Quilters' Potpourri

Postcard Promotion the Jennifer Chiaverini Way

2011-01-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

I've used postcard promotion for a number of my books, including The Magic of Patchwork. This included sending out postcards to announce the new release, even printing an order blank on the card. I've also had extra cards printed without order blanks and use them when I correspond with fans, family and friends.

I'm impressed with the use of postcards to announce Jennifer Chiaverini's new Elm Creek Quilts novel, The Union Quilters. Jennifer mentioned on Facebook that she had 20 postcards and a Union Quilters' pin, to send to the first 100 people who responded with an e-mail. She would appreciate their distributing the cards, which announced her new book and listed her upcoming appearances.

I responded in time to receive the cards and have been handing them out to my daughter's quilt group, the local library and a local bookstore where I teach workshops. I'm also mailing them to friends who read the Elm Creek Quilts books and/or are involved in quilting.

Do you have unique ways of using postcards to publicize your books?

Branding for Quilters, Authors & Businesses

2009-12-31T08:33:00.000-08:00

Branding has become a buzz word in the business world, a way to call recognition to your name or business name and thus acquire more sales. I've written a number of articles about branding and have been studying how it could help in my writing world.

One area an author can utilize branding is by writing a series of books with the same setting, same characters, same theme...at least some thread tying them all together as Jennifer Chiaverini has done with her Elm Creek Quilts novel series. I've written about this technique in the post, Branding - The Elm Creek Way.

Have you looked into developing a brand for your business or name?

Arts Bloggers' Round-up of Crafty Ideas

2009-04-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Arts Bloggers have another series of crafty ideas:

Blisstree Arts Cyndi's done a round-up of all her image transfer tutorials.

Creating Memory Shadowboxes Mary Emma Allen explores some ways to create shadowboxes with memorabilia to preserve memories and special moments.

Gelly Roll Inspiration Visual journal inspiration from artists using Gelly Roll gel pens.

How to wind yarn with a nostepinne A nostepinne is a stick that you use to wind yarn into a flat ball that is center pull and easily stacked. So, they are a great way to organize your yarn stash!

Pretty Pot of Pens for Mom Add a little glam to Mom’s desk with this lovely and handy penholder filled with flower-topped pens.

Which of these ideas do you find intriguing?

Quilt Patterns Relating to Gardening

2009-03-18T18:38:00.001-07:00

It's amazing how the theme of gardening is carried into art, whether it's painting, collage, mixed media, or quilting. As I was browsing through my quilt books, I noticed a number of patterns named for topics related to gardening...whether vegetables or flowers.

Flowers in a Pot
Forbidden Fruit
Hawaiian Grape Vine
Kansas Sunflower
Melon Patch
Peony
Pineapple
Rose Petal
Sunflower
Tulip
Basket of Oranges
Basket of Tulips
English Poppy
Strawberrie

Do you have any favorite fruit or vegetable quilt patterns, or others related to gardening?

Irish Related Quilting Projects for St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Many of the quilting patterns pioneer ladies used reflected names of nationalities and the countries from which they might have immigrated. Here are some that might have a connection to the Irish and St. Patrick's Day.

Irish Puzzle
Irish Chain
Double Irish Chain
Triple Irish Chain
Shamrock
Anna's Irish Tulip

Do you have any special Irish or St. Patrick's Day designs that you make? Or that were handed down in your family?

Quilting and Patchwork Moves to BlissTree

2009-03-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

My former blog, Quilting and Patchwork at b5media, has become incorporated into BlissTree, so you'll no longer find my individual quilting blog there. I'll be writing on quilting and other crafts. I'll try to let you know when I have new quilting posts up there, so you can find them without hunting around.

Here at Quilters' Potpourri, I shall be increasing the information I share, as I have time.

Also, visit my Tales of the Trails End Quilters blog about my quilting heritage. I'll be adding to it more regularly.

Happy quilting!

