World Wide Quilting Bulletin Board

Bug jars can be any size. I had short squatty ones on the top shelf because I used the pages for the bug book panel. All you need to do is decide how tall and or wide you want your jars and cut out a rectangle that size. Then cut four squares of back ground material and sew them on to the jars at the 4 corners, then flipping back and cutting off, so now the jar has slanted corners. Then cut a piece for the jar lid, 1 1/2" by a little longer than the top of the jar.
Add a square of back ground fabric to each end of this "lid"fabric, making the piece the length of the jar width. Now, when these are combined you have a new rectangle to work with. I used sashing between the jars, and because I used different width jars, my sashing was different widths on the different rows to make the rows equal length. Faith in S.CA

After posting my thankyou for the info about canning jar quilts I received dozens of requests for the info I received. As I work full time; it is impossible for me to respond to each request personally. The website for the original directions for "bottle" quilts is:
http://www.hickoryhillquilts.com/creepy.htm
Look for the information labelled "Creepy Crawlers".
There were a number of requests for the directions for smaller jars that was passed on to me by a generous quilter who had made this adaptation. With all of the controversy in the quilting community about copyright and designers getting their due credit, I feel uncomfortable posting these directions. I am hoping that the quilter herself will see this posting and then decide if she would like to post the directions. As well there may be other quilters who have made adaptations to the original pattern who might be willing to share this information. From the amount of requests I received, there are many quilters out there who would appreciate this information.

I'm on The Cotton Club's e-mailing list, but have never ordered from them.
The Cotton Club, P O Box 2263, Boise, ID 83701
Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:30 - 4:30 Mountain Time
Ph#208 345 5567 FAX#208 345 1217
Web Site: http://www.cottonclub.com
E-mail: cotton@micron.net

This is the toll-free number for House of White Birches
1-800-347-9887. I'm sure you could order a catalog direct.

Anita in Illinois

To SBDavis:
There is a CD available through Keepsake Quilting for quilters clip art for about $25.00.

Anita in Illinois

I've just discovered this bulletin board a few days ago and have been enjoying all the hints and ideas since then. I am new to the computor world , and I'm also very new to the quilting. So far it is the most enjoyable creative project I've ever tried to do.and I do a fair amount of them. I'm trying my hand at a Wall Hanging called the Peace Lily's. It seems to be very complicated but I'm going to do it step by step and then it should not be to hard. I love to receive E'mail so if any one has ideas on how to make all this easy please get in touch with me
Oh , By the way Susan in Canada to be 40 again. Have a HAPPY day. I'm in Canada too and am enjoying all the beautiful colours right now . They'll be gone in a few days. Be in touch ,
Grace

Susan in Canada..."Obie"...Haven't you heard that Life begins at 40?! Wish I were 40 AGAIN! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and I hope you get that book ..."Quilting's Complete Guide".

Marty in VT

First, if you're getting old stuff on the classified page or the archives, Kay: You've probably already gotten this answer, but I had the same problem a while ago. You need to go into your browser - in Netscape it's Options, then pick Network Preferences, then choose Clear Cache. Your computer stashes the places you've been and goes back to them because it thinks it's easier than going to a new place. That's why we get stuck somewhere in last week. Kind of like using that same old familiar pattern over and over instead of trying a new one! If only it were as easy to clean the quilt room as it is to clean the cache!
I got home from work and discovered the Quilter's Newsletter on the table. Stuck my leftovers in the micro (hubby at work tonight) and sat down to just "taste" my new magazine. Whoops! I went and devoured every page of it! I usually save them for Saturday mornings, so I feel very piggish - as though I'd eaten the whole bag of Oreos. Two questions: Can you put freezer paper through a printer? I've done it with fabric, but am afraid if I use just the paper it might melt in there or something. I found that site with the hexagons you can print out and would like to be able to iron them right on the fabric. Second, does anyone have the address for the "Cotton Club"? A friend told me it was in every magazine, but I can't find it. She gets good swatches from them for not too much money. Finally: Laura and Georgie - I feel as though I know someone who knows a celebrity! Wow! Lynn in VT where the leaves beginning to look like fall.

I have made two quilted beaded projects. I completely finished the item first ,(wallhangings) then beaded.
The first one was a wedding gift for a friend. I did a crazy quilt type then did a different beaded pattern on each side of each piece. I did use a beading needle, which I purchaced where I got the beads(craft store). Since they are done by hand, it took a while but was really a knock out when done(should have made it for myself). The other was a challenge quilt for our guild, so just embellished as the mood struck me.
try it, but I would recommend a small project and of coase, the more beads you add the heavier the finished item, so if hanging it, put on a sleeve that is sewn on well. I would just wipe it with a damp cloth or vacuum it carefully with somekind of protection between it and the vacuum. It was fun to see it come alive.
enjoy, Carol

My inspiration to begin quilting was my grandmother. (Her mother had quilted too, but she was long gone before I was born, and Grandma only had one quilt that she had made.) Grandma made lots of quilts over the years, all from scraps, and all beautiful. I don't believe she ever bought yards of anything other than for sashings or backings. The tops were all scraps, out of any kind of material she had used to make dresses. Many of her quilts are now faded and in rags; a few, given to her grandchildren when we were old enough to know how much love she had put into them, are displayed with pride. I am the only quilter in my generation, but almost all of us love the quilts. My brother's daughter (age 10) may have caught the bug when I dragged her and her mother to the show in New Braunfels TX last summer. We'll see. It really is hard to encourage it when I only see her a couple of times a year. Grandma says that I put her quilts to shame, but no way is that true. The love and skill she put into those quilts fades mine away entirely!
Cassie is right. One source of double posting, particularly if the first one is incomplete, is hitting the tab key, followed by the enter key (as if to paragraph indent, and then to move to another line.) It will let you sit on the "post it" button and type for a long time if you don't look at what you are writing on the screen.
Laura in Huntsville, AL
PS Sorry for the long posting; remove the asterisks to reply.

My email to you was returned, so I'll post the message here. I was just at Jo-Ann's Fabric this morning, and saw that they have lots of the Dritz-type of rotary cutters. They don't carry the same brand name, but I know they are the same because I have one of the Dritz ones. They are only $4.99 each, so if you want any and can't find them in your area, let me know and I'll pick them up for you.

Kendra in Sunny, Beautiful Seattle

Doesn't JoAnn's have Elvis fabric right now? I thought I saw it...or was it at Walmart....email if you want me to go look. I have to make a shark costume for the annual school play and need supplies anyway..

Connie in Wisconsin (Susan in Chicago, I live only 1/2 hr from Patchedworks...got some more great stores for you to visit too if you want)

A very good friend of mine is looking for some Elvis Presley fabric. I know that it was available a couple of years ago. She would like at least one and one-half yards, however she will take more. Will swap for other fabrics.

Peace, Elaine

Hi again everyone:

Our local fabric store is has some Christmas fabrics on sale.

I thought it would be nice to make a table runner and placemats, and maybe a simple wall hanging.

Keeping in mind that I am an inexperienced quilter, can anyone recommend a pattern or two that I might try for these items..... I don't think I'm quite ready to "wing it" yet!

Thanks

Susan in Canada (sob sob..... will be 40 yrs old tomorrow)

Help !!! Anyone know how to remove ink staind from a quilt ?? Any help would be appreciated ..thank you...Linda from New York

For those of you making potholders, that silvery heat resistant cloth is a nice thing to back them with. I got mine at Hancock store and Nancy's Notions carries it--but it smells AWFUL when you first get it--takes a week or two before you really want to let it in the house. It's also good for casserole totes and curling iron holsters. Gayle in Guam

Just came back from a wonderful quilting weekend with my girlfriend in Northern WI--we went to 5 quilt stores along the way...doesn't get much better than that!! Anyway, our last stop on the way home was Trudie Hughes' Patched Works (WOW). I bought a beautiful piece of hand batik fabric to sew into a wall-hanging. I'd like to embellish it with beads, but would love some advice as I 've never done this before. Do I add the beads before or after I sandwich and quilt? Any help would be most appreciated!! Thanks so much, Susan (in Chicago where it's pouring, and my baby ISN'T snoring, darn it!) Gotta go....

Ok, ladies. One more and then I'll go eat lunch. (It's only 3 pm) Check out this website to make your quilting buddy's day a little brighter!

http://www.all-yours.net/

Then click on The Virtual Postcard. You can send quilt picture postcards with music to your friends. Great way to do your correspondence!

Bertie in Illinois (where it's lightening outside and I'd better get off this computer!)

I'm off to Osaka from the 22nd until the 29th of this month and I was hoping that some of you might know some quilt stores in the Osaka area that could be easy to find by myself. Hope to hear from someone, Happy stitching, Elizabeth.

dritz cutter- if its the one that automatically opens as you apply pressure there is another company that puts those out and their blue, my bernina shop uses those. i will get the name the next time i'm in the shop. i don't use it because i have arthritis or whatever and have no strength in my hands and when i use those i don't have enough strength to appply the right amount of pressure. i sold mine years ago.
Connie i love your exchange sounds like loads of fun!!!
birdhouse patterns -- debbie mumm has some wonderful birdhouse patterns, several
LAura, one of my best friends was also in awe of Georgia and when she came to the quilt show in okc years ago we met her and my girl friend was a riot when she got around her.
love the Georgie girl and the Seekers, my husband thought that was coool we are definitely 50's and 60's record buffs. our children grew up with the loud radio with all the records playing songs from that era. funny when you all have posted several times i have sang the song to myself also.
MY double posts are caused when my computer gives me those stupid proxy errors when i hit post it; because too many of us are using the internet at the same time, and even though it tells me that it didn't take it i find out it did. my refresh is not reliable. oh well cant' live with computers and can't live without them.
glad to hear people are asking for answers to be posted, i wanted to say the same thing.
jojoquilter in okla

Does anyone know of a pattern or have any hints on how
to make men's ties out of novelty cotton fabrics. In
despiration I will take one apart to get a pattern but
would also like advice or thoughts on the matter.
From a sister in stitches.... Louise Girard

Free paper piecing patterns for birdhouse, airplane, flower blocks of the month, AND the Big Red Chicken! and lots more at

http://www.quilttalk.com

Bertie in Illinois (who's procrastinating, can't you see? (VBG)

At top of Bulletin Board (just before the daily postings) Click on " World Wide Quilting Page"

When you get there, scroll down to very bottom
and click on "Misc Quilting Topics". Lots of ideas, including Quillows!

Another neat URL for those of you who like "dark and dusties" fabrics, natural stuff, etc.
P & B has a Naturescapes collection that includes North American animals such as eagles, bears, wolves, deer, moose and elk. Also desert animals, lions, tigers, elephants, etc. all in beiges, tans and earthtones. Pretty neat stuff! At

http://www.quilting.miningco.com/library/bl_bizfabrics.htm

Bertie in Illinois

I've been lurking out here for a month or so, and I've been impressed with the great ideas everyone has. I've sewed off and on since I was young. Now I've been bit by the quilting bug - to the extent of splurging on a new machine and cabinet. I'm really enjoying myself - just wish I had more time to work on all the great ideas I see.

I think this question was asked a while ago, but I didn't note the answer. Where can I find instructions to make a quillow (quilt that folds into a pillow). I'd like to make one for a Christmas gift (might be for next Christmas, as slow as I work <g>).

Thanks in advance.
Faye

For Susan: I got started on potholders with "Log Cabin Quilt Patterns" by Soe Saltkill - it's published (inexpensively) by Dover Books, and it also has several other nice projects. I make blueberry-themed potholders to sell at a local blueberry festival and the're a popular item - I always sell out. Have fun! Betty Boop in NH

For Susan: I got started on potholders with "Log Cabin Quilt Patterns" by Soe Saltkill - it's published (inexpensively) by Dover Books, and it also has several other nice projects. I make blueberry-themed potholders to sell at a local blueberry festival and the're a popular item - I always sell out. Have fun! Betty Boop in NH

For Susan: There are lots of 6" block patterns at

http://www.his.com/~queenb/

that you could use for potholder patterns. You could always make them an inch or two bigger by adding borders./bindings, etc. if you desired.

Use old towels for batting. Makes sturdy potholders.

Bertie in Illinois (whose potholders need to be replaced. Anyone wanta swap some to motivate me?)

Delores...My attempt to e-mail you failed, so if you will e-mail me your snail mail address, I will send you the Dritz rotary cutter that I have and do not use. I get a sore thumb when I use it and it is sitting here collecting dust!! Hope to hear from you...
Shirley in Kansas...where it is finally cool and rainy

Hi y'all,
I was inspired by my boy-friend's - now husband - neigbour who had English paper pieced
hexagons on a piece of styrofoam (18 years ago that was). I fell in love at once! I asked the
inavoidable question I ALWAYS hear from every student I teach: how do you get the paper
out? I have sewn all my life, all self-taught, and then, after looking at these black and white
hexagons, decided I had to learn THAT. Only 4 years later, I talked my mom into taking a quilt
class, and we were both hooked from the very first minute. Both our first quilts were king size,
hand sewn sampler quilts, with fat batt (4" unquilted!!!), we used German cotton prints, decorator
prints, and quilted with regular cotton thread! No chance to get quilting thread in Germany in 1984!
Now my 3 kids are starting to quilt, my 12-year-old son has made a signature quilt top. My 7-year-old
son sews my samples together, and my 5-year-old daughter made a pincushion this spring and is piecing
fabric swatches as well!!!

To Georgie: will try to post you again. What a mess if you don't have email.

I visited our group's show today, only a small show but OH! so beautiful! I have to go again and take
photos. My daughter's quilt almost sold (if I hadn't told them I wouldn't sell it!).

Sue in rainy, rainy Germany

P.S. all requests should be mailed by Oct.16,1998 and the raffle will be held on NOV.3,1998

CPC Quilters are now selling raffle tickets and several of you expressed an interest in buying them. There are a limited amount to be sold. They are priced @ $2 per ticket or a book of 5 for $10... so if you'd send us a (SASE)self-addressed-stamped-envelope (so we can send ticket stubs back to you) along with your check(donation) made out to CPC Foundation and mail it to us at:
CPC Behavorial Health Care
Developement Office
270 Hwy. #35
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Any orders we are unable to fill will be returned as it's on a first come first served basis. Thanks again to all who hepled us, we couldn't have done it with out you and just to let you know--we received yo-yo's from half of the US and a few lovely people from Canada which makes this an International Quilt, and our non-profit organization is very proud of that fact and advertising it as such. Good luck to all and we will ship the quilt AOE(at our expense) to the winner. Sandi & CPC Quilters

CPC Quilters are now selling raffle tickets and several of you expressed an interest in buying them. There are a limited amount to be sold. They are priced @ $2 per ticket or a book of 5 for $10... so if you'd send us a (SASE)self-addressed-stamped-envelope (so we can send ticket stubs back to you) along with your check(donation) made out to CPC Foundation and mail it to us at:
CPC Behavorial Health Care
Developement Office
270 Hwy. #35
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Any orders we are unable to fill will be returned as it's on a first come first served basis. Thanks again to all who hepled us, we couldn't have done it with out you and just to let you know--we received yo-yo's from half of the US and a few lovely people from Canada which makes this an International Quilt, and our non-profit organization is very proud of that fact and advertising it as such. Good luck to all and we will ship the quilt AOE(at our expense) to the winner. Sandi & CPC Quilters

Sorry Georgie for mentioning the song.... hehehe... I just hum it to myself when I see your name, now I will hum and giggle. Wildwoman in the wilds of Alaska

Hello to everyone-
I am lucky enough to be in a fun guild that comes up with lots of activities. Each year we have more than enuf to keep us busy busy busy! I wanted to share with you all a fun exchange that is about to take place at one of the monthly meetings. It's a SACK LUNCH exchange. Some of you may have heard of this. You buy fabrics to represent your "lunch." My friend is doing a Happy Meal, so I thought of a Personal Pan Pizza meal. You are to package your lunch accordingly. I have crusty fabric, sauce (red) fabric, and cheese (yellow)...I put each 1/4 yd of material around a paper plate of a different size and sewed them losely togeter and layered it to make the pizza. I also tied a few buttons on the cheese layer to look like pepperonies. On the side in a stryofoam bowl is lettuce (green). In a glass Coke class is Brown for Rootbeer, and on the top is the foam (cream color)--a straw has been added for looks. For dessert we have a brown cone shaped fabric with Bubblegum ice cream (pink). We were required to include at least 8 quarter yd cuts of fabric, and we are to "serve it" to the person who draws our name. Hope my recipient enjoys every bite!!!

Sew long and prosper -- Connie in Wisconsin

The reason cutters with springs were discontinued was the danger. If dropped by some of us klutzy quilters a serious injury could result. Keep practicing with the guarded cutters and you'll get used to them
Ann in AR

I may have finally figured this out! After we've written the posting and hit the "Post It!" button,
you are given the choice to "view your posting" or submit another (or something along those lines.) It is also suggested that you may have to hit the "Refresh" button on our computer screens (located between the STOP and HOME buttons for those of you new to this computer surfing fun). And...I have found that I may have to hit the REFRESH button a few times to get a new BB page to come up, and actually view my posting.

So...after typing my Kenmore posting, I hit the "Post it!" button, then went back to the World Wide Quilting Page, then to the Bulletin Board from there, and hit the REFRESH button...and there was my posting. Don't know if this will work for the rest of you, but I was going nuts being the victim of double postings. It seems like my REFRESH button is asleep on the job at times and refreshes when it feels like it...hence, your posting is there, you just can't see it! (Grrr!)

Brenda in Indiana

While rearranging the sewing room and actually putting some stuff away (ha!), I unearthed an instruction manual for a Sears Kenmore model 1317. It was in a box of fabric scraps someone had given me several years ago - did some checking and they no longer own that machine...so, if anyone has that particular model of Kenmore and is in need of the owners manual, let me know and I will snail mail it to you.

Brenda in Indiana

I would love to get my hands on a few variations of birdhouse quilt patterns. I would rather keep to a block pattern and stay away from applique. The more the better. Any suggestions is appreciated.

Well, so much for the experiment. I guess the double posting mystery will continue! Cassi

Thank you Laurie from New York,
for the info on House of White
Birches. I agree that it is very
nice to see the replies on the
B.B. It is a great source of info
for me, not to mention all the nice
people you meet.

Melody in PA where summer is still
trying to hang on.

I think I may have figured out the double posting problem and apologize for mine. I believe it happens when I hit the tab button, so I'm going to try it on purpose right now just to see what happens.
Everytime I hit the tab, I lose the little line that indicates where you are in your typing, then I have to click on the mouse to get the line back to continue typing. This may be where all the double postings come from??? Will post this complete message now and go check--Cassi in Ohio

My mother was an avid sewer--but never quilts. She encouraged me to take home economics to learn to sew and I was wise enough at 14 to take her advice. There were no quilts or quilters in my recent family history and my mother is the only seamstress in the family besides me.
So my quilting hero/mentor was Georgia Bonesteel. I was a young adult with two babies alone in a house in a community where I knew nobody. One day I turned on public television somewhere between Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers and there she was encouraging us all to make our heirloom quilt. She had a booklet that you could send away for which I did. Using her patterns and adapting some of my own I made a baby quilt for my oldest child, then 2. I then went on to make an applique'd one for the baby. I eventually bought Mrs. Bonesteel's real books. I still use and refer to them years later.
When we moved to Asheville this summer I was thrilled that we would be just down the road from Georgia. Last Saturday I went to Bonesteel's Hardware Store where, tucked in the back, is Georgia's quilt corner. All of her books and gadgets that she uses and recommends are there plus fabric, books, patterns, etc. She wasn't there, but while I was browsing the phone rang. When the saleswoman answered she said, "Oh, hi, Georgia!" I nearly fainted. I have entered a quilt in the Western NC Quilt Guild's show in October and will join that guild during the show. (It is the guild she is a member of.) I hope to get to meet her eventually.
I know that all this sounds silly--and it is! But when you asked the question as you did--who are our quilting "heroes"--I knew that this is exactly what Georgia is to me and my response to her is hero worship!!!
I don't mind sounding silly! She "rescued" me at a very dark time in my life with a craft that has sustained me for years and years. Because she and others like her took quilting to the airwaves, many of us were reached. I will always be grateful to Georgia!
--Laura in Asheville, NC

MY QUILTING INSPIRATION came from someone I never knew--my great-grandmother, who had the awe-inspiring name of Mary Louisa Adelaide McDonald Hyatt Barron. When I was in eighth grade, I discovered two quilts stuck in the back of our linen closet and fell in love. My mom said they were just "old" quilts made by her grandmother. I immediately snapped them up for use on my bed. One is a lone star in varying shades of solid greens and the other is a dresden plate--prints very much like today's Aunt Grace and Granny's Aprons repros--predomonant colors are pink and blue. From that time on I was hooked. I attempted to embroider blocks for a quilt while in high school but spilled Coke on the blocks. In college I made a memory quilt for my boyfriend (now my wonderful husband) and his aunts put it together. I made a few things over the years until I got serious (and passionate) about this pastime about six years ago.
My great grandmother was, by my mother's accounts, a pretty awesome woman. Her first husband (Hyatt) went off to Alaska for the gold rush and never returned. She eventually had him declared dead and married the Barron guy, who died long before my mom could have known him. Great grandma supervised a hospital laundry in Lincoln, Neb., for years--the 20s and 30s. I have an antique horsehair rocking chair that went from Pennsylvania on covered wagon to Nebraska with her father. They lived in a sod home for a number of years. She died peacefully while sleeping in that rocking chair in 1948. My mother still has quilts that she made under her grandmother's supervision, plus one my grandmother made that is truly spectacular. So I'm fourth generation quilter, though it's entirely possible--actually probable--that my great-great-grandmother was a quilter as well!

That my quilting inspiration--hope it didn't bore you all too much!

PAM--I think you're the sewer who's going to try quilting??? In addition to adjusting to 1/4" seam allowances, plan on adjusting to pressing, not ironing, and pressing the seam allowances to one side most of the time!

GEORGIE: Love that this is a true story, but curses on you for even mentioning that song--it's been running through my mind ever since! Has everyone noticed that the songs that you can't get out of your head are usually ones you don't like?

CHEAP CHRISTMAS GIFT: Can't remember who was looking for an inexpensive Christmas idea--someone from UK because the price was one pound (we don't have the squiggly L pound sign on the keyboard). How about a potholder? Hot pad? Rotary cutter carrying case (just a pocket with a flap and a touch of velcro).

That's all for now--hope everyone down south has stayed dry--wish you could send just a LITTLE bit of that our way---Cassi in Ohio

Buy a piece of green felt.
For Pam:

1. Cut (2) 3-1/2" high Christmas tree shapes. 2. Put cardboard in the middle that's cut 1/4" smaller than the felt pieces.
3. Sew teeny buttons, charms or beads on one piece of tree for "ornaments" or "lights".
4. Then sandwich all three pieces and blanket stitch around the tree.
5. Sew a mediumsize safety pin or hot glue a regular pin on back.

Voila! Beautiful Christmassy pin to wear for the holidays.

Bertie in Illinois

Inkjet ink does wash out of "regular" fabric. Several companies make treated fabric specifically for inkjet printers. I have only used that made by Canon, and have had terrific results. I have washed it without any problems. It comes in package of ten white 9 1/2" X 14" plastic backed sheets. (The plastic peels off after printing.) They includes packets of colorfast solution to rinse it in if you are using a different printer than the ones listed on the package. I have used both a Canon and a HP Printer. It comes out stiffer than regular fabric, but a LOT softer than transfer paper. NJTSieling

To Newbies etc. Someone asked about abbreviations and I found this site a while ago and was able to relocate my info. www.needlearts.dm.net/quiltbee/qbintac.htm Have fun! Bev in Cincy where we NEED some of Georges' moisture.

I would like to find a stencil or design for a
pinecone. Thanks

I would have to say my mother was the one who inspired me to start quilting. As I grew up my mother was a quilter and I remember playing under quilts she had set up in the livingroom. Then when I became pregnant with my first child I made my first quilt, a baby quilt for my son. After that I made my other two children quilts also. Then over the years I sewed double knit scraps together left over from my fashion sewing and tied these quilts. About 10 years ago a friend asked me to join the quilt guild in town and I haven't looked back since. My first large quilt was a Double wedding ring for my son when he got married. I still love it and will probably quilt till the end.
Keep Stitching!! JoAnn - Iowa

Years ago, I bought a rotary cutter made by Dritz. The wonderful thing about it is that it doesn't have a guard that you have to click on and off, it uses a spring to make the guard come up automatically. I love this cutter, but when I tried to buy another, it seems that Dritz n longer makes them. That's a shame, because it is really a superior product. I don't know if I can get into the habit of clicking up the guard everytime I use a cutter, because I'm thoroughly spoiled by the automatic one. Perhaps if enough quilters express their desire to buy one, the company will make them again. I hope so. Mine is still working, but all mechanical things wear ut in time and I really would like to find another. I have several rotary cutters of the click-on guard variety, but I never use them. Why is it that as soon as I've become hooked on a product the manufacturer takes it off the market?
Dolores in MA

Can't get mail out again, this is very frustrating. Sue, I bounce from you, too. Wendy, got your message but my thank you bounced back. Please keep trying. Love to you, Georgie xxx

My quilting group (which also includes sewers and knitters)has been set a challenge to make "something Christmassy" but we are not allowed to spend more than £1 on materials (that's about $1.70.) My mind is a blank but I hope that some of you helpful people can suggest something.
Thanks from
Pam.

Georgie,
my mail to you is bouncing! I have tried to email
you several time, no chance... try to mail me
and I will give you my snail mail. Or, give me
your fax if you have one and I send it that way.
Sue in Germany

I discovered a very interesting site the other night--lots in it. It is called Patchwords. The web site address is http://www.vcq.org/patchwords.htm It is a very informative site. If you want info for your guild program menu, hit Patchwords when you get to the site. Scroll down a few screens and you will find what you are looking for. Hope you find this helpful. Brenda, B.C.

I need ideas for the next year's Quilt Club
meetings. Programs about 1 hour long. Please
send me your ideas or sources that I can find
ideas for meetings.

Thank you for your help.

I would like to find the pattern for a Twisted Ribbon quilt. I was told that what the correct name for a quilt I saw at an Amish store in Indiana. The store did not have the pattern however as it was donated to be raffled off. The quilt was so beautiful, I can't forget it and would love to obtain a copy of the pattern itself. If you have a copy could you please contact me.

I am looking for ideas to make a family tree quilt. I have read "Family Keepsake Quilts," by Vivian Howell Ritter. However, I was wondering does anyone have any additional ideas or can recommend a book(s), articles,etc. for combining pictures with signatures?

Also, does anyone know where I can find a manual for a Singer Model 534?

Thank You,

P.D. Smith

We lost my husbands grandmother, a great quilter, to cancer in December of 97. I recieved her quilting blocks, scrap quilts, fabric and books. It has been great to see all of the neat things she had created. I am looking for ideas for things to make out of her trial blocks. I thought that it might be nice to give a memory to his cousins during the holidays. I have about 20 or so trial blocks, so I would love to hear some suggestions and ideas. Thanks so much, Shelli in OK.

Thank you to every one that has reponded to my request about the pooh bear quilt.
I was wondering if Ellie Madigan could send me her email addy l will then give you my snail addy and you could send me the patterns you found.
Thanks again. Julie (Australia)

Hello,
I am in search of a pieced quilt pattern of flamingos. I have a friend that LOVES flamingos and I would love to make something for her. I am not a fan of applique', sorry! Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!
Judy Berg
Touchstone Labradors/Quilter Too!

TO SARAH: To answer about making your best friend who is expecting, there is a good reference here on the web for beginning quilters. If you sew garments and have won awards, you shouldn't have much trouble. The only wierd part is adjusting to the smaller seam allowance. The famous scant 1/4 inch. The website I've found for reference is:
www.nmia.com/~mgdesign/qor/
It's for Quilters Online Resource. It's a nice website...good luck!

Connie in Wisconsin 8^D

I am sorry for missing the following people off my squishie list, I had sorted them out in 10s in order of arrival and forgot I had another batch to go, so the following ladies are still to get one.

Marie in Saugus, Peg Palmer ( Iwould never forget you, Peg ), Maureen in Portland, and my dear friend Sue in Germany !! Mylo, I can't quite read your address and I don't know if 'Gmseley' Leeds will get you.!! Lyn in Sacramento, have you had a squishie yet?
Please anyone else contact me, my sewing room is not as tidy as it ought to be.

Never been able to listen to The Seekers, 'Hey, there' put me off, but do feel free to enjoy them. Love Georgie.

To Catherine, visiting NYC in October, my suggestion would be to pack "layers" - lightweight jackets, sweaters (jumpers) etc. that you can take off or put on as the temperature changes. NYC in Oct. can be quite warm or cool - hard to predict. To Sarah: I recommend Eleanor Burns' Quilt in a Day - Log Cabin to get you started; it is very clear and straightforward, has lots of info on different sizes. Another book I like very much is Quilts!Quilts!!Quilts!!! by McClun and Nownes - it also begins with basics and has lots of beautiful color photos of quilts. Good luck & have fun! from Betty Boop in NH.

yes, yes, yes, I found Syliva that little devil, but the address said www.crl.com/~studio/, but I could not access her page with it so I just typed in Sylvia's Studio and there she was. She is professional crafter Sylvia Landman and she has a whole array of topics on her page even thread dying, check it out and "favoritize" if you like it. Carol

the address in the box is www.crl.com/~studio/tipshtml
but when I try it nothing comes up that appears to be Sylvia's tips. It is really a worthwhile "favorite" if you can find it.

PC quilt adddress is( per Syliva's Tips) is designer Nina Antze 7061 Lynch Road, Sebastopol, Ca 95472

Sylvia listed 6 quilting softwares available with addresses, 28 quilt related web sites and 5 online quilt groups, so if the address can be found I think many of you would enjoy one of my "favorites", maybe Syliva will see this posting. Carol

Hi Melody! The phone# for the House of White Birches is----1-800-347-9887 8am-5pm EST Weekdays, or Fax 1-219-589-8093.

I enjoy reading everyone's postings on the BB. I wish more people would answer questions on the BB as well as sending an individual email, since alot of us might be interested in the answers as well! That's why I posted this here because someone else may be looking for it too!

Also, the weather in NY right now is changing day to day. The past few days have been very warm, but it has been cool lately also. It's hard to figure at this time of year, Catherine. I hope you have a great trip!

Laurie

I am looking for quilt related clip-art. Does anyone know a good source?

NOT QUILT RELATED!!
Georgie - You got me going on The Seekers. Have you seen their home page at www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Alley/4567/

Does anyone have instructions and/or pattern for making
quilted potholders? I found one on the net one day, failed
to bookmark it, so I am asking for your help. Thanks,
Susan in finally beautifully weathered Fresno, CA.

I am looking for a software program called "PC Quilt"--I need the manufacturer's name and where to purchase it. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks, Claudette

I have posted squishies to the following Quilt for Kay blockmakers. If you sent a block, have not received a squishie and are not on the list, could you please contact me, as I may have misplaced your envelope. Many thanks, love Georgie xxx

Gaye in Minneapolis; Cheryl in Canada, Rita in Tassie, Robyn in Sydney, Mylo in Yorkshire; dear Lavinia in TN, Beeboppallula in Nabraska, Tina, in Eureka !!, Laura Stanhope, Bernie in Genoa, Jeannine, Kathy in New Bedford (sending a magazine, so yours will be a bit slower) and Mary in Vermilion.

I just wanted to thank everyone who sent me information about the canning jar quilts. I think I responded personally to everyone but in case I missed you, I really appreciated the generosity of the quilters who took the time to email me. To the quilter who sent me directions for a smaller size jar; they were perfect! I "put up" blueberries and made a wonderful pot holder.

Hi Cassie, I laughed at your posting, no, it really did happen, my brother was a good friend of Judith. He went to London not long after them and met up with them there. They had been contracted to sing the song "Hey there, Georgie Girl" for the film, and went to London to record it.

I think it would be most informative and amusing being your admin assistant, just sorry I can't apply for the positon, I know I would learn so much from you, and get a lot more done myself, as you seem to be very much more organised than I.

Love to everyone, Georgie xxxx

Most quilters have someone in their lives who inspired them to begin quilting, continue quilting or rise to more complex levels in quilting. I would love to hear from anyone who would like to tell me who their quilting hero is and why. For me, it was the study of the courageous women pioneers of the last century who inspired me to take up quilting. Is your hero an individual or a group? A teacher or a friend? Or maybe your mom or great aunt? Please tell me. My email is aeelman@rocketmail.com

Hello Everyone,
I am looking for the number to order the
catalog for House of White Birches. They
sell patterns, kits, etc.
Thanks in Advance,
Melody in Western PA

Thanks for posting about the Quilt Pins. That website listed for Pinsational is GREAT...uh oh I can see myself waiving bye bye to some money!!

Connie in beautiful, sunny Wisconsin!!

I have seen several questions again about quilt labels and using a printer to make them. The inks in printers and as I have been told also in laser printers is a waterbased ink and will wash out no matter what you do to it. Unless you use some kind of iron on transfer stuff on them. They must be incased in some type of laminate or they will wash out. Even heat setting them with an iron will not help. If in doubt, try a small practice piece then run it under water several times to see if it will stay. Some people will go ahead and make their labels then go over them again with a permanent marking pen afterwards. I have asked if they make a printer ink that is permanent yet and have recieved very vague answers. If anyone else knows if they make a permanent ink for printers please let us all know. Deb in southwest Nebraska

My best friend just told me she is pregnant, and as a gift I would like to make a quilt for her expected baby (not due until late March). Though I am very good at sewing garments (national and state awards), I have never attemped a quilt and don't really know where to start. Could anyone give me suggestions of some good books, magazines, websites, or just some good hints to help me find a starting point. I would really appreciate some advice. Thank you in advance!

sarah

Is there a way to scroll up one screen length at a time? If I hit "Page Up" it goes much farther than I intended. I like to go to bottom of BB and read up instead of reading answers to quilter's questions first.TIA.

Bertie in Illinois

I have this pattern and am now trying to determine the availability of the fabric (Joyful Seasons) which was used in the magazine ad. Will post when I have the info.

Holice

I seem to have the same problem with priorities. My DH and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Christmas last year, and I've been saying for the whole 25 years that I really need a wife! :-) Just think about how much quilting we could accomplish if there was someone else who would do all of the cooking, cleaning, errand running, grocery shopping, etc. What a great time I could have!

By the way, I've been waiting for Hollis to post the information about his star block, but haven't seen anything yet. Did I miss it?

Kendra in Seattle

In a Montgomery Ward catalog (Fall/Winter1895-96) Clark's ONT thread is listed as: 200 yards, black, white and colored. Per spool 4¢." Also, if one purchased 25 dozen spools of assorted threads, you got a spool cabinet; 2 drawer, "No charge for cabinets boxed ready to ship." Don't we just wish? :>)
Shirley Mc in Iowa

Thank you for the details on New York quilt shops. The next question that I have is totally unquilt related but is very important. What is the weather like over there in New York City because I have to pack. In England it is getting cold so I do not want to arrive with all of my winter clothes and find the sun beating down!
Thankyou
Catherine

Hey, guys! Maybe you all (Yes, I'm from the South originally) already knew about this place.
BUT, if you like neat quilt pins, check out

http://www.pinsational.com

No affiliation...blah, blah

Bertie in Illinois where it's rainy but I'm sunny!

Where are the early Sept. postings? I was trying to find the reference to Hollis' block. As I remember it was in 4/94 QN, but I couldn't find it in my copy. Thot I would check, couldn't find postings for Sept. earlier than 9/25. A skip back to 8/31! I know I'm new to this but am I doing something wrong?

I really enjoy reading the Bulletin Board. I have started to clip so many of the hints and resource sites for future reference. I too missed all the information regarding quilts labels - how to create them and how to print them off. Is there special software? Can you use a laser printer? Do you need to do something special to the fabric before you put it into the printer? I would appreciate any information anyone can give me. Also, I am looking for a pattern that makes a jacket out of a sweatshirt. My thoughts and prayers are with those folks in the south who are being inundated with wind and water. Happy quilting. Fran in Central PA where it is a beautiful day (if only I were not at work).

To the person writing about the Feed Sack Quilt, you have me confused. You talked about restoring it but then talked about selling the muslin. You mentioned there's no batting, but then say the batting is stained. And you say the backing is sewn on three sides--what three sides are you talking about? Maybe I'm not reading your messge right--could you explain?

GEORGIE: Are you serious about The Seekers or am I just being gullible??

EXCITED: I'm getting good response for the quilt group starting this Friday, and FOUR of the people interested came from contacts on this BB!!! One came from meeting someone at the Liz Porter class I went to this summer and the rest are friends I worked with on our school quilt last year or friends from church. I think this is going to work out--nice amount of people, hopefully some who will be dedicated regulars, others who will make it as best they can! I've thought about doing this for two years but didn't try it because I was afraid it would really flop. So right now I'm pretty enthused!!!

SWAPS: Occasionally people come on here and ask about good/bad swap stories...just thought I'd let everyone know I've had a good experience with one. This was a 5" charm square swap (actually, maybe it was 5-12", can't remember right now). Anyway, I sent in 140 squares of one fabric and got back 140--all different. I was amazed at the variety--no repeats in the swap fabrics at all and only 1 or 2 match anything in my stash! The quality of the fabrics seems good, everything was supposed to have been pre-washed, etc. Just thought I'd let the curious know this swap worked out well.

ACCOMPLISHING NOTHING: Seems I've managed to overcommit myself to a host of things and consequently am getting nothing done. I sit for hours trying to decide what to do rather than actually doing something. When I finally do get working, it's on the thing that is the least priority! ARRGGHHH! Need motivation...need discipline....need to remember how to say no....need an administrative assistant!!!! No pay/no benefits/apply now! Cassi in Ohio, wishing it would rain before our yard completely dies.

A few years ago I started making a skirt that I saw in a fabric craft store . I purchased all the material and I thought instructions. Circumstances intervened and all was put aside and eventually forgotten. Just recently it was found and I realized I don't have the instructions to complete my project. This skirt was called "the Friendship Skirt" and it is made with block pieces and straight panels. Is there some one that can give me some ideas or even better yet a pattern and decription on how to finish my skirt. I would greatly appreciate this. Thank you

help..help!!!!
my 3 year old son loves winnie the pooh.
l would love to make him a quilt. Dose any one know where l can get a pattern for one or any other ideas
Julie from Australia

I had a wonderful experience this week, I disovered foundation paper piecing. It was very tricky to begin with, I sewed a couple of bits on completely the wrong way, but I ended up with a row of flying geese to be proud of, then a churn dash, then a square in a square. I am hooked !! What is the history of foundation piecing? I am going to get a book of patterns, it was so easy and quick !! I have never imagined myself doing anything other than applique and hand quiliting, but this has opened up a whole new world. Is foundation an acceptable method to use on heirloom quilts?

