Daily Blog

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The end of the TQS Table Runner Contest is almost here and the fun and creativity we've come to expect from our members is truly on display.  We want to get all of TQS involved by having them pick their favorite table runner or table topper design.   Just submit a comment listing your top six table runners with your very favorite in the number one position.   Alex, Ricky, John and Justin will then choose the top three winners by March 1.

Just in case there are some last minute entries that didn't make it into the slide show click here and that will take you to the Show & Tell area of The Quilt Show.  Here you can view ALL of the current entries, read their stories, and view the rules of the contest.

Remember, the top three chosen will have their patterns published on the TQS site and will also receive prize money, 1st place - $300, 2nd place - $200, and 3rd place - $100.

Which one of these beauties would you like to see on your table?

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Your friend had just been given the freedom to have their own sewing space.  Whether it be a room, a table, a studio, or a closet, what advice would you give them to optimize that space and make it a fun, as well as a creative and practical, work area?  Is there an ergonomic chair that would be perfect; a collapsible design wall perhaps?  Submit a comment and let's help them create the ultimate in quilting luxury.

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For this week's Quilters Quips and Tips, TQS wants to know; do you use software applications to help you design your quilts?  Have you used computer software such as QuiltPro or Electric Quilt?  Have you downloaded any free quilting apps?  Have you taken a peek at the Quick & Easy Quilt Block Tool from C&T that let's you figure out how to make different types of blocks right from your phone?  What do you think, do they help you get the job done?  What are their main benefits?

If you've used a machine, other than a sewing machine, to help you create your quilts, submit a comment and let us know what computes for you.

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...now I'm found.

See my joy? Bohemian Rhapsody is home!

While the ordeal of not getting any effective assistance from the United Airlines call centers in India was frustrating and stressful, today has been quite the opposite because you made a difference. Whatever went out into the world wide web was recognized by a United Airline executive resulting in a series of phone calls today providing me with updates and reports as my bag made the journey home. I wish all representatives could have been like the one who took my case today.

If you blogged about the loss - please blog that the quilt has been returned.

Celebrate with me - let's all shout out a big Whoo-hoo!

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This particular photo always reminds me how much I like this quilt.

So, it's not over yet - but...

I received my third call from a United representative in Chicago. My bag has arrived in Colorado Springs and I have been contacted by the courier service. They should have my bag to me in two hours.

I have to thank everyone for spreading the word far and wide. I did not get any results from United Airlines until the word started getting out. 

I'll post a photo of me and Bohemian Rhapsody when we are reunited. I'm not resting until it's back in my hands. 

Message to the world: Don't mess with quilters! Right?

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I have still not managed to speak with human in the United States regarding my bag. All phone number are automated and even when I try to work around the automated system I get someone in a foreign country.

However, the baggage service agents indicated yesterday that there was a 94% chance (you have to wonder how they came up with that exact percentage) that my bag had been located. I was told that it would be expedited. Expedited - hmmmm? United Airline's definition of "expedited" is questionable. Three flights left Chicago for Colorado Springs last evening after I got the report of the match. This morning I was told (during my 11th phone call to India) that the bag was scheduled to go onto a flight today - a flight leaving later this morning - not the first flight of the day.

I'm told that once my bag arrives in Colorado Springs (reportedly before noon my time) that it will then be turned over to the "delivery service". It will be interesting if the bag is actually put on a plane this morning. It will be interesting to see how soon after it arrives that I get a call from the "delivery service."

I'm grateful for the many leads and suggestions that have poured in. I received a call from a TV station in Chicago pursuing the story - a result of a TQS member. Caryl Bryer Fallert was able to locate a colleague still working at United and he was going to check into the situation when he went to work at 3am - so it might have been his actions that got this ball rolling - not sure. Regardless, thanks Caryl! Others of you have posted the info on your blogs and forward the info to friends - I appreciate that. As frustrated as I am I'm trying to keep my cool.

Here's a good one for you. During my first call to India I had provided copious details regarding my American Tourister bag and a description it's contents - most notably a hardback book of Middle-eastern art which was the last thing I had placed in the bag - so it was right on top when opened. Nonetheless, during one of my many calls yesterday an agent actually said, "Mr Tims, we apologize for any inconvenience and please rest assured that we are looking for your Sampsonite bag with the Cuban cigars" - ?!

There is at least a glimmer of hope that the bag my yet find it's way home and I will continue to report on the progress. Like you, I'm on pins and needles! 

