February-July 2012

I had the pleasure of a visit to Napa, California this past February.  It was absolutely beautiful!  We enjoyed the countryside, Pride Mountain Vineyards (I survived the drive to Pride Mountain) and Reguschi  wineries (love the wine so much I had to join the wine club and now I receive a bottle or two a few times a year) and a lovely meal at Fume Bistro and Bar with local friends.

YOU KNOW I had to check out the local quilt shop “Quiltmaker” and make a purchase. Elephants is the theme of my grandchild’s nursery so I’m always on the lookout for elephant fabric now.

I’m sad to say that the Quiltmaker website tells me that they CLOSED in early June.

 I continue to work on “A Little Porch Time” BOM from the class I was taking with Rose at Fat Quarters Quilt Shop in Vista. The class ended and I missed a few classes to attend the baby and bridal showers and other important events. I’m enjoying watching it grow and I still have access to Rose as I’m continue to take classes with her.

 I’m taking another BOM class with Rose called “Girl Gang” by Jan Patek.  Here are the first 3 blocks.

Girl Gang Block 3

Girl Gang Blocks 1 & 2

I made this “Dad Bag” from the Handmade Beginnings book by Anna Maria Horner.  The book was a gift from my son and daughter-in-law that they purchased from The Top Stitch.  Oh how I’d love to have that quilt shop nearer to me.  I’d hoped to have completed it by Fathers Day but things got a little busy around here and I was just able to finish it.  It’s off in the mail and I hope it will be enjoyed.

The 2012 Southern California Quilt Run was held in June.  I’d never been to the shops in area one so when my wonderful hubby agreed to drive we took off one day and filled the trunk with lots of wonderful “finds.”  On the way we HAD to stop in Tustin at Flying Geese Fabric .  This little gem of a shop was discovered the year we explored Area Two.   While in Area One I found that I truly enjoyed New Moon Textiles in Pasadena.  Of course I had to make a few stops at my favorite Area Four shops too. (Fat Quarters Quilt Shop in Vista, Quilters Coop in Temecula (sadly closing in Dec.), and Quilt in a Day in San Marcos.

I always enjoy visits from one of my best friends when I’m creating on my sewing porch.  This little Romeo, always looking for new places to make his own, never ceases to surprise and tickle my senses. 🙂  (Rancho Coastal Humane Society)

  I have a little more to share, but I can’t wait to get started sewing so it will have to wait until next time.  As you can tell by now I’m pretty predictable in my sewing and posting patterns.  You should have noticed that I’m most active during school holidays and since we are already at the end of July I NEED to get back to my sewing porch.  I’ll be in touch after the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach.  I’m going on Friday.

Shop Hop

I’ve been on an on-line shop hop with the fabshophop.com. Go to the web site register and off you go to visit 130+ on line quilt shops.

At each shop you “find the bunny” click on it which registers you to win prizes.  I have found some nice on-line shops that I have bookmarked to go back and visit again later.  Some “bunny clicks” bring surprise quilt block patterns to download.  It’s a fun relaxing way to shop hop across the country.

I went on the 2010 Quilters Run.  It was moved up to June so they didn’t have to compete with the International Quilt Show in Long Beach.  I couldn’t get away to travel outside my own zone four so off I went two weekends in a row and visited every one of the zone 4 quilt shops.  It was nice to rediscover those shops I had enjoyed two years ago and to add a few more favorites to my list of “if I’m in the area I must stop by” quilt shops. Quilters Coop in Temecula, Memory Lane in Santee, Cozy Quilt Shop in El Cajon, and Crazy 9 Patch in Ramona I must count among my favorites along with my local quilt shops, Quilters Paradise in Escondido, Quilt in a Day in San Marcos, Amidon Quiltworks in Poway, and Fat Quarters Quilt Shop in Vista. I collected the free block pattern piece and paid the $3-$5 for the fabric kit to make each one.  The pattern for the zone 4 quilt was handbags and shoes.  How could I resist!  One day you’ll see it posted here.

Of course, I didn’t ONLY purchase the block kits.  I also found great fabrics, panels and patterns. I better get busy.

I was fortunate enough to get a little mini weekend get-a-way to Los Angeles this month too.  On the way back Flying Geese Quilt shop in Tustin was almost on the way. I had to stop.  At last year’s shop hop I visited this fun shop and purchased all the auto prints which I used to make my hubby’s car fender cover.  This time I picked up a couple of fat quarters and a length of fabric that is perfect for one of this year’s Christmas gifts.  Sorry can’t share right now. Shhhh

I also made a stop into my neighborhood Starry Night Hollow in Encinitas. I hadn’t been in for a while.  I picked up lots of new patterns and a kit to make a sailboat quilt.  Kim always has the best selection of fabrics, and kits.  I just don’t know how she manages to offer such variety in her cute little shop.

JULY  and it’s not over yet.  I LOVE THE SUMMER!

