The Quarter Inch by Got Kwilts?

Remember this one?

2012-03-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

Good Evening Everyone! Remember about a month ago when I brought this kit home from Gathering Fabric? I finally finished it and it is hanging up at the quilt shop. Aren't these fabrics yummy? I used a design over most of the quilt called cockatiel feathers. I used a separate border design in the cantelope border and managed to tuck a pair of love birds inside a feathered heart right in the middle. See if you can find them! A golden brown thread allover and wool batting. Hope you like it!

Stunning Quilt by Patty

2012-03-05T22:11:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Hope you had a great Monday! Here is a beautiful quilt that Patty made. I believe it is going to be hanging in the Stray Threads Quilt Show coming up in April. The applique is just wonderful. Raw edge with a blanket stitch around it. Nice work Patty! And look at the spools in the middle. Perfect! We used an allover design in the middle called Spools of thread and needles. I decided to use radiating lines outside the applique to help draw the eye out, but I think that I should have also put the lines inside the applique too. What do you think? We used a golden brown thread and cotton batting. Hope you like it!!!

Fairy Wings

2012-03-03T07:02:00.002-08:00

Good Morning Everyone! Hope you have something fun planned for this weekend. Last weekend before daylight savings time changes. Below is a quilt that Sharon made for her nephew who is graduating. Look at all those batiks pieced together. What a fun design. We chose an allover design called Fairy wings with a turquoise thread and cotton batting. Really nice work Sharon! That quilt laid really flat on my frame. Hope you like the way it turned out! Happy "Kwilting" everyone!!!

A Sampler Quilt

2012-02-28T22:22:00.000-08:00

Good Evening! Hope you all had a great day! Wonder if we will be waking up to snow in the morning - can't wait! Take a look at the beautiful quilt that Debra made for her brother's upcoming birthday. It was a sampler quilt that she made quite a while back. We did some semi-custom quilting on it. I used a design called Tangled in the big outer border and a design called Fireworks in the red outer border and in the inner sashings around the middle row. A design called Star Spangled is allover in the middle except for the center row where I did some more custom quilting on those blocks. If you look at the back, you can get a better view of the border designs and I think the basket block turned out really cool. Cotton batting and 3 thread colors: red, cream and blue. Nice work as always Debra! Hope you like it!!! Take care, Richla

Pride and Prejudice

2012-02-27T21:27:00.000-08:00

Good Evening! I just loved that book and movie. When I took a look at the fabrics in Eileen's quilt, that is what I thought of. We picked a design all over called Abundant Feathers with cream thread and cotton batting. It was a blended quilt kit from Gathering Fabric. I actually made one of these quilts too but I like the way Eileen positioned her fabrics. Nice work Eileen! Hope you like the way it turned out.

Oasis

2012-02-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

Good Evening everyone! Hope you all had a great Sunday! I actually got some sewing done for me today and changed up a few things in my sewing space. I can't wait for you all to see! Anyhoo, below is a beautiful quilt that Karen made. I believe it was a kit called Oasis. The fabrics and the pattern are just wonderful! We chose a design all over called Ocean Froth with a variegated thread and wool batting. Nice work Karen! Hope you like the way it turned out. Take care, Richla

Secret Garden

2012-02-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

Oh My Goodness and Happy Friday to everyone! Just take a look at this stunning quilt that Kathy made. It was a quilt made from Gathering Fabric's Saturday Sampler from last year. Why oh Why did I not make this quilt??? Kathy added a few blocks and that teeny tiny triangle border you see on the outside to make it a larger quilt. I don't know where to start -but first off to say that Kathy will be hunting for treasures for a while on this quilt. Boy did I have fun with this one. Birdhouses, swirls and birds flying in the clouds are in the 3 outer borders. Ribbons, bows, fans, flowers, hearts and a cute little bookworm are all worked into the quilt. Kathy brought her own Hobbs wool batting and we used 3 thread colors: raspberry cream, ginger and cream. Nice work Kathy - I can't say enough - you are a great piecer!!! Hope you like it!!! Richla

Sew Expo

2012-02-21T21:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! What a great day we had to stay inside and sew! Take a look at this super cool quilt that Stacy at QWNW made. It is going to hang in their booth at Sew Expo, sooooo, I had to put spools of thread and needles all over the quilt. What do you think? We used Dream 80/20 Blend batting with a salmon pink thread allover. Love the pattern. Nice work Stacy! Hope you like it!!!

2 by Kathy

2012-02-20T22:12:00.000-08:00

Good Evening Everyone! Hope you are loving this rain!!! Here are 2 beautiful quilts by Kathy. The first one is a cute little table topper. We used a block design that is from my wine collection and the outer border is called Sun Valley. I just love the colors in this one and how it is all coordinated - nice work Kathy! Cotton batting and a dark green thread all over. The second quilt is really fun! We used a border design called Bo Sparkle with funky birds in the big colorful section and noodle soup all over in the middle. Variegated thread and wool batting for that puffy look. Hope you like the way they turned out. See if you can find the birds. Take care!!!

Tangled

2012-02-19T21:25:00.000-08:00

What a day! I got alot done today but Phew! I am really glad it is bed time. :)

Take a look at this adorable quilt that Sherri made for her brother for Christmas. It is super soft flannel on both sides and the snowmen are adorable. Look at that border! Nice work Sherri! We used a design allover called Tangled. I think it looks like snow swirling all around the snowmen and wool batting for that puffy look. A neutral creamy tan thread all over. Lovin the quilt! Hope you like the way it turned out!!!

A True Treasure!

