Daily Blog

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Recently Alex jumped at the chance to a take a class with Susan Carlson through Empty Spools seminars at Asilomar.  You'll be astounded by the student work aided by the guidance of this award-winning teacher.  So much so, you'll probably want to take a class yourself. So watch the video and then head on over and watch, Episode 801: Painting with Fabric. You'll see why everyone wants to learn from Susan.

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Ricky Tims & Alex Anderson celebrate living The Quilt Life in six fun-filled issues every year. Published by the American Quilter’s Society, The Quilt Life inspires you to curl up, feed your artistic expression and soothe your soul!

Subscribe today and pay only $20 for a full year. This 20% off discount is only for The Quilt Show customers, and expires April 30, 2011.  It is also valid for renewals.

Be sure to enter code TQ0 when you order to receive the discount.

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Enjoy a collection of Jo Morton's vintage-inspired quilts and a peek at her cat, Chloe.

For more fun, watch Celebrate the Past (and Future) with TQS! Episode 808 where Jo unveils super suggestions for success with color and terrific tips for accurate piecing.

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Thursday was a fun time as great friends Wendy Grande and Susan Cleveland joined us in a Castle. 

There were magnificent designs and historical dresses, cookware, phonographs (if you're under 30 it's like an iPod but way heavier), period furniture and more from the 1850s+.  Here Wendy Grande gets ready for her demo in the solarium.  

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Here are the Ladies (and Gentlemen) of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Triangles Exchange as they spend the weekend sorting over 230,000 triangles from 600 quilters.  Over 30 quilters helped to sort.  Let's give them all a big pat on the back!  

We can't wait to see what you create with your HSTs. Don't forget to post your projects in Show & Tell.

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Here is another one of those unexpected surprises that occur as you explore NYC. You are walking down the street in the Fashion District and see this sign.

What do you suppose they serve here?

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We are on day 4 of 5 in taping brand new shows.  It's amazing to see the quilts and how the artists work.  We have the wild freedom of Katie Pasquini, the layered touchable wool folk art (and fantastic stitches) of Sue Spargo, the color sense of Michelle Jackson and so much more.  

One of the great things of being on the road is having quilters open their homes to us to use as our "studio".  We will have great pictures of these sites in the behind the scenes slideshows.

I am learning so much.  I have got to take more classes!

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The AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Contest is in full swing.  The Top 100 blocks have been chosen and now it's time to help the celebrity judges vote for a winner.  (You need to be on Facebook to "Like" the block.  If you are not on Facebook, click on the Quilt Block and rate and give a review.)  Read the instructions below on how to vote and then 

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Congratulations to the winners of the Batt Scooters giveaway!  The winners are dianecano, NancyC2, and Brenna.  These three lucky TQS members are on their way to machine quilting perfection.

As you know, Alex loves her Batt Scooters, and even though the contest is over, you can still purchase them and receive a free surprise pattern.  Just type "TQS" in the Merchant instructions (in the Paypal process) and you will receive your free pattern when you purchase.

Paula Reid, of Batts in the Attic, and one of Alex's favorite quilters, uses Batt Scooters for all of her machine quilting - Watch the video to see how they work.

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Detail of Tribute to Tolkien by Sue McCarty

Trying to turn real metal into a smooth-running sewing thread is not an easy task.  Many quilters are warry of using metallic thread due to the poor quality that has almost ruined the product's reputation.  But, there is quality metallic thread available, and at prices less expensive than some of those very poor imitators.  Bob Purcell suggests that quality metallic thread should these three essential components for smooth and successful stitching.

• Does the thread have a nylon core?  A nylon core is an indicator of strength and quality.  Polyester and rayon are weaker.  A nylon core, combined with 'paper-pasting', prevents tangling.

• Is the thread 'paper-pasted'?  The best metallics will have a coat of rice paper pasted over the nylon core.  This adheres the nylon core to the metal, resulting in a stronger thread.  Metallic threads without the rice paper pasting do not hold up as well during high-speed embroidery.  Paper-pasting makes the thread cohesive and flexible.

• Does the thread have a protective coating?  If the thread has a protective coating over the outer metallic layer, the thread will run better with less friction.  An outer coating also protects against fraying and shredding.

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 great 'hands-on' tips to make your sewing smooth sailing.  For more great thread tips check out the complete set available through Superior Threads.