I am sorry I am so slow with the quilt for Kay, but it is coming along. I have promised myself to do a course on machine quilting, my friends all say it speeds up the quilting process considerably. I am a beginner quilter, and my hand quilting is painstakingly slow. Kay will have the quilt before it is cold, I am working on it, and think of you all each time I make a stitch. Lots of love, Georgie xxxxxx

Our New Thread was the meaning of the abbreviation used on the old spools...a marketing slogan, I guess. Debbie

Dear Martha, one day in the 1960's 4 friends of my brother (he is 6 years older than me) were sitting in our loungeroom in Melbourne, Australia, just before they headed off to London, England. My brother called me out of my bedroom (to where I was banished whenever his friends came around), as they had a song they wanted to sing to me. That was the first time I ever heard 'Hey there, Georgie Girl", and the last time I thought it was cute. Those four friends made up "The Seekers", and you know the rest of the story..... my mother still thinks they wrote the song for me ... isn't she a love... Love Georgina Elizabeth Bull.

Does anyone know of a way to find out more information about feed sack quilts? I am working on restoring one that was made in the early part of this century by my nephew-in-law's grandmother. It has a muslin backing, sewn on three sides, with no batting. Sections of the batting are stained but other parts of the backing are ok. I've heard that I might be able to re-sell the muslin to someone who uses original fabric, but I have no idea if it's worth anything. Any ideas? Thanks!

I am going to Italy next week! I am so excited! I will never live it down if I don't find some great fabric to bring home. I am going to Venice, Florence, and Naples. Does anyone out there know where to shop in these cities. I don't think I can rely on the tour guides. I doubt if quilt shops are one of their regular requests! TIA

Stephanie in Oregon where it's still sunny

Quilts from the Emerald Valley Quilt show! October 3 and 4 At the Lane County Fair grounds in Eugene Oregon. It will be great with over 350 entries, a fashion show, demonstrations, merchants mall and a lot more. Sat. 10AM-6Pm, Sun. 10 AM-4 PM. Cost $3.00.

I have in my "favorite's" Sylvia's tips for crafters and this months selection is Resources for quilters only. It is a 3 page list of quilting software and quilt related world wide web sites-great resource list,BUT I can't find the www. address for her to share with you. I stumbled on to this site once, so favoritized it, thank goodness, because I never found it again. She has addressed all kinds of interesting subjects,. like selling your craft, copywrite infringement etc. SO if anyone know Sylvia's address share it with everyone, it is a interesting site to click on every month for her notes. Carol

Sheri - There's a Peony Quilt in Marsha McCloskey's Quick Classic Quilts which was published by Oxmoor House in 1996. The peony block shown is a variation of the LeMoyne Star, but with only six diamonds (four are the flower and two are leaves) and then an appliqued stem with two leaves. This book contains excellent directions and diagrams. Hope this helps. Marilyn in SD

Just dying to know what the O.N.T. on old C &C
spools mean. Can someone help please? Thanks in advance...Neda in KY

Hooray! I have finished the quilt for my principal's retirement. On the front are 6 schoolhouses. On the back there are about 130 signatures. I added a label with pertinent data and this quote - A man is a success when he brings out the best in others and gives the best of himself. Everyone at school loves it. Since I have tied the quilt instead of quilting it, I have found it to wrinkle a bit when I fold it. Any suggestions?
Carol in Wantage
(ready for my next project)

Question: when do you take the paper off? Before or after sewing the pieced squares together? I read the latter, but had a terrible time with the paper "slipping" when I had so many layers. And then I couldn't get the little corner pieces of paper out when I did it that way. Faith in S.CA

Pam Bourque
I am in the process of making a patchwork quilt. I want to tie it; but, I don't know what types of threads would be suitable for this project. I would appreciate any suggestions.

I am making a quilt top for my sister-in-law and she is interested in one that she saw (and can't find the book again) for a "peony quilt". Is anyone aware of a pattern for this? Thank you!
Sheri Jones

I have 2 strips (1 X 4 blocks) of my great-grand
mothers quilt top. I want to frame one piece as a
wedding gift for my daughter. Do I need to take any special precautions in chosing the type of batting to put behind it, or anything to protect it from fabric eating insects (I'm going to frame it behind glass)?

you can reach the Hoffman fabric Co. in your search box type in www.hoffmanfabrics.com and up will come their web site with lots of options. Carol

I would like to purchase a quilting software product such as Quilt-Pro, Electric Quilt, ect. I'm having a hard time deciding which one as I am unable to demo it. Can anyone recommend one of these products to me who has used it extensively? Please let me know why you like it. Thanks, Carmen.

I will be moving to Germany in two months (Ramstein, AFB) and would like to know what I need to stock up on most before I go. I would appreciate any help on this. Becky Bates

Hi. I was wondering how I can find the latest classified ads. The lastest ads I'm seeing are from 9/15. Are there ads later than that? Thanks for any help.

Jennifer

CATHERINE: I went on a fabric shopping tour with 5 other quilters, in the garment district of New York City. We shopped at a lot of different shops on 38th and 39th St. south of Madison Av. There were some wonderful button shops, and a notion store too. We had a really nice time there.

Liz in CT.

I have been reading the bulletin board with interest for about 6 months, e-mailing directly to those seeking patterns if I know their whereabouts. Today I am piecing a mystery quilt on an Elnita ZZ machine by Elna which was my mother's. I just had it cleaned and am finding it to be very accurate. It is small, lightweight and
does straight stich, zig-zag and a butten hole. I think it will be perfect for carrying to workshops and classes. I don't know if it is still being manufactured, but the repairman commented on what a nice machine it is. Maybe others could think of this as a substitute for the singer featherweight.

Judy in Wisconsin

Just finished catching up on the postings since last Wed.

Went to the Fabric Boutique in Las Vegas. WOW, what a shop!!
They have thousands of bolts, hundreds of books and patterns.
If you ever get a chance to go there, run don't walk. Bought some
beautiful Thimbleberries flannel fat quarters and some fat
1/8ths for my watercolor collection.

Just a quick note about the kindness of quilters. I had to
wait at the shop for my ride to the airport. Time was ticking
away to my flight time and I was getting a little panicky. A
woman was walking up and said, "How nice that people from
out of town visit our quilt shop." I explained to her my dilemna
and asked if she would call my taxi service. Well she said, "Let's do '
this", and whipped out her cell phone. Well, the company finally
showed up and I made it on time, but I couldn't help thinking
to myself how nice quilters are, wherever they live. The kindness
and helpfulness is wonderful. Just hope I can return favors in
kind.

Have a great day!! Susan in Fresno, CA. (Sorry its so long)

There is a nice quilt shop in NYC called The City Quilter. The address i 157 West 24th St., New York, NY 10011, Phone 212-807-0390. The staff were very helpful, the prices were reasonable and the fabrics were great quality. You can easily reach this place by walking over from Penn Station if you come in by train. I wish I could go back, but I'll be busy buying at our local quilt show. I want to buy plenty. It's only fair since DH spent a lot recently on computer toys. Jane C., who is way out on Long Island where the end of September is warm and sunny.

Are there any quilt patterns with Irish subject matter? I'd be interested to see the patterns..Thank you

Hey there Georgie girl!! ( been meaning to say that for a while now, hehehehe..) My guess is yes some people may stash their "out of style" quilts, but I'd be willing to bet that most people keep 'em out on display in some fashion or another. I have a quilt ladder that the Crazywoman made me for Christmas last year and I put everything there!! even the baby quilt I made myself 15 years ago while making baby quilts for my babies, I didn't have one of mine own (quilt) so... I made myself one!! Its kind of fun to see how far I've come in my quilting career. Martha in, we had a light dusting of the white stuff yesterday, Alaska

i buy 1/4 yards instead of fat quarters mostly because i am cheap and i like having the length versius the width. a fat quarter can cost quit a bit more than a 1/4 yard on the old, cheaper fabric (before it got to be 8.98 a yard) but at 2.00 for a fat quarter on the fabric up to 8.00 a yard it was a little cheaper to buy the 1/4 yard.
teddy bear pattern person your e-mail came back, i have several teddy bear patterns if you stil need some.
Susan wow for your fabric prices!!!! and i complain like i do, but is your wage paid base higher than US, and that makes up for the higher cost of living or is your wage base basically the same as ours????
Pandora box templets are made by Shorgenson and good luck to the tiny tiny baby.
Georgia, the 70's quilts are wonderful. A friend of mine bartered for a kit from the 70's and was able through garage saleing to find some fabrics to do borders and sashes with and it is a wonderful, colorful quilt. with those colors you can only handle a little bit though. Machine acting stupid hope it doesn't triple post!!!!
jojoquilter in okla

Sorry, I am off in a week. Can you sense how disorganised I am? I only bought my ticket this morning.
Catherine

I am off to New York City for a conference in a month and I while I am out there I want to visit some quilt shops if possible. Please could you let me know if you know of any good ones please.
Catherine

How are all my quilting and swapping friends in Florida, Alabama and other states doing? Is everyone okay? Hope you all get through the storms safe and well. My thoughts are with you all. Hilde

Just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my basting question. Lots of good answers and I tried it today and it's great!! Knew I could count on you guys.

I had the opportunity to take a machine quilting class from Harriet Hargrave today. We had three hours of lecture and three hours of hands on practice. The time flew by. The quilts she had with her were totally amazing.
She said she has been trying for many years to talk to sewing machine companies about making a machine with a 16" arm rather than the 8" ones we have now - but getting nowhere. If only the sewing maching makers were also quilters!
This was also the weekend of the quilt show that I entered my Bargello heart full size quilt in. It was a bit intimidating, but fun. No ribbon (no surprise, though), but I did get some nice comments by Gabrielle Swain, the judge. She liked my choice of colors (purples, teals and beiges) and said I did a nice job of piecing.
Did quite a bit of shopping at the vendor sites. Bought a full year of Quilter's Newlsetter Magazines ($10) from 1994 so I could see Holice's block. It is beautiful, Holice. Waiting to here more about it when you get back to the BB.
Peggy from MN

SUSAN: a "squishie" is a fabric present sent in the mail in an envelope!! Look on this BB ofr info on foundation piecing, also check "PCPiecers" site out.

My camping friends and I got lots of curious looks as we stitched the afternoon away yesterday. She was hand quilting, and I set up my traveling machine, a Singer 301 that is older than I am. I finished paper piecing 4 (of 6) snowmen, and then my neck said it was time to quit! We really had anticipated cooler camping weather, but it was very warm. Then we got terriffic thunderstorms in the middle of the night. Not exactly my idea of fall, but its early yet.

Liz in CT.

Just caught up on the last week's worth of postings and will share answers to some of the questions.

Mystery Quilts: Information about several mystery quilt sites can be found by a link right from the WWQP main page. It takes you to the following address: http://ttsw.com/MysteryQuilts.html. The Planet Patchwork site also has mystery quilts at http://www.tvq.com/mystery.htm. My personal favorite is the Sunbonnet Sleuth site at http://www.mindspring.com/~quiltmag/mystery/contents.html. This is a link from the QUILT magazine home page. The guild I belong to is just finishing one of the mystery quilts from this site and I've really enjoyed making it.

Fat Quarters: A fat quarter measures 18x22 inches. You get the same amount of fabric as in one fourth yard of fabric but it is cut differently rather than a 9x44 strip. A fat eighth is half of a fat quarter and measures 9 x 11 inches.

DD, DH, etc: Not too long ago, there were several posts explainig many of these abbreviations: Dear Husband (DH), Mother in Law (MIL), Laughing Out Loud (LOL), etc. If you scroll back through the old postings, you will find more of these.

Hope everyone has had a relaxing Sunday. DH and I spent part of the day at an auction. I have all my homework (checking papers, etc.) done for school tomorrow, and actually get to spend the evening finishing the applique border on a sunflower quilt I started at the beginning of the summer! I'll be glad to have that top finished! Marilyn in SD

A geometric eagle quilt pattern based on the familiar Lone Star pattern is available at http://www.dakotawinds.com At their Home Page, chose Crafts, then Quilts. Also have cross stitch patterns and Native American dolls. Other things too so I marked the page so I could return.
Margaret in NE Ohio

Can't resist saying a few words about my favourite machine - it's a Singer slant-a-matic, about25 years old, and has done yeoman service for me over the years. I now own two other machines - one top of the line Janome, but I return to this Singer to do all my piecing. The main reason for this - apart from a perfect 1/4" seam allowance, is visibility. The work area is more towards the front of the machine, it is easy to see exactly what you are doing (or where you are going). It also has centre, left and right needle positions, and either left or right blind hemming stich - which makes it perfect for machine applique. The local dealer says it still has many years of good sewing left. So if you see one - try it out!
Fran - in Ontario Canada, where we had a little shaking from the Ohio earthquake, and a shower of hail as big as quarters!

We are looking for quilters from overseas to participate in our international exchange. We would love to hear from quilters in Italy, Scotland, Switzerland, Mexico, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, New Zealand, India, or any countries in South America. Or if you know of any quilter in these countries who may be interested please pass on their e-mail addresses to me and I will send them our detailed guidelines. Or they may contact me at trequilts@aol.com Thanks Teresa.

I am very new at quilting and have a few really,
really basic questions. First - how much fabric
is in a fat quarter and a fat eighth? Also I am
going to start a quilt but it doesn't show the
back - what the magazine calls the lining. It
says to get 7 3/4 yards of material - but what
kind do I get - It says I will make panels. Also
can anyone explain to me - in simple English how
to do a double-fold binding. Thank you to anyone
willing to help a quilting newbie!!!

Chris

Would someone know what the standard size for a king size quilt would be? I am finding a variety of sizes. Thank You to the two ladies who helped with the fan quilt informations.

Hi, Lynn. Tried to e-mail you about the new machine you bought at the garage sale, but it bounced back twice. Take the zig-zag foot into any store that sells Singer machines and show the sales person. They will be able to sell you a straight stitch foot and a little foot and anything else you need! One thing I like about Singer machines is the availability of parts, etc., even for the older machines. Good luck!

Connie

Oops, forgot a question....

5. What is foundation and paper piecing?

Hello again everyone.....a few questions.....
(hope you don't mind *smile*)

1. What is a "mystery quilt"?

2. What is a "fat quarter"?

3. How about a "squishie"? What is it and how would you use one?

4. In lots of posting, people use abbrevations, like DD, DH, MIL etc. etc... What do these terms mean?

Thanks for the info....

Susan in overcast, rapidly cooling Canada

Would anyone be willing to send me directions for a canning jar quilt. I have seen kits for paper or foundation piecing these, but I am assuming they can also be pieced the old-fashioned way. I have a number of vegetable and fruit fabrics which would be perfect for this project. Please email me directly. Thanks.

can anyone help me locate a quilt appraiser in the detroit, michigan or western suburb area of detroit? thanks for any help.---found a quilt in better than good condition 1841 pattern but no clue as to when it was made or its potential value.

Going to Istanbul tomorrow. Any quilters, quilt shops in Istanbul, Sultanahmet area? Thanks for any info.

HI !
I hawe a lot of Turtlenecks bundled up, only taking up room, but i dont hawe the heart to just throw them away.
So i wonder do anyone have any ides on how to turn them into something useful like in quo\ilts etc.
The T-Neck are mostly plain cottons, and some in lambswool, male sizes (m-l) with 4-6 inches collars.
I am grateful for all tips.

Ruth, Do we know about mystery quilts! Please check out the Hart Felt Classic Quilt site at http://home.earthlink.net/~linhart/clusew.htm. She has a long list! Among those listed, read carefully to find the site for the Twisted Tails Mystery Quilt. It is absolutely adorable. The designer of that one also has a new one out that is a star pattern. I'm sure you can find a link to something you will like here.
--Laura in Asheville, NC

are there any quilters who know about heirship in the state of oklahoma? i need help. please, e-mail privatly.

I have quilt blocks my granddaughter and I put together, padded, and pinned. I have tried machine quilting with little luck. Is there a quilting group in the Columbus, Ohio area which would furnish hands on advice to someone who hasn't quilted since her mother had quilters in for a bee back in the late 20's?

I am looking for a small mystery quilt project, preferrably a wallhanging or tablerunner. Last year at our Blessed Are The Piecemakers Quilt Retreat at the local Bible Camp we had the retreaters work on a mystery table runner. Twenty-three people took turns working on the mystery project. As work progressed on the quilt, a sense of excitement and anticipation of the retreaters was in the air.

The finished mystery is a star tablerunner in Christmas colors and has been donated to the Bible Camp for their annual quilt auction. The pattern is from Kim Graham and is found on the Quilters Neighbourhood site. Thanks, Kim.

We are in the midst of planning this year's quilt retreat to be held in January. Because of the success of the mystery quilt we would like to do another one. Does anyone have a mystery quilt project that we could use? I would appreciate any help that you can give me.

Ruth in North Dakota, where the fields and rolling plains form a patchwork quilt.

I will be going to Canada with my husband next week
and we will be staying at the Delta Chelsea in downtown
Toronto. Are there any quilt shops nearby as I am
addicted to fabric! Any information you can give
me will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Joan :)

My husband was at the state fair at Nashville last week and went to look at the quilts, as he always does. He travels a lot of fairs, fitting dairy cattle, so he has lots of opportunities to see quilts at fairs. Anyhow, he said there was a Cathedral Window there that had a price tag on it for ARE U READY? $6000.00 . My goodness, that seems just a tad excessive. He also loved a quilt there that was branches of a tree, with little birds appliques along the branches, each with a bit of a difference. Like beak open, closed, or with a worm. Tail up or down, etc. He really liked it. Now he's off to Memphis, then North and South Carolina, and I will report anything interesting he sees at these fairs. Happy Quilting. Nancy in Ky.

I've had good luck ordering from www.quilt-books-usa.com
888-QUILT-BK. I have no affiliation with them. Tried to respond to the last book request on the BB. Couldn't get through to the UK address.
Betty
in Virginia

To Jenlew: I'm trying to send you information to reach Lynn Kough however I'm having trouble with your address. Please contact me and I can give you the information.

Oops, forgot to mention, I only paid $7 for it!! Please remove ** to email me, I'm getting sick of the automatic junk mail, too! Lynn in VT

Rejoice with me! Yesterday at a yard sale I bought a Singer "Fashion Mate" machine in case complete with book dated 1963. I got it to give to my daughter who has been handsewing throw pillows and curtains for her apartment. My dilemma? I tried it out and it works like a charm (puckers a little when I do some zigzag stitches, but I think it's just a tension thing and need a little tinkering) and I can't help thinking that it would be great to bring to workshops, etc. Do I give her my old extra machine (which is not great) or this one? Of course, I know the right thing is to give her this one. Real question: it only has one foot on it - the zigzag one - will it be hard to get new ones to fit? Lynn in VT

I'm trying to purchase the above book, there do not seem to any copies available in the UK, can anybody help me in the US. I have used this book and now at least 3 of my students want to buy a copy.

It will add value to your quilt top by using fabric from the same era. You can probably find old fabric thru your local guilt, garage sales,thrift stores or do you have any friends or family with elderly women in their families
You will not like the results if you use present day fabrics. All of your quilting friends will notice immediatly and say(too themselves, hopefully) gee, it is too bad that she didn't use fabric that matched the age of the top. I bought an old top at a local antique show. It is a grandmothers garden. I do not plan on putting a back on because it is so unique looking on the back. It has been quilted on to a damask bedspread then nylon socking have been basted on and then it has all been hand quilted, all 10,000 1" hexagons !!!!! It is in perfect condition. The quilter even centered flowers in each of the petals on many of the units. It has bright yellow for the connecting blocks and if I were to finish it , it would be with old fabric. You will really enjoy it when you are done, good luck, Carol

Susan, I feel sorry for you having to pay such prices for your fabric. One thing to remember when buying fabric. they come in about 8 grades of basic material that the pattern is applied to. So the better the grade the more threads per inch and the softer more silky the fabric feels. The poor the grade of fabric the more easily it is to see the threads and the stiffer the fabric feels(more sizing). In the better grade fabrics you will notice that the dye is all the way threw on to the back of the fabric. The lower grade fabrics the pattern is rolled on, so the back appears really lite or even beige. So buyer beware.
Be sure and set the dye with vinegar solution or a salt solution and be sure to prewash anything that you may question about bleeding or you will really cry the first time it is washed (speaking from experience). The better grade fabrics really don't need to be prewashed, but when in doubt take a little piece and put it in some water and see. I never prewash these good grade of fabrics, but ALWAYS check the lesser grade, so you have to use the fabric that is available to you. Is buying thru a catalog prohibitive for the Canadian quilter? There are so many wonderful available catalogs. Maybe, you and some of your quilting buddies could do a group order, or if coming to the states buy for your other quilter friends. Have fun but be aware. Carol in Oregon

I use metallica needles for machine quiliting and the sewers aid, too. Try running monofilament thread along with the metallic threads, it seems to really help. go slower than usual and be ready to rethread often, go have a cup of coffee, and regroup when the frustration level goes up and the steam is coming out your ears !!
Carol

I want to thank everyone who had suggestions on finding the proper manual for my grandmother's treadle machine. I am amazed at the number of suggestions I received. Thank you to each and every person who gave me an idea!
To P-Palmer, tried to email you, it failed. Our local sewing shop has the original type belts for treadles, cotton cording covered with thin leather. They are $14. Also, my brother works for an industrial bearing company. He says most bearing suppliers have numerous strange belts and lots of people come in there to replace the belts on their treadles...although they won't be the original kind. I think there is a place called Berry Bearing there that would have them....I am a transplanted Northern Illinois citizen. If you would like the info on the original belts, e-mail me.
Sue
Georgetown, TX

Well, I finally did it...after hearing so much about it. Six of my friends got together today with yards of unbleached muslin and dyed lots of fabrics, some socks, baby onesies, shirts, and sweatshirts. Our "projects" are still in the ziploc bags, waiting to be rinsed and admired tomorrow (after 24 hours). Just had to share with someone who would understand what a thrill it was. My MIL, who is here for a visit, thinks we're crazy and should be home cooking and cleaning!!! My DH wanted to know why we couldn't just throw it in the washing machine with some RIT dye. It told him it was kind of like his all day fishing trip today...with no fish, but lots of fun. Besides, we dyed 50 different colors on 1/2 yd pieces of fabric outside in the front yard, with friends, on an 85 degree Indian Summer day!!!

Sally in beautiful western NY (where we had an earthquake yesterday!!!)

I am looking for quilting E-friends in the west of Ireland to exchange thoughts, creative ideas, stories of our local geographies, and the occasional packet of fabrics.

MY daughter in law is looking for a special fabric by Hoffman. It is a celestial with a gold background and red and blue stars, moons etc. I tried but to no avail to find a web site for Hoffman fabrics. I had thought to order direct. Does anyone know of a web site for them or someone who carries a full line of Hoffman?

Has anyone ever seen any fabric with characters doing
Martial Arts? Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Yoga, Sword Play? Possibly
with Asian characters wearing the traditional Gui (black
uniform with buttons down the front?) I live in Ithaca, NY...
but if anyone in the FAR EAST sees this and would like to
help me out...I would be very appreciative!!!!!
Thanks
~Andrea

Does anyone sell quilting frames in central Ohio?

Does anyone have the pattern for an eagle quilt. The one I have seen, was being sold by an Omaha Indian from Nebraska, I wrote to the address she gave to buy the pattern, but never got an answer. It is a geometric type pattern.

Hi all,

Has anyone out there quilted with silk? any hints
and tips? Also the largest square I will be able
to get out of these old ties is 4" x 4", with the
others being smaller. Any patttern suggestions?

thanks,
Olga

Has anyone used the "basting spray"? I saw it in Joann's and I think I saw it discussed on another BB, but not sure. How does it work, or better yet, does it work? Seems like it would sure save on pin basting. Would appreciate any comments, as I'm just getting ready to quilt a new top. TIA Penny

Hi WWQPer's: It's been a long long time since I posted, but I am looking for something.
This year I am making American style vs European style teddy bears. I am located in Ontario Canada and can not find a shop selling the long haired distressed-look Mohair for bears.
If any of you know of a location, a either shop in person or mail order priced in Cdn Money, please let me know.
Many txs Maggie

My great-gran's treadle Singer works just fine although we have a heck of a time finding the belt that draves it. Since we've lost power for several days at a time the last six months I've longed for it. My sis cherishes it with every push. I have the 40 year old Touch'n Sew Mom bought me when I was 12. It works just great and the repairmen and sewing machine sales people tell me to keep it rather than trade it in because of the quality of the innards. The newer machines have plastic or something in the works and don;t hold up as well. I know the walking feet I've bought for the Touch n'Sew last about three quilts before they're trash.
I did a demo on June Taylor's Shape Cut ruler today. I bought one a few years ago and really like it. It makes cutting accurately very easy. I'm a lefty and holding the rulers and cutting is difficult. The Shape Cut gives more area to hold down. They have figures out a way to cut hexigons as well as blocks, strips, triangles, and diamonds. I only wish they had come up with one that had !/4" slits instead of !/2". I sometimes use a second ruler to make the offset, but it's not as accurate. They have a new one out for cutting Dresden wedges that works slick. I'll get it next time they go on sale. There's also a set of templates for charm quilts.- Peg in Chicago where it's hot, muggy, and totally unlike fall. Bet we get thunderbumpers tonight.

Patty:Try Schmetz metallic and quilting needles-see which works best for you.Also-Sewer's Aid lubricant can help:one drop on thread spool,another drop at the eye of the needle.Diane Leone,in "Crazy With Cotton",recommends Needle Release silicone treatment pad;found mine at WalMart for $1.43!
You made need to mess with the tension settings also.-Melinda in Indy

I was interested in the comment made about the new featherweights that sewing machine repair men had said were junk....it may be perfectly true, because I haven't any idea what they are talking about. But I know that in my experience, sewing machine dealers and repairmen have a remarkable tendency toward unpleasantness. For years every time I would take in my venerable Singer to be cleaned (after miles and miles of use) the local repairman would belittle it and try to get me to trash it....I actually didn't buy what I felt was the best serger in town because the dealer was such a phenomenal jerk that I knew I couldn't work with him. Who knows, maybe I just attract bad attitudes.... Gayle in Guam

Sorry, that was supposed to read Sulky, not Suky. Shelley

I tried several different metallic thread on my regular sewing machine and also on my longarm quilting machine. Most did not work worth a hoot! Finally I tried Suky "sliver" metallic thread and had great success. I still have to be careful when using it on my quilting machine, but on my regular Pfaff it works great and I just use a regular needle. Try it! Shelley from Saskatchewan, Canada

Patty,
Try using a metafil or metallica needle with your metallic thread and you will be much happier. I also like to go ahead and use an embroidery needle to sew with the rayon threads. I have much less breakage. Schmetz makes both metallic and embroidery needles and I have a Pfaff machine that they have worked very well with. Good Luck!!
Shirley in Kansas, where it is HOT and WINDY!!!

My sister is moving to Holland and would like to know if there is a Dutch embroidery/quilter group - any leads gratefully accepted!
Regards

To the person wanting information on t-shirt quilts.
I recently made my grandson one using shirts from
his soccer games. Be sure and put a lt. wt. iron
on interfacing on the part of the t-shirt to be
used in your block to keep from stretching, before
you cut it out. I then, put sashing between the
blocks and border around the edge, just like I
would any other quilt. The size of the blocks
will depend on the size of the design and size of
shirt. If you have any more questions, I can help
you with, you may email me direct. Pat in Tx.

There is a great pattern for a mantel scarf in the Tree of Life pattern in a newer quilt book called "Housewarmers".

I found that the Schmetz 90 needle worked best when using metallic thread for machine quilting. Remeber to take your time or the thread will snap no matter what needle you use. Quilting with metallic thread requires a great deal of patience!!!!

I'll be visiting Missouri in the area south of Sedalia. Will also be in the area south of Elkhart, IN. If anyone knows of great quilt fabric shops in these areas, I'd appreciate your recommendations. Thanks. Evelyn in N. Pole, AK

I've been reading the postings about questions on using various threaads for quilting by machine. I too would like to use the varigated color embroidery threads for quilting. My question is, "Do you use a quilting needle or an embroidery needle on the machine to do machine quilting?" I have a lot of problems with the thread breaking especially quilting with metal threads. Want to quilt in metallic for my christmas quilts, but no can do. I use only Schmetz needles in my Pfaff 7570. Any hints would be most appreciated. Patty

I would really appreciate some help....
We just had our first grandchild....a girl....
and her name is Pandora...she's had a rough
beginning.....she's 3 weeks old and not been
home from the hospital yet...but she will be able
to come home soon....
I'd like some information on obtaining the
pattern for a Pandora's Box Quilt...
I've heard it's a difficult pattern...and I'm a
novice...but I'm willing to give it a shot....
Thanks for any help anyone can give....

I purchased a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt top at an auction recently. It is hand pieced and in excellent condition (no discoloration or damage). I need to know if it should be finished with vintage fabric or if I should use some of the new reproduction fabrics. If vintage, where might I find a source? The quilt appears to be late 30's or early 40's.

I am looking for quilt patterned mantel scarves to make for gifts. Any ideas on where I can find printed patterns?

Georgie, Yes, we wait for the colors to become "in" again--and become "in" they will! Look at all the 20's and 30's reproductions that are the rage now! People at Paducah last April were falling all over themselves for the Aunt Grace's fabrics. Now I love pastels--but that horrible bubble gum pink and kitchen green? Oh well! So, I'm sure that the brown and green and orange quilts will be making a comeback--and probably quite soon, seeing as how the 60's and 70's are making a comeback, too. I mean, if MacDonald's new advertising hook is "Groovy," anything can happen!
Laura in Asheville, NC

How can we safely and effectively print fabric (what kind of fabric?) on a HPIIIp lasar printer?

Also, where can we find templates for labeling our quilts? We would like to attach a full history (25 words or less) to each quilt we do.

We are new to the WEB. Make us welcome.

Larry & Sue

We recently lost our family dog and I want to design a quilt to help my children (ages 3 and 4) remember him in a positive way. I don't really want to use photo transfers. I'd love to hear your ideas/suggestions!

My hubby left for work at 6:30 a.m. this morning, so I sat down with a coffee to catch up on the last week's BB postings. I must say, I enjoyed everyone's comments on the Joanne's fabric sale.

I live in Canada in Northern Ontario, in a city of 100,000 people, and I just want to say, it sounds like you're very lucky if you have a Joanne's in your area.

In the city I live in, there are two Fabriclands, (a canadian fabric chain store) and their fabrics for quilting average about $10.00 a metre (39 inches long, 45 inches wide). In the two quilting shops that we have, the average price of their fabrics, Debbie Mumm etc.... is $14.00 - $16.00 a metre. Keep in mind, in Ontario we pay 15% sales tax on stuff too! Neither of the quilting shops EVER put their fabrics on sale. Sometimes Fabricland puts their quilting fabrics on sale, but not too often.

I have been looking for sunflower prints. One fabric shop has two different sunflower patterns (one large print, and a coordinating smaller print) with a royal blue background, and the price is $14.00 a metre.

However, Walmart has seven different sunflower prints with varying background colours in various size prints, for only $9.00 a metre. I just finished a quilt class at a quilt shop, and one of the fabrics in the quilt I got at Walmart for $9.00 a metre and the teacher complimented me on the fabric. I hadn't told her where I purchased it, and she said it was a really nice quality and a unique print.

The queen size Lover's Knot quilt that I am currently finishing cost me about $150.00 for the quilting fabrics, almost $45.00 for my backing fabric and about $30.00 for my batting (Hobbs).

SO, whether you shop at Joanne's or Walmart, it sounds like all of your prices and selection are WAY better than in Canada......

However, even with the cost, quilting is quickly becoming a passion with me!

Susan in Canada

Batting sampler is available for $4.50. It has a square foot of nine types, including wool. It's in the Pine Tree Quiltworks, Ltd. Find them at http://www.quiltworks.com/. They are also at e-mail address of pinetree@quiltworks.com. If you request a catalog, the sampler is #BATT-1

I wonder what happens to quilts made in colours that are not currently 'in'. There are many brown and orange and bright apple green quilts in Molly's magazines, some dating from the 1970s. I can't imagine them fitting in with modern home colours - for example, in Australia the pastels, and the burgundy and cream federation colours feature strongly at present. What happens to those quilts that are not old enough to be antique? Are they folded up in cupboards, waiting for their colour schemes to become popular again? Love Georgie xxx

Hi,

We will be moving to Conyers, GA in the next
several months. Does anyone know of any quilting
groups or quilt shops in the area?

Thanks for any information.

Pat in NJ

I'm intrigued by the idea of wool batt for an autumn/winter bed quilt. We get down to the mid 40's (not too cold) but I don't like having a heavy stack of quilts on me when I sleep.
I also hear it hand quilts beautifully. Are samples available?

DD wants to make her first quilt using fleece. I know nothing about working with this material. Should we opt for flannels instead? Any tips, advice or names of books/patterns would be appreciated. TIA
Diane

I want to make a quilted banner of a jumping salmon as a gift for a new home on a river. I could enlarge the pattern if needed.

Someone requested free cross stitch patterns on the internet and I just fell across this place when checking the BB.
http://www.barrs.simplenet.com/
Hope it is of help and not already been posted. Faith in S.CA

I have only made onw quilt when my first child was a baby (and he is now 32!). I recently heard that someone had made a quilt from comemmorative Tee Shirts. i would like to know how this might be done. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

There are two rather interesting patterns in the new Crafts magazine. One is a paper pieced Christmas tree and the other is a Christmas memory quilt. - Peg in Chicago

in my class today one of the ladies had purchased a new (i mean that they are in production now) singer featherweight sewing machine. she ordered it from the tv and had sewn on it when it came, but took it to two different sewing machine repairmen for their opinion. both told her it was a piece of junk and she should send it back. both of them said they would not work on the machine if she were to bring it in for servicing. that's all i know, but thot i'd pass it on informationally.

anyone wanting to respond to me, leave out the *** (only one junk mail this week!)

OK.......I'm a beginner. I have literally tons of fabric so decided to start with a log cabin block. Could someone please tell me which way to cut the strips: (selvedge to selvedge, or the other way?)

To Ruth in Massachusetts.....I caught your posting to Liz regarding quilt shops in Vermont. I was reminiscing as you spoke of Brattleboro and Hogback Mountain. Yes, I know exactly where the Skyline Restaurant is too. I lived in Greenfield so Brattleboro, Vt. was a close neighbor to us. Sorry to butt in.....just had to put my .02 worth in.
Happy quilting,
Anita in Illinois

Two good sources:
A Circle of Friends by Mary Andra Holmes and Nancy J. Shamy
Memory Quilts by Nancy Smith and Lynda Milligan.

Janet in western PA

I'm looking for a pattern for a baby quilt with a geometric pattern that would form a Christian cross in the center.No applique. Any suggestions?

Candice in Washington --- There is a wonderful book of friendship quilts called Between Friends by Karen Fail. There are wonderful stories and color pictures and several quilts and patterns to choose from.

JoJoquilter in OK -- I've been to one quilt shop in OKC. Can you tell me where the shops are that you know about? Also, I saw your posting about the 1999 quilt show. Where is that going to be held?

Linda in OK

I'm about to do something I know I shouldn't, but if this goes on much longer, I'll just be forced to do it! Somebody please help me be strong enought to stay put! My neighbor has a beautiful fan quilt hanging on the clothesline. Ok, that's fine. I enjoyed looking at it the first day it was there. Now, it's been there for 3 days! ARGH!!! We've had a thunderstorm and it's in the sun, and I just can't take it anymore. I think if it stays there much longer, I'll just have to go and "rescue" it! Where are the quilt police when you really need them?....Tammi in Kansas

I was wondering if anyone had the exact cutting measurements for the bottle quilt block. I have visited the Hickory Hills web site and have printed off the quilt picture. The block is very easy and I could just draw it up but thought it would be quicker and easier if someone already had the measurements. Thanks in advance.
Brenda in B.C., Canada

Hi all,
Does anyone out there have or know of a source for pieced and appliqued quilt patterns from the 40's or 50's? I'm looking for something with flowers. Thanks!

--Mary

Hope this doesn't double posted! and then yesterday corrected my spelling and it still posted with the incorrect spelling, my computer is acting stupid!!!!
Went to our big quilt guild meeting and Joan Colvin was there as the speaker, writes books about animals wonderful, artistic stuff (not me) but interesting.
one of the ladies showed us a wonderful trick for prairie points: take a 3 1/2 square and fold into the points then lay them on a roll of calculator paper the length of your quilt side you are going to put the points on, then you sew them and it holds the points stable so when you get ready to put them on your quilt they won't move and you don't have to fight all those pins. it was wonderful.
am going to make my star of promise block this weekend you people who haven't seen it in color will flip when holice tells you how to get it. i have had mine for a long time and every time i clean i put it on top of my table to make one day for a block contest.
Went to my favorite wonderful quilt store in okc and got the new Quilt It by Quilters Newsletter, their special christmas magazine, it is absolutely wonderful
got only a small amount of dick and jane fabric (two prints) by i think david (alexander henry has one too) and not enough to do anything big with, if someone wants to purchase e-mail me.
the store cannot get anymore and i wanted to make granddaughter full size quilt with it.
hope fla people are ok we don't have tv here at work, most of our people who have relatives in Puerto Rico are all ok, but we were worried for them. jojoquilter in OK

To Sue in Georgetown, Tx. 1-800-322-6980, is
a number for Singer. I don't know if they can
help you, but if not maybe they can direct you
to someone who can. Also, there is a web site,
with Singer on it. I think the address is
http://www.softworld.com
Pat in Tx.

I am looking for 1 yard of a black fabrid with gold honey comb pattern on it. Manufactured by David Textiles.

Sorry! Should have said it was born in 1919-20. Also that the "kind" attitude ridden gentleman at the Singer store sold me the wrong manual. When I called him back, he said it was the only one he had on hand, so something must be better than nothing. The one he sold me was for an electric one that no way would work for mine. Sue, again

Good Morning! I have just been given my grandmother's Singer treadle machine. It is a model 66-3, made in 191-20 and has the red-eye decals. It was the first machine I ever used. My grandmother helped me make a dolly quilt on it when I was about six years old. I was told that any Singer dealer would be able to obtain an instruction manual for me for around $4.00. Yesterday I found the singer dealer. He assured me the manual was the right one and it was only $13.50 for about six pages of xerox copies. I am so upset. I really would like to get the correct manual. Does anyone know where I can purchase one or have one they would be willing to copy off for me? TIA Sue in Georgetown, TX where it is still 96 and very uncomfortable.

This posting is about 2 days late, but someone asked if auntie.com was still alive and well. It is and I have been there today at the following address: www.auntie.com/qzine/main.htm -- The Twisted Tails Mystery Quilt is still up and it is delightful for all those who haven't tried it.
--Laura in Asheville, NC where we are having foggy mountain breakdown this A.M.!

Hi Peg in Chicago! I really like your candles in the lawn
idea. To make this "quilt-related" may I suggest that you
prepare a small star block to accompany a certificate
which declares that a star has been named in your Dad'd honor.
We did this for a friend's 75th birthday and she was delighted.
There is a company that does this for a fee. I can get more
info about it, or perhaps someone else knows who to contact.
All the best...
Angela in Orange County, California

Does anyone know what happened to the magazine Canada Quilts Magazine...I have three copies from previous years, think the last one was in early 1997...is it still in existence?
Happy Quilting!

