My Etsy Shop - Inventory Update

Since all the events I had planned for the first 6 months of 2020 have been cancelled, I've been relying on my Etsy shop to pick up some of the lost income. 

In addition to my patterns, books and DVD's, I've added fabric kits and fat quarter bundles.  While I don't have a huge inventory of fabric, it's allowing me to sell extra kits left over from past shows.  I've also been taking a critical look at my fabric stash and asking myself if I really am ever going to use it all!  If I can't remember when I bought the fabric and what project I was going to make with it, then it's fabric I don't really need!  :) 

As an increasing number of people are making masks, I've been cutting and bundling fat quarters that will work for mask making.  Many are in darker colors which have a masculine feel and feature smaller prints, tonals or are solids.

Here are a few of the fat quarter bundles. I'm finding a bundle of 6 meets most peoples needs and I'm offereing free shipping too! 

Masculine Blue Gray 

Black and Brown Mix

Patriotic & Dark Blenders

I am very grateful and thankful for those who have purchased.  It's a win-win for both of us. 

Feeling Sad - Shipshewana Quilt Festival has been cancelled for 2020

It was just a few weeks ago that I shared my enthusiasm for vending again this year at the Shipshewana Quilt Festival.  Well, that enthusiasm has now turned to disappointment as I received word this week that the event has been cancelled for 2020.

I get it and I completely agree that it was the correct decision ... but I can't help but feeling sad.  After I received the phone call, I was in a "funk" the rest of the day.  

The Shipshewana Quilt Festival is my favorite show.  I've had quilts juried into every show, I've taught school house sessions there for several years and I've vended for several years.  It's what I "did" in June every year.  But not this year. 

So after I wallowed in my own pity for several hours, I pivoted.  Just like I've pivoted so many times in the last six weeks as events that I've planned months for have been cancelled.   

I'm back to my head down, hair up mode, working hard on other income streams to replace the lost revenue from that show in my budget.  

And the planning for 2021 has already begun ....  

21 Days to T-shirt Quilt Course

As I talk with friends who have graduating seniors, the heart tugging stories of 2020 seniors' years being shortchanged is everywhere.  On social media, I've read some of the most eloquent posts from Moms and Dads to their graduates at all levels - kindergarten, middle school, high school, college and even doctorate.  Life long plans have changed, graduation ceremonies cancelled, parties postponed.  Even though events aren't happening, it doesn't mean memories can't be captured and preserved.  

Since I started working in the quilting industry in 2006, each year I have made T-shirt quilts for graduates that capture and preserve their memories.  While I'd love to make everyone a T-shirt quilt, I know that is not feasible. But what I can do is teach you how to make a quilt for your graduate. 

I've been working on the concept for a 21 Days to T-shirt Quilt class for the last 6 months.  The plan was to launch it Fall 2020 with its own fancy logo and website, supply kits, professionally edited video and basically all the bells and whistles. 

However, I'm getting the message loud and clear from moms, dads, grandmas and graduates that this class is needed NOW. 

So after a few sleepless nights, a lot of prayer and input from my closest friends and colleagues, I've decided to offer the class as a Beta Group this Spring. 

You will be getting the full content and probably even more than will end up in the final version but not necessarily in a super shiny package.  There will be a lot of video and I'll be learning video editing along the way.  There will be handouts and layout diagrams but I'm not gonna guarantee the formatting will be perfect or there won't be a typo or two. 

It will likely take us longer than 21 days to get through the course since many craft and fabric stores are closed or limited in their shipping options, so supplies won't be available as quickly as I had in the original schedule - but that's okay.  

Your access will continue after 21 days and once the "shiny package course" comes available, I'll transfer your access to it. 

I had planned on pricing the course in the $259 - $279 range.  For this BETA GROUP which will be starting Monday April 27, 2020, I'm offering it for $125.  That is an all-inclusive price for videos, all handouts and a private FB group for interaction with other students and me. 

