We all find blogs and web sites that inspire and excite.  Some become favorites that we check out regularly.  Others are new ones we discover in the course of our web and blog explorations.  Still more are referrals from quilting colleagues.
There are so many I’ve come across that give me ideas, encourage me, and let me know that the quilting and fabric arts are venturing into exciting arenas.  I’m starting with ten in this post but will have to continue another time with more.

(Original quilting art by Beth Mastin at Meandering Threads)
Meandering Threads by Beth
StegArt by Terri
How to Quilt by …read more

In northern climates, we’ve been experiencing colder weather and snow.  So as February reaches the mid-mark, our thoughts begin to turn to” spring and flowers and sun.  Julie of Big Horn Quilts in Greybull, WY mentions this in her newsletter and got me thinking about the longer days, flowers, and warmer weather that’s coming before long.
(I receive Julie’s newsletter with the happenings at her quilt store and new fabrics available.) 
So as we think of spring and flowers, we might start searching for floral quilt patterns and fabrics with these designs on them. 
         

Linda Cantrell’s workshop, Still Life With Bottles,  at the World Quilt and Textile Show sounded fascinating to my daughter, so she decided to take it.  The hanging she started at the show is coming along nicely and is something different from anything I’ve seen.
I mentioned Linda Cantrell’s workshop in a previous post (http://www.blisstree.com/2006/08/21/quilters-private-retreat-attending-a-quilt-show/ ), but I didn’t have any references to examples of her work.
If you’ll check out this link (www.quiltfest.com/workshop_detail.asp?id=579 )and scroll to the description of Linda’s workshop, then click on the link for photos, you’ll see some very interesting work.  It’s amazing what Linda has done with bottle shapes.  I’m …read more

One of the online quilting newsletters I receive is Quilt Connections, edited by Sandra Hatch, also editor of the print publication, Quilter’s World.  I just received the current copy of Quilt Connectins and find it full of information.
Sandra tells about participating at the Grand Lake Stream Folk Festival by overseeing the quilt tent as she enjoyed the music.  This also is the season for quilt shows and festivals, she mentions.  You also get an opportunity to see photos of quilts at the displays.
Generally Quilt Connections contains many helpful tips from quilting readers, as well as other tidbits of interest to the fabric artist.
To …read more

Sometimes a very helpful gadget can be very simple, so simple that we don’t even consider it.  I was browsing through the new autumn Keepsake Quilting catalog(www.keepsakequilting.com ) my daughter received, and saw…Glow-in-the-Dark Pins!
That’s what we need around here, I thought.  With three quilters in the family (my daughter, granddaughter, and me), our menfolk continually complain about the pins on the floor or on cushions. 
These 1 1/2-inch pins have white plastic heads that will glow in the dark.  Possibly these are commonplace to many quilters and other suppliers have them available.  Anyway, if you’re constantly losing pins, you may want …read more

Kona Bay Fabrics (http://konabay.com ) offers six free quilt patterns for quilters who visit their site.  You can print off patterns and directions for Hoski’s Garden, Rising Sun, Miyami Square, Nabi Garden, A Walk in the Woods, and Jacobs Ladder.
The color photos show quilts made with Kona Bay fabrics and are colorful and very appealing.
Check out the patterns at http://konabay.com/freequiltpatterns.html .  I learned about the patterns through a free e-mail newsletter.

The challenge of a quilt challenge intrigues many quilters.  These may involve full size quilts, lap quilts, wall hangings, or other types of fabric art.  My daughter had become involved with a number of challenges within online groups she belongs to.  You’ll also find challenges sponsored by quilt shops, quilt guilds, and quilt shows.
These generally involve using a specific number of fabrics and perhaps embellishments.  Colors used in the challenge piece may be designated, too. A definite size usually is given for the piece.  Many will have a theme to the entry.
I noticed a challenge at Havasu Quilts (www.havasuquilts.com) with …read more

Fat quarters, cut and placed in a basket by my daughter, continued to be a hit at our yard sale today.  You know someone is a quilter when she comes to you with a handful of these quilting pieces and doesn’t ask what they are.
However, we also have novice quilters stop by…and others who know nothing about quilting.  One father and daughter wanted to buy a gift for his sister/her aunt who makes those tops for the bed. 
“What would she like?” they ask.  We try to find out what type of quilts she makes.  Then my daughter tells them about …read more

At Victoriana Quilt Designs site, (www.victorianaquiltdesigns.com), you’ll enjoy browsing and discovering helpful items for quilters at no cost.  You also can join as a member, for a fee, and receive additional materials.
Among the freebies you’ll discover are: Block of the month, printable quilt labels, quilting technique instructions, quilt calculator charts, quilting lessons, quilting designs, a library, charity quilt patch, and gallery.
Quilters also can post books they have for sale on this site and you can contact the owners via e-mail.