Now That's Class!

In class last month, the popularity of French Braid continued in an adaptation Nancy called Asian Braid, named for the fabric she used. It could have easily been called Western Braid for her previous creation, but whatever the name, the class was a hit. The pattern showcases wide strips of focus fabric accented by complementary French Braids. Perfect for that fabric you can't bear to cut up! (click pictures for close-ups)

studious sewers; on the back wall: left, Asian Braid, right, Western Braid

Nancy displays a work in progress

Diana Monez is glad she took the class!

--Carol

Home Sweetwater Home

Even before I saw the latest Sweetwater line of fabric in person, I knew I had to have some. Well, ok, I confess I was peering over Nancy's shoulder when the fabric rep was here, trying not to drool. Modern colors, small scale print, words, and ticking stripes make up this fresh new line. Nancy ordered enough fabric and fat quarters to make kits for the Sweetwater pattern Yacht Club, but there is plenty left on the bolts and we've made up fat quarter stars. Sweetwater's Simple Home has projects for every room in the house.

I don't own a boat, but I just love Yacht Club - we have kits and patterns (the flags are fused, raw edge appliqued - easy!)

Greys, soft blue, strong red and creamy yellow...

 

Intersection is a simple, but strikingly different pattern. Nancy is making it with different fabrics - instead of a cream background she's using a tone-on-tone golden print and coordinating greens and oranges.

 

--Carol

Art Quilt Contest Winners

A good time was had by all who came to our 15th Anniversary Party and Sale, but the biggest grins were worn by the quilters who won in the Art Quilt Contest. Over the month of June, submissions were hung in the classroom and voted on by shop visitors. Left to right, Wild Flowers by Ina Block won in Nature Category; Star in Moony Night by Nelda Heide won in the Color Category; Nancy Eberlin; Diane Massey-Todd; San Trini by Robin van Boeschoten won the People's Choice. Not pictured: Migliavacca Moods by Susan Lane Coburn, which won for Architecture. Thank you to all who entered and voted.  --Carol

A Zebra for Nancy

I thought of my shop partner, Nancy, when I saw this art quilt at the International Quilt Market/Festival in Houston.

Nancy especially loves the wild graphic animals.

Houston International Quilt Festival 2010

This striking quilt was beautifully exhibited at the Houston International Quilt Market and Festival. For viewing only, please.

Houston 2010 Market and Festival

My trip to Houston's International Market/Festival was wonderful this year.

I was nonstop with many vendors to see and exhibits to experience. I took some photos of quilts that were exhibited and will post a few in the month ahead. Please, these are for inspiration only.

Delightful students finish their Basic Quiltmaking Class

Students in Basic Quiltmaking learn so much and we are all excited when their first quilt is finished.

These two students couldn't wait to sew up a second project: A mitered baby blanket (on the right)!

Quiltmaker's Designer Basket for the Quest

Congratulations Liz from all of us at Quiltmaker!

Liz Magee came by to pick up her basket from our Quilters Quest shop hop.

She made it to all 11 stores and her completed Passport was one of the eleven drawn for Second Prize: A Basket filled with quilting delights! Diana Monez put together our dazzling basket and it was so laden I thought we might have to use a cart to get it out of the store!

Delightful "I SPY" quilts

'I SPY' quilts give hours of discovery to children: "I spy a monkey, a flower.....elephant, an owl". Charlene Thomason joined with several friends (also grandmothers) and created these delightful quilts for her grandchildren. Each square selected, cut and sewn with hand quilting to add the perfect touch!

Stonehenge Fabric in earth tones

This new pattern is perfect in earth tones of the Stonehenge line from Northcott.

Melanie's Turkey is ready for Thanksgiving!

Melanie has created a wall hanging for every month and I think my fav might just be this handsome bird!

Even Tom Turkey is wearing Giant's colors!

Summer Camp @ Quiltmaker

Creating a tote involves fabric, fun and furiously fast sewing.

Congratulations to two wonderful students!

Sister Lulu

Lulu joins Magoo to supervise the shop activities!

Bright Happy Houses!

Kitty was inspired by a Kaffe Fassett book and made this delightful house quilt.

Summer Garden

Just in time for Summer, this new panel is bright with flowers, hummingbirds and bees. This would be a great inspiration fabric for a challenge.

Beautiful Stepping Stones quilt top in progress!

Denim Delight

Clariss was busy for months sewing delightful orange cottons and denim. This quilt was executed with such verve and style. We may have an opportunity to see it at a fair this summer!

Going To Market

This striking new design has endless possibilities! It's going fast but we hope to see more inspired from this design.

Embroidery with Andrea

Embroidery Classes are the third Saturday of each month. Great Fun!

New Line from Jane

We received a beautiful group of Jane Sassman's designs-awesome!