Starry Night Block of the Month Club

Star Light...Star Bright...First Star I see Tonight... Do you remember wishing upon a star when you where young?

Here's a wish that can definitely come true: a brand new block of the month program at Grandma's Attic using Laurel Burch's Celestial Dreams fabric. Starry Night is filled with bright stars that twinkle in a night sky. Using a deep black background fabric, the prints sparkle with life.

Each month, you will receive the pattern, rotary cutting instructions, and all the fabric you need to complete a 12" quilt block. Finished quilt measures approximately 57" x 72". Click here for more details on this delightful block of the month program.

Tammy and Anne in Capetown

Many of you know that our Class Coordinator, Tammy Keith, and her pal Anne, are currently on a vacation to South Africa. Tammy promised to keep in touch and we've just heard from her about her journey to date. Here's what she had to say:

"Hi Rachel: Anne and I having a great time right on the coast overlooking the Indian Ocean and huge kelp beds. We are right on the bluff on the most southern part of the peninsula in Hangklip. We are staying with a wonderful woman named Louisa. She took us to a couple of fabric stores, one of which was a very nice quilt shop located in an old house where they served us tea! The people here are very gracious. The house we are staying at is right at the point and the ocean shows from all their windows. This is pure peace with all of the scenery and wildlife thrown in. We have visited many people and no one is ever a stranger.

"I've seen baboons draped all over the barriers along the road and hope to see more of them. They are on the main road to town also.

"I have also seen Dassies on the rocks at sunset getting the last rays of the sun.


"Today we went to a penguin refuge. They were cute, but smelly. We saw some of the males sitting on eggs in the nursery area. They are amazing to see up close and they walk right by us to go down to the ocean. I could have touched them and can't wait to show photos to my grandkids.

"We've had fresh from the sea crayfish two nights in a row and lovely fresh fruit. The lady we're staying with took us to a couple of fabric stores, one of which was a very nice quilt shop located in an old house. They even served us tea! On Wednesday, we are going to the Breede River where bull sharps swim up river from the sea. I doubt we will swim though!

"The country is truly beautiful and the climate is perfect for me. I miss all of you back home but I am truly having a wonderful time while I am here. Your Friend, Tammy."

2011 Hoffman Challege

This year's Hoffman Challenge fabric and coordinating pieces have arrived! The challenge piece is a gorgeous turquoise and gold. The coordinates are equally as beautiful. You can view them at Grandma's Attic.

The curator of 2011's Hoffman Challenge is Julie Breidt who began as curator in 2010. Prior to that time, Kelly Gallagher-Abbott was curator for eight years. Margrit Hall managed the Challenge between 1998 and 2001, and before that, the curators and founders of the Challenge were Betty Boyink and Holice Turnbow.

Every year a team from Hoffman Fabrics chooses an upcoming fabric design and then issues a challenge to quilt, clothing, doll and accessory makers to create an original item using the fabric. The challenge curator and a group of assistants jury the entries and then a select team of judges chooses the award winners and cash prizes are given.

The juried collections then travel to be exhibited by quilt and other fiber guilds, shops, museums and textile shows. The exhibits are displayed and enjoyed in several hundred locations across the United States and Canada.

Since it's beginning in 1988, the Hoffman Challenge has grown to be a premiere traveling quilt, clothing and doll collection. The quality of entries and a growing number of exhibit requests have led Hoffman to establish additional traveling collections. Currently, twelve collections travel coast-to-coast within the United States and Canada.

In 2011, the Hoffman Challenge celebrates its 23rd anniversary. In 1987, the Challenge began with 94 enthusiastic quilters. Some years the number of entries have been more than 700. In addition to the three quilt categories (pieced, applique and mixed technique), new categories include clothing/wearable art, accessories and dolls. While the majority of the entries come from the United States, many international entries are also received.

Deadline for entries in this year's Hoffman Challenge is July 15, 2011. Click here for more information on how you can join the fun. To purchase this year's Hoffman Challenge fabric, go to Grandma's Attic