Daily Blog

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Make a year-end donation of any amount to the Quilt Alliance and a generous private foundation will match your gift dollar for dollar. This offer extends though December 31 up to $10,000. Can you help them take advantage of this chance to double the impact of your contribution? 

http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/support/donate.php

The Quilt Alliance documents, preserves and shares the history of quilts and their makers. If you make quilts, own quilts or just love quilts (or a quiltmaker), your donation of any amount will make a difference and help sustain their work.

As an example, click here for an interview TQS Quilting Legend 2008, Jinny Beyer.  You can also watch Jinny on TQS in Episode 313.

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Michael James is the Chair of the Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Using the new Magazine software:

1. Wait a bit for it to load. The pictures are very large so it takes a while to load.
2. Click on any picture to zoom in.
3. Zoom in farther using the slider at the top of the page (Tablets just swipe your fingers)
4. We took pictures through glass displays, but some of the signs are worth zooming in even if they are a little blurry. They tell the era of the fashions.
5. Zoom in on the fabrics and quotes. They are worth it.

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Oh come on everyone......This movie is super funny! The first time I saw it I related to Elf's innocent view of life from the moment he found out Bob Newhart wasn't his birth Dad to stepping off the iceburg into New York City. Elf has the adventure of a lifetime in his quest to find his real Dad. After watching this (how many times?) I simply can't get into an elevator without tempation in my heart or view Santas helpers just a little bit differently. This movie is filled with big LOL moments - coupled with a sweet story. If you find yourself a little stressed about the momentum of the season - this is a sure fire way to beat away any Bahumbugs!

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Over the holiday season...well actually anytime, I love to watch murder mysteries, especially foreign dramas.  I have always loved puzzles, but I also enjoy learning a few phrases while at the same time trying to determine the name of the killer.

What I have found interesting is that since I watch Italian, German, and Scandanavian mysteries they each present different aspects of their countries. 

For example, In Italian dramas, scenes are very often are shot in a restaurant where conversation involves a discussion of the delicious food.  The women for the most part (not the detectives) are beautiful, wear only dresses and are curvy. German dramas, are gritty and hard-edged, and the Scandanavian dramas often have women in the leading role or positions of power. 

(photos:  The Killing: Danish TV Series and Wallander: BBC - based on a Swedish novel)

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Of all the holiday movies,"It's a Wonderful Life" is still my favorite,  I actually love the first part the best when he is so happy and dancing and falling into the pool. Every year I am surprised by how good Jimmy Stewart's acting really is.  

This year, however, I added another "must-watch" to my list. Having seen the "live" version of Sound of Music recently broadcast with Carrie Underwood, I decided I wanted to take the time and give my undivided attention to Julie Andrew's version of the musical.  It was just wonderful!

On a completely different "note," I also enjoy watching a good "lawyer" show.  My latest binge viewing was "The Good Wife."  It's a great show where the main character, Alicia, has to provide for her family by returning to work as a litigator after her husband, a former state attorney, is caught up in a scandal.

From "life to wife" it's all good fun!

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If you think a longarm is complicated machine, wait until you see what these ladies used ON THEIR HAIR!

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Calling all quilters! California State Parks will commemorate its 150th anniversary throughout 2014 with an online show of quilts created by quilters throughout the state to honor our state parks.

Please join in by signing up to make a California state-park-related quilt to include in their online quilt exhibit, which will be featured on their website. Your skills and talent will help them commemorate their anniversary creatively, by highlighting examples of artisan quilts for all to enjoy.

It doesn't have to be a landscape quilt..... it can be anything related to the state parks that inspires you! Get involved and make history!

From the California State Parks Website:

WHAT TO DO:  Create your own quilt inspired by a state park or parks. Sign up now by emailing 150@parks.ca.gov with the word “quilt” in the subject line. Be sure to include your name, contact information with email address, and what aspect of California’s state parks you plan to quilt. For a complete list of California state parks, see the drop-down list at http://www.parks.ca.gov/ParkIndex). Upon completion of your quilt, submit a photograph of your work for inclusion in our online quilt exhibit.

WHEN TO DO IT: To be included in the initial edition of the online quilt exhibit (anticipated about April 10, 2014), submit your photo and other materials by March 20, 2014. Quilt photos will be accepted through September 2014.

QUILT SPECIFICATIONS:  The theme of the quilts is any aspect of California State Parks that inspires you. There are no restrictions as to quilting style, fabric, technique, size, etc.
  
UPON COMPLETION: Specifics about how to take and submit the photo will be provided when you email your interest. In general, you will submit a photo of your quilt, any quilt details you would like to share (such as title, quilter name, materials, and a few paragraphs about what inspired you) with a completed copyright release allowing us to exhibit the image of the quilt on our website. All participants who submit photos for the online quilt exhibit by September 28, 2014, will receive an official 150th-anniversary quilt label. 

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Lyric Kinard taught in a beautiful setting at the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in South Carolina. Justin and Capt'n John had a few minutes to run around the plantation taking pictures and in the room where Lyric taught.

Click on the picture to see the amazing environment at the taping.

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Amy Milne, the Executive Director of the Quilt Alliance, knows how important it is to label your quilt.

Want to make sure you document your quilt for future generations, but need a little help?  The Quilt Alliance has a labeling kit to help you do just that.

The kit includes labels, a fabric marker, an instruction and idea card that stresses the importance of labelling your quilt, and more. The cost of the kit is $12.  

(Amy doesn't usually dress like this, it was Halloween in Houston.)