Fun Friday Giveaway: Eleanor Burns and Quilt in a Day

The Quilters Hall of Fame was founded in 1979, during the Continental Quilting Congress (convention) held in Arlington, Virginia.  Since, 1979 the following quilters have been inducted:

1979
Lenice Ingram Bacon 

William R. Dunton 

Ruth Ebright Finley

Jonathan Holstein

Marguerite Ickis 

Gail van der Hoof

1980

Averil Colby

Grace Snyder

Bertha Stenge

Florence Peto

Anne Orr

1982

Jean Ray Laury

Bonnie Leman

1983

Cuesta Benberry

1984

Mary Alice Pemble Barton
Jinny Beyer

1985

Carrie Hall

Rose G. Krestinger

1986
n/a

1987

Patsy Orlofsky

1988

Yvonne Porcella

1989
n/a

1990

Jeffrey Gutcheon

Carter Houck

Donna Wilder 

1991

Marie D. Webster

1992

Amy Emms, MBE

1993

Michael James

1994

Sally Garoutte

1995

Karey Bresenhan

1996

Joyce Gross

1997

Nancy Crow

1998

n/a

1999

Shiela Betterton

2000
n/a

2001

Barbara Brackman

2002

Ruby Short McKim

2003

Georgia Bonesteel

2004
n/a

2005

 Bets Ramsey 

2006

Virginia Avery

2007

Mary Vida Schafer

2008

Helen Kelley

2009

Merikay Waldvogel

2010

Jean Wells

2011

Ardis & Robert James

And, during July 19-21st 2012 The Quilters Hall of Fame is going to induct Eleanor Burns. They'll workshops, ceremonies, exhibits and fun.  I hope you can make it.  Visit the Quilters Hall of Fame website for more information on this fun event.



There is even a "Salute to Eleanor Burns Contest" where you could win a prize.

Eleanor Burns has taught so many quilters and given from her heart, to help make our world of quilting so wonderful.  El is also a past 2011 and 2010 Golden Quilter Award Winner!  As such, SewCalGal is delighted that Eleanor is going to be inducted into the Quilters Hall of Fame this year. 

Did you know you can nominate someone for consideration to the Quilters Hall of Fame?
The form is available at the following link: Honoree Nomination Form

Did I mention a Giveaway ?

Followers of SewCalGal could win this Eleanor Burns Signature pattern that actually contains insights on making three different quilt patterns.  This pattern is called "Twice As Nice...Plus More" and is designed by Anne Dease.  The lucky winner will a copy of this pattern, personally signed by the designer.

Want to win this cute pattern?
To enter, followers can simply leave a comment on this post. A winner will randomly be selected and announced next Friday. 

As always, SewCalGal is willing to ship this prize to anywhere in the world.

I'm also happy to announce the winnersof the Fun Friday Giveaway last week, for 30 day membership to The Quilt Show: The five lucky winners are:

Mary Mack's Blog
Tones Hobby Krok
SAO
SewFunQuilts
Une Aiguille dans une botte de foin

I will send out an email to notify these winners and get their mailing address. If I do not hear back from them within 3 days, that they want to claim their prize, I will draw another name.


I hope you have a wonderful weekend and find time to enjoy and create.

2012 Golden Quilter Awards Ceremony

Welcome to the 2012 Golden Quilter Award Ceremony!  Every quilter is invited to attend.  And, when you do, SewCalGal hopes that you will also celebrate and congratulate the winners of the 2012 Golden Quilter Awards.

A bit of background information, for those that may not be aware.  The Golden Quilter Awards started a few years back, when SewCalGal started thinking about the Oscars and all the other awards that are given out to those in the entertainment business, but there wasn't anything for those in the quilting business, that make our world of quilting so wonderful. 

Annually, PR Angels are asked to help spread the word about these Awards, to increase awareness and get more quilters to participate by submitting nominations and ultimately by voting.  For several weeks nominations are accepted and any quilter, any place in the world, can submit nominations for approximately ten categories.  When nominations are closed, all nominees are recognized and voting is then opened, where anyone can vote for their favorite nominee.  Tonight is the night we now get to hear who the ultimate winners are and celebrate. 

Like the Oscars, while it is an honor to be nominated to the Golden Quilter Awards, it is even more special to be a winner of any of these annual awards.  The nominees and winners get bragging rights.  For PR Angels, those that nominate and/or vote they get entered to win prizes donated by sponsors, that are always given out after the Award Ceremony.


Like the Oscars, attendees of the 2012 Golden Quilter Awards get dressed up.  Of course, quilters are also welcome to come in any attire that they want (you can even wear your PJs).

Chery (Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting) is expected to arrive wearing this beautiful quilted jacket that she made. 


