Quiet Times

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

Eleanor Roosevelt

I have been taking a break from the sewing studio reorganization but I am happy to say that I have been able to maintain what has already been done.  It is so easy to fall back into old habits but some habits are best left behind to learn new ways of doing things.

I am up early this morning having been roused from sleep by my daughters cat.  He cries at my door like clockwork at 5:00 am each day, he has no idea that it is Sunday and it would be great to get a few more hours of sleep this morning.  I am not his owner, that person sleeps just 2 doors down from my room and it would be nice if he got her up early once in awhile.  He greets me at my door rubbing himself against my legs as I try to avoid tripping over him as I walk downstairs to feed him.  Of course, being the stinker that he is, he eats then disappears upstairs to sit on the window seat and drift off to sleep.  He is a creature of habit, and even though there is food in his bowl all night long, he seems to want the company as he eats his morning  meal.

I start up my laptop at the kitchen table and fix my pot of coffee to start my day. I do enjoy the quiet moments that getting up this early provides, just the tick tack of the computer keyboard as I post messages to friends and family and clicking of the mouse as I play my favorite facebook games.  Then there is the hot cup of coffee that I can enjoy, uninterrupted by others as I plan my day and sometimes my week.  I make up my weekly menus and shopping list, jot down notes on custom orders that I need to get done or brainstorm ideas for new creations.  I find that this time of the morning is my most creative, when the household is quiet and the family and pets are sleeping, just me and my thoughts alone to dream.

What is your most creative time of the day?  Are you an early riser?  Do you sleep late on the weekend?  What do you consider sleeping late?

Reorganization Day 3

"The secret of success is constancy of purpose."

Benjamin Disraeli

Yesterday I took a blog break because I had an afternoon quilt group to meet with, but I did not take a break from organizing.  I got so caught up in what I was doing yesterday morning that I ran out of time to blog before it was time to leave.  I am happy to announce that it was a very productive day with some great results.

I had a plastic 2 drawer storage bin that I worked on yesterday.  A few months ago I wanted to level off and increase the surface space on top so I decided to place half of an antique wooden table top over the bins.  This table top belonged to my grandmother and at one time had a base but it has since been damaged and gotten rid of.  Increasing this space gave me a place to store my quilt tops waiting to be quilted, my "ladies in waiting".  The quilt tops or other items are placed into a large blanket box so I always know what I have that needs to be quilted.  The only things that do not go in this box are customer quilts.

The bins underneath hold leftovers from other projects that need to be cut and separated into strips and squares and once that is done I need to divide them down to darks and lights.  Right now the goal is to reorganize my room so the sorting and cutting of scraps will have to wait for another day.  I emptied the drawers into oversized totes that could be moved to another part of the house where I keep my full sized ironing board because these pieces will need to be ironed and then cut. 

The top bin was used to store the yarn that you see in the corner and the bottom drawer was used to store the denim jeans I use to make my aprons.  This is the result of all that work.

When I finished with this I had not used up all of my time alloted so I continued on to bins under my adjustable quilting frame.  I have 2 three drawer bins that house my fat quarters that have been sorted by color (still need to label) and I also included one smaller three drawer bin where one drawer holds my acrylic felt, one has become my selvage bin and the other has charm squares.
 
The project is moving right along and although exhausting it has been fun and exciting to see everything finding a more permanent home.  I already have begun to feel more creative and thinking up ideas of new things I would like to make.
 
A few more items have been added to my bookshelf but everything is labeled and what isn't labeled is not hidden from view so all supplies and projects are able to be seen.   I hope that what I am doing and ideas that I am coming up with inspire my readers when and if they want to tackle this type of job in their own space.

Project Reorganizaion - Day 2

"The truth of the matter is, we always know the right thing to do.  The hard part is doing it."

Norman Schwarzkopf

Yesterday I started on the top of this bookcase and used stick on labels to mark containers, I realized that using one color of labels for supplies and a different one for on-going projects provides a great visual cue to see what I have going on at one time.  This will become a good way to discourage starting new projects when I can so easily see what is still left unfinished . 