I'm viewing this as a win-win for both of us. You get the content you need it and I have an opportunity to incorporate your feedback into the final version. 

If you have made it this far, here are the action steps. 

1. If you are interested in joining, please email me at masterpiecequilting@gmail.com and I will send you a paypal invoice.  

2. If you have questions, please email them to me at masterpiecequilting@gmail.com or drop them in the comments below.  I will be Live on my Masterpiece Quilting Facebook page tomorrow night Thursday April 16 at 7 p.m. EST for a Q & A session.  

If you know someone who you think might be interested, please share this information with them.  

I will be accepting enrollment through Thursday April 23, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EST. 

Shipshewana Quilt Festival June 24 - 27, 2020

I know it's still over 2 months away and things seem to be changing on a daily basis anymore - but I wanted to remind you that as of right now, The Shipshewana Quilt Festival is still on for June 24 - 27, 2020. 

I'll be vending again this year and have a large group of new quilt patterns that I'm releasing this Spring.   Just like the rest of my patterns - a bit of traditional and a bit of modern :) 

I'm using this extra time at home to work on my entries for the Quilt Show too!   

The presenters are top-notch, as always, too.  

I hope to see you there! 

April 13, 2020 Facebook Live - Quilt Names, Publications & Links

Hi Everybody! 

For the Facebook Live I'm doing today at 1 p.m. EST, here is the list of quilts that I'll be sharing more about, the publication they are in and a link to purchase the pattern. 

The links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission from your purchase.  You don't pay any extra, the publishing company pays the commission. Thank you for helping support my business.  For full disclosure, please click here.

Strippin Hexies – Time Saving Quilts with 2-1/2” Strips

http://shrsl.com/27sqj

Twisted Fences made with Island Batik fabrics – Twist & Turn Block Quilts

https://shrsl.com/27sqh

Beautiful Bouquets – Spring 2020 Quilter’s World Magazine

http://shrsl.com/21zzu

Midnight Star made with fabrics from Quilting Treasures Fabrics - Exclusively Annie’s

https://shrsl.com/27sqp

Star Night made with Solid-ish by Kimberly Einmo for Timeless Treasures Fabrics  – Winter 2019 Quilter’s World Magazine

https://shrsl.com/27sqc

Royal Star made with Island Batik fabrics – Exclusively Annie’s

https://shrsl.com/27sqv

Day 10 - Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show

Like they say - all good things must come to an end ... Today is the final day for the Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show. 

Thank you to each and every one of you who watched, commented and purchased!   Speaking for my fellow designers, we appreciate it greatly. 

On the Schedule for Today - Friday April 10, 2020

12pm Sarah Maxwell https://www.facebook.com/DesignsSarahJMaxwell

1pm  Teresa Weaver www.facebook.com/yoursewingfriend

2pm  Karen Overton https://www.facebook.com/TheQuiltRambler

3pm Alison Stothard https://www.facebook.com/hexadoodlequilts

4pm  Sue Pelland https://www.facebook.com/SuePellandDesigns/

5pm Pat Sloan https://www.facebook.com/groups/QuiltWithPatSloan/ 

6pm Cherry Guidry https://www.facebook.com/CherryBlossomsQuiltingStudio

7pm Toni Smith/Quiltoni https://www.facebook.com/Quiltoni/

8pm Marija Vujcic, Mara Quilt Designs https://www.facebook.com/MaraQuiltDesigns/

If you are just reading this - here is how a Virtual Trunk Show works?  

Go to each designer's Facebook page and "like" or "follow" it so you will receive a notification before the trunk show starts. 

At the designated time or a few minutes before, go to the specific designer's Facebook page and watch the trunk show.  It will last about 15 minutes and in the comments you have an opportunity to ask questions, if you desire.  Your question might not be answered during the Live broadcast, but most designers will go back through the comments and answer after their presentation has ended. 

If you miss a show, you should be able to go back to the designer's page and catch a replay.   Please remember that every designer does their "live broadcasts" a little different, so you may need to roll with it.   I try to replay mine and then also post to YouTube. 

