December 24, 2014 – Merry Christmas!

Christmas nativity scene

 

 

 

 

 

The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we hope that you have had a chance to take some time to relax by quilting.  Whether your plans include time with family and/or friends, a get-a-way vacation, a wedding, etc., we wish you special times with long-lasting memories.  Please keep Christ in Christmas and celebrate God’s gift of love to us.

Merry Christmas!

December 10, 2014 – Christmas Quilts

Noel Christmas Quilt 2014

Noel Christmas Quilt 2014 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noel Christmas Quilt 2014 Cross Hatch

Noel Christmas Quilt 2014 Vase

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noel Christmas Quilt 2014 Trees

Noel Christmas Quilt 2014 Borders

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas is a good time to give quilts as gifts. It’s also a great time to display your quilts by using them to decorate your home as table toppers, wall hangings, couch throws, etc. When you’re unpacking those ornaments, don’t forget your Christmas and winter quilts.

The lap-size quilt above was custom quilted by outlining the appliqued pieces, quilting inside large appliqued pieces, adding cross-hatch quilting in the middle of the two wreaths, stitching a snowflake in the corners as well as smaller squares in the body, adding holly leaves and berries in the borders, and stitching a wispy swirl in the background. A neutral thread was used to blend into the background.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

November 17, 2014 – Completing Mother’s Quilt

Caring for Mother's Quilt  Caring for Mother's Quilt Design

 

 

 

 

 

Some of our most cherished items are quilt tops made by our mothers, grandmothers, other relatives or friends, that were never completed. We want to hold on to these items because they remind us of those dear to us. It’s not surprising that a lot of these items are stored away because we don’t know how to finish them or what to do with them. Now’s the time to bring them out of storage and have them completed. If it has been packed away, it might be a good idea to clean the quilt top before quilting it. Be careful and wash it on a gentle cycle. We recommend that you check all of the seams to make sure they are still intact both before and after cleaning. If need be, repair any loose seams. The quilt top can be quilted either by hand or by machine.

The above quilt was machine stitched years ago by a customer’s mother using 1930’s fabric. It was quilted with the Wisteria design (by Patricia Ritter) using green thread, which matched the green backing.

 

November 5, 2014 – Remember our Veterans

Quilts of Valor Quilt October 2014

Quilt of Valor Quilt
October 2014

 

QOV quilt design 102014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Election day gives us the opportunity to vote for people who represent, and on issues affecting, us as American citizens. Our military men and women help defend the constitutional freedoms that we enjoy. On Tuesday, November 11, 2014, we celebrate Veterans Day, a day on which we show honor and respect for all military personnel (past, present and future) for protecting and serving our country. Remember to fly your American flag on that day. Another way you can show your appreciation is by making and donating a quilt for a person in the military (formerly or currently) who has or is currently struggling with war-related stress. Please check out the Quilt of Valor Foundation website for additional information.

The above quilt was pieced by Marian Beckman for the Quilt of Valor organization. It was quilted by Jeanette using the Star Dance design (by Barbara Becker) and navy colored thread.

 

 

October 29, 2014 – Daylight Savings Time Ends

It’s that time of year when we get to catch up on that hour of sleep we lost last spring. Daylight savings time ends this Saturday, November 1st. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour.  Sleep a little longer on Sunday, November 2nd, and maybe this change will even give you some additional sunlight time for quilting.