ANNOUNCEMENT: Crazy Quilting Retreat Sign-up

1st Annual Crazy Quilting Retreat
"Stitching Crazy"
8 -- 11 February 2019
Arrive Friday afternoon, depart Monday morning

$325 per person ($100 deposit/$225 final payment)
Includes ALL Lodging and Food Costs
Includes 2 lectures/classes by myself (Silk Ribbon Class for sure, the other is still be "thought about)
Includes plenty of free time for one-on-one instruction
Includes plenty of free time for stitching your own projects (or working to finish the class projects).

I'm certainly open to any ideas for the last class...or anything you'd like to share.
I want this to be fun as well as informative!

Space is limited (21 folks maximum). Must pay deposit to hold a spot. 

Payment should be made via PayPal to shaw.kathy@yahoo.com

Final deposit payments due by 12 November 2018.
Final total payments due by 12 January 2019

Travel is participants responsibility

Location: The Red Rooster Retreat
Address: 2140 Cty Rd 870, Crane Hill, Alabama 35053
Website: http://www.theredroosterretreat.com/



I hope you can come and join me...especially you Southern ladies that can drive. Crane Hill is located near Cullman, Alabama...so it's easier to find that on a map. ;)

(10/12/18) EDITED TO ADD:

Here is a list of the Attendees with deposits paid, so their space is reserved:

1. Kathy Shaw
2. Paula Brown
3. Ron Brown
4. Sharron Abrams
5. Diane Conine
6. JanDee Abraham
7. Diana Abraham
8. Kathy Billings
9. Cindi Renaldo
10. Elizabeth Isam
11. Carol Ann White
12. Debbie Lay
13. Pam Naugher (pending)
14. Thearica Burroughs
15. Lydia Talton
16. Michael Talton
17. Kay Ecker
18.
19.
20.
21.

2019 Crazy Quilt Calendar...available on 1 October...

The 2019 Crazy Quilt Calendar is ready!  It'll be released on October 1st!!! To find out more...go check out Pam Kellogg's blog.

The 4 seasons cover design is by Shirlee Fassell.

January - Betty Pillsbury
February - Suzy Quaife
March - Kathleen Klein
April - Nicki Lee Seavey
May - Karen Guthrie
June - Pam Peugh
July - Sandra Visser
August - Brenda Sandusky
September - Angela Grasse
October - Lisa Boni
November - Heather Brighton
December - Linda Steele

I was fortunate enough to get an early copy for review, and THE PHOTOS ARE GORGEOUS! The works are all inspiring. Well done to the stitchers...and to Pam for putting this together. Don't miss out...mark your calendar to get this on the 1st of October! Then, write all of the dates for the Shawkl Design Studio course registrations in it! ;)

Hugs,

Today's finds...

...in my rural part of the world. There are not any JoAnn's, Hancock Fabrics, etc. here. We don't really even have a Walmart...with fabric close by. Even the closest store if over 20 miles away..but, no fabric. There is a Hobby Lobby about 30 miles away...but, it is limited too when it comes to "embellishing" supplies at times.

So, most of my purchases are usually online. However, today...my friend Francis decided to try and shop a little close to home. There is a little "hole in the wall, Mom & Pop" fabric store about 9 miles from home. It is just one of those metal fabricated storage buildings that they stocked with remnants from the cloth mills around this area...then about ten years ago, the mills all closed as the trade was moved to Mexico...and this little place has continued to keep those old fabrics. She also adds some new ones via her sales connections. She stocks a little bit of everything...cottons, upholstery, felts, flannels, faux fur, laces, buttons, zippers, etc.

Sometimes you luck out...and sometimes you don't.

Here is what we "couldn't live without" today. ;)

First off, some more green DMC perle cotton...cause really, "Can you ever have enough green?". A pkg of chenille and pkg of tapestry needles because her prices were just so good. Some laces, like the colors but have no specific project in mind.

Okay, I know that this is hard to really see. But, it was in the corner...all folded up; FELT in a lovely light peach. It felt and looked beautiful...and I walked by it 3 times as it just kept calling to me. Have not quite worked out what I want to do with it...but, brought a yard home just because. ;)

The owner has been listening...and how has about a dozen "batiks" in stock. These three just said "Under the Sea" blocks to me, so had to of course give them a new home. Now all of the above items were clearly impulse buys...as I didn't come into the stop looking for them at all. Here's what I was really looking for...upholstery weight fabrics for crazy quilt project quilts.

