Good News, Bad News (But Really Not That Bad!)

I'm going to give you the not-so-good news first . . .

I'm forced to postpone the AURIfil giveaways I've been promising until sometime next month. My husband and I are moving into our new home at the beginning of July, and it's virtually impossible to successfully pull it off without hiccups and perhaps an unplanned glitch or two. As you may know, preparing for a move across several states can be daunting.

When I first planned this giveaway, we were not aware we would be moving. Postponing will allow me to enjoy the giveaway right along with you, as I'll be able to give my full attention to it! In addition, this will be a great kick-off to an idea I'm sharing with you early, in this blog!

With that being said, and as I'm getting my studio in order for packing day, I've decided to make my giveaway even bigger and better!!

I will be giving away lots of Moda pre-cuts,

A Fat Quarter bundle (or more? hmm... )

Some Amy Butler products, a selection of my most popular SuzGuz Designs quilt patterns, as well as packages of generous-size spools of AURIfil thread!

I've been thinking about, and have decided, that I will be starting up a FREE Block-of-the-Month. It will be a re-do of my popular "Take-A-Break" applique quilt. I designed this quilt several years ago when Heather Bailey first came out with her collection called, Fresh Cut. I thought it would be a great time to re-introduce this quilt because the collection has been re-introduced this year, as well; more opportunity for you to find most of the fabrics, if you wish to use them, too. More on this later!

Before we leave our current home, I'll continue to blog and hope that you will follow along. Tomorrow, I'll be taking you through how to make Artist Trading Cards. It was something I did for the first time this weekend, and I know you'll find it as fun as I did!

So stay tuned for my upcoming Suz-A-Palooza!!

Everyday blessings...

Susan

About Sugar Roses, Rouenneries Deux Version

I can honestly say that I've loved every fabric collection by French General for Moda, ever since they were first introduced in 2009.

Rouenneries Deux by French General
After spending many summers in France looking for the perfect French red, I finally found a collection of old prints that represented what rural life looked like in the 18th and 19th centuries. Based on our first collection, Rouenneries, this group of lovely prints is inspired by the red florals that were printed in Rouen, France in the 18th century. Old French red, faded cranberry and natural linen colors all make up a collection that is a perfect combination to create a French-inspired quilt.

This collection has both vibrant and muted reds. I chose to use the more vibrant red tones for my Sugar Roses quilt.

The applique vines, stems, tulips, and bubbles were made using Moda's prairie cloth. I really liked the results because the texture of the cloth lends visual interest and a less formal style, blending in well with the Country French fabrics. A few of the red flower prints from the blocks were used for the applique leaves.

McCall's Quilting: Series Quilt Revealed! AURIfil GIVEAWAY!

I'm so pleased to announce the publication of the July/August 2012 issue of McCall's Quilting. My quilt, called Sugar Roses, is shown on pages 28-32.

Sugar Roses is a series quilt I designed specifically for McCall's Quilting, and the pattern will be featured in a total of 4 consecutive issues. Pick up a copy now for Part I of this 4-part series.

AURIfil Giveaway! See Monday, June 9, 2012 Blog Post For Details!

My favorite AURIfil colors, as seen in my interview on AURIfil BUZZ. See my free quilted pillow pattern!

Sugar Roses was made using Sugar Hill by Tanya Whelan, plus a few fabrics from Designer Essentials, all for FreeSpirit . . .

Sugar Roses, as seen in McCall's Quilting July/August 2012 Image compliments of McCall's Quilting

Fresh and pretty, right? LOVE Tanya's fabrics!

I made a second quilt using the gorgeous reds, tans, and grays combination of French General's Rouenneries Deux for Moda. McCall's Quilting generously provided it as a free Web Bonus (you'll need to purchase the magazine for pattern instructions). If you prefer the look of this beautiful French Country-inspired collection, look for yardage at your local quilt shop or favorite online shop.

Sugar Roses/Rouenneries Deux version, as seen in McCall's Quilting July/August 2012. Image compliments of McCall's Quilting

Next week, I'll share with you a few snapshots of the progression of the applique border I did on the Rouenneries Deux version.

A Quick Lesson In Modern Fabric Stash Building

There has been a trend in fabrics over the past several years, where more vibrant colors are selected for collections. It seems that each one that comes out is fresher than the last. I love the happy, feel-good hues and simple, less-than-complicated designs. Open fields with flower bouquets. Large, tiled prints. Oversize paisleys.

One of my favorite online fabric shops is Over the Rainbow. Laura Van Divier, owner of OTR, recently hosted a sale that I couldn't resist. I found some treasures I'd like to mix into my growing "trend" stash and incorporate into some upcoming projects.

Fabrics from FreeSpirit, Moda, Michael Miller, and Rowan

Of course when shopping sales, it is likely you won't find all of the colors or styles you prefer. My philosophy is to buy what appeals to you, then add in balanced color as your stash grows.

I found the leopard bag handles at a knitting shop that is closing in our tiny downtown. Immediately upon seeing them, a design for a simple bag to stitch up came to mind. A future pattern? Perhaps.

Sign up for OTR's detailed newsletters where you'll hear about upcoming and on-going sales, as well as all of their newest available fabric collections. Besides, when you sign-up, you're registering to win a $10 gift certificate chosen each month.

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.

Sneak Peek: Colourblock Style Quilt

Charcoal.

Ivory.

Parchment.

This isn't a very fair sneak peek. However, when working with magazines, it is best practice to give them first rights to publish, if possible.

I'm very excited to start working on my newest quilt, called: Colourblock Style, scheduled for magazine publication early 2013. It will be a simple design using just 3 colors of Robert Kaufman's marvelous Kona Cottons: Charcoal. Ivory. Parchment.


Charcoal image compliments of http://www.weyriver.co.uk/theriver/industry_6_charcoal.htm
Ivory image compliments of http://www.dailyfinance.com/2008/10/24/animals-and-money-ebay-ivory-and-the-animal-trade/
Parchment image compliments of http://grungetextures.com/photos/1019/dirty-parchment-paper.html

Things are Changing at SuzGuz Designs

 Change is invigorating.
Change is good.
Change allows the direction of your life to move forward and experience new and different things.
 It takes courage to change and it can be scary. But if the idea of making a change excites you, allow your soul to experience it and embrace it.

Next month, my husband and I are moving back to Colorado. We're very excited and we anticipate this as being our last state-to-state move.

The timing is perfect. It always is, with change.

Please join me by re-discovering things you love to do in your life. Investigate a new hobby. Take a walk in your neighborhood and find things you never saw before. Call or write to an old friend you've been thinking about. Do something you've always wanted to do but haven't taken the time to do.

Kimono, by Susan Guzman, donated to Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative, June 2012

Last month, I made my first art quilt. It is something I've been wanting to do since I began quilting, back in 2005/06.

Kimono (back), finished quilt size: 9 1/2" x 11 1/2"

This quilt will be up for auction on The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative's website, soon!