Whimsicals Threads

:: just spooling around! ::

First things first.  I want to thank each and every one of you for sharing your stories, your hearts, your hurts and prayers.  I can't tell you how much they touched me.  And made me wonder why I waited to share.  Well, besides the fact that I was (and still am) so completely overwhelmed with how far behind I am.....

BUT, I do have some good news!

Tad's scan came back good and his tumor markers were down, so no surgery is needed right now.  He goes back in a month for another check and they will once again look everything over and determine if he is ok without surgery.  It is still at long road to complete recovery, but I'm thankful that he is at least on the mend.  Energy level is way down, and his lungs were affected by one of the drugs so he's enduring some pain and shortness of breath, but things are at least looking up!

The other snippet of good news is that I finally got my new book sent off to the printer!  YEA!  I'm hoping to see the big semi trailer pulling into my cul-de-sac late this week or early next week. And because it should be here soon, I'm thinking that I need to share a few of the projects with you.

This is the quilt that kind of inspired the name of the book.....

I used lots of different fabrics for the spools, but they are all from my more recent fabric lines, as well as fabrics from my newest line Heartstrings.  I must have been tired and in a slap-happy mood when I was working on it because this little play on words, "just spooling around", popped into my head.... Get it?  Just spooling around instead of just fooling around?!  I had myself a little chuckle and decided that it would be a great name not only for the quilt, but for the book too!

Another project that was really fun to make was this table runner....

Yes, once again I felt the need to use that jumbo rick rack that I love so much.  I didn't plan it that way, it's just that once I got the whole thing pieced together, it just fit with the mood of the blocks.  I love the wavy edge that mimics the wavy applique edge..... so fun!

This is a lap size quilt that uses the large scale prints from Heartstrings in the center of the stars.  Actually, the entire quilt is made with fabric from my new line, Heartstrings! 

And then there is my personal favorite....

I know, it may not look like a typical quilt that I would make, but I had such a blast making this one.  I made this one for my son to take to college with him.  He loves music, plays several different instruments, and even writes some of his own.  It's a big quilt, sized to fit the XL twin beds in the dorms, so the music notes are pieced, not applique.  I collected the black, gray and red music fabrics over the past year and just enjoyed every minute of making this quilt.

On this next quilt, I printed pictures on the Printed Treasures fabric.... I have to say, that stuff is awesome....

I picked pictures of my boys as three different ages and just have to chuckle about the way the pictures convey their relationship.  Although they are 3 years apart in age, they have always gotten along great and I love that!

And, here is one that my mom designed and made.  I liked it so much that I had to include it in this book....

Yes, those are all half square triangles.  The funny story about this quilt is that these are all my fabrics, many of which were scraps that mom pilfered from my trash can!  Some of the fabrics were from my very first lines of fabric, close to 10 years ago! 

And then there are a few smaller projects I made out of wool....

What can I say?  I still love working with wool.  The colors, the feel, the texture.... things you just can't get with cotton fabrics.  The first picture is a pincushion and the second one is a project bag that is a great size to keep my knitting projects in.  Of course, that particular project has been in the bag for a long time since I don't get a lot of knitting done anymore..... Maybe my husband will forget that I told him I would make those felted wool slippers for him......

And finally, the project that is on the cover of the book....

 Yep, after photographing it for the cover, I made it into a little pillow!

 And that's it! 

I'm still working on getting the fabric swatches scanned, resized, and put into some sort of format where they can be posted on my web page, but I did get the book added today, so if you happen to order it, just be aware that it will still be several days before it is actually shipped out.

Now, I'm off to do some more work on the next fabric line.  I finally have a direction and a plan, which is a good thing since I'm already about a month behind getting it to Red Rooster.  It's hard to believe that Quilt Market is looming on the horizon because there is still so much to be done yet.  Yikes!  Will I ever get caught up?!

 

 

 

:: a matter of perspective ::

So, I have some explaining to do because I have been silent for far too long. 

Like many creative people, I tend to expect a lot out of myself, which leads to working way too many hours and ignoring other things that really need to be done.  Like cleaning the house.  And doing the laundry.  Or writing a blog.  And I know that I can ignore those things for only so long before they too start to become another source of stress. Funny how that works.

And my way of dealing with it?  Go into hiding.  Or more specifically, become silent.

But because I have had several people ask where I've been, I guess it's time to come out and explain myself.  And in order to do that, I need to back up to October, when you last heard from me.