This first one is for a set of blocks (colors are deceiving in this photo)...but there is a lot of greens, golds, oranges, browns, etc. Definitely thinking "Autumn". The "brown" above is really a very rich deep orange...a perfect match to the fabric in the center of this section of the block sample I've done. So, SCORE...success for one project.

Next, I found this gray-blue upholstery solid for the border of my hexagon quilt. These are the last few loose blocks (easy to carry and match fabric with)...but the quilt will actually be squared-off when the portion blocks are also included. The upholstery will become a solid border, with lace included on top.

I'm thinking that this smoky blue with lace will be excellent! My goal is to finish this quilt for the Show'n'tell section of our February Retreat! Got to have goals and milestones to accomplish, right!

Lastly, I picked up this little blue/green/pink little floral print. It reminds me of the older flour sack fabrics...but the quality of the fabric is much better...and it sill be a border for a series of cross-stitch Easter Egg mini-quilt blocks. 

So, a pretty productive day...considering I was shopping basically in a "storage building". ;)

BCQC-1 is Open for Registration

The Basic Crazy Quilt Course is open for registration. Check it out here...

https://shawkl-classes.blogspot.com/2018/09/basic-crazy-quilt-course-bcqc-101-is.htmlhttps://shawkl-classes.blogspot.com/2018/09/basic-crazy-quilt-course-bcqc-101-is.html

CQ - Finishing Tips

This is the beginning of a new project. The blocks are diamond shaped, and I've pieced a small corner section using two different approaches...same pattern/colors (except for some embellishing).

The section includes one diamond (center), Small Corner triangle, Top Triangle, Side Triangle. I've inverted the second finished section so both of these would fit in one photo.

The section on the left is pieced in a traditional way...using 1/4" seam allowance and machine piecing. The section on the right is pieced by machine just for the individual blocks. These are then backed with fabric, similar to how an English Paper Piecing quilt would be.

Here is a photo showing the back fabric used. The advantage of this approach is that when all of the patches are backed...then sewn together; the quilt could be considered as "complete". The disadvantage would be that it is all hand work...so if you don't enjoy that; it's not the approach you would want to pursue. 

Neither of these units have any embroidery on the connecting seams. These are just done for examples. But, I still need to decide whether or not the "real quilt" done by this pattern will include work on the connecting seams. Hugs!

HEXAGON QUILT - Edge Blocks

The blocks are now all pieced...six half-blocks and six quarter blocks (or close to a fourth size)...all ready for seams.

I have one more full block to finish embellishing, than can move on to these. Might be packing these up to take to my quilting retreat with friends the end of this month.

Amazon Surprise

I like to check my book listings on Amazon every now and again, just to read the comments left by those that purchase them.

This morning...look what I found:

C&T Publications and I have not even finished the final edit yet...although I did approve the cover art...so Amazon is really on top of things! The release date is in April...although they have 7 May, so we shall see...but Amazon is already taking pre-orders. How crazy is that!

I will have a few copies on my Etsy Shop when the book is printed...so no rush to order (unless you think you'll forget or that I'll run out)...but what a weird thing to find it listed already!

NES - Band #1, Rows 1-4

Here's my progress so far in the Never Ending Sampler stitch-a-long cross-stitch project. The design is presented in rows and is free to participants. If you want to give this a try...you can find it at Pam Kellogg's blogsite. Pam is also preparing pdf downloads which will soon be available for folks (like me) that like to work from a paper pattern rather than have a tablet or computer handy. There is also a Facebook group documenting their progress...for more eye-candy. You can read all about that on Pam's blog as well.

I'm stitch the design on black 14-ct Aida, with sz 20 cording by Lizbeth (found on Etsy). The color variation is "Vinyard Harvest".

The photo really does not do justice to the true Black of the cloth or the sheen and beauty of this thread...which is almost like a braid than a twist cotton.

Hexagon Quilt: Block #16

The center flowers are "yo-yo's" created with wide silk ribbon folded over (gold and blue ones) and 13mm seam binding gathered. The kitten is another machine embroidery applique. Most of the seams of these last four hexagon blocks are from the Fancy Seams book.

