Quilting...for The Rest Of Us

Another listener-created episode! This week, I share with you the responses that everyone made during the Facebook giveaway in November celebrating the QFTRU page hitting a nice round number of  likes. I'd asked, "What quilt project would you absolutely love to be able to do right now, if you had everything else on your 'need-to-get-done' list done?" Hear everyone's responses! I'm participating in the Quilting Gallery's Blog Hop Party celebrating their fourth birthday! Visit my blog entry for more information about my own give-away and be sure to participate! (Your comments responding to the question must be on that particular blog entry--I won't be able to track comments emailed or left in Facebook or in other locations.) Be sure to visit the Quilting Gallery's Blog Hop Party page for the list of all the bloggers participating!

You all wrote this episode! A listener asked what the pros and cons are to shopping online versus shopping in a local quilt shop (LQS). I posed the question to all y'all and this episode is the result! Listed in this episode: Fabric.com Connecting Threads Whittles Fabrics Quilt Fabric Closeouts EBay Hancock's of Paducah (different from Hancock Fabrics) EQuilter Keepsake Quilting Missouri Star Quilt Company Etsy Pink Chalk Fabrics CV Quiltworks Erica's Craft & Sewing Center Rocking Chair Quilts Quiltshops.com (search engine) Fabricworm.com Webfabrics.net Ginger's Quilt Shoppe Stitch-n-frame.com Hawthorne Threads Intrepid Threads Shelly used "My Pumpkin Patch Quilt" pattern by OTL designs at www.otldesigns.com or www.quiltwoman.com. Merumo's thread catchers: http://pleasentreeus.blogspot.com/2011/11/something-fun-making.html Craftsy.com

Jaye is back! Wheee! In this episode, Jaye of www.artquiltmaker.com and I talk about the design principle "Balance." She gives us descriptions of a variety of types of balance and addresses some issues with each one, as well as tips for creating balance in your own quilts. Background information, resource recommendations, and the homework can be found on Jaye's blog at www.artquiltmaker.com. Also mentioned in this episode: YouTube video on machine sewing hexagons in rows, sent to me by listener Mary: http://youtu.be/CQG0V42O0fI.

We had a fun, spur-of-the-moment Anti-Black-Friday Sew-In (ABFSI) day on the day after Thanksgiving--some of us on Twitter and Facebook cheered one another on as we sewed our day away and avoided the malls! Listen in as I share who participated and what we all accomplished in our day.

Lots of helpful hints for gifts in this episode! One product review, my fave reads of 2011 (including some quilt books), and thoughts about gifts for the quiltmakers in your life--including Secret Santas if your guild does something like that. Have your own suggestions for gifts for quilters? Leave them in the show notes for this episode! Mentioned in this episode: Five-Yard Quilts, Pattern #506 "Shadow Box" by Mary Danielson. The line of patterns can be found here. Giveaway #1: Paint-Chip Challenge Blog post (deadline November 24, 2011) http://quiltingfortherestofus.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-would-quilter-do.html Giveaway #2: Facebook Celebration: http://www.facebook.com/quiltingfortherestofus (Please leave your responses under the correct post--you'll see it!) Non-Quilty Podcast List (all can be found by searching in iTunes): History Chicks, Bowery Boys, The Splendid Table, "Wait, Wait--Don't Tell Me!", Stuff You Should Know, This American Life, WNYC's Radio Lab (*Note--this section was not re-recorded

In this episode I have a wee little bit of a Sandy Update, a fun new website I stumbled across, some listener feedback, and several book reviews! Hope I can spend your money for you. In this episode: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pumpkin-Bisque-with-Smoked-Gouda (It's a member exclusive, though, so I'm not sure if you'll be able to see the recipe unless you already subscribe to the magazine. Great magazine, though--so I recommend it!) Stash Slash: https://stashslash.com/index.asp Another Bite of Schnibbles, by Carrie Nelson (2011) America's Printed Fabric 1770-1890, by Barbara Brackman Making History: Quilts & Fabric from 1890-1970, by Barbara Brackman Threads: The Basics and Beyond--The Complete Visual Guide to Thread Techniques & Creativity, by Debbie Bates and Liz Kettle Inn on the Twenty, by Anna and Michael Olson

