A Lovely Day of Thanks

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with our neighbors, yesterday. The turkey came out perfectly!


Our menu consisted of herb roasted turkey, spiral-cut smoked ham, cranberry orange salad (sister-in-law Debra's recipe), my mom's recipes for broccoli waldorf salad and peas with mushrooms, onions, and bacon, my mother-in-law's recipe for sweet potato casserole, and my recipe for garlic and fresh basil smashed potatoes.

Husband, Erv, made me a piece of salmon, since I do not eat meat. It was awesome! He marinated it in olive oil and spices, then gilled it. Oh, was it good! Our neighbor, Todd, made a delicious cabbage dish from his Cajun background that I've never heard of, and it was the perfect addition. Since we've deemed him "King of the Roux", he made our turkey gravy. We also tried frozen rolls for the first time, by a local entrepreneur: Sister Schubert's Clover Leaf style dinner rolls, and they were as good as homemade. My mom makes rolls similar to these, that was my grandmother's recipe (I really should try to make them one day!).

The broccoli waldorf salad never made it out of the refrigerator. There always seems to be something that doesn't make it to the table, each year. It's a flavorful salad made with broccoli florets, diced apple, raisins, pecans, and a dressing made from canola oil, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. I usually give it a quick swirl of olive oil, too, for a bit of extra flavor.

Dessert consisted of my grandmother's recipe for homemade pumpkin pie (I made 2 on Wednesday night), and a pecan pie, and an apple pie. We topped it all off with French roast coffee and Frangelico.

Hope you had a lovely day, too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all, from SuzGuz Designs!

Halloween Riddle

What do you get when you cross a "Maisy" . . .

. . . with a cow?

Answer: A Maisy-Moo

RJR Harlequin Patterns - Coming Soon!

Two new SGD patterns: Pretty, simple, easy designs. A quick project; your choice. Fleur Vivant in Yellow, and Fleur Vivant in Red . . . kits will be available in quilt shops, too! Look for them, soon . . .

Our October NuzLetter is Published!

It's a good one! Go to our website and click on the October 2009 Nuz . . . Click on the image to go directly to the 7 page document. You will find an interesting article on Dena Fishbein of Dena Designs (designer for FreeSpirit Fabrics), an article on English Country design, a medieval cookie brought into present times, an update on 2009 Fall Houston Quilt Market, among other interesting tidbits!
Click on the image and . . . Enjoy!

Book Winner: Folk Art Friends, by Polly Minick & Laurie Simpson

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:14

And the winner is: Pam B.!!! Congratulations, Pam! Please e-mail your mailing address to: info@suzguzdesigns.com.

Thanks, all, for participating!

Stay tuned for another, upcoming give-away . . .

P.S. Although the Random Number Generator says the maximum number of entries is "100", I did put the actual number in as "15". Not sure why it is showing like this??

The Gift of Roses

Erv picked me up from the airport last night, carrying a dozen roses . . .


Pretty, huh :)

Sign Up For Our Latest Giveaway During Market 2009

Do you like Folk Art quilts and rug hooking projects? Don't miss a chance to win this timeless softcover book by That Patchwork Place!

Back Cover Information

Give any home a fresh look with charming quilts and coordinating rugs! Two talented sisters team up for a one-of-a-kind collection that breathes new life into traditional folk art.

• Eighteen projects showcase a mix of patriotic and Americana themes
• Choose from simple-to-make motifs such as stars, hearts, flags, and houses
• Patterns for Polly Minick's much-admired rug designs are published here for the first time ever
• A "Make It Yours" section will show you how to easily design your own rugs

I'm off to the International Quilt Market tomorrow. Sign up to win this terrific book, filled with Folk Art projects by Polly Minick and Laurie Simpson - It's a gem!

Simply leave a post, saying that you'd like to win and I will pick a winner next week. Deadline for signing-up for this giveaway is Tuesday, October 13th at midnight, EST, with winner announced on October 14th!

All photos are taken from the book, Folk Art Friends, Hooked Rugs and Coordinating Quilts, by Polly Minick and Laurie Simpson.

