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TQS was saddened to learn of the passing Judy Murrah. Her contribution to the quilt world is beyond description. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy's family and friends. Here are two lovely tributes to Judy from Quilts, Inc.
 

 

In Loving Tribute to Judy Murrah

Judy, as our Vice President for Education and Administration for many years, was an extremely important member of our Executive Committee. But more than that, she was our long-time dear, dear friend, who shared many wonderful times with us, from the early days of our company up until our recent fall shows.

She was an incredible teacher, author, designer, and quilter who shared her knowledge and love of quilting, and of our company and its mission, as well as that of the Texas Quilt Museum, with people both near and far. Her skill with a needle was matched by her skill in planning our International Quilt Festival and International Quilt Market classes and running our Education Department, all backed by her knowledge, experience, and people skills.

Judy will be greatly missed by so many people.

From Nancy O’Bryant,

Executive Vice President, Quilts, Inc.

Some of our Quilts, Inc. history ended when Judy left us, but her legacy will go on through the thousands
of quilting students who have taken classes she selected for our shows, and the good times they have
had in them.

Judy built our Quilts, Inc. Education division from the ground up into a powerhouse that educates 5,000+ students each fall and offers nearly 150 teachers a showcase for their talents, along with the opportunity to build a dedicated following of quilters who will spread the word about them. Judy regarded every teacher as a friend and worked hard year-round to create a supportive environment for them at our shows. Both her office staff and her show staff were devoted to her, professionally and personally, and
she to them.

So we will miss her as a professional colleague who was with us for many years, both in the U.S. and overseas during the 20 years of our European shows.

But I will miss her as one of my dearest friends, someone who thought I was funny, couldn't carry a tune, shared a love of tea (Earl Grey ONLY for my friend, Judy!), and enjoyed tea time, with champagne of course, in many, many beautiful tearooms, including the Ritz in London, the Hotel des Indes in Den Haag, and the wonderfully traditional tearoom at Brown's, before it redecorated. We were flexible, though, and also loved chocolate Afrique at Angelina's in Paris and—let us not forget—amaretto freezes all over the U.S. Such memories…and such fun, with Judy!

 
To see the slideshow of Judy and all her friends, please click on Learn More.
 

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Capt'n John - "Ever since I noticed how many fabrics David Taylor used in making a fence post, I have looked at the fabric details in quilts. I have always been a fan of Pat Durbin's work, and when I walked by this quilt at Houston 2017 I knew it was hers. Take a look at the fabrics that create the rough, mottled texture of the trees. Then see the fabrics that create the Mosaic quilting surrounding the trees, and finish by looking at the threadwork around the plants. (I often wonder what the bolt of fabric looked like that the small piece came from.) All this effort gives the quilt a feeling of being alive."  See Pat's techniques in Show 2103.

 

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Warning to USA viewers. If Keiko Morita's quilt, Hurry on Snowy Road, I am Late!, feels a little uncomfortable, it's because you are on the wrong side of the road. But that feeling is a tribute to the quilt and its wonderful perspective. Take a look.

 
 

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Just like a wonderful family dinner, sometimes a quilt gives you leftovers. Take a look at what Barbara Black and her Halo Sunday Sew and Sews did with their Halo Medallion leftovers. Barbara also highlights the many different versions of the quilt made by her quilt group. Click on Learn More to read Barbara's blog and see the Halo Medallion quilts made by the Halo Sunday Sew and Sews.
 
REMINDER: The Halo Medallion patterns are staying available all of 2018. You can still make the quilt as a Star Member. If you buy the kit (or either of 2 other kits, you get a 1-Year Membership for FREE.)                 
 

Using the fabrics from their Halo Medallion quilts, they presented Barbara with this amazing top they made as a group.

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Here's a quilt with a unique technique (say that three times fast!) from Ann Holmes, at the Asheville Quilt Show in Asheville, North Carolina. It is part of the "Go Tell It at the Quilt Show!" Quilt Alliance project designed to capture the stories of quilts where quiltmakers gather.

Click here to watch Ann's YouTube videos.


Along with the "Go Tell It" program, the Quilt Alliance is starting a new project in the upcoming near. It is the "Quilt Story Road Show." They will visit quilt guilds, art groups, museums, quilt shows and communities that have quilt stories to tell. To get their new program started, they are having an online fundraiser.

Click on the button below to donate and get those qulit stories told.

