Deborah responded to my Memory Fabric for Quilts and Clothing post with an interesting comment:
I have every patten I ever sewed (40+ years). I WISH I had every pattern that my mother had ever used to sew for me. But what I really regret is that I did not save a fabric swatch to go along with the pattern. That would have been a great memory. But I can describe the fabrics
I thought, What a wonderful idea…saving fabric swatches to attach to a pattern.  Or if you don’t have the swatches, create a Memory Fabric Journal.
Describe your fabrics and …read more

As I was browsing blogs today, I found a unique birches quilt at Crafter by Night and just had to share.  I was particularly struck by the colors…turquoise, tan, brown, beige and white. 
Miriam’s quilt isn’t finished, but she shows us some “in progress” photos.  Perhaps you’ll be inspired as I was when viewing the birches quilt. 
I also subscribe to Miriam’s blog so get to see many of the crafts she does.

Quilts have many uses…to inspire, to please, to tell a story, to reveal history, to cover our beds and keep us warm, to decorate.  I had not heard before about quilts illustrating poetry, although there probably are some. 
A quilter in Elgin, Ontario, Canada has illustrated through quilts some of Robert Burns’ poetry. Displayed at the Elgin County Museum, the quilts were made by Marion Tews, a descendant of the poet’s best friend.  The quilts depict verses from Burns’ poetry.
Have you ever tried illustrating a story or poem? 
(Blackstone image at Amazon)

Merry Christmas, everyone.  I hope you’re having a very special day.  Ours has been relaxing and enjoyable with family around.
Quilting and fabric art books were on my daughter’s list.  Her husband and I got her the following:

It’s a Wrap (Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets and Bowls) by Susan Breier.
Beaded Felt Jewelry by Helen Birmingham
The Uncommon Quilter (Small Art Quilts Created with Paper, Plastic, Fiber, and Surface Design) by Jeanne Williamson and Foreword by Karey Bresenhan.
(Amazon image)

Artist Trading Cards

Artist Trading Cards – These are the size of business cards, made of fabric, paper or mixed media on a backing.  They may be of a particular theme, may be characteristic of the artist’s work (one lady created pictures of her handmade dolls on them), may be hit and miss. Stamping techniques are great for these.  They can be simple or very intricate.
Quilters and artists collect them, exchange them, and give them out for promotional purposes.  Also, they’re fun to make.
(Amazon image)

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
 My love of children’s and young adult books has flowed over to One Book Two Book, a blog for book lovers and readers at here at b5media.  As a children’s author as well, I find writing this blog with Karen Weideman very fulfilling. 
At One Book Two Book, I can share my love of reading and writing and hopefully inspire youngsters and adults to enjoy the same.  I also share my stories with youngsters in schools through substitute teaching and author visits, as well as writing workshops.
Here at Quilting and Patchwork, I’ve mentioned children’s books involving quilting as the story theme and …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com 
In this guest post, Kristen King relates how Granny’s Quilt inspired her to attempt a baby gift quilt.  Although Kristen’s attempt was much simpler than Granny’s experienced project, I agree that Granny would have been proud.
Granny’s Quilt Inspires a Baby Quilt
Guest post by Kristen King
 There’s something so soothing about the systematic design of this white, flowered quilt, hand made by my great-grandmother, Flora, whom I always called Granny. The thin rectangles stitched into alternating squares and the narrow pure white border have always made me feel serene. Even when my bed was covered with much more dramatic, wild blankets and other …read more

Most quilters and fabric artists begin in their homes.  For some this art remains a hobby.  Others develop it into a business that may evolve into sales through markets in their local area, throughout the country, and even internationally.
Rhonda Jordal, of Forest City, IA, owner of Memories and Keepsake Quilts, has rocketed to fame in six years, since she left her full time job to concentrate on making the fashion pins, appliqued garments and pillows that began selling so well.  Then, at a friend’s urging, Rhonda added quilts.
Still operating out of the basement of her home, she now designs and …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
What would you do if you won a $100,000 Quilting Challenge Magazine contest?  Renowned quilter, Sharon Schamber, of Payson, AZ, has done just that with her quilt, “Scarlet Serenade.”
For the complete story about Sharon and her magnificent quilts, check out Quilting artist is tops in U.S.  by Carol LaValley, in The Payson Roundup.  Quilters who have heard about Sharon (and those who haven’t), will be intrigued by her quilting story.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen 

As we ponder on what to get the quilter in our family (or hint that they should get for us), why not look at some of the jigsaw puzzles available with a quiting theme?
These are just two I’ve come across.
 Quilts for Sale, a 1000 piece puzzle.
Autumn Quilts, 1000 piece puzzle.
Also, with puzzles, you can save them for framing by using puzzle glue on front and back.