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)

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

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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.

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So fill out your quilty resolutions using the link above, and have your name entered in the drawing for this great fabricy goodness!

 

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 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

(If you want to read up on Kiva on Charity Navigator, click here.)

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 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.