Looks like we are ready to get started...........

Time for the envelopes, please.

For Best Designer, the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

Congratulations to Bonnie K. Hunter!

Bonnie K. Hunter

Quiltville: http://www.quiltville.com/

blog: http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

Facebook url:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/quiltville

For Best Author, the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

Congratulations to Bonnie K. Hunter!

Bonnie K. Hunter

Quiltville: http://www.quiltville.com/

blog: http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/#!/quiltville

For Best Teacher/Instructor, the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

Congratulations to Bonnie K. Hunter!

Bonnie K. Hunter

Quiltville: http://www.quiltville.com/

blog: http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/#!/quiltville

For Best Quilt Store (physical), the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

Congratulations to Mary Jo's Cloth Store!

Mary Jo's Cloth Store

shop: http://www.maryjos.com

blog: http://www.maryjoscloth-design.blogspot.com

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Jos-Cloth-Store/120224561693

For Best Quilt Store (online), the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

Congratulations to Jenny Doan and the Missouri Star Quilt Company team!

Missouri Star Quilt Company

website: http://www.missouriquiltco.com/

blog: http://blog.missouriquiltco.com/

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/#!/MissouriQuiltCo

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/missouriquiltco

For Best Longarm Quilter, the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

Congratulations to Karen McTavish!

Karen McTavish

website: http://www.designerquilts.com

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/people/Karen-McTavish/1538281748#!/pages/Karen-McTavish/249146975122345

For Best Product (Physical), the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

Congratulations to the Olfa Corporation and Olfa Rotary Cutter team!

Olfa Corporation

website: http://www.olfa.com

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/OLFA/102711346433359

For Best Product (Software), the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

Congratulations to the Electric Quilt Company and the entire EQ7  team!

The Electric Quilt Company

website: http://www.electricquilt.com

blog: http://www.doyoueq.com/blog/

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Electric-Quilt/91356597968?ref=ts

For Best Quilt Book Publisher, the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

 While there are many amazing Quilt Book Publishers that were recognized by quilters, from around the world, when nominated for the 2012 Golden Quilter Awards, it is clear that two such publishers are loved equally.  There was a tie for this category, so we want to recognize both of these amazing publishers for their contributions in making our world of quilting so wonderful.

Congratulations to the C&T Publishing and to Martingal & Company, home of that Patchwork Place.

C&T Publishing

C&T: http://www.ctpub.com

Stash Books: http://www.stashbooks.com
blog: http://www.ctpubBlog.com
Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/#!/ilovequilts

Martingal & Company, home of That Patchwork Place

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

Store: http://www.shopmartingale.com

blog: http://blog.shopmartingale.com/

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Martingale-CompanyThat-Patchwork-Place/152642589656

For Lifetime Achievement Award (most influential person), the Golden Quilter Award goes to:

Congratulations to the Bonnie K. Hunter, who is clearly loved by quilters from all over the world for all of her contributions to make our world of quilting so wonderful! 

Bonnie K. Hunter

Quiltville: http://www.quiltville.com/

blog: http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

Facebook url: https://www.facebook.com/#!/quiltville

As quilters, we want to say congratulations to all of the 2012 Golden Quilter Award Winners.   Over 4,000 quilters, from all over the world took time to vote and they wanted to honor you as being the best of the best world wide, to say thank you for all you have done to make our world of quilting so wonderful! 

To all of the PR Angels, Nominating Committee, those that took time to vote, as well as those that come to this 2012 Golden Quilter Awards Ceremony, I hope you will help to congratulate this winners when you see them, by leaving a comment on their blog and/or Facebook page, or send them a note thru Twitter. 

While my posts and images are copyright protected, if anyone wants to use photos and/or information in this post,  to blog about, include in a newsletter, etc., you have my permission and encouragement to do so.  I view PR for these winners is one of the best gifts we can give them.  If you need higher resolution images, just email me to let me know.

Thank you
 to the Sponsors of the
2012 Golden Quilters Awards:

 

 

Time to Party!

And, maybe, while you are celebrating you'll go visit one or all of the 2012 Golden Quilter Award winners on their Facebook page, blog, or twitter and leave them a sweet note of congratulations and how much you appreciate all they have done, to make our world of quilting so wonderful.

Tomorrow, after I've had a chance to sleep in, take a good nap, etc. I'll let everyone know who won the prizes during our party tonight.  For those that may not understand what is going on, these prizes are randomly given out to those that have helped, over the past few months, with PR for this event, nominations and for voting.  Collectively, there are well over 5,000 quilters that have helped world-wide. 



