May Newsletter

A Bit About Life:

Holy smokes! April has come and gone in a hurry! Can you believe that we got about a foot and a half of SNOW on Sunday? When we went to church the ground was covered and it was snowing like a Banshi! When we got out of church at 2:00 pm. It was almost all melted. What can I say? I live in Idaho! :o)

I have been so busy this month. I finished a quilt for someone special for Christmas. These blocks have been in a drawer for a couple of years. In all honesty, I hated them. The colors all seemed to be so dark. I was seriously thinking about giving them away, or better yet... finding a home for them in the TRASH can. I have a great quilting friend who encouraged me to get them out and do something with them. I finally did and I have to admit that the results are so much better than I expected. In fact, it is the most gorgeous quilt I have made! I especially love the big flower border. Thanks to Kim Diehl for her insperation for the applique design.

I wanted the back different. Not a standard piece of fabric, but something.... I decided to make one LARGE block and then border it to fit the top. So, I made a HUGE Bear's Claw block for the back.

I also decided to go completely outside the box on this one and quilt every block differently. I did the whole thing without a pattern and just thought about the block and what might look good for the quilting. Here is the pictures of the quilt. I am calling it the Royal Sampler. I think it is very rich looking. Let me know what you think!

Quilting Views and Tips:

I have also been inspired to TAME my fabric scraps. Bonnie Hunter and Quiltville.com has been my inspiration. I have been using her system to cut scraps into blocks, bricks and strips. I can hardly wait to try her leader and ender idea. Go check out her website. Maybe you will be inspired too! I have been cutting for days and hope to see the end soon. Then I will be able to keep up as each new project evolves and I will have a beautiful "Scrappy" quilt as a BONUS!!

We are into full swing with our Birthday Block Swap at our Quilt group. We have started a second birthday block swap. Anyone is welcome to join. There is a GREAT bunch of quilters here. Click HERE for the link.

Block of the Month:

The May block will be going out to everyone who has signed the guestbook. The Beautiful in Black series is on the number FIVE block. Come and join our Beautiful in Black series group and show us your progress on the blocks. Also, see what others have done. The blocks are so beautiful! Click HERE to find the finished blocks of some awesome quilters! Here is the block for May.

The Quilt in Pastels is on the very last block! Only the sashing and borders are left. Here is the final block for this series.

Well off I go to do some more cutting! My bins are getting fuller and fuller.

Wishing you "Piece"

Susan

April Newsletter

A Bit About Life:

I can't believe that it is April already! Sunday, we had one of our worst weather days! It was blowing and snowing. I would call that blizzard conditions! I had to get my winter coat out to wear to church. I thought I had put it away for the winter! I should know by now after living almost my whole life in Idaho that I should expect that kind of weather!

I have been busy this last month quilting up a storm! I was in the process of working on my "Barn Raising" Quilt and got sidetracked. I am sure no one else ever gets sidetracked! LOL!! I found a pattern from EQ6 using their kalaidascope disk. The pattern is called Congregation of Poppies. This really intrigued me. I love to do paper piecing and use up my scraps. (somehow, I never use them ALL. Scraps begat SCRAPS!) Anyway, here is my Congregation of Poppies. It was even featured on the EQ blog. You can scroll down and read the article HERE I loved the color of the Poppies on the black background. I had fun drawing the vines, leaves and poppy buds. They are all hand applique. What do you think?

I did finish my "Barn Raising" Quilt. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I was making a quilt in honor of my Great Grandmother Lillie Viola Chicken House. I made a scrapbook page entitled "BRAVE betrays her name". Here is the scrapbook page.


I wanted to make a quilt with chickens on it in honor of her name. I am proud to be part CHICKEN! LOL! Here is a picture of the quilt I made in her honor. I call it "Barn Raising".


When we had our local quilt show in January, I took a class from Delene. She gave us an embroidery pattern for the saying, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without" She also gave us some creative ideas and instruction on how to make a cute wall hanging. I love that concept and have learned it all my life from my mother and grandmother. Here is my version of Delene's Wall Hanging...

I am working on something for a birthday present. I can't show it now, but I will "After" the birthday! Shhhhhh.... LOL!!

Quilting Views and Tips:

I found a really fun video on how to make 3D Faux Cathedral Window Quilt Blocks. I love the Cathedral window and this tip makes them so simple. Check out the video by clicking HERE

Mystery Patterns:

I am going to leave the Mystery Tote Clues up for just a little while longer. If you haven't collected them, hurry! This tote turned out so cute! See what others have done with their tote by looking HERE I love everyone's version of the same pattern. Here is a picture of my "Flower For You Tote"
Keep checking back to see if a different MYSTERY has started. Click on the big question mark after clicking HERE.

