Photo by Gregory Case Photography

Shuffle Your Quilt Blocks
Are you looking for a simple way to give your blocks a unique twist? Be sure to join us as quiltmaker Karla Alexander, best-selling author of the Stack the Deck book series, demonstrates how she creates and then alters a block for a fresh new look. Along the way, she takes the mystery out of sewing a partial seam, chats about her quilts, and “uncovers” a fabulous show and tell. In addition, Bernina pro Gayle Hillert is on hand to show us how to utilize decorative stitching to embellish children’s clothing, with techniques that adapt for quilts as well. To watch the show, click here.

Three Exciting Events in Washington, DC
Hosted by the Alliance for American Quilt

The nonprofit Alliance for American Quilts will host two fundraising events on Thursday, March 4, and a free public event on Saturday, March 6...all in Washington, DC.

The "Connected by Threads" events will celebrate quilts, quiltmakers, and quilt history as seen through the eyes of two speakers, Dr. Carolyn L. Mazloomi and Le Rowell, both board members of The Alliance for American Quilts (AAQ). Both Mazloomi and Rowell will be sharing quilts from their personal collections and studies. Mazloomi, a well-known curator of African-American quilt exhibits and founder of the Women of Color Quilters Network, will speak at the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives from 4 pm to 6 pm. The event will include a tea reception. Rowell, a curator of quilt shows, will speak at a dinner and silent auction that runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the DACOR Bacon House. A combined ticket that includes both events is $85 for AAQ members and $100 for nonmembers. Individual event tickets are also available. Both events will benefit the nonprofit AAQ, a national organization that documents, preserves, and shares the rich history of quilts and quiltmakers.  Find complete information and online ticket sales here.

The free public event –a "Meet the Artists" opportunity– will be held on Saturday, March 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., also at the Sumner School. Come meet quilt artists from the DC area, including members of the Daughters of Dorcas and Sons, the Women of Color Quilters Network, and Fiber Artists at Loose Ends. Each artist will make a short presentation and share examples of his or her work. If you are unfamiliar with the quilt scene in DC, this event is a great introduction to this creative community. If you’re an amateur or professional quiltmaker, this is a wonderful networking event, and a chance to find out about the AAQ and why you should be a member!
 
"Connected by Threads" is sponsored by Lisa Ellis of the Sacred Threads Exhibit and creator of Art Call, the on-line artist registration, jurying, and exhibit administration system (www.ellisquilts.com), and the Rowell Family Charities.

Time for February BOM Patterns
It's time to get going on our new BOM projects for 2010!  If you're working on Star Crazy, this month you'll be making two Star and two Chain blocks. If you're working on Hugs and Kisses, you'll make a wreath with daisies. 

No matter which BOM you choose, you're sure to pick up lots of great info and tips from Sue Garman's great instruction. To download the pattern for the February Star Crazy BOM, click here.  Click here for the February Hugs and Kisses BOM pattern.

Make This "Be My Valentine" Pillow!
Create maximum impact with minimal effort by stitching up this sweet and simple-to-make throw pillow. You can complete this easy project in less than three hours, while at the same time teaching yourself two machine-applied silk-ribbon stitches and beading by machine. Click on the Projects page here for the directions for this pillow, as well as for other "quilty" gifts. To learn more about silk-ribbon machine embroidery, watch Susan Schrempf in Episode 412. 

"Stack and Shuffle" Your Way to a Stunning Quilt
Create unique and one-of-a-kind quilts that celebrate color with the easy- to-follow techniques shared by Karla Alexander in her books, Color Shuffle and Stack a New Deck.  Each book takes the stress factor out of block buildin and lets you focus on the fun. To find this and other inspirational books, visit the Shoppe here...and don't forget to catch Karla's demo on shuffling the deck in Episode 603 here.   

Quilter Extraordinaire In the Midwest This Weekend!
Don't miss this oportunity to learn the ins and outs of quilting from a master when he visits the Midwest this weekend! Ricky Tims will be sharing his knowledge in lectures, demonstrations and a concert.  What a great way to spend a quilty weekend!

Join Ricky on February 5, 2010 at the Yoder Department Store for lecture/demonstrations on Grand Finale and Kool Kaleidoscope.  You are sure to be inspired while learning some very cool techniques! Click here for more information.

And don't miss the book signing or the Lunch/Seminar this weekend, February 6 + 7, 2010 at The Bigsby Sewing Center in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Click here for more information.