Tuesday, August 20, 2019

One of my favorite weeks of the year!

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year...  It's the Tri-State Tractor and Engine Show which is being held in the nearby town of Portland IN.  It's close enough that we can drive back and forth during the day.   Even though the show didn't open until today, I went yesterday to scope out the sights and sounds while vendors were still setting up.  

There are rows upon rows of vintage and antique tractors on display.  This photo was taken last year when Allis Chalmers was the featured brand of tractor.  While they aren't as popular as John Deere in county music lyrics, they were still very popular.
 



Growing up on a farm, things like engines, grease and gears are all familiar and bring back childhood memories. The WD 45 was the first tractor that I drove regularly as a kid.  I never rode bicycles much, I was too busy driving a tractor! 


Tractors and farm equipment aren't the only items on display.  I'm fascinated by the antique excavation equipment and love to watch this old one dig.  


There is an entire section dedicated to large engines similar to this one. 


The show takes up the entire fairgrounds and some vendors are simply set up and selling from their trailers in the grassy areas.  


And, I've saved the best for last ... the antiques!  There are several buildings full and I have to look at them all :)   I'm always on the hunt for vintage quilts to use as inspiration for my patterns. 



Monday, August 5, 2019

It's August ... my least favorite month of the year

It's August ....  and I say that with a sigh.  I don't know if everyone picks favorite and least favorite months of the year, but August is probably my least favorite month of the year.  

It's an awkward month.  Summer is ending. School is starting.  August reminds me of all the things that I didn't get accomplished so far this year.  Fall is almost here, which means winter is just around the corner, but it's still hot outside.  I'm wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts while pondering my Fall decor and thinking about new recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner and the days are getting shorter. Ugg... August...   

Does anyone else feel this way?  Or is it only me? 

As a quilt designer, my life doesn't know seasons anymore.  I can be found working on Christmas Quilts in March, stitching Spring florals in August and if I get a stellar idea for a Fall quilt, it has to wait til next year.  

A lot of my friends are Fall people .. they can't wait for hoodies and bonfires and Halloween decor.  If you are among that group, then keep reading, I've got a few of my fall favorites to share with you. 

Each of these projects are available through Annie's Creative Studio, so not only do you get the pattern but you also get me on video taking you step-by-step through making it.  What could be better than that?  

For your table, I recommend the Harvest Table Runner.  If learning curved piecing is on your to-do list, then table runner is the perfect place to start.  

I just finished the binding on this smaller version that I made while taping the class.  I was impressed with how well the fabrics complimented my UHL pottery.  If you have watched many of my classes, you know it's all about the antiques! 




For those back-to-school mornings with actual sit-at-the-table breakfasts, the Punkin Time Placemats will help brighten your day and the Coasters are perfect for afterschool snacking!  The padded applique adds the perfect 3-dimensional embellishment and is actually easy to make!





For your wall, who can't help but love the Happy Howling Wall Hanging featuring this adorable kitty.  Well, of course, my pooch isn't loving it but I know your family and friends will!   The yo-yo's really add an upscale finish to the edge! 




If you are looking for a fall quiltalong, then the Star Bound Sampler is perfect for you.  Broken down into a block a lesson with the 13th episode covering the assembly, this quilt will grow your skills as well as beautifully decorate your home. 



Hopefully, you don't have the August blues like I do, but just writing this post makes me feel better.  Sometimes we just need to share what we are feeling. I wish you a beautiful quilting day! 

This post does contain affiliate links which helps support my business.  Thank you for using them. 



Sunday, August 4, 2019

Christmas Collection Blog Hop - Wrap Up & Giveaway Reminder

Wow - what an amazing two weeks it has been.   The Masterpiece Quilting's Christmas Collection Blog Hop ended on Friday but entry into the giveaways continues until 12 MIDNIGHT EST tonight August 4, 2019. 

It's been a humbling two weeks as I have seen so many beautiful versions of my projects made by the guest bloggers and as I have read your comments on the blog posts and on social media.  Thank you to each of you who have participated in the blog hop and have purchased my Christmas Collection book. 

As a reminder, the Christmas Collection book is  available on Amazon and eligible for Prime shipping.  