Recently I took a class over at Martins Sewing Machines Plus.  Since I purchased my Baby Lock Espire sewing machine from him I’m entitled to free classes so I went in to learn how to use my free motion feet.  The class was led by shop staff member Janet who was really informative.  Janet was patient and knew her stuff.  I love working with her any time I go into the shop.  

Then I signed up for an all day class to learn the tips and techniques of free motion quilting on my single needle  sewing machine.  I like to quilt my own and I don’t see a quilting machine in my immediate future.  The instructor for this class was Brenda Witt.  She was fabulous!  Apparently we were lucky to get her. She rarely gives classes since she purchased a free arm machine and is busy providing quilting services now. The book she recommended “Quilt as Desired” by Charlene C. Frable is a great tool to add to your collection.  This book has all the detailed information at your fingertips.  It’s the next best thing to learning from Brenda.  Sewing Machines Plus has them available for purchase.  

 This photo is of Water Lilies in the “Rain Forest” of Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, CA.  True inspiration for an Art Quilt, don’t you think?  If you have not been to Quail Gardens you must go.  I hadn’t been there for a few years and was amazed at their expansion.

Balboa Park in San Diego.  There is so much beauty here to view.  Bring a camera, because you just can’t help trying to capture the architecture, the buildings, the gardens.  If you have a video feature on your camera you might even capture the sounds of the largest pipe organ in the world. We listened to a German organist during our visit.

 

Laguna Beach home to Pageant of the Masters and Festival of the Arts.  This is one art show you must see at least once in your life. Put it on your list.  I was fortunate enough to see it for the second time this year.  The Pageant is a live art show, but you must get tickets far in advance for the best seats.  Even seeing this show at a distance though is awe inspiring.  The art show has some of the finest art work and is only one of several locations along this canyon. Check them all out.  Oh, and the goats on the hill look like something straight out of  Heidi except for the modern buildings visible at the top of the hill.  I’m told they keep the brush down and reduce the potential for hill fires.  I don’t think they help much when heavy rains come along to wash the homes down the hills.

  I’m going back  to walk through the art show again.  The tickets are good for the entire season which last through the end of August. (That’s me in the empty chair)

 

We’ve been trying to spruce up the yard and patio a bit.  It’s on our list to widen the patio and add a little garden sculpting.  Until then we added a rug and some  curtains to make the patio more inviting.  Since  all the patio curtains were back ordered at the  retailers we ordered “sumbrella” fabric and I  made some myself.  Josie likes it!

The Southern California Quilters Run was held over two weekends this month.  There were about 50 shops   involved in 4 zones.  Last year I went to all the shops in zone 4.  This year I went to the local shops in Zone 4: Quilters Paradise in Escondido, Fat Quarters Quilt Shop in Vista, Amadon Quiltworks in Poway, and Quilt in a Day in San Marcos.  Then my DH drove me around in Orange County, Zone 2.  We didn’t make it to all of the shops, but we sure found some favorites that I’ll be sure to visit again when I’m in the area. It’s interesting the fabrics you pick up when your DH is involved. These auto’s are from Flying Geese Fabric in Tustin.  This was a great shop to visit.  Even though my purchases show the male influence I could have done some major damage to my wallet in this store.  I felt like a kid in a candy store, but I still had several shops to visit on my run.  In the words of an actor we all know “I’ll be back!”

Of course I had a few selections of my own. And there were free patters, fat quarters and lots of beads.This year’s theme was Carnival!

 

 

 

 

 

In my weekly quilt class at Starry Night Hollow I started a new Kaffe Fasset quilt.  This one is Citrus Baskets from the book “Passionate Patchwork”.  As you can see I have it spread out all over my sewing room.  Since I didn’t want to take it down, number the pieces and transport it to class I decided to take the dog quilt kit that I purchased at Starry Night instead.  The dog pattern was designed by the shop owner Kim.  

It’s such a great design.  I think everyone in class either has one or has made one.  This picture is a different color way than the kit I have.  Each of us personalizes the quilt by adding fabrics to make the dogs resemble our own pets.  Kim has recently created a cat quilt too.  Kim’s quilts are unique designs you won’t find any place else.  She’s starting a class to teach her “Princess and the Pea design”.  Visit the website, but keep in mind that Kim is busy quilting and doesn’t keep the website updated.  It’s best to join her mailing list for email updates.  Her latest email tells us that if you show your Long Beach Quilt Show tickets in her shop you’ll receive a discount on a fabric purchase.  Believe me Kim’s got great fabrics! Her’s is one of my favorite shops.

Tomorrow, Saturday I’m going to take an applique and embroidery class at Fat Quarters in Vista.  This shop was featured in Quilt Sampler magazine.  I’m excited to learn the proper techniques for applique and embroidery.  Although I’ve been creating with sewing, quilting, and embroidery for years learning the ways of others improves my projects and I often find easier ways to work.