Before the end of the day I thought I would take care of a couple of other things.  I have a slotted wall file storage unit that had been in my closet for a year and a table top ironing board that needed a new home   The file unit was hung on the wall space next to the shelf putting it behind the door as you enter the room.  In the file unit I placed rolls of parchment paper, freezer paper and stabilizer. I then attached an adhesive hook on the lower side of the shelf for the ironing board, leaving plenty of space on top for any other items if needed.

Now on to the next reorganizing step.  Today I worked on the last 3 shelves of my bookcase.

BEFORE

Work did not go as smoothly or quickly as yesterday because these three shelves housed quilting books, magazines, assorted drawers of rulers, patterns and a vintage sewing machine in a case. The first step was to divide everything into categories of quilting/sewing books and quilting/sewing magazines.  In some cases as I pulled items off the shelves I was able to decide right away to keep it or toss it. 

AFTER 

I now have a a pile of magazines on my bed and some very empty shelves.  The magazines I put on the bed and before I go to bed tonight I will take another 30 minutes to check through them to see which ones are getting tossed, which will probably be most of them.  The storage drawers house specialty rulers that I put into zippered plastic bags and zip locks with labels identifying the type of ruler inside.

  The labels are actually on the inside of the bag so that as items are pulled out and put back into the drawers the labels will not be torn off the bag making this whole idea time wasted.  The vintage sewing machine will be placed outside the room for the time being until I get finished or at least closer to finishing and then decide where it will go.

I hope that my tips and things I am learning along the way about organizing a sewing space are helpful and informative.  I know that I am enjoying the process as well as the progress and am encouraged to continue to the point that I have to remind myself that I will only do 45 minutes per day.  I don't want to get burned out on the process and defeat the whole purpose of what I am doing.  If anyone has any ideas or tips or insight on orgainizing please leave a comment it is always appreciated.

Ready, Set, Go!

"Progress is not created by contented people."

Frank Tyger

As I start this reorganization project I will be posting my progress and I hope that some of my ideas and suggestions will help and motivate others.  I am not striving to find a solution to a "cleaner" space just a more organized and less cluttered one.

The plan is to start on my sewing studio and over the next 3 months toss, give away and put away as much as possible and still have time to find inspiration and be creative.  Starting today I will dedicate 45 minutes a day to sorting out one area of my sewing space making unemotional decisions to get rid of as much as possible so that my life and creative vision will become clearer.  Some of those items may find their way to the destash section of my Etsy shop where they will be for the next three months.  If at the end of the 3 months these items have not sold I will donate them to a local charity.

To start with I need 3 containers to use for sorting items into three categories, "throw away", "put away" and "give away".  I already have a trash can with trash bags in my sewing room so one was taken care of and in the interest of time I decided that for today I would use large totes for the other two categories.

 The key is to not overwhelm yourself with things to do, but to break each area up into small increments that are large enough to complete easily and to give you a sense of accomplishment, but not so large that you get sick of the process and end up discouraged.  I chose 45 minutes because that would give me enough time to do small areas and not take up too much of my day.  The first area to work on will be a book shelf that is the first thing you see as you walk into my room.

BEFORE

I decided to start on the top and first two shelves and this is what they looked like when I first walked into the room.

AFTER

This was the result after 45 minutes of work.  I took everything off the top and kept only a small doll stroller basket filled with a collection of kaleidoscopes in different shapes and sizes.  This collection spans over 20 years and was not something I wanted to get rid of.  The other item was a vintage hoop on a wooden base that I purchased at a flea market in Germany while stationed there when DH was in the army.  Eventually I would like to use it to display a miniature quilt on my shelf.  I sorted projects into containers and labeled them with pink labels and stored supplies into containers and drawers labeled in green.  Some items were put into the give away bag and others needed to find new homes in other areas of my house or my sewing space. 

I feel really good about this small accomplishment and being able to see a big difference in this space makes me excited to continue with this project.  Tomorrow I will continue with the bottom 2 shelves so that this one shelving unit will be done.  If any of my readers have any suggestions or tips please feel free to leave a comment.

Reorganization Prep

"Problems that remain persistently insoluble should always be suspected as questions asked in the wrong way."

Alan Watts

I spent yesterday looking for advice on how to reorganize my sewing studio.  In the past I would have thumbed through books or magazines, but today the first step in research is the internet, so I Googled it.  I found some interesting sites that helped me get started with my plan.

