Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe

Polly and Picasso - what a pair!

2012-01-08T18:03:00.004-05:00

These two little charmers - Polly and Picasso - are available for adoption. I know, I know - this is Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe, right? So where are the quilts? I'm taking a little "sabatical" from the quilt making to relax and just do nothing (well . . . not exactly, but at least not quilt) for a while. And while I'm relaxing, I'm continuing to foster kitties until we can find great homes for them all.

This pair are half of a four-kitten litter, and because little Miss Polly needed an attitude adjustment (she was quite snarly in her cage during adoptions), I offered to bring them to my house where Ginger Cookie gave Polly a much needed talking-to. I must say it worked 'cause she's not snarly anymore, doesn't try to beat up on her brother and is quite a sweet girl now. Polly (the tuxedo), and Picasso (aka, the cow kittie) are like two peas in a pod - they sleep together, play rough with each other, and constantly follow me around the house. Now . . . if I could only get them to help me clean . . . But they need good homes, and are available for adoption (contact me at wendy.altman@windstream.net) if you're interested in learning more . . .

Be Careful What You Wish For . . .

2011-12-24T07:10:00.003-05:00

You know what they say . . . be careful what you wish for! But in this case, it was such a good thing . . . Weenie found a great home for Christmas! Through a Petfinder referral, I took Weenie (and Polly/Picasso and Barnaby) to meet a family in Canton yesterday. An 11-year old girl wanted a kitten for Christmas and she and her mother had looked at several kittens before meeting Weenie. It was difficult for her to decide which kitten she wanted - Polly and Picasso (sister and brother) are so beautiful with their striking black/white medium length fur and delicate faces (like little bookends), and Barnaby, the gray/white boy with the pretty pink nose is so curious . . . but it was little Weenie that captured Madelyn's heart! The family has two small dogs, and early reports indicate that everyone is getting along just fine - the dogs love Weenie and Weenie has found new friends in this canine couple - and Weenie had never seen a dog before! But being the fearless little man that he is, he's done very well and I'm certain that he will be very happy in his new home. Merry Christmas, Weenie and Madelyn, and many happy years together!

One Little Kitten Left . . . for Christmas?

2011-12-21T19:01:00.003-05:00

You remember the Halloween kittens? Five of the six have found wonderful, forever homes, and only one remains - Weenie (as in "Halloweenie). He's become such a big, handsome kitten, and deserves a loving home just like his brothers and sisters . . . his eyes are a soft copper, and he purrs so loudly when you pet him. And you simply can't sit down without Weenie crawling into your lap for a long "cat nap". He just loves to be near you . . . I'm hoping he'll find a good home soon . . .

Speaking of good homes, I took another stray cat to the vet today to be neutered. Seems our neighborhood has become a magnet for stray cats, and pet owners are simply not getting their animals altered - how irresponsible! And then they just let them outside where they multiply like . . . rabbits! This sweet boy that is recovering from his surgery is a brown tabby, about 18 months old, and has beautiful green eyes. He's very lovable, and before the neighbors (not his owner, by the way) moved to another home, he was accustomed to sleeping on their front porch on a heated blanket that she had placed in a wicker chair for him. Since they moved, he seemed lost without them and has spent a lot of time at my house. So . . . it was easy to just pick him up and take him to the vet . . . He would make a good companion for someone and I'm hoping to find him a home, too.

All of these kitties need good homes. Just when you think you've spayed and neutered that last cat, another two (or three) show up . . . my next project is an orange male with a bob-tail . . . another neighborhood stray.

Until then . . . Merry Christmas and I promise to post at least once a week in 2012 - that's my only resolution!

Is It REALLY December?

2011-12-05T19:24:00.003-05:00

I kinda dropped outta sight for a month or so . . . after Country Living Fair in October, there was Holiday Marketplace in early November, then a small stack of quilts to be quilted for my mom, and before you knew it, the month of November was gone! But Santa Claus is coming, you know . . just 20 more shopping days 'til Christmas!

For several months, I did nothing else but make quilts so it's nice to have a short break (the entire month of December - yeah!) before I jump back into it again in January. After all, we're going to Austin in April for another Country Living Fair - which should be great! I've never been to Austin so I'm really looking forward to a springtime vacation with a little "quilt selling" on the side.

I usually re-organize my fabrics after the flurry of quilt making has passed - putting fabrics back where they belong, according to color and theme. When you're in the middle of sewing, creating, quilting, binding, pressing . . . you just don't have time to nicely place each scrap or fat quarter back where you found it . . . this year, I've actually taken it a step further and sent 26 lbs. of fabric to my mom for her to share or give away. Her quilt friends are very happy, I'm sure. And I'm dismantling a couple of large racks that I no longer use to reduce the amount of furniture in my sewing room - it was becoming too cluttered. It's difficult for me to start thinking about new quilts if I've visually challenged by clutter - I need a clean slate to create!

With that said, I'm continuing to sort through fabrics, put stacks together by color and starting to think about the new quilts that I'll be starting later this month (or next month).

Country Living Fair 2011

2011-10-24T20:28:00.004-04:00

Country Living Fair in Atlanta was absolutely the best show I've ever done! I sold 21 quilts in three days, which is a personal best for me! This wonderful event was held at Stone Mountain Park, and it was the perfect setting for Fall - great color on the trees, cool breezes (okay, it was COLD in the early mornings), and delightful customers. If you bought a quilt from me, thank you for supporting me in my craft, and I hope you enjoy your quilt as much as I enjoyed making it for you!

As you can see from the booth photo (above), most of my quilts were Halloween or Fall themed, door banner or wall hanging in size, and full of bright autumn colors to make you smile!

I enjoyed myself so much that I've already completed the application for Country Living Fair's next show - in Austin, TX. I even bought a pair of boots to kick-start my creative juices - the boots have peace signs inside of hearts - I'll have to include a photo in my next blog so you can see how great they are!

On November 4 & 5, I'll be at Holiday Marketplace at the Gainesville (GA) Civic Center, with holiday quilts, with some fall quilts thrown in for good measure, too. Please stop by and say "hello" - this is always a fun show, and the Preview Night (tickets are still available - see my website's Show Schedule for contact information)

Halloween Kittens - Not so Scary!

2011-10-10T08:43:00.002-04:00

At last! A good photo of the Halloween kittens! Four of the six woke up and "posed" for this photo, which is success in my kitten-photography world! Goblin, orange kitten on the left and sound asleep, decided that he had already taken his turn at sitting still yesterday so he thought he'd leave the limelight to his litter mates. Aren't they darling? That sweet little black kitten is named Jinx (a little boy), and he will surely be a heartbreaker - so sweet, so affectionate even at this young age, and litter boxed trained - all of them!

Halloween Kittens

2011-10-08T09:22:00.002-04:00

Have you ever tried to photograph kittens? I know people produce calendars, greeting cards and all sorts of products that use kitten images, but let me tell you, it isn't easy getting a kitten to pose! The only time when they are perfectly still is when they are asleep! Otherwise, they are running, jumping, tumbling, and getting into mischief! This little darling is named Goblin, and each of his littermates also has a Halloween-themed name . . . Boo, Jinx (or Mr. Jinxie as I like to call him), Brunhilda, etc. Their mother is a beautiful tortoiseshell calico with luminous two-toned green eyes, and a "Frankenstein" look to her face - very serious, very determined. The kittens? Two black/white tuxedo males, and four orange/white - two boys, two girls. A total of six kittens. We started off with eight kittens, but unfortunately, two weren't strong enough to survive. The remaining six are healthy, and crazy, crazy fun to watch and play with . . . and play they do! That's why this kitten appears sleepy . . . it's the only time I can get them to hold still!

They will be scheduled for spay/neuter and be available for adoption sometime in early November (after the vendor shows are over and I have the time . . . ), so please post a comment if you'd like to adopt . . . each kitten will be "fully loaded" - spay or neuter, and vaccinations appropriate for their age. And all with Halloween names!

Sneak Peek - Fall has Arrived!!

2011-09-24T08:35:00.002-04:00

Fall is all about "change" - the leaves change from green to glorious shades of gold, burgundy, red, rust, orange, and brown and we change our clothes from shorts and t-shirts to sweaters and boots. Change keeps us young and refreshed, and on our toes, adapting to slight modifications of our lives - change is good; routine is good, too, but needs a kick in the butt once in a while to make life interesting. Just like when I clean my house every weekend - sometimes I start in the master bedroom and sometimes I start in the living room (either way, it takes me a long time to clean my house - all that cat hair, you know).

But I digress - the two wallhanging quilts above entitled Autumn (purple) and Autumn (green) - not much imagination there, but oh well . . . are from a Country Threads pattern that, quite honestly, doesn't look anything like these two quilts - I "changed" the color schemes completely, giving the overall look the "kick" it needed to make them more interesting. And at $85.00 each, affordable for hand applique, for sure!

My first fall show - Crossroads at Crabapple - this Saturday, October 1, in the City of Milton/Crabapple, hopes to bring good weather and many great vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and all kinds of unusual things to adorn yourself and your home - and also for holiday gift giving!

Halloween Kittens

2011-09-10T21:44:00.003-04:00

I took in a stray mother cat with seven kittens last night from a family in Dawsonville. The cat was a neighborhood stray and the family lived on a very busy highway further north into Dawson County (GA). I was concerned that the kittens (and even the mother) might be hit by a car, and of course, not get spayed/neutered, just adding to the cat over-population problem. Without really thinking about it, I took the cat family and made them comfortable in my garage (see photo). Callie, the mother cat, has five orange kittens and two black kittens, and they are very healthy and doing quite well. Callie is very affectionate or oh-so-sweet with her babies - she's a very good mom to these adorable kittens. And . . . because they are orange and black (and so is Callie), they are the perfect Halloween kittens! I asked my friends and family to send me Halloween names appropriate for naming this little group and I've received some great contributions - Spook, Boo, Pumpkin, Ebony, Elvira, Raven, Sabrina, Jinx, Casper, Tabitha, Goblin, and Inky . . . they will be old enough to spay/neuter just before Halloween, and I think they will be easily adoptable . . .

Sew Memorable Quilt Shop

2011-08-21T10:25:00.003-04:00

In early 2006 when the job I had was coming to an end, and I was itching for a change, I made the decision to move to north Georgia. My brother lives an hour's drive north of Atlanta, on Lake Lanier, and I had always enjoyed the time I spent at his house. Each Spring and Fall, I would pick-up my mom and we would head north for our semi-annual visits to Flip's house. We would exit I-75 at Adel/Hahira, and take the back roads just to see the wisteria and cotton fields in Spring, and in the Fall, the beautiful shades of gold, red and orange foliage.

So the decision was made to move, but where? North Georgia has many interesting towns, and of course, there's always Atlanta. As a younger woman, I had lived in big, big cities - New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and most recently Tampa, but I really felt most comfortable in smaller places, with more "green" and less concrete. I made several trips in early 2006, trying to decide where to live - north of Atlanta, close enough to drive to my brother's house, and there must be a good quilt shop. You have to understand . . . I'm a quilter, and as a culture, we must have ready access to good fabric, and all of the fixins that go with it, plus the comraderie of fellow fabriholics. I "let my fingers do the walkin'", this time via the internet (not the yellow pages), to locate quilt shops "to interview" as a possible home base for living in north Georgia. I saw lots of wonderful fabric, met many interesting shop owners and their customers, and made a decision that the Dawsonville area would be my home . . . and Sew Memorable Quilt Shop was the to be my home base quilt shop.

Why? Out of the numerous shops and towns that I visited, Sew Memorable's owner, Jeanne Rish, was the most lively, colorful, fun and helpful shopkeeper I'd ever met! Her easy laugh, wry sense of humor, love of fabric, and true dedication to great customer service "sealed the deal" for me. Dawsonville was to be my new home, and I have not regretted that decision for one minute during the last five years. But sadly, Sew Memorable will close its doors to customers next Saturday, August 27, and Jeanne will move on to other adventures which, hopefully, will include her loyal groups of friends and customers.

I'm very sad that this little shop is closing . . . another shop in Cumming has recently opened, and they have a good selection of fabric, but no one will ever replace Jeanne and Sew Memorable as my quilt shop of choice.

Cat Stories and Blueberry Cobbler

2011-07-24T19:50:00.010-04:00

There's a cat story behind this Blueberry Cobbler - isn't there always a story? My friend, Gina, who is a dedicated adoptions volunteer at our local humane society, came upon a mother cat and some kittens in the woods behind her house. She borrowed a feral trap from the good folks at Animal Control, and was able to capture the two semi-feral kittens that belonged to the mother cat (who is very friendly, likes dogs and gets along with other cats, too), and a third kitten - a tortoiseshell calico - that can't possibly be hers - it's much bigger than the other two kittens, very socialized, and doesn't look a thing like the mother cat.

Gina sent out an email, asking for suggestions on how to best socialize this group, and I offered to take them from her and work with them. This was great news to Gina, who has several inside dogs, plus she feeds a few outside cats and the occasional possum! Gina met me at the local Wild Birds Unlimited, and handed off the mother and kittens in two separate trips - that last kitten was a little rascal, and it took some effort to catch her. And with the mother cat and kittens, Gina gave me a hefty supply of blueberries from her garden. I was delighted! Tonight, along with baked chicken, okra and baked potato, I made this oh-so-yummy Blueberry Cobbler for dessert.

Big George sat on the bar and watched me cook the entire time I was in the kitchen. My cats don't often see me cook (does throwing something in the microwave count?) and when they hear the clanging of pots and pans and great smells begin to fill the house, they jockey for position on the bar. Big George always has a position of prominence . . . but because I was too busy actually cooking, I didn't have time to take a photo of the "kitchen help". George wandered into the living room, and amused himself by watching the birdfeeder activity (his favorite hobby besides long naps), where I managed to snap a photo - isn't he just beautiful? And the sweetest boy ever!

Sweet Potato Vines - It Must Be Summer!

2011-07-09T09:26:00.006-04:00

As soon as Home Depot puts out their sweet potato vines in late Spring, I scoop up several of these chartreuse miracles and fill pots and baskets to the brim! The backdrop of my house is taupe, with white trim and dark brown window shutters, and the bright green plants provide just the right accent of brilliant color! Plus they grow like weeds, and last until the first frost of Fall. I take them with me to my vendor shows, placing them "just so" as the perfect accessory to my brightly colored quilts.

Summer is in full swing, and so am I! As a quilter that sells her wares primarily at Fall and Holiday vendor shows, I'm always "working ahead of the season" and right now, I'm making scarecrow door banners - lots of them! Using up the stacks and stacks of fabric that I've accumulated over many years, the scarecrows require lots of piecing with a little bit of applique, and each one is unique as I never duplicate them.

Next on the quilting schedule are snowmen and Santas! And again I'll turn to my stash of great fabrics to make these holiday door banners that I hope will sell "like hotcakes"! But right now, I'm still enjoying the sweet potato vine, watching the birds gorge themselves on birdseed, and listening to the moo-ing of the cows in the nearby pasture - what a treat summer is - like a reward for making it through the winter!

Kittens Adopted and Enjoying the Summer!

2011-06-19T19:32:00.004-04:00

The quilt on the left, "Woodsy Wonders" was made and sold a couple of years ago, but it was always one of my favorite quilts! Bugs, plants, turtles, lots of nature . . . the perfect summer quilt for kids. And all three quilts were sold to people that were going to give them to children. How perfect is that? I'm sure they're still enjoying them . . .

