Daily Blog

Quilting Under the Tuscan Sun

Join Esterita Austin (Episode 506) as she shares images from her annual workshop held at a 12th-century villa in the heart of Tuscany. Along with the wonderful surrounding scenery, view some of the work created by Esterita's students based on photographs from daytrips and the villa itself.

Check out last week's tour to Russia here

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Irish Chain Quilts by TQS Members

In honor of the first International Quilt Festival of Ireland, we've chosen to share a few of the many Irish Chain quilts created by TQS Members. We know that a number of TQS members have flown across the sea to join in the fun and Ricky is there Saturday, June 9 to share a perfect evening of music, wisdom and humor. For those of use who can't be there, here is a little Irish charm.

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Ricky's Tims Scrap Bag Challenge

DUE TO OVERWHELMING POPULARITY - THE SCRAP BAGS HAVE SOLD OUT!

Ricky is having a challenge and he's opening up his vault of Hand Dyed Fabric Scraps.

To enter you must purchase one of Ricky's Fabric Scrap Bags and make something from nothing but scraps contained in the scrap bag (plus maybe a bit of black or white if necessary). All entries must be made from fabric in the 15oz. of scraps or less. Finalists and winning entries will be chosen by Ricky Tims.

Size is limited only by what can be made from contents of the scrap bag plus any black and white fabric added - no minimum size.

Bags are limited.

The entry deadline is June 25th!

Prizes:

All finalists will be featured on the TQS Daily Blog and Ricky's I'm Just Sayin' Blog.

Winners and Finalists will be also be featured in Ricky's July 2012 Newsletter.

1st Prize $250 Shopping Spree at Ricky Tims Online Store

2nd Prize $150 shopping spree at Ricky Tims Online Store

3rd prize $50 shopping spree at Ricky Tims Online Store

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Go Primitive...with a Twist

Shake things up a bit by making an updated "traditional primitive quilt" using Ricky's fast-and-fun piecing method as demonstrated in Episode 1012. You will find the pattern and directions on our Projects Page.

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Armchair Tour: Russia

Join TQS for a Global Armchair Tour: This Week, We're off to Russia
It's time to sit back, grab a cup of joe, and let TQS take you on a trip around the globe. Each week, for the next ten weeks, we'll bring you images from some amazing parts of the world...and perhaps inspire your next quilted creation! These trips are intended to transport you, even if just for a little while, to another time and place. Some are courtesy of teachers you've seen on The Quilt Show, and others are provided by "ordinary citizens." We thank all of the photographers for so generously sharing their photos and videos with us.

We begin with a visit to Russia, where the Russian Quilters Association shares a video focusing on one special aspect of that country's time-honored needlework tradition. Join us for a look at traditional Russian folkwear that includes some outstanding needle- and beadwork.

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Quilts Save Town From Starvation

Photos from Quiltwalk.org

We all know that quilts do an exellent job of keeping us warm, comforting those we love, and adding beauty to our surroundings. Did you know, however, that during the winter of 1864-65 they also helped save a Utah town from starvation?

It was during winter of 1864 when the pioneer town of Fairview, UT, found itself without wheat due to a second unexpectedly early winter snow. The town, incorporated in 1863 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was nestled at an elevation of 6,600 feet, approximately 20 miles from what is now Bryce Canyon National Park. The nearest town, Parowan, lay over a mountain pass, about 40 miles away. With no other food available and the residents starving, seven men set out from Fairview over the pass to find food, outfitted with only the most meager provisions, quilts being among them. Little did they know that those quilts would prove a major factor in their journey.

Moving along slowly, the men made fairly good progress until they began to ascend the mountain, where it became impossible to manuever their heavy wagon through the deep snow. The decision was made to continue on foot, but without snowshoes, the men sank deeply into the snow with every step. In desperation, they spread a quilt and gathered together to pray. As they were praying, they noticed that the quilt provided a broader area to support their weight; they were no longer sinking into the snow.

The men began to line up their quilts and walk across the snow. Once it was crossed, the quilt at the back of the line was passed to the front, and so it continued across the mountain pass, until the men reached the town of Parowan. Taking as much flour as they could carry, they trekked (on quilts) back across the mountain pass to Fairview. It is estimated that the entire journey took between 10-14 days.

As a tribute to the indomitable spirit of these early pioneers, the town (renamed Panguitch) holds a memorial and festival each year during the second weekend in June. Along with tours of the early pioneer homes, there are many activities centered around quilting! To learn more click here.

Photo from Quiltwalk.org

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Meet Susan Else

Susan Else creates out of this world quilted sculptures. We found Susan and some of her wonderful designs at Road to California 2012 where she was a featured artist. Not only is her work three dimensional, some of it even moves! Her sculpture "Forever Yours" won Juror's Choice, Art Quilt Elements 2012 at the Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA. Keep an eye out, you just might see her at TQS.

Please visit Susan's site at www.susanelse.com.