Does anyone know of a book or website that would show me several patterns for a friendship quilt. I have one book from Better Homes and Gardens called Friendship Quilting published in 1990 but it doesn't give me many ideas. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Candice in Washington state

I have been quilting on a Gammill classic machine for 2 years now and have yet to see classes offered on using this machine. Does any one have info on how to use the perfect circle attatchment for the Gammill machine? Are there any inservices or tapes offered on the attatchments to the Gammill quilting machine? Also, are there any suggestions on ditch stitching horizontal seams without using the 'channel' button? I tend to 'wobble' in areas. Jacki in Mich.

RUTH: thanks for the travel note!! I have added it to the list sent by Lynn (many thanks to you also). Have you stopped at the Brattleboro Country Deli, on Rt. 9, just off I-91? Also Yummy!

Thanks to everyone who responded to my snowman question. I will play with several suggestions this weekend, while camping one last time.

Liz in CT, where we may have picked the best tomatoes yet!

A true charm quilt is made with the use of 1 pattern piece, square, triangle, hegaxon, etc, used over and over. Idea is to use as many different fabrics as possible with no repeats. Dates back to victorian time. It will look scrappy but to say any design will work is not a true definition of a charm quilt.

To: MizM
I've taken one paper piecing class, and the woman who taught the class recommended a small book (about $5 or $6, I think, but don't quote me!) by Carol Doak called Show Me How to Paper Piece. Since it's such an inexpensive book, it should give you an idea whether or not you want to go any farther with paper piecing.

Kendra in Seattle

I am a fairly new quilter (2 yrs.) and have never done any paper piecing. Does anyone know what the best book for a beginner would be? It really looks interesting, but scares me a little (all those little pieces!) Please reply asap if you have any info. Many thanks! Miz M@nauticom.net

To Bertie: Last year I purchased some plastic hexagon shapes called Quilt Pattis which are used to make Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt pattern. I have made about 10 of them from scraps I had -- it's very easy to do and lots of fun -- and they are portable so you can do them in the car, in MD office, etc. etc. Please let me know if you want more info and I will try to get it for you. I think I just saw them in a recent catalog I got -- will have to check. MizM

Liz in CT asked about quilt shops in Vermont. Although I am not the person she specifically asked, I thought I would be a little pushy and make a recommendation. I live near Boston but go to Vermont frequently on business and always try to scope out quilt shops.

In Wilmington, VT, at the junction of Routes 100 and 9 (southern VT) is a shop called the Norton House which always has a very nice selection and nice staff, too. It is attached to a nice General Store which sells some of the best fudge I've ever had! Wilmington has a lot of nice shops and is worth the stop. If you follow Route 9 East for a few miles (toward Brattleboro), at the top of Hogback Mountain is a restaurant called the Skyline which has an incredible view of four states (and yummy waffles..I guess I eat my way through Vermont! :-)

Enjoy!
Ruth in Massachusetts

I'm sorry to post this to the BB, but have tried to
search myself, with no luck. I know that a lot of quilters
are multiskilled and I am sure there are some cross stitchers amongst
us. I would like some cross stitch sites with free patterns
for my my mum.

If you can help me please email me privately.

TIA

Anne in Perth, Australia where it is cold, wet and windy

Last night, someone asked about a charm quilt, this is quilt made of many fabrics, each used only once, so it looks like a scrap quilt, can be whatever design. often this is done by exchanging fabric with others to get different prints. You can also purchase squares in many catalogs to acquire the fabric. Good luck to the new quilter, keep asking questions and try new things!!

Lois in Illinois

My mom wanted 75 candles on the lawn for Dad's birthday. I finally got water pipe foam wrap and cut the tubes into 12" lengths. We wrapped them in 1/2 of a white garbage sack, stuck a piece of red foil in one end for a flame, and stuck a plastic knife in the other. We swirled red duck tape around to make the stripe. Hopefully, the knife will hold the candle in the ground so it won't blow away. She got the idea of making a birthday cake with two plastic swimming pools, but if I transport them 300 miles in my Escort, we would have room to take the kids. Anyone else got nifty ideas for a 75 th birthday? I'm open to all suggestions.- Peg in Chicago

The HEX graph paper is at: http://ares.redsword.com/dduperault/hexpaper.htm. Paula/GA

I am looking for fabric with the Curious George character. Does anyone know of this fabric and where it can be located? I would appreciate any help with this. Thanks. Mav.

Once upon a time, I happened upon a page that had hexagons for paper piecing Grandmother's Flower Garden. I printed off a couple pages to try. Thought I saved that file but can't find it. Does anyone know where it is so I can go back there and print off some more hexagons for paper piecing. These are sorta addictive and very portable. Not as hard as I once thought.

Thanks, ladies. Have a good quilting day!

Bertie in Illinois

I'm such a rookie using the internet. I asked if anyone knew of a pattern for flying geese done in a circle yesterday but gave the wrong e-mail address. So does anyone know of a pattern?

Georgie--I read your initial posting on the Star of Promise block and went right down to the sewing room to my magazine stash. I didn't hold out much hope that I would have it because my older 'zine collection is spotty. Got to the '94's and there was February-----March-----MAY! I was so mad!!! Is there any other way to see it? Is it on the web? Can anyone scan it? Boo-hoo! I guess I have to wait until Holice gets back for more info!

I'm having a blast. Just finished a 9-patch swap, finishing a mystery quilt, starting a Sawtooth Star swap! Have never done ANY of these things before and am really enjoying it. Yes, I SHOULD be working on my UFO's. But my father would remind me of the cross-stitch I made him many years ago: I WILL NOT SHOULD ON MYSELF TODAY!!!

--Laura in Asheville where the sunlight has turned golden

went to the sewing and quilt expo in baltimore last weekend and took a class called "Fun with Chenille". We use and olfa srip about 5/8 inch wide. Where told they be sold in the merchants area, but they were sold out and the only answer we got was, that to have Joann order them. I was disapointed we paid 6 Dollar Kit fee, but only got 8 pieces of muslin 10 inc square.Had only time to finish half the project. I think they should have at least giving us a change to somehow to get this strip or finish the project. My question is, does any one know where to buy one? Happy quilting Hannelore

Flying geese in a circle are on Caryl Bryer Fallbert's website under free pattern. It is at http://www.bryerpatch.com.

Can anyone give me Kay's home telephone number, please, as I would like to give her a ring and have a chat. I would needher international number, everthing past the 00 - the state number, district number and her number, please. Love to you all, hope you got to look at Holice's Star of Promise, I can't stop thinking about it. Maybe we could all make one, take it to Alaska and make an Alaska 2000 quilt, that would be expecially good if Holice were there. Love Georgie xxxx

I've just moved to Berlin, Germany, and I would like to join a quilting organisation here (if there is one), but I have no idea where to start looking for one. Any ideas?

A quilting buddy of mine purchased a Zook frame, made in Anderson Indiana. It arrived with no instructions re set up. Meanwhile they've gone out of business and the quilt shop they operated thru, changed hands. Does anyone have this frame and some instructions they'd be will to share?
Nancy in Northern Wisconsin, soon to SW Florida where we hope we'll still have a home.

Is there a pattern for circlular flying geese such as Judy Mathisen's 4 rows that circle her mariner's compuss?

Is there a pattern for circlular flying geese such as Judy Mathisen's 4 rows that circle her mariner's compuss?

First thanks for the help with Challenge ideas. A good friend has "Quilt Pro" and has used it some
but as we both have always done our designing with
"Clariworks"she still tends to fall back to that.
Edith in Kitwanga,B.C. Can.

I am trying to fine this old website... does it still exist???

Hi Everybody,
Seems like for ever sence the last time I posted!!!! Last week-end I went on a long road trip to take a car to a friends garndson. But well worth it, the Mother turned out to be a quilter, so you know we got along just fine. She was working on a baby quilt for first grandchild, so was able to help get it done. And would you believe, out in the middle of no where I found a QUILT shop?? Yes, I found something I just couldn't live with out!!!!LOL :-)
Am leaving for a Sewing Expo in Billings Mt. tomorrow. Should be a fun week-end and what do you want to bet I find more than one Q-shop???

Cindy, just wanted to "dito" what Judy said...

Liz in Ct, how about a Top Hat to help fill some of the space on the smaller ball block???

Best go find my bed for now, talk at ya'll when I get home...
Susan in (fall is here) Montana

has anyone else ever used regular artists watercolors to paint on fabric to be used in an art quilt? I love watercolors and how they look on cotton. Acrylics and textile paints just aren't the same. I understand that the quilt cannot be washed, but I wouldn't wash an embellished art quilt anyways. Nor would I wash a regular watercolor painting. Ideas, concerns, insights? please write! I can't get info from anyone so far and I don't want to regret using these paints!

Could someone please post a teddy bear qiult pattern as I can't seem to find one

Thank you

I am iterested in learning how to tie quilts and what is a charm quilt? as a new quilter soe terms still confuse me. help.......

I'm try to make a receipe block printed on the printer, here's what I did, printed on fabric with the printer, heat set it, then test washed it and most of it washed out. Can any one tell me what I'm doing wrong? Do I need to use special ink if so what kind?

Please help I'm doing some blocks that need done soon, & cann't figure this out.

thank you
Bobbie

I'm writing here on the bulletin board to thank everyone
for all the great responses regarding the Owl pattern that
I needed. There were just too many to answer individually.
Thank you all so much! I will be able to make a pillow for
a friend that collects Owls. A sister in quilting has generously
offered to copy her pattern and send it to me. Again, the bb
and all the thoughtful people that read it have helped me. Lucky
us to have this home away from home!

Angie

I am looking for a quilt pattern with rocking horses on it to make a quilt for my daughter. If you know where I can obtain one, please let me know. Thanks

Help! Some of our guild members got together and swapped fabric. Now we all have to make a quilt out of 33 different pieces of fabric. There is a wide range of colors, but they mostly fall in the reds, greens, off-white, and yellow categories. I have no idea what to make. We can add up to two other colors if we wish. This quilt must be done in six months. If you have an idea please write. Robin

Hi Holice, thanks for the info on quilt challenge.
We have discussed your ideas and think we will include your suggestions. We will probably have 4 catagories however, being
Miniatures not to exceed 16 x 16
Max 160 circum
Larger Quilts (not to exceed ____)
Other (table toppers, dolls, etc.

We really like the idea of 1/2 yd. each and do what you will.....Thanks ...we truly appreciate your input...Boblinmol@AOL.com (linda)

Hi, I'm looking for a Rose of Sharon Pattern that has one large Rose of Sharon in each block. The petals look similar to hearts with the points touching. And Rose buds (four) coming out of the outer edges of the Rose. I've already got the border I want. Have looked at many patterns, Do you have the one I want?? Thanks. Happy Quilting

Concerning Kay,

I have noticed a few postings lately, concerning Kay's whereabouts! She is in the midst of a busy school year and is still awaiting the hook up of phone lines and computer systems. I haven't a clue as to what the exact hold up is, but Kay is very frustrated about it and is trying hard to be patient.

This years' class is ready to get quilting, but as of yet, they are just getting prepared for their project. Kay told them that she does have to teach them reading and language too! They will be paper-piecing signature blocks that will be mailed to all of the state Senators, (I believe that is who Kay said would be mailed the blocks). Then the signed blocks would be mailed back to the students and assembled into a quilt. I'm not exactly sure how all of this will work, and she was hoping to tie in quilters from all the 50 states too, but I don't know exactly how.

I received mail from Kay yesterday containing the instructions of a block that she got from a class she attended last Saturday. With the instructions was a short note saying that she would appreciate my prayers, because her medication, (for depression), didn't seem to be working. I will be calling her tonight to see how she is feeling. So keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and hopefully things will straighten out and get better.

My sister could also use your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. She will be having a hysterectomy due to some problems she has been having. Many of you may have read about my sister back in May. We appreciated all your well wishes and I copied all your e-mails for her. Things are doing alright, but things still could be better. Thank-you for your time,

Kathy
From Alabama

There have been many questions lately regarding verigated thread and quilting thread. I purchased some Coates & Clark rayon verigated thread. It says it can be used for maching stitching, topstitching and embroidery. It has pink, blue, green and yellow in it that I can see. I haven't used it yet and I prefer 100% cotton but it was so pretty that I couldn't resist.

Also for quilting I like Mettler quilting thread. It is available in white and a variety of other colors. I am only able to purchase it at better fabric stores, ie. quilting, etc. I have not seen it at JoAnns and such. I only use it as the top thread in my sewing machine. I have never had a problem with it.

Peace, Elaine

Liz, I think I would try and weave some of the thread ends in-I wouldn't redo the work, tho. (Lazy) I wouldn't use glue, will be stiff, and maybe yellow with age. Depends on how important it is to you, whether you frame it, or make a pillow, or wallhanging. (Or even toss it out...) Please don't everyone yell at me!

Bev, I saw the dmc variegated color twist sewing thread at JoAnn's today.

Got some tech help to fix the puter today-programs are running right again, have no idea what he had me do, but it works.

Janet in western PA

Another beautiful day here! I hope the hurricanes blow themselves
out before Nov 1! We're heading to Orlando. No, I'm sure I won't be
able to visit any quilt shops. Bummer. If anyone knows where to get
cheap 5 day passes...let me know!
Anyway! Received a framed cross-stitch from my sister with the above
on it, and flowers, hearts, and a bird holding the intertwining ribbon.
Now,it was a wedding gift....and its quite dusty so I went to Hobby Lobby
to see if they could do the matting and junk for me. Well, I then asked
if they could fix the stray thread that shows through to the front. They
don't clean...etc, so I stood there and pulled it off its 'backing' while
in the store. Lo and behold its a mess! I see knots, I see threads that
stretch over 2", I see threads that should be on the front that aren't...
Anyway, there was a Lady who mentioned she used to own a shop, so I thought
I'd see what you ladies thought. Should I just glue the threads to the back
with fabric glue (like was suggested)? or, do I cut some of the threads and
try to put them under the finished threads like they are supposed to be? The
wording is really a mess...should I try re-doing it? Or, since it was 2,
maybe 3 sisters that worked on it, should I just leave it alone? I hate
spending 40 bucks to re-frame it (that's not including the frame) and have
all the threads showing again! Or, should I make it into a pillow? I suppose
I could frame it with fabric and make it a wall hanging!
All suggestions will be greatly appreciated, and I'll let you know what I decide!
Liz in Kansas where there's a downy-headed wood pecker working away at our butterfly
house! Awesome!

Lynn and Marty, we will be in southern and central Vermont for Columbus day weekend (like everyone else!!) What quilt shops should I look for, since Emily, my 11 yr old quilter, wants to fabric shop! We're staying in Weathersfield, and can go in any direction for fun stuff.

I am working on some snowmen blocks for a swap. I thought about stacking 2 snowball blocks on top of each other to make a snowman, but have run into a problem with the head. On paper, it looks kinda funny with a smaller head on top of a body. Two blocks the same size seem like I forgot something. Any Suggestions?

Liz in CT, sneaking in from work!! Fall is here!

my grandmother just found a partially pieced
quilt in the "pickle dish" pattern (as so
defined by the McCalls pattern carefully preserved
with the quilt. This appears to be circa 1930's
from Arkansas. does anyone have any information
about the history of the "pickle dish" pattern?

Thanks!

Betsy Kachmar
mkachmar@indiana.edu

Can't resist throwing in my two cents' worth--I like the idea of doing one sample on each way to see if you like one much better than the other. If you still like both, split the difference and do half the blocks one way, half the blocks the other way, and then alternate them in the settings! (My kids would wish I could be this compromising with them!). I'm all for mix and match...makes things more interesting! Cassi in the popular star state--Ohio

Cindy in St. Louis:

Ohio star is one of my favorite block patterns. I like it because of my little habit of buying novelty fabric. I like to buy fabric that has a really interesting design on it, or strange colors, or whatever sparks my interest. But then I find I can't use it in many patterns because it chops the pattern up too much or the colors become garish. If you have a novely fabric that you would like to use, put it in the center of your Ohio Star. Then use a more bland fabric for the points to draw out certain colors or emphasize the theme. This way, you can use novelty fabric without making it the focus of the entire quilt.

But, as Judy in SW Washington mentioned, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just because this works for me, doesn't mean it'll work for everyone.

Elena in Maryland.

I know this has been discussed in the past, but I would like to know what thread you all prefer for machine quilting. I've done hand quilting, but am nearly finished piecing my first machine quilting project. Got an Elna Quilter's Dream for my birthday last spring and I'm finally giving it a good workout. I haven't decided yet if I want to try the "hand-quilt look" stitch, or just use the same thread top and bottom. I think someone made a distinction between nylon and polyester invisible thread for the top stitching for the hand-quilted look. HELP and tia to all you talented and experienced quilters.

Jan

Hello to everyone. Just back from the grocery store here in Delray Beach, Florida and the shelves are bare. There was not bread, bottled water, milk. For now the sky is clear and it is so hot! Don't wish the storm on anyone, but do hope it dies at sea!

Cindy, I think that I would make the center of the Ohio Star plain, great place for some special quilting stitches and the points a print fabric. When I made one several years ago I threw in a star with gold metalic points, it gave the quilt a nice spark. I always refer to that star block as my "wishing star".

Happy stitching to everyone out there. I am off to the washing machine to over dye some fabric for my pomegranate quilt.

Olivia in hot, dry for the moment Florida

Why not make a block each way and see which one you like best? You can always use the one you "reject" as a label on the back of your quilt!
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, consider that our "beholding" might be different from yours.....do what pleases you! Whose quilt is it, anyway?!!! LOL.....Judy in sunny and warm SW Washington

I'm getting ready to do an Ohio Star for ME. I am so excited, I can't wait to begin. Now I have a question. What do you guys think would look better? Should I use a solid blue for the center and prints for the points or use prints for the center and solid for the points? I'm having a real hard time trying to decide which one would look better.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Cindy
In beautiful St. Louis

ANyone on the bb from Puerto Rico, hope all is well and Fla watch out. remeber living in Tampa in the 70's and worrying about huuricanes. Holice didn't know the Star of Promise was yours, have kept that in my collection for a block contest i am fixing to enter. Guess if should have read the pattern. Love the colors and the block, my copy came from batt package.
Georgie it is fun to look back at the magazines, if you a person who likes cutsie find someone with Quiltmakers they are wonderful, especially the old ones.

nice and now too much rain Jojoquiler in okla

I am relatively new at quilting. I'm wondering, how do you assure that the fabric weave is straight before you begin cutting. Please respond to salstroms@aol.com. Thank you. ..Karen

My sister-in-law is a collector of "Gone With the Wind" memorabilia. I would like to make her a GWTW wallhanging for Christmas. Does anyone know where I might be able to find some GWTW fabric?
Thank you. Kathy in Ohio

I'm almost embarassed to ask this question, as it has been posted previously, but at that time I didn't need the info, so I disregarded it. In any case, with my apologies, would someone please post the address and/or website to obtain a catalog of quilting stencils from Holice's company. Thank you.

Sally Bryan on the first day of fall in western NY...absolutely beautiful here

A great gadget that I recently discovered is a small cutting mat that swivels. That way you don't have to move your fabric around or twist your arm to make another cut. I bought it at the recent 50% off sale at JoAnn's. Thanks to all who informed me of that sale on the BB.

Thanks to all who took the time to answer my questions about tying a quilt. I'm going to give it a try.
Joanne

To Georgie and Others

Both the Joyful Season's fabric and the pattern for Star of Promise are still available. I am headed out today to the Original Sewing and Craft Expo in Columbus, Ohio and will post information about where to get it when I return this weekend.
The pattern in a smaller version was also used for a pattern insert in Fairfield batting about two years ago.
Holice

I'm a quilter from the Netherlands, an new on the internet. I,ve visited many quiltshops on the net but I didn't find what I'm looking for. Does anyone knows a shop in the U.S. where I can order P&B fabrics called Italian? Please help, for here in the Netherlands I can't find it either.
Happy quilting
Jobina de Boer, Heiloo, the Netherlands

Molly loaned me about 100 old quilting magazines today, and I have been going through them, admiring the quilts shown. Next on the pile was the Quilter's Newsletter Magazine from April 1994, and was blown away by a photo of a purple and green block on page 13, made from Benartex Joyful Seasons. It is magnificent!! My mind was racing, can you still get that fabric, where can I get the pattern, I got goosebumps just looking at it. Then I noticed some writing at the right hand side of the picture, so turned the page sideways, and was blown away, as it says "Star of Promise - by Holice Turnbow" !!!! Congratulations, Holice, the block is wonderful. Wow !! I wonder who of you has made this block. Did you know that it was by our very own Holice! And, the million dollar question, is the fabric still available and can you get the pattern. Those of you (Rita, the Canadian Aussie, are you paying attention) who have a great stash of magazines, will get a great adrenelin rush if you get this mag out and have a look. Whew, it is gorgeous!. Lots of love, Georgie xxx

To Whom It May Concern:

I tried to e-mail you about the flannel quilt you would like to make for your FIL, but it bounced back, so posting here. Sometime ago I made a scrappy bow tie quilt for my dad out of brown's,blues and green woven plaids, which turned out just wonderful. I someday would like to make one with flannels. Just a thought for you, they are a fun and easy block. I have a fast pattern (method) for this block, if you would like me to send it to you. Susan in North Pole, where winter is around the courner, fall is well past it'e peak, but still have to take in the wonder of it all. During this busy time, take time to smell the flowers and fresh air.

Can someone with an index to the last few years (I hope!) of _Quilters Newsletter_ help me out?
I'm looking for an article on how to do "stipple" or "meander" quilting that appeared a while back.
I'm teaching a class and am going to have to show other people how to do it -- I can do it myself (and testify that it's easier than it looks!) but I need to see the text and diagrams someone else has used to teach it.
The class is going to be interesting: it's a 1+1/2 hour workshop on the "Tristan Quilts," three quilts from Sicily that were made about 1300.

Regards,
-------------------------------------
Chris Laning
<CLaning@igc.apc.org>
Davis, California
-------------------------------------

I was waiting for Sharon in NH to tell you that Kay is well but maybe Sharon is not lurking to hear all the questions. She was kind enough to answer me through e-mail that Kay has a new classroom and is not yet hooked up to the internet. She was hoping Kay would see all the questions and answer through Kathy in Alabama.Faith in S.Ca and hoping that Sharon in NH does not mind my answering.

Is there anyone out there who has made a pineapple quilt before? Are there any insider secrets that I need to know? This is my first truly scrap quilt, so I've been cutting strips like there's no tomorrow! My only concern is the bias edges once the "rounds" get squared up. Thanks for any help. I love this site and all the great tips.

Mary in Ohio

Hi everyone-
Just got home from one of my favorite quilt shops and bought the Sew Many Quilts Magazine from Fons and Porter. Did you know they have a new website?
http://www.fonsandporter.com
How easy, and they have internet specials, quilting tips, and pictures, and more! Take a surf, when you have a moment! By the way, also in their Nov/Dec 1998 issue, there is a feature article on the internet in regards to quilting. My favorite gadget is the computer!!!
Connie in Wisconsin

The rule about using 100% cotton is a basic advisory for "best" results. When I began quilting, I started from my Grandmother's "waste-not,want-not" scrap background. When you sew clothes, most of what you have is probably not 100% cotton. The polycotton blends in my first quilt have done pretty well, but they are not as soft to the touch, and they have a tendency to "pill." The cottons just get softer as they age, and I have not noticed any pilling.
Also, shrinkage will be different for polycotton blends.
This is not to say that you can't use what ever you want. As one of my teachers said, :THERE ARE NO QUILT POLICE!."
Laura in Huntsville, AL
Remove the * to reply (It really seems to help with the junk mail)

Thanks so much to everyone who sent advice for my roadtrip to Lancaster PA with my sister. We had a great time, stayed at a lovely B&B in Manheim called Rose Manor, and the owner gave us perfect directions to all the quilting sights. It was so neat when we got to The Old Country Store and Phyllis waited on me herself at the cutting table. I'd been looking at her picture in the Sampler all summer, and it was so neat to meet her! I bought one of those little Amish dolls with no faces in one of the shops, too. Couldn't believe how many quilts were for sale all over the area. Wow! My sister was searching for fabric for a baby quilt for a friend and she found what she wanted at Zook's. There were an awful lot of tourists around, but many of them were quilters and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I asked at every store there and no one has heard of straw needles!. Oh, and thank you, Liz in CT for the directions to the Cromwell Fabric Place. I went there, too, on the way home. Great place, but I couldn't buy much by the time I got there. Will return, though! Enjoyed catching up on all the news today. Marty, sorry I missed Bennington. To the person who likes the beer bread - glad you're enjoying it! Lynn in VT where the weather is getting cooler but the foliage doesn't show much promise.

Where is Kay????? We miss you.

Georgie, glad to see you back. How's the quilt coming? Tell Molly I said hello.

Jeannine in Louisiana

A special thanks to Kay for answering my questions
on polar fleece. I am thinking about going into
business machine quilting quilts, what I need is
some information on those big quilting machines,
maybe get some tips etc. from others who are doing
machine quilting for others, what is the best
machine to use,how much do you charge, things
like that. Does anyone know of any sewing BBs
similar to this?
TIA in advance,
Keep smiling and happy quilting.
Hazel

When choosing fabrics, does it all have to be
100% cotton, i've also found some pretty fabrics that
are 50% poly?

Ilike the idea of using cotton batting. How well
does it wear? and where do I buy it?

I'm thinking to do a twin quilt for my boy out
of rows of triangles. Where can i find a pattern
for it? Thanks, Michele

My favorite gadget (if you want to call it that) is the
basting spray. I've seen pro and con and have had no
problems with it. I love it. I ran out recently and
had to safety pin baste and have since ordered 2 cans so
I'll never run out again. It is the greatest thing since
printers. I am looking for a paper pieced or pieced block
of an owl. Has anyone seen such a pattern? I would
appreciate hearing from anyone that may know where I could
either buy one or get one off the net. I would be glad to
swap fabric or blocks or something you need may for it. TIA

Angie

My flannel quilt is tied at approximately four inch intervals. Iat's been through the washer and dryer at leas four or five times. Though I usually tie with three strands of embroidery floss, this one was tied with yarn. The blocks are made of four inch squares, eight inch squares, and four by eight rectangles. (I don't know if that makes any difference.) Tied baby quilts that I have made have held up well and they are usually tied from three to four inches. Check the label on your batting, also for how close or how far you can tie or quilt.

Kathy
South Central Washington

Help! I am doing a quilt with my daughter's third grade and I need a SIMPLE MAC PROGRAM to design the quilt. Any shareware available online? How do you look for it? Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you!

Hello to everyone - what great questions and interesting topics over the past few days. Here's my two cents worth.
ON TYING QUILTS: My first quilts were of the "quilt-in-a-day" variety and tied. That was over a dozen years ago and they have held up beautifully. They are our utilitarian quilts for the most part and get washed once or twice a year (not as gross as it sounds!) and I wash them on gentle and air dry outside on the clothes line. If they are tied adequately, they should hold up, I think. I was taught to tie off with no more than a fists' length between knots, just a rough estimate as to how often to tie. Works for me but you can adapt to go along with the pattern as to placement/number of ties. I'm retentive...would rather have to many than not enough. Ha!
HAND QUILTING BEGINNER: To me, the absolute minimum tools would be a well fitting thimble, decent betweens needles, a good hoop and quality thread. Go from there and you will improve with practice. The Fons and Porter book is an excellent reference for all stages of experience.
KAREN LOOKING FOR FOLK ART PATERNS: SWEET AND SIMPLE COUNTRY QUILTS by Jenni Dobson may be just what you are looking for, rustic shapes and colors and a variety of techniques, piecing and applique. I got it in a book club last year so it is probably still around readily.
I too was looking for a maple leaf pattern and wanted to try appliquing again (not my forte) and so I went out in the yard and picked up various sized maple leafs and traced them on freezer paper. I stitched the cut out to a used/ironed dryersheet ( saw this on Georgia Bonesteel's show yesterday) and by slitting the dryer sheet, I could turn the whole thing inside out with the edges neatly turned. Now I'm trying to stitch them on a background and will embroider the stems. I think I will go back to satin stich/machine applique and then I won't have to do this edge turning thing. Just have to try every now and then to remind myself why I don't care for hand applique.
Enough pitching!!! Steph in NH

Want to ditto what many have already said: LOVE my Roxanne thimble. To the lady looking for a book on hand quilting: Roxanne McElroy's book,"The Perfect Stitch" is a complete resource for all things related to hand quilting. Wonderful!
Also, has anyone mentioned the 6" square rotary cutting ruler? It is available in several brands and is SO handy when it comes down to cutting and squaring up small pieces. I love my larger ruler, but some of the smaller ones are great.
Also good is The Angler. Nothing more elaborate than a template that fits under your presser foot and makes stitching diagonal lines (corner to corner on squares or rectangles) a snap.
To all who post re quilting buddies: got my newsletter from my former quilt guild in IL. Was just beginning to get a group of buds--would get together and quilt or go to a quilt shop. They were so welcoming and I miss them so much. Have been to each of the local guilds once each. I know it takes time to develop friendships, but it is so lonely in the meantime. Sorry. Don't mean to whine. And I'm so glad to have the BB--wait! Getting far too personal here! You guys, the BB, and QB's are more precious than gold.
--Laura in Asheville, NC where the mountains have been misty

Bev,I got some variegated sewing threads at Lancaster a couple of years ago. They're Coats and Clark color twist rayon, and DMC Broder machine. Also have Madeira and Sulky ; however, these are metallic. Try Thread Shed, that's where I got them. Also try Web of Thread.
Janet in western PA

Would someone be willing to give a few comments on what's happening on Simply Quilts? It comes on at 9:00am and 1:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in our neck of the woods and again at 6:00am on Saturday mornings. Since those are the hours I'm at work I miss it. Saturday is real hard to drag bodies out of bed on. I'd set the VCR but DD and DS have programs they need to tape and/or watch and half the time my tape is out when the VCR is on. If something real interesting like the StacknWhack or the I Spy quilts are on a review would be nice. -Peg in Chicago

Barb in Georgia, thanks for the information about Steam a Seam 2. I got all my applique pieces cut out this afternoon and am ready to fuse in place. I do like the way they stick to the fabric, but can still be moved around if you need to before ironing in place.

Bev -- I have seen variegated thread in the cross-stitch store where I shop. I'm not sure if you could quilt with it, but you might check out that kind of store.

Linda in OK

Well those directions were clear as mud, LOL. The long triangles are located on the sides of the block, you would split them down the center. E-mail me direct if you can't find a pattern and I will draw you off one or both ways of doing it. Lavinia

Anyone know if there are any quilt shows in the Denver CO area this week-end? Is there a quilt shop that I shouldn't miss while I'm there visiting? Thanks, Jan

I checked out the picture. The basic block is called Sawtooth, and also Evening Star. It is in the four patch designs on page 45 of Jinny Beyer's Quilters Album of Blocks and Borders. If you are a beginner, it might be easier for you to "split" the triangle on the sides and make two pieces which connect to the other triangles on either side. You can draw this out on graph paper. Or you can use the method where you use rectangle/two squares and sew a diagonal line so the edges come out straight. Sounds confusing when you try to type it rather than showing someone. Shouldn't take too long to make, however. Have Fun. Lavinia/TN

One more thing about the local group challenge.
Each partipant received 1/2 yd of the Challenge Fabric and they could not use any more than the 1/2 yd in the piece but could add whatever additional fabric they needed.

Holice

After doing the Hoffman Challenge for the past 11 years as well as being participants in others and seeing many on exhibit, I am convinced that the fewer rules you have to a challenge - the more creative the quilter can be. We require only one fabric in the Hoffman Challenge with two rules: There must be a recognizable amount of the chosen fabric used and the piece must be within a size limit - not less then 24"x24" and not more than 160" around.
I used a Hoffman Print for a challenge in my local quilt group about a year ago. I picked a beach scene with hula dancers, canoes, grass huts, palm trees. The group designed most wonderful pieces. So go less not more.

Holice Turnbow

My friend and I are in charge of our guilds 1999 quilt challenge...we are looking for some different ideas....have any you want to share.?? Will let you know what we do...thanks
Linda

I am new to the net and new to the board, but your web site is already on the "favorites". Two products that make my life much easier are Dermal Therapy's "finger care" and DURO All-Purpose spray adhesive. Finger care is a miracle healing aid for sore fingers. It can be ordered by your friendly pharmacist if it is difficult to locate. It comes in a small jar for about $5, but is certainly worth the price in my opinion. I have used Sullivan's basting spray and Sulky temporary spray adhesive. They are OK, but things still move too much for me. I use the Duro all the time for baby quilts. I do not do any other basting. Things do not move. I checked with a good friend, a pediatric nurse who has an asthmatic child, before using such a product to rule out any contraindications -- I give quite a few baby quilts to a local crisis nursery. She knew of no problems to the potential recipients. The quilts wash up beautifully. Yes, do allow adequate ventilation for yourself when applying! I have never tried any spray product on a larger quilt as they go on the frame for hand quilting. Thanks for all the sharing. Bunny

Anyone know if there are any quilt shows in the Denver CO area this week-end? Is there a quilt shop that I shouldn't miss while I'm there visiting? Thanks, Jan

Hi,
Does anyone have an idea if a variegated sewing/quilting thread exists? If not, why not, think of the possibities!!
If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. I have a terrific idea in my head for setting blocks and think this thread variation would be great.....if it exists!
Thanks
Bev

Hi! I have tied a tree skirt which came out very nice, but I never have to wash the tree skirt. I would like to whip up a quick quilt by using either 3 or 4 inch squares of many, many flannel fabrics. I'd like to tie it. Has anyone ever tied a quilt to which they have used and washed numerous times? I plan to tie it only in the four corners of each square. I don't want to tie it in the center of the square. If anyone has a tied quilt that has held up well after much use, how many inches apart has it been tied? I can't decide if I want to make 3" squares or take a chance with a 4" square and have it possibly tear in the machine after several washings. I've read many books with different suggestions. I'd like to hear from someone who uses their tied quilt a lot. If anyone out there has one that has torn, please let me know details and maybe I'll "scrap" my idea and handquilt it instead. Thank you, Joanne

i posted my favorite gadget when i first found it sometime in may. it's called thimble-its and a picture can be viewed at http://www3.islandnet.com/stitchery/thimble.html i use it on my underfinger when quilting and my callous is almost completely gone now. i love it so much that i gave each person in my quilt class one to try (using is believing!), and i also sent one to the people who responded to my offer for a straw needle sampler pack. some had used them or heard of them before, and i'm hoping the others will try theirs. i'm not affiliated with anyone, just love to pass along good info and tips.

if you want to respond to me, leave out the *** since i've started doing this my junk mail has almost completely stopped.

Brandi,
Thank you for reminding me of what a beautiful state we live in. Here I've been so busy moaning about the snow coming so soon I was forgetting what beautiful falls we have. Your description of Alaska was so right on. I guess I just need to slow down and enjoy it all.
Again thank you.
Kristin in Wasilla

This BB is so good for my self-esteem--now I have "wit and wisdom!" Hope I can live up to this standard!

The class I was talking about is at Lakota Ridge Junior (7th and 8th grades) and starts in late October. It will go two hours a day, once a week, for eight weeks. I'm not at all sure how this is going to work, because kids that age usually have no experience or very little with sewing, so I'm expecting to have to deal with a lot of the basics first. I'm planning a very simple (obviously) approach--a four or nine patch, maybe a log cabin. I want to introduce them to rotary cutting, the concept of seam allowances, pressing vs. ironing, general knowledge of fabrics, etc.

NANCY IN LOVELAND: I'm starting an adult group on the first and third Fridays of each month--maybe you could be part of this?????? Would love to have you! E-mail me if you're interested and I'll give you the info. We already have about 5 interested people, and there's room for more! Invitation extends to anyone in my general area (Cincinnati). I'm hoping this will develop into a nicely knit group--that eternal search for quilting buddies! Cassii in Ohio

Fellow Quilters: Please visit my home page and do sign my guest book. If you decide to help please email for any information. Thankyou

http://members.delphi.comJOANNEPALIK/index.html

I am lucky enough to live somewhere near the infamous Cassie.

Cassie, please give details about the class you may give...where, when, how to sign-up, costs, etc. You have great wit, and wisdom, and I could learn alot from you!

Thanks all,
Nancy
Loveland, OH

Just a couple of things:

Brandi: Thanks so much for that beautiful descriptions of your
home. I love to hear about other parts of the country, especially
living in the smog of the city.

Favorite gadget: Besides the checkbook, it would have to be my
plexiglass extension for my Elna. I don't have a sewing table
(on wish list for Xmas) so just have my machine on a folding banquet
table. This has helped immensely when piecing. Keeps the project
from pulling off the edge. Other favorites, mat, cutter, rulers, etc.

Basting: Does anyone else abhor basting? I just can't seem to get
the gumption to baste. But then I think, "UFO's don't get done
without basting." My questions is, how does everyone feel about the
basting spray? I know that you must use it in a very well ventilated
area, but does it HOLD and for how long?

BB'ers: I too miss the regulars, but obviously we all are busy in the
fall. I don't have any kids, but enough meetings coming up for work to
keep me hopping. I'm going to Las Vegas tomorrow, hope I can get to the
Fabric Boutique! Wish they didn't close at 6:00pm.

Sorry this is long, I was not around a computer this weekend. Susan in
nice and in the 80's Fresno, CA.

I love Steam a Seam 2. You can put it on your fabric (before you iron) it and move it around to see where you want it and it will stick there. I never have had trouble with it gumming up my needle. Try it, you'll like it. No affiliation, blah, blah, blah

Barb in the North Georgia Mountains

DH just left for work commenting as he went out the door that he was "going to support my habit". Does he count as a favorite gadget? In my case I wouldn't have the funds or the time to quilt, and now with that little guilt trip I'll have to do a "little" housework (if he trips over the vacuum, he thinks I used it) and a "nice" dinner (we have a several nice restrants). With 3 quilt programs on today and starting on a quilted vest, and checking on a book at the quilt store for a BBer, and checking on the new sites mentioned I just don't know how I can do more. Oh woe is me, hehe.
Gigi

So many questions. Maybe I can help. To Loreen: Try Ami Simms book on hand quilting "How to Improve Your Quilting Stitch". It has clear directions. You can find Ami on this website. Plus use a thimble and be tough when you end up pricking your finger as you learn. Someone asked about a quilt museum in eastern Nebraska. I believe it is in Lincoln on the campus of the University of Nebraska. Call their information number and ask about their campus museums. My guild, the Smithtown Stitchers, is having our show on October 3 & 4. Everything is going fine and the quilts should be fantastic. I and my huge pregnant belly are going to work admissions. Quilting guilds are full of grandmas, mommies and aunts so you can believe me that I have been fussed over and have plenty of helpers so I don't even lift a paper bag lately. Good old crazy ornery quilting ladies. Big changes are ahead including maybe a new email address if you get my drift. Hope all is well. Jane C. out on Long Island.