Each day, I plan on posting that day's schedule so you can follow along.  To make sure you are getting my blog posts, be sure to enter your email and subscribe to my blog too! 

And if your schedule doesn't permit watching LIVE - plan some time to binge watch them later :) 

Links mentioned - 4/9/20 - Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show on FB Live & IG Live

Thank you for watching my presentation as part of the Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show

Here are links to the quilts, patterns and kits I mentioned during the presentation. 

Rory Baby Quilt Pattern

https://www.etsy.com/listing/540388081/rory-baby-quilt-pattern-pdf-download?ref=shop_home_active_2

Stepping Out Pattern

https://www.etsy.com/listing/779366335/stepping-out-pdf-quilting-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_5

Black & White Express Pattern

https://www.etsy.com/listing/556867854/black-white-express-quilt-pdf-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_19

Blossom Wall Hanging Pattern

https://www.etsy.com/listing/556864946/blossom-quilted-wall-hanging-pdf-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_30

Let’s Gather Table Runner Pattern

https://www.etsy.com/listing/723265159/lets-gather-table-runner-pdf-download?ref=shop_home_active_21

Let’s Gather Table Runner - Autumnal Colorway Kit

https://www.etsy.com/listing/709409822/lets-gather-table-runner-kit-paper?ref=shop_home_active_20&frs=1

Tree of Presents Pattern

https://www.etsy.com/listing/779993382/tree-of-presents-quilt-pattern-pdf?ref=shop_home_active_2

Wreath Runner & Wall Hanging Pattern

https://www.etsy.com/listing/779994610/wreath-runner-wall-hanging-quilt-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_1

Wreath Runner & Wall Hanging Kit

https://www.etsy.com/listing/792734345/wreath-runner-wall-hanging-kit?ref=shop_home_active_12&frs=1

Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show - Day #9

It's Day #9 of the Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show!  And yes, I'm presenting another trunk show today - I hope you can join me! 

I will be broadcasting at 1 p.m. EST on my Masterpiece Quilting Facebook Page and then immediately following, about 1:20 p.m. EST, I'm going to try my first Instagram Live.  I'm @masterpiecequilting on IG.

After everyone who wanted to signed up had an opportunity to pick a slot, the schedule was opened back up for so designers who wanted to present twice could pick a second time slot.   So some of us are presenting just once and others twice.  

I've been working hard to pull together another group of quilts to share today.  It's hard to decide since I want to stay close to 15 minutes :) 

Here is the complete schedule for the day - April 9, 2020. 

12pm EST

1pm EST Nancy Scott facebook.com/MasterpieceQ

2pm EST Jayme Crow/Bella Nonna Design Studio

3pm EST

4pm EST Jen Frost https://www.facebook.com/FaithAndFabric/

5pm EST      Annie Smith https://www.facebook.com/anniesmithqs/

6pm EST Karen L. Miller / Redbird Quilt Co. https://www.facebook.com/RedbirdQuiltCo/

7pm EST Kathryn LeBlanc/Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio https://www.facebook.com/dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio

8pm EST Monique Kleinhans / Ladybug's Cabin https://www.facebook.com/ladybugscabin/

If you are just reading this - here is how a Virtual Trunk Show works?  

Go to each designer's Facebook page and "like" or "follow" it so you will receive a notification before the trunk show starts. 

At the designated time or a few minutes before, go to the specific designer's Facebook page and watch the trunk show.  It will last about 15 minutes and in the comments you have an opportunity to ask questions, if you desire.  Your question might not be answered during the Live broadcast, but most designers will go back through the comments and answer after their presentation has ended. 

If you miss a show, you should be able to go back to the designer's page and catch a replay.   Please remember that every designer does their "live broadcasts" a little different, so you may need to roll with it.   I try to replay mine and then also post to YouTube. 

