"QUILTS & PROJECTS" By Wendy Sheppard with a book giveaway, Island Batik Fabrics

I have been a fan of Wendy Sheppard's since the very first day Quilt Shop Gal told me about her.

She has a fun informative blog "Ivory Springs."

Here is her lastest book.  Each blog in this hop will be giving one way.

You can purchase a copy at Landauer, Amazon or a pdf copy Here:

Here is the line up for the hop so if you have missed a few days you can always go back and check the blogs out and try your hand at winning this fabulous book.  Island Batik is giving away  a batik bundle but you need to go there to enter that giveaway.

Monday, March 14 – Island Batik Intro

Tuesday, March 15 – The Fit Quilter

Wednesday, March 16 – Pamela Quilts 

Thursday, March 17 – MooseStash Quilting

Friday, March 18 –  Bejeweled Quilts

Monday, March 21 –  One Quilting Circle

Tuesday, March 22 –  BeaQuilter

Wednesday, March 23 – Freemotion by the River and KISSed Quilts 

Thursday, March 24 – Mary Mack Made Mine

Friday, March 25 – Lemon Tree Snippets

As you can see all of us are using our fabulous Island Batik Fabrics and we are recreating her patterns.

I just have to tell you that I fell in love with Wendy's book right off.  Her directions are so easy to understand, the book itself is bright and inviting.  Using these fabulous Island Batik Fabrics is just the cat's meow.

It has just been in the last few years that I have wanted table placemats for my table instead of table cloths.

                                               HERE IS WENDY'S PLACE MAT DESIGN

She gives you two color ways.

Don't you just love them?

Here is mine!

                                             I used Caribbean Splash from Island Batik.

                                    I truly enjoyed these awesome fabrics and this fun design.

                                My son andH is wife came to dinner Sunday and I just had to use them.

I did make the little runner to go in the middle which is on the post here!

FAST

EASY

FUN!

FUN!

So Check out Wendy's book and hop on over there to Island Batik to find the nearest store near you or online store that sells these fabulous fabrics!

Just leave a comment to win her book.

"YOU CAN QUILT" BLOG HOP - ISLAND BATIK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY AND BOOK GIVEAWAY

Today is my day for the "You Can Quilt" blog hop.

If you are a beginner quilter or need to brush up on your techniques, this is the book for you.

I wish this book was around when I first started quilting, it sure would have alleviated a lot of frustration and ripping out.

The illustrations are fabulous for the visual learners out there, great instructions, wonderful hints and tips to make your quilting experience run smooth.  Can't promise there will not be any frustrations but certainly will make it more pleasurable.

My review is Chapter 10                        Applique


NEEDLE TURN APPLIQUE

 Fabric is Caribbean Splash by Island Batik

Notice the topper above.  I was so excited that I emailed this to Marlene Odie (one of the authors of the book).  She wrote back asking if I did needle turn and used the right size patterns.  She asked if the page printed out correctly.

All I can say is OPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPS...  I love it even tho it is not to the right specifications, it is on my coffee table right now.

                                           This fabric is Sea Salt Sandy by Island Batik


Here is what it should look like!!!

Much easier than working with those small pieces.  Just make sure your printer is on the right setting.  Mine says full sheet to make the correct sizes.

Actually I did think something was wrong, it just didn't look right but I forged ahead anyways.


RAW EDGE APPLIQUE

                                      This fabric is Fall 2015 Christmas Fabric by Island Batik

I have to say that the Island Batik fabrics are fabulous for applique.  The batiks do not fray as easily as cotton fabrics which makes it easier to turn under.

FREEZER PAPER APPLIQUE

FINISHED EDGE APPLIQUE

INTERFACE APPLIQUE

GATHERED APPLIQUE

HAND APPLIQUE

MACHINE APPLIQUE

                                                                   So many techinques,

                                                                   so much fun,

                                                      soooo why not check the book out?

At the end of the blog hop we will randomly choose 4 winners.  Each winner will receive a copy of You Can Quilt! and a  fat eighth Island Batik fabric bundle. See the Rafflecopter below and enter the giveaway!  

Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to US residents. If you don't win or if you can not wait you can
 purchase a copy of You Can Quilt! you can get a signed copy from Marlene it is also available through AQS (as a hard copy or e-book) and Amazon

A big shout out to Marlene Odie and Island Batik for this fabulous hop!  Marlene for the fabulous book and Island Batik for the awesome fabrics.

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If you missed the earlier post or want to keep up with post to come, here is the line up!

