Kept In Stitches

Seeing Green

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March 30, 2015

When I started quilting nearly 20 years ago I had the idea that a quilt was created entirely by one person. I’m really not too sure how I came to this conclusion, but I did. Piecing a top was an enjoyable process and my binding skills were pretty good. But the quilting… I struggled many times rolling, stuffing, folding and cramming the quilt under my machine. I’ve heard the stories and even seen some quilts that were beautifully done on a home machine. My results never met up to my expectations for the quilting done on my quilts. Let me say that hand quilting is the exception here. I now find myself in this quilting journey learning new things constantly and experiencing technology that can take my quilting to its next level.

Spring is here!

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March 29, 2015

Greg and I drove up to Ventura yesterday for the monthly sew-in at our favorite quilt shop, superbuzzy, yesterday. We had a great time catching up with everyone and trying to get some sewing done. If you’re a member of The Modern Quilt Guild, you should join us April 18, 2015 at MAKE Ventura for the Ventura Modern Meet-Up. There will be refreshments, prize drawings, and field trips plus a great day of friendship and camaraderie. Hope to see you there!

This is sew much fun

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March 16, 2015

Every day, I can’t wait to come home from work and play with Johnnie. I’m getting better and I feel much more at ease with guiding the machine. I’m constantly trying to keep my shoulders relaxed, and it’s easier said than done. My confidence is up and I purchased 9 new pantographs that I’m anxious to try out. Another quilt was loaded on Johnnie today…now to decide which pantograph would be most appropriate for the quilt. It’s been close to 90 degrees here in Southern California for several days now…the AC and the music are cranked up…time to quilt.

2015 Glendale Quilt Guild Show

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March 14, 2015

Glendale Quilt Guild Show 2015

Nancy King, my quilt mentor

Scott Griffin, showing off the Ventura Modern Quilt Guild Opportunity Quilt

Scott Griffin, working hard…

Across the River and Into the Trees, Rasa Read

Beetlemania, Gladys Racette

Beetlemania, detail

Forty-Two, Lois Stelzer

Forty-Two, detail

Happy, Leanne Compean and Brandi Nalley

Hot Shot Chevrons, Joyce Antrim-Sos and Georganna Hawley

Hot Shot Diamonds, Joyce Antrim-Sos and Georganna Hawley

Triangles, Georganna Hawley (Congratulations Georganna!)

Triangles, detail

Urban Landscape, Kathie Kerler

Urban Landscape, detail

Washington’s Elm, Bernice Foster-McGraw

Hey everybody! It’s Greg…Scott had to work the Glendale Quilt Guild Quilt Show this weekend, so I’m filling in. This show is very special to me…it’s the first show my friend Nancy and I went to about 20 years ago, so it’s our “anniversary” show. And, this is the show I met Scott at nine years ago, so it’s our anniversary show, too. Eight years ago, he actually asked me to spend the rest of my life with him at this show, in the very same corner of the show where we met (how romantic!)

This year’s show was incredible! So much inspiration and lots of great vendors. Congratulations to Georganna Hawley for winning her blue ribbon…she is just an incredible quilter! Griffin will be back soon, so he can fill you in on anything I might have missed.

Happy anniversary to my quilting mentor and inspiration, Nancy King, and happy anniversary to the man I will love forever!

Take care,
Greg

Marsala

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March 12, 2015

In a previous post I had commented about the Pantone color for 2015 being Marsala. Every year the Ventura Modern Quilt Guild has a Pantone challenge. The members brought a very creative variety of different blocks. I was impressed to see what everybody made. I constructed my piece a few weeks ago and then waited to be able to quilt it on Johnnie. I finished the binding about an hour before the meeting this last Monday. The next quilt got loaded on the machine today….Woo-Hoo I’m having fun!

Pretty In Pink

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March 8, 2015

Working on Olivia’s quilt was a lot of fun. I think it’s just the right size for her and a very manageable size for practicing on my new machine. Since the quilt top was pretty busy I chose a simple swirl design for the quilting. I hope she enjoys her new quilt.

UFO Thursday

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March 5, 2015

I decided to make a quilt for my cousin Dawn’s new baby, Olivia. I started the quilt last summer and it was ‘misplaced’. Out of sight, out of mind…forgotten about the quilt. During the ‘archeological dig’ of the sewing room to make room for Johnnie, I ran across quite a few “lost” projects. I vow to get them finished, one at a time…no matter how long it takes! Olivia is almost 18 months old now, so I need to get this quilt finished. The top is done and the back is pieced. I just loaded the top on Johnnie and will begin quilting this evening. Wish me luck!

Meet My New Friend Johnnie

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March 3, 2015

I am so excited! For many months I’ve been pondering a longarm quilting machine. I’ve test-driven many different machines and at Road To California this year I finally purchased an Innova. It was delivered yesterday and I love it. Nicky and Jim from the So Sew Shop sold me my machine and they did the installation also. It’s huge! I was told that my machine needed a name…hmmm. After much thought, I’ve decided to name the machine after my great aunt Johnnie. She was a seamstress, crafter and a jack of all trades. I have many wonderful memories of the time I spent on the farm in Oklahoma crafting with her. Johnnie had her own hoard so maybe it’s genetic.

After work today I couldn’t wait to get working on the machine. Wow….I’ve a lot to learn and so much practicing to be done.

2015 South Bay Quilters’ Guild 35th Annual Quilt Show

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March 1, 2015

It was a rainy weekend here in Southern California and nothing cures those rainy day blues like a quilt show. We try to attend this show every year and this year the SBQG did an excellent job, as usual. The show is a bit smaller than many of the most popular shows, but there are some very talented quilters. The vendor mall had many inspiring ideas and I’m always on the lookout for a new gadget. We had a great time and are both looking forward to this show next year!

Comfort Food

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February 18, 2015

potatosoup We haven’t seen much cool weather here in sunny California…last Saturday it reached 87 degrees here in Los Angeles. The weather is a bit cooler today, but it’s still beautiful outside. I was planning on making burgers tonight on the barbeque, but I’m craving soup! I thought I would share a favorite recipe of mine, for all of my friends who are braving the VERY cold winter…creamy potato soup! And, I probably don’t need to say that everything is better with a little bacon. Enjoy!

Ingredients

7 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery ribs, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 quart water
4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 quart milk
Sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, combine potatoes, celery, onion, water and bouillon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Cool slightly. Place half of the potato mixture in a blender; cover and puree. Repeat with remaining potato mixture; set aside.

2. In the same kettle, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk; bring to a boil. Boil and stir for 2 minutes. Return potato puree to the pan and heat through. Garnish individual servings with sour cream and cheese if desired. Yield: 8-10 servings

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Ingredients

Directions

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