The Quiltmaker's Gift & Related Books

2009-03-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

When I discovered the children's story book, The Quiltmaker's Gift, I didn't realize there were related books with quilt patterns and suggestions. When a quilter asked where she might find fabric with similar designs on it, I sent out her request in a post, Fabric to Represent Story Books, Particularly The Quiltmaker's Gift.

Then I discovered there were books with quilt patterns to accompany the picture book and wrote about them in Follow-up Books for the Quiltmaker's Gift.

You may want to check out these books:

The Quiltmaker's Gift
Quilts From the Quiltmaker's Gift
More Quilts From the Quiltmaker's Gift

March Blizzard Memories

2009-03-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Snow in March, like today's storm after two glorious days of springlike weather, brings to mind stories from childhood, when my grandfather reminisced about the Blizzard of 1888. A snowy day like today also is a good one to contemplate quilting projects or work on some already underway.

Also, for some reading about the catastrophic Blizzards of 1888, first in the West and then on the east coast:

City of Snow: The Great Blizzard of 1888 by Linda Oatman High.
In All Its Fury: A History of the Blizzard of January 12, 1888 by W. H. O'Gara.
Blizzard! The 1888 Whiteout by Jacqueline A. Ball.
Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America by Jim Murphy

More recent blizzards & storms:
One to Remember: The Relentless Blizzard of March 1966 by Douglas Ramsey
Northeast Snowstorms by Louis W. Uccellini

Fiction:
Lost in the Blinded Blizzard (Hank the Cowdog) by John R. Erickson

Books About Daylight Saving Time & Spring

2009-03-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Discover facts and figures (the curious and the ordinary) about Spring and Daylight Saving Time

Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time by David Prerau
Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time by Michael Downing
Crafting Springtime Gifts: 25 Adorable Projects Featuring Bunnies, Chicks, Lambs & Other Springtime Favorites by Tone Finnanger
Time for Change: Setting Clocks Forward by One Hour Throughout the Year by Mayer Hillman
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle

Books on Quilt and Fabric Dating and Preservation

2009-02-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

Often quilters write me and ask, "How do I identify this quilt pattern? Do you know how to date a quilt? How can I find out the age of this fabric?"

I've researched some books you may find useful:

Clues in the Calico: A Guide to Indentifying and Dating Antique Quilts by Barbara Brackman
Vintage Quilts: Identifying, Collecting, Dating, Preserving and Valuing by Bobbie Aug, Sharon Newman, and Gerald E. Roy
Fabric Dating Kit: A Pocket Guide to Identifying Quilts & Other Textiles by Color, Fabric & Style by Cindy Brick
Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1800-1960 by Eileen Trestain
Dating Fabrics 2: A Color Guide 1950-2000 by Eileen Jahnke Trestain
Making History: Quilts and Fabric from 1890-1970 by Barbara Brackman
Vintage Fabrics Identification & Value Guide by Judith Gridley, Joan Reed Kiplinger, Jessie Gridley McClure

Quilters' Potpourri Blogger Featured in Anthology

2009-02-24T11:50:00.001-08:00

Quilters' Potpourri blogger, Mary Emma Allen has stories featured in the new release, Eternally Yours, an anthology of poetry, light essays, devotions and meditations, edited by Mary Ellen Grisham and published by Xulon Press.

Featuring some of the best Christian writers on the Internet, this book represents work that has appeared in the Eternal Ink E-zine since it’s inception in 1999.

In addition, Mary gives presentations and teaches workshops at schools, libraries, writers’ conferences, and for other groups. Some of her talks include topics such as Alzheimer's and caregiving, quilt history and quiltmaking, New Hampshire history, and writing.

I was pleased when Ms. Grisham selected some of my stories for inclusion in this anthology. It's exciting to encourage and inspire others with my writing.

Quilting Bee Snack Ideas from the Food Bloggers

2009-02-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

The Food Bloggers are a group of us who write about food, recipes and related topics. I hope you enjoy our selection this week. You'll find some of these ideas handy for family meals and others great for treats when your quilting group gets together.