ICQC-104 Open for Registration

The Advanced Motif course is open for registration today. Check the Shawkl Classes blog (link at top) for instructions on how to sign up.

Hexagon Quilt: Block #15

The beaded cabochon was created from a Czech Glass Button with the shank removed. The tiny hummingbird is another machine embroidery patch.

Hexagon Quilt: Block #14

The little center scene was a photo scanned from a landscape magazine and stitched over. The bunny in a machine embroidery patch (I'm loving using these...saves me so much time!)

Hexagon Quilt: Block #13

I've been stitching the seams in Crazy Quilting Volume III: Fancy Seams books for the Facebook Group Modern Seams...and using my hexagon blocks (and others) as the canvas. That has helped me to finish up a few more of these to add to my existing quilt in progress. Here is Block #13:

The little lamb is a machine embroidery patch. The center tulip is done in 13mm ribbon. The lace butterfly was a gift (machine embroidery lace) to me by Phyllis Latham in Oklahoma.

Gorgeous Blocks by Pam Kellogg

Wow! I just spent a few minutes browsing through this 40 page document...and it is wonderful!

This is Pam Kellogg's newest relese "Crazy Quilt Inspiration Volume 2: Trinket Blocks"

It is a collection of gorgeous photos, really large and clear photos...of 37 crazy quilt blocks made to showcase various collections of pins and trinkets she has collected.

It is so inspiring! Makes me really think about the various brooches, pins, patches, etc. that I'm constantly putting aside because they are just "too pretty" to use. This would be a wonderful way to showcase them.

Check it out at Magcloud or at Pam's Etsy Shop...it is so worth the look!

http://www.magcloud.com/user/kitty-and-me

http://www.kittyandme.etsy.com/

TIP: No Pins!

I'm working on piecing some blocks that have unique shapes, and am using a paper pattern for this. Here is how I do mine...no pins.

Instead, use clear tape (office variety) to tape the pattern pieces to the front of the fabrics. Leave about an inch of space between each piece.

Cut the individual pieces apart if you like, just so you can work with each then (make sure to cut where each will still have at least the 1/4" seam allowance intact.)

Then, use the ruler and rotary cutter to cut precisely 1/4" from the drawn line on the pattern piece.

There is just enough tape left on the edges to keep the pattern piece on the fabric until you are ready to sew the block together. Then, just lift the pattern and remove...easy! No pins to constantly remove, shift, re-pin as you trim up the patches.

Color Palette?

How do you organize your work when you design a quilt? I like to either work with a minimal plan (translated to be "just a stack of fabrics")...or a structured plan (like a palette and each patch planned out). Both approaches have advantages for me.; and the choice depends on what the project is to be used for and/or how much effort I want to put to the planning of it.

But, my "planned" ventures always turn out more satisfactory to me at the end...but, still that "fast project" has it's merits!

At present, I'm in the middle of a planned process at the moment...and have cut swatches of fabrics. All of these are from a group of quarter yard cuts (Maywood Studios, Shadow Play line of cotton fabrics) that are just a random selection of lights/mediums.

The fabrics all are mottled in color, but read like solids so are a perfect choice for my project. I had selected a grouping of lights and mediums when ordering...not really thinking too much about the colors. Just got a 1/4 yard of each. My thoughts at the time were more about "not" gettin any really darks or really brights in the mix. When they arrived, I could see that I had a lot of neutrals (no surprise there for me, ha!); and there seemed to be a lot of greens (who knew I liked green so much!).

So, I've broken them into two groups...a Spring Palette...

and an Autumn Palette. Guess I'll be doing two quilts!!!

Thinking the Autumn will come first...as I'm in the mood for that Season right now. I'll be adding loads of reds, violets, yellows, and more greens to the embroidery work.

BTW, the  letters/numbers under each is the stock number for Maywood. Just in case I need more later on! 

So, just wondering...do you create palettes for your work at times?

Hugs, 

BCQC-2 is Open for Registration...15-17 August

The BCQC-2 module is  OPEN FOR REGISTRATION 15-17 August 2018   You must have completed the BCQC-1 Module first!!!  