All six of the kittens from Jasmine's litter have been adopted! O'Doole (cream colored male, very sweet disposition) was adopted on Saturday at Petsmart to a mother/daughter whose cat passed away after many years with their family. I couldn't be happier about the adoptions . . . and O'Doole was quite the little star during the week, too. He went with a couple of dedicated humane society volunteers to speak to a group of girls at an equestrian camp, where he rolled on his back, purred and enjoyed being the center of attention, much to everyone's delight. What a ham! And now he has a great home, too. Happy ending for that great litter of six kittens, born on March 27!

Hope you're enjoying your summer, the longer days and the nice warm nights where you can sit outside and enjoy the mysterious sounds of the darkness. I've got a couple of stray cats that eat their breakfast and dinner on my front porch, and they seem to have become accustomed to me strolling out in the night, talking to them softly, and going back inside . . . they trot up to the food bowl and keep a careful eye on the front windows, where my kitties watch with curiosity. One of them I've already neutered, but I need to catch the other cat to get her/him sterilized, too - kittens are great fun, but a cat over-population problem is not good for the cats. Stay tuned for more on this later . . .

Thomas J. O'Malley and "Quilt 'til you Drop"

2011-06-07T19:40:00.006-04:00

Have you seen that great Disney movies, "The Aristocats"? I just love that movie, and could watch it over and over again. It's got cute kittens, an intriguing plot, bad guys/good guys (Thomas J. O'Malley), and a happy ending. I first came to know the movie several years ago when I was visiting my brother, and my nieces were watching it. Well, I just loved it and after the girls had tired of it, I still wanted to watch it again and again.

So when Jasmine (the mother cat) had her kittens on March 27, I wanted to give the kittens Irish names, and Thomas J. O'Malley was at the top of the kitten name list (along with Mattie, Scarlett, Clancy, O'Doole, and Quinn, the other five kittens). Little Thomas J. is quite the independent cuss, too. He's the largest of the six kittens, runs ahead of the pack, and constantly gets into trouble, too. And just look at that precious face! Bright blue eyes, soft orange fur, and a strong meow!

But on a more serious note, the kittens were given to the Dawson County Humane Society to be adopted to responsible pet owners who will love and care for these little guys for the rest of their lives. They are litter box trained, eat Purina One Chicken and Rice, and are very affectionate - really great kittens!

As the summer progresses, and I look ahead to a busy Fall vendor show season (four shows in October/November), I'm quilting my little heart out. Sewing every night, using up as much of my stash as I possibly can . . . I promised myself that I would buy less fabric this year, and really try to make a dent in the bulging stacks of fat quarters, half-yard pieces, and endless collections that I've accumulated since 1990. There is a great assortment of Halloween, Christmas, Fall and novelty fabric to choose from, and it's like shopping in my own private quilt shop. What do they say - come big, or stay home? That's what it's going to take to make enough quilt inventory to really sell, sell, sell at the Fall shows. Check out the "shows" area of my website and take a peak at what's available . . . I'll be posting many, many more quilts and they're completed!

Happy Birthday, Tiger!

2011-05-22T18:05:00.002-04:00

Today is Tiger's birthday, and he is one year old! As a kitten, Tiger was given to the Dawson County Humane Society and fostered by Virginia Matteson, who is a "master class" foster parent. Even though he developed upper respiratory infection and had to be treated prior to adoption, he is now healthy and has become a very pampered kitty. Ava and her family take good care of him, and he is Ava's "best buddy". Ava is my neighbor's little girl, and she's a natural born cat lover, just like me. She is also a big help when I need to water the garden, or forget something from the back yard . . . Ava fetches it for me, and always with a smile on her face! She has been a tremendous help in socializing the two litters of kittens, and even helped me name the four-kitten litter - Ebony, Midnight, Moonbeam, and Sunshine. So Happy Birthday, Tiger, and many happy returns to you with your "forever family".

Big Canoe Tour of Homes and Sweet Kittens, too!

2011-05-14T15:01:00.005-04:00

Next weekend is my first vendor show of the year @ Big Canoe Tour of Homes, and I've got lots of new quilts, some fresh off the quilting frame! The quilt on the left is Pumpkins and Spice I, and will be for sale next weekend. The show is open to Big Canoe residents only on Friday, and open to the general public on Saturday. Click "Shows" on my website home page, and you'll see the link for this annual event.

Fall and Halloween quilts have become my specialty and a great deal of my time is spent designing, constructing and quilting. Sometimes I use panels, and "cheat" with a center piece of fabric, then add borders, corner blocks, then quilt! Especially if I find panels that are as appealing as Pumpkins and Spice I. There is also a larger quilt that uses the panels blocks, with piecing and a little applique - click on the 9-block showcase on my home page and it will take you to all of the new quilts that I've been making since December, as well as some old favorites that might have already sold, but remain on the site for interest.

On another note, the six little kittens that were born on March 27 have their spay/neuter surgeries scheduled for May 27, and will be ready for adoption thereafter. I'm going to be giving these kittens to responsible pet owners - free of charge - and they will be "fully loaded" - spay/neutered, their first round of shots, and with a bag of kitten food, too. But I'm going to be very picky about who adopts these babies 'cause they are very special and deserve good homes. And did I mention that they are already litterbox trained? You bet they are! If you're interested in adopting, click on my email address at the bottom of my home page, and send me a message. Here's a photo of O'Doole, one of the cream colored kittens!

North Georgia Shop Hop 2011

2011-05-06T21:49:00.002-04:00

Six quilt shops in North Georgia are hosting their annual 'shop hop' this weekend - Thursday, Friday, Saturday - and have chosen to remember the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 as their theme - honoring Americans from all walks of life. Sew Memorable Quilt Shop in Dawsonville, my favorite place to shop for fabric and fun, is thanking men and women in law enforcement for their service to their communities, and their country. With the "law enforcement" theme in mind, they are playing up the "gumshoe" aspect of sniffing out crime, and doling out punishment. And as any good detective will tell you, you need good evidence to put the bad guys behind bars . . . so they've provided you with a "briefcase full of evidence". Stocked with patterns, books, fabric bundles, thread, rulers, yarn, and all kinds of wonderful quilting notions, you're sure to bring those crooks to justice with this wonderful prize. Jeanne Rish and her very persistent staff will stamp your 'shop hop' passport, give you clues to making that next great quilt, and hunt down the fabric that you've been searching everywhere for . . .

Stitches South . . . and a new addiction!

2011-04-17T08:22:00.004-04:00

I've always loved the look and feel of yarn - the colors, the textures, the wide variety of fibers (cotton, alpaca, wool, acrylic, bamboo, etc.), so when I had the opportunity to take knitting classes starting in January, I jumped on it! With the world of technology right at your fingertips, websites devoted to the art of knitting, along with online retailers and chat sites, make it so easy to truly immerse yourself in "all things knitting". So I happened upon Ravelry (after hearing it chatted up at my knitting class) and one thing led to another, and I found myself at the Stitches South Knitting Expo on Friday afternoon. It was so fabulous - like the first time I went to Quilt Festival in Houston, and was overcome with a sense of happiness that I still remember to this day! Stitches South had several fabulous sponsors that had garments and accessories made from the yarns they manufacturer/represent, and I was able to snag this photo (left) of a great little sweater that I will (hopefully) make one day - notice the inside of the pockets are red yarn that coordinates with the trim on the cuffs - isn't that incredible! My knitting class will be making socks in an upcoming session, so I bought square-tipped circular needles (size 3 - make into size 2), and sock yarns (two different yarns 'cause I want/need/crave/must have two pairs of socks, right?). This "knitting thing" is a new passion, and has not replaced my love of quilting, but I can see that I'm going to be dividing my time between two expensive hobbies . . . yikes!

2011-03-27T18:54:00.002-04:00

Despite the thunderstorms and awful rain this weekend, it's been a great couple of days+! Sometimes, life just seems to go your way and that's how it's been for me since Friday. First and foremost, I got a call from the Country Living Fair folks letting me know I had been accepted to the show in October! Yippee!!!! Very exciting news indeed! Then later that afternoon, the flooring estimate for replacing my first-floor carpet with vinyl sheet flooring (to match existing vinyl in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry areas - much easier to keep clean) was BELOW what I expected! Another big yippee! And . . . the mailman delivered the circular knitting needles that I had ordered for a class next week, reconnecting me a vendor that I had met in '07 at my very first vendor show. Another big "Yes!". But the best part of the weekend was the birth of SIX (yes, count them - SIX) kittens to the mother cat I caught three weeks ago . . . I've been on a trap/neuter/return gig for the past month or so, but when I caught Jasmine (that's the name my niece gave her), I could tell she was pretty pregnant. Not a believer in late term feline abortion, I opted to let her live out her pregnancy in the garage . . . knowing if I allowed her to stay outside, I might never see her again and then when she had her kittens, the cycle would continue . . . so anyway, six little babies were born this morning. Jasmine is a very good mother, and I'll post additional photos as these little sweeties grow up . . .

My mother's Florida Azaleas!

2011-03-18T14:49:00.002-04:00

Nothing else compares to the beautiful color of springtime azaleas! Drive through any southern town or city at this time of year and you're sure to encounter a riot of bright blooms in practically everyone's yard. These fuchsia azaleas have been at the corner of my mother's carport for over 20+ years, and each year, the bush gets bigger and bigger, and the fragrance is wonderful. I remember living in New Orleans back in the '70's and taking the public bus up Canal Street to work. All along the neutral ground down the middle of Canal Street, there were all colors of azaleas - light pink, dark red, purple, white. And if you drive along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, all of the old homes and hotels are surrounded by banks of azalea bushes. Azaleas mean that spring is FINALLY here . . . makes me want to make a quilt and give it some crazy azalea name! I think I might just do that!

Is it Spring yet????

2011-03-10T20:24:00.002-05:00

Big George thinks it's time for Spring! And the rest of us do, too! Seems like winter has lasted a very long time this year, and we deserve a few good days of sunshine and warm air . . . Oh, I love wearing my sweaters and cold weather clothes, along with boots and knitted scarves, but enough is enough! I want to have a good reason to go 'sandal shopping'! But cross your fingers that in another two weeks (March 20), we'll be able to say Spring has arrived, and say a big "thank you" to Mother Nature for not forgetting about us, and how much we love warm weather.

I've been on a trap/neuter/return mission with the neighborhood cats. I've caught four cats - two males, two females - just roaming the neighborhood, and have had them all spay/neutered. Except for one female - she's too far along in her pregnancy that I just don't have the heart to have her spayed - and she's become a sweet natured cat, too. At first, she was very cautious of me, keeping her distance, but now, she comes right over to me for head rubs and soft scratches. My niece, Ava, named her Jasmine, and she'll stay with me until she has her kittens, then I'll have her spayed and foster the kittens until they're ready for adoption. I'm hoping for a St. Patrick's Day kitten delivery so that I can give them Irish names like O'Malley, Scarlett, Bailey, Patrick, etc. I had a cat named Sugar Bear that I took in when I was volunteering for Cat Call (Brandon, FL), and she had her kittens on St. Patrick's Day - they were beautiful kittens, and Sugar Bear was a good mother. I think Jasmine will also be a good mother . . . and I'll keep you posted on her progress over the next few weeks.

Knitting 101

2011-02-13T09:05:00.003-05:00

Having made only one New Year's resolution for 2011 - to do something different EVERY month, I'll well on my way to keeping my resolution! In January, I began to learn to knit! I've always loved yarn - the colors, the textures, the different types of yarn (man-made fibers vs. natural/organic), and have several baskets around my home with balls of yarns (well out of the reach of my cats, you know). My mom is an excellent knitter, having made me several beautiful scarves over the years, and a pink cotton sweater that I've had since the 70's - no kidding - and I still wear it, too. Mom sits at night, watches TV and knits - I certainly get that trait from her. I can't just watch TV, as I have to be doing something with my hands - sewing a quilt binding, and now knitting!

The local quilt shop owner has "rediscovered" her own love of knitting, and asked a colleague to teach students to knit. The shop hosts a weekly "knit wits" night whereby anyone can bring in a knitting project and "sit and knit". My class has five students, two of which are elementary school girls, and we're all enjoying the opportunity to learn a new handmade skill. The photo above is a glimpse of how I'm progressing, and even though I've pulled out the soon-to-be scarf several times, I'm learning to recognize my mistakes and correct them myself - which to me is great progress! I've got three project going at the same time, each one with a different purpose (one using cotton yard, one for a knit/purl basketweave scarf to match my coat, and the third you see above - another scarf in variegated yarn again to match my coat). In just four short weeks, I've bought yarn from Joann's, from a yarn shop, and purchased yarn online! Not bad for a new knitter, huh?

And this love of knitting has opened a whole new world of people, a knitting culture! One day I hope to be able to knit as well as my mom, and that will take years of practice, but Knitting 101 is the first step!

Ivory and Pearls

2011-01-27T20:16:00.003-05:00

January is one of the coldest months of winter - lots of snow, ice, wind - and while winter has its purpose, for this Florida girl, it's only to be endured as best I can. North Georgia had a one-two punch of big snow followed by icy rains that kept most of us indoors for three-four days, and let's face it, I stayed in sweats and pajamas most of the time. Except for when I shoveled my driveway, I only wore "house clothes" so that when the weekend came, I was ready to wear something a little more dressed up. And it was the weekend for Lakewood 400, where I get to see my vendor show friends, which is always a treat. The "after Christmas" sales at my favorite retailers like Talbots and J. Jill were something I definitely took advantage of . . . including this beautiful ivory shawl collared cardigan, with matching slouch neck pullover. And I bought the same thing in olive green, too! I love cardigan sweaters, especially in the winter when they hug you until you're warm and are so cozy. And with the ivory cardigan, I threw on some pearls, and a brooch that I've had since the mid-80's. Dressing up a bit felt really good after so many days of being shut inside.

Wishing for a Spring Garden!

2011-01-17T09:37:00.004-05:00

Way back in 1995 when I lived in Huntington Beach, CA, I was lucky to live near a community college that had an organic garden. I signed up for a plot in February 1995, and kept the garden for two full growing seasons until I moved further south to Aliso Viejo. I kept a gardening journal from beginning to end of what I intended to plant, what worked and what didn't, and as I look out today on the snow still covering my backyard here in north Georgia, I retrieved that journal. I have to read you one of the passages that made me laugh out loud . . .

Dated Sunday, October 29, 1995 . . . "the preceeding page illustrates the garden as planted. Some pluses and minuses as noted are: the hollyhocks never came up, although I let a weed get pretty darn big, thinking it was a hollyhock! Having planted pole beans then letting the leftover morning glories live among them was a mistake . . . the glories strangled not only the pole beans but the cherry tomato plants that were planted nearby . . . "

I had never had a garden before, but I went at it like I truly knew what I was doing. From that 10' x 20' plot, I installed four rectangular raised beds, tilled the soil with cow manure and planted seeds and young plants. My little "slice of heaven" produced an abundance of vegetables and flowers . . . the pole beans mentioned above, plus three types of tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, radishes, beets, collard greens, corn, and some of the biggest sunflowers you've ever seen!

This Spring, I will have time to cultivate the long narrow plot along the side of the house, and will again plant my garden, using the remaining pages of my little gardening journal to chronicle the progress from seeds/young plants to truly edible delicacies. The only caveat is that the north Georgia growing season begins a little later than southern California, so I can only dream (and order seeds online) and wait for warmer weather!

Snow Day!

