Daily Blog

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Visit Ricky Tims in the Midwest this weekend where he will be sharing his knowledge in lectures, demonstrations and a concert.  Now that's an inspirational weekend!

On February 5, 2010 Ricky will be at the Yoder Department Store for lecture/demonstrations on Grand Finale and Kool Kaleidoscope.  You are sure to be inspired while learning some very cool techniques! Click here for more information.

There's more Ricky!  Don't miss the book signing or the Lunch/Seminar this weekend, February 6th and 7th, 2010 at The Bigsby Sewing Center in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Click here for more information.

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Hey Batter, Batter!  It's time to talk about batting or wadding as it's also known.  As with pins and rulers, there are about a zillion variations.  There is 100% cotton, cotton-polyester, 100% polyester, and wool. And let's not forget batting made out of bamboo and batting made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles. It comes in white, off-white, and black.  And of course there is the high-loft or low-loft decision. Which batting do you prefer and why?  Does it matter if you are machine quilting or hand quilting? Do you like your batting with or without a scrim? Do some battings hold creases in your quilt more than others?  What about pre-washing your batting, do you or don't you?

Just submit a comment and let us know what's between the layers of your quilt sandwich. 

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Today is the last day to enter the TQS License Plate contest.  We want to see how quilting creativity is expressed on license plates from all over the world.  

Submit your image in Show and Tell by Tuesday, February 2, 2010.   That's today!  The winning plate will be selected by ARJJ and announced in the Weekend Fun Newsletter February 5, 2010.

For a little bit of fun, we put together a slideshow of some plates found in the parking lot at Road to California.  Click here to hit the road.

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography    Click on Picture for a short trailer.

Are you looking for a simple way to give your blocks a unique twist? Be sure to join us as quiltmaker Karla Alexander, best-selling author of the Stack the Deck book series, demonstrates how she creates and then alters a block for a fresh new look. Along the way, she takes the mystery out of sewing a partial seam, chats about her quilts, and “uncovers” a fabulous show and tell. In addition, Bernina pro Gayle Hillert is on hand to show us how to utilize decorative stitching to embellish children’s clothing, with techniques that adapt for quilts as well. To watch the show, click here.

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If you have not already written the name of a friend or family member on a purple patch for the Name Quilts that will be part of the "Alzheimer's Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope" traveling quilt exhibit, it is not too late.

Please email Ami Simms with the name of the names of family or friends you know who has or had Alzheimer's, or a related dementia, so that they can be included in the 10,000 names the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative is collecting to honor and remember.

Please share the person's first name, first name & last name, or their first name and the first letter of their last name---whatever you feel most comfortable with. Please include the city and state where they are/were from.

If you have already put your loved one's name on a purple patch at any time during the last year, the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative has got it. If not, please let Ami add the names now. No limit. As many people as you wish to honor is fine. 

We urge you to email AmiSimms@aol.com now with the name and location of your loved ones and friends and support this monumental project. 

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"Star Crazy"                                       "Hugs and Kisses"

Let's get going on our BOM projects.  If you are working on Star Crazy, this month you will be making two star and two chain blocks.  For those working on Hugs and Kisses, you will make a wreath with daisies.  No matter which BOM you choose, you are sure to learn from Sue's great instructions and tips all along the journey.  To download the pattern for the February Star Crazy click here.  Click here for the February Hugs and Kisses pattern.

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We have a new website feature for you soon, but I'm having trouble with the computer.  Why are there 35 windows open?  Maybe someone out there is a computer expert who can help identify the problem so I can get back to work. --Capt'n John

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Groundhog day is celebrated February 2 in Canada and the US.  It all centers around a little rodent named Punxsatawney Phil who is watched the world over when he comes out of his burrow.  If he fails to see his shadow, he'll wander away from home and winter will be over.  If he sees his shadow, he'll head back down the hole and settle in for another six weeks of winter.  Phil has become quite a celebrity over the years.  Enjoy Anna Nalick's "Shine."  We promise you won't have to watch the video over and over.

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Check out this gift bag and card. One of the gals brought her gift in this fancy dancy bag and I almost had a heart attack thinking that one of the younger guests was a quilter - No, but her mom is! How super cool is this? When ever it is time for a baby gift she "shops" at her Mom's  for snugglie stuff to present to the new mom and newborn. Next time you need to wrap a gift? Go green, grab a glue gun and make yo - yos!

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I have the pleasure co-hosting a shower today for Baby Nola - we all took the pass card on games and are opting for another venue. During the party I will be taking photos of all the guests with baby Nola and compose a scrap book for Nola's Mom - along with the snap shots each guest will be asked to give baby Nola tips for life -  Mine: Don't touch other people's stuff - As you can see, I need help, please advise.....