Pets of Quilts Show - Categories of Prizes

There are currently 24 types of awards for the Pets on Quilts Show!  While I'll be sharing more specifics on these prizes under a separate post, I wanted to share insights on what these categories are now.  If you have any questions, please email me or leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

All prizes will be awarded using a random number generator, with the exception of Viewer's Choice Awards, for the following categories:

  

For those that kindly took time to help with PR for this quilt show, they will be eligible to win prizes that will be awarded as follows:  

1. Show PR Helper #1 – Bloggers that took time to write a “post” on their blog will be eligible to win this prize.
2. Show PR Helper #2 - Bloggers that took time to write a “post” on their blog will be eligible to win this prize.
3. Show PR Helper #3 - Bloggers that took time to write a “post” on their blog will be eligible to win this prize.
4. Show PR Helper #1 - Bloggers that took time to post the “badge” for this show on their blog will be eligible to win this prize.
5. Show PR helper #2 - Bloggers that took time to post the “badge” for this show on their blog will be eligible to win this prize.
6. Show PR helper #3 - Bloggers that took time to post the “badge” for this show on their blog will be eligible to win this prize.

If you have helped with PR, please leave a comment on this post before August 7th, showing if you have helped by writing a post (and provide the respective link to your post) and/or if you have posted a badge to this show on your blog.  And, thank you very much for your help!   The more people that know about the show will hopefully bring more people to participate, which will mean more fun and beautiful quilts to view!

If you enter a quilt (traditional, modern, mixed media) with a pet theme in the quilt, or a pet on the quilt, you will be eligible to win prizes via a Random selected prize, as well as via Viewer's Choice.  The categories of prizes are:

1. Cat on Quilt #1 – Those that enter a quilt with a cat on it, or a quilt that has a cat design (or cat fabric) will be eligible to win this prize.
2. Cat on Quilt #2 - Those that enter a quilt with a cat on it, or a quilt that has a cat design (or cat fabric) will be eligible to win this prize.
3. Cat on Quilt #3 - Those that enter a quilt with a cat on it, or a quilt that has a cat design (or cat fabric) will be eligible to win this prize.

4. 
   
   Dog on Quilt #1 - Those that enter a quilt with a dog on it, or a quilt that has a dog design (or dog fabric) will be eligible to win this prize.
5. Dog on Quilt #2 - Those that enter a quilt with a dog on it, or a quilt that has a dog design (or dog fabric) will be eligible to win this prize.
6. Dog on Quilt #3 - Those that enter a quilt with a dog on it, or a quilt that has a dog design (or dog fabric) will be eligible to win this prize.

1. Other Pet (e.g. Rabbit, mouse, hambster, horse, etc.) on Quilt #1 - Those that enter a quilt with a "Other type of pet"  on the quilt, or a quilt that has an other type of pet design or fabric will be eligible to win this prize.
2. Other Pet (e.g. Rabbit, mouse, hambster, horse, etc.) on Quilt #2 - Those that enter a quilt with a "Other type of pet" on the quilt, or a quilt that has an other type of pet design or fabric will be eligible to win this prize.
3. Other Pet (e.g. Rabbit, mouse, hambster, horse, etc.) on Quilt #3 - Those that enter a quilt with a "Other type of pet" on the quilt, or a quilt that has an other type of pet design or fabric will be eligible to win this prize.

For those that visit the quilt show, to view all the quilts entered and leaves a comment on the exhibitors posts, they will be eligible to win prizes.  A special post will be made on August 21st for individuals to post a comment on, to enter to win this category of prizes:

1. Show Viewer #1 
2. Show Viewer #2
3. Show Viewer #3

Voting for Viewers Choice will start the 2nd week of the show.  A special post will be made whereby people can vote for their favorite quilts on display.  Prizes will be awarded as follows:

1. Viewers Choice Cat on Quilt
2. Viewers Choice Dog on Quilt
3. Viewers Choice Misc Pet (e.g. Rabbit, mouse, hambster, horse, etc.) on Quilt
4. Show Voter #1: anyone that takes time to view quilts and vote for  their favorites, per the categories stated, is eligible for this category of prize.
5. Show Voter #2:anyone that takes time to view quilts and vote for their favorites, per the categories stated, is eligible for this category of prize.
6. Show Voter #3:anyone that takes time to view quilts and vote for their favorites, per the categories stated, is eligible for this category of prize.
   
