Daily Blog

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I just think of Christmas when I see this photo.  I imagine a horse-drawn sleigh dashing throught the snow on this brisk, sunny day in December.

 

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The Christmas season has always implied family, traditions and memories. I can recall the best two best gifts ever left under the tree: my Barbie light box and Barbie dream house - of course, two different years! Now those gifts from Santa are old and dusty and not that pertinent to my life today.

I barely remember my Grandma Sladky - except a snapshot memory of sitting with her in her blue-and-white bedroom on the shore of Rowley's Bay, Door County, WI. In this room was a white book case with three music boxes from Germany. My favorite was this adorable rotating wooden mushroom, with elves taking a break from the season's work while swinging in circles. Grandma would let me carefully wind and enjoy the music from this box.  Every year when it is time to trim the tree, light the candles and enjoy the advent calender, you can be sure that the first piece I display is Grandma's music box. Such a sweet memory decades later, which helps me keep in mind my past and the people from which I came.

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I didn’t grow up in a tropical environment. I grew up in North Texas, where Christmas can be sunny and warm or it can be icy and cold, depending on how far Jack Frost has decided to travel for Christmas. The magic of a “White Christmas” was something that we would dream about and hope for in the week or two before the big day. Only a few times in my childhood did we have snow on Christmas day but when we did, it was a real treat!

Now I live in Colorado, where there is a far better chance of a snowy white Christmas, but still it’s never assured. When I think of images that represent Christmas, I think of candlelight Christmas services, decorated trees, the bright faces of children waiting for Santa Claus. I think of the decorations on Main Street and the houses in the neighborhoods bedecked with festive lights. Even so, I chose this photo to share. I took it about three years ago. It’s the barn across the street from our house in La Veta. To me it represents peace, family, friendship, and of course…. the hope for a White Christmas.

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Baby it's cold outside!  Why not make a few of these adorable hand warmers for those on your gift list?  These little bundles will keep those fingers warm on even the coldest of days.

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There is a reason we call them Legends.  Whether they inspired you to begin quilting, changed the directions of your quilting, or improved your skills, each and every one of these pioneers has had a profound effect on this craft we call quilting. See some of the world's quilting leaders and what makes them so remarkable.

Jinny Beyer (Episode 313) changed the way we looked at color, pattern and texture when it comes to fabric. 

Photo by Gregory Case Photography

Libby Lehman (Episode 513) changed the way we view our sewing machine.  It is a marvelous piece of machinery that can take your stitching to a whole new level. 

Photo by Gregory Case Photography

Yvonne Porcella (Episode 713) showed us the joy in free-form piecing filled with a riot of colorful fabrics.  Whether it be a garment or a quilt, her work is always fun and a joy to behold. 

Eleanor Burns (Episode 913) taught you that quilt making could be fun, fast, and something you could be proud of. 

Photo by Gregory Case Photography

Meredith and Bill Schroeder (Episode 1113) built a museum to educate the world in the fact that quilts are a truely an art form and not just a bed covering.

 
Photo by Gregory Case Photography

Painter turned quilter, Michael James, (Episode 1313) turned the quilting world on its ear with radical design and color concepts.

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Have you guessed who they might be?  Here's a clue: this time you get two!

Star Members can watch Episode 1513: TQS 2014 Legends which debuts Monday, December 22, 2014.

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We’re doubly excited to announce our quilting legend for 2014 . . . because there are two of them! Join us as we visit the charming 1915 Craftsman bungalow that is home to renowned quiltmakers, teachers, authors, and twin sisters Roberta Horton and Mary Mashuta. Although they share many interests, each has her own workspace and unique approach to the art and craft of quiltmaking - and we get to see samples from both! First, Mary reveals her newest passion - Sashiko by machine - demonstrating how to break down and adapt a complex hand-stitching design for machine stitching. Then, Roberta shares her process for creating a personalized fabric album using cherished family photos: from choosing suitable images, to transferring, sewing, and embellishing them. Two dynamic legends, tons of fabulous quilts, great techniques . . . what better way to wrap up another year of fun and learning with TQS?

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This puzzle is an example of one of Roberta Horton's family photos transferred to cotton and embellished.  It's a lovely family keepsake.  To learn more about how she does it, Star Members can watch Episode 1513: TQS 2014 Legends debuting Monday, December 22, 2014.

RobertaHortonFamilyAlbum - 36 pieces non-rotating

RobertaHortonFamilyAlbum - 100 pieces non-rotating

RobertaHortonFamilyAlbum - 300 pieces non-rotating

RobertaHortonFamilyAlbum - 100 pieces rotating

RobertaHortonFamilyAlbum - 300 pieces rotating