> ~ Insights by SewCalGal ~

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Heartfelt Opportunities



This beautiful quilt was hand made by my friend Bobbie Z. and it was given to Sue M., who was going thru chemo treatments for breast cancer at the time.  Sue is now doing well, a breast cancer survivor who is also passionate about Susan G. Komen For The Cure.  Bobbie is a very talented quilter who is also a master applique quilter.

Recently Bobbie gave me these beautiful hand applique quilt blocks, that are of the same design as the quilt shown above.   The agreement was that I use these blocks to help make a quilt for a fundraiser.  It touched my heart so much that Bobbie would be so generous to give me these beautiful blocks to help with a fundraiser of my choice. I do love helping worthy causes. 


My heart tells me these blocks should be used to make a quilt to help raise money for Susan G. Komen For The Cure.




I also have an idea for a good way that this quilt can help raise funds for Komen in 2010 and plans are in place to test the waters shortly. 





I am open for suggestions for how to layout these blocks.  I'm inclined to use the same layout that Bobbie used previously, but if you have any ideas, please post your comments or email me.  I have 12 blocks for this quilt.
 



Later this week I'll share insight on another Opportunity Quilt where proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure. 




Monday, September 28, 2009

Valley Of The Mist Quilt Guild




Valley Of The Mist Quilt Guild is a delightful quilt guild in Southern California, based in Temecula.  Awhile back they created a wonderful cookbook as a fundraiser.  And I view I am one of the lucky ones, to own this fantastic cookbook!


This coming weekend, on Saturday, October 3rd Valley Of The Mist Quilt Guild is holding an free outdoor quilt show in Old Town Temecula.  Show hours are 10am-4pm.  There will be a live auction at 1pm.  You may even find some of their cookbooks that you can buy at this show!



This is a fun quilt show.  I hope you can get a chance to go see it.  Old Town Temecula is a fun place to explore, especially when so many beautiful quilts are on display!

Here are some photos from a previous show! 










Sunday, September 27, 2009

Google Reader

Google Reader is a great tool for those that like to follow various blogs.  While bookmarking websites in your favorites is helpful, Google Reader is a step above, in that it helps to show you which blogs have been updated since the last time you have visited them.  Thus, you know which ones you want to visit vs going thru every site, you may have previously bookmarked in your favorites.

To use, simply go to www.google.com/reader
If you do not have a Google Account you may need to register.  But once you are registered with Google, you'll have many benefits, including using Google Reader for free!

Google Reader refers to the blogsites you enjoy reading as your "subscription".  To add blogsites to your Google Reader account, simply click on the "Add Subscriptions" button on the top left of the page.
 
 
 
After clicking on the "Add a Subscription" button a box will appear underneath.  You simply need to type in the site of the blog that you like to follow (or copy/paste the site address).   And then click on the "Add" button.  This one time step will add your favorite blogsites to your Google Reader account.
If you don't have any, here are a few sites you may wish to add:


I could provide a lot more, but thought I'd stop at ten.  But in the future, I'll share more insights on other blogs that I follow, if you are interested {just let me know}.

Once you begin using Google Reader, over time, you'll see the list of blogs that you follow (under subscriptions) will be greyed out if you have read the most current post and black if there is a post you have not yet read.  To read that post, you simply need to click on the black (under subscriptions) for the post you wish to read.


















You can read the blog via google reader, or you can double click on article title and a new window will open up where you can enlarge to a full window, to view the blogsite you wish to read. 



Google Reader will also allow you to organize your subscriptions via Folders, but I'll share insights about that at another time {if you let me know you are interested}.  And, you can use Google Reader via your  your I-phone....but I don't have an I-phone.

For those of you not yet using Google Reader, I hope you'll give it a try.  If you have any questions or recommendations, please let me know.  And, if you are interested in learning more about Google Reader folders, let me know if you want me to post insights on setting up folders in the future.

Oh, and when you do visit blogs remember that at the end of each post is a comments button.  Feel free to post your comments whenever you visit a blog.  Bloggers love to hear from their readers!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Cloth Paper Scissors - 2010 Calendar


"Life is like a box of...." was the theme for the 2010 Cloth Paper Scissors calendar  Readers were asked to show what, in any given month, life is like a box of for them.  As this is a mixed media magazine, entrees could use any media, and interpre the theme as a literal, three-dimensional box or as a two-dimensional representation.  From my perspective, I am in love with the results and want to share insights with you about this delightful calendar. 

