Everything Looks Better in White

My husband Erv and I have a running joke, how I believe you can take anything, paint it white, and it will look fantastic! I have tried to do something with this blog to make it look good and, not that I'm there yet, but . . . I just needed to paint-it-white!

I heard on a program, many years ago, that chefs love to use white plates to show off their creations well. I've always stood by this simple rule when it comes to serving up my own creations in the kitchen, but I've also kept it in the back of my mind whenever I look at a beat-up piece of furniture, longing for a new life. So when you're out at a second-hand shop or an antique mall, or happen upon a good yard sale, keep this simple rule in mind and you may end up with a diamond in the rough.

Hancock's of Paducah Has A Braided Love Kit

I was searching for some fabric for a project on Hancock's of Paducah and saw that they have a quilt kit available for the quilt I designed, called Braided Love, for Quilting Treasures (see pictures of the sample quilt in a recent post). So if you're interested, check it out.

Our Online Shop Has Been Updated

Our easy-to-use shop, where you can order our patterns, dolls, and pin cushions, has been updated with more information. You will also find our new RJR quilt design patterns using the Soiree line. Buy the patterns directly from me or, if you're a shop owner, you can order the kit off of RJR's website. Shop owners, you can also order patterns in bulk directly from me for classes in your store.

Have fun shopping!

Two New Patterns And A Class, Perhaps?

A few weeks ago, Russ Adams (my quilter) asked if I would be interested in coming up with a new quilt pattern using a Layer Cake and a Jelly Roll. I combined the two and came up with a new pattern called: Candy Bar Road. There are only two shapes in the pattern and I've used the shapes to come up with two different blocks that are used in tandem. It's super easy to make and I hope the pattern catches on because it's a great way to make up a quick quilt using the latest fabrics. I made the sample top up using the Layer Cake and Jelly Roll Russ sent to me from Moda's Nest by Tula Pink. I sent it out to him yesterday to be quilted and he will be adding the backing and binding before he quilts it. When finished, the quilt will be given away through our friend's blog. I will let you know more when I have more details so that you can sign up for a chance to win it.

So that's the first new pattern. The second new pattern was just drawn up last night using 20 Fat Quarters. I'm going to make up my sample using Christmas fabrics I bought a while ago designed by Anna Griffin for Baum Textile Mills/Windham Fabrics. The fabrics have an old-fashioned, elegant feel to them and I think they will make up beautifully. This new pattern is also very easy to make and I will post a picture when the sample is finished. I haven't finalized the selection of names I've come up with yet, but hope that this pattern will also be one that quilters everywhere will want to use for a fast, pretty quilt.

This past weekend, my husband and I sat down and went over a plan for me to teach a few classes. We relied on his excellent project planning skills to get the project off the ground (I don't know what I'd do without his help!). The preliminary idea is to hold two classes: one, the first week of November, and the second during the second week of November. I'm still deciding on what we'll be making in the classes, but know that it will be geared toward Christmas entertaining and gift-giving. The quilt I drew up last night would be a great one to make during class time and is a strong contender! I'll be back to let you know what's happening when I have the final details.

Have a lovely week! And please feel free to comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Craziness Is Bliss

What is it about being busy and how it fuels us to continue to strive for our best, no matter how long we're at it?!

Well, I've sewed and typed my fingers to the bone over the past month and I'm still going strong. I've had deadlines for 3 magazine issues that come out next March and April and they're wrapping up. Not only do quilt designers design and make a sample of the quilts that will go into print. We also have to write out the instructions on how to make the quilts. In addition, you better know at least a little somethin'-somethin' about layout. This means that if you want to do your best work, you need to learn how to work with graphics so that your visuals can assist your written instructions on how to make the quilt. So many of us are visual and can make something simply by seeing someone first-hand or, if that's not possible, follow step-by-step pictures.

Whatever you do in life . . . give it your all! It brings you such glorious fulfillment and enriches your soul.

Please be sure to stop by periodically and check out our website, as well! We'll be sure to let you know where our designs can be seen in the near future.

Quilting Treasures Breast Cancer Awareness Quilt Design

As promised, I'm adding a picture of the quilt I designed for Quilting Treasures' newest line of fabrics by Karen Neuberger. The name of the quilt is called: "Braided Love", and was designed with Karen's line called: "Pink Companions II". You can find the pattern for this quilt through retailers carrying the line (see Quilting Treasures' website for further information on where to buy the fabric).

Taking A Class At The Local Quilt Shop

When I was at the Spring International Quilt Market in May, I walked up to a conversation going on at Aunt Philly's booth. Phyllis Hause, who is Aunt Philly, was talking with a shop owner about holding a class at her shop in Colorado. Of course, that perked my interest, since I live just south of Denver. I figured that if the shop wasn't too far from my home, that I'd be interested in taking Phyllis' class. I found out that the class would be held at Cottonwood Quilts in Niwot, CO and asked the shop owner if she could add me to her mailing list so that I could take the class. I just called the shop now and signed up for it on August 1. I'm really looking forward to it because I've done nothing but work on my business for the past few years and would love to learn something new. I have some Amy Butler fabrics that I think would make a darling rug for my studio, so I may end up using them. If not, I have plenty of other fabrics that are in my stash (pre-SuzGuz Designs) that I'd love to use up that are bright and cheerful and would bring a great zippity-do-dah to my work space.

Signing up for this class has brought up an idea that has been lurking in the cobwebs of my mind. I've wanted to start teaching, as well. Besides, I really need to start getting myself out there in front of people since I'll be doing so at the Spring Market in Pittsburgh. It has been years since I've been in front of an audience, so this would be a great way of breaking the ice. I'll let you know what sort of classes I'll be developing and will add them to my website when I have the outline ready to teach.

It has been a while since I've made decorative pillows and I've wanted to put together a few patterns of pillows I've made in the past, so that might be a great place to begin. In addition (but, of course!), I'll be able to teach how to make any of the quilt patterns I've designed. I really enjoy being around people and helping them achieve goals, so I can see how this could turn out to be a very fun and rewarding part of what I do.

Please write to me and let me know if there are things you'd like to learn in working with fabrics (crafting or otherwise like window treatments, etc.). I'd love to hear what you're thinking!