My first stop was at this Better Homes and Gardens web page:  http://www.bhg.com/decorating/arrange-a-room/ .  The tools here allow you to draw out your room size as well as provide you with tools to add furniture and create a room arrangement.    With the help of these tools I was able to set up the pieces of furniture that I will use in my room and get an overview of the space and how to use it best. Every inch of space must be used wisely to make the most of this sewing studio.

The next step was looking for some tips on how to organize the supplies that will be in this space.  Once more Google was a big help with this link:   http://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/Craft_Room_Organization .  At this site there were ideas on how to approach your room organization which is a great starting point for my project.  I think this will help me get started and focus on the things that are important to be successful in this endeavor. There is also an alphabetical Organizing Tips page, http://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/Category:Organizing_Tips that can help you with all types of organizing ideas.



After much reading and thought it came to me that clutter is the result of procrastination and my clutter has migrated past the door of my sewing studio and is on its way to engulf the rest of my life.  Sometimes we can feel paralyzed by the idea that things need to get done but we don't know where to start and the easy way out is to just not get started, creating an ever vicious cycle.  As I continued to read some of the articles I had found I came upon a link called "flylady" and decided to check it out.  If you have trouble seeing daylight through all the clutter I suggest you check this site out: 
http://www.flylady.net/index.asp tackle your problem with the help of what could be called a one step program for those that need extra help on where to get started

.

So with the research done it is time to start planning, tomorrow is "start day" and I need to have a plan of where to start, how much work time do I have everyday and what kind of tools do I need to complete my tasks.  Today is prep day, lets see if I can keep the momentum and stay on track so that the new year will find me in a newly organized space that is both comfortable and inviting to work in. 

If you have any ideas or helpful links please feel free to leave a comment.  I am always in the market for any organization tips, expecially those that are inexpensive.

Cleaning Out The Clutter To Create

"Be willing to make decisions.  That's the most important quality in a good leader.  Don't fall victim to what I call the "ready aim-aim-aim-aim syndrome."  You must be willing to fire."

George S. Patton

Every so often I go into a creative slump and I struggle to find inspiration or motivation to get started again.
To me the excitment of creating a new design is what inspires me to work and when I have already used an idea or design, or if I am making multiple items with the same design I find it difficult to stay on track.  At a time like this is when I find reorganizing and cleaning out the physical clutter helps me reorganize and declutter my thoughts. 

The adage of quilters is "she who dies with the most fabric wins", well I have decided that I don't want to compete for the title anymore. In an effort to become more focused I must not only get rid of distraction but I must also pare down the amount of supplies that overflow from every shelf in my sewing studio.  If there are so many things in your studio that they become an obstacle to your creativity, then what is the point of having it all surrounding you?

I have started looking at the things I surround myself with and trying to decide what are the items that are the most special to me and what items are those that inspire me.  The next step is to see what items are essential to what I create and is most likely to get used.  Multiples of items are also a problem, I am sure I am not the only one that forgets I already have a 6 inch square ruler and end up buying a new one on sale.  Then there is the ever growing pile of 2, 3, 4, etc, inch strips that are leftovers from a project that need to be sorted or at the very least be given a home.

My target is to get started on Monday, Sept 20th and between creating items for my holiday craft show season I will sort, toss, give away and donate as much as I possibly can.  I vow to not purchase anymore fabric unless it is needed for a custom item, but will use whatever I already have available in my stash to create.  As I arm myself with some storage bins and trash bags I know that this will be a long and tedious project but I have vowed that my sewing studio will not begin another year in the same condition.

Show Time

 "I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."

Helen Keller

Holiday Craft Show Season is just around the corner and it is a whirlwind of activity in my sewing room to create enough inventory for the two shows I will be participating in this year.  The first will be next month, Oct. 9th, at the "Deep in the Arts of Texas" Show, sponsored by the Randolph Air Force Base Spouses Club held in the Live Oak City Civic Center.  This one day show is held every year and is quite popular and well attended so we look forward to a busy day there.  The next one is a week long craft show in downtown San Antonio, TX, sponsored by the First Baptist Church.  The show runs from November 15 through the 20th at the Wolfson House located on the corner of Broadway and 4th St. in a lovely Victorian house.  If any of my readers are in the area you are invited to attend this wonderful show in a relaxed cozy holiday atmosphere with free refreshments served all day, everyday of the show.  At both shows there are a variety of items, clothing, table linens, jewelry, Christmas ornaments and foods to buy in a wide range of prices that are affordable and reasonable.

