Quilting...for the Rest of Us

Episode 068: In Which I Create a Holiday Gift List for You 11-22-11

Lots of helpful hints for gifts in this episode! One product review, my fave reads of 2011 (including some quilt books), and thoughts about gifts for the quiltmakers in your life--including Secret Santas if your guild does something like that. Have your own suggestions for gifts for quilters? Leave them in the show notes for this episode!
Mentioned in this episode:
Five-Yard Quilts, Pattern #506 "Shadow Box" by Mary Danielson. The line of patterns can be found here.
Giveaway #1: Paint-Chip Challenge Blog post (deadline November 24, 2011) http://quiltingfortherestofus.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-would-quilter-do.html
Giveaway #2: Facebook Celebration: http://www.facebook.com/quiltingfortherestofus (Please leave your responses under the correct post--you'll see it!)
Non-Quilty Podcast List (all can be found by searching in iTunes): History Chicks, Bowery Boys, The Splendid Table, "Wait, Wait--Don't Tell Me!", Stuff You Should Know, This American Life, WNYC's Radio Lab (*Note--this section was not re-recorded in version 2 of this episode, but I'm leaving the info up here in case you're interested. These are non-quilty podcasts I listen to regularly.)
Clearly Perfect Angles by New Leaf Stitches
Fave Reads of 2011
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot
At Home: A Short History of Private Life, by Bill Bryson
Bossypants, by Tina Fey
The Psychopath Test, by Jon Ronson
The Hunger Games Trilogy (Hunger Games, Mockingjay, Catching Fire)  by Suzanne Collins
Molok'ai, by Alan Brennert
A Thread of Truth, by Marie Bostwick
Someday Quilts series, by Clare O'Donohue
Missing Persons, by Clare O'Donohue
Making History and America's Printed Fabrics, both by Barbara Brackman
Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts, by Pam and Nicky Lintott (one of many great Lintott girls books!)--the link goes to their author page in Amazon with a listing of all books they have available.
Schnibbles Times Two, and Another Bite of Schnibbles, both by Carrie Nelson
Gifts for Quiltmakers
Quilter's FabriCalc
Pincushion patterns available at: http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.net/VictorianSewingAccessories.htm
Sachet pattern available at:  http://quiltingintherain.blogspot.com/2010/12/lavender-sachets.html
Spiced coaster pattern available at:  http://www.planetshoup.com/easy/holiday/coastscent.shtml

Episode 67: In Which We Review More Books 11-11-11

In this episode I have a wee little bit of a Sandy Update, a fun new website I stumbled across, some listener feedback, and several book reviews! Hope I can spend your money for you.
In this episode:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pumpkin-Bisque-with-Smoked-Gouda (It's a member exclusive, though, so I'm not sure if you'll be able to see the recipe unless you already subscribe to the magazine. Great magazine, though--so I recommend it!)
Stash Slash: https://stashslash.com/index.asp
Another Bite of Schnibbles, by Carrie Nelson (2011)
America's Printed Fabric 1770-1890, by Barbara Brackman
Making History: Quilts & Fabric from 1890-1970, by Barbara Brackman
Threads: The Basics and Beyond--The Complete Visual Guide to Thread Techniques & Creativity, by Debbie Bates and Liz Kettle
Inn on the Twenty, by Anna and Michael Olson

Episode 66: In Which We Go on Retreat 11-5-11

In this episode, I talk about my guild's quilt retreat in October--some tips for going on your first retreat, lots of product reviews, my project progress update, and listener feedback!
Here's a teaser...

For the rest of the photos, check out my blog.
Also in this episode:
Amy, A Redeemed Sheep: http://www.aquiltingsheep.com/
Karen's blog: http://nanakarennever2manyquilts.blogspot.com
Sew-Ezi Portable Table: http://www.seweziusa.com/
Cheryl-Ann's Portable Design Wall: http://www.cherylannsdesignwall.com/
Rowenta Compact Iron: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=zprd_01448034a.
Creative Grids Multi-Size 45 & 90 degree triangle ruler: http://www.creativegridsusa.com/products.cfm?item_num=CGRMS4590&ref=c
Cosco Adjustable-Height Activity Table: http://www.target.com/p/Cosco-Adjustable-Height-Activity-Table/-/A-12759974

