Much Overdue Blog Post

Hello friends...

Where shall I begin? My last blog post was exactly three years ago, today: December 3, 2013. It baffles me how things work out, as I did not plan this. I certainly was stunned, realizing how long it has been! I'll describe the past three years as an adventure full of change, many fruitful opportunities and, at times, an intense whirlwind.

Little Red Bird, McCall's Quick Quilts, Dec/Jan 2014, image compliments of McCall's Quilting. Photographer: Mellisa Mahoney, Stylist: Ashley Slupe

In 2012, I submitted a proposal for my first book and it was accepted. By this time, I was already designing and making quilts monthly for McCall's Quilting with a few extra, here and there. I had  established regular work with other magazines and fabric companies as a pattern writer, editor, illustrator, and designer (both quilts and graphic layout), among other things. My schedule was overflowing.

Project commissioned Spring 2013 by PFAFF. Click on image for pattern link. This quilt comes in 3 sizes.

Modern Diamonds ©SuzGuz Designs 2013 for PFAFF

Project commissioned Spring 2013 by Husqvarna Viking. Click on image for pattern link. This quilt comes in 3 sizes.

The Garden Patch ©SuzGuz Designs 2013 for Husqvarna Viking

Since that time, my best-selling book, All About Strips: Colorful Quilts from Strips of Many Sizes (see reviews on Amazon and Martingale), was published by Martingale, January 2015. In addition, I had the distinct honor of taking over McCall's Quilting as Content Director upon the retirement of Beth Hayes, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus. F+W Media purchased McCall's Quilting at the beginning of 2014, and I came on board to attend Spring Market, beginning to work in the office the 1st of July. At that time, I was in the throes of making quilts and writing patterns for a fabric and graphic designer whose book is slated to come out in 2016. While working at McCall's full time, I would come home and work several more hours into the night and all weekend on the book, wrapping up the last handful of projects. It was grueling, for sure, but I would not have had it any other way. And, wow, did I learn a lot!

Image compliments of Martingale 2015

At the end of August, 2015, I made the difficult decision to resign from my position of running the magazine; one I treasured and valued more than you can imagine. I would miss my highly talented staff and coworkers, working with the best quilt designers in the industry, the ability to work hard to meet our deadlines, the richly creative environment, and most especially, working on creating and molding content worthy of our readership. We all loved what we did and were passionate about maintaining the McCall's style.

We worked hard. I remember last December, as a blizzard was blowing through and the entire building was empty of people except myself, our art director, and graphic designer; how we had our nose-to-the-grindstone so that we could meet a deadline (we were short staffed at the time, and all had to pull together to get the work done). The entire staff worked straight that day and the three of us worked into the night. I remember getting punchy that evening and insisting how we all needed a break and to get a bite to eat. We piled into my SUV and, although the roads were dangerous to drive, we made it out and back safely. Looking back on my entire experience, I cannot tell you how proud I was of our entire staff. Their dedication and hard work at times brought tears to my eyes.

My first issue as Content Director for McCall's. Image compliments of McCall's Quilting. Photographer: Mellisa Mahoney, Stylist: Ashley Slupe

I'm glad I was able to accomplish these milestones: Work on the tail-end of McCall's last special issue (Heritage Quilts Made Modern, Fall 2014), and Beth Hayes' last issue (McCall's Quilting, Nov/Dec 2014). F+W Media changed the Editor-in-Chief title to a new title that encompassed video and digital media: Content Director. My first issue as Content Director was Quick Quilts, Dec/Jan 2015. I was able to work on the last perfect bound, larger-size magazine McCall's published; the Mar/Apr 2015 issue. I was so proud of that cover because it showcased a more casual elegance and playful feel, besides the fact that my dear friend, Amy Gibson/Stitchery Dickory Dock, made a mini quilt, Apple Blossom, for that issue and it topped off the stack of other lovely quilts that made the cover beautiful: Lilli's Pond, by sweet Bev Getschel, Shimmer by long-time contributor and prolific designer, Gerri Robinson, American Wildflowers by dear Audrey Hiers, Cross & Crown, by another sweet lady, Sandra Clemons, Keepsake Violets by the talented long-time contributor team of Sarah Maxwell and Dolores Smith. I believe Amy, Bev, and Audrey used fabrics from their stash, Gerri used her current collection at the time, Summer Cottage for Red Rooster, Sandra used Hadley by Denyse Schmidt for FreeSpirit, and Sarah and Dolores used Victoria's Violets by Molly B's Studio for Marcus Fabrics.

