Create your own blog

Apart from writing the guild's blog I have also been writing my own blog since 2006 and I know there are a couple of quilters out there that think I am very clever.  Sorry to disappoint you people, I am as dumb as they come.... therefore I want to challenge all our guild members and blog readers to CREATE YOUR OWN BLOG.  If you have a computer, photo device and the internet, the rest is FREE.

Why would you want a blog?  Different reasons for different people.  When I started my blog it was purely to keep track of which quilt I finished when; instead of keeping a written journal and having to have photos developed to paste.  The wonderful part of having a blog is that your photos will NEVER get lost, stolen, burnt, fade or get misplaced.  Even if your own computer shuts down completely, your photos, blog stories and whatever else you added to it, will still be safe on the world wide web.

Then I got another use for my blog.  If I told someone about a quilt I made and I wanted them to see it, I could simply refer them to my blog.  When I started the Dear Jane quilt, I did the journal that came along with the CD as I completed a block and in the journal you are asked to write a short paragraph about a current event in your life.  I love going back to this journal to read my own stories.  There were times that I've been in the highest heaven and times when I would be down and out and I love to now see how the world didn't come crushing down on me when I thought it would.  It is basically reliving your own memories.

People (quilters) who would like to advertise their classes or shops will have a different use for the blog and it doesn't necessarily have to be a blog about quilting.  You can write about your family events, making it easier for family abroad to just log in and stay updated on what you've been up to or post your favorite recipes, so'll you'll never lose them again.  Your blog can be as public or private as you prefer it to be.  If you don't want anyone to read it, well then just don't share your blog address with anyone.  You can write your blog in the language of your choice and about whatever topic/s you fancy.

The bottom line is "if I can do it, so can you" and all the answers you need is on Google.  The biggest secret we 'older people' (over 21 that is) need to remember is that nothing will go wrong, the web, internet, blog, page won't disappear and you have to be extremely clever to delete everything from your computer, so KEEP CALM, TAKE YOUR TIME and my son's favorite abbreviation when helping me...... RTFS (read the flippen screen).  Okay I put that much kinder but you get my drift.

I'll give you an example on just how stupid I was when I started.  When I wanted to do something that I didn't know how to, I would go to the Google search and politely type in a sentence such as:  "Can you please tell me how to add a video to my blog?"  I honestly thought some genius sits around waiting for someone to ask a question and I was brought up to be polite.  Then I saw my kids in action and there sentence would be "video on blog".  They got the same answer.  So yes, make mistakes, be stupid, ask questions..... you live, you learn and as they say, the person asking the question is a fool for but one minute, the one who doesn't stays a fool all her life.

So do take the time to watch this video and then go ahead, have fun and CREATE YOUR OWN BLOG.

We are sad to lose Helene Wolfaardt

It is never easy to write about the passing of a fellow quilter, friend and family member but we unfortunately have to.

The memorial service for Helene will be held on:

1 February 2012

NG Church, Heuwelkruin

at 11:00 am

You will surely be missed and may you rest in peace.

Embroidery Tutorial by Di van Niekerk

O how I looked forward to the day that I would find tutorials from 'our own people' to share on the blog and here at post number 243 I found one.

Di van Niekerk has her own website which you can visit HERE and  you'll see that she has most everything for the embroidery and silk ribbon enthusiast.  You can order pre-printed panels, kits, books, ribbons and she even has a 'freebies' section.  Go check this out.

Today however I'd like to share a free tutorial by Di  and just look at this absolute cutie.

For all the requirements, thread, techniques and more stunning photos, visit Di's blog over HERE and when I asked Di permission to use this, she wanted me to send her love to all of our members and readers.  Thanks Di, we appreciate this.

Rick Rack roses

I think most of us know how to make those pretty ribbon roses to add as a decoration but I never thought of using rick rack to do the same.

Don't they look just like real roses?

Find the tutorial on how to make these HERE.

Rose Star tutorial

My blogging friend, Chris, from this BLOG sent me the link for this English Paper Piecing tutorial  Thank you SO MUCH Chris.  For those of you who wonder why I thank Chris, contrary to popular belief, I seriously don't find something to share with you EVERY DAY.  I once timed myself doing internet searches and after scanning through more than 400 blogs, I could only come up with 2 posts for our blog.  This took me almost 5 hours.  Now 5 hours don't seem that much if only I didn't have to cook, clean, care, mother, wife, teach, entertain, etc.  So I am honestly appreciative of ANY help I get.