2012-02-17T21:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! My little ones are on mid-winter break for the next week. WooHoo! Take a look at this unbelievable treasure that Lyn made for her son. I'm not sure if this was a kit or if Lyn put the fabrics together, but the attention to detail on the fabrics is just amazing. Not to mention the incredible job Lyn did with the applique and putting it together. Nice work Lyn!!! So Lyn does not like stipple, so I ended up doing echoing and lots of swirls so it would appear like wind was dancing around the lighthouses and the boats. I even hid a couple of treasures under the flaps on one of the lighthouses. See it you can find it! Hope you like it - I sure had fun on this one. Take care, Richla

Bliss!

2012-02-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon Everyone! Take a look at the quilt that Nancy made with a fabric line called Bliss! Such nice work Nancy! Your daughter is super lucky!!! The fabrics are wonderful. Nancy gave me a solid white backing - so no pressure on my part. We used a design called Fandangle allover. Nancy brought her own cotton batting and we used a lime green thread. Hope you like it!

Fractured Quilt

2012-02-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

Good Evening Everyone! I can't believe it - but I finished a quilt for me. Well, almost finished - I still have to do the binding AND it is just a wall hanging. BUT, I finished something this year - woohoo! This quilt came from a class I took in January at Gathering Fabric called Fractured Quilt. Eda taught the class and I think the finished result is really cool. You will see on the back of this quilt what the original purple fabric started out as and then of course the finished result. You literally take the same piece of fabric, cut it up, rearrange it and sew it back together. I quilted feathers/pearls in the outer border, snails in the small green border and a design all over in the middle called Tangled. Let me know what you think!

Dragonflys

2012-02-14T17:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hope you are having a great evening! Here is another gorgeous batik quilt by Kathy. She made this one for a very close friend. We chose dragonflys for the outer border and an allover design in the middle called Ferns. Variegated thread and cotton batting. Great work Kathy! Hope you like the way it turned out!

Ocean Froth

2012-02-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

Good Evening! I can't believe tomorrow is Valentine's Day! The year is already flying by - before I know it, it will be 4th of July then Halloween and then Christmas. So much to sew, so much to do! Take a look at this beautiful batik quilt that Kathy made for her daughter. Nice work Kathy! It was super flat on my frame. We chose a design all over called Ocean Froth with cotton batting and a variegated thread. Hope you like the way it turned out!

French Country

2012-02-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I am just loving the fabrics in the quilt below. There is alot going on with the fabrics so it is hard to get good pictures of the quilting but in person it is just wonderful. Mayumi made this beauty - nice work!!! We chose a design called Brocade in the big red border and allover in the middle. Feathers are in the golden yellow border and I put feathers and leaves in the flying geese. Mayumi's initials are in the bottom cornerstone. Wool batting for that puffy look and coordinating threads. Hope you like it!!!

The Vintage Spool

2012-02-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday! Yeah! Lot's of things to get done around the house including to start cutting up my next quilt. Just look at these fabrics. It is a kit down at Gathering Fabric. I'm going to try and get it pieced and quilted so you can see it finished. I'm thinking of putting 2 love birds in a feathered heart right in the middle. The fabric collection is by Verna Mosquera of The Vintage spool. You will have to check out her website at http://www.thevintagespool.com/. This is the softer side of the palette. She also made an applique version which is being carried at Keepsake Fabrics up in Bothell out of the stronger fabrics in this collection. Have a great weekend and if you get out to the quilt shops, then have fun shopping too! Take care, Richla.

Rapunzel

2012-02-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Hope you had a wonderful day!!! If you didn't, then just take a look at this beautiful batik quilt that Trudy made and your day will get better. Aren't these fabrics wonderful?!!! Nice work Trudy! We used cotton batting and a variegated thread all over. The design all over is called Rapunzel. It looks like a big frothy ocean on the back. Hope you like the way it turned out!

Tapestry

2012-02-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned lately how lucky I am to be a longarm quilter?! Take a look at this stunning quilt that Mo made. It is going to be a featured quilt for Gathering Fabric's quilt club April - June of this year. Nice work Mo! We chose a design allover called Tapestry which I think just perfectly fits this quilt. I did some echoing and swirls around the applique block in the middle. A golden brown thread used all over and cream thread around the applique. Hope you like it!

Quilt by Maggie

2012-02-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

Oh this sunshine! Just loving it! I have family in TX and they say it is cold and rainy. It always seems to be the opposite of what we have here. I'll take the sun although I am a fan of the rainy days. Take a look at this beautiful quilt that Maggie made. We used wool batting with a design allover called Sheri Berry. A thread color called Honey allover and super soft flannel on the back. Nice work Maggie! Hope you like the way it turned out!

Hop to It by Pat!

2012-02-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

Hop to it! That should be my new year's resolution!!! Take a look at this gorgeous quilt that Pat made. It was part of Gathering Fabric's quilt club from last year. I just have to pinch myself for being so lucky to get to work on all of the beautiful quilts that come through my door. The downside, if there is one, is that I pour my heart and soul into quilting them and then I want to keep them for my own. :) I will just have to "hop to it" and get some more quilts made of my own. We used cotton batting and coordinating thread throughout. I quilted swirls, radiating lines, echos and some funky pinecones. See if you can find them. Pat - I can't say enough what a great job you did on this one. Hope you like the way it turned out!!!

Woof!

2012-02-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

How many of you have been to Carriage Country Quilt Shop in Des Moines, WA? If you have not been down that way, you need to take a road trip. What an adorable quilt shop!!! I found some really fun quilt tops to make and can't wait to start working on them. Take a look at this cute baby quilt top made by Lyn. How adorable is that patchwork eye and the red bandana?! Love the checkered border. Nice work Lyn! We used cotton batting, neutral thread and a design all over called Wags. Take a close look and see if you can see the dog, dog bones and balls. Enjoy!

Safari!