As I was frantically getting ready to leave for Quilt Market, my family got some shocking news..... that my younger brother was diagnosed with cancer.  And as you can imagine (or maybe relate to), this was very difficult to absorb.  Tad (my brother) got the news on a Friday that he had cancer, had surgery the following Monday, and started chemo two days later on Wednesday, which was the day that we left for Houston.

So picture this..... I am leaving as Tad (who incidentally lives just down the road from me) is starting treatments, I'm not at all prepared for market, going without my book being done, having planned my booth just two days before and feeling as if a blurry haze had fallen over me.  Not a pretty picture.  So if you saw me at market and wondered where my head was, I can tell you now that it was NOT there.

So, where have I been?  I have been here. 

Spending some time with my sister, who I don't see often enough.  Making trips with my brother to chemo.  Enjoying the time with my kids while they were home from college for the holidays.  Going out dancing with my husband on Friday nights.  And yes, still working on my book and projects.  Basically trying to find a healthier balance in my life, which is not an easy task for me.  But what I remind myself every day is that it's all a matter of perspective. 

I'm still here. 

My brother is still here after 14 weeks and 26 infusions. 

My book is almost done.

And we have another day to live. 

I am blessed. 

Tad, looking good with no hair!

My sister and I with Tad..... all smiling!

Having some fun with family!

 

Now, I can't make any promises, but I am going to do my best to keep you more informed.  There are a lot of other things that have been going on here that I hope to share with you.  I just need to get it through my head that my blog posts don't all have to be a magnificent work of words, and my facebook doesn't have to be all about my work.  Again, it's that perspective thing.

Oh yes, and about that book.....

I hope to have it to the printer next week, so be watching for it!  I'll be posting pictures of the projects here and on my facebook page, so be looking for it sometime next week! 

Thanks for hangin' with me!

 

It's about time, don't you know?

I know, I know, it's been FOREVER since I've written anything here.  I've started countless times.  Have had lots of ideas.  I've even written them in my head - and please tell me that I'm not the only one who composes thoughts into stories in my head at a time when I can't write them down..... like when I'm driving or taking a shower....

No, the problem is not in coming up with the ideas or getting started.  It's more in the completion.

You see, I get started, then get distracted, then lose my train of thought, and by the time I make it back to finish things, everything that I wrote is so out of date that I have to start all over again.  And hope that I can remain focused long enough to finish.  Obviously, that focus thing hasn't been working in my favor recently. 

And I have to tell you that it is not only with my blog.  It's with everything. Which explains why I just finished my latest book a few weeks ago - the one that was supposed to be finished in May - and why there is a lag between when I got the books delivered to me and when I'm posting it for all of blogdom to see.

But because I'm determined to finish this one tonight, {even if I have to pinch myself to stay awake} I'll move it along and show you my latest book and projects....

 

 

Originally, I was going to do the book with only a few color pages showing the projects and have the text pages for the instructions in black and white.  More like my older books.  But after getting the entire book laid out, I just didn't like it.  So, I went back through the whole thing, added color to all the diagrams, and re-worked it to have color on every page.  And I must say that it was worth it.  A lot of extra work, yes.  But so worth the end result.

So, here are the projects....

This is such a cheerful quilt!  I was really trying to make the blocks look like buttons and flowers without having to do any applique, and I think it turned out well.

 

 

For this one, I took the owl that is on one of the prints in the Buttons and Blooms fabric line and appliqued him on the pillow.  The swirls that you see coming from the branches were actually stitched on with my machine, because I was trying to save some time.  I simply threaded my #16 pearle cotton floss through the upper part of the machine and used some Aurofil thread in the bobbin.  It was quick, easy, and effective!

This tote bag uses two small parts of the panel that is in this line.  They become the pockets on the outside (yes, that's a pocket, and there's another one on the other side using a different panel section.  I sized this to be pretty generous, so keep in mind that ANY fabrics can be used for this.  Make one for the winter and one for the summer.  I think a heavy weight home dec fabric would look great for this bag too.  I'm just sayin'.....

 

This table runner was so much fun to put together!  And I used up some more of my really jumbo rick rack in the process!

 

No, this one is not a panel..... it is actually painted on the fabric using the Shiva Paintstiks!  In the book, I give specific instructions on using the paint and in addition to the colors I used in Make It Merry (burnt umber, crimson, ivory black and meadow green) I used yellow ochre and slate blue.  If you've never used these paints, you're missing out!