Good Luck!

Octoberfest In Newberry

The first Saturday of October, Newberry, SC celebrates Octoberfest. It's downtown has the historic charm of small-town America . . .




Wish I had the name of this ladies' group . . . German accents and lots of silly (funny!) humor, they were very entertaining . . .


We're delaying publishing our SuzGuz NuzLetter until after Market because we have a last-minute addition. Here's a sneak-peek of what we'll be writing about . . . Anyone know what this is?


Oktoberfest Grüße

Peppermint Candy Goes Traditional

Want to see what our Peppermint Candy quilt pattern does when it goes traditional?

Here it is using Moda's new Christmas line, called: Christmas Melody by Sentimental Studios, in shops now:

What I love about this fabric line is that it has a whimsical elegance. Love it.

You can buy kits soon, from Pieces & Patches Quilt Shop . . . this will be their sample, so if you are in the Columbia, SC area, stop by the shop and ask for shop owner, Audrey. She is a wonderful lady and will be thrilled to meet you and show you the quilt (should be available to see, soon!). Shop phone number for ordering or more information: (803) 359-3442.

2009 International Quilt Market . . . Fast Approaching!

Here is my very pretty, fun, energetic, vibrant mother-in-law hanging out with John Wayne in Benartex's booth at the 2007 Market . . .

An excellent quilter in her own right, she will be attending this year's Market with me, too. Please say hello if you happen to see us there this year!

Our Topiary Wall Hanging In McCall's Quilting

Although we've just approached the end of September, the new 2009 McCall's Quilting Holiday Issue is hitting newsstands, now . . .


We are so thrilled to have our topiary wall-hanging among the pages of this anticipated issue! Photographer, Melissa Mahoney, fabulously photographed our design, measuring 48" x 48".


If you love to hand-applique, pick up a copy of the magazine and enjoy this free SuzGuz Designs pattern. The flexibility of this design allows you to not only enjoy it during the upcoming holidays, but you'll be able to hang it year 'round!

Click on either image to order the issue. This wall hanging was quilted by Rebecca Segura of Zeffie's Quilts. Rebecca is known for her imaginative, custom quilting designs.

Treat Yourself To A Box of Chocolates, Now!

Our Box of Chocolates quilt pattern is super-easy and so fun to make! AND so easy to shop for (whether it's in your stash or at your local quilt shop!). We used fat quarters to create this one, just for you.

Click on the image to go to our shop for more information and to order our newest addition to our growing line of patterns!

NEW Box of Chocolates Pattern - Look for it Next Week!

Our newest pattern, called: Box of Chocolates, will be available to purchase through our website store next week . . . Stay tuned . . . And thanks for your support of SuzGuz Designs!

And The Winner Is . . . !

I really enjoyed all of the comments left for the giveaway. Thanks so very much! They were very fun to read and heartwarming, as well!


A huge thanks to Michael Miller Fabrics for their generosity in providing the fabric for this giveaway, and to my friends at Electric Quilt (EQ6) for spreading the news. ThANk YoU!!!

We ended up with 311 entries. I used www.random.org to select the winners. Yes, I said "winners".

I decided to give away 3 patterns in addition to the grand prize. This is how it turned out:


Grand Prize package of pattern and 25 fat quarters goes to:


Comment #65 - sharon cowling said...

I am brand new to quilting. Since February I have lost 52 pounds, avoiding things like fat and chocolate. This prize of fat quarters and chocolate would be DELICIOUS!! Thanks for picking me as the winner!

sharonsharalike@yahoo.com

September 9, 2009 1:52 PM

First Runner-up pattern prize goes to:

Comment #89 - Paula said...

Love your blog, What a brilliant idea for the debut of your pattern!
Who doesn't love Chocolate especially the no-calorie kind? I would be honored to be awarded the "prize"!

September 9, 2009 5:01 PM

Second Runner-up pattern prize goes to:


Facebook entry #282 - Deb Smith


Third Runner-up pattern prize goes to:


Comment #82 - Nancy said...

WOW-O!! What a great giveaway!!

I Love this quilt... Such beautiful colors...