2012-01-31T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a great day! Looking forward to some sunny weather hopefully this coming weekend! Take a look at this amazing applique quilt that Helen made. I just love the zoo animals. With the exception of the outer border, I disconnected from Thelma and quilted this entire quilt free hand. I wanted the sky to look like the wind was just swirling around and I didn't quilt on the faces of the animals so they would pop off the quilt. I used 2 layers of batting: cotton and wool to help give the quilt a firmer feel since it is going to be a wall hanging and also to help the animals pop. Nice work Helen! I hope you like the way it turned out!

Flashback!

2012-01-30T22:02:00.000-08:00

You need to remind yourself - it is never too late to finish a UFO! Take a look at this super groovy table topper that Debra made back in the 80's. Just look at the fabric and the geometrics of this quilt. Love, love, love!!! I used a variegated thread called Black sand with cotton batting and a design all over called Rapunzel. Hope you like it! Great job Debra!!!

Super Soft Flannel

2012-01-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend! I just finished watching a 6 hour tennis match between Djokovic and Nadal. Amazing tennis!!! Below is a super soft flannel quilt made by Linda for her father's 70th birthday. We chose a design called Frenzy all over. Plum thread on top, chocolate thread on bottom and wool batting for puff! Hope you like it!!!

Amy Butler Purse Class

2012-01-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

Phew! I finally made it to the purse class this past Wednesday up at Gathering Fabric. I had all my pieces cut out and fused before I started and it still took me 5 hours (with help from the instructor Anita Peluso) to get it finished. I was definitely burnt out toward the end but I think the effort paid off. Take a look and let me know what you think. This was a difficult purse for me to make but I can now check it off my UFO list. Yeah!!! And, why didn't I quilt my fabric before I made the purse? Silly me! Anita was a great teacher, so if they do the class again this year, I would highly recommend it.

What a Stash!

2012-01-25T20:55:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this was all made with scraps? What a stash you have Ellen! Nice work putting this one together. We used a variegated orange thread, wool batting and a design allover called Target. LOVE the orange minky on the back. Super soft! Hope you like the way it turned out!!!

Beautiful Batik

2012-01-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

Good evening everyone! Take a look at this batik quilt that Sandy made. Great fabric choices Sandy and nice work putting it together! We used a design allover called Frenzy with wool batting. Hope you like it!

Super cute baby quilt!

2012-01-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! Things were back to normal today in our household. I get bored of the normal routine day, but after all that snow I was glad to get back to normal! Take a look at this adorable baby quilt that Gale made and then take a look at the backing fabric. Evidently the Mom is a "rocker" Mom. Great job Gale! We used a design allover called In the Moment with a light blue variegated thread and cotton batting. Hope you like it!

Autumn House

2012-01-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

I have been having a lot of fun quilting this latest applique quilt by Michelle! How does that saying go? "If you do what you love you will never work another day in your life". I have found what I love... For those of you who have seen my studio, you know that I LOVE applique. I sure wish I could keep this quilt - Michelle you did an amazing job! I decided to use 2 layers of cotton batting and love the effect. I am going to use this from here on out on all my applique quilts. It just gives the quilt a better weight (especially if it is being used for a wall hanging) and the applique just puffs much better. I have quilted alot of treasures in here for you to find. Hope you like it! Enjoy!!! Richla

Lone Star

2012-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a great, productive day!!! I have been quilting away on Thelma and loving every minute of it. I finished an embroidery Lone Star quilt yesterday. This one was made by Peggy. It is amazing the embroidery work those sewing machines can do. Nice work Peggy. I used a design theme called Paisley Floral all over the quilt. I outlined the beautiful embroidery work in the middle. Cotton batting and coordinating thread. Hope you like it!

Quack, Quack

2012-01-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

Good Evening everyone! Another day spent inside working on Thelma and beautiful quilts. Take a look at this super cute baby quilt that Lyn made. She found the pattern in a quilting magazine last year. Nice work Lyn! We used cotton batting and a soft yellow thread with a design allover called Champagne. Doesn't it look like soap bubbles? Take care!

Tropical

2012-01-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

Good Evening Everyone! Hope you are enjoying all the sewing you are hopefully getting done since we are a little stuck with all the snow! Take a look at this beautiful quilt that has alot of embroidery on it. Cathie - you did a really nice job! We used wool batting and a design all over called Tropical. I freehanded the center blue section with swirls. Hope you like it!

Easy Peasy Amish

2012-01-13T16:45:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon! So everywhere I look these days, it seems there is some version of an Amish quilt out there. I did a little bit of research on Amish quilting because I knew one day I would get an Amish quilt to "quilt". Down at Gathering Fabric, they have decided to do a traditional Amish block of the month quilt and then they decided to kit this Easy Peasy version of an Amish quilt.

The pattern was designed by Anita Peluso and she brought it to me to quilt. I discussed with her that the Amish tend to have lots of feathers, radiating lines and grid work. Anita was thinking that we should try a little more modern take on the Amish quilting traditions. After hours of pouring through my design books, I came up with 2 designs. One traditional with lots of feathers and the one I decided to quilt. I am so nervous about what you all will think about this quilt.

I used wool batting with coordinating thread except in the black areas and then I used a dark olive thread. I quilted swirls and pebbles in the outer border, big flowers and snails in the other 2 green borders. Pebbles in the gray squares and flames in the big black triangles and in the center around the floral wreath. Phew! I think it looks super cool - but I fear if the Amish ever saw it they would shake their heads. Would love to have you post comments and let me know your thoughts. Take care, Richla

Rapunzel

2012-01-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

This is just a fabulous quilt made by Peggy! The batik fabrics are wonderful up close. Nice work Peggy - it laid really flat on my frame! We used an allover design called Rapunzel with navy thread and wool batting. Hope you like the way it turned out!

Remember, I am starting a Birthday club this year. If you are interested, just send me an email to gotkwilts@comcast.net with your birthday month/day. On your birthday, I'll mail out a card with a coupon for a quilting discount or free batting. Take care!

