I’m always on the lookout for books that relate to quilting, often those that are inspirational and evoke memories.  I discovered Quilts From Heaven , Finding Parables in the Patchwork of Life, by Lucinda Secrest McDowell at Penelope Anne’s Manic Bookworm’s Ballroom.

According to Penelope Anne, “This book was very rewarding, it shared numerous moments of truly touching personal affirmations that directly correlated to a quilt pattern in each chapter. “

Then Penelope Anne posted a poem from the book, Pieces of My Quilt, starting with “If quilts could talk…..”

Doesn’t that simply lure right into wanting to read the book? 

 Also, doesn’t it make you want to write down what your quilts might say if they could talk?

What would your quilts, old and new, say?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Quilts From Heaven…Another Quilting Book That Intrigues Me

   Civil War Era quilts provide fascination for quilters interested in history and needlework of prior eras. Much research has been done about quilts of those days and books written about them.

As I researched on this topic myself, I discovered Marcie’s Patchalot more blog and a post about the Civil War quilts she and a friend, Connie, have made…or are making.

I’m sure you’ll find Every Picture Tells a Story fascinating.  Perhaps it will provide you with ideas about a project you could undertake. 

 Stories about Civil War Quilts are somewhat related to my previous post, The Underground Quilt Controversy, since the events underlying all of them date back to that era surrounding the Civil War or War Between the States.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

The Fascination of Civil War Era Quilts

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading national fabric and craft specialty retailer, has enlisted the expertise of M’Liss Rae Hawley, the internationally known leader in the field of quilting, to expand class and fabric offerings for quilters nationwide, according to their recent announcement.

M’Liss’s exclusive line of fabric designs include floral and travel themes.  Her classes will appeal to quilters of any level…beginners to experts.

Check out more details at the link above.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Jo-Ann Fabrics Enlists the Expertise of Quilter M’Liss Rae Hawley

   Do you have favorite books that have helped you with your quilting and fabric art? Perhaps they are instructional. Others may be inspirational.  Maybe they delve into quilting history.  Also, you may read some for pure enjoyment.

These also may change, depending on your current quilting needs and interests. Some of your favorites may be out of print, but if someone searches diligently, they probably can find with a copy.

I asked my daughter Beth (Meandering Threads) what her five favorite books currently are.  She actually came up with six, two by the same author.

1. The Painted Quilt by Linda & Laura Kempshall

2. Landscape in Contemporary Quilts by Ineke Berlyn

3. Hand-Dyed Fabric Made Easy by Adriene Buffington

4. Contemporary Quilts: Design, Surface & Stitch

     Creative Quilts: Inspiration, Texture & Stitch both by Sandra Meech

5. Mixed Media Explorations by Beryl Taylor

Let me know what your 5 favorite are and I’ll mention them here.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

5 Favorite Quilting/Fabric Art Books

An interesting article at STLtoday.com’s lifestyle section, Family Heirlooms Make This House a Home, by Susan Fadem with photos by Laurie Skrivan, describes decorating with old quilts. 

 There’s a framed yo-yo quilt, made from flour sacks, by a great-grandmother.  This quilt originally was cut into three pieces so that each child could have a piece.  Then it was cut into thirds again before being framed.

Another inherited quilt is draped across the bed.

These along with antique family furniture will give you ideas that you can use with your quilts and fabric art.

How have you used quilts for your decorating?

Post from: Blisstree

Tips for Decorating with Your Old Quilts

If you don’t want to miss any of Jennifer Chiaverini’s Elm Creek Quilter’s novels, check out the latest...The New Year’s Quilt.  I haven’t read it yet, but it’s on my “must read” list.   It’s also on my Christmas list!

Another novel, The Winding Ways Quilt, has not yet been released.  Although in some stores you can pre-order it.

What is your favorite Elm Creek Quilts novel?  I find it’s so difficult to choose just one. 

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Jennifer Chiaverini’s New Elm Creek Quilting Novels

This is the Christiansen family in Utah, who developed an online business based on the sons’ need to learn how to tie their ties.  They decided to create a web site to disperse this information…and then sell ties and related items.

