Whimsicals Threads

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.....

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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!

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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!

It is finished!

Whew.

I finally got the new book and pattern sent off the to the printer and approved for printing.  What a big relief.  That would explain my recent silence.  At least the silence of the last few weeks.  The time before that, I really have no excuse except to say that sometimes I get so immersed in the process of designing and laying out a book that I think I could be considered a hermit. 

So, I've come out of hiding and am ready to show you some of the things I've been working on. 

First off, here's a sampling of the new fabric line, called Tangled Threads.  It will be shown at Quilt Market this week with the expected ship date to the shops sometime in August or September.

If I had more time, I would show one project a day, but because I still have to get my booth planned for Quilt Market and we leave in 2 days (yikes!), I think I'll have to double (or triple) them up. 

Oh, and make sure you read all the way to the bottom.  There's something important you might want to know.....

So, are you ready??

This is the cover of the book........

Drum roll please.........

I had a lot of fun with this little girl.  I've named her Ella, just because she looks like one to me.  I cut her out of a larger quilt that is in the book.  I called this one Tangled Threads, simply because most of the fabric I used was from my new fabric line called Tangled Threads  (have I ever said how hard it is to come up with names for all these things?!)

Because the fabric and book were both kind of a sewing theme, I had to include a few projects that went along with it.  So, this is my Sewing Basket and my Thread Basket.

 

I originally shared this hat in a February posting, but had so many people ask about the pattern, I decided to include it in this book. (And on a side note, just so you know, this is not the picture in the book.  For the book, I cut the hats out so that I didn't have to put my face in there.....)

I love these hats.  Actually, I think I've made a total of 6 or 7 different ones to take with me.  One is made out of felted wool and the rest are made out of batiks.  But I think what makes them so fun is the big fabric flower that's on the band.  Did you see that I put a flower on one of the sewing baskets too?  Yep, the instructions are in the book for those too.

And the final one for today is one that I called Among the Stars.  You've seen the block several times in my previous postings because I love the block.  And I love the quilt just as much. 

 

The LeMoyne star has always been one of my favorites, and this is just an expanded version of it.  I believe that the block is called Blazing Star.  I made the diamond points for the large stars and the border by strip piecing...... no templates....... so don't let it scare you away.  It's not as hard as it looks.  And think about it.  You only have to make 4 of the large star block, not 20!

And that's all I will show you today.  Check back tomorrow and I'll unveil the rest of the projects.

Oh yea, the important thing I wanted you to know.....

It's a Giveaway!

Because I'm so happy to finally have the book finished, I've decided that I need to give a few of them away.  From those that leave comments for me today and tomorrow (when I'll show the rest of the projects) I'll pick a couple winners who will get a free book.  How about that?  I won't be able to send it out until we get back from Quilt Market, but you'll get a free one nonetheless!

If you're going to be a Quilt Market, be sure to come by my booth.  I'd love to meet you.  Oh, and if I'm not there and you see a handsome man amidst all those lovely quilts, that would be my husband.  He'll know where to find me.  He always does.

Enough of the silence...

I feel the need to apologize.  I've been silent for way too long.

It always gets like this right before Quilt Market.....

I get my new fabric line, then hide away in my little room, ignore the world around me, and work like a dog to get all the projects made and a book done in time to take with me to the show the middle of May (or October, if it's the fall).  And as is always the case, I'm going to be pushing it to get it all done. 

I showed you a few little snippets of my new fabric line last month and wanted to share a little about what inspired it.  While working on a little stitchery project one day, I had this quote pop into my head...

Oh! what a tangled web we weave
When first we practise to deceive!

from Marmion, Canto VI. Stanza 17. by Walter Scott

Maybe it was the mood I was in that day, but I had a good chuckle when I randomly changed a few of the words to go along with what I was doing....

And that little saying is what the new fabric line, appropriately called Tangled Threads, is based on!  So, with fabric in hand, I've been working on projects for a new book.

The new book will be called Tangled Up In Thread, and I'm hoping to have it ready to take with me when we leave for Quilt Market on May 19th, but that all depends on how many nights I can go with very little sleep..... 

But I do want to share a few teasers for the projects that will be included.  So I'll show a few today, then sporadically over the next several days (or weeks) as I get pictures taken, I'll share more.  So, are you ready?!

First of all, do you remember those cool blocks I made in February?  Yes, I actually made them into a quilt. 

 

If it looks difficult, let me tell you a little secret.... 

I strip pieced the centers of the Blazing Star block (I had several people tell me that's what it is called ---- thanks!) as well as the border, so once you get the hang of the inset seams, it's a breeze!  And come on now.  Don't we all need a little challenge every now and then?  Now, I just need to come up with a name for this one.  Any suggestions?

Here's another one.

