Pieces of Work

Patriot Dames for Quilts of Valor

The Patriot Dames group led by Kathy Yano were busy over Memorial Day weekend at Quilted Treasures. Kathy, Linda, Jan, Sandy, Char, Betty, Caryn and Phyllis joined forces to create two beautiful quilts for soldiers. The cutting, piecing, pressing and pinning were done out of love and respect for those who serve.  By the end of the weekend, they had completed two beautiful quilts with pillowcases to match.

 

The fabric was donated by Quilted Treasures and designed by Minnick and Simpson for Moda. I chose this fabric collection because proceeds from fabric sales will be donated by Moda to the Semper Fi Fund. The Semper Fi fund supports wounded marines and their families as they heal and adjust to life after combat injury. The monies go directly to the marines and their families. See the quote taken from the Semper Fi site. "Since establishing this fund in 2004, we’ve issued more than 30,000 grants totaling more than $49.5 million to thousands of our heroes and their families." You can learn more about the fund and read soldier stories  here Semper Fi Fund  Such a worthy cause! If you would like to purchase a kit for this quilt, please call Quilted Treasures at 763-428-1952.

A huge thanks to all of the Patriot Dames, I am proud of your accomplishments. Thanks for the organizing Kathy, and Thanks for the picture Char!

Sew on,

Mary

Flower Festival

Let's just pretend I blogged yesterday... Anyway, here is a happy quilt that brought me to spring/summer during this long and gray winter. Bloomin' Beauties is the name of the quilt.

Above is the quilt as pictured in the Flower Festival book. Below is my version of half of the quilt.

I had fun making each block with colorful fabrics, fusible applique and a primitive stitched finish. (Emphasize primitive-my skill level in applique) While this project led me away from my usual traditional piecing, I had a blast making it.

We are offering it as an Installment quilt project beginning in June. Check it out! Bloomin' Beauties 

There are other great projects in this book by Kim Schaefer, Flower Festival

PS-As I write this blog it is cold and rainy outside-AGAIN. Thank goodness for fabric. We can create our own sunshine!

Til next time,

Sew on!

Mary

Stash Management, Yes - Fabric Diet, No

Did you get a chance to read Kristina's blog post on organizing her stash? I was both proud and very interested to read it. I was tempted to jump in with pictures of my own stash, but then I remembered that I don't have one. Yep, that's right. A quilt shop owner with no stash. The word stash implies that I have an actual plan to utilize these fabrics in a project in the forseeable future. What I have is a "collection" of fabrics that I am in love with. These are fabrics that I have purchased while on quilt shop hops with my girlfriends. Fabrics for future grandbaby quilts, pillowcase themes, a few fall colors, fabrics that make my heart sing just by looking at them or touching them. I have no guilt associated with this collection of fabric, just pleasure.I used to have a "stash", but as every quilt shop owner will tell you, there is no time to sew on personal projects. Since I still love to shop for fabric, I just give myself permission buy what I love and keep it until I am done admiring it. If it becomes a quilt then I will admire it in it's finished form. If not, I can still pet it. Either way, I feel no guilt. Below is a list of clubs you could form if you want to ease your guilt of having a large stash/collection of fabric. There are many more, but this will give you a perspective on how to give yourself permission to continue to buy the fabric you love. It is a lot more fun than dieting!

"Fabric Catch and Release Club"-fishermen do not feel guilty about purchases they make in pursuit of their hobby. Many have no intention of eating a fish, they just enjoy the chase. You are not obligated to make a quilt out of every piece of fabric. Really, it's ok just to enjoy the process.

"My Stash Weighs Less than Your Stash Club"-have you ever retreated with a Scrapbooker? Their project bins need to be delivered by semi. They need cutters and do-dads and 150 pounds of paper to create one page (slight exaggeration)

"Woodcrafters Wives Club"-we often have woodworking husbands come into the shop with their wives. I love this because they completely understand the stash thing. Just get on the topic of exotic woods, and watch their eyes light up. In the meantime, they don't care how many yards their wife is purchasing to add to her stash. They have a collection of their own in their "work" shop, including scraps they will never use.

"Hunting Season Support Group" Hunting season is also quilt retreat season. We support hunting season because this is the easiest time to smuggle fabric into the house. At the end of a hunting weekend, you can continue to pet your new fabric. You don't have to hang it in the garage, process it and eat it later.

"You Can Never Have Too Many Toys Club"- Surround Sound System = Queen Sized Batik Kit; Radial Arm Saw = Set of Creative Grids Rulers; Fly Fishing Rod= Moda Fat Quarter Bundle; Harley Bike = Quilt Retreats; Video Game = Collection of your favorite thread colors... 

"If I Have to Dust It, I Don't Want It Club" Hummels, antique glassware, thimbles, villages, you get the idea.  

What clubs would you form? I would love your comments and ideas!

Bottom line is that we all need to let ourselves imagine, play and create. It just makes life better! Speaking of making life better, I get to spend a few minutes today with my little friend Bridget, our Cuddle blanket model.

