Colors of the Sun, an Equinox quilt

Colors of the Sun 
38" x 41"  September 2001

Today, September 22, the sun shines directly on earth's equator and the length of the day and the night are nearly equal. It is the Autumnal Equinox.

This quilt is Colors of the Sun—a quilt I made in 2001. This was one of my first attempts at drafting a paper piecing pattern [needed for the suns] and the quilt was in response to my first Guild Challenge. It's also one of my husband's favorite quilts.

The Guild Challenge was called "Pick 6" and the quiltmaker was required to choose 5 or 6 of the following elements to incorporate into a quilt:

• yellow
• forest green
• purple
• sun
• 9-patch
• log cabin

I used all six.

There are several scrappy 9-patch blocks incorporated into the quilt. These are the most obscure of the required elements in my quilt. The 9-patches are 3" finished so the individual units are 1" each.

The 9-patch, sun, log cabin, yellow, green and purple elements can be seen here.

The quilt has free-motion and walking foot quilted. This was way before ruler work tools were available for domestic sewing machine quilting (and my free-motion skills were not quite developed).

Walking foot quilting around the suns and in the border.

The tops of the "log cabin" flowers were embellished with beads.

Beading on the flower centers.

From today until the winter solstice on December 21 (in the northern hemisphere), our days will shorten as the nights grow longer. As the cooler temperatures approach, it's a great time to rummage through your fabrics, decide on a new or pending quilting project and put needle and thread to stitch.

I love being involved with the art of quiltmaking in the fall and winter months!

Paper piecing class preps quilters for Arcadia Avenue BOM

Twisty Star, Intro to Paper Piecing.

In preparation for an upcoming Block of the Month (BOM) program, one of our local quilt shops asked me to teach my "Twisty Star" Intro to Paper Piecing class. Anna, the owner at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop, is rolling out the Arcadia Avenue BOM next month and this quilt uses paper piecing for the block construction. My Twisty Star class is geared toward quilters who are new to paper piecing or anyone who needs a refresher on the technique. So, for the quilters that spent last Saturday with me, you're all set to tackle Arcadia Avenue!

Because of the paper piecing demand, one more session of the Intro to Paper Piecing class is scheduled for this Saturday, October 1. Call today (706) 217-8111 if you want to join me!

In last Saturday's class, the classroom was full. The energy was high and everyone was excited to learn this technique.

I had a blast with these students!

Kay (left) and Nita at my Intro to Paper Piecing class.

They were quick to pick up the technique and made tremendous progress in class. Here are some of the blocks that were completed in class. I found it interesting that the majority of the students chose a darker background this time. Usually I see lighter backgrounds. A change in trends, perhaps? Or maybe the class sample provided a subliminal influence...

Students' finished Twisty Star paper pieced blocks.

Anyway, I don't know if it's the fall season coming on and everyone is getting back into the groove of quilting and sewing, or if these students wanted this project completed before embarking on the Arcadia BOM, but several of the students have already finished their Twisty Stars and sent me photos. Way to go! 

Here is Kay's Twisty Star. Great choice of fabric for the border, don't you think? The flowers and leaves make a lovely complement to the geometric angles of the star.

Kay's Twisty Star

Denise used a festive collection of reds and blacks. You might not see it in the photo, but these fabrics have metallic highlights that enhanced the prints. And Denise's project is already quilted!

Denise's Twisty Star

Jo-Anne chose a primary color scheme which shows off wonderfully on the dark background. The yellow star points make quite an impact. Great job!

Jo-Anne's Twisty Star

Back to the impetus of this class... Shown below is a sneak peak of the Arcadia Avenue BOM blocks at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop. The quilt design has a modern vibe and Anna's choice of blacks, whites and greys, paired with a rainbow of batiks is stunning.

Upcoming BOM program at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop features paper piecing.

I am looking forward to another group of eager quilters in this Saturday's Intro to Paper Piecing class. If you want to learn or get a refresher, call Anna at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop (706- 217-8111). Paper piecing offers several advantages over traditional piecing, it's fun (especially with a group like those in last week's class) and it's a good technique to have in your quilting repertoire.

One Cheeky Pumpkin

"Celebration Slices" pumpkin pattern,
paper pieced wall hanging.

