy my talk and the quilts.  One listener even told me that she wasn't much into history but she enjoyed my story.  WOW!  That made me feel very good.

 

 

FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY -- A RUSSIAN JOURNEY IN QUILTS

Okay, Okay......  I promised some time ago that I would be giving away a FREE COPY of my new book, A RUSSIAN JOURNEY IN QUILTS.  Well, the time has finally come.

Here's what you need to do:

1)  Leave a comment on my blog.  Please make sure that I can contact you or else I can't notify you if you are the winner.

2)  You can get a second chance to win the free book if you become a follower AND leave a second comment telling me that you're a follower.

Here's what you need to know:

3)  The winner will be selected randomly.

4)  This FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY will run from August 15th until August 30th.

5)  If I get a lot of comments and new followers, I may just be inspired to give away a copy of my first book, too -- ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS.  So, share this Giveaway with all your quilting pals!

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Now onto other fun stuff!

Recently I've been cleaning -- no, make that organizing -- my studio.  Truthfully, I haven't done this since April so I really had stacks and stacks of fabric and supplies to put away.  I sorted my fabrics, choppped up the smallish pieces into charms and strips, and even folded the yardage into uniform-sized bundles.  Then I put the nicely folded yardage into my storage drawers, which are of course mostly organized by color.  I do organize some fabrics by collection, however -- Americana, Halloween, Christmas, and a few places where I put "special" things such as kits or collections.

I even sorted through my batting scraps -- putting the cotton in one bin and the poly in another bin.

The studio is looking better, but there's still too much stuff in my small dungeon space.  Sigh.....I guess I'll have to keep working at it.  But now I have to get back to actually quilting.  I have two projects for an Annie's Crafts book and a baby quilt to quilt for a friend.  Of course, I also have several new submission in with a couple of quilt magazines, so we'll see what happens.

To make quilting even more enjoyable, yesterday I treated myself to a new dream sewing machine -- a Janome Horizon 8900.  Have you seen this machine yet?  It has an 11" throat!!!!!  How wonderful that is going to be for my free motion machine quilting.  The machine is on layaway right now, but the time will hopefully go fast until I will be ready to bring it home.

Tomorrow I have my first trunk show and book signing for my new book at my friend Melanie's shop, Quiltessentials,  in Pittsfield, PA.  This will be my third year participating in her free Friday Night Summer Lecture on the Lawn series.  Wish me luck!

In the meantime, don't forget to leave a comment to have a chance to win a copy of my new book, A Russian Journey in Quilts!  Good Luck to everyone!!!!

BOOKS ARE HERE!

I am so excited to write today because MY NEW QUILT BOOK HAS ACTUALLY ARRIVED!  It actually came on Friday, but I haven't had a chance to spend time with my computer yet due to the holiday.

Anyway, now the really hard work begins:  MARKETING!

I will be doing a blog giveaway for a copy of my book soon, so if you aren't an officIal follower yet, please become one so you won't miss out the chance to win a copy of my new book.  I don't have a date in mind yet for my giveaway, but I'm thinking the end of July or beginning of August.  You can find me on Facebook and I will be updating my website too.

The title of my book is:  A RUSSIAN JOURNEY IN QUILTS:  THE STORY OF NICHOLAS AND NINA FILTAOFF.

Let me tell you a little bit about my book:

This book was inspired by a story shared by my maternal grandmother about two of dearest friends, Nicholas and Nina Filatoff.  Nicholas and Nina were Russian emigres who fled the Bolshevik Revolution and eventually found their way to Meadville, PA.  They met my teen-aged grandmother when they purchased a small farm outside of Meadville as their retirement home.  And that was the beginning of a long friendship.  Sadly, the Filatoffs had had not children, but it was my grandmother who preserved their story by passing it down to her children and grandchildren, by recording it in her autobiography, and in the pages of her journal.  It is thanks to my grandmother that the Filatoff's story didn't die with them.

Now you can relive their adventures from Russia to the refugee camps in Constantinople and across the ocean to the United States by creating the 15 quilt projects in the book.  The projects range from table runners to wall quilts, and throws, all the way to a large bed sized Sampler Quilt. 

The Russian Journey Sampler is a wonderful BLOCK OF THE MONTH PROJECT, which would be especially meaningful with the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.  There is even a FREE Block of the Month Program guide available at www.pickledish.com. 
The actual link for the FREE DOWNLOAD is: Russian Journey Sampler Quilt Block of the Month Program Guide.

