Looking for spring...

Hello friend!

I arrived home from work and look what I found:

Last week the crocus were in bloom, and today I've got a daffodil!  Spring must be on the way. If the sunshine keeps up I'll have more tomorrow.  Isn't it funny how such a little thing can make you happy?

I've got some cards to post, but first I need to finish getting ready for my Monday Night Card Club.  I'll get  them on later this week.

Think spring!
Wendy

Happy National Quilt Day!

Hello friend!

This is the perfect day to give lots of details on a new Big Shot class I am starting in April....  Quilt Block of the Month!  If you've been to our house in the last year, you've probably seen at least one of the quilted wall hangings I've made for my dining room.  Many of you have commented, and some have said "I would like to try that!"  Now is your chance!

Here are the details:

Quilt Block of the Month Class

Second Saturday of each month, from April to September, 2011

9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Cost: $7 per class, or pay for all 6 classes by 4-9-11 for only $35

216 Highland Blvd., Ashland, Ohio

Each month you will use the Big Shot to make a different quilt block, and at the end of the 6-month session you will have 6 blocks to make into a quilted wall-hanging, or a table runner, or a lap quilt, or similarly-sized item.  (If you decide to make more than one block a month, you can make something larger.)

Also, there is no need to already own your own Big Shot because you'll be cutting your fabric in class... though I can pretty much guarantee you that you'll love using it and will put the Big Shot on your wish list!

Some sewing experience would be a good thing, but quilting experience is not required… I’ll be glad to teach you! When you register, I’ll give you the information on the amount of fabrics, sewing notions, etc. that you will need. And if anyone wants someone to shop for fabric with you, I’m always up to a trip to a quilt shop!

As a bonus each month, I'll have another project for you that uses the same die(s) as your quilt block! 

Most of the quilts we make using the Big Shot are "applique".  Basically, we cut our shapes, and sew (applique) them on another fabric to create the quilt top.  There are several ways to go about this, and one of the first decisions you need to make is what type of quilt you want to make. 

Smooth.  The average quilt has this smooth look.  There is a quilt top, which is made of the blocks we will sew, and a fabric backing.  In between is quilt batting, so once the layers are quilted together it has that soft, puffy look and feel.   When making this quilt, you create all of the blocks and then sew them together before layering with the backing and batting.  The quilting is done after it is layered

Rag/Ragged.  While a rag quilt has the same layers, warmth, etc., it has a very different look and feel.  The individual blocks are created by layering the top, batting and backing and then sewing them together.  Essentially, the quilting is done as you go.  Once all blocks are created they are sewn together and the quilt is done.  You will see and feel the raw edges of the fabric all over the quilt top, hence the name.

Both choices are beautiful.  Here are some photos:

This is a rag quilt I made for fall.  This layout is similar to what you will make in class.  This quilt has three full-sized blocks and two half-sized blocks.  (You will make six blocks.)

A close shot to show you the ragged look.  As you can see, I also snipped the raw edges to make them look more raggedy.  This was entirely stitched with a sewing machine.

This one is has the smooth look.  It is essentially one big piece and of course you will be making 6 blocks, but it gives you the idea.

A close shot of one of the flowers.   As you can see, I did not use a sewing machine on this quilt.  The applique (and quilting) was all done by hand.  I didn't want to hide my stitches, either!  I wanted slightly uneven stitches for an entirely different look, which I love!

Whew.  Have I given you enough information?   If you'd like to look at my quilts, please let me know when you'd like to stop by.  (I'll have these and more out on April 9, also.)  I'm putting together the list of sewing supplies you'll need, but honestly they are very basic.  If you have a fabric stash--or someone in your life who has a fabric stash--you won't need to purchase much (or anything!).

Contact me if you have any questions, and I hope you will join me on April 9!

Wendy

 419-281-3028



Card Swap!

Hello friend!

Well, Hannah turned 21 yesterday, so I went a little over the top on her birthday card...

and on the inside, too....

Stamps:  Bliss (Sale-A-Bration catalog)
Inks:  Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso
Card stock:  Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, and retired Designer Series Paper (can't remember the name, it was the glittery one from last year--maybe in the Occasions Catalog?)
Accessories:  Big Shot with the Top Note die and Elegant Lines  Embossing folder; Stampin' Sponges; Build a Cupcake Punch (Occasions Mini); Dazzling Diamonds glitter


Here (finally) are the swaps I received in the card swap we had at the Overnight Scrap & Stamp:

(my swap)

(Beverly's swap)

(Jessica's swap)

(Sheri's swap)

(Janet's swap)

(Help!  Melissa, is this your swap?)

This was the first time we've had a card swap, and I didn't decide to have it until 2 weeks before the Overnight, so I was very pleased with the number participating.  Next year, I'll plan ahead, and maybe we'll have twice as many card swappers!

If you'd like to see the swaps from the "anything goes" swap on Friday, check my Facebook page.

Wendy