Monday, December 27, 2010

Only 364 days until Christmas....

My grandson, Cooper,age 10, announced this yesterday after the last present was unwrapped. Sounds like a long time, but wouldn't it be great to get started now on next year's Christmas quilts and gifts? That's exactly what we're doing here at KTQ with projects for our new Warm Memories line. Not quite done with all the wool ornaments yet, but our feather tree Advent Calendar is progressing nicely. I just need a couple more ideas for ornaments. What is a favorite motif of the holidays at your house? There's also a lap size quilt of the feather tree with the cotton ornaments stitched on at the quilter. I'll have a picture when Lori sends it back next month.

Congrats to the winner of the Perennials charm pack & pattern - BillieBee from TX. Hope you enjoy our new fabric and pattern.

We just received the new 108" backing fabric last week. It will be available on our website by the 1/2 yard (2 yard minimum) later this week. It's on my list of things to do while I'm not working this week :).

Thank you all for following my blog this last year and for sharing your comments. One of my resolutions to post more often now that I have an iPad. We'll see.....

Sunday, December 12, 2010

This week's winner

Terry, your #1 post has made you a winner! Hope you enjoy the new KT Favorites - 10 Years & Counting BOM book.

Be the first to get a taste of the new Perennials fabric collection hitting the shops in January with our giveaway ending Dec. 26th - a Perennials charm pack and pattern. The quarter circle raw edge applique is a twist on the traditiional Drunkard's Path block without the curved piecing - and no drunks in sight (unless you enjoy sewing with a Diet Coke & Captain Morgan like someone else I know). Keeps the type A perfectionist in me in check. What do you do to destress and enjoy the process of stitching?

I'm up to my ankles in flannel making pillowcases for the grandkids this weekend. It's given me time to reflect on the different quilting styles. There are 2 types of quilters - process & product. Process quilters enjoy creating and sewing with no real compulsion to finish (hence, numerous UFOs.) Product quilters, like me, enjoy the finished project the most, but then we also have a list of a dozen more things to do. Of course, in my business, the product has to be finished to sell it to move on to the next one. That may have an impact on my style, but I've always loved the last few stitches in a quilt binding. Not that I don't have UFOs stacking up, but they're mostly personal "fun" projects I've started in between KT "have to" projects. I set aside New Year's, Mother's Day and a snow day each year to sew just for me. Try setting aside quilting days just for yourself, whether it's a retreat or a personal escape in your own sewing room. It's the best way to destress and create something at the same time.

Happy Christmas Shopping,
Lynne

Monday, December 6, 2010

PS....

We are offering the new BOM on our website for those of you who can't find it at your local quilt shop - ktquilts.com - call Robert today (785-488-2120).

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Here's Cooper!

Not a great shot, but he's one happy NE fan. We still have some applique to add - Huskers across the big N and little red N's in the corners (as per Coop's design)but I had to go to NE to get more fabric. Robert took some good pictures of the quilt before we gave it to him but they've mysteriously disappeared from his computer, so this will have to do for now. At least it's pretty much done. I quilted it myself to be able to give it to him for his birthday, sandwiching 2 layers of cotton batting since he likes his quilts "heavy and cushy". OMG! It was like wrestling a bear! I was reminded why I love my machine quilters soooooooo much.

Congratulations to ytsmom - you're the winner of the Perennials booklet and scraps (almost 2 yards total). Enjoy!

Up for this week is one of the new KT Favorites - 10 Years & Counting BOM books. It's been one of those projects that has taken months to finish. I handed it over to Robert today so he'll begin printing tomorrow. The winner will receive one of the books hot off the presses.

On a deadline for Christmas 2011 so better get back to stitching ornaments for my feather tree quilt/Advent calendar.

More later,
Lynne

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Mini Charm Winner

Congratulations to Corrine! You're the winner of the Moda Mini Charm Sampler Box. Let us see what all you create from your box of treasures.

I think I lost a week over Thanksgiving weekend - where does the time go? Cooper saw his almost finished quilt on Sat. and added a few suggestions for finishing touches so I need to get that done by his birthday dinner tonight - yikes! The new KT Favorites BOM needs to go the editors by tomorrow, then Lois and I leave for York, NE to do a program/workshop at The Quilted Basket quilt shop on Thursday. Join us if you're close.

I did accomplish a little shopping online on Cyber Monday so a couple more gifts are on their way. I hate to get out in this weather to shop with highs in the 40's and 30 mph winds - frigid! I'm curled up with a quilt at my computer with a heater on my feet.

The giveaway for this week is the new Perennials booklet and a pile of scraps leftover from the projects. Comment here until Sunday night; winner announced Monday morning - or thereabouts.

Later, Lynne

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Did someone say Christmas?

Christmas 2011, that is. At first, I wasn't crazy about getting next year's Christmas fabric at Thanksgiving time (especially if I had to find a machine quilter to finish a quilt over the weekend!), but now we're enjoying working with Christmas fabric during the holiday season. Shown above is our new Warm Memories fabric collection that will be shown in Jan./delivered in May. Lois and I are stitching up several projects for the Moda Christmas Playbook - deadline Dec. 7th. So far, we have a wall quilt with a pieced feather tree that is an Advent calendar with removeable wool ornaments, a couple of table runners and a pillow. We're still working on a lap version of the feather tree with raw edge ornaments stitched on. It's a great way to get into the spirit of the season.

The runner with the pieced ornaments under the swatches is for my sister for Christmas - this year - made with last year's leftover pieces from Wrapped in Paisley. She "stores" alot of my quilts at her house but I like to make something she'll actually get to keep once in a while. Her guest room is our home away from home whenever we're in Kansas City, so a runner now and then is cheap rent.

Have to keep working on quilting Cooper's quilt so it will be ready to show him on Saturday when we have our family Thanksgiving. I have to get the big black "N" on it, at least.

Hope you all have a safe and happy Turkey Day surrounded with people you love.
Lynne

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Lazy Days and Sundays

The winner of last week's KT Perennials' Soduko quilt kit is Swarren. Congrats and please email your adress to us.

I love Sundays - sleeping in, hanging out in my robe while Robert prepares brunch, catching up on yard work or stitching on a personal project. Today was supposed to be in the 60's - the perfect day to finish cleaning up the garden. The high was actually only 48, but I braved the cold and trimmed up at least part of the dead flowers hanging over the sidewalk. Now I just need to finish Cooper's NE quilt before his birthday on Nov. 30th. He turns 10-years-old and requested a grown up quilt. What could I say? He helped design it and picked out fabric. Watch for photos when it's done.

Our Thanksgiving week giveaway is the Moda Mini Charm Sampler pack pictured above. Have fun making lots of mini quilts with 12 packs of (40)2 1/2" squares. Great for yo-yo's, applique pieces, a postage stamp sampler or either of the mini charm patterns from KT. I've had a great time playing with fabric collections I may not have purchased in large quantities making doll quilts, table runners and pillow toppers. It's a great way to try out a designer's look. We also have a few more available on our website - on sale now! - if you aren't the lucky winner.