 

I'm sure you can tell that I used my new fabric with the border stripe on this one.  And didn't I tell you that I was excited to have a little "pop" of red in this line?  I love the way this one turned out.  And the way I finished it off is really fun!  Oops.  Guess you'll just have to wait for the book to see what I did....

And that's all I will share right now.  Don't want to put anyone on overload, and I have to keep you waiting for more.  You know, to build up the suspense and all.  I don't want to give it all away.  And besides, like I said, I'm not done yet, so who knows what will actually make the final cut into the book.  Things could still change.

So, I'm off to work now.  Gotta keep plugging along! 

The Week in Pictures

Sometimes, pictures are just better than words.  This past week was just a whirlwind.  

So, I thought, instead of agonizing over what to write, I would try showing it to you in pictures....

MONDAY & TUESDAY

Got word that my new fabric was on its' way.  Spent some more time sorting, rearranging, cleaning, trying to make some room. 

A few piles of quilts I'm trying to decide what to do with.  There they sit, in my dining room, on the floor.  Guess I need to find somewhere to put them.  But, for now they're just going to be put in another pile until I get back to them.

WEDNESDAY

Still no fabric shipment.  So, I took the chance to make the hat from my previous post out of cotton.  Batik, to be exact.  I love it and have several more cut out and ready to sew together.

THURSDAY

My in-laws arrived, with my brother-in-law and his family expected in town later.  Hence, all the frantic cleaning of the house.  And why were all these people coming to Indiana?  What was the occasion?  It definitely was not to celebrate the arrival of my new fabric, that's for sure.  Nope, they were all here to celebrate the marriage of our niece on Saturday.  Can you believe  they came to see a wedding, not my fabric?! (just kidding!)

BUT..... guess what else arrived on Thursday?!  You guessed it.  My fabric.  And wouldn't you know it would be right before all the hub-bub of the wedding weekend started and all I had time to do was cut 1 yard pieces of each one, throw them on my table, and look at them longingly each time I walked by my room.

FRIDAY

Rehearsal dinner, shopping for new shoes (what?!  you don't really think that I would plan ahead do you?), visiting with family.  Oh, and our oldest son, Scott, came home from college for his spring break.  And look at how dressed up he got for us....

  

Well, he really didn't dress like this for us.  This was actually right before the wedding on Saturday, which also happened to be his 20th birthday. 

He was so happy to spend his birthday all gussied up in a suit at a cousins' wedding and reception.......

Well, maybe it wasn't his first choice of how he wanted to spend the day, but it gave us a chance to get some pictures of both kids all dressed up!

And to take the token family photo.   Look at these handsome men that I am so blessed with!

And just because I want to share, here is a picture of the entire Degenkolb clan taken at the wedding on Saturday (we're way in the back, in case you were wondering).  It was a beautiful wedding, and so much fun to have everyone together!

Well, so much for not having a lot to say!  

And it's probably pretty obvious that I'm running behind because it's taken me 4 days to get this written, even with trying to keep the words to a minimum! 

But, now that things are getting back to normal (or as normal as it gets), I've finally had a chance to cut into my fabric and start on a few projects.  Can't show you anything yet, but I'll be sure to tempt you with a few sneak peeks in the days to come......

I am alive!

AUGH!

It's been forever since I posted something here!  But I haven't just been sitting around doing nothing, that's for sure.  I've been busy working on projects for a new book, updating and re-doing my website, and trying to keep up with my life.

Tom and I did get to take a mini-vacation over valentines day and spent the weekend at a state park.  We got to go on a toboggan run, do a little cross country skiing, and sit by a nice warm fire. 

 

Even though we both took our computers, it was nice to have some time away from the house and the thoughts of all that needs to be done.

Actually, I've been thinking a lot lately about how I wish I could have a "Mini Me". 

Now, just for the record, I'm not a huge fan of Austin Powers, but living with a houseful of men, I've had to endure watching them.  Although, now that I think of it, I'm not sure why I watched them, because every time I come home with a "W" movie (a.k.a "chick flick"), I end up watching it by myself..... Ah well, there I go again.  losing my focus.  Story of my life. 

So, what was I talking about?!  Oh, yea.  Mini Me.  I wish I had one.  Not because the world needs another "me" (the Lord knows that one is enough!) but because I wish there was a little more of me to go around, just to get everything done. Or maybe just to finish any of the many things that I have started.  

For instance, you may have noticed that my website looks a little different.  Well, really, a lot different, because it's a whole new site.  If you haven't seen it yet, check it out and let me know what you think!  I've been slowly working on this for about a year now.... doing the graphics; trying to learn html code to set it all up myself; giving up on that and finally letting someone who really knows what they're doing help me with it.... And it will probably take me several more months to get everything on there, but at least it's up and running now, which means that I can move onto something else.....

Like projects for my new book. 

