The Quilting Booklady

Thursday, April 14, 2011

From Trash to Treasures

Scraps! Trimmings! Crumbs! I hate throwing them away. I can't see spending lots of time sewing crumb blocks when I have these wonderful UFO's and future projects waiting to "grow-up" and become a quilts. The solution came from another quilter. She saved those bits and pieces we throw away and used them to stuff pet beds. It's taken some time for the project to jell, but it's taking shape. I keep a bag near my cutting table, friends like Kristie bring me trimmings from their projects and all the bits and pieces are emptied into pillow cases made from scrap fabrics.

This pillow case was made from flannel Brenda wanted out of her sewing room. When there is enough stuffing inside, the pillow will become a pet bed.

My friend Faye (no blog) used polar fleece scraps to make these beds. Rusty is the proud owner of the bright green one. Sofie, Pat's dog, has welcomed the purple one into her family room.

The majority of the beds will be donated to the our local Dachshund rescue group. The beds will be used with the rescued doxies in foster care. When they are adopted, the bed will go with them.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

AQS Quilt Show

I'm almost afraid to type this post - afraid to tempt fate. Two weeks from today, fourteen days to be exact, Brenda and I are leaving to attend the annual AQS Quilt Show in Paducah, Kentucky. This will be my first time to travel to Kentucky. I've wanted to "experience" Paducah for years, but it was difficult to miss work at this time of year. Retirement definitely has some advantages:) Brenda is beginning her courses for certification as a quilt appraiser. I've been reading blogs and asking questions. I'd love it if those of you who have attended this quilt show would share with me. What did you love? Don't miss? Don't forget? Don't bother doing? That kind of thing. I know I want to experience Hancock's of Paducah, the Quilt Museum and THE QUILTS. Who else is going to Paducah?

Monday, April 11, 2011

Design Wall Monday

Confession time:) There's a new project in our sewing room. I purchased a kit for a flannel lap quilt for my Dad. The shop sample at Little Quilts combined an awesome pattern with colorful flannels from the Flannel Essentials IV fabric from The Buggy Barn.

Hopscotch (one of my favorite childhood games) from the book Six Halves Make A Whole: 6 Projects Each Using 6 Half Yard Cuts by The Quilt Branch.

The block components are coming together. I've had several opportunities to sew with other quilters this week. The blocks for Hopscotch were great for sewing and lots of talking.

To explore other quilt projects on design walls visit, Patchwork Times by Judy.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Shop Hop Saturday

I'm truly late with this final post on shops from the Atlanta Shop Hop. My only excuse is that I've been "playing." I've had lots of great opportunities to spend time with family and friends. Thanks for understanding!

On Saturday of Shop Hop week, Kristie and I hit the road to visit two additional shops. Sweet Home in Conyers was the School House on the Tour of Houses.

The librarian in me just loved this display.