'Tis The Good Ole Summertime

………...and it's hot outside!  What a delight to find this easily made pattern to stitch up a summertime swing dress.  Tutorial at We All Sew is just in time to outfit ourselves beautifully while staying cool in our Deep South heat wave. 

Take the first step:  Grab that favorite tank top ~ 












 

Spotlight on Amy Aderman, upcoming GSQA presenter

I smiled while reading how Amy Aderman's new job digital marketing manager Vanessa Denniston, started her introduction of Amy..."The new kids, they always get all the attention..."   It's a good read, so here's the full article.   

So, yes, let's give Amy even more attention.  Amy is the Gulf States Quilting Association's quarterly meeting presenter, July 28, 2018 in Long Beach, Mississippi.    Applause 

Amy has a long history of touching, cutting, sewing fabric beginning at the knees of her grandmother at about 4 years old.  Amy continued  through the years to make garments and home décor until she started making quilts about six years ago.....and, as they say, 'the rest is history'.   Now, a  sales rep for Jaftex Corporation, a 4th generation family owned business based out of New York City, Amy enjoys the pleasure of being  one of the first to see all the new fabric lines of Blank Quilting Corporation, Studeoe Fabrics, 3 Wishes,  Stof, A E Nathan Co., and recently purchased Free Spirit and more.

When I asked Amy about her GSQA program, she readily admitted that she was still working on that!  But, she went on to say that included will be her experience as a fabric rep....what she does, what life on the job is like, how shops select and order fabric, and other aspects of the fabric industry - design, production, where and how it's made, fabric quality, etc. 

Here's what Amy says about how her sewing/quilting history has helped her job performance: 

"Many sales reps in the industry do not sew or quilt.  But Jaftex realizes that people who know and use their fabrics are an asset.  My knowledge as a sewer/quilter helps me connect with and relate to my customers. They respect and appreciate my understanding of their business and their retail customers.  I am able to suggest projects and uses for the fabrics and what's trending now in the quilting community." 

Amy's response to "What was your greatest fear when starting your new job?"

"I'm sure it's the same thing everyone fears with every new job....FAILURE.  I started this job with no previous sales experience and sales was something I never thought I'd like or be good at.  My pay is commission based on my sales, so if I fail, my bills don't get paid!  That was pretty scary at first.  It was also a big lifestyle change for me - from 9-5 office jobs, to a 100% self-employed job where I set my own schedule, spend a lot of time away from home, driving and staying in hotels."

When asked about her most rewarding moment, Amy readily agreed that

"it is just awesome to get paid to do something fun and spend time with people who share my biggest passion - making stuff!" 

Just recently completed is Amy's liberated log cabin quilt inspired by the quilters of Gees Bend, Alabama, which was a blue ribbon winner at the April GSQA quilt show - 1st place in the Modern Category.

Congratulations, Amy. 

We look forward to your Gulf States Quilting Association presentation in July. 

X-tra large....now, that's a good thing ~

Like it, want it, make it.....an extra large and very sturdy tote bag made so easily in the Laura Coia Sew Very Easy video. 

 

Quilts of Valor ~

Quilts of Valor Foundation:  An organization founded by Catherine Roberts in 2003.  After her son, Nat, was deployed in Iraq, Catherine literally had a dream of a young man sitting on the side of a bed.....