Each day, I plan on posting that day's schedule so you can follow along.  To make sure you are getting my blog posts, be sure to enter your email and subscribe to my blog too! 

And if your schedule doesn't permit watching LIVE - plan some time to binge watch them later :) 

Day #8 Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show

Time has been flying this past week and I've been enjoying seeing everyone quilts and learning so much more about my fellow designers. 

Here is the schedule for today - April 8th

12pm EST Tina Dillard/Quilting Affection Designs https://www.facebook.com/quiltingaffectiondesigns/

1pm EST Raija Salomaa/Quilters' Treasure Chest https://www.facebook.com/quilterstreasurechest/

2pm EST Robin Koehler//NESTLINGS by Robin https://www.facebook.com/NestlingsbyRobin/

3pm EST Terri Vanden Bosch https://www.facebook.com/lizardcreekquilting/

4pm EST Jackie Kunkel https://www.facebook.com/cantonvillagequiltworks/

5pm EST Leanne Parsons https://www.facebook.com/devotedquilterdesigns

6pm EST Laura Piland/Slice of Pi Quilts  https://www.facebook.com/sliceofpiquilts/

7pm EST Ebony Love https://www.facebook.com/LoveBugStudios/

8pm EST Tammy Silvers/Tamarinis https://www.facebook.com/tamarinis/

If you are just reading this - here is how a Virtual Trunk Show works?  

Go to each designer's Facebook page and "like" or "follow" it so you will receive a notification before the trunk show starts. 

At the designated time or a few minutes before, go to the specific designer's Facebook page and watch the trunk show.  It will last about 15 minutes and in the comments you have an opportunity to ask questions, if you desire.  Your question might not be answered during the Live broadcast, but most designers will go back through the comments and answer after their presentation has ended. 

If you miss a show, you should be able to go back to the designer's page and catch a replay.   Please remember that every designer does their "live broadcasts" a little different, so you may need to roll with it.   I try to replay mine and then also post to YouTube. 

Each day, I plan on posting that day's schedule so you can follow along.  To make sure you are getting my blog posts, be sure to enter your email and subscribe to my blog too! 

And if your schedule doesn't permit watching LIVE - plan some time to binge watch them later :) 

Day#7 of the Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show - It's gonna be another good one!

Wowsers - wasn't yesterday fun!  It was so great to see some of my favorite designers and to hear their voices too!  

Typically, I only see my designer friends about 1 or 2 times per year at one of the Quilt Markets.  Since our Spring Quilt Market in May has been cancelled, October maybe the next opportunity I get to see them. 

On the schedule for today is another set of amazing designers! 

12pm EST Margaret Willingham/ Eye of the Beholder Quilt Design https://www.facebook.com/EyeoftheBeholderQuilt/

1pm EST Kate Colleran/Seams Like A Dream Design https://www.facebook.com/SeamsLikeaDreamQuilts/

2pm EST Barbara Cline https://www.facebook.com/barbara.cline.520

3pm EST Barbara Persing https://www.facebook.com/bpquilts/

4pm EST Ms P Designs USA/ Sharon Andersen https://www.facebook.com/MsPDesignsUSA/

5pm EST

6pm EST Sandra Starley/ TextileTimeTravels https://www.facebook.com/TextileTimeTravels

7pm EST Diane Harris https://www.facebook.com/stashbandit/

8pm EST Christa Watson https://www.facebook.com/groups/christaquilts/

If you are just reading this - here is how a Virtual Trunk Show works?  

Go to each designer's Facebook page and "like" or "follow" it so you will receive a notification before the trunk show starts. 

At the designated time or a few minutes before, go to the specific designer's Facebook page and watch the trunk show.  It will last about 15 minutes and in the comments you have an opportunity to ask questions, if you desire.  Your question might not be answered during the Live broadcast, but most designers will go back through the comments and answer after their presentation has ended. 

If you miss a show, you should be able to go back to the designer's page and catch a replay.   Please remember that every designer does their "live broadcasts" a little different, so you may need to roll with it.   I try to replay mine and then also post to YouTube. 