Sew on!

Mary

I found my camera...

Time to share a couple of show and tell projects. First, Adele shares her colorful and COMPLETED! version of Spin City, our recently completed Saturday Sampler program.

 

And Jan shares her lovely Lazy Day Throw...

 
and Amy shares her "Crooked Mile"

 
This is a very clever design by Quilter's Dream. Nice job, Amy!

Finally, a recipe request: Pumpkin Bars. I got my recipe from the Festal Pumpkin can years ago. It is a family and shop favorite. I searched the recipe and give credit for this version to Cooks.com, where I find abundant culinary inspiration.

FESTAL PUMPKIN BARS

4 eggs 1 c. salad oil 2 c. sugar 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin 2 c. flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ginger 1/2 tsp. cloves 1/2 tsp. nutmeg Mix eggs, oil, sugar and pumpkin together in large bowl. Sift remaining ingredients together and add. Pour into greased 12x18x1 inch pan. Bake 25 minutes at 350°F.  FROSTING: 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese 3/4 stick butter 1 tbsp. cream or milk 1 tsp. vanilla 4 c. powdered sugar Whip cheese, vanilla, butter and milk together until soft. Add sugar until correct consistency to spread. Sprinkle chopped nuts over top, if desired. These freeze very well.

Enjoy!

Sew on,

Mary

The Grinch

I have a couple of quick pictures to share with you about what's happening at Quilted Treasures. First, we are particpating in a fantastic new shop hop in February, called Friends by the Hearth. The hop idea came about from all of us shop owners in the former Central East Section of the Minnesota hop. We enjoyed working together, thought it would be fun to see some of your show and tell, so we decided to "throw a party" in the form of a winter shop hop. The hop runs February 4-19, and involves 9 shops. I will share details soon, but for now, I will share pics of our theme projects. We will be serving hotdish on weekends, sharing recipes, and handing out patterns for hotpads. Take a peek!

     

There will be nine hotpads in all, a simple finishing pattern, and lots of fun. Please save the dates, we want to show you a great time! In the mean time, visit Quilted Treasures soon to see these cuties in our front window display. Speaking of displays, we have two charming visitors in our new entry.

 
Notice Max's cute Totally Tubular scarf! We can show you how to make one in your size if you like...out of our fun Cuddle Minky.

 
Stop in soon to say HI to the Grinch and Max, and of course to all of us too!

Sew On, Peace to all,

Mary
 

QT Holiday Challenge

 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!

We were all inspired by your creativity-WOW!

Check out our Winners...

First Place: "Eco Elanore" by Misty Troha

 

 

Second Place: Lap Quilt by Gloria Thielen

 
 
 Third Place: "Gingerbread Houses Applique" by Karen Carson

 

Fourth Place: "Dresden Plate Table Runner" by Susan Salonen 

 

Fifth Place: "Applique Stocking with beading" by Nichole Hahn

 

Staff Favorite: "Quilting Mamas" by Barb Hanson

 
 
 
 

 

 

Fall Quilt Market-Moda, Anna Griffin, and Amy Bradley

 
 A few pictures are worth a thousand words...Anna Griffin Designs won the best booth contest for her beautiful display. We will soon have Anna's lovely gift items at Quilted Treasures, as well as a new fabric line called Fifi and Fido-a darling dog and cat line. My friend Clarinda is a national sales manager, a new position for her. We are pictured in front of the Isabella Christmas line that will be at the shop in June.

 

 

                               

Above is the Moda Quilts of Valor design by Minnick and Simpson. I have ordered the entire line, will be making this quilt, and will be planning a donation event in May. A portion of the proceeds for this fabric line goes to the Semper Fi fund.

                         

How about Max and Whiskers? A cute line for dog lovers, arriving in February.

So playful and bright, these Amy Bradley designs caught my eye.

 
 

I also found new books, plenty of fabric, new purse patterns, a couple new notions, and so much more. Now I need to get to work to plan our winter classes! I will be sure to include some of my new fun finds.

Sew on!

Mary

 

Quilt Market in Houston-Fun new things ahead!

 
Oh boy, did the time ever get away from me since my last post! I have just a couple of pics to share of my anniversary trip to Naples, Florida with my husband. We celebrated our 34th anniversary, and I think that is a good reason to have skipped a few posts. We had a great time, had lots of sun and walks and good food. AAhhhh, it was excellent! By the time I caught up at Quilted Treasures, finalized plans for the Wild West Shop Hop, made plans to vend at the Original Sewing Expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center, completed a few new samples and patterns....it was time to come to Houston for quilt market. Well, that is where I am at the moment. I am going to  try to share a couple of market pictures each day. Until tomorrow, a couple of Naples pics.

 

Yep, it's a gator. Each morning we walked the Estuary burm, and this year we saw lots of gators. This is the largest one we saw, but we saw many gator babies too. Our days ended with beautiful sunsets...

 

And this evening it was a trifecta...sunset, planet and moon.