Pinwheels Plus
designed by Lisa Feor
 

Quilts of Valor Foundation History

Catherine Roberts’ Dream
Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream, literally a dream. Founder Catherine Roberts’ son Nat was deployed in Iraq. According to Catherine:
The dream was as vivid as real life. I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter. Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and wellbeing. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was:
Quilts = Healing
The model appeared simple: have a volunteer team who would donate their time and materials to make a quilt. One person would piece the top and the other would quilt it. I saw the name for this special quilt. It was a Quilt of Valor, a QOV.
What Quilts of Valor Are
From the beginning, Catherine Roberts had definite ideas about standards of excellence for Quilts of Valor:
I knew a Quilt of Valor had to be a quality-made quilt, not a “charity quilt.”  A Quilt of Valor had to be quilted, not tied, which meant hand or machine quilting. Quilts of Valor would be “awarded,” not just passed out like magazines or videos. A Quilt of Valor would say unequivocally, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor” in serving our nation in combat.
The First Quilt of Valor
The first QOV was awarded in November 2003 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) to a young soldier from Minnesota who had lost his leg in Iraq. Catherine recalls:
Chaplain John Kallerson opened the door for us at Walter Reed primarily because his wife Connie Kallerson happened to be a quilter. She impressed upon him how comforting quilts can be. John also saw the value of awarding quilts to his wounded because of the message they carried that someone cares.
How the Foundation Grew
From Catherine Robert’s home in Seaford, DE, the Quilts of Valor movement spread across the nation and beyond through the power of word-of-mouth and the Internet. According to Catherine:
The team consisted of a quilt-topper, a person who pieces the top from various fabrics, and a quilter who uses a “longarm” quilting machine to create beautiful machine quilting. Our longarmers immediately played a crucial role in making our quilt tops go from hohum to “wow.” Two people who helped bring needed exposure at the start of our program to the longarming world were Janet-Lee Santeusanio and Marcia Stevens. I am deeply grateful to them for the faith they showed in a newly formed group.
Other key players on our team who helped our growing community get things done, in addition to those making quilts from coast to coast, were the “longarm coordinator” and “destination coordinator.” Our “points of contact” throughout the world identified recipients and often facilitated the actual awards ceremonies.
Our Mission Statement
The organization’s original mission statement said its purpose was “to cover all those service members and veterans wounded physically or psychologically with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” Catherine Roberts recalls:
No one really liked the word “psychologically.” Brilliantly, Chaplain Kallerson suggested using the phrase “touched by war” as a replacement for the words “wounded physically or psychologically.” This simple phrase was perfect. The group’s mission statement was revised to read, “The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” Later, the words “all” and “combat” were removed, further reflecting our understanding of the true meaning “touched by war.”
The Light of Inclusion
In the early days of the organization, the primary focus was on awarding quilts to service members wounded in the Iraq (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF) conflicts. Catherine Roberts remembers:
I affectionately referred to these young men as “babies” to distinguish them from veterans of other conflicts. Among us civilians, there were no complaints, as we were in the throes of an ongoing war. However, there were faint rumblings from those who worked at Veterans Administration Medical Centers (VAMCs). They politely pointed out it wasn’t fair to award a QOV to one group of wounded and exclude others. The light of inclusiveness began to glimmer.
At an awards ceremony at a VAMC in White River Junction, VT, in 2006, we saw wounded veterans from all conflicts being awarded quilts, not our policy at the time. My husband Chris “got it” right away, but it took several years for me to really understand. That happened in 2009 in Bellingham, WA. A group of us got together for a quilting retreat. One of our activities for the weekend was to award quilts at an event called “American Veterans Tribute and Traveling Wall Exhibit” in Bellingham. I could not find a group of OIF/OEF veterans for the QOVs we brought that day. A group of Vietnam veterans were there to perform a “Patriot Guard” ride past the Vietnam traveling memorial wall on their motorcycles. This event changed my whole outlook on who should receive a Quilt of Valor. As we were awarding quilts, the Vietnam vets said over and over again, “Ma’am, this is the first time in forty years anyone has ever thanked me for my service.” All of us were thunderstruck. From then on, any warrior who had been touched by war, no matter when his or her service, could receive a Quilt of Valor. No questions asked.
Civilian Awardees
The philosophy of inclusion widened when Catherine became aware of the work that goes on at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO), located at Dover Air Force Base, Del. She recalls:
I read an essay by Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl called “Taking Chance Home.” In the essay, Strobl recounts how he escorted the body of Marine Private Chance Phillips to his home in Wyoming for burial. Strobl took the reader through AFMAO, describing who the staff was and what they did to prepare the remains of the fallen for burial. I realized that workers at Dover, though they were stateside, were as touched by war as anyone downrange or “in theater.”
We established a relationship with the AFMAO and set a date for an awards ceremony. The day of the ceremony I received a call from the chaplain saying we had a big problem—some of the staff at Dover were civilians. As they all worked as a team, a family, awarding Quilts of Valor only to military service members would not work. The decision was made to award quilts to all working at the Port Mortuary, and this policy has continued ever since.
The Evolution of the Foundation’s Name
The first name of the organization was Quilts for Soldiers. Catherine Roberts explains:
Because my son was in the Army, I thought all military service members were “soldiers.” I didn’t understand that different branches have different names for their members. Fortunately, a Marine straightened me out, and Quilts for Soldiers became Quilts of Valor.
The Foundation’s Early Days Catherine Roberts reminisces:
In the beginning, it was like the “wild, wild, West.” A few of us handled everything. After we became a national non-profit in 2005, we created a volunteer Board of Directors to govern, determining policies and direction. Over the years, a structure of volunteer leadership has evolved.
Without the selflessness of the individuals who have volunteered over the years and who work tirelessly for the Foundation now, we would not be the viable group we are today. It’s difficult for me to convey to those who may be reading this history the debt I owe these individuals. They have devoted their time, their hearts, and their financial resources to the Foundation to keep it afloat, growing, and thriving. I know that, many times, many volunteers have felt it was a thankless job, but they have given their service, their sacrifice, and sometimes their valor in service to our mission.  
Quilts of Valor Foundation:  Quilters Questions - requirements, patterns, backing/binding and presentation case and more.  






 

Yesterday Revisited BOM #5 - Clay's Choice

 

 

 

 

The Row By Row Experience

Get the 2018 RxR experience June 21 - September 4

What started out in New York State in just a few quilt shops has now exploded across the United States and on into Canada and  Europe.  Yes, it's the Row By Row Experience and it is one of the hottest quilting events of the summer.  Summer! Yikes....that's only one week away.  