A Homemade Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Use fresh or frozen fruit to make a midwinter healthy treat.

Busy Family Meals The best chocolate cookies Cyndi has ever had. Ever!

Butterfinger Buzz A review of Nestle's new caffeinated candy bar -- a twist on an old favorite!

Cooking Gadgets Cyndi has two Smith's Edge knife sharpeners to give away this weekend!

Mardi Gras Cocktail Recipe A delicious recipe for your Mardi Gras celebration

Quilled Pastry Hearts with Key Lime Curd You can make quilled hearts out of paper or get really creative and make them from frozen puff pastry.

School Lunch Variations Mary Emma at Country Kitchen chats about school lunches past and present and gives you a recipe for Mayonnaise Cake.

Time Saving Tips for the Quilter

2009-02-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

I often write about home businesses, since freelance writing often is considered one. I've also operated other businesses from our home, such as making quilts and related items.

So when Susan Gunelius invited me to write a guest post at her Women on Business blog gives, I provided 10 Tips On Finding Time for Your Home Business.
Hopefully these tips will be particularly helpful if you're balancing family and business.

Incidentally, writing guest posts is an enjoyable way for an author or quiltmaker to visit other blogs and web sites and make their presence known.

Happy Valentine's Day from Quilter's Potpourri

2009-02-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

May this be a special day for you.

We have been enjoying Valentine's Day flowers, cards and candy. This was a fun day at school yesterday with the Valentine parties.

Today the children in our household are enjoying it, too.

I've been drinking Assam tea today while chatting with a friend about quilts and quiltmaking.

Quilters & Families Celebrate Valentine's Day

2009-02-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

Do you and your family participate in Valentine's Day festivities?

This was a fun family day when I was a youngster because Mother made it so. She had been a school teacher and held parties for her students. Thus, she incorporated some of these ideas into festivities for my sister, two brothers and me, even though she was a busy farm wife.

*Mother often decorated a cake with white frosting and red hearts. When we were old enough, sister and I did this for her.
*She helped us children decorate a mail box for our cards. We had a family fun time making and addressing valentines for family members. When we were in school we had exchanges there, too.
*Mother planned a special night meal for Valentine's Day, with the cake and fruit for dessert. There was only our family...four children, Mother, Father and the hired man...but we had a joyous time.
*We made decorations to hang around the kitchen (the warmest room in our farmhouse during winter), and name cards for each place setting.

Suggestions:

The Night Before Valentine's Day (picture book)

Where Is Baby's Valentine (lift-a-flap book)

My Fuzzy Valentine (Sesame Street Board Book)

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (DVD)

Disney Valentine Assortment

What do you do for Valentine's Day at your house?

Will Obama Limit What You Can Earn in Your Quilt Related Business?

2009-02-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

As Obama proposes to limit the amount of money corporate executives can make, don't jump up and down with glee and cheer. This is only the first step to wage control, class envy and socialism in our country. It smacks of Hitlerism, Leninism, Stalinism, Castroism and other economic controls that dictators impose.

You think this may be good. Those big, bad executives are making more than I do, you think with jealousy. They're making too much money and receive too many perks, you say, for operating corporations that furnish jobs, products, and incentives to maintain the United States as a democracy, not a dictatorship.

What happens when there are wage and profit limits put on your quilting business? What happens when someone like Patricia Bolton, who founded the Quilting Arts business in her barn, reaches the level she has achieved through hard work, creativity and risk? Will she be penalized and told she can only achieve a certain level in income and profits? Will she be told that if she makes over a specific amount with her business, she'll have to give it to those who aren't willing to work but want to live on the dole?

Our country and economy will become a very unsuccessful one if incentives and opportunity for achievement and success are taken away from it's citizens.

