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Jen from Shabby Fabrics is back with the Table Glitz Series for October. Halloween is coming soon, and they are embracing it this year with this festive jack-o'-lantern placemat and candy corn coaster tutorial.

Click here for pattern.

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If you have met Hope Yoder in person, then you know she loves gadgets. In her quest to master hand-eye coordination with free-motion quilting, she uses her iPad, Apple Pencil, and the internet to hone her quilting skills.

Check out this quick video on how she spends her spare time on planes, trains, and automobiles. Okay, not trains and automobiles, but definitely while sitting waiting for doctor appointments, in the evening in front of the TV, and on planes.

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"Sizzle" - TQS BOM 2019 - by Becky Goldsmith

Here is the Block of the Month for 2019 in one of its kit colorways. BUT remember you can use your own fabric. The warm version may be your inspiration.

Ready to put Sizzle back in your quilting (life)? Becky Goldsmith has designed a quilt for you that uses those colors you love (but still feel a little dangerous). Want to give a modern, fun look to a bedroom or brighten a room? 

As always, the TQS BOM 2019 comes with multiple techniques that make it a learning tool also. Becky has provided how-to videos to make this an easy journey. Or join with Barbara Black and get tips from others making the quilt along with you. This is a great opportunity to learn, laugh, and impress your friends and family. 

All of the patterns and videos are FREE to Star members starting Jan 1, 2019.

 

So here is the "Warm" Version of the quilt (70" x 70").

 

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We think this sharpener is so handy that we wanted to share - Everyone should have one in their sewing room!

Turn-Sharp Rotary Blade Sharpener


As you can imagine, we cut quite a bit of fabric in our cutting room (hello BOM 2018 kits!). In the past, each time we ran out of sharp blades, cutting would grind to a halt while we waited for more to arrive. This product has fixed that!

Now we keep a Turn-Sharp on hand. It is a fast and easy way to sharpen a dull blade to near-new status. Just pop in a blade, add a little water to the sharpening surface, and turn. Sharpen each side of the blade on each side of the grind stone, and in just a minute or two you will be back in business and cutting cleanly without having to purchase new blades.

Shop Now

 

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Kilim (detail), Central Anatolia, late 18th century. The Textile Museum 2013.2.1. The Megalli Collection. Courtesy of the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum.

A Nomad's Art: Kilims of Anatolia
On view at George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
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At first glance, you might ask yourself why are we sharing an exhibit featuring antique Kilims of Anatolia currently on exhbit at the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum and how does this affect me as a quilter? Design, color and pattern can be found in every aspect of our life, even in the carpet under our feet. Art in all its forms, no matter how humble can inspire and translate into our own personal quilt work.

And while 19th century carpets from a region across the globe may not make your heart flutter, you might be surprised to find works in a more familiar textile do make you giddy with delight. But more on that in a moment. Let's focus on what is a kilim. A kilim is a flat weave carpet woven with fibers (sheep, goat, horse or camel) that were hand-spun, hand-dyed with vegetable dyes and many months of laborious work to create just one piece.

     

Kilims were "woven by women to adorn tents and camel caravans, kilims are enduring records of life in Turkey’s nomadic communities, as well as stunning examples of abstract art." Kilims were also used as doorflaps, food coverings, as cloths for eating and prayer rugs. And while these woven items were considered functional and utilitarian in the nomadic household, in the event of a need, would be bartered or exchanged for currency after all other 'sellable' items had been exhausted. Like a quilt that took the maker many months or years to construct, parting with it could be painful. These were cherished works.

Kilim (detail), Central Anatolia, possibly east-central, mid-19th century. The Textile Museum 2013.2.19. Courtesy of the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum.

This colorful and graphically interesting Kilim, dating from the mid-19th century, with its rows of diamonds undulating along the entire length might remind you of some quilt patterns. The weaver's use of several colors with one pattern is stunningly beautiful. The two quilts below are a perfect example. During week 36 and week 37 of our 2017 Design to Quilt Program we focused on the visual impact a single design motif can make.

 

Philadelphia Pavement Quilt. Circa 1880. Pennsylvania. Postage Stamp Quilt. Circa 1890. Pennsylvania Stella Rubin Antiques.

 

Does this weaver's Kilim, made circa 1800-1850, not inspire you with her selection of colors, pattern and design layout? Don't dwell on the fact that it is a rug; focus on the repeated pattern using a minimal color selection. Could these colors inspire when selecting fabrics for your next quilt?

Kilim, Central Anatolia, ca. 1800-1850. The Textile Museum 2013.2.47. The Megalli Collection. Courtesy of the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum.


Wild Goose Chase, believed to have been made in Pennsylvania during the years of 1880-1910, is a fine example of a quilt featuring similar colors to the Kilim above. Do you see where the idea of viewing other forms of art can inspire you as a quilter? Be open to and embrace inspiration where ever you find it.

While you may not be able to view this show in person, be sure to take advantage of the images that are available through the museum. Or better yet, purchase the catalog as a resource that contains a wealth of historic information, images and descriptions for your future artwork.

 

A Nomad's Art: Kilims of Anatolia. On view at George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum.The exhibition runs through December 23, 2018.

 


Wild Goose Chase. Maker unknown. Possibly made in Pennsylvania. Circa 1890-1910. Jonathan Holstein Collection. 2003.003.0136. Courtesy of the International Quilt Study Center and Museum.

 

Shoes?

When reviewing the story we found this website. We are not associated with them and do not receive anything from them. This is just an interesting FYI.

 

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Jane LaFazio (Show 1903) is headed to Guatemala soon. Along with the necessities, she will be armed with a travel sketchbook to capture the sights and sounds that inspire her along the journey. Want to make one for yourself, or get a jump start on that holiday gifting list? Jane shares tips for making your own, or join her at SketchKon in Pasedena on November 2, 2018.

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You aren't going to believe this, but Jamie's quilt, Blue Heron, is actually a shower curtain that a friend sent to him to have quilted. Yes, a shower curtain...

Watch Jamie Wallen in Show 2306: The Building Blocks of Quilt Design.

Original Photo: Mary Kay Davis

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We have another Best of Show for you. This time from the PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL QUILT EXTRAVAGANZA 2018 "A Day in the Life" Quilt Competition. Remembrance by Catherine Palmer is almost what we would call a "twofer" as the back is so magnificent, it's almost like two quilts in one.

Click here to see other winners.

(photos: Mancuso Show Management - www.quiltfest.com)

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Capt'n John - "Okay, I'm not a quilter but I've seen a lot of quilts. I loved this quilt that was featured at the Antique Quilt Exhibit called "Southern Splendor" in Spring Paducah 2018. However, I have never seen a border like this. Was this a completely original design or is this an established historical pattern?"

 

 

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The long eyelashes on the mother giraffe reminded Jamie of his mom. So, Serengeti Son is, in a way, an ode to his mother. And along with the beauty of that thought, there is great beauty in the quilting of the quilt.

Watch Jamie Wallen in Show 2306: The Building Blocks of Quilt Design.

Original Photo: Mary Kay Davis