Quilting By Design

ReAlLy RaNdOm ThOuGhTs

     Today’s article is going to be short and sweet, as I am swamped with work, it’s late, and I’m tired. So, my apologies upfront!
     Here are my thoughts for today (well, the ones I can think of at almost 1 am):

I am pleased as pumpkin pie with the responses to the Fat Quarter Drawing and the Block Party on Quilting Passion. I would also like to take this moment to remind everyone that you do not have to be a forum member to “play” in either one of these!

Quilting Passion members donated at least six (6) quilts to Project Comforting Virginia. We have not received word directly from Virginia Tech that they were received, however, each quilt was sent via the USPS with Delivery Confirmation and the DC confirms they arrived at their destination.

The Australian Publication of Queensland Quilters Inc. magazine, “Material Facts”, published an article written by me in the June edition! The article is entitled, “What Size Is That?” and defines quilt sizes. This article is a reprint of the original article that I wrote a few years ago, that has been updated. A complimentary edition of this magazine was mailed to me and is shown to the right (click on the image to enlarge it).

Plan on an interesting Challenge kicking off in the month of June. Details of this will be given on Friday, June 1st!

Also, plan on a voted “Hall of Fame” debuting, using both Quilting By Design and Quilting Passion. This, too, is slated for the month of June and details will be published on or about the 5th of June!

Another project will be announced next week, probably on the 8th of June. This is a special project that honors the memory of a spectacular lady who was a member of the forum. Details will be published later.

Watch this site in the month of June! There are going to be reviews and interviews with some of your favorite quilting celebrities, such as: Marcia Hohn, Pati Shambaugh, Jodie Davis, and more! Plans are also in the works to set up some live chat sessions with as many of these talented quilters as possible.

     
     June is going to be an extremely busy month for me, but I hope to provide you with enough quilting information to capture your interest and inspire you!
     I appreciate all of you that frequent the site and hope you continue to do so. Please feel free to leave your comments!

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Original article first published by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, Quilting By Design, Quilting Passion

Centennial Stitches,
Oklahoma History in Quilts


     What do Sam Walton, Will Rogers, Wiley Post, Willard Stone, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Kate Barnard, Carrie Nation, Alfalfa Bill Murray, Frank Phillips, and John Wayne have in common? Their stories and quilts are included in the book, “Centennial Stitches–Oklahoma History in Quilts”, written by Judy Howard of Buckboard Quilts.
     Judy Howard collects, studies, buys, sells, makes, and honors quilts. As a dealer of quilts, Judy is always on the lookout for a new one to join her ranks. And did I forget to mention that Judy also writes about quilts?
     The full-color, hardcover, coffee table gift book is available in this limited collectors edition for $39.95. It contains the eighty centennial quilt contest winners with stories, along with fifty-six stories of other Oklahoma historic quilts and thirty-two pages of a sampling of 1800’s cherished legacy quilt photos that would have traveled into Oklahoma in covered wagons prior to statehood. “Centennial Stitches” inspires and entertains as it transports you into the lives and hearts of pioneer and contemporary women. This book celebrates the 100th birthday of Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s Centennial is November 16th, 2007. The Downtown Cushing Main Street program proudly presents Judy Howard’s collection of Centennial Oklahoma art quilts July, 6 - 8 in Downtown Cushing. Exact location and times to be announced. An admission fee of $3 will be charged.
     On a side note, there is an entry in the book made by an officer of my local quilt guild, The Pryor Patchers. In this entry, Susan Hatchette interviewed Mrs. Willard Stone. Many of you may have heard of Willard Stone; a famous Native American sculptor that was born in 1916 on a rocky hillside farm east of Locust Grove, Oklahoma.
     ”Centennial Stitches” would make a great purchase even if you are not a quilter! It is full of interesting stories and the photographs are amazing. This book is sure to capture the interest of anyone seeing it laying atop a table or on a shelf beneath an end-table.
     All book profits go to non-profit groups making charity quilts.

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Original article first published on Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, Quilting By Design, Quilting Passion, Judy Howard, Centennial Stitches

QuiltersBuzz Hall Of Fame Winners!