Oh, I also wanted to tell everyone that the photography is simply gorgeous and was done on location at the Baldwin Reynolds House Museum. This Museum was once home to Supreme Counrt Justine Henry Baldwin and later home to Baldwin's nephew's family by marriage, the Reynoldses. Here's the museum's website: Baldwin Reynolds House Museum.

I don't have copies available on my website yet, but will do so very soon. At this time, you can copies from the following websites:

www.pickledish.com

www.homesteadhearth.com

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?????? GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!!!!

I HOPE THAT YOU'RE AS EXCITED ABOUT MY NEW BOOK AS I AM!

Time to Kick It Into High Gear

Well, today is the day that I am kicking things into high gear.  Already this morning, I emailed the Kansas City Star marketing person, the person in charge of organizing Quilt Market, and the person in charge of books.

So, I now have ordered copies of my book to resell!  Wahoo!  They'll be arriving soon.

I wrote all the things that I'm working on to promote my book or am planning to the marketing person.

The Quilt Market person already got back to me to let me know that she will be sending out an invitation to do a Schoolhouse lecture and a booth book signing.

Okay, so it begins...

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Yesterday, I went to an interesting antique shop in Harrisville, PA which used to be a hardware store.  It was huge and had so much stuff -- items were stacked and piled everywhere from floor to ceiling.  I did find this quilt, though.

 

So far this quilt is a puzzle to me.  The black sqaures and pieced triangle squares (which looks like the Little Cedar Tree block) are BLACK SILK.  The lighter fabric squares and rectangles at top and bottom (which is a brownish green)  are also SILK or maybe TAFETTA (I'm guessing they were once a darker green, perhpas poison green?).  The block arrangement is unusual as are the colors used.  The border is a dark blue green (maybe also poison green?) and it is somewhat coarse, maybe LINEN?  It is about 74x81.  It has a pale green silk ribbon or tape binding on two sides and a black silk ribbon or tape on the other two sides.  The quilt is hand pieced and quilted.  Hand quilting at 8 full stitches to the inch and includes both crosshatching and double diagonal lines in BLACK THREAD.

 

As you see, it definitely has some condition issues, shattered silk, tattered binding/edge, a few holes, etc.

 

But what really makes my heart go thumpity thump is the backing fabric!  It is glorious and near perfect, see below.  Although it's hard to see -- the colors are that distinctive greyish-blue, gold/brown, and tan.

 

 

 

My gut tells me this a very special quilt.  Sadly, I have no information about it.  I feel that this is an early quilt, perhaps pre-Civil War.  I am going to consult with some quilt expert friends and I'll post an update when I know more.

 

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!!!!

I know that I've kind of dropped off the blog radar for a while, but well, things have been busy.  My book has been printed and should be sitting in the warehouse right now.  I should be getting copies soon!  WAHOO!!!!!  I can't wait to hold it in my hands for real. 

Here it is:

Isn't it beautiful?????????

Here;s the description from the back:

Spurred by a family story and a love of quilting, Tricia Lynn Maloney weaves a tale of sweeping adventure and romance, telling the amazing story of Nicholas and Nina Filatoff. Each of the 15 quilt projects are taken from period designs and commemorate their incredible journey from the traditions of Imperial Russia through the intensity of World War I and upheaval of the Bolshevik Revolution. There are 11 wall hangings, three table runners and a large bed-size sampler quilt. The Russian Sampler combines blocks from the other projects and would make a wonderful block-of-the-month quilt. Learn the story of Nicholas and Nina as you piece through their extraordinary lives.
Retail: $27.95

Right now you can oder it on two websites:  www.pickledish.com and www.homesteadhearth.com.


I have so much more to say, but not enough time right now because it's getting late.  So I'll be back soon.  In the meantime, what do you think of my cover??????

Where I Was Last Night

Last night I attended Patricia Knoechel's (Eleanor Burns's sister) lecture about Eleanor's new book, Quilts From El's Kitchen.

Have you seen this book yet?  It's a typical Eleanor book filled with great photos of quilts, quilt history, and easy to understand well-illustrated instructions.  Not too mention all kinds of inspiration!  The book features sixteen blocks (both 12" and 6") with a food theme and a central basket medallion.  Of course, it also includes many other smaller projects such as Laundry Day by Patricia Knoechel which includes three adorable pieced aprons hung on a mini clothesline (the last photo).

