Day 3 Paradise in the Pines Retreat

Hello Everyone,

We are having such a great time at retreat and these ladies are just having a fabulous time sewing up a storm! Here are some more pics from the day.  The first picture is magnificent...

Day 2 of Paradise in the Pines Retreat

Hello Everyone,

We are in day 2 of teaching the Paradise in Blooms retreat and are having a blast.  The ladies have been working diligently.  They have progressed so much and I want to share some photos with you.

Paradise In The Pines Retreat

Hello Everyone,

I have been very busy in Arizona.  Last week I taught two classes in Phoenix and this week I am in Flagstaff teaching the Technique of the Month retreat, Paradise In Blooms.  Because I have been so busy, I have been remiss in posting on my blog.  So I am up early and thought I would share some photos from the retreat with you.  These ladies have been fabulous and are doing so well!  Enjoy the pics...

Paradise In Blooms Quilted!!!

Hello Everyone,

I am beyond excited my Paradise in Blooms came back from my phenomenal quilter, Margaret Solomon Gunn.  She did some fabulous work with her threads.  I asked her to stitch in the ditch on most everything and then do some beautiful fill in many of the areas and just use her creativity.  Without any further ado....

The Amazing Quilting....

Hello Everyone,

So as you know, I sent off my Paradise in Blooms to be quilted by my friend, Margaret Solomon Gunn.  I don't have time right now to quilt and Margaret does awesome work!!! I want to share it with you.

All the photos belong to Margaret and are being used with her permission.

The FIXED Quilt!

Hello Everyone,

Two days ago, I showed you my Paradise in Blooms (pattern and kit can be found here)quilt, but the version that had a mistake in it.  But this blog post has the newly corrected version!  I just had to correct it as it just would have eaten at me leaving it the way it was.  Here it is....

The Borders Are On and the Top is DONE... and Then A Mistake.....

Hello Everyone,

As most of you know, we in Connecticut were snowed in on Tuesday.  So I spent a good portion of the day sewing to complete my Paradise in Blooms.  I joined the center medallion and then yesterday, I made the borders and attached them.  I am sure you want to see the completed quilt, right?

The Appliqué is All Stitched Down!!

Hello Everyone, 

Yesterday was an exciting day, I got all the appliqué stitched down on my Paradise in Blooms! Now I can begin to piece all the units together to complete the quilt top!  Happy Dance!  Only a couple more days.  Let's take a peek!

Four Baskets of Flowers Done

Hello Everyone,

I have been hard at work preparing my appliqué.  Yesterday, I worked on preparing all the appliqué pieces, and was able to get all the basket appliqué pieces complete an on the baskets.  Now just to sew them down.

Video Tutorial on Applique

Hello Everyone,

Many of you were asking how I do the appliqué on Paradise In Blooms.  I made a little video showing the technique that I teach and that was taught to me by Judy Niemeyer.  All the notions are available on our website by clicking here.  I hope you enjoy!

Let The Appliqué Begin!

Hello Everyone,

It has been a few days since I posted on my progress on the Paradise in Blooms Quilt.  But guess, what??  I have begun the appliqué process, Yahoo!!!  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not fond of slowing down to do appliqué, but I do love it on a quilt.  It makes the quilt really unique.  Let's take a look...

Baskets Are Done, Joining The Units Has Commenced!

Hello Everyone,

Right now I am getting excited, I have not only finished the baskets, but I am now piecing the top together!  First, I must piece the units together in small groupings then have the prepared appliqué ready to place on the small groupings.  Then the whole quilt can be sewn together!!  EEEEK!! Almost there, let's take a peek...

Corners Are On!!

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday, was a BIG day.  While I was working on the corners of my Paradise In Blooms Quilt, the actual patterns ARRIVED!! Yay!  For all of you who have been waiting the patterns are now on the site!  You can find them by clicking here.  The kits in the Island Batik color way will be up on the site sometime today, so check back.

In the meantime, I want to show you my progress on my Paradise in Blooms...

Do You Love Appliqué?

Hello Everyone,

I do love appliqué!  You are probably wondering, "Well, I never see her do any appliqué?".  That is true, but mostly because I travel so much and don't have the time to sit and do it.  However, you WILL see some appliqué from me coming up soon!!!  But in the meantime, I wanted to share with you brand new patterns that we received into the shop from Australian Designer, Kim McLean.  If you are not familiar with her, you will love her work.  The designs and the quilts are gorgeous.  She used all Kaffe Fassett fabrics, of which we carry TONS of and you can see the fabric by clicking here.

Take a look at these patterns and just imagine the possibilities!  

Applique Block Done and Gifted!

Hello Everyone,I finished the hat lady appliqué block!!  I did the buttonhole stitch via the sewing machine.  Yup, that is right, the sewing machine.  I think I did a pretty good job too.  Here see for yourself...I even changed threads to match the fabrics.  Added a button to the hat.And a button for the earring.  You can see the ribbon I dded for a necklace.Not too bad for someone who doesn't really like appliqué.  Here she is... I finished it and gifted it to my friend Justine already.  She LOVED it, and that makes me happy.  So glad I stopped...

Yes, I CAN Do Applique... Well Sort Of...

Hello Everyone,Yes, I can do appliqué, but really under special circumstances.  There is a story behind this, so stick with me...Oh about a year or so ago, one of my closest friends had asked me to make a block for her.  She actually asked each of her friends to make a block.  It was of a particular pattern and she wanted it to reflect our individual personalities.  This block is from a Quilt Soup Pattern, All Dolled Up. It is of a lady in a hat.  Because I don't usually do appliqué, I had put it off and put it...

I Did It!!

Hello Everyone,Many thanks to Shelly, I stepped a little bit out of my comfort zone and did some needle turn applique! It took me a while, (one month late) but I did the best that I could and think that it turned out pretty well.  Plus it is on its way to you, Shelly.I used Kaffe Fassett fabrics and Australian Aboriginals.  All the handwork was done on various airplane flights, so it definitely kept me from getting bored like I do on flights... kept me busy and entertained.The only thing that I am not too happy with is the way...

I Bet You Didn't Know I Could Do This....

Hello Everyone,Finally things are starting to normalize at home, power is on, laundry is in process, candles put away, orders are all packed, labeled and ready to ship tomorrow!!So I thought I might share something that I am working on... Applique!!  This is definitely something that you don't see me doing much of on this blog.  But yes, contrary to popular belief, I can do it!  Maybe not as well as some, but I can.This block is one that I am working on for Shelly and our Two's Company Bee.It is all leaves and I am using Kaffe fabrics and...

Sewing With Friends and a Change in Projects

Sorry it has been a few days since my last post. I have been very busy. On Monday I started a new project. I needed a little break from my 30's project and it seems I am now doing the complete opposite. I started cutting the fabric on Sunday. I chose them all from my stash. It is a black, white, and red quilt. I am making it for a friend, but she doesn't know. Shhhhhhhh!!I then took the project to my quilting group on Monday and worked more on it there. I stayed longer than anyone else. I was...