   

Random prizes will also be given to those that come visit the show.  You can get entries by:

1) Leaving a comment on any of SewCalGal's posts about the show.  Just be sure that when you leave the comment you have read all the rules.  You may also want to look at the list of prizes and let me know what prizes you might be interested in winning, should you win.  For example, your comment might be:  Having fun at the show.  Mary (#6, #19, #31), so that I know Mary is particularly interested in winning prize #6, #19, or #31.

2) Being a follower of SewCalGal and leave a comment letting me know you are a follower and visiting the show.

3) IF you visit all the entries in the show leave a comment to let me know you have done so, and how many you visited.  You'll also need to leave a comment on each of the show entries' blog posts!  But, be aware that if you post this comment too early, and more entries are added, you can not repost.  Ultimately, you want to post this comment on the last day of the show, where you have a greater chance of visiting all the entries.  As such, you'll be eligible for a special prize!

But, when you enter you need to be sure I can easily contact you if you win.  For those that leave comments Anonymously and do not leave a way I can contact you, as well as those with no-reply settings on their comments, they will be disqualified from winning prizes.

Shortly after the show closes on the 21st, a post will be made to announce the winners.  The winners will have five days to claim their prizes, or another name will be drawn for that prize.

It may seem complicated to review all the rules, categories of prizes, list of prizes, show entries, etc.  But, just like visiting any big show there is a lot to see and do.  Always easy to overlook a great opportunity and later be sorry, thus I hope you'll take time to review these tips, if you want to increase your chances for winning prizes in this show.

I hope you are enjoying the Pets on Quilts Show.  I know I am. 

"Fiber Artistry" exhibit, curated by Jamie Fingal at the OC Fair

Talented mixed-media artist, Jamie Fingal has curated a special exhibit called "Fiber Artistry".  This exhibit will be on display at the Orange County (OC) Fair,  July 16 to Aug 15, 2010.

The exhibit shows a retrospect of Jamie's work, along with a selection of art quilts by 12 quilt artists:
Joanell Connolly, Cindy Cooksey, Grace Errea, Jamie Fingal, Stacy Hurt, Jean C. Impey, Julie Schlueter, Teresa Shippy, and Susan Slesinger, Vickie Valdez Green, and Terry Waldron. Art quilts and mixed media round robin books by the Cut-Loose Quilters of Orange: Peggy Calvert, Joanell Connolly, Cindy Cooksey, Anne Copeland, Jamie Fingal, Stacy Hurt, Julie Schlueter, Terry Waldron and Vickie Valdez Green. Artists open studios on Sat/Sun afternoons.

Inside of the OC Fairgrounds, this exhibit is located in the Arts & Crafts Gallery Building #16, along side ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, etc. Look for the 40 foot Fiber Artisty banner!

Orange County Fair - July 16th to August 15th;
Closed on Monday & Tuesday; Open Wednesday to Sunday.
Hours: Wed-Fri: Noon - Midnight, Sat/Sun: 10am - Midnight.
88 Fair Drive (at Fairview), Costa Mesa, CA.
Adults $10; Seniors $8; $7/parking

I hope if you are in the area you get a chance to go to the OC Fair and definitely take time to visit Jamie's exhibit!  I'm sure it will be delightful.

http://www.ocfair.com/2010/entertainment/exhibits.asp

http://www.jamiefingaldesigns.com/

Itty Bitty Babies

Natalia Bonner, of Piece of Quilt, is very talented.  I love this quilt she has designed and created and I'm very excited that she wrote such a great tutorial that has been shared on Moda Bake Shop.

This quilt is so adorable. I love the words in the design.    Thus, this goes with pleasure into my list of favorite tutorials.  I hope you like it too. 

And I hope you'll visit Natalia at her wonderful blog. 

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/06/itty-bitty-babies.html

Strip Tease the AccuQuilt way!