Please enjoy my photos from the program.

BOOK UPDATE

It's scary, but my book is hurtling fast towards the anticipated July publication date.  I don't know the exact date.....  My editor Kent says we're a bit behind, but that we're still on target.

In the last week or so, Amy, my book designer, has been super busy at work taking my editor's rough draft and making it into a real book.  I am loving her ideas and so thankful that she keeps my ideas in mind as she designs.  So, now we have a book design plan and a tentative cover.  Wish I could show it to everyone right now, but  (SIGH) you'll have to wait a bit longer.

The biggest thing right now is that we have a space issue -- we need to somehow find three more pages for the rest of the book.  So, I've been doing some cutting and editing.  You know, it's really hard to chop sections out of your own work, but I'm gritting my teeth and doing it.

Right now I'm just starting to think about book signings, trunk shows,  and Fall Quilt Market.  I've been doing pretty good about getting the word out to magazines so far too.

Kansas City Star Books is a great publisher.  I just love how they've included me every step of the way.  Not all publishers are like that.  It's so awesome to contribute to the overall design of my book -- the layout, the way it looks, graphics, etc. 

OH!  I am so happy to announce that we're keeping my original title.  I really think this must be a very unusual thing.  My first book went through something like 6 name changes before Orphan Block Quilts was selected as THE ONE.

IRONY

Okay, I have a VERY IRONIC event to share with everyone.  I went JoAnn Fabrics in Meadville tonight to pick up a few things to make some doll clothes for a young friend of mine.  While there, I cruised through the quilt books and saw -- GASP!  Nine Patch Panache by House of White Birches.

 My quilt is on the cover of this book.  I've been waiting three years for this moment when my local store actually carried one of the books that I'm in.  So, I carried the two books from the shelf up to the counter, explained that it was my quilt on the cover, and asked if they wanted me to sign the books (which I've done in quilt shops before....). 

The cashier went back to ask the manager who then sent back this message:  she was not "authorized" for me to sign the books so I could not sign them.  Isn't that about the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard??????  EVERYONE knows a signed book is more desireable AND generally worth more.

Well, I guess this goes to show that local quilt shops are more supportive of designers, particularly local designers.  When my first book was published, I had several signings and trunk shows ay my local quilt shops.  I did contact JoAnn Fabrics about carrying my book at the time, but nothing ever came of that.  Nor did my local store ever contact me about doing an event. 

Let's keep supporting our local quilt shops because they support designers!

Free Quilt Pattern Anyone?????

On Friday, Quilter's World Magazine. posted a link for a FREE PATTERN from the Summer 2013 issue. 

It's my quilt design, MODERN CELTIC.

Here's the link to get this limited-time free pattern:

http://bit.ly/St0GJJ


To order the Summer 2013 issue filled with over 20 projects including Modern Celtic and my rockin' bag, Hippy Swing bag and two gorgeous quilts by my friend Leslie Lattner, follow this link: 

http://bit.ly/12juCJE

If you love love love the hand-dyed fabrics, check out Lori's website:

http://www.labfabrics.com/index.php


Have fun and don't ever stop quilting!

Let the Promoting Begin!

My editor Kent, recently emailed me a rough draft of my book complete with images and diagrams.  Granted, it's really rough, but it's looking more like a book.  I'm so excited!  It has a ways to go yet before it's truly a book, but we're getting there.

So far, no one has even made a whisper about changing the title.  When I wrote my first book, I think the name changed four or five times. So keep your fingers crossed for me!

Now that the book is in the production phase, I'm beginning to work on promotion.  So far, I've contacted six or seven quilt magazines and I'm beginning to get some positive responses back.  I've got four or five more to go.  Who knew there were so many quilt magazines out there.  My goal is at least six magazines this time. 

QUILTERS NEEDED

Greetings Fellow Quilters!


I need your help. 

The library where I work, Cochranton Area Public Library, is in the process of building a new Library building.  Our current structure is aging and needs a lot of updates so the Library Board decided to build a new Library.

We have been doing fund-raising and have our big fund-raising event coming up soon.  We are hosting the first Cochranton Library Art and Textile Auction.  It will be held May 18th at the Meadville Elks Club in Meadville, PA.  So far, we've raised about $80,000 towards our goal.  We hope to break ground very soon.