I enjoy getting ready for these shows because I love the atmosphere and the friendly customers that are in the holiday spirit.  This year I am featuring my sets of doll quilts and pillow combos and the "Flower Child Series" of Pillow Dolls, that are child friendly with their hand drawn faces and made out of cotton fabric and polar fleece. For the adults there are aprons made from recycled blue jeans trimmed using cotton fabric in a variety of designs and of course there will be the usual Holiday table linens, quilts and other gift giving ideas.

"May I take your order?"

"It's not the length of life, but the depth of life."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

It seems that lately my "plate" has been full with custom orders for memory quilts and t-shirt quilts. 

Memory quilts, for me, have meant mutlitple orders from the same family.  One customer put it this way, "it has brought closure and healing and helped us remember the happy times", when describing what it meant to her to have a quilt made from her father's flannel shirts. 

My latest customer required a more simple and classic design to commemorate her late husband's memory using his business attire.  I created this design that she felt represented his life and  encompassed the simplicity that she wanted.

T-shirt quilts are always fun to put together and a style of quilt that really shows off the owners fun side, dedication and accomplishments.

These two quilts were made for two different customers, one as a graduation gift in their school colors and the other with a treasury of favorite t-shirts bordered in her favorite color.

I love a challenge, and creating custom order memory quilts and t-shirt quilts has become one of my favorite projects. Working with individuals and families to make memory quilts is very rewarding, as I help them through a difficult time and find a use for items that are difficult to give away while trying to deal with the loss of a loved one.  The t-shirt quilts are fun to make and gives me a peak into the personailty of the owner which sometimes can be quite surprising.  They are a great way to save favorite shirts that commemorate school activities or just fun times had with friends.  

So, "May I take your order?"

Happy Mother's Day

"She who forms the souls of the young is greater than any painter or sculptor."

Saint John Chrysostom

Today is Mother's Day and for the last 14 years it has been a bitter sweet celebration for me.  I lost my mother to her battle with cancer on March 9th fourteen years ago and this day has been a difficult one for me every year since.

My mother and I shared the love of creating beautiful things.  I remember as a child sitting and watching her sew beautiful gowns for proms and weddings.  This was the only type of sewing she would agree to make for family and friends because she always felt that if she was going to make something it would be something out of the ordinary and not something for everyday use.  I myself began sewing at a very young age using scraps of fabric to make clothing for my dolls and by the time I was in high school I was making my own clothes. 

I don't ever remember her making any quilts while I was growing up, it wasn't until I was a grown up with daughters of my own that quilting came into my life.  When I began to quilt she also began to make quilts and although she never saw some of my best and biggest creations she did get to see my first ones.  Those last few years of her life we shared some quilting experiences together and she actually created Sunbonnet Sue quilts for each of my girls that we lovingly take care of today. I helped her put finishing touches on a  machine appliqued butterfly quilt that she made to carry with her to her chemo appointments and I made her a sweatshirt jacket with quilted fans on it for her to wear to keep her warm.  She made quilts for everyday use and didn't worry about matching seams perfectly or other things that as a quilter I would never dream of leaving undone today.  Those were her quilts and no matter what shortcuts she took or what quilting details she left undone these were her creations and she was proud of them.   I still keep her quilts in my closet along with her jacket that I made, I take them down sometimes just to hold them and think of her.  These items are the only physical connections I have left with her and I hold those items dear to my heart. 

I miss her so very much and there have been times when I felt as if I couldn't get through the day without her to talk to, but at those times I know that she is still here with me.  She is with me in every stitch I take when I create a new quilt, whether that quilt is for me or for someone else I know she is proud of who I have become and of what I do.  For most of her last year we lived on two different continents but managed to mend many bridges and came to understand one another better than we ever had before.  I got to share some final thoughts with her a couple of weeks before she fell into a semi-conscious state, and quietly her soul passed into the night and her body found peace on the morning of March 9, 1996.

I thank God for giving me those last few years with her, he gave us time to heal from old wounds and to find a renewed bond through a common love of sewing and creating beautiful things. 

I love you Mom.