Leftover 2.5" orange strips and scraps,

a fat quarter each of Crushed and Brushstrokes (purple) for background,

a stem of lime Splash,

an inner border of orange/black polka dots,

an outside border of Cheeky Pumpkins, and

a modified version of the Celebration Slices pattern.






Haven't decided whether to put a jack-o-lantern face on it or not.

???

Happy Halloween!

Paper piecing the Fiesta table runner

It was buzzing at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop last Saturday: my Fiesta Table Runner paper piecing class, Christmas in July, a BOM program and the random Row by Row participants flitting in and out. Lots of quilty activity!

Fiesta Table Runner class with student blocks.

The paper piecing class was lots of fun. There were two true (never done paper piecing) novices and other students with some previous paper piecing experience in class. The beginners both admitted to being a little apprehensive about this technique, but really enjoyed and appreciated the precision that it has to offer once it "clicked" for them.

Paper piecing students at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop, Rocky Face, GA.

Everyone was very productive and got at least one block complete—including the curved background pieces. This pattern has lots of possibilities when it comes to the layout so I'm looking forward to seeing what these students do and how their personal preferences come into play.

Students working on the paper foundation.

Cynthia took my Intro to Paper Piecing class last month with the Twisty Star pattern and came back for another dose of PP-ing. She's becoming a paper piecing queen! Look at the great job she did on her Twisty Star top.

Cynthia shows her beautiful Twisty Star paper pieced top.

Thanks to everyone who came out to my class at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop. You were a great group!

Paper piecing with curves class

This may look like a bit of a mess… 

Paper piecing test blocks.

… but it's really two test blocks for the "Fiesta! Table Runner" paper piecing class I'll be teaching at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop this Saturday, July 25.

After trimming and putting the curved sides on, it will look much prettier… like this.

Table Runner Paper Piecing class.

Need a fun holiday gift? This one fits the bill. Come down to Rocky Face, GA and I'll let you "in" on a little fabric discovery I learned while making the test blocks for this project. Call Anna at the shop 706-217-8111 to see if there is still space available.

Paper piecing is fun and this technique has so many advantages. And all you need to know is how to count!

Paper piecing class at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop

I had a fabulous beginning paper piecing class at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop last weekend. All the students quickly grasped the technique and stitched up their first blocks of the Twisty Star with little effort.

Piece by Numbers class at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop, Rocky Face, GA.

Sew 'n So Quilt Shop is a new shop in our area and the atmosphere in the shop is warm, relaxed and friendly. The classroom is centralized between the shelves of new fabrics, pre-cuts and the cutting area. Should a student need more fabric, an alternate fabric, or a tool or notion—anything—while working on their class project, it's right at hand. Quilts, tops and class projects are displayed throughout the store to delight the eye, inspire the heart and encourage quilters and sewists to expand upon their quilting and stitching experience. The shop also offers longarm quilting services.

Here is a compilation of everyone's first paper pieced block on the classroom design board. Even the students that had done some paper piecing before (there was one or two) walked away with some new tips.

Student's in-progress Twisty Star blocks.

This is Anna, the shop's owner. While class was going on, she was busy cutting fabric and prepping her kits for the Row by Row Experience. I wish I'd taken a picture of her row as it features local attractions and local history in the design. I guess you'll just have to pay a visit yourself to pick up a kit when the Row by Row Experience begins on June 21. (And, be sure to ask about the buttons used on the row! They are totally unique and only available at the shop.)

Sew 'n So Quilt Shop owner, Anna Quarles,
at the cutting table.

Toward the end of my paper piecing class, I showed several of my own paper pieced quilts to give the students ideas on what this technique has to offer. Here is one of them: the "Fiesta Table Runner." And… I'll be back at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop to teach this class in July.

"Fiesta Table Runner" paper piecing class
July 25, at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop.

So, are you ready for the next paper pieced project? Call Anna at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop, (706) 217-8111, to sign up. She's waiting—with yard stick in hand—to hear from you!

Anna cuts her fabrics using a rotary cutter
and a yard stick. Who knew??

Paper piecing class: Easy as 1, 2, 3

Beginning Paper Piecing class.

If you can count and sew on a line, you can paper piece! Want to learn how?