Do you strip?  Strip quilt that is.  While I love a variety of quilting styles, I must admit I love strip quilting.  Would you believe that I actually joined the strip quilting phase back when we used t-rulers?  Yeap, there was a time when quilters thought a  t-ruler was the best quilting tool ever.  You'd "mark" your fabric with the t-ruler and then cut strips (or pieces) using scissors.  Clearly, this was before the invention of the rotary cutter, mats, and various rulers. And way before anyone ever dreamed of an AccuQuilt.  OMG, I think I've just given away a hint about my age (I'm older than dirt).

While there are many great rulers that help quilters cut strips, and you can buy pre-cut strips of fabric, I have fallen in love with the ease of use, accuracy and speed that I get when I cut strips with an AccuQuilt.  It works great for cutting multiple layers of fabric at the same time, but I also love how I can lay scraps of fabric, of various sizes, and get usable strips.

I'm now a collector of scraps of just about any size.  I group these scraps in themes, or colors, and cut them using the AccuQuilt.  Today, I cut Christmas Fabrics from my stash using  the 2 1/2" strip die.  The 2 1/2" strip die is also the most popular AccuQuilt die too! I can certainly understand why, as there are so many great designs you can make using this die.
















I had won a lovely collection of Fat Quarters from Ebony Love (Love Bug Studios).  Didn't Ebony do a great job folding this fabric into a cute Christmas tree?  Thank you Ebony, as now I'm off to make another charity quilt (with a Christmas theme).

Ebony's fabrics bred with my stash, and I ended up with a wonderful collection of 2.5" strips of various sizes.  I'm now shopping for a focal green fabric to add to these strips, to make this new strip quilt pattern from Cozy Designs.  It is called Diamond Double Cardstock.  I think this pattern would work in a variety of color pallettes.  And, I'm going to make this lovely design with my Christmas fabrics (and a focal green where the bright blue is).

Did you know that AccuQuilt has released three new strip dies (1", 2 1/4" and 4 1/2") this summer.  They have a great collection of strip dies that will cut 1", 1 1/2", 2", 2 1/4", 2 1/2", 3", and 4 1/2" strips.  

There are so many amazing designs that you can make using these strip dies and they certainly help to make beautiful quilts fast.  Plus, you can make your own strip bundles and give as gifts.  Yeap, a homemade jelly roll makes a yummy gift.

If you have a favorite strip size (e.g. 2 1/2", 4 1/2", etc.)  and/or a favorite strip quilt pattern or book, I'd love to hear your insights.

Geometric Gems

Geometric Gems: Quilts from Diamonds, Circles and Squares, by Cathy Wierzbicki, and published by Martingale & Company, home of That Patchwork Place.

This new book has seven dazzling designs, using easy cutting and strip-piecing techniques. Did I say dazzling? These quilt designs are jewels of quilt designs. I truly love every quilt design in this book, and believe that this book will help you make some spectacular show winning quilts!

I was amazed how these intriguing projects look complex, but Cathy makes them very easy.  Every project is well written with great visuals. Insights are also provided to help make spectacular quilts by selecting focus prints and colors to make a high impact quilt.

The secret to making some of these projects is the use of templates and rulers that allow for accurate piecing. And the use of strip sewing, for some of the designs, also enables many of these quilts to look far more difficult to make than they actually are. Cathy does an excellent job providing visuals for using the templates and/or rulers, for each pattern, which makes it easy to follow her instructions.

I also liked how some of the designs had the option to add words and sayings. Examples were shared, with insights on how to free motion embroider these words and sayings to your quilts. But you could also add these words and sayings via a variety of techniques (or not add).

Geometric Gems is an amazing book to add to your library. And it will definitely help you make your next quilt sparkle!

http://www.martingale-pub.com/

Copyright notice: Photos in this article may not be reproduced in any form, unless you obtain written permission from Martingale & Company.

Portable Design Walls

I have a variety of portable design walls, where I enjoy each in the right situation.

Cheryl Ann's Design Wall is a lightweight portable wall that is easy to setup and take down.  I have the large size (72"x72").  I find it very handy to use at sew-cials, retreats, and sometimes for classes.  But it takes up floor space, so I do not leave it up at home, nor set it up at home all that frequently.  To clarify, if I had a larger sewing area I would most likely leave it up all the time, and use it with every quilt project that I work on.  Unfortunately, I have a small sewing space (which is desperate for a good cleaning right now).