     The nominations are in and the winners are…
     First, I would like to make it clear that this Hall of Fame article is centered around the QuiltersBuzz Hall of Fame, which is quite different from the Quilter’s Hall of Fame.
     Nominations opened on May 17th for this event, in which comments were taken regarding individuals that strongly influenced quilting in lives. Those making the comments had their names entered into a drawing to win free patterns from the Threaded Pear Studio. Three (3) winners were chosen, however, if you read the comments, you will quickly see that everyone participating was truly a winner!
     Nominations in the QuiltersBuzz Hall of Fame included mothers, aunts, grandmothers, great grandmothers, and great great grandmothers, friends, daughters, and even the ex-wife of a husband! Also nominated were the Amish, Gwen, Nancy, Jo, Alex, Eleanor, Amy, Heather, Anna Maria, Denyse, Kaffe, Georgia, God, and others. Commentators were inspired by TV shows, DVDs, books, magazines, retreats, computers and the Internet.
     Not only are the winner’s comments a good read, but all of the rest of the comments are, as well!
     Who would you have nominated and why? Also, what (if anything) has inspired you to pursue quilting? Please post your comments here and share your stories of who and/or what most influenced your quilting life!

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Original article first published on Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, Quilting By Design, Quilting Passion, QuiltersBuzz, Quilter’s Hall of Fame

MEMORIAL DAY 2007

     Memorial Day is a Federal holiday that is celebrated by the United States on the last Monday of May each year. This holiday was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War, then after World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions associated with this holiday is the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.
     Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials (Arlington National Cemetery shown above), usually placing flowers/wreaths upon the graves of loved ones. Over time, this holiday has become the time of year in which to pay our respect to all of our lost loved ones, whether they served in the military or not. In addition to the remembrance of our much-loved ones, Memorial Day has become a time for picnics, family gatherings, reunions, and sporting events. It is not only a day to remember our precious loved ones that have departed from this world, but it is also a day to celebrate life with the people that are important in our lives today.
     Memory Quilts and projects are yet another way for people to observe this holiday and honor the special memories of dear ones, alive and deceased. Quilt Pox defines Memory Quilts as, “A quilt made up of blocks to commerate an occasion. Common Memory Quilt themes: Wedding, Retirement, Birthday. The individual quilt blocks can be made up of signature blocks, direct printed photo blocks, theme related blocks (i.e. a schoolhouse block for graduation).”
     Quilting Passion provides a couple of free “flag” patterns (paper-pieced) that could easily be used in the observance/celebration of Memorial Day. The first, shown above and to the right, is a horizontal pattern; the second a vertical pattern. These specific patterns were designed on September 11, 2001 as the United States experienced one of its most tragic of all days; the day the World Trade Center was destroyed, as well as many lives along with it.
     Regardless of plans you may have made for today, please take a few moments to remember your loved ones that are no longer here with you, and also take some time to remind those that are still living how much they mean to you!

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Original article first published by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, Quilting By Design, Quilting Passion, Memorial Day

Quilted Wine Sack


     With summer right upon us, picnics are inevitable, as are weddings, and the highlighted project for this week can be used for either!
     This oh-so-simple, quick, cute wine sack pattern is provided by the Home Sewing Association and makes a handy carrier for a bottle of wine to take to a special occasion. This wine sack makes an excellent “anytime” gift, too!
     This fun project includes a great description, a nice photograph, a list of materials needed, and a complete set of instructions that are easy to understand.
     I would rate this project at the beginner level, however, a more experienced quilter (or a new quilter that is motivated to learn!) could easily make a few adjustments to take it to a higher level. For example:

The pattern calls for pre-quilted fabric, but if one chose to use this opportunity to practice machine-quilting skills, it would easily give it a more personal look and feel.

This project is also one that could easily be embellished to turn a simple wine sack into a luxurious one in a snap! Add ribbons, buttons, bows, trims, metallic threads, etc. to enhance the appearance.

Change out the appliqué by either adding a personal design or by purchasing an already-finished appliqué that is ready to sew onto a project. Or leave the appliqué off completely and choose a fabric with a luscious print!

Leaving off the appliqué? Have a sewing machine that does embroidery? Add your own embroidery pattern for a unique look.

Try adding hand-embroidery!