I first came across this beautiful calendar at the International Quilt Festival Long Beach this past July.  I suspect those lucky people that get to go to the International Quilt Festival Houston in October, you'll also be able to find this calendar at a Cloth Paper Scissors Booth, near Make It University. 




I'm certainly going to enjoy this calendar in 2010.  And, if you are looking for gift ideas, this delightful calendar would certainly make a wonderful gift!

You can also purchase this beautiful calendar from the Interweave Store. 
http://www.interweavestore.com/Quilting/Merchandise/Cloth-Paper-Scissors-2010-Calendar.html



Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Recommendation for a Delightful Read


















I enjoy reading books of various styles & authors.  I like Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, History,  and sometimes biographies.  I also enjoy books that contain a collection of short stories, especially when they provide insights on people that share similar interests that I do. 

When I first looked at the book "Centennial Stitches, Oklahoma History in Quilts", by Judy Howard, I thought I'd connect with this book on the fact that I like reading about historical events and I do have some ancestors that are from Oklahoma.  But soon started reading this book, I realized I had more of a connection to the stories in this book, and I also feel you will find many connections too.  To clarify, you need not live in Oklahoma, have ancestors from Oklahoma, or love history, to enjoy this book.  This book has such a variety of delightful stories, I'm confident you'll enjoy reading this book.

There are many heartwarming stories in this book.  Here are a few insights to some of these delightful stories:




The Hugs Project, as shared by Karen Stark, provides insights about a project that works to provide a "hug" around the neck of every American serving in harm's way.  Volunteers help to make "neck coolers" for our troops in the Middle East and "helmet coolers".  These handmade items have the ability to cool our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines by five or more degrees, effectively saving them from heat strokes.  This delightful story shares insight about this project, with insights on the sewing volunteers, as well as the recipients, including those photographed holding the sign "Will work for hugs".  What a wonderful charity project! 




Threads of te Past is a delightful story by M. Carolyn Steele.  It provides insights that many feel (I don't want my grandchildren to forget me".  And it captures heartwarming insights on how one quilter has captured loving insights, from multiple generations, while creating a quilt for a new grandbaby.

This delightful book is packed full of wonderful stories that are heartwarming.  This full color book, is hard bound.  It makes a special coffee table gift book, and I'm sure you will enjoy reading it and viewing the beautiful photos.

While this book can be found via Amazon, and various stores, you can also purchase it directly from the publisher:

Dorcas Publishing
12101 N. MacArthur, Suite 137
Oklahoma City, OK  73162-1800
405-751-3885

Dorcas Publishing also provides an excellent opportunity to purchase these books to help your nonprofit Quilt Guild, Church or group use as a fundraiser with 50% of the cost being donated back to your non-profit group.




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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Insights on the San Diego Quilt Show



The 2009 San Diego Quilt Show (SDQS) is now over, but is that time when attendees are enjoying their memories and many are enjoying items that they purchased from the exceptional vendors at the show.  If you attended this year's show, my insights may not be new to you, but I wanted to share my insights.  And, I want to encourage everyone to enter a quilt in the 2010 SDQS and come enjoy this great show.





















{above} Shirley Greenhoe was the guest artist at the San Diego Quilt Show 2009.  She is a very talented lady who has been quilting since the early 1970's.  In 1986 she bought a used short arm quilting machine and became the first machine quilter for hire in the San Diego area.    She now lives in Missoula, Montana where she continues with her love of quilting, as well as long arm quilting. Shirley also teaches machine quilting.

There was also a special exhibit "Passion For Purple", showing a collection of Antique to Contemporary Quilts from the private collection of Kimberley E. Graf.



One Special Exhibit showed quiltes from the American Quilt Study Group 2008 Challenge  Inspired by Red and Gree.  The 2008 challenge theme was Mid-19th Century Red and Green Quilts. 



































In Memoriam, was a special exhibit to honor special people whom we've lost:  Florence Semonchuk (1925-2009), Andrea Fernandez (1943-2009), Dona Rasmussen (1934-2009), Joanne Main (1931-2009), Jeannine Nye (1930-2009), Rose Neff, Norma Burris, and Harriet McLaughlin.
















































There were several other special exhibits, and over 400 quilts were on display.