2011-01-10T09:38:00.003-05:00

Oh, boy, do the kitties wish they were outside! Last night's snow brought about five-six inches of the fluffy stuff to north Georgia, and it's just beautiful! But the real treat is watching the cats "bird watching". The bird feeder was so busy with activity that I had to throw seed out on the snow in order for everyone to have an opportunity for breakfast. And the cats were just delighted! Against the white landscape, the big black crows and little bitty birds really stand out, and the cats just couldn't get enough of the action outside! Big George just meowed at the front door, begging me to let him out . . . . but it's way too cold to be outdoors . . . . the wind blew snow all the way up to my front door, under the cover of the porch roof, and covered the bench under the windows. Little birds were playing hide-n-seek in the bushes, and the crows were scooping up as many bread pieces as they could stuff in the beaks.

We're expecting freezing rain later today and into tonight, and hazardous driving conditions will continue. As long as the power stays on, I'll be fine inside . . . . I'll finish a quilt, and perhaps get another one on the quilting frame . . . it's like having an "extra Sunday". Yippee for Snow Days!

Try something new . . .

2011-01-05T21:52:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know this little snowman is holding a Christmas tree and wreath, but look at that wonderful smile on his face! And all that snow . . . . here in north Georgia, we're supposed to get snow again this week . . . and as long as it doesn't mess up my plans for Saturday, who cares? Because my one and only New Year's resolution was to try something new every month . . . and this month, I'm going to Tiger, GA, for a wine/cheese/soup/bread lunch. Every Saturday during the month of January, they are hosting this special event from 12Noon to 3:00 p.m., and it sounds like fun! There will be a musician playing the cello, and we'll be seated in the area where they keep the wine caskets - how cool is that! I love cheese . . . . it's one of my favorite things to splurge on . . . I remember when my mom and I travelled to the Seattle/Vancouver/Portland area in 2006 for a short vacation, we had dinner in Seattle at a small restaurant and ordered a cheese sampler platter, with about six different cheeses, along with a glass of wine. We enjoyed tasting the different cheeses - some more than others. I've always been intrigued by the many types of milk they use to make cheese - cow, goat, sheep - and with some cheeses, they even combine the different milks. In New York, there's a business that hosts monthly "cheese classes", and they meet to discuss everything about cheese - how it's made, where it's from, which foods to eat with certain cheeses. Maybe I can find a similar group here in the Atlanta area, and make that my "try something new" adventure for February . . . .

2010-12-30T09:30:00.002-05:00

Goodness! It's been over two weeks since I blogged! Just shows you how busy a person can be over the holidays - shopping, cooking, family and friends . . . . I had a healthy dose of all of these, and enjoyed every minute of it. Because I'm single, I don't often have the opportunity to cook for a group of people, but when my sister and her two teenaged children visited, I cooked breakfast and dinner on several occasions, and they actually ate it! My family teases me about how I "didn't get the cooking gene" and I'm the first to admit that that's so very true. Not because it's difficult to cook - after all, you can't eat out EVERY meal - but it's easier to prepare food for more than one person! I loved having my family around this holiday season - we all got along so well, and it was a pleasure for all of us, I think.

Some unexpected quilting surprises happened, too. As you may know, my vendor shows ended in early November with the final show of Holiday Marketplace in Gainesville. But that didn't exactly end my selling season. A very nice woman who visited my Marketplace booth called and wanted to buy a quilt for a friend of hers, and she decided to purchase a little something for herself, too. The quilt above - Cranberry Scones and Apricot Jam - has always been one of my favorite quilts, and I was somewhat sad to see it go . . . but hopefully, it will bring happiness to its new owner as it did for me. Besides, I have PLENTY of fabric from which I will make myself a new quilt (maybe to sell, maybe not). The second surprise was a call from a previous customer in Florida who wanted to buy a Halloween quilt for her daughter for Christmas. Seems her daughter loves Halloween as much as I do, bless her heart! And the third call came from a quilting customer who needed help in finishing a quilt for a friend - beautiful black/red/white quilt that we quilted in white (on a black backing fabric) that turned out beautifully.

I'm finishing a few small Fall quilts (table runners, small toppers and wallhangings) that were set aside when I was busy with my vendor shows, but as I always do at this time of year, I'll be taking EVERYTHING from the shelves, giving them a good dusting, then sorting according to project, fabric color and season - or not. I've done a pretty good job this year of keeping everything nice and tidy so I might just focus on finishing up existing projects (black and white quilt, Halloween medley quilt, a couple of panel quilts) in order to have the sense of accomplishment that usually comes from sorting . . . .

However you finish out your "old year" and begin your "new year", do so with an open mind and a happy heart, and may 2011 bring you the peace of mind that comes from living a good life, a happy life filled with work and hobbies that make you smile!

Little Miss Ava and Sugar

2010-12-13T21:36:00.002-05:00

My niece, Ava, loves kitties! And she's found a new friend in Sugar. Sugar belonged to my sister, but needed to find another home so she came to live with me . . . . and now my brother's daughter has a new best friend in Sugar. You see, Sugar is deaf. Like some white cats, she has a genetic defect that resulted in deafness - notice the different colored "gold" eyes - a telltale sign of deafness in most cases, although deaf white cats typically have a blue/green eye combination. When Ava comes to visit, she doesn't hesitate to find Sugar (or Charley, a big black/white tuxedo cat), and carry her around the house. Sugar doesn't seem to mind, and Ava just loves it. Sugar is almost as big as Ava, too. This sweet, white kitty has the softest fur, and a loud purr when she's happy. And she's always happy when Ava's around . . . . Ava gives her lots of attention and love, and Sugar is so content to hang out with Ava.

Only two weeks till Christmas . . . if you want to make a little girl (or boy) happy, think about adopting a kitten or adult cat for Christmas. Pet ownership teaches children responsibility and the ability to think beyond themselves, to care for something else, and to receive love in return that is always unconditional. The gift of a kitten or cat is a gift of love!

Little Miss Priscilla

2010-12-07T21:21:00.002-05:00

Miss Priscilla is one of four kittens that were born to my sister's cat, Bella. Isn't she just beautiful? She looks just like her mother, too . . . and purrs all the time! Her sister - Juliette - and her two brothers, Cotton and Bugsy - have made themselves at home with me and the rest of my pride. They like to "help" me make the bed in the mornings, and before I even get out the door, they have throw the quilt back and are playing under the covers! Such little scamps! And at night, they meow for their bowl of milk - it's such a comical thing to see . . . I'm no sooner finished taking a shower than they are singing their chorus of "feed me", and before I can make my way into the kitchen, they are gathered around, just waiting for the refrigerator to be opened, the bowl to be retrieved from the cabinet, and the milk to be poured. Born in April, these pretty babies are now almost eight months old and are considered teenagers . . . . and I love them dearly.

Let the Christmas Season Begin!

2010-11-21T08:03:00.003-05:00

Christmas Fly Away is the name of this little wallhanging-sized quilt - it measures 37" x 55", and is made from a collection of Robyn Pandolph holiday-themed fabrics from several years ago. There's a story behind this quilt - I bought the fat-quarter fabric collection at Rainbow's End Quilt Shoppe in Dunedin, FL. I worked at the shop on Saturdays (best job in the world!), and received a very generous discount which allowed me to buy A LOT OF FABRIC. The fat-quarter bundle, stacked high with these beautiful fabrics, and tied very nicely with a pretty ribbon, sat in my fabric stash for a while. Once a year, usually in the winter when I have the time, I leisurely sort and re-stack my fabrics and always come across the Robyn Pandolph Christmas Fat-Quarter Bundle. It was really "too pretty to take apart and cut up", and that was my excuse for not making it into something beautiful.

While working on another quilt, I needed a certain shade of red, and one of thebundle's fat-quarters seemed to work just right. I pondered separating that bundle for a while, rummaging through the red fabrics in my stash, hoping to avoid the inevitable. Finally, when I knew that there was no other fabric that would coordinate with my current project, I gently untied the ribbon, and pulled "just that one red fabric" from the bundle, and cut it up. Well . . . now I had done it - taken the first step to actually "using" the fabric. With that said, I quickly went through my many quilt patterns and magazines, and came upon this design - which I modified (I always modify - using the original pattern seems a little ho-hum, I think), and that collection of beautiful reds, greens, creams, and browns became Christmas Fly-Away. It's still available for sale at $80.00 (shipping included) and would make a wonderful gift for yourself or a special friend . . .

2010-11-11T21:13:00.002-05:00

You may remember the October calendar that I bought from Kris Hurst of Blissfull Elements in early October. I love that magnetic calendar so much that I asked Kris if she could make me one for December - and look how great it turned out! I'm hoping that she's made several of these and that she's selling them at Lakewood 400 Antiques next weekend (Nov. 18, 19, & 20). She uses the most unique vintage papers and images to create one-of-a-kind "whimsies", little touches to add to your home's decor and make you smile. This little treasure inspires me to start designing Christmas quilts for next year (yes, that would be 2011 - it takes a while to make a series of quilts) and use the theme of "Christmas (eye) candy" - peppermint stripes, dark chocolate bon-bons, taffy, almond clusters, soft-center chews - yummy stuff . . . . wrapped in shiny foil, tied with a pretty bow . . . you get the idea. In the meantime, I'll glance at my December calendar and think of the talent and imagination that Kris uses for each of her pieces . . . . and start to dream of Christmas.

Holiday Marketplace 2010

2010-11-05T07:18:00.003-04:00

Holiday Marketplace in Gainesville, GA, began last night with a premier party, and it was spectacular! A great crowd as always - the best part is seeing all the ladies' outfits; at least half of them had on a pair of stylish boots! The food was yummy-licious - crab cakes, spicy shrimp, turkey tenderloin with a cranberry chutney, artichoke dip, and of course, the desserts! Everyone knows about the macaroons - little bites of heaven with chocolate cake surrounding warm, rich coconut! So good . . . . but on to the party! Guests are always in a cheery spirit - people stop by the booth to comment on the quilts, and I even sold a couple of things! But today, the real "shoppers" come out - the women leave their husbands at home, and return with a pretty good idea of how they want to spend their money. Lots and lots of jewelry vendors, some new, some returning. Soaps, home dec, apparel (some really funky jackets and accessories that you will only see at this show, gathered in one place), children's toys, gourmet packaged foods, and we even have a bakery from Cleveland, GA, this year. The above photo is a portion of my booth - Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - and when I had finally finished the set-up yesterday afternoon, I stepped back and realized that many months of work had gone into making those quilts, and it just made me so proud to be a quilt artist!

If you have some free time today or tomorrow (November 5 & 6), stop by the Gainesville Civic Center and shop the Holiday Marketplace! It's been a favorite of mine even before I lived here!

Ghosts of Halloween Past

2010-10-31T16:35:00.002-04:00

Such a rumpled trio of pumpkins! One by one this week, they became the sentries at my door, keeping watch with their little votives over the front yard, and warding off evil spirits. But the warm days and bright sunlight took their toll on their once cheery faces, and by Halloween, they looked like a group of geriatric gentlemen who forgot their dentures!

They have two brothers, one with a friendly face and the other with a rather bizaar set of "double eyes" that will take their places before the trick or treaters begin to arrive tonight. I'll let these merry fellows live out their lives on the side of the house until the trash man comes on Wednesday, then off to the dump, to the dump, to the dump, dump, dump they will go! And over the next couple of days, I'll share photos of the trick or treaters that are sure to show up tonight - I can't wait! I bought lots of candy (the kind I would love if I were still a kid!), and I always let them take a handful on their own - but just one handful!

Country Living Fair in Atlanta

2010-10-25T19:46:00.004-04:00

Country Living Fair was a huge success in Atlanta this weekend. Even though I attended on Sunday, my vendor friends said the crowds were unbelievable on Friday and Saturday, and everyone was thoroughly pleased with the event. I bought a few things - a great, chunky bracelet with various fleur de lis charms, a black cat/pumpkin moon decoration for Halloween, a discounted "Happy Halloween" hand embroidered sign, and several bars of this really great soap by Century Farmhouse - Sweet Tea with Lemon - a Soap of the South! And it really smells like Sweet Tea!

Every type of vendor was represented at the Country Living Fair - jewelry, pottery, home decorations, ribbons, handbags, quilts, soaps, antiques - it really was "the pages of the magazine, come to life" as they advertised. I'm hoping that they decide to have the Fair in Atlanta again next year, as I would love the opportunity to be a vendor. Until then, visit the Century Farmhouse website (Google it!), and email them about the soap as they haven't posted it to their online ordering as yet. You won't be sorry!

Community Volunteer Day - Save The Horses!

2010-10-16T07:36:00.005-04:00

The "pesky day job" has a purpose (besides the obvious - food, clothing, shelter) - we also volunteer in the community one day a year, giving our time and talents to an organization that needs the help. For the past three years, we have volunteered at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and it's been rewarding. But this year, we wanted a change of pace, and we decided to work with Save The Horses, a non-profit organization that takes in unwanted horses - from owners that have come upon hard times and can't afford to keep them any longer, horses that are handicapped, abandoned, abused, and just need a safe haven to live out their lives, hoping to find a "forever home" with a new family.

Save The Horses is a large horse farm that requires many, many volunteer hours to keep it going . . . there a horse stalls to muck, food/water buckets to clean, horses to groom, and an assortment of farm animals besides horses also call it home - goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, pigs - you name the farm animal, and you'll probably find it! The above photo of Joe, Kevin and Brad - with big smiles - is testimony to the sense of fulfillment that we all had once our many jobs were done. Yes, we were all tired but it was a "good tired" after a hard day's work, followed by margaritas and Mexican food at Fajita Grill. I was very impressed with my colleagues' abilities to jump right in to learn how to do the many daily chores that enable this facility care for these wonderful animals . . . . thank you, Save The Horses, for giving us the opportunity to help you.

Oktoberfest @ Big Canoe

2010-10-10T08:08:00.005-04:00

Another great Oktoberfest @ Big Canoe! The weather was perfect (although slightly warm in mid-afternoon), and the quilt sales were good! I always enjoy the crowds at Big Canoe - they are a fun group of people who love their community and it shows! I sold equal amounts of Halloween and Christmas quilts - always big sellers at Oktoberfest for me - and will now take the remaining Halloween quilts to Sew Memorable Quilt Shop in Dawsonville, where they will be available through the end of October. Lots of people are visiting the area to buy their pumpkins, run through a corn maze, or just take in the great countryside of Dawson and surrounding counties.

Now I have to get busy making a few more Christmas quilts and garments for my next vendor show at Holiday Marketplace in Gainesville on November 4, 5 & 6! That's a fun show that's well-attended by many people who are buying their Christmas gifts early! Come visit Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe, along with Three Birds Studio (great handmade jewelry), Secret Garden Soaps (the most wonderfully fragranced soaps!), and many, many more great vendors! It's a great start to the Holiday season!

Crossroads @ Crabapple 2010

2010-10-03T08:22:00.005-04:00

Crossroads @ Crabapple Arts & Antiques Festival was again a wonderful day, with perfect weather! I sold equal numbers of Halloween and other seasonal quilts, had several "repeat" customers from last year and even the year before in 2008, and welcomed the addition of many new vendors to the show. Everything went very smoothly - set-up and breakdown were so easy, my location was ideal, and I was able to sell my wares to appreciative customers who will enjoy them for years to come.

