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February 25, 2013
Hello all, Mary Ellen here. I’ve written a bit about my scraps lately (and have found homes for some of them!) so I thought I’d look around today for some good ideas for using them. I’m sitting around waiting for my new washing machine to be delivered, killing time on the computer. How did we waste time before computers were invented? My dearly departed machine (23 years old, RIP) died on Saturday. Made the most god-awful noises and wouldn’t shift gears in the cycles. The whole thing was clanking and shaking. I guess at that age it doesn’t owe me anything. Is it strange that I’m a bit excited about a new washing machine?! Robi sent me a photo of one of her current scrap projects which is great; I might put one like it on my list. It’s basically mile–a–minute squares, with black and white triple sashings and black […]
February 25, 2013
Hello all. Mary Ellen here. For those of you who are interested in exploring some modern quilts, visit Pat Sloan’s blog today. She writes about a new book by Amy Ellis on modern quilting, and has links to a list of modern quilters-a blog hop so to speak. BTW you all know ( I hope!) that Pat is this fall’s seminar national teacher. Look around at all the things she has at her blog to get an idea of what you could expect if you take a class from her. We have signed the contract for 4 classes and a lecture. You can read all about those, including the supply lists (we have those already from Pat, with color copies!), at her class and event link.
February 24, 2013
Hello all, Mary Ellen again. I’m going to be doing a demo on making a super quick quilt top soon (the jelly roll 1600) and have been looking around on Pinterest and other websites to see what quilters have done with the idea. (If you don’t know what the jelly roll 1600 is, go back to my blog entry called “odd bits again” on Feb. 19, 2013 for a quick explanation.) I’ve found some very intriguing ideas–I’ll definitely by making more of these. I think they will really help eat a chunk out of my stash. Here’s what I have found so far-and I’m still on the search. If you have any more ideas, please send them to me or add them in the comments. I think this could be a good resource for members looking for a fast charity, shower, or baby quilt. Here’s what I’ve found so far, […]
February 23, 2013
Hello all, Mary Ellen here. It has finally happened. I can not get the lid on the med/dark scrap bin no matter what I do. I don’t think there is any open space. It already looks like a space bag after it has been sucked out by the vacuum. So I must divest a bit. Anybody want some scraps? I’ll give away 2 or 3 grocery bags full to whomever lets me know they’d like some. Come on somebody-offer a good home to some lovely scraps. I can’t bear the thought of throwing them out (gasp!). Just finished reading a piece on another quilter’s blog about scraps. What is your definition of a scrap? Is it based on a particular size of the piece? Let’s say, smaller than a fat quarter, for example? (in my world that could be considered huge!) Or is it any piece leftover after a project […]
February 22, 2013
Hello all, Mary Ellen here. All of these little bits were in my inbox this morning! what a day! modern quilt example: I follow this blog each day and I think Victoria’s work fits my personal definition of modern quilting. Lots of white, modern fabrics with traditional blocks. What would you think about having her as a seminar teacher? Would there be enough interest? Hmm..? How many of our members have an interest in modern quilting? Or would like to explore it? McCall’s Quilting University video portal: click here and/or here. Free tutorials on many topics free e-book of pillow covering patterns– some modern, some not: click here. new (somewhat) technique and book I will definitely be trying!: click here. spent the morning with the little guys at the Explore and More museum in East Aurora. The place was swarming with little people. Had a great time, but boy am […]
February 20, 2013
Hello all, Mary Ellen again. I’ve been a viewer of Sewing with Nancy on PBS for many years. Now I tend to watch it on the computer instead; today I found a very humorous episode of Nancy and Mary Mulari doing a special for Wisconsin Public Television. The two of them are quite a bit more relaxed and silly than I’ve ever seen on the regular episodes. The premise is a cooking show and they do actually share some recipes, but the sewing projects are what gets kicked up. If you are a fan of Nancy’s, you’ll enjoy this. Be sure to read Anita Grossman Solomon’s comment on the previous post!
February 20, 2013
Hello all, Mary Ellen here. I just finished taking an online class via Craftsy where I learned all the tips that Anita Grossman Solomon gave to her classes at our seminar last fall. I was only able to take one of her classes-the pineapple one-and had wanted to take her others as well. Her tricks just really click with my learning style. Well guess what! Beth Ferrier is now giving a class via Craftsy on her Hand Applique by Machine that she taught at seminar as well. I wonder if she learned about Craftsy from Anita. I know Anita mentioned working with Craftsy in some conversation I had with her at seminar. The price for Beth’s class is reduced right now, so if you are so inclined this would be a good time to sign up. You can watch the classes forever once you are given your access, so if […]
February 19, 2013
Hello all, Mary Ellen here on this blustery day. I just blew in from a round of errands. Went into BJ’s to get printer paper and ink in a little drizzle, came out to blowing snow. I thought that was to come later today?! Winter in Buffalo I guess. Well Downton Abbey fans! Season 3 is over-what do you think is coming next? Spoiler alert-don’t read further if you haven’t seen the season-ender yet. About a month ago I had read in some publication about the demise of 2 characters with no reference to who those characters would be. Of course I had my own theories of who was going. I must say I didn’t have this one on my list of possibilities. I didn’t cry my eyes out, as I am reading many other fans did. Or do you think they have may have left the door ever so slightly […]
February 14, 2013
Hello all, Mary Ellen again. This is really cool beans, I think. A few days ago I got an e-mail asking me (by name) to vote on a cover design for a children’s book. Sounds innocent enough. The book involves a quilt lost along the Oregon Trail. So far so good. The e-mail asked me to pass it along to my guild members as well. Whoa! Not so fast. But, something about it sounded legit to me, so I wrote back asking how the author had gotten my name and e-mail address. I received a very nice response which I am sharing below. It seems we AMQG members really get around. Someone attending the Sisters, Oregon show (I’m so jealous–I’ve wanted to go to that show for years, since the days of Jean Wells making multiple, frequent appearances on Simply Quilts with Alex Anderson) mentioned our guild and museum gift […]
February 13, 2013
Hi everyone, I think I like the sound of “Wednesday’s wanderings” so it might just be a regular feature? Well, I still have to work up to being regular anything…but that is another story. 😉 However, I am really thinking about it and in those thoughts, I remembered that I have some great Star blocks that I designed and wrote instructions for, so I was thinking that we can have another monthly feature, like Lucy Goosey was? The question is would you like that? And which one would you prefer – classic pieced stars or paper-pieced stars? Or a bit of both? Let me know and I can start! Now for the wanderings…If you are a person that likes new patterns to try and the social aspect of this passion of ours (quilting) – here is a big, looking-like-fun blog hop and party organized by Moda (fabric manufacturer), called Moda […]