The Results Are In

"Imagination is more important than Knowledge, for knowledge is limited while the imagination embraces the entire world."

Albert Einstein

The Apple Blossom "Project Quilting" challenge is over and the votes are in, you  and the judges have made their selection, find out the results of the challenge and the public winner at "Kim's Crafty Apple" .  Each judge has handed out their critiques to each quilter and here is what they had to say about my "Apple Blossom Baby".   The judging was on a 1-10 point basis.

Judge 1: This doll is adorable! I can certainly see the resemblance between Kim’s daughters and this dolly!  Very original and what a sweet face! The single crowning blossom is a nice touch, and the fabric choices are perfect for a little girl. 7

Judge 2: She’s adorable. I especially love the apple blossom in her hair. 7.5

Judge 3: I love your unique idea of making a dollie as compared to a quilt. It’s a very nice use of a variety of colors and fabric textures. 9.5

Thank you to the judges for the comments and appreciation of my vision.

Project Quilting Challenge

Last week I participated in a fun challenge sponsored by Kim Lapaecks called "Project Quilting".  This is a continuing project and details can be found in her blog  http://kimscraftyapple.blogspot.com/ .  The last challenge was the "Apple Blossoms Challenge" and we were to find inspiration in a group of photographs of the Lapaecks' apple orchard.  Some of the photographs included pictures of  Kim's daughters playing among the trees and these photographs are where I found my inspiration.

I was inspired by pictures of her daughters to create a cute little doll called, 

Apple Blossom Baby

I created a simple doll form foundation, layered it with batting and then proceeded to make a "quilt as you go" layer of a variety of pink 2 1/2 inch strips.  To make this doll child friendly I drew the face on with permanent fabric markers and the hair and apple blossom are machine stitched securly onto the body.  The doll is stuffed with polyester fiberfil and the back of the doll is a soft polyester fleece so that it makes a cuddly pillow to lay your head on. I look forward to entering more of Kim's challenges and see what other new and exciting challenges will come.

The challenge is to complete your project in a week and post pictures on Kim's flikr account.  At the end of the week all projects go up for a public vote on Kim's blog where prizes are awarded to the winning project and a public winner is also chosen so there are two chances to win. 

Project Quilting is open to anyone that wants to participate, so if you quilt check it out and get inspired.  The next challenge will be posted at noon on Sunday, May 9, 2010. 

Where Does the Time Go?

"Only in the present do things happen."

Jorge Luis Borges

I can't believe it has been over a month that I last posted an entry.  Needless to say I have been buried in custom work and finally have a short break between orders.

I was asked to make a t-shirt quilt for a college graduate and although I had never made one before I took on the challenge.  It was an experience that I am happy to say resulted in what I and my client think was a beauty.   I will be finding out next week if the college graduate loves it too.

When that order was finished I had a photo memory quilt to make as a birthday gift for my clients grandmother as she celebrates her 70th birthday.  I lovingly call this one "the beast" because it just about swallowed me up at my sewing table.  This quilt consists of 100 family photographs that are printed on photo fabric and have two border strips before they were pieced together with dark brown sashing.

I finally have a short break and am able to start creating a few items for my Etsy shop so I decided to start with my "Apple Blossom Baby" that was inspired by a "Project Quilting" challenge.  This challenge is the creation of Kim Lapaceks, a member of the Quiltsy Team on Etsy, and is based on the Project Runway theme.  You can read about her challenge at http://kimscraftyapple.blogspot.com/ and feel free to enter future challenges as it is open to all quilters.  You can also enter to win the public giveaway, so check it out, you too may be a winner.

After creating "Apple Blossom Baby"  I decided to give her a few sisters and so far have created...

 

Daisy May and in the process of finishing up Lavendar with a few others on the drawing board.

Non-Traditional

Today's quilters use modern fabrics and non traditional colors to add vibrance and life to their quilts.  In the Quiltsy Team you can find a wide variety of quilting styles as well as colors.

Scrappy Pinwheel Quilt for Baby, Crib, Toddler or Lap by Bon Bons and More

This beautiful quilt by Bonbons and More is a traditional pinwheel pattern made in a bright and scrappy design.

 

Box of Popsicles - Artful Quilt by Toni

Using bright fabrics gives this traditional log cabin block a modern and fun look.