Use decorative stitches to finish the project off (hemming, etc.).

Use decorative stitches to quilt the project.

     
     These are just a few ideas to get you started. Should you decide that this is the project for you, please share a photo?

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Original article first published by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, Quilting By Design, Quilting Passion, wine sack, wine bag, wine bags, Sewing Organization, sewing.org

     This is a new category (Quilt Talk) born out of necessity!
     Honestly, I have been so busy trying to work around the house, help a company catch up on their bookkeeping, and write for this site that I have totally not had a minute to quilt. Well, today, I hit the “frustrational” level! I not only want to quilt; I need to quilt!
     My lawnmower has broken three times in the past month and it takes the warranty service-people two (2) weeks to come out to fix it. Well, guess what? By the time they show up, my lawn is getting more out of control! So, they show up last Wednesday and it broke (keeps throwing the mower belt off) 10 minutes after they left. So, another appointment… two more weeks from now. I loaded the mower up today and took it to a local repair shop and he put the belt back on for me. Should be good to go, right? Nope. Mowed for about 15 minutes and it threw it off. My youngest son said the belt is stretched and needs a new one, so I will pick one up tomorrow and Josh will put it on. Meanwhile, I should take a picture of my lawn. Seriously, I think a rake could come behind me when I mow and rake it up to bale! It is probably bordering two feet tall in places… and we are expecting rain tonight through Sunday. Can we say “MOWING NIGHTMARE”??
     OK, back to quilting. Or the lack thereof. I have a list of three (3) things I must get finished by this weekend:

Begin a commissioned quilt, using antique handkerchiefs,

Design and print a dozen customized labels for a customer,

Cut 1.5″ noodle strips for a customer.

 
     On my wish list? I would love to be able to appliqué on the Stained Glass Rose quilt that I started after Thanksgiving. It was going to be a Christmas gift for mom, then it turned into a Mother’s Day gift… guess now it is going to be for her birthday (October 27)??? I would also love to put the binding on a charity quilt I have! Plus, work on my blocks for the “Surpassing Life’s Challenges” project!
     I really miss quilting and designing. Has anyone else gone through withdrawals such as I am writing about??

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Original article first published by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, Quilting By Design, Quilting Passion

     Today’s topic is short and sweet. Instead of me giving you information, I would like for you to provide us with your status. In other words, what crafting projects are you working on today?
     I look forward to hearing from you!

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Original article first published by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, Quilting By Design, Quilting Passion

FABRIC MATCHER


     Sewing has become an essential skill, let alone “hobby“, whether quilting, crafting, or sewing garments. With the popularity of crafting, in general, increasing, more and more people are visiting fabric stores to select their fabrics for their upcoming projects. For some, this can be a stressful and frustrating experience, as it is hard to visually imagine the finished project with fabrics and colors that you may have in mind.
     With that said, enter FabricMatcher.com! This global, one-stop shopping site allows you to match fabrics, patterns, and colors, easily customizing your projects right on your computer’s monitor screen. The site also has the capabilities of storing your projects, patterns, selections, etc.
     Fabric Matcher partners with Hancock’s of Paducah, in Kentucky, to aid users in creating their personalized project components. Hancock’s is a very well-known and respected quilt shop, both online and offline (located in Paducah, KY). Hancock’s has thousands of bolts of fabrics to choose from, and if you have ever had the honor of visiting their shop in person, you probably found that there was not enough time in a day to look at the entire store! In fact, I never made it out of the batik section!
     Fabric Matcher also has formed relationships with some of the world’s top fabric, quilt, and cloth designers to create a huge variety in patterns that are available. New patterns are added to the site on a monthly basis, too.
     So, who is Fabric Matcher? Fabric Matcher is owned by a husband and wife design team, Damian and Sarah Fielke. Sarah is a passionate quilter and crafter, while Damian joined forces with her to help develop a crafting community online (hence, the birth of Fabric Matcher). The Fielke’s live in Australia; proving once again that the Internet brings the world closer together, making us all neighbors.
     In addition to all of the cool features of this Web site, with each purchase from Fabric Matcher, an organization called “Trees for the Future” with the Fabric of Life Project will plant a tree in an effort to help combat the negative effects of CO2 in the atmosphere. It is a nice thought to know that your online shopping can help the environment, too!

