Help us fight Heart Disease!
Posted by: QWBlog on: February 1, 2012
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Fight Heart Disease in Women
National Wear Red Day is February 3, 2012
Why? The American Heart Association is our favorite charity because our owner, Nancy Dill, was diagnosed with heart disease in 2010. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women and women ARE the heart of our company. Learn the signs of cardiovascular disease. We want our customers to be healthy! We care about you!!! *Online retail orders placed by customers in the United States only. |
In February, Randall Cook – a Stitched Star!
Posted by: QWBlog on: January 23, 2012
Have any of you seen Stitched – The Film? The tagline for the film is “Behind every Stitch, there is a story.” To quote from the Stitched website,
“Stitched is a fun-filled documentary following three quilters racing to complete their entries for the International Quilt Festival, the largest quilt show in the nation.”
It IS a fun-filled documentary! We have watched it a number of times and never tire of it. Watch the trailer below and you will understand why. You can get your copy from the Stitched website.
We are lucky enough to have one of the stars of the film live in the Rochester, New York area where we are located. In fact, Randy Cook is a friend of our web master. Upon the occasion of Stitched being shown in Western New York, Corinne called Randy to catch up and find out what’s been happening in his life as an art quilter.
Randall Cook
QW: Let’s start with the film. Where and when is Stitched going to be shown?
Randy: The screening is being presented by O’Susannah’s Quilts and Gifts in Watkins Glen, New York on Sunday, January 29, 11:30 a.m. at The Glen Theater. I will be introducing the film and doing some Q&A at the screening. (Tickets are $20, and include lunch. See O’Susannah’s events page for more details.)
QW: How does it feel to be a quilting celebrity now?
Randy: In my daily life, I don’t notice much at all. There was an article in the paper this morning about the screening. When I went to the gym and walked into the weight room, people were calling out to me. Prior years at the International Quilt Festival, I could walk around the convention center and a few people familiar with my I Remain piece stopped me. But last fall, after Stitched was screened, I was constantly being stopped. “Hey, you are the guy in the movie!”
QW: Congratulations on winning an Honorable Mention in Houston for Fractured Self. I was thrilled to hear that!
Randy: Thank you. So was I.
Fractured Self by Randall Cook
QW: You and the gang from Stitched have another DVD out called Stretching for Quilters. How did that come about?
Randy: As you know, Hollis Chatelain is my mentor. She works with small regional groups for a 5 year (and sometimes longer) period. I am in the New England group. Since I am also a part-time fitness instructor, I volunteered to teach some stretching exercises to the group. People really liked it; Hollis said I had a calming voice. So when Stitched started happening, I pitched the idea of doing a stretching DVD to Jena Moreno (the Director and Executive Producer of Stitched) and her husband Tom Gandy (Director of Photography). They liked it!
QW: Someone must like it! I keep seeing it sell out on it’s Facebook page. So what are you working on these days?
Randy: I am working on two pieces. I may submit them to Quilt Festival this fall. One is completely abstract and the other is abstract with some figures. It’s completely bizarre. I don’t know how well received they will be, but I like them. I need to finish them first, then show them around. One of them uses a new technique incorporating knit fabrics. I don’t think I am ever going to do it again!
QW: What if you don’t like the pieces you are doing? Then what do you do about a submission to Quilt Festival?
Randy: Since I work full time as a project manager plus have my part time teaching fitness, there is not really time to start anything new from scratch. So this is it. One piece is large, quite large! It is 92″ x 95″. It might be able to be used as bed art, as a very large bed quilt. Or it could be wall art. It is 3/4 of the way done.
QW: Now you have me intrigued. I may have to sneak into your basement to take a look! What about your Dance series. Did you finish those yet?
Randy: Three of the five panels are done. Panels 1 and 5 were accepted at Festival. The third one hung in the Stitched booth at Quilt Festival. But when I was in Houston, I was thinking about the final two panels. I considered finishing them right off, but they seemed too similar to last year’s pieces to submit. So I postponed working on them until after I get done with my current projects.
