Wouldn't you think I have enough fabric cutting tools? Alas, the two rotary cutters on the left need larger replacement blades than I currently have on hand. And, of course, that is precisely the size I need to take to my workshop! Another trip to the store.

It's a Small Quilt World

18" x 24" Overall
Each 4-patch block is 3.5 inches square.

My newest program features, guess what, SMALL quilts! Doll quilts, baby quilts, and wall quilts. I bring 20+ varied quilts to show and discuss. This is the newest addition to my collection. It measures 18" x 24" and features some sweet novelty prints. It comes to play when I do the Small Quilt World program and the "Tickled Pink" trunk show. Fun quilts!

Close-up of one 3.5 inch block

Giraffes!

Mid-20th C cats, maybe?

A quilt top finish!

I've been testing this pattern for a friend, Kate, who will be publishing it soon. Her company is Seams Like a Dream, and this pattern is called "gRadiant." This is just one of several different sets to choose from. And, the colors - although not specifically planned that way - will go with the bedroom in our new digs! I love when that happens!

Maine Modern Quilt Guild welcomes Rhonda Galpern of Sew Fresh Fabrics

I am in love with the fresh, new look in the quilting world, so I want to share an event I attended. 

The Maine Modern Quilt Guild met in Auburn on Saturday, April 5th. Guest speaker Rhonda Galpern of Sew Fresh Fabrics in Ipswich, MA was greeted enthusiastically by us winter-weary souls! Seeing not only the quilts showcasing new modern fabrics, but also some quilts that incorporated older fabrics and even some older blocks, inspired the feeding frenzy seen in the photo above. Rhonda was selling for Sew Fresh Fabrics and many of those attending were delighted to buy!  

Maine Modern Quilt Guild meets monthly in the Lewiston-Auburn area. All are welcome. For more information: www.mainemodernquilters.com

Spring - or, make that late winter - is for purging...

My condo sewing room - feeling blessed, but crowded!
Many items must go!

The process is ongoing. Having downsized last fall and winter for moving into a condo, spring (if it ever gets to Maine) brings another round of purging.

How could I still have so much stuff? Secretly? I confess; I rented a storage unit to stall and buy some time during the move. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. But now what? I must re-evaluate the quilt collection, fabrics, books, everything sewing related. So, what's a person to do? I've given away, donated to Goodwill and American Quilt Study Group, and sold a lot.

Now, it's time to scrutinize what I couldn't part with on the first go-round. So-o-o-o-o-o, I've rented a table at a Quilters' and Crafters' Sale and will be selling more (new and vintage) fabrics, patterns, blocks, scrap bags, quilt tops, books, gadgets, yarn and other knitting stuff, and more. Maybe even some scrapbooking things. It all depends on my progress this week.

For those in the Augusta, Maine area, the sale is next Saturday, March 29 from 9 to 1 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 9 Summer Street. I think there will be about 20 vendors. It should be a fun day!

Accidental genealogy discovery

My lecture/slide show/trunk show entitled "Six Generations of Maine Quilt makers" includes my maternal grandmother, Lillian Robinson.   I am constantly discovering more about my ancestors. Sometimes by active research, other times purely by accident. Although I knew my grandparents lived in Portland, Maine for a time, I didn't know exactly where or when. I certainly could find out by active research, but hadn't yet done so. 

Today, while searching through an old box of buttons, I came upon this: an envelope addressed to my grandmother in May of 1946. My Uncle Bob was in the Navy and had sent her a letter, revealing their street address. Eureka! So, I now have a springboard for more research. My grandmother had saved a set of buttons in this envelope and tucked it away in her box of buttons. We just never know what discoveries await us! 

 

Thoughts on Blogging

Blogging does not come naturally to me. So I was intrigued by the newly published Kindle book "Plentiful Posts: How to Create Blog Content that Connects with Readers" by Sue Allen Clayton. 
The author lays out a plan for developing a blogger's mindset and goes on to suggest topics to blog about, from sharing travels to sharing your knowledge and more. This approximately 35-page e-book is a quick read packed with great ideas for the reluctant blogger. Now, if I could just implement her suggestions, I would be a blogger extraordinaire! We shall see.