New HOME page for SuzGuz Designs

After leaving F+W/McCall's, my plan has been to revive my business: SuzGuz Designs. In October, my husband tore his labrum (shoulder) and had two tears in his bicep, all at once. And it all happened on his dominant, right side. He's been in a sling since then, and had surgery two weeks ago. This sort of injury is extremely painful and the surgery results in post-op pain for weeks. We look back on this experience and realize how it is all part of God's plan. If I were still working outside of the home, I would have had to take a leave of absence to care for him. As much as I get queasy around anything medical-related, I'm sure glad I've been able to help him; he's been my rock and biggest supporter since I started in the quilting industry.

Yellow Jelly Blog Monster: "Feed Me!"

 I was viewing someone else's blog quite by accident. You know how how it goes: you start out on a web page, click a link, then click another link, and end up somewhere where something inspires you? Well . . . that's what happened here.

And that's how I've invited the Blog Monster to my blog.

Illustration by Nacho Gomez

The nature of my business has me doing work that I'm unable to announce while it is happening; as I am working on a project or a series of projects (as I'm doing now!). Well, I guess I could talk about it, but my blog post would sound rather cryptic and would not contain images of what I can't really talk about. Actually, I think that as social media has become even more engrained in our daily lives, it's loosening up a bit.

Things will be changing, however, as the new year is beginning to approach. I will be taking on a few new projects that I'll be happy to announce when I can. And, I'm hoping to have more time to write here in my blog.

In the mean time, I'm so grateful that you've been a consistent reader and must admit that I am tickled each time a comment is left!

Have a beautiful day!

--SuzGuz

Door Decor

Sometimes it's great to take a break from doing what I do for a living and create something different. This is my new Fall door wreath.

I bought all of the "ingredients" at Michaels a few weeks ago during one of their sales.

1 hot glue gun (I used a small glue gun)
2-3 glue sticks
1 wrapped (brown; resembles a tree branch) round of floral wire
wire cutting tool
2 unfinished grapevine wreaths, 24" diameter
1 length of grape leaves with "frosted" matte grapes vine
2 bunches of purple hydrangeas
1 bunch of green hydrangeas
2 bunches of tiny green berry sprigs

1. Lay grapevine wreaths on top of each other, then take floral wire and tie together. When finished, attach a looped piece to the back where you'd like to hang your wreath from.

 2. Take your length of grape leaves vine and position on top of your wreath; secure with floral wire.

3. Using wire cutting tool, separate then cut long stems of purple hydrangeas from each of the bunches and stick into your grapevine wreath base. Bend wire stems and secure with floral wire, if needed; glue in place.

4. Continue same process with green hydrangeas and green berries.

Tip: After Steps 1 and 2, I placed all hydrangeas and berries first, tied down with floral wire where needed, then moved leaves to get to the base to hot glue all in place.

I like to decorate non-traditionally and plan on leaving my wreath up through to Thanksgiving. At that time I will replace it with one of my hand made Christmas wreaths.

Note: If you were wondering what was in the package in the first image, it's a piece of fabric from Amy Butler's newest collection: Alchemy . . . I'm making the quilt she'll be showing in her booth during Fall International Quilt Market in Houston, TX. It's an amazing design and will be available as one of her free patterns available through her website before the end of the year.

Let the Sugar Roses Give-away Begin!

Sugar Roses, using Sugar Hill by Tanya Whelan for FreeSpirit, image compliments of McCall's Quilting

 
As you've been reading, my husband and I recently moved, which put a temporary stop on my plans for a give-away to correspond with my 2 series quilts, called Sugar Roses, in McCall's Quilting Magazine. The first installment was on newsstands the first week of June. The second installment of this 4-part series will be out the first week of August.