Two teenage boys, who bake and sell their dog biscuits called "Woof 'Em Down" dog biscuits, were at the Festival again this year, sold out their biscuits to dog owners that brought their canine friends to the Festival. Every shape, color and size of dog was in attendance yesterday - a good looking bulldog named Tank, a little rescue sweetheart named Cissy, golden retrievers, dachsunds, a pair of German shepherds that enjoyed the attention of everyone, and even a brother-sister of miniature (oh-so-tiny) Yorkies in a baby carriage - good idea as they were so small and the crowd was BIG!

My special purchase was a wonderfully imaginative metallic October calendar designed and crafted by Kris Hurst, a very talented collage artist who sells her wares at festivals like Crabapple, and also at Lakewood 400 Antiques every month . . . here is a photo to enjoy . . . each "day" is a magnet that can be removed as the October days click by . . . . I'm going to hang my calendar in the living room where I can enjoy it all-year-round - it's so unique and interesting! I hope that Kris will do a whole series of each month, using her favorite techniques and special "funky style" of collage - I just love this, and it makes me smile!

Crossroads at Crabapple - This Saturday, October 2!

2010-09-30T19:07:00.002-04:00

Crossroads at Crabapple is Saturday, October 2, and Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe will be there with just oodles of new Halloween quilts! Some of my vendor friends will also be selling their wares - Jim and Vicky Smith with those great birdhouses! Patricia and Chris of Three Birds Studios will be inside the Broadwell Cottage showing customers their unique, funky jewelry (I have several pieces myself), my neighbor to the left, Beverly, will have cottage and vintage home decor that is fabulous - handmade soap vendors, garden and lawn art, jewelry of every description, antiques, food vendors, civic organizations - it's a really fun day for everyone, young and old alike - come out and join us at Crossroads at Crabapple (GA 400, Exit 11, East to Hwy 9, south to Mayfield Road (stop light), east on Mayfield to the Crossroads of Mayfield/Birmingham Highway, Broadwell - just look for the white canopies!

New Halloween Quilts!

2010-09-19T22:08:00.008-04:00

I've been sewing, pressing, quilting and photographing all of the new Halloween quilts so that you'll get a 'sneak peak' of what's to come for the scariest of holidays, which is fast approaching in only six weeks - I can hardly wait! It's my favorite holiday - I love giving out candy, decorating the front porch with pumpkins, and oh those Fall vendor shows! So much fun! Take a moment and look at the new Halloween quilts on my website at http://www.fourseasonsquiltshoppe.com/, and come visit me at Crossroads at Crabapple on Saturday, October 2, in the City of Milton (Crabapple). I'm sure you enjoy the wonderful weather, the interesting vendors, great customers, and have a really good time! I'll look forward to seeing you there, too!

2010-09-08T21:04:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I'm checking my own website email and I receive this announcement that Joyce Stahl of Enchanted Productions has opened up shop with another artist, and is producing all kinds of cool stuff, using their artwork. Joyce is the Mistress of all dolls "Halloween" - in fact, that's all she creates - Halloween-themed dolls, and I'm just blown away with her imagination and great sense of humor. This little beauty to the left is actually a mousepad using the collectible doll named "Ghost of Sarah Winchester"! And she's got t-shirts and mugs, and other items that feature her wild and wacky soft sculpture friends. Take a peak at the link to the right - Enchanted Productions - and treat yourself to a bit of Halloween!

Halloween - One Quilt at a Time!

2010-08-28T08:43:00.004-04:00

The Joy of Halloween! or was that supposed to be the Joy of Christmas? For me, I think the first phrase is correct! I love all things Halloween, and these, quite honestly, are my favorite quilts to make . . . the zany costumed characters . . . the promise of a good scare . . . and let's not forget that yearly ritual of the Halloween candy! I don't even have children, but often find myself at the grocery store, standing in the middle of the candy aisle, trying to select just the right number of bags for the upcoming Trick-or-Treat Fest. I always over-do the hand-out part - I give away all my candy way before I run out of tricksters . . . and every year I try to be more controlling of the candy disbursement, but always fail. Oh well . . .

But I digress . . . I'm in full "make those Halloween and Fall quilts" mode, having returned a few weeks ago from Rainbow's End Quilt Shoppe in Dunedin, FL, with several quilt panels, matching coordinates, and a whole lot of inspiration. Michelle has the "best" Halloween panels - and it's worth the long drive from north Georgia to the west coast of Florida (near Tampa) to make my selection. I buy the panels, bring them home and coordinate them with fabrics I already own - goodness knows, I have a great stash of all-things-Halloween! The little door banner quilt you see above is a combination of a new panel, and a bunch of appropriate "Halloween" scraps and pieces . . . "Halloween Party" and other one-of-a-kind quilts will debut at Crossroads at Crabapple on Saturday, October 2 - am I planning ahead or what?

"Let the Season Begin" . . .

2010-08-18T21:36:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know it's still August . . . but in the vendor show world, artisans are creating their art, paying the balances on their show fees, designing their booth layouts, and looking forward to the Fall 2010 season! I know I am! I really love Fall! All the colors - bright orange, scarlet, sage, honey gold, warm browns . . . because I love to make Fall and Halloween quilts, and I think my customers love them, too.

Three shows are planned this season, with the big kick-off at Crossroads at Crabapple in Milton, GA. That first weekend in October is usually great weather - sunny, low humidity, and just a touch of "cool air" in the mornings! I stock my booth with pumpkin quilts, crazy Halloween quilts, scarecrow quilts, and a couple of spooky witches just for good measure. The second weekend in October brings Oktoberfest at Big Canoe, which unfortunately, while being quite profitable for me, has not brought the best of weather - the first year, it was very windy and I had to lay my quilts flat on the ground to keep them from flying off without me, and last year, it rained all day (but I sold everything I had brought, and then some!). And the final show is the first weekend in November - Holiday Marketplace in Gainesville! With a premier night on Thursday, and two full days of holiday selling, this will be my fourth year to participate, and it's always fun! People come to shop for themselves, to buy gifts for friends and family, and enjoy the wonderful variety of vendors selling their wares!

Mark your calendars now! October 2 (Crabapple), October 9 (Oktoberfest), and November 4, 5, and 6 (Holiday Marketplace). I look forward to seeing you!

Five Sweet Kittens

2010-08-10T19:07:00.002-04:00

Taking care of cats and kittens is a passon for me, and even though I'm a huge proponent of spay/neuter, when "accidents happen", animal advocates need to step-up and take responsibility for finding these dear babies a good home. Such is the case for the five sweet kittens shown here. I'll be making an appointment soon for them to be spay/neutered, vaccinations given appropriate for their age, and then find good homes with people that will take care of them and love them all their lives. Each of these kittens has its own personality - playful, bold, timid, rambunctious. My own cats really don't know what to make of it when I bring them home! "Mom, enough is enough", they say, but I remind them that they were once homeless and alone, and I took them in and now they have a good home - it's what I want for all of my feline friends. Some of my cats are more tolerant than others - Baxter (nicknamed the "welcome wagon" cat), introduces himself right away; Ginger Cookie gives them the "once over" then dismisses them immediately; George watches in amusement as the kittens rough-house and chase each other through the living room; and the rest of the crew just put up with them until they are gone! Thankfully, there are veterinarians that understand the importance of controlling the pet over-population and are happy to provide spay/neuter and vaccination services at a discount. If you would like to adopt any of these sweet kittens, they will be ready on approximately September 1. Please contact me through my website at wendy@fourseasonsquiltshoppe.com, and we can make arrangements for you to get to know these sweet babies!

Jacqueline Decker - an amazing illustrator

2010-06-27T08:21:00.006-04:00

Every once in a while, you'll stumble upon an amazing "find" - something that calls to your heart, makes tears come to your eyes, and touches you in a way you can't explain. I "stumbled" this morning when I sat quietly, reading the Spring issue of La Vie Claire, a magazine I've come to especially appreciate for its wonderful photos and dedication to glimpses into the lifestyles of truly gifted people. What caught my attention is the works of Jacqueline Decker, an illustrator of animals, insects, gardens, homes, and everything whimsical! I've always been a huge fan of illustration artists like Mary Engelbreit, Patience Brewster, Laurel Burch, Maren Schaffner and Susan Branch, and collect their licensed works via calendars, books, cards and believe-it-or-not - coffee mugs!

If you have the opportunity to buy this wonderful issue of La Vie Claire, please do! You'll see the quaint home - formerly a church - of Jacqueline and her family, and capture the essence of her imagination. And while you're on that magical path, click on her blog (see link at right, fourth from the top), and view her collections, her licensing partnership, and a sampling of her amazing art!

Back to Quilting . . . It's about time!

2010-06-23T20:11:00.003-04:00

I really love this quilt! What started out as an opportunity to use a wonderful collection of heart-inspired fabrics turned into something I now cannot part with . . . yes, it's for sale on my website, and if approached by just the right buyer, of course, I'll part with it . . . but I really don't want to.

You see, my step-dad always bought my mom a box of chocolate covered cherries every Christmas. My mom loves them so . . . and I have to admit, so do I! When I picked up the collection of fabric - a jelly roll of a Valentine's Day line from Moda - I remembered those chocolate covered cherries, but thought about chocolate kisses and cherries - and decided to call this quilt "Chocolate Cherry Kisses"!

But I've been busy with other projects lately, mostly for our local humane society - working on the website, printing flyers for upcoming events, bylaws revisions - and had taken a hiatus from quilting. But now, with July fast approaching, it's time to get back into quilting in order to make those Fall and Holiday quilts. However, I always seem to need a certain "inspiration" to kick-start my creativity, and I believe "Chocolate Cherry Kisses" will be my motivation this season. Even though the color palette - rich dark chocolate, raspberry, cherry, cotton-candy pink - doesn't remind me of fall foliage, wicked witches or Old St. Nick, this quilt makes me happy, brings a smile to my face, and puts a song in my heart! So watch out, quilting. I'm back in the saddle again (as Roy Rogers would say!). Stay tuned for new quilts and quilted wearables popping up on the Four Seasons website any day now . . .

Little girls just love kittens . . .

2010-06-14T21:42:00.003-04:00

What is it about soft cuddly kittens that make little girls want to hold them? Or big girls, too? The Dawson County Humane Society had a wonderful opportunity to bring many adoptables to a special adoption event in Alpharetta this weekend, and I was able to get a great photo of two young girls holding one of Virginia's foster babies . . . so sweet! We adopted a little black kitten named BooBoo that Doc Mill's had been fostering at his clinic, and we saw many happy pet owners looking for companion animals - one bloodhound named Floppy had a little friend named Mota, and the ladies that cared for these great dogs were so interesting to talk to . . . We saw dogs of all shapes and sizes, plus big cats and little kittens . . . some miniature horses, a llama, and over 60+ rescue groups. Many thanks to the Save the Horses rescue group for hosting this great adoption event . . . we're looking forward to next year already!

Sunday mornings . . . and cherry tomatoes!

2010-06-06T09:14:00.006-04:00

Sunday mornings . . . I love them! I can sleep a little later, until Jack, my sweet orange kitty, decides it's time for me to get up! It's a wonderful opportunity to relax with a good cup of coffee, read a new arts & crafts magazine saved just for weekend mornings, and navigate through my day at an easier pace! And my lavendar is in full-bloom right now, giving the outside patio a wonderful fragrance.

First, the house gets cleaned, bed linens and towels make their way through the laundry cycle, and during spring and summer months, the outdoor patios get swept and tidied! The bird feeder is filled for the daily visits from cardinals, bluebirds, and the occasional big, black crow! By early afternoon, I'm ready to pursue any hobbies or outdoor activities I might have planned, and before you know it, the day has just flown by . . .

Come Friday night, I'm already looking forward to another relaxing Sunday morning . . .

Cherry tomatoes! Are they the perfect tomato or what? Bite-sized, easily picked, beautiful color, and so portable! Instead of planting flowers in the front flower beds, I planted cherry tomatoes . . . I enjoy walking outside and grabbing a handful, washing them at the spicket and popping them in my mouth! They very seldom make it inside the house to a salad; I'm just too impatient . . . and I've also planted them in pots for the back patio . . . very close to the lavender and the grapevines and the geraniums, too.

We've had our share of rainstorms during the past several weeks, and everything is in full bloom.

Spring into Summer . . .

2010-05-23T10:55:00.006-04:00

Our recent thunderstorms, downpours and sprinkles have resulted in beautifully lush fields, pastures, and lawns in north Georgia. After a winter that seemed to last forever (at least for this Florida native!), cold gave way to warmer temps, then the spring rains brought about new growth and a sense of reawakening.

And with so much going on in our rural county - lots of non-profit fundraisers, school activities, and vacation planning - it's wonderful to be able to relax and appreciate our surroundings. I don't think I'm going to find the time to plant the big garden that I had last year, complete with corn, sunflowers, several varieties of tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, etc., I certainly intend to keep up with flowers that have lots of color! But for now, lots of green, green, green leaves and grasses are good enough for me.

My precious concord grapevine survived the hard winter cold, and has little, bitty grapes - before you know it, they will be plump and deep purple - ready to pluck from the vine and eat - while standing in the back yard. As will the cherry tomatoes and Better Boy tomatoes, too. I planted way too many tomato plants last year, and could not keep up with eating them all!

Our Adorable Adoptables - Dawson County Humane Society

2010-05-19T06:36:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday, Wild Birds Unlimited, Sprint, and Sherman Williams Paints hosted their Customer Appreciation Day in Dawsonville (GA). These retailers invited the public and their valued customers to join them for free hot dogs and snowcones, face painting, a children's "bouncy" tent, and of course, the Dawson County Humane Society was there with puppies and kittens. Virginia Matteson, a dear friend of mine, is fostering several cats and kittens, and here is just one of the little darlings! All of the children that attendeded wanted to hold the kitties and I'm sure these babies were exhausted by the end of the day! One little puppy - Daffodil - a chow mix, was walked and played with by several families, and at the end of the event, was returned to the Shelter, only to be adopted by someone that had seen sweet Daffodil earlier when she was with us! The power of positive PR - talking with customers and families, telling them about our Shelter and the many events and activities that we have planned for the year - is an invaluable part of our organization, and that's why you'll see the Dawson County Humane Society "out and about", promoting goodwill for the love and care of our animals.

Chocolate Cherry Kisses

2010-05-07T20:57:00.008-04:00

Dark chocolate, raspberry and cherry filling, sweet milk chocolate, and just a touch of marshmallow - these yummy-licious colors are included in Chocolate Cherry Kisses . . . one of the latest creations from Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe. This quilt was "for sale" at the Big Canoe Tour of Homes last weekend, but I secretly hoped it wouldn't sell . . . and now it's hanging in my office! Thank you, quilt fairy - I'm keeping it for myself!

My next vendor show is the Crossroads at Crabapple event on October 2, and there are so many more quilts to be made before the Fall. I ordered J. Wecker Frisch's "Animal Alphabet Games today from Erica's, and cannot wait until it arrives. I've been so good lately - not buying any new fabric while trying to use up what I already own . . . and I have a LOT of fabric, too. But I knew that if I waited much longer, I would not be able to find the collection pieces I wanted . . . and I know that the quilt that I will make from these fabrics will "sell like hotcakes" in the Fall.

The detail of Chocolate Cherry Kisses is best described as "melt in your mouth delicious" fabrics from one of the Valentine-themed collections from Moda. And the thread makes it that much more special, too. The King Tut line from Superior Threads is a beautifully variegated, 100% Egytpian cotton thread that complements any quilt, and comes in such a great range of colors - from pastels to strong bold colors, I highly recommend this excellent product, and in fact, don't use any other thread.