Dance 1 with Dance 5 by Randall Cook
QW: Let’s get back to Stitched again. I think they did a really great job on the film.
Randy: I think they did an outstanding job! I had seen it before the showing in Houston, but never in a crowd. But it was great to be in the audience and see the reaction by over one hundred people.
QW: What was your favorite moment in the film?
Randy: Definitely the outtakes at the end. I was very self conscious about the fact that my sewing studio is in my basement. There seemed to be a lot of footage of me with the washer and dryer. In the outtakes, there is a scene where I am talking and the sump pump kicked on.
QW: I remember that! That was funny.
Randy in his basement
QW: I also thought the skiing pine cone was hilarious. To take this story about an elementary school art class and turn it into an animated stop action scene was great.
Pine cone skiing
QW: Since QuiltWoman.com is in the business of selling patterns, have you ever thought about doing a pattern?
Randy: No, I have never thought about it. Most of the things I do have are more art, the fabric has been dye painted. They aren’t pieced, they are whole cloth painted, one of a kind sort of pieces. But that might be something I should consider at some point. I really would like more time to quilt, definitely more than 5 hours a week!
QW: Good luck at the screening down in Watkin’s Glen. I can now say I know a Quilting Celebrity!
Check out all Randy’s work; art quilts and traditional pieced quilts, at http://RandallCookStudios.com.
T-shirt Quilts with a Social Purpose
Posted by: QWBlog on: January 2, 2012
- In: Video
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A lot of unsolicited email shows up in our QuiltWoman.com in-box, as you might imagine. Hey, that is what happens when your email address is plastered all over your website! Usually we ignore these emails. But we received one that really stood out!
We were asked to take a look at the website for Keepsake Theme Quilts and Wall Hangings. After poking around, all we can say is “Wow!”
Keepsake is a “non-profit organization designed to strengthen the potential of deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students and adults.” How do they do that? The staff, the majority of which is hard of hearing, is in the business of taking customer’s t-shirts and making t-shirt quilts! The profits from their hard work are then funneled into the deaf community.
What a wonderful idea! Most of us in the quilting world would find a job such as this a dream job. The fact that this group can do more than just provide a person with a dream job is outstanding!
If anyone out there decides to utilize Keepsake Theme Quilts and Wall Hangings’ services, we’d love to know how it goes. We don’t have any experience dealing with them. It’s how they are giving back to the community that we are applauding! Way to go!
Give a wreath or swag as a gift!
Posted by: QWBlog on: December 15, 2011
We like to support our fellow businesses here in Western New York. We also know the anguish of not being able to find a unique gift for a friend or business acquaintance. Little did we realize that we could do both at the same time!
May we introduce you to Jill’s Twig Wreaths!
Jill is right around the corner from us here in our little hamlet. But a small town doesn’t mean Jill does things in a small way. Far from it! She has been and is still taking orders for handmade wreaths, buck brush twig wreaths and twig swags with a primitive country look.
Cookie Cutter Wreath
She does not only wreaths, but she does swags too.
Twig Arch with Stars or Hearts
So no matter what the season or occassion, if you need a unique gift, consider a wreath or a swag. Give Jill a visit at Jill’s Twig Wreaths.
Meet Marje Rhine
Prolific Quilt Pattern Designer
Posted by: QWBlog on: October 27, 2011
Marje Rhine has been associated with QuiltWoman.com for a long, long time. A former systems programmer and IT manager, she stumbled on to quilting quite by accident.
“In 1999 after my Y2K project work was done I decided it was time to switch careers. My friend, Julie, had a quilt shop at the time and gave me the chance to teach quilting for her. As a joke I took home some of her fabric that was not selling and designed a pattern using the fabric. Both sold out so my new career as a quilt pattern designer started.”
And thus, Quilt Design NorthWest was born!
Marje has developed patterns with a number of unique techniques. She was big into paper piecing before paper piecing was big. Many of her most popular patterns are paper pieced.