INTERVIEW

TERRY: Share a little about yourself, your family, hobbies, etc.?
DAMIAN: I am married to Sarah (co-owner of Material Obsession) with two boys - Charlie, 9 and Oscar, 7. We live in Sydney, Australia and my professional background is in design, marketing, and new product development.
TERRY: Damian, are you a quilter?
DAMIAN: No, I am not a quilter, but am a husband to a quilter who runs a business. I have been developing product and marketing for their business for the past three years; they have a contemporary spin on traditional blocks and quilts.
TERRY: In a nutshell, what is your Web site about?
DAMIAN: Having a wife as a quilt designer and quilt shop owner has added another dimension to our lives. Not only have we made some great friends in the quilting community, but we have also had a fun time trying new and innovative ways to approach design and color.
     That is where the fabric matcher idea came from. We used to watch quilters come in to the shop, buy a pattern, and then spend a lot of time trying to match fabrics and build a kit that suited their color needs. We then developed a Web site to help bring fabric, color, and patterns together in one spot. It’s the world’s first one stop shop for matching fabrics, patterns, and color to suit your imagination. I understand that this will not be for everyone, but hopefully will be a successful addition to the wonderful array of quilt and fabric sites on the Web.
TERRY: What makes your Web site truly unique?
DAMIAN: We have developed innovative color and matching tools to help you choose and match fabric to your projects. You can customize quilt and home sewing creations, then buy the fabrics and patterns you need right now. There’s even a place to stash your projects, including favorite photos, patterns, your creations and much more. It all sounds so easy? I know it isn’t, but hopefully people will find the site fun to use, inspirational, and a place where you can share ideas and learn from the community of sewers and quilters.
     The site is also a great marketing tool for fabric designers and pattern designers – these companies have a chance to showcase their fabrics in a number of ways across a variety of patterns.
TERRY: Do users of your site need a subscription or do you offer free services?
DAMIAN: We have two levels of subscription:

• Basic membership which is free – You can use all the functionality, like search fabrics and patterns, match fabrics to patterns and buy the kits.
• Premium membership is $25 for 12months – This allows users to also save projects, images and searches into their own stash so they can come back and review, change and show to other customers what they have been working on.

 
TERRY: When did your site launch and how long did it take it?
DAMIAN: The site launched during the second week of May and it took four months for it to go live online. If users find an error, please submit it to info@fabricmatcher.com. There is also a feedback form in Contact details on the Web; it is a new site and any feedback is much appreciated.
TERRY: Is Hancock’s of Paducah the only fabric shop you partner with?
DAMIAN: Yes, we have formed a partnership where I am able to have them fulfill all the orders around the world. Justin Hancock has been very supportive of the whole project.
TERRY: What is the average length of shipping time for an order?
DAMIAN: Shipping time depends upon the location being shipped to. Details are given on our site.
TERRY: Do you think living in Australia hampers your site in any way?
DAMIAN: Interesting question. One drawback is I probably won’t be able to have a face to face contact with the industry, but from my Web experience, the way customers now purchase over the Internet and the international participation in the craft, people are now more accepting of buying from most key countries in the world. My key strength is that I am working with a well respected US online fabric retailer company who delivers to over 72 countries around the world. My Web site is just another way to help customers make fabric and pattern choices online.
TERRY: Do you have any future plans to share with us?
DAMIAN: Look out for clothing and accessory patterns to be added in the coming months. Plus we will put up new patterns and fabrics every week.
 
     If you are a pattern designer, fabric designer, or fabric manufacturer and would like more information regarding partnering with Fabric Matcher, or if you would be interested in having your product featured on Fabric Matcher, or you are an advertiser of crafting products, or if you would simply like additional information, please feel free to contact Damian.
     Hopefully, you have gleaned enough information about this revolutionary new Web site to motivate you into checking it out! Please feel free to leave comments and/or suggestions in the Comments area below.