I am helping with the Auction.  My task is to arrange for Quilt and Textile donations.  Please note that this is a juried auction and all items will be selected by the Jury Board for inclusion in the Auction. 

Would any of my Blog followers or friends care to donate a piece to the Auction to help us raise money to build our new Library?  The deadline to submit items is April 15th if you want to be included in the catalog.

I am looking for quilts in  clean condition that are either a traditional design or an original design (please, no published patterns unless you have permission from the designer).  Sizes can range from miniature to bed size.  Styles can be from traditional to art quilt. Quilts must be well-made and not purchased from a Big Box Department store.

If you are interested in donating an item to help raise money to build a new community library, please either email me at:  littlequilts@windstream.net OR you can mail items to:

Tricia Maloney
Cochranton Area Public Library
PO Box 296
107 West Pine Strret
Cochranton, PA 16314

If you are shipping a donation, please let me know so that I can expect it.  Also, please include your contact information, including an email address so that I can contact you.  If you have any questions, please email me.

Thanks for supporting our library.

Tricia

WINTER BLOG HOP WINNERS

Okay, okay, I must apologize that I didn't post the winners yesterday.  Friday was my shopping day with my mom and by the time I got home, it was all I could do to collapse in a chair.  We went to a super clearance sale at a new area shop......I spent $44 and bought four stuffed bags of new clothes!  Including six wool sweaters to repurpose as mittens and maybe hats.

Anyway, here are the winners:

Amanda K from Texas is the winner of a copy of ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS

Sandra Visser from Utah is the winner of the magazines.

Congrats Ladies!

Both winners have been contacted and their prizes will be in the mail!


By the way, I won a collection of batik fabrics and a pattern from another blogger!  Wahoo!!!

BLOG HOP DAY 7 -- LAST DAY

Greetings Everyone!

Today is the last day of Quilting Gallery's Blog Hop.  How many blogs did you hop too?  Me, not very many considering that there were around 200 participants.

Anyway, you have until midnight tonight to leave a comment on the daily blog in order to be registered to win a copy of my book, ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS.  As the number of comments has reached over 100 now, I am also going to give away two magazines featuring my quilts.  Fun!  Good luck everyone!  Also, I'd love love love it if you'd become a follower.  When my new book comes out in July, I'm planning to do some giveaways and such -- you don't want to miss that, do you?

Now let's talk about quilting style.  Recently it's been on my mind.  A friend of mine, Gaynel (who is one of the finest long arm machine quilters by the way) told me about a week ago that she opened up a magazine and saw a quilt that she immediately recognized as one of my designs before she'd even read the designer's name.  This really got me thinking.  What exactly IS my style as a quilt designer?

A day or two ago, my favorite magazine editor mentioned that she really liked my style so I emailed her back and asked her what she saw my style as.  I've always thought of myself as "eclectic" although I'm not really into applique veru much (I do admire it, but I don't really have the patience for it).  Carolyn emailed me back and this is what she wrote,  "I think of your style as tradition with an eye for simple lines...I think you make every effort to display the beauty of the fabrics and
create designs that quilters are confident they can tackle."  She definitely nailed how I approach designing, but now I have to come up with a name for it. 

Until tomorrow, when I announce two lucky winners -- one for the book and one for the magazines!  Now I'm off to hop a little bit more!  Maybe I'll see you!

BLOG HOP DAY 6

Hello Once Again Everyone!

Welcome to Day 6 of Quilting Gallery's Blog Hop.  If you leave a comment on the daily post, consider yourself registered to win a copy of my book, ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS.  Oh!  And don't forget to become a follower too!

I am one happy person today!  First, since yesterday I've had FOUR more quilts accepted to Quilter's World Magazine and for an Annie's (used to be House of White Birches) book.  Oh my word!  Luckily all four of them are wall sized or smaller.  What a fun challenge.  NOW OF COURSE, I GET TO GO SHOPPING!

Another cool thing that happened recently is that I found out that my oldest niece, Meg, recently cited my book for one of her papers in college!  Wahoo!  That's something you can't say happens everyday.

The icing on the cake of course, is that the robins are back which means spring is truly right around the corner.  I say this of course, while there's a veritable snowstorm outside right now.  LOL!

