Quiltmaker Magazine

The recent edition of Quiltmaker Magazine shows two of my patterns which are not currently up on the website.  They are "Sox & Blox":    Almost Amish  and Nifty Nine Patch contain directions for the small quilts, and knitting directions for matching "Quilter's Sox".  Retail is $9.00 each plus $1.50 shipping.  You can add these to any order placed on the website:  http://www.thedesignersworkshop.com

Almost Amish Sox & Blox

Nifty Nine Patch Sox & Blox

Only In Alaska!

This was forwarded to me by Pam (my Alaska hostess) as she was driving through to get her morning coffee. As she said, "Only in Alaska" would you find a sign like this.

Back Home Again

After playing 'catch up' on sleep after a very long return trip, I'd like to share some photos of my "Alaskan Adventure". I was fortunate to have two wonderful hostesses (Pam Sprout & Dee Carpenter), who saw to my every need, escorted me to places I would never have gotton to on my own, shared their passion for quilting, fine dining, and good old 'companionship'. I found the students to be very excited by every new thing I would pass on to them, and willing to 'dive into' new projects without hesitation. I learned to 'text message' (never did that before), to communicate with my son who is currently working in Africa and does not have internet available. I was fortunate enough to be able to view The Northern Lights, which I'm told came out of hiding a bit early, just for my benefit. If you get the opportunity to work with the Cabin Fever Quilters of Fairbanks, you will not be disappointed!

Alaska Arts Center

Lecture and workshops were held at the Alaska Center For The Arts in Pioneer Village. All 'commercial operations' had ended the week before, and we had the place to ourselves. Outside the building all the parking spaces had PLUGS for your vehicles for the winter weather, which, I'm told, can go as low as 40 or 50 below!!!! After leaving the relatively mild temperatures of Fairbanks (30's & 40's), I arrived home in Atlanta with velour pants, long sleeves, and 3 jackets on, to a day that was 91 degrees!

How Does Your Garden Grow workshop

Saturday was spent with "The Garden" class, which was a great hit with the students since the night before there had been a killing frost taking away all their spectacular (and large) blooms. The workshop area provided each student with ample space to work, and was a delight for me as a teacher.

Friday Workshop

Thursday was our "Putting Patchwork in Perspective" class (which I forgot to take photos of!). Friday's class had each student create a unique block which could be foundation pieced, then played with for various configurations. I will say that BRIGHT is the operative word when it comes to Alaskans choosing their fabric! Must have something to do with the long winter nights.

A "different" arrangement

The "Creative Foundation Blocks" class on Friday found the students being excited by the 'changing' views of what they had created. This is a second version of one of the projects after rearranging the blocks.

Tanana River View

Views such as this are everywhere. Folks will build their homes to take advantage of the spectacular scenery. Imagine waking up every morning to see this!

Farmers Market

The Tanana Farmers Market operates until the last weekend in September, and is amazing. A rainy day didn't add much to the ambience, but the produce was still available. Purple potatos are quite the rage!, as are 100 lb. cabbage. Texas doesn't have anything to equal it. I did indulge in some local favorites such as Goat Milk Soap, and of course, MOOSTARD.

Pipeline and directions

The Alaska Pipeline stretches over 800 miles from the North Slope to the Gulf of Alaska. Vewing it, it seems to go on forever. The 'map/directions', lends a sense of humor for the location.

The First Family

This lovely statue sits in the center of Fairbanks in honor of the "First Family" to settle in the area. Behind it you can see Pioneer Church, one of the oldest in the area.

Is this "Rudolph"?

The illusive MOOSE hid during my visit, only to show up 15 minutes after my plane left Fairbanks, on the highway we had just driven. I did, however, find part of Santa's helpers being well taken care of prior to his December journey.

A Quilter's Kitchen

Who of us wouldn't want to have a kitchen designed with "Quilt Blocks" as the theme. A visit to Material Girls Quilt Shop provided just such a wonderful space, attached to their classroom area.

The Last 'residents'

Driving up through the tundra we were able to see the last group of swans spending their last days in Alaska before heading south for the winter. There had already been a killing frost, and snow would be arriving shortly.

Alaska Range

The Alaska Range is a breathtaking sight. A clear day on the highest point of Fairbanks provided this spectacular view. My photos cannot begin to do it justice

Fairbanks Alaska

Heading out early tomorrow for a very exciting trip to Fairbanks Alaska.
I'll be doing a lecture and three workshops for Cabin Fever Quilters.
I've added a link to their website and hope to post pictures from
the classes, and whatever 'wonders' I encounter.

My Booth

Opryland

AQS Expo Nashville Tn.

Just returned from The AQS show in Nashville where I was a vendor, teacher and gave a lecture on Sunday morning. The show, as usual was well attended, and my students were delightful as always (even though my classes were in the evening when everyone was really tired from a full day). I thank them all for their courage to tackle a new technique under those circumstances. The event was held at Opryland, which is a sight to see as well. Temp's were over 100 degrees every day!!!

Summer experiments 2007

Summer is usually a very quiet time, and this one is no exception. It gives me 'studio time' to experiment and play with new ideas. I've been facinated with using striped fabric........just one fabric in a project. Depending upon future exploration, this may be a new workshop offering. Each fabric presents a new challenge, and a new result! My stash has been growing by leaps and bounds.......many new striped fabrics to audition.......many new layouts to be tried.

Poinsettia Class

AQS Nashville is always a wonderful experience. Poinsettia is one of the classes I will be teaching. Others include "A Little Bit of Fun" with foundation piecing, "Not Just Another Log Cabin", and my lecture will be "Inspirations From Nature". My booth will be #1205. Please stop by if you visit the show.

Pansy

Newst in the Designer's Workshop foundation patterns is Pansy (Available after 10-1-07). It contains all directions and illustrations, a Master Pattern page, and a printed freezer paper foundation sheet.

New U-Can-2 Patterns

Following along in the tradition of giving you 'two for one' I will be presenting "Sweet Violets & Tutti-Frutti" at Quilt Market in Houston this fall. Again, one simple block, but two different colorways and settings, gives you two completely different images. Violets is a simple row/strip style, with 'spacer blocks' added. Tutti-Frutti has an optional inner Prairie Point border. Both are constructed with a 'recipe' of Fat Quarters.

Foundation Piecing #101

Created in response to the numerous visitors to my NQA booth in Columbus who had never tried 'paper piecing', this is the ultimate 'hand holding' guide to get you started. Six easy blocks walk you through from the most basic mock log cabin, to the more involved Scrappy Heart block. A pre printed freezer paper sheet is included.