September 9, 2009 3:48 PM

Congratulations, winners! Please send an e-mail with your mailing address to: info@suzguzdesigns.com. I will immediately send out your prizes.

Thank you all for entering! I look forward to seeing you around again, soon!

Cornucopia

McCall's Quick Quilts' October/November 2009 issue is out on newsstands, now! Look for our Cornucopia table runner.

Just got it back in the mail, yesterday. Quilted by wonderful quilter, Russ Adams of The Back Porch Quilters. Russ not only does beautiful, meticulous work, he's one of the nicest guys you'll meet! In addition, his wife, Rhonda, keeps him on schedule and is so kind and thoughtful. They are giving away something every week until Christmas through their blog. Go check them out, now! They'll treat you like family!

Thanks for all that you do, Russ and Rhonda! I'll be mailing you an extra copy of the magazine, tomorrow.

Photos compliments of McCall's Quick Quilts!

William Morris and Thimbles . . . A Lovely Treat!

Just got these two in the mail from the U.K. . . . so pleased with the start of my new collection!

Getting It All Ready!

Quilt designing is a process. I'll explain how I do it. We all have a different method, I'm sure. This is an image of a block from my current 2009 Block-of-the-Month Club:


I typically begin with a pad of graph paper. I used to use this same medium when I would plan out floor plans for my interior design clients. Graph paper is a wonderful tool to use because it's already broken down into equal spaces, which makes for easier figuring . . . Yes! You have to have somewhat of a knack for math.

I sketch out a myriad of designs: blocks, quilts, images, motifs. No particular system; just sketch whatever inspires me. Sketching is one of my most favorite things to do. I aspire to one day put what I envision on paper, onto fabric.

Next, I determine how much fabric I'll need. When figuring out the amount of fabric, you need to consider that there may be adjustments while writing the pattern. With experience, you instinctively know to get what you need and just a bit more to cover potential errors. I'm so pleased to say that the extra fabric from our "Box of Chocolates" pattern allowed me to put this give-away together.

We're getting the package ready! From the fabric I have left over from making my sample quilt, 6 of the 25 fat quarters will not be in the form of a fat quarter.


You'll actually be getting more than a fat quarter from the 6 . . .


For the two or three fabrics I didn't receive enough of, you will get comparable replacements in color tone, so you'll still achieve the same effect . . .


Special Notice: If you signed up for the NuzLetter and/or found me on Facebook, but you didn't reply to our initial announcement, I cannot count your votes. So if you want ALL of your votes to count, be sure you posted a message to our 09/09/09 Giveaway blog post, below!

Just 3 more days to go . . . I'm so thrilled to be able to make this available to all of you.

Good luck!

09/09/09 Free Giveaway: Sign-up for a chance to WIN!

Dear Friends:

Whether you are a quilter, a sewer (who would like to try their hand at making a quilt!), or a spouse or loved-one of a quilter, please read-on for a chance to win!


SuzGuz Designs has a new pattern coming out, called: Box of Chocolates. This delicious concoction is calorie-free and a blast to make! Our sample quilt is made using the funky-cool fabric line called: Anda Lucia, by Patty Young for Michael Miller Fabrics. The fabric is bold, playful, and fun! We showed you a sneak-peek of our sample quilt top on August 19th.


To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime date (09/09/09!), and our newest quilt pattern design, you may have a chance to win the following: 25 fat quarters to complete a quilt top using our newest pattern (batting, quilt backing fabric, and binding fabric is not included). You will also receive our Box of Chocolates quilt pattern, which contains 2-patterns-in-one. This is a wonderful prize or gift for any quilter, as you'll have the fabric and pattern needed to complete an 80 1/2" x 80 1/2" quilt top, all compliments of SuzGuz Designs and Michael Miller Fabrics!


Here's what you'll need to do for a chance, or chances to win: (1) Add a message to this post, letting us know why you'd like to win this free gift! (2) For an extra entry, go to our website and sign up for our NuzLetter! (3) You will get 2 more entries if you find me on Facebook, then please send a friend request and mention this give-away in your subject line by typing "09/09/09 Giveaway"!