Sugar Roses II, using Rouenneries Deux by French General for Moda, image compliments of McCall's Quilting

In order to promote this series, I will be hosting Suz-A-Palooza: a generous series of giveaways during the month of August to kick-off the remaining 3 parts of the Sugar Roses Series Quit Project!

Quick Giveaway Before Suz-A-Palooza Begins!!

You could win 1 package of 4 full-size AURIfil Threads. Keep reading!

I'm hosting a quick give-away before the Palooza begins, starting today. This giveaway is for a 4-spool AURIfil starter pack. The BONUS is: the spools are FuLL-SiZE!! You will receive one spool each of 50 wt., 1,422 yards of 100% cotton sewing thread in Dark Gray, Light Gray, Dark Cream, and Light Cream. The retail value of this package is $36.00. If you haven't already tried AURIfil threads, this is a great way to experience its outstanding quality and finishing results!

It is simple to participate and participation ends at midnight on Sunday, July 22nd, MST, with our lucky winner announced on Monday, July 23rd:

1. Join me on Facebook on my fan page: SuzGuz Designs and
2. Send me an e-mail (through my "About Me" profile along the right column of this page) with "July Giveaway" in the subject line and your first and last name in the body of the e-mail. SuzGuz Designs never shares personal information. 
3. Leave a comment if you wish! Not required for this giveaway, but it is always so nice to hear from *you*!

If you already follow me through my fan page, lucky-you! One less step to participate (just remind me in the e-mail you send in Step 2).

About AURIfil Cotton Mako 50 wt. thread:

Cotton Mako Ne 50 gives excellent results with foundation piecing. The "secret" here is that the fine thread allows you to stitch a flat seam We recommend also Cotton Mako 50/2 for fine detail machine quilting, to prevent bulky thread buildup when you are stitching micro stipple. It is also perfect for invisible ditch stitching, as the thread disappears into the valley between the seams.

(I'd also like to add that I only use AURIfil's 50 wt. for my hand applique projects because of the disappearing nature of this fine but strong thread.)


There will be plenty of other opportunities to win an AURIfil starter pack during my Palooza in August, too. So stay tuned . . .

Recent Findings at Local Antique Mall

I love snarfing around at antique malls! Shopping an antique mall is the best place to find lots of treasures under one roof. I typically find bargains I would never have expected, and that's what makes it an exciting adventure.

The things I like to look for are textiles (tea towels, vintage fabric, feedsacks, table cloths, quilt blocks, and miscellaneous linens), indoor and outdoor furniture, sewing machines/accessories, antique buttons, paintings, etchings, prints, old picture frames, and unusual home accessories.

Unless I'm looking for something specific and/or for a project, I like to keep my purchases to a minimum. This is what I recently found while shopping with my husband at a Northern Indiana antique mall:

Ship hand towel and floral tea towel.

Vintage fabric pieces.

Full feedsack.

Partial feedsack.

What was amazing to me was that my total purchases came to $12.

As an aside, an average starting auction price of one feedsack on eBay is around $9-$10, and you can find novelty and rare prints starting at upwards of $65-$100. Surprisingly, I found the red tulips feedsack for $1, as well as finding the partial feedsack for the same price.

It sure was fun finding bargains at the antique mall that day.

McCall's Quilting Designing Contest

The McCall's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 contest has officially launched and is currently in the qualifying round phase, which continues through April 29, 2012. This year for the first time, the contest has 2 separate tracks for Amateur and Professional Quilt Designers.

Don’t let the term Professional scare you…for the purposes of this contest, a pro is anyone who has ever received monetary compensation for an original quilt design. For example, if you’ve made money by self-publishing a pattern, making a quilt for a fabric company, or teaching a class based on your quilt design at a local shop, you’re a pro!

Grand prizes this year include a sewing machine (a Pfaff quilt expression™ 4.0 with toolbox in the professional group and a Viking Sapphire™ 875 Quilt in the amateur group) and $500 cash to the winner of each group. Winning quilts will also be featured in McCall’s Quilting magazine.

The contest landing page is at http://www.mccallsquilting.com/contests/Quilt_Design_Star_2012.html, where you’ll find complete rules and how to enter. Professional entries are especially encouraged, as this is the first year for that division. Good luck to all who decide to compete!

