Love Apple Quilters' 30th Anniversary

In a time when so many organizations and businesses are ceasing to be, Love Apple Quilters celebrated thirty years of giving quilts, educating quilters and providing a haven for ladies to enjoy each other's company. I'm so pleased to be part of this organization for the past eight years! The ladies and gentleman trusted me to be the president this year, which is a great honor.

Our February festivities were postponed a month due to snow, but thirty years together is not a celebration that can be contained in only one meeting! For our first installment, we had special chocolate favors provided by The Sweet Stop (http://www.thesweetstop.shutterfly.com/), fat quarters, tea, cookies and an anniversary challenge.

The Anniversary Challenge was to make a quilt depicting what Love Apples means to you in red, green, yellow, white and a "love apple," also known as a pomegranate.

Here's my contribution:

The design is bits and pieces from various sources--the friendship hearts were from a magazine and the machine appliqued love apples were from EQ6. Was glad to find a pomegranate quilting pattern that fit perfectly in the spaces without any adjustments!

Although I didn't win the popular vote, did receive an award of my own. A lady I respect as a person and one of the most talented quilters I know, told me she voted for my quilt. Am still basking in the glow of that remark!

Gift Card Holders

Have some gift cards to give to special friends, but just handing over an envelope with the cards inside makes me feel guilty for not being able to come up with the "perfect" gift. In an effort to improve the presentation, thought a customized wallet would be appreciated.

For the young gentleman of the group, I made a bi-fold wallet using a free pattern found on www.sewing.about.com/od/bagstotespurseproject/ss/menswallet.htm . The pattern is okay, but there has to be a better way than recommended to do the bias binding. After four attempts to make flat corners with the binding folded around the edges, decided to open the binding and sew it on like a quilt binding. The last attempt worked the best, but wasn't as perfect as I would have liked. Hopefully, he'll have so much money stuffed in his gift, no one will notice a wrinkle here or there!

For the two young ladies, one a teen and the other a near-teen, I made cell phone holders. Being "fashionistas," they like accessories for their cell phones. Being sisters, reflecting their personalities is a must. So, while shopping at Olde City Quilts in Burlington, I noticed a Quiltsmart cell phone holder pattern. Glad I got to make two of those--very, very clever and easy to do! Found some coordinating buttons and trims at Joann's and am pleased with how they turned out....and our own teen-aged daughter gave them her stamp of approval.

My Christmas Gift

Rereading the title of my blog, I'm reminded of its focus, but can't help but write about it. My dear, sweet husband purchased me a new toy that is providing me with not only hours of entertainment, but quilt inspiration. It's a Cricut--an electronic die cut machine, fully equipped with four cartridges. (I have since purchased a fifth--who can resist paper dolls?)

My first project was a card for a sweet little boy's birthday. Thankfully, the cartidges include instructions for projects and this one worked perfectly. The envelope size was a little tricky to figure out, but after three tries, got one that worked.

We spent a quiet New Year's Day together, which gave me a chance to play with some of my own ideas. Now, I've never claimed to be a paper artist or scrapbooker, so I'm sure my ideas are quite primitive to those of you who are--just wanted to make a few "thank you" cards, cover a book and try a little gift bag.

Not unhappy with the way they turned out, but would make a few different choices next time.

Having worked part way through the learning curve, am now ready to try fabric--there are a few quilt blocks I'm eager to try.

American Patchwork & Quilting One Million Pillowcase Challenge

According to http://www.dictionary.com/, the first definition of the word "challenge" is "a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc." This challenge was designed by AllPeopleQuilt.com to help those in challenging life circumstances. Donna, owner of The Spider's Web Fabric Shop (http://www.thespiderswebfabricshop.com/) has decided to use her Ohio store as a drop-off point. Thankfully, she needed samples and I was able to volunteer my sewing services.

The basic pattern was the first one I tried. Donna sent me a lovely combination of horse-themed fabrics. Took me less than an hour to do the entire project and only required very basic sewing skills. Followed the directions exactly, except for the band/body seam--to prevent ravelling, I pinked the edges on all the samples.

The second pattern has a ruffle. Now I know the prospect of making a ruffle strikes terror in some of the bravest of quilty hearts, but this design element was a piece of cake! Certainly added a nice touch to the pillowcase and would be perfect for a little girl. As usual, Donna's choice of fabrics was exceptional. Took about an hour to make, ruffle included.

Pattern three has a pieced hour-glass block band--and the wallowing piggy fabric lent itself to having"peeking" pigs in the center square. This pillowcase took a bit longer to complete, perhaps around two hours. But, I've never been known for speedy piecing--way too busy pinning.

Finally, pattern four has a simple patchwork design in the band. The piecing was quick and easy, allowing me to complete it in under two hours. The hibiscus pattern is complimented by green and red fabrics, giving it a Hawaiian feel.

Since each of these pillowcases are quick and easy enough to finish in an afternoon, try them all! Make two--one for a child in your life and one for someone less fortunate. AllPeopleQuilt.com has a map of participating stores listed on the website or you could send it to Donna's shop (address listed on her site).