Dance Santa, Dance Quilt Pattern
Then came Marje’s Continuous Line Appliqué (CLA) desgins. What started as designs for her longarm turned into a series of patterns.
Dragonflies Too Continuous Line Applique Pattern
Click here to see how Continuous Line Appliqué works. You can see all Marje’s CLA patterns here.
Many of Marje’s patterns feature not just a quilt, but also table runners, placemats and wall hangings. Below is just one example of Marje’s seasonal patterns. See all the seasonal “Get Set” patterns here.
Get Set for Spring Pattern
Twelve years later, Marje is still designing and being an editor or American Quilter Magazine, but not doing much teaching. If you live in the NorthWest United States, you might see Marje and her patterns at one of the many quilting shows.
See all Marje’s patterns at QuiltWoman.com!
Helle-May Cheney’s latest accomplishment
Posted by: QWBlog on: September 30, 2011
We love to tout the accomplishments of our designers. Today we pay homage to Helle-May Cheney. Helle-May, a stay-at-home mom from Flemington, New Jersey, began designing quilts as a professional outlet for her creativity when both her sons were in school full time. Her background in engineering is influential—she enjoys creating challenging geometric designs and finding the most effective techniques to make them jump successfully from paper (or computer screen) to fabric.
Helle-May has a very popular pattern with us called Driftwood. This pattern is a consistent best seller and is also available as a downloadable ePattern.
Driftwood Quilt Pattern
She also has a series of patterns that mimic the style of Scandinavian sweaters.
 Scandinavian Christmas |
 Scandinavian Sky |
 Folk Dance |
Helle-May’s Driftwood pattern now has a cousin. May we introduce Wild Daisy.
Wild Daisy - featured in American Quilter magazine
Read all about this cousin pattern at Quilt Views & News.
Congratulations Helle-May on your newest pattern!
Adjustable Aprons by ReannaLily Designs
Posted by: QWBlog on: September 15, 2011
- In: Designers | patterns
- Leave a Comment
Today’s blog post is courtesy of Jen Eskridge of ReannaLily Designs. We carry a large number of her patterns, including the Adjustable Apron that she writes about here. Take it away Jen…..
Adjustable Aprons Pattern RD2-015
Today I’ve been stitching away on my Adjustable Apron Pattern (RD2-015). I have the samples from the cover of the pattern, but the fabric isn’t available and isn’t “new”. Turns out, that is a big deal for market. I wanted to make the pattern in bright fresh fabrics.
I actually went to the quilt shop this morning only to find some fabulous Joel Dewberry Heirloom laminates. Now there’s a good idea- Laminates for an Apron. It took about a 1/2 second to decide in which color way I’d like to make the Adult Apron and coordinating Child Size apron.
The apron pattern is drafted onto butcher paper or Pattern Ease and then cut, stitched and trim is added. It is a super simple pattern. I really wanted to go crazy with the trim, though. I doubt “two rows” constitutes crazy, but two rows in hot pink might push me a bit more in that direction.
We’ve got ruffles. We’ve got rickrack. We’ve got pom-poms. All of those trims were purchased in the fabulous SoeMun market in Daegu, South Korea. Hum, I should dig out a picture of the ribbon shop down at that massive outdoor market and show you where I used to buy trim. Ah… I loved it there. (We lived there with the USAF from ’06-’08.)
(Above) Its ribbon hanging from the ceiling, covering the tables and walls and on spools along each table edge. The only place there was NOT ribbon or trim was the floor. And this whole “shop” was probably about 20′ x 30′. It was so overwhelming to walk in and look around and so amazing all at the same time.
And sometimes I’d find good satin and grosgrain ribbons down in the flower district or flower mart areas of town, too. (above) Tons and tons of ribbons.
Ok, so I kinda got off topic. What was I talking about? {{scrolling up}} Ah yes, the pattern. The pattern suggests you spice up the apron by adding trim across the bottom edge. Take matters into your own hands and add as much or as little, as wild or tame type trims as you like.