{above} Made by Cynthia Feagle


{above}  Made by Patti Brown


{above} Made by Karen Zappone & quilted by Michaelee Sloan


{above} Made by Pam Carnot



{above} Made by Emmy Yeager


{above}  Lois Mulcahey


{above} Karen Cunagin


{above} Quilt by Jan Hayman

During my discussion with Kimberley E. Graf, the Show Coordinator for this delightful show, she pointed out how so many volunteers work throughout the year on planning and organizing this event, as well as how many volunteers help orchestrate the actual show from receipt of quilts from quilters,  setup & takedown, as well as returning quilts to quilters.  There are ~50-70 volunteers that without their help, as well as the quilters who generously share their quilts for sharing, the SDQS would not happen. 

Kimberley also wanted to share how much she appreciates and thanks all these volunteers, but sends a special thanks to the small group that volunteer on the San Diego Quilt Show, Inc. Board and various committees:  Sue Atlas, Jemila Bennett, Karen Brixner, Earthleen Briggs, Debby Burns, Faye Duggan, Audrey Estes, Sylvia Fronts, Andrea Fernandez, Barbara Jones, Cynthia Feagle, Patti Gompf, Janet Harris, Nancy Higgins, Eunice Jons, Mary Lyons, Dorothy McRann, Sandi Miller, Brenda Moore, Shirle Nester, Lola O'Leary, Judi Sample, Ann Scott, Tyler Scott, Terry Seaburg, Robin Seeton, Annemarie Sprinkle, Despo Stevens, Mary Tabar, Arlene Watters,  and Meg Wyeth.



Monday, September 21, 2009

Searching for my Muse - Insights on what I've found


I'm certainly hoping for feedback, so please feel free to post comments on this post.  If you've been following my blog, you know I don't typically write personal articles, as I much prefer writing evaluation articles on books, patterns, designers, classes, and related events.  But, as I have felt that I've lost my Muse, I've been researching to try to find a new muse.

I've been searching for a muse at quilt shows, classrooms, stores, magazines, blogs,  and various other events and opportunities to learn.  At each, I've met people and seen items that have inspired me.  And, in many cases I've learned new techniques.  But I've struggled with the idea that I've lost my personal muse and I couldn't seem to find the inspiration and enthusiasm that I previously had.
But, while searching for a muse, I have found some interesting insights that I want to share.

First, I want to share that Ikea has a delightful bag that I think offers many opportunities for creative souls.  I can visualize applique artwork, seasonal themes, machine embroidery designs, etc.  The possibilities are endless.  And, this great tote bag is a great shopping bag and quilting, sewing, embroidery project tote bag.  I'd really like to challenge you to see what you can create with this bag.

 For now, I'll share insights on my first use of this bag.   It is only $.59 at Ikea.  It is one of the best shopping bags that I've ever found, as it is made of very durable materials, and is a nice size and made of lightweight material (100 % polypropylene). You can buy in your local Ikea store of via their online store. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/17228340

I fell in love with this delightful tote and wondered how it would work for machine embroidery. I used this bag for a "test" of a machine embroidery design by Vermillion Stitchery.

The Vermillion Stitchery designs are absolutely wonderful.  High quality and excellent detailed. Most people really do think the results were hand made cross stitched, and everyone is amazed to learn that these are machine embroidery designs.

As my first test of the Vermillion Stitchery designs on this bag, I truly anticipated that I'd be tossing this bag.  But it really came out looking great. 

Now I plan to stitch this design on a fleece jacket, which I'm sure the quality and ease of use will continue to be the same.

Back to my search for my muse, I've come to realize that it isn't a matter of having a single muse. I've blessed with the fact that I have connected with so many talented people and opportunities, that my inspiration comes from many sources.  I now believe I have many muses, not just one.  I find that I have have inspiration from my local quilt guilds, quilt shows, stores, online stores, blogging friends, and my talented friends that I enjoy spending time with and our sew-cials.  Yes, I'm very blessed.  I have many muses in my life to influence me and to inspire me. 