Block of the Month:

If you signed my guestbook, you will receive the April BOM patterns in your email. You can see some of the blocks others have done in the "Beautiful in Black" Series. Click HERE. These are turning out so BEAUTIFUL!!! Come and join us and let us see YOUR blocks! Here is what the April Blocks will look like.

If you want to have some FUN, join in our Birthday Block Swap. You can read all about it HERE. Come and join us!

I hope you are having better Spring weather than we are in Idaho. I know that it will get better soon, it sure couldn't be worse than Sunday!

Keeping you in stitches!

Susan

http://www.quiltingforless.com/

March Newsletter

A Bit About Life:

Can you believe that March is here? Holy smokes! The months are flying by! I just returned from spending a few days with some of my grandkids. They were fun and were very good! My four year old Paden is so funny. He wears glasses and of course looks so cute. Some lady at the store told him that he was the cutest boy she had ever seen. His comment was, and I quote, "Yeah, and I am smart, too!" These grandkids are so fun! Here are the grandkids in Boise. (Okay, their parents are here too...)

I am so excited to tell you about this! I have started a quilting forum. I love my quilt group that I go to once a month, but I thought how fun it would be to have one online that I could go to anytime I wanted. I have started a group for our next Mystery. You will be able to post pictures of your progression of the mystery and share comments. Click HERE for the Quilt Forum. I hope you will join in the FUN!! There will be more details for the NEW Mystery posted there.

Quilting Views and Tips:

Have you checked out this site? I just happened upon it. You are probably saying, "Where have you been?" What a neat site to help you in every aspect of quilting. It's called Quilting101.com. Go check it out if you haven't already. Plan to spend a little time there and by all means, BOOKMARK it!! Click HERE to go there. Have fun!

New Patterns:

The last Mystery has been solved and the pattern is available for sale. It is called Bear's Paw in the Cabin. A picture diagram is below. If you collected the clues, make sure that you make 16 blocks for the first clue instead of 12! The purchased pattern has been corrected. BOY OH BOY!! Those little typos get ya every time!

Bear's Paw in the Cabin

Since St. Patrick's Day is upon us, don't forget these cute patterns. "I'm Irish" and "Luck of the Irish" Click HERE to purchase the patterns.

I'm Irish

Luck of the Irish

Block of the Month:

We are in the 3rd month of the Beautiful in Black BOM patterns and almost finished with the Quilt in Pastels for 2008. If you signed up for the BOM patterns you should have received them at your email address. If you would like them, just stop by and sign the guestbook and you will receive them automatically each month. I started a group to discuss and share your blocks. Make it fun for you and everyone by sharing how yours turned out, or if you have questions, let's discuss and get your answers. Click HERE to join the group.

March BOM "Beautiful in Black"

Quilt in Pastels Block #17

Mystery Quilt Patterns:

A NEW mystery will start on Tuesday. Click HERE and follow the big ? for the clues. If you would like to join the group in making this fun tote, click HERE. You will see the fabrics that I have chosen for mine. Look through your stash and pick out some fun colors. Hope you will join in the fun!

Clocks and Socks:

Do you need a unique gift for a birthday or wedding? Or do you need a new clock for your sewing room? Check out the fun clocks by clicking HERE. Below are just a few. It is NEVER too early to order Christmas Stockings. Beat the Christmas rush! Order HERE

Until next time!

Wishing you a "Pieceful" Day!

Susan

http://www.quiltingforless.com/

Mid February Newsletter

A Bit About Life

First of all I want to wish everyone a HAPPY VALENTIEN'S DAY! I am writing this post from my daughter's home. Four of my nine grandchildren are here. My sweet granddaughter, Shandeigh, just brought us a handmade valentine. She is so inventive. She should get a job with Hallmark! I told her that I would take her shopping for fabric for her pump pack. She is diabetic and I designed a pattern to carry her pump in. I have chosen cute fabrics for her before, but thought it would be fun to let her choose. She is excited! Me too! This will be fun. I'll post a picture of the pump packs when I get them done. If there is interest, I could share the pattern.

These last two week have been pretty productive for me! I am starting on a new quilt which I am calling "Barn Raising". I am in the process of making chicken blocks for part of it. I have this great desire to make a quilt with chickens. My great grandmother's maiden name is Chicken. When anyone calls me Chicken, I am honored! LOL! Anyway, here is one of the chicken blocks. I will keep you updated on the progression of this quilt.

