Online Discount Fabric Sites

Here's a link I found on Pintrest listing fabric shops with discounted fabric. I have not purchased for any of these sites yet because I prefer to support local quilt shops when at all possible but those of us who like to donate quilts to charities and folks in need of love and warmth might find some great deals for backing fabric, in particular. If I order from any of these sites, I'll update the blog with my experience.


http://lauriesplace.net/2015/09/18/the-best-sites-for-buying-quilt-fabric-at-bargain-prices/

Thanks Upstate International

Thanks to everyone who put in so much work for the craft fair last Saturday. We met some fabulous people and sold some quilted items.

October 29th Craft Fair

Join me at the Upstate International Craft Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Below are just a few of the items I will have for sale.


Christmas Placemats with matching coasters. Set of 6.

Reversible - back shown below.

Celebrate Paris with the set of 6 placemats and matching coasters shown below. Reversible also.

I'll also have lots of coasters, pot holders, hot pads (like the one below).

Greenville: Upstate International Craft Fair

If you are in the Greenville, SC area, come see my quilts, wall hangings, table runners, placemats, baby quilts, etc.  at the Upstate International Craft Fair.

When:   October 29, 2016 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm        

Where:     Upstate International
                 9 S Memminger St
                 Greenville, SC 29601
 

Cost:         Free   

Link to details:  http://upstateinternational.org/event/international-craft-fair/?instance_id=605

The Making of My House on the Beach

When I make a quilt to sell, I try to share something about why and how I made the quilt. The inspiration for this quilt came from a print I saw online. With the simple lines, it was easy to draw a pattern in EQ (Electric Quilt) software. I decided on the block size (7.5") and printed nine patterns to paper piece.

I begin projects by choosing fabrics from my stash. It's the most fun part for me. I see fabric as artists see paint. I'm in love with solids right now so I pulled out my solid scrap drawer and begin picking colors.



I begin selecting a few for individual blocks.

The difference in the top one above and the one below is the green. You wouldn't think it matters and I guess it doesn't. However, I gave it some amount of thought.

The tools come out. Glue to anchor the first piece.

Paper piecing is easy. Like paint by number. Just sew on the solid lines and voila!

Blocks begin to take shape.

Sometimes, there's a need to rip out and do over.

Ironing is a mandatory step for all block components.

Then trimming.

Lots and lots of trimming.

Blocks begin to populate my design wall.

More decisions. Note the yellow background on the bottom right block. Does it stay or go? I love the light blue background block but not sure about the yellow one.

It got replaced but I kept it to do something with it later.

And now what background color will I use for the sashing? Light gray? Medium gray? Beige? Dark gray?

Assuming I use the light-medium gray background, do I add a border? Nope, it would make it look less modern.

Another critical tool is the grippy glove when the quilting begins. I used two layers of batting in this quilt to give it more stability as it hangs. The batting is 70% cotton and 30% bamboo.

Except for the wavy lines, the blocks were quilted with my walking foot "in the ditch."

I added a facing rather than a binding, again to keep it more modern rather than traditional. Then I sewed on a sleeve on the back for hanging on a rod.

If you see any threads on this piece when you buy it, clip them. If you see light blue that looks like ink, dab it with a wet cloth; it's the blue marker pen that I missed when blocking it.

So here it is, hanging for picture taking and posting on my Etsy shop.

Etsy Shop Open

I have added a few items to my Etsy shop and will add more during the next week. Help me spread the word. Here's a link:


ChinaberryGroveQuilt

Thanks to Mauldin Garden Club and Festival Attendees

The weather was cold and windy but the hospitality, friendliness, and warmth of the hosts and attendees more than compensated for all of that. I sincerely appreciate the many compliments on my quilts and sincerely hope that those who purchased one to take home enjoys them as much as I enjoyed making them.


Merci beaucoup y'all!

More Quilts for Sale at Mauldin Spring Festival

Be sure to come by to see these quilts and more from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mauldin Spring Festival this coming Saturday (4/9). I'll be in the arts and crafts area and hope to see some of you go home with a cozy, colorful, and happy quilted item.


Here are a few newer items in addition to those in the post below.

Wall Hanging or Table Topper

Table Runner or Wall Hanging

This Hedge Hog family is eager to find a new child to love them.

Table Runner

Sneak Peek at Quilt Sale

I will be participating in the Mauldin (Greenville SC area) Festival on April 9 with lots of hand-made quilted items to add charm and fun to your home. Here are a few sneak peeks. I will add pictures of additional items in the next two weeks.


If you are in the Greenville, SC area, mark your calendar and head to downtown Mauldin to the Cultural Center for family fun, arts and crafts, good eats, classic cards, and more. Hours are 9 am - 2 pm.

A special thanks to Autumn Marks for photographing my work.

Queen Size Bed Runner

Wall Hangings/Table Toppers/Baby Quilts