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Want to create the illusion of curves without having to piece them?  Why not try the Straight Out of Line ruler from Creative Grids^®_.

This ruler, designed by Karla Alexander, creates unique four-patch blocks with the illusion of curves. Ruler markings make it possible to cut squares from 4" – 10" squares – and every half-inch in between. The finished size of the pieced block is approximately 3/4" less than the cut block. Their exclusive embedded gripper strips hold the fabric while cutting when pressure is applied.

Watch the video to learn more about the Straight Out of Line Ruler or, click here to go to Creative Grids^®.

You can learn more about Karla Alexander in Episode 603: Do the "block shuffle."

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Wondering what this is?  It is the 2 Peaks in 1 Multi-Size Triangle ruler from Creative Grids^®_.

Now, are you wondering what it does? Designed by Rachel Cross, it allows you to cut triangles with a ratio of 2-to-1 to create a 2 Peaks in 1 block from blocks from 1" to 6."  The ruler markings show the finished size as well as the cut size of the strip.

This ruler would be great for use with the following books, Three Patterns Book 1 - 2 Peaks in 1 Triangle Ruler - Softcover by Lintott, Pam & Lintott, Nicky - Published by The Quilt Room - Pam & Nicky Lintott or Travels with Peaky and Spike by Doreen Speckmann - available from C&T Publishing.

Watch the video to learn more about the 2 Peaks in 1 Multi-Size Triangle ruler or, click here to go to Creative Grids^®.

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Are you running out of time to whip up a handmade gift for someone special on your list? Why not "gift" something NEW from Sue Spargo (Episode 810)...something that is sure to thrill any needleworker.

Sue's newest book,Creative Stitching, is a "must have" for those who love to enhance their work with beautiful stitches. 

This charming little (7 1/2" x 6 1/4") spiral-bound book tucks easily into a work bag or basket, and opens flat for easy reference at stitching time. 

The book begins with a detailed look into the needles and threads that Sue uses, and the pages that follow include luscious, never-before-seen photos of her work.

Buy the book here.

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Who's Coming in Series 1200?
It's almost time for our next round of great shows! Check out the fabulous line-up of artists we've got on tap for Series 1200. Modern quilting, creating 3-d pieces, working with beads and sequins, precision piecing and quilting-- this is just a hint of the outstanding level (and variety) of talent, creativity, and learning we've got coming your way. In this new series, we'll take you not only to our studio in Boulder, CO, but also to exciting locations in Santa Fe, NM, Montana, and Kentucky too!

1201-Susan Else (Quilted Sculpture)
1202-Jacquie Gering (Make it Modern)
1203-Marsha McCloskey (Stellar Stars)
1204-Sue Nickels (Quilted Feathers)
1205-Sue Rasmussen (Pictorial Quilts)
1206-Lauren Vlcek (Magical Mixed Media)
1207-TBA
1208-Sue McCarty (Starting a Longarm Business)
1209-TBA
1210-TBA
1211-Ann Petersen (Precision Piecing)
1212-Montana Dude Ranch (Paper piecing and Sheer Fabrics)
1213-Montana Dude Ranch (Stars in Big Sky Country)

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Looking for the perfect gift for a quilting friend, or as a year-end donation to your guild or public library? From now through December 31, the folks at Why Quilts Matter are offering FREE SHIPPING on:

• Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics two-DVD set
• The newly published Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics Discussion Guide,
• DVD/Guide package

(Note: To ensure delivery in the U.S. in time for Christmas Day, your order must be received by December 15.)

Profits go to The Kentucky Quilt Project, Inc., creator of the series and guide, to further exciting new quilt-related study and projects.

The nine-part dcoumentary series, Why Quilts Matter takes a fresh look at quilts and spreads the word about their unique position at the center of a startlingly broad grid of topics, ranging from women's studies to the contemporary art market. Click here to learn more.

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Here is another very creative ruler from Creative Grids^®_{.  This is the Trapezoid Strip Ruler designed by Rachel Cross.}

Use the straight side of this single strip ruler to cut 2 1/2" strips – or use the pre-cuts that are on the market. Turn-a-Round the ruler to cut trapezoids that finish 6". Place two strips of fabric – right sides together – and cut 3 pair of trapezoids at one time without wasting any fabric. The holes in the ruler enable the rotary cutter to cut the triangles without damaging the ruler. Our exclusive embedded gripper dots hold the fabric while cutting when pressure is applied.