Here’s how the finished Adult Apron is finished in trim.
On a side note- Before today, I had never worked with laminate fabrics. I’m happy to report that myself and my walking foot quite enjoy them. My iron was not impressed and had the afternoon off.
Alrighty, crossing “new aprons” off the market to-do list.
Obi Table Runners
Posted by: QWBlog on: September 1, 2011
This blog post is courtesy of Brensan Studios
If you are familiar with the Brensan Pattern line, you will already know that I am particularly fond of Asian Inspired designs . . . even the name is Japanese . . . Bren-san. San is like Mr. or Mrs. in our English language . . it is a form of respect and courtesy when saying someone’s name.
Lotus Ladder Obi Pattern - Intermediate
An Obi is a sash or belt used in traditional Japanese dress. Usually seen worn with Kimonos, the Obi has become very popular as a long table runner. An authentic Obi is very expensive, so I have designed a series of patterns inspired by the Japanese Obi.
Pagoda Obi Runner - Easy
The Obi Runner series of patterns are all designed in sections — as a repeat. You can lengthen or shorten the pattern by making more (or less) sections. The yardages provided will make a 114” long finished runner . . . . but if you want a longer runner, just make another section and keep on ‘running’.
Three of the runners have curves, some are intermediate and some are more advanced — and one of the current patterns (Pagoda) is very easy straight lines — but all are designed to be as long as you want them to be . . . . infinity.
Valley Vistas Obi Runner
Even though they have curves in their design, Lotus Ladder and Valley Vista are really not difficult as the curves are not particularly ‘tight’. On the other hand, Tidepools is not for the beginner. Still not that much of a challenge – just staystitch all the raw edges first, they clip to allow the curves to open up to match the other side – complete instructions are included in the patterns.
The entire collection of Obi Runner patterns is available from QuiltWoman.com as well as other other Lucky Charm patterns in my collection.
Tidepools Obi Pattern - Advanced
Linda J. Hahn
Posted by: QWBlog on: July 8, 2011
We recently saw this article about one of our designers and thought we would share it with you. Linda J. Hahn is the designer of the popular Junk to Jems quilt pattern (shown right) and you can learn more about her by visiting her websites, www.FrogHollowDesigns.com and www.TwoCountryQuilters.com.
Thanks to Mark Rosman of News Transcript for letting us reproduce his work here.
“Mother and daughter quilters share expertise
Linda & Sarah Hahn pen ‘Dynamic Designs — New York Beauty Edition’
BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent
Linda Hahn
Linda Hahn was working as a paralegal when she discovered her passion for quilting.
“My boss’s wife, Luanne Halleran, invited me to attend a quilting guild meeting,” said Hahn, a resident of Manalapan who has been quilting since 1993. “It was love at first sight. At the time, I didn’t know how to thread a sewing machine, but through drive and determination, I started to learn how to quilt.”
Hahn’s passion for quilting eventually led her to establish a family quilting business that includes the recent publication of two new books about quilting, “New York Beauty Simplified” (American Quilter’s Society, January 2011) by Linda J. Hahn and “Dynamic Designs – New York Beauty Edition” (QuiltWoman.com, January 2011) by Linda J. Hahn and Sarah L. Hahn.
Sarah is Linda’s daughter.
Hahn explained that in “New York Beauty Simplified” a simplified technique for making the complicated New York Beauty quilt block that contains many points and curves can be learned. The name, New York Beauty quilt block, is also known as the Statue of Liberty crown or the crown of thorns, she said.
“The technique in the book contains 21 quilting projects that use the New York Beauty quilt block and is geared to the confident beginner and on up to advanced quilters,” said Hahn, who is one of about 66 certified quilt teachers in the United States. “All the projects in the book have New York names, such as ‘Midnight in Manhattan.’ ”
She said “Dynamic Designs” showcases Sarah’s design technique and shows the quilter how to create original designs by mixing and matching the New York Beauty quilt blocks.