Stay tuned for more "hot off the quilt rack" quilts over the next few weeks as I move back into production mode for Fall!

Big Canoe Tour of Homes 2010

2010-05-02T22:14:00.003-04:00

The Big Canoe Tour of Homes was an outstanding success this year, and I am very proud to be a part of such a worthwhile event. Clark Howard's home was on the tour, and tour tickets were "sold out" both Friday (for Big Canoe residents) and Saturday (open to the public). Featured at left are three of my new quilts - top to bottom - "Queen of Posh", "Christmas Fly Away", and "Asian Garden" - which sold! I brought 24 new quilts with me to this show - a little bit of each season (spring, summer, fall, winter) and some all-season quilts, too. And I was fortunate to be located next to the Bear Paw Cafe, the event bakery that sells pies, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, etc., and practically ate my way through the two event days! The weather cooperated, people were very happy to be there, and a good time was had by all! I'm looking forward to the next Big Canoe event - Oktoberfest on October 9!

Tiny Tailors by J. Wecker Frisch - Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe

2010-04-18T13:17:00.004-04:00

I really love a quilt that draws me closer and engages me in the details! That's exactly what this pretty little quilt does! J. Wecker Frisch is an amazing artist, and Quilting Treasures has brought us several collections of fabric that feature her brilliant talents. This very special quilt - Tiny Tailors - is made from a panel (originally intended as a child's fabric book -very popular!), and uses coordinating black/white checkerboard fabric, with a punch of color for the border - love that chartreuse color!

This quilt, along with many new designs, will be showcased at the Big Canoe Tour of Homes event on April 30-May 1. Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe, along with many talented and creative vendors, will be selling their wares to tour attendees - you can still purchase tickets at http://www.bigcanoetour.org/. We look forward to seeing you at the Marketplace!

Try a Little Kindness . . . Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe

2010-04-07T19:34:00.002-04:00

I'm sure you're asking yourself - what does a little white puppy and a few brawny US Marines have to do with quilting? Absolutely nothing! But . . . I always refer to "Animal Tracks" on the msnbc.com website every Wednesday morning, and last week, I saw this photo. I continued to scroll through the 18+ weekly photos from all over the world - with all types of animals - wild, tame, cold-blooded, warm-blooded, vegetarian, meat eating - but kept coming back to this little white puppy. You can see that these soldiers have compassion for the little guy - and I'm sure he enjoyed his meal of cereal and strawberry milk, too!

So tomorrow - reach out and show kindness towards someone that you know or to a complete stranger. Try a little compassion and kindness . . . you'll feel better for it.

"Rescued" - Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe

2010-03-21T12:54:00.003-04:00

I'm active in my local Humane Society, and lately, we've been going through some rough times. Challenges have presented themselves at every turn, it seems, and we've been faced with difficult decisions that have often put us at odds with each other. However, the one thing that has kept us united is our love for the animals that have been entrusted to us. Every day, our hearts sing with joy as a cat or dog, kitten or puppy, finds their "forever" home with a loving family or caring individual.

Pat Anderson, a good friend of mine and an excellent quilter, is responsible for off-site (away from the Humane Society Shelter) adoptions, and she regularly sends out an adoption report. While I am always happy to see that adult cats and dogs, and the little kittens and puppies, have been adopted, I do the little "happy cat dance" when Pat reports that one of my foster kittens has gone home with someone that loves them as much as I did . . . .

As Virginia (another devoted animal caretaker) and I discussed over margaritas on Friday, there is no better feeling than to witness the birth of a litter of kittens, to nurture those kittens (through upper respiratory infections, conjunctivitus, and other mysterious illnesses), have them spayed/neutered, and placed at the Shelter for adoptions. We often have to bottle-feed the kittens that come to us without their mother, but that makes the process even that much more rewarding.

But in our devotion to the animals, we often find the ability to overcome the other challenges that face us . . . and that we are emotionally "rescued" from the insignificance of our differences in "putting the animals first". For anyone that has worked in animal welfare - rescue group, humane society or animal control - you will understand this passage very clearly . . .

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Sewing 101

2010-03-12T19:34:00.003-05:00

A colleague at my office has two adorable little girls (see above), and I was delighted to learn that the oldest daughter had recently learned to sew. Seems that she belongs to a small group of similar-age girls that get together once a week to take sewing lessons from a local sewing teacher.

Just hearing that brought back vivid memories of my mom at the sewing machine, stitching another beautiful dress for me or my sister, Sheri. We would go to Cloth World together, where we selected a pattern, the right fabric, the zipper, thread, buttons, and any additional trims necessary to give the dress that certain something! My mom is an excellent seamstress, as was her mother, too - I'm a third generation seamstress and quilter, and very proud of it!

Anyway, during the holidays, I gave my office friend some fabric and a little purse pattern to give to his daughter, knowing that she was probably ready for a new project. Today, I was surprised when his family showed up to go to lunch, and his daughter brought her new purse, made with the valentine fabric that I gave her. I couldn't have been more proud! And I promised her that I would send home with her dad a couple of pieces of Halloween fabric, and maybe she could make another little purse, and perhaps one for her little sister, too.

All great seamstresses start with simple project, perfecting their skills and trying new techniques as they develop their own style. Perhaps someday, we'll be wearing one of her creations, or carrying one of her handbags - and it always begins with the basics of Sewing 101!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Two Months and Counting!

2010-02-27T07:19:00.002-05:00

If you're reading this blog, you've probably found me through my website and have visited the section entitled "Show Schedule". And if you are a crafty person yourself and sell your wares at local arts and crafts venues - mostly in the Spring and Fall - you are in "high production mode" right about now! You've already set your show schedule, paid your deposits, decided what items you'll be selling (or not!), and are a very busy bee working at your craft.

For me, the months of December/January/February are my primary design and construction months for quilts that I'll be selling at my Spring shows (two scheduled - Big Canoe Tour of Homes and Druid Hills Tour of Homes). While I often create new, lighter palette quilts just for these shows, I often complete quilts from the Fall and Holiday series in case someone wants to "buy early" for decorating or gift-giving later in the year. And while it's cold outside, it's the best time to hunker down with the sewing machine, the quilting machine, a couple of great movies, and the company of my kitties, and just "get busy"!

The quilt featured above is from the Moda "Posh" collection from a couple of years ago - I went a little nuts with that particular collection - I made a baby quilt which sold immediately, then decided to take advantage of a "charm square" close-out and created a much larger, queen-sized quilt which you see above - it's currently on the quilting frame with hopes of completion this weekend. And right after that, there are at least a dozen new quilts to be quilted for my upcoming shows. Stay tuned and I'll share them with you as they roll off the quilting frame . . .

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2010-02-13T08:10:00.002-05:00

In my last post, I was wishing for a hurried Spring, envisioning the flower markets of Paris from last year's wonderful vacation. This week, Mother Nature decided we needed a reality check. I'm sure she was thinking . . . it's February and that means it's winter. And winter means snow . . . lots and lots of snow! I work for a company that has offices up and down the Atlantic coastline - Boston, Baltimore, Rockville, Washington . . . and all of these offices were closed at some point this week!

Yesterday was Atlanta's turn. The National Weather Service predicted between 2-4 inches and they were right on in their calculations. They are advising everyone to stay off the roadways due to underlying ice and hazardous driving conditions, so I'm taking their advice. I was able to grocery shop yesterday and get home as the snow was beginning to fall, then watch as the snow continued until almost midnight! It's so beautiful, so quiet this morning . . . As you can see, the sun is coming up and it's going to be a beautiful day . . .

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Please Hurry, Spring!

2010-02-05T22:15:00.002-05:00

Is it just me or has if felt like Winter forever??? Born and raised in Florida, I'm a girl that likes her sunshine, and here in north Georgia, we're just not getting enough of that precious stuff these days. And once again, my mind wanders back to Paris, and how it was rainy and cold there when I visited last March . . . but all of the flower and plant nurseries were already hawking their wares to Parisians that needed a dose of color, too. Those French love their little indulgences . . . like wonderful food, beautiful flowers, and pastries and chocolates! On the weekends when they are strolling along the Seine, peering into the shops and restaurants, and buying little treasures to take home, almost everyone was also carrying some sort of plant or bouquet. A small spot of brilliant color to make themselves happy until Spring was actually in full bloom, and warmer weather was here for good.

My kitties are weary of the cold and rain, too. When it's warm outside, I let a few of them roam through the backyard, stretch on the patio, and watch the birds - up close and personal! And they know the difference between the work week and the weekends - their Mom takes her time making coffee, reading a favorite magazine, and as I get up for that second cup, they gather at the back door, just waiting for me to say ' Okay, guys, you wanna go outside?' They get so excited . . . but that first snow we had confused them. They ran out onto the patio, didn't understand what the crunchy, soft stuff was beneath their paws, and turned and ran right back into the house . . . so comical.

I'm ready for Spring - I think everyone is! I guess we have to endure another six weeks of winter, but it's always worth it - north Georgia has the most beautiful Spring!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Dreaming of Paris!

2010-01-25T19:23:00.002-05:00

It was about this time last year that I started dreaming about going to Paris! It was a city I had always wanted to see, to explore, and as everyone says "you're not getting any younger, you know". And I've been thinking about going again, especially since the weather this past weekend was wet and gray, the same as it was in Paris when I was there at the end of March. But, oh yes, we had days of sunshine, too, and walking around the city, looking at all of the pastry and chocolate shops was such a delight! We'll see . . . maybe I'll go again, but a little later in the Spring when the flowers are in full bloom and a little warmer, too!

But I would really love to go during the holidays, when the shops are dressed up for Christmas. Maybe that's what I'll do . . . to treat myself after a year of buying less fabric. You see, I went a little crazy last year and bought more fabric than I could sew - I guess there are worse addictions than fabric, but this year, I hope to control my every urge to buy even more. I'll sew into quilts what I already have, and be happy with that! And if I'm really, really good - I'll treat myself to a trip to Paris for Christmas!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Just a Bit of Bling!

2010-01-16T18:39:00.003-05:00

Bling! I have to wonder where that word originated . . . but it's a good descriptive word for anything that a person "adorns" themselves with . . . like jewlery! The above "bling" was bought from two great gals - Patricia and Chris - of Three Birds Studio and Gallery. They have a wonderful booth at Lakewood 400 Antiques each month, and many women flock (no pun intended!) to see their beautiful creations. They always have a little seasonal theme going on . . . in December, they showcased vintage Santa charms, some with red glass beads, and this month, they have great Valentine's charms - oodles of hearts and cupids. Their merchandising is great - you start with a chain - either burnished or silver - then add on whatever charms tickle your fancy. As you can see from above, I selected my initials to start my collection, and then next month, will add another charm that I've asked them to customize just for me - it's a small Steinlen image of a woman and a little girl enjoying a chocolate drink, and was originally an advertisement for the beverage - the text is in French, and the colors are the signature Steinlen red, black and gold. I've been saving that little piece for a few years, not knowing what I would do with it. When Patricia and Chris began selling their little charms, I knew I had found the perfect venue for my precious little scrap - I can't wait to see it!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - . . . and a new quilt is born!

2010-01-06T21:41:00.004-05:00

The Christmas decorations are packed away, I've made another run to the Goodwill, and changed the quilt on my bed to something a little more cheery (a beautifully fluffy ivory chenille, but with an extra layer of small quilts for cold nights), and now I'm piecing one quilt after another. Because it's too cold to stay outdoors for too long, it's easy to focus on new projects and take a second look at older projects.

I had a "jelly roll" of "Flirtatious" fabric sitting on my shelf for over a year now - it's a beautifully bright hearts-and-flowers collection just made for February and Valentine's Day! So, I picked up the jelly roll and pulled a book off the shelf that was written specifically for pre-cut collections such as jelly rolls, and selected a pattern that I liked. The photo above shows four (of the twenty) blocks that are waiting to be sewn together, then sewn again into a nice lap-sized quilt, just in time for Valentine's Day. Don't you love the bright colors and scrappy look that comes from using a great collection of fabric? I sure do! I often work with fabric collections, throwing a couple of pieces from my stash into the mix, just for interest! I love happy, bright quilts that make me smile and look more closely at them. But . . . I can hardly wait to select the variegated King Tut quilting thread to quilt this little jewel - I think I'll choose the pink/chocolate thread or perhaps the ruby red thread . . . so many choices - that's the beauty of using great quilting thread like King Tut from Superior Threads.

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - A Little Piece of Paris!

2009-12-23T19:21:00.003-05:00

Got a little time on my hands at work, you know. Things are slow during the holidays, so I decided to bring some of my "souvenirs" that I bought in Paris to the office to remember the sites, sounds, and other delights that I enjoyed while on vacation last March. Had completely forgotten about these cast aluminum letters that I bought at a flea market. The vendor had buckets of old letters, marked by price, and several people were busy "spelling out" words and phrases. I wasn't very imaginative, but I did think that a photo of my name, reduced and printed to fit on a quilt hang tag, might be cool. Or . . . enlarged and mounted on a sign to hang in my vendor booths. So many possibilities . . .

But the funniest thing, which has nothing to do with Paris, are the Scrabble tiles that I bought in Concord, NH, at a great little shop called "Nesting on Main". Little silver bowls of Scrabble tiles, just begging to be worked into a word, were scattered throughout the little store . . . so I spelled out a few options, paid for my tiles, and came home to Atlanta. Left the little tiles in the bag too long, I guess, 'cause when I took them out, I couldn't remember what I had spelled. Ugh! Then it was really like playing Scrabble, only with a purpose. Tonight, I sat down and reworked the letters until I finally "found" the words - handmade quilts, sew, and fabric.

Words, letters, and numbers have become oh-so-popular in quilting fabric right now. Sweetwater, a fabric designer for Moda, introduced a collection of fabrics this Fall entitled "Authentic", using letters and numbers, and this Spring, they will again use this simple theme in a new collection - "Make Life . . . ". I can't wait to cut into my "Authentic" collection to make a quilt that's simple, yet classic by using a tried-and-true quilt block like the Log Cabin, or Snowball. Because sometime you let the fabric tell the story, and other times, you let the quilt design be the focus. But always, always use great quilting thread like King Tut by Superior Threads. Even the simplest, most basic quilts are made that much more beautiful by the finest quality quilting thread - I wouldn't use anything else for my quilts!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Do you Believe??????

2009-12-13T15:49:00.003-05:00

Do you believe in the magic of Christmas? I do! Christmas and the holiday season is a very busy time of year for everyone - buying gifts for friends and family, preparing special treats and goodies to add a few extra pounds to those hips, and attending those festive parties . . . oh, the drama of it all! I decided a few years ago to take all of the stress out of the holiday season . . . instead of rushing around to find just the right gift for everyone, I decided to give the gift of money. Everyone loves money! From the nieces and nephews to my sweet, dear Mom, money fits just right, and allows them to select for themselves that little something that Santa may have forgotten . . . but there's really no magic to money, right? The true magic of Christmas is keeping your loved ones in your thoughts and dreams, wishing them well, and believing in them!

And there are lots of special things you can do for yourself for Christmas - drive through a neighborhood that has lots of Christmas decorations at night, and marvel at the twinkly lights and warm glow. Make Christmas sugar cookies (or whatever your specialty may be - mine is chocolate chip zucchini bread - but more on that in a future post) and give them to your neighbors. And don't go to the mall - shop from specialty stores and smaller boutiques for soaps, fingerless gloves, handmade socks, yards of hand-dyed velvet ribbons - personal items that people can really use and remember you when they do! Leave the mall to the teenagers - hehehehe! And remember to be good to yourself, too. Make some hot chocolate with just a splash of Grand Meunier, sit back and watch White Christmas, with your dogs and cats curled up next to you. Relax, unwind, be thoughtful . . . and believe!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas . . .

2009-12-07T21:47:00.002-05:00

You see the beautiful quilt above? This quilt was the result of a Christmas Round Robin that I participated in with several other quilters when I lived in southern California. A Round Robin starts with a medallion, or center block, and as the medallion and coordinating fabrics are passed from quilter to quilter, a new border is added all the way around the quilt by each person. Some borders are very complicated and require math - OMG - while others include embellishments like beading and buttons. For this quilt, I started with my favorite Christmas theme - the 12 Days of Christmas. I "fussy cut" all twelve of the medallion pieces and placed them on the center block, then threw some extra pieces into the bag so my quilting friends could include them in other borders - or not. After several months of passing the quilts around to each other, we all received our completed quilts, and oh, what a surprise to see the results! I had requested that my Round Robin have a Christmas theme since I display my quilts throughout my home during the holidays. I have had this quilt for ten years, and every year when I unpack it, it still makes me smile and remember my southern California quilting friends. One of my "prized possessions" as my mother would say!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Last Home Game for Tim!

2009-11-30T11:20:00.003-05:00

You know, I'm not really a die-hard college football fan and the only "sports" event I watch on TV is University of Florida college football, and only if it's an important game . . . like Saturday's game against Florida State. Important for two reasons - it was the last time that quarterback Tim Tebow will play at Florida Field, and perhaps the last regular season game that FSU Coach Bobby Bowden will coach. Both are legends . . . both have earned the respect of their fans . . . and both will be remembered for a long, long time in college sports.

My brother, my nephew, and I drove to Florida for Thanksgiving, and had a wonderful time with family and friends. But I know the highlight of the weekend for my brother, Flip, and his son, Brian, was attending the Florida/FSU game in Gainesville (FL). They were able to score some great "bull gator" tickets, and had great seats! The Florida win over FSU made the event just that much sweeter, too. Tim Tebow and the Gators will now face Alabama next weekened for the SEC championship game, right here in Atlanta, and all eyes will be on Tebow to lead them, yet again, to victory. You know, it's good to be a Gator!

Life is Good @ Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe!

2009-11-15T18:43:00.004-05:00

Have you every had a really great weekend? A weekend when you accomplished so much and felt really productive? That's the kind of weekend I've had . . . and it feels so great! Since September, I've had vendor shows, and vacation, and quilting, quilting, quilting, and I seemed to be working against some self-imposed deadline all the time. With all of this behind me, I was able to relax, get caught up on some customer quilting and quilt making, watch some really bad B movies and some really great box office smashes, too. And prepare dinner, clean the house, take clothes to the consignment shop, drop kittens at the Humane Society, take care of the dry cleaning, and spend time with the kitties - both mine and the foster kittens, too. And relax . . . you know, not hurried, my own agenda - just relaxed. I need more weekends like this . . . I think we all do, don't you! Oh . . . and the above photo . . . from vacation in New Hampshire - that's Squam Lake, where they filmed "On Golden Pond". So beautiful . . .

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Is It Too Early for Christmas Cats?

2009-11-10T13:03:00.003-05:00

Now that Halloween is behind us, and my vendor shows are over for the year, I find myself in the mood for Christmas. I know, I know . . . Thanksgiving isn't even here yet, and as much as I love Thanksgiving (all that food, family, and football), I like the warm, cozy feeling of Christmas. I'm kinda over the gift giving concept, but just love the imaginative, cheery decorations that seem to be everywhere for this holiday. Although I haven't had a Christmas tree in several years - Christmas trees and cats just don't mix, let me tell you - I still manage to decorate somewhat. I affix Christmas quilts to the walls in the living and dining rooms, and hang fabric strip garland with dangling, cherished ornaments. The scent of bayberry and pine candles fills the air, and I play my very favorite Christmas music - Bing Crosby's White Christmas, Johnny Mathis, and Barbara Streisand. Every year, I intend to buy more Christmas music, and this year, I have promised myself to do just that!

Even though it's not quite yet the Christmas season, start thinking about living this season more simply - decorate your home for "you", select gifts that have a sense of purpose (like a donation to someone's favorite charity), and give of yourself - volunteer at a food bank, with a church group, with Meals on Wheels, or at a senior center or nursing home. After all, how much stuff do you really need? Except for fabric, of course!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - "I Want Candy!"

2009-10-30T13:10:00.004-04:00

I just love coming up with ideas for funky projects! At my "day job", they had a pumpkin carving contest and I won! It was really by default that "Polly the Pumpkin" came to be . . . you see, Home Depot had sold out of their traditional pumpkins, so I used one of the pumpkins that I have decorating the front of my house. Squat, with deep ridges, and a really thick rind, this was the most challenging "carving job" I've ever encountered. The rind was at least three inches thick and had to be scraped away on the inside so I could get the paring knife to completely puncture the thickness. Polly the Pumpkin and her slogan "I Want Candy!" have been a resounding theme for me this Fall - two of my vendor show quilts were of the same name, and everyone just loved them! Because, you know - at Halloween, it's all about the candy!

It's a "Nellie Rose" kind of Halloween!!

2009-10-27T13:25:00.002-04:00

Did I ever tell you the story of Nellie Rose? She is the beautiful black cat with the bewitching eyes you see before you . . . While I was still living in Florida, and active in feline rescue with a wonderful group of people, including Humane Society of Tampa Bay, I became Nellie Rose's foster mother. Linda Baker, who was the director for HSTB, met me in the facility parking lot one afternoon while I was returning a feral cat trap. She asked me if I had seen the litter of kittens that Holly O'Brien had brought to the Shelter that morning to be spay/neutered. She mentioned that they were somewhat shy and needed a little "socializing". Although I was on my way out, I quickly turned around and asked Alice, the vet tech that assisted with all animal surgeries, about the litter of kittens. Alice took me back to the recovery room, and there they were - a litter of four, all-black kittens - one female, and three males. You see, Holly O'Brien was always rescuing cats and kittens, having them spayed/neutered, and if they were feral, she would return them to their original habitat. I told Alice that Linda had sent me in to see if there was anything I could do for the kittens to help socialize them. I asked her which kitten was the most socialized, and she said that the female was less afraid than her brothers.

And, of course, the rest is history! I brought the little black kitten home with me, introduced her to the rest of my pride, and named her Nellie Rose. While she is still very shy and keeps to herself, you can often find her running after one of the other cats, or sitting in the front window, looking out into the night. Of course, when I saw her posed in front of my favorite Halloween quilt, I had to snap this photo. Isn't she a beauty?

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - 3 Weeks and Counting!

2009-10-11T06:49:00.002-04:00

Moving to Georgia three years ago, I knew I wanted to participate in local north Georgia arts and crafts shows as a vendor selling my quilts. I've always loved attending these shows - mingling with the crowd, talking to the vendors and learning about their craft. When I lived in southern California, Piecemakers - a well-known quilt shop in Costa Mesa, CA - held outdoor arts and crafts festivals two or three times a year, and attending those shows was so wonderful!

Fall, of course, is the very best season for outdoor arts and crafts festivals. All the wonderful colors of autumn - orange, scarlet, gold, green - are seen in the landscapes of north Georgia, and make it a delight to be outdoors, even if it rains! Which was the case yesterday at my second show of the season - Oktoberfest at Big Canoe. The forecast was for thunderstorms throughout the day, and I had actually called the organizers of the event the day before and cancelled my participation, fearing that my quilts would be soaked under such conditions. But when I woke up yesterday morning and checked the forecast, it didn't look as bad as they said it would, so I put on my big girl pants and traveled northeast to Big Canoe - and I'm so glad I did. They changed the location of the event within the Big Canoe property to an area that was easier to maneuver, and all of the vendors seemed to love the new site.

I had sold many of my Halloween quilts the weekened before at Crabapple, and I was at a loss as to how to fill in the space vacated by those quilts. I really like to bring my Fall and Halloween quilts to Crabapple and Big Canoe since it's early in the season, but I had to bring Christmas quilts, quilts that I was actually saving until Holiday Marketplace in Gainesville. And I am so glad that I did! I sold all six Christmas quilts - gone! Wow! People were shopping early for loved ones and they really embraced those Laurel Burch wallhangings! Who knew? Anyway, now I have to get really busy and make lots more quilts 'cause I certainly can't take the remaining Halloween quilts to Holiday Marketplace - I'm going to be very busy for the next month!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - So Excited for Fall!

2009-09-28T08:48:00.003-04:00

The above photograph has been around for awhile - and I want to thank the photographer that took this oh-so-great Fall photo as it has inspired not only me, but hundreds (probably thousands or millions) of people who love the Fall season just like I do. During a conversation with my mom, she wondered "where" this magical place is, and how do we find it . . . so if anyone knows where this is, please let me know. It might be a "road trip" in the making.

I realized this morning that it's been a couple of weeks since I lasted blogged. Guess I've been busy . . . going out of town for the "Mega High School Reunion" in Tavares, FL, with graduates congregating from the years 1941 to 2009! It was so much fun seeing everyone - some people that I had not seen since we left high school on June 6, 1973! As you can appreciate, most people I kinda recognized, and some I knew right away - then there were those that have changed so dramatically I didn't have a clue as to who they were! How embarrassing!

But . . . back to the "I've been busy" part . . . I've been quilting and binding Halloween wallhanging-sized quilts for my upcoming shows in Crabapple and Big Canoe (check my website "Show" schedule for details). North Georgia has had its unfair share of rain and thunderstorms, and this Saturday was no exception! It rained ALL DAY LONG! But . . . the up-side to a really rainy day is that I got so much done - my car didn't leave my driveway since Friday night! The results of my hard work have paid off - I'm right on schedule for finishing everything and being totally ready for my Shows! And I've got lots of wonderful Halloween door banners and wall hangings that will make their debut this Saturday! I'll be taking photos in the next couple of days, adding them to the home page of the website, just to give you a sneak peak!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe - Fall is in the Air . . .

2009-09-10T20:21:00.003-04:00

When I lived in Florida, I had a really great tree right outside my living room window, and believe it or not, the leaves of that tree would turn red in September! It was always the first tree in the neighbor to change, and I always looked forward to seeing it become a brilliant red each year. Now that I live in north Georgia, there are so many beautiful trees that turn a million shades of autumn - red, gold, rust, purple, yellow - and it's just breathtaking. I feel very fortunate to live here. So you can imagine my delight when each year, the tree outside my living room window - in Georgia - begins to change from green to bright red. Shown above is a photo taken this week of the first leaf, and see how the stems of the leaves change to crimson first! It's almost as though they have blood running through their veins! Hehehehehe! Pretty soon, the Bradford pear trees will turn bright red and make the countryside appear as if it's on fire! Oh, how I love Fall! I'm getting ready for my first vendor show on Saturday, October 3, in Crabapple. I've got lots of new Halloween and Fall quilts - many in the oh-so-popular wallhanging and door banners sizes - and I think you'll find something to help you decorate your home for this wonderful season!

Even the Big Cats need our care . . .

2009-09-02T14:50:00.002-04:00

MSNBC.com is my default internet website, and every Wednesday, they have a slide show they call "Animal Tracks". I always browse through the wonderful photos, which change weekly, and pick out something especially meaningful (or not) for my background display for my office computer. I usually select a cat-related photo, and this week's "cat" was of the "big cat" variety. Seems as though this sweet baby was found in a cage, abandoned and left to die. How human beings can treat animals this way, I'll never understand. This young lion was rescued and relocated to a compound that provides refuge for big cats of all types, and hopefully, he's doing well.

Dawson County Humane Society - We need your help!

2009-08-19T21:48:00.004-04:00

For those of you that know me, you've heard me talk about my volunteerism with the Dawson County Humane Society. I've been fostering kittens and cats for a little over a year for this organization, and I'm truly proud to be affiliated with this wonderful group of people. They saved, organized fundraisers, and gathered public and private support for over five years so that they could build a Shelter for the many homeless animals in our county. This group of people came together to make their dream of a "forever" home available for all of the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens that need their help, and it's a remarkable place with a truly dedicated group of people. But due to the economy, the County has reduced the financial support that they provide to the DCHS for the remainder of this year, and next year's budget has also taken a hit. In order to provide the level of care that we've come to expect for our furry friends, we will be forced to do it with less money, which means that everyone will have to step up.

I've made several dog and cat quilts and sold them at my vendor shows, giving the proceeds to the Humane Society in order for them to continue their good works. But this year, they need more financial support so I'm donating 100% of the proceeds from all of my remaining vendor events to the Shelter, and I'm asking for your support. Come visit me at my fall and holiday shows and shop for your friends, family, and of course, for yourself, too. I'll have lots of new quilts and quilted accessories to choose from, along with a nice variety of those special dog and cat quilts, too. And because our economy is still recovering, and money is tight for everyone, I've priced all of my quilts so that they are more than affordable - and still beautiful works of art!

I look forward to seeing you this Fall, and please keep all of the homeless animals on your mind and in your heart as we approach this wonderful Fall season!

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe: If it's August, it must be Halloween . . .

2009-08-08T07:50:00.005-04:00

So . . . are you thinking that I've fast-forwarded a couple months, and I think I'm in the wrong season? No, no, no . . . Halloween is what you're thinking about - in August - if you want to design and construct quilts to sell at your Halloween/Fall vendor shows. And sometimes, I still run out of time for all of the Fall quilts that I want to make. Honestly, I've almost come to a mental place where I prefer to make quilts just for this season, but then I'd have to change my business name, and that would be just too much trouble, and I'm sure I'd miss the other three seasons . . . oh well . . . you see where I'm going with this, right? Guess I'm just in a "Halloween state of mind" right now. Travelled down to Florida last weekend to visit with my mom, and attend the annual Holiday Open House at Rainbow's End in Dunedin, FL (on the west coast, near Tampa). As always, I loved all of the Christmas-themed quilts and accessories that Michelle and her staff had worked so hard to pull together, and the shop looked fabulous! But, when I asked Michelle about what fabrics she had gotten into the shop for Halloween, we went to "the back" - that wonderful stockpile of collections of fabrics, projects in progress, and her secret stashes - a wonderful area that only "special people" get to peek at! Michelle showed me the Halloween collections, which featured some great panels to use as the centerpiece of quilts, and their coordinating fabrics, and I just got so excited! Had to have a little something of everything! The quilt above - House of Halloween - is a rendition of my black/white Birch River Cabin quilt. The log cabin block is one of my favorites - different sized center blocks, and varying numbers and widths of "logs" make each quilt look completely different than the last . . . maybe I'll do a series of Halloween log cabin quilts . . . I love that idea, don't you?

Summer's Bounty . . .

2009-08-05T20:57:00.004-04:00

It's hard to believe that just a few months ago, I planted several groups of sunflower seeds along the side of my house. They have grown into huge plants with flowers the size of dinner plates, and are just breathtaking! Every other afternoon when I get home from work, I quickly change clothes, and go outside to water "my crops". In the four days that I traveled to Florida last weekend, the tomatoes had just outdone themselves - two big bowls of cherry and Celebrity tomatoes were just right for picking when I got home! A couple of weeks ago, I was at the back of the house and came around the corner, water hose in hand, to give the plants a good drink of water, and was I surprised to find a small group of neighbors "up close and personal" with my sunflowers - they just couldn't believe how big they had grown! Cars drive by slowly, their passengers taking in the sunny yellow beauty, and I have to admit, it just makes you smile to see the sunflowers so big and healthy, swaying in the breeze with bumblebees and honeybees buzzing around . . . I love my garden!