Each day, I plan on posting that day's schedule so you can follow along.  To make sure you are getting my blog posts, be sure to enter your email and subscribe to my blog too! 

And if your schedule doesn't permit watching LIVE - plan some time to binge watch them later :) 

April 6, 2020 - Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show Day #6

I can't believe the trunk show is half-over!  But do not worry - there are still more quilts to be seen. 

Also - thank you so much to each of you who have provided such positive input about the shows!  It was something new and with trying something comes a degree of risk, but the benefits for all of us have truly outweighed the risk!

Here is the list of designers presenting today!

12pm EST Becca Fenstermaker https://www.facebook.com/prettypiney/

1pm EST Cherry Guidry https://www.facebook.com/CherryBlossomsQuiltingStudi

2pm EST Cheryl Lynch www.facebook.com/CherylLynchFiberArts

3pm EST Annie Smith https://www.facebook.com/anniesmithqs

4pm EST

5pm EST Reeze Hanson https://www.facebook.com/Morningglorydesigns/

6pm EST

7pm EST Melissa Marginet https://www.facebook.com/melissa.marginet.quilter/

8pm EST


If you are just reading this - here is how a Virtual Trunk Show works?  

Go to each designer's Facebook page and "like" or "follow" it so you will receive a notification before the trunk show starts. 

At the designated time or a few minutes before, go to the specific designer's Facebook page and watch the trunk show.  It will last about 15 minutes and in the comments you have an opportunity to ask questions, if you desire.  Your question might not be answered during the Live broadcast, but most designers will go back through the comments and answer after their presentation has ended. 

If you miss a show, you should be able to go back to the designer's page and catch a replay.   Please remember that every designer does their "live broadcasts" a little different, so you may need to roll with it.   I try to replay mine and then also post to YouTube. 

Each day, I plan on posting that day's schedule so you can follow along.  To make sure you are getting my blog posts, be sure to enter your email and subscribe to my blog too! 

And if your schedule doesn't permit watching LIVE - plan some time to binge watch them later :) 

April 5, 2020 - Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show Day #5

Wow - wasn't yesterday another amazing day on the Virtual Trunk Show?   It's so much fun to see all the beautiful quilts and how each designer brings their own unique twist to sharing their quilts. I'll be presenting again on Wednesday April 9th and I keep thinking how I can change my presentation :)  I really wish I had a fence! 

Today promises to be just as exciting - Here is the schedule of designers for today April 5, 2020. 

12pm EST Ebony Love https://www.facebook.com/LoveBugStudios

1pm EST Bill Locke https://www.facebook.com/bill.locke.96

2pm EST Marlene Oddie https://www.facebook.com/kissedquilts/

3pm EST Sandy Fitzpatrick https://www.facebook.com/HissyfitzDesigns

4pm EST Reed Johnson https://www.facebook.com/BlueBearQuilts/

5pm EST Diane Harris https://www.facebook.com/stashbandit/

6pm EST

7pm EST Kathryn LeBlanc/Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio https://www.facebook.com/dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio

8pm EST


If you are just reading this - here is how a Virtual Trunk Show works?  

Go to each designer's Facebook page and "like" or "follow" it so you will receive a notification before the trunk show starts. 

At the designated time or a few minutes before, go to the specific designer's Facebook page and watch the trunk show.  It will last about 15 minutes and in the comments you have an opportunity to ask questions, if you desire.  Your question might not be answered during the Live broadcast, but most designers will go back through the comments and answer after their presentation has ended. 

If you miss a show, you should be able to go back to the designer's page and catch a replay.   Please remember that every designer does their "live broadcasts" a little different, so you may need to roll with it.   I try to replay mine and then also post to YouTube. 

Each day, I plan on posting that day's schedule so you can follow along.  To make sure you are getting my blog posts, be sure to enter your email and subscribe to my blog too! 

