0

Do you get nervous just thinking about curved seams? Fear not! In this "tip-top" episode, fiber artist, designer, teacher, and author Cara Gulati is on the set to demonstrate her fabulous, no-fuss, pin-free technique for sewing curves. She also reveals the simplicity and versatility of freezer-paper templates, with a bounty of tips for making, marking, using, and removing them, and Ricky unveils his top five tips for machine quilting. Episode 1105 - Curves Ahead...and More! - is loaded with ideas, info, and inspiration. Don't miss it.  It debuts August 27, 2012.

5019_purple_trailer.jpg

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow


  0

How good is your memory? Do you think you can recognize the artists featured in Series 10 by their work? Watch the slide show to see how many you can identify  The answers are at the end of the slideshow and at the bottom of the blog for you to check your answers.  No peeking!

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artists of Series 10

1)     Adobe Sun Dance - Michelle Jackson - Ep 1002

2)     Hippie Daisy - Susan Cleveland - Ep 1001

3)     Gardener's Cottage - Laura Wasilowski - Ep 1009

4)     Rain Garden - Susan Shie - Ep 1013

5)     Sultana - RaNae Merrill - Ep 1003

6)     Longing for the Past - Nancy Prince - Ep 1004

7)     iCandy3.0 - Robbi Joy Eklow - Ep 1008

8)     Tuscan Sun - Gina Perkes - Ep 1005

9)     Summer at Ocean Beach - Sonya Lee Barrington

10)  Whirlwind - Carol Ann Waugh - Ep 1011

11)  Flying Solo - Debbie Caffrey - Ep 1010

12)  Autumn in Ohio - Linda Thielfoldt - Ep 1006

13)  Bottle Quilt - Pat Yamin - Ep 1005

14)  Material Girl - Charlotte Angotti - Ep 1010

15)  Pepper Cory - The Road Home Quilt - Ep 1007




 

  0

On the 130th anniversary of the founding of Banco Sabadell (in Spain) they wanted to pay homage to their city by means of the campaign "Som Sabadell" (We are Sabadell).  This flashmob had the participation of 100 people from the Vallès Symphony Orchestra, the Lieder, Amics de l'Opera and Coral Belles Art choirs.

It has nothing to do with quilting, but who isn't inspired by the beauty of Beethoven; and didn't the little girl in pink get her money's worth?

  0
Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Organize Your Space

 

  0

5025_libby.jpg

As we continue our focus on organization, we can't let you miss out on these great tips from the queen of Uber-organization, Libby Lehman. These solid tips help to make her small (14' x 14'), upstairs (converted) bedroom seem large and super efficient.

1. Keep a unified color scheme for all major elements (walls, carpet, window coverings, basket systems, etc.). Introduce color with specific items in limited areas only.This unified look keeps the space from becoming too distracting.

2. Keep most of your organizational items (wire baskets, shelving, tables, etc.) white so that everything mixes well, regardless of manufacturer.

3. Use your vertical space to keep items within reach, but off floor and table surfaces.

4. Look for great organizational tools for your sewing room--for example bamboo drawer organizers--at office- and kitchen-supply stores.

5. When you like an item, stock up by buying five or six.The next time you go, they probably won't have it. (Exception: see item 8.)

6. When you go to the store, bring measurements for the space that you're organizing. Nothing is more frustrating that bringing an item home only to find that it's 1/2" too big.

7. When shopping for a container to hold thread or bobbins, bring along a spool or bobbin. (See item 4.)

8.  When you find a greeting card that you like, buy just one. You won't need to remember whether you've sent the same card to the same person twice!

9. Try this Libby-recommended guide for great organizational tips: Organizing for the Creative Person:  Right-Brain Styles for Conquering Clutter, Mastering Time, and Reaching Your Goals.

