Quilt News

Tooling Around

Here is “Tooling Around” by Heidi Pridemore of The Whimsical Workshop.

Sew and Go Totes

Quilt Designer Kristine Poor has written Sew and Go Totes – a collection of 9 quilted projects which is sure to catch the quilter’s eye! The projects range from a large duffel to a small patchwork wallet.

The popularity of quilted bags and the plethora of beautiful fabrics available today prompted Kristine to develop these totes. These bags also offer versatility; they make great gifts, market bags and diaper bags – the quilter can customize them to their needs. All of the instructions are clearly written with color illustrations and photographs. All you need is your creativity!

Cheryl Johnson of Leisure Arts writes (from her blog “Living in a Material World”): “If you’re in the mood to make a fabulous tote, backpack, bongo bag, or a ginormous bag perfect for weekend packing or, even better, large-project-toting, check this out!”

The book is available now through Leisure Arts, local quilt shops and major book retailers. The retail price is $16.95. (ISBN 1601409257)

About Kristine Poor

Kristine Poor is the designer behind Poorhouse Quilt Designs pattern company. Poorhouse Quilt Designs was born in September 2006, after designing the Sampler Tote as a gift for a family member. Kristine has a degree in Engineering and a love of fabric; these seemingly conflicting pursuits have come together. She works with Jean Johnson (mother/pattern editor/sample maker/creative assistant) to develop patterns that are a blank canvas for your creativity.

For more information about SEW AND GO TOTES, please visit www.leisurearts.com or contact Leisure Arts at 1-800-526-5111.

Art Gallery Fabrics and Patterns

Patricia Bravo does it all! Designs her own fabrics, designs pieced quilt patterns and art quilt patterns! Here is her “Groovy Flowers” art quilt pattern. Be sure to check out her blog too!

Just a Quilt?

Children’s book author Dalen Keys introduces “Just a Quilt?”, due out in February. “Just a Quilt?” explores the creative mind of Chase, a child who thinks his quilt is a racetrack, cape, shield, tent and more.

Married to a quilter (lucky man!) Dalen was inspired by his own imagination, his wife’s work and the world of children. Take a peek here.

Grace

Green Fairy Quilts announces “Grace”. From Judi Madsen: “You will use simple and easy strip quilt piecing techniques for my newest quilt design. The pattern is easy to follow and has full color instructions. Using only four basic colors you will create a masterpiece. Enjoy my newest design. This quilt is appoximately 69 x 81 inches when finished.”

A Spin in the Garden

Now’s the time to order your springtime patterns and Kay Mackenzie has some nice ones.

Here’s “A Spin in the Garden” for Easter and her book “Growing Hearts to Applique” is perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Meet Margaret Bucklew

“I have found, through my lectures and workshops, that quilters really want to learn to create original patterns for portrait and pictorial quilts, but guilds just couldn’t come up with enough computers/software to book a workshop, so…I have spend the past seven months developing an online class to create the custom patterns and a short second class to complete the quilt.

I’ve used all my twenty-five years experience teaching college credit graphics classes (traditional and online classes) to make the classes easy to understand, informative, and fun. I’ve created hours of screen capture video tutorial explaining my every mouse move, have produced class handouts, and homework. We’ll have contact in the classroom via forums and chat sessions; best of all, the class is for all skill levels, beginners welcome. To provide personal attention, I’m planning to limit the class to six students. The first class will begin on February 28th.

I think this class will be helpful to quilters wanting to use their computers to create patterns and enjoy the fun, easy technique to produce memorable, realistic portrait/pictorial quilts.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to view my website and visit the Prarie Schoolhouse page. I’d also encourage you to visit the Video Library page as there are quite a few movies my husband and I have produced. Some of the movies I’ve made reflect the spark of inspiration behind the quilts, others touch the hearts of quilters.”

Margaret Bucklew
Chiseled In Cloth

Art Quilting Class

Ruth Blanchet, designer and teacher, is offering an online class that will turn you into an art quilter. Check out her Getting Started With Art Class, which starts January 17th.

A day in the Country

Arbee Designs presents this BOM for spring with 6 patterns, 21 blocks and 7 techniques used. This could cover a half year of classes and give your students a great quilt that will inspire them to keep learning.