I also have a 20"x30" foam core board, covered in felt.  Obviously, it is too small to layout the blocks for an entire quilt, but I do love to use it to layout pices for blocks.  Due to the small size, I use it quite a bit in my "little" sewing room.  And, I have frequently taken it with me to sew-cials, classes, retreats, etc.. 

I know many quilters that make their own full size portable quilt wall, using automative ceiling fabric, batting, flannel, or table cloths that are backed with flannel.  I also have a medium size portable quilt wall that I made using a table cloth with a cardboard tube from a large format printer's empty roll of paper (you can find for free at office supply stores that do large format printers, like Staples, Office Depot, or Kinkos).

As you can see, it holds fabric very easily.  You can also roll up this wall, whereby it takes up minimal storage.  And, what I like, is that you can roll up your blocks to store them for when you are ready to sew your blocks together.  For me, this is very handy. 

My flannel backed table cloth quilt wall was probably the least expensive option, and the easiest to store.

In each option, you pretty much need to know what your space is as home for how you'll use it (e.g. do you have much floor space vs wall space.  And determine if you need to hang something on a wall with a nail, or other hook).  Likewise, when you want to take your portable with you,  you may want to ask in advance what the room setup will be to help determine if a portable wall option will work.  In the smallest classrooms I've been in, if my table goes up against a wall, my felt covered poster board works best as I can lean it up against the wall.

Do you have a portable quilt wall?  If so, what do you recommend for use at home vs elsewhere?  And, if you don't have a design wall, I'd love to hear if any of these might help you, or if you have further questions.  Design walls are very helpful, but I like to find design walls that work for the area you have and need. For me, I prefer design walls that are easily portable and consume minimal space.

Quilt Show Etiquette

I saw this cute quilt at The Hemet Quilt Show.  I thought it was cute and reminded me how often I've seen a new quilter, at a quilt show, touch a quilt with ungloved hands.  It is an innocent action, as we do so appreciate not only the visual beauty, but the tactile feel of a quilt.  Unfortunately, many new attendees to a quilt show do not realize that quilts on display are placed on loan, with the understanding they will not be handled by ungloved hands.  We carry oils in our hands and they can build up on a quilt, with a lot of unprotected touching.

I do not recall ever seeing anything that provides insight on proper etiquite at a quilt show.  So, I decided to search the internet to see what I could find.  Here are a few insights on what I found:

FOR JUDGES:

• Do be on time

FOR SHOW ATTENDEES:

• Do make use of childcare facilities (if available) and/or follow shows guidelines for children at the respective show.  Many shows will not allow you to bring children, or strollers.  So do not just show up with children, if you do not know that the show you are attending will accept them.
• Avoid wearing perfumes, as many participants have allergies!
• Ask permission to take photographs in any vendor booth.   Photos taken of the quilts are allowed for personal use only. Photos posted to a website need permission from its maker/owner.
• Verify if the show you are attending will allow you to take pictures of quilts on exhibit.  Some shows will, while others will not.  Do not assume you can take pictures. 
• Remember to  not touch quilts, unless you are wearing white gloves! 
• No food or beverages are typically allowed near quilts on exhibit or vendor booths.  Many quilt shows will not allow you to bring food or beverages into the show.
• No smoking!

FOR VENDORS:

• Do keep your booth open for the hours posted.  {do not pack up early}

You need not become the Quilt Police, but it is ok to gently inform another if you notice them violating proper etiquette.


As I've been working to compile this list, I'd love to hear your feedback.  Anything else that you'd recommend be added to this "Quilt Show Etiquette" list?

My Insights on things to not miss at the IQF Long Beach Show

The IQF Long Beach Show officially opens this coming Thursday, July 23rd {preview night on the 22nd}.  For those lucky enough to be able to go to this show, I wanted to share a few insights that I'd hate to have you overlook:

Cozy Quilt Designs will be in booth 1027, 29 and they will be introducing a new book at this show.  Fat Quarters Anonymous has seven patterns for beautiful quilts made with fat quarters.  And, I bet you'll be able to get Daniela Stout to autograph a copy for you too, especially if you tell her SewCalGal told you she would.

