Those Darn Jumping Beads!
Do you spend more time playing "pick-up beads" than actually stitching? Cindy Needham--catch her in Episode 202 or in the boxed  Series 2 DVD set--shares a great tip for corralling those beads, and tells us why she finds that Bottom Line from Superior Threads is the perfect choice for stunning vintage quilts. To learn more, visit the Projects page here.

A Year of Needlework

Every year, the quilting world puts on great quilt shows and festivals, and 2009 will be no exception.  Whether your love is history, fine handwork, or machine quilting, we've searched the world to share exhibits you'll definitely want to visit if you can.    

Current: 

Discover how needlework created by early-American women provides unique clues to family geneology and American history. "Who's Your Daddy? Families in Early American Needlework," currently on display at the Winterthur Museum, in Winterthur, DE, runs through Jan 9, 2009.

Visit the International Quilt Study Center & Museum in Lincoln, NE to learn how American and European women used applique to create the look of expensive Indian textiles. "Chintz Applique: From Imitation to Icon" is on display now through May 17, 2009.

"Quilts: Art with a Capital Q" continues now through March 29, 2009 at the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden, Holland. The exhibit is accompanied by a series of quilt-related events and activities.

January:

Visit an eight-day festival featuring the work of quilters from around the globe. Called "the largest quilt show in the world," the Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival will take place in--where else?--Tokyo, Japan, January 16 - 24, 2009.

February:

Enjoy quilts, classes, and more while strolling through the historic Royal Exhibition Building (designed by prominent 19th-century architect, Joseph Reed) for the Australasian Quilt Convention, held February 26 - March 1, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia.

April:

Learn about the extraordinary use of color and the stunning geometric designs created by the Amish of three distinct communities of Pennsylvania as the Textile Museum  in Washington, DC presents "Constructed Color: Amish Quilts" from April 4 - September 6, 2009.

View the first-ever one-person exhibition highlighting the work of a contemporary quilt artist, Paula Nadelstern, at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City.  The show, which runs from April 21 - September 6, 2009, will feature a retrospective of Paula's Kaleidoscope quilts.

June:

The Swiss Quilt Festival  celebrates its 20th anniversary from June 4 - 7, 2009 in Solothurn, Switzerland.  The theme for this year's festival is "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow."

September:

Spend a weekend savoring quilts, gardens, and history at Hever Castle, a 13th-century castle and the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, located in Kent, 30 miles from Central London. The Hever Castle Annual Patchwork & Quilting Exhibit will be held September 12-14, 2009.

Design Your Own Fabric

It's Time for "Show and Tell"

Since July, we've given you lots of ideas for small, quick projects and easy techniques to try. The Flower Pincushion (shown above) is just one example of over a dozen fast-and-fun items you can make in a day--or even just an afternoon. 

Now it's time for TQS worldwide guild to have a "Show and Tell!" We want to see what creative results you've come up with using the projects we've provided. This is your chance to share with us all! Upload the images of your crafty projects in our newest area, called "Show and Tell," here.

Add a bit of Spice
Do you feel that your quilts are beginning to look a bit mundane? Do you want to add a bit of pizzazz to your work? Quilt Toppings, a wonderful book by Melody Crust (Episode 312), is filled with dozens of techniques and ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Whether you are using paints, beads, ribbon, or buttons, Melody's instructions, colorful illustrations, and helpful tips will guide you in the creation of a truly unique piece. You'll definitely want this book in your quilt studio library. To find this and other books, visit the Shoppe here.