Fairy Wings

2012-01-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

Brrrrrr....... Super cold this morning! I have my fingers crossed for a little bit of snow this weekend. We shall see!!! Take a look at this super cool quilt that Marianne made. Check out those fabrics - nice work Marianne! We used wool batting with a variegated thread called Black Sand. The design is an allover design called Fairy Wings. Hope you like it!

Redwork

2012-01-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I just love this adorable quilt that Eileen made. I love the little girls in the white squares. We used feathers in the outer border with a scallop in the inner white border. Diamond cross hatching in the white squares with stippling in between. Cotton batting and Antique Cream thread. Nice job Eileen! Hope you like the way it turned out!!!

Tumbling Batiks

2012-01-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

Wow! This is a second quilt made by Ellen and it is so cool! Nice work Ellen! This quilt is really large - almost 110 inches long and it laid so flat on my frame. You did a great job piecing this together and added your borders properly. We used wool batting and a design allover called Brocade with variegated thread. Hope you like it!

Pointless Stars

2012-01-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Good evening everyone! Hope your weekend was fabulous! I just love the quilt that Lyn made below. It is called pointless stars and the fabrics are just so fun!!! We used wool batting and a design allover called Inside Out with variegated thread. Nice work Lyn! She always leaves a quilt on the bed at this retreat she takes with her best friend. What a nice thought. Hope you like the way it turned out!

Oh, and for those of you who are interested in FREE applique block of the month patterns, shabbyfabrics.com has one that is adorable. They will post the pattern download each month and it is either available on their blog or the free patterns link on their website. Check it out - super cute!!!

Variety

2012-01-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Just looking at this colorful quilt makes me smile. This beauty was made by Barb. We used cotton batting, variegated thread and a design all over called Variety. Hope you like it!

Another Civil War beauty

2012-01-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon everyone! After being in business over a year, I am still amazed that I hardly ever get to quilt the same quilt more than once. There are so many wonderful fabrics and patterns out there. However, this is my 3rd Civil War quilt that was a kit at Gathering Fabric last year. I have signed up for this year's version which is called General's Wives. I can't wait! Anyway, Sheila put together this beauty and we decided to use red/blue/cream variegated thread all over. We chose to use a separate design in the borders with something allover in the middle. The design is called Sherri Berry. I love it! Cotton batting and I managed to sneak Sheila's name and the year onto the bottom. Great job Sheila! Hope you like it!

Hop to It!

2012-01-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous quilt Sheila!!! Happy New Year and here is looking to a great quilting year in 2012! Take a look at this quilt that Sheila made. It was part of the quilt club at Gathering Fabric last year. Sheila, your applique work and piecing skills are amazing! Great job! We used cotton batting and coordinating thread. Lots of fun treasures to discover in this quilt. Hope you like the way it turned out! Take care, Richla

Birthday Club

2011-12-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays everyone! Hope you are all having a great time! I can't believe that 2012 is almost here! I already have a long list of quilting goals for this year. We shall see if I can mark them all off of my list.

I have decided to start a birthday club in 2012. If you are interested, just email me your birthday month and day to gotkwilts@comcast.net. On your birthday I will send out a discount for your quilting service or free batting. Looking forward to seeing all of you and your beautiful quilts in 2012.

Take care,
Richla

Wiggle Weave

2011-12-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

We are getting closer to Santa! Can't wait!!! Look at this beauty that Barb made. Love the pattern! We chose a design all over called Wiggle Weave with cotton batting and variegated thread! Great work Barb. Hope you like the way it turned out!

City Mouse, Country Mouse...

2011-12-20T20:48:00.000-08:00

Remember that cartoon? I loaded this adorable quilt that Debra made on my frame and thought of that cartoon. I just felt like this quilt was saying Country to me and not because of the farm background on the backing fabric. Look at the old fashioned colors and the red tweed fabric. I used feathers and a design called Country cat tails in the blocks and the big outer border. Great job Debra! I think this was one of the first quilts she ever made. We used cotton batting and coordinating thread. Hope you like it!

A Christmas Panel

2011-12-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Hope you all had a great weekend! Here is a beautiful panel quilt made by Jenny for a friend. I love the Christmas panel! We used her own cotton batting and a design allover called Holly Berries with a Golden Ginger thread. Hope you like it! Great job Jenny!

Papillon

2011-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Sue has done it again! Another gorgeous quilt for another granddaughter. LOVE the orange!!! We used a design called Papillon. Huge butterflys and flowers allover the quilt. Wool batting and a variegated orange/hot pink thread. Great job Sue! You sure do have some lucky grand children!!! Hope you like it!!!

Green Zebra

2011-12-15T22:56:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it! All of my company has arrived safe and sound! Phew! Now I just have to get through a week of cooking. We shall see how that goes. I really love the green zebra fabric in the quilt below. Julia made this quilt for a little girl and I think it turned out so cute. She was going to hand quilt it but then ran out of time so I got to work on it. We quilted really large flowers and leaves all over it. Great job Julia! Hope you like the way it turned out.

3 from Cathie!

2011-12-14T22:28:00.000-08:00

Where is the all the rain? I miss it!!! Here are 3 quilts made by Cathie. I believe the first 2 are Christmas presents and the last one is for her. Nice work Cathie! 3 very different quilts and I like them all. The first one we used wool batting and a design all over called Wild Rose. The second one had the ric rack already stitched on it, so we selected several different border designs and used cotton batting. I love the orange! The last quilt has a design called sticky buns allover and cotton batting. Hope you like them!

2 Beautiful Quilts!

2011-12-13T17:16:00.000-08:00

Are you all ready for Christmas yet??? These 2 ladies are getting closer. Take a look at the 2 beautiful quilts below that are Christmas presents. The first was made by Linda for her daughter -in-law. Nice work Linda - love the pattern. We used a design called Sheri Berry allover with a neutral thread and wool batting. The second quilt was made by Jennifer using super soft flannel fabrics down at Gathering Fabric. We used an allover design called Holly Berries, rusty red thread and wool batting. Hope you like them!