Check back on Tuesday for a peek at my new Christmas fabric - for 2011!
Lynne

Monday, November 15, 2010

A new twist on Sudoku

What will they come up with next??? Moda created these really cool Sudoku quilts using 9 fabrics in a 9-patch with 9 different ones in each row, just like the number puzzles. Want to give it a try? It's much easier with a pattern, I'm sure. Comment anytime this week for a shot at the KT version featuring Perennials.
Off to work! Later, Lynne

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Friday's Winner

The winner of the last Quiltmaker's 100 Block magazine is.... Linda from Georgia. Congratulations to you and all the winner's this week. The QM blog tour has been alot of fun.

Watch in January for a Moda designer blog tour - Pillow Talk. We each created a pillow for a Schoolhouse presentation at market that reflected us as designers and women. Mine, of course, started with a KT block. The 4 larger triangles represent my 4 children - Neil, Brent & Brian, and Nicole; the 24 smaller triangles represent the 24 years Robert and I have been married (as of February 2011; and the 8 penny flowers are for our 8 grandkids. It started with a pieced block, the I added raw edge and fused applique with button embellishment - very similar to many of my quilt patterns. A pretty good representation of me as wife, mom, gramma and designer. It will be fun to make the rounds to see all the different pillows in Jan., so check back for more info later.

My twin sons are huge NE fans and are off to Lincoln to the game today to celebrate their birthdays along with their wives and oldest grandkid, Cooper (actually, all of their birthdays are within a couple weeks - GADS!). We get to stay home and play with Bronson and Delainey today/tonight. Personally, with temps in the low 50's, I'm much happier with my slippers on at home. Hoping to stitch as bit as we all watch How to Train Your Dragon. It's one of the kids' movies I can sit thru again and again.

Check back tomorrow for next week's giveaway announcement. I've been cleaning/rearranging/discovering treasures the past couple days, so stay tuned the next few weeks for some cool junk.

Thanks for stopping in this week for the QM blog tour.
Lynne

Friday, November 12, 2010

One more time...

Melissa from IN won the QM 100 Blocks magazine for Thursday - congrats!

Okay ladies, we'll give you one more chance today. I have one more of the magazines to share - and I'll throw in a 35th Anniversary Moda Family Tree hanky signed by a dozen Moda designers from market! Too much fun!

It rained more than 2 inches overnight and is still coming down, sometimes haeavy with lightning. Had to shut down the computer last night after the lights went out several times. I wouldn't mind an evening by candlelight - if the TV still worked!

Off to town to work on kits and reorganizing piles of fabric. Robert has been building a set of new shelves for me, so we'll see how it works out. He's pretty handy to have around some days.

Talk to ya in the morning,
Lynne

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Wednesdays' winner of a QM 100 Block magazine is midwestquiltgirl - and why not? - Laurie in Maine, you win a copy, too! Let's just keep this week of magazines rolling and give away another one today. Keep trying, ladies!

Gotta run to get the last couple of pictures taken for Stash Society. The photographer is leaving town for the weekend and I need to be there soon. Watch for pictures next week.

Hope you're all enjoying the blog tour as much as I am. I've seen so many great websites and blogs I never would have visited before that are now on my watch list. Thanks to Quiltmaker!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tuesday's winner - krisgray. Congrats on winning the mini charm packs and pattern. Would love to see what you do with them!

I've been working on a Stash Society runner today with raw edge and fused applique. Thought I'd share a bit.

Still more to come this week - don't miss a thing!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Welcome to the Quiltmaker's 100 Block blog tour! I thoroughly enjoyed last year's edition of 100 Blocks and was pleased to be included with so many other talented designers with their innovative blocks in the 2nd edition. It's one magazine I'll watch for each year.

The KT block, Potted Posies #170, is a design I've been playing with for a while, trying to decide how much to piece and how much to raw edge applique. I settled on piecing it all except for the stems and flower centers because those are the elements that add to the block without taking away it's pieced simplicity. It can be arranged a couple different ways, as shown in the pictures above. It makes a great size for a wall quilt or table topper. The red and green color scheme is a natural for the holidays and work well into spring. KT's Wrapped in Paisley Christmas line would be a perfect fit for this holiday project. Send me a picture to post if you piece some Potted Posies for yourself.

The Wednesday giveaway is one last QM 100 Block magazine, provided by Quiltmaker. Check out all the blogs at quiltmaker.com/quiltypleasures. Thanks to Quiltmaker for all they've done for all of us participating in the 100 Block magazine.

See you tomorrow!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Tuesday, November 9, 2011

The winner of Monday's giveaway - QM 100 Blocks - is nrnoodle. Good for you! Enjoy!

Today's goody is a pair of Perennials mini 2 1/2" charm packs with a pattern to create a cute little mini quilt (check out the mini quilts on the sidebar from a couple weeks ago).

Winner of Border Garden

Oh my goodness! Spent so much time figuring out how to prepost a blog entry I forgot to announce the winner Sunday of the Border Garden booklet. Congrats to Jackiero!

We'll forgo the weekly drawing this week with daily giveaways, but keep watching for good stuff every day.
Lynne

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Quiltmaker's Blog Tour

Join us this week for the Quiltmaker's 100 Block Blog Tour. For a complete list of participating designers, go to http://www.quiltmaker.com/quiltypleasures.

The KT giveaway for today, Monday, November 8th is a QM 100 Block magazine. Comment for a chance to win!

Friday, November 5, 2010

More Market Photos

Here's a shot of Sandy Klop's booth of American Jane. Sandy's gone totally "fowl" with her new line of chicken prints - so very French country kitchen chic. We're anxiously anticipating the Oasis cruise the end of Jan. with Sandy and Edyta of Laundry Basket Quilts. They and their spouses always provide comic relief after the long days at market.

Still time to sign up to win a Border Garden booklet!
Lynne

Thursday, November 4, 2010

100 Quilt Blocks magazine winner....

Kathy was #14 commenting about the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks magazine and is the winner for October. Congrats, Kathy! For another chance to win, watch all next week for a different winner each day, Monday thru Friday, Nov. 8-12th during the Quiltmaker's 100 Block Blog Tour. We'll also have a weekly drawing all thru November for cool stuff from Fall Market.

This weeks drawing is for my new Border Garden booklet published by the KC Star. Winner will be announced on Sunday.

Don't miss a post!
Lynne

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

To market, to market......home again, home again, jiggity, jig.