 

You can probably tell that this is another portion of the panel print, along with the large border stripe print.  But my favorite thing about this quilt is all the buttons my mom stitched on for me in the border!

 

Once again I ask, can you ever have too many pincusions?!  I love the size and weight of this wool one.  The little needle book is removeable so you can stash it in your sewing kit, or leave it attached. 

And finally, Ollie the Owl.....

 

I had so much fun making Ollie and he seems content to sit by my machine and watch me stitch away.  Now, if only I could find the time to get to my machine to sew!

And that is all!  I have added Buttons and Blooms to my website, so be sure to check it out there....

www.whimsicalquilts.com

Before I go, I wanted to thank all of you for being so supportive and understanding while I try to get everything done yet still enjoy a little time with my kids this summer.   The high school graduation went great, and this summer has been awesome with both my boys home and all their friends congregating in our basement.  But the next several weeks are going to be hard, especially once they are both gone.  I will be finding out what it is like to once again have the house quiet and picked up.  Am I looking forward to it?  Yes and no.  But I guess I'll find out and I'll keep you posted!

Now, I can't believe I did it!  I finished an entire blog post in one night.  Wow.  I think that deserves a good night sleep.....

Good Night!

 

:: the final projects ::

It is always so interesting to see which projects are the favorites and which ones intrigue people.  Believe it or not it is seldom the ones that I would have guessed, so thanks for all the comments!

And from the comments, it sounds like there are a lot of you who have not yet tried the paintstiks, so I guess I need to work on some sort of tutorial.  In the books that have projects where the paintstiks were used, I do have detailed instructions on the technique that I use.  I don't leave you wondering what to do with them!  But my best advice is to just experiment with them.  I should put a big note where I use them saying  NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY because believe me, anyone can do it.  I've seen people with no painting experience get really great results!

If you want to purchase some of the paintstiks, I found a website, www.artsupply.com, that has them for a good price.  Although I've never ordered from them before, you might give it a try!

With that being said, I have one more project in the Make It Merry book that I used the paintstiks on.  It's a little ornament called A Little Joy.

Again, I felt the need to add some additional texture with the lace trim, but that's what makes it so fun!

And I had some of you ask about the little box that was in the picture with the pincushion, so I'm pleased to let you know that it is in the book as well.  I show two different versions.... One of them I did with the fabric from Winterberry Lane, so it is very Christmasy (is that a word?!) and the other is one that can be used for just about anything.

I leave one on my counter to store my tea bags in because it is the perfect size for that.  Wouldn't it be fun to fill it up with hot chocolate packets and peppermint sticks to give to a friend?  Or tea bags, like I did, and have some friends over for tea and scones?! Ah, too many ideas and not enough time!

Here's another project.  How could I do a Christmas book and not include a tree skirt?

I called this Simple Gifts.  See the big border stripe from Winterberry Lane?  Because there are two distinct portions of the stripe, I tried to make the best use of the fabric and cut them so that both could be used, resulting in very little waste.  I can't wait to put this under my tree next year!

My mom helped me out a little with this book by designing this Christmas Star...

This little quilt is the perfect size to place in the center of your table to give it a nice festive look.  And you can complete your table with the Jolly Holly Placemats....

Anyone who did the Cross Country Quilter's Blog Hop a few years ago will recognize these.  This was my projects that I shared when I was a part of that.  I love the big holly leave and the big rick rack.  What a statement!

So, there you have it.  I think I covered them all and I hope that you like them!  Don't forget to leave me a comment to have a chance at winning a fat quarter bundle of Winterberry Lane and a copy of Make It Merry!  You can check out my website and see all of the fabrics included in this line by clicking here. 

I'm going to wait until Monday morning to draw a winner, so keep the comments coming!  Hope you have a great weekend!

Terri

 

:: a few more ::

I was a little remiss yesterday in not answering a few questions in the comments.  I have yet to really figure out how to answer them within the comments section.  Yea, I'm that slow when it comes to the blog world!  Actually, I think I'm doing pretty good just getting something typed up and posted here!

Anyway, about those questions.....

The little purple flowers are crocus.  I love these little flowers because they are so hardy.  Every year, they insist on showing their beautiful colors right after the snow melts and the tempatures warm up past freezing.  The problem is that in Indiana, the warm weather is always a tease.  It doesn't stick around.  There have been many years where the crocus are in bloom and all I can see of them are the tips of the petals peeking out from yet another snow. 