Episode 65: In Which We Review Books 10-30-11

Honey, I'm home! After several months of seemingly unending travel, I've finally come home to roost. I spent the last week regrouping, reorganizing, and (re)cleaning. It seems like I've picked up quite a bit of stuff in my travels.... In this episode, I review three books--plus the usual (short) Sandy update and listener feedback. Enjoy!
Reviewed in this episode:
Stitch-Opedia: The Only Embroidery Reference You'll Ever Need, by Helen Winthorpe Kendrick (St. Martin's Griffin, 2010)
More Layer Cake, Jelly Roll & Charm Quilts, by Pam and Nicky Lintott (David & Charles, 2011)
Cut the Scraps: 7 Steps to Quilting Your Way through Your Stash, by Joan Ford of Scraptherapy (Taunton Press, 2011)

Episode 64: In Which We Talk While Driving Oct 19 2011

My travel journal, of sorts!
Things referenced in this episode:
Generations Quilt Shop, Pottstown, PA: http://www.generationsquiltshop.com/
Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting

Episode 63: In Which We Talk about Line with Jaye Oct 4 2011

Back to the design series with our friend Jaye of artquiltmaker fame. (Follow her on Twitter--@artquiltmaker.) This time we're talking about line. Why do we need to think about line when designing a quilt? What affects can line have? What kinds of line are there? What creates line in quilts? And yes--there's homework!
For resources, more information about line, and some other great pictures, check out Jaye's blog.
For photos of quilts that illustrate what we discuss in this episode, check out my blog.
The resources Nonnie sent me that are related to design are:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/perception/brain-damage-art.htm

"Stuff to Blow Your Mind" podcast series, March 3rd 2011 episode

Episode 62: In Which I Begin a Design Study Group Sept 28 2011

In this episode, I talk a little bit about Snail's Trail blocks, give two book reviews, and describe the starting of a new design study group in my quilt life. What fun!
In this episode:
Traditional Two Block Quilts, by Sally Saulmon
The Complete Artist's Way: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice, by Julia Cameron
Fearless Design for Every Quilter, by Lorraine Torrance & Jean Mils
The "Attack of the Hexies" blog image may be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aboyandhisblog/5804636354/, courtesy of Pam of Hip to Be A Square podcast. She says you can size it down to 180x180 if it's too big as-is, without a lot of distortion. Thanks, Pam! (By the way, Pam says she's winning. I certainly know she's beating me!)

Episode 61: In Which We Launch a New Segment Sept 15 2011

Wheee! The long-awaited day has finally arrived! In this episode, I launch a new, on-going segment featuring Artquiltmaker blogger Jaye Lapachet. Jaye and I have been working on this for *months* so I'm absolutely ecstatic to finally be able to share it with you. Learn a little bit more about design principles and elements with Jaye and I, starting with Design 101 in this episode.
Also, I announce the winner of the summer quarter stash mystery challenge (yay!) and the last quarter's theme. Plus, Sandy Update and Listener Feedback. Can it get any better than this?
Visit Jaye's blog at http://artquiltmaker.com/blog.
Check out the Quilting for the Rest of Us Flickr group for pics of the stash mystery challenge. (I'll get the rest up next week.)

Episode 60: In Which We Respond to the World through Quilting 9-6-11

In this episode, I share some listener responses to the question, "how do you respond to the events of the world through quilting?" It's been an really interesting discussion in BigTent and I'm looking forward to hearing your comments after you listen to this episode! Also, Sandy Update (such as it is) and listener comments.
Mentioned in this episode:
Ye Olde Fabric Shoppe in Stratford, Ontario: http://yeoldefabricshoppe.blogspot.com/
The weekly app review appears on Jan's blog at Quilting Revolution: http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/
Amherst Museum Quilters Guild Seminar, Sept 14-17, 2011: Information can be found at http://amqg.org/.

Episode 059: In Which We Buy Fabric Aug 24 2011

As a follow up to my decluttering episode a couple of posts ago, this time I explore what makes us buy fabric. Sure, sometimes we buy for a project--but most of us probably buy fabric on occasion as "fabric retail therapy." This mostly-lighthearted exploration of the motivation behind fabric shopping includes listener input and my own thoughts. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!