While I don't feel I am all that talented, I now view that I am so blessed for all of those dear friends that inspire me, I want t now seek to find opportunities for how each of us can reach out and encourage others.   Thus, I ask....whom do you take time to inspire and encourage?  Whom do you take time to play a supportive role as their muse?   

If you believe that this is a give & take world, at a minimum you should be able to "introduce" others to opportunities to learn and grow. 

Become a Muse and inspire!










Friday, September 18, 2009

Cat Week: Can you find your muse by volunteering & helping others?














It seems that where ever we look, no matter what our challenges are in life, we can always find someone who is in need and has more challenges in life and could use a helping hand.    I love to help others, to volunteer for various charity fundraisers, and I enjoy meeting others and getting to know them, as I volunteer.

I love to help with the Kennel Comforter's project, which has the idea that if every pet in a shelter had a good night sleep it would be able to present itself better and have a better chance of getting adopted.  I truly hope that this project will be cloned and every community will soon have volunteers making pet beds for those in need in animal shelters.   http://www.kennelcomforters.blogspot.com/

I love to help with projects that help children.  I'm currently helping to sell raffle tickets for an opportunity quilt to raise funds for Camp Reach For The Sky. This camp is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and children with cancer are able to attend this camp, where they can still receive treatment while having fun.  And ever child that attends this camp is given a handmade quilt, of which I also help with a group of quilters and delightful longarmers that are sponsored by Rosies Calico Cupboard, to make these quilts.  But as this camp was almost cancelled last minute in 2009, due to the economy and lack of donations, Rosie came up with the idea of having an opportunity quilt raffle to raise funds for the Camp Reach For The Sky 2010.  And, of course, I volunteered to help sell tickets.   Don't you just love the the machine embroider work and the design on this lovely quilt?



Again, there are so many ways that one can help others and through quilting, sewing and/or our love of embroidery, we can help to make a difference in the lives of others.  At the same time, it opens the door to meet so many others and share insights, while frequently enabling friendships to sprout and last a lifetime.  Actually, when I think about it, so many of my special friends I've met through volunteer activities.

I'd love to hear your insights about your volunteer activities, helping others, and if you have found your muse through volunteering & helping others. 

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Cat Week: Can you find your muse in a quilt store?





















While looking for my muse, I'm definitely drawn to cats.  I went to Quilter's Paradise, in Escondido, to see if I could find my muse.  

Quilter's Paradise has some delight "Garden Patch" Kits with really cute designs created by Helen Knoff.  They have a Avocatao Kit,Walla Walla Kitty Kit, Stalker Kat, Pumpkat Kit, Podcats kit, Kitney Bean Kits, Caulipus Kits, and Boscat Kits.  All the kits are also accurate cut via a laser cutter.



Each kit is  $15.99, includes pattern & fabric.   Finished size (including border) is 18" x 18".




Quilter's Paradise uses this amazing laser to make these kits.  This laser is made by Epilog Laser, and has the ability to cut many other items besides fabric.  While Quilter's Paradise uses this laser to cut kits for the Garden Patch designs, and some McKenna Ryan designs, they also use this laser to cut acryllic for bottoms of purses & totes, and to engrave on wood.  And they can cut on heavy stock paper, which works perfect for those doing applique, as well as those wanting stenciles to audition fabrics.  While they sell these products in their store, they are also providing wholesale laser cutting services.



The detail for what this laser can cut is absolutely amazing.  Kits come with pattern, fabric that is cut and iron on stablizers ready to apply precut fabrics.  How cool is that?




Quilter's Paradise also has come up with this "CutRiteTM Square-Up" Template Set  which helps streamline the fussy cutting process.  While I've not used these templates, I was very impressed with the overview of these templates that I received at Quilter's Paradise.  When ever I get a chance to actually use these interesting templates I'll definitely share more insight with you. 



And there was some really fun cat fabics at Quilter's Paradise, among many other delightful fabrics.




And look at this cute panel fabric.  Too cute!







I hope you'll get a chance to visit Quilter's Paradise soon, either by popping into their physical store, or checking out their online store.

Quilter's Paradise
1451 Montiel Road, Suite 140
Escondido, California 92026
(760) 738-9677
(760) 738-9877 (fax)
http://www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/index.php

Shop Online with Quilters Paradise:  http://www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/Shop%20Online.php