BLOG HOP DAY 5

Good Morning Friends!

Today is Day 5 of Quilting Gallery's Blog Hop.  If you leave a comment on the daily blog from March 8th until March 14th, you will be registered to win a copy of my book, ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS.  Also, while you're visiting, I hope that you'll become a follower so that we can stay in touch.  Don't forget to visit the other blogs on the Blog Hop, too -- there's like 200 of them!

This morning I found myself working on the binding for the memory quilt I blogged about the other day.  It's amazing how fast binding goes on a small project.  After an hour, I am actually done with the binding.  Now I only have to tack down the hanging sleeve and the quilt will be finished.  I hope my neighbor loves it -- I'm really happy with how it turned out.

After I'm done blogging today, I am planning to begin writing the instructons for two quilts headed to Fons and Porter Easy Quilts.  They are both throw quilts.  One used Marblehead fabrics while the other one used fabric from the Sweetcakes line from Riley Blake.  I really love working with Riley Blake collections, they are fresh and fun and they definitely fit my style.  What's your favorite fabric manufacturer and why?

I finally heard from my editor Kent, who is on  his way to a vacation in Mexico tomorrow -- LUCKY HIM!  Anyway, all fifteen quilts arrived safely last week and are now waiting to have the straight-on photos taken.  Kent said that the book is right on target with space and we should have plenty of room for the diagrams and photos.  WAHOO!  I was a little worried about this because it seemed like so much stuff to cram into 96 pages.

Here's a little nibble about my new and upcoming book with Kansas City Star Quilts:  THE STORY IN THE BOOK BEGINS IN RUSSIA AND ENDS IN THE UNITED STATES!

Interested in knowing more?????  Then become a follower so that you can stay up-to-date on theis new book!

BLOG HOP DAY 4

WOW!  I'm very excited that so many people have visited my blog so far.  What fun!  Hopefully you'll become followers too!

Anyway, today is the 4th day of Quilting Gallery's BLOG HOP.  If you leave a comment on today's blog (or any blog from March 8th through March 14th, 2013), you will be registered to win a copy of my first book, ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS.

I thought I'd tell you a little bit about ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS today.

I doubt that I could explain the book better than the back cover description, so here's the description from the back cover:

Make a Home for your orphaned blocks!

Orphan blocks can find their way into any quilter's life.  Whether they are leftover from an unfinished project, collectible blocks found at a garage sale, or even antique blocks discovered in your great-aunt's attic, Tricia Lynn Maloney will teach you how to care for your orphan blocks, and make a home for them.

ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS INCLUDES:

• 14 projects with 11 variations
• Instructions on caring for your orphan blocks
• Advice on designing a setting
• The story behind each quilt

If you don't have any orphan blocks, Tricia gives you advice on locating potential sources, whether from your own family or online.  And it's easy to substitute brand-new blocks, and make a new quilt from the ground up.  Check out the 11 variations in the book, where Tricia did just that!

Whether your orphan blocks are antique, vintage, collectible, or simply leftover from a recent project, you can sew the perfect setting that will let the blocks shine!

I don't think I could have said it any better!

Here's one of the quilts from my book.  It's called Mad for Madder.  The blocks are circa 1880.  All of the other fabrics are new reproductions.  This is a great quilt setting for any blocks, even modern ones, don't you think?

BLOG HOP DAY 3

Oh What a Beautiful Day in Northwestern Pennsylvania!

Today is DAY 3 of the Blog Hop with the Quilting Gallery.  Remember, if you leave a comment on the day's blog from March 8 - March 14th, you will be registered to win a copy of my first quilt book, ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS.  The drawing will be March 15th and the winner will be notified then.  Good Luck! 

OH!  I almost forgot!  Please become one of my blog followers so that we can stay in touch and you'll know when my new book comes out and any upcoming events!

Anyway, back to this beautiful day in NW PA.  It was a balmy 64 degrees F today with lots of sun.  Would you believe that I washed a couple loads of laundry and hung them outside to dry?  Me neither, except that I actually did it.  Oh, how wonderful my clothes smelled when I took them inside and put them away.  Ahhhhhhh.

Spring must be on the way because the animals are coming out to see what's going on -- woodchucks, squirrels, chipmunks, Canadian geese, and other assorted bords.  Sadly, I haven't seen my first spring robin yet, but I know it's just a matter of time.  I've even noticed the buds starting to swell on the trees.  What's spring like in your neck of the woods?