Oct. 9 – Ch. 1. Basics - Leila Gardunia  http://sewnbyleila.blogspot.com

Oct. 12 – Ch. 2. HST - Tammy Silvers  http://www.tamarinis.typepad.com/

Oct 14 – Ch 3. QST - Connie Kresin Campbell http://www.conniekresin.com

Oct. 16 – Ch 4. Flying Geese - Maryellen McAuliffe http:// teachpany.blogspot.com

Oct 19 -- Ch. 5. Wonky - Christine McCrann Martinez http:// madeinscraps.blogspot.com

Oct. 21 – Ch. 6. Improvisation - Connie Kauffman http:// kauffmandesigns.blogspot.com

Oct. 23 -- Ch. 7. Foundation Paper Piecing - Joan Kawano http:// moosestashquilting.blogspot.com

Oct. 26 – Ch. 8. Curves - Marlene Oddie  http://kissedquilts.blogspot.com

Oct. 28 -  Ch 9. One-Patch Blocks - Bea Lee http://www.beaquilter.com

Oct. 30 – Ch. 10. Applique - Barbara Gaddy http:// bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com

Nov. 2 – Ch. 11. Inset Seams - Pamela Boatright  http://pamelaquilts.blogspot.com/

Nov. 4 – Ch. 12. Challenge Blocks - Linda Stewart Pearl http:// www.onequiltingcircle.com

Nov. 6 – Ch. 13. finishing – Marlene   http://kissedquilts.blogspot.com


a Rafflecopter giveaway

SO EXCITED!!!! (GIVEAWAY TIME)

There are a lot of fun things going over here at Bejeweled sweat shop.

The reason I am excited is because as I was designing this quit, I felt I needed to go to JoAnn's and get a coordinating fabric for the border.

So....having four cars in the drive, mine being in the very front.....I asked my one son (whos car was behind me) to take me. He was going running and well...it was Eight at night. There went that!

Feeling like...."What am I going to do now".......

I certainly had other things to work on in this project but as I thought.....

I came up with a scrappy border. AND I LOVE IT!!!



It doesn't take much to get a quilter all excited. The mention of chocolate sends our taste buds whirling. The picture of a wonderful fat quarter bundle gets our saliva going. AND annd and...when a project goes right it sends us higher than a kite and lands us doing the happy dance.

To think of the money I saved my husband!!!

So because I am having such fun with my fat quarters, I am going to give away five fat quarters by Tina Givens for Free Spirit, Westminister Fibers. Just leave a comment and I will chose a winner Friday.

Now let that Free Spirit of yours get creative and get cracking in that sewing room.

GIVEAWAY TODAY!!! BUTTERCUP BASKET IS GIVING AWAY!!!

A 35 dollar gift certificate to her etsy store Buttercup Baskets

As you will be able to see from the pictures, Nichole does amazing work. All of these designs are her own. I was sitting by her one day and noticed this beautiful gown she crocheted for her little one. She is so talented, not only can she produce beautiful hats and garments by crocheting, she has produced some beautiful children as you will see below. They are her models.

Can I take this one home? Can I? Huh Huh HUH????

Her hats are simply adorable.

You can also find Nichole on Facebook and she has her own blog

1. So this is it, go to her store, pick out what you would purchase with the 35 dollars and then come back here and let me know... Now just because you say it does not mean it is written in stone, you can change your mind between now and the actual gifting of them.

2. BE friend her on facebook

3. Become a follower on her blog

4. blog about this

tell me each time you do one of these in a separate comment and you will get an entry for each.

Let us say Monday is the cut of date, I believe that is March 5th (March already.....oh my)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

GOING HAND IN HAND WITH "SEW WE QUILT" and a GIVEAWAY!!

Today I did a post at "Sew we Quilt"

but....I am doing a post here as well...it goes hand in hand with the post over there...so please go over and check out my post.

So...this dish towel mathes the towel and pot holder over on "Sew We Quilt". Now when you see the next pictures, you will see how crazy I went with the Fall Medley Die. This Accuquilt die is soooo fun that I just couldn't help myself.


So...to the giveaway part...... Here are some leaves, pumpkins, and acrons....this is picture #1.

Next is a medley of leaves, pumpkins, and acorns...this is picture #2!




Now, here are some funky leaves, pumpkins, and acorns...no Steam a seam on these...this is #3!


Just leave a comment on which one you would like to win....and I will post a winner tomorrow!!!

Madame Samm has been working hard on bringing nothing but fun and awesome prizes and it was so fun to be able to post on the same day that the Baby Go cutter was being given away. So good luck to all of you!!!

Thanks for coming by!!!

Thanks for being a follower!!!

Thanks for Commenting!!

SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE.

Slow goings around here....but it is going...

don't laugh....but this quilt goes from one wall to the next in my dinning room. It looks disarrayed right now because it has been sitting there since, I think Monday.... I will walk past it, switch a few pieces around and continue on. They are sewn in four squares each right now and they are just laying there.

My son asked when was I going to pick it up. I laughed.... then he asked why was it still on the floor. I laughed again and said Inspiration son...inspiration....trying to get some.

He shrugs his shoulders and wanders off....least ways I don't have to sweep there...HA!!! Think I will gather it up today...What do you say??


My mother and sister did send me the fabrics I needed for the aprons.....

Thanks a ton!!!! Now I need to cut them out and add to the 12...easy...


