Sophisticated Scissors and E-Patterns

Don't they look pretty?  Darlene made this adorable little fob for my scissors.  She's such a sweetheart -- always doing the nicest things.  Thanks you so much, Darlene.  I'll really enjoy using my "fancy" scissors.

 Did you know that Martingale & Company is now offering e-patterns?  You can download a .pdf version of the Kitchen Sink quilt from my book, Scrap-Basket Surprises.  There are patterns available from lots of other books, too -- just hop over here and check them out.  The price is very reasonable, and you don't have to wait! 

 Hope you're having a terrific weekend!

Kim

Old Red Barn Co. Quilt Along

I finally picked up some fabrics for the Old Red Barn Co. Quilt Along.  I know -- I'm really behind.  With everything!  Does anyone know where I can buy some big chunks of time? 

Anyway, here are my fabrics.  Pat Sloan designed the quilt for this round, and from what I've seen so far, it's going to be gorgeous! 

And since I'm so late posting about the winner of Out of the Box, I asked my husband for a random number beween 1 and 31. 

It's 25!  Congratulations, Trudi!  If you'll send me your mailing address, your book will be on its way.

Out of the Box

Did you ever admire a whimsical, colorful quilt that told a story, but thought it would be impossible to make your own story quilt?  Mary Lou Weidman's book, Out of the Box, provides page after page of tools and inspiration to help you create your own one-of-a-kind story quilt.

Mary Lou explains the process for making wonderful story quilts, including how to find the inspiration for your quilt, how to choose fabrics, and how to draw and create your own design.  She encourages you to play, daydream, and have fun, and reinforces the idea that there's no "right way" to do it.     

I enjoyed reading Mary Lou's chapter on the personality of fabrics and each fabric's job in the quilt.  In addition to the gallery of quilts, every page in this book is "decorated" with the most interesting and colorful applique' shapes and pieced blocks.  And I'm fascinated by the "Hoochy Mama" blocks that make up the borders of so many of these quilts.  I would love to make an entire quilt using only the Hoochy Mama blocks. 

Here are little snippets of just a few of the quilts in the gallery.  There are too many to include here!   Each quilter tells the story of the inspiration for the quilt. 

This one is so sweet.  Wouldn't it be fun to make a quilt that tells a story about someone you know?  Or an event in your life?  My head is spinning with all the possibilities.

To visit Mary Lou and see more fantastic quilts made by her and her students, scooch on over to Mary Lou's blog.  I promise it'll make you smile. 

And if you'd like to find your inner artist, just leave a comment here.  I'll be announcing the winner of Out of the Box on Thursday.  Have a great week!

Kim