The other thing that amazes me about these flowers is that they come back every year, despite the fact that every year I take off the remaining foliage after the blooms are gone.  I've been told that I'm not supposed to do that with bulb type flowers like these, but I do it anyway because I don't like to look at the wilted remains.  And I guess they don't mind, because they come back to greet me every spring!

And about the book....

I hope to have it available by the end of next week.  Some of that depends on how fast my printer can get it finished and sent to me, but that is the plan!

Now, on to some more of the projects in the book.

This is one I called Peppermint Truffle.

 Now, don't ask me what a peppermint truffle is, because I've never had one.  But these blocks just look like a peppermint that has been wrapped in chocolate, and when I think of a truffle I think of chocolate.  However, when I did a google search I found out that a truffle can also be made from mushrooms!  Not being a fan of mushrroms, that does not sound very tasty to me.  I think I'll stick with the picture in my head, thank you very much!

And here is a little pincushion....

This is a really quick pincushion that can be made as a gift for someone special, or just make it for yourself.  I filled this one with walnut shells, which I got at the pet store, of all places, but I love the way it feels.  It's squishy and fun to pick up, and it stays put wherever you decide to set it down.

And the final one for today is A Simple Wish.....

Once again, my fascination with fonts, words and textures becomes apparent.   I made the letters for peace using the paintsticks then stitched the words on earth with embroidery floss.  And for those of you who have not tried the paintsticks, shame on you!  They are fun, addicting, and EASY!  In the book, I give directions for the technique I use and maybe, just maybe, if I can get my act together, I will prepare a tutorial that I can post here on my blog.  Hmmmmm..... I'll add that to my list!

So, that's all I'm going to show you today!

Remember to leave me a comment so your name will be in the running for a fat quarter bundle (which will include the panel print) and a copy of the Make It Merry book.  

Let me know what you think!!!

:: make it merry projects ::

So, yesterday, I showed you the cover for my new book. Make It Merry.

Today, I'm going to show you a few of the projects!

The first one is All Wrapped Up....

One of my favorite prints in this line is the one that I call a "wrapping paper" print because, well, it looks like wrapping paper!  It makes a great border print on this quilt because it looks like you've taken lots of time to piece together all those squares, but really, it's just a print!

I also did these really sweet little stitcheries I called Tiny Tidings....

I think the simple little words on the big background really draws the attention to the message, making a big impact for something so small. 

And the final project for today is a full picture of Tree Trimmings, which became the cover for the book....

This one was fun to make because of all the different techniques and textures.  The "believe" on the ornament was stitched on, where the "peace on earth" was cut from the large border print in Winterberry Lane.  Then, I painted the branch onto the fabric using Shiva paintstiks, added more embroidery for the needles, and finally added the rick rack trim that each of the ornaments is hanging by.  So much fun!!

And as a bonus, another version of Tree Trimmings.....

No, this is not the exact same layout as the other one.  This one is smaller than the first, but it is another option if you don't want to paint the branch on.  And can I say that I just LOVE the fabric in the center ornament and no, it is not mine.  When I saw that fabric, I knew that it would be a great print for an ornament and just had to use it. 

So, that's it for today.  I would love to hear your feedback....

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, I used a lot of the fabrics from Winterberry Lane on these projects, but also mixed in some from previous lines, and even snuck in some from my stash of other fabrics to balance things out.  You can't imagine how hard it is to create so many projects from just one line of fabric, so I like to mix things up by throwing in something unexpected, like someone else's fabric!

Hope you like them!

 

:: spring is here! ::

Happy Spring!!!!

I was so in need of a good weather day, and today did not disappoint.

This morning as I was sitting in my room working, I glanced out the window and saw this.....

And I realized that it was the first day of spring!  And the sun was shining.  And it was warm.

I don't know about you, but it's been a long winter and I am so excited to think about putting my winter coats and boots away.  My flip flops were calling to me from my closet this morning and although I ignored them, I know that it won't be long before they become an intrical part of my wardrobe again.  Woo hoo!

And another thing to celebrate....

Last week I sent my new book off to the printer!

Can I tell you what a relief it is to have this book completed?!  AND how happy I am to not work on anything Christmas related?!  I know, that's probably not what you want to hear, when the Winterberry Lane fabric is starting to show up in shops about now, but I feel like I have been stuck in Christmas mode since October.

And because I'm so over the Christmas thing, I'm going to give away a fat quarter bundle of the Winterberry Lane fabric to one lucky person along with a copy of Make It Merry when it shows up sometime next week!

