Boise Basin Quilt Show

Well, I thought I had written about the upcoming Boise Basin Quilter’s quilt show…and, now that the event has come and gone this past weekend, I guess I can write a little something!

Not only was the show fun, I bought a ticket to hear the lecture by Marianne Fons, from Fons and Porter’s Love of Quilting.  She was quite entertaining and I even got to get a picture taken with her beforehand.  I didn’t bring my own camera, as I didn’t realize there was going to be a Meet ‘n Greet, so someone else took the picture for me.  I’ll have to post it when I get it.

I had two quilts in the show and got some solid (+) Good ratings.  All constructive criticisms were in line with my own perceptions and expectations, which I think is a good thing because then I know I’m on the same track as the judges.  I am also very happy to be able to finally post a picture of the Happy Quilt!  Once I get a closeup of the quilting, I'll post a picture of that, too, as it turned out quite well and you can't see the variegated thread or the design in this photo.

One particularly nice comment that I just *have* to relay, though, was “outside edges impressively straight and square”.  Woo Hoo!

Now that the show is over I can concentrate on the lone star customer quilt that is still on the frame.  Almost done, but the free motion design in the star part is giving me a hard time, I can’t seem to get it right….and she wants it back!   Can’t say I blame her, I’ve had it quite awhile.

Not all has been procrastination, though.  My DH tore his rotator cuff in his left shoulder last week, I re-tweaked my back a bit over the weekend, and the dog went in for a cyst removal and major dental surgery.  So, it was a rough week.

Then the dog had to wake me up this morning at 2AM and I couldn’t get back to sleep.  So, I’ve been up since 2:30AM…and I’m going to bed now.

Good news!

OK, I just can NOT hold this back!  I have had a wonderful evening.  First, I finally found the border fabrics for my quilt project and I cannot wait to get started getting this top completed!

Second, I had dinner with a fellow quilter who has offered to help me come up with a pantograph design for my BSU quilts and….SHE….DID…IT!  The design is absolutely fabulous!!

Third, I finally broke down and got myself a replacement alarm clock; now I guess I have no more excuses for waking up late.

Well, this may not seem like exciting news for most, but it's the most excitement I think I'll have the rest of this whole week, I’m sure!

Artisan Late Summer Updates

Many quilters are gardeners, too, and with the summer coming to a close our thoughts turn to our next quilting project (or the one we just didn't finish this Spring).

Just as the seeds of my garden have been growing and producing wonderful veggies, and even a cantaloupe (!), ideas are sprouting for the store. You'll find more inventory, especially books and patterns, but also some great tools that I adore, especially the Quilter's FabriCalc calculator. Use it to find the yardage you'll need for sashing, backing, even individual colors in blocks! I'll soon be posting an online demo to show how easy it is to use, but until then you can view it here.

The Curve Master presser foot is another one of my favorite tools, and I can't wait to get more practice with it! It makes sewing curved pieces as easy as straight seams! I have been wanting to make a Double Wedding Ring quilt as long as I can remember and this is just the tool to help me out. I might practice on a Drunkard's Path pattern, first, though, or one of those baby bottle shapes I've been seeing. I'll post photos of my practice projects so you can see how easy this tool makes curved piecing!

I love hand quilted quilts, and especially admire those who can produce such beauties, but it's no secret that I am a machine quilter. I want to offer lots of information and resources for both areas; hopefully you will find a balance of each.

I will be adding features to download quilting patterns and Block of the Month patterns so check back to see the progress and let me know if you have a specific product you'd like to see.

Until next time...

Connie