The quilt I'm working on has 6 blocks that have some trees put on with fusible web, then blanket stitched around the edges using my sewing machine. I have used Wonder Under for this in the past, but all I have on hand right now is Steam a Seam 2 and I have never used this product. Do any of you know how well Steam a Seam 2 would work? It says you can stitch around it without gumming up your needle, but I would like to know if anyone has tried it before I use it.

Linda in OK

My favorite tool would have to be my Roxanne Thimble. It is the best thimble I ever bought (and I bought a lot trying to find a good one) I could quilt all day and not have sore fingers like I used to. It is so nice to have a thimble that fits.

Lucy in rainy, foggy PA

I've been lurking for quite some time. I'm currently putting the binding on the first top that I made. Not by far my best work piecing, but it was the first.
My favorite gadgets.
1. the rotary cutter. where would we be?
2. the mat. Imagine what our tables would look like.
3. the "quik clip" the handy little tool that save your fimgers and makes pin basting go so much faster.
4. my Bernina.
I want to learn to hand quilt. Can anyone give me a good book suggestion. I have fons and Porters Complete Guide on the Christmas list for the DH. Also what basic supplies will I need. The local quilt shop is sponsoring a Christmas shopping night. We can register for our wish list wants, they will keep them on file. Our loved ones could go in on a special night where they can get our gifts and the shop will gift wrap.
Perfect for my DH
Loreen in Ohio

I was just sending an e-mail to Georgie, and a thought occurred to me that I had to share. Have you ever stopped to think how many thousands (hundred thousands? millions?) of quilts will be handed down by this current quilting generation??!!?? I'm sure the historians will look back on this quilting era as one of the most creative and most prolific. Just my quilting thought for the day :-)

Sharon in NH where the autumn leaves are behind schedule

Hi there to everyone--I haven't been missing, just lurking in the shadows, waiting to bounce at the appropriate time! Actually, I've just been reading the BB and e-mail and not really feeling like I have a whole lot to say lately. Thanks for missing me, though!

FAVORITE GADGET: Must agree with Gayle and Gigi--where would I be without my AE and MC cards? (DH could answer that, but I won't say it in front of him!) The rotary cutter/ruler/mat are essentials and I probably would only accomplish about 1 quilt every 2 years if I didn't have them. Jack the Ripper is, of course, a tool of necessity but I don't like him very much at all. Love my MC9000, but then I also love handwork. Freezer paper is pretty cool with what you can do with it, but don't use it all that much.

SUDDEN INSPIRATION: Okay, I've got it--my favorite gadget is the knee lift for the presser foot on my sewing machine. Especially in combination with the "needle down" option--no fumbling for the lever to lift the presser foot, being able to pivot fabric using both hands, etc. Those two features were my top priorities when I was machine hunting and I wouldn't give them up for the world!

Hope someone has passed on the info on finished and unfinished blocks, but if not, here it is: a finished block is one that has been sewn to adjoining blocks, sashing strips or whatever. The main point is the measurement--if, for example, you have a 12-1/2" unfinished block, that means the measurement includes the 1/4" seam allowance all the way around the block. When you have sewn that block into the quilt top on all four sides, you have a 12" finished block because you have used 1/4" in your seam allowance on all four sides. Simple concept that's not quite as easy to explain in writing!

FLANNELS...I'M IN LOVE: Almost finished with the Northwinds Weathervane quilt I started in Liz Porter's class and I do love working with these flannels. I think the main thing is to remember to relax as much as the fabric does. It does have a lot of give, so you have to take a laidback approach to working with the fabric and not expect things to be really crisp. Blocks for this patterns are set in a streak of lightning pattern, which I also really love and is not difficult to do. I almost have all the rows done, then it's on to border strips.

This month has been hectic--getting back into the homework groove, dance lessons, Scouts, flag football, catching up on my doctor's appts., Bible study classes, etc. Seems like I have a ton of UFOs--quilting and non!

Got asked to teach an after-school enrichment class at the junior high on quilting--two hours once a week for eight weeks. Question is, if they pay me, which they want to do at just $20 a week, will that make me a professional? I don't really want to be officially ranked that way at this point just in case I might someday get brave and enter a competition? Anyone out there know about the "rules and regulations" concerning this? Cassi in Ohio where we finally had some rain but could still use more!

The Grannies Show and Tell wallhanging is on the
Quilters Online Resource website. The address is
www.nmia.com It's their special offer #3.

Have a good day quilting!

Susan in almost frosty Upper Michigan

Cathy,
Don't be upset about what other people want you
to do. The buttonhole stitch has it's place in
quilting just as the other stitches do. Take a
look at Elly Sienkiewicz's book, Romancing Ribbons
Into Flowers. She uses silk ribbon and yes the
buttonhole stitch to make beautiful wall hanging
quilts that I dare anyone to turn their nose up at.
Do what you like, it probably will end up being an
heirloom someday.
Happy Stitching
Cheryl in Tampa

Can't wait for my little bit of disconnection in Alaska in 2000. From Brandii's description, I don't think I will want to come home. How you doing, Crazywomand and Wildwoman. Georgie xxx

Cathy, I understand what you are saying about experienced quilters not being enthusiastic about buttonhole quilting. Just about all of my quilting so far has been applique with buttonhole, and I do get some good down-the-nose looks when I work on it in public!! I enjoyed the recent debate about whether machine quilting is REAL quilting, but kept quiet, as there are always LOLs from both camps when I talk about my buttonholing. I love it, it is such fun to do and to look at. I love the precise angles and points in 'real' pathwork, the kind that most quilters do, but I am still enchanted by the pictorial quilts and their sense of fun and naiveity. Have a go, Cathy, I started with angels and stars and hearts, lots of hearts, have a go and see what you think. Dare to be different!!! Love Georgie xxxx

I may be showing my lack of experience but could someone please tell me the difference between an unfinished block and a finished block?
NOT QUILT RELATED
Here in alaska the mountains are shining with fresh snow, the flower beds are alive with color, The air is crisp and the sky a brilliant blue that will fade to mauve and finally to slate...Out will come the full warm moon of the harvest and I feel like I could walk endlessly through the riot of color that is the alaskan autumn. What beauty and inspiration...Someone once said that if colors were sound there would be a living symphony in September...Brandii Ohlsen where I don't mind being disconnected from the real world.

I am not sure what you are disconnected from is the real world. Maybe what you have IS the real world, the one most people have forgotten about... Just passing through
Helene, in Bangkok

I may be showing my lack of experience but could someone please tell me the difference between an unfinished block and a finished block?
NOT QUILT RELATED
Here in alaska the mountains are shining with fresh snow, the flower beds are alive with color, The air is crisp and the sky a brilliant blue that will fade to mauve and finally to slate...Out will come the full warm moon of the harvest and I feel like I could walk endlessly through the riot of color that is the alaskan autumn. What beauty and inspiration...Someone once said that if colors were sound there would be a living symphony in September...Brandii Ohlsen where I don't mind being disconnected from the real world.

My favorite gadget, the one that really made a difference in the rate at which I have been working, is my rotary cutter (together with my large cutting mat and the large ruler). I also have a special feeling for the Omnigrid square ruler (it's so precise!). And as far as self-made gadgets are concerned, I couldn't live without the small squares of paper I keep next to my machine: I am really fussy about my seams, and there is nothing that unnerves me more than the seams which get "caught" by the presser foot and turn the wrong way while machine piecing... To prevent this, I now insert small bands of pre-cut paper (any old paper will do) between the presser foot and the seam, then have only to tear along the dotted line when the seam is finished. This simple measure has greatly relieved my quilting-induced stress... Hope this helps another desperate perfectionist. Have a nice day!
Helene in Bangkok, where the rainy season goes on, and on, and on (there is a typhoon over south Vietnam, so it's gonna last a while longer...)

Kendra,
My favorite quilting gadget is my basting gun. I don't know what I would do without it! It cuts basting time in half and holds my quilt together so well.
I agree that the quilts at the Puyallup Fair are great! DD and I went last week. The quilts are the one thing I HAD to see! This is the first time in six years that I got to go to the fair NOT as a 4-H mom/leader.
Deanna, in sunny Sequim

Somewhere in cyberspace I saw a charming wall hanging of three grannies, each holding up a separate mini-quilt--it was called something like show and tell. If anyone knows where to find it, I'd appreciate the information. Thanks--Syn Ferguson

I'm with Gayle in Gaum, charge card is my favorite. I really don't think I could give up anything, books, magazines, rotary cutter, matt, fabric etc. I want it all. Espically wanted is a QB and they can't be bought, but I am still trying to make one. For thoses that don't know QB is for quilting buddy.
Gigi

I'm with Gayle in Guam, give me a VISA card anyday!!! I also must have a pointy barbeque skewer to use to guide seams and small bits under my needle. It really keeps my knuckle from getting hit by the rough screw that holds the needles in the machine. Best of all, this is a really cheap tool, comes in large packages in the supermarket, and comes in handy when suggesting dinner plans to the rest of the famliy.

Liz in CT, not quilting cause I hate my homework from coding class!! UGH !!

I am doing an honors project on the history of quilting where I will be discussing cultural similarities and differences in quilting. I would like personal stories about quilting history in as many cultural and social backgrounds as possible. If you think you can help, please email a copy of your story and background of quilting in your family. Thank you so much for your time. :)

I have two favorite gadgets: my rotary cutter and my "coin" thimble--a leather thimble with a dimpled, metal "coin" exposed on the ball of the finger so it can push the quilting needle through.
Jennifer in KS

I am a very proud owner of the Roxanne Thimble. I can't say enough about it.
I had the wonderful opportunity to take Didi McElroy's class and she showed us
the benefit of using this thimble. Although it is a bit pricy, it definately works
for me. I was having a difficult time with other thimbles because I have such large
fingers. The Roxanne thimble accomodates this.

The other positive point is that because it is an open design, it keeps your fingers from
sweating as much.

I would also recommend the video to show you the proper use of this thimble. It is all
in the angle, as I found out when taking the class.

Good luck!
Karen Haugland

I am about to sew a pillow case for a body pillow
for my DD and I would like some tips on sewing
fleece fabric, should it be preshrunk, surged
seams what? I don't have a clue, please someone
help me with this.
Have a great day, happy quilting and keep smiling.
Hazel

This weekend I purchased approximately 15 yards of
Moda's Folk Art Wedding line. What a beautiful collection.
I am looking for a great pattern that would incorporate
about 6 different fabrics. I have 2 of the large florals,
and the rest the smaller prints.

If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I am also
looking for the WEB site for MODA. Do you know what it is?
Thank you,
Karen Haugland

I have used the leather "Nimble Thimbles" for years and dearly love them because I have long fingernails and the regular thimbles don't work for me. The only problem I have with these is that they wear out too quickly. I am seriously considering buying one of Roxannes metal thimbles that allow for quilters with fingernails. I am interested in hearing from other quilters who have used this type of thimble as to their likes and dislikes. Please post or e-mail. TIA

Diane

I'm fairly new to quilting and definitely new to this BB. I love to piece..quilting is a little harder for me to finish, hurts my fingers. My biggest problem is I can design a block but for the life of me can't figure out how much fabric I should have. Please help!!!! I want to start a quilt for my daughter and her future husband. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help. Leen

I noticed that a couple of people were looking for patterns related to Sports. Although I emailed these people seperately, I thought I'd also post this.

I was recently looking to do a Soccer theme quilted wall hanging and purchased a pattern through Keepsake Quilting (probably bought it this past spring) called "All Sports Sampler Quilt" by Kathleen Parman, published by Bright Ideas Design Co. On the back of the pattern was a sticker that says: "Visit us on the web! http://www.bright-ideas-design.com".

This has a lot of different sports motifs that you can mix and match with quilt blocks. Included were footballs, soccer balls, basket balls, hockey pucks, football helmets, megaphones, Basketball nets, cute people for a cheering crowd, letters to write appropriate phrases (Slam Dunk, Touch Down, Fast Break, Time Out, etc.) I plan to do it with Wonder-Under or something similar but it could be done with traditional applique.

Good Night,

Ruth from Massachusetts

I am sorry if this post twice. I am looking for a full pattern of a maple leaf. I have one but it is one that just gives the measurements. When I cut the squares out My squares are not very even. Any help would be apperciated.

I am getting ready to try Bethany Reynold's Magic Stack and Whack. She says in the book that horizontal repeats are often irregular, and that she recommends only using vertical (lengthwise) repeats. My problem is that I don't have enough of the material to get 6 or 8 repeats layered without using the horizontal repeats. It's a stripe; I pinned it on each stripe, and it appears to match. Has anyone ignored her directions and tried this using the widthwise repeats?
Remove the * to e-mail me.
Laura in Huntsville, AL

To the quilter who requested the Noah's ark pattern: I've tried twice to e-mail you and it bounced back both times. I have two patterns to send you if you will e-mail me your address.

Connie

Sorry for the personal note - Marla, from Arlington, Thanks for writing to me. My connection crashed before I could write down your e-mail address. Please e-mail me again and I will write it down before I do anything else. Thanks!

Connie

The Maple Leaf in one of the Block of the Month patterns found on the WWQP. It is the block for October 1997. I have made several of those blocks and they are quite easy. If you don't want to make the leaf all one color, using scrappy fabrics in fall colors makes a striking leaf also.
Marty in VT

Without my Olfa Mat and Rotary Cutters I would NOT be quilting I'm afraid. I'm not kean on using templates.

After that it would be my 6" X 24" Olfa ruler, my square-up rulers and then my little Gingher Thread Nippers that I wear on ring finger and hold in my palm as I sew.

I find myself referring to two books, "The JOY of Quilting" and Fons & Porters "Quilter's Complete Guide". I keep both of those books near my Bernina Artista 180E at all times when I am making my quilts.

Not much on the BB tonight...I guess everyone is watching the Clinton Tapes.

I MISS all the info about Kay's Kids/Quilts...does anyone know if there is anything new from her? Does she have her own Website or what???

Marty in Vermont

HI. I am in need of everyone's help. I am looking for a pattern of a maple leaf. I have the American Patchwork and quilting fall issue. It has a pattern but it is the type that tells you to cut a square so and so size. My problem is that my squares never are good squares. Thank you in advance.

HI. I am in need of everyone's help. I am looking for a pattern of a maple leaf. I have the American Patchwork and quilting fall issue. It has a pattern but it is the type that tells you to cut a square so and so size. My problem is that my squares never are good squares. Thank you in advance.

First, my thimble. It has the raised edge and is just right, when I'm quilting it's like a second skin. I even find myself walking around the house or answering the phone and then realize my thimble is still on my finger!

But after more serious thought, I will have to give credit to my trusty Olfa mat. After all, I don't think I'd be quilting today if it hadn't been for rotary cutting. It fits the top of my work table perfectly. So without the Olfa mat, the thimble wouldn't be here today.

Finally, my third (or top) favorite is the WWQP and this Bulletin Board. I've learned so much, broadened my horizons to include worldwide quilters, been able to help someone else occasionally, been inspired, gained confidence, enjoyed squishies (and sent many). I check every day and comment when I feel it will contribute to the discussions. Happy quilting, all! Jeannine in Louisiana

For all you planning guild meetings (and everyone else too, of course, I have to tell you what fun we had. Two members of our guild, The Sheauga Quilting Guild, who had taken a class in fabric dying a year ago, did a hands on demo for the whole guild. Together we bought a bolt of PFD muslin and a bolt of plain good quality white muslin, then we each bought fabric from the bolts to dye. The presenters, Jan and Joan, brought fiber reactive dye, the soda ash, and all the other stuff, including plastic for covering the picnic tables. We set up in a picnic pavillian that had running water. We started out dying 3 pieces in the same color so that we got progressively lighter fabrics, then we dyed 3 pieces with varigated colors. There was lots of dye left, so then we went crazy. Most of use bought more fabric right then and there. we mixed dyes, mopped up drips from the tables and then set those colors, over-dyed, sprinkled, painted, folded shibori style, and generally had a ball. We got surprisingly little dye on ourselves.
While the fabrics set we ate a picnic lunch.
When we rinsed our fabrics and packed up I had 12 fat quarters hand dyed by myself, and some had more than that. We were all happy with what we had done. We are going to show off our dry fabrics to each other tomorrow. The possibility of trading was mentioned, but I think I will just want to do it again. Jane in NE Ohio,ready for a cool day for a change.

My favorite quilting gadget is my Visa card.... Gayle in Guam

Hi, I posted a notice to this bulletin board about the problems I was having with Lovers Knot quilt, which was my first quilting project. I would like to thank all the ladies who took the time to answer my queries, it was a BIG help.

Now I have another question. My daughter wants me to make a quilt for her with sunflowers on it. I found a nice picture of a sunflower quilt at:

www.auntie.com/qzine/sutey/images/sutey66.jpg

Could anyone find it in their hearts to go to this website and tell me if they know of the name of a pattern book that would show me how to make this particular quilt, or at the least, the star in the quilt. As a beginner quilter, I would be most helped by a full book of instructions.

Anyway, thanks and thanks for your previous help *smile*

Susan, from Canada

My favorite quilting "gagdget is one of those English thimbles with the raised lip. They run about $8. They really fit and cuaght the needle so I could rock it. Unforunately the Borrowers like them too. Pod must have a round dozen of mine, so I gave up and use the $2 one from JoAnn's which turn my finger green and have rough edges but stay put. I fail to see how a thimble can get so lost when you have'nt moved six inches in three hours and then just got up to go to the bathroom.
Georgie, my heart goes out to your friend. I use herbal remedies for some things and have noticed a big difference in my energy level when I take ginko .But for other conditions they don't help. Infections and cancer at certain stages need the grace of God and stronger treatment. You can't talk your friend into changing her mind if that's what she is comfortable doing but it's hard to wonder if she had made another choice all would have been different. My gran chose to live by herself up on top of a mountain for the last twenty years of her life and at the end suffered a stroke and lay helpless for two days. We were 500 miles away and called, but often she would not answer her phone because she could not hear. The brother was to check on her had family troubles of his own and missed the one night - oh well-sorry it's one my mind tonight as it's close to the one year anniversary. My prayers are with your friend. -Peg

I'm trying to find a quilting pattern for
a soccer ball. I saw an entire book of
sports balls but didn't buy it because I
thought I could reconstruct the design
from my notes :( Well, needless to say,
I couldn't and now I can't find the book
either.

I have been attending a BOM at a local quilt shop "Quilting Cottage" where we are doing Eleanor Burns Applique in a Day which is a "baltimore"style quilt. I have opted to use a "satin" stitch while other quilters have used the buttonhole and both types look great. The fusible applique method has opened another doorway for my quilting!

I LOVE my BIG MOMMA ruler and my recent purchase of Sullivan Quilting Spray. I've been using the ruler for a number of years and wouldn't think of purchasing anything else. I realize it doesn't have the black raised gripping lines but I like width that it gives me.

I've used the Quilting Spray for 4-5 smaller quilts that I was machine quilting. LOVE IT!-no pins used at all. But I did wash these quilts several times after completion to get the spray product out.

Have any of you seen any tartan plaids either in your shops or online? I have a scotty dog quilt that I'd love to make out of tartans.

Nancy in Northern Wisconsin where we expect frost tonight.

Kendra,
my favorite gadget is the white handle seam ripper
made by Clover. A seam ripper that really rips, rips,
rips if needed. Really sharp!
Happy Quilting,
Sue in Germany

I just received an order in todays mail of Debbie Mum Harvest fabric with the cutest pumpkins, turkeys, black cats and witches surrounded by little blocks which make it look like a sampler. Does anyone have an idea of how to quilt this? Should I use whole cloth and quilt it along the printed blocks like "cheater"cloth???

my favorite gadget is my homemade light box which i learned from one of the bb can't remember which one anyway it is a large see-thru container and a small lamp underneath that way i don't have to strain to tape to a window

Hi, Everybody! It seems to me that the email traffic on this BB has dropped off lately. Maybe it's because we just finished a weekend where everybody was outside enjoying the beautiful summer to fall weather! My DH and I spent Saturday at the Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup, WA and had a ball. The main reason we went was to see The Righteous Brothers in Concert, but the quilting exhibit was also awesome! Purple seemed to be the main color showing up this year, with Raspberry coming in a close second. There were also lots of quilts using the photo transfer process. It really got me excited again about quilting.

Anyway, just to get some discussions going, I have a question for all of you. What is your favorite quilting notion or gadget? Why do you like it, where did you buy it, or where can I get one? I'm always on the lookout for things that will help me make better quilts. Of course, the best gadget would be something that would let me have a couple of uninterrupted hours for quilting each day, but I'm sure I'm just dreaming!

OK, I'll go first. My favorite quilting gadget is the new pincushion I just bought. It's called a Really Ewesful Pincushion, and is made out of felted wool wrapped in a circle that is about 4 inches across and two inches deep. It's so easy to slide pins into it, and is deep enough to hold all of those long quilting pins. I bought it at a quilting store in Bellevue called Quiltworks Northwest for about $11.00 (I think). Their website is www.quiltworksnw.com although I haven't actually checked it to see if they have the pincushion for sale. I hope some of you think the gadgets topic is interesting enough to respond to. But if not, Happy Quilting anyway!

Kendra in Seattle

HI! This is my first time here. My question is: What's the deal about using a fusible webbing with an applique quilt? So many of the small quilt designs are soooo cute! Even with buttonhole stitching around-they look so neat! I belong to a local guild with wonderful quilters-experienced and non(me)!!! But...some just don't want you to do it.thanx cathy

Quilters, did I forget to send you something I promised I would? My brain did a flip-flop of my memory chip, and I'm not sure I sent out all of whatever I said I would. Please let me know if you haven't received something I promised to send. Broken promises are not my bag! Thankee, one and all.

Bertie in Illinois

speaking of Purple--- Have you seen the new Greta fabric from Debbie Mumm, its beautiful, plum purple. my wheels are spinning and i am trying to figure out what i can make out of it. it is so rich and gorgeous.
fabric buying is what you can afford. i am the reason stores don't like coupon clippers, so my DH says. if i can find my favorite designers at a discount i'm the first one there. i have this feel thing and can tell almost instantly whether it is cotton or not, if its going to be too thick to quilt through, etc. some of the manufacturers make fabric in different weights and even though its in a quilt store it doens't necessarily mean its the greatest or the correct weight. they make mistakes also.
opening a quilt shop, if you don't smile and greet us then we will be saving our $$ for your going out of business sale!!!
quilt guild-- just don't let $$$ get involved and you'll be fine. $$$ and all the hormones come out and wow!!!!!!!
Paducah and 1999 i already have my hotel reservations and they weren't easy to get. we are staying in a little town called La Center. most of the local hotels are booked solid, and the surrounding areas. some of the hotels let you call in Feb and first come first serve. well that is hotel rates that are reasonable. the expensive rooms are available and were even when we got there on Friday. if you go be sure and go to hobby lobby next to mall and the Hancocks' is absolutely AWESOME!!!!!!!! airport is puddle jumper. if you go to houston you see hundreds of wonderful vendors and get to meet the authors, etc one on one, but Paducah is spread out and you don't see as many great vendors as you do in houston. but the hancocks makes up for it. in paducah (i didn't make it downtown) you have elenaors talk which is wonderful and some other great things. those two are my favorites beside the oklahoma city show. we always excell when it comes to quilts and vendors. i always spend a fortune and spend the 4 days coordinating a quilt or two or three.
Bread Lady from Vermont--- have shared the beer bread recipe and everyone loves it.
NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO! don't buy 50/50 backing NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO or get a sling for your poor wrist and plan on your 100% cotton quilt top fighting the 50/50 back NONONONONONO thats all i have to say on that one
sorry so long jojoquilter in oklahoma

I'm looking for vintage or repro cut velvet that was most likely produced in the 1940 (maybe 30's.) I'm not sure whether "cut velvet" is the correct term, but it's a velvet background, with cut-out
designs where only the backing fabric shows in the shape of the design,
e.g. a leaf, flower etc. I'd appreciate any direction anyone could provide. Thanks.

This is my first posting, but wanted to make everyone aware of a problem I and others have had with an RJR fabric line XHOSA. The design in the fabric flakes off and can be scraped off with your fingernail. After finishing a quilt & folding it, a friend (and quilt-shop owner) noticed the problem, and then we checked other pieces. Her inquiries to RJR haven't been very successful.

In response to the lady wanting to know if you should prewash flannels. YES YES YES. They are known for more shrinkage than regular cottons and should be prewashed. If fact, I was advised that you should buy more of the flannel when buying your yardage, because of the shrinkage. They are wonderfully cozy quilts!!! I love them and often use flannel for the backs. Happy Stitching...Connie in Wisconsin (Fall in the air)

Does anyone know the name of the town in Eastern Nebraska that has a quilt museum? Thank you, Linda

Firstly, I must apologise profusely, as I have just realised I still have squishies to post to several Quilt for Kay blockmakers. I am sorry that my busy life had made me temporarily forget to send the next lot of 10 packages, I will get them off in Friday's mail, please forgive my tardiness. The Patchwork Angel at Forest Glen has some lovely new material, designed and printed by themselves, so I will enclose some for each of you. Again, please accept my apologies, I wish someone had reminded me!!

Secondly, I write to tell you that Molly is not too good at present, her blood count is going up quickly, which means that the leukemia is on the move now, she was offered chemotherapy but decided against it for now, prefering to use herbal preparations. We go to water aerobics each Wednesday morning, then spend the rest of the day stitching and yakking, we are making a nice little sampler bag at present, Mol is nearly finished and I am still picking colours !!

Take care of each other, much love, Georgie xxxx See you in Alaska 2000

I need help coming up with a quilt for my son to commemorate his years at U of M.
Has anyone out there created a Uof M quilt? I am a beginning quilter without much design skill.
I can manage a block M and hope to use maize and blue flannel. I would like to find some kind of pattern to guide me.
Ann Arbor quilters-any suggestions?
Thank you.
Debbie in Michigan

Howdy! :)
I was wondering if anyone out there puts the binding on before
quilting. I thought I'd try it today, and it was a TGFSR (Thank God For
Seam Rippers) day. I think if I try it again...I'll hand baste close to the
edge before I cut off the extra's too.
I couldn't take the bleeding fabric anymore. I added 1/2 cup of vinegar
and dumped a bunch of salt in it too. It worked great!....for about 12 hours
the water is once again pink. I wonder? (I'm in a contemplative mood tonight)
Well, found the mettler metrosene at Hancock's and hope to machine quilt
4 this week (I've been procrastinating). I finished my second quilt
out of Debbie Mumm's Noah's Ark book...and really like it. I'm definitely
keeping this one...I'll MAKE a spot for it!
Kids are driving me nuts today...Anyone want a 8 year old with ATTITUDE?
The Chief's won...but were pathetic. Rained like a son-of-a-gun again. DH got
called in for OT at 7am (I knew I shouldn't have rolled over to pick up the phone!)
All the chocolate chip cookies are gone...must be time for bed!
Have a great week everybody! Oh! And I'm envious of the lady who's starting a quilt
shop! Be friendly, hit all the quilt guilds, offer discounts, lots of special "fun"
sales, keep up to date on all new notions and fabrics...or be willing to order, always
help customers when they can't decide...and have plenty of chocolate chip cookies and
Pepsi. THAT would really make me visit your shop!
yakatyalater
liz in kansas

OOPS! Sorry, the quilt shop in Lancaster is "The OLD Country Store", not "cold"!! Sorry about that. Gotta go now...basting a wall hanging!!

I just finished a triple Irish Chain and would love to try to hand quilt the top. I have a stencil but every product I buy to mark it does not show up or last long enough. I have been using chalk markers because I am afraid the pencils or other markers may bleed or not come out. What works for you?

I'm new to this, so I hope this works...Re Walmart: I read an article in Keepsake Quilting catalog or newsletter, within the past year written by Jinny Beyer which was fascinating. It explained the dying process, color fade value, etc & it convinced me that the better known "brands" do make a difference, especially if you intend for your quilt to last for years to come. I was pretty much forced to use Joann's when my favorite quilt shop closed down about 9 yrs ago & even though I was a novice I was disappointed in the "same old" material. Joann's etc has a big selection but a lot of the same patterns are simply offered in different colors. When I'm in a pinch or am making a quilt for someone who might not take care of it I'll use Joann's (or Walmart), & I use them for doll's clothes etc. \
To Jan in Maine: I've been to Lancaster & you should definitely visit "The Cold Country Store" in Intercourse (yes, that's the name!) PA. It's right across from "Kitchen Kettle Village" & you can't miss it--abt 12 miles east of Lancaster city). If you can get your hands on Better Homes & Gardens "Quilt Sampler" 1998, the shop is described on page 76. By the way, the magazine is great! The shop has quilts made by Amish, Mennonites, & local people & it would take you all day to view them. They sell gifts & have a great selection of fabric; I feel their prices are very reasonable. It's one of my favorite shops.
Re Rodale Book Sale: I'd love to know more info about the sale; I got some great buys at the Rodale exhibit at the Kutztown fair a few years ago.
Now, if you can help; I'm contemplating opening a quilt shop. It's a huge step for me as I'd be leaving a very secure job that I really wouldn't be able to go back to at least not at the same salary. If any of you have tried this can you share your experiences, did you succeed or fail, why or why not? Do any of you know someone in this position? Also, what would you like to see offered if a new shop opened near you? I'm interested in teaching beginners how to quilt & hope to build a clientele from there. Hope you can help!

Congratulations to the women of "Quilter's Corner" in Ithaca, NY!!!
Their wonderful little shop had it's third Birthday today!
It was a wonderful Quilt Show and Party!!!

~Andrea
Ithaca, NY

I am following Eleanor Burn's 'Quilt In A Day' instructions for invisible machine applique. She suggests using the blind hemming stitch on a width of 1.5, but my brand new Pfaff 7570 only goes down to a width of 2 on this stitch and it is showing too much. I'm sure there must be a way of overcoming this (my 20-year-old Bernina does it beautifully). Are there any Pfaff owners out there who can advise me? Thankyou, Susanne B

I had to chuckle while catching up on all the fabric postings. Wouldn't you love to hear from the wagon-train quilters and the colonial settlers about where their fabric came from!!! Thank goodness we don't have to get our fabric like they did!
Sharon in NH

I am looking for celestial fabrics that have silver in them rather than the more popular gold. Does anyone know of a manufacturer or place that carries this? I have found some blue with silver stars but would also like moons.

i am interested in the bottle-jar-swap i heard about. if it is full or done , maybe some one else would like to get another one going?? please e-mail if interested. i would also need the pattern. thanks

I have been given a large scrap box of vintage fabrics. The oldest scraps appear to be from the mid 19th century and go all the way up to the 30's. I would like to make several quilts out of the fabrics, with quilt patterns current to the appropriate fabrics. Does anyone know of where I might be able to find help in accurately dating the fabrics? I would appreciate any help.

When I first started visiting the BB regularly their was a lot of chit chat about Kay's kids and the year the come. All that seems to have passed by the wayside. Could we have an update? Susan in North Pole, we need an update from you as well. Cassi, it's always good to see your name on a posting, I know I'm in for a chuckle and a day brightener, and isn't that what quilting is all about? Therefore, it is quilt related. There are other names I'm missing seeing, are you lurkers or did you pack your BB bags and go home. We miss you. Come back and join the crowd. And I don't feel as if I've been on the BB long enough to be able to say this, but someone has to. FAith in S.CA Please, I am not trying to start anything, I just really miss the old gang.

Hello from Nova Scotia, Canada
My daughter is being married next spring and I read somewhere about placing quilt squares on each of the reception tables so that guests could sign their name with best wishes (using a pen designed for fabric)
Has anyone done this? I'm not a quilter, but I'd like to try this for my daughter and perhaps have someone else complete the project for their first anniversary.
If you have any information please email me at deltas@auracom.com.
Thanks Carol

Thanks to all who responded to my last request. I found everyone except Deborah Hearne from Supply, NC and Marla Wyant from Arlington, TX. If you know of there whereabouts, please e-mail me ASAP.

Thanks! Connie

HELP!!

My husband and I are Americans living in China (Shanghai area) for the next three years. I would love to find quilters in this area. If anyone has any knowledge of quilters here, PLEASE tell me how I can contact them.

Thanks,
Laura in China

Someone recently posted about starting a quilting guild. I don't know if you would call our brand new group a guild or not, but we sure had fun at our first meeting. There were sevral of us who knew each other from church and as friends. We have a common interest in quilting. Some of us have made quite a few quilts and some have made one or none at all. We all just want to share what we have with each other. At the next meeting, some of us are going to demonstrate rotary cutting to the others and let them try by cutting charms to swap. I would say just jump in and meet with those who are interested and decide what you all want to accomplish. I don't think that there are any hard and fast rules for being a guild...just sharing the love of quilting!! I know that there are no doubt differing opinions on this, but it would be boring if we all thought alike, wouldn't it?? Hope this helps anyone thinking about starting a group!!

Shirley in Kansas

Here is the site for the neck coolers:

http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/amsew/keepcool.html

I live in England but recently visited my sister in Virginia. Whilst I was there I naturally frequented all the places I could that sold 100% cotton fabric, and also made my first king size quilt.

I naturally purchased a lot of fabric from various different sources. One leafy green fabric I really liked I used as the theme fabric in my quilt. I got it on sale in Joanne's for $1.99 per yard instead of their normal $2.49 per yard. Later on I saw this exact same fabric in Mae's for $5 per yard and in the local quilt store for $6.25.
I felt the fabric each time and it had exactly the same hand and feel. I know that stores vary in the amount they "mark up" a price, as I used to work in retailing. The high priced store I worked for had an automatic 100% mark up on everything. I do not have enough spare cash to just throw it away on a store's high mark up when it is the same fabric.

Incidentally, I purchased a magazine in the quilt store (which is in Lynchburg, VA) and found out when I got it home that it was THREE YEARS OLD! and YES, they charged me FULL PRICE for it. It had a notice up saying that no discount was given on magazines, but come on, this seems rather excessive.

Surely there is a time limit when magazines should be taken off the shelves anyway? I just looked at the "October" and never notices the "1995" until I got it home!

Incidentally, I did buy some fabric in the quilt store at $8.25 per yard, and found out later that Cielo Azul on the internet supplies the exact same name brand fabric for $7 per yard, and it has now been reduced to half price in her sale! Much gnashing of teeth going on here.

Carole in England.

To the lady asking about flannel, your email bounced back. So here are a
few tips I found when I did my flannel quilt.

Definately prewash your flannel, I washed mine twice & put it in the dryer until it is
completely dry. Flannel SHRINKS!!!

Other than that, flannel is a joy to work with. I love using a "shamy" (??) style flannel, it is
a little thicker. And if you use plaids, it won't shift as much.

One more tip---When quilting it, do it on a cool day. I made a flannel with cotton batting
and a flannel backing, When I quilted it was about 90 degrees in July. So I am putting off
another flannel until cooler weather.

Whatever you decide, flannel is a great fabric. Good luck!!
Happy stitiching.
Arttie From Michigan

If someone asked me if I bought my fabric at Quilt Shops or Walmart, I'd flash my biggest grin and say "YES!"

Bertie in Illinois

(Be patient. The Lord isn't finished with me yet!)

I try to buy my fabric at a quilt shop--but just when they're having a sale, usually. I've purchased fabric at Walmart and JoAnn's/Cloth World before without trouble resulting in my quilt, so I'm not too worried about quality here. I purchase fabric at the quilt shops because I want to support them. They offer so much more than fabric. They're classes, contests, UFO get-togethers, etc help me expand and improve as a quilter. Walmart and Jo Ann's don't do that--at least not in Wichita. So, I go to the shop for fabric. Besides, they have a bigger selection! lol
May everyone have a relaxing Sunday.

Jennifer in Kansas

I am also on a budget 99% of the time and if I can find 100% cotton at Walmart for $1 a yard I buy it - also buy at Joann's as they are the within driving distance. It's what you make of it - I love to work on my quilts and it makes me happy so if I can create a quality product at a lower price I will do it.

Just bought a whole box of fabric at the flea market yesterday still have to go through it but there is yards and yards of that shiny red Christmas fabric - will make my daughter a dress that won't worry about her ruining and she will look just great!!

Purples and greens - my goal years ago was a purple quilt since that is my favorite and did finally make one in an Irish chain pattern. Have wanted to do a green quilt for a few years now - my friend when she came back from vacation brought me six different one yard pieces of green fabric and now I am waiting to figure out what pattern to use - any suggestions would be welcome.

That cemetery picutre is a great idea!! How many families lost their sons/husbands/brothers never to be able to have complete closure - would be so good for them to know their loved one was taken care of.

Janet - didn't plant a lot of flowers but my tomatoes are still flowering - Gail in western PA

I am thinking of buying the book A Treasury of Quiltiing Designs by Linda Emery which would require tracing and cutting stencils myself. The author suggests using an exacto knife or even better, buying an electric stencil cutter. Do any of you have experience cutting stencils with an electric stencil cutter or with an Exacto knife? Do the electric cutters work, are they expensive, where do I get one? Or should I just stay with purchased stencils? Thanks for your suggestions. Visited the quilt museum in Paducah yesterday. What a delight! Jan

BENNINGTON QUILTFEST: I was at the QuiltFest yesterday...What FUN again! My second quilt show so far. There were about 200 quilts displayed and some of them were really fabulous! I had the pleasure of meeting Jim Brown, who was one of the co-ordinators and the one who started a Round Robin for the quilt that my husband & I admired SO MUCH! He explained to me what a RR is and sounds like fun. I am finding out that ALL phases of quilting is FUN to me! I'm like a KID again! The featured Quilter this year is Joyce Murrin from Orient, NY. She is a self-taught quiltmaker for 35 years and her quilts were one-of-a-kind original designs...too fabulous to describe!! There was also a magnificent quilt made by Christine Brooks, of the local guild, called "Leaf Symphony". It had many scrap maple leaves (in our fall colors) that seemed to FLOAT all around the quilt...that is the quilt I voted for People's Choice. Sorry you missed it this year, Lyn. Anyway, when I mentioned that the only Guild close to me only accept members who hand stitch & hand quilt only, they suggested I start my OWN Guild.

HOW DO YOU START YOUR OWN GUILD: Now I really AM excited. But HOW do I go about it??? Please, if anyone has started their own guild, would you please e-mail me personally with some guidlines? I would be so grateful to you!

BENNINGTON & ARLINGTON, VT AREA: We also visited the Bennington Monument, Bennington Museum which also housed GRANDMA MOSES works which was quite unbelieveable. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Arlington was a BLAST! What a talented man. The gentleman who gave us our tickets was one of Rockwell's models when he was a young man. I thought I recognized him and asked him about it as we left. He said yes, that was him in the "Young Lover's" on the Calendar. It was interesting talking with him.

If you are ever in that area DO visit those sites. You will be GLAD YOU DID!