Today I did manage to spend some time in my studio although I was wishing it was outisde instead of down in the dungeon!  I put the binding on a small quilt that I've been commissioned to make for a neighbor as a memory quilt for her granddaughter which includes fabric salvaged from her father's (the great-grandfather) red plaid flannel shirt.  I designed a medallion setting and feature a photo of the granddaughter and great-grandfather in the center.  It's rather sweet, don't you agree? I'm very pleased with the quilting.  Have you ever made a memory quilt?

I'm also working on a fat quarter tote bag for an upcoming book.  It's going to be really quite mod with fabrics in black, cream, grey, and taupe.  Pretty fabrics, huh?

I haven't heard from my editor for about a week now.  I'm guessing that no news is actually good news.  I do need to check to see if the quilts arrived at the office, though.  They should have been there last Wednesday and I haven't heard anything so I'd better check on that.

Well, I guess that's enough for today.  Until tomorrow!

BLOG HOP DAY 2

Hello Again!  Welcome to Day 2 of the Quilting Gallery's Blog Hop.  Don't forget to leave a comment to be registered for the drawing of a copy of my book, ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS.  If you leave a comment on the day's blog from March 8th to March 14th, your name will go in the drawing hat.  I plan to draw the winner on March 15th.

The weather was so beautiful today and the sun was so bright that my antique-loving parents and I played hooky and went to one of our favorite places -- Lisa's Indoor Flea Market in Greenville, PA.  Here are some photos of quilt and textile items that I saw there.

This photo shows the assorted quilt blocks that I scored today at my favorite booth.  Five Dresden plates from the 1930's, a ca. 1910 single wedding ring, a ca. 1940 stripy block,  a ca. 1910 unidentified block, a ca. 1900 pinwheel variation, a ca. 1900 nine patch variation, and of course over 100 little nine patch blocks from the 1930's/1940's.

What did you do today?

BLOG HOP DAY 1

Hello Dear Readers!

Today begins the Quilting Gallery Blog Hop. What fun! If you visit my blog between March 8th and March 14th, leave me a comment on the day's blog (yes, I am going to blog every day during this time, seriously) and you will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of my first book, ORPHAN BLOCK QUILTS: MAKING A HOME FOR ANTIQUE, VINTAGE, COLLECTIBLE, AND LEFTOVER QUILT BLOCKS.

 I am going to put all of the participants' names into a hat on March 15th and will pull out the winner. If there are a lot of participants, I might just give away a second book! Or maybe some magazines as I have stacks and stacks of magazines featuring my quilts now. WAHOO! Let the fun begin!

This week I've been feeling decidedly happy. Or perhaps it's giddy relief? I think it has something to do with getting all of my new book project stuff off to my editor, Kent, including the quilts themselves. Also, I think I've got a touch of spring fever too.

At first I thought I'd feel like something was missing once I sent everything, but actually I'm feeling the opposite. I feel like I've found something. Maybe my mind?? Or perhaps my sanity???? Or maybe it could have something to do with actually being able to sew again. Before I sent in all my book stuff, I was chained to my computer and didn't see my sewing machine for weeks and weeks. Sigh.... But now I'm back in the studio working on four quilts and one bag for magazines, and three memory quilts for a neighbor. Oh, I have a couple class samples going right now too. I am SEW HAPPY to be quilting once again.

Until tomorrow!

PHOTOSHOOT

Today was a really fun day for me and one that I'll probably remember forever. I got to participate in the photoshoot for my new book with Kansas City Star Books! It was so much fun to work with Aaron, the photographer. He is certainly very talented and has a great eye!

Aaron flew in from Kansas City and we did the photoshoot at the Baldwin Reynolds House Museum located in Meadville, PA. The people featured in my new book lived and worked at the house before it was a museum, so it was so incredibly meaningful to me to have the photoshoot there. Additionally, I worked at the museum when I was in college so again it really was a dream come true.

Yesterday, Aaron and I did some outside photos -- it was an unusually lovely day in NW PA -- sunny and in the 40's. We even photographed one my the quilts for the book in a cemetery (you'll have to check out the book to find out which one! LOL!). Weird, huh? But so appropriate for that section of the book.

 It's now a matter of months until the book will be available. JULY 2013.