Well, we didn't buy any pigs at market, but we saw lots of totally cool stuff all around the Moda booth. I'm sure there are pics being blogged, twittered and emailed all over for the last week, but I'm going to share a few here, too, over the next few days. Our booth was designed around a vintage gingerbread trim piece that Pam Buda and I found in Greensville, MO last summer. I knew I wanted lots of fresh flowers for my Perennials theme, so a pair of small shutters were converted into a planter by my oh-so-handy hubby, Robert. The shutters and found parts from his stash were an inexpensive project - the flowers it took to fill it up cost me a fortune! I loved the look and made it home with most of the bouquet intact to enjoy at least a few more days. Shared with my Mom and a friend since it filled several pitchers.

The KT Fav BOM was well received. We saw lots of shop owners standing about a foot away checking out all the details. Too fun! Since our Perennials line was released in September, many shops stopped to check out the quilt, mentioned they'd already ordered the fabric and pattern and wandered on. Guess we're just window dressing - what a life.

It's always so much fun to see all the other designers at the Moda party. This year, they went all out with a bash at Minute Maid Park, serving all-American BBQ and potato salad. Always good eats and lots of drinks. I especially like the aluminum bottles of beer. Who else do you know that throws their office party at a baseball park???

Better go help Robert unload the trailer. Watch for the October winner tomorrow.
Lynne

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Down to the wire.

Only a couple days left until we leave for Fall Quilt Market in Houston to show our latest wares, including the KT Fav BOM above. I'm putting together a brochure, stitching on sleeves and gathering the finishing touches for the booth this afternoon. Lois and I will be making backdrops and pole covers tomorrow, then we'll print, pack on Tuesday and head out on Wednesday. We're stopping in Dallas at the Moda warehouse on our way down. I love seeing everyone's stuff in person and it's pretty surreal to walk up and down the aisles with stacks and stacks of KT fabrics on the shelves - awesome!

Check back after market for some cool giveaways each week in November, plus the Quiltmaker 100 Block blog tour. So much inspiration, so little time.
Later,
Lynne

Monday, October 18, 2010

Updates

Such a gorgeous fall day. Trying every excuse to get outside, so ended up tying buttons onto the new Perennials quilt. There are 80 of them, so it's no small task, but definitely worth it in the end. See it here later this week.

We're trying to get all the new kits/quilts/patterns on our website before we leave for market which means photos, weighing, etc. Here's a look at 2 of our new Mini charm patterns using a 2 1/2" charm pack - Moda has cut them exclusively for us! Creat a miniature version of one our most popular patterns, Five & Dime, with a charm pack and a mini charm pack and call it Spare Change - too fun! The tiny quilt in the front - KT Favorites mini - is just 13 1/2" x 16 1/2" and sews up quickly with a mini charm pack and less than a yard of fabric. Kits are affordable and include the patterns. Check them out at ktquilts.com.

Thanks for all the comments on the 100 Quilt Blocks entry. Hope to have more stuff the week of the blog tour - November 8-12. Tune in.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Quiltmaker's 100 Quilt Blocks

Ladies, it's almost here! The newest issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Quilt Blocks will hit the newstands shortly with a Kansas Troubles block inside. Watch for the blog tour of many of the 100 designers the week of Nov.8-12 for lots of prizes. Comment on this post to win a copy of the magazine now!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

APQ on Newstands NOW!

To clarify, the Country Garden quilt is in the Dec. issue but it's already been sent and is on the newstands. I got mine a couple weeks ago. Several cool things in it. LMH

New KT Block-of-the-Month

Just a quick post to show you our Country Gardens quilt that's currently featured in the Dec. issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine. Our first batch of kits is sold out, but we're gearing up to do more next month, so don't delay if you're interested. Kits are $65.95 with fabrics for quilt top & binding plus buttons (add shipping).

Also, our new BOM, KT Favorites - 10 Years & Counting is so close to being totally done, done, done! If I could just quit adding wool, stitchery & buttons - and changing them at least twice - I'd already be done. Oh well, such is life. I'm delighted with the results and can't wait to show the whole quilt next week after the "official" pictures. Information about ordering kits will be on our website before we go to market. We'll take orders in November/December and start shipping Feb. 1, 2011. Stay tuned!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Rainy days and new kitties

Finally got a picture of the Perennials charm squares up since OBVIOUSLY the jpegs I thought I'd attached didn't work. I really do need a 10-year-old on staff to help me with stuff like that.

It's a rainy day here in Kansas, which is fine with me since I'm chained to the computer finishing up instructions for the new KT Favorites BOM. Spent most of the weekend adding wool appliques and stitchery. If my hand doesn't cramp up again tonight, the final stitches will be done and a picture will soon appear. I hope. Market is in a little more than 2 weeks and I've still got a list of things to do.

A neighbor dropped off 3 cats Saturday morning to help Hook catch mice. Since they had over 16 at last count, these probably won't be missed. With the rain today, they're all curled up on Robert's 4-wheeler seat under the awning, waiting for sunshine. At least Gus isn't here to harrass them. He really doesn't know what to do with 3 more cats running around. Can't wait until one of them stands their ground with him instead of running up a tree. He'll turn tail and run for sure. That's our brand of entertainment in the country.

Later,
Lynne

Friday, October 1, 2010

September Winner

Congrats to Sherrill from Texas - you're our September blog winner of the Five & Dime pattern and ruler. Thanks for commenting.

For October, you can win 3 Perennials mini charm packs, exclusively from KT. Check out the swatches above for a taste of the new collection showing at market later this month. There will be a fun mini charm pattern FREE on our website soon. The Perennials quilt is currently at the quilter - pics when it's done.

More later,
Lynne

Monday, September 27, 2010

What a Wonderful Weekend!

I'm finally home again after a busy week of teaching and playing. Aug. 20th, Lois and I spent the day with quilters in Pittsburg, KS making Mini Table Treats and providing the program for their guild meeting. Check out the 5 proud quilters with their almost finished projects later that night.

After barely 24 hours at home, I left for the Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH. This event is in it's 5th year in OH and is expanding to Atlanta, GA for a second fair next month. Definitely worth the trip. I met my friend, Pam Buda, from IL (watch for a link to her new blog on our website) and 2 more quilter friends from WI, Julie Hendrickson of JJ Stitches and her neighbor/employee, Jean Jacobson. The fair was held at the Ohio Historical Society Village with quaint buildings and winding streets, lots of trees and very nice restroom facilities -one of the porta-potties had hardwood floors! We spent Friday and Saturday exploring booths overflowing with antiques and crafts from country to totally primitive. There were interesting presentations by the show sponsors featuring Sue Whitney of JunkMarket fame, Taniya Niyak from HGYV's Designed to Sell, Amy Barickman from Indigo Junction, and CL staffers with craft and kitchen demos. Huge tents provided relief from Friday's heat and an array of food vendors offered some wonderful choices for lunch. A cool front with just a bit of rain Friday evening cooled things down to very pleasant temperatures on Saturday. We pretty much shopped til we dropped - or at least needed to sit a bit with a Diet Coke to refuel.