Lastly, don't forget, the page  on this blog labeled "Golden Quilter Awards" is updated throughout the year.  You can always check it for a summary of current information and appropriate links.  It will be updated within a few days, to summarize the 2012 Golden Quilter Awards and will be updated as it gets closer for the 2013 Golden Quilter Awards, next spring!

My Favorite Tutorials: Valentines Greeting Cards by Happy Cottage Quilter

Periodically, I come across a tutorial that is so inspirational, it needs to be recognized, even when I have already planned to share insights on another topic.  To clarify, I think you'll enjoy this more than what I had previously planned on sharing.....


 I've enjoyed creating greeting cards and using fabrics, but Jocelyn (Happy Cottage Quilter) has created one of the best tutorials for this type of project, and perfect for the upcoming Valentine's Day opportunities to share special cards. 

But then, this tutorial would work for any season.  I hope you'll check it out.  I know I'd love to receive one a beautiful Valentine's Day Card like one of these.

And while you are checking out Jocelyn's tutorial, at Happy Cottage Quilter, I hope you will also check out her delightful blog.  I certainly enjoy following her and hope you will too!  She is a wonderful lady and a very talented quilter.

http://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com/

Gifts from the heart

I'm a Southern California Gal.  I've lived in other places and traveled to many beautiful cities, but my heart is here.  I love the ocean and while I know my love of quilting could mean that I could be happy living any place, this will always be home for me. 

When I decided to start writing this blog, I saw various quilting businesses closing their doors and designers and teachers having a difficult time, as our WW economy went downhill.  I wanted to try to help and I also wanted to expand my insights on quilting, sewing and embroidery beyond my local quilting world.  Thus, I created "SewCalGal" where I could research, learn and share my insights.  But it is easy to go to work researching, when you work at home, and forget to get dressed up in proper attire.  I always wanted to have a cute blog, but truly lacked the talent to dress up "SewCalGal".

Yesterday morning, while enjoying a cup of coffee and reading blogs, Madame Samm contacted me.  I was delighted thinking this was my chance to have coffee with her.  She is a wonderful woman, with many talents, who truly gives from the heart and always inspires me.  To my surprise and delight, Samm told me she wanted to "do me".  She knew me, when I didn't know me, but now I know me and love me.  I love "SewCalGal".  This blog makeover is definitely me.  And I feel inspired to be dressed up and ready to research and share insights. 

I'm really so excited that it is difficult to find the worlds to share how delighted I am, and how appreciative I am.  Thank you  Samm.  Thank you very much, with all my heart.

You can find Madame Samm at Sew I Quilt and Stash Manicure.  As she has a post today that I think is another great example of what an inspirational woman she is, I do hope you'll check out this post and also consider following her, if you are not yet a follower of Madame Samm. 

Ok. I have to ask.  Don't you think I look spectacular dressed up in my new "SewCalGal" outfit?

The "Make a Boob" Project

I've always been passionate about fighting breast cancer.  I'm lucky in that no one in my family has a history of breast cancer, but I've also lost several close friends to this cancer, and I've had more friends than I can count that have had to fight it. I'm always looking for new ideas to help and was very happy to learn about "The Make a Boob Project".  This is a project that I want to support, help increase awareness of, and I'm already dreaming of how wonderful it would be for this project to spread worldwide. 

Nina-Lise (Mrs. Moen) is an award winning quilter, designer, and teacher from Norway.  She is also a fellow blogger, whom I follow with great delight.  She always inspires me with her beautiful quilts, quiltart, knitting and more.  When she shared insights on her Make A Boob Project, I knew this was something that would make a difference.

This project started out with Nina-Lise's simple wish to offer breast cancer patients a little art therapy and to create awareness and involvement.  The project has two mail goals:



1) offering people with breast cancer to participate in workshops where we decorate boobs. These workshops are set up in co-operation with the local chapter of the Cancer Association. Participants can decide to keep their work or to donate them to Make a Boob Art.

2) to create awareness and involvement through:
- making circles for workshops
- participating in workshops and decorating boobs
- exhibition of Make a Boob Art

Nina-Lise will be collecting circles that will be decorated at workshops during 2011, made into Make a Boob Art and exhibited.  You can read more about the project at the a special blog for this project, called the "Make a Boob Blog":

Nina-Lise would love to include boobs from all over the world.  She needs  hundreds of boobs, so if you would like to participate you can make plain ones, treasured ones, adorned ones, or fancy ones.  Boobs of all styles are needed and plain ones are needed to help enable workshop participants decorate boobs for this project too.

Information is available on how to make boobs for this project.  They are easy and fun to make.  You'll need a regular CD as a template to draw circles on top or bottom of the fabric, fabric for the top (any color), and a light fabric for the back.  A fine line fabric marker or pencil is also needed, along with low loft, non bearding batting and black thread.  

