AURIfil's Designer of the Month for November: Jacquelynn Steves of The Noble Wife

November's Aurifil Designer of the Month is Jacquelynne Steves.

Learn how Jacquelynne paints and designs and loves great thread. Her project is a piecer's showcase! Read her interview, then download the free project she designed.

Remember: if you make any project from the design team, load a photo to our Aurifil Flickr group. You will then have a chance to win a marvelous Aurifil thread prize! Good luck and happy sewing!

AURIfil's Designer of the Month for September: Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts

Aurifil's Designer of the Month for September is Edyta Sitar! See her darling wall hanging and learn what sparks her creativity. Go to the Aurifil blog and read her interview, then download the free project Edyta designed: http://auribuzz.wordpress.com/category/designers-of-the-month/

Also check out Pat Sloan's interview with Edyta on May 2, 2011 http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/radio/index.html

Remember if you make any project from the design team, load a photo to our Aurifil Flickr group.. you will be in the running to win an Aurifil thread prize, one given away EACH MONTH!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2011aurifildesignerofthemonth/

A Moving Message

I am incredibly touched by the story of Mattie Stepanek's life. I've never read his books before, and the only reason I am aware of his life is because of Oprah, who has had him on her show.

I just finished watching Oprah interviewing Mattie's mom. Hearing again about his life, the lives he touched, and the moments before his death brought me to tears. I am amazed at how powerful this sweet little boy was.

If you haven't heard his story, read about him on his foundation's website.

Mary Ellen's Scrap Basket: McCall's Quick Quilts Oct/Nov 2011

Image courtesy of McCall's Quick Quilts (click on image for larger, prettier view!)

My mom is the namesake for this quilt. The original quilt I made, after designing this very simple quilt, was made using fabrics by Moda. It was bright and cheerful, and the design reminded me of a basket weave. Besides, my mom loves to garden, and I thought of her clipping roses from her rose bushes and placing them in a basket to take inside and stick in a pretty vase!

The great thing about this quilt design is that no matter what fabrics you use, the design will look different each and every time! In this rendition, I used a lot of visually textured prints to lend a great amount of interest!

Image courtesy of McCall's Quick Quilts

On newsstands now, is the October/November 2011 issue of McCall's Quick Quilts magazine. See my "Mary Ellen's Basket" quilt pattern (called Mary Ellen's Scrap Basket), where I used Tonga batiks from Timeless Treasures.

GIVEAWAY! Plus Meet August AURIfil Designer-of-the-Month: Jinny Beyer

I'm so fortunate to represent AURIfil threads along with such talented ladies! This month's Designer-of-the-Month is Jinny Beyer!

Image courtesy of AURIfil, 2011

Make Jinny's project (or any of the other free projects from this year!) and you could win a GENEROUS gift of AURIfil threads!

By going to the AURIfil blog, you can get to know Jinny on a personal level, plus be able to download the FREE project she has shared, which is the gorgeous placemat pattern you see here, using her signature border prints.

Sneak peek image courtesy of Jinny Beyer, 2011

Click on over to the AURIfil blog and read the interview conducted by Pat Sloan. Then download the free project designed by Jinny, especially for you!

Remember, if you make any project from this year's design team (any project to your liking), load a photo to our Aurifil Flickr group.. that will qualify you to be in the running to win a generous AURIfil threads prize!

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Thoughtful Gift from Amy & Co.

Can't recall if I shared this before, but I had the pleasure of writing, editing, and InDesign layout of Amy Butler's Sunshine Quilt pattern (Amy designed the quilt).

Well, in the pattern, my e-mail address is noted, should anyone making the quilt have any questions. In answering a few questions from fans of Amy's design, I was presented with a lovely gift recently, as a thank-you from Amy Butler Design.

I live with blinders on, and was not aware that Amy had a line of paper products, so I was completely thrilled to receive this generous gift of stationery, a list pad, a journal, a small, purse size photo album, and a carry-all project tote.

Thank you, Amy & Co. for the wonderful surprise! I love to write, and am treasuring my new gifts!

Red Delicious in McCall's Quilting Sept/Oct 2011 Issue

Image courtesy of McCall's Quilting

My newest bed size design in McCall's Quilting magazine: Red Delicious. Image looks a bit kadywampus, as it was actually photographed with the left side being the top. This is how it should look. :)

Fabric: Katherine by Nancy Gere for Windham Fabrics.

This was a fun quilt to make. Hope you will make it, too.

They Grow So Fast

Here's our little Hobson at 15 weeks.

July Designer of the Month for AURIfil Thread Company: Free Pattern and GIVEAWAY!

Aurifil's Designer of the Month for July is the team of Barb Persing and Mary Hoover of 4th and 6th Designs. Barb and Mary have a summer project that is easy to do and oh so pretty . . . what a super combo!

Here is a sneak peek . . .