Treats & Tips from the Food Bloggers

2009-01-26T09:09:00.000-08:00

The Food Bloggers are a group of bloggers who enjoy sharing their recipes or write blogs related to recipes, foods, health and nutrition, and cooking. They have some up with some more recipes that may help you create interesting meals.

Alphabet Cake Pan Personalize your birthday cake with an alphabet cake pan. Make their initials, or their age in cake!
Busy Family Meals Vindaloo sauce can be used to flavor meats, but we like it best as a vegetarian delight!
Chocolate Covered Buttercrunch Bars Chocolate and buttercrunch treats made with a surprise ingredient. Cooking Gadgets Space saving genius: collapsible colanders!
Horehound Drops A herbal home remedy for a sore throat or cough.
Old Woodenware Stirs Memories Mary Emma, at Country Kitchen, finds that old kitchen woodenware brings back memories of cooking in the farmhouse kitchen of childhood. Super Bowl Snack: Edamame "Hummus" A delicious thick dip made with edamame, tofu and avocado The Experts' Suggestions to Curb Nighttime Noshing Most of the registered dieticians and diet websites Jean found as she tries to curb her nightly noshing habit have pretty specific suggestions to help.

Have fun as you try these. Let me know if there is something you particularly enjoy.

Barbara Brackman's Fabrics with Obama Designs

2009-01-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

With Obama now President, quilters have been going all out to make quilts and fabric art that reflect his term in office. Quilter, fabric designer and author, Barbara Brackman, has created fabric with his photo on it. Check out my post at Quilting and Patchwork for more details about these designs you can print onto fabric.

You'll also find a photo at Black Threads, from the Washington Post, of a lady attending an Open House and greeted by the the Obamas. She's wearing a shawl of Obama fabric.

More About Obama, Presidential & Patriotic Quilts

2009-01-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

Check out another post at Quilting and Patchwork about Presidential and Patriotic Quilts brought about by the flurry of those made by quilters in recognition of the Obama Presidency and Inauguration.

Although a great deal is being made of this occasion, with special displays in Washington, DC and elsewhere, you will find that in days ago, there were quilts made in recognition of United States Presidents and patriotic occasions. The list of names is interesting, as evidenced by the post linked above.

The Quiltmaker's Gift and More

2009-01-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

I'd read The Quiltmaker's Gift to children when I was subsitute teaching and mentioned it on my Quilting and Patchwork blog. A reader inquired where she might find fabric with the Quilter's Gift as a theme.

As I was researching her query (and I haven't found any fabric yet, but asked for other quilters' input), I discovered some books with quilt patterns that accompany the story book, called Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift and More Quilts from the Quiltmaker's Gift.

Another quilter read my post at Quilting and Patchwork today and said she checked out these quilt pattern books and discovered they are "must haves." She's going to get one as a gift for a friend, too.

Quilting with an Obama Slant

2009-01-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Obama Quilts

Ever since the Obama campaign began, quilters have been making quilts and fabric art to commemorate the man to become President.

I've written more about this at my Quilting and Patchwork blog, Obama Quilts and Quilters All the Rage. You might like to stop by and check it out, along with the links to quilts to appear at displays commemorating the Inauguration.

Graveyard Quilts

2009-01-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

The Uncommon Quilter by Jeanne Williamson, a book my daughter received for Christmas, contains some fascinating projects for adults and children. These little quilts employ a variety of techniques.

One I found of interest...and must try once the deep snow is melted here in New Hampshire...involves gravestone rubbings. I've written about it at Quilting and Patchwork in the post, Gravestone Rubbings for Fabric Art. As I explain here, you could experiment with many family history projects using some of Jeanne's techniques.

Happy New Year's from Quilters' Potpourri

2009-01-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

May 2009 be a wonderful year for you.

It's cold (3 degrees F.) and windy here where I live.

But we're looking forward to a grand 2009.

What are your quilting expectations for the coming year?

Will Print Quilting Magazines Disappear?