But, I'm waiting for my newest fabric line to arrive.  I'll show you a little peek of what it looks like.....

It's called Tangled Threads, and I'm so excited because I've been wanting to do a book called Tangled Up in Threads for some time now, and I finally have fabrics to go with it!  Once I get the fabrics, I'll scan them all and put them in a little printable layout so that you can see them all.  These will be shown at International Quilt Market in May, so I hope that clarifies the confusion that I created when I did my post in January about the winter line I was working on.  That one won't be shown until the fall, so you'll have to wait until the following Christmas to use them. 

So, in the meantime as I'm waiting for my fabric, I'm working on the projects that use other fabrics, like wool and linen.  Right now, I'm trying to figure out some sort of sewing roll or project bag.  (Do you get it?!  Tangled up in threads?!  :: snicker:: )   For some reason, I can't just put my projects in a baggie and stuff it in my purse.  No.... I want something that has personality (there's that simplexity thing again).  Over the years I've made many different pouches/bags to hold all the stuff for my hand sewing, needles, projects, etc.  So, I'm curious....

What do you use to transport projects-in-process?

Do you have a bag that you keep stocked and ready to go?  And if you do, what do you keep in it?

I'm hoping that your feedback helps me decide what to focus on, so bring it on!

Oh, and for those of you interested in the recipe for the Upside-Down Apple Pie I raved about in my previous post, I got it from a Taste of Home Special Issue of Comfort Foods.  I also found it on their website here.

Gotta go! Have to get working on that book!

Simplexity

I was getting my hair cut the other day and while I was waiting for the color to set in, I noticed a box with this awesome word on it.....

SIMPLEXITY.

Now, I don't know what was in the box or where it came from, but that word really struck a chord with me.

It so describes me. 

Because try as I might to keep things simple, I just can't do it.  I mean, I love designs that are just... well, simple.  But when I try to design like this, I simply can't leave well enough alone to keep it simple.  Add an extra triangle here.  Put a little applique there.  And, oh, I should add some stitching to make it fun..... Before I know it, I've made my simple design into something very complex. 

I'm struggling with this right now as I design a new fabric line.  So many of my ideas started out as something very plain and simple.  But could I do it?!  NO!  I look at them and think...

Hmmmm.... if I add a little shading along the edge, it would be so much better. 

And you know, that solid color background isn't too exciting.  Maybe I'll paint a little texture in there.  

Oh, that's better.  Now, those nice straight lines are just too, well, straight.  Need to rough them up a bit.  Make them jagged, crooked, spotty. 

So, I admit that I do all of my fabric designs on the computer.  But, I try hard to make them look like they are all done by hand, which just adds to my quirkiness, I'm sure.  I used to paint many of them with paint and a paintbrush instead of a graphic tablet and a pen, and even though it takes me much longer to "finish" something on the computer, it also makes it easy to go back and make changes or additions without starting all over again.  Which I do a lot of.

And all the while, I'm berating myself, thinking I should just leave it alone, because no one else is ever going to notice these things.  Especially when it is printed on a piece of fabric. But I just can't help myself. 

Is it the perfectionist in me?  Is it the *gasp* artist?  (I've never considered myself an artist by the way.  Creative, yea, but not an artist.)  Or is it just the joy that I get in making it just a little bit better?  Oh, what I could do with all the time in the world.  I could tweek and change things to my little hearts' content.  Problem is, I don't think I'd ever consider anything done, because in my eyes, there's always something more I can do to make it just that much better.

 Unfortunately, I have deadlines.  Ones that I push to the max, mind you, and ones that keep me awake at night while I'm chastising myself for getting carried away once again in the details to the point where I have to work from sun up until sun down just to get it all done.  It's a vicious cycle.

SIMPLEXITY. 

Yep, my new favorite word. 

Describes me to a tee. 

 

Glancing Back

Christmas is over, Terri has gotten fat

Please do put a needle in her, um, er, ......

Well, it started out ok, but  I've never been one to come up with songs and rhymes on the fly.  I usually leave that up to my husband and youngest son, and since they aren't here to help me...... well, that's all you get! 

With it being New Year's eve and all, I thought I would tax my brain and try to remember what I actually did this year.  But when I look back, it all seems to be a blur, so maybe I'd better not.  Maybe I'll just gloss over a few highlights....  

So, let's see.  January is usually spent in front of the computer, designing fabric and trying to stay warm.  A year ago, I was working on Heart and Soul, which should be available in quilt shops this February.  Yea, we work that much in advance.  Hard to believe, isn't it?  But that also explains why I sometimes get confused when someone asks me about my new fabric line.  Are they talking about the one that is in the stores?  Or the one that I just got strike offs for?  Or maybe the one that I'm working on designing right now? 

Being a bear of very little brain, I have a hard time keeping them all straight....

Ah, Pooh bear.  He's one of my favorites.  I can relate to him.