Sunflowers and Cornstalks

2009-07-21T21:45:00.003-04:00

If you're of a certain age, you'll remember that TV show - Green Acres. A city slicker banker and his perfecty-put together wife, move to the country to live among nature's abundance. The banker becomes a farmer, growing his own crops and raising livestock, and most of the time he's dressed in a white shirt and tie, vest and dress pants - just like he was back at the bank! The wife wears her chiffon poignoir sets, with maribou trim and dainty little heels to match. Ah, farming at its finest!

What brought that oldie-but-goodie TV show to mind was something my sister, Penny, said to me when I mentioned I had tomatoes, corn, squash, sunflowers, zucchini, and bell peppers growing along the side of my house - she said it reminded her of Green Acres! City folk moved to the country to take up farming. And she's right - I love growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, grapes - anything that will sprout and flourish. And although I've enjoyed living in big cities over the course of my lifetime, nothing about a big city comes close to the wide open spaces of country living. After I get home from work and take care of the kittens' needs, I go outside with a frosty glass of iced tea, and water my crops. It takes me about 45 minutes to give everything a cool, long drink of water, and then I "inspect" each plant for bad bugs and new growth. The cherry tomatoes almost always have a ripened tomato that I instantly munch on while I'm walking "the field", and each day, I see the yellow squash get larger, the corn get taller, and the blossoms of the zucchini begin to turn. I combat the devious squash bug who completely destroyed my pumpkins last Fall, and now I'm practicing "search and destroy tactics" to rid my crops of that horrible insect. On my way back and forth from the Humane Society, I pass by fields of much bigger, much greener corn and I must admit I have "corn envy" - my stalks aspire to look as healthy and vibrant as those acres!

I love my garden, and it loves me back by giving me a bounty of vegetables that I hope will at least end up in a stir fry within the next few weeks! Start small, dream big - and you, too, will have a great summer garden !

Apron Strings

2009-07-09T20:57:00.002-04:00

As a vendor at various north Georgia arts and handmade shows, I'm always looking for something to give a little spark to the merchandise that I offer. I try to make items that are happy, cute, creative, and just make people smile. Aprons and pincushions have become so popular lately that I thought back to last summer, at the Rainbow's End Christmas Open House, and how Michelle had lots and lots of these cute little aprons made up from her Fall and Holiday collections of fabrics, and how festive everything looked! So I ordered the same apron pattern from Teacher's Pet, a pattern company that has a certain sense of whimsy. This adorable little apron is something you'd expect to see Carmen Miranda wearing, with the signature "bowl of fruit" hat! And the fabric that I used is called "Oh, Cherry!" by Moda. Even better, you make this little cutey from a jelly roll - that pre-cut bundle of 2 1/2" strips that features all of the fabrics in the collection of "Oh, Cherry". The lovely Miss Katie Ozenick is my ever-so-gracious "apron model" - doesn't that apron look good on her? What a nice accessory over her skirt! I'll be offering more of these aprons at my Fall shows, just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas cookie baking!

Words to Live By . . .

2009-07-05T09:59:00.003-04:00

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

These "words to live by" were posted on the latest Hobby Lobby weekly coupon email, and they couldn't show up at a better time. You see, my niece asked me the other day why I didn't go to church, and told me that it was "bad" that I didn't go to church. You have to understand that my niece is only six, and I'm sure doesn't understand what she was saying to me. I'm certain that she's just repeating what she has heard, by someone who was obviously very narrow-minded..

I've always lived my life by the standard that I don't impose my beliefs on others, and in return, I ask that they do the same by me. I don't feel the need to go to church because I truly believe that although church plays a very important role in people's lives, it's basically a social outlet, a common bond among like-minded individuals coming together as a group to worship. Their bond is their belief, specific to the particular church or place of worship. I don't have the need to network or socialize in that way. Instead, I choose to socialize through people that have interests like mine - the love of animals via the Humane Society, and the passion for quilting by patronizing my local quilt shop. These are the two constants in my life, and I follow my heart with these passions, and in doing so, I find fulfillment and happines - like the passage above indicates.

Does not going to church make me a bad person? I certainly don't think so - and I hope that one day, my niece will be able to decide for herself what makes a person "bad" without depending upon the opinions and views of others - by opening her mind and following her own heart to fulfullment and happiness.

Breakfast, anyone?

2009-06-26T13:39:00.003-04:00

Okay, let's just get one thing straight right away - this is NOT my cat! While I certainly have my hands full keeping their little furry selves off my countertops, I can honestly say I've never had one sit in my breakfast cereal bowl . . . not yet, anyway . . .

I was trying to find an apron pattern with lots of ruffles using scrap fabrics left over from other projects, and found that special apron pattern at The Teacher's Pet website. When I peeked inside some of her favorites links, I found Alley Cat Tales, specializing in all kinds of patterns and accessories with that certain feline theme that I've come to love so well - minus the fur balls! This sweet baby (above) is named Tucker, and if you read the story, she/he was found behind an Outback Steakhouse, all alone and cold. That's the story of my life . . . I never met a stray cat I didn't like . . . they all have a story to tell. And what they want in return is a kind word, a warm lap, and a cuddle. Anyway, isn't this photo of Tucker the best? Seems he found his perfect spot, and fits ever so nicely inside that breakfast bowl. I'm so glad that my kitties don't read my blog 'cause this would so give them ideas of their own!

Handmade Market at The Paisley Farmhouse

2009-06-21T07:44:00.003-04:00

Four Seasons Quilt Shoppe participated in the first "Handmade Market" at The Paisley Farmhouse in Milton (GA). The tenants of the cute little "shopping center", anchored by a really great Publix with a water tower facade and stable-style doors (what imagination!) on Birmingham Road in the middle of horse country, sponsored a one-day event and The Paisley Farmhouse invited several unique vendors to sell their wares. The weather was wonderful, and the mix of artisans was perfect - handmade soaps, re-purposed jewelry, aprons, hand-knitted dolls and that wonderful handbag made from plastic trash bags that I raved about in a previous blog. Some of these vendors had never done shows before, and had been selling their products via other outlets - Etsy, Ebay, and thru their blogsites. The event gave everyone the opportunity to meet like-minded craftspeople, and to (hopefully) set the groundwork for another show in the Fall. Above is a photo of my booth, with some new quilts (left to right) - Citrus Salsa, Parisien Cafe, and Cranberry Scones with Apricot Jam. Do you notice a slight theme with the names of my quilts - kind of a "foodie" theme . . . anyway, check back with my website periodically as I will be posting the date for the next "Handmade Market" in the near future. In the meantime, visit The Paisley Farmhouse on your next trip to Milton. It's a great little shop, and I know you'll surely find the perfect gift for yourself, a friend, or a loved one!

The Most Wonderful Halloween Creatures . . .

2009-06-10T14:28:00.002-04:00

We all find little hidden treasures in a variety of places on the Internet. Especially those great blogs! Because I use my blog as an electronic journal of sorts, speaking my mind about things that are important to me, or bragging about yet another project finished, or telling the world about the most wonderful discovery. Today's blog is about the latter - a new wonderful discovery!

I love Halloween! Anyone that knows me and has seen my stash of Halloween fabrics understands that I could probably make Halloween and Fall quilts and wall hangings all the time - and maybe one day, I'll do just that! Joyce Stahl - the "wonderful discovery" - creates one-of-a-kind Halloween dolls all the time, and does just beautiful work - her creations remind me of those lovely creatures from Nightmare Before Christmas or Corpse Bride . . . beautifully costumed, great make-up, and that haughtingly "dead and pasty" skin tone - don't you just love it? Each doll has an unforgettable name and personality to match, and she sells these creations on Ebay . . . you can visit her blog by clicking on the link to the right - Enchanted Productions by Joyce Stahl.

The Ultimate Recyclable!

2009-06-07T21:34:00.002-04:00

Many of us have traded in our plastic grocery bags for the more eco-friendly reusable versions - sold by our favorite grocery store, and emblazoned with their name/logo. Good for you if you actually remember to take them out of the car and into the grocery store with you. I usually forget mine, and end up with at least a dozen more plastic grocery bags that I use for . . . well, I won't tell you what I use them for, but the cats' litter box is cleaner because of these precious plastic bags.

But . . . I had read in several blogs about how plastic grocery bags were being knitted or crocheted into tote bags for everyday use, which of course, make them the ultimate recyclable! I had not seen one of these special bags until yesterday, when I was so lucky to be placed next to a vendor that actually takes these plastic bags, cuts them into strips, joins the strips, and then crochets them into the above handbag. I thought it was made from fabric when I first spotted it, because it has a band/handles that are a different color from the body of the bag, but she used two different colors of plastic grocery bag! Is that clever or what? I simply had to have this bag, and Tatiana was very sweet to part with it - yes, of course, I paid for the bag! I urged her to make more bags to sell at similar vendor events, and that other like-minded shoppers would be so impressed with the bags that they, too, would simply have to have one!

Tatiana is an expert crocheter - and you can see her crochet patterns, toys and supplies at - tattiscuties.etsy.com.

A Special Artist and One of my Favorites . . .

2009-05-31T21:44:00.002-04:00

I was introduced to Patience Brewster when my friend, Irene, gave me a ballerina cat ornament for Christmas several years ago. The detail of the face and the whimsy of the outfit this little dancer wore were so incredible! I did my online research and found that Department 56 had an entire line of Patience Brewster ornaments and other assorted novelties entitled "Krinkles". A Christmas shop in St. Pete Beach (FL) carried almost the entire line of PB, even some of the furniture. Needless to say, Patience included Halloween characters in her ornaments, and I bought several of the spooky bat cats, witches, and assorted goblins to hang from my Halloween garland. I happened to think of her again today when Jo Packham with "Where Women Create" sent her "quote of the week", and a link to the new Patience Brewster website. Seems as though Patience's license with Department 56 expired, and she decided to create and manufacture her ornaments, cards, and assorted gift items on her own! Congratulations, Patience, and what a big job you've undertaken, and with beautiful results! Follow the Patience Brewster link on the right, and click through the tabs until you find the YouTube video of how her ornaments are made - just incredible! You, too, will become a fan, I'm sure!

Lovely Embroidery . . .

2009-05-20T20:19:00.003-04:00

I bought this beautiful piece of strawberry embroidery at Lakewood 400 Antiques several months ago. Many of the vendors at Lakewood sell textiles - tablecloths, linens, embroidery - and at very good prices, too. This particular piece is linen, and although the embroidery is only half-finished in certain areas, it is imprinted in each corner with the specifics about the manufacturer, the awards that the company has received, the names and color numbers of the silk thread that were included in the original kit, and all of this was written in a beautiful script font. I loved the colors and the details at first glance, and simply had to have it - and for only $20! Yes, there are small holes in the linen and small stains as well, but I'm hoping to have a local jewlery artist named Rachel Franco take this piece and make a beautiful necklace for me. Her technique is unusual - she uses small pieces of embroidery and cuts them into squares, mounting them on a surface to give the piece stability, then hangs them on antique chains. She adds beads/stones, etc., for embellishment, and the pieces are just so beautiful and delicate - you can visit her website at http://www.jala-designs.com/. Once I have my custom piece, I'm sure I'll feature it in a future post!

Gianna Rose Atelier

2009-05-10T08:18:00.002-04:00

A couple of years ago, I bought a single bar of Royal Jelly soap while staying at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. I loved the scent, and the packaging was beautiful, and I thought it would be a great souvenir. I kept the boxed bar of soap in a wicker basket, along with other bathroom necessities, on the ledge around the bathtub, and it was always so beautiful. Last night, I needed a new bar of soap so instead of selecting one from the myriad of soaps I seem to collect - some even from my recent trip to Paris! - I opened the box of Royal Jelly soap from Gianna Rose Atelier. What a wonderful product! It lathers so well, and is rich in emollients - and the scent is divine! So . . . now that I've opened my special bar of soap, I'll need a new one to replace it, of course. The website shows that the packaging has changed (I like the new packaging, shown above, even better than the old!), and of course, the price has gone up, too. I wonder how long it will take me to open the new bars of soaps, once they've arrived?

Just a little more about Paris . . .

2009-05-06T19:23:00.002-04:00

It's been more than a month since I returned from Paris, but I'm still fascinated by all of the different things I saw while I was there. On my visit to Sacre Coeur, I walked behind the church and saw this incredible house - a saltbox style building made entirely from stone and brick. Each side of the house looked as though it had been sliced with a bread knife, revealing a smooth wall of bricks in wonderful shades of ocre, rust, cream, cedar, and ivory. How perfect was the little stone house. Even though I couldn't see the courtyard behind it, I imagined a little vegetable garden with a wooden bench, and perhaps a birdbath. The architecture in Paris is one of the things that makes the city so very special - old, old buildings with small rooms, wooden floors, tiny balconies, but decorated with such a flair! Those Parisiens truly have a knack for adding just the right touch to make their homes, their businesses, and their lives enjoyable and happy! And . . . the French like Americans! When we make the effort to speak to them, first asking if they speak English (and not assume that everyone does, which is typically American), you will find that most French people, at least in Paris, speak at least a little English. Enough to carry on a polite conversation . . .

It's Kitten Season . . .

2009-04-28T21:57:00.003-04:00

The five little sweeties above were born about five weeks ago, and today was their first visit to Doc Mills' office for a wellness checkup, first round of shots, and to get Doc's blessing, of course. Their mother, Ceci, went along, too, and received her rabies and adult distemper shot. Ceci came to me in mid-March, pregnant, from the Dawson County Humane Society, and lived with me and my other furry friends until she gave birth to these babies. Baxter, a bottle-fed kitten from one of last year's litters, is now a big teenage cat, and is very affectionate and sweet. He sat with Ceci that entire time she was giving birth, and even helped her clean up the kittens. Baxter has been the best "cat daddy" you could ask for, always watching over the kittens, sitting with them when they sleep, and generally, being a good companion to Ceci.

From left to right, the kittens are Rupert (orange male), Lucy (silver female), Quincy (white male), Posey (tabby female), and Lily (tabby female). Four or five weeks from now, they will be spayed/neutered, and available for adoption at Dawson County Humane Society. And I will ask for another litter of kittens to foster 'cause, you know, it's kitten season, and that's just what I do!

Flower Vendor in Paris!

2009-04-23T15:30:00.002-04:00

Every large city has an area devoted to the selling of flowers, plants and trees, and they usually call it the "flower district". In Paris, along the Seine River and near Notre Dame, they have these wonderful vendors that sell cut flowers and potted plants like the beautiful hydrangeas that you see above. Every color imaginable can be found at these sidewalk emporiums, along with assorted garden accessories and other gifty items. At one particularly festive spot, I came upon a women selling all types of orchids, and they were breathtaking. Mixed in with the orchids were stands filled with lovely postcards and greeting cards, all with a botanical theme. And after a brisk rain, the sun came out and everything looked fresh and new and it just made me happy to be alive and visiting Paris!

