Winter's Here...

It's true, winter has arrived in Iowa...bitter cold, gusts of wind, and lots of snow flurries. I thoroughly enjoy the winter scenes, but truth be told, I'm not a fan of the arctic cold...which definitely gives me a good excuse to stay inside and cozy up in my sewing studio. Recently, I had the chance to work on another large quilt sample for AccuQuilt...and this one combined traditional piecing and machine appliqué, my favorite! This is the GO! Winter's Here Sampler Quilt and it was an absolute joy to piece...and probably my favorite sample I have created for AccuQuilt to date. I had to chuckle when I was getting the details for this project and I realized I had all fourteen dies needed already in my collection...yes, I guess it is time I admit I have an addiction...

This wonderful winter quilt uses the following dies and is compatible with the GO! Baby, GO!, GO! Big, and Studio Fabric Cutters:

•  GO! Bird (55352) 
•  GO! Dove (55350)
•  GO! Cardinal (55351)
•  GO! Reindeer (55353)
•  GO! Snowflake (55359)
•  GO! Holiday Medley (55043)
•  GO! Square-31⁄2" (55006)
•  GO! Square-43⁄4" (55019)
•  GO! Square-61⁄2" (55000)
•  GO! Half Square-3" Finished Triangle (55009)
•  GO! Triangle-47⁄8" (55002)
•  GO! Strip Cutter-11⁄2" (55024)
•  GO! Strip Cutter-21⁄2" (55014 or 55017)
•  GO! Strip Cutter-31⁄2" (55032)

The finished blocks each measure 12" square...the finished size of the sampler quilt with sashing and borders is 57" x 57"...the entire quilt was cut quickly and accurately in an evening...and I can envision it in several different colorways. I did vertical curvy line quilting...which reminded me of Christmas ribbon candy when I had it complete. Oh, how I wanted to keep this quilt for my very own - I just loved it! Maybe one day I will have enough time to recreate it (a girl can dream)...

If you think this is a project you would enjoy, you can download the pattern for free for a limited time by visiting:

http://www.accuquilt.com/go-winter-s-here-sampler-quilt-1.html
I think you will be surprised how quickly and easily it comes together!

Tomorrow will be another productive day spent in my sewing studio - I have a pile of needlework finishing to complete, several custom quilting orders, and freelance design work to do...I'll be be keeping busy, happy, and warm!

Oh, and one more thing....don't forget to stop back tomorrow, Thursday, November 20th for my stop on the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour...I'll be unveiling my block and I will have a couple giveaway opportunities! Here's a little video to show you what all the excitement is about...

 

Shades of Black

I have been doing my best to make more time for sewing and quilting...and setting aside a little bit of time to try out the newest AccuQuilt dies - specifically, the dies in the fall "stash buster" collection. There were twelve new GO! dies in the last release and one of these dies is the GO! Equilateral Triangle (4.5" sides - 4.25" finished). It seems equilateral triangles are currently 'all the rage', so I was excited to have a little time at my sewing machine to play with this versatile shape. Last night, I decided to grab some black and white fabrics from my stash (Shades of Black by Me & My Sister Designs for Moda) and started cutting triangles...I was cutting without a particular project in mind, but quickly decided on a pillow cover. I cut 42 triangles, but ended up only needing 32 for my pillow cover...the rest I will use for another project. The GO! 4.5" Equilateral Triangle die makes things extremely easy by cutting off the dog ears and placing notches on two sides to quickly line up your pieces for sewing.

I was able to sew the triangles into rows with lightning speed...and in no time, I was quilting my patchwork. I used fusible fleece instead of batting...and using my presser foot as a guide, quilted zig-zag lines about a 1/2" apart, covering the entire piece - giving the quilting a chevron look. I then used a fun floral print (Sun-kissed by Michele D'Amore Designs for Benartex) to make an envelope back with a Velco closure.

....and the results were exactly what I wanted - a beautiful pillow cover in just a couple hours. I used a 14" pillow form, although the cover was slightly larger (I didn't want to cut off the tops and bottoms of my outer rows of triangles). This die is definitely a winner and I can see using it for TONS of future projects! I am just thrilled with the results and plan to send this beauty off to a good friend who LOVES black & white color combinations...

