Daily Blog

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Most of you know (and some may not know) that I had quadruple heart bypass surgery in April 2000 - at the age of 44. As you might expect, it was a turning point in my life and career. Shortly after that surgery (within 2 months) I had moved away from St. Louis (miss you guys) and found myself in Colorado (love it)! The stress test I took 10 years ago was a horrible experience - actually, beyond horrible. Well, of course it was awful because, as it turned out, I had two 90% blockages, an 80% and a 70%. I hope I never have to re-live that experience.

After ten years I began having worries and concerns that the problem would be creeping up on me again - so it was time to bite the bullet and do the thing I dreaded most - another stress test. Without going into all the details, I'm happy to report that the doc gave me 100%, A+, nothing even minor to be concerned about. So happy dance and celebrate with me. Looks like you'll have my mug around for a few more years.

The quilt above, The Beat Goes On, was made the week following my heart bypass in 2000. Now, I think it's time to make, The Beat Goes On II.

I am thankful that the beat goes on!

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I am having a BLAST machine quilting! When did this switch of paradigm happen??? Perhaps when I got the 830 in my hands. As I concentrate on each TQS guest block, I am flooded with great memories of our rich history.  Now it's time for some rock and roll...........Any suggestion?

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Alex's Applique Class: Different Techniques

Check out this week's classes on:

Tues: Bias Bar #5	Wed: A Cool Tool  #6	Thurs:  Fusible  #7

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Ricky's Satay is really good, BUT you can make my salad, and in no time be back to quilting (no trip to the store needed for coconut milk in addition to trashing your kitchen!) - Vote for my Black Bean Salad - It is super DUPER easy to make and a crowd pleaser everytime! Go TEAM ALEX!!!!!! Vote for my salad TODAY right here.

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Hey gang, this month the cook-off in The Quilt Life is neck and neck. So everyone on Team Ricky needs to head over to The Quilt Life and vote. Of course, you'll want to vote for my yummy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Relish. mmmmmmmm. Team Axel has something like a beany-messy-corny thingy - boorrrring/yawn. Voting ends tomorrow. Are you taking bribes?

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Q: What is Quilt Market? 

A: It is eye candy for a shop owner.  Every booth is decorated to entice a shop owner to buy what they are selling.  It is a time for rejuvenation and recommitment to your shop and customers. Market started with a review of Quilting in America 2010.  I love hearing the description of the “dedicated quilter”. Two of her qualities are her age is 62 and she has 2.7 sewing machines.

Q: Is there a trend in fabric that you saw?

A: The fabric at Market in Minneapolis was lighter in value than the last few Markets. Reproduction fabrics are still hot sellers.  Sewing for the home, clothing, and “next gen” fabrics were popular this year.  

Q: What items caught your interest?

A:  This year I saw rotary cutting rulers that actually sharpen your blade as you cut, a slicer that cuts out appliqué shapes on a glass base, a tool to add 7/8” to your regular ruler for cutting half square triangles, and patterns, patterns, and more patterns.  

Q: What are you seeing less of than last year?

A:  The Primative booths (darker country quilts) and Blocks of the Month seem to be getting fewer and fewer at each market.

Q: Are there any Market traditions?

A:  There was plenty of “grazing” for the attendees…each booth had their own candy, cookies, popcorn, for a quick pick-me-up.  My favorite are the cookies at Moda! 

Q:  Can you give our people a feel of what Market is like for a shop owner?

A:   I always spend more than I should. My feet are tired at the end of the day, but after a good night sleep, I am raring to go again.  Shopping Market is hard work, but it is so rewarding when you find that one special little notion you never had seen before.  I really enjoy Spring Market each year because it travels around the country.  There are always new local vendors that you don’t often see in Houston.  I always go a day early so I can visit as many quilt shops in the area as possible in a day.  This year we visited six!  Now I am home and just waiting for the new products and fabric to arrive. In just 6 months I will be off to Fall Market and it starts all over again. 

Merrily Parker is the owner of Merrily We Quilt Along: 1718 S. Ingram Mill, Springfield, MO 65804.  Visit her website by clicking here

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Just a heads up that I will be at the AQS show in knoxville this summer. when I am not teaching or lecturing (please check schedule to enroll) you will find both Jan Magee and myself in The Quilt Life booth - be sure to wear your TQS badge and holler "it's a New Day" when you see another TQS member! Raise your hand if you are coming.

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Both Ricky and I will be at this year's quilt show in Sisters, Or (second Saturday of July). They have all sorts of really cool things up their sleeves - but one in particular is the post card silent auction. The proceeds will be going to Wendy's Wish, a Breast Cancer fund. Anyone interested in mine?

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AccuQuilt asked quilters to design a quilt which they would then paint as a 20' x 20' block on their corporate offices. Over 400 entries were received. First prize was selected by AccuQuilt and 2nd and 3rd place were determined by AccuQuilt's followers on Facebook. The Grand Prize winner won a $1000 shopping spree from AccuQuilt and a trip for two to Fremont, Nebraska to see the unveiling of the quilt. Here are the finalists, did you pick the winner?