. . . and that's all you have to do!

The winner will be chosen on September 18th . . . "09" days away!

It is my distinct pleasure to provide this give-away to all of my customers and friends, old and new! I appreciate your business and will hold another give away for my appreciation, soon!

Good Luck!

SpEciAL NoTicE!!: Please note that Box of Chocolates quilt pattern, as well as all SuzGuz Designs' patterns, would not be possible without the EQ6 quilt design software by The Electric Quilt Company.

We'd Love To Hear From You!

We have a new poll out: What types of patterns do you like?

Our poll is listed in the column on the left. Please go there now and let us know what sorts of patterns interest *you* most!

Thanks for participating!

The Hospitable Pineapple

The pineapple is best know as a symbol of hospitality. In colonial times, when sailors returned home from a long journey, a pineapple brought from distant voyages was placed at the front of the house. This indicated that the house was welcoming visitors.

We happened upon artist Scott Penegar while perusing vendors' wares in a downtown Charleston outdoor market. He was beginning to pack up his beautiful, limited edition plaques when we approached his booth. I was so taken with his work, that I bought a small plaque similar to this one in rectangle form.

Each piece is a signed, limited edition plaque cast from an original sculpture by Scott in his art studio.

He and his wife are both artists. Check out their website and interesting sculptures, plaques, and paintings, here.

A Delightful Day in Charleston

We recently took a day trip to Charleston, SC.

It is a city seeped in history and amazing stories from the past.


I have such a love for architectural details and often find inspiration for my designs from photos I take.

I took several photos of doorways and loved the simple lines and knobs of these doors. This home is for sale and had a mossy slate walkway to the back courtyard.


This antique stairway was so charming, with greenery popping from the cracks and a checkerboard entry, once you passed through the massive iron gate.



The homes are so beautifully taken care of, painted in cheerful colors . . . some dating back to the 17oo's.



We found cobblestone streets . . .

. . . and streets made of brick.


It was truly a delightful day!

Sneak Peek . . . Newest pattern!

With a resounding response for our Candy Bar Road pattern . . .

Meet Box of Chocolates . . .

Two sizes . . . coming soon!

PRE-SELLING NEW Pattern: Peppermint Candy!

Just in time for the upcoming chilly months, check out our cool, new pattern design called Peppermint Candy.


We're accepting pre-orders now for a first mailing of Friday, August, 14, 2009! Orders are starting to come in and we're excited about the fabric we used. The color tones are cheery and fun! If you'd like to check out the line, go to FreeSpirit's website and look for Christmas Snow Flower by Dena Designs.

Sure to put a smile on your face!

South Carolina, Here We Come!

My husband and I are moving to South Carolina . . . today! There are 4 men loading the semi with our possessions, as I write this. We'll be heading out on our road trip, with our veeeerrrry vocal kitty, Charlie Chaplin, and our two dogs, Maisy and Boomer. We've done it before. I'm hoping that they all travel well this time. There was one move we did where we had two sick pups, along with Chaz who meowed almost the entire 3-day trip. It was craziness. We anticipate this trip being much smoother.

I will be back, blogging on a more regular basis after we land!

Have a lovely 4th of July weekend . . . wear sunscreen.

Crazy, snowy weather . . . and Springtime in Colorado

Last week, the weather gurus were gearing up for a huge spring snow storm. A serious snow storm. Predictions of up to 24" on the front range (that's where we live). The mountains were predicted several feet.


The storm lasted from Friday morning through Saturday, early evening.



And after all was said and done and the rain began to shrink our snowy abundance, we ended up with about 18" of heavy, wet snow.





Within 3 days, the remnants of our storm were nowhere to be found. It is really quite amazing how being a mile high from sea level turns a winter wonderland into a sprouting, green terrain within a few days.

In A Snap! . . . now, in Pattern form

Adding binding to a quilt is one of my very favorite things to do. I received my sample quilt back from Russ and am slowly but surely adding the binding. That's my sample of Patchwork Rendezvous in the background.


Often times, the pattern is written and published before the quilts have been quilted.