 

Our traditional anniversary dinner at Yabba Grille, with a reminder that it was 34 years, because we often wear the same clothes from year to year, sit at the same table...We were wild and crazy this year because we sat outside.

 
And finally, a creepy picture from the Hilton Americas in Houston. Many market meetings and functions are held at the Hilton which is connected to the Convention Center. Sometimes when market is held over Halloween weekend, there is a jac-o-lantern display in the foyer. I thought all my quilters would appreciate this one, it's a clever pumpkin pincushion!!

 

More market pics tomorrow. Until then,

Sew on!

Mary

 

Perfect Patchwork Piecing and Patchwork Party-See what the fuss is about!

Calling all quilters! In this blog, I am going to tell you about Patchwork Party and Perfect Patchwork templates by Marty Michell.We are just 6 days into Patchwork Party 2010, and participants are loving our fabric selection and finished quilts. But, I don't see many of my friends in the Midwest joining our party. I want to be sure I spread the good word in "my neck of the woods" to all quilters who may not be familiar with Patchwork Party 2010.

Who can join? Everyone who wants to make a perfectly beautiful quilt.

What is Patchwork Party? It is a program where you can order sampler blocks (from websites, by phone, or in shop) from each of 12 participating quilt shops. Each block can be purchased for $7.00 (includes shipping) and contains fabric and pattern for one 12" block. You can purchase as many blocks as you want from each shop. While you are ordering your block kits, be sure to browse each website to see the original setting designs each shop has prepared for the party. All shops have finishing kits available in their original design. We recommend that you use Perfect Patchwork template sets to piece your blocks (more about this later) but the template patterns are included on each block pattern. All blocks have been designed by Marti Michell (pronounced Michelle) exclusively for Patchwork Party 2010. The fabric line, "Wild Rose" by Maywood, was also designed by Marti. Her line is based on a beautiful rose bouquets, on white or black background, and the line includes many lovely coordinates that are used in the blocks.

When? Patchwork Party blocks can be purchased ONLY from October 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010.

Where? Visit Patchwork Party 2010 to see all of the blocks and participating shops. Visit Quilted Treasures webstore to see our finishing kit, pillow shams and cases, template sets and finishing pattern.

Why? Because the quilts are beautiful and you can experience the joy of perfect piecing!

Good to know information: The Patchwork Party website offers LOTS of information: A Block Gallery to see all 12 blocks; a Planning Guide to be used as an aid to ordering your blocks; and  Tips From Marti with help on cutting and piecing your blocks.

A couple of pictures are worth 1,000 words, so let me show you just a bit about why Perfect Patchwork Templates are a great idea. Patchwork Party 2010 blocks are five-grid blocks that finish at 12". To cut and perfectly piece such blocks would be a mathmatical challenge without the templates. Also, there are many pieces in each block, so it is nice to cut and piece with a tried and true system that allows for accuracy. Take a look below at my Kodiak Star block.

  The star point units could be difficult to piece accurately. With Marti's templates, you will trim off all points before piecing, allowing you to line up units exactly as they should be sewn. See the templates and trimmed corners below.

   

It's just so easy to line up your piecing as you go, and stitch perfect seams.

                          
Next, a picture of the "Butterflies in the Garden" display we recently added to the shop. The Butterfly quilt drapes over the queen bed drawing attention to the blocks, and the Sham and Pillowcase sets complete the look.

 

Now you can visit Patchwork Party 2010 to see what the fuss is about!

Sew on!

Mary

 



 

Patchwork Party 2010 Sneak Peek!

Won't you join our party?! If you like sampler quilts, you will love to participate in Patchwork Party 2010. This is the first time Quilted Treasures has been a part of Patchwork Party, and we are really looking forward to joining the veteran Party shops in the group.

Here is how you play: 1. Follow the Patchwork Party link to see all of the blocks and participating shops. 2. Click on each shop/block link to order your blocks. (Block cost is $7.00 each, which includes shipping. There is no additional shipping cost in continental U.S.) 3. Be sure to cruise each site to see all 12 exclusive finished sampler quilts. 4. Select your favorite and order a kit from that participating shop to finish your sampler quilt. It's so easy! Let me show you our finisned quilt, "Butterflies in the Garden". I designed the pattern to show off the graceful "Wild Rose" fabric collection by Maywood.

And our block "Kodiak Star".

 All 12 blocks were designed by Marti Michell, using her Perfect Patchwork templates. I love the accuracy these templates provide in cutting and piecing the blocks. My block turned out a perfect 12" finished. You can also see the beautiful quilting done by Bonnie Gibbs. The quilt is a lovely centerpiece for your bedroom decor. Add finishing touches with Pillow Sham kits and the book "Shams with Style" by Ankas Treasures.to match!

   

You may want to get started sewing your blocks asap, as the party is over December 31st! While you are visiting our website, I hope you enjoy our new look, featuring Cuddle backings-the best way to finish your lap and baby quilts. Once you Cuddle, you'll be back for more!

Party on!

Mary