Morning Star Lap Quilt by Quilting Frenzy

This is one of my quilts and I describe it as, a traditional design with a modern look, made in bright and vibrant colors for the non traditionalist.

Tomorrow is National Quilting Day and I for one will be spending some time working on some of my quilting projects.  I hope that this week I have been able to bring you all some interesting items and have given you a good look at what the Etsy Quiltsy Team has to offer.

Blog Break

I took a blog break yesterday, needed to catch up on some projects and also wanted to enjoy some time outdoors in the sun.  I love to quilt but I also enjoy gardening and during this time of the year the outdoors calls to me to come out and clean up the flowerbeds.  I took some pictures of the before (empty flowerbeds and dry bare bushes) and hopefully later this spring and summer I can get some pictures of the after (flowering plants and lush greenery).

With thoughts of spring and summer on the way I thought the best thing  to feature today are some of the wonderful art pieces by the members of the Etsy Quiltsy Team.

Art Quilt The Table by Post Card Lady

This lovely 9 X 8 inch hanging is quilted to add texture and depth to the wall hanging.

Pansies Fabric Mosaic by For Quilts Sake

The quilting in this piece is used to add detail as well as embellish this lovely work of art.  To get a closer look at the detail of the quilting click on the link and get a better view.

Black Sunfowers Art Quilt Wall Hanging by Attack of the Vintage

This is truly a OOAK(one of a kind) piece that has been made by upcycling black sunflowers off a dress.  This piece has been hand appliqued and finished off with hand quilting.

These three items are but a few of the creative, unique, pieces that are available from the Quiltsy Team.  I have been searching through picture after picture of beautiful quilted items and because my space is limited it is difficult to showcase everyone.  I just want my readers to know that there are so many lovely items to be found by searching through the Etsy "quiltsy team".  We are a group of quilters that want everyone to know that quilts are something to be showcased and enjoyed no matter what your taste.  

Check tomorrow to see more of the Quiltsy Team as I showcase some of the traditional designs in not so traditional colors.  Please feel free to leave a comment and/or links to any of your favorites from the Quiltsy Team.

Wear it Out

As I have showed you this week quilting comes in many shapes, sizes and uses.  Today I hope to add to the list of items by featuring wearable items of clothing.

Quilted clothing is the best of two worlds, it is fashionable and cozy at the same time.

Custom Quilted Kimono by Jensport

This cute little custom order kimono by Jensport is the perfect coverup for your little one.  It is a reversible jacket that is pieced and quilted in fabrics of the customers choice.

Baby Boy Cotton Jumpsuit by Cottontail Quilts

The bodice of this little jumpsuit is made like any other patchwork quilt.  It is pieced and layered with batting and backing and hand quilted.

Hand Quilted Hand Appliqued Jacket by Cottontail Quilts

This one of a kind jacket is a work of art that is hand appliqued and hand quilted by Cottontail Quilts.  

Wear it out and show it off! 

Quilted clothing is warm and comfortable and make lovely one of a kind items.  These Quiltsy Team members create fabulous pieces and because everyone has different needs in sizes and tastes in fabrics they offer some of these items as custom pieces.  The professional attitude of the Quiltsy Team members guarantees that these quilters will do their best to pay attention to details and make something that their customers will be proud to own.

To find more Quiltsy Team shops search Etsy for "quiltsy team" or check in tomorrow to check out some more fabulous shops. Please feel free to leave a comment or a link to any one of your favorites from the Quiltsy Team.   

Everyday Quilting

As I continue featuring my fellow members of the Quiltsy Team I wanted to showcase some quilted items we can use everyday.

Start off your day with a cup of coffee or maybe you prefer a pot of tea.

 

Coffee Cup Cozy by Bungalow Quilts

Bungalow has made the perfect cozy for the sewing enthusiast and with the use of insulbrite, an inuslating batting, your coffee will stay nice and warm.

Country Cottage Yellow and Blue Tea Cozy by Down Home Designs

Down Home Designs has made a tea cozy that is fun and functional.  Keep that pot of tea warm so that you can make more than one cup at a time.

Ready to start the day?  Check what you have planned before you head on your way.

Monogram Calendar/Notebook Holder by Creations by Nora Marie

A personalized and fashionable calendar holder by Nora Marie would make it a treat to see what you have planned for the day.

