ATCs: What's your Coffee Mate?

Ever stop and think about all the things that go with coffee? The ATC artists who participated in this month's ATC swap have illustrated quite of few. Here are their responses to the theme, "It goes with my coffee." What's your favorite coffee mate?

Left: "It goes with my Coffee— Friends"

left: "Brain cells awaken, thoughts of a treat, and the news..."
right: "Bright eyed. Bushy tailed."

left: "What goes with my coffee? A coffee mate."
right: "Perfect morning with a friend."

left: "Splenda and the daily Sudoku puzzle."
right: "Not your Mother's Cream and Sugar."

left: "Coffee and something sweet"
right: "It goes with Coffee"

Here is the back of "Coffee and Something Sweet"—a gingerbread cookie.
I'll take two to go, please.

ATC swap this Friday

The first 2011 ATC swap (Artist Trading Card swap) is this Friday, January 28. The theme for the January swap is "It goes with my coffee" and I have been diligently working on my cards. I can't divulge all the details right now, but I did have to do some R&R (reconnaissance and research)—and a little taste-testing (think Krispy Kreme)— before construction. Here is a snapshot of the work in progress.

The local traders will meet at Panera's at Northgate at 4:30 pm. on Friday. I'll post photos of the cards I receive in the trade upon my return. They are either clever, funny or insightful and always beautifully and thoughtfully crafted.

This is the third year I've coordinated and hosted the ATC swaps. (Happy Anniversary to all the ATC traders!) Search the FiberAntics archives for photos from previous trades. Swaps are open to new traders. If you're curious, check here for an overview of how the swaps work.

Knitting Classes begin January 31

The holidays are over, a new year has begun, and it's time to find a new, creative outlet. Now is the perfect time to learn to knit!

I'll be teaching three knitting classes at Chattanooga State this semester.

• In my Beginning Knitting class starting January 31, we'll cover all the basics to get your needles going. 
• In Knitting II starting February 28, we'll move on to ribbing, cables, and seams while making a fun pair of Fingerless Mitts. 
• We've added a new Lace Knitting class starting March 28. Students will create a beautiful lace scarf.

If you've always wanted to learn this timeless, yet contemporary art form, register today at 397-3100 or on-line at http://www.chattanoogastate.edu. Make new friends and learn a new, creative skill!

Cuddle Quilt Quest went over the top

The Choo Choo Quilters rallied for an amazing finish to our Great Cuddle Quilt Quest, a program conceived by me and my friend and fellow guild member, Deb, that we started in May of 2010.

Starting off with an easily do-able step in the quiltmaking process, Deb and I issued monthly 12" block patterns to our guild's members. The blocks were collected and sorted into color-coordinated sets for quilt tops. For the last eight months, guild members participated with whatever step(s) they chose: making blocks, sashing and sewing tops, quilting and/or binding.

The final "Call for Cuddle Quilts" came at yesterday's guild meeting and resulted in a final tally of 73 quilts! It was an amazing feat for a guild of about 20 members and included 10 bed size quilts.

Our initial goal was 51—one quilt more than the guild record of 50, about five years ago. I think we more than outdid ourselves! The quilts will be donated to Children's Home/Chambliss Shelter in Chattanooga.

For fun and easy-to-construct quilt ideas—for cuddle quilts or for your own quilts—I like Karla Alexander's techniques. Find them in any of her books: