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)
Episode 140 In Which We Had BDSI 12-29-13
In this episode, I've actually gotten some stuff done! I talk about what I've accomplished recently and how I'm setting myself up for success in achieving my goals in 2014. There's also a few recommendations and reviews.
Mentioned in this episode:
Daily Routine app, Productivity Wizard app, LifeTopix app
Podcast: Old Time Radio Mysteries
Deb Hunter's Rapid Fire Hunter Star Ruler (Petite Star)
Episode 139 In Which I Interview Author Valerie Goodwin (and a giveaway!) 12-22-13
I've been so excited about this episode for so long! C&T Publishing gave me the opportunity to review the book Art Quilt Maps, by Valerie Goodwin, and connected me with her for an interview as well. Have fun listening to our conversation! The usual announcements start things off, but then we'll get right into the interview--I'll then give my own review of the book and talk about working on my own art quilt map after, plus the usual Sandy Update and listener feedback.
Check out Valerie's website at www.quiltsbyvalerie.com, or "like" her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ArtQuiltMapsETC.
And now for the giveaway!
I have read this book several times now (as you'll hear in the episode), and am thankful to C&T for making a copy available for me to share with a lucky listener!
Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter your name for this giveaway--note you can increase your chances by leaving a comment on the blog and tweeting the giveaway as well! (If you leave a comment in the blog, use the Rafflecopter widget to let me know that. Simply leaving a comment without also using the widget won't cue me that you've entered.)
A winner with a U.S. mailing address will receive a print copy of the book; if the winner has an international mailing address, s/he will receive an ebook version. '
The giveaway closes on Saturday, January 4th, at midnight (Eastern).
Episode 138 In Which We Make 2014 Quilty Resolutions 12-16-13
It's that time of year again! In this episode I give the parameters for my 2014 Quilty Resolutions Challenge. Get ready to accomplish some key things in 2014! I also review two Craftsy classes:
Creative Quilt Backs with Elizabeth Hartman
Piece, Patch, Quilt: Basic Quiltmaking Skills with Gail Kessler
Here's the link to submit your 2014 Quilty Resolutions--but be sure you've listened to the episode first to hear the parameters for this year!
And here's what one lucky entrant randomly drawn will win! Five (count 'em, 1-2-3-4-5!) fat quarters!
In my opinion, these would make a great purse.
And if someone wanted to make said purse and then gift it to one of their favorite podcasters whose podcast's acronym is QFTRU, that would not be frowned upon. Tee hee.
So fill out your quilty resolutions using the link above, and have your name entered in the drawing for this great fabricy goodness!
Episode 137 In Which We Check In on 2013 Resolutions 12-10-13
In this episode, I talk a little bit about artist dates, give an update on my own progress on my 2013 quilty resolutions, give a book review, and do some listener feedback.
The book reviewed on this episode:
Simply Charming Fun by Moose on the Porch Quilts, www.moosequilts.com
Episode 136 In Which We Make Fabric Postcards 12-3-13
Welcome to episode 136! In this episode, I announce the winner of the Kiva giveaway, give a Sandy update, and talk about making fabric postcards. And, of course, there's some listener feedback--woot!
Mentioned in this episode:
3M Command Picture Clips (what I use for hanging quilts) Note: I use a different name for these in the podcast episode because these *were* briefly discontinued and were being sold under a different title. However, they seem to be back. This is my preferred clip.
Episode 135 In Which We Rip It! 11-19-13
Welcome to the episode about sharp pointy things. I review three types of seam rippers and give some pros and cons to each, so that you can choose the right one to correct the errors of your ways.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Olfa Rotary Point Cutter has been discontinued, but as of the posting of this episode, I was able to find it online here.
The Havel's Ultra Pro Seam Ripper may be found here.
Episode 134 In Which It's Just Snakebit 11-13-13
Yes, I'm back, and with more stories of a certain baby quilt that just wanted to refuse to be made. But I shall persevere. Get ready for some Sandy Update, a reminder of a giveway in progress, a book review, and listener feedback.
Mentioned in this episode:
Quilt It with Love: The Project Linus Story, by Mary Balagna and Carol Babbit
Wheelchair quilts at Regina B Dunn's blog.
Episode 133 In Which I Have a Story of Heartbreak and a Rotary Cutter 10-15-13
In this episode, I tell a heart-wrenching, tear-jerking story of quilt tragedy. Get the hankies out. But don't worry, it has a Hollywood-Happy Ending. (And watch for blog posts with the pictures coming up.)
Want to join Kiva? Here's the invitation link:
http://www.kiva.org/invitedto/quiltingfortherestofus/by/sandra4689
Episode 132 In Which I Talk BBW and Scrapitude 9-13-13
In this episode, I remind you of the upcoming Banned Books Week Challenge and give a brief update about my guild's response to the challenge, and I officially (podcast-wise) announce the Scrapitude Mystery Quilt that has already been announced on my blog and in Twitter.
Links in this episode:
Modern Scrap Quilts pinboard on Pinterest
"Seamly Stitching" (My guild's embroidery stitches-of-the-month program): http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.it/2013/09/seamly-stitching-part-1.html
Episode 131 In Which I Get a Lot Done--Finally! 9-8-13
In this episode, I update my accomplishments during the Labor Day Sew-In last weekend (#LDSI), plus my Hawaii-Western NY Mash-up menu for my niece's party this weekend, plus what I'm working on now.
Episode 130 In Which I Give a Long Overdue Update 8-25-13
Announcing a new challenge! Also, update on where I've been and what I've been doing, including lots of quilty news and even a bit about yarn.
Episode 129 In Which I Talk with Carol Ann Waugh 7-25-13
I am so glad to be able to share with you yet another great conversation! In this episode, I talk with fiber artist, author, and teacher Carol Ann Waugh. Carol's work brings together her love of hand-stitching, machine work, surface design and embellishment all to wonderful combinations of artistry. You can experience her, as I have, through her two classes on Craftsy: Stupendous Stitching and Stitch and Slash.
Please take a few moments and visit Carol Ann Waugh's website. Especially visit her pages with upcoming gallery shows and workshops--maybe she'll be in your area soon!
Episode 128 In Which I Actually Touch My Sewing Machine 7-6-13
If you're not interested in general life stuff and want to skip straight
to quilting, cut to about the 30 minute mark. Otherwise, I talk about
my recent trip to Kansas City and some entertaining and way cool things
that happened while I was there, then I talk about current quilt
projects and give a shout-out to listeners and some changes in the quilt
podcast world.
Episode 127 In Which I Talk with Jane Dunnewold 6-18-13
Get ready to go deep with this one! In this episode I talk with fiber artist, author, and teacher Jane Dunnewold. Jane's Craftsy class, The Art of Cloth Dyeing, got me seriously hooked on a whole new way of expressing myself with fiber. It was the things that Jane shared about herself and her outlook as she taught that class, however, that made me explore her blog and learn a little bit more about her--and I knew I had to have a conversation. (Thanks so much to Melissa at Craftsy for making the connections that made this conversation possible!) Jane and I talk about definitions of art and surface design, how surface design techniques can inform quilters of all genres, and how we express ourselves--and learn about ourselves--through what we create.
Jane's Craftsy class is at this link: The Art of Cloth Dyeing.
Jane's website is www.artclothstudios.com. Her Existential Neighborhood blog can be found at http://existentialneighborhood.blogspot.com/.
Episode 126 In Which I Talk with Wendy Butler Berns 6-2-13
In this episode, I have a conversation with quilt teacher, designer,
and author Wendy Butler Berns about definitions of "art quilt," how to
find your artistic voice, connections between quilt genres, and what
Wendy's guiding word might be.
Wendy's website is http://www.wendybutlerberns.com/, or you can follow her on Facebook.
Episode 125 In Which I Get Some Stuff Done 5-20-13
I just got home from quilt retreat and have some stuff to talk about! Meanwhile, don't forget the Kimberly Einmo giveaway--be sure to enter by Wednesday, May 22! Also, here's the link for the Genesee Valley Quilt Show: www.geneseequiltfest.com.
Episode 124 In Which I Talk with Kimberly Einmo 5-8-13
Kimberly Einmo and me in Paducah, April 2013
Welcome to episode 124, in which I talk with quilt designer, author, and teacher Kimberly Einmo.
Kimberly is the author of Quilt a Travel Souvenir, Jelly Roll Quilts & More, Jelly Roll Quilt Magic, and Precut Bonanza! 200 Pieced Blocks from Cut Strips & Shapes.
Kimberly also has a set of specialty rulers available: The Simpli-EZ Jelly Roll Ruler, EZ Flying Geese Ruler, Easy Pineapple Log Cabin Ruler, and the Easy Hearts Cut Tool.
Her books and rulers are available on her website at www.kimberlyeinmo.com (click on "store"), and you may want to check out her blog while you're there!
In addition to teaching face-to-face in the real world, Kimberly also has two classes on Craftsy: "Magical Jelly Roll Quilts," and "Chain of Stars Mystery Quilt." If you're a listener, you may recall me talking about having done two versions of Chain of Stars myself. It's a beautiful design, but no spoilers here!
I'm thrilled to be able to announce that Craftsy is sponsoring a giveaway. One lucky person will win one of Kimberly Einmo's classes on Craftsy--whichever one the winner chooses--for free. Woot woot!
To enter the giveaway, use this link: http://www.craftsy.com/ext/QFTROU_Giveaway
If you already have a Craftsy account, use your existing login information to be entered. If you don't have a Craftsy account, you will be prompted to set one up (for free) to enter. You will need a Craftsy account in order to take the Kimberly Einmo class of your choice, if you win!
If you have trouble seeing the giveaway page, using Firefox should help. One entry per person.
This giveaway will close on Wednesday, May 22nd.
Once again: You must use the link above to enter the giveaway. Comments left on the show notes to this episode (below) will not enter you in the giveaway...but will be greatly enjoyed and appreciated! So please talk to me after you've entered the giveaway!
When the giveaway ends, Craftsy will let me know how many people entered, I'll choose a number at random, and they'll let me know who the winner is. I'll then notify that person and they'll drop the Kimberly Einmo class of the winner's choice directly into the winner's Craftsy account. How easy is that?
If you (like me!) already own both of Kimberly's classes in Craftsy, please please please be sure you spread the word to your friends, family members, in your guilds, and beyond that this giveaway is available. If you enjoyed Kimberly's class, think how much your BQF (best quilty friend) will enjoy it!
Not familiar with Craftsy? If you've been listening any time at all you know I'm a huge Craftsy fan--have been since I took my first class with them over a year ago. It's a great platform for learning. You need to give it a try. And what better way than by winning a free class?
So, use the link above to enter the giveaway, and then leave a comment below to be part of the conversation that is "Quilting...for the Rest of Us." Thanks for listening!