Episode 160 In Which I Talk about Quilty Resolutions 6-29-2014

2014 is halfway in the bag! How did I miss that? In this episode, I announce (officially) the Second Quarter 2014 Quilty Resolutions Check-in Giveaway and Linky party. It's on my blog--click here for the actual post with the Rafflecopter giveaway and linky party. (The deadline is next Saturday.) I also give a Sandy update, and then talk about my own quilty resolutions and what staying focused has helped me to achieve so far this year. 

Episode 159 In Which I Got Some More Stuff Done 6-20-14

She's baa-aack, and she's gotten some stuff done. In this episode, I make a special announcement about a new-to-the-scene pattern designer (woo!), as well as the upcoming Banned Books Week Challenge, and then just talk about what I've gotten done lately. And a couple of new product reviews to boot.

In this episode:

Banned Books Week: www.bannedbooksweek.org. (Start thinking now about what book you might want to do.)

Tooltron Easy Cut Spring Action Scissor

Basting Clamps from Mesew.com

Episode 158 In Which I've Got Some Reviews 5-31-14

In this episode, I have a short announcement, give a Sandy Update mostly around the near-catastrophes of free motion quilting but with happy endings, review some books and products, and do (finally!) some listener feedback.

Mentioned in this episode:

Radiant Landscapes, by Gloria Loughman (C&T Publishing, 2013)

The Complete Photo Guide to Art Quilting, by Susan Stein (Creative Publishing International, 2012)

Free Motion Quilting Workbook, by Angela Walters (C&T Publishing/Stash Books, 2014)

Sticky Fabri-Solvy (Sulky)

Wash-Away Thread (YLI)

Vanish-Lite Water Soluble Thread (Superior)

Website recommended by listener Lauren: http://www.colourlovers.com

Textile art webzine recommended by listener Carol: grumpyandmad.blogspot.com

(Using Amazon links in these show notes helps support this podcast and blog. Thanks!)



Episode 157 In Which I Went on Retreat 5-19-14

Okay, so I actually recorded this on Monday night but am just getting around to posting it tonight. Oops. But nothing's gone out of date, so we're good! In this episode, I talk about what I accomplished on retreat, and include a few product recommendations and reviews. Pictures of my retreat projects will appear on the blog later.

In this episode:

"Building Blocks" pattern by Jackie of Sew Excited Designs, available on Craftsy (Definitely check it out!)

Sew-Ezi Table

Quick Ripper seam ripper (The price seems to vary a bit every time I look at it on Amazon, so keep an eye on it.)

Banjees wrist wallet by Sprigs

Dog collar purses by Daisy Couture (And yes, most of you could make those yourselves. I prefer to support someone else's desire to make them. But I don't need to talk about that again.)

Episode 155 In Which We Try New Things 4-22-14

In this episode I talk about doing a faced binding for the first time ever, and review the book In the Studio with Angela Walters.

Referenced in this episode:

Susan Brubaker Knapp's faced binding techniques:

In the Studio with Angela Walters

Episode 154 In Which I'm Luminous and Thready 4-16-14

In this episode, I start with another in the "12 mistakes to learn from" series of 2014; then we move on to announce a newcomer in the podcasting world (woot!), give an app review, talk about luminosity in quilts, and some yummy yummy thread I've been using lately.

Find Ms. Lottie's new podcast here: The Slightly Mad Quilt Lady on iTunes or direct from Podbean.

Luminosity quilts:

  • Check out Jinny Beyer's Borealis quilt.
  • This link *should* take you to Pinterest and a search results page for "Luminosity quilts." (If it doesn't work--you're on your own to use the search engine on Pinterest and see what turns up!) My favorites, mentioned in the episode, are "It's About Time" by Janet Stedman and "Lattice Works VI" by Carol Olsen

Superior Thread's website is here.

Episode 152 In Which I Interview Ami Simms and Celebrate My 4th Podcastaversary 3-30-14

Woot woot! We're turning four!

Come join me in celebrating my 4th podcastaversary by listening in on a conversation with Ami Simms, quilt author, designer, teacher, and very, very funny woman.

I also reveal the winner of the 2014 Quilty Resolutions First Quarter Check-in Giveaway, and announce my 4th Podcastaversary Giveaway that just went live on my blog. You've got a week to enter!