Marty in Vermont

I just read the BB from yesterday. What a reaction to differing opinions! Of course we all want the very best quality in fabrics and/or machines. But I feel that quality in in the eye or touch of the beholder. As to machines, a fool and his money, etc. I own a Bernina (12 yrs old), a BabyLock serger, and a Singer Featherweight (OOLLD). I love them all! It takes me a year or so to really become familiar with a machine. I think someday I'd like to own a machine that does the fancy embroidery. Maybe a Viking Rose. I also sew on my daughter's Pfaff. Really, brand name makes very little difference. It is your familiarity and comfort with what you use. Don't be sucked in by anyone SELLING a product. The same goes for fabric. I love beautiful quality fabrics and I buy them from time to time. However, I also buy bargains as often as I can. Bargain fabric can found in some strange places. We can be surprised by what happens to fabric, though. I always prewash everything! (Oops, always isn't right,--Usually) A good friend who buys top of the line at all times just rinsed a Baltimore block to out get marks had lots of color runs and she had washed it all previously. She now uses Retain on ALL her fabric. Will it prevent all further troubles? I doubt it. Doodoo occurs! Well, I do enjoy these discussions.

Betty, try http://www.his.com/~queenb/. It is called "Quilter by Design" (if the address doesn't work). She is in the middle of a block of the month with various foundation-pieced house blocks. I think you will find what you are looking for.
--Laura in Asheville, NC where it dry as a bone

One can't say all fabrics in the quilt stores are top of the line. I know that some stores buy the cheaper stuff also because they are just starting out and can't afford to stock all of the better stuff or they are trying to please all of their customers and carry the lower end fabrics also.
Gigi

I buy fabric at Walmart because it is there. The only other place in town with fabric is just about done closing out that department (got some wonderful buttons there at half price today though.) Anyplace else to shop is a minimum of forty miles. I shop there, too, but only when I have time and energy to make the trip.

Kathy
South Central Washington

I am fairly new to quilting, but have taken numerous classes the last several months. I am not comfortable with marking my quilt top and not real sure how to. Have been asking, but get so many different answers. Some say mark quilt with the blue marker that washes out, some books say a pencil is better. Help, what is the best method? I also do not have a light box, is there another method that would work? I am terrified of ruining my quilt tops. Thanks!

Wendy

Should I prewash my flannel before peicing the quilt? I am working with a combination of plaids and printed flannels, various colors. I've never worked with flannel. How has it worked for others? I would appreciate any info on the subject.

I am looking for the directions for a quicker and neater way to make the Cathedral Window that was in a magazine called Australian Quilting & Patchwork vol.4,no.4. If anyone knows the way it is made please let me know. I posted this a few days ago, but was not able to find it. This is my first time on the BB. Thanks for any help.

Cindy

I've been glad to see to the various comments regarding where people purchase fabric. About a year ago I stopped reading the fabric swaps on this site becuase so many people underscored that they only wanted "quality fabric, none of that 'cheap stuff'". Yesterday I picked up some wonderful fabric from the sale table at a local Walmart - 100% cotton & the "feel" was good to my hands for $1.00/yard and $2.00/yard. With the expenses of children, house, pets...I cannot justify paying a lot per yard of fabric. I am not a fabric artist, for me quilting is a simply a wonderful hobby. My sewing machine is an inexpensive Singer that does a fine job. As has been noted before by many other quilters writing here, it's not how much the fabric cost. It's the feel and heft.
This is a long-winded way of saying "phew! I'm glad to discover I'm not the only one who has to work with a budget!"

Someone posted a site that gave directions for a neck cooler made with water crystals from a garden store back in the summer. I've scolled back through the files until I'll dizzy but can't find the reference. I think it was on one of the sewing machine sites like Bernina or Viking, but I can't seem to find it there either. Can anyone help? By the way I got into the 1997 files by error- and was puzzled at all the postings I'd though I'd missed- we sound pretty much the same then as now. Peg in Chicago

I found the plaid homespun fabric with halloween cats. I received so many good leads. thanks to all of you. A word of caution, don't list what you want it for. Offer to pass on info. after you find what your looking for. I found one site and the lady said she had a bolt of it for a year and sold out in the past two days. Wonder why. I guess I made it sound too appealing. Fortunately another terrific lady with a quilt shop contacted me and I have it on the way. Lyn

Does anyone has any info on making a tee-shirt quilt? I would be glad to hear from you if it worked well or not and what you used.
Thank You
Kate

Haven't been able to find the wallhanging pattern called Everyone Needs a Goose. Have been told it's out of print. Would someone consider selling me their copy?

We have a Pfaff 1214. I thas been an excellant performer over the last few years. However, we recently had it in for a tune-up and were told that parts are manufacturer dicontinued anad getting very difficult to find. As are result we are considering selling it (while it still works great) and buying another machine. We've been told the Bernina 1008 is one of the most reliable machines on the market. We are hoping to get some advise on whether we should consider buying a new machine and if so should it be the Bernina.

Thanks,

I have ordered from www.quilt-books-usa.com and been very happy with them. They don't charge shipping, which is nice. The discount is nice at Amazon, but by the time you add in shipping, it sometimes eats up the discount.

On another subject, does anyone know where to find a PAPER-PIECED "house" or "schoolhouse" block? I would appreciate very much if you can give me suggestions where to look on the net or which book or magazine.
Thanks.
Betty in Virginia

Can anyone tell me about this show? My husband has some airline vouchers that must be used to buy a ticket within the next few days, and he said I could use them. I thought this would be fun. What is the easiest/closest airport, and are hotels booked already or is this early enough? How does this compare with the International Quilt Festival in Houston (I live in the Houston area and it's not to be missed)?

I would appreciate any comments you care to make, but please respond to the BB. Thank you! Laura

re elaineasper message 9/16/98 I bought in 1959, and still have, a green Elna Supermatic. It certainly was a good buy, I got it at a very good price, it had been a shop demo model that had been out dated by a beige and brown model. It has discs that are used to sew fancy stitches, and still is in great working order.
contact me if you would like any other info.
June, England.

The Wal-marts in our area do not carry very much in the line of 100% cotton (most of what I find there is a cotton/poly blend), but occasionally I find something there that will do fine in a quilt. I am a professional seamstress/dressmaker and wanted to say that the other fabric they carry is usually a very good deal. Its exactly the same as what you buy in a fabric store, only priced better. You can even find some of the same brand names if you look. The Daisy Kingdom line is always cheaper there, as is most of their corduroy, doe suede, even the special occasion stuff.
I think no matter what sort of fabric you are looking for, its always a good idea to shop around. It really doesn't matter where you buy it, just that you are happy with what you get! Buy what you like and have fun sewing it into something beautiful!!

Tina in Ky

I have not done any Stanined Glass but it looks interesting. Are there any sites on the Internet. Thanks for the info!

Found an interesting website some of you bookaholics might be interested in. It's called Quilt Books USA and can be found at the following address

http://quilt-books-usa.com/

The best part is - they don't have any shipping costs if mailed within the United States.

Brenda in Indiana

I am chair of the Bloomington, IN, Quilters Guild annual retreat.
and am looking for suggestions for get-acquainted/meet-new-quilters
techniques. Any ideas?

I have been asked to teach a class on machine piecing using Anne Hallock's FastPatch Method. Although I have used her method (a lot!) I've never taught a sewing class? Is there a nice quilter out there that can give me tips on teaching and/or teaching FastPatch?

Thanks!!
Karen in Central Ohio

We were returning from VT to CA in March of this year, months before my introduction to the BB. DH had promised me as many quilt stores as I wished! He owed me, but that's another happy story. I didn't know of any quilt stores so we'd ask along the way, waitresses, state welcome areas etc. I could always find someone who was a quilter or knew a quilter. These people actually made phone calls to find out for me. Except for the welcome station in Tennessee which directed us to the most charming town and store in Franklin, without exception, all quilters responded that they purchased their fabric at Walmart. We came home empty handed. I have 5 Walmarts near me. But when in VT for several months, I visited the Walmart regularly for fabric and found their quilting fabric far superior to the Walmart quilting fabric in the store near me, so you not only have to be careful about mentioning a chain as to good or bad, but each branch carries different quality depending on demand. Faith in S.CA

I'm the Peggy who is not picky. Even though I live in a large metroplolitan area, a quality fabric store is not easy for find. Three quilt stores within driving distance and the only one I would make a special trip to is 300 miles away in Bloomington, Il. where my mom lives. When you'e working full time or in other was committed like some of my favorite quilters on this BB it may be hard to get to a quality fabric shop . I try to make a special trip if I know someone wants a particular kind of fabric. I found too that the quality quilt shops did not carry the kinds of printws I needed for the I Spy swap I was working with. The quilt shops around here carry SERIOUS stuff. Small juvinile prints in the right sizes were not to be had. The bottle quilts will also need fabrics that are easier to come by at JAF, Walmart, and Handcocks that used to be Minnesota. The calico wall at Joannes is run of the mill stuff for the most part, but they do carry Alexander Henry, Daisy Kingdom, and other cottons in the fashion fabric area that qualify as good quilting cottons. The price is right up there at $7 per yard. The most expensive fabric I have ever purchased was in San Diego at $10 - I take that back- the Liberty lawns and the French fabric i bought this summer ran more- but both were special occasions. The Liberty lawns don't seem that much different in quality than the calico wall but I haven't had a chance to work with them yet. Most swaps that I have read do specify fabric quality, so pick your swap with that in mind. I haven't been thrilled with some of the fabricchoices from Keepsake Quilting collections either but found a quilt for them in time.- Peg in CHICAGO- Glad to know there's another Peg. Isn't it fun we're all different!

Tall Pines Quilt Guild in Huntsville, Tx is hosting a birthday party for Sunbonnet Sue on Saturday, September 26, 1998. Located in the Fabric Carousel store (around the courthouse square) we will be raffling off our SS quilt that we all worked on along with selling lots of handmade items donated by guild members. Refreshments, etc. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are in the area, come see us. Will be fun. Come spend a day in historic Huntsville. Also lots of antique stores same area.

Hi all,
I am interested in quilting, have never had a sewing machine in my life, and would like advice on what would be best to use as a beginner. Price is a consideration, as I am on a budget. Would I be making a mistake to buy a used Singer for $80? I have heard about Phaff(sp?), and would be interested in info on these too. Thanks in advance for your help.
Dorothy

I need some advice in planning and putting together a family tree quilt. We are doing the the blocks at a family reunion next week. I need some advice about how to put it together. I've planned 6 inch blks. and then three inch bloks of color to fill it out. Maybe an off white blk with names and then a blk of colors. I hope to put the great grandfather and great grandmother's picture in the middle or at the top of the tree. Please help.
Shirley

was wondering if anyone had some stained glass patterns or know if theres a web site with them went to a quilt shop here in oregon and they are giving bom but didn't want to wait that long thanks a lot for any incoming answers also been reading the bb and i buy my fabric wherever its cheaper and appeals to me i also buy at quilt shops as long as its 100% cotton.

i have 5 completed quilt tops made by a recently deceased woman in my town. some of them are probably 25 years old or so, but have been stored in a closet. some of the fabrics are very stained. before my friends and i take on completion of these quilts, how should i go about claening them? also what recommendations do you have for storing, or displaying a quilt made in the 1800's that does have fabric damage? could it still be hung to enjoy? what do you suggest?

To all Bernina fans,

I've decided to purchase the Bernina 1530 as opposed to the Virtuoso 150.

My concern is the availability of parts if I should have a problem down the road considering the 1530 is no longer made.
Any input would be appreciated!!

Maria

I just had to put in my 2 cents about Walmart fabric.
Yes, I buy from Walmart. I buy from Walmart & Joann's. And when I get into a city, I buy from other
large fabric chains stores. I also get fabric from quilt stores, fleamarkets, Ebay auction, swaps, mail order, etc, etc,.
I buy my fabric from so many place I can't keep track of what & where I got EVERYTHING! To me collecting fabric
is like making a home---You buy the best quality you can afford & you buy what you love.

So when I'm involved in a swap, I usually send from my stash. And I try to send the other person what I think they will truly
love. I am usually so excited when I recieve a squishie, that I love what is inside just because a "quilting friend" has taken
the time to wash, press, cut, package & mail it to me just because she cares. Even though we have not met, we are truly friends
enough to send each other a "GIFT".

I hope this does not sound rude, because it is not intended to offend anyone.
Thanks for the space.
Arttie in Michigan

I have had a lot of problems with my computer lately, and have just found a file with about 100 emails listed as un-sent. I have just re-sent them all, so if you get an odd email from me, I am glad it has finally arrived. Love to you all, Georgie xxx

Today I took my daughter to the local cemetery for a history assignment. While looking at the gravestones, I came upon the graves of soldiers, and found the grave of D J Green of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, died 3.3.45, husband of Catherine Green of Halifax, Nova Scotia. If anyone knows Catherine or her family, can you please tell them that D J Green's grave is in a beautiful setting and is well cared for, and to please contact me if they would like a photo. Many thanks, love to you all, Georgie Bull, Palmwoods, Queensland Australia.

Am wide awake so thought I'd check out the BB. My part time job went full time this week and I've been indisposed. Working certainly cuts into your free time! Also don't have a JoAnn's so couldn't comment on the sale!

To "Adorabel" looking for a sewing machine. The latest issue of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine has an article comparing machines. I think you will get a lot of responses raving about the top of the lines. It all depends on what you do with your machine. Does anyone know of a quiz of some sort like they have in the computer industry to help someone determine how much hardware they need depending on their applications? I have a new machine--bought last Feb. It is a Viking 500 -- Lily -- the one that doesn't have all the stitches. It is definitely not the top of the line, but it still has stitches I'll never use. Read articles about sewing machines and decide which features you really want. Do you want to be able to raise and lower the presser foot without having to use your hands? Do you want automatic tension adjustment? Do you want decorative stitches? How many? Alphabets? The option to have the needle end up in the up or down position? Perfect buttonholes? A built-in dual feeder feature? Look at all the features, make a wish, then set about trying to match your list to an available machine. Did I do it this highly organized way? Of course not! I went to my local quilt where I know them and they know me, bought the machine they carried that I could afford and have been happy ever since! And I do love my Viking--I got much more machine than I could ever have afforded in a Bernina or a New Home.

Brenda--thanks so much for the light box idea! It brightened my day! (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun.) Yes, it is the "Why didn't I think of that" ideas that are the best!

Peggy--thanks for the swap endorsement. I've been hanging on the verge of getting involved in one and appreciate the endorsement. About the Walmart thing: I went to a quilt guild about 20 miles away last Thurs. for the first time. They had an absolutely delightful speaker, Bonnie Tally, from Cashiers, NC who has had a couple of quilts juried into Houston. One of them, "My Admiral's Quilt," made for her husband, a retired 3-star admiral, began with a preprinted panel and fabrics from Wal-Mart! And ladies and gentlemen, I have to tell you that it was utterly exquisite. She began with the preprinted panel, added blocks and borders in muted red, whites and blues and added her husbands spun gold braid, stars, patches, etc. from his Navy career. I sat there thinking about our discussions about "cheaters" and "Walmart" and realized that there is never one right answer. I would like to make a quilt half so well with all the Marcus Bros. and P&B and Hoffmans. Kudos to Bonnie who embodies the virtue of "making do"--because, believe me, there is no quilt shop in Cashiers!

This is long enough.--Laura in Asheville,NC

Went thru my quilt magazine stash and I don't have one Christmas quilt magazine! Living in Holland, they are very difficult to come by. I presently have a subscription to QNM and Quiltmaker magazines. Especially interested in McCalls and Better HOmes and Gardens and any Christmas edition of other quilt magazines. Back Christmas issues from earlier years are also welcome. Will swap european fabrics or a dutch quilting magazine in trade. Thank you. Patty

I am interested in starting up an at-home quilting service. This will be something that I can do at home while I am in nursing school. Before I invest a bunch of money, I would like to hear from folks who have used this service before. Please send me your opinions, likes, dislikes, suggestions, good & bad experiences in having someone quilt your tops, prices you expect to pay for quilting in various parts of the country, services you'd like to see offered, etc.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance and happy quilting!

Liz Rainaud

I recently bought an antique quilt top, Grandmothers Flower Garden.
It's 70 years old and in good repair. I am looking for help in
deciding how to finish it. Any ideas? I don't know if I should
try a border. I'm leaning that way because the outside edge is all
octagons. I want to keep it as true to the original design as
possible.

Also, I am searching for 100% cotton with a monkey pattern. I need
it to make a wall hanging for a friend that collects them.

Thanks for your ideas!

Mary

I think green and purple are wonderful, but I have my reservations about the yellow. The purple and orange mentioned sound good, too--I usually avoid orange except at Halloween. I really love to mix rich vivid colors--in fact, you nearly have to twist my arm to get me to use white or off white to contrast something. I'd much rather use color.

Kathy
South Central Washington

To the person who asked about Purple and Green (sorry, forgot to write down your name before I went to the posting page), that is my favorite combination. I just finished a Trip Around the World in those colors and am just about to start on a pattern called Grape Baskets in the same combination. Years ago, I made a Scrap Bow Tie quilt in Purples, Yellows and Greens that received very positive responses.

When I go fabric shopping, it always seems that the stock is heavily weighted toward the Blues, which I believe is historically the most poplular color for quilts. However, I have recently seen an upward swing in the Green section, so take heart! Other's share your purple passion and green fever!

Ruth in Massachusetts

First of all, thanks to the person who posted The Door Mouse URL. What a great fabric shopping site. The fabric photos load so much quicker than many of the other sites I have visited, don't know exactly why, but I like it.

To the person looking for table runner patterns - Just got my House of White Birches catalog today. Lots and lots of tablerunner patterns in it. The number to call for free catalog is 1-800-347-9887.

A new Mills End fabric store just opened here. Has anyone shopped at one before? What's the quality of the fabrics like?

One more thing I'd like to share. I have been involved in several fabric swaps lately and have received many lovely squishies in the mail. I would recommend swaps to anyone, just be sure both parties are clear as to what kind of fabrics you are expecting. Also, how do you politely ask "Do you shop at WalMart or quilt shops for your fabric?"

Peggy from MN

I just came home from a local quilt show and saw the most ingenuous idea I just had to share with everyone. A quilter made a light box from a flourescent tube and a large rubbermaid container. She purchased the light tube, about
15" long, laid it flat on the table, and laid an inverted clear plastic rubbermaid container on top. Instant light box! I thought it was absolutely brilliant. She uses it when she teaches and of course is able to carry everything in the storage container. Sometimes the simplest things just make our day!
Brenda in B.C., Canada

Sandy , I think purple/green and maybe yellow is gorgeous! However, I once saw a quilt in purple and a rusty orange that I loved and my friends thought I was nuts... Your colors sound just like violets.

I'm binding my third quilt this week, finally getting some finishing done, and planning which project to take when my girlfriends and i have our quilting weekend in October. I can never make up my mind!

Janet in western PA , still hot, and my flowers are so CONFUSED!

I received a catalog in the mail today that has cotton/polyester
quilt backing fabric. It is 50/50 cotton/polyester, and it comes in
pre-cut sizes (double, queen/king) and in white or eggshell colors.
Has anyone bought these? Are they worth the money? I woul like some
advice on quilt backing.

TIA
Arttie from Michigan

Special request: I am looking for the following quilters - Brandi Ohlsen, Deborah Hearne, Shirley Thompson, Marla Wyant, Heather Gatti, and Hannelore Hansen. If you see this, please e-mail me ASAP. If anyone reads this and knows e-mail addresses for any of these quilters, please e-mail me. Thanks!

Connie

Didn't mean to scare the beheebies out of some of you...so, I though I would elaborate a bit more on the topic of warranty in general. Coming from the commercial equipment industry, and having filled out a zillion warranty claims during my tenure as a assistant service manager - warranty is good for the customer, but sometimes not so good for the dealer. Some companies have what they call flat-rates. The company will only pay a dealer X amount for a specific repair, and sometimes a dealer can accomplish this repair in the alloted time, and sometimes not...hence, some dealers actually lose money, and this can either be due to their inefficiency, or the company has unrealistic flat-rates.

Whether it's right or wrong, I don't know of any dealer who can be made to do anything if they do not want to. It's a dog eat dog world out there and that includes the sewing machine industry. Some dealers are bound by the agreement they made with a manufacture, others are more of free agents and can do as they please. I just wanted to point out that in this day and age the consumer must take a bigger role in information gathering - if you don't ask, you might not be told! If you are going to spend several hundred or several thousand dollars for anything, you need to inquire about the warranty, what does it include, and most importantly, who is going to do the warranty work should a problem arise. This goes not only for internet sales, but also machines purchased from you local dealerships. Also, inquire whether or not you will be able to get service for your machine should you have to move. Like I said before about my sewing machine dealer, he is not required to work on anything he doesn't sell, warranty or not. I was surprised that he didn't even work on machines that were purchased out of state and the owner had to relocate - regardless that they had purchased it from another authorized dealer! He's an arrogant cuss, but he does know sewing machines. I'm not saying his attitude is right - but I'm sure he's not the only one out there who is finicky about what they are willing to repair. And, on the flip side - can you really blame them. If you buy a machine from a wholesaler for a price that a regular dealer could not match even if they wanted to - is it realistic to expect them to do warranty work, general maintenance, or give you lessons on how to use the machine? Something to thing about...

Brenda in Indiana

I am starting a quilting selling business.
I need to find a company that has the ability to quilt fabrics.
The fabrics to be quilted are 60" wide and are to be filled with filler only.
The quilting is to be done 500 yards at a time. We will supply our own fabric.

All enquiries to this posting are welcome.

I have a basic Singer but it seems difficult to do free form quilting. It handles the straight line stuff great!! It seems that there are a lot of choices out there. What do you recommend? Should I spend a lot of money to get "the best"??

Just a reminder to everyone, never drape your cloth tape measure around your neck. I guarantee you'll forget it's there, and sure as shootin' you'll grab the old rotary cutter, lean over the cutting table, and well, let's just say, you'll end up with one, almost complete tape measure, and another one about three inches long. Guess how I remembered this helpful tip!

Really enjoy everyone's dialog. It has been the push I needed to get busy and actually piece a new quilt top that I had been thinking about doing. Just need to do the sandwich/quilting part now. It is a green and purple quilt in the Strips that Sizzle style that I recently saw on Simply Quilts. Purchased most of the fabric the night of the JAF sale, (yes, we were having flooding here in the Houston area, but that doesn't seem to be a good enough reason to miss a sale). I seem to be the only one in my family that thinks green and purple go together. DH simply says "That's interesting". DS (age 8) says only that I finished it really fast. Is there anyone else out there who thinks that green, purple, and sometimes yellow all go great together? What other color combinations does everyone tend to gravitate toward?
Sandy
in Katy, TX where it's beginning to dry out, but the mosquitoes are the size of 747's.

Hi, I'm looking for a pattern or book with intructions for pillows made in about the 1950's. they were usually made of velvet and produced by folding and then stitching the folds to create 3-D points.The designs were made into circular pillows as well as bolsters and squares. I have been told they could be called folded stars,Prairie stars or Cathedral windows. If anyone knows what they are please contact me. Thanks, Leanne

Can anyone tell me where I can get a pattern for a neck tie quilt???? I live in N.B. canada. I also love to do crafts from recycled materials. Anyone interested in swaping ideas???

I am a beginning quilter. I would like to make my father in law a quilt for Christmas. I was considering flannel instead of cotton. Is this a good idea? Also, what would be a simple quilt to contstuct? I have made log cabin quilts and I do like them, but I am not afraid to try something new. Please help.

Thank you,

Betty

HOWDY YA'LL

MY ELDERLY MOTHER AND I ARE TAKING A TRIP IN OCTOBER AND MOM WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE WERE ANY QUILT SITES ALONG THE WAY THAT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO VISIT. WE WILL BE IN CITIES SUCH AS ST LOUIS, MO; MADISONVILLE, KY; ASHEVILLE, NC.; RALIEGH NC; JACKSONVILLE FL; DOTHAN AL; ATLANTA GA; EVANSVILLE, IN.

I THINK WE'RE PLANNING ON STOPPING AT PADUCAH KY ON THE WAY FROM ST. LOUIS TO MADISONVILLE.

CAN ANYBODY TELL ME ABOUT PADUCAH???

GOD BLESS

PHILL FOR ROMA

Regarding Brenda's response to Tracey's letter:
People move nowadays.
And they take their machines with them.
I would have been up the creek if I couldn't have gotten my machine worked on anywhere other than where I bought it.
And don't the companies pay dealers to do warranty work?
Can they force them to do any?
I'm not recommending buying off the net or anything, Just thought that was a not so nice attitude for a dealer to take.
Margie

RE: Tracey's request for new sewing machine suggestions, and whether or not it is a good idea to purchase a new sewing machine off the Internet...I emailed her directly with my .02 cents on which brand I prefer.

To those of you who have been tempted by those low prices for new machines off some of the Internet dealers - all I can say is BEWARE!

I own a Janome/New Home (blah blah blah) and was talking with my dealer and he pointed out a few things that I was unaware of. With New Home machines, the dealer must fill out, sign, and mail YOUR warranty card to the factory. If the dealer does not do so...you have no warranty as far as the factory is concerned. So, I would not be surprised if other manufacturers have a similar deal. Secondly, you must be very aware that some of these wonderful buys may be refurbished machines...so read the fine print! Thirdly, even if this Internet deal is the deal to beat all deals, and the seller assures you that, "Yes, there is a factory warranty"...you may be hard pressed to get a local dealer who sells the same manufacture to actually do warranty work on the machine. My New Home dealer is one of those guys - if you don't buy it from him, he will not work on it, period! Also, you may not get any help from a local dealer on how the machine is supposed to operate should you run into difficulties. Keep in mind that some of the purchasing price of a new fangled computerized machine is lessons on how to use the thing. And, sometimes that couple hundred dollars you saved by buying off the Internet would have been well worth the instructions you would have gotten from a local dealer. Remeber - you get what you pay for!

Brenda in Indiana

I was wondering has anyone bought the book Free Stuff for Quilters on the Internet? I have a chance to mail away for it through a book club. Is it worth buying? Does it have patterns only or is there more stuff? Thanks in advance . Michelle from sunny Vancouver BC

The Powers Museum is currently hosting Paul Pilgrim's quilts
"Blending Old & New......" traveling from MAQS. These quilts
were quilted by Toni Fisher of Belton, MO. We would like to
make contact with Toni in reference to this exhibit. The
Powers Museum is located in Carthage, MO. The telephone
number is 417-358-2667 or you may e-mail this address or copy to
weave23@ipa.net.

Susan -- Although, I'm in OK, we do not have a quilt shop in Ardmore so I shop quite often in Texas because I'm only 45 minutes north. I really like Sharon's Quilt Depot in McKinney. It's a large store and worth the drive, located at 215 E. Louisiana St., 214-562-7700. Just 15 minutes north of McKinney is Carriage House Quilt Shoppe at 201 E. Jefferson in Van Alstyne. Also, at I-35 and Belt Line Road is the Olde Craft Store in Old town Carrolltown. If you want more information or directions or places to eat around the quilt shops, e-mail me and I'll be glad to tell you more.

Linda in OK

Purchased a walking foot a while ago and haven't been able to get it to work to my satisfaction. It doesn't seem to "walk", just "crawl". There were no directions with the monster as to settings(i.e. tension, stitch length, etc.) so maybe y'all can help me out, please?!!
The stitches seem to come out really tiny and I have an older Kenmore(probably 20 yrs. old).Help--trying to complete a tree skirt and thought I'd give it another try. I plan to Stitch in the Ditch, if that helps. Thanks.
Jo Anne

The only machine I have used is a reburbished singer that my quilting aunt gave me, but it has recently decided to die and I am not interested in repair it (already repaired it a few times). I am looking for suggestions from quilters on new machines and/or features on machines that are desirable. I would like to spend between 400 to 500 dollars, but do not want to get alot of features that I know I won't use, nor do I want to grow out of it in a few years. Also, I saw alot of places on the internet to buy machines, is this recommended? Thanks alot, Tracey Proulx, Syracuse, NY

To Susan in Fresno, if you have the time, while
your in Texas, Oct. 29 - Nov.1 there is the
International Quilt Show in Houston at the
Geo. R. Brown Convention Center.
Thanks to everyones responds to my wrist problem.
Pat in Texas

I read Nanci's post thanking everyone for the 'cures' for her warped mat. I didn't see any info posted, could someone tell me how they straightened the mat? Thanks in advance
Janet from NV

This is for Peg in Chicago, and anyone else who might be wondering....the AQS has not given up on Paducah for the show. The new show, which will be in Nashville, TN, in August (I think it is), 2000, is in ADDITION to the regular April show in Paducah, KY. Paducah truly becomes Quilt City USA during quilt week and I think there would be a major revolt if the show were pulled from this area!
Everyone knows to book motel rooms early for Paducah, but I have seen a few remarks on the web about Nashville being large and having plenty of accomodations. Just a word of warning---if you're planning to go, don't wait to get a motel room. There is always something going on in Nashville and rooms can be scarce there, too.
On another topic---I was recently contacted via e-mail by an author who was collecting information about Ky quilters who are on the internet. I responded to her question, "What do you like best about quilting on the Internet" with an off the top of my head (of should I say fingers!) remark. Yesterday she mailed me again and asked permission to use my quote and to identify me. If I didn't want to be identified, she said she would use the quote but just not give my name. I gave her permission to use the quote and now will have to wait till November to see the article. My mother always told me to be careful what I say, and I guess she was right!
Well, it's Friday, so it's time to get beautiful and head off to town for groceries, etc.
Kim The Kentucky Quilter

Thanks so much to all who responded to my request for address. I have been to the site and found out what I wanted to know. I was so touched by the response from people so far away. The world is truly a small place. Chris.

I am looking for block patterns for the following STAINED GLASS,
a large leaf with 7 points, and block patterns for animals and bugs.
especially dianosores. And church, village,
apple, pear, bannana, veggies, etc.
Thank you Gwen

We are three Danes, who would very much like some information about the history of quilting and the women behind it. If anyone have some material it would be a great help. We are making a culture project about the topic.
Thank you very much Karen, Louise and Pernille.

WOW! Such a response to my request for 'roo patterns! I think I heard from
every corner of the US, and parts of Australia. For those of you who would
like to know what I have found--it seems the general consensus is to find a
book by Margaret Rolfe called "A Quilter's Ark". It sounds like many wonderful
animal patterns are included. She also has written a few other books that
include patterns for other flora and fauna, particularly Australian. I am on
the hunt for a copy now! It was also suggested to me (and I thought this was
a fabulous idea) to find a children's coloring book, and use that for applique
patterns. Now, why didn't I think of that?? I think that would work for a variety
of subjects--cartoon characters, animals, Bible figures maybe?

I also found some Web sites where I learned WAY more than I ever wanted to know
about kangaroos--my favorite was www.mishmash.com/kangaroo It has some great links!

Many many thanks for all of those who responded--I think I have found what I need now.
You are all too too kind!

Laura in Seattle, where it is finally starting to rain

there is a quilting show in monroe washington thurday, friday, saturday. 24, 25, 26, sept. thats all i know. so if your in that area or like to travler go see i am

THANK TO ALL OF YOU WHO RESPONED TO MY REQUEST FOR STAINED GLASS QUILTS. I'M NEW TO THE MSG BOARD BUT HAVING A GREAT TIME WITH IT. THANKS AGAIN...SHARI (WA.)

How do I get to the crafting BB?

I am looking for a pattern for a table runner and placemats. I have books and books of quilt and wall hangings, but I haven't found a table runner I like yet. Any suggestions? Please email me & put QUILT on the Re: line. Thanks!

Check this website: www.quiltart.com/lancaster/html
I believe the address for Tudor Rose is incorrect. Call them for the correct address.
Janice/Phila

EDITH: Our quilt group of about 40 does a challenge every year. Not everyone participates, but that's OK too. We have done an "ugly" challenge, everyone brings in a fat eighth, or a 8x7" square of something really ugly in their eyes, enough for the entire group. Trade so everyone has one each of the fabrics, then make anything you want, just has to include all the uglies, on the front of the quilt. Another challenge was cut enough 2" strips to trade with all participants, must use all on the front of the quilt, could add a neutral and one other fabric (including the back). This year's is the hardest on I've tried: "Black and white". Everything must be black, white or gray, and we can add only one other color (batiks are cheating, cause I asked). Ours are due at the January meeting,it will be interesting to see what comes in. Good luck!

Liz, in CT, working on snowmen!

I've been off line for a few days and really missed reading the BB. I'm glad several other folks have faster fingers than brains. Spelling while thinking is not one of my talents. Yo Yo quilts are traditionally not "finished like regular quilts. They're more of a decorative coverlet. Once you get the yo yos whipped together you're done. I always felt that they seemed a little "drafty". If you wanted, you could back it with fleece or two layers of calico sewn together so there would be no raw edges.
I nominate Doris for swap champion of the year. She really handled the I Spy swap in a blue ribbon way. I'm still working on cheater quilts for babies and wedding quilts for my nephew and his bride. I like some of the greens I see a lot, but the cranberry leave something to be desired. Our JAF is not carrying the range of Christmas they did last year. It's hard to find gold touches in anything but Christmas it seems. I bought 4 yards of gold acrylic "Cloud Nine" silky at JAF 's sale to make a Halloween costume and I'll back it with fusible web as was suggested, to put in my quilts.
Wish I could go to Williamsburg for the Quilt fest in Feb. but have to work. Why has the American Quilter's Society moved its 2000 show to Nashville? - Peg in Chicago

Brenda managed to get to the BB before I did, so I'll just have to repeat we had a great day...it was wonderful to meet her and it's true we had gabbed nonstop all day. She brought pictures from her trips to the Paducah shows, which I drooled over, and a sample of her brown and pink tablecloth she'd been telling me about--changed my mind about brown and pink real fast! It looks terrific with reproduction fabrics! We also have a mutual passion for purple and green, which I satisfied at the fabric store by buying two really pretty (I think) fabrics. We both eyed the book about free things on the Internet for quilters but decided we'd probably examined most of the websites on our own by now and didn't need to pay $16 to find the few we've missed.

Thanks for coming Brenda--did end up at Skyline for dinner!!!! Cassi in Ohio

TO: ALL FELLOW QUILTERS

Thank you for responding to my plea about Wilma. It was very kind of you all to take the time and be so caring.

To all the people who didn't see my original notice. This was about a gal named Wilma in my mom's church that was diagnosed with TERMINAL LEUKEMIA and she was putiing dots on the map from where all e-mail and prayers were sent from. If you missed it the first time and still would like to do this. She may be reached at willy@sosinc.net The only thing I would like to request is a prayer before e-mail and words of encouragement.

Thank you all' for being so kind!

Laura in Rogers, AR

Looking for the book

CORNERS in a cabin
featuring a faux pineapple pattern with folded pieces.
Any other ideas or book suggestions would be welcomed.
thank you

kathleen

Does anyone know who to finish the front of a yo yo quilt? I have all the yo yo's make and put together, the size I need, now I don't know what to do next.
Any ideas?

Thanks, Judy

Just wanted to let some of you know that I actually got to meet Cassi in person this afternoon...she is great! We had a blast and I don't believe that there was a moment's silence between us the whole day. I really enjoyed meeting her, seeing all her antique quilts, and all the quilts she's made for her home...plus got to oggle her fabric stash, ha! She even took me to one of her favorite fabric shops, and we took care of a much needed "fabric fix".

Cassi - Thanks for the fun afternoon!

Brenda in Indiana

Do you know now to finish the top of a yo yo quilt?

Hi Susan! Hope you have a good time in Dallas. The heat wave has finally broke and we got some rain. Hopefully it will be cooler when you visit. I live in Plano and work in downtown Dallas. There is not a quilting store in downtown Dallas (I double checked the phone book too). You will need to go into the suburbs such as Plano and McKinney for quilt stores. Lots of tourist places downtown to visit.
I also wanted to THANK Connie for all of her help regarding a pieced heart pattern for beginners.
Linda

I will be in Dallas, Texas Oct 19-23. I will be staying at the
La Meridian downtown. Are there any shops in that area. I will
also be in the Plano area. My friends live there and I know there
is a shop or two there, but what about downtown? Thanks,
Susan in Fresno, CA.

QUILT SHOPS NEAR LANCASTER, PA. Would anyone living in the area e-mail me about your favorite quilt shops? Also are there any shows or exhibits going on the week of Oct. 12? DH and I will be there for a week celebrating out 41 wedding anniversary and my 60 birthday. Are there any nice bed & breakfast places around? Thank You Jan in Maine

HI

Just wanted to thank everyone that helped me with hints on how to restore my cutting mat.
All of the tips were wonderful. I haven't had a chance to actually try any of them yet..
but hope to tomorrow. I am anxious to get to work on a new quilt..
(aren't we all?? LOL!) Thanks again for all of your helpful responses..quilters are the best!

Nanci in Ma.

am wondering if there is any web sites for english paper piecing, am interested in doing one by hand i think its called grandmas flower garden thanks

A friend and I are looking for ideas for a
Challenge for a group of about 40.Last time we did
"Stars" and supplied fabric packs. This time we're
stuck for new ideas.Help!!
Edith

For Margie:

Go to

http://www.kayewood.com/links.html

Then click on Lisa's Texas Quilting Page. She has boots, hats, etc.

For those newbies to BB, Kaye Wood's URL above gives you 22 pages of websites to visit if you click on her "links" .

Bertie in Illinois

Hi,
Just wanted to thank all who responded to my problem with flared corners.
Joanne

For those of you in the perfume bottle swap, there are the most lusious fabrics with metallic highlites under 'HiFashion' at

http://www.thedoormouse.com

And, for you 57 yr old kids like me (well, you don't hafta be that old!) they also have some of the cutest kid print stuff I've seen and wonderful Halloween prints right now.

I also got a sweet surprise with my order that was above and beyond call of duty. No affili, etc. Just a very happy customer!

Bertie in Illinois

Hi!
Just wanted to thank all who gave me their suggestions about my flared corners.
Joanne

Great quilt show taking place this on Friday, 9/18, and Saturday, 9/19, in Westfield, NY...put on by the Westfield Quilters' Guild. Over 150 quilts plus multi-room Christmas quilts displayed. Hours: Friday 10-8 pm, Saturday, 10-5 pm. Held at Westfield YWCA, S. Portage St. (Rt. 394), Westfield. We are 1 hour west of Buffalo, 45 min east of Erie, Pa, and close to lots of other points to. Feel free to e-mail me if you need further info or directions.

In Stitches,
Sally Bryan

Would like to find a Country-Western quilt pattern, something with cowboy hat, guitar etc. not a southwestern pattern with cactuses etc.
I have a friend who likes line dancing and would like to make a lap quilt for her. Thank you.
Margie in New York

I would like to design quilt labels on the PC and
print them out on fabric. The only problem though
is that the ink-jet ink is not permanent. Any
hints/ideas on how to create permanent ink labels?

Got the number. Thanks!!!! Susan

Good morning all!! Does anyone have a McCalls quilting
magazine handy?? I am at work and need the phone number
to their customer service (or whatever) department. I
have not received the latest issue. I keep touching the
ones at the store tempting to buy but DH would shoot me
knowing I have a subcription. TIA Susan in slowly
getting cooler Fresno, CA.