As I have a chance to work with the other AccuQuilt GO! dies in this collection, I will be sure to share the results with you...I have a plethora of fun ideas and hope to do a little more fabric cutting later today...fingers crossed....

AccuQuilt Headquarters VIP Tour

If you read my blog regularly, then you know how passionate I am about my AccuQuilt Fabric Cutters...and you know I (usually) use at least one of them every single day....and more than likely your are sick of seeing all my project posts that brag about the quality and convenience of the AccuQuilt products...AND you most definitely know that winning the 2012 Barn Quilt Contest was a dream come true for me!

Over the last few years, I have added all three AccuQuilt Fabric Cutters to my sewing studio...along with pretty much every single die for the GO! Fabric Cutter - yep, I am addicted...a support group should be formed for those of us who can never have enough fabric cutting dies. I have also emailed and called AccuQuilt multiple times over the last couple years and have been blown away by their friendly, top notch customer service...so it was definitely no surprise when I made the trip to Omaha, NE to tour the brand new AccuQuilt Headquarters and attend the Barn Quilt Unveiling Event that I was BEYOND impressed! Enthusiasm, professionalism, and excitement fill the air - and if you are a quilter, you can't help but be happy in the presence of the AccuQuilt staff. It is extremely evident that they care about quilters and they appreciate our business...and they want to inspire our work and streamline the cutting process - just listen to Chief "Energizing" Officer Steve Nabity speak and you will want to be a part of the AccuQuilt team!

The new AccuQuilt Headquarters is located right off Interstate 80 in Omaha, NE...it is only about a 2 hour drive from my home, so I definitely want to make a return trip(s) (only with my husband with me next time). The entire staff just moved into this new location last week - in fact, they were in the process of moving only a couple days before hosting the huge Barn Quilt Unveiling Event...but truly, you never would have known what was going on behind the scenes - everything was ready to view when we stepped inside the front doors. Attending the first GO! Quilting Retreat at Country Traditions meant that I was in the first group to tour the new headquarters...how cool is that?! The new building not only has the staff offices and a HUGE warehouse, it also houses a "Quilt Gallery" (where quilts from both the AccuQuilt private collection and special curated quilt exhibits will be showcased) and a Quilters Dream Studio (where employees are expected to quilt at least 2 hours per week..seriously...now that's my kind of work environment!). 

As our bus approached the AccuQuilt Offices, I got a great view of my prize-winning quilt block before the unveiling...hidden by a big blue tarp (photo upper right)....and the excitement started building immediately! 

Throughout the lobby and offices, AccuQuilt collection quilts are hanging high on display - along with the 2nd place barn quilt entry by Carol Johnson (for some reason my photo was a little blurry, so I added a graphic design of her block in the upper right-hand corner). I had the chance to spend some time with Carol and she was absolutely delightful....she even created/quilted her winning block for showing/sharing at the show-and-tell event the night before - her work is AMAZING!

We started out the VIP tour by enjoying food and beverages, while smaller groups were taken on a tour through the Quilt Gallery, Quilter's Dream Studio, and the warehouse. The first exhibit in the Quilt Gallery features 'Alex Anderson - Through the Years'...and WOW was it impressive - I did my best to get photographs off all of the quilts (only some are shown below)...and it was quite interesting to hear details about each and every one. The "gallery" is museum quality and completely exceeded my expectations. Here is an array of photos from Alex Anderson's incredible exhibit:

Cherry Baskets

Made In America

Kaffe's Kaleidoscopes

Grape Escape

Pomegranates

Daisy Chain

Sticks and Stones

After the Quilt Gallery, we headed into the Quilters Dream Studio...and well, I pretty much "died and went to heaven"....I was seriously in complete awe as we entered the room - sewing, quilting, and long arm machines...cutting tables with (of course) AccuQuilt Fabric Cutters...an entire wall of AccuQuilt GO! dies (be still my heart)...an entire cabinet/collection of beautiful Aurifil threads (OMG - could it get any better?? - I would do pretty much anything to have all those gorgeous threads in my studio)...bolts of fabric...an ironing station...you name it!...each staff member even has their own bin for their project(s)....AND all of that was put together less than 48 hours before our arrival (I can't even imagine it getting any better, but I'm sure it will as they get settled). I think I have found my favorite place on earth!!....do you think AccuQuilt would let me vacation there??