In this episode, I talk about my guild's quilt retreat in October--some tips for going on your first retreat, lots of product reviews, my project progress update, and listener feedback! Here's a teaser... For the rest of the photos, check out my blog. Also in this episode: Amy, A Redeemed Sheep: http://www.aquiltingsheep.com/ Karen's blog: http://nanakarennever2manyquilts.blogspot.com Sew-Ezi Portable Table: http://www.seweziusa.com/ Cheryl-Ann's Portable Design Wall: http://www.cherylannsdesignwall.com/ Rowenta Compact Iron: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=zprd_01448034a. Creative Grids Multi-Size 45 & 90 degree triangle ruler: http://www.creativegridsusa.com/products.cfm?item_num=CGRMS4590&ref=c Cosco Adjustable-Height Activity Table: http://www.target.com/p/Cosco-Adjustable-Height-Activity-Table/-/A-12759974

Honey, I'm home! After several months of seemingly unending travel, I've finally come home to roost. I spent the last week regrouping, reorganizing, and (re)cleaning. It seems like I've picked up quite a bit of stuff in my travels.... In this episode, I review three books--plus the usual (short) Sandy update and listener feedback. Enjoy! Reviewed in this episode: Stitch-Opedia: The Only Embroidery Reference You'll Ever Need, by Helen Winthorpe Kendrick (St. Martin's Griffin, 2010) More Layer Cake, Jelly Roll & Charm Quilts, by Pam and Nicky Lintott (David & Charles, 2011) Cut the Scraps: 7 Steps to Quilting Your Way through Your Stash, by Joan Ford of Scraptherapy (Taunton Press, 2011)

My travel journal, of sorts! Things referenced in this episode: Generations Quilt Shop, Pottstown, PA: http://www.generationsquiltshop.com/ Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting

Back to the design series with our friend Jaye of artquiltmaker fame. (Follow her on Twitter--@artquiltmaker.) This time we're talking about line. Why do we need to think about line when designing a quilt? What affects can line have? What kinds of line are there? What creates line in quilts? And yes--there's homework! For resources, more information about line, and some other great pictures, check out Jaye's blog. For photos of quilts that illustrate what we discuss in this episode, check out my blog. The resources Nonnie sent me that are related to design are: http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/perception/brain-damage-art.htm "Stuff to Blow Your Mind" podcast series, March 3rd 2011 episode

In this episode, I talk a little bit about Snail's Trail blocks, give two book reviews, and describe the starting of a new design study group in my quilt life. What fun! In this episode: Traditional Two Block Quilts, by Sally Saulmon The Complete Artist's Way: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice, by Julia Cameron Fearless Design for Every Quilter, by Lorraine Torrance & Jean Mils The "Attack of the Hexies" blog image may be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aboyandhisblog/5804636354/, courtesy of Pam of Hip to Be A Square podcast. She says you can size it down to 180x180 if it's too big as-is, without a lot of distortion. Thanks, Pam! (By the way, Pam says she's winning. I certainly know she's beating me!)

Wheee! The long-awaited day has finally arrived! In this episode, I launch a new, on-going segment featuring Artquiltmaker blogger Jaye Lapachet. Jaye and I have been working on this for *months* so I'm absolutely ecstatic to finally be able to share it with you. Learn a little bit more about design principles and elements with Jaye and I, starting with Design 101 in this episode. Also, I announce the winner of the summer quarter stash mystery challenge (yay!) and the last quarter's theme. Plus, Sandy Update and Listener Feedback. Can it get any better than this? Visit Jaye's blog at http://artquiltmaker.com/blog. Check out the Quilting for the Rest of Us Flickr group for pics of the stash mystery challenge. (I'll get the rest up next week.)