I’ve mentioned them at my Home Biz Notes blog, in the post, Fun Story About a Tie Tying Home Business.

Is there something about your quilting and fabric art experiences that others would like to learn about…something you could develop into a blog or web site and then promote or sell your products or services there?

Additonal Quilting & Patchwork Related Posts:

How Do Customers Know Your Quilting Business Is Open for Business?

Developing a Business Plan for Your Quilting/Fabric Arts Business

Pay Attention to the Small Details in Your Quilting Business

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Springboard Ideas for Your Quilting Business

 I find it most enjoyable to share my quilts and quilting with groups in our community and further afield. 

So I gathered together quilts I had at home:

*A quilt I made with my grandmother, well worn but filled with memories and feed sack fabric.

*A quilt top my husband’s grandmother gave us when we married that I still haven’t backed and quilted.

*Another quilt top of Gram’s…a Grandmother’s Flower Garden pattern that Jim’s mom passed along to us.

*Miscellaneous quilts, tops, and patches I’d accumulated over the years.

*Bits and pieces left from the quilt my mom and dad received as a wedding gift in 1834.

Along with the quilts, I took along some books about quilt history I enjoy.

Then I also brought along copies of my book, The Magic of Patchwork, to sell and autograph.

Armed with all these “show and tell items,” I wasn’t apprehensive about sharing with the members of the local historical society.  They seemed to enjoy my presentation, too.  They admired the various quilts and asked questions afterward.

See about finding opportunities to share your quilts and quilting knowledge with quilting groups, community organizations, and schools.  I’m sure you’ll enjoy this.  And you even may get paid!

If you’re still apprehensive, check out:

* Laura Spenser’s post on Home Biz Notes, 5 Tips on Making a Successful Business Presentation.

*My post at Grow Your Writing Business, Take Your Writing On Tour.  Even though I focused this post on writers, there are tips here  any speaker can utilize.

*My post at Home Biz Notes, Speaking Opportunities for Home Business Owners.  Even though these mention home business, any quilter/fabric artists could adapt the suggestions to their needs.

*Sharing Your Quilt Knowledge Through Talks in the Quilting and Patchwork archives.

Share with us your experiences on giving talks, presentations and workshops.  I’d also enjoy scheduling talks with your group.

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Sharing Quilts & Quilting with Community Groups

  Swapping fabric post cards has become a fascinating hobby for fabric artists and quilters.  Many different themes abound, with each group selecting something that strikes their fancy or has special meaning.

I discovered “Postcards from the 1930’s” at Kate’s Quilting (and other fiber arts) Blog.  This appears to be an ongoing swap and Kate has posted a few of these cards, along with others she sends and receives.

Since fabric postcards fascinate me…I see many my daughter makes and receives.  So I’m frequently browsing other web sites and blogs for them.

Two of Kate’s postcard posts:

Sunday: work done 

Postcards today

Here are some for a 1920’s swap:  Postcardy day

In addition to these cards, Kate has a multitude of others to enjoy and glean ideas.  What have you been doing with postcards lately?

Post from: Blisstree

Fabric Postcards from the 30s & 20’s … Quilters’ Delight!

Fabric scraps left over from quilting projects would be perfect for those Victorian scrap gift balls that I mentioned in passing, too[in Holiday Decorations]. Basically, it’s a ball of fabric strips, wound up the way you’d make a ball of yarn. At the center, you put a tiny gift, then wrap the strips around to cover it. As you keep winding, you can tuck in some more small surprises and cover each one with the fabric. It’s a lovely ornament when finished — cluster a few in a pretty basket, or fill a large glass vase — and when it comes time to unwrap the gifts, the recipient gets to unwrap and unwrap and unwrap, finding fun treasures along the way!

 What a fun way to use up scraps, Jen!

And here are some more Christmas decorating ideas…

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Quilters – Make Christmas Gift Balls With Fabric Scraps!