Quilting...for The Rest Of Us

On June 5, 2011, the fate of the world hung in balance while hordes of hexagons battled the earth.... The Attack of The Hexagons. In Technicolor. Yes, folks, it's the hexie episode. Jaye of www.artquiltmaker.com (and http://artquiltmaker.com/blog) has convinced me--and Pam of Hip to Be a Square podcast--to take on the hexie challenge. We're inviting you to wander along the yellow hexie road with us to Oz. Or, at least, to join us in our hexie adventures and hopefully actually finish the dang quilt. In this episode I describe how this all came about, exactly what we mean--and don't mean--about doing this as a quilt-along, and some things I've already learned about working with hexies along the way. By that, I mean, doing math.   Here are the fabrics I'll be using--or, at least, will most likely be using. Or not. Maybe take some out, add others...it's still in progress. But the basic color scheme will say the same. My hexies will be about 5" finished, I think. I might have to try a few with scraps to see

Charlotte Hawkes is our local Queen of Scrap Quilts. A quilter for 10 years, Charlotte's very first quilt was scrappy and she never looked back. In this episode, I interview Charlotte about her system for cutting and saving scraps, choosing quilts, and keeping track of all the projects she's got going on at once. I got a lot of great ideas from her, and I'm sure you will too! I haven't been able to dig up a picture of the blue and white quilt she made that I referenced in the episode yet, but here is one of Charlotte with one of her more recent scrap projects. Also in this episode: Sandy Update, Listener Comments, and many, many thanks!

Welcome to episode 50 (50! Can you believe it?) and a fantastic interview with fiber artist Lauren Sgranfetto about thread-painting. Lauren taught the thread-painting class at my guild quilt retreat and she agreed to sit down with me to allow me to share the wealth with you through an interview! You may contact Lauren directly at lsgranfetto@roadrunner.com. Lauren also talks about her upcoming fundraising event for animal rescue, Whiskerfest. Sounds like a fun time and it's definitely a great cause, so if you're within driving distance of Western NY, you should head on over!

In this episode, I provide a brief retrospective on my guild quilt retreat this past weekend, including some tool recommendations, a guild challenge idea, and a new quilt shop you just have to visit if you're in the area. In this episode: "Serengeti" quilt kit by Toni Whitney (note: I mistakenly referred to her as Toni Malloy in the episode--sorry!); kit by Bigfork Bay Cotton Company, at www.bigforkbaycottonco.com. Quilter's Daughter Quilt Shop, Perry Center, NY (contact info coming)

Welcome to episode 48 which has a rather random assortment of things: a few announcements about new podcasts and a podcastiversary, Sandy Update, Listener Comments, and a review of Orphan Block Quilts: Making a Home for Antique, Vintage, Collectible, and Leftover Quilt Blocks by Tricia Lynn Maloney. Oh, and did I mention the list of  "Top 10 Ways to Annoy a Quilter?" In this episode: Orphan Block Quilts: Making a Home for Antique, Vintage, Collectible, and Leftover Quilt Blocks New podcasts! "American Patchwork and Quilting Radio," and "Quilter in the Gap," both available on iTunes. And don't forget to hop on over to Off-Kilter Quilt to wish Frances a Happy First Podcastiversary!

Ahhh, it's that time of year: Allergy Season. In this episode, I announce the winner of the felted wool giveaway, give a brief Sandy update, respond to listener comments, and do a little whining about what spring does to me. Achoo.

OK, so I recorded this intending to post is on Saturday, April 23rd, but didn't end up with enough time to finish the editing and get it posted. It's now Monday, April 25th--sorry about the delay! It's still a fun episode with tons of listener input! Mentioned in this episode: GoodReads: www.goodreads.com You can find me there at www.goodreads.com/sandyquiltz Jaye's blog (where you can read her most excellent book reviews): www.artquiltmaker.com/blog

