Sew a Quilt News

The past few days have been bone-chilling cold in Michigan. Yesterday, with the wind chill factored in, it was 20-degrees below zero. Yes, I said "below zero." You can bet we've been snuggling in our quilts.

I'm blessed with a hard-working husband who makes it possible for me to stay home and work on my business. Yes, I'm going to reveal my online quilt shop very soon. There's a lot of work involved. But I love every minute. All I need is a hot cup of coffee and my slippers.

Stay tuned for more information.

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Mark your calendars! There's a lot of quilt shows in February. Here's a list to get you started. For more information about quilt shows in your area check out QuiltNet. It lists all the shows for each state. Have fun!

February 9 through March 21 2007

Lake MetroParks FarmPark Quilts 2007
Kirtland, Ohio

February 10 & 11 2007

With Loving Hands
Mt. Laurel, New Jersy

February 16 & 17 2007

W.O.W World of Whimsey
Tampa, Florida

February 23 & 24 2007

9th Biennial Quilt Festival "Tropical Beauties"
Port Charlotte, Florida

Great Lakes Heritage Quilt Show
Lake Orion, Michigan

February 24 & 25 2007

Symphony of Color Quilt Show
San Francisco, California

Symphony of Fabric and Thread
Watsonville, California

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As the Iraqian war drags on and the death toll rises, I find myself thinking about the families of fallen soldiers. How awful to lose your own son or daughter to the ravages of war. This war has no guarantees, only the certainty that more lives will be lost.

I have been feeling especially patriotic. That's why I scoured the web for patriotic quilt patterns. Quilting gives me an inner peace, and I return to it often.

Maybe you're feeling uneasy about the war, too. If so, you must see the patterns I found. Perhaps sewing one of these designs will make us feel better, even if it's for a brief time.

Patriotic Theme Patterns
Patriotic Quilt Patterns
Patriotic Quilting
Patriotic Miniature Quilt

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As many of you know, I feed the stray cats that hang around my home. For good reason, too; it's freezing outside. In fact, today feels like 13 below zero with the wind chill factored in.

I was watching a little black cat on my back deck this morning. She was sitting on the railing trying to absorb some heat from the sun.

As she turned her head to look at me, I noticed her sparkling whiskers. Ice had accumulated on them, and they were sticking straight out, frozen in time.

My heart ached for her. But strays won't let you touch them, so all one can do is feed them. Thankfully, spring is on the way, and we can all breathe a little easier.

On another note: I'm working hard to get my quilt store up and running. Right now I'm stocking it. Next week, my husband and I will be going to a textile show in Toledo, Ohio. I can't wait to see (and buy) some of their beautiful fabric. Of course, I'll offer these fabrics in my store. So, keep a close watch on my blog for the announcement of my store opening.

Time for another cup of hot coffee. Talk to you all soon.

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I've spent the past week preparing tax returns for my family. My quilting had to take a back seat. But now I'm back, doing what I love the most: writing and quilting.

Spring is around the corner. I'm happy that we're almost done with this cold weather. There's nothing better than to go outside on a perfect summer day and quilt.

I have always wanted to design my own quilt pattern. I'm a huge fan of applique, and I'd like to make an Egyptian pictorial quilt. Think of all those rich colors....copper, turquoise, gold, black, adobe. Wow.

Right now, though, I'm photographing and writing descriptions for my quilting products. It isn't as easy as it looks. But I'm confident you'll like the results.

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I've always made my quilts with modern fabrics. But recently, I caught Vintage Fabric Fever. One day, I was scanning the internet for new fabric ideas. I came across a reproduction fabric collection from RJR Fabric Company. It was called "Everything but the Kitchen Sink." And boy, did it take my breath away. These fabrics were bright and cheery, and most of them had a petite floral design.

Whenever I see a vintage quilt, I always wonder about the maker and her lifestyle. I'm just naturally curious about these things.

If you enjoy vintage quilts and fabrics as much as me, check out the Paducah Antique Quilt Show. If you'd rather view vintage quilts online, here's a few sites you might enjoy:

Buckboard Antique Quilts

Old Quilt Company

Cindy's Antique Quilts

Ebay Vintage Quilts

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