Just a Few Tidbits AND Going to Texas!

 What I have been up to lately:

The other day I taught a class I call "Your Next Quilt". It uses a book by Alex Anderson titled  "Make Your First Quilt with Alex Anderson". I intend it for beginners who have a little knowledge and are ready to spread their wings a bit.

My finished shop sample on the classroom wall. It is made from 16 identical 12" blocks that can be arranged at least 13 different ways: 

58" square

To practice the technique again before class I made another sample, with 6"blocks and no geese in the border. It  also uses fewer fabrics which I highly recommend as it is much easier to understand this process if you only use 5 fabrics for the blocks, as the instructions are written:

30" square

The three students were not true beginners but each enjoyed learning tips to improve their skills in the 3 things we can do wrong in piecing a quilt: the Cutting, the Sewing and/or the P ressing. Here are their blocks:

Glenda

Cindy

Rita

Next, I made a small "wristlet" cell phone purse because we are going to a minor league baseball game with the Rocket City Trash Pandas and they don't allow any purses. I could carry a one gallon ziploc plastic bag OR a wristlet no larger than 6.5" x 4.5". I have a great small purse I use for traveling that is just a couple inches or so larger than that in both dimensions. My DIL told me they measure and she had to return hers to the car. SO, I made this and hope it passes muster, even though it's slightly large;

I added a small pocket on the back to hold a credit card and  my ID: 

It also can't have a strap so I will shove the strap down into the front with the phone to get in the park. I added a lobster claw hook so it can be attached to my belt loop if I can't use the strap. 

I looked at dozens of free patterns for cell phone purses on Pinterest and used a variety of methods to get this made. You can see my Pinterest feed by clicking on the button over there on the right. My saves are under Mug Rugs/ATC's/etc.

I understand the need for security but this really seems a bit overboard to me. A couple extra inches and my lovely purse with secure zipper closures would be fine and I still could not use it to sneak in outside food or beverages. Oh, well, the weather is perfect for a ball game with all my kiddos, including the grands, and there is a big Fireworks show afterwards.

Looking ahead to 2023, I am reaching out to my Texas quilter friends. The plan is for me to teach for the Tall Pines Quilt Guild in Huntsville, TEXAS, February 6-7, 2023. I  would like to piggyback on a few additional visits and there are SO MANY guilds/shops in Texas that this should be possible. If you are anywhere in Central Texas, from Houston to San Antonio, I would love it if you let your local folks know this is in the planning stages. This could be a two week trip if there is interest.

With airfare being the biggest cost now, having several guilds split the total airfare equally will save everyone money. I can fly into Houston and out of another airport, like Austin.  San Antonio, Brenham, Fredericksburg, Kerrville, College Station, Dallas--or anywhere in those general areas--if you have contacts I would so appreciate it if you let them know this is possible. My Lectures and Workshops are all listed right up there on the tabs at the top of the blog. 

I have taught for the Victoria guild a couple times and two guilds in Houston, as well as all over this great country. Texas quilters are mighty fine people and I am eager to get back among y'all again!

Let's quilt.

Barbara

Local Classes and Cruising

Local quilters can take a fun class I love to teach: Saturday February 12, 2022, 9-4, at Patches & Stitches:

CHARMING SAMPLER:

This one day class teaches 4 different blocks and fun and easy NEW ways to make them. The class was offered in the Fall but only had a couple people signed up. Now is the last time it will be offered locally so don't miss it. I have taught it to several groups as a traveling quilt teacher and students have loved it. 

Call Patches & Stitches to sign up and get the Supply List. 256-533-3886.

Quiltmaking 101--the beginning class I have taught at Patches & Stitches since 1989 is being offered again as the first class that started in January was full with a waiting list. It covers everything from selecting fabrics to doing a beautiful binding. I love teaching this class and many students go on to become dedicated quiltmakers after starting with this class.

The class is 5 sessions, Tuesdays February 22- March 29, 2022, 5:30-8 pm. Call the shop now to sign up and get the Supply List 256-533-3886:

Upcoming is a basic class at Sweet Home Quilting--designed for real beginners:  LEARN TO QUILT: FAST AND FUN, February 26 and March 5, 2022. For those with little experience who want to learn to piece a quilt perfectly. Sign up ONLINE

Coming up later this year is a NEW class for those beginners who want to move on to bigger and better things. YOUR NEXT QUILT: May 12 and 26, 2022, 10-4 at Sweet Home Quilting. We will explore color and design and several ways to make this simple yet intriguing quilt. Sign up ONLINE

Now, the BIG news--Quilting Cruises with Stitchin' Heaven are back! 

The long delayed Harmony of Quilting Cruise will happen March 11-18, 2023, on Harmony of the Seas, a beautiful Royal Caribbean ship. The project I am teaching is Scrappy Plus, a bright, modern pattern with color and contrast, shown here on my design wall almost two years ago when I made the top. It is now a finished quilt--Kits will be available for those who want to sew all day at sea, for several days. You will still have 3 great Port Days to explore new places.  I hope you will join us next year as we sail away...

Sign up NOW, spaces for these cruises fill quickly: Harmony of Quilting Cruise:

Let's quilt.

Barbara