Howdy, podquilters! Today I bring you Erin Rissberger of Quilting Acres and her Etsy shop filled with beautifully colored, hand-dyed felted wool. She and I talk about how she got into wool, her process, uses for felted wool, finding wool in thrift shops and your closets, and a few other topics tossed in between! And yes, I announce yet another give-away! Woohoo-the presents are flying! Erin's Etsy shop is: http://quiltingacres.etsy.com Click here for instructions about how to felt wool yourself. Felted wool give-away: For the opportunity to win a stack of hand-dyed felted wool from Erin Rissberger's shop, leave a comment about why you would like to have some felted wool! Leave your comment by April 30, 2011. Good luck! Reminder on the Podcastiversary give-away: Deadline has been extended to April 18th, 2011. Remember, leave a comment about what you've learned (quilty-related) in the last year. Those who leave comments will have their names entered in a drawing for some fabricy-goodness from me in celebrat

I'm back with bells on! Well, swingy-type bells anyway. The soundtrack is back! In this episode I describe some Quilter's Exercises, and then review several books.Thanks to everyone who has posted comments--you're giving me content for a future episode. It's great! Keep it coming! Books referenced: Happy Gloves: Charming Softy Friends Made from Colorful Gloves by Miyako Kanamori (Penguin, 2007) Make a Monster: 15 Easy-to-make Fleecie Toys You'll Love to Sew, by Fiona Goble (New Holland Publishers, UK, 2010) One of a Kind Quilt Labels: Unique Ideas for a Special Finishing Touch, by Thea Nerud (That Patchwork Place) 2004 Quilt Block Leftovers: Clever Uses for Spare Squares, by Sarah Phillips (2005) Pretty Little Mini Quilts, edited by Ray Hemachandra (Lark, 2010) 15 Two-Block Quilts: Unlock the Secrets of Secondary Patterns, by Claudia Olson, (C&T 2002).

(Still no theme song due to computer issues. Sorry! Just hum yourself a few bars....) Welcome to my podcast birthday episode! Woohoo! In this episode, I respond to Kris' question about the difference between "quilt shop quality" fabric and "discount store" fabric. I also announce my podcast birthday give-away! Mentioned in this episode: Jera's sachet tutorial at Quilting in the Rain Jim Salinas' article, "The Difference between Chain Store Fabric and Quilter's Grade Fabric," at Cat's Quilt Art blog.

(Due to technical difficulties, there's no theme song music or my usual intro. Welcome to "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" unplugged!) In this episode, I announce some winners, reveal the next stash mystery challenge theme, and share the stories listeners have left in the BigTent forum on "Following in Our Mother's Footsteps." Listener comments and some upcoming stuff too! To join the "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" Kiva team: http://www.kiva.org/team/quiltingfortherestofus (You'll need to become a Kiva member first, if you're not already.)

I had so much fun talking with Kim Templin, inventor of the Double Diamond Ruler, for this episode! The ruler is cool and fun, and it's inventor is too! Listen in as Kim talks about the Double Diamond, how to use it, the process of inventing, and her favorite thing about quiltmaking. To check out the Double Diamond Ruler, www.bright-quilting-notions.com. Don't forget--listeners to the "Quilting...for the Rest of Us" podcast can get 20% off their order by typing my name, Sandy, into the coupon code! Other things mentioned in this episode: Seamed Up: www.seamedup.com Pinterest: www.pinterest.com Stitchtalk: www.stitchtalk.com New podcasts and less-new-podcasts to check out. Use these links or find them on iTunes Crafty Garden Mom with Tanesha: http://tanesha.podbean.com/ Peacebrook Quilting with Victoria: http://www.peacebrookquilting.com/ History Quilter with Susan: http://historyquilter.podbean.com/ Katie's Quilting Corner with Katie: http://www.katiesquiltingcorner.com/ The Overall Quilter: http:

In this episode, I talk about dog-sledding, Irish Quilting, and the stash mystery challenge. How's about that for a mix?  I review several quilt magazines published in countries other than the U.S., give a Sandy update, and a respond to a few listener comments. Come along for our international ride! Irish Quilting: (digital editions available):  http://www.irishquilting.ie/Irish_Quilting/Digital_Downloads.html Fabrications: Quilting for You (United Kingdom--no digital editionsavailable): http://www.grosvenorshows.co.uk/html/fabrications_magazine.html New Zealand Quilter (no digital editions): http://www.nzquilter.com/ Australian Quilters Companion (find the magazine under "subscriptions"): http://www.completecraft.com.au/ Quiltmania (France): http://www.quiltmania.com/english/home.html (or quiltmania.com and click on the little British flag on the right corner to get the English version of the site)