When I was finally dragged away (kicking and screaming) from the Dream Studio, we entered the warehouse...and all I could think of  as I saw the aisles of Studio dies was "I'll take one of each please"...oh my gosh it was surreal. They were also in the process of setting up a "shop" for the Barn Quilt Unveiling Event.

As each of the tours ended, we finished up back by the main entrance...we snacked on the delicious dinner spread provided for us and were able to visit with each of the (oh-so-friendly) AccuQuilt staff members....and of course, CEO Steve Nabity spoke to the entire group and gave us a captivating history of AccuQuilt. Finally, before heading out, each attendee was given a gift bag filled with goodies - mine included scissors (large and small), a sewing tool set, a magazine, a spool of Aurifil thread (woo hoo!), and a bag of AccuQuilt pre-cut shapes (shapes cut when testing the dies) that we were encouraged to use in a project this year (mine are CRAZY and will put my creativity to the test). Then, as we loaded the bus, we were given the cutest wool flowers - each (front and back) cut with the GO! Fabric Cutter, sewn together, stuffed, and embellished with a button - they are adorable - my new quilting friend Monica had the brilliant idea to pin this fun flower to our new GO! Mini Totes (which I will show you a photo of tomorrow)...

Let me finish this post by saying - if you are a passionate quilter or seamstress, put a visit to the AccuQuilt Headquarters on your bucket list...the experience will be memorable!

Tomorrow my post will feature the Barn Quilt Unveiling Ceremony...

AccuQuilt Let's GO! Retreat at Country Traditions in Historic Fremont, NE

Hello friends! I have returned from my whirlwind "prize-winning" trip to Fremont, NE (AccuQuilt Let's GO! Quilt Retreat) and Omaha, NE (AccuQuilt Headquarters)....and to say I have a bunch to share with you is an understatement - it was truly a memorable mini-vacation!

Starting out last Tuesday, we loaded up and started on our journey - making two stops before arriving at the hotel in Fremont, NE. As we traveled down the interstate through Omaha (on the way to our first destination), we spotted AccuQuilt's brand new home offices...how could any quilter miss this new colorful sign?!

Our first stop was in Omaha at Country Sampler Quilt Shop - this shop never disappoints, so I knew it had to be on our short list of destinations. This shop has a lovely inviting layout and a nice selection of gifts, as well. Knowing we had a week of quilt shopping ahead, I was a good girl and only made a few fabric purchases - and I had a particular project(s) in mind.

We then headed down the road to The Quilted Moose in Gretna, NE...I just adore this shop - with over 6,000 bolts of fabric, it is a treasure trove! This shop can be almost overwhelming...and it took me three trips around to see as much as possible. I did pick up an amazing assortment of fabrics at this stop - things I had not seen elsewhere....and was able to pick up some retired fabric that will be great for sewing needlework accessories for my Etsy shop. 

Tuesday evening we enjoyed a fun "Welcome" event for the retreat that was conveniently held at the hotel. Historic Fremont, NE rolled out the red carpet and had lovely goodie bags for us from many of the downtown merchants...we got the scoop on where to eat lunch/dinner...we got all sorts of coupons...a local map...and there were even a few gifts in the bag, including a large pair of scissors, nail polish, scrapbooking paper, and a cookie from Alotta Brownies Bakery (who also provided delicious refreshments for this event!). The hospitality of the downtown Fremont merchants was incredible - they made our visit extra special - great customer service and friendly faces were found throughout the downtown area....even the mayor of Fremont stopped by and said hello before the first day of the retreat started!