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Original article first published on Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, Fabric Matcher, FabricMatcher, FabricMatcher.com, Quilting By Design, Quilting Passion

Strip-Quilted Tote
by Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores


     Summer is rapidly approaching, finally, and many of us are beginning to think about trips to the pool, the lake, or the beach. And, as usual, we have a wide variety of little items that are essential for our outing. This project is geared around creating an eye-catching tote to carry those items. With a single glance, there are several features regarding this tote that caught my eye: The vibrant colors, the simplicity, the size, and the style.
     On a scale of 1 to 3, this project rates a 2 in difficulty. Some sewing and quilting knowledge are required, however not a great deal. This would be an ideal project to practice your skills on; it includes both strip-piecing and machine quilting!
     A brief overview of this tote includes:

Easy, strip-piecing,

12″ x 14″, finished, excluding the handles,

Complete list of supplies and tools needed,

Clear directions, with excellent photographs.

 
     This tote is just too cute! Not only does it make a great tote, but I think it would make a really nifty handbag, too!

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An original article by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, quilted totes, tote bags, Jo-Ann Fabrics

ReAlLy RaNdOm ThOuGhTs


     What a week! It is finally sunny and warm here in beautiful northeastern Oklahoma and my small patio garden (that puts out an unbelievable amount of veggies!) is in the ground and ready to begin growing. I will not even begin to tell you how this is the second one for this year… which is why I am sure glad it is sunny and warm now! Before long, I will be feasting on tomatoes, bell peppers, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and yellow straightneck squash. I learned long ago to not plant things I would not eat; as it simply went to waste! Even now, I leave excess veggies on the counters of my favorite restaurants and/or give away to friends and family. This little garden packs a huge punch, so do not let appearance be deceiving!! And flowers! My yard is just now celebrating spring with its gorgeous buds and blooms, of which I have scattered photographs throughout today’s article; my first clematis, first old-fashioned rose (which smell sooooooooooo good), and my wild buttercups (would you believe I picked two or three year before last and planted them and now they are EVERYWHERE???).
     The final count on the project, “Comforting Virginia“, is six (6) quilts. Delivery Confirmation shows that these quilts are beginning to show up at Virginia Tech. I have to wonder what the person opening these packages is thinking about the beautiful quilts sent from compassionate hearts all over the USA. Again, thank you to each that contributed to this tragic event.

     Unless I change my mind (which seems to happen quite frequently these days!), I am going to begin highlighting a quilt-related project found on the Internet (or one in which I have designed) on Fridays. What I have not decided yet is whether this will be every week or bi-weekly. I am thinking weekly, at the moment, so watch for the first one this coming Friday.

     A few other things that you can look forward to? I have three (3) interviews with major Web site owners set up! These will be published on May 21, May 28, and June 4. I am really excited about these and hope that you enjoy reading them. Two are still surprises, but one of them is with Jodie Davis, President of QNN.
     Speaking of QNN, there have been a few changes, with many more planned. The biggest change is that it is now under new ownership! QNN TV, formerly called QNN, was purchased by the owners of the magazine, Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting, New Track Media LLC. With the sale of QNN in April 2007, Jodie joined the New Track Media team. Stay tuned to this QBD for more information in the coming weeks!
     How’s your thoughtful Thursday going?

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An original article by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts

WHAT MAKES A QUILT A QUILT?

“Quilting is not just a hobby; it is yet another way
of living life to its fullest.”

     The quote above, beneath the title, is one taken from the Quilting Passion Forum Start page. This quote is one that I fully endorse and believe in with all of my heart and soul!

     Wikipedia defines the term “quilt” as, “A quilt is a type of bedding— a bed covering composed of a quilt top, a layer of batting, and a layer of fabric for backing, generally combined using the technique of quilting. Another technique for securing the quilt layers is tying. Tying refers to the technique of using thread, yarn or ribbon to pass through all three layers of the quilt at regular intervals. These “ties” hold the layers together during use and especially when the quilt is washed. This method is easier and more forgiving if the quilt is made by hand. Tied quilts are called, depending on the regional area, “lap”, “comfort” or “comforter”, among other names. Many quilts are made with decorative designs; indeed, some quilts are not used as bed covering at all, but are rather made to be hung on a wall or otherwise displayed. In British English, quilt is another way of saying duvet, wadding is another way of saying batting, and calico refers to muslin rather than to a fabric with a printed pattern on it.”
     The intent of this article is not to actually define a quilt, as I honestly believe that that is an impossible task. The objective of this article is to cause you to think, evaluate your ideas, come to conclusions, and hopefully, share your final thoughts with all of us. It is extremely important to note that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers here and neither are there any opinions that are written in stone. I, for one, know that I am apt to change my opinion on subjects as new information is brought to my attention.
     Over the past few months, I have read and heard various ideas about what truly makes a quilt a quilt. Some of the questions posed about defining a true quilt include:

1. Does a quilt have to have batting to be a quilt?
2. Can it be called a quilt if its primary purpose is to hang on the wall?
3. Is it a quilt if it has embellishments?
4. Is it a quilt if it is tied, versus quilted?
5. Is it a quilt if it is not hand-quilted?
6. Can it be classified as a quilt if it cannot be washed?
7. Are “art quilts” quilts?

 
     These are just a few questions for consideration, and oddly enough, some of the questions above have caused many a debate in the quilting world! However, this article is not intended to spark a debate; merely a conversation about the definition of a “quilt”. I would not be surprised if we are left with more questions and new thoughts to ponder! And, to add more interest, be sure to read the article, “Quilting: Hobby or Not?“.
     Quilting is one of the best solutions to relieve stress that I know of. And the really amazing thing about quilting is that anyone can learn how to quilt! In fact, believe this or not, I hate to sew!!! Yes, you read that correctly: I HATE TO SEW. To me, sewing a quilt top together does not equal sewing! I equate “sewing” with making garments, and garment-making is one of the most stressful things I have ever tried my hand at. Weird, I know, but that is how my brain operates! You may be asking yourself how I became hooked on quilting since I hate to sew and the answer for that is outlined in my biography.
     The bottom line for me is that it does not really matter how anyone defines a quilt; it is my definition that matters to me, and it is your definition that should matter to you. And this, my friends, is what makes quilting unique and enjoyable!
     This leads to one final question: What is a quilt to you?

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Original article first published on Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.

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QUILT SHOWS ON THE INTERNET

     What is right up there with sliced bread? Watching quilt shows that you used to see only on television on the Internet! These shows are broadcast 24/7 and if you are an insomniac, like me, then this is like the icing on the cake.
     It seems as though all of the television stations, including cable and satellite, are slowly removing anything that even remotely resembles a quilting show these days. The only quilting shows available in my area right now are found on the DIY Network and my local PBS station. And that is it in a nutshell! Talk about withdrawals; when HGTV quit airing Simply Quilts, I thought my daily “fix” for quilting vicariously was gone for good. But, thank goodness for the Internet! It may have its pitfalls, but it also has its blessings!
     This brief article is not intended to review each of these in detail; it is merely intended to introduce you to some of the online quilt-show resources that are currently available, so please sit back, click a link, then enjoy!

• Kaye Wood Internet TV,
• The Quilt Show,
• Quilter’s News Network,
• Quilters TV (added 05/16/07),
• Simply Quilts Online.

     If you are aware of additional Internet quilting show resources, please share them in the Comments!

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An original article by Terry Crawford.

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60° Triangle, by CREATIVE GRIDS

CREATIVE GRIDS is not just another company that makes acrylic rulers. This company, founded by Sheila Waterfield of Leicester, England in 1989, distinguishes itself from others by developing rulers with the non-slip, opaque gripper dots. Creative Grids® rulers are sold around the world and recommended by well-known quilting experts and teachers. Each ruler features embedded gripper dots and easy-to-read black markings. The company carries a large variety of products and offers an online demo, which requires that Macromedia Flash Player be installed.

