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Spring still may be a few months away in your part of the world, but that's no reason you can't enjoy the bountiful new fabrics that P&B Textiles (Flora Bella) and Red Rooster Fabrics (Yippee...Daisies!) have coming to a quilt shop near you. Use these cheerful prints to make a fast-and-easy quilt featuring the Square Dance block that we found in Alex's book, Start Quilting...a great way to add a shot of color to your home decor.

To make a 6” finished Square Dance block:

CUT:

Cut 1 square 3 ½” x 3 ½” – This will be the center square.

Cut 2 rectangles 2” x 3 ½” – These will be the two side rectangles.

Cut 2 rectangles 2” x 6 ½” – These will be the top and bottom rectangles.

SEW:

Sew the 2” x 3 ½” side rectangles to each side of the center square.

Once they are attached, press the rectangles away from the center square.

Sew the 2” x 6 ½” rectangles to the top and the bottom of the square.

Press these rectangles away from the center square.

You have now completed one 6” finished Square Dance block.

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Here to offer you even more inspiration, is a quilter from Texas who lost her sight years ago and decided she didn't want to just sit around the house and sulk.  After watching this, you'll find it tough to come up an excuse for not finishing that quilt.

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography

This episode is so “meaty” that we had to break it into two parts! You’ll want to be on hand for both as quiltmaker, teacher, author, fabric designer, musician, and our own TQS co-host Ricky Tims walks you through the complete process for making your own, unique Rhapsody-style quilt.

• Learn to create the design
  
• Make the templates
  
• Prepare the background
  
• Prepare and stitch the appliqués
• Assemble the component parts into an original masterwork that you and your family will treasure.

In addition to the step-by-step process, Ricky will have lots of fantastic quilts on hand to inspire you. It’s almost like having him come to your sewing room for private lessons…and you can replay each step as many times as you wish.

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At Road to California recently, a little trinket caught our eye.  It was a shiny bracelet with beautiful natural stones. (Looking at the design you could see why it might appeal.) But for goodness sake, it was a quilt show, not a place to buy jewelry.

What is the craziest thing you've ever bought at a quilt show, that had nothing to do with quilting?

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I was especially struck by the native people - AND - it just goes to prove a point that red is not only a neutral but a very good color for protection from the animals -

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We were supposed to be out of the park by a certain time, but it was always-- "Just one more picture...????" 

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TQS Member Ritzy has asked that we send out this update:

The final sign up for the BATIKS ONLY half-square triangle exchange is Monday, Feb. 7, 2011.  For more information, please go to the Forum thread "specific fabric exchange."

You'll be signing up through the Forum, please do not leave a comment here.

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As we made our way through Africa from one destination to another we saw vendors of all kinds lining the highway, from potatoes to charcoal it was all there  - imagine our surprise when we rapidly zipped by a kindred spirit!

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Rumor has it that Ricky actually got kissed by his fine new friend........