   
 

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I don't know about you, but this time of year my body is making me fully aware of how much stitching I am doing. I have a need and desire to quilt and stitch on a regular basis...which means snippets of time grabbed here and there to enjoy sewing. But, in the weeks leading up to the holiday season, my stitching is ramped up. I feel like an elf with only so much time left to finish the napkins, table runners, place-mats, aprons, and pillowcases which I make as gifts. The result...is a body that is suffering from quilters strain! Neck stiffness along with shoulder and back stress. But in came an angel in one of my stitch groups who shared how to make this extraordinary pillow. One of the Quilt Roadie subscribers, Evelyn, made this adorable pillow for herself and, being a clever stitcher, she chose fabric that was already quilted and was able to skip a step!



Now we know everyone has a favorite pillow, but, this pillow will become your absolute favorite because it will extend your stitching hours. This fun little pillow is so versatile and is perfect for resting your arms on for hand stitching, which takes the stress off of your neck, shoulders and arms. Whether it be embroidery, cross stitch, binding, wool stitching, or hand quilting, this pillow is going to be your new best friend. I especially love using it in the car or when I am watching the tellie. Evelyn decided she needed to spread the joy and made them up as gifts for stitching friends!



Made from 2 fat quarters and a bag of stuffing, this little pillow will be a "must pack" for travel and especially for quilting retreats! If you are interested in making one for yourself or making one as a gift, you can check out our Quilt Roadies Video, you still have 13 more days still Christmas!!

Click here to check out the video.

Click here for Anna's YouTube Channel.



 

 

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Julie at The Crafty Quilter has a Quilted Heart Tutorial for you just in time for Christmas. It is the perfect quick project to make as a gift. These hearts are oozing with charm and a bit of nostalgia with the buttons, ribbon and vintage quilting.
 
 
 

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TQS has secured 3 New Online Classes for 2018 and we are working on several others. This is a big benefit for Star Members. Usually classes like these are $19.99 to $39.99 at other sites, but they are FREE with your Star Membership. We want to encourage Star Members to take advantage of the online classes. Kathy McNeil's Learning Landscapes will be replaced by Kathy's Multiple Ways to Appliqué. So take advantage of the Learning Landscapes online class up until December 31. Then we will begin streaming the new classes. See a short intro below.

              Click Button Then Scroll Down Page

                                                                           

                      

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One is never too old to learn something new. That is certainly the case with our Design to Quilt program. We too have found a number of ideas that WE just LOVE and want to incorporate into our personal work. Here are a few of our Priniciples of Design Editor's favorites.

Week 32 - Asymmetrical Balance
Shake things up to create a more interesting work. Asymmetrical balance means that the entire work is balanced, but with a more energetic and exciting feeling.
 

 

Week 35 - Pattern/Repetition

Pattern is the combining of elements or motifs in an arranged and repeated manner to delight the eye of the viewer.

 

 
Week 38 - Emphasis
Emphasis is a technique used by artists to shift the viewers attention to what the artist finds to be most important. Emphasis is one of those magic ingredients that can make your work stand out from the crowd.
 

 

Week 30 - Balance

Balance is the visual arrangement of elements (color, texture, space, etc.) to create a sense of stability and calm, but can also be used to create excitement.

Week 39 - Rhythm/Movement
Take the viewer on a visual journey into, around, or across a quilt by including rhythm and movement.

Over the course of our year, we have just dipped our toe in the water when it comes to understanding design. Continued learning and study is always recommended. Classes, online courses, and books abound to help you continue growing as a quilt artist. Below are a number of resources we believe would be a good place to begin your continued learning:

Alex Anderson (Shows 212, 408, 809, 1210, 2106) - All Things Quilting

Christine Barnes (Show 1407) - The Quilters Color Club

Deborah Boschert (Show 2108) - Art Quilt Collage: A Creative Journey in Fabric, Paint and Stitch ; Head, Heart and Hands: Developing Your Creative Voice Artist (Workbook)

Melody Crust (Shows 312, 1706) - A Fine Line: Techniques and Inspirations for Creating the Quilting Design

Jane Dunnewold (Show 1501) - Creative Strength Training: Prompts, Exercises and Personal Stories for Encouraging Artistic Genius (Self-guided course of study)

Becky Goldsmith (Shows 611, 1704) - The Quilter's Practical Guide to Color

Lyric Kinard (Shows 1311, 1710, 2013) - A Pocket Guide to Critique: How To See Your Work With An Artist's Eye

Katie Pasquini Masopust (Shows 906, 1913) - Color and Composition for the Creative Quilter ; Design Explorations for the Creative Quilter

Jean Wells (Shows 107, 1301) - Intuitive Color & Design: Adventures in Art Quilting ; Journey to Inspired Art Quilting: More Intuitive Color & Design

Joen Wolfrom (Shows 103, 2101) - Color Play, Second Edition

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Jinny's fabric choices make even a simple block beautiful. What do you think this block is called? Play the game and find out.