This review concentrates on one ruler: The 60° triangle. The ruler, product CGRT60, retails for $15.50 US$ (even though I only paid $14.50 for mine at a local quilt shop) and the package contains one non-slip triangular acrylic ruler, that makes up to (in 1/4″ increments) an 8″ finished size, and step-by-step laminated instructions written by Lynne Edwards. Also included in the package is a cardstock image, actual size, of the triangular ruler that can be cut out and used as a template (even though there is no reference to this in the package).      Lynne Edwards is an internationally known quilt designer, teacher, and author. Lynne has exhibited many of her own works in galleries, museums, and festivals including the National Crafts Council Gallery in London, Suffolk Craft Society Gallery in East Anglis, and International Quilt Association Festivals in Houston, Chicago, Netherlands, Germany, and Austria. Lynne has published numerous books and articles. She has given demonstrations of Creative Grids® at quilt shows throughout the world. The patterns she has created for Creative Grids® illustrate how amazingly simple these quilt rulers are to use that can yield results!      MY REVIEW: The Good - The laminate instructions are on one sheet, front and back, and give fairly good directions on cutting both 30° and 60° triangles (the larger triangle instructions are easier to understand). The real benefits of this gadget are in the nice easy-to-read black printed surface and the embedded grippers! Another plus for this acrylic ruler is that the tip is pre-cut off of the template, which makes cutting the triangles a snap, especially if you are cutting from strips! The Bad - On the downside, in my opinion, the instructions could be enhanced to include more about how to put the blocks together into a quilt after they have been sewn. Personally, I feel it leaves the user hanging, especially if you are not a “math person”, able to figure out the angles and how to sew them together yourself.        MY CONCLUSION: If thinking about purchasing this specific product (note that I am only reviewing the triangle), be prepared to handle a fair amount of calculations and quilt design yourself. On the other hand, if one is experienced in working with triangles and/or has very good math skills and/or does not mind doing some legwork in learning, it is an excellent gadget!        Please feel free to leave your comments, especially if you have used this gadget or if you plan on purchasing it!

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Original article first published on Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, Creative Grids, Sheila Waterfield, Lynne Edwards

SUDOKU QUILTS

     Sudoku puzzles have been around for quite a few years; the modern version invented by Howard Garns in 1979 and published as “Number Place” in Dell Magazines. These logic puzzles became very popular in Japan in 1986, then became an international craze in 2005.
     So, what are these unique and addictive puzzles? They are logic-based puzzles that center around the placement of the numbers 1 to 9. These numbers are laid out in a 9×9 grid, made up of three 3×3 grids, with no number repeating itself in any 3×3 grid, or on any one line, or in any one column. To put this into “quilting” language, the grid is set up like a nine-patch block! In each “block” are the numbers 1 to 9, too (visualize this as nine different fabrics or colors). So, in order to solve this puzzle (which the person providing the puzzle always gives a partial piece of the puzzle to get one started), close attention needs to be paid to each 3×3 grid, and each row (9 squares wide) and each column (also 9 squares). Just as the numbers cannot be repeated in the 3×3 grid, row, or column, nor can the fabrics/colors be repeated in the 3×3 grid, row, column. Clear as mud? Let me illustrate this with a bright, cheery Sudoku quilt made by Nina from Iowa, which she donated to the “Comforting Virginia” Project this week via the Quilting Passion Forum. Nina used a finished puzzle as the pattern to where to place the colors in this gorgeous quilt.

     The first thing to notice about this type of quilt is that it is easily recognizable as a large nine-patch. Each 3×3 block is separated in this quilt by a thin black sashing (1″ strips), distinguishing the quilt even more. Black is a long-time standard that has been used in puzzles, first beginning with crosswords, however, any color sashing can be used… or no sashing at all. In this quilt, however, the sashing really highlights the color and fabric selections that Nina has used.
     The second thing you might notice is that each 3×3 block consists of nine different colors and/or fabrics. After studying one of the 3×3 grids, then notice that the other eight blocks are entirely different, each from the other, so that all nine blocks in the quilt are unique in color placement. This not only holds true for each block, it also then follows to hold true for each row and each column. Nina did not really pay attention when assigning her fabrics/colors to each number. She states, “I just went for it, not caring about it until it was done”.
     How does one go about planning a Sudoku Quilt? There are several ways to accomplish this, including, but not limited to:

Locate a quilt and substitute your own colors/fabrics in place of the ones in the sample you find.

Purchase a Sudoku Puzzle book and select any one of a number of puzzles. I like this option the best because your quilt can range from “easy” to “very difficult”, because puzzles are published in different levels of complexity.

Purchase a Sudoku Quilt pattern. These are becoming so popular now that there are patterns, and even entire books, devoted to these quilts.
 