Postcards from Paris

2009-04-15T19:10:00.002-04:00

Prior to my visit to Paris a couple of weeks ago, I spent many hours deciding what was important - to me - to see and do. I'm really not much of a museum person, but more of a "walk around and soak up the culture" kind of gal! There are so many street markets, each with its own flavor and focus. After arriving in Paris and dropping my luggage at the hotel, I gathered my thoughts and my trusty map and headed for the Postcard and Stamp Market! This is a market that is open only a few days a week, rain or shine, and each vendor has their wares neatly catalogued and boxed according to specific themes. I wanted to buy some French stamps in beautiful colors, as well as some postcards or letters - of course, written in French! The cards and letters above came from a vendor that only charged me E.50 (that's $.50 in US dollars) for each of these precious lovelies. She was so gracious and her English was very good so that we had a nice conversation. I told her I was from Atlanta, and she exclaimed "the home of Coca-Cola" - I swear I didn't see a Pepsi the whole time I was in France! I plan to photocopy these cards on ivory cardstock, and use them as the background for the scrapbook of my Paris trip. But the scrapbook will have to wait until the middle of May, I'm afraid, 'cause I've got four vendor shows between now and then, beginning with the Druid Hills Tour of Homes that kicks-off with a preview party tomorrow night!

Happy Easter to You - Paris style!

2009-04-08T09:52:00.004-04:00

The patisseries and chocolate shops of Paris are phenomenal! So many choices, such wonderful displays and the Easter decorations in these wonderful emporiums are beyond words. Every arrondisement (area) of Paris has a good number of pastry and chocolate shops and these delicacies are consummed daily. Every morning, fresh baked goods show up in the cases and it's really difficult to decide which one (or more than one, if you must) to select as your daily "treat". I swear, I did not see one fat Parisian, so the amount of consumption (please refer to my coffee story below) must be the key to their slimness! It's not WHAT you eat, it's how MUCH you eat. It brings a whole new meaning to "save room for dessert"!

An American in Paris . . .

2009-04-06T15:51:00.003-04:00

Let's talk about the coffee! Americans have embraced their morning cup of coffee just like the rest of the world, I'm sure. The big difference is - the size! I don't know about you, but when travelling, I need a cup of coffee just to get down to the lobby of whatever hotel I'm staying at. Morning coffee has been a ritual for me as far back as I can remember - out of bed, feet hit the floor, into the kitchen to pour that first cup, sipping and savoring while I greet the kitties! Oh, yes, I digress . . . back to size. While in Paris last week, more than one restaurant and several patisseries thought that an espresso or cappucino-sized cup should do the trick . . . oh no! I made the mistake of ordering mushroom quiche with "large coffee", which again was cappucino-sized (much smaller than my usual morning mug). So I ordered a second, then a third refill - at 4,70Euro each! Do you know how much I spent on coffee? About five U.S. dollars - times 3!!!!!! Almost $15 for coffee! From that point on, I found the closest Starbucks, ordered a Caffe Americano, and doctored it up just how I like it - one Sweet N Low, and lots of low-fat milk. So when it comes to coffee in Paris - DON'T do what the Parisians do! Find yourself a Starbucks (Paris has many locations), and start your day the American way! Thank goodness for Starbucks!

Les Patisseries of Paris!

2009-04-02T08:37:00.002-04:00

Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree Quilts was my inspiration to finally make those travel arrangements that took me to Paris last week. Her newest collection of fabrics from Moda - Patisserie - replicate the delicate textures and hues of one of the city's most treasured destinations - the pastry shops! All of the ones I visited (and there must have been at least three dozen or more) were decorated for Easter, with milk and dark chocolate bunnies, roosters, fish (there's a story about April Fool's Day and the fishes), and so many colors you can hardly imagine. Most often, you would see a boulangerie/patissierie (bakery/pastry) shop combined, with freshly baked breads and baquettes sitting in baskets, and every imaginable pastry in a rainbow of colors. The macaroons are flavored/colored in pistachio, hazelnut, banana, raspberry, and chocolate, while the napoleans, mont blancs, and tarts are artfully displayed as you can in the photo above.

I took photos of many different areas of Paris, but I have to say that the patisseries and fresh food markets, and the flower/plant markets were my favorite! Lots of beautiful colors, smells, and textures that made me smile, and inspired me to look for red and pink geraniums this weekend to add a touch of that great Paris color to the landscape of my home!

As for the chocolate . . . there are entire department stores dedicated to this confection, and more photos for yet another blog to come! Enjoy!

Mopsy, Flopsy, Cottontail and Peter!

2009-03-21T11:16:00.002-04:00

Easter is such a pretty holiday! Soft pastels of pink, blue, yellow, green, and lavender are used in so many decorative home accessories, including quilts. When I create a quilt, I often work in collections, and often use assorted coordinating fabrics from my plentiful stash. This quilt - Mopsy, Flopsy, Cottontail and Peter - was made using the beautiful selection of Beatrix Potter fabrics that hit the market a couple of years ago. I bought many pieces of this collection, some pieces were as long as four yards (that's a lot since I normally buy in 1 or 2 yards lengths), knowing that I would someday create a quilt to be sold during the Spring. And because I've only recently began to participate in vendor shows throughout north Georgia, I had not shown my wares at a Spring show, only Fall venues. But this year is different - I have four shows in April/May, and I just know that someone is going to see this sweet, little quilt and love it as much as I enjoyed making it. If you're a quilter, and can still find this collection of wonderful "Easter all over" fabrics, I suggest you buy as much as you can afford, and make yourself a sweet little quilt, too!

It's Officially "Kitten Season"!

2009-03-17T14:05:00.003-04:00

Last month, the Dawson County Humane Society asked me to foster a pregnant female cat. She was more than half-way through her pregnancy (what most organizations deem appropriate for not aborting the kittens), and she continued to grow in girth until she looked like a ham on legs. Her name is Ceci, and she's a sweet tempered yellow domestic shorthair with the most amazing aqua blue eyes you've ever seen. On Sunday night, I knew her time was near when she became restless and followed me everywhere - up to the sewing room, into the master bath, sat at my feet while I cooked, and wanted my lap when I sat. So it was no surprise when I awoke at 4:15 a.m. on Monday morning to the sound of soft meows. Seems like she liked "under the bed" as her nesting spot, and was starting to feel those contractions! I rushed to place large towels under her, and within a very short time, she gave birth to five little kittens - two dark tabbies, two white, and one orange (sexes as yet unknown). The photo above shows just how cute they really are! Mother and kittens are doing just fine, and Ceci was up and around within a couple of hours, but with a trained ear and watchful eye towards the master bedroom where the kittens were cuddled together. Baxter, a young black male from a previous foster litter, sat with Ceci for most of the day, keeping her company. All of the other cats in the house stopped by to check out the newborns, some with more interest than others. Charley, my mom's big boy tuxedo who came to live with me in 2007, took one look, one sniff, and walked away, totally disinterested.

"C" names will be given to this litter - Cecile, Charlie - and I'm open to suggestion, too. Please send me your best "C" names for these cuties - or maybe I'll give them French names in honor of my trip to Paris next week !

French Lavender - voila'!

2009-03-08T10:26:00.002-04:00

It's Spring time in north Georgia - well, almost Spring time! Our winter started very early this year - the week after Thanksgiving, with a light snow, and cold temperatures for the past three months. One of the secrets to surviving winter is to look forward to Spring, wouldn't you agree? Plus, keeping warm, plenty of good comfort food (not too much, you don't want to add those "winter pounds"), and staying busy indoors. For me, that means sewing and quilting, almost non-stop, making quilts to sell at my Spring shows. My first show will be the Druid Hills Tour of Homes in mid-April (more information via the Show section of my website), so I've been very busy making Spring quilts.

The quilt shown above, French Lavender, is made from Vicky Stratton's pattern entitled "Jewel Boxes". I pulled out some of my lavender, purple, pink, and similar fabrics - all from my stash - and pieced these little scraps into a quilt that reminds of little sachets that you tuck into your lingerie drawer. Hand-dyed velvet ribbons add surface interest to some of the sachets.

Paris Update: Airfare? Done! Hotel? Done! Euros purchased? Done! Now, I plan to contact AAA to purchase a TravelMoney card . . . it's a Visa card, loaded with a predetermined amount, that you can use for purchases when you travel. What a great idea for so many reasons - it acts like a credit card, but without the conversion issues. I'll still take my credit card and my ATM card (just in case), but rely on the TravelMoney card for most everything. Itinerary? I've made a list of the things I want to see and do, then will visit each of the arrondisements (those are the different districts within Paris) to see what each has to offer, perhaps visiting one or two districts per day. My 'grand plan' is to eat as many pastries as possible, purchase unique fabrics and assorted sewing items, and walk through every garden . . . and hope their flowers and shrubs are starting to bloom! Everyone tells me that I have to see the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, but I doubt that I will spend much time on these sights. Instead, I want to visit the Postal Museum, and have high tea at one of the fancier hotels - more unique experiences, less touristy things. Counting down to March 25, my date of departure . . . and I'm so excited!

Confessions of a Fabric Lover!

2009-02-20T20:29:00.003-05:00

I have been waiting to buy these two new collections of fabric from Moda for a couple of months now. Sultry by Basic Grey (above, right) and Patisserie by Fig Tree Quilts (above, left). I have good friends that own quilt shops and one in particular is a Moda fabri-holic, but she didn't receive the fat quarter bundles for these particular collections. So . . . I let my fingers do the shopping thru the online selection of fabric retailers until I stumbled upon a great website that sells oodles of fat quarter bundles by Moda, and at prices that cannot be beat! http://www.crazyquiltgirlfabricshop.com/. I ordered exactly what I wanted, and these bundles were shipped out the same day. Like so many quilters, I have no idea which quilt pattern will transform these beautiful fabrics into a stunning quilt that will be "for sale" at an upcoming vendor show this Spring! But please visit Corinna's website and see for yourself . . . I'm sure you'll be as happy with her selection and service as I am!

Half-way to Paris!

2009-02-13T19:47:00.002-05:00

When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to take French at another school (my high school only offered Spanish, and I had already absorbed two years). We were assigned a project to come up with something "French" so I wrote a cookbook. I found recipes that I liked in other books, and translated them into French, hand-wrote them on soft, recycled brown paper, then bound them myself. I was so very proud of that little French cookbook, and the most amazing thing is - I don't even like to cook!

I retained some of the French that I learned in that class, and can certainly read enough of the language to get by, but I've always wanted to go to Paris. To date, I've visited Australia, Mexico, the Bahamas, Canada, and a small little island in the south Pacific where one of the "Survivor" series was filmed, but I've never been to Europe. In my thirties, I would plan a vacation and fly off to unknown locales, almost always by myself, and continually enjoyed the adventure that awaited me. Now, I find I don't want to part with my money as much as I used to, instead preferring to invest in my quilting business.

But . . . I'm not getting any younger, and the yearning to see Paris has been growing stronger over the last couple of years. Especially since some of my favorite fabric designers have taken to using French motifs and references in their collections. Most recently, Fig Tree Quilts has introduced a collection called "Patisserie" by Moda Fabrics, and seeing those beautiful colors and designs helped me make up my mind to finally make those travel arrangements. But . . . you just can't jet off to Paris without knowing what you plan to do/see/eat when you arrive, so I stopped by Barnes & Noble on the way home and bought the above two books - Paris for Dummies, and The Patisseries of Paris. Paris for Dummies is chocked-full of very practical recommendations for getting around town, things to do and see, places to eat, and hotel information. Patisseries - ahhhh, what can I say? It's a beautiful little book with little tidbits about all of the bakeries that serve breads, cakes, tarts, pies, cookies, along with the most lovely pictures!

I also ordered the Michelin Guide to Paris 2008 from Amazon 'cause the 2009 version won't be available until April, and I'm going to the "City of Lights" at the end of March. I remember how useful the Michelin Guide to New York was when I moved to the Big Apple in 1980, and how I carried that publication with me everywhere.

My plans once I arrive? To see at least two museums each day, shop the fabric stores and flea markets for French fabrics to use in my quilts, take a boat tour on the Seine River, walk everywhere, and eat as many French pastries as I can! And take lots of photographs to share with everyone once I return!

Just in time for Valentine's Day!

2009-02-10T16:12:00.003-05:00

I have no idea how I stumbled upon this little hidden treasure, but you have got to visit Moda's Bakeshop - http://www.modabakeshop.com/. You know all of those pre-cut collections of fabric that Moda has become so famous for? Turnovers, jelly rolls, layer cakes, etc. - well, real live people are taking those bundles of yummy-licious (that's my sister-in-law's word - I love it!) fabric, and "baking them up" into the cutest projects you've ever seen. The photo above is from one of the featured "recipes" by Monica of Happy Zombie, and aren't those little pockets adorable!!! Drop what you're doing, and head to the closest quilt shop that sells these little pre-cut darlings, and bake up your own little Valentine delights! Just too cute!

Sign of the (Economic) Times?

2009-02-06T09:28:00.004-05:00

Everyone has their favorite way to relax or ease into their day. With very little time to do that early in the morning before I leave for work (yes, I have a regular "day" job that supports my fabric habit - truly, my only vice!), I enjoy a good cup of coffee and my favorite magazines. Of the five magazine that I have subscribed to for several/many years, the three pictured above - Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion, Cottage Living, and Country Home - have been cancelled. That's right - they are no longer being published.

From Cottage Living, I received a postcard in the mail notifying me of the cancellation, and giving me the option to receive a refund for the remainder of my subscription. I really like this monthly publication, and am very sorry to see it's demise after only four short years. Plus, it was based in Birmingham, Alabama, so as an Atlanta-based woman, I was only too happy to support them with my subscriber dollars.

I think I read an internet article about Country Home's last issue of March 2009, but have not yet received an "official" notification . . . I like this magazine, and will miss it, too. But the cancellation that sent me into a tailspin was Home Companion. I have been a faithful subscriber of Mary Engelbreit's magazine for over 10 years, and I have every single issue since I initially subscribed. The amazing thing about keeping these magazines, neatly contained in magazine holders and set comfortably into the decor of my sewing room, is that since 1998, I have moved THREE times, and continued to bring them with me to each new home. Most people would have looked at these stacks and instantly tossed them, but I always felt they were too precious to just throw away. I was deeply offended that I had to learn of this publication's demise via an online blog!!!!! An online blog! I immediately contacted Customer Service via email, and received a short response that I would be receiving more information "sometime in February". When the mailed notification did arrive in the form of yet another postcard, it simply said that the magazine had lost its publisher, and that I would receive Martha Stewart Living for the remainder of my subscription! Ugh! If I wanted MSL, I would have already been a subscriber! This little postcard provided no phone number to contact anyone, just the post office box for MSL. So . . . being a determined person, I sent an email to what I believed to be the home office of Mary Engelbreit, and received a response that basically said the same thing as the postcard, but this time also included a phone number. I picked up my phone, and cancelled my Martha Stewart Living subscription (which I never wanted in the first place), but still I was not satisfied.

So, I wrote Mary Engelbreit directly, telling her how unhappy I am with the way we were notified of Home Companion's cancellation, and I sent a copy to Mark Dunn, president of Moda Fabrics. Mary has recently begun what I hope will be a long and happy relationship with Moda, designing fabrics with that familiar "ME" look, and Moda is the perfect partner to market and merchandise her product. Many Home Companion subscribers are also avid quilters, and I fear that the poor handling of the magazine's cancellation surely offended not just me, but many other loyal readers who would potentially support her through the purchase of her fabric collections.

Sometimes, when you feel strongly enough about something, you need to stand up and let your thoughts be known. I hope you're listening, Mary, and take the time to make things right with your loyal readers! P.S. Mary's website now contains all of the information regarding the cancellation of Home Companion. Thank you, Mary.