Quilt In A Day has a special show coupon that you may want to print and take with you.  They'll be located in booth 926, 28, 30, 32.  I do hope you'll tell Eleanor hello for me.




Java House Quilts will be in booth 1419.  Karen Brow is an amazing designer of whimsical quilts.  I am also honored that she agreed to be a sponsor for  my upcoming Pets on Quilt Show.  I do hope you'll pop by and visit Karen at this show. 


Flamingo Island Designs has come all the way from Florida for this show!  They'll be in booh 1437.  Be sure to ask for Floozie and receive a FREE gift. And, please tell Floozie hello from me!

Sulky of America, Inc. will be in booth 1536, 38.  I'm sure they'll have their beautiful threads, books and patterns and various new items at this show.  I am so very happy that Sulky has agreed to be a sponsor of my upcoming Pets on Quilt Show.  I do hope you'll visit their booth.


SAQA SoCal will have a special exhibit you will not want to miss.  You'll also have the opportunity to meet many fantastic designers that will be at this booth.  Click here if you want to see a specific list of SAQA members that will be volunteering at their booth, and what hours they'll each be there. They also have a lecture series that you do not want to miss.

Oh, the IQF Long Beach Show is such a delightful show.  I do so hope you get a chance to go and enjoy!

Zippered Bag Tutorial

While I have made zippered bags before, I came across a delightful tutorial to make zippered bags on "May Your Bobbin Always Be Full".  This tutorial definitely goes into my list of favorite tutorials.  It is well written and also shows excellent insights on quilting these zippered bags. 

Wouldn't these make lovely gifts?

http://luannkessi.blogspot.com/2009/12/quilted-zipper-bagtutorial.html

Cathedral Windows Tutorial

Sometimes Crafter has written an excellent tutorial for the Cathedral Window quilt pattern.  She also has a wonderful blog and I hope you'll pop over to her site to check out her blog and this great tutorial.


I've always loved the Cathedral Window quilt pattern.  While there are many different ways of making it, I'm inspired by the technique shown by Sometimes Crafter. She has an excellent tutorial that definitely goes into my list of favorite tutorials.

http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/2009/10/tutorial-cathedral-window.html

My Birthday Giveaway

Ok.  I must confess, this isn't my birthday.  But it is a birthday present that I received, and while I love it, I realize I'm not going to be able to quilt it for a very long time.  Simply too many UFOs and other projects in the que.  Thus, I want to give this to someone that will appreciate it and be able to make a beautiful quilt, long before I could.  So, this is what I'm giving away:

Includes a lovely collection of coordinated fabrics.

Large panel includes many cute quotes that could be used for mini blocks in your quilt (or keep as full size panel).

AND, this panel has been signed by Mary Engelbreit!  Yes, this giveaway is a collection of beautiful Mary Engelbreit fabrics.

Technically, all you need to do is leave a comment to enter this giveaway.  Any comment will do. 

IF, you really, really, really want to win, here are some optional ways you can get extra points, but be sure to leave a comment for each:

1) If you are a follower of  this blog.

2) If you are a follower of SewCalGal on Facebook.

3) Post an article on your blog about this giveaway.  Just be sure to include a link to your post (not just your blog) when you leave a comment.

4) IF you have previously posted an article on your blog about my upcoming Pets On Quilt Show, you are eligible to get an extra entry.  Just leave a link to your post, when you leave a comment.  And thank you.  You'll also receive an extra entry in any giveaway in August!  Sorry...for those getting this extra entry, it needs to be a "post" (not just a badge on display) and it needs to be a post dated prior to today.

5) IF you are a member of the Charming Girls Club, leave a link to a post you've written with insights on this club.  I'm new to this club, and while I've been reading many blogs from members, I suspect I have not read every post.

6)  IF you are a member of Bloggers with AccuQuilts, and have a badge displayed on your blog, leave a link to your blog when you leave a comment for this entry.  And, thank you!

OK, if you feel like you really want to earn an extra point, here is my last option.

7) Tell me about the little girl that you'd like to win this fabric and make it into a quilt for....or if you want to make it for the little girl in you, that is fine too!