I'll be teaching "Piece by Numbers," a beginning paper piecing class next Saturday, June 6, at a new quilt shop in north Georgia, Sew 'n So Quilt Shop.

I've designed this Twisty Star pattern specifically for this class so students can get a taste of different things they may encounter in future paper piecing patterns. Believe me, I've made plenty of paper piecing "goofs" and will be passing along all my tips for success in the class.

Here are previous students' work, so you can see the variety of outcomes this pattern and class has to offer.

Marceen's Twisty Star.

Marla's Twisty Star.

Mary's Twisty Star.

Janet's Twisty Star.

Twisty Star.

Other paper piecing possibilities and inspiration…

Paper piecing examples.

Paper pieced tree ornaments.

Paper pieced table runner.

Call Anna at Sew 'n So Quilt Shop, (706) 217-8111 to sign up for this fun class. I'll see you there.

There's nothing like an on-site quilting class at YLS

Over the last several days I was surrounded by walls of colorful fabrics and threads, beautifully stitched and quilted fabric pieces, the hum of sewing machines, and above all, convivial and inquisitive quilters eager to hang out with like-minded stitching enthusiasts and add a new tip or technique to their quilting repertoire.

Intro to Free-motion Quilting class at MidSouth Sewing, Knoxville, TN.

Yes, you can peruse books, watch YouTube videos, and post questions to on-line message boards, but there's nothing like the experience of attending on-site quilting classes at YLS [your local quilt shop]!
Here are a few of the many reasons:

• You get questions answered on the spot. 
• Someone is there to troubleshoot and help you. 
• Fabrics, notions, tools are readily accessible if you need or have forgotten something. 
• You learn from the teacher as well as other students in class—in addition to making new friends who share your passion.

Free-motion quilting students at MidSouth Sewing, Knoxville, TN.

Your local quilt shop owners and staff are knowledgeable, supportive, encouraging and dedicated to helping YOU be successful in your quilting, sewing and embroidery projects. They seek out fabrics, equipment, supplies and educational opportunities so their customers can learn, grow and continue to enjoy quilting, sewing and embroidery.

This week I was fortunate to be part of the educational offerings at both MidSouth Sewing in Knoxville, TN, and Pins and Needles Quilt Shop in Chattanooga, TN.

Student free-motion work. 

Karen, the owner of MidSouth Sewing in Knoxville, TN, invited me to teach my Intro to Free-motion Quilting and Paper Piecing the Celebration Tree classes at her shop.

Piece by Numbers: the Celebration Tree class at MidSouth Sewing, Knoxville, TN.

Thank you to Karen, Carolyn, Kathy, Kathy (there are two Kathys) and the rest of the staff at MidSouth for coordinating the class logistics, classroom set-up and for being lovely and gracious hostesses during my visit!

Paper piecing examples and patterns were on hand in the classroom.

Karen also hosted a Fabric Party at her shop that featured the newest fabric collections from Blank Quilting Corp. and StudioE Fabrics.

A preview of upcoming fabric collections from Blank Quilting Corp
and StudioE Fabrics at MidSouth Sewing.

MidSouth customers previewed the new fabric lines and filled out their "Fabric Wish Lists" with choices from upcoming fabric collections, Fabrications pre-cut 2.5" strips, 5"charm collections, as well as popular blender fabrics and 108" wide backings.

Store customers previewed upcoming fabric lines.

Sample quilt tops, wearable art, tote bags and patterns showcased the fabrics and provided inspiration.

Sample quilt tops, tote bags and garments showcase current Blank Quilting Corp fabric lines
and popular pre-cut 2.5" fabric strips and 5" charm squares.

On Saturday, Pins and Needles Quilt Shop in Chattanooga was near capacity with two quilting classes—my Intro to Free-motion Quilting as well as a hand quilting class. 

Free-motion quilting students at Pins and Needles Quilt Shop, Chattanooga, TN.

Thank you to Stacy, the shop owner at Pins and Needles, for inviting me to teach Intro to Free-Motion Quilting—one of my favorite classes. Stacy always goes these extra mile for her customers. This time we were treated to a plate of delicious cookie bars… pecans, almonds, chocolate chips and other chewy morsels on a Oreo cookie crust. A perfect complement to free-motion, wouldn't you say??