An artical I read in Traditional Quilters about Margaret Rolfe shows a picture of a kangaroo but no pattern. Does mention Margaret's books; A Quilters Ark, Go Wild With Quilts and Go Wild With Quilts Again. It also mentions she likes to hear from people all over the world at rolfe.patch@netinfo.com.au Her books are from That Patchwork Place,Inc., P.O. Box 118, Bothell, WA 98041-0118 (800) 426-3126.
I e-mailed you and it bounced.
Gigi

Well went to see the fair last night and one of my best friends won best of show, and the lone star got first place and I won some other ribbons. so much for hurrying and finally putting bindings on wallhangings, etc. seems like competition and best friend nagging gets me to finally finish a few things. Can't shame myself by not entering something. Other friend who i nagged unmercifly to get done with her mothers quilt got a red in machine quilted quilt (she did a really nice job, her first finished quilt!!!!!) she was very excited.
looking forward to Friday (my day off with weekend) love these 9 hour days!!!!! QUilt, QUilt, Quilt!!!! that is if grandaughter doesn't show, kids pop in from college, etc.
have a nice weekend everyone
jojoquilter in cloudy okla

There's a great local quilt show with vendors this weekend (19th and 20th) in Amery, WI. It's at the First Lutheran Church on Elm Street.

Have missed the BB for a few days and there's lots to catch up on(the kids almost missed the bus waiting for me to make lunches). Anyone have a good idea of something special for a DH that gave me a new kitchen, let me use the old cabinets in the basement sewing room, and helped me build a family room in the basement? He's already gotten an apple pie, home-made pound cake and best of all the sewing mess out of the dining room, now what?

Cindy hot and humid in Wisconsin waiting for company to visit from Las Vegas....they will not like our weather!

I've never used the safety pin method for basting and hearing this story makes me glad I haven't tried it. Wish I had some good advice for getting rid of the marks on your quilt, but I haven't a clue! I will add, though, that with thread basting care must also be taken with the color--I made the big mistake of basting a whole cloth WOW (that's white on white fabric for those working on the abbreviations list) with a dark thread. When I pulled the threads out, fibers were left behind and I was never able to get all the marks out. Now I use light pastel colors for light colored quilts, darker for the dark. Live and learn!

LIZ IN CT: I saw that remark! I'd like evryone two no I niver make any misteaks or mispelings--and if you beleave that, I have some high quality fabric in my stash I'd like to sell you! I am relieved to say that there is at least one person in this nation who I know has a higher level of pub(l)ic humiliation!!!!

Sorry if that seems like it's an "inside" joke--you'd have to go back to July postings for the background, but it's not a secret and I have never lied under oath about it! Cassi in Ohio

Lyn - fabric is pictured in the Keepsake catalog, Fall '98 Their toll free number is 1-800-865-9458. Good luck.

I have not check out the site for few days, It seems I missed a lot of fun.
Someone mentioned to me that she saw here that someone has praying hand pattern. It is paper piece foundation. Does anyone know this information? Please e-mail me if you know since I can not check the posting everyday.
Thanks in advance.
Julia

Regarding the issue of dirty pins. Crocus cloth can be
purchased at a hardware store and can be used to clean the
dirt and tarnish off your pins. Cut a small rectangle and
fold in half and rub the pins. I don't know anything that
will help your fabric.
Happy Stitching!
Cheryl in Tampa

A great site for older Elna machines is:
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/stowaway/smgallery.htm
Kathleen in beautiful Michigan

An addendum: The Boise Basin Quilters show will be held September 26th (9 AM to 7 PM) and 27th (9 AM to 6 PM). Mary Mashuta will be teaching classes and there are still a few openings available.

You are all cordially invited to attend the Boise Basin Quilters annual show next weekend. The name of the show is "A Pieceful Harvest." It will be held at the Boise Center on The Grove in downtown Boise at 850 Front Street. We have 301 quilt entries registered! There will be a boutique, raffle quilt, merchant mall, etc. Y'all come!

I recently inherited an antique victorian crazy quilt. It is beginning to show its age. Is there anything I can do to prevent further deterioration to the fabric and still be able to enjoy having it on display in my home? (Its rather large, so framing it would not be a likely option)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Karsea

does anyone have the pattern called
Feathered Friend ll Its a pattern by Sue Danielson out of Golden, Colorado. It was also featured in Hari Wagners book on trapunto. If you don''t have the pattern do you know of a
quilt shop in that area?

When the classifieds were updated this week, they did not post my email address change with my 9/5 ad for quilt magazines and books for sale. If anyone is interested or sees a post regarding bounced mail to me, please substitute juno.com instead of msn.com. Thank you very much. DH decided to end our internet for a while to keep the kids off.

does anyone have the pattern called Feathered Friend II ? Its by Sue Danielson out of Golden , Colorado. Is there a quilt shop near there that might have it? It was also in Hari Wagners book on trapunto. Thanks in advance

Anne: here are a few more: VBG= very big grin, LOL= laughing out loud; ROTFLOL= rolling on the floorlaughing out loud (happens frequently when reading BB)
These keep some of us from mispelling things and giving Cassi a giggle!

Liz in CT, scratching poison ivy and trying to do my homework!!

I have searched the web and made so many phone calls, even long distance, my finger is numb. There is a fabric I'm trying to locate. It is a homespun type woven plaid. It appears to be orangish rust and tans and has black (halloween type) arched cats woven in the corner squares. This was shown in the Fall/Holliday McCalls Quick Quilts and I can not locate any of it. If anyone knows where I might find it, it would be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail me. I really really want to make this quilt. Lyn in Oregon

HELP! I am in the process of making a Bible block
quilt and I have the templates for the block
called Golgatha, but I don't have any pictures or
directions for the block. If anyone has it,
please let me know.
I am also looking for a pattern called Amish Cats
and Rats. It was seen in a quilt magazine a few
years ago, and I have since lost the magazine. Can
anyone help?
Thanks so much for helping me in this matter!!
Marsha

I have several hundred safety pins that were purchased at quilt shops over the years. Examining my just-completed quilt I am finding grey marks from the basting pins. These grey, dirty pinholes don't seem to want to wash out with a little soap and water. The pins were only in the quilt for two weeks. Is there a way to clean the marks off the quilt? Can this supply of pins be cleaned? saved? Thanks!

ANNA IN S CALIF - I hope you feel better soon. I thought I'd answer about the abbreviations you see posted here once in a while. I will give just a few in order not to upset for a long post. Ready?

TIA = Thanks in Advance
JAF = JoAnn Fabrics (been there, done that)
FW = Featherweight (got one)
DS, DD = same as husband, but son and daughter
MIL = Mother in law (mine's ok)
SIL = sister in law (BIL, FIL, etc)
BB = bulletin board (like here)
WWQP = World Wide Quilting Page (it's great)

I believe there is a page that tells you many many more. There is a hilarious page that you can access too. On your Yahoo or other search engine page, enter Emoticon and you will laugh when you see some of the computer art!!!

Sew long and prosper...Connie in Wisconsin

Does anyone know anything about or have any knowledge of this sewing machine? The carrying case folds to create a great work surface that surrounds the free arm. It appears to be from the '50's. If it was as light as a featherweight it would be perfect!

Hi, everyone. I was wondering if there is a site
on the web, where I can download the pattern for a
comfort cap for cancer patients. My daughter-in-law
and her mother both have cancer and I would like
to make them one.
Also, been doing alot of hand quilting and my
hands and wrist are feeling it. Any one have any
home remedies for helping to keep this from happen-
ing.I read somewhere awhile back about vit.B complex.
Does anyone know about this? Has anyone used the
threputic(sp?) bands for the wrist that are advertised in the quilting
catalogs? TIA for any help. Pat

Hi everyone,

I have had the flu for the last few days, today is the first day I have been able to look at the screen without getting sick. I have not quilted in that amount of time, and sure do miss it! Maybe tomorrow. Anyway, I have been going over some of the postings from the past and ran accross some abbreviations that I could not figure out. Since I am new to the BB, and know there are some other "newbies" out there, I was wondering if some of you would mind posting some abbreviations and their meanings. DH I know, because I have a wonderfully patient one that sees and enjoys the happiness that quilting brings me.

Thanks alot.

Anna from So. Ca.

http://lvquilts.kaschynna.com/images/11_2.jpg
This quilt won Best-of-Show in the Tillamook
County Fair 1998 ( Oregon ) It was made from 49 of
the 64 patterns in the Pattern Book for Sampler
Quilt "A" ; seen at http://lvquilts.kaschynna.com/books.html
I welcome comments.

TWELVE DAYS FABRIC:in the archive,9/15/98,5:09 PM,is an email from Benartex explaining their 12 Days' fabric panel.(Or am I the only one who read this?)I think it sounds kinda neat-now,to find some!Already have a 12 days panel (A.Henry?) from a couple of years ago-maybe a 12block crazy quilt?
Sally,Lois,Cassi:I made it to the PO,so here come your packages!(Finally.)
Bertie:Got your letter and check,thank you.Anything else I can get for you?LOVE the lobsters!I found (smaller) eagles this morning - want a piece?
The kitten seems to have forgiven me for today's vet trip-she doesn't know she's getting spayed next week .
Well,I've got a D.O. so - laundry mountain,per usual;hope I get to the machine,I've got to finish 1 baby quilt by 10/3,2 more by Thanksgiving.TG for my machine and cotton batting!
Take care everyone-Melinda in Indy

Joanne, by any chance were there any bias edges on the block edges (you often have these when placing blocks on point and accidently cut the setting triangles "half square" instead of "quarter square") before you put the outer borders on? Bias egdes are often the culprit when it comes to wavey flared borders. One trick is to stay stitch at about an 1/8" on all the bias edges and then carefully sew your borders on making sure you don't stretch the quilt as you sew. Hope this helps. Martha, still snotty, in Alaska

For the person with the flared/wavy edges to their wallhanging: check out the WWQP's Home Page, and click on the Quilting FAQ Page. The last topic under this page is dedicated to wavy edges. LOTS of great tips.

And if some of you have the Bulletin Board bookmarked, do yourself a favour and see all the wonderful resources available on the WWQP Home Page, especially the FAQ page. I

So many times people are looking for a fabric they can not find. The following is a wonderful place I use all the time. They will ship any place.
ADDRESS:OLD TIMES/QUILTERS' HEAVEN
P.O.BOX 122
PRINCETON, IL 61356-0122
PHONE: 815-872-9841 P.M.
815-875-1372 A.M.
OWNER: RITA MERKLEY
SHE SAYS:
1. Which fabric do you need? Enclose a sample swatch and /or as much information and description of the fabric.
2. How much do you need?
3. If we don't have it in stock and you want us to locate it for you, how long are you willing to wait for us to find it?
4. If we have the fabric or are able to locate it for you, we will send it to you and enclose a bill.We expect you to send a check or money order by return mail for the cost of the merchandise plus postage. Insurance will be charged on orders totaling $50.00 or more. Ill. residents will be charged sales tax.
5. If you want a reply to your request and or want your swatch returned, you must enclose a self-addressed, stamped business-sized envelope.
Rita has over 6000 bolts of fabric.
this sounds like a commercial but our guild has delt with Rita for over 20 years and we love her. She is very helpful. hope this helps some people. Print it out and save it!
kay in Mars. IL

The "flare out" might have something to do with the amount of quilting. If you have lots in one area it will "shrink" the quilt sandwich while more open unquilted areas will stay as they were. Not sure if this is the answer but its a consideration. Hope this helps! Terry

JoAnne,

In pondering over your problem, my 2 cents worth is, if you would remove the binding and shorten it from there, that would take up the uneveness, and square it off. We can not see the piece, so it is your judgement, if you think this might help it, and is worth the effort. Good luck, hope this has helped. Susan in North Pole, where it is still raining, but better than the snow that DH drove in all day for the past two days, in Nenana and Healy area. Brrrrrrrrrr. I think we got that Oregon weather all summer.

Last year I bought a Dritz thimble that is perfect for people with short, fat fingers. It is shorter than all the commercially made thimbles I've bought (and I've bought a lot). Unfortunately, they only had one size-8 left and I've moved from the area. The number on the card is 163-66 and the UPC Code is72879 10189. If anyone knows of a supplier, I would buy a dozen - the suggested retail is only 85 cents - so I can afford that. I love this thimble. Thanks, Claudette

Joan (I think that was the name) with the flared corner. One possibility is that after squaring your quilt, it ended up getting stretched. Also, your border strips might be the correct width, but what about where they're joined at the corner--mitered or straight-across seam might not be accurate and would cause a flare.

Are you completely finished? Don't know what it would entail, but you could remove the binding and quilting from that area, reset the side and bottom borders to lie smoothly, requilt and bind. Don't know if what you've made is worth the trouble--after all, my philosophy is that if it's not going to the Smithsonian or up for sale, it's probably not worth the time and effort to fix it. Must admit it would be aggravating to have a wallhanging but I might just fool around with some way to just make it lie flat against the wall. Bed sized quilts used for wallhangings often don't lie flat against the wall either. Hope this helps...Cassi in Ohio

children's fabric sounds like alexander henry fabric if it is pretty new, if antique i don't know. but it really sounds like alexander henry although hoffman did i think put out some cutsie fabric like that a few years ago.
student in a class: use heat and bond to put your applique on blocks and then piece blocks together, that way you don't have to do a lot of piecing and you can be creative. you can get a children's color book and draw off different items that represent that person in a kidish manner and then heat and bond them to 10inch squares (white or muslin fabric)or something like that and then piece those together or make them 6 inch squares and you won't have to do so much. hope this helps a little. good luck!!! if you need more specialized help e-mail me and i will mail you some instructions!!!

jojoquilter in ok lets see some more ideas for her on the BB

I'm finished with a wallhanging and am totally disgusted. The left, lower border noticably flares out. The error must be somewhere within the quilt because the border width measures accurately, top and bottom. I squared off the quilt before I began the border and my eye can't see any inner mistakes. Has anyone ran across a similar frustrating problem before? Is there anything else that would cause this "flare out" other than it not being squared off properly before the border was sewn on? What can I do to prevent this from happening in another quilt? I'm afraid to ever make another wall hanging. Thanks, Joanne

Is anyone going to the quilt show in Jackson, MN this weekend, September 19 & 20. This is sponsored by the Riverbend Quilters of Jackson. There will be quilts, vendors, boutique and quilt raffle. I plan to go and take a car load. Hope to see some of you there.
Keep stitching. JoAnn - Iowa

Is anyone going to the Bennington Quiltfest in Vermont this weekend? I am going and hope to meet some of you there.

Marty in VT

Attention all fellow quilters this is Laura in Rogers Arkansas. I tried posting this earlier but for some reason it didn't go through.

I have a really big request for anybody that has the gumption to do so.

There is a woman named Wilma in my mother's church who has been diagnosed with TERMINAL LEUKEMIA. She is putting dots on a map from where all email is sent. The only thing I would like to request is a prayer for her before you e-mail her and any kind words of encouragement would be appreciated. All you fellow quilters have been very helpful in my time of quilting needs so if you could extend this a littler farther-it would be greatly appreciated.
Wilma's e-mail address is willy@sosinc.net

Thank you again
Laura in Rogers, AR

I've come across a piece of "storybook" type fabric.
There are a variety of rabbits on the piece--playing
a grand piano, raking a yard, riding a tricycle,
rushing to the depot, farming, playing with a jack-
in-the-box, etc. The colors are red, sage, wedge
wood blue, pink, and a mustard yellow. Some of
the rabbits are black. Any information would be
appreciated. I've found it to be very intriguing
and would love to know more.

I have a somewhat odd request: does anyone know where I can find a
picture or pattern for a kangaroo? I am willing to trace a picture
and using applique, or a pattern for paper piecing would be fine. I
am trying to make a quilt to represent a trip I took to Australia almost
2 years ago, and one of the things I gotta have is a Kangaroo! Help!

Thanks much--

Laura in sunny Seattle

Watch out! This fabric has two other problems: 1.) The angles
are not 90 degrees, making it a slight parallelogram. 2.) There
is not 1/2" between the blocks, giving each block a 1/4" seam allowance.
Benartex has not been responsive at all. In fact, a local quilt store was
told by Benartex that "the blocks weren't meant to be quilt squares, but apron
or pillow panels". They were also told that the blocks were not designed to be
"geometrically square" and that it was impossible to print them as such. However,
I have purchased Mumm's the Word panels which were printed perfectly. I feel that
Benartex doesn't care about the inferiority of this particular print.

Help! I've started a 6-pointed star quilt block, and don't know what to do with it. I want to make it a square, or I'd like to strip-piece it, but can find no internet links or books on how to complete anything other than a hexagon or baby-blocks. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I just got home from fabric shopping!! I asked if they had the Benartex 12 days fabric, and the sales lady found the bolt. we had a good laugh about the words not matching what the version we both know. Aside from that, it was OK, but not my cup of tea, so I did not buy any. Of course, it did not occur to me that it may one day be a collector's item!! <VBG> Now the store is closed, so I can't go back tonight. I'm off to invent a snowman block for a swap I need to finish.

Liz in CT, where its suddenly muggy again!

I really prefer to use silk thread for applique. I am concerned about it holding up over time. I am only using it on applique that will not be washed or used. I have heard pro and con. Any feed back would be helpful. I am planning to contact the manufacturer soon.

Darting Needles Quilt Guild is hosting its 8th biennial
quilt show Oct 3 and 4th from 10-4 each day at
St. Therese Activity Center, 217 E. Wisconsin Ave,
Appleton, Wisconsin.
Over 200 quilts and wallhangings will be on
display. Admission charged

I would like to make a wall hanging quilt for
one of my classes where each square of my quilt will represent my
relationship with that person. The quilt is worth
40% of my final grade. Any way I was wondering
If any one could help me. I have no idea how to
quilt, I went to a fabric store and was lost as to
what to get. I do not have access to a sewing
machine so I will have to hand sew it together.
What materials will I need and what is the simplest
way to put it together so that it will look nice.
I have until Nov 30th 1998 to get it done
Thanks

Seen in quilt shop in French Quarter, New Orleans. Crib Quilt. Four rows. Four blocks per row. One block train engine, other three blocks flat cars carrying hearts. Please E-mail if you know how I can find the pattern.

I have a quilt top ready to quilt and am not sure how to mount it on a roller type frame which was given to me. It is quite compact but I can't figure out how to attach the quilt, with what and how the whole thing rolls without going offcentre.
Thanks in advance for any clues!!

The "12 Days of Christmas" fabric we recently shipped to stores is a faithful reproduction of a series of panels designed by Carol Endres - a highly respected American Primitive folk Artist. If you carefully examine the design of this fabric you will see that it is not a traditional rendering of the "12 Days of Christmas" but is a whimsical interpretation.

Does anyone know where to buy size 5 or 6 quilting betweens to make the "big stitch"? I can't seem to find any needles smaller than an 8, and these are too small to thread Pearl cotton through! TIA Susan

I am trying to find the head corporate office for Clothworld or JoAnn's Fabrics. They are currently remodeling a store in my town and I want to share some things with them. I am also looking for a job. so if you can help me, please do. I live in Baton Rouge, LA. Elaine

Keepsake Quilting has something called a "Tracer Projector" for sale, I'm interested in knowing if anyone out there has ordered one and how they feel about it before I take the plunge and fork over the $74.99. Thanks! Martha in Alaska under the influence of cold medication.

101 Blocks is strictly a book of drafted blocks and settings. It's not an instruction book as are so many books. I agree that beginners like instructions on cutting and pressing, but for people that have been quilting for a number of years, the instructions are just a large wasted portion of the book for us.

Paula/GA

Several requests for the name of the book I'm not liking--it's Better Homes & Gardens 101 Full-Sized Blocks. It was published this year and has a nice variety of quilt blocks in it--the "floral" section shows a sampler using about 20 blocks, and that's the one I'm making for DD.

The problem is partly my own--since I'm doing this as a sampler, that means each block is different. So for each block, I have to trace the pattern onto template plastic, remember to add the 1/4" seam allowances, then trace the template onto the fabric and cut each piece out. They say that you can do all this with rotary cutting, but there are no instructions for translating, which is where my major frustration lies. I love the books that give you both options in detail: template or quick-cut. Yesterday I cut one block out after translating all the sizes (e.g., this triangle can be cut from a 1-1/2" square then cut diagonally). I know how to do all the math, but wish they had done it for me!

This is not an issue that should really discourage anyone from buying this book, as it does have nice patterns, just expressing my own frustration!

The instructions also don't say anything about pressing, which would really throw a beginner off. It's just "sew A to B, then AB to C", which I find hard to follow. So I ended up laying out all the pieces on top of the pattern in the book and pretty much just sewing it together row by row. Works so far...keep your toes crossed on the rest (can't cross your fingers and quilt at the same time, so use your toes!). Cassi in Ohio

Lucky us. Earline Fowler will be speaking at our quilt guild meeting in Bakersfield, CA this coming Thursday. I think she will be there for both the morning and evening meeting, though I will probably only go to the evening meeting. Susan in sunny Fresno is close enough she could probably come if she wanted to. We have an open door policy, though we expect you to join ($15 a year) if you want to keep coming. Anyone in this area (Central California) who is interested can e-mail me for details. I will try to check my e-mail tomarrow. Jane in even sunnier Bakersfield.

The Westfield Quilter's Guild biennial show is this weekend,
Friday the 18th and Saturday the 19th. We'll have over 200
quilts on display, including round robins and our zany zipper
challenge, plus wearables and dolls. Please try to come if you
are in driving distance. We are about 1 hour from Buffalo,
2 hours from Cleveland, 3 hours from Pittsburgh. Contact me
for full details and directions. Thanks, Kathy

I have chosen to buy the Bernina Artista 180. Does anyone have a 180 and could advise me on which presser feet are useful for quilting. Are the quilting stitches useful? Also if any owner has any other useful comments regarding the machine I would be very grateful as living in Spain, details are sketchy, and demonstrations limited.

Does anyone know of any books on stained glass quilts that I could look for at the library> TIA Sue in Ohio

Could anyone tell me of any quilt shops in the New Port Richey, Florida area? We are going to be there for 3 wks. over Christmas and would like some info. We are located right on 19, about a block from Main St. if anyone knows the area. I'm going to smuggle my machine and other goodies, so I have something to do while the DH does his thing. A Man & His Hammer!!! Thanks..Penny in s/e MI

I just finished Earlene Fowler's mystery book, "Fools Puzzle".
This author is great. Lots of quilting references and good
story line. She also adds a lot of humorous lines for her
characters. Next on my reading list is "Irish Chain." If you
like mysterys, buy them up. Susan in Still hot Fresno, CA.

I never can remember the words to the "12 Days of Christmas" anyway. If the words are wrong and it bothers you, don't buy the fabric. But it isn't something that I will complain about to the manufacturer. I'll be looking for it now that I know it is "wrong" and maybe someday it will be a very valuable piece of fabric. That's what makes some stamps and coins valuable. Mistakes sometimes can be fun, good and valuable. What's the name of that book, "Don't Sweat the Small Things" and remember they are all small things. Or how does that go??
Happy Quilting!
Helen in RAINY but very WARM, Austin, TX.

Glad to know what a squishy is, i thought it was food from Australia. I have gotten a bunch of neat squishies since i joined this BB from sending copies of different things, etc. this is so much fun. i love to open squishies.
Peg you'll love the time to quilt part of jury duty, the year i did jury duty the one judge that i got on his juries a lot asked me at the end how much i had gotten done. I quilted a baby quilt and appliqued my log cabin cherry baskets cherries and fruit during that time. i didn't have to commute and got time off work because i couldn't drive all the way to work every time they released us. the worst is hearing the horrible things that go on around you. but taking my quilting definetly helped with the off times and waiting you did.
Cassie what book are you using? I have found that so many authors are throwing books together just to get "published" that they don't pay attention to detail. I usually stick to the same authors that i know. But mistakes do happen sometimes but some authors make beautiful quilts they just don't know how to put instructions on paper.
Got all my stuff ready for the fair entry tonight. Baby quilt, 2 wall hangings and a wonderful gorgeous, aunt grace lone star and of course my Holloween wreath. but my girlfriend who made ctc, antique santas quilt will blow me away because hers is totally awesome!!!! but its fun anyway!!!
jojoquilter in ok

There have been several postings re the Dear Jane quilt. The original quilt was made by Jane A. Stickle of Shaftsbury, VT, during the Civil War, and Brenda Papadakis viewed the quilt a number of times and drafted the patters and wrote a book, which she called "Dear Jane." The web site is: dearjane.list@dearjane.com. I joined this mail list over a year ago when there were 35 people or so, and the list has grown to over 250 people all over the world. We are making the quilt in many different versions, some of us have met each other at different quilt shows, vacations, etc., and we have combined quilt-making with friendships that will last forever.

Paula in GA, who has the DJ quilt basted and ready to quilt

I am getting ready to travel to the Myrtle Beach, SC area and would love to know of any quilt shops in that area. Side trips to near-by areas are fine too. Thanks. Margy

Anyone have information on the Rodale Book Sale in Allentown, Penna. the last weekend of October?
Thanks
Shirley

to all the quilters both Trees, Margot and me have swapped charms with:
I just wanted to let you know that Margot gave birth on th 14th September to a little baby-girl, named Sophie! Happy quilting to you all.
Elsbeth from the Netherlands

Hi, everybody. Feel like I am just surfacing after a busy weekend and then a busy day. At least it was all "nice" busy!
I went to the JoAnn's Fabrics Midnight Madness on Friday night. Got there about 10:00 pm, got my material, got my patterns, got some DMC floss and bought some buttons (yeah, I could have come back the next day for a cheaper price on those, but decided once was enough!). Luckily, only had to wait about 15 minutes for cutting, then about 35 or so minutes in the check-out line. The workers were very tired but still nice and patient. The little kids were well-behaved. The adults were *mostly* well-behaved. Had great fun talking with the people around me, discussing what we were going to do with the various things we were buying, whether we are garment makers or quilt makers (seemed to be either/or -- some [like me] used to be garment makers and now are getting that urge again and the pattern discount helped the urge along). Overall, it was a great time. Felt like I could have gone out for a Dairy Queen afterwards but, since I was alone, I just went home. My DD#3 was waiting up for me -- worried that I had headed off to the fabric shop at that time of night! Glad I went, and even gladder that I got to be a buyer and not a cutter or checker!
Happy day/night to you all!
Maureen/OR in Portland, where it is just heavenly tonight and I feel saintly because DD and I took a twice-as-long-as-usual walk after dinner!

Hello all..
I wonder if anyone can help..I accidently warped
my large green Olfa cutting mat (by having it in
a hot car in August while driving home from a
class several hours away). Is there any trick to
restoring it to its original (or close) state? I
thought about ironing with a towel and then putting
something heavy on it until it cools, but didn't
know if there might be a better way to try and save
it. I should have bought a new one at the Joann's
sale..oh well. Thanks for any help and advice you
can give. I learn so much from the postings here.

TIA..Nanci in Massachusetts

I seem to recall someone needing this pattern. Our local store has lots of April 1998 BOM's left. E-mail me if you'd like me to go back and get one for you.

Bertie in Illinois

Steph, a squishie is love in fabric form. ( An envelope containing fabric from someone you swapped a pattern, book or other fabric for or someone just sent you because they wanted to send you a serendipity gift!) Fun to go to your mailbox to see if a "squishy" has arrived!

Bertie in Illinois

Liz, I saw your post yesterday saying you missed the sale too. I was so mad, but had other commitments I couldn't get out of. But you mentioned something about going back the 26th, what's going on then? I used to get their flyers, but I keep forgetting to take in my address label, so now I don't know what's going on. I tried to e-mail you, but it bounced back 2 times. I hope you see this, thanks in advance....Penny

I saw the posting on the 12 days of Christmas Fabric Mistake posted by wyeknott. This is a favorite Christmas song of mine. I did check out the site. and found the fabric is incorrectly printed. It greatly upsets me to hear this company (benartex) will not recall the mistake and did not respond to the original posting author. When you go to Benartex site it advertises "creative 100% cotton prints" and their "goal is to provide a large selection of beautiful fine quality cotton prints to the creative women and men worldwide who design and make quilts." Benartex is certainly not meeting this goal. We quilters take pride in our work. I encourage all quilter to email this company with your dissatification for incorrectly printing the 12 days of Christmas and then not recalling the fabric or even responding to a consumer. The site is Benartex.com

There are at 2 books available on handkerchief quilts
They are:

Handkerchief Quilts by Pat Gardner
Handkerchief Quilts by Sharon Newman

they are available from Quilting Books Unlimited at
QBU@inil.com
or 1-800-347-3261

I have also seen handkerchiefs folded in an oragami butterfly and appliqued to a square for pillows and could be made into quilt blocks. They were an unusual way to use handkerchifs and very attractive.

Holice

My mother-in-law has spoken of a quilt made from old hankies. I have tried to locate a book or information on how to make one, but to no avail. Has anyone every seen one, or better yet, made one? I have an interest in making one from her family's hankies for her 80th birthday. Thank you.

Wow! The corporate gurus at Jo-Anns' are going to love all the attention their sale has generated.
To Ruth in Mass. -just go ahead and plunge that needle in. Sounds like your plans for hand quilting the Trip Around the World will work nicely. Just start and if you are able to set aside a definite time everyday to work on it, you'll see progress in no time. Remember, that white stuff is going to show up here in New England shortly and you'll need that warm quilt.
There is a good article about picking out sewing machines in this months QNM - hope that is help to the poster who asked.
Barb looking for a notions carry-all - there's instruction in the Kaffe Klastch (sp?) section of this web. Sounds neat.
The big question that I would like answered tonight is this: What is a squishie? I have seen it mentioned here, I have looked through the archives, but I can't figur eout what it is? Help me! What am I missing?
I made the "bat" silhouettes wallhanging in this months QNM - it was fun to use fusible web, and quick. Just have to machine quilt it now but that will have to wait for another day.
Here's hoping all your stitches are even, Steph in NH.

Thank you all for your response this is exactly what
I was referring to. A local quilt guild made this
quilt for their raffle quilt, I bought tickets, but I never win...
so I'll have to make it. Maybe this would be a good block exchange
project, get a ton people each make that many of the same block
and then exchange blocks to make this quilt?? We'll see.

Anyway, I'm off to a Quilt in a day retreat this weekend to make my
first Pineapple quilt in Julian, CA. Then I'll tackle the Dear Jane
quilt. I love this BB, I check it everyday at lunch at work.

Happy Quilting, Rene' in 'hot this afternoon' Oakland, CA.

The Strickland Quilt is at the following website: www.dearjane.com

Diane

How do you keep your quilting from messing up your fingernail polish? I will admit I've been a nail biter for 49 years and for some weird reason have stopped in the last for weeks. My fingernails have grown long enough so I'm no longer ashamed to polish them so I did. Big mistake- Ican't keep my hands still long enough for the stuff to dry properly and the needle scuffs the polish when I sew. Finsihed a dress last night and have pants and matching tops to do this next week. I have made a firm vow not to let schoolwork take over my entire life. Quilting at 2:00 am is fine if you don't have to be up at 5:30 and at work by 7:00. My kids are coloring patchwork patterns next week. I have jury duty. A whole day to hand quilt- heaven. I'll tell any respective jury I am the victim of an icurable habit.
Holice- no luck on the fabric - it may have just been a shipment to your area- The closest we had was white with a blue stripe- Peg in Chicago

I'm piecing a rectangular block, with a diamond
inside and am having trouble lining
up the grain line of the outer trianges so it falls
along the long sides of the triangles. Can anyone
point me to a ref in QNM or AQS mags.
TIA
Miriam

Sheryl:Get one of those little wheeled luggage carts,yes they fold up, I can put my machine,several Rubbermaid storage boxes (of fabric and other supplies),and a milk carton (of misc stuff) on my cart;it has a bungee-cord thingy to hold everything on.Great!(My DH got it for me,after listening to me bitch and moan about transporting supplies to classes,bless his heart.)
That wonderful quilt-with zillions of little 4" sampler blocks and the pieced-cone border - has to be the Jane Stickle quilt.Brenda's "Dear Jane" book on it is just incredible.(So is Brenda!..Yes,I know her.From pre-publication days!)
Well,I've got to get 3 baby quilts done before Thanksgiving,so I'd better get back to the machine.
Take care everyone-Melinda in Indy (It just might rain here!)

I am interested in finding a cart big enough and
maybe even a fold up cart to carry sewing machine
and supplies to classes from the car.
Any help would be appreciated! Sheryl

I am not sure this is a mistake. I saw original art work from which the fabric was designed - art work by Carol Endress who is a highly respected primitive folk artist. I have been told that Carol gave the source for the specific wording but I have been unable to talk with Carol to find out the source. So, until I am able to verify this - let's not call it a mistake.

Holice Turnbow

I just checked with Barnesandnoble.com and they are also taking orders for this book and expect to have it in stock October 1st. They are one cent cheaper than Amazon.com ($27.96 vs. $27.97) plus 3.95 s/h. Amazon doesn't give an estimated arrival date.

Jeanette in warm (but soon to be cool, yeah!) Placerville, CA

Not much to go on in your description. However, it sounds similar to the Jane Stickle quilt which is in the Bennington Museum in Bennington Vt.
A book has been published titled "Dear Jane" this quilt has over 100 4" blocks in the center with a triangle scalloped border.
Could this be the quilt?

Sorry, I didn't go to JoAnn's sale. I rarely go to any kind of "Moonlight Madness" sale for precisely the reasons people have mentioned. I know I don't like crowds, standing in line, not finding what I really want, etc. So I simply don't go. True, I end up paying more for fabric, clothing, etc., because I don't hit these sales, but I am willing to pay a little extra to avoid aggravation, exhaustion, etc. Sorry so many had such a tough time.

Made the mistake a few years ago of going to Meijer's grand opening day (that's a grocery store here). Shopped for about 1 hour (took a while to find everything) and then stood in line for 2 hours. They served punch, coffee and cookies to the people in line. A woman in front of me and I started talking and discovered her son and my daughter were in 6th grade together and had the proverbial "crush" on each other, so we had lots of fun talking. Almost a year later, when I decided to become involved as an alumna adviser for my sorority chapter, who should be there for the first time as well? Same lady, who's actually a "sister" and now a special friend. So good things can come of these sales, but we still laugh at how stupid we were to stand there in line for 2 hours--and they had all their lines (20 of them, I think) open!

Started DD's sampler quilt yesterday. Am very disappointed in the directions in this book. Would definitely not recommend it to a beginner. Blocks are do-able, but I gave up trying to read the instructions and am just relying on common sense. Two blocks finished, they look great! Slow going since it's a sampler and each block is different, so have to cut out one thing at a time rather than strip cutting. Poor rotary cutter is being ignored a bit! Cassi in Ohio

I recently attended the Brown street outdoor quilt show in
Lafayette, CA and there was the most wonderful quilt of many
many center blocks, each one unique from old historic
block patterns and the best was the border was all pieced
also, each a unique little border block.

I think the name was "?? something from the past" quilt book
or pattern. This was published this year I think.

If anyone can derive from my vague description, I
would love to tackle this quilt. There must have been around
100 inside blocks and the border was scalloped. Thanks
Rene' (supposed to be working) in hazzy, Oakland, CA.

Look Out! The new Benartex fabric, the 12 Days of Christmas,
is wrong! The words and drawings for days 12, 11,
10, and nine are not in the right order, and they
are the wrong words. I looked them up in two books,
they SHOULD be 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing.

You can see the mistakes on the Benartex.com home page.

I wrote the company, and called after I received no response.

I was told they "MIGHT correct a future printing," but don't plan to recall the current mistakes.

SO WATCH OUT!

I was

A belated thank you to all who responded to me about sources for children's fabrics. I got some good tips.

I have recently started a sampler quilt. My blocks before sewn to each other are 12 1/2" square. I am in need for patterns for blocks of this size, not 12". If anyone has any, please send to me at rd #1, box 465, cobleskill, ny 12043.
i now have bears paw, brunswick star, hands around, flying geese, churn dash, old maids puzzle, and spinning wheel. Thank you. Marilyn barnes

I have to add, about the JAF Sale. You have to go with the attitude that it will be busy, you will have to wait, you will see crowds, and you might not find exactly what you're looking for. I had a good experience there. Yes the lines were long, but there was an employee pre-approving checks, handing out cookies, handing out forms for their drawing, and helping to pass the time. We all we laughing!!! She had us looking in our purses for all kinds of things. She was giving the winners CANDY! She even gave a lady candy for wearing purple tennis shoes. All the kids go a piece whether they won or not. It wasn't at all bad!!! Even the clerks were trying to have fun! When I got to the counter I asked if they brought in extra people to help with the sale..."No, it was just mandatory for everyone to work," she said. So all in all I had a good experience and it was fun!

A friend just told me a neat way to organize your layout of blocks for smaller quilts. Lay out a beach towel or very large bath size towel, and layout your blocks on top of that. If you are interrupted or need to actually cook or clean, roll up the towel and all the blocks will stay in the spot you want them so you remember your layout when you come back to it! Good thing to try when four-legged furry things are trying to "help" you. Or the kids wake-up from naps and you need to put things away for next time.

Sew long!!! Connie

BETHANY: What gorgeous pictures you put up at the photopaint site!! My whole office was looking over my shoulder, and drooling. Thanks for a fun coffee break!

liz in CT, supposed to be working!

looking for a pattern called Album. It has a space in the center of the block that guests or family members can sign. Would prefer a 10" size.

Sounds like a great sale, after my sale last weekend i am broke!!!!! I am totally surprised that a chain store especially had anything left at 11:00, usually they only give the store 3 of anything thats really a good buy and then make the poor clerk have to deal with the bitching from customers. JoAnns is not much different than hancocks as far as poor service because they don't want to pay their people anything and expect the managers to do miracles with nothing; they don't want to hire extra help for a sale and overwork the people who are there. OF course there are always a few stores whose managers take it upon themselves to prepare for the sale such as the one Peg worked at. OF course after my run in with hancocks i still have very sour taste in my mouth. Your correct Lori corporate headquarters usually ignores all the letters such as i ran into with the bad rotary mat and hancocks, lots of people wrote me and they had also written to corporate headquarters and their letters were ignored, mine was answered but oh so snotty and hateful and they have never appologized yet and olfa admitted i had a faulty mat, but hancock corporate headquarters refuses to applogize even after the hateful division manager and big manager at headquarters yelled at me. (oh don't get me started!!!!)

Wheres Cassi? did you go to the sale???

jojo quilter in oklahoma where it finally rained. Holice are you coming to Oklahoma Citys quilt show in Aug 1999. we are going to be in a different location and i think it will be great. i am going to be the "baglady" (hospitality) and keep the purses for our workers.

Please can anybody help - I am off to Cape Town, South Africa on this coming Friday, and have been unable to locate any information on internet re quilting shops or outlets. Any help would be appreciated.