I designed another line of fabric in June, called Tangled Threads.  In fact, last week I received the first set of strike-offs and am in the painful process of deciding which of the 37 fabrics will make the cut to get it down to the 24 or so that will be what you see in the stores.  I think this is one of the hardest things to do, especially when I like them all!  Want to see them?  Ok, just a quick little peek.....

 

I came out with two new books this past year - Pumpkins and Spice was in May, followed by If Quilts Could Talk in October. 

In March, our youngest son Tyler got his drivers license.  YIKES!  Then in October, had his first fender bender when he ran into my parents car (in the driveway, mind you!)

Our oldest son Scott came home from his first year at Indiana University in May, then returned for the start of his second year in August.

I made a special quilt for my sister's wedding in August, and helped to make another one in November for a friend having hip replacement surgery.  This was a joint project with my local quilt group.  Look for this pattern in the spring!

 

There was that crazy month of November where we did the Cross Country Christmas Blog Hop.  Whew!  How could I ever forget that?  Because it really put me behind for December, especially when it was followed so closely with the production of Miracle on 34th Street that I was a part of in December.  So, because of those things, I only made two Christmas presents this year.  But before I show them to you I first have to explain something. 

This past summer, both of my boys got on this kick watching episodes from a canceled TV show called Firefly (I think it was originally aired in 2000).  I don't think it even made it an entire season, but it seems to have had quite the following since they have since put it out on dvd.  And yes, Tom & I have also watched all the episodes.  Believe me, I had my doubts, but it's a very enjoyable show.  ANYWAY, all of that to explain one of the things that I made this December.......

 

This is Scott in his Jayne Cobb hat. 

And here is Tyler. 

In one of the episodes this rough, manly guy on the show (whose name is Jayne Cobb) gets a goofy handmade hat from his mom and wears it through much of the episode.  After watching that with my kids, both of them made the comment about how fun it would be to have a Jayne Cobb hat, so I found this pattern online, searched all over the place for yarn that was "just right", and knit these up for Christmas!

Hmmm.... what else have I done.  I know there's lots more, too much to share in one post, and I need some sleep.  But, glancing back over the past year always does me good, reminding me of how blessed we really are.  In fact, we have far more than we need. We have a wonderful house to live in, everyone in our family is healthy, my husband is still employed, and Whimsicals is still alive..... there have been ups and downs, but God teaches us something through them all.  May He bless you and the coming year too! 

Happy New Year and Goodnight!

December in a Nutshell....

Oh my gosh, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted something here!

If you were to see how many times I've started one, then gotten distracted or fell asleep from exhaustion, maybe you'll forgive me?!

I mean, let's see, what have I done instead?

Well, the first week of December I spent participating in a production of Miracle on 34th Street....  

 

This is a picture of the cast, director, and stage crew.  It was TONS of fun and exhausting all at the same time, with 2 full dress rehearsals and running the show 5 nights.    

I also spent a little time on the computer making gifts for the directors and cast.  Can I just say....... I love messing around in Photoshop!!  I took the postcard that was sent out by the church and added photos of each of the cast members.

 

After resting up for a few days, I finally got some Christmas decorations set out.  Here are a few pictures of my favorite little corner, complete with my special edition Boyd's Bears that were made with fabric from my Snow Wonderland line.  I had to search all over the web last year to track these down, but I was so excited to have them use some of my fabric that I had to have one of each!

 

 

 

I have managed to make a few Christmas gifts (no, I can't show pictures right now...... I don't want to give them away!) several of which I had to chase all over trying to find the perfect, um, "supplies" for.  

I also helped organize and make a gift quilt for a friend who recently had hip replacement.  I did take a picture of the quilt before we gave it to her yesterday, but still need to get it off my camera, so hopefully I can share that with you another day.

Then, there's the computer issues..... the freezing screen, the dreaded spinning ball (you mac users will understand this) and trying to organize my millions of files in order to transfer them to a new computer that I ended up buying just a few days ago (a new 27" iMac!)

And, of course, there's that work thing, so yes, I have been working on Whimsicals things also.  Mostly new fabric designs, which are supposed to be in by Christmas.  I'm thinking that I'm going to be a little late with these too.... I think that is the story of my life!  But for those of you who are curious about the theme, here's a sneak peek!

 

  

Thank goodness I didn't have a lot of shopping to do this year.  Both of the boys got their Christmas presents a bit early (that's what happens when they find the perfect guitars three weeks before Christmas), but here it is three days before Christmas and I still need to get out to buy just a few small things.  And hopefully, today I will be able to finish the Christmas cards so that I can send them out for friends and family to at least get them before the New Year!

Whew!  What a month!  Busy, busy, busy!  

I'm really going to try getting a post done for Christmas, but if it doesn't happen, have yourself a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!