Daily Blog

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We want to know what you did that was a fun vacation.  In Livermore, California, USA we have a lot of boutique wineries that now rival the famous Napa Valley wines.  The tasting rooms offer a variety of samplings for free or a small fee.  Get a designated driver and make the tour.

Now it's your turn!  Tell us something fun to do near where you live.  Go to Show & Tell and upload your picture and tell us what's a vacation spot worth checking into.  You can even break the rules and show us a picture from a favorite past vacation that you want us to know about.

We are hoping our international members can show us special places near them.

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"This old thing...?" Member kfstitcher showed us this new fashion choice.  Be careful with the needles ladies. 

For more pictures click on the link   http://www.secondose.com/twisted-balloons-fashion/

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We are very excited to announce that site sponsor P&B Textiles has launched a new blog spot to enjoy. What is the first blog is about????? HMMMMM - Hint: To learn more about what Alex's newest line is AND what's cookin in her kitchen this fall, check out their blog and book mark it today. Go here P&B Blog.

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(Bastille Day parade held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France) 

July 14th is Bastille Day, or Fête Nationale ("National Celebration")  in France. 

It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789; the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution.

Festivities are held on the morning of July 14th, with a parade on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic. Currently, le Tour de France  (an annual 23-day bicycle race that covers around 3,500 kilometres (2,200 mi)) is underway throughout France.

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Mary Jane Butler has been on a journey – a creative journey. It has currently led her to creating spectacular art dolls that feature quilting as a main element. The journey began as a child when she used to play with paper dolls. She would often make large gown-like dresses for her paper dolls..
 
Many years later she saw several African bells sitting on a shelf. These bells had a typical bell-shaped flair, but they were squeezed front to back, making them flat. Mary Jane imagined them to be over-sized skirts. When all of this imagery started coming together in her Open Range Art Dolls, she created them with paper-mache. However, after experiencing quilting, a series of dolls evolved and are now created with quilted dresses over a frame of twigs. These newest creations are called Hoop Skirt Dolls, but the dolls are essentially flat so hey hang perfectly on a wall. Each one is totally unique and one-of-a-kind and certainly a fantastic conversation piece.
 
I first saw these dolls back in May hanging in one of our local galleries in La Veta (Mary Jane lives near here), during a recent La Veta Quilt Retreat. Needless to say, with quilters visiting town, all of them were sold in a matter of hours. Mary Jane also has other styles of art dolls that do not feature quilting. If you are looking for a fantastic piece of art, VERY reasonably priced ($95) you can get your own Mary Jane Butler Open Range Art Doll online (click here), or contact her directly at: openrangeartdolls@gmail.com

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We received the following letter.  What is your answer for Beth and the crew?

From:Beth North

Message:
My quilt guild was wondering what is the best way to do binding for sure. There are several ways out there and we want to know the best for show quality quilts. What are the judges looking for in quality binding?

Thank you.

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Mark and Cindy Weins' Jewelry and Glass art has intrigued many of you who have seen the current show 501 with Melinda Bula (Free to everyone through midnight tonight PST).  We have gotten a lot of questions about how to find their site-  www.aroundtheblockdesigns.com

For every show there is a "Find Out More!" resource guide.  When you click on "Watch a Show" and choose Show #XXX, right below the screens you see more information from every segment/Chapter of the show.  You can click right on the links and find what you are looking for from products to patterns to websites.

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Grape Jelly, by RitaBlocksom

Hey everyone! This is a reminder that I am accepting submissions of Kool Kaleidoscope quilts for my upcoming book. TQS members can submit their entries via the Show and Tell link. Please remember all submissions must be completely finished before submitting. Also, only quilts utilizing my Kool Kaleidoscope method will be considered. There are other ways to create a kaleidoscopic effect, but that is not what the book is about - so, although your quilt might be awesome, if it is not a Ricky Tims' Kool Kaleidoscope, the publisher will not accept it for the book.

You can see how it is made on Episode 403. We also have the how-to DVD for sale at my own Ricky Tims online store. The publishers and I are particularly looking for creative settings/borders, etc. The deadline for submission is August 15. This strip-pieced quilt generally take 2-5 days to make so you have plenty of time. It's practically the ultimate mystery quilt because you can't plan it - it just happens!

If you have made a Kool Kaleidoscope, post your comments about the process in order to encourage others who might be considering making one.

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Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit Fancy Dry Goods in Columbia State Park. I wanted to talk to Lindy (the owner) about the park being on  the chopping block due to California's financial crises. Time will tell if it happens. While I was there, a customer was asking about specific neutrals and Lindy whipped out her P&B textiles book so we could browse. Along with her great quilt shop, this little state park is a fantastic historic village that captures the essence of the gold mining era in CA. If you have not yet watched our Road Trip, episode 212and 213, we drop in on Lindy where she gives a taste of the 1800's in Gold Country, CA - If history is your thing or you LOVE documentaries, this is a MUST see episode.

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Go on a "Superior" treasure hunt with Superior Threads.  Visit their wesbite at http://www.superiorthreads.com and find the answer to the following question:

"What is Superior Threads' new fantastic, stunning,
unbelievable product that creates amazing effects with fabric?  Hint: 
It is not a thread.  Stitch this product to the back of the fabric,
steam the fabric, and it amazingly shrinks 30% in all directions,
magically texturizing the fabric.  It is wonderful for quilts (add
batting between the layers to create a trapunto-like effect), clothing
(instant smocking), bags, crafts, and home decor, and baby blankets, and
a million other ideas."

Two lucky people will win a $100 Gift Certificate to Superior Threads.  

 Thank you for entering.  The winners will be announced soon.