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I have returned from the most fantastic trip to Dubai only to have the joy and excitement overshadowed by the fact that United Airlines has lost one of my bags. What was inside? Along with the unique and wonderful items I obtained in Dubai was my quilt, Bohemian Rhapsody.

I had two international flights before arriving in Chicago at the international teminal (#5). At this location we were required to collect our luggage, pass through customs, and place the bags on a United Airlines conveyer, placing them in the care of United Airlines employees where they would be directed to my final domestic flight. I had both of my bags in my possession in Chicago. My final flight was from Chicago to Colorado Springs this past Saturday evening.

Upon arrival in Colorado Springs, one of my two bags did not arrive so I reported it to the baggage office and was told by the official that my bag would be on the first flight the next morning. It was not. Now, 48 hours have passed.  Six calls have been made to United Airlines "delayed" baggage with no results. I was told that the bag tag was not scanned once I delivered the bag to the United Airlines conveyer and therefore the bag should still be at the international terminal in Chicago.

Apparently there is no way to contact United Airlines in Chicago. All six calls I have made were diverted to Dehli, India where I had to speak with people reading from a script and who cannot assist in finding my bag. I have requested to speak with a United Airlines representative in the U.S. and they will not put me through. I have requested to speak with a supervisor, but they will not allow that either. On two separate occasions I was told a supervisor would call within minutes. I have yet to receive a call from any representative with United Airlines. 

If you have any way to assist in getting me connected with a human affiliated United Airlines in the U. S. that can assist - please contact me via either of these links: On TQS here or at rickytims.com here.

I thank you for your concern, but it is not sympathy I'm needing right now - it is action. If you, your spouse, your friend - or a friend of a friend - can get me in contact with a human that can assist in locating this bag, I would greatly appreciate it. In the meantime, please keep your eyes open for Bohemian Rhapsody as it might just show up on Ebay.

P.S. I should also add that one of Libby Lehman's quilts was inside as well. I had been asked to return it to her.

Oh - and I already know United Breaks Guitars.

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This year, on July 10, 2010, The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show will be celebrating its 35th anniversary.

Along with Jean and Valori Wells, Ricky and Alex will be on hand to teach and join in the fun. Ricky will be offering Caveman Quilting Meets Convergence Quilts, Just a Quilting Fool: Machine Quilting Information Overload, and Kaleidoscope Quilts. Alex will teach Beautifully Quilted and Fabric A to Z.  Alex will also be hosting a retrospective of outstanding Central Oregon quilts from the past 35 years. You'll need to sign up for classes soon as they are filling up quickly.  Go here for more information about classes.

Jean Wells will be the featured artist.  You can learn more about Jean by viewing a slideshow of her work here; or viewing  Episode 107 Portraits from Nature.  More on Valori Wells can be found in Episode 405 Quilting in the Green. 

TQS thought you might like to learn a little bit more about this small town in Oregon.  Just push the PLAY button.

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Wow - When we consider the talent represented by our TQS community, we just couldn't let this article go unannounced on this site. Congratulations Margo for a great interview and a slice of who you are - we knew you were a really good quilter - but beware folks - put on your seat belts before viewing this!

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It looks like everyone has a favorite beginning quilt book and our TQS members are no exceptions.  Here is a list of some the books mentioned as great references for the beginning quilter.  While of course, Alex's, Start Quilting, is a winner, TQS members have shared the names of some of the best books available for the newbie who is interested in either hand or machine quilting.

Here, in no particular order, is just a sample of all the wonderful book suggestions:

"Quilter's Complete Guide" by Fons & Porter

“Heirloom Machine Quilting” by Harriet Hargrave

"Quilts! Quilts!! Quilts!!!" by Diana McClun & Laura Nownes

Ursula Reikes:”Quilts for Baby” and  “More Quilts for Baby”

"Your First Quilt Book (or it should be!) by Carol Doak

"That Perfect Stitch" by Roxanne McElroy

Jinny Beyer’s "Color Confidence for Quilters,” "The Quilter's Album of Blocks and Borders" and “Quiltmaking by Hand.”

"The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide from A to Z - Hundreds of Tips and Techniques for Successful Quiltmaking" Ellen Phal, Editor

BH&G's “Complete Guide to Quilting”

“Quilts from the Quiltmaker’s Gift” by Joanne Larsen Line and Nancy Loving Tubesing

Click here to see all of our TQS member's suggestions.