2008-12-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

Eco-consciousness

Saving trees and deleting the energy intensive processes involved in turning trees into paper is termed as being "eco-friendly" or "eco-conscious." We're finding that more and more print publications are developing an online presense.

Some have an online edition as well as a print one. Others are discontinuing their print versions as they publish solely online.

My daughter found that her favorite quilting magazine has developed an online subscription which costs less than the print version. The publisher will be offering both, but one wonders for how long.

My husband received a notice from a magazine he subscribes to that starting with the February issue, it will only be available online. He can no longer receive a print issue. If he doesn't desire this, he can get a refund. However, he says, even though he prefers a print edition, he does need the magazine for the information it contains for keeping current in his business.

Which do you prefer? Have you found a way to download online magazines onto an electronic reader?

Check Out the Quilt Book Giveaway at Quilting and Patchwork

2008-12-21T13:09:00.001-08:00

Giveaway

If you're a quilter or simply like giveaways, why not stop over at Quilting and Patchwork and participate in the Giveaway of a Mini Quilt Book.? It's in progress over there.

Perhaps you're not a quilter yourself, but know of someone who would enjoy this book by Patricia Mainardi.

My Fav b5 Posts of the Week

2008-12-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

Favorite Posts

Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week. I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer's Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book. (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.)

Sometimes it's difficult to choose your very favorite for the week. However, here are the three for this week:

http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/...ilt-mysteries/ http://www.onebooktwobook.com/mary-e...storm-of-2008/http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h...-nursing-home/

Enjoy Giveaways? Here Are Some With Gifts for the Youngsters in Your Life

2008-12-04T04:45:00.000-08:00

One Book Two Book Giveaways

If you're a fan of giveaways, you'll find a series of them at a blog I co-author, One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.

Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links. You can enter any or all of the giveaways. These will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Enjoy!

Book Swim Giveaway
Readeez DVD Giveaway
Baby Can Read Giveaway
Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway
Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway
Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos
Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks
Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough
Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway
Natural Pod Giveaway
RideMakerz Giveaway
Happy Green Bee Giveaway
Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway

Quilting and Tea on a Snowy Day

2008-11-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

When the snow flutters down, lightly and softly this morning in New Hampshire, it's time for another cup of tea while Beth and I discuss quilting designs and check out quilting blogs. What flavor shall I choose?

Perhaps a cup of Chai spice black tea. This should keep me going until lunch time. Also, the aroma is so nice. My grandson comes into the room, "Nanny, what smells so spicy and good?"

What tea would you choose for a snowy day?

Also, you might like to read about our first snowfall of winter, which occurred earlier in the week.

http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/snowy-day-activities-memories-with-alzheimers-patients/http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/2008/11/25/the-first-snowfall-a-day-for-fun-and-quilti ng-inspiration/http://www.onebooktwobook.com/snow-snow-everywhere/nnn

Help With Your Christmas Shopping

2008-11-27T11:55:00.000-08:00

Super Shopping

To aid you in preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and your other shopping, I've compiled lists and suggestions at my b5media blogs: One Book Two Book, Quilting and Patchwork, and Alzheimer's Notes.

One Book Two Book:
2008 Holiday Gift Guide (Mary Emma)

Quilting & Patchwork:
2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Quilters & Fabric Artists

Alzheimer's Notes:
Holiday Shopping for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Did you find one list more helpful than another? If so, which one?
ENJOY!

Happy Thanksgiving from Quilters' Potpourri

2008-11-27T07:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

We've been busy this morning getting the turkey ready. Yes, we're having the traditional turkey. My hubby selected it so has been monitoring the preparations. After I made the stuffing ("like Mother used to make!"), I left the rest to him. The engineer in him cooks to precision.

My daughter has been preparing her special recipes to add to our menu. She made her daughter's request of "glop" for breakfast...a combination of bread cubes, eggs, sausage, cheese, and milk. Some of us like that, while others have something else. (We live in a multi-generational home with six family members, a dog, guinea pig, and rabbit.)