Students working on free-motion designs.

Student samplers from my Intro to Free-motion Quilting class.

Along with having the opportunity to share my passion for quiltmaking, I meet a lot of quilters and make many new friends through teaching my classes. Here are some of my new quilting friends from this past week.

Class attendees from Intro to Free-motion Quilting, MidSouth Sewing, Knoxville, TN.

Class attendees Intro to Paper Piecing: the Celebration Tree
MidSouth Sewing, Knoxville, TN.

Many students comment on the take-aways they get from my classes. Here are a few of them:

• I didn't know I could combine different quilting designs on one quilt. Now I have some ideas.
• The explanation of thread and needle sizes was very helpful.
• I now have more ideas/designs I can use for meander quilting.
• I picked up some new tips for paper piecing.
• I'm glad you covered the other steps in the quiltmaking process. This was very informative and helpful.
• Great handouts!

A bonus for me when teaching out of town is sampling the local restaurant fare that my hostesses recommend. To accompany my pork Tacos Mexicanos (be sure to get the homemade, fresh guacamole), I didn't dare buck the "Wednesday night tradition" [per Kathy at MidSouth] of having a margarita at El Charro's in Knoxville.

The Tomato Head restaurant, The Gallery Shopping Center, Knoxville.

I also enjoyed revisiting The Tomato Head restaurant—this time at The Gallery Shopping Center location. The enticing homemade cupcakes in the glass case at the entrance where swirled high with lush frosting. The pasta salad I had for dinner had lots of fresh vegetables. However, even the small size of the salad was very filling, so my dinner companion and I passed on dessert this time. The whimsical fish-themed bottle-cap artwork on the walls was an added delight.

Thanks again to all my new friends who came out to join me in class! Visit your local quilt shop (YLS) and let the owner and staff know what classes and topics are of interest to you. And, leave a comment for me as well! We will connect and I hope to see you again very soon.

Celebration Slices Tree: appliqué the finishing touches

"Celebration Slices—Christmas"
by Tammy Silvers
Pattern available at your local quilt shop.

There are 128 days until Christmas.

Have you made your list? Are you checking it twice (and hopefully checking OFF completed projects)?

I mentioned this cute holiday tree door hanger in this blog post. Here it is, complete with the appliquéd star and ball ornaments. As instructed by the pattern, these bits were added after the quilting was completed—partly so they look like they are hanging "on" the tree and partly because the pattern designer used non-woven felt for the decorations. I used quilting cotton (a fat quarter of Crushed in daffodil by Blank Quilting Corporation did the trick).

Remember, I reduced the pattern for this project? Print it at 85% so it's a perfect size for a door. And, Blank Quilting Corp's new Color Story pre-cut strips (20 per package) is a perfect fabric solution: an assortment of pretty, festive greens for the tree… pre-cut and ready to go… and just the right amount of strips for this little project!

Here is a close-up of the free-motion quilting. Swirls in the background and cascading feather-like tree boughs on the tree.

Celebration Tree: detail of free-motion quilting.

The border is a meandering vine with feathers, curvy fronds and spiral motifs.

Celebration Tree (back): free-motion quilting on border.

And the faux-piped binding added that little extra finishing touch that ties in the blue background and the backing fabric [Fusion Illusion navy by Blank Quilting Corp.].

Faux piped binding.

This fun pattern also has instructions for 2 other special occasions--fall/Halloween and birthdays. How about a 20-strip Color Story package in orange and purple for the pumpkin? Color Stories red and ivory for the birthday cake? There's a Color Story for every season and occasion!

"Celebration Slices" offers a variety of designs for different occasions.
Compliment the pattern with a Color Story package of strips.

If you're coming to AQS QuiltWeek in Chattanooga, September 10-13, visit all the fabulous vendors at the vendor mall. Ask for the 20 and 40 strip packages of pre-cut Fabrications strips by Blank Quilting Corp. They will make all your quilting projects go quicker. Gotta keep checking off that list...

Celebration Tree
16.5" x 38"

Oh, and if you have any strips left over... use them for the binding! After all, they're already cut 2.5 inches wide… and ready to sew.