0

1902_prayers_for_sale_w_cd_.jpgTo help you start quilting, we have a sample of Sandra Dallas' new audiobook. Sandra is also featured in our brand new episode out today.

Sandra is a wonderful storyteller. Her characters sometimes are quilters and quilting metaphors move the story along.

TQS has 2 samples that run approximately 30 minutes each. Part I debuts today and Part 2 will be part of our weekend fun starting May 29.

So get your project out and click on the picture to start listening right away.

You can enter to win one of 5 full copies by emailing us at

dallas@thequiltshow.com

Type "dallas" in the subject line. The contest ends Thursday night at midnight PST and the winners will be announced in the weekend fun newsletter.

  0

1904_susanboylesemifinal.jpg

There are not many who have not heard of Susan Boyle - the singer who stunned the world with her audition on Britain's Got Talent. Her audition video has been viewed over 2 million times on YouTube. A UK TQS Member Pam7040 sent me the link for her semi final performance. For those of you who are interested in following up on Susan's progress, the links are below. I for one (Ricky) remain inspired by her story and talent. How about you? Where do you find inspiration?

Susan's Semi final performance.

Semi final results

 

  0

1895_0701.jpg

 

Everybody has their story of coming home from class, workshop or a retreat and how they brought home their hot iron.  (Aluminum foil and a towel?  A big brown cardboard box?) Chances are you still burned your hands...or the car seat.  Well we found a product from JWD Publishing where you can leave with a hot iron when you want to leave. 

It's the "Sole Cool Hot Iron Bag".  Throw your hot iron in it and you are good to go.  The bag traps the heat in and you can take your iron with you when you leave.  You can even use it at home and keep your iron in the bag on the shelf.  And did we mention that it is cute, too?!!  JWD has the pattern for two different sizes to make one of your own.

You can win one of six FREE Patterns. To enter, simply click here to send an email to coolbag@thequiltshow.com and put "Pick Me" in the subject line. Your entry needs to be in by Monday May 26, 2009 midnight PST.

To learn more about JWD patterns and where to buy them in your area, visit JWD Publishing here.

  0
Click to play this Smilebox slideshow

 

  0

Pam Holland reminds us that it's the people and their stories that make us what we are:

"Martha's fabric shop in Ruidoso, New Mexico, USA is a haven for those who love fabric.  Martha has been selling fabrics to the public for more than 46 years. I've visited the shop several times and I just had to share it with you."

"Twin daughters Clarrissa and Cassandra, are talented garment and Decor designers in their own right and their love for their Mother is evident.  I hope you enjoy your cuppa with Martha as much as I did."

  0

More fun and inspiration from 2009 Market in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Good pictures, Alex!

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow

 

  0

Pam Holland reminds us that it's the people and their stories that make us what we are:

"Martha's fabric shop in Ruidoso, New Mexico, USA is a haven for those who love fabric.  Martha has been selling fabrics to the public for more than 46 years. I've visited the shop several times and I just had to share it with you."

"Twin daughters Clarrissa and Cassandra, are talented garment and Decor designers in their own right and their love for their Mother is evident.  I hope you enjoy your cuppa with Martha as much as I did."

 

  0

Explore a sample of the Traditional Quilts at the IQA Pittsburgh Market. Our photographer, Alex, did a good job giving us a taste of the talent, patterns and colors at this wonderful event.

We suggest clicking off the automatic changer and taking your time to read about each quilt. Enjoy

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow

 

  0

1899_kaleidoscoperafflequilt.jpg
Retreat group admires an oversize Kool Kaleidoscope made as an opportunity quilt in Californina.

Hey everybody! Today I'm sitting at my table in our workshop space looking at empty tables. Yesterday they were flourishing with sewing machines and fabric and creativity was oozing out of every student. However, today they have all gone. It is always sad after a week of amazing bonding, creativity, energy, and good food! However, the memories and rich exchange of ideas made us better, so for that, we rejoice - and, we start anothe retreat Monday night! Whoo-hoo.

So, many of you were confused about our move - and what did our taping space and my retreats have to do with each other. I'll try to make it short. In 2002, Justin and I purchased a 40 acre ranch in a specatular area of Colorado (near La Veta). It was purchased specifically so we could build a home with lodging and sewing spaces for quilters. We call it Autumn Rock. You can see photos of Autumn Rock on my webite.

The architects began work right away and Justin and I moved to La Veta so we would not be living 3 hours away from our building site. That was in December 2003. By mid-2004, we put the skids on actually building as getting a loan was getting tough - so we decided to regroup.

In June of 2005 we purchased the current building so we could expand our business, do retreats, etc. But it was meant to be temporary - a stepping stone if you will.

Then came TQS. The building was a terrific place to tape the shows - but please remember - we only tape in the building for 12-13 days per year. It was a great place for us to start TQS.

Now, Justin and I are ramping up our efforts to get the loan for building at Autumn Rock. We cannot keep the building and have the new place - so it is time to put the current building back on the market and make every effort to move forward. So TQS can have assurance of a place to tape in September, and because of all the logistics with making a set of tapings happen - we decided to not take the risk of being in La Veta for September, but rather moving to Boulder, CO. Our production company, Daylight Productions, is based out of Boulder. This decision allows us to keep our crew (family) together and the area will provide more opportunities for visitors who attend the shows.

Who knows what the future holds, but we won't hit a home run if we never swing the bat - so - we're swinging our bat once again and hoping for the best. Pray - light a candle - keep your fingers crossed - rattle some chicken bones - read some tea leaves - whatever it takes! Did I miss anything?

  0

I am very excited about an up and coming summer promotion with Bernina USA.  Some store in the US, and customer, are going to win a "party" with me. There is a whole plan that Bernina USA has put together - but in addition to all the activities, each participating store will get a few autographed copies of my Machine Quilting book - to use to their advantage.

1896_p1030186a.jpg 

So.............the BOOKS were delivered yesterday - Upon completion of the private autograph party in my dining room, it is YOUR turn to guess how many books I have signed over the last 24 hours - hint - it took about 8 hours. One person, anywhere in the world, that comes closest to guessing the number of books I signed will win a copy of the book! (In case of a tie, a winner will be drawn from a hat.)  If I am still capable of it, I will sign your copy too.  I will announce on Monday who nailed the number. Oh yes - and ask your local dealer if they are going to be a part of the festivites.

Enter by sending an email to machinequilting@thequiltshow.com  and put as subject your estimate # of books.