“My daughter started at the age of 4 to help with the quilt layout and she has a good eye for color,” said Hahn, who was named the 2009NationalQuilting Association Teacher of the year. “She was teaching quilting by age 12 and I consider her an ambassador for quilting for children.”
Sarah Hahn, 20, said high school math was a source of inspiration for her quilt designs.
“I would draw designs during math class,” said Sarah, who is a 2009 graduate of Manalapan High School. “Luckily, I still got good grades in math and I now use math in quilting, including the amount of fabric needed and for design.”
She said quilting is a family business that includes her father, Allan, who was the past president of the New Jersey State Quilt Guild, and she said he assists with the quilting projects wherever needed.
Even the family dog, Amber, a golden retriever rescue dog from the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) in Pennsylvania, helps. “Amber is our quilt tester,” said Sarah. “She has quilted pillows and throws and shows us her favorites.”
Once a year, Linda Hahn said, the family donates a quilt to the DVGRR. The quilt is auctioned off by the organization and the proceeds are used to help pay veterinary bills .
Hahn said the family’s quilting business in Manalapan includes Frog Hollow Designs, where she and her daughter design quilts and patterns and work with fabric companies such as Elizabeth’s Studio and Northcott Silk.
Through their Two Country Quilters company, they assist others in their quilting needs, including presenting classes locally at Fabric Inspirations in Englishtown and Quilting Possibilities in Forked River.
Linda, who was the 2009 all-star award winner at the New Jersey Quilt Convention, also travels nationally to present lectures and workshops, including to quilting guilds. In April 2012 she will be teaching on a quilting cruise through Quilt Retreats at Sea and she has directed three previous quilting cruises on her own.
“Quilting is relaxing, a creative outlet, and it makes functional items,” said Hahn. “After acquiring basic tools such as machines and rulers, projects can be made at reasonable costs. Quilting can be an expensive art form or reasonable wearable art. Plus, it’s fun.”
Hahn, who authored her first book, “Insider’s Guide to Quilting Careers” (Quiltwoman.com, February 2009) with Merry May, is preparing her fourth book on quilting with the collaboration of her daughter, Sarah.”
Celebrate Summer!
Posted by: QWBlog on: May 25, 2011
Bluebirds in Spring Wall Hanging Pattern
Summer is upon us, finally! Birds are singing, trees are leafing out, picnics are planned. One way we quilters celebrate the seasons is with quilts.
Quilt designer Judy Caysinger looks forward to the bluebirds nesting in her yard so much that she created a wall quilt from a photo she took of them last summer. This pattern called, appropriately enough, Bluebirds in Spring. This easy, fusible web appliqué can bring lifelike bluebirds to your home wherever you live. She used mostly batiks, with Fairy Frost fabric for the dogwood blossoms.
Make summer placemats
A simple way to freshen your home décor for summer, or any season, is to make up some placemats in seasonal prints. Quiltwoman.com has many placemats to choose from.
Round Table Placemats
Judy has a pattern for wedge-shaped placemats that fit any round table.
Pick-a-Posey Placemat Pattern
Or frame your favorite floral pattern into a placemat in her Pick-a-Posey Placemat that fits any table shape. The pattern has an added bonus of being an AccuQuilt GO! compatible pattern. It uses the 2″ Strip, 2 1/2″ Strip and 6 1/2″ Square dies.
Patches & Rags Placemat and Table Runner Pattern
Love to make rag quilts? She has a rag placemat and table runner pattern that is so easy to make and no binding needed.
 Batik Fruit Checkerboard Pattern |
 Batik Strawberries and Oranges Pattern |
Summer also means fresh fruit and veggies. Have you seen Barb Sackel’s Batik Fruit Baskets? They’ll make your mouth water!
Just about any quilt can be made in seasonal fabrics so freshen your décor by rotating quilts, placemats, or table runners. Be prepared for that rainy day and have fabric and patterns on hand. Remember – many Quiltwoman.com patterns can be downloaded instantly, how convenient is that!
Enjoy your summer!
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