Steps are simple in that you layer the top fabric, batting, and backing fabric and pin like you would any quilt.  But please do not use basting spray, as it might gum up the needles while decorating.  And please sign them on the back.

For those that can make boobs, information is available on where to send them on the Make A Boob Project website, or you can email Nina-Lise at mrsmoen (at) yahoo (dot) no for more information. 

I hope you see why I think this is a great project and that it is an easy project to contribute.  But I do realize that there are many wonderful charity projects out there in need of help. And I admire all those that help others, in any way they can. Still, I dream Nina-Lise's Make A Boob Project being a huge success, helping so many impacted with breast cancer as well as increasing awareness of breast cancer with others.  I also dream of how wonderful it would be to see finished quilted boobs become a traveling quilt exhibit, where they can be on exhibit at a number of quilt shows throughout the world.  And, of course, I dream of how much fun it would be for the Make A Boob Project to become a WW project.

 

http://makeaboob.blogspot.com/

http://www.mrsmoen.blogspot.com/

Insights on EQ6/EQ7 Clubs and new EQ users

EQ Clubs are great fun and an excellent way to learn more about EQ6/EQ7. They also present a great opportunity for quilt stores to get more customers to come to their store, and grow customer loyalty.

The Electric Quilt Company also has a great free document to help plan an EQ Club.  And they provide a free list of classes and clubs on their website, where any quilt shop can submit updates, making this a great source for EQ users  to find out about EQ classes, workshops and clubs.  You just simply need to email EQ with info on any class, workshop, club, seminar or EQ demo to have it listed on their site.

I feel very fortunate living in Southern California, where EQ is a popular quilting tool {but then I know EQ is popular world-wide}.  I get more excited to see visit quilt shops that offer EQ classes and/or clubs.  And, it even gets better with Quilter's Paradise, in Escondido, CA, providing a  free EQ Club that meets monthly.  Catherine Wilson  is the teacher at this club and she is a fantastic EQ6/EQ7 teacher!

This club meets the 4th Sunday of every month (October 24th is the next club meeting), from 10am-11:30am.  Catherine provides great handouts and walks the club members thru an exercise each month, as well as opens up discussion for sharing, and Q&A.  The club offers something for EQ users of all levels! 

Everyone brings their laptop, with EQ6 or EQ7 already installed.  And I want to heighten awareness that  is important to launch EQ7 at home, before any class or club meeting, as you may not have a WIFI access in a class or club meeting. To clarify, EQ7 needs to periodically validate your license thru an internet access.  You don't want to get to an EQ class and find out that you haven't recently validated your EQ7 license and are unable to run EQ7 in the class (or club). 

While attending an EQ Club meeting at Quilter's Paradise, I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy Marker.  I was very impressed as Kathy is a new EQ7 user, who previously designed quilts using coloring pens and paper.  When she shared her "first" EQ7 design and project, at an EQ club meeting, I new this was an inspirational  story that needed to be shared with others. 

Kathy shared with me that she decided to learn EQ7 as she found it was difficult to draw on paper and color her various design ideas.  She decided to tackle her first EQ7 project to help create something for a "half yard challenge".  She scanned in her fabrics and while she played with existing blocks, she decided she'd create her own block designs. 

After playing with a few block designs, she created design layouts for a table runner. 

And Kathy also created a design for a small quilt.

And she shared insights how she liked the print outs that she was able to easily create with EQ7.

And, to my delight, Kathy shared a project she is working on based on her first EQ7 design. 

I love Kathy's design and the fabrics she selected.  I know my little digital camera doesn't do justice to Kathy's project, but it really is spectacular.  And I'm so impressed that Kathy created this beautiful design as a very new EQ7 user (new EQ user).  This is inspirational and I'm very appreciative that Kathy allowed me to share insights on her first design, as well as Quilter's Paradise hosts free EQ Club meetings. 

I do so hope this inspires others to create using EQ, as well as for more quilt stores to offer EQ classes and/or EQ club meetings.  If you are in the area and can make it to Catherine's classes at Quilter's Paradise, I hope you'll come.  If you do not live nearby and your quilt shop doesn't offer EQ classes or clubs, you may want to share this with them to encourage them to consider starting an EQ club.

EQ also has a virtual club hosted by the talented Barb Vlack that provides another great way to learn and have fun.  And it is free too!

Lastly, I hope all EQ7 users will consider entering a quilt and/or EQ7  design in the upcoming Christmas quilt show.  To clarify, EQ7 designs that meet the theme of this show are acceptable.  For more info on this show check out:  http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/christmas-quilt-show.html

http://www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/

http://www.electricquilt.com/