Okay, so before I feel too sorry for myself, look at this lovely picture.

This is all done by hand and an ideal 'carry and go' project.  Find all the instructions to get started HERE.

Zip-it-up Pencil case

I’ve seen one of these when my youngster was still in school and even though I’ve asked around I could never find the pattern, until today......... and now I don’t have anyone in school anymore to make it for!

So for those of you, who still have children using these, find the pattern HERE and I wish you all a relaxed and quilt productive weekend.

Finalizing BOM's for 2012

I think I am going to conclude with the BOM's for 2012 and apologize if nothing I found was in your taste.  If you want to look for and try to find something else, please visit Belle Online to see which BOM's she listed for this year.

So let's get started on something even if it is just one of our UFO's.

Lyn Brown - More than just a BOM

Now here is a site where you are not only offered a BOM but as much as a whole project per month.  I had a hard time choosing which to start with so I simply did the "eeny, meeny, miny, mo" thing and it came down to the Rockin' Roll Rail Fence quilt.  This is a lovely big project 64" x 80".

To get started on this with, get the supply list over HERE

Then while there, check out the other projects over HERE

This seems to be a favorite site for downloads among quilters, so do check back regularly.

2012: Group leader meetings

These are the 2012 dates for all group leaders to meet:

27 January
20 April
27 July
19 October

Remember if you cannot make it to the meeting, please send a representative from your group.

BOM by SULKY

For as long as I can remember SULKY has been offering BOM's and my very first download was still in German without the option to translate.  Needless to say, then, still a beginner quilter with no knowledge of German either, I never made the quilt.  Oh how things changed for the better.

To find the instructions (and a bigger/better picture) for this BOM (in English hooray!), click HERE and then simply download the instructions by clicking on the little floppy disk clipart with the word "manual" typed next to it and you're good to get started.

Vintage Sampler BOM

Reeze Hanson from Ottawa plans to keep BOM followers rather busy in 2012 with her quilt.  A full 42 blocks planned in only 12 months!!  Will you be able to keep up?

Get all the information needed to start over HERE and I hope you have fun doing this one.

Lattice Garden BOM

Jeanne Rae Crafts offers this 44" x 57" floral BOM for 2012

The first block and instructions are already available so if you are into flowers, get started by clicking HERE

Hello Sun BOM

On the website of April Mae Designs a free BOM is offered using a combination of techniques for good exercise.  You can even decide to do the block in the technique of your choice.  I noticed that they did hand embroidery which I personally would exchange for hand applique but it is all up to you.

Get the general instructions and every block as they appear by clicking HERE

Wilma Karels' BOM

Wilma Karels offers a free BOM in Dutch - again translation can be done but this too is foundation piecing so not much understanding of the language is needed.

She offers this block as a PDF file as well as an EQ7 file for those who have Electric Quilt 7.  Download the version you prefer HERE

Big quilt of Nature BOM

So are you up for some German lessons in the New Year?  I found this paper piecing BOM with the first 6" Swan block ready for download as a PDF document over HERE

Now don't you fret about the German, if you can paper piece you just need to be able to read numbers and you can do it!  Alas if you really need to read; Google will kindly offer to translate the page at the top of your search for you.  I have to warn you.... these translations can sometimes be absolutely hilarious and as I type this, I've asked for the translation and this is what I got.  I warned you though.....


“All blocks are 6 x 6 inches tall. Some are also embroidered. 
The patterns are very demanding. They contain many small parts and is 
unfortunately often thick seam allowances that must be overcome.

A little tip for those who still have little experience in sewing on paper: 
The blocks can naturally be increased from the copier or printer, it must 
then Mark the seam allowances only the new.”

Autumn's Bounty BOM

Sewn into the Fabric offers a free BOM which actually already started a while back HOWEVER it only ends in June 2012 AND the previous blocks are still available to download.

Aren't they just generous?  Now for those who already wanted to start 'yesterday', get your blocks HERE and remember to check back regularly for your new blocks.

The craftsy blog of the month

Now this looks really interesting.  Craftsy.com is offering a BOM by teaching you a specific quilt technique per block.  The very pretty Amy Gibson will be the teacher and in the end you will make 20 blocks that will form a quilted throw once joined.

The interesting part though is that it is presented by video.  You will have the teacher right by your side in your own sewing space.