Retro Hearts

2011-12-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

Good Evening Everyone! Take a look at this cute quilt that Amy and her 8 year old daughter made. Her daughter picked out all the fabrics and did some of the sewing! Great job! We used cotton batting that Amy provided and used a dark purple thread all over. I decided to do a bigger overall quilting since we were using such dark thread. The design is Retro hearts. Hope you like the way it turned out!

Sneak Peek for Sue

2011-12-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I am posting a picture out of sequence, but since I am seeing Sue tomorrow, I know she would appreciate a sneak peek at one of her quilts. What do you think? I wanted to stay true to the feel of the fabrics but make it sweet for a little girl. See you if can find her name - Hannah. It is actually at the bottom of the quilt, but it came across as a vertical picture. I quilted swirls in the outer border with feathers in the smaller border. Huge feathers in the colorful big blocks and beautiful flowers and swirly ribbons in the white blocks. Of course, wool batting and white thread. Sue - great job - this quilt laid so flat on my frame - it made my work a lot easier. Hope you like it!!!

Goodnight Moon

2011-12-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

This book is one of my girls' favorite books to read! And now it is an adorable quilt panel available at Gathering Fabric. Can you imagine making this cute quilt and wrapping it with the book for a little girl or boy? Great Christmas present. Nice work Jennifer! I used wool batting and an aqua blue thread with stars and moons all over. Hope you like it!

Thelma

2011-12-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

“Remember that time when you and your twin sister Elma got naked in the pantry and covered yourselves in lard and then dumped the flour sack over your heads?” Thelma cackled like a wild chicken right as there was a loud squeak from the screen door. “We’re in here!” They all hollered. “Pull up a seat Eula May, we were just getting started.”

Oh the stories an old quilt can tell. I moved in with my grandparents when I was 12. My grandma (Thelma) was no longer quilting then, but I have heard wonderful and outrageous stories and have created a lot of my own. I would give anything to have been a fly on the wall back then. My PaPa had put my Grandma’s quilting frames on a pulley system so it was easy to pull the quilt they were working on up to the ceiling and down to their chairs when they were ready to quilt again. I only inherited one quilt from my Grandma and that was a large orange Lone Star. I pull it out and look at it and imagine the stores the ladies shared as they were working on it.

I named my Longarm, Thelma, after my Grandma. I wonder what she would think if she could see it? I bet after all the shininess wore off that she would prefer to go back to quilting by hand. Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely LOVE what I do, but nothing beats the look and feel of a hand quilted quilt. I asked my Mom where Grandma’s old quilting frames were and she told me they were donated to a museum out in Van Horn, TX. What a shame I thought! Collecting dust in an old museum when I would have loved to have tried them out here.

How great would it be to just have the door open anytime during the day and a girlfriend or two pop over to help you “quilt” a quilt? I sit here sighing and thinking “why can’t it be like the good old days?” I guess it goes back to living “In the Moment”. Don’t let life get too busy. I have a quilting bucket list and this is on the list. Set aside the time with my friends to “quilt” a quilt before my quilting bucket list actually becomes a “bucket” list……

I have been spending a lot of time with Thelma these past few weeks and I took out my orange Lone Star tonight and enjoyed my memories….If you have any old quilts you inherited, pull them out. I bet they have a lot of stories to share with you.

Oh and PS – the story at the top is true. Can you imagine? Lard and Flour – what a mess!!!

Have a great weekend!

Richla

The Polar Express

2011-12-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

You would never know that the quilt below was made by someone who had never made a quilt before. Great job Ellen!!! She took this class down at Pacific Fabrics. You can not imagine how much piecing is in this quilt and it is huge! Ellen - it laid so flat on my frame, you did a wonderful job. We used wool batting, lime green thread and Sherri's Design (In the Moment) all over. Hope you like it!!

Oh and I just finished watching The Polar Express with my girls. I sure do love that movie. My favorite part is at the end when the train conductor is letting the little boy with all the questions off the train. He looks at the little boy and says "It's doesn't matter where the train goes as long as you get on." Love that line! Take care.....

More Christmas presents!

2011-12-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

Lots of lucky people opening up presents this Christmas! I have posted 2 quilts here. The first one was made by Connie for her grandson. This pattern was slow going to stitch, but it turned out great! It is called Sports Mania. We used it all over the quilt with silver thread and cotton batting. Nice work Connie - your grandson is going to love it!

The second quilt was made by Lyn. Take a look at all of those appliqued stars on the border. Nice work Lyn! Your son is one lucky man. We used wool batting for that puffy look with a design called Celebration all over in the middle. I used a design called Cotton candy (which I think looks like puffy clouds) all around the stars on the border. Hope you like the way it turned out!!!

Collections for a Cause

2011-12-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

I know it must seem like I say I love these fabrics almost every time I write a post, but I really do! These are just gorgeous! Another quilt by Connie. Love this pattern. We used cotton batting and a design all over called Tapestry. Hope you like it!

Super fun!!!

2011-12-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! Look at the quilt Connie made for her granddaughter for Christmas. Love the colors and the pattern. We used Dream cotton batting (it's going to TX) and an antique cream thread. The design all over is called Merrily Hearts and minky is on the back. Great job Connie! Hope you like the way it turned out!!!

Lone Star Quilt

2011-12-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

Remember this quilt? I made this quilt earlier this Spring. It is a kit down at Gathering Fabric. I had a tough time putting it together, so I decided to take Judy Irish's Lone star class. Christi was in that class and this is her first Lone Start quilt. AMAZING Christi! You did a really great job! You are a natural - I bet you will be making more Lone star quilts soon. This quilt is for her Motheri -in-law for Christmas - lucky woman!! Hope you like it!