The BCQC-2 has three major objectives:

* COLOR — Learning all about Color Selection

* PIECING —Techniques for successful Flip’n’Sew pieced blocks

* EMBELLISHING — Promote individual creativity while reinforcing the

    techniques learned in the BCQC-1 module

The Color portion of the module is extensive. It will cover the first 6 tasks:

· Planning for Color

· Impact of Color Choices

· Color Mixing

- Reading a Color Wheel

- Color Play

· Fast Color Selection Techniques

The Piecing portion of this course will focus on using cotton fabrics and the flip’n’sew method of piecing a block. It will not include a pattern, but does recommend using strips of fabric rather than patch pieces of fabric. So, yardage (1/4 or even 1/8 yardage widths is fine) for this method. We will be using cotton (but you can substitute sturdy silk if you have yardage on hand). This section includes the next two tasks:

· Fabric Selection

- Flip’n’Sew Method (pitfalls and solutions)

The Embellishing portion of this course will include:

· Lace/Trims

· Seam Embroidery

· Silk Ribbon Ideas

· Finishing with Beads, Baubles, and Charms

In total there are 11-tasks for this course. Just as in the BCQC-1 each new task will be emailed to you after you have posted the prior task. 

This is the "follow-on" class to the BCQC-1, which you should have completed first. It builds on the techniques learned in the initial basic course and gives you experience in selecting COLORs for your fabrics/embellishments that will work together nicely. [Note: If you are presently enrolled in the BCQC-1, and are at least on Task #10, you can still sign up for the BCQC-2...as I know you'll have time to finish the BCQC-1 shortly.]

The reason for even offering the BCQC-2 is so that folks (especially true beginners) that want to attempt a block for themselves...with little "influence" from me...but still have a teacher available to answer questions CAN WORK A NEW BLOCK. I'll walk you through the various "layers" of embellishments and offer advice on how to balance the work as we progress through these. Before we even begin, the first few tasks will introduce the "world of color selection" to you...helping you to feel a bit more at ease when combining colors in fabrics and/or embellishments.

To register:

Email me your: name, state/country information, and the email you want me to use for the course shaw.kathy@yahoo.com

The class will begin on the 19th...so you should be logged into the class blog site by the evening of the 18th if possible. As with all of the courses...you'll receive a WELCOME email after registering and an INVITATION to join the course blogsite. The invitation only "works once" so, when you get to the site remember to bookmark the URL. If you forget, just shoot me an email and I'll send you a link back to it.

Hugs!

Ups and Downs...

...we all have them.

Life happens...and we usually just try to "roll with the punches" so to speak. My life is no different than anyone elses in that respect...some highs and some lows. Hoping the highs out number the lows, if you know what I mean.

It's been a pretty good month...but with several doctor's appointments. Got most of that behind me now, still dealing with incisions that don't want to heal up right away...but no pain...so that's good.

And, a really great "high" point this last month...as I "approved" the cover artwork for my new book...coming out soon I hope. Soon being a relative term, as it will still take weeks to finalize and then get printed...but hopefully, not counting in months any longer.

I'm especially happy that this book is the reason for the recent creation of the template set...as they go hand in hand. It's been a long time coming...being able to offer a book of seams WITH a permanent template set so folks don't have to make their own. That's a great accomplishment...and I have to give Janet of Creative Impressions huge thanks for her help in this!

So....all in all...a pretty good month. Hoping your month was also pretty good!

Hugs, to all!

BTW, current books and templates are still available in my Etsy shop. ;)

Crazy Quilt Quarterly - Autumn 2018

The Autumn 2018 issue of Crazy Quilt Quarterly magazine is now available!

I've been reading through my copy...and dreaming of the beautiful blocks to be made using orange, red, green, yellow of Fall! Such an inspiration!

The Autumn 2018 issue cover design by Elisabeth Baty. just makes me want to stitch! Her stumpwork cornucopia is absolutely stunning. The entire issue is packed full of wonderful projects by projects by Betty Pillsbury, Gill Compigne-Leaney, Suzy Quaife, Jan Conwell, Angela Grasse, Janese Morris, Renee Watts, Darlene Kliewer, Brenda Sandusky, Robin Waybright, Genevieve Tracey, and Mary Anne Richardson; with a combined article by Alice McClelland & Janet Popish.

40 Pages of patterns, articles, and enjoyment. Head on over to Magcloud and check out this issue...and any past issues you might have missed. This magazine is a labor of love for Pam and her entire group of contributors!

http://www.magcloud.com/user/kitty-and-me