Monday, August 13, 2007

Have You Joined Our Party?

Patchwork Party 2007-Fall Edition has begun and we couldn't be more exited about it. We've been working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready for this special and popular program. This season's edition features beautiful blocks designed by Marti Michell using Marcus Brothers’ Home for the Holidays fabric collection by Faye Burgos.

It works quite simply. Each "party-goer" collects one of the twelve blocks from each of the online merchants participating in this year's program to get that shop's exclusive quilt block kit. Our exclusive block is “Hearts in the Stars.” Isn’t it beautiful?


Hearts in the Stars

In addition to our own exclusive quilt block kit, we’ve created a way for you to turn all twelve of your collected blocks into a stunning quilt titled “Star of Destiny.” Our finishing kit includes the pattern and all the fabric you need to add to the blocks to create a quilt top big enough to fit a queen-sized bed (85” square). You might note that the fabric is the Marcus Brothers’ Home for the Holidays collection designed by Faye Burgos. Faye’s fabric designs are totally drop dead gorgeous. She’s the one who created that beautiful pansy pattern that Marcus Brothers has been offering for over ten years now.


Star of Destiny

Our "Star of Destiny" quilt was designed by Barbara Lewis. I put it together and then sent it to Linda Perry of A Stipple in Time for quilting. It is available in three different packages so you can choose the one that is best for you.

In addition to our Star of Destiny Finishing Kit, we also created a wall quilt coordinate. Originally designed by Jane Davis, our wall quilt was constructed by Marge McCanse and quilted by Linda Perry. Seasonal Celebrations features four seasonal appliqué wreath designs which you can create using either traditional or fusible web appliqué methods. For your convenience, all the fabric you need to complete the quilt top and binding are included. We also offer matching pillowcases to complete the Star of Destiny ensemble. Click here to browse everything we have to offer for this year's fabulous party!

To see all of the beautiful quilts done by each of the 12 participating shops, the patchwork party website includes a quilt gallery where you can view them all. A planning guide and tips on quilting and sewing are also included at the official website to get started collecting your blocks for this fantastic program and to view the completed quilts.

The 12 shops participating in Patchwork Party Fall Edition 2007 program are: Anna Lena’s, Cabbage Rose, Cottage Quilts, Everything Quilts, Fat Quarter Shop, Grandma’s Attic, Homespun Hearth, Quilt Something, Quilter’s Quarters, Stitchin’ Heaven, Sunshine Carousel and Suzanne’s Quilts.

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Coburg Quilt Show



Saturday, July 28 was the Coburg Quilt Show in Coburg, Oregon. Stephen and I drove down there just in time for High Tea. The weather could not have been more perfect for an outdoor quilt show--in the 70s with a soft breeze.

I spent most of the afternoon appraising quilts. Some of the attendees at the Show brought treasured quilts from home to be carefully evaluated and appreciated. Among them were several crazy quilts made from scraps of antique fabrics, a couple of double wedding rings, and two beautiful floral quilts made from kits in the 1960s or 70s.


Appraising a "Double Wedding Ring" Quilt

On display at the show was a Crazy Quilt from 1885. One of the crazy quilt blocks included a civil war ribbon with crossed swords that had belonged to the woman's ancestor. The quilt--a living and tangible piece of history--was just incredible to see.


1885 Crazy Quilt

Later in the afternoon, I gave a talk on the "Care and Feeding of Vintage Quilts" and brought a little show-and-tell of my own as a back drop. I also found a set of antique Redwork pillow shams at a local antique store and also purchased a vintage "Trip Around the World" quilt to display at the shop.


Quilt "Show and Tell"


Quilts in the Breeze

It is always pleasure to meet and talk to quilters about their tremendous love of quilting. And, of course, it's just as delightful to see how they've expressed their creativity in all their wonderful and diverse creations. Overall, it was a very fun day. Stephen and I loved the opportunity to be a part of this terrific show!