Daily Blog

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This is Grace McCance Synder's most famous quilt, Flower Basket Petit Point.  She asked permission from German artist Wendelin Grossman if she could copy the pattern she found on a china plate.  The China was made by the Salem China Company in Salem, Ohio.  It took Grace 16 months and 85,875 patches.  Each of these patches is a triangle or square and when sewn together are about the size of a postage stamp.

One of Grace's wishes, that she told her daughter Nellie Synder Yost, was "I wished that I might grow up to make the most beautiful quilts in the world, to marry a cowboy, and to look down on the top of a cloud."  

Grace wrote about her life growing up in a soddy on the plains of Nebraska in the book, No Time On My Hands.

The quilt is 94" x 92" and was made 1942-1943.  It is in the collection of the Nebraska State Historical Society, Museum of Nebraska History, Lincoln.

Flower Basket 1 - 110 pieces - non rotating

Flower Basket 2 - 100 pieces rotating

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Lick your fingers before sewing.  Take a look at what we found in Eau Claire, Wisconsin while we are at the Ricky Tims Super Seminar. Want some?

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CNN's Maggie Lake went to three businesses whose job it is to make "cuts."  The owners of three iconic businesses, The Carnegie Deli, the famed barbershop - Paul Molé, and The City Quilter in NYC all offered their insights on how to trim the federal budget.  Warning, you may be hungry after viewing this video for both food and fabric!

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Pam Holland shows you a fun technique using muslin aka cheesecloth, dye, and quilting to make a home for some fabulous fish.

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Sharon hits the ground running at market and the BERNINA booth.

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Sue Spargo is sharing her whimsical and wonderful quilts with TQS.  Her folk art creations are truly inspirational. To learn more about Sue watch Episode 810: Folk Art in Fabric: Inspirations and Techniques.  For further information on Sue, click here to visit her website.

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While many of you are already familar with Margo and all she does, there are still a few of you out there that might like to learn a bit more about this wonderful member of our TQS family.

Lucky for us, The Machine Quilter's Resource did an interview with Margo.  We're sure you'll enjoy seeing Margo "In the Spotlight."  To read the interview, click here.

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Detail of Citrus Whimsey by Linda V. Taylor.  Photo by Gregory Case Photography

Can I quilt with serger thread? Bob Purcell says yes, but why would you? 

Most serger thread on the market is the cheapest type of spun polyester thread.  When used on a serger, multiple strands of this thread are over locked, resulting in a strong and secure stitch.  However, if used as a single thread for quilting, it is weak and fluffy.  It doesn't make sense to put two dollars worth of thread onto a $300 quilt.  Inexpensive serger thread has a loose twist, is not very smooth, has lots of lint, and is not intended for single-strand use.

This great tip was found in the School of Threadology Manual.  The book and accompanying DVD lay to rest many of the myths we have heard for years, as well as a great 'hands-on' tips to make your sewing smooth sailing.  For more great thread tips check out the complete set available through Superior Threads.

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In light of the tragedy devastated Japan, we at TQS felt moved to contribute with the work of Alex's hands and the gift of learning from Ricky. Together we can make a difference for the people of Japan who have suffered so greatly.  Many of our great TQS members jumped in to help Red Cross Japan Relief Fund by donating over $31,000 while at the same time entering our Red Cross Contest for a chance to win this fabulous prize:

• A quilt, designed, pieced and appliqued by Alex Anderson.  Border by Gloria Smith and machine quilted by Paula Reid.
• One free tuition to a Ricky Tims Retreat in La Veta, CO, sometime in 2012. During this five day, ten-person retreat you will have the opportunity to study in an incredibly special environment with Ricky and foster your creative spirit.
• TQS is throwing in $500.00 to help with transportation and lodging (to be reimbursed at the retreat).

And the randomly selected winner is......terihd!!!!! Congratulations

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As deadlines approach for quilt competitions, we are once again reminded that a hanging sleeve is required.  There are a number of ways to do this and you should always double-check the show's requirements.

The American Quilter's Society has a set of directions you can download to help you make your sleeve.  Click here to go to AQS website and download directions.

And, available this Wednesday, 5/11, Sharon Pederson's Lesson 13, will guide you through another method of making your own quilt sleeve.