Since I flew to OH, I don't have any pics of my purchases yet, so watch for more next week. There will be something from the CLFair for the October giveaway. I'll have more CLFair news in a few days.

Now back to work. The KT Favorites BOM is back from the quilter so I'll be stitching on the wool embellishments and adding finishing touches. Be the first to see the quilt right here soon!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

They say there are 2 kinds of people in the world - those that have lost everything off of their computers and those that will someday. I'm now one of those people who had a major meltdown when my entire computer went blank, deleting dozens of pages of instructions for the new BOM. Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhh! I guess when my web support guy/son recommends "backup, backup, backup", he's not just suggesting. Needless to say, after many 4-letter words, tears and a hissy fit, I'm back at it trying to recover as much info as possible from my own flawed memory. Thank goodness I hadn't sent the quilt off to the quilter yet, so I have it here for reference.

Anyway, enough whining. Robert and I enjoyed very nice weather and even nicer quilters in South Dakota last weekend at a retreat sponsored by Kim and Laurie at Dakota Quilt Co. in Spearfish. These ladies truly know how to have fun. At one point, I was laughing so hard I was crying my mascara off. Too fun! I'd even consider going back next year as just one-of-the-girls. Here are a couple of pictures from our trip. It's worth the drive!

Almost 60 quilters whipped up a Five & Dime quilt starting with a Layer Cake and a Charm Pack. I created a ruler to help position and cut this easy-to-assemble quilt and the ladies loved them! Watch on our website for the new rulers - exclusive to KT - and make a Five & Dime even easier!

We'll be giving away a Five & Dime pattern along with a ruler this month. Only a couple weeks left, so hurry!

Off to Pittsburg, KS for a workshop and lecture for the local quilt guild. Check us out if you're in the neighborhood.
Lynne

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

August Winner

Cooper chose a number this weekend for the August giveaway - a KT Fav Jelly Roll - and "lips" was the winner! Congrats and thanks for everyone's comments about their favorite KT lines and the reasons why. It always helps to have constructive input.

Had a question previously about how I chose the blocks for the anniversary BOM. Let me tell you, it wasn't easy. Some were taken directly from a favorite quilt from the particular fabric line, others an applique used on a quilt and some were inspired by the fabric motifs. There are about 22 pieced blocks with 11 appliques for a total of 33. We're still trying to decide which bonus projects to include from earlier books. Any requests? I have always loved the quilt As the Wind Blows from Kansas/Oregon Quilt Connection so will certainly include that one. Otherwise, we're open to suggestions. Time is running out, so help - please! Waiting on the final border fabric for the BOM, then will post a pic before it goes to the quilter.

Packing the car for a trip to Spearfish, SD this weekend to teach at a retreat with 60 quilters hosted by Dakota Quilt Co. It promises to be great fun with a Thursday night pj party to kick it off. Better dig out my winter jammies - it might be a bit cooler up north.

Thanks for stopping by,
Lynne

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Fall is in the air

Hello!
It's a gorgeous day in the neighborhood! Chilly nights and cool days have made me itchin' to get out the fall decorations. It's a bit too soon to go over the top with pumpkins and Halloween stuff, but a bit here and there is a fun relief from so much summer red/white/blue. A new picture mixed with a lighted pumpkin (from a dear friend) and some other stuff I had sets the scene on the porch for a weekend of quilts around the campfire making s'mores.

Watch next week for the final pictures of the BOM before it heads to the quilter.

A beautiful weekend to you all!
Lynne

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Saturday Chores

Ladies,
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Robert and I've been working in the yard preparing for guests next weekend. We've hardly spent any time on the porch this summer with blistering heat of 100+ degrees (the porch faces to the west!) and little relief in the evenings. So looking forward to cool breezes and open windows soon. Even pulling weeds and deadheading blooms has been fun!

Check out Sneak Peek #2 of the new BOM. Should have the rest done and ready to send to the quilter by mid-week. You'll see it first here. Can't wait!
Later,
Lynne

Thursday, August 26, 2010

10 Years and counting...

Still hard to believe KT has been with Moda 10 years this fall. To celebrate, I've been working on an anniversary quilt/BOM that has a pieced block or applique that represents each of the 33 KT fabric lines so far. It's been a real challenge to find a block that fits each collection and get it into a queen quilt, but we're just about there. Watch in the next few days for sneak peeks as it's coming together.

We'll also be doing the BOM as a monthly project directly from KTQ beginning in Feb.2011. More details to follow.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Girlfriend Weekend

Designer friend, Pam Buda of Heartspun Quilts, and I have enjoyed a wonderful weekend of antique shopping, stitching and chatting (til all hours of the night). We spent Friday exploring quilt shops and antique stores in the Kansas City area with a stop at Quilter's Station in Lee's Summit and treasure hunting in Greenwood just a few miles south. I found a couple of items to repurpose for the booth at market as Pam searched for the perfect bread board for her kitchen island. Saturday was 105 degrees outside, but a refreshing 72 degrees inside my studio as we both stitched on projects at a leisurely pace, enjoying the companionship. Sunday was glorious, sitting on the porch, sipping iced tea in the (finally) cooler temperatures with a gentle breeze.
Pam is in town for our local quilt guild's lecture tonight and is spending the day teaching a class on her favorite quilting techniques. She's fun to spend time with and is especially good at bouncing ideas around. I am always inspired and re-energized since, as designers, we both spend alot of time alone with our own thoughts twisting in our heads. I appreciate a new perspective and constructive criticism from someone whose opinion I value and trust. So, while preparing brunch Sunday morning, she encouraged me to photograph the egg casserole to share since it is one of our favorites from retreats and is a Robert specialty. She, too, is starting a blog (I'll have that link for you soon) so it was the topic of much discussion. Here's a peek at brunch and a pic of Pam. The recipe for the breakfast casserole will be posted in a couple of days. It's a winner for weekend guests since you make it the night before with simple ingredients and little fuss - after all, even Robert can do it (thank you, dear).

As our time together comes to an end, we're making plans to meet somewhere in the middle to refresh our souls once more before the bustle of the holidays sets in. Take the time to nourish your girlfriend relationships - it's more fun than therapy and saves more money for fabric!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

July Winner

Good grief! I forgot to post the winner of the July giveaway. The August contest took over and my brain switched gears without me realizing - unfortunately, that happens more often than I'd like. Deb from Nebraska is our winner of the 5 new KT Stash Society projects. Quilt shops will be using them in their programs from Sept. thru Dec, so Deb has a head start! Congrats! Check out the list of participating shops at ktquilts.com to sign up and get them for yourself.

The August contest went so quickly, what will we talk about the rest of the month? How about another giveaway? I still have lots of KT Favorites, so comment here about your favorite KT collection so far and we'll draw at the end of the month for a KT Fav Jelly Roll! Wahoo! I'd love to know what your favorites are and why. Helps me plan for the future. I was just digging thru a pile of vintage fabric the other day, wondering about next year's collections. Any suggestions? Do you like autumn colors the best? Black vs. brown? Darker or lighter background tans? Can always use your input.