 I'm not giving out the title name yet though because it's always possible that the title will change between now and when the book comes out. So.....stayed tuned for the title.

Just last week I sent all of the files to my editor, Kent. Now he's going to work his magic and put it all together. Although we did have the photoshoot here in Meadville, I still need to send all of the quilts to Star so that Aaron can take the straight on shots of the quilts (They call them COB )cut out background) shots).

I've got goosebumps just thinking about holding this book in my hands in just a matter of months! Oh, I can't wait!

THERE'S LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!

I've been pushing really hard to wrap up my book and all of sudden it's the middle of February. Well,the end is nearing. Seriously. I've sent about half of the files to my editor already. If all goes well, I'll have everything to him by the beginning of the week. It's kind of scary, though. I've lived with this proejct for what seems like a really long time and in a way it's hard to share it, but I keep telling myself that when I hold the finished product in my hand, it will all be worth it. Today I played hookey and went to the "garage sale days" at one of our local malls. One of the first booths I went to had some quilts and I of course fell in love with one of them. So I adopted a wonderful Double Wedding Ring quilt top from the 1930's. I haven't really had a chance to look it over yet so will post photos soon. It's roughly double bed size and appears to be in pretty good condition. There's some general soiling but I'll wash it up and see what happens. Interestingly enought it is completely machine pieced (my kind of quilter!) and may I add well-done. The fabrics seem to have come from a deep scrap bag -- I even found a fewq turn of the century cranberry shirtings. It also has some wovens and silks too. A fun collection of farics in a traditional and well-loved design. Eventually I will finish it and have it long arm quilted. I've always wanted a Double Wedding Ring quilt. I do have some assorted vintage blocks but I was always a little scared to try to finish them. Recently, I've had quilts featured in several different publications, too. Stay tuned for photos!

New Year, New Magazine

Recently, I received a package in the mail from Fons and Porter. In it, was a complimentary copy of Easy Quilts, the Spring 2013 issue, which contains one of my quilts. So, make sure you get your copy of Easy Quilts and check out my quilt, Strips and Squares!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ BOOK UPDATE I am so happy to report that all fifteen quilts are finally completed for my upcoming book! Now I am concentrating on the other stuff -- instructions, photos, etc. We are also in the midst of planning a photo shoot here in Meadville, PA. I am so very excited about this -- it will add so much to my book as well as promote this area. Stay tuned..........

A NEW YEAR

Happy New Year to Everyone! It's so hard for me to believe that we have begun another new year. It's scary that every year seems to go faster and faster. It's a little like being on a tilt-a-whirl. As hard as I've been working on wrapping up my fifteen quilts for my book project, I somehow managed to make some fun little Christams gifts for family and friends. To me, it's not really Christmas without handmade gifts. I even managed to make cookies and candy too. Honestly, I'm not sure how, but I did. Here are pics of my handmade holiday gifts:

The little owls are pin cushions using felt and vintage buttons -- so cute! I found the pattern through Pinterest (of course!). The three scarves were for my oldest niece Meghan -- she requested a scarf for Christmas so I made three of them, all out of purple silky fabrics. This project game me the opportunity to teach myself how to do a narrow hem with my narrow hem foot attachement. It took me a few tries, but I did figure it out by the time I completed the last scarf. The mittens were made for my dear friend Isaac. I upcycled wool from a sweater with holes in it! He really loved them, too! I personally loved the orangey color of the wool! The reversible tablerunner was a gift for my boss at the library where I work. She seemed to really like it. Oh, and I can't forget the snap bags. They are so addictive to make -- I think I made more than 20 of them in total! LOL! These were great little gifts for all of the females that I know. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ BOOK UPDATE Well, deadlines are really approaching now. I am seriously almost done with all fifteen quilts. I've really worked hard in the last few weeks to finish up binding, etc. I even managed to bind the 90" x 108" GIANT quilt in a little over three movies. I have about twelve inches of binding and hanging sleeve to hand sew and then I'm done. Shocking, I know, but my project deadline is literally right around the corner so I am right on target. Now I'm trying to get the patterns written and then I have to wrap up the rest of the written stuff. Writing a book, sure has a lot of work to it, but it's all good, of course! Right now we're looking ahead to the upcoming photoshoot. If all goes well, we'll be doing some of the photography here in my area. I am so excited!