And if your schedule doesn't permit watching LIVE - plan some time to binge watch them later :) 

April 4, 2020 - Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show - Day #4

It's Day #4 on the Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show!  Every day the quilts keep getting better and better!  I love the diversity and uniqueness that each designer brings to the trunk show.  

Also, I'm super proud of some of my designer friends as this is the first time they have ever been LIVE on Facebook! 

The schedule for today April 4th is ....

12pm EST Sherry Shish - Powered By Quilting facebook.com/poweredbyquilting

1pm EST Bill Locke - Bill Locke Designs https://www.facebook.com/bill.locke.96

2pm EST Toni Smith/Quiltoni https://www.facebook.com/Quiltoni/

3pm EST Tammy Silvers/Tamarinis https://www.facebook.com/tamarinis/

4pm EST Jennifer Fulton https://www.facebook.com/inquiringquilter/

5pm EST Jessica Caldwell/ Desert Bloom Quilting https://www.facebook.com/desertbloomquilting/

6pm EST Monique Kleinhans / Ladybug's Cabin https://www.facebook.com/ladybugscabin/

7pm EST Heather Long / Coffee and Quilts https://m.facebook.com/Coffee-and-Quilts

8pm EST Marija Vujcic, Mara Quilt Designs https://www.facebook.com/MaraQuiltDesigns/



If you are just reading this - here is how a Virtual Trunk Show works?  

Go to each designer's Facebook page and "like" or "follow" it so you will receive a notification before the trunk show starts. 

At the designated time or a few minutes before, go to the specific designer's Facebook page and watch the trunk show.  It will last about 15 minutes and in the comments you have an opportunity to ask questions, if you desire.  Your question might not be answered during the Live broadcast, but most designers will go back through the comments and answer after their presentation has ended. 

If you miss a show, you should be able to go back to the designer's page and catch a replay.   Please remember that every designer does their "live broadcasts" a little different, so you may need to roll with it.   I try to replay mine and then also post to YouTube. 

Each day, I plan on posting that day's schedule so you can follow along.  To make sure you are getting my blog posts, be sure to enter your email and subscribe to my blog too! 

And if your schedule doesn't permit watching LIVE - plan some time to binge watch them later :) 

April 3, 2020 - Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show Day #3

This Virtual Trunk Show just keeps getting better every day! 

I haven't had a chance to watch all of the shows from yesterday but the ones I saw were absolutely amazing ....  I'm so proud of all of my fellow designers. 

Day #3 - April 3, 2020

 12pm EST Darcy Hunter www.facebook.com/darcydoodlequilts

1pm EST Teresa Weaver www.facebook.com/yoursewingfriend

2pm EST Annette Ornelas https://www.facebook.com/southwind.designs/

3pm EST Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad www.facebook.com/thecraftynomad

4pm EST Lynn Kane https://facebook.com/puppygirllynn

5pm EST Geeky Bobbin https://facebook.com/geekybobbi

7pm EST Laura Strickland https://m.facebook.com/orangeblossomquilt/

8pm EST Jen Frost https://www.facebook.com/FaithAndFabric/

If you are just reading this - here is how a Virtual Trunk Show works?  

Go to each designer's Facebook page and "like" or "follow" it so you will receive a notification before the trunk show starts. 

At the designated time or a few minutes before, go to the specific designer's Facebook page and watch the trunk show.  It will last about 15 minutes and in the comments you have an opportunity to ask questions, if you desire.  Your question might not be answered during the Live broadcast, but most designers will go back through the comments and answer after their presentation has ended. 

If you miss a show, you should be able to go back to the designer's page and catch a replay.   Please remember that every designer does their "live broadcasts" a little different, so you may need to roll with it.   I try to replay mine and then also post to YouTube. 

Each day, I plan on posting that day's schedule so you can follow along.  To make sure you are getting my blog posts, be sure to enter your email and subscribe to my blog too! 

And if your schedule doesn't permit watching LIVE - plan some time to binge watch them later :)