Thanks ladies,
Lynne

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

We have winners!

Congratulations to our top three winners in the KT Favorites Giveaway -
Carol Brune wins the fat 1/8 bundle of KT Favorites
Nancy Erdle came in 2nd (just 42 minutes after Carol!) and receives a Layer Cake
Kim Hartwig goes home with a KT Favorites Charm Pack and Pattern

Thanks to all the ladies who played. Seems the lines that tripped up even loyal KT followers were the 2 juvenile lines I was able to do a few years ago - Lucy's Feather Bed and Farmyard Friends. It was great fun to make quilts for my grandkids from my own fabric.

Here's 10 years of KT fabric:
Stitches on the Oregon Trail
Stitches on the Oregon Trail II
Kansas/Oregon Quilt Connection
Prairie Moon
Pressed Memories
Seeds of Time
Lucy's Feather Bed
Strawberry Jam
Prairie Christmas
Scrapbook Garden
Simply Indigo
Seasons
Shades of Autumn
Splatter Basics
Meadow Waltz
Farmyard Friends
Aunt Purdy's Parlor
Winter Rose
Bound to the Prairie
Bound to the Priaire II
Snow Blooms
Autumn Journey
Garden Inspirations
Cranberry Wishes
Wildflower Serenade
Wildflower Serendae II
KT Classic Plaids
Kansas Winter
Vine Creek
Butterfly Garden
Wrapped in Paisley
Summer's End
KT Favorites

Thanks to all who took the time to submit lists.
Lynne

Monday, August 2, 2010

Clue #1

First clue for the KT Favorties fat 1/8 bundle giveaway for August: KT Classic Plaids fabric line. I've had several quilters email with lists that are really close. Keep them coming!

Just got home from a wonderful weekend in Grand Junction, CO. If you're ever in the area, it's a great destination for KT fabrics, precuts and patterns as well as a great selection of other fabrics, notions and books. Johnna and Bill Keith, owners, and their staff are all so hospitable and knowledgeable. We met many quilters with stories of families coming from Kansas - very interesting. I have it on my list of places to visit again in the future.

Watch for another clue later this week.
Lynne

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Sneak peek at August giveaway

Okay ladies, thanks so much for all the great advice on allergy remedies. I've used a NeilMed rinse pretty religiously for years, just started using the honey and take Claritin every day. Still miserable at times. My latest attempt at relief has been to see a homeopathic allergist. She uses the concept of "the hair of the dog that bit you" plus applied physiology/accupressure. One visit and I'm nearly dancing for joy! My niece has had horrible headaches for years and finally found relief with a sacro/cranial massage therapist and this allergist. I've been to both and love them! Kansas City is three hours away, but I'm dedicated to making the trip once a month until I conquer my headaches. Bio-identical hormones are next on the list.

Enough about my issues (but thanks for listening) and on to the good stuff. Start your list of KT fabric lines for the August giveaway - a fat 1/8 bundle of the new KT Favorites line! The first quilter to email me the 10-years of KT fabrics - at ktquilts@twinvalley.net - wins! There will be 2nd and 3rd place winners, as well. I'm going to give tips each week in August to help out. The first one is: there are 33 collections from #1-Stitches on the Oregon Trail I to the newest #33-KT Favorites Basic line. Good luck and watch for more tips next week!

Lois and I are off to Grand Junction, CO for a visit to Quilter's Corner quilt shop. Come see us Friday night for our program or Sat. for the workshop.

Later,
Lynne

Monday, July 12, 2010

July Giveaway

Sheila Fisher, please send your snail mail address so we can ship your prize for June - a Summer's End pattern booklet and 2 Summer's End Candy Bars.

Time to announce the new giveaway for July. We've just sent the next installation of patterns for the KT Stash Society to the quilt shops - wanna get in on them early??? This month, you will take home all 5 of the latest projects - 2 are pictured at left.

Any advice on allergies? We're living in the middle of a wheat field with a pasture of brome grass next door. My head can't deal with all the pollen flying around in the air. After doctoring through the usual sources for years, I'm seeking some non-traditional sources this week, but would take any help/advice you all can give.
I'll update you later this week.
Lynne

Friday, July 2, 2010

June's Winner....

Congratulations to sheilafisher@verizon.com! You're the lucky winner of a Summer's End booklet and 2 Candy Bars of Summer's End fabrics. Please email me with your mailing address and we'll send them out next week.

Lois and I have been sewing this week on the new KT Favorites fabric, making a quilt and a couple extra projects for a booklet with the KC Star for fall - Border Garden. Sounds like a long ways away, but it needs to go to the quilter next week with photos on the calendar for the first of August. Whew! I'll post a pic before I send it.

Family coming in this weekend and I don't even have my red/white/blue on yet. Better go load up the car with holiday cheer before the gang arrives. Hope you all have a safe and happy 4th.

Watch for the announcement of our July giveaway next week.

Lynne

Monday, June 28, 2010

The end is near...

The end of June and Summer's End (the pattern, that is) are both near. You still have time to comment to be signed up for a Summer's End booklet and 2 Candy Bars. Several ladies have questioned where to buy the Candy Bar cuts, but as far as I know, they were just a special market giveaway. Quite a collector's item!

Since the grandkids were here, I'm chasing daylight trying to get caught up again. My Christmas fabric collection for 2011 is due July 1st and we just got in the new KT Favorites fabric. Lois and I start sewing tomorrow to make several projects for a booklet with the KC Star, Border Garden. I'll take a picture before sending it to the quilter next week.

Thought I'd share a few shots of the garden. The Morning Glories were just 3" high shoots from a friend's garden this spring. Nancy Arnoldy also gave me alot of Brown-eyed Susans - the rabbits thank her! Just figuring out this year what grows well and what's considered a snack by the critters.

Talk to ya on the 1st,
Lynne

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Okay ladies, the June Giveaway is a Summer's End pattern and a couple of "candy bars" (Moda's new 2 1/2" x 5" cut). They're a great cut and fun to work with for small projects. Log in between now and June 30th to be eligible.

Last month's winner, Peg, please email me with your mailing address so we can send your Square Pegs pattern. Congrats!

All 4 of my kids, Robert's daughter, Jacque, and 6 of the 8 grandkids are here this weekend for the River Festival. Too much fun! We'll have 3 or 4 of the grandkids for another week, so it'll be fairly quiet on the blog. Here's how I'll be spending my days. Have a fun week!
Lynne

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Booth questions

In answer to Sharlotte's question about the pinwheel quilt, that's one of our KT Stash Society projects for this summer along with the ornaments, sunflower and churn dash quilts next to it. Check our website at ktquilts.com under KT Stash for a list of participating quilt shops in this fun monthly program. Thanks for the inquiry. Any other questions???