Perhaps you'd like to see my Thankful Poem, a project on my Quilting and Patchwork blog.

How about writing your own Thankful Poem this weekend? Or any time of year?

Remembrances of Veterans Day

2008-11-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day meant a great deal in my childhood. Two of my uncles served in the World Wars. My husband is a veteran, too, so for several years I was a military wife.

I've written about this day at several of my blogs and have included a post of Alicia Sparks:

One Book Two Book: Remembering Our Veterans on Veterans Day.

Alzheimer's Notes:Veterans Day Memories in Alzheimer's World

Quilting and Patchwork: Patriotic Quilts for Veterans Day

Alicia Sparks' Mental Health Notes: Help Veterans Obtain Mental Health Resouces

Do you have associations, past and present, with Veterans Day?

A List of Fascinating Quilting/Fabric Art Books

2008-11-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

Quilting/Fabric Art Books

If you're looking for quilting/fabric art books for your own use or to give to someone as a gift, you'd enjoy browsing through my list, Fascinating Quilting/Fabric Art Books, over at Quilting and Patchwork.

Some may be books you've already read, some you own and some that are completely new to open up a fascinating area of quilting and fabric art for you.

After looking at the list, what about sharing here your favorite quilting or fabric art books?

THOSE FASCINATING PATCHWORK & QUILTING PUZZLES

2008-10-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

The great selection of patchwork and quilting puzzles fascinates me. There are so many interesting designs and pictures portrayed.

Recently I came across one called Patchwork Quilt with a quilt draped around a treadle sewing machine. This reminded me of making quilts with my grandmother. We sewed them by hand, but my aunt and grandmother had a treadle sewing machine sitting in the corner of the room where we worked.

I also learned to sew on treadle machines, the one my mom had in her bedroom and another my 4-H sewing teacher kept in a small room piled high with fabric...her sewing room.

Do quilting puzzles bring back memories to you?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Crafty & Quilty Ideas from the Arts Bloggers

2008-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Arts Bloggers, a group of quilting, crafting, scrapbooking, and journaling "fantastic fanatics," frequently compile the offerings from their blogs to share with others involved in the arts. I participate through my Quilting and Patchwork blog at b5media. I hope you enjoy what we have to share.

Antique Pick of the Week: Nixie Tube Clock Take a stroll down memory lane with the Nixie Tube clock, and learn where you can get one today.

Cool Visual Journal Prompts Links to a page of excellent visual journal prompts

Creating Quilting Memory Books for Alzheimer's Patients & Yourself Mary Emma, at Quilting and Patchwork, gives some suggestions for creating a memory book involving quiltmaking.

Creating a hand-made fringed fabric scarf Chloe from Tangled Thread has created a new tutorial on making a fashionable fabric scarf with a hand-knotted fringe.

How to Make Wine Corsets Make personalized wine corsets to cosset your hosts and hostesses this holiday season. (Don’t grab your dictionary … Eileen had to look it up too. “Cosset” means to indulge or pamper ;-)

Layers Upon Layers Mixed media artist Christy Sobolewski shares her artistic passions.

ENJOY!

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Keeping Up with Mary Emma's Quilting World

2008-07-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

Keep up with my quilting world by visiting my Quilting and Patchwork blog at b5 media. I write about quilters and fabric artists, new innovations in the quilting world, quilt books, and whatever comes to mind.

The Arts Bloggers visit almost weekly, and the Food Bloggers often make an appearance.

July has been Christmas in July month. I think I'll have a Travel theme for August and may be able to tie it in with the Travel theme at Home Biz Notes.

What are you doing this summer in your quilting world?

New Post at Trails End Quilters

2007-12-31T06:55:00.000-08:00

Since these two blogs (Quilters' Potpourri and Tales of the Trails End Quilters) are somewhat intertwined, one about my quilting heritage and the other a potpourri of my thoughts and quilting infomation, I like to let you know when I have something on the other that might interest you. Also, information at my b5media blog, Quilting and Patchwork, will contain even more quilting and fabric art information.

