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!