May Winner of Square Pegs Pattern...

Congratulations to Peg of peacebypiecing in Colorado. Number #83 was picked out of 84 comments - you can thank Rowan for that! You will receive a Square Pegs pattern just as soon as they're printed next week.

So many quilters have posted great pics of market - here's a couple more of our booth. Edyta Sitar of Laundary Basket Quilts is often our neighbor at market so we get a chance to visit a bit. She and her husband, Michael, are always fun to have next door. We're both excited about the cruise to the Bahamas we're teaching on in Jan. 2011 with Stitchin' Heaven. Sandy Klop of American Jane is also cruisin'. We'll be sailing, quilting and playing with about 70 quilters for a week - can't wait! The boat is almost full, so check it out today!

The June giveaway will be announced in a couple of days.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Home again, home again...

Another successful market is history. We always love visiting Minneapolis because of the shopping - Ikea, Mall of America, The Painted Porch Antiques and Terra Garden Center. All fun experiences and all so different. The Painted Porch was our first stop for garden junk for the booth. We scored a cool dragonfly wind whimsy, some plant stakes made out of old silver spoons and a great old cutting board. On our way north, we found Terra - one of the neatest garden shops ever. I bought some stepping stones with butterflies, dragonflies and bees on them for the first step off of my front porch (it's usually a mud puddle), some interesting bird feeders (one looks like a giant cattail) and a wonderful sunflower bird bath that we used in the booth to hold brochures. Ikea is always fun, too, for functional, practical office stuff and did not disappoint. A new outfit and lunch at the Mall and we were ready to go start setting up. I'll have a pic of the booth this weekend if I can remember to download R's camera.

Not too late to get in on this month's giveaway - a Square Pegs pattern. It was a hit at market. Just a Layer Cake and 2 fabrics makes it super fast and easy for the shops to kit and quilters to make.
More later, Lynne

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Panhandle QGuild in Scott's Bluff, NE

Here's a look at a couple of workshops from last month's trip to Scott's Bluff, NE. Twenty-five quilters took classes each day to learn my raw edge applique technique to make the Skipping Stones quilt on Friday or a Mini Table Treats quilt on Saturday afternoon. I love Diana and Alvina's versions with batiks! Thanks to Sharon Armstrong for sharing the group shot at their guild meeting.

Thanks again for a wonderful weekend of quilting!
Lynne

Saturday, May 8, 2010

May Giveaway

The May giveaway will be a Square Pegs pattern. Our photographer, Bill Roenne of Monarch Portraits, is coming up Tuesday to take pictures so I'll post an official cover pic later this week.

Cooper and Delainey are on their way up to play today while their parents are immersed in a major remodeling job. They've take a wall out between their kitchen and living room to create an open floor plan so it's made a mess out of their whole house. Demolition started a couple weeks ago; sheetrock and mudding was last weekend; texturizing the ceiling and painting cupboards is on the agenda for today. They're lucky they have several friends who are helping that know what to do. They're hoping to have it pretty much done before Delainey's birthday June 9th. Best of luck!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

April's Winner is...

Just a quick note today to let you all know that Barbara is the winner of the KC Star book, Piecing the Past. Delainey, age 3, only counts to 22 (who knows why she stops there??) and picked the number 14, so Barbara was the 14th quilter to respond to the giveaway entry. Very scientific, huh?

Watch for the May giveaway announcement this week.
Lynne

Friday, April 30, 2010

More Sneak Peeks...

About every other day the UPS guy brings a wonderful surprise - a quilt coming back from the quilters. Even though I designed and even pieced some of the quilts, it's always such a fun surprise to open the box and discover how good quilting magically brings a quilt to life. A couple of comments on the Summer's End quilt made me realize that I'm seeing the small pieced blocks as flowers because I know we'll be adding raw-edge stems after it's quilted. Much like sending the Square Pegs quilt to the quilter and she questioned the name because all she saw was circles - we didn't add the "pegs" until we received it back from her. Goes to show that as a designer, I see the finished quilt in my head and assume everyone else sees my vision as well. Hopefully, by the time it's bound, everyone will see what I see. One of the cool things about this quilt is that it started with a Layer Cake and all I added was a fat quarter and about 1 1/2 yards of fabric for the outer border/binding. That's it for a 60" x 67" lap quilt. Pretty efficient use of precuts and a great outdoor quilt for summer. Imagine it in adorable kid prints or all plaids - how fun!

Check in tomorrow for the winner of the new KC Star book, Piecing the Past. In the morning, I'll call one of the grandkids and ask for a number between 1 and however many comments there have been. That's our official, technical way of determining the winners. Keep in mind, the sooner you comment each month the better because several of the grandkids only know their numbers up to about 20!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Sneak Peak

Wahoo! It's a Mud Day! Yes, in the country, in addition to Snow Days, we also have Mud Days - when you can't get to town because of the muddy roads or high water. Robert went to town early 'cause he's on call for the ambulance, so he'll probably stay in town until the rain is over. For me, it means NOT HAVING to go to town, all alone cozy in the cabin, baking cookies during breaks and watching the ducks on the pond thoroughly enjoy the weather. It doesn't mean I get a day off, though, because I have my sewing machine and computer at the cabin as well as in town. Crazy as it seems, once in a while, I love it!

The Fat Quarter Shop asked for a couple pics of what I'm working on for market, so thought I'd share a peek here, too. The Summer's End fabric has been really fun to work with and I'm pleased with the results of the quilt (above). Here it is before it was sent to Lori Kukuk, quilter extraordinaire. More market peeks as we get closer.

Still time to enter for the Piecing the Past book giveaway on April 30th - is that next week already??? It was very well received in the NE panhandle last weekend where I hung out with a wonderful bunch of quilters. Thanks ladies, for a great time. Vonda Walter was a very organized, delightful hostess and had assembled an experienced, creative group of quilters to entertain Robert and I. Nicely done.

Til next time, stay dry.
Lynne

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

April Giveaway

Figured I'd better check in before leaving town for the weekend. Robert and I are headed to Scott's Bluff, NE for a couple of workshops and a program. Both workshops are full and the ladies there are very organized. Should prove to be a good weekend all around.

I've been steadily stitching on the new Summer's End quilt this week, changing virtually every step along the way. Slows things down a bit, but uses a Honey Bun a little more efficiently and I'm always happier with the results. Sneak peak soon.

Now for the good stuff. The April Giveaway is for one of the new KC Star books, Piecing the Past. I'm pretty excited about my first venture with The Star and would love to share a book with one of you out there. I'll post some pics of the projects in the book later this month. Check out Deb Rowden's blog for some interesting commentary. She was tickled by several of the stories that didn't make the book. I thought we should be fairly PC the first time around so I skipped over the parts about my Gramma and her 4/10 shotgun. Not everyone appreciates a woman who shoots critters before asking questions.