Pack your lunch and off you go to work, school or just on a fun outing.

Joel Dewberry Oversized Reusable Lunch Bag by Originals by Lauren

These lunch bags are insulated and have a nylon lining that is easily kept clean with a quick wipe down between machine washings.  No more ugly brown bags.

Tote your stuff around town in style

The Ultimate Bag by Quilts by Barb

Quilts by Barb has created a beautiful yet functional quilted tote bag that has lots of pockets for the person that needs lots of room.

Need to jot down an idea or make a list or journal your thoughts at the end of the day?

Quilted Journal Cover - French Vanilla by Pamela Quilts

Made from a coffee print panel, Pamela Quilts has made a fun and whimsical journal cover.  The cover is pieced and freemotion machine quilted around the coffee cup to add dimension.  What a great way to keep your thoughts, ideas or lists handy.

As you can see the Etsy Quiltsy Team is busy creating fun and functional items that can fill a need for most anything from keeping you food and drinks warm or cold to toting you necessities around the town.  Another group of very talented and highly professional individuals creating beautiful one of a kind items.

To find more Quiltsy Team shops search Etsy for "quiltsy team" or check in tomorrow to check out some more fabulous shops.  Please feel free to leave a comment or a link to any one of your favorites from the Quiltsy Team.

Celebration of Quilts

National Quilting Day is fast approaching so I will take this week to feature  the Etsy Quiltsy Team and their beautiful creations. Quilts come in all shapes and sizes and can represent many things to many people....

Quilting is no longer just your grandma's traditional bed quilts.

Quilts can convey a sentiment:

Peace Dove by Quiltie

In this piece the quilter combines both hand embroidery and machine embroidery to create a lovely 12 X 14.25 wall hanging.

They can represent a religion, a culture, an expression of faith:

Shabbat Challah Cover/ Wall Hanging and Chai ("Life") Wall hanging by Sieberdesigns

Sieber Designs uses machine appliqued Hebrew lettering and accents her flowers with a sparkle of beading.  She has machine pieced and machine quilted her designs. 

Inspiring Bird Art Quilt Wall Hanging by Artfully Sew

Artfully Sew uses hand dyed fabrics and wax pastels in her original designs.  She accents her work with hand embroidery and machine pieces and machine quilts her creations.

They can be entertaining and fun for both boys and girls:

On the Go Checkers Roll by Jensport       

In this original design Jensport has pieced a  variety of blue fabrics and a solid white and used her sewing skills to add a zipper pocket to secure all those wooden checkers pieces.  The board is machine quilted in what is called a cross hatch design and with the binding she has added string ties to keep it nicely rolled for easy carry or storage.

Quilted Paper Dolls by Kim's Crafty Apple

Kims Crafty Apple makes these whimsical little "paper" dolls that so many of us remember from our childhood.  The dolls are quilted in an outline stitch to frame the "dolls" and secure the layers of fabric and batting.  There is also a pocket on the backside to store the clothing pieces.  She as also added string ties along the binding to secure it closed and make it a great carry along item.

They can be used to document history:

Family Tree Wall Hanging by SuzyQQuilts

In this piece SuzyQQuilts has used machine applique to attach leaves and tree trunk to the quilt background.  The leaves contain names and birthdates of family members making this a family heirloom piece.  This is a custom order item from her shop that can be ordered with your choice of border color.

and they can bring comfort after the loss of a loved one.

Memory Quilt by Quilting Frenzy

This piece is one of my own designs that was created for a customer after the death of her father.  My customer supplied me with 3 large shopping bags of flannel shirts that had belonged to her father and this is one of the two designs I put together for her.  It is machine pieced, machine appliqued and machine quilted.  I offer this as a custom order in my Etsy shop and the quilt can take on a totally different look depending on the type and color of garments used. 

Quilters of the Etsy Quiltsy Team have taken their craft to a new level and they have filled their shops with items that are perfect for anyone and for any occassion.  They recreate traditional or reinterpret designs, create unique designs of their own and work with customers to produce one of a kind items.  The Quiltsy Team members are professional individuals that create items of the highest quality and workmanship and you can not go wrong when you purchase items from anyone on this team.

For more items by this group search Etsy sellers for "quiltsy team" or check out tomorrow's blog for more featured quilters.