My daughter is in love!

2011-12-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

Oh Christi! You don't know how lucky you are that you got to take your quilt home. My oldest daughter Sonia loves the color purple. She thought I had made this quilt for her!!! You did a great job. Christi made this quilt for her Mom for Christmas. We used wool batting, white thread and feathers dancing in the white strips and borders and a design called Ocean Froth in the panels. Hope you like it!

A trip around the world!

2011-12-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

I am always amazed at the different designs that come through my door. This one is just wonderful. It was made by Connie for her son who has hodgkins lymphoma. I believe she found the pattern and fabrics at Pacific Fabrics in Bellevue. Connie supplied her own batting and we used a dark green thread all over with a design all over called Holly Berries. Connie you did a great job! Hope you like it!!!

Bloomin Pinwheels

2011-11-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! Kathy made this beautiful quilt from a pattern called Bloomin Pinwheels by Anita Peluso. It is currently a BOM down at Gathering Fabric. I think Kathy used different fabrics but just look how fun and beautiful her fabric choices are. I can't wait until I finish mine! She made this quilt for her guest bedroom. We used wool batting and a golden yellow thread allover. The design she chose was an allover design called Tapestry. Great job Kathy! Hope you like it!!!

Cool Geometric

2011-11-29T20:35:00.000-08:00

Good evening everyone! Take a look at this really cool quilt that Cathie made. I really like this pattern - I have not seen one like this before. We used cotton batting and a design called Luscious Leaves all over. A variegated thread finished it off. Great job Cathie! Hope you like it!!!

Snowbound!

2011-11-28T21:23:00.000-08:00

Jealousy! It can be such a dangerous thing! I am just so envious of this Bunny Hill Snowbound quilt that Pat made. I love Bunny Hill designs and I chose not to make this one because I have so many other applique quilts to make. Darn it - I should have made it. Just look at how adorable those snowmen are! Pat - you did an amazing job!!! Your applique and embroidery skills are wonderful! It was a pleasure to work on your quilt. We used wool batting so the applique really pops up off the quilt. We chose a border design called Along the Way swirl in the outer border, goldilocks is in the small red border and then we used plaid in some of the blocks and swirls and ribbons in the others. Hope you like the way it turned out! We also managed to sneak in Pat's initials and the year 2011. Enjoy!

Orange!

2011-11-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know about all of you, but I have a quilting "bucket list". A list of quilts that I hope to make before I move on. One of those is making a quilt using orange fabrics. I think orange is such a happy color. Clarice made this super cute quilt below. LOVE the fun fabrics! We used wool batting and a design called Spilt Paint. Variegated orange thread all over - I think it turned out great. Hope you all had a great turkey weekend!

The day before Turkey Day!

2011-11-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

I really thought today would be my super busy day as have all my days seem to have been the past month! However, I am quite relaxed today. My husband brought me a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows, the weather is wonderful - gray skies and lots of rain! For those of you who know me, this is my kind of weather. I have a Bunny Hill quilt on my frame called Snowbound. I can't wait to start working on it. And I have holiday music on my tv. Life does not get any better! I am living in the moment right now and thoroughly enjoying it.

Anyway, enough of my happy ramblings - take a look at this gorgeous quilt that Dolly made. Where do you find your fabrics Dolly? I want to go to a tropical destination right now. LOVE your fabric choices. We used wool batting and a design called Ocean Froth. Hope you like it! Take care and have a great day!!!

Another Bargello!

2011-11-22T17:52:00.000-08:00

Feeling like you have seen this quilt before? Tamela made this quilt and so did Judy! I think they took the class together down at Gathering Fabric. The fabrics are the same but they chose a different quilting design for the middles. We used a design all over in the middle of this one called August Rain. The small border is called Goldilocks and the outer border is called August rain leaf. Great job Judy! Hope you like it!!!

In the Moment....

2011-11-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

It can be a dangerouse question that I ask when someone brings me a quilt. I almost always ask "who is this quilt for?" For the most part, I get the typical response: "It's a wedding gift, a birthday gift, a Christmas gift, it's for me! " Then on occasion I get, "It's for my Mom, or friend or child who is dying of cancer." Big breath..... I take a look at the person again and then at the quilt. All the quilts in the cue move back one spot - this one is going on my frame next. It was a day back in August that Patty called and said "I have a couple of quilts for you and is it ok if I bring over a friend?" "Sure I said - the more the merrier." It was that day that I met Sherri Starr. Both Patty and Sherri had made the same quilt but with very different border and backing fabrics. As we were looking through the designs, I asked Sherri who the quilt was for. "It's for me. I thought it would be a nice quilt to keep me warm after I go through my chemo." Really big breath..... I looked up at Sherri and then at Patty and neither one was making a big deal, so I didn't either. We kept looking at designs and kept changing our minds until we opened the page and there was In the Moment. It was perfect! Big voluptuous swirls and big circles bouncing of the swirls. Sherri said "This is it!" It quilted up gorgeous and we were all so happy with how it turned out. I had never used that design before Sherri, but have used it several times since then. Not a time has gone by that I have not thought "There is Sherri's design!" Sherri crossed my thoughts last week and I came up to my computer to look up her number to see how she was doing. My little one started screaming and the puppy started barking and my day got busy and I never called. I received an email this morning that Sherri lost her battle with cancer this morning. Really, really big breath................................................................................................. I was not close to Sherri, but Sherri, you had an impact on me. Life has taught me a valuable lesson today - live in the moment. My life gets busy - really busy. BUT, I should always remember to try and live in the moment. Sherri, I hope your lovely soul has found it's way to heaven. Take care my fellow quilter.....

Just beautiful!