No off you go and check this out HERE

Heleen Pinkster's Theme BOM

For 2012 Heleen Pinkster chose SHOES as her theme for a BOM.  Her first shoe is a Ski shoe - foundation pieced and this is what it looks like.

Start downloading your first block pattern and remember to check back for new blocks over HERE

Mumm's the Word - Anniversary Sampler BOM by Debbie Mumm

In celebration of the first decade of Debbie Mumm designs this 6 installment Quilt BOM is offered over HERE

You can already download January's installment now over HERE

While you're at it also take a look at all the other interesting projects (some even free) shared by Debbie Mumm on her website over HERE

Katie McMullen's "Butterflies in my Flower Garden"

Katie designed this BOM and offers it on the Hearts 'n Hand Quilt Guild's blog.  This guild is one of the largest in the St. Louis area and what I like about these 7 blocks forming the quilt is that it is drawn in pen and paper - black and white.

So it will be rather interesting to see everyone's take on how 7 blocks will be put together in a quilt and which colors were chosen.  The general idea is that you do what appeals to you:  Paint, Applique or Red work.

For the instructions on these blocks, click HERE

To get all 7 block patterns, click HERE

The Hearts 'n Hands Quilt Guild will show 3 examples on their blog, so another entry in your diary to check out their blog regularly over HERE

Now don't be discouraged by the black and white sketches.  I know we are spoiled with color and digital images nowadays but take it and make it your own.  Try different layouts, add the odd block or two and get bold and daring with your colors.  It can be fun.

Angie Padilla's BOM's

Okay people I don't mean to sound like a stuck record but January is traditionally the start of several BOM's in blog land and I realize taste differs so if I only give a link to one it might not fall in everyone's taste.  Therefore, for the next couple of posts I am going to inundate you with BOM's.  Make your pick or even better, let's see who finishes the most!!

Angie Padilla offers no less than 3 different BOM's and you can choose between:
1. Asian Teapots

2. Itching to be Stitching

3.Quilt Labels

Now remember these only stay free for one month and then it is time to pay, so mark your calendars or even better Angie will remind you when she posts a new block if you sign up for her FREE newsletter.  How much easier can it get?

So get downloading or then at least get the fabric requirements until the first block is posted by clicking HERE

Funky Chickens BOM

Sindy from FatCat Patterns has a brand new BOM for 2012 and something this colorful makes you want to start with it right away.  Take a look at her new Funky Chickens Block of the Month.

Get your block patterns free by downloading the new block at the beginning of the month otherwise you'll have to pay for those you missed.  If you cannot wait for your next block, the whole pattern can be purchased immediately when you visit Sindy's website by clicking HERE.

Now let's get this new year rolling!!

Happy New Year!!

May 2012 be one to remember for a very long time!!

I don't make New Year's resolutions EVER.  I simply don't keep them so I came up with an alternative.  I choose a quote for a year (Google search if you wonder where I get these from) and try to make a single quote apply to whatever I do during that year.  Past quotes that come to mind right now, are:

"Life is about the choices you make" - forcing me to look at my options and choosing the right one
"The easiest thing in life is to blame someone else" - making me ponder on my involvement in a mishap or unfortunate situation.
"It is always good in the end, if it is not.... then it is not the end".  -  Keeping me from giving up too soon or getting negative too fast.

This year however I got this lovely e-mail and for 2012 I wish to have the attributes of a dog as described in the mail.  Enjoy!

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker.  The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
 
 I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.  I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
 
 As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be 
 good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure.  They felt as 
 though Shane might learn something from the experience.
 
 The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him.  Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.  Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
 
 The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.  We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
 
 Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
 
 Startled, we all turned to him.  What came out of his mouth next stunned me.  I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.  It has changed the way I try to live.
 
 He said, ''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' 
 
 The Six-year-old continued, 
 
 ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
 
 Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
 
 When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
 
 Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
 
 Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure 
 Ecstasy.
 
 Take naps.
 
 Stretch before rising.
 
 Run, romp, and play daily.
 
 Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
 
 Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
 
 On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
 
 On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
 
 When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
 
 Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
 
 Be loyal.
 
 Never pretend to be something you're not.
 
 If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
 
 When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle 
 them gently.
 
 There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and 
 people who create it. 
 
 You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, 
 and focus on the good. 
 
 So, love the people who treat you right. 
 Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. 
 Life is too short to be anything but happy. 
 Falling down is part of LIFE...
 Getting back up is LIVING...