I have also been cutting out I Spy blocks to make a quilt to have for the grandkids. I have two other quilting friends who are sharing their cute fabric as well. We have around 150 blocks each of 3 1/2 inch blocks cut. We are thinking up all kinds of games to play with this quilt. Do you have any ideas?

Quilting Views and Tips

I have been PUBLISHED again! I was asked to reprint one of my articles in the Collector's Journal of Vinton, Iowa. I appreciate them asking. You can view the article at ehow HERE. This is really a fun way to choose colors for your next quilting project.

Here is another article you may find interesting about making your own fabric palette. I use this palette so often. CLICK HERE

New Patterns

I have another element for the Month After Month wall hanging. This one I call "Butterflies Meet". I have been trying different techniques of applique. This one I did the needle turn method. The Chicken block I did my own version of the freezer paper applique. Both methods are fun, but I think I like my freezer paper version the best. This picture really doesn't do this wall hanging justice, but I hope you get the idea! You can find the pattern HERE

Block of the Month

For those of you who have signed my guestbook, I hope you are enjoying this year's BOM. It will be a beautiful quilt when finished. Get in on the fun by signing my guestbook to receive the BOM patterns each month. If you have already signed, it is not necessary to sign again, but I love all of your comments! This is what the Beautiful in Black Quilt will look like when finished.

Mystery Quilt Patterns

There is only ONE more clue left for this Mystery Quilt. After all the clues are published, the pattern will go on sale for just $3.95. This one, in my humble opionion, is gorgeous! Hope you go and collect the clues. Go HERE and follow the big "?" mark for the clues.

Clocks and Socks

I have a NEW clock available. The 1930's fabric inspired this clock along with the May Month After Month wall hanging. The "established" quote, makes a perfect combination for this print of the 1930's fabrics. I hope you like it! CLICK HERE to find this clock and MANY others!

As always, the Christmas Stockings are a unique gift for those spring weddings that will be happening. What a great tradition for a new couple. Help them start this tradition. CLICK HERE for a view of all the Christmas Stocking designs, thus far.... I have some new ideas in mind for some new designs.

That's it for this two week period. Again, I hope your day is filled with LOVE for mankind this Valentine's Day!

Blessings,

Susan

http://www.quiltingforless.com

February Newsletter 2009

A Bit About Life

This last two weeks have been a buzz and so much fun! It was the 10th anniversary for the Quilt Show in Shelley. It was the best! I don't know if you remember that I had entered some quilt blocks among many beautiful ones that were entered. I ended up winning 3rd place on the quilt block below.

Then to top it off, my name was drawn to win HALF of these beautiful block. I received 24 blocks made by such wonderful quilters! Take a look at these beautiful blocks.

I also was privileged to teach two classes. One was on making fabric chenille and the other one was on paper piecing. I also got my picture in the paper. Does that mean I'm famous? (Highly unlikely!)

Here is the quilt I made and added the chenille. It is called "Fresh Cut in Chenille". The pattern is available HERE.


These little Needle Books are what I demonstrated for the paper piecing class. We made the striped heart one on the right. I sometimes like to sneak in a little surprise with my newsletter. If you would like the Striped Heart Needle Book pattern, it is available for FREE. Just drop me an email at quiltingforless@gmail.com and it is yours!

Quilting Views and Tips:

I learned so many tips at our quilt show from other quilters who presented demonstration. I wish I had a recording of the two days that we were there.

I was impressed with cutting traditional blocks again to make a totally different pattern. I am giving you a link to something that I think would be a lot of fun to try. Click HERE and tell me what you think. This looks FUN!!

While I am into cutting fabric, follow this link to learn about Stack-n-Whack. I have seen some of these. Check it out HERE.

New Patterns

Okay, I had so much fun working on the April Element for the Month after Month Wall Hanging. Here she is in all her splendor. This one is called "Tulip Bouquet" Isn't she a cutie? Wish you could see her in person. CLICK HERE to find the pattern. Don't forget that these monthly elements button or tie onto a personalized wall hanging with your family name.

As mentioned above, the "Fresh Cut in Chenille" Pattern is also available. Try making some chenille and adding some fun to a project. The "how to" for making chenille is included in the pattern. CLICK HERE to find the pattern.

Block of the Month

The second block pattern for 2009 "Beautiful in Black" is ready to send. If you didn't receive it with this newsletter, hop on over to my guestbook (Look at the upper right side of this page) and indicate that you would like the patterns each month. It is as simple as that! We are also finishing up the 2008 BOM series "Sampler in Pastels" You will receive both of these this month. If you have missed any of the previous month's BOM patterns you will find the "Sampler In Pastels" by CLICKING HERE and the "Beautiful In Black" by CLICKING HERE. Past block patterns can be purchased for only $.99 each.