Here's the link to the Row By Row story, the rules, FAQ ,  RxR collectibles,  and some very important dates.  Also linked is the shop finder by state and country.  Search by city, zip or who participates in RxR Junior and the 9th row.  

Here's a tease from Stitchin' Heaven, Mineola, Texas ~ Yep! This fab shop met the Sew Musical challenge quite beautifully with their get-out-on-the-floor-and- kick-up-your-heels block. 



"Line Dancing "  2018 Sew Musical
Row by Row Experience

Start Rowing (no motor required)

To Sew Musical 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Quilting Mini Motifs with Angela Walters ~

Machine quilting mini-motifs in a small area is a great way to learn the design without feeling daunted by a large area....she says ~  The proof is in the pudding.  Just watch and enjoy this last episode of The Angela Walters free motion quilting along.   To go back and watch all Angela's free motion quilting videos,  just click on the Free Motion Quilting label on the bottom of the blog to get the stream.  Now, go forth and free motion quilt. 


 

 

Sizzlin' hot programs ~

Oh yes....get 'em while it's hot!  Block of the Month programs from Stichin' Heaven.  Get one or all five of them now for only a $1.00 each.    This is too sizzlin' hot not to share. 

Just for grins.....here is Scrap Happy Sampler by Sherri Noel.  Each block is unique.  Wow....a journey to remember incorporating traditional piecing, foundation paper-piecing and even English paper-piecing. 

We can also Journey Around the Color Wheel by Sassafrass Lane by constructing wedges to create this modern circular design. 

 

Mod Squad Meet Up ~

Who?    Mod Squad   
What?   A modern branch of Quilters' Guild Acadienne.  Everyone is invited to become an active  participant
Where?  All Brands Sewing Center in Lafayette
When?   Saturday, June 9  ~ 9 am - 4 pm
Why?    To further explore the art of quilting

Make plans now to attend our next meet up on Saturday, June 9 at All Brands from 9 - 4.  We will be joining the QGA Sew Day to introduce an improvisational activity.  Polly Stacks is hosting and gives us her plan.....

"I am hosting the Mod Squad meet up and have decided on Score for Improv Round Robin in Sherri Lynn Woods' book, The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters - starting on page 42 if you have the book.  I am copying the first paragraph in this chapter."

"Introducing the YES, AND conversation as a model for how to improvise several patchworks at once in a group.  The goal of the Improv Round Robin is for each participant to accept and build onto each patchwork as it is passed around in a YES, AND way, through "listening" to the patchwork, noticing the patterns that are emerging, and then adding pieces onto it in a way that amplifies the conversation."

Simply, you start a conversation with your original piece and then hand off to the next person who adds to it then passes to next person and so on.  Each person has 15 minutes to add on then it goes to next person.  Time will be extended as the quilt top gets larger.  It's a great exercise and should be lots of fun.   

Do Not go out and buy anything new...unless you don't have a stash???

Bring large fabric scraps in various sizes...when put together should equal 3 yards of fabric.

3 or 4 width of fabric pieces 1/4 to 1/2 yard edge to edge. Small amount of rogue material/ or fabric that doesn't match / or out of your comfort zone

 

1 yard or more of your own signature fabric.  You will include this is in the quilts of others too.  

Choose your fabric so that they have a range of value and focus.

Also bring your machine and basic sewing supplies.

See you there.....

 

Stof Fabrics ~

What's not to love about a fabric company that give us free patterns.  Focus on Stof Fabrics in particular with a team of dynamic fabric and pattern designers.  For instance, the Annaluna Quilt, from idea, design and making by Anke  Wechsung, featuring fabric series "Annaluna", "Quilters Shadow" and "Sevilla Shots."



Annaluna Quilt
by Anke Wechsung



Annaluna Quilt
by Anke Wechsung
59" x 80" pattern instructions
 

An equally stunning, very minimal quilt design using Annaluna, Remake and Quilters Basic Perfect fabrics ~
pattern download

 In the artistic quilt-making mode, then try this Sevilla Stof-shots Modern Houses design ~

Placemats YES:  Featuring fabric from the series "Aya & Saori" and "Quilters Shadow" a pattern for beginners and beyond. 

 

When a quilt is too large to hold~

If it's too large to hold and there is only one of you in the moment, then how does the quilt maker get the quilt photographed!  Brilliant idea on what's going on behind the quilt posted by Quilting Jetgirl….a quilt photography tool tutorial. 

The perfect example of a quilt too large to hold.....A beautiful, very large quilt made by Diana Venters, a quilt maker and author.   Diana lives large in quilt math and makes large quilts. 

Out of respect to the (too short) quilt holders, and to protect their privacy, their feet and hands have been edited out of the photo.  Can you see how helpful the quilt photography tool would have been here during this Show 'N Tell photography session!