Where are we at on the aprons? All 12 are cut out...All twelve have part of the waste bands on....some are sewn on and just need the opening shut and top stitched. Should already be done....but no hurry....turtle pace here....remember slow and steady wins the race.



I have had several stitching projects that I have been working or (or haven't been)....



My sister Margaret of Average quilter and my brother, Jim (my only brother) went and purchased this for my sister Beverly of
Quilters Corner. Beverly has been the main care giver of my mother (I hate that word care giver, makes my mother sound old....to me she is not old). My mother has had a few mishaps lately and this last time she ended up in the hospital.

Beverly has never complained...she is always cheerful and informative and never seems to tire of our endless questions. She has been amazing. So I am sure she felt like she won the lotto when she received this. Thanks Beverly and Thanks Margaret and Jimmy for being so thoughtful!!


Husband is home today...so I am off....


I will pick a winner for the 25 dollar gift certificate maybe Friday, My sister of Inchworm fabrics is out of town anyways and can't get to it just yet....you can find the giveway here

PICK FOUR BLOG HOP!!! AUTOGRAPHED BOOK GIVEAWAY!!

What a wonderful day for a Blog hop and week.

I was so excited when Sue asked me to be a part of this hop...so here is her book.



Here is the unveiling of the quilt I have been working on. What a fun pattern Sue!

The instructions were easy to read and the pictures were great!!! I am a picture person to be honest. I am not going to tell you much about this pattern except that she has a fun trick to this quilt pattern. Don't want to spoil the surprise for you.
You can get the book at LQS's, Amazon, and Martingale &Co. or maybe win one here??? Or there?

You have already heard quite a bit about her book, not much else I can tell you but....

HERE IS THE REST OF THE STORY!! (interviewing Sue)


So in your book you said that you had walked by a store with a quilt in the window. That you had to go and take a look and from that moment it was history. Your love affair of quilting started.

1. So...did you take classes or are you self taught?

Yes is the short answer! I started by teaching myself, then took a few classes, then moved house but carried on alone and finally enrolled for some more classes a year after we moved so I could unlearn all the bad habits I'd developed.


2. What do you use for inspiration. In your book you used a teddy bear.

That's an interesting question. I wish I had an interesting answer, but the plain fact is I don't know, ideas just seem to appear from nowhere.

Why did you only chose four colors?

I think it's because I'm a control freak. If I try to do a scrappy quilt, I find myself trying to organise the scraps somehow into colour ranges, or types of pattern or whatever. The only way I can truly do anything scrappy is to put all the pieces in a bag and make myself use whichever piece I pull out each time. Don't tell anyone though, but sometimes I even cheat and put one piece back and pull out another one. I always have trouble looking at a random pile of fabrics and visualising a finished quilt from them. Now I know that many people will be gasping in horror at this whole answer, so I do hope I haven't lost you too many readers and followers.
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4. How did you come about writing a book?

Well, I didn't mean to! I just had too many ideas in my "I Wonder What This Would Look Like" folder on the computer and writing a book was a good way of clearing some things out to make room for more


5. How long did it take you to write this book, from start to finish?

The whole process took about 18 months from start to finish, but a lot of that time was hurry-up-and-wait time for me. When I got the contract from the publishers, Martingale & Co, they gave me 6 months before I had to submit the manuscript, finished quilts, etc to them. "Easy", I thought. "No problem", I thought. Well I can tell you now I was wrong. Oh so wrong, but it was definitely made easier by friends who volunteered to make some of the quilts, and others who tested blocks for me. Thanks Lis, Drew, Kim and Roberta. After I sent everything to Martingale, there was a fairly stop-go sort of period of about a further 6 months, while they did all the things they had to do to turn what I said into what I meant to say, then it went to the printers and then came the exciting time when publication day finally arrived about 18 months after I first received the contract.


6. You have a long arm machine?

Yes I have, but it's all driven by computers. I'm not clever enough to be able to do freemotion quilting.


7. Did you quilt most of these quilts in this book?

I quilted those that I pieced and Lis and Drew, who have exactly the same setup as me, quilted the ones they made.


8. You had mentioned that you never really like sewing, what has changed your mind?

What, do you mean that piecing and quilting is sewing???


9. When not quilting, what do you do?

Think about quilting. Did I hear someone at the back suggesting I have a one-track mind?


10. You and your husband are retired? Did you work before?

Yes I worked as a programmer/systems analyst first and then in the space and communications industry before moving into recruitment and sales, which was something I really loved doing.

You also said I could add in any other questions, so, in case anyone needs to know my favourite food is chocolate!

Now for the fun part!!! I get to giveaway an autographed book of "PICK FOUR", just leave a comment and do go by and visit Sue's Blog, Quilt Times, it would be nice if you followed her but that is not a stipulation of winning.

Be sure to go by and visit Darlene at "Sewcalgal" tomorrow and thanks for joining us!!

I will pick a winner on Sept 3rd.

I hope all of you were safe during Irene???