Anyway, comment for a chance at the book. There are a dozen projects and lots of fun facts about my family history, Bennington and our historical building.

Hope spring has come your way,
Lynne

Monday, April 5, 2010

Welcome to Fabric Fondlers Anonymous

Ladies, I need to set the record straight and admit that Aleece is my granddaughter, not my daughter. Actually, I would rather stick a hot poker in my eye than have a 5-year-old full time at this point in my life (52-years-old). Don't get me wrong, I dearly love all my grandkids, but there's no way I could keep up with this job and chase little kids, too. I remember all too well how hectic is was 25 years ago when my own were that age. Now, my oldest, Neil, is 32; Brent & Brian (twins) are 30, and my daughter, Nicole, is 28. Glad I had them when I was young and stupid :).

Anyway, here's a shot of 4 of my 5 grandkids after the Easter Egg hunt last Sat. From right to left, Cooper, 9; Aleece, 5; Delainey, 3 (Cooper's little sister); and Bronson, 4, in front. Rowan, 7, lives in WA and couldn't be here this time. He'll be back for 6 weeks this summer between our house and his other grandparents. We'll try to squeeze all the fun we can out of time we have with him.

Watch in the next few days for the April Giveaway.
Later,
Lynne

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Lauren will be Wrapped in Paisley!

Congratulations to Lauren (uswheelers@blogspot.com), our March Giveaway Winner! We'll be sending her a Wrapped in Paisley booklet plus a bag of fabric scraps leftover from our quilts. With 3 little ones at home, you need to start your Christmas projects now. Enjoy!

The new fabric for market, Summer's End, arrived yesterday. It's always so much fun when the UPS guy brings boxes from Moda. Lois and I will be sewing like crazy beginning next week. For now, I've got grankids here for the weekend (short spring break at Aleece's school). She'll help do some stitching on charm squares, but I'll wait to do the big projects after she's back at home. Aleece, 5 1/2-years-old, loves fabric. I've purchased a couple of charm packs for her - the latest was Sandy Gervais' "Needful Things" with the adorable shoe prints - and she'll lay out the squares in various configurations, pet the fabric and talk about which print she wants for borders, etc. She's my best hope for the next generation of quilters, so far. We'll work on her quilt this weekend when we can, but the weather is so beautiful we'd both rather be outside. I have flower beds that need a good spring clean-up and pansies to plant and she has a dog to chase and a cat to cuddle. It'll be a busy weekend all the way around!

Have a happy and blessed Easter at your house,
Lynne

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

There's still time!

You still have 24 hours to get in on our March giveaway of a Wrapped in Paisley booklet and a bag of scraps to start one of the projects.

I've been editing patterns on the front porch this afternoon, taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather. There's plenty of entertainment out the window - birds of all sorts at the bird feeders from blue jays, red-winged blackbirds and starlings to pheasant and geese and, Gus (Robert's Cairn Terrior) and Hook (the cat) teaming up to chase squirrels. Hook was named because her tail is short with a barbed end - much like a fish hook. We were told by the farmer who gave her to us that she'd had her tail broken as a kitten and it fell off. There was no reason not to believe it until she had a litter of kittens last spring and 2 of the 4 had the same hooked tail. Now we believe somewhere in her family tree is a bobcat. Anyway, she and Gus are good buddies, chasing each other around the yard and napping together in the sun. Their antics always make me smile.

More tomorrow,
Lynne

Monday, March 22, 2010

Oh, what a wonderful weekend!

I'm just back from a lovely weekend retreat in Urbandale, Iowa hosted by Heidi Kaisand (former editor of APQ magazine, now working with APQS long arm quilting machines). About 17 of us enjoyed a relaxing few days of stitching, eating, sharing and more eating. Heidi spoiled us with homemade goodies each day and a wealth of handmade treasures to remember our outing. Even though I've been anxiously anticipating spring, I was perfectly happy watching it snow and blow outside as we sat cozily inside sewing to our hearts content. Fellow designer friend, Pam Buda (check out her new BOM Hearth & Home at Fat Quarter Shop) and I had made plans to meet at the retreat to catch up and hang out together. Pam describes herself as a KT stalker, but I found if I just become good friends with stalkers it takes all the negative connotation out of it! I was also enjoyed the company of Pam's friend, Deb (owner of Quilter's General Store in Rockford, IL). It filled my soul to spend time with these ladies and babble about everything and nothing. I work alone so often it's a blessing to have good friends in the business who "get it". My roommate and dear friend, Connie Huddleson (Starry Pines Designs and The Little Wool Shoppe), was unable to attend due to her husband's ill-timed triple bypass surgery. But, we're already planning a summer get-together as soon as Chuck's on the mend. My best to the patient and care-giver.

Heidi provided us with a unique opportunity at this retreat by having an APQS machine AND expert instuctor, Dawn, available to quilt our own projects. I took a pic of Deb as she proudly displayed a table topper sample for her shop. It certainly did not look like a first time long arm project. Great job! I finished a lap quilt for market but was afraid to totally ruin it by quilting it myself. Wish I'd taken a generic UFO to play with - it really looked like fun.

Off to KC Tuesday thru Thursday to visit a couple more guilds and Prairie Point Quilt Shop. Finally home for a few days in April before heading to Scott's Bluff, NE the middle of the month.

Still time to enter for the March Giveaway next week (where did this month go???).

Lynne

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Finally, pictures!

You've all been so great signing up for the unknown/unseen Wrapped in Paisley booklet. Finally, here are pics of the 3 projects included (I'm afraid I'm still figuring out formats, sizing, etc for all this stuff). You still have time to throw your hat in for the pattern - and a few scraps to get started - for the giveaway this month.

Just saw the final proof pages of our brand new KC Star book, Piecing the Past - so exciting! It's been a great experience working with Deb Rowden and the whole Star team. Can't wait to hold a book in my hands and smell the new pages - don't ya just love new quilting books??? Hopefully can post a few sneak peaks soon.

Also on the agenda this week, a new quilt computer-generated for the Summer's End fabric line for Moda's market playbook - August or Sept. release. I'll post a few swatches next week.

Gotta run,
Lynne

Sunday, March 7, 2010

March Giveaway

Congratualtions, again, to Cindy - our February winner of 6 Mini Table Treats patterns. She shared a few pics with me of her KT fabric stash and some quilts she has made with it. Thanks, Cindy! It's fun for me to see what quilters are doing with my stuff.

Now for March giveaway. I'm up to my ears in Christmas right now, getting the Wrapped in Paisley patterns finished and ready to print. Then Robert takes over with the printing and shipping. The March giveaway is for the Wrapped in Paisley project booklet with 3 Christmas themed quilts - a lap quilt, table topper and runner. Can't seem to get the picture to come up for now, but I'll work on it when I get back in a couple of days.