Go to Aurifil's blog page and read the interview with this great Design Team. Download the free project, called: Tulips. The project is darling and a quick one to bring some color into your home!

Remember if you make any of the monthly projects from the AURIfil design team, load a photo to our Aurifil Flickr Group. This will enter you in a drawing to win an Aurifil thread prize. So worth the fun!

Congratulations, Mary and Barb, on your beautiful project!

Hobson: Our Little Lemon & White Springer

We adopted a puppy from the English Springer Spaniel Rescue (ESRA) two weeks ago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 His name is Hobson.

He's spunky, sweet, and learning lots from his big sister, Maisy.

He loves to crawl under things, no matter how narrow they are.

WINNERS of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3 Magazine Announced

Dear Sewing and Quilting Friends:

I returned from the Spring International Quilt Market, early Monday morning. Yesterday I had to take time to get back in the groove, so today I was able to choose the winners of the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3 issues I gave away during the blog tour. I sent messages out to the winners.

Congratulations to . . .

Wednesday, May 4th's winner is: JUDYnNC

Thursday, May 5th's winner is: gill

Friday, May 6th's winner is: Linda in PA

I sent e-mail messages out to each winner. Please respond as soon as possible with your address, and I'll get your issue in the mail immediately.

Again, congratulations, and I really appreciate the great feedback and comments. It was a fun tour!

Day 5 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3 Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Good day, fellow quilters! And such a wonderful day it is!

 Quiltmaker is wrapping up the blog tour today, and I'm giving away one last issue of 100 Blocks, Volume 3. Leave a comment in this thread and go to my website to sign up for my NuzLetter to enter to win.

Today, I'm covering a few ways to place my applique block into a quilt. Of course, there are a myriad of ways to make this block look great. Here are some of my ideas . . .

With this first design, I wanted to keep the background light and airy, yet add drama by adding bits of black. This block resides in the archived files of my Electric Quilt software, EQ7, and is called: 8-Grid Chain Variation.You will see that I chose a simple block design that is made up of small squares. I chose this block specifically because I wanted to maintain visual balance with the applique. If I were to use a block with larger swatches of fabric, the applique blocks would get lost in the shuffle.

I also wanted to give you a few more options of color for this design. There was a recent showing of red and white quilts in New York City, so I thought I would show you how a quilt would look using mostly red and white.

And because most quilters like to start early on their Christmas gifts, I wanted to see what it would look like if I added some green.

I did one other quick design, where I wanted to bring in a different value of blue . . .

I used a dark gray for sashing, first border, and binding, and a deep aqua for the main border.

Here is another example of this same design.

So play around with different looks. Glean ideas from the colors you use in your block.

One more thing I'd like to point out is that I colored my applique block with similar toned fabrics from the standard fabric library that comes with all EQ software. I wanted to show you that the block looks great using anyone's fabrics.

Thanks again for participating in the blog tour, and please don't forget to leave a comment and sign up for my NuzLetter, if you haven't already done so!

Enjoy your weekend!

Day 4 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3 Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Although I am not on the blog roster for today, I thought I would round out the week by giving away another Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3 issue today and tomorrow, so please check back tomorrow, as well!

I received such nice messages from everyone yesterday, on how well they liked the block. Thank you very much! One thing I really enjoy is designing new quilt patterns, new blocks, and especially, new applique blocks.

My block called: Hearts Bejeweled, Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 2

When I first tried applique, I wasn't that great at it. In fact, I was pretty lousy. But there was something about the process of applique, that I had to keep trying until I got it. It's rather cathartic! I'm still not where I would like to be, but for a self-taught girl, I'm pleased with what I can do. It takes time and patience, and if you're a first timer, please be easy on yourself. Pat yourself on the back for trying! And remember: we've all been there, feeling the same feelings of wanting to get it right.

When you get a moment, please look at my blog post from yesterday and click on the image of my block. Notice that my polka-dot circles are not perfect. The thing is, I'm okay with the little imperfections. However, I do strive to continually challenge myself, and that is probably a strong reason why I enjoy applique so much. There always seems like room to grow. :)

So my block called Bertrand's Arrows really isn't as hard as it looks.

Bertrand's Arrows, Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3, Image compliments of Quiltmaker Magazine

If you've never tried applique, I challenge you to try it, if applique is something you've ever been interested in. Besides, if you have any questions, I will gladly answer them for you. Simply leave me a message in this thread, or e-mail me through my website under my "Contact Us" tab.

Today, I'm giving away another issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3! All you need to do is leave a comment here, and sign up for my NuzLetter, which I am resurrecting, this Fall! I'm so excited to write again, and I'm planning some new and interesting topics.

Leave your comment, below, and sign up for my NuzLetter through my website . . . it is THAT simple! And I look forward to our newfound friendship!

Tomorrow's topic will cover a few layout ideas on how to use my block. Enjoy the tour, and happy quilting!

Day 3 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3 Blog Tour and Giveaway!