Pearl Woodyer

According to a full page ad on page 2 of the September issue of Quilter's Newsletter Mag,
Jinny's new book is published by
THE QUILT DIGEST PRESS
e-mail: ntcpub@tribune.com
phone: 800-323-4900

hope this helps
SEW LONG!.....
Margo in SE ( STILL hot & dry) Tennessee

To the woman who asked about tying quilts, I can offer some suggestions. I got from a a book directions for a "surgeon's square knot. It holds well and I have gotten no complaints from the recipients of these tied quilts. You simply make a regular handmade knot but wrap the thread around 3 times instead of once and then pull the knot tight. It holds well. When you are pushing the needle through the quilt layers, keep the needle straight up and down and start either front or back depending on which side of the quilt you want the ends to show up on. Leave the ends as long as you want and don't tie the knot so tight that it puckers up the quilt. It allows you to finish the quilt up fairly fast.
An observation: my little friend Luke uses his quilt with the appliqued bears all the time and loves it. My other friend is trying to keep her baby's quilt "nice" despite my suggestions that it is very washable and meant to be used and dirtied as a result. I go for the attitude of the poem about it's OK to spit and cry,etc. on your quilt. I am now working on my 2nd baby quilt for my own baby. Just a pinwheel pattern. The baby is due in November and wants to be big. I am outgrowing some of my maternity clothes and had to make a jumper this weekend so I have something that still fits to the end. I look forward to being a mother but I am not looking forward to the labor. We all know who really deserves Labor Day, don't we. Another comment, the Post Toasties remark is rather inventive, but I like my father's reamark about "not putting you --- in a sling". He does know some rather unusual cussing phrases. I see this webpage made the most recent issue of Quilter's Newsletter. Not bad. Keep out of trouble everyone. Jane C.

Help I had the web site for those roxannes thimbles
bookmarked & DH had precious 1 yr old on hs lap
while playing computer & she get bored & shut the
darn thing off via the main power switch which
wiped out all my bookmarked how she learned to do
that I'll never know but if anyone has the web
address could you pretty please send it my way.
Sorry I just have to put my 2 cents in about
Joanns, they are working on a points system
and earn workers & equipment according to profit
margin it's a real hard way for the store manager
to have to go and I think a letter to corporate
will either be ignored or get the store managers
in trouble.Corporate knows what happens during
these sales but all they worry about is the
profit margin those poor girls in all those stores
my hat goes off to them what a hard day and good time
meeting so many wonderful patient fabraholics.
I also loved the post toasties remark too funny! I
will have to remember that one.well ta ta happy
quilting out there!

Lori in it hasn't rained
since July 6th Oregon.

Amazon.com says the Designing Tesselations book won't be out for awhile, although you can order it. Gayle in Guam

Have just been to Jinny Beyer's web page and her new book on Tessellations is not listed. Can anyone tell me who the publisher is and if they have a web page. A friend had found some site that had a pattern from JB posted( an exerpt from this book) and can not relocate. It is not C& T publishers as I have already looked there. Any other suggestions??

"berzmom", thanks for the humorous response-I also liked "who peed on your post toasties?" and "pitch your bitch"! We do learn things, not just about quilting here! And to the lady who bought everyone dairy queen-now I wish we'd had you while we were waiting-maybe JoAnn's should put in a snack bar to keep us happy-we went out after the sale.

To repeat: I have the pattern from Michael's for the bear with the real-looking bottom, if you're still looking.

Why doesn't everyone post name at the end of their response so we don't have to call you by your email addy?

Bound a quilt, hemmed pants(yuk!), did mending, and finished piecing a quilt top today. I'm on a roll!

Janet in western PA

Thought you might enjoy hearing how my principal's quilt is coming. I now call it, The Principal's Schoolhouse. I bought the fabric in Vermont when dropping off my daughter at college. I bought the material at the Norton House in Wilmington. As their bag says, "A Quilter's Paradise", lots of beautiful fabric. At the shop they had an acrylic template set for the schoolhouse pattern which I purchased. During the week I washed and cut the material. I decided to give the quilt 6 schoolhouses done in bold solids, red building, blue roof, yellow for the windows, and green for the doors. Then I gave it three borders, one being a children's school print. While working on the schoolhouse blocks something looked familiar. I finally realized it looked like a big Colorforms kit. The old type that were just shapes, not the type they have nowadays. Last night I finished the top. I'm really pleased with it. I am taking the back into school tomorrow so that everyone can sign it. Can it be that I'll be done with plenty of time to spare. We'll see. I'll keep you posted.
All right I've put them off long enough, it's time to get those lesson plans done.
Carol

Hi all! I've spent the weekend playing with my scanner, and now have photos of "stack-n-whack" quilts up at the following site:
http://www.photopoint.com/public.html
(it's in the public gallery on the Photopoint site-just look for it on the list and click to get to the album; clicking on the thumbnail pictures will get you a bigger view!)
Some of the quilts are from my book, others are not, including two by a good friend. I've gotten a lot of e-mails from people asking me to explain these quilts, and it's hard without pictures...SO... if you're wondering what "stack-n-whack" is, now you can see! I hope some of you will check it out!
Happy Whacking,
Bethany

I too went to the sale for a ladies night out. Although I was interested in fabric I didn't feel like standing in line so instead we spent the time taking orders for Dairy Queen blizzards from the people in the line and then delivering them. Really lightened the attitude and we had a lot of fun!!!

Just finished cutting a bunch of dark flannels on my brand new Olfa cutting mat, and it looked like a hairy monster! Took a handful of scrap polester batting and scrubbed the surface. Cleaned up as quick as a wink. Must be the slightly abrasive surface of the batting caught up the fibres of fabric. Anyway, my new mat looks new again. Thought I'd just pass this along.
Fran - a beautiful weekend in Ontario Canada.

still laughing at the phrase "who peed on your post toasties" I can't wait until I have the opportunity to use that in context.
as to "pitching my bitch" and "writing nasty letters"....noone mentioned nasty, JoAnnes publicized and advertised a very enticing sale, they needed to be more prepared for the crowds. My own local quilt shop sets up extra cutting tables to help during their sales, it helps a lot! They also have rules about minimum cuts, that also helps. Noone said a "nasty letter" but if the corporate folks don't hear from their shoppers both good and bad, then we can't expect change in the future.
so there, I've pitched my bitch...I like that one as well.... :)

Someone had posted earlier about quilting software. I have used (and enjoy) Electric Quilt. The block library is HUGE, and I can draft my own blocks if I want. I have even used it when I knew what quilt I wanted to make, but wasn't sure about colors. It has helped me avoid some bad (and costly!) mistakes. I know that there are other quilting programs out there, but I have not seen or used them. Would the web be a resource to use in trying to find something?

Mary in Ohio

I am looking for the pattern that uses zip-lock type plastic bags that are sewn together in book like form. These "bag" pages carry all the little items used in quilting etc. They are are easy to find and can be secured between the quilted/fabric covers. I hope you get the idea. If you would send me an e-mail and then I'd send you my address if someone knows of this pattern.
Thanks, Barb Smith

I purchased a Sunbonnet Sue Applique quilt kit (all pieces pre-cut) from Hearthside Quilts thinking I would applique it. Well , the kit has sat around for several years and I am looking for someone to machine applique the 12 blocks for a baby quilt. I can put the rest of the top together. Willing to pay for your time $$$ or maybe we can work out a trade. Please email if you are interested or know someone who could do this project for me.

Hi All,
I hope everyones weekend went well. I read somewhere that there is a quilting software that allows you to design your own quilt blocks. Anyone heard of it? I went to Compusa and Bestbuy and neither have anything like it. I am new to quilting, but thought it might be something for the future to play with.

My experience with JoAnn's sale was a pleasent one compared to most. Our JoAnn's is a "House of Fabric" buy out. I went earlier in the day and picked out what I needed. At 7:00 walked right in, picked up what I had picked out and of course a few others. Brought my DH along to help carry the bolts. Walked right up to a cutter,(she tore, not cut. Won't let that happen again). And only waited about 10 min. in line. After I was cut, I saw other women come to the pile of bolts I had used and pick what they wanted off of it. I mentioned to my DH that I was glad that we came early so I could get what I wanted because the saleclerks were too busy to put the bolts back right away. They had at least 4 cutters and 2 reg. open. I would say my only complaint was that they barely left enough room between the shelves and the calicos for one person let alone the scores of people and strollers that were going through there. But they will be expanding our store, so that won't last. You who have several stores to choose from, I am jelous. Since JoAnn bought out ClothWorld and HF we only have JaAnns within 20+ miles of my home, so not as much selection.

Anna in Calif.

I read an article that said Val Meyerink of Western Australia devised a quicker way to make cathedral window blocks. She also said it looked neater where the four intersections came together. It was in Australian Patchwork & Quilting magazine, vol.4,no.4. If anyone has any information please let me know. Thanks in advance.

I just wanted to clarify the name for all of you who may be interested in trying this thread in your bobbin for machine quilting. Its Mettlers "Metrolene" it is 100% polyester and you can get it through Pinetree Quiltworks, I don't think they have it in their catalog but they did find it for me before our local Sewing store stocked for me. Martha in, it was 28° this morning, Alaska

Andrea, in the olden days the batting was made out of cotton, so they had to quilt it at least every inch to keep the cotton batting from shifting. Today, the batting is so stable that you can easily quilt it every4-6" or more and not have a problem. Since this is your first quilt, to get it square(ofcoase this is before your batting and back is applied). measure the top thru the center (up and down) to get the length of your two side border, find the center of each side, fold those cut pieces in half, fingerpress a seam then pin the center of the side to the center of the border and pin the top and bottom so you know how much you have to ease or gently stretch from pin to pin, after sewing iron this, then measure across the middle (side to side ) and apply the top and bottom borders the same way you did ther other sides. press the entire top real well , then sandwich the quilt for quilting. The binding should be applied last as during the quilting process the quilt will shrink in size so the bind will not lay nice and flat. As you sew on the binding be sure and not stretch it or the binding will be ripply. I, always, use the binding method where you cut 2 3/4 " strips sew them together , fold the strip in half, iron it,, then apply it to the back first,, turn the mitered corner(have someone show you how to do this) then turn the quilt right side up and sew the folded side on. If the corners are rounded you did not get a real accurate 45 degree angle made for the corner turn. Keep trying. I would recommend when first learning quilting to do lots of wallhangings, baby bankets ,pillows,etc. they are much faster to do and you get gratification sooner.. Large quilts can be quite overwhelming and by all means find a quilt group to join. Quilters no no strangers and are always willing to help - - - - instant friends!!!!!! If you lived in central Oregon close to The Dalles I would help you
Carol

I am interested in upgrading my sewing machine--I have a basic Singer. I do quilting, free form stippling, applique. What is your favorite sewing machine and how much do they cost?

I want to learn how to make hand tied quilts.
Can anyone help me?

can anyone give me some resources for finding stained glass quilt patterns? also i believe there was a pattern for a stained glass poinsetta published in a magazine like family circle good housekeeping or something like that a year or two ago and would like to get a hold of pattern. any help would be appreciated. ps ok enough of the mess at joannes fabrics lets get back to talking quilting instead of complaining remember patience is a virtue!

Thanks to all who responded to my request for quilt/fabric shops in the San Francisco area! Wow! I am really looking forward to this trip and seeking out fun shops will be one of the highlights!! Ü

Diane in VA

I have just completed a Barristers Block quilt and I would really like to find the history and background and any other information relating to this block.

Do you know of any reference material, web sites and does anyone have knowledge of the subject.

Your reply would be most appreciated.

Hi Lin, sent you an email and it bounced back, I am interested in swapping fabric with you. Could you drop me an email with specifics?

Thanks,
Ruth in Massachusetts

I am to teach the girl guilds a quilting project for
one evening. Does anyone have any ideas or projects
they could share with me, especially if you have done
this before. Any suggestions will be most appreciated.
Thank you. A sister in stitches. Louise Girard

I like Joanne Fabrics but I don't think they can cater to quilters or any other special interest group. Their thread selection is not so good. No cotton except white and black. No Metrosene at all. I, too, am anxious to try it in the bobbin for machine quilting..Tues. pm I am going to Ann Arbor for a class in Quilt Pro software and hope the shop there will carry Metrosene. Hope you can find in Kansas (or maybe Oz).

I am wondering about the pattern "Home Grown" How it is constructed for a table runner.
Thank you.

I purchase fabric selectively at JoAnn's for my watercolor kits because they usually have a good selection of medium florals. My "beef" is not with the store. They were doing their best to deal with an unuaual situation. I am critical of corporate headquarters for not providing the local stores with the lead time and change in procedures, if necessary, to handle the large group of customers. This has been born out by messages I have had from others who were there last night. I heard no ill words by those standing in line last night, everyone at the store i went too appeared to be in a good natured mood and took it in stride.

:-)
I am just beginning to finish my first quilt!
I need it to be in a presentable way by Tuesday!
I am hand quilting and am about 1/2 done what I
plan to do...but I still need to cut my bias binding
and put that on, too!
Is it reasonable to quilt the entire quilt between
4-6" apart, bind it (I plan to just pin it to the
back after it's sewn on), SHOW IT (It's going to be in
a Quilt Show!!!!), then quilt it some more?
I have always done things in my life backwards!
I don't assume I'd be any different with Quilting!!!
Thanks!
~Andrea
Ithaca, NY

Have been reading with interest different people's way of handling mass crowds at sales. My compliments to the one who passed the time chatting with all the other people in the line. She found a way to enjoy an unenjoyable time. She probably helped many another woman also enjoy the evening. Faith in S.CA

I have been sitting here reading about everyones experience at the Midnight Madness Sales. I think everyone got what they were expecting, some had a good time, enjoyed the other customers, even took their children. Some seemed to be irritated about everything and came away with negative feeling and are "going to write someone about it". Anyone going to such a sale should have known in advance what to expect, after all, they aren't the only quilters in the world looking for bargains.

I don't think Holice should have been too upset in his buying bargain fabric for his "watercolor kits" which I assume are for resale. I can't imagine this type sale was designed for commerical purposes.

Lastly, count your blessings that you have enough money to buy extras like more floss, another book, another tool, etc. There are some people finding it hard to feed their children.

I'm green with envy! Our 'local' Joanne/clothworld store
shut down a month or so ago. Its moving farther away (of course)
into an old sports store...which means a lot bigger. It'll be
a pain to get to, so it'll have to be a once-a-month instead of a
once a week visit. Oh well. Bigger usually means better right?
That's what the DH says anyway. Talking about Horse power of course!
Shame on you!
Oh, was going to ask. Does Joanne's usually carry the Metorlene
thread everyone is raving about? I'm holding off 4 quilting projects until
I get my hands on some. Am going to a new quilt store in Eudora, Ks
on Weds for a girls day out, and had planned on buying there, but need a
back-up plan.
Liz in Kansas where's its finally raining...and I'm trying to stay away
from the breakfast table!

I was working the Midnight Madness sale on Friday and was it a trip! Our store had new phone lines put in two days before and they didn't hook them up right. We couldn't process any credit cards except by phoning them in. The calico prices came up right on the hand held transmitters at the cutting table, but anything that was coupon had to be changed back to regular price and then given the 50% off. It took time and some customers didn't understand it wasn't an extra 50% off the current sale price. The floss held up the line too. Its ordered, like the patterns, directly through the register. What you buy is what's reorderd. Every color has to be entered separately. We were giving people rubber bands it bundle if they bought more than one of a color and used four boxes in the first hour. At our store, we spent the two hours before the sale restocking Butterick, putting up signs, and trying to mark items that we thought might cause confusion. Craft items did not include Daisy Kingdom dolls, some irons, and the paper edgers were not considered cutting implements. All employees were required to be there for the start of the sale. The next day shirt went home at 10:00 and those of us with other full time jobs- I teach too- went home at 11:00 before we dropped.
Our customers were so patient. We had two extra cutting stations set up, but the cash register we couldn't do much about.
Our shipment didn't come from corporate either. Both Audrey and LeeAnn ordered extra calico and floss as soon as we knew. None of it showed up. One store got a shipment at 4:00 the day of the sale. Many of the salespeople around here are experienced and ready to help. Each of us has a different specialty, At my store I know quilting. Audrey sews like a dream, LeeAnn can make a purse out of a sow's ear, our managers have done weddings to die for, and everyone else is there to support their fabric habit. Find a good group and shop there!- Peg

LAURA IN HUNTSVILLE

I would complete your grandmother's blocks in the same way she would have finished the quilt, with one exception.

1. Recut the templates and trim them (if necessary) to make the blocks more accurate.
2. Get some muslin as near the same type as possible. Modern muslines are not the same as those woven 50-60 years ago. There are antique textile dealers who will have such muslin. I suggest Mary and Joe Koval at 550 Lutz School Road, Indiana, PA 15701, phone 412-465-7370. Send them a piece of the muslin for comparison.
3. Dont't worry about finding 60 y/o thread - it would probably not be strong enough to use. Use good quality cotton thread. No one will know of this unauthentic touch.
4. Wash the pieces. The dirt and other stuff needs to be removed, otherwise the blocks will deterioate. Wash carefully in cool water with very mild soap - possibly Orvus.
I am sure you want the quilt to last, therefore it should be cleaned before completing the work.

Hope this gives you a thought or two.

Holice

Hello, everyone. I've had a very busy 2 days and got terribly behind reading the BB--went to catch up this morning and have several people to reply to. Doing it all here rather than e-mailing, so hope you're reading.

To Shirley who wonders about a quilt frame. Go to http://quilting.miningco.com. Go to their section on Quilting Hoops and Frames. They offer instructions for a very simple and serviceable floor frame using the old fashioned method--sawhorses. Worth a look.
To LaWaughn--try Roxanne's needles. I think they're available at Connecting Threads and/or Clothilde's. Very strong. Roxanne was a heavy-duty quilter who checked out every one manufactured before she found these--liked them so much she bought the company. Seriously!
To Dee--looking for Civil War patterns. Definitely check out Barbara Brackman's book Quilts of the Civil War. Very informative (although somewhat offensive if one is from the south--a bit holier than thou). However, she's up front front about her bias and her scholarship is impeccable. She has a pattern for a quilt that has soldiers, etc. You may be able to adapt.
To Bonnie wondering about John Flynn's frame. Haven't used it. Have seen it demo'd at Paducah and friends tried it. It works. It's inexpensive. John Flynn has been around a long time, has lots of nifty products, well-researched. He's reputable and dependable--and if you don't like it you can send it back. You can also call and ask about it. Like many quilt-related things, it's a family-run business and you can talk to John if you'd like.

O.K., that's all my replies. I spend Fri. Night and Sat afternoon at the NC Mountain State Fair demonstrating quilting at the guild booth. Fun. As usual, talked to lots of people. We were to bring a sample of our work to hang up and something to work on. VERY gratifying to have people walk by and ooh and aah over your quilt!!! Very humbling when the next lady comes, puts up her quilt, and they all walk by and ooh and aah over hers, too! Met several people from the Western NCQG that meets right down the road. Looking forward to going to their meeting on Thurs!!! I'm a quilting fool!
--Laura in Asheville, NC

I posted this yesterday, but I think it got archived very quickly, so I'll try it again.
My grandmother gave me some blocks she had pieced years ago (circa 1937). I haven't done anything with them, as I was just beginning then, and wasn't sure what to do. (Today I began pulling the newspaper she had used to piece the arcs out and found a 1932 date). The blocks are not finished. They consist of a pieced corner arc, and a muslin set to complete the square, sort of like a modified drunkard's path. She had completed 6 of them and set them together so that she would remember the setting, and had pieced many of the arcs, but had not set them on the muslin. She had hand stitched everything.
SOME OF THE BLOCKS HAVE GOTTEN BADLY WRINKLED and all of them are dirty. Do I dare rinse them, and iron them before working, or will that just set the dirt.
SOME OF THE PEOPLE IN MY LOCAL GUILD recommend appliqueing them to full squares of muslin instead of trying to piece the curves, in order to provide extra support. I do not have a supply of 60 year old muslin.
I WAS JUST GOING TO USE REGULAR COTTON THREAD to finish putting the blocks together, as I don't have any 60 year old thread, either.
Any suggestions?
Laura in Huntsville, AL (remove the * in the address in order to reply)

I have been searching for ages trying to find a page for Debbie Mumm, Mumm's the Work but no success. I would like to see her latest fabric releases. Can anyone help me out. I was amazed to read BB about the Midnight Madness sale. Here in Australia our fabrics are so expensive. With our dollar so low most now retail at around $18 per metre, this price makes our quilts very precious, something you only give to someone very special. I hope someone can help me out with DM's address.

A *big* thatk you to whoever it was who recommended The Persian Pickle Club. I ordered it from Amazon.Com, it came at the end of this week and I gulped it in less than a day. There aren't many similarities between Depression days in Kansas and the 1990's in London but the themes of friendship and quilting still ring true. Sue in sunny, wet, sunny, windy, cool London (the weather can't decide what it wants to do).

Hello, all. I went to the Midnight Madness sale and subsequent sale the next day. Didn't buy any fabric because I didn't need anymore, even at that wonderful price. However, bought a Quilter's Cut 'n Press on Friday and buttons galore on Saturday. I only stood in check out line 15 min. They had tons of help in the Wichita store. Wasn't at all disappointed. (The only problem was the air conditioner couldn't keep up with all those warm bodies heaving around bolts of fabric.) :) Just wanted to let ya'll know that not all the stores were unprepared for the crowds.
Jennifer in KS

Help! I am trying to find out if The Daisy Barrel Quilt shop in Fairborn, Ohio has an online shopping site. This was a wonderful little shop with just the type fabric I am looking for. I moved from the Ohio area about 7 months ago and have been unsuccessful in finding the types of fabric I am look for. If anyone knows their online address please e'mail it to me.
Thanks

My DD and i went to Joann's "big Sale" . I didn't get any material, she got 3 yds. We did get a few supplies. Stood in line for cash register for 1 hr. Too many people for so little store. Not enough experience on cash register. I like their material, but not in a crowd. Will go back on 26th.
Liz1 (who likes material)

Martha, I knew what it was as soon as I saw it. None other than a
PREGNANT FISH SWIMING THROUGH A HOOP
LOOKING FOR A FIRST CLASS
QUILT SHOP

Do I do good, or what? I know, I know, go to bed Susan.....
(it's still coooooling off in) Montana

I went to the sale after DH and I went out for our anniversary dinner. Got there about 9:15 pm. There were only about 3 people in the store. Got about 20 yards for $35. Went home, dropped off DH and went back! Got another 13 yards and an $11 pattern for pillows for $2. So all in all I got 33 yards of fabric for about $38. I realize that it's not the top quality stuff, but for 1.99 a yard I can make quilts for gifts, friends, etc and save my quilt shop buys for me. Selfish I guess. Believe it or not when I left the store at 11:15 pm, two more ladies were just going in! Have a great weekend. Susan in Fresno, CA.

Hi Ya'll,
Where is everyone? I've never read a BB so fast in my life! You should all be home from JoAnns by now, heehee.

Lin, I also tryed to e-mail and it kicked back. Let me hear from you, ok?

Well, it's Saturday night and I am done, so best hit the sack, get some ZZZZZZ's and be ready for Church tomorrow.

Just a stitch,
Susan in (I think it's cooooling off) Montana

Just to let you all know...
I am no great fan of the chain stores,but sometimes they are the only choice.Personally,I MUCH prefer the selection,service,friendliness,experienced salesclerks/teachers at the smaller independant shops.
The chain stores are run by larger corporations,whose primary focus is the bottom line -how much money's coming in.Quite honestly,I believe they don't really give a damn about their employees (clerks and managers of the individual stores).The pay is lousy,just minimum wage;very few,if any benefits ; so they rarely get exxperienced,qualified salespeople , who really KNOW about sewing/quilting/handcrafts.
Having worked for a large chain store-yes,this is true,and from my own experience.
Didn't get to local JoAnn's for the big sale;but,I was in there earlier this week,not terribly impressed with the stock,so probably didn't miss much anyway!
There's my 2 cents' worth-Melinda in Indy

Ok, my interest has been tickled, what is the "Fish Tank" pattern? Can anyone discribe it for me? >O}>..>O}>..>O}> (that's my attempt at cyber fish, hehehe...) Martha in Alaska

take a piece of paper, fold it in half, make two dots the lenght of the heart that you want, draw half a heart then cut thru the folded paper and walla =the heart of your desired size, good luck, if hand appliqueing use John James between needle #10, match the thread to the color of the heart, and if machine appliqueing use invisible thread. easy-------!!!!! good luck Carol

We finally got a JoAnn's in our fair city! I have been reading so much about JoAnn's I could hardly wait. Of course Grand Opening was yesterday and Of Course I went to midnight madness. Got my fabric picked out and visited with the most wonderful people while doing so, then stood in the cutting line for and hour and the cash register line for another hour. I didn't mind a bit!! You meet the most wonderful and interesting people while standing in line at fabric stores. I did feel sorry for the fine ladies cutting fabric and running the registers. They looked exhausted! But in the entire time I only heard one woman grumble and she was only miffed at herself because she hadn't read the flyers so didn't realize what was going on until she got there. She said she would just leave and return the next day. I can hardly wait to go again and see what all they have when they aren't so busy. Had a terrific experience today. Went to an auction for the first time, and bought of all things, of course, fabric. Three boxes full and I am delighted. DH thinks I'm crazy, and he's probably right, but he loves me anyway.

Ceola in Colorado

Lin,

I e-mailed you and it bounced back. E-mail me the details about the swap.

Thanks

I had a great time at the sale last night. I took my three kids, age 10, 8, and 3. There were no carts so I held the 3 year old boys's hand, had the girls carry patterns and stuff for me, and tucked about 8 bolts of fabric under one arm while I guided the four of us around all the stuff in the floor by the calico! Some very nice lady saw all the effort it was taking me and brought me a cart she saw someone else leave behind. It was soooo much easier after that, and the small act of kindness really brightened my night! At the cutting table, the manager of the store was actually complaining about not enough registers, saying something about they had earned a third one last year and never got it. I wonder if the chain of JoAnn's has some points system for the stores before they get more cash registers, and if so they should change the policy.
Anyway, my kids all behaved beautifully and we all enjoyed the sale, confusion and all!

Tina in Ky

Yikes, what a bust! I agree with Holice, I don't have money to throw away but....it wasn't worth it....Waited in line 45 minutes and still didn't reach anywhere near the cutting the counter, only to realize that there was another line just as long for the cash register....left at that time, no material in hand :( I will say that the other shoppers were very nice...but I don't think that the store in any way prepared for this sale...no extra cutting tables, no extra registers....not a good time at all! I'll be writing JoAnnes as well and letting them know that I think a lot of people walked away feeling the same way:(

I am a beginner quilter and have decided to make a quilt for my mother for Christmas. The pattern I choose is alternating 9-patch and heart in 12" squares. The problem I am having is not being able to find a heart pattern (one that I do not have to applique). I found heart patterns that are not 9 squares, but 16 squares. Can I mix the two (9 and 16 squares)? Otherwise does any experienced quilters out there have any suggestions for me? Thanks!

I double-goofed when I made an earlier posting. Gave the wrong e-mail address, and forgot my name. Let's try again. Looking for the pattern "fish Tank, Too". Have a granddaughter who is planning to obtain a degree in Marine Biology. As slowly as I work, I need to get started NOW. Evelyn in North Pole

I am going to be teaching a class at a community college on community organizing, with a quilting theme. I am looking for any words of wisdom and experience around organizing group quilts. The purpose of the quilting process will be to raise awareness of a myriad of issues. Please email me directly at the above addy. I AM NOT writing a book and will gladly give anyone credit should their ideas be used in class handouts.

I am looking for a way to make a quilt square from a picture. I would like to make a quilt square from a picture of my house. Can any one help me.
Thanks.

Sorry, forgot to tell you to remove the * in order to reply. Laura

My grandmother gave me some blocks she had pieced years ago (circa 1937). I haven't done anything with them, as I was just beginning then, and wasn't sure what to do. (Today I began pulling the newspaper she had used to piece the arcs out and found a 1932 date). The blocks are not finished. They consist of a pieced corner arc, and a muslin set to complete the square, sort of like a modified drunkard's path. She had completed 6 of them and set them together so that she would remember the setting, and had pieced many of the arcs, but had not set them on the muslin. She had hand stitched everything.
SOME OF THE BLOCKS HAVE GOTTEN BADLY WRINKLED and all of them are dirty. Do I dare rinse them, and iron them before working, or will that just set the dirt.
SOME OF THE PEOPLE IN MY LOCAL GUILD recommend appliqueing them to full squares of muslin instead of trying to piece the curves, in order to provide extra support. I do not have a supply of 60 year old muslin.
I WAS JUST GOING TO USE REGULAR COTTON THREAD to finish putting the blocks together, as I don't have any 60 year old thread, either.
Any suggestions?
Laura in Huntsville, AL

A big thanks to Cassi in Ohio for the loan of the
quilt pattern book, I recieved it today and it
looks quite interesting, and don't look too-too
complicated, so I am looking forward to some free
time soon to be able to get started on one of the
patterns.
Thanks again Hazel in Minnesota.

I am looking for fabric to make a quilt for my son. Need patterns of baseball players, Food like hot dogs hamburgers, coke etc., Crowds of people with a small repeat. If you know where I can get these patterns please let me know. Thank You.

HOLICE: I hear you! I was at my JoAnn's last night when the doors opened, about 50 people ahead of me. Now I know why they call it "Madness"...that is exactly what it was!
This is a small JoAnn's about 15 miles from my home and they only had six carts and a few small baskets...all used by the time I was able to work up the line. When I got to the fabric shelves they were nearly bare since all those people already had taken out several bolts and so the colors that I had already decided upon for my project were gone...I had to change my color scheme. I wanted to get a whole bolt of background fabric but they didn't have it. I ended up getting only a few yards of four different fabrics and had to stand in line 45 minutes to get it cut. Then a little over an hour standing in one of two lines to the check-out counter. Only two cash registers! Some people brought their young children with them which only added to the confusion!
My husband had gone with me but when he saw the crowds he said he'd wait in the car for me. It was a little over three hours from the time I entered the store until I came out...TIRED, DISGUSTED and vowing NEVER to go back for one of those MADNESS things again...just not worth it. When I left (with only one hour of the sale left to go) there were still long lines at the cutting station and the check-out counter.
I too intend to let JoAnn's store manager know exactly what I think. If they are going to have a sale like that, the least they could do is bring in more help and an extra cash register from somewhere. T
Oh yes, there was a lady directly behind me who had only 50 skeins of embroidery thread and she stood in line all that while that I did. Seems like it is not worth the 50% off....
I should have stayed at home and worked on my miniature quilt for my grand-daughter's Barbie Doll!!!

Marty in VT

I have seen an ad for the Flynn Multi-Frame system in October's Quilters Newsletter Magazine.
This system allows you to machine quilt using this quilt frame and your sewing machine. It is
not unlike the industrial type of quilting machines with the long arms.
I would like to hear if you have seen this system demo'd or if you are using this
system at the present.
Thanks.
Bonnie K.

Our local tv and radio stations have been advertising a farm show in Sunbury, Ontario from Sept.15-19. I heard a quilt exhibit mentioned. Does anyone know anything about it? Would it be worth the trip from northern NY? Will it run for the whole farm show or is it on a particular day? If anyone has any info on it, please let me know.
Thanks,Marlene in northern NY

I have just finshed basting and am about start hand quilting my first bed size quilt and am very nervous. I ahve hand quilted lots of small projects and have machine quilted larger projects but have decided to atke the plunge and hand quilt my beloved new Trip Around the World, in beautiful Plums, Tans and Olives. I love the colors and really want to use the quilt NOW!! But I have made the commitment to hand quilting it and am hoping that it won't take me five years to do so. I am going to keep it simple, just concentric diamonds and, because I went with Polester batting, I don't have to quilt it too densely. It is too hot today to get start but I just was given a big quilting hoop on a stand (apparently someone was cleaning out their house and it went through a few pairs of hands before I gave it a home). Has any one else felt anxious about beginning such an imposing task? I realize that many of you have done much more detailed and bigger projects, I just don't want to ruin it or, worse yet, never see the end of it.

Went to the big Joann's Sale last night in Nashua, NH. Because I had a class at a quilt shop down the street, I felt almost deceitful cutting out early to go to Joann's but hey! 50% off is 50% off and I needed a new cutting mat and good scissors!! I got there at 11:00 and although it was busy I think it was much better than it had been earlier. I got in, chose and had some fabric cut, picked up my new cutting tools and got out of the store in under an hour. There is a risk in going late but for me it worked out well.

Have a great day everybody!

Ruth in Massachusetts

Hi! I have the best grandmother ever. So, I've decided that I wanted to do something special for her for Christmas. What I came up with is a quilt. I thought it would be nice if I could get all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren (about 30 in all) to each design their own square how ever they would like. Then I would combine them and put them into a quilt. However, I have little experience in quilt making. My mother has a little more, but not a lot. My question is, What would be the best way to go about this project, ie. what is the best design to use that would look nice, but be easy enough for amatures to accomplish? If you have any ideas or a design, please email me at the above address. Thanks for your time and help!!
Jeni
Layton, Utah

Was it on this page that someone was looking for the bear pattern from a 97 Michael's magazine? It's the MJ bear , with the little curved bottom. They show it from behind, sitting on a chair, and it's little bottom looks like a little kid's. I have the pattern you need!
Janet in western PA

Can anyone give me some advice with a problem? I accidentally ironed Wonder-Under to my ironing pad and don't know how to get it off. I tried heating the area with my iron and trying to peel it off without any luck. The worst thing is that it's not on an ironing board where I could just easily replace the cover. It's on my reversible pressing pad/cutting mat that I absolutely couldn't get along without. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Went last night, not till 9:30. It's a good thing, 'cause I hear the lines were backed up into the store earlier, and you couldn't get a cart thru the calico area. Everything was still there that we wanted, and the waiting was minimal. Going to try to make a polarfleece shirt, haven't sewn clothes for a while. Couldn't resist! Also got rotary blades 50% off, and some Kunin shaggy felt for a light bear jacket. The men of the house are gone for the weekend, so it's sew, sew, sew!
Janet in western PA

Good Morning, everyone. I need help, as usual8-)

About 2 months ago, I bought some fabric at JoAnn's. I need more, now, but my store doesn't have anymore. Unfortunately, I didn't notice which company makes it. It is a medium blue background with small 2-tone green frogs and flie on it. Do any of you know which company makes it?

Thanks for your help!

Wendy
Waxahachie, Texas (where it is FINALLY cool and wet)

I am looking for a quilt pattern called the
Gingham Dog and Calico Cat. We are expecting first
grandchild in the spring, and my mother-in-law wants
to make this quilt for her first ggrandbaby. Thanks,
Marilyn

I am program chair. for the Gold Coast Quilters' Guild in Boca Raton Fla. Several members have expressed interest in a lecture/ workshop in Hawaiian Quilting I have some open dates in '99 and many in 2000. If you have anyone in mind I would appreciate a reply.

Guess the lack of postings last evening and night was because everybody was at JoAnn's sale.
I went to fill in fabrics for my watercolor kits. Got there at 9 pm. Took an hour to select and get cut and
ONE HOUR AND FIFTY MINUTES in line to pay. Customers were buying embroidery floww - some 100-300 skeins and EACH ONE HAD TO BE SCANNED into their scanning machine. One customer was at register for about 15 minutes. I can't believe that at a sale like that, that EACH 10 cent floss had to be individually scanned. Then it too ages to run the register tape for the sale. I got about 40 yds of fabric and saved $50. but not sure time that it comsumed was worth it. I intend to write the JoAnn people and complain and will certainly do it if I see them at Quilt Market in October in Houston.

Holice

MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!! WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET RIGHT NOW!
Keep quilting, keep smiling!
Janell in Wisconsin

Can anyone help me with the history of the "Bachelor's Puzzle" quilt design? Are any colors used more than others in creating this pattern? What is the period (time frame) of this history?

Thanks, Karen DeVries
anekaren@worldnet.att.net

I can't find the name of the lady looking for Lighthouse patterns so am posting here.
While I was at the Vermont Quilt Festival in July I picked up a brochure from THE COUNTRY QUILTER at one of the vendor booths. Hanging for display was a beautiful quilt called "Beacons of Light" (50" X 76") with with 12 machine applique blocks from all over the country.
You can buy the pattern only for each block as a pattern-of-the-month or you can get the pattern & fabric for each block-of-the-month.
If you would like to get their brochure you might call them (914) 277-4820 or write them for their brochure with 12 differnt quilt Bock-of-the-Month patterns. Their address is:
The Country Quilter, 344 Route 100, Somers, NY 10589
This was truly a beautiful quilt for a collector of Lighthouses.

Marty in VT

I am looking for a WWW page that will help me
create my own quilt lable. Any ideas.
Backatcha,
Debbie
Washington St.

Going to San Francisco with my husband next week. Can't believe it, never been there and am looking forward to the trip. Can anyone recommend quilt shops in that area? (My DH will be happy about this!)

Dianein NOVA

Just borrowed a book from a friend on Round Robin quilts and think it is great. It is published by That Patchwork Place and is called Friendship Quilts of the 90s and Beyond, Round Robin Quilts.
It has organized lists of how to go about getting several types of round robins started and instructions for everything you can imagine.

I had great success ordering quilting books from Amazon, perhaps you will too.

Diane in Northern Virginia

I love hummingbirds and would like to make an applique quilt with them on it. Does anyone have a pattern or can you suggest a book that has a hummingbird pattern in it?

I have recently moved to Rome, Italy. Are they any other quilters out there that live in or near Rome. There is a small quilt group that meets once a week. Would like to hear from you. Carolyn

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you all know about the wonderful class I took this week. It was wedgeworks, by Cheryl Phillips. Here is my rating. Super teacher, excellent class. I never have to set in points again!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is working on another book, about mariners compass I think. The teacher was very thorough, and her lecture was good too. She wrote a book called Quilts without Corners, and I am looking for this book If any of you out there have it and would be willing to part with it, I would gladly pay for it, or trade for it. please let me know. Its hot here again, in Sacramento, so don't know when I will be doing any hand quilting. There was a person on this board who was making nametags for going to quilt shows so we could recognize each other, If you are still out there, please contact me, an I am interested. Thanks, Lyn in Sac

tried to add a note earlier but poof it was gone.
it was late when I dashed that note last night, forgot a few items
l. Exercise and stretch your fingers before and during the quilting session
2. Wax the bed of your machine it will glide easier
3. rubber secretary fingers on the thumb and index fingers of both hands work well for me.
4. Pinning is usually 4-5" apart,, better to have to many than too few
5. Run the machine at about 3/4 speed and your hands at 1/2 speed, if the stitches are long you are moving the hands too fast.
6. Start and stop with 5-6teeny stitches then clip
7. Besure to bring the bobbin thread to the top when you start.
8. I don't like that half hoop, too much moving the hoop
9. My chair is high enough so my arms are close to even with the bed of the machine.
10. Have good light
ll. I usually mark any patterns with a mechancial pencil
on light fabric and a silver pencil on dark
12. If you are using metallic thread try running monofilament thread with it to reduce the shredding.

too much brain overload, just keep trying and practising it you will love it.

I have, also, used that "machine hand quilting" stitch on my Bernina 1090 and really like that for a high use quilt Carol

I am looking for a simple tree pattern to make a quilt for a rustic lodge room. Preferably a pine tree. Another option would be something with a fish pattern. Please let me know if anyone knows of one. Thanks!