Here are the BOM blocks for February. These are going to work up wonderfully! (Is that a word? LOL!)



Mystery Quilt Patterns

Clue #3 is available for this Mystery pattern. I am really excited about this one! I wish I could show you the pattern, but that would spoil the fun! CLICK HERE then click on the big ? mark to find the clues. It is a fun treasure hunt!

Clocks and Socks

Just a quick mention of Personalized Christmas Stocking and Personalized Clocks . It is never to early to think about Christmas or gifts for a quilter friend. Choose from a wide selection of Quilt Block clocks. CLICK HERE

Here are a few of the most popular ones.




It is so fun meeting quilters whether it is online or at a quilt shows or wherever! I hope you have enjoyed this newsletter. I look forward to your comments either here or at my guestbook.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Susan
http://www.quiltingforless.com/

Mid January Newsletter

A Bit About Life

I hope everyone is settled into the New Year of 2009. It looks like we have had the last of the big snow storms here in southeast Idaho. I shouldn't speak too soon, though. We could have major snow storms STILL! At least the roads are not icy. FOR NOW!

My husband Roger and I are Cub Masters for our cub scouting unit. It is almost time for another pack meeting. The theme this month is A-MAZE-ing games. This will be a fun time for these young boys. We feel like we are grandparents to 20! It makes us feel young, except when Pack meeting is over, then we feel older than we should! Wish us luck!

Quilting Views and Tips

Our yearly quilt show will be the 27th and 28th of this month. I will be giving two demonstrations. One on foundation paper piecing and the other will be how to embellish with fabric chenille. I will have the pattern available for the chenille wall hanging by the next newsletter. It is turning out REALLY fun! I'll give a small hint... it is very "springy" looking.... :o)

I also finished quilting the Disappearing Nine Patch. I have added a close-up of how I quilted it. I quilted Iris flowers into the blocks. I wish you could see it up close and personal. It turned out very nice, IMHO (in my humble opionion).

Here are two quilting tips for using your batting. Please enjoy:

I take a "hunk" of leftover batting and pin it over my shoulder when sewing. Then, as you snip off those threads. tiny fabric nips, etc. etc., you just put them on top of the batting where they cling very well. After your sewing session is complete. you simply unpin the batting from your shoulder and toss it all neatly away.. It puts an end to all those little thread nips. fabric snips, etc all over the sewing room floor, as well as the table top. - Kathi in Michigan

I have a ton of cotton batting. One night I was online with a friend complaining that I didn't have a design wall. She asked me if I had any cotton batting and I said of course. Well, the rest is history. My design wall is cotton batting on the only bare wall I have, right next to my cutting table. It is amazing how much easier it is to see what I am doing...lol. - Carol

New Patterns

I have the March element for the Month by Month wall hanging available. This one is called "I'm Irish". I love how this one turned out. The shamrocks are an added touch to celebrate March. CLICK HERE to find the pattern.

Here are a couple of February Patterns that you may enjoy. CLICK HERE to find them.

I also have two table runner patterns available. They are called "Three Wishes" and "Give Thanks". These are from past Mystery Quilts. If you are a beginner, these would be perfect as a starting point on your quilting journey. The pattern comes in full step by step pictured instructions. I have priced these at a very low price to get you started quilting! CLICK HERE to find these patterns. Please browse other fun patterns by clicking HERE.



Mystery Quilt Pattern

Did you know that there is a NEW mystery quilt up? The first clue is available. The next clue will be ready sometime on Monday. If you could only see the end results! (Tee Hee) I can tell you it can either be a table topper or a wall hanging and there will be 6 clues to finish. After the last clue, the pattern will go up for sale at the low price of $3.95. But get each clue while they are FREE! CLICK HERE, then look for the Mystery ? sign (it looks like the one below), then follow the Snowman's sign to get the clues. Have FUN!!


Block of the Month

Have you received the first block of the month pattern for 2009? It is a BEAUTY! (no pun intended). This year the BOM series is called "Beautiful in Black". Below you can see the entire quilt and the first block pattern. If you haven't received this month's pattern, you have until the 31st of January to sign my guestbook. Signing the guestbook will allow you to receive every block for the entire year. If you miss one, they will be available for only $.99. CLICK HERE to view the 2008 "Sampler Quilt in Pastels"




Christmas Stockings

Just a small note about Christmas Stocking... these are wonderful wedding gifts! CLICK HERE to see the current designs.

That's it for two weeks. Wishing you all the BEST of the REST of January!

Susan
http://www.quiltingforless.com