Note:  Anyone that has a no reply setting, Anonymous posts that do not leave email, anyone that I can not contact if they win, will be disqualified.  Sorry.    If you are uncertain, read http://tinyurl.com/352uudf and at the bottom half of this page you'll find insights that I hope will help.

Deadline:  All entries need to be made by July 31st to count.  Winner will be announced shortly afterwards.  I'm traveling, so it may be a few days later ......


I hope you have a wonderful July!



THERE APPEARS TO BE KNOWN PROBLEMS with comments appearing.  I do receive an email for every comment and will use this as backup.  So, please do not worry if your comment does not appear.  But I am hoping Blogger will resolve this known problem ASAP.  Sorry for the inconvenience.  {as of 4:20pm PST, 7/16}

Feathered Wreath Tutorial

Thanks to Quilters Newsletter for sharing tips to make a feathered wreath. This is a great way to build one's skills for free hand machine quilting beautiful feathered wreaths. It definitely goes into my list of favorite tutorials.  http://www.quiltersnewsletter.com/content_downloads/Feature10-Quick_Feathered_Wreath.pdf

Charming Girls Club

I've been enjoying following the Charming Girls Club and have decided to "make a commitment" (OMG) and join this club. I am always inspired by what these girls create, as well as their ability to make goals and achieve them.  I'm hoping that some of their talent and organizational skills will rub off on me, as a club member.

While you may not think these are lofty, here are my goals:

1)  Clean my sewing room in August.  I mean really clean it.  Block time the beginning of each month to work on this, but try to hard to keep it orderly. 

2)  Finish a minimum of two charity projects a month.

3)  Cut fabric for my first Schnibble project, that I'll commit to finishing by September.  And determine which Schnibble to make for this fall.

4)  Update my goals, after I've cleaned & organized my sewing room.

5)  Have fun, enjoy, create, inspire, and encourage others to do the same, as well as expand upon our talents!

6) Enjoy making new friends in the Charming Girls Club.

You are invited - AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Unveiling

You may remember this past spring that AccuQuilt held a fun Barn Quilt Contest and winners would get their quilt block designs painted on the AccuQuilt offices.  Well, it is time for the unveiling of these beautiful barn quilts and AccuQuilt is planning a big event, sure to be fun for everyone that attends.

On July 20th, AccuQuilt is unveiling the giant 17 foot by 17 foot barn quilt design contest winner and the 2nd place winner as a 6’x6’ barn quilt, too.  Everyone is invited to come.   Tours are encouraged, either the day of the event or any other day. To schedule a tour, call 888.258.7913.

Visitors get to meet the AccuQuilt Client Support and Marketing teams. Meet the friendly people you talk to on the phone and the people behind our Facebook page. They will also get to meet AccuQuilt CEO Steve Nabity and see the rolling pin that inspired him to create the AccuCut line of die cutters.

AccuQuilt is located in Fremont, Nebraska, just 25 minutes west of Omaha and about 45 minutes north of Lincoln.  Also, if you are going to this event, you should plan time to visit The International Quilt Study Center & Museum is located in Lincoln. They have over 3,500 quilts, with some dating all the way back to the early 1700s, and are the largest museum of their kind in the world.

After the event, AccuQuilt will be posting pictures and videos (~7/20 & 7/21) from the unveiling on Facebook.  And, every Friday they have a special giveaway for their Facebook fans.  So, if you are not yet a fan of AccuQuilt on Facebook, you may want to.....it is a happening place with a lot of fun and sharing!

AccuQuilt

1035 E. Dodge Street

Fremont, NE 68025   (25 minutes west of Omaha, Neb.)

http://www.accuquilt.com/

 

Barn Quilt Unveiling Ceremony, Tuesday, July 20, 2010. 11:00 a.m. CST

Spun Sugar Quilts - AccuQuilt GO! Giveaway

Vickie of Spun Sugar Quilts has a delightful blog.  She has also joined a group that I'm organizing, of bloggers that have AccuQuilt products.  You'll be able to quickly spot these bloggers as they have a badge (see below) on their blog that will take you to a post that has a list of various bloggers and articles about using AccuQuilt products.  We are also going to be working together to come up with some other fun insights and activities, so we hope you'll follow us.