2011-11-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Hope you all are enjoying your weekend so far! Here is a gorgeous quilt that Marianne made. She picked a design called Retro Hearts for the middle with a border design called Along the Way flower. Wool batting in the middle. Great job Marianne! Hope you like it!

Hearts Sonnet

2011-11-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! It is a cool, crisp day here today but NO SNOW! Oh Man! I was really looking forward to that first magical snow. I guess I will have to wait a little bit longer. Take a look at this fun quilt that Chris made for her friend. She said her friend is into music, so she chose a design called Hearts Sonnet all over the quilt. Take a look and see if you see the musical notes. We used a thread called Honey allover and cotton batting. Hope you like it!!!

Soon to be a banner...

2011-11-17T21:59:00.000-08:00

Riley Blake has designed another adorable fabric! Ellen brought me this cute fabric and had me quilt it. She is going to cut out the triangles and make a celebration banner. Won't that be cute! There is one hanging down at Gathering Fabric that Lynn made - you have to go check it out. Toooooo cute! Hope you like it! We used cotton batting and a design called hearts surfing. Have a great day!!!

OMG!

2011-11-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

Oh Betty! Do you just love this bear quilt? Your sister did such a great job!!! I am in love with this big teddy bear right in the middle of the quilt. We used cotton batting with a design called In the Moment all around the outside and then we did a big basket weave around the bear. If you look at the back of the quilt, you can see that I stitched paws in each of the bears circles. Sure hope you like it! The back fabric is minky. Adorable!!!

Holiday Table Runner

2011-11-15T19:25:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how close we are getting to Thanksgiving and then Christmas decorations! Tracie is all set for Christmas with her beautiful table runner. She bought the kit down at Gathering Fabric. I believe this was her first attempt at applique and I think she did an amazing job! LOVE the fabrics!!! We used a design all over in the middle called Christmas bells and a border pattern called Christmas Paisley Holly in the red border. Hope you like it!!!

Table Runners

2011-11-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know how, but I survived today! I'm not sure how it ended up so hectic - but it was just one of those days! It always makes me happy to look at the pictures of the quilts that come through my door. Hope you are enjoying the pictures I am posting too. Here are a couple of table runners that Helen brought for me to work on. I have showed the back side of the blue one. We used cotton batting in both and a design called Dutch on the blue one and a design called Christmas Holly on the second one. Hope you like the way they turned out!

Holly Berries

2011-11-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

I just love to take a quilt off the frame, square it up and then stand back and look at it through the lens of a camera! I am always amazed at what I see. There are so many talented quilters out there! Marianne did this gorgeous quilt. We used a Christmas design called Holly Berries all over with cotton batting. Great job Marianne! Hope you like it!!!

Bargello!

2011-11-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! This bargello quilt is a technique that I am dying to learn. It is on my quilting bucket list. Tamela made this gorgeous quilt after taking the class down at Gathering Fabric. Look at the colors and all that piecing! Great job!!! We used cotton batting with a design called Signature in the middle and 2 separate border designs: Goldilocks in the small border and August Rain leaf in the big border. Varigated thread and I think it just turned out gorgeous. Hope you like it!!!

Civil War Beauty!

2011-11-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

Ok - so I am pinching myself with all of this gorgeous Fall weather we are having. Another glorious day! Hope you got outside and soaked up the sun. Take a look at this amazing Civil War quilt that Kim made. It was a block of the month down at Gathering Fabric. Great job! We used a design group called A Tisket Tasket wtih cotton batting. The center block I managed to sneak in her first initial and some stars. I also managed to get the year 2011 stitched in the bottom 4 posts. See if you can find them! Enjoy!!!

Meow!

2011-11-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous fabrics!!! Take a look at this quilt that Kim made. She got the kit out at Quilter's Garden in Duvall. We used Dream cotton batting and a design all over called Denali. Hope you like it!

Stray Threads Auction

2011-11-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

Ooooooh! I am dangerous when it comes to gambling and auctions. I just love to bid on things that I really want. I bid on several items at the Stray Threads quilt guild auction last Thursday night and managed to come away with this gorgeous wall hanging. Can you believe this is all fabric? And there is a layer of tulle on top of it. I am off to Michaels this morning with my coupon to get it framed. It was made with scrap fabrics from a sewing retreat out at Seabeck. The artist is Jeanette Schurr. Great job!

Wow!

2011-11-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

OMG Dolly! How cool is this quilt? What a great job you did! Love the fabrics! We used a design called Ocean Froth all over in the middle, with 2 separate border designs for the small borders. We used Ocean Froth again quilted very loosely on the huge outer borders so that the quilt would drape nicely on the bed. Cotton batting and black thread. Hope you like it!

Woof!

2011-11-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Where are the dogs??? Take a look at this beautiful quilt that Chris made. Love the fabrics and all the pinwheels. Great job! We used cotton batting and a lime green thread with an allover design called Wags. There are dogs, bones, balls and dog bowls. You will have to look past the pretty fabrics and look at the quilting. I think it turned out cute! Enjoy!

Falalala.....

2011-11-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Cute Christmas Quilt! This super cute quilt was made by Ronda with some help from her 8 year old daughter. I believe the fabrics are by Kate Spain. We used cotton batting and an allover design called Holly berries. Hope you like it!

Super Soft!

2011-11-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

Imagine 3 layers of flannel covering you up while you are relaxing on the sofa watching tv. Sounds cozy!Kathy made this gorgeous quilt doing just that - 3 layers of super soft flannel! No batting - just the flannel. Great idea and great job Kathy! We used a design called soft and sweet all over with a raspberry variegated thread. Hope you like it!

From Tokyo!

2011-10-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

Oh Jill! I just love this quilt that you made for your friend. Great job! Jill lived in Tokyo and bought these wonderful fabrics while she was over there and turned them into a gorgeous quilt. The back is the most wonderful minky I have ever worked with. They have it over at Pacific fabrics and it comes in solids, prints, with the bumps or without. AND, it is 60 inches wide. It is just sooooo soft! We used wool batting and quilted Asian Fans in the outer border, dragonflys in the inner border and swirls allover in the middle. Hope you like it!