Wednesday morning it was time for the two-day retreat to begin at Country Traditions - and to say I was impressed would be an understatement! The owners and staff at Country Traditions are incredible - every single detail was thought through - every need taken care of - everyone had a smile...and the customer service was impeccable...in fact, the best quilt shop service/experience I have EVER had...and the shop itself is "to die for" - a huge selection, organized, clean, and decorated beautifully - I was blown away! If you are able to make a trip to the area - GO - you will definitely not be disappointed - in fact, I am thrilled I am only 2 1/2 hours away, because I will be making this road trip again and again. Inside this beautifully renovated turn-of-the-century building you will find over 7,000 bolts of fabric, a HUGE assortment of books/patterns/notions and even some home décor items spread throughout - the store has 14 foot ceilings, original wood flooring, exposed ceiling beams and antique light fixtures (that provide amazing light)...it is no wonder this is the first shop to be featured three times in Quilt Sampler Magazine! Upstairs is a HUGE renovated ballroom that is the perfect for a large classroom and lecture area. There were sixty-five quilters in attendance and we had ample room for all the events and happenings. Tables were set up around the perimeter of the ginormous room for each attendee and their sewing machine (and also throughout an overlooking "penthouse" level)...AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutters were placed in rows down the center aisles (and in the front of the room was shelving with every single AccuQuilt GO! die at our disposal for cutting any shape you could possibly want or need!)...ironing stations were strategically placed throughout...there was a lovely snack and beverage station set-up...and a large seating area for all group events and lectures...plus there is an entire long-arm room...it is truly an incredible space! It was a relaxing, creative environment to spend two days of quilting and learning...and I am already hoping to attend the events next year. Happiness and enthusiasm are contagious and this stellar quilt shop is overflowing with these wonderful attributes...

For lunch and dinner we were given vouchers for local downtown restaurants and we were able to choose where we wanted to go - how cool is that?! The places we chose to visit all had wonderful food and fun atmospheres - I would go to any/all of them again. Our first day, we chose to have lunch at Irv's Deli across the street - then for dinner (on the advice of adorable Scott at Country Traditions) we went to J's Steakhouse....we wanted a good gourmet salad - and this place did not disappoint - the salad was incredible, the staff kind and accommodating, and I was even able to enjoy a good glass of red wine. Thursday we had lunch at Alotta Brownies - wonderful wrap sandwiches and special iced teas....and the dessert cases were filled with some of the most beautiful baked goods I have seen. I even found a cupcake with a sugary owl decorating the top - we thoroughly enjoyed this special spot where the food and desserts were delicious and the owner was super friendly and exuberant - and she even let me take photos. After the barn unveiling on Friday, we had a lovely Italian meal with a great group of quilters at Andy's on First - the food was good, the company was great, and we even got a glimpse at "Angry Andy" as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Finally, I will end today's post with a photo of some of the goodies we brought home from the Country Traditions AccuQuilt GO! Retreat - the gifts were so incredible and generous! We were given our retreat t-shirts in cute AccuQuilt GO! Mini Totes...then, throughout the retreat we received: the latest Quilt Sampler Magazine (Spring/Summer 2012) featuring Country Traditions, a special handmade pincushion put together by the shop staff (each one was unique and different), a stained glass quilt block, a USB thumb drive with ALL the AccuQuilt GO! free patterns...and (drum roll, please) an AccuQuilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter (was that ever an exciting moment - shouting, clapping, and even tears filled the room - and now, I have twin GO! Baby fabric cutters)!! We also received an ADORABLE exclusive retreat die ("Cute Car" - taken from the retreat logo/t-shirt - a fun little VW Bug style car die) and a coordinating cutting mat...there was a little delay and the die is being shipped to us, so it is not in the photograph...but we were able to see it and play with the one they had in the shop...plus, we received a project pattern for this special retreat die.

I managed to do quite a bit of shopping while I was at Country Traditions (shocker!) - and I even picked up four new AccuQuilt GO! dies (I know it is a sickness - I am so addicted) to bring home...and a kit for "Blossoms in the Garden" - the pattern Country Traditions featured in Quilt Sampler magazine (it is so beautiful in person!).

...and believe it or not, I managed to do quite a bit of sewing on my retreat project...I was working on Alex Anderson's "GO! Star Delight" project - I completed all the four patch blocks, all of the flying geese, and managed to piece one complete star block - plus 75% of the other fifteen star blocks. I am hoping to have the top pieced in the next week and I will share it with you here...

The retreat was such a delight - I met the most wonderful new quilting friends, enjoyed a very creative and enthusiastic atmosphere, did quite a bit of quilting, savored delicious food, and did a nice amount of shopping - it truly was incredible - a huge thank you to AccuQuilt, Country Traditions, all the attendees, and everyone who voted for my winning quilt block....you made this a trip of a lifetime - it was a SUPER fun and inspiring experience!

Tomorrow, I will share my visit to AccuQuilt's new offices in Omaha, NE...and the Barn Quilt Unveiling Event...where I was able to meet Alex Anderson!