Ok.  The really fun stuff.  Vickie is hosting an amazing giveaway for an AccuQuilt GO!.  I hope you'll pop on over to her site for more info on this giveaway.  And, while you are there, check out her delightful blog.

Ooops. I forgot to mention, that I'm posting insights on giveaways and contests on my "page" labeled same.  You can click on the tab near the top of this page to learn of other giveaways.  But Vickie's giveaway is so exciting, I wanted to share more info with you in this post.

Designer Challenge Part 1 & 2

How good are you at recognizing designer patterns, styles, fabrics, works by famous people, etc? If you have been a follower of my blog, in 2010, you should know I've been trying to build my skills in being able to recognize designers by their work (and ultimately the work of their students).  

In part one of  this post, I share photos of quilts made by the designer that I'm showcasing in this challenge.  The challenge is to see if you can look at the collection of photos I'm sharing and correctly guess who the designer is.

The first person to correctly guess the designer of this quilt will be recognized in part two of this post, as well as be recognized on http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/designer-challenge.html

This post will be updated (aka Part 2), once someone has correctly guessed who the designer is.  If, within a 24 hour window no one has correctly guessed, I will update part 1 of this post, to provide more clues.

note: If there is a discrepancy on designers, that may have similar styles, SewCalGal will be the ultimate judge to determine the winner. And, in most cases, the photo of the quilt shown in this post will also be posted on the designers site.

For this particular challenge, I think it may be difficult.  I only learned of this designer via  the nominations for the Golden Quilter Awards.  To clarify, this designer was a nominee for the Golden Quilter Awards in 2010.  Ok.  Here are a few more clues......this talented designer is also going to be teaching at IQF Long Beach next week, and they also use Electric Quilt products to create their amazing designs.  I hope these clues are helpful!  Good luck.

PART II  - coming as soon as someone correctly guesses the designer, based on insights in Part I.

Who Guessed it: Pamela Davis (Creative Dawn), who is probably the fastest to guess correctly the designer to any of my Designer Challenges.  Kudos to Creative Dawn, as she certainly knows her designers!

Who is this designer: Deb Karasik

Deb is clearly an amazing designer.  I understand she also  uses Electric Quilt products (now EQ7) to design her beautiful quilts, using perfect paper piecing techniques.

Check out her site for more information for workshop opportunities. I think she'd be awesome for teaching to a guild,  a quilt store, but I think you'll soon only be able to take her workshops thru large quilt shows. She is very talented and definitely destined to inspire and teach quilters who want to make spectacular quilts. 

Deb has also written 'Quilts With Attitude',  published by AQS, and is currently working on her next book.  I can't wait to check out Quilts With Attitude, and I am already looking forward to Deb's next book.  She is so very talented and inspirational!

www.debkarasik.com/

Blending Photos with Fabric 2

Blending Photos with Fabric 2, by Mary Ellen Kranz and published by the Electric Quilt Company is written for those that can see a potential quilt in every beautiful picture you take.  But I also believe this book is written for the everyday quilter, to inspire and challenge them to step out of their comfort zone and create a photo quilt they'll also want to treasure.

Mary Ellen uses this book to share many photography and printing tricks that she is known for teaches in some of her workshops.  This book is devided into two major sections.  The Photo to Fabric section includes insight on how to get your photo to fabric.  The second section provides a variety of project quilts and insights for making a photo quilt.  The entire book is well written, with great visuals, insights, and inspirational tips.

I love the gallery section "When an Image Inspires a Quilt".  OMG these quilts are beautiful. 

There are also great tips to take excellent photos, as well as insights on how to get your images to your computer.  Even insights on what type of printer you may need to buy, if you do not have an inkjet printer.  And insights on preparing your fabric.  But I really love how she has incorporated Q&A from her classes, where she addresses questions that students frequently ask her in her workshops. 

Her insights for preparing your image (digital editing) are easy to follow, for those familiar with digital editing software (e..g Corel Paint, Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, etc.).  But if you are not familiar with any digital editing, this book will still be very helpful to you, but I'd also recommend that if you want to digitally edit your photos you also look to your photo editing software for tutorials on their specific photo editing software.

The projects in this book are wonderful.  Don't you just love Zinnia?  And the Sunflower project is spectacular.  But then, all eleven of the projects in this book are amazing.  I love them all. And they each come with step-by-step instructions.