Sunday will be my final Quilt expedition this summer. The International Quilt Show at Long Beach finishes up on Sunday at the convention center.  That’s exactly where you will find me.  Last year was the first time the show was held in Long beach.  I truly enjoyed viewing all the display quilts.  I had no idea the things that could be created with fabric in quilt form.  It was wonderful.  I also purchased my sewing machine at last year’s show.  I’ve been enjoying my Baby Lock Espire for a year now and have yet to discover all the features it has to offer.

That’s it for now.  I’ll add more as I find things to share.  If your in the area be sure to stop in to the shops and sights I’ve mentioned.  They truly are worth stopping for.  Send me a note, a comment or a suggestion if you know of something or someplace that I shouldn’t miss.  I’ll be traveling north to Washington State next month.  I hear the Buggy Barn is a must stop on my route.

Bet you thought I wasn’t coming back???

Mustang Quilt

Detail View-Mustang

I said I would post the last quilt I made at Christmas time.  I guess I forgot.  Here it is. along with a detail view.

It’s been busy since the winter holidays and I haven’t had the opportunity to work on my projects.  I find that I have several “UFO’s” as I learned my unfinished’s are called.  I must really be getting into it now with “stash” fabric and “UFO’s”.  Below are two of my UFO’s that are almost FO’s 🙂  They just require quilting and the binding.  The Robot Quilt was a kit I purchased the last time I visited Auburn.  Little Pearce wasn’t born yet and his Grandma Tompkins helped me choose one for him.  It’s coming Pearce, I promise.

I signed up for a class at Starry Night Hollow in Encinitas.  It’s held on Thursday evenings.  I’m just finishing up my first quilt with them.  It’s called Salsa.  Here’s a peek. This one has to be quilted and bound also.

Barbara, the instructor, came over from Sewing Sisters who shut their doors recently.  I was sad to see them go.  Barbara’s influence in the fabrics is showing up at Starry Night Hollow and I’m excited to know that they will be carrying Kaffe Fasset.  I just received a book I ordered from Amazon of Kaffe Fasset quilts. Be watching for some bright unconventional looking quilts.  That is after I finish the UFO’s I already have.

Recently, I was invited to join in a fabric exchange.  It was for purple fabric. My favorite.   My sewing circle is rather small so I wasn’t all that helpful in the cause, but I did receive a few pieces of fabric.  One day you may see an all purple quilt posted here.

I’ll be starting a new quilt this week.  I’ve already selected the fabric and I’m excited to get started. I’ll fill in the details for the quilts posted above and my new project the next opportunity I get. 

All the tools, bags and goodies I’ve received have come in so handy during these classes.  I learn something new every time.  Thanks to everyone for being so encouraging.

Thanks for visiting.  I’ll try to keep up.  Summer is coming!

Baby Corinna Wren’s Quilt

This Shake, Rattle and Roll quilt was made using the same pattern as the one previously display in fall colors.  This fabric was chosen specifically for baby La Puma, now known as Corinna Wren.  Grandma Corinne told me that yellow was a favorite color of Corinna’s mommy and I thought Corinna’s daddy  would like the birds.   The backing is blue newspaper print of a dictionary page describing birds.  This quilt was made with fewer blocks to reduce the size, but I forgot to measure it.  I hope Corinna and her family get years of use and pleasure from it.  I sure had fun making it and thinking of them.

This Shake, Rattle and Roll pattern by Debbie Caffrey is from the 2008 Southern California Quilt Run, Area 4.  The fabric for the quilt top came from Quilt in a Day in San Marcos.  The fabric on the back is from Starry Night Hollow.

Shake, Rattle & Roll

 

Shake, Rattle & Roll

Finished!  My first quilt completely constructed using my new Baby Lock Espire sewing machine.  The fabrics were all selected during my FIRST Southern California Quilt Run area 4, from the 10  different quilt shops I visited from El Cajon to Murrieta. Each shop provided a new piece to the quilt pattern Shake, Rattle & Roll by Debbie Caffrey of Debbie’s Creative Moments, Inc.

The geometric print came from Quilters Paradise in Escondido, the polka dot from Temecula Quilt Company, the stripe (Tony’s selection) from Cozy Quilt Shop in El Cajon, solid brown inner border and shadow (Tony’s selection) from Quilters Coop in Temecula, the outer batik border from Quilt in a Day in San Marcos, the brown print backing and binding from Starry Night Hollow in Encinitas and the batting came from JoAnnes Fabrics on line.  Approximate finished size is 45″ x 69″, finished block size – 6″

This one is Tony’s quilt.  It was his first quilt run too.  My Handy, Dear Husband was also my Driver.  I guess the old saying “if you can’t beat em, join em” is fitting as he chose two of the fabrics included in this quilt.  He also updated my sewing room and took the finished photo.

This was a fun quilt to make and to watch the 3D design unfold. The blocks appear in different dimensions depending on how you focus on it.  I already have plans to create this quilt again. I’m curious about the other three patterns from the quilt run and how they might have fit together to create the 5th quilt.

Next up: Pumpkins Gone Wild, Candy Cane Lane baby quilt, and Oh Yeh, the dress.