     A few resources for finding Sudoku Quilt patterns at this time include:

• Sudoku Quilts by Cyndi Hershey,
• Quick Quilts Magazine,
• Online Sudoku Puzzles.

 
     If you have made a Sudoku Quilt, please share your experience and/or photo with us? Or if you are interested in learning more, please comment below and I shall try to provide you with more information!

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Quilting By Design Site Map.
Original article first published on Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, sudoku, sudoku quilts, Su Doku

RaNdOm ThOuGhTs

     Another Thursday where I can write and not have to think! Today, there are a number of ramblings rumbling around in this ol’ brain of mine, but the first is an update on the Quilting Passion Forum “Comforting Virginia” Project.Virginia Tech University To date, there have now been a total of six (6) quilts donated to, with the latest donation shown to the left. This quilt was a second quilt made by Nina (Iowa); it is very bright and cheery and also patterned after a relatively new logic puzzle craze that flaired to popularity last year, called “Sudoku“. Stay tuned to this Web site (slated for Friday, 05/11/07) for an article featuring these truly unique puzzles that have beautifully crashed into the quilting world!

     My thoughts also run along side of all the torrential rains we have had here in northeastern Oklahoma, which sits on top of the gorgeous foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Lake Hudson is 5′ above normal level, meaning that it is about 100 yards up on my property. This in turn means that when it goes down, there is going to be a huge mess to clean up along the shoreline! You would be surprised at the interesting things I find. Year before last, I found a brand new paddle boat! No ID on it and had one small hole in it, which patched easily and securely. Did you know it was grueling excercise to operate a paddle boat??? I have also found fishing rods, ice chests, an antique bath tub, along with a ton of driftwood.

     Back to the rain, though. I would say that my garden needs it, but the truth is, I have no garden because the first one froze in mid-April (yes, you read that correctly) and it has been raining too much to put out another. It is a sad thing when you have to water your tomato plants (and other garden plants) whilst they are sitting on your kitchen counter!

     It is getting to where I dread Sunday afternoons. Week before last, a car did an illegal U-turn in front of me about a mile from my home and took out the passenger side of my car. This past Sunday, the sun came out and I decided to try to mow before the rain set in again. Big mistake. First, I got stuck. I wish I had a picture of me because I am sure that you need a laugh like you have not had for awhile. Imagine sitting on the lawnmower, getting stuck, and the tires spinning in smelly mud and throwing the mud up and over onto my entire body! In the space of a minute, I was covered. And stinky. Let us not forget the stinky. I reeked! Second, after cleaning up, the mower on my lawnmower broke! Guess it didn’t like the mud, either. At least now I have two excuses for not mowing: Rain and broken mower. The mower gets fixed next Wednesday… no clue on what the rain is going to do!

     Then there was today. I had to deal with the man’s auto insurance all day, but once again the sun came out for a little while late this afternoon. My oldest son invited me to go run his trot lines (very long fishing lines set out in the middle of the lake) with him and my grandson. I have been cooped up forever due to my health, so I decided to go. Off we went. Talk about catching the fish (and I will not even mention the huge snake that we watched swim along side the boat!)! He had about a dozen huge catfish, and the joy that I saw him and my grandson share is beyond description. My grandson grinned once and said, “I’m his little fishin’ buddy, Grandma”. Talk about tugging at the ol’ heart!

     Remember me mentioning that the lake was flooded up on my property? Well, my grandson is sitting on an icechest almost 100 yards from the “real” shoreline. We were wading to dry land after hopping off the boat. Now, why would we hop off the boat? Because a huge thunderstorm rolled in while we were out on the lake and my son took the boat back to the dock and we walked up to the house so that we would not get drenched! And I cannot even think as to whether I should start a new paragraph telling about the alligators that have now been spotted numerous times on this lake! GRDA is trying to catch them, as the ones that are here are an endangered species, and if someone were to harm them, they would be fined and/or imprisoned. Um, OK? “Chew my leg off, little ‘gator, I won’t hurt ya!”

     So, how was your week?

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Quilting By Design Site Map.
An original articleby Terry Crawford.

quilting, quilts, sudoku quilts