For more information about Ami Simms, click here. Be sure to sign up for her email newsletter--it's one of my faves to read.


Episode 151 In Which I'm Playing with Lancaster Toys 3-23-14

I announce the 2014 Quilty Resolutions First Quarter Check-in giveaway and linky party on my blog running this week, and give a quick preview of my Fourth Podcastaversary Giveaway next week! A Sandy Update, a book review, and some listener feedback round things out.

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't forget Daisy's giveaway at her blog: http://www.ldq.outlandishthreads.com.

Book review: Creative Stitching by Sue Spargo



Episode 148 In Which We Get Lit 3-2-14

With apologies for the title but I couldn't resist, in this episode, we talk about lighting for your sewing room/quilt studio.

Mentioned in this episode:


Episode 147 In Which We Talk Scraps and Spas and Shape-Cuts 2-23-14

In this episode, I announce the 2014 Quilty Resolution First Quarter Check-in, then talk about Scrapitude, spa-days, and the Shape-Cut ruler. I also give a brief review of the Great Courses lecture series "How Colors Affect You: What Science Reveals" (which I mistakenly referred to as "The Science of Color" in the episode), and talk about three fitness-related apps: FitBolt, EarnedIt, and Every Move.

Episode 146 In Which I Didn't Have a PDSI 2-18-14

I'm back after a bit of a break due to life. Oops. In any case, in this episode, I announce the winners of the 2014 Quilty Resolutions Giveaway, talk a little bit about Savannah and some fabric shops there, explain why I didn't end up getting much done during PDSI (President's Day Sew-In), and share themes I saw in your responses to the 2014 Quilty Resolutions. Have fun!

Episode 145 In Which I Talk Contrast with Jaye 2-2-14

Jaye's back, and this time we're talking about the design principle of contrast. Find out how understanding contrast (and not just contrast of color!) can help make your quilts more interesting and effective.

Jaye always posts great supplemental blog posts for each episode. To check hers out, visit www.artquiltmaker.com/blog.

I'll be back next week to announce some giveaway winners and catch up on listener feedback!

Episode 144 In Which I Do a Book Review 1-27-14

Welcome to episode 144! After the usual announcements (start planning ahead for another scrap mystery quilt from Charlotte!) and Sandy Update, I review the book Colorific by Pam Goecke Dinndorf (C&T Publishing). And then I have some listener feedback with great suggestions about how to fix cutting tables that are no longer flat, and you get to listen to a lightbulb go off over my head about how I can finish my cutting table in a much more stress-free fashion!

Episode 143 In Which I Build a Cutting Table for MLKSI 1-19-14

My weekend took a sharp left turn when I decided, spur of the moment, that it was time to finally get that darn cutting table into my life. Admittedly, I was probably really too worn out to record a podcast after getting the cutting table (mostly) done, so this episode may be a hair rambly. But I talk about the whys and wherefores, although I'll leave it to a later blog post to give specs and pictures. Also in this episode: a little more about the Disappearing 9-Patch, Scrapitude, and Crafty Classes...and, finally, some listener feedback! Woo!

Episode 142 In Which I Talk Emphasis and Focal Point with Jaye 1-12-14

Yay! The design series is back! Woot woot! In this episode, after a long delay, Jaye and I are finally back to discuss the next design principles in our series, emphasis and focal point. As usual, Jaye gives tons of great information and examples. And we talk about what a time suck Pinterest can be. And gardens. Believe me, it all relates.

Visit Jaye's blog at www.artquiltmaker.com/blog to see her post that supplements this episode. (I can't post a direct link since I'm doing this ahead of time, as I'll be out of town for work when it actually goes live.)

 On Pinterest? Follow Jaye's design elements board. (And her other boards--they're all great!)

Remember to leave a comment about your thoughts on this episode--and post pictures of quilts you've made or have seen (post with permission, please) that exemplify what we're talking about.

Episode 141 In Which I Get Started on 2014 1-5-14

Welcome to 2014! In this episode, I announce the winner of the Art Quilt Maps book, give a Sandy Update and a little listener feedback, and I do several reviews!

Reviewed in this episode:

LifeTopix app

Cozi family calendar

Dry Iron from Vermont Country Store (Also a few models on Amazon)

Fiskars Fingertip Rotary Cutter

"Machine Quilting" with Wendy Butler Berns (Craftsy class)