It's back and better than ever: Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3!

With a fresh new issue, just in time for Spring, the editors of Quiltmaker packed this one with a brand new set of 100 blocks, each one original, and designed by today's top designers!

If we haven't "met" before, I am Susan Guzman, and I am a quilt pattern designer (you can learn more about me in tomorrow's blog, posted here!). I had the pleasure of being included in this issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 3 . . .

Here is an image of my block, called: Bertrand's Arrows, found on page 27.

Image compliments of Quiltmaker Magazine

If you click on the image, you can see a close-up of the fabrics. All fabrics are from my stash. I came up with this design to blend with the one I designed for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 2, called: Hearts Bejeweled. You can purchase the issue through Quiltmaker's site.

I use AURIfil thread to sew all my designs! They have gorgeous colors that blend with every project, and the quality is exceptional!

We are giving away 3 copies of this issue for the rest of this week. The first one will be chosen from today's post. All you have to do is leave a comment in this thread, then go to my website and sign up for my NuzLetter, here: SuzGuz Designs. That's it! Then, be sure to return tomorrow and Friday.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and good luck! Be sure to also stop by tomorrow and Friday for more chances to win. This is such a wonderful magazine to have in your collection, and guides you to make a variety of your own, custom designed quilts!

Enjoy!

3 Great Companies Come Together For: The Amazing Easter Egg Hunt Giveaway!

Alex Veronelli of AURIfil, in conjunction with Accuquilt and The Quilt Show is running "The Amazing Easter Egg Hunt" on Facebook!

Three codes have been hidden, one part on each of the sponsors' Facebook pages. Follow the steps to enter for your chance to win one of three egg-citing prizes! Click on the image to see it full-size and to read the instructions in full. Good luck!

April Designer of the Month for AURIfil Thread Company: Free Pattern and GIVEAWAY!

I'm so pleased to announce the April AURIfil Designer of the Month is "me"!

Fabric: Moda's Oasis, by 3 Sisters

Click over to the AURIfil blog page and read my interview, and download the free project I designed that allows you to show off your vintage linens! I encourage you to make the project and post a photo on AURIfil's Flickr page because you may win a kit of 12 spools of AURIfil thread (truly sews like butter!).

http://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/april-aurifil-designer-of-the-month-susan-guzman/

Also check out Pat Sloan's interview with me on March 15, 2011.. scroll down and listen on your computer or download. WARNING: I wasn't feeling so well this day, so excuse my "umm's" and stuffy nose! :)

http://toginet.com/podcasts/creativetalkradio/?s=creativetalkradio

If you make the project load a photo to our Aurifil Flickr group, you will be in the running to win AURIfil thread. One person is picked each month. So worth the fun!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2011aurifildesignerofthemonth/

Free SuzGuz Designs Pattern on AURIfil's Blog

Read my interview and get my free quilted pillow cover pattern on AURIfil's blog, here!

http://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/april-aurifil-designer-of-the-month-susan-guzman/

Fabric: Oasis, by 3 Sisters for Moda
Thread: AURIfil
Accents: Using vintage linens from my collection.

Beach House in McCall's Quick Quilts April/May 2011 Issue

I've been remiss in announcing appearances in the McCall's magazines, lately. We even made the front cover!

I'm thrilled to announce the latest, called: Beach House

Image compliments of McCall's Quick Quilts, Apr/May 2011

March Designer of the Month at AURIfil

I'm so pleased to share the March Aurifil Designer of the Month, Sarah Vedeler! Sarah does amazing things with her sewing machine and I love her 'Eclipse' project.

Here is a sneak peek...

Check out Aurifil's News page and read an interview with Sarah, as well as download the free project she designed!
 
Pat Sloan interviewed Sarah on August 16, 2010 on her show, Creative Talk Network. Pat interviews me in 10 days on March 14, 2011!

Visit this talented designer on her web page at Sarah Vedeler Designs. You can also find Sarah on her FaceBook page.

At AURIfil, we are encouraging you each month to make our featured designer's project. Post your photo at our Flickr folder and one quilter will win a prize of gorgeous Aurifil thread (it truly is like sewing with butter)!

Post a photo of your completed project anytime before Feb 1, 2012 in the AURIfil Flickr folder.

Our March Aurifil Winner is SewAndSew who won a thread kit of 12 large spools in 50 wt for her 30's inspired version of Susan Brubaker Knapp's quilt, showcased in January.

Every project in the folder is eligible each month for the drawing.

That Pat Sloan . . .

. . . she truly is an amazing woman, bringing the quilting and creative world her talent of interviewing!  I just got off of the phone with her, where we taped a show that will premier on March 14, 2011.

Please be sure to check out her radio show, called Creative Talk Network.  She interviews people in the quilting and creative industries regularly, and it's a great place to "meet" your favorite designers.

Thanks so much, Pat, for a fun 30 minutes!