A little peek!

2011-10-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Another project almost finished! Yeah!!! This is going to be a Christmas present so I don't want to post a picture of the full quilt, but I wanted to show the horseshoes I quilted all over. I think it is so fun! I used wool batting for puffiness and looser quilting on the horseshoes. Take care!

Flowers for Elizabeth!

2011-10-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Ooooooh! I love applique and just take a look at these big pink flowers. Adorable!!! Sue made this one for her grand-daughter Elizabeth as a Christmas present - lucky girl. I decided to add butterflys to this flower garden. I used wool batting for the puffy look and a neutral thread so those big flowers would really stand out. Not much stitching on top of the flowers so that they would really pop up with the wool underneath. Hope you like the way it turned out!

Great Eye for Fabrics!

2011-10-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

Is this October? Such gorgeous weather we had today - love it!!! I have to say that I am still a quilt kit kind of person. I walk into a shop with usually about 5 minutes to spare and if I see a quilt I like hanging and it comes as a kit - SOLD! I just don't have the time or the eye to put fabrics together. Of course, Debra who made this stunning quilt below does. I would have never put these fabrics together but look how gorgeous they look next to one another. Great job Debra! I managed to quilt in her initials and the year 2011. Look close and you will see it! Hope you like it!

Boo!

2011-10-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! This adorable quilt was made by Carolyn's sister. It is her first quilt that she made for her grand child. She made it from a charm pack and then added some borders. Great job! We used wool batting and a design called sticky buns all over. Hope you like it!

Yellow Brick Road

2011-10-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

What a great sewing day and tomorrow should be even better! That's the great thing about the clouds and the rain. Take a look at the gorgeous quilt that Linda made. The pattern is called Yellow Brick Road. We used wool batting and design call Soft and Sweet all over. One of my favorites! Great job Linda!!!

Crazy Log Cabin

2011-10-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

This quilt is on my list to make. My first quilt had a log cabin block in it and boy did I do a bad job on it. I like this crazy log cabin where you trim everything crooked and then square it up - that is my kind of sewing! Take a look at the quilt below that Sherrill made for her son. We used cotton batting and a design called Sticky buns all over. Great job Sherrill!

Merrily!

2011-10-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

Good evening! Unbelievable the weather today - how lucky are we?!!! Take a look at this beautiful quilt that Susan made. These fabrics are just wonderful. We used wool batting and a design called Merrily all over. Great job Susan! Hope you like it!!!

Pillow finished!

2011-10-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Yeah! One little project finished!!! I think it turned out really nice. I'm not the best at covering piping but it turned out ok. The pattern called for 64 - 2 1/2 inch squares of different scraps of fabric, but I ended up picking 4 strips, sewing them together, cutting them up and stitiching them back together again. It works...Take care!

Red, White and Blue

2011-10-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is just a wonderful quilt!!! Take a look at what Sally made for her grandson Jackson. Love the flags on the border - great job! We used Dream cotton, red thread and quilted stars and loops all over. Hope you like it!!!

Precious!

2011-10-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! What a gorgeous day it was today! Hope you had a chance to get outside and enjoy the weather. Take a look at this precious quilt that Mary made. I love the fabrics and the center panel is toooooo cute! We used wool batting to give it that puffy look and a design called Retro Hearts all over. Love it! Hope you like it too!

Trying Something New...

2011-10-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this quilt that Mary Shelton made. So, so pretty! She picked a design called Manchester leaves for the border and a design called Echo for the blocks in the middle. I think it turned out really nice - great vision Mary - and great work! Hope you like the way it turned out!

Turning Twenty

2011-10-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

I read an article today in Quilting Quarterly about this gorgeous museum that displays beautful antique quilts. As I was looking at the pictures of the quilts, all the descriptions said the same thing: Maker unknown, circa 1830 - 1860, good condition, etc. Some of these quilts were unbelievably beautiful and intricate. It would take me years to make one of these quilts. It made me sad that there was no quilt label on any of these quilts to acknowledge the maker, owner and other tasty bits of trivia. So lesson learned - MAKE LABELS for all of your quilts! Take a look at this fun quilt that Ellen made for her son for Christmas. The pattern is called Turning Twenty. I used Dream cotton batting (it's going to TX) and a design called Inside Out. Hope you like it!

Whoooooo!

2011-10-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

I managed to work on a personal project this weekend and knocked out this quilt I made for my daughter for her birthday in December. LOVE the fabrics and the best part is that they are the softest flannel I have ever laid my hands on! I got the kit at Gathering Fabric. The pattern was designed by Anita. I hope Sonia likes it!!! I used wool batting because you all know I love that puffy look on my quilts and a design allover called In the Moment! Have a great day!!!

Gorgeous!

2011-10-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Take a look at another beautiful quilt that Debra made for her daughter. I think the fabrics and the pattern are just gorgeous. Great job Debra! I quilted a design called Paisley Feather all over and we used Dream cotton batting. Hope you like it!

Hearts Surfing!

2011-10-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Good Evening! Hope you all had a great weekend! We went up to the Harvest Festival in Bothell on Saturday and had a wonderful time. Fall is my favorite time of year! Take a look at the quilt that Linda made. I just love these fabrics! Aren't the colors just so sweet?! We used wool batting and hearts surfing all over. I think it turned out really nice. Hope you like it!

Late Summer Quilt

2011-10-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a fun design? Anita designed and made this quilt for Clothworks. It will be featured in Fons and Porter next summer. The fabrics are really fun - there are lots of little bees in the fabric. I quilted a very primitive flower and leaf all over the quilt. I used wool batting to give it that puffy look. Enjoy!!