In this episode, I share some listener responses to the question, "how do you respond to the events of the world through quilting?" It's been an really interesting discussion in BigTent and I'm looking forward to hearing your comments after you listen to this episode! Also, Sandy Update (such as it is) and listener comments. Mentioned in this episode: Ye Olde Fabric Shoppe in Stratford, Ontario: http://yeoldefabricshoppe.blogspot.com/ The weekly app review appears on Jan's blog at Quilting Revolution: http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/ Amherst Museum Quilters Guild Seminar, Sept 14-17, 2011: Information can be found at http://amqg.org/.

As a follow up to my decluttering episode a couple of posts ago, this time I explore what makes us buy fabric. Sure, sometimes we buy for a project--but most of us probably buy fabric on occasion as "fabric retail therapy." This mostly-lighthearted exploration of the motivation behind fabric shopping includes listener input and my own thoughts. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Hey everyone--I've been reading your comments right along, and this week I finally sit down and respond! In this episode, listener comments, listener comments, listener comments! Plus a little Sandy Update, and a question to help me prepare for my next episode. Mentioned in this episode: Jan's post at Quilting Revolution

OK, you asked for it, you got it. Several listeners had asked me to share about how I'm approaching the whole "empty nest" thing as I send my daughter off to college. I have been doing a lot of processing this summer, and am now sharing that with you. How does attending to our fabric stash relate to empty-nesting? You'll just have to listen to find out! Mentioned in this episode: Blog posting on quitting quilting in order to have an organized house: www.myspinningplates.com Listener Jan's own reorganization of her stash and sewing room: http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/2011/08/design-wall-monday.html Peter Walsh, Enough Already: Clearing Mental Clutter to Become the Best You Leah Day's blog post about clearing out her grandmother's house: http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2011/06/estate-junk-clean-up.html

I'm home! In this episode, I catch up on some life updates, tell the story of my "cautionary tale" quilt, talk about my recent shop hops across country, and give a book recommendation. Plus, as always, listener comments! (For pictures of my purchases, visit my blog.) Mentioned in this episode: Yoder's Lolly's Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts, by Pam and Nicky Lintott

It's Quilter on the Road time again...and I'm posting this episode from a hotel room. I just had to share about a new quilt shop I visited today: The Quilt Foundry, in Maumee, Ohio. The Quilt Foundry: www.quiltfoundry.com Also mentioned in this episode: Five Yard Quilt patterns, available through www.easyquilter.com. For pictures of my fabric purchase, visit http://quiltingfortherestofus.blogspot.com. (Sorry--hotel internet isn't playing nice with podbean to upload photos here!)

Another great, entertaining listener content episode! I posted a question about desert islands in BigTent and on our Facebook page, and in this episode I share all of your responses. Also, the results of the book give-away, and several book recommendations from listeners as well (see below for list and links). Books mentioned by listeners: Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook Brandilyn Collins, Color the Sidewalk for Me Louise Penny, Inspector Gamache and the Three Pines series Geraldine Brooks, March and People of the Book Lisa Lee, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Marcus Borg, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time Frances O’Roark Dowell Barbara Kingsolver, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle Anna Lee Waldo, Sacajewea Neil White, In the Sanctuary of Outcasts

Like the Whos down in Whoville, I feel like I should be shouting, "I am here, I am here, I am HEEE...EERE!" In this episode, I talk a little bit about what's been keeping me away; but I also announce the winner of the stash mystery challenge drawing, I announce the next stash mystery theme, and I announce a surprise give-away this month! So listen up for all your opportunities to win fun stuff! Mentioned in this episode: Jaye's hexagon tutorial on her blog. (Her blog is www.artquiltmaker.com/blog. Easy to remember!) Parallax: Views of Contemporary Quilt Artists, Booksmart Studio, 250 N. Goodman St., an international display opening June 1. 585-598-9322 or www.booksmartstudio.com.   Art quilts by Pat Pauly: solo exhibit at Nazareth College Arts Center Gallery, 4245 East Ave., Pittsford, June 30-Aug 14. www.naz.edu/art/arts-center-gallery   Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival, Sept 18-19, Hemlock Fairgrounds, 7370 Water St., Hemlock, Livingston County. Vendors, demonstrations.