Come to the movies with me again as I review three (and sort of a fourth) quilt DVDs. You asked for it, you got it! So it's time to make the popcorn and settle in for a movie date. DVDs reviewed on this episode: Fons and Porter MasterClass: Flying Geese (with Liz Porter): www.shopfonsandporter.com Quilting Arts TV with Pokey Bolton (100 Series): www.interweavestore.com Patchwork Schoolhouse: Finishing Well (with Joann MIddleton): www.patchworkschoolhouse.com (Also check out "Basic Training" for beginners.) Other resources mentioned: Pat Sloan's "Complete Guide to Quilting on Facebook" at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/PatSloanCompleteGuideToQuiltingOnFB Inventory Software: Organized Expressions for Quilters: http://www.lns-software.com/quilters/index.html

Welcome to episode 38, in which we go retro hippy and I talk about the peace sign quilt I have completed for my niece. Each step of this project was a learning process. I talk about what I did right and what I could have done differently, plus a little bit about using directional fabrics. For more photos of the quilt, check out my blog. Stash Mystery Challenge deadline on Monday, March 7th. Can't wait to see your pictures!

This episode feature's listener's responses to the question, "If you could have a quilty do-over, what would it be, and how would you do it differently?" I got a lot of great responses! Also, Sandy Update, winner of the Quilty Resolution drawing, and reminders of upcoming challenges. I reference Jeanne's blog entry--it's a great read:  http://noscraptoosmall.blogspot.com/2011/01/vote-for-quilting-happiness-before.html

Hey, podquilters! This week I rave about a couple of things I'm seriously digging at the moment, and then I spend a few minutes briefly mentioning a couple of things I'm not digging quite so much. So you get a book review, a couple of product reviews, and a few tips. Plus, listener comments had some great inspiration this week! From this episode: Quilts around the World: From Alabama to Zimbabwe, by Spike Gillespie Carol Doak's Foundation Paper (Scroll down to find the paper only, or buy it as part of a bundle with other books and notions if you look in other areas of her store. Amazon has it for the same price at the moment.) Quilt University for online classes

In this episode, I review the "Carol Doak Teaches You to Paper Piece" DVD--that and listener comments are the highlights of the episode! Some good tips from listeners, entertaining comments, and a sweet story of families reunited.

Make yourself some popcorn and get ready to watch some movies with me! Well, OK, the movies are quilt instructional videos and you may not want greasy-popcorn-hands near your fabric, but we'll still have a good time! In this episode I review five quilt instructional videos, and share a tip that I learned from each one. I also review the Stash Mystery Challenge and New Year Resolution Give-Away, do some listener comments, and complain a lot about thread. "Dian McClun & Laura Nownes Teach You Beginning Quiltmaking", from C&T Publishing--At Home with the Experts Series #8 http://www.ctpub.com/client/client_pages/AHWTE.cfm "Precision Piecing" with Joann Middleton, from Patchwork Schoolhouse (www.patchworkschoolhouse.com). "Fluff and Stuff: Machine Quilting with Paula Reid," from Paula Reid/Batts in the Attic,  http://www.battsintheattic.com/ Fons & Porter MasterClass: "Perfect Binding" (Liz Porter) and "Log Cabin ABC's" (Marti Michell), from Fons & Porter, https://www.shopfonsandpor

It's that time of year! Whether or not you like making New Year's Resolutions, setting goals for ourselves at any time can help motivate and focus us on growing as quilters. In this episode, I give some tips for making goals (or resolutions) that are useful and may actually be able to be kept! If you want to check out the website I got some background material from, visit www.topachievement.com. Congratulations to Carolyn A--the winner of the holiday challenge drawing! Woop Woop! I put the call out for about five volunteers who are experienced in applique--any method, machine or hand. Let me know if you're willing to be part of a panel discussion for an upcoming episode. I've also launched TWO new challenges! Check out the Challenge tab at the top of this page for the stash mystery challenge, and check out the Resolution tab for the resolution challenge (that's not really a challenge, rather, another motivational-type thing).