I'm off to KC for a couple of guild meetings - Monday morning in Lee's Summit, MO and evening in Bue Springs, MO. Then it's Grandparents Day at my 5-yr-old granddaughter's (Aleece) school - we have a date for lunch. Can't wait to see what's on the menu. It's been a while since I've eaten school lunches.

Later, Lynne

Monday, March 1, 2010

A Weekend in Chicago

Hello! Our February winner of the 6 different Mini Table Treats patterns is.....Cindy from AZ. Congrats on winning and thanks for your input.

I just got home from a weekend in Chicago with designer Laurie Simpson of Minick & Simpson at the Vintage Textile Show in Elgin, IL. Laurie scored a few great fabrics there last year and I was eager to check it out. Although we didn't find much vintage fabric, we did find some way cool stuff - some hand-painted bird buttons, a nifty needlepoint purse and sterling silver necklace shaped like a purse. Laurie found some neat ephemera for an upcoming book. Definitely worth the trip if you love old junk like I do. We had a very nice dinner at a local joint before heading back to our hotel. Laurie had to leave Sat. morning, but dropped me off at the Algonquin Commons outdoor mall to shop on her way out of town. A day of wandering, inspiration and a couple of movies rounded out a very rare, relaxing weekend. If the sun had been shining, it would have been perfect! Sooooooo looking forward to spring!
Talk to ya later this week,
Lynne

Monday, February 22, 2010

I'm Back

Hello Ladies!
I know it's been dead quiet here, but I'm finally back on my feet after one heck of a migraine last week. I was just telling Robert and Lois that we were pretty much caught up and on track before heading out for a month of speaking/teaching engagements in March. That must have been what caused it. Never again will I announce when I'm feeling like I'm ahead of schedule. It doesn't pay!

Anyway,this week we're finishing up the latest KT Stash Society projects for the summer months and having photos taken this week of the Wrapped in Paisley quilts. I'll post pics later this week. We're really excited about our (non)Christmas line this year and hope you love it, too. It should be hitting the quilt shops in May - just about the time you'll be thinking about Christmas!!!

You still have time to sign up to win the February Giveaway - 6 Mini Table Treats Patterns! I'll be gone all weekend, so the winner will be announced Monday, March 1st.

Monday, February 1, 2010

More about Mini Table Treats

One of the comments here requested more info about the picture of the workshop ladies with their Mini Table Treats projects. On our website - ktquilts@twinvalley.net - we have 6 patterns for $4 each for these 17" table toppers that are fun and easy to make. Just layer a fat quarter backing, batting and a 17" circle background with another smaller circle; crosshatch quilt the whole thing. That's the foundation for your chosen applique whether it's Christmas lights, flowers, acorns, etc. The ladies are usually done in about 3 hours, stitching on binding. It's a fun way to try raw edge applique with little investment of time or money but many quilters find they want to make more for fast and simple gifts. We have several new projects coming out for market in the spring. I'll keep you updated.

The February Giveaway is one of each of the 6 Mini Table Treats patterns. If you're interested, please reply!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

And the winner is...

Congrats to Gina in Dallas! You're the winner of the January giveaway. I'm sure the pile of HST and pattern are going to a good home. Let us see what you end up doing with them. Thanks to all of you who commented. I love reading them and checking out your profiles. A big thanks to Mary at Quilter's Hollow, too, for sending so many ladies my way.

I'll take a pic of the February Giveaway tomorrow. Watch for it later this week.

My oldest son, Neil, his wife, Leslie, and their almost 7-year-old son, Rowan, are here visiting for the next couple of weeks before she is deployed to Korea for a year. Leslie is in the Air Force stationed in Spokane, WA. Hopefully, they'll be moving closer to home after she returns so we can squeeze the grandson more often. I need to finish the binding on his Christmas quilt tonight. Hope to have pics of all the grandkids and their quilts soon.

Stay warm, quilt more, shop often.
Lynne

Monday, January 25, 2010

To Leoti and home again.

Lois and I traveled to Leoti, KS last Friday to share quilts and teach a workshop on raw edge applique. Even with a winning basketball team playing on Friday night, more than 60 women joined us for a fun evening hosted by Prairie Flower Quilts. Twenty-two quilters each stitched a mini table treats quilt in a 4-hour class on Saturday - and we even took time out for a delicious lunch of homemade potato soup and chicken salad sandwiches. I never worry about going hungry when I'm with quilters! We stayed at a homey B&B owned by one of the shop owners - thanks so much Deb!

Thanks for all your input on the Wrapped in Paisley charm quilt borders. Watch next week for my final pick.

We're off to Abilene, KS for their guild meeting on Tuesday night. Hope the weather cooperates. Later, Lynne

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Vote on a border.

Fellow quilters, my brain is done for the day and I need to decide on borders for this little quilt. It's our charm pack project for the Wrapped in Paisley fabric line - don't ya love it? The little packages have a double ribbon - one uses the pinked edges from the precuts. Vote on the gold stripe, gold print, red print or green. I've got to finish this Monday after I get back from Leoti, KS. Where, you ask? It's just about 2 hours west of civilization in western Kansas. There's a neat new quilt shop out there called Prairie Flower Quilts. Lois and I are off in the morning to do a program Friday night and a workshop on Saturday. Join us if you're close! I'll check your votes on Monday. Thanks!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Hello Ladies!
The month is half over and I still have a Giveaway to announce. Who wants to win about 400 assorted Moda designer 2 1/2" half square triangles? Moda challenged us before fall market to use all the different Moda fabrics to create a project using Edyta's Friendship Triangle Papers. Love the papers; had a great time playing with everybody's fabrics. I still have a bunch left and thought I would share. Respond before the end of the month and I'll throw in our pattern using these triangles - Summer Wreath.

FINALLY got a camera that is easy and works well with my computer. That's been the hardest part of this whole blog thing, so thanks for bearing with me. Now that I can take pictures and my camera will talk to my computer I will be sharing more good stuff with you.

Later, Lynne

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Is it January 2nd yet?

Sorry for the delay. We've had grandkids off and on all week and I lost track of what day it was! Woolensails is the winner of the December giveaway - a Changing Seasons pattern - congrats! Please send your mailing address and we'll send it right out. Our January giveaway will be annouced later this week.

I made a resolution this year to ignore resolutions, unless they're things like eating more chocolate (dark chocolate for my health, of course), shopping more for antiques and fabric to help stimulate the economy, and taking more time to relax and quilt with friends. I'm actually doing all three of those things in March when I go with a couple of friends on a quilting retreat. I've also been asked (and jumped at the chance) to teach on a quilting cruise to the Bahamas next January with Stitchin' Heaven quilt shop out of Quitman, TX. It promises to be a great time with Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts and Sandy Klop of American Jane also teaching. We seldom have a chance to really visit at market so this will be a great opportunity to work and play together for a week with a fun bunch of quilters. For more information, call Deb Lutrell at 903-312-6833.

Stay warm, buy fabric, make quilts.