So, over the next several days, I'm going to share with you the projects in the book.  All you need to do is leave me a comment on one of those days, and you'll be in the running.  It's that easy!

Good Luck and Happy Spring!

 

:: off to market ::

 

This is just a quick note to say that we're on the road, headed to Houston, with a van full of, um.... stuff.

Yea.  That's what I would call it.  All the stuff to fill and decorate a 10 foot by 10 foot booth.  And what could all this stuff possibly be?

I've been hard at work the last several weeks.  Not that I'm ever NOT hard at work.  Just ask my family and they'll tell you.  But it's been non-stop. Trying to decide what to do, which projects to finish, which ones could wait.  And then deciding that the best thing to do would be to wait until spring to release my new book, Make It Merry.  And before you say anything, let me explain.....

The fabric line I did this time is called Winterberry Lane, and is really a winter/Christmas theme.  Do you want to see the swatches?!  Click the link below to see them.....

 Download WinterberryLaneSwatches_sm

Anyway, since the fabric will not start filtering into the shops until March, it didn't make sense to rush getting a book finished before then.  So, guess what I'm going to be doing when I return from Quilt Market?!  Yep.  Making Christmas quilts.  Which should be fun and easy since it will be the Christmas season anyway and my brain is already stuck in that mode.  

BUT, I did manage to get several things made before I left.  In addition to the book, I will have two separate patterns that make use of the panel print from Winterberry Lane.  One is a large quilt that uses all four parts of the panel and the other is four separate wall quilts, each using one part of the panel and a different border.  These will be available in February.

 But, I didn't stop there.  In the midst of all this, I was having a really bad hair day.  Seriously!  And when I have a bad hair day, what I really want to do is just cover my head.  So, what did I do.  Why, I made a new hat to cover up my hair, of course.....

 

This is kind of a blending of the hat from my Pumpkins and Spice book and the hat in Tangled Up in Thread, with a twist.  Well, really, it's a fold (on the brim), not a twist, but you get the idea. And it will be an individual pattern, which I plan on having ready sometime in November.  

Along with the pattern for this.....

Oh, and the book?  It will be called Make it Merry.  I've done a "mock up" of the cover in Photoshop.  I can't guarantee that this will be the final one, but look for something similar in February.  And check back in the next few days to see sneek peeks of different projects that I already have finished, along with pictures of the booth in Houston!

Now, I'm off to bed to rest up for Quilt Market!

 

we have a winner!!!

Sorry for the lack of posts while we were at Quilt Market.  What a surprise to find out that the hotel we chose to stay in did not have free internet!  Add that to the long drive home, then spending the entire day yesterday receiving the final shipment of books, filling orders and trying to make heads or tails of where everything is.... well, you get the idea.

I did take some photos while we were at Quilt Market, but first things first.....

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

WINNER!!

I randomly chose one name from the two days that I posted the projects from my newest book, Tangled Up In Thread, and the winners are.......

Tricia McCain in Oklahoma and Darlene B.

If you will send me your address in an email, I'll send out a free copy of the book!!!

Thank you to everyone who left comments.  Believe it or not, I read each one and am so excited that YOU are excited!  It makes this all so much more fun!

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

So, since I didn't get to share any photos while I was gone, I think I should share them now.

Quilt Market can be a little overwhelming, especially when we first get to the convention center and unload everything, then stand back and look at this big empty space that has to be filled.  I do a lot of planning before I go, but it still seems so different when it's in such a large space!

And yes, it is that dark.  They don't turn on the air conditioning or many lights for set-up day, so it can be pretty miserable!

But, it didn't take us very long this time, and a few hours later, this is what it looked like.....

Yes, still a little messy, but we got it all together and when it was all done and ready for the show, here's what everyone saw.....

I thought this was really fun....

This is a jacket made using all the red fabrics from the Tangled Threads line.  The women from MorninGlory Designs have made it into a pattern and I think it looks great!  They let me borrow it for a day and I can't tell you how many people asked about it.  How cool is that?!

And here's another fun picture.  You might recognize some faces here, especially if you did the Cross Country Blog Hop in November.....

We had a chance to get together one morning before the show opened and snap a few quick pictures.  There were several that I only knew from reading their blogs or by name, but never had the chance to meet in person, so it was fun to finally meet them!  We were missing a few from the blog hop, but still had fun chatting and discussing ideas.  Will there be another blog hop???  Who knows?!  Stay tuned to find out!

