Working with RJR

I received a call out of the blue from RJR Fabrics in February. What a wonderful call to receive from a terrific gal in their marketing department. She asked me to design a quilt pattern for them using a new line of fabrics they have coming out soon. I believe they're introducing the line at the Spring Market in Portland, but it won't be available until August/September.

We ended up doing it in two different color ways from the same line. The fabrics are very 1970's and I had a ball coming up with designs for it. There was one in particular that I'd like to do; kind of a funky play on the patchwork craze of the 70's. I think it would be a great quilt to take to a concert in the park on a summer evening. Be sure to bring your pretty crystal candlesticks, a great bottle of wine, and a nice warm loaf of crusty french bread with some delicious cheese to savor and enjoy.

Being Thankful for What You Have

In the wide spectrum of things, I wonder how often people in America take the time to be thankful for what they have.  Just the other day, I was rinsing out the coffee pot and thought about how precious the water I used to swish around and dump down the sink really is.  I mean think about it . . . we have fresh water coming right out of the tap, and an option for Hot and Cold.  Can you imagine what it would be like to reach for the faucet that isn't there?  To have to wake up in the morning, walk down to the closest stream or river, and fill your jug of water to then heat to make your bowl of oatmeal?

Take a moment and sit down in a quiet room.  No matter how full your schedule is.  Sit and smile and say "Thank You".  Think of your family, your friends, the house you live in, the things you have that bring you joy.  Now go back to what you were doing.  I bet you'll have a terrific day.

Do You EQ...?

One of the best sofware packages out there today for the home quilter or quilt designer is the software put out by The Electric Quilt Co.  I love these people.  They know how to get it done if you have no clue where to begin.

Recently, I was working on my BOM quilt design, wondering how I was ever going to figure out the yardage requirements for the final quilt.  I played around with the software for a while but couldn't figure it out (and I like to figure things out on my own, if I'm able to and there aren't any time constraints).  So I call EQ.  Their phone number is on the inside cover of their User Manual and I ended up talking with Andrea.  This girl is a mathematical whiz.  She had me whipping around my software, changing, adjusting, moving, increasing this field, checking the box on that field, and all that jazz.  We did it!  Okay, 'she' did it.  Thanks for your help, Andrea!  And Penny is just as delightful as you!

It is my sister Ann's birthday today.  "Happy Birthday, Ann!"  I sure wish I could have taken her out to lunch today.  Unfortunately, the miles between us wouldn't permit.  I hope she had a marvelous day!

Tired . . . very, very tired . . .

I have been sewing non-stop for a couple of weeks and I finally finished up the last of it (well, almost).  I finished up the binding of the Asian quilt that will be going in Asian Fabric magazine for March.  I still have to make up the label to stitch onto the back, then I'll pack it away and send it off to the West Coast.  I'll post a picture of it here after it's been officially published.  I hope to do more work with them in the future.  The publishing gal is wonderful to work with!

Russ Adams of The Back Porch Quilter did the long-arm machine quilting for it and it turned out beautifully.  I haven't worked with many quilters because I've always done my own work, except for a few instances.  I'm not very good at it, so it is a blessing to have met Russ and his wife, Rhonda, through my friend, Dana, of Old Red Barn Co.  She's the girl who has the cool blog that I'm so envious of.  She's got the knack for it and I wish I could be like her when I grow up.

Making Basic Italian Tomato Sauce

Do you ever get a craving for a good tomato sauce?

I do . . . and I'm craving it now.  This shows the tomato portion of my sauce.  The rest is a combination of a couple of recipes I've acquired from friends: my girlfriend's mom's recipe and another girlfriend's recipe.  I add olive oil, fresh garlic, celery, carrots, fresh and/or dry basil, garlic powder, and purified water to dilute the paste.  Sometimes fresh onion, too.  That's it!  I sometimes like to take a soup spoon and dip into a cold pan of this stuff the next day, right from the fridge.  Yum!  And it is always better after the first day.  Always.  If you have time constraints but would like a delicious dinner, boil some frozen ravioli and make your favorite oil & balsamic dressing and pour over baby salad greens.  Very easy, delicious, and it looks like you spent all day making it.

Website Block-of-the-Month

I started an Applique Block-of-the-Month Club on January 1st of this year. It's very exciting, as we are now up to 546 members from around the world. Sadly, I've had trouble sending the block out to a handful of people, where their e-mail address is denied. I don't know what to do with them because I have no way of getting in touch.

January's block turned out very cute and I'm using Moda's "Swell" line of fabrics, by Urban Chiks. It is a fun, quirky, colorful line that I love and I'm using the fabrics in rather a non-traditional way. I like to take more traditional designs and put a spin on them, making them playful and whimsical.

I'm working on February's block now. I have most of the pieces cut and freezer-papered, with just a couple of more pieces to iron down, then I can begin sewing them on to the base fabric. I'm excited about this 2nd installment of the BOM, as well! The entire BOM is themed: "Hearts-a-Flutter" and each appliqued block will incorporate the heart shape. There are a lot of wreath designs, although I've also sketched out some other designs that blend nicely, as well.

The finished quilt is also sketched out and I will be developing it into a pattern (all 12 blocks, plus the finishing borders, applique, etc.), and it will be available in quilt shops. It's been a wonderful project to work on and I look forward to making up the finished quilt.

If you'd like to join this BOM, please sign up via my website, here: http://www.SuzGuzDesigns.com/ While there, please check out my newest pattern: Boston Common. I added it today! It is a very versatile pattern that can utilize many different fabric colors and designs.

Ciao!

Someone: Please nominate me . . .

Would someone pleeeze nominate me as the worst Blogger on Planet Earth?!  I think it's a time issue with me.  I actually love to write, but I have to keep my current priorities straight.  Perhaps one of these days, I'll be able to get into the groove of it.  I so admire those who do blog and do it well.

My schedule has been quite full, adding new club members to my 2008 Applique Block of the Month Club, through my website.  As of this moment, we are up to 517 sign-ups from around the globe.  It has become a very exciting process and one I'm so thrilled to have done.  The first block has received a great response, and I'm hoping it helps the club continue to grow.

Check it out on my website, here: http://www.SuzGuzDesigns.com/