New Project

So it's been an eternity. I know. But since I've written last we've sold the shop and I'm almost done growing a baby!

So here's a new project I've been finishing. Guess that's my form of nesting. It's an antique Repro and I LOVE it. I've been hand piecing the blocks for a long time on and off and decided it was time to finish.

And here's a recent picture of Eliza. We made gingerbread cookies yesterday and she approved.

Adrenaline Hangover

This week has been CRAZY!  But oh so much fun.  Leonie and Deidre from The Quilted Crow have been visiting with us all week.  We had a trunk show Friday night and an all day workshop on Saturday.  These girls are so talented and equally sweet and wonderful.  What a great time we've had.  Here's a photo that should give you an idea of what its been like around our shop.

I got to spend all week working on the kits for the workshop on Saturday and it got me in the wooly mood.  I've drawn out a couple wool designs and we'll see how they turn out.  As soon as the wool arrives and I have something to show I promise I'll post pictures.

Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather outside.  It usually means horrible allergies for me, so I get to watch from the inside, but I know its beautiful too!

Mother Goose and life stuff.

I looked at how long it's been since my last post and couldn't believe it! How does so much time go by so fast?

Since I last posted my Dad was diagnosed with lymphoma. He has started chemo and is doing so well. Most days he still goes into work for a while and is taking the whole thing like a champ. But let me tell you something. God is amazing. He has graced my dad with the best case scenario thru this whole thing and just keeps answering prayer. Thank you so much to everyone that has prayed for us. We know it works.

I have managed to put a new pattern together however. Can we say stress management? Here is Mother Goose. The newest addition to my pattern line. This one's pretty big. 80" x 92". It features the vast majority of the Old Savannah collection by Paula Barnes. Hope you like it! Kits and patterns can be ordered from The Quilt Merchant as always.

Antique Sampler progress

Holy cow!!!! I can hardly believe its almost done! Here's a little peek. I'll post a photo when it's all together. This pattern is by Patchwork with Busyfingers. Her stuff is awesome!

Addressing the Elephant in the Room

Well, I bet some of you are reading this hoping that I will hurry up and share my thoughts about the store being for sale.  So here ya go.  Depending on the hour of the days, I'm either excited about the unknown, or thinking I'm crazy for passing up such a great opportunity to have a quilt shop.  BUT...sometimes our personal, self-seeking desires are not the things that will bring the most fulfillment and joy into our lives. 

Docia and Jim are R.E.A.D.Y. to retire.  They've worked so hard for the last 6 1/2 yrs and have come to the conclusion that its time to rest.  And travel, and spend time with family.  Its been an icky year for Jim, and even though he's going to be fine (for any of you that think his health might have something to do with it), its just solidified that its time to turn the page to the next chapter.

As for me, the most frequently asked question by customers when they find out the shop is for sale is, "What about Beth?"  Trust me when I tell you that we've talked, cried, prayed and agonized over the decision and have complete confidence that we're making the right one.  Jon and I want to have more children (whether biological or adopted) and maybe foster some day and that is not something we can do if we own a store.  For 72 hours I spent my life trying to devise a plan that would make it all work, but alas.  Its can't be done. 

So we're moving forward as usual for a while and hoping that someone (maybe one of our amazing customers) will want to take up the challenge and the blessing that is The Quilt Merchant so that we still have a shop in our area.  It would be so sad to have a hole again in the Wheaton/Winfield area.

Please forgive us...I know a lot of you are a bit caught off guard and dismayed by the whole thing, but its all in God's hands and we are excited for the journey.

Oh, I forgot to say that I am going to continue designing and hope to peddle my wares at Quilt Market someday soon.  I love the industry too much to walk away completely and it will give me that change to "work while home".

Much love and gratitude.

Before and After - Crimson Bouquet Project

I thought this would be a great place to start sharing my before and after photos of quilts that I make.  The vast majority of the quilts I design are deeply inspired by antique quilts I've either seen in person or have collected photos of.  This specific one is really close, but the block size needed the whole thing to be smaller than the original layout.

So here's the original quilt.  I know its a little sorry looking, but it was the design that caught my eye.

 So here's what I did out of Jo Morton's Crimson Bouquet collection plus an assortment of lights from previous collections.  Don't have a name yet, but it will come, I'm sure.

My helper

Sometimes this refers to Eliza, but today it is Bubba. Silly kitty. I am ALMOST done with the Antique Sampler sample. Hopefully by the weekend I'll be sewing blocks together. Woohoo! Today I'm at home with my little girl watching Tinkerbelle, doing laundry and stitching. What a great day.

It's Home!

Yesterday I picked up my quilt from my faithful long arm quilter, Anne Spiotta. I think she did an awesome job. Check it out!

And of course, no quilt is complete without a cat! Bubba approves.

This pattern will be called "The Spice of Life". It is made with a good portion of Jo Morton's line "Jo's Variety" and is based of a red and white quilt from the Infinite Variety quilt show that was held in NYC. Now for binding...which will be black, in case you were wondering.