To make it easy to find all the blog posts, I compiled a master list with links so you can "binge hop".  Be sure to enter the giveaways before 12 MIDNIGHT EST on August 4, 2019 and be sure to check out all the guest blogs too! 


Monday July 22, 2019 - Let's Gather Table Runner

Tuesday July 23, 2019 - Wreath Runner & Wall Hanging

Wednesday July 24, 2019 - Holly Topper

Thursday July 25, 2019 - Mug Rugs & Coasters

Friday July 26, 2019 - Poinsettia Bed Runner + Pillow

Monday July 29, 2019 - Jingle Bells Quilt + Wall Hanging

Tuesday July 30, 2019 - Mistletoe Magic Throw + Pillow

Wednesday July 31, 2019 - Tree of Presents Wall Hanging

Thursday August 1, 2019 - O Christmas Tree Wall Hanging

Friday August 2, 2019 - Christmas Friends Throw

Here is a quick gallery of the projects. 













Friday, August 2, 2019

Christmas Collection Blog Hop Day #10 - Christmas Friends Throw

Welcome to Day #10 and the final day of Masterpiece Quilting's Christmas Collection Blog Hop.   I have been humbled by the tremendous response from everyone who has taken to participate in the blog hop - both the readers and the guest bloggers.  

In case you are just joining us, which is perfectly fine, each day for the past two weeks myself and a group of elite guest bloggers have highlighted one of the projects in my Christmas Collection book which is available on Amazon and eligible for Prime shipping.  



Today's featured quilt is actually the cover quilt from the book - Christmas Friends Throw.  Made in  traditional reds and greens, it appears much more complex than it really is.  

During the Holiday season, it's easy to quickly change your decor by swapping out throws in the living area of your house.  So even if you have repeat guests, you decor will always look fresh and inviting. 





I think the best part of the blog hop is seeing the versions made by the guest bloggers.  Don't you agree?   Today I have amazing projects to share by: 


Anorina Morris of Samelia's Mum 
            
Marlene Oddie of KISSED Quilts

Maryellen McAuliffe of Mary Mack Made Mine



           
It's always blows me away how each quilter can take the same pattern and add their own unique touches and they all turn out so beautiful! 

As a part of the blog hop, I am giving away 3 digital copies of the Christmas Friends Throw pattern.  In the comments, share which area of your home you like to decor best - dining, bedroom or living room.  The winners will be selected at the end of the blog hop on Sunday August 4, 2019. 



















Anorina Morris
            Ellen Ault
            Maryellen McAuliffe

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Christmas Collection Blog Hop Day #9 - O Christmas Tree Wall Hanging

It's Day #9 of Masterpiece Quilting's Christmas Collection Blog Hop.  Are you getting in the Christmas spirit yet?  As a designer, I'm always designing out of season, so it's not unusual for me to be working on Christmas patterns in the Spring and Summer. 

In case you are just joining us, each day for two weeks myself and a group of elite guest bloggers are highlighting one of the projects in my Christmas Collection book which is available on Amazon and eligible for Prime shipping.  



A few years ago, I started designing tree themed wall hangings and they have been quite popular.  Yesterday we showcased my Tree of Presents Wall Hanging and today's feature quilt is O Christmas Tree.  

I'll be totally honest, the popularity of O Christmas Tree has taken me by surprise.  I shed a few happy tears the night I found a quilter's version proudly pinned on Pinterest.  Many times as a designer we are busy creating new patterns but never knowing if anyone actually makes them, so it is always heartwarming to see posts of my patterns made by other quilters.




I think the best part of the blog hop is seeing the versions made by the guest bloggers.  Don't you agree?   Today I have amazing projects to share by: 



Jen Shaffer of Patterns by Jen

Joanne Harris of Quilts by Joanne

Sandra Healy of Sandra Healy Designs
           
It's always blows me away how each quilter can take the same pattern and add their own unique touches and they all turn out so beautiful! 



As part of the blog hop, I am giving away 3 digital copies of the O Christmas Tree pattern.  In the comments, share if your Holiday decor is traditional or more whimsical.  The winners will be selected at the end of the blog hop on Sunday August 4, 2019.