All in all, it was a great show.  I got a chance to visit with my sister (who lives in Minneapolis), see some friends I only see twice a year, the book and new fabric line were met with great enthusiasm, and I'm ready to take little breather, clean up my house and yard, and spend a little time getting all my thoughts and ideas sorted out.  Then, it's off and running again, designing the next fabric line and projects for another book or patterns in October. 

Check back next week.  I have several other things I want to share, but right now, I see the bright shining sun outside my window and I hear it beckoning me..... I'm looking forward to enjoying it today!

And here's the rest

As promised, I'm going to share the remaining projects in my new book, but first of all I want to thank everyone for all the comments.  Wow!  It's pretty humbling, (and a bit frightening) knowing that there are so many of you out there who like what I do enough to support and encourage me.  It makes every minute spent working on the projects, fabric, and book so worth it.

So, the first project I want to show you is another one that I gave you a glimpse of a couple weeks ago.  Going along with the sewing theme (I couldn't seem to get that out of my mind) it's another one that I used the new fabrics in and probably the only one in this book that you won't be able to make until the fabric is out in the shops.  Well, you could substitute other fabrics, but what I did was cut up the large print to use in the setting squares for the star, and of course, the border print around the star.

I call this one Spare Buttons, and made it thinking that I would use it on the floor of my booth at Quilt Market.  But my friend that quilted it for me about had a fit when I told her I wanted to do that, so I guess I'll have to put it on a table instead.  I love the rick rack around the edge..... so fun!  

 
And when I get back, one of the things I plan on doing is a post on finishing a quilt with rick rack.  Oh geez, now that I said that I'm really going to have to follow through with it, won't I?! 

Here's one that may leave some scratching their heads.  I call it Sew on the Go.....

Doesn't it look like your dad's shaving kit?!  Well, it's not, but it does have a story to go with it....

Several months ago, I mentioned that I wanted to design something to carry my sewing projects in.  So, one day I was out browsing through one of those stores that I love wandering around in but rarely purchase anything from (because the prices are so high), when I came across a really cool toiletries bag.  One look at it told me that it would work great for carrying small sewing projects, threads, needles, etc, so I actually bought it, came home, and promptly started measuring, drawing, and cutting, and after several attempts, came up with this little pouch.   And I must say that it DOES work great for those smaller hand projects!  But, you might have to explain to people why there are spools of thread and needles in your toiletries bag.....

So, moving on. 

These two are my Early Bird and my Night Owl.  Since I don't sleep very much, I've never been able to decide which one I am, so I had to make them both!  They are the same quilt, but I love the way they show how much the overall look and feel can change with the use of a different color scheme and fabrics.  Oh, and more of those little embellished flowers.  These are made out of wool, a little lace, and buttons.

 

 
Here's a small project that goes together really quickly.  All of these fabrics are mine.  Yes, even the teal one.  That's in my new line and although it's a little out of my comfort zone, I love the "pop" that it gives this quilt.  The applique is a combination of cotton and wool.

And the final project is another one that you may have gotten glimpses of in previous postings.  It's the biggest quilt I did for this book (about twin size) and the fun thing about it is that ALMOST all of the fabrics are ones that I designed.  I say almost because I just had to throw a few others in just to balance things out.  Once again, I combined a few of my favorite blocks, the churn dash and the spool.  I call this one All Churned Up (again, have I said how hard it is to come up with names for everything?!)

 So, there you have it.  Those are the projects that are in Tangled Up in Thread.  I hope you like them!! 

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REMEMBER, if you leave a comment, you may be able to win a free copy of the book.  I'll choose two random winners and send them a copy when I get back from Quilt Market.

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But, before I go, there's one last thing I need to share. If you didn't know, I designed a quilt that appeared in Australian Homespun magazine (No. 80 Vol. 11.1) this winter.  And if your luck was anything like mine, you may have had a hard time finding the magazine here in the United States.  So, I made this into an individual pattern that I hope to have delivered the same time that I get my new book. 

I love sampler quilts with various blocks and this one is no exception.  It's got a little of this and a little of that, but a whole lot of character!

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Ok, so now I really have to go get my day started.  There's a rug to finish, booth drapes to make, a rental van to pick up, clothes to pack...... the list goes on.  So many things to still get done before we leave tomorrow morning!  Yikes!  I'm hoping that our hotel has internet access and I have enough energy at the end of the day to at least do a few posting from Quilt Market.  If I do, they will be short and sweet, just to give you a taste of what it is like. 

So check back and wish me luck!