There are also variations and quilt embellishment ideas to inspire you to combine your own wonderful digital photos with fabric in your quilts and other fiber art. 

Did I mention that there are 21 tips on being a better photographer, plus editing photos and printing on fabric?  Clearly, I can not put this book down.  I'm in a repeat cycle cover to cover, cover to cover.

I've always admired quilts that have incorporated photos, and have noticed and increasing popularity at quilt shows, as many using these techniques have been winning awards at amazing quilt shows.  I love how easy this book makes taking a photo, printing on fabric, and blending fabric, to make a beautiful quilt.

You can learn  how to turn any photo into a Kaleidoscope.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On a related not, have you heard about the first ever EQ cruise?  You could learn EQ7 (or EQ6) and enjoy a 10 Day / 9 Night Caribbean Cruise, January 28 - February 6, 2011.  Participants will visit the Carribean, in the heart of winter, and come home knowing all about EQ7 (and EQ6).  Add to that the small sewn projects featuring your own cruise photos you'll have made on board.  Mary Ellen Krantz and Barb Vlack will be on board EQ instructors.  How cool is that?
 
The author to this book, Mary Ellen Krantz,  is also teaching classes at IQF Houston this coming November, but check her schedule to always get a current snapshot of classes.  
 
In conclusion, SewCalGal highly recommends "Blending Photos with Fabric 2".  Excellent book.  Inspirational book! 
http://www.electricquilt.com/
 
 
Copyright Notice: All photos displayed in this article are copyright protected. Permission was given by Electric Quilt Company to be used in this article. Please do not use or print these photos without seeking permission by the publisher.

Off The Grid

 













This cute sliced nine patch design, called "Off The Grid" is a Moda Bakeshop pattern, by John (Quilt Dad). 

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/02/off-grid-sliced-nine-patch-quilt.html

This cute pattern definitely goes into my list of favorite tutorials.  Love it!

Guess the Designer Challenge Part 1 and Part 2

How good are you at recognizing designer patterns, styles, fabrics? And, if you are not very good, are you interested in building your skills in this area? I know I am.

To clarify, this is currently part one of a two part post. The title of this post and actual post will be updated when the first person to guess the designer of these quilts.  You can submit an email to SewCalGal or add your comment at the bottom of this post. Just be sure that I have a way to contact you via email (no reply bloggers w/o an email address in their comment will not be considered).

First person to guess correctly will be recognized on my DESIGNER CHALLENGE page.

I will also update this post to reflect who was the first to accurately guess the designer, and share a bit more insight on the designer, as well. If no one can accurately guess the designer in 24 hours, I will update this post to reflect same, along with sharing insights on the designer. So, I hope you'll check back.

note: If there is a discrepancy on designers, that may have similar styles, SewCalGal will be the ultimate judge to determine the winner. And, in most cases, the photo of the quilt shown in this post will also be posted on the designers site.

PART II 

Who guessed it:  Vicki Cal (Felines and Fibre Arts).  And Vicki lives in Ontario Canda and she was the first to correctly guess this Designer, who is from California.  Vicki certainly knows her designers!  Congratulations Vicki!

Who is this designer:  Norah McMeeking (Bella Bella Quilts) who is an amazing quilter, designer, teacher, and author!   I've been lucky to take two different workshops with her and learned alot in both.  I wouldn't hesitate to sign up to take another class with Norah.  She really is an excellent teacher who inspires and helps ensure quilters of all levels, sharing a common class, all learn and come away from the class inspired to make more amazing quilts.  She also has the ability to take complex designs and make them easy to make. 

Norah has written "Bella Bella quilts", which was published by CT Publishing.  This is an excellent book for making her signature designs of beautiful Italian Mosaic quilts.

She also travels whereby she gives delightful lectures and/or holds fun workshops, which I highly recommend for any quilt guild, store, or show looking for an amazingly talented designer who does an excellent job inspiring thru her lectures, as well as teaching in her workshops!  And while she is well known for her Bella Bella (italian mosaic designs) she has a broad selection of designs to teach and inspire, and an excellent trunk show to share!

http://www.bellabellaquilts.com/