10. Label everything to save time, energy, and frustration. (Libby claims she couldn't live without her label maker!)

5025_button_1_0.png

  0

  0

This week's tour takes you to the ancient land of Greece, where you'll find inspiration around every corner. A big thanks goes out to TQS member Randi for sharing the beautiful blue skies, blue water, and ruins galore. Are you ready? Let's go!

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow


  0

5024_lauranownes.png Join Laura Nownes this week for Lesson 4 in her Contemporary Sampler Quilt class as she shows you that sewing a 6" Sawtooth Star block can be easy--and your results accurate--when you take the time to check your work as you go. Don't forget: The class is FREE to all Basic and Star Members.

 

    5024_lauranownes4.jpg

 

5024_join_lauras_class_0.png

  0

5012_patterns_of_inquiry_michigan_state_university_museum.jpg

Look what is going on at Michigan State University Museum.

Patterns of Inquiry: Quilts in Research and Education; June 3 - September 23, 2012

Here's what the Museum says about the exhibit:

From treasured bed coverings, to provocative works of art and political statements, to sophisticated digital learning tools, curators at the Michigan State University Museum are patterning together a whole new understanding of what quilts are.  

The exhibit considers the quilt alongside subjects like math, and relating abstract concepts with concrete patterns and designs; social justice, and the practice of creating statements or tributes stitched in quilts rich with message and meaning; quilts and health, from fundraising quilts, memorials to the intersection of quiltmaking and health. One new frontier, singled out by the National Endowment for the Humanities for a research grant, makes use of digital methods for visual searching and pattern recognition and a test bed for development of algorithms to isolate salient characteristics (such as color, shape, line or patterns) to sort through massive numbers of image objects—in this case, quilts. 

To learn more about the exhibit, click here.

The exhibit is in the Main Gallery, 409 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824

  0

There's a new show in town and it's in Grand Rapids, MI.  The AQS Quilt Show & Contest will be held in Grand Rapids from August 22 - 25, 2012. The show will be held in the DeVos Place Convention Center.

Don't miss Alex's presentation at the show, an inspirational and light hearted virtual trunk show of her quilting adventures. You will be guaranteed to laugh as you see her work and learn about the secret stories behind her quilts.

You can also visit Alex in person at The Quilt Life magazine booth.  She is always ready with a smile and more than happy to jump in your photos (if you want her to)!

Show Hours:

  • Wednesday through Friday, August 22 – 24, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 25, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To register for the show, click here.
To participate in the 2012 Ford Focus Giveaway, you may enter by either vising the AQS show and completing an entry form or sending your information via a postcard.  Click here for more information.

Other Special Events include:

Wednesday:
12:00 -1:00 p.m.: The Quilter's Link, Ballroom C
Make the most of your visit to the show by learning how to get around the show, the convention center, and the city.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: All-Star Review, Ballroom C
Demonstrations by this year's instructors - collect autographs or purchase books from the instructors during the last 30 minutes.

Thursday:
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.: An Evening with Caryl Bryer Fallert, Ballroom D

Friday:
2:30 - 4:00 p.m.: An Afternoon of Fashion and Tea, Grand Rapids Public Museum

7:00 - 8:30 p.m.: Alex Anderson on Center Stage, Ballroom D

Saturday:
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.: Brunch and Trunk Show with Cathy Wiggins, Ballroom D

Below is a list of the instructors teaching in the 2012 AQS Grand Rapids Quilt Show, you'll notice some TQS favorites.

  • Alex Anderson, CA
  • Freida Anderson, IL
  • Annemart Berendse, The Netherlands
  • Caryl Bryer Fallert, KY
  • Melinda Bula, CA
  • Mary Buvia,IN
  • Lenore Crawford, MI
  • LuAnn Hartly , NJ
  • Leigh E. McDonald, FL
  • Carol McKinney, NJ
  • Kay Nichols, MI
  • Sue Nickels, MI
  • Susan Purney Mark, BC
  • Andi Reynolds, KY
  • Anita Shackelford, OH
  • Sally Terry, KY
  • Zena Thorpe, CA
  • Cathy Wiggins, NC