McCall's Quilting School-at-Sea Cruise Map

Here is a quick peek at the ports our cruise ship will be visiting in January, 2013:

Would love to see you! Click here for more information.

New Discovery: Blue Rose Pottery

My husband, Erv, has been working in Mexico and living in El Paso, Texas, for the past 3 weeks. It's tough to be away from your spouse for that long, especially if he's your best friend and biggest fan. We enjoy spending time together, so there is a big void for both of us.

Bluebell Teapot Image compliments of Blue Rose Pottery

On Friday evening, I drove up to Charlotte to pick Erv up from the airport. On my way, I saw a couple of new billboards advertising a pottery store off Exit 85 of I-77 in South Carolina. The name of the store is Blue Rose Pottery. I thought it would be a fun shop to stop by when he flew out, a few days later, so that's what we did.

Indigo Place Setting Image compliments of Blue Rose Pottery 

Check out the beautiful patterns they sell on their website. While we were at the store, we also discovered a few Christmas patterns, too. I never knew there were so many unique Polish pottery shapes and designs available!

A Sentiment to my PC . . . Goodbye, dear friend . . .

I've been using my PC for almost 7 years, now. She had a great life, storing photos of my family, the dolls I used to create, random crafts I'd make, and the beginnings of my quilt designing career.

Like a comfortable pair of slippers that have seen their last day, I must replace her with a new model. The new kid on the block will have lots more storage to hold my Electric Quilt designs, fabric swatches to play with, and a brand new keyboard that doesn't show the shiny spots on the keys, from years of clicking away.

New kid: Arriving soon! (rah!)

A Lovely Young Lady

My quilter, Linda Barrett, of Threads and Traditions, is originally from England. However, Linda's father is from Estonia. Other than what Linda has shared with me, I knew nothing about this charming little country; the smallest of the Baltic countries that sits on the Baltic Sea.

You know how you start researching one thing, then it leads you to another? Well, through Lonely Planet, I stumbled upon a young lady's blog who wrote about a trip she took to Tallin, Estonia (town square pictured, above). I was drawn in by her experiences of travel, not only to Tallin, but to other spots across Europe. Go to her blog to learn interesting facts and tidbits about unique travel opportunities. She also just started a travel planning/consulting business that I hope to one day take advantage of. I bookmarked her site for the future. Near future, I hope!

Poll: Which Pre-cut Fabric Packs Do You Like To Use?

All images courtesy of Moda/United Notions

We have a new poll out to see what you like best. You can select multiple answers.

Do you Like Jelly Rolls?















Layer Cakes?
















Honey Buns?














Charm Packs?


















Fat Quarter Bundles?



















Let us know by casting your vote, now!

Homemade Chocolate Eggs (Peanutbutter, too!)

A few years ago, I signed up to receive a few different About.com e-mail newsletters. Jen Hubley is the About.com:Today author and in today's e-mail, she offers two links for recipes on making chocolate eggs.

The recipes are compliments of Elizabeth LaBau of the About.com Candy Guide. Elizabeth is a pastry chef and confectioner and you can read all about her, here. And if you enjoy making sweet confections, check out her candy blog, where you can find a few other chocolate egg recipes.



Double Chocolate Easter Eggs
These beautiful flowered Easter eggs have a chocolate-walnut filling and a deep, dark chocolate coating. The marshmallow flowers are optional but add a beautiful finishing touch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes


Ingredients:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 package (5.25 oz) chocolate pudding mix, not instant
1/2 cup milk
1 lb powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
5 ounces unsweetened chocolate (can substitute bittersweet)
1 tbsp shortening
34 miniature marshmallows (optional; see note below)
colored sugar or sprinkles (optional; see note below)
Preparation:

1. Place the butter in a medium saucepan and heat it over medium until the butter is melted. Pour in the pudding mix and stir until smooth and well-combined.

2. Slowly pour in the milk and continue to stir until mixture is smooth. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring, until mixture is very thick and pulls from the sides of the pan.

3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Stir in the walnuts and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

4. Form the mixture into about 20 egg shapes and place on foil-lined baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.