To JoJO in Oklahoma: Thank you for o=your response to my request for a pieced Block for a shirt. I am involved in a challenge to make a quilt depicting wearables and would like to make a quilt of tropical shirts. I do not applique very well, and prefer piecing. If your pattern is pieced, I am very interested.Please let me know. Anyone else out there with ideas of where to find a pieced block of a casual shirt? Thanks, Suzanne in Santa Cruz.

This has been a day! Got my squishy in the mail
from Cassi! Really liked the fabric...wishing
I had some of it making my Christmas Quilt in all
MUM fabric..the pattern from the Fabric Showcase
magazine!..I have the top done and I just love it!
Also got the Jelly Bellies in the mail! DH tried
them out...think he enjoyed that! (Found I couldn't
eat them due to a food intolerance..bummer!)
Looking for a block of the month pattern for our
guild next year...any suggestions?
Please take the * out of the email address!!
Susan in Nebr..where it is STILL summer...where is
Fall anyway??

Carol I'm with you, Metrolene thread in the bobbin is the only way to machine quilt!! I can't believe the difference that thread makes. I have a quilt I had started quilting, before taking Maurine Noble's class, I was using cotton thread, after the class I finished it with the Metrolene and its amazing how pliable and soft the Metrolene section is and stiff the cotton bobbin thread section feels. As for what to use on the top..... whatever the quilt calls for! : ) I found my new passion for buying thread... hehehe... baskets full!! Martha in Alaska

I am a graphic designer. I barely know how to thread my sewing machine but am interested in quilting. I have sewn a couple little things but would love to attend a week long quilting retreat. Is there anything like this. I would be interest in the New England areas or Washington, or Oregon.

Please Help! Thank You.

Does anyone have directions for a round robin? I live in Japan and belong to 2 Japanese quilt groups. Thought it might be fun to try one with them-I heard about this from a quilter when I was back in US. The directions would have to be simple, as I need to explain, and we work and quilt in mostly Japanese. Thanks. Wallie

When I was at Walmart the other day, I seen a polyester batting that was "antibacterial".
Has anyone tried this? I was planning on making a quilt for my bed soon, but my husband has
terrible allergies to dust & mites. I was wondering if this would help.

I have used polyester batting before although I prefer cotton. Is there any reasons I should NOT
use a polyester batting? The batting issue confuses me, so I have been using what is available in my
area. And Walmart does not always have the cotton on hand.

One more question: Should I be pre-washing my batting? I always pre-wash my fabrics, and usually only
stitch in the ditch when quilting.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Arttie from Michigan, 101 degrees today!!!!!!!

I need your help. My Father collects civil war memorabilia and I would really like to make him a quilt with hats & swords or similar. Does anyone have a pattern or a suggestion of a book? Thank you

the sentence should have read.....slick so mites can't hold on to the fibres..

Sharon: About two years ago, Morning Glory, a copany that makes quilting batting started advertising a batting that has been treated for mites and other gross things that may get into the quilt. I don't have any scientific evidence that it really works - someone said that perhaps the fibres are just slicker and the mites can hold on to make their nests. If the product really works, then that might be part of the solution. I know that I'm going to get a lot of "flack" over this next suggestion.......but.....would a poly/cotton blend in your fabric help keep down the allergy situation. If so, then get only the fabrics that have the amount of poly blend that would help. On the other hand, do you know for a fact that those little beasts do breed in quilts.

Holice Turnbow

Hello!

I'm trying to find opinions on treatment and
storage of new quilts to prevent mite infestation.
Those of us who have dust mite allergies have been
advised to use minimal bedding and to treat our
bed linens with hot water washes and very hot
dryer runs at temps > 140 deg F for 40 minutes or
longer! Obviously, these are harsh conditions for
treatment of linens. I am debating buying or
making a quilt for my bed (we're to have a really
cold winter here in Washington State).

Does anybody have advice on this topic??

Thanks in advance for your answers!

-Sharon Churchill
Pullman, WA

Looking for International Quilters to join our group. The USA and Canada are full but we are accepting all other countries. We are exchanging nine inch blocks in sets of 20. I am accepting participants until October 30, 1998 and the blocks are due to me by April 30, 1999. Please see the detailed guidelines at : http://members.aol.com/Trequilts/TPEx.htm. If you would like to sign up please contact Teresa at trequilts@aol.com. Thanks

I think the book by Susan McKelvey called "A Treasury of Quilt Labels" is quite good. She gives instructions/help for everything from marking pens to doing photo transfers on a label. I have traced designs out of the book a couple of times, and that works pretty well. When I've been lazy and didn't want to letter everything myself, I found a font on the computer that I liked, printed it in three different sizes, and then used that to trace all the words. It's a great way to get everything centered and on a straight line.

Mary in Ohio

Needles: If you did not pre-wash your fabric and you are using cotton batting also, i think that would cause dragging and problems. Also if the humidity is high it makes a difference. I am hand quilting a quilt right now with cotton batting in it and the only place i have problems is the blocks that have white on white that i didn't make sure was not painted on. white on white and muslin on muslin (whatever its called) comes two different ways painted on or actually in the threads. I planned on machine quilting this quilt for my daughter so i didn't pay enough attention to the white on white, but once it was made my husband said "no way are you machine quilting that"!!! So moral is always make sure white on white is not painted on because your DH may insist on it being hand quilted.
Also use piecemakers needles but my stores in okla that i go to are rebelling against piecemakers as lots of suppliers are and are unavailable here now.
Shirt pattern: i have a really old, old, old, pattern by i think heirloom heritage or something like that that has shirts and overalls hanging on a line??? would this help?????
jojo in oklahoma (think its gonna rain)

First, A BIG THANK YOU TO CAROL for her lengthy and knowledgable explanation of machine quilting. I printed it, and put it in a sheet protector for reference. She knows her subject. Excellent!
ON Lableing: I took a workshop from Susan McKelvey at NQA in Ft. Wayne. She impressed on us the importance of labeling our work "Lest Our Labors be Forgotten and Our Heritage Lost". Labels can be a mini-block adapted from the front, simple plain muslin squares telling who made the quilt, when, where, and why, or elaborate painted, appliqued enhancments. The important thing is to document the work. I use pre-printed ones a lot on machine quilted donation types. I have done fancy appliqued ones for my beloved GD's appliqued quilts. My group recently finished a round-robin with a group in Tampa. Part of the fun was taking pictures and signing the label and then trying to put a face and the work together. Do try it! It adds another dimension to quilting. I think it helps us think of our quilts as important and a real contribution to history. Who knows who will receive them when we are gone!
Quilting Forever,
Kay

I will be traveling from Atlantic City area of New Jersey to Raliegh, NC in October. Are there any quilt shops or quilt shows along the way that I should not miss? We will be in NC for the state fair. There are always some quilts there, so I won't miss it.
Donna in New Jersey
Always quilting
One stitch at a time
dltquilt@juno.com

La Vaughn:
I use Piecemaker needles, but I've also found that different battings work better with different needles, so I experiment a lot. If you're having trouble with needles bending, check and make sure you don't have the quilt too tight in the frame or hoop -- if there isn't a certain amount of flex in the top, there's more stress on the needle.

Cotton batting is harder to quilt through, so I prefer a smaller needle. A 12 is hard to handle in the beginning, but it does seem to go through the layers nicely.

Hope this helps!

Janet

I have seen a couple of postings on Labels on quilts. what exactly is this? how do you make a label for your quilt. what do you put on the label?

I am living in Costa Rica and be visiting the Chicago aerea in Sept.-Oct.I want to buy a sewing machine and would like to have some recommendation or experience from people with certain machines.I sew everything from my wardrobe to all the things beeing needed in a restaurant and little hotel, including futons.Since about 3 years I started quilting as well.The tropical climate is quite rough on any machine, especially electronic ones.Therefore Iam looking for a mechanical,very robust machine,which still has some nice features for quilting. I am not interested in embroidery.I thought the Bernina 1006 sounds interresting,but nobody seems to have one.I would be happy for any advice and maybe a recommended place around Chicago where to look.A used machine would be perfectly fine as well.I also will be driving across the Midwest to Idaho,so Chicago does not have to be the only choice.In hope for some advice...Isolde

I machine quilt alot, I am not familar with your machine, but to do free motion you need a darning type foot, release the pressure, and drop the feed dogs. I set the stitch length on "0" (it seems to make a difference).
metallica needle allows the thread to flop around and not shed so easily. I loooovvveee, mettler metrolene for the bobbin (or lingerie bobbin thread). Sulky in the top or monofiliment so you don't have to change colors, either clear for light colors or smoke for dark colors.
I have a swing arm lite with a magnifying lens so I can pull it right down in front of the piece if I am doing stitch in the ditch or something that requires real accuratcy.
As for the giant "marshmellow". what I find works really well is to stretch out the back, place the batting on next then the top being sure to get it real flat( usually I go where I can use large cafeteria type tables, then use large binder"bulldog" clips , pin from the center out all the way from top to bottom in the_ center 1/3 of the quilt then fold both side across the middle, label the batting a-a and b-b, cut between the a-a and the b-b, fold these up and set aside, now you can easily machine quilt the center, next add a to a matching up the cut lines on the top, back in place, secure tightly and machine quilt, do the same with the b-b. Then cut off the excess batting ( be sure to machine quit to the edge of the fabric). Trim off the batting and apply the binding. I do this step totally on the machine, cut the strips 2 3/4 " wide, sew them together,, iron in half . apply it to the back of the quilt first being careful not to stretch it or you will have ripples in the finished edge.
besure to leave a 3 inch tail when you start and finish so you can insert one into the other. Have someone show you how to do the mitered corner (can't explain it ), then turn the quilt to the front and top stitch it in place. If you get round corners you have not done a real careful 45 degree turn with the fabric. Just ask at your quilt shop or an experienced quilter how to do this binding it saves many!!!! hours doing it by hand and looks just as nice once you get the hang of it.
I do cursive e's to fill in the background, larger ones on a big project , smaller e's on a smaller project, but they always get raves. Just practise, practise and don't lose patience it is so worth the effort. If you are doing streight lines, a walking foot is a must or you will get puckers from the dog feed pulling on the back of the fabric.( I did not kown this and had to cut off 12 inches of the first project I machine quilted.
. good luck Carol

thanks for all the responses for my question it was much appreciated. To all who answered thanks again it nice to be able to come here and get answers to any question i may ask

does anyone have any suggestions for good needles? i am having a tough time quilting my quilt. have changed to cotton batting, having read somewhere that it was easier, but that didn't help. i love the 11 but it bends too easily and so does the 10. the 9 seems too big to go through easily. we only have 3 places in our city to buy fabric and 2 of them are hobby places, so i would be willing to order them by mail. thanks so much.

LaVaughn

To Lynn in Vermont: I was in the Lancaster area in May of this year and found one of the best quilt stores I've ever seen. I believe it was called The Old Country Store, and is in (honestly, this isn't a joke!) Intercourse, PA. It is also listed in the latest issue of the Quilt Sampler - the one that highlights 10 quilt stores throughout the country. The Old Country Store is partly a quilt store and partly a country gadgets store. There are lots of brand name quilting fabrics, and the prices are the best I've ever seen (most were in the $4.00-$6.00 range). They even had fat quarter packets with 8 fat quarters for $14.00. It's a short drive from Lancaster, but definitely worth the drive.

Kendra in Seattle

I need a pattern for the virginia reel quilt. It was on the cover of a quilting magazine recently. Can anyone help?

I'd like to make a quilt out of blue jean strips and pockets,
I've never made a quilt before so if anyone has a pattern or useful tips
about working with denim or anything I'd appreciate it because I'd like to take
a stab at it! Thanks
e-mail me at SteLLa_00@yahoo.com

I have a "Pendant-Lamp" that you wear around your neck for close-up work. It has a small fluorescent tube (no magnifier)and is several years old. Would love to get one for a relative, but I can't find any fabric or hobby store that carries them. I think I probably bought it from a quilt show vendor. The company name on box is Aqua Survey & Instrument Co in Cedarville, Ohio. I researched a phone number from the internet, but no one answers at that number. Any ideas? Thanks. Wendy

I was surprised tonight that I could catch up on the last few days' postings in only an hour and a half. I shared the "secret" of my darling daughter's pregnancy here recently, and now am delighted to report that her doctor says all is well! (She'd had 2 miscarriages, so we were concerned.) Now she's 9 weeks, still upset stomach, but feeling very confident! Can't wait to start planning a quilt. Now my quilt question - my sister and I are planning our annual "road trip" to Lancaster PA the weekend of Sept. 18. We're checking out the area websites for quilt shops and other places to go. Does anyone know of anything special we can do there? We'll be traveling from New Haven CT area on Friday, then back on Sunday. I'm looking forward to seeing some Amish quilts and things. Of course there are a bunch of quilt shops in that area, but we'd love to hear any other suggestions. Thanks! Lynn in VT

Does anyone out there have plans for building a full size quilt frame . If so could you please send it to me.......Thanks Shirley

Is there ANYONE looking at this BB that can pick up the Educational TV Channel in Mississippi? Tonight (Thursday, Sept. 10) at 8:30 Central Daylight Time I THINK they are going to air a re-run of a show on which they featured my guild's last year's quilt show in Batesville, Mississippi. There are lots of channels in MS on which METV can be received, you will know which is the one for your area--if you live near or in MS. It's only going to be about 6 minutes but we were pleased that they came up and did that much. We had 401 quilts featured in a big, big building. Was nice, we thought. Pat Hickey, one of the Teasdale Quilters.

Just got back from Joanne. I was able to get my 20 yd of calico at $1.79 pre-cut and stashed under the cutting table. Saves them and me from the big last minute rush! Check it out, girls. You've got an hour until closing and them all day tommorrow. They will close from 5 until 7 pm when Moonlight Madness starts.

Yes, I am ashamed to admit that I have some quilts that are not labelled. The ones I have done are just boring rectangular white cotton blurbs. Looking for suggestions for label books. Saw one with bunnies in it but that was too cute for my taste. Thanks, Lori ( the Canadian melting in California)

I am looking for a pattern for a pieced quilt block of a shirt. I have a block of a shirt and tie but I am looking for a more casual,Hawaiian style shirt. Any suggestions where I can find a pattern? Thanks.Suzanne

Congratulations, Sue and Eric, for winning the Planet Patchwork Web Excellence Award!

I always knew we were on to a good thing!

Rita (the Canadian who lives in Australia)

Can anyone point me to a source or sources for fabrics which are pastel prints (not garish and bold) which would be suitable for children's quilts - either boy or girl - ages 3-8? thanks in advance. -Nicky

Greetings Quilters
I just received a flyer that Joann's fabric is having a huge sale "Moonlight Madness" tomorrow (Fri, 9/11) from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Calico's are $1.79 yd., DMC Floss is 10 for $1.00, Notions are 50% off, craft fabric is 50% off, Cutting Implements (mats, scissors, rotary cutters, rullers, etc.) are all 50% off. The flyer says that this is going on at 1000 stores nationwide.
Just thought I'd pass along the information.

Ruth in Massachusetts

I'm thinking of buying a quilt program for my PC. Can't decide which one to buy, any comments or suggestions welcome. Barb

I bought fabric -- navy background with one half inch pink, yellow and red fruits and flowers -- at least two years ago. I am now making a quilt with it and need about two more yards of it. I don't even know what company made it, but I think it might be a V.I.P. fabric because I bought it a JoAnn's. If anyone has an idea of where I might find fabric this old, please let me know. eberna@csrlink.net Thanks.

Found an old quilt top in box of wool scraps while going through boxes for my church group quilters
Actually found 4, 3 are hand pieced. Anyways we have decided to finish one for our bazaar this Fall.
My question...the top has a small stain, nothing major. Should I wash it before we finish it? Also when
the quilt is finished any ideas on pricing such a treasure? Thank you

Jojo & others,

I, too, spent my lunchtime perusing previous copies of Quilt Mags. I saw the "Soups On" design and thought of the chef's quilt. I was looking for a Christmas tree skirt pattern and didn't find one. If anyone know an issue that includes a nice tree skirt pattern, let me know. I've been getting BH&G Am. Patchwork & Quilting for about 3 years.

In Stitches,
Sally in beautiful western NY

Chef Quilt: Was looking through the current Quilt Sampler during lunch 1/2 hour and found a really neat quilt called Soups On from shop Quilting in the Country pg 65. Soup bowls with steam coming out of them, would be neat to use the vegtable fabrics in the bowls and create different food things with food fabrics. Could be good looking graduation quilt. Jojoquilter in okla

I guess all we can say is...... hehehehehe!!!!

To the gal/guy that posted the question regarding what their Featherweight was worth - I sent you a lengthy letter, but it bounced back. Email me directly and will forward it back to you.

Brenda in Indiana

Hi Kathy, Have you ever seen the Collectibles Quilt Book by Wendy Edzel. The quilt resembles a bookcase and you fill the shelves with meaningful momentos. I made one for my son and his new wife. The possibilities are limitless. You could label the books--his favourite books, his favourite subjects, his highschool year book. I did photo transfer and actually had a framed picture on the shelves. Has he won any trophies? Does he have a favourite hobby or sport? Even the bookmarks dangling from the spines of the books could be meaningful.
Brenda in B.C., Canada

Got my QNM yesterday, and on page 44 starts an article about web sites for quilters. WWQP heads the list with a wonderful thumbnail review of what's available here. It also mentions the WWQP is a Planet Patchwork Web Excellence Award winner....something I wasn't aware of before now. A big HURRAY for Sue and Eric, and I'll add my thanks for all you do for us all. Judy in beautiful SW Washington

I am wondering if anyone could tell me what a 1957
Singer Featherweight 221-k might be worth?

My son is a H.S. senior. I want to create a memory quilt for him for his graduation. I am not a very creative person. Am looking for ideas. Thankyou.

i am looking for a quilt pattern of monet's
waterlilies. if you know where i can find one
please e-mail me at deborahkilgore41@yahoo.com
thank you

Me again, I made a "practice" block with backing and batting and an extra block from my quilt that i had left over. My machine seems to be doing good as far as feeding the layers of material through, although I have NO IDEA what kind of foot im using. I am using an old Kenmore sewing machine that my husbands gramma gave to me years ago, and I have no books with it at all....been kinda hit or miss as far as learning. I can do the quilting in straight lines on my machine, but how do i do the curves? and how do you handle the bulk of the quilt when you are machine quilting the middle. the one side is open and the quilt can just hang there, but what about the other side where it cant hang because the machine is there? does that make any sense at all. I hope Im not being a pain with all my, what to some might seem endless, questions.

Food pattern: Country threads has cute books with food throughout, Wear Warm Clothes and some of the others, also there is a cappacino book out, called Expresso or something like that. Debbie Mumm has a gardening pattern out that has food.
Antique sewing machines: i reqret not buying the lady next door to me Singer that was in wonderful shape when her daughter had her estate sale. It was too heavy to use as a featherweight for classes, but it was in wonderful condition and i could have died when i asked the man who ran the sale and he said he sold it for only $75.00. Moral, don't pass them up!!!!
Martha, i too can remember everywhere i have been and bought most of my fabric. Sometimes the fabric holds memories of a lot of laughing and fun if i went to a sale with my girlfriends.
I give all my little scraps to the friend who does minatures and the larger ones i cut up for strips for another friend who does scrap quilts. The strips make wonderful christmas and birthday presents for quilters who do scrap quilts. so everytime i cut something if i have plenty i cut her a strip or two!!!!
jojo in oklahoma where it was actually cool this am!!!!!!

I have a friend who's looking for the Quilt pattern entitled "Sand Dollar" which was in QUILTMAKER, Issue #25 (1991) Anyone have this and would be willing to send a copy of it? I have Electric Quilt 3 and if the quilt/block is "do-able" in EQ3, you could send it via e-mail. E-mail me me first.

Thanks! Patti
Rainelle, WV
omd01639@mail.wvnet.edu

don't think my other posting made it so does anyone have a tips for making buttonhole stiches even? thanks in advance

Fons and Porter's book is Quilter's Complete Guide.
You can also get ISMACS from WWQP home page.
Speaking of books have you all seen Quilting Makes The Quilt by Lee Cleland? In it she has pictures of a quilt, quilted 6 different ways and does this for 10 or so quilts. The Double Irish Chain for instance has pictures of it quilted in the plain area with a motif, one quilted on the diagonal, one with horizonal, one with motifs and in the ditch, one with wine glass design and one with free motion quilting. She also has close up and distance photos of each. Then she has 6 different ways on the same Ohio Star quilt but not the same six as on the DIC. It's a real eye opener for quilt designs.
Gigi

To Patty - I emailed you this info, but am repeating it for others who come across old Singer (and other brand) sewing machines and wonder just what they've gotten their hands on.

Alan Quinn has a wonderful links page that includes almost all of the sewing machine collectors websites - each with lots of information and photos. ISMACS (International Sewing Machine Collectors Society) is the one to begin with. So, happy hunting to those of you who have an old machine and would like more information.

www.demon.co.uk/quinn/links/index.html

Brenda in Indiana

To Patty on the antique Singer: I don't have information on your particular machine, but I found a phone number for Singer and they may be able to provide what you are looking for. It is (901) 365-6613. I don't know what city it's in. I also have an old Singer (1927 electric to be exact), and it's currently being used as an end table in our family room. I love it!

To Jenny regarding basting: One method would be to use a curved needle. Another thing I've seen tried is to use a regular needle, and a spoon. To use the spoon, you insert your needle, then while lifting up slightly with the needle, you press down with the spoon in front of the needle. I hope that makes sense. Lastly, depending on how you are going to quilt, a lot of the ladies in our guild use safety pins to baste. I have not ever tried to do that.

Mary in Ohio

For the lady looking for nursery rhymes for a quilt, www.pieceocake.com has a quilt pattern called "Rhymes I Remember". It's cute!

Janet in western PA

To sleekley@alaska.net looking for "food" designs for chef wall-hanging: check out www.pieceocake.com/productlist.html. Seriously! They are a team of two ladies who have scrumptious designs. (Couldn't resist the pun.) Of course, not all of their designs are food--but some are, such as a fruit one that is adorable.

Lots of beginning quilters seem to be posting these days! Hooray and welcome! To, is it Jennifer?--if I don't write it down, it doesn't stay in my head more than 2 seconds--who asked about basting. I've tried the table method and the masking tape on the floor method both thread and safety pin basting. I just start basting with the back secured to the floor. Protect your table top so that you're not gouging your fine mahogany with pins and needles, then go. Yes, I have basted my quilt to the rug--but not enough that it won't snip away without damage. Even taped down you have enough play in your quilt backing to lift it enough to baste.

All of your questions have been excellent. I want to refer you back to a couple of days ago when people were discussing their all-time favorite quilt books. You saw three come up over and over. This is because they are the best basic "bibles" of quilting and answer a lot of the types of questions you are asking. Any one of them is worth the investment for reference. This is how we learned! They are: Georgia Bonesteel's LAP QUILTING, Fons & Porter's --help me out, folks, I've forgotten the name of it!, and the third mentioned over and over is QUILTS,QUILTS,QUILTS. You've entered a wonderful world and we hope you'll stay.

--Laura in Asheville, NC

Kay - Take a look at Country Threads book Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without. This might give you some ideas for all those blocks.
Nancy in Northern Wisconsin

Susan from North Pole started all the ufo's for me in July when I was in alaska. Everyone (25) sent them right away and they were waiting for me when i got home.EXCEPT....SUSAN!!! I just got hers! I thought you would all get a kick out of that. she has had a busy summer. My question is this, I am going to start putting these together and I need some ideas how to put all these different fabrics and already-made blocks together in some sort of thing that works!!! Got any ideas out there??? I will do something before Alaska 2000! Mark my words,, but i need help! A lot of the fabrics are "little green men and also fabric that looks like you are in outer space but some of the fabrics are very traditional, how do I mix? HELP!!! Kay in sunny, mild, gorgous Marseilles, IL

You can always use the canning jar pattern. By the time you are done, the quilt will have rows of jars. You can "fill the jars" with a food related fabric, such as apples or maybe a mottled orange to represent marmelade.

The canning jar pattern used to be at the Hickory Hill website. Unfortunatly, I can't seem to find the right address. I know it is listed in the old bulletin board postings from June.

Elena in Maryland

It's me again, I wanted to thank all of those who emailed me with their responses, I have printed them all and am creating a sort of help manual that i can have with me as i quilt. Now on to my problem. Most if not all of you mentioned one or more forms of attaching the backing to the floor or the table or what ever im basting on....my question is, if it is attached how can you baste without getting your hand underneath the three layers to make sure your needle is getting all three layers? Please let me know, i really appreciate it.

Jenny in sunny, but very hot Florida

Recently while I was back home in the states, I acquired an old Singer sewing machine. I cannot seem to find any info on it. I know it is not a featherweight, which there is lots of info on. It is black with the typical gold lettering and designs. It sits in a mahogony table. It is in mint condition, runs like new, has all its attachments including a "buttonholer device" and the handbook is also in mint condition. All I can remember is that it is out of some Series 19-..., and on the machine there is a small plaque in the front with the year 1951 and 100 years of sewing tradition?. Any information any one has on this machine or where I can find out something about it would be most appreciated. Thank you, Patty

To the person looking for the Fish Tank pattern.

I e-mailed you and it bounced back so I will post it here. If you recieve any info for this pattern, I also am looking for this pattern for a friend, Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Susan in North Pole.

My fascination with quilts started after I read and re-read (many, many times!) the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I have found a lot of information on her on the internet, but I would like to get my hands on a really good biography with pictures too. Does anyone out there have such a book and would you please tell me how you like it? If possible, let me know where I can order it? Thanks. Hilde in the Netherlands

A friend of mine has a daughter graduating from
chef school and is interested in making her a quilt
wall hanging-any idea's? Thank you!

My friend is going to Japan soon and would like
an address for blue & white quilt stores in Japan.
She likes Japanese fabric so would appreciate any information.

A dear friend of mine down here in the South
has been looking for a Southern Belle quilt
pattern but hasn't been able to find one....yet!
If someone has a pattern, would you please
e-mail me? Thank you so much!
~Becky

I usually buy a yard at a time unless I REALLY love the paticular fabric I'm looking at (like the hard to find madras plaids, I bought 4 yards, @1.99, of each). Price will also have a big impact on how much I buy. Now If I'm working on a specific quilt and want the same fabric throughout I buy according to the pattern and usually "buy up" ( instead of 1 3/4 I buy 2). It really depends on what look you like, I like the scrappy look and love to challenge myself, when a pattern calls for say 3 yards of one color I try to meet that with a dozen or more of different fabrics within that color group. I do have a rather large stash, filling an eight foot by four foot shelf unit (that does not include my flannel backings), and I like to be able to see all my fabric when I'm sewing. I love to share with others too, I trade a lot with friends ( Hi Sue : )! Hi Becca : )! ) And for some uncanny reason I seem to be able to remember where I got each fabric, which store, a gift from my sister.... I can't remember what I did last week but ask me where I got that teal batik and I can tell you where and when! I love to go through books and pick out fabrics I have in my stash. Oh..... I don't have as many books as some of you but I did increase my library today with Judy Martins "The Block Book" her newest and its terrific!!! I'm holding back on making a few of her "Grand" blocks, I WILL finish at least two UFO's before leaping into a new project. Martha in sunny, brisk, fall, Alaska

TO the person looking for nursery rhyme patterns, Debbie Mumm's First Book, Quick Country Quilting had a couple of nursery rhyme patterns in applique in the back of the book. I believe the book is still available but I have also frequently seen it at libraries.

Good Luck and email me if you can not find it.

Ruth in Massachusetts

Jenny: Don't use the hand quilting thread in the machine, just use regular COTTON thread. Also don't double the thread when hand quilting, just pull it through the needle, leave a small tail, and knot only one end. Make the trhead about 18-20 in long, and you'll avoid tangling. Bethany Reynolds showed us a way to lay out a quilt on a table top: you will need a bunch of those "bulldog" clips, the large ones (an office supply store should have them) Measure your table, and mark the exact center of it and the four sides with something you can feel, like toothpicks taped to the table. Fold your backing into fourths, and lay it out on the table in the center. Unfold the backing and clamp it to the table edge with the clips. Do the same with the batting, and then the quilt top. You can use the bsting spria, or thread baste, or pin baste. Start at the center and work out. As you get to the edges, carefully reposition the quilt sandwich, and re-clamp. It worked in our class!! Just think, no sore back from crawling on the floor.

Liz in CT, fall is in the air!

A friend of mine will be visiting Japan next month, spending time in Yokohama, Tokyo and Kyoto. Any suggestions for fabric shops she could visit? She doesn't speak Japanese. Thanks. Shirley

To Mel at star-of-morning@hotmail.com...your
3-D Flying Geese instructions came back to me...re-send your address please...Judy in SW Washington

I use tracing paper that you get at an office supply store. It's easy to trace the pattern onto and tears off easily. It may not be the most economical way, but to me it's the easiest.

I'm looking for ideas to use in a baby quilt and crib set using nursery rhymes as the theme. Any suggestions?

Sorry, I made a mistake. In my inquiry about the 9 patch antique style quilt I said that the Little Quilts book that I've read was by Nancy Martin. I mean't to say that it is written by Alice Berg, Mary Ellen Von Holt and Sylvia Johnson. Thanks, Joanne

Hi everyone, I love this bulletin board. It is most interesting and helpful. I'm on my way to Ft. Collins, CO and of course, I will need to visit our special shops. Any information will be great. Thanks in advance, Jan

Hello there, I am a VERY new quilter, and I have finished the top of my very first quilt and now i am marking the top with my "design". My question is really a couple of questions....first....can i machine quilt the long straight lines on my regular sewing machine? and if so do i need to put quilting thread in the bobbin and on top, or can i use regular thread? For my hand quilting, do you thread the needle like you would for regular sewing, you know, like its double and knot it at the bottom? Is there a trick to basting? I don't have a "hard" floor to tape the bottom to, I live in a small house that has wall to wall carpeting, and suggestions or hints would be greatly appreciated. I will be waiting anxiously for any and all responses. Thank you so very much.

Jenny
p.s
"GO BUCS"

To the person lasking about making a quilt look antique, one idea is to use tan fabric or to tea dye it all when finished.

Ruth in Massachusetts

CLASSIFIEDS: just tried going there and no problem...most recent posting was 9-4-98. Scrolled back a few...someone selling 600 quilt books! Tempting...but I bet 70 of them repeat my collection!

CALCULATING YARDAGE: Sent a private e-mail with more info but must echo Gigi. I usually buy double the amount needed in the smaller amounts (i.e. if the pattern needs 1/4 yd, I buy 1/2 yd.) I don't usually double the higher yardage amounts but I do buy extra! I am not particularly conservative when I rotary cut, I make too many mistakes, and leftovers are how you build a stash. I agree about small pieces of fabric--unless I'm planning a scrap quilt, I usually have no use for smaller pieces. I've been frustrated too many times in wanting to start a new project that needs 2 yards of A, 1-1/2 yards of 5, and I don't have anything at all that's more than a yard. I don't have as large a stash as a lot of you, but I do have quite a few pieces that are 2-3 yards apiece. Lots fewer scraps!

CHEATER CLOTH/KITS: To me, cheater cloth is a preprinted design and you just work with it as a single piece of whole cloth. A kit--or at least the kind we're talking about--comes with preselected fabrics already die cut for you. I've never tried one of those because I've never like all the color choices or trusted the quality of fabric. Wouldn't mind someone else doing my cutting, though!

TO THE PERSON WITH GRANDMA'S TULIP QUILT: I would take a guess that your grandma's quilt might be from a Mountain Mist pattern--their kits were big in this time period. I believe they still have a website. They have a catalog that shows all the patterns they've ever had and I'm sure I checked it out online quite a while ago. Try a search for Mountain Mist and see where it takes you. If you don't find it, e-mail me as I have the catalog and can try looking it up if you send me more details.

MAIL ORDERS: Just wanted to let Hazel know I mailed the round quilt book; Susan in NE I've sent the Mumm fabrics; Linda in NY I sent you a squishie; and Sue in Germany there are greens headed your way. Don't have time to e-mail each of you but wanted to let you know I finally made it to the post office after THREE hours in the dentist's chair. Still numb but recuperating...Cassi in Ohio

P.S. Loreen....go Browns!

I wish to make a small, antique looking quilt. I've been thinking of making it with very small, 9 patch blocks and every other block made out of solid muslin. I'm wondering if the solid muslin will make the quiit too boring. Any suggestions? Please keep in mind that I want a very plain, Little House on the Prairie look.

Also, the colors in most of my rooms are blues and rusts. I've read Nancy Martins books, such as Little Quilts Throughout The House. She explains that magic colors, such as bubble gum pink, purple, black, mustard sparingly placed into a quilt will give the quilt an aged, antique look. I'd like to try using a few splashes of these "magic colors", but I'm not sure if it will clash in my living room that is decorated in blues and rust. Any suggestions out there? I hope so. I've been searching through many books with pictures and am anxious to get started.
Thanks, Joanne

Does anyone have a list or referral to a good quilter? I had stated a double wedding ring, but had surgery on both hands, and can't finish it. I might be able to do the piecing (but not easily), and have a daughter getting married!! I live in Northern Virginia, so if responses can be made for this general locale, I would appreciate it. My first time on the site - I hope for good results. Thanks in advance.

The cheater quilt that placed at the fair was all one one piece with the "patchwork" printed on it. Today I learned that there are different types. I think the ones that could be hand pieced sound more like a kit with all the fabric cut for you. You do the sewing.
Personally I like the true cutting and piecing.
Loreen in Ohio
Cleveland
The only plaace in the US who did not have a headline in the paper on Mark McGwire!!!
Browns football!

Lynn, I've used unprinted newspaper with good results. Your local newspaper usually will have roll ends, and at an inexpensive cost. Check with your local copy store to see if they can use the newsprint, cut to size, for printing your patterns instead of their regular paper. (Some copy stores are more accomodating than others, keep trying.) Another option would be to use a dull needle and no thread in your machine, and perforate the lines of the pattern and the numbers through a stack of blank sheets. Staple the edges of the stack to avoid any shifting before you "needle-punch" your design. Hope this helps. Judy in beautiful SW Washington

I too am having trouble accessing. I submitted a for sale ad last weekend which I'd like to see if it's been posted. We're taking a short vacation starting tomorrow. Hope I don't have a mailbox full of responses when I'm gone and a lot of people mad because I haven't responded.
Lori in Nebraska

I have been in possession of several quilts made by my grandmother in the 30's and 40's for many years. It wasn't until I became a quilter myself, 1 1/2 years ago, that I started paying attention to them.

One of them is made of 20 blocks of a tulip pattern that is different from any tulip pattern I've seen in all the quilt books. It was suggested by someone that it may have been a kit.

Any suggestions on how to research this pattern? If it appears to be an original creation, is there a way to "register" the pattern with my grandmother's name? I copied the pattern/design and used a collection of reproduction fabrics to make quilts for 2 of my daughters.

This is my first visit to this web page!

I'm looking for a quilt pattern I saw on Country Endeavor's web site. They don't have it anymore and they don't know who produces it. It is a house block layed out in a tesselation design. It has a heart and star border.
Please e-mail me if you know where I can get the pattern or if you have it.

Thanks, Carole Dietrich

This is correct Email address for information about KC Star Patterns.

Penny brought up an interesting subject. I know I have never bought what a pattern called for as I haven't known what I was going to use most of my fabric for at the time of buying. Exception be the stack and whack and then I went by 6 or 8 repeats, not actual yardage.
When I first started, I was buying fat quarters and soon learned I didn't have enough of any one fabric to have a predominate theme or color. Then I started buying a yard of what I loved and 1/2 yard of my next favorite and 1/4 yard of the other one or two that would go with the first two.
That still wasn't enough for a full size quilt so now I think of size and how much is needed for the backing and make sure I have at least that in total top fabric and then buy more.
Now basically I buy 2 or 3 yards of what I love and depending on how many other fabrics that go with my first piece, I will buy a yard or two of a couple more. And half yards of a few, usually the brightest as I want some but not to much.
I also figure that I am adding to my fabric stash with leftovers so too much is better than not enough.
Today I am gathering up some of these leftovers and taking them to the church where I have talked the ladies into doing small quilts for our local police to carry with them for children who have to be removed from their homes. No guilts this way. How do the rest of you buy?
Gigi

I love paper foundation piecing but would like to find a paper that would work better then typing paper with my old machine. Also, when I do find a good paper, how do I transfer the pattern to the paper? I am a new quilter and any hints you can share would be helpful. Thanks. Lynne

Hi, I'm hoping maybe Cassi or Gigi can help me on this. How do you figure the yardage needed for a quilt just by the block size? does this make sense? I seen many real pretty blocks and it give all the directions and sizes, but then I don't know where to go from there if I wanted a whole quilt done w/this block. I hope I am explaining myself halfway sensible. Cassi, really enjoyed your details from your trip, makes me jealous, I'd love to go to a real quilt show. Also Gigi, how is the s/w going? I'm still thinking of you, good luck. TIA...Penny

I have a CD from Quiltime called Clipart for Quilters. It has 364 line art images (in formats for Mac EPS, Mac TIFF, PC TIF and Windows BMP)with all kinds of nations, quilt blocks and alphabet designs that you may use in your Newsletters, etc. I have it and use it a lot.
I purchased it from the Keepsake Quilting Catalog again...I have no affilliation but do LOVE that company. It is listed in the latest catalog for less than $25...well worth it.

Marty in VT

Greetings all!
I am in the process of restarting a secret sister group in October. For those of you who don't know what that
is, it is a group of people, each of whom has someone they send a monthly package to. The fun part is that no one
has a clue who they are getting packages from! We are currently down to 6 women, and I would like to add up to 14
more people to the group. I also organize fabric swaps and round robins for the people in the group. If you would
like to join, please send me an email, along with a reference. I had some trouble when I first took over the
group with packages not arriving and round robins dissapearing, which is why I would like a reference. This is
first come, first serve. It is lots of fun!
---Jo

So excited that I can answer three of you looking for info because I spent too much time yesterday browsing! For Linda looking for poetry and the person looking for Lighthouse patterns: the same site will help you both. Called "A Quilter by Design," the address is www.his.com/~queenb/. It is by Debbie Kratovil who designs foundation blocks. Right on the home page is a lighthouse new out this month. If the address doesn't work for some reason search under the title or her name. She also has a link to quilt poetry right in her table of contents.

In addition, for the person looking for quilt chats, I have 2 addresses. 1)Go to www.kathkwilts.com/--this directs you to a chat. 2)Go to http://fabric-stash.com/. This is actually an on-line fabric store (having a great sale right now) that has a chat in its table of contents. Good luck!

I took the plunge last night and started a mystery quilt. I've never done one, but had the itch--you know the one. You've gotta fondle your fabric and you've got to use some of it and you've got to do something different or you'll perish on the spot. I got the directions off the net and it only has 4 parts, so it shouldn't distract me for too long. It's hard, though. I want FAR more