I just wrote a new post at Tales of the Trails End Quilters about Researching the History of Trails End since that information ties in with my quilting heritage that started with former generations living there...the homestead where my mom was born. It was in the family for several generations of quilters.

Quilting and Patchwork at b5media

2007-12-31T05:35:00.000-08:00

Goodness, it's been quite some time since I've posted here! I'll have to get up to speed again.

However, I have been writing almost daily about quilts, quiltmaking, patchwork and related fabric arts topics over at Quilting and Patchwork, my blog at b5media. So pop over there to read about the latest news in this world of quilts and quilters.

Excited About Meandering Threads

2006-12-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

It's exciting to see my daughter, Beth, trying various types of fabric art and setting up her own blog, Meandering Threads , where she chats about her quilting and her family. Beth also posts some nice photos of her work and of scenes that inspire her work.

She has won some awards and recently participated in a gallery display.

Her daughter, Kara, also makes some fabric art creations, so the generations of Trails End Quilters continue. For information why I call us the Trails End Quilters, check out my blog Tales of the Trails End Quilters.

More About My Trails End Quilting Heritage

2006-08-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

You might enjoy learning about my quilting heritage at Tales of the Trails End Quilters blog (http://trailsendquilters.blogspot.com ). My latest post is about Susie, a friend of my grandmother and aunt, who attended my earliest remembered quilting bee. She's part of my quilting memories and heritage.

So I've been delving into the story of her life. You may want to learn how to discover more about the quilters in your early life.

Checking Out Quilt Shows & Events

2006-08-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

If you like to attend quilt shows...to learn new techniques, visit with quilters, and simply absorb the spirit of quilting, you may want to check out quilt show listings online. Perhaps you like to plan vacations and trips along the quilt show trail.

Check out the information at my Quilting and Patchwork blog, www.quiltingandpatchwork.com. I was particularly impressed with Alex Anderson's listing of quilting events.

Current Events & Quilting

2006-06-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

Frequently current events, whether they involved our town, our state, our country or the world find their way into our quilting. Take the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina last summer. Many quilts were made for fund raising and for flood victims to use. Others may become pictorial memory pieces of this natural disaster.

Quilts may be inspired by sports events whether they're local or international. Right now the World Cup soccer games in Germany have an effect on quilters lives. With some, it has nothing to do with their quilting, simply an event their family may be following. However, the games may inspire some quilters to use soccer designs in their fabric art.

Quilter Judy Martin even has a poll on her web site, where quilters can predict whom they think will win. Check this out at www.judymartin.com.

More Quilting and Patchwork

2006-06-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

For anyone desiring more information about quilting and patchwork, visit my column at www.quiltingandpatchwork.com .

Here you'll discover stories, resources, tips, and other enjoyable information published on a regular basis.

Musings of a Quilter

2006-04-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

When I sat beside my grandmother in the farmhouse kitchen many years ago, stitching quilt blocks together as she told me family stories, I never imagined quiltmaking would play such a great role in my life...and then the lives of my daughter and granddaughter. At eight years old, I simply enjoyed this time spent with Nanny as we made quilts for my sister, brother and me.

Imagine my joy when, years later, I discovered my mom had saved the quilt Nanny and I made for my bed. I knew it was mine because my initials were embroidered in one corner. Now it's one of the quilts I display when I give talks about quiltmaking and quilt history.

My quiltmaking lay dormant after that for many years, until our country's Bicentennial Years of 1975-76. My mother, who operated a country general store, needed quilts for her customers.

"You have all those scraps from your dressmaking business," she remarked. "Why don't you make some quilts. Hazel can't keep up with all the quilt orders."

So my foray into the quiltmaking world had begun again.

(c)2006