5. While candy is setting, melt the unsweetened chocolate and shortening together in the microwave. Allow it to cool, but not set. If it begins to harden before candy is ready to be dipped, re-warm it in the microwave briefly.

6. Dip the eggs in the melted chocolate using two forks or dipping tools. Place them back on the baking sheet. If you are decorating with the optional marshmallow flowers (see below), place them on the eggs while the chocolate is still wet. Place the eggs back in the refrigerator to set completely.

To Make Decorative Marshmallow Flowers: Using a sharp knife, cut the mini marshmallows in thirds. Dip one cut end of each marshmallow segment in colored sugar. Arrange five segments in a flower shape on the wet chocolate eggs.



Chocolate-Peanut Butter Easter Eggs
Chocolate and peanut butter are a natural flavor combination that shines in this festive recipe for Chocolate-Peanut Butter Easter Eggs. If you want to increase the peanut flavor you can substitute more peanut butter for some or all of the cream cheese. If desired, you can use regular chocolate instead of the chocolate coating the recipe calls for. The coating is easier because it will remain hard at room temperature, while regular chocolate gets soft and sticky when warm. This recipe yields about 2 dozen eggs.
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1.5-2 cups powdered sugar
3 ounces (about 1/2 cup) chocolate chips, melted
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp hot water
3 tbsp peanut butter
1/8 tsp salt
1 lb chocolate candy coating
1/4 cup peanut butter chips (to decorate, optional)
Preparation:

1. Place the melted chocolate chips, cream cheese, vanilla, hot water, peanut butter, salt, and 1 cup of powdered sugar in the bowl of a large electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix the ingredients until the candy is well-mixed and homogenous.

2. Stop the mixer and add an additional 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix the candy on low, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl, until it is entirely mixed and smooth. Check the texture of the candy: you want it to be firm enough to easily be shaped into an egg, but not too dry and stiff. If necessary, add more powdered sugar to get the right texture.

3. Using a spoon, scoop up a small amount of candy and roll it between your hands until it is an oblong egg shape. Place it on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and repeat with remaining candy until you have approximately two dozen eggs.

4. Put the eggs in the refrigerator to stay firm while you melt the chocolate candy coating. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in one-minute increments until melted, stirring after every minute to prevent overheating.

5. Once the chocolate is melted, dip the eggs in the chocolate and replace them on the foil-covered sheet.

6. If you want to add decorative peanut butter stripes, place the peanut butter chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating. Pour the melted chips into a ziploc bag, and cut a tiny hole in the corner. Pipe stripes, polka dots, or other designs of your choice on the eggs.

7.Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the chocolate and peanut butter chips. Chocolate-Peanut Butter Easter Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. They are best served at room temperature.

Creativity at it's finest . . .

One of my favorite new blogs to follow is Cherry House Quilts. And it's not that I have lots of time on my hands to follow, but it is one that's great to glance at . . . and read, if something catches your eye. And a lot catches mine . . .

Check out her latest blog entry . . . Truly, creativity at it's finest!

Friday Sew Club

Good friendship and conversation is plentiful while they sew. Here is Mary, stitching her second block of Sue Garman's "Ladies of the Sea" applique quilt pattern . . .


. . . while "Fifi" (Gail) is in the kitchen, slicing up the most delectible quiche!


What a delightful group to spend some quality time with, sharing an art we all love: Quilting! I was so thrilled to find out from Roz that there are 4 ladies in the group that are making the Ladies of the Sea quilt (two of which could not attend, this past Friday). I belong to the online Yahoo Group and it is such a treat to make this quilt with new friends.


Above is Mary, Gail, Lynn, Roz, and Mary. Lynn Buske was our hostess and she is such a delightful, kind, and talented woman. Lynn is best known for her creative techniques and informative classes and teaches around the country. She has been quilting for 43 years.

I'm really enjoying my new friends and look forward to spending more time with them. They're fun to be with.

A Brand New Favorite

My taste in fabric runs from contemporary to reproduction and everything in between.

I came across Kelani Fabric Obession's website and had to share it with you. Kelani is an online store based out of Australia and the store owner has a great eye for a variety of contemporary tastes.

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!

Halloween Riddle

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

. . . with a cow?

Answer: A Maisy-Moo

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 :)

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