If you like "braided quilts," you might enjoy French Braid Obsession, French Braid Quilts, or French Braid Transformation all from Jane Hardy Miller, published by C&T Publishing.

Watch the video to learn more about the Trapezoid Strip Ruler ruler or, click here to go to Creative Grids^®.

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Two of Us, the beautiful 2013 BOM quilt created by award winning sisters, Sue Nickels and Pat Holly, has all the makings of a future family heirloom.

Get your fabric kit now, so that you're ready to join the fun when we launch the first pattern segment on January 1, 2013!

Each kits contains 14 1/4 yards of fabric (top only) for $149.95 + S&H.  With limited quantities, these kits are sure to sell out quickly!

Join as a Star Member and get all of the BOM 2013 patterns for FREE.

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Ami Simms would love you to stop by and visit AAQI booth if you are in Houston.  They have 2185 Priority Quilts for sale to benefit the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative.

And don't forget, The Celebrity Invitational Quilt Auction is in progress!  Click here to learn more.

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Just as a quilter might work with thousands of small pieces of fabric to create a larger work, Ghanaian born artist El Anatsui uses discarded bits of aluminum bottle caps to create monumentally sized works that are both visually stunning while at the same time incredibly flexible.  

Each individual piece of aluminum is attached to another using small bits of wire which are then built as units.  Units are joined together to form a larger piece.  The entire labor intensive process can take many months.

Both the Denver Art Museum and  the Brooklyn Museum offer you the opportunity to see his work in person.                                     

"In his most recent metal wall sculptures, which have brought him global acclaim, Anatsui recycles bottle caps from a West African distillery in his home town, piecing them together to form monumental curtains patterned with row upon row of different brands of liquor bottle caps. It has sometimes been said that these sculptures and other of his artworks are about recycling, but that is not true. Anatsui is ardent that his use of found materials is about transformation—giving objects new lives as they are transformed into something else."

Denver Art Museum exhibit runs through December 30,2012.
Brooklyn Museum exhibit from February 8-August 4, 2013.

                                      El Anatsui, Earth's Skin, detail, 2008, aluminum and copper wire.  
Approximately 177 x 394 in.,

Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, NY,
Photo by Andrew McAllister for the Akron Art Museum

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For the past 3 years AccuQuilt has dedicated its time and support for the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women Expo in Omaha, NE. 

This year's theme was "Make the Right Choice...Go Red!" and was held at the
Embassy Suites in LaVista, Neb. This annual event was held to raise funds and
awareness, educating guests on the dangers of heart disease and supporting AHA efforts through the "Go Red For Women" campaign.

"It's always an honor to be a part of this event and it always feels good to know that I am part of a company that goes out of its way to support this cause," said Linda Pumphrey, Global Sales Manager for AccuQuilt. "Heart disease has touched many of us and working with AccuQuilt and the amazing people
involved in the Go Red for Women campaign is something we all look forward to every year."

The Keynote Speaker for the event was Dr. Joann Schaefer, MD. Schaefer is the state's Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Division of Public Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Her personal story of overcoming the obstacles surrounding a liver transplant and the challenges of her recovery was part of a heartfelt message that inspired guests offering words
of encouragement, support, and empowerment.

Education played a major role in the event as a health expo and breakout sessions gave guests the opportunity to learn more about heart disease, share experiences, and get excited about heart health. A silent auction offered "Purse-inality" and an opportunity for guests to donate to the cause and take
home a token of the event. A dinner, Keynote presentation, and program gave guests an inspired look into the issues surrounding the fight against heart disease, the number 1 killer of women.

This event is the premier annual event for Omaha's year-round Go Red For Women campaign. It's main goal is to empower women, reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke, and inspire them to lead heart-healthy lives.

About Go Red for Women:
Since 2004, Go Red For Women, a program sponsored by the American Heart Association, has captured the energy, passion and intelligence of women to work collectively to wipe out heart disease -- the No. 1 killer of women. Go Red For Women engages women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. Healthcare providers, celebrities and politicians also elevate the cause and spread the word about women and heart disease. For more information about Go Red For Women,
please call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit GoRedForWomen.org. Go Red For Women is sponsored nationally by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.

(GO! Heart of My Heart Quilt (PQ4605i) from AccuQuilt)