Yesterday I told you about the Journey Quilt that Hancock Fabrics has chosen for the Quilt Block of the Month program. I thought you might like to see a picture of the completed quilt. The ‘treasure’ block from yesterday’s post is the block in the upper left corner of the picture.
Fabrics, kits and instructions are available at any Hancock Fabrics store.
Sheila Reinke, Heart of Sewing
Sheila
Hancock Fabrics will begin its Quilt Block of the Month program for 2008 this month. Each year a different quilt and theme are chosen for the Quilt Block of the Month, and this year the theme is called “Journey”. This quilt is a great one for beginning quilters, so I encourage you to take a look at the program if you are looking for something new to do.
I have taken pictures of some of the fabrics to give you an idea of the quilt colors for this year. As you can see, the fabrics are so beautiful; you’ll want to purchase enough to make other things to go with your quilt.
Of all the quilts that have been chosen for Quilt Block of the Month in the past, this is one of my favorites. I have brown leather furniture in my family room, and this quilt will go perfectly in there.
If you are interested in participating in the program, check with your local Hancock Fabrics store. This program will be in all stores, and most will have demos for the Quilt Block of the Month program on the 3rd Saturday of each month. (However, stores do have the option to adjust this day, so check to see when your store is doing the demos.) Stop in at your local Hancock Fabrics store and pick up the instruction book. You can either have the fabrics cut for you or buy a kit that includes the book and the fabrics already cut for the quilt.
The creator for this year’s quilt is Laura Jones. Laura choose to call this quilt “Journey” because she knows that everyone has a journey in this life, everyone’s journey is different, and yet we can make the journey together – as we are each doing in completing our ‘journey’ with this quilt. Each participant will learn different things, and take away different memories – and yet we will journey together in completing this year’s Quilt Block of the Month.
The first quilt block is appropriately titled “Treasure”, because there is a pocket in the center of the block for you to put something into. The possibilities for what might go into this pocket are endless. Here are two pictures of the block, the first is just the quilt block – and the second is the block with a piece of lace that my Grandmother crocheted.
If you are going to give the quilt as a gift you might include a copy of a quilt journal designed specifically for this quilt. (Don’t know what a quilt journal is? Check out this link)
Another idea would be to include items from a trip that you have taken – something memorable. Perhaps you’ll choose a memento from your wedding, something that was important to you as a child, or a photo of a family member. Use your imagination!
I was so inspired by this block that I had to make another one, so I dug out some prints that might be fun for a child. Here’s what I came up with:
I think I’m going to make this up into a pillow – I can just see my granddaughter’s smile when she sees this! The block came out to 12” square without any borders – so to make a good size pillow I will add borders before I finish it off. Think about giving this to a child who is going into the hospital, the pocket could contain a favorite stuffed animal, or notes of encouragement. Using the same idea, you could make this block several times and create a throw blanket – each pocket could contain a different note or small gift for the recipient.
Sheila Reinke, Heart of Sewing
Sheila
I’ve been involved in the planning of two different events recently and have some pictures for you, so you can see what’s been going on!
First, there was a series of quilt retreats in the Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska areas, Hancock Fabrics Demonstrator Carol Prettyman and Mary Ourecky hosted these. The quilt made at the retreats was a Tennessee Waltz quilt, and over 120 women made this quilt up at the various retreats. One more retreat in the Minnesota area is planned for this quilt (see event schedule for information). As you can see from the pictures, everyone had a lot of fun working on their projects, and they took home a beautiful quilt top at the end!
I’ve always enjoyed being involved in quilt retreats, they are a great way to get three days of intense teaching as well as a chance to make new friends that share the same love of sewing. (Not to mention the joy of getting away from all those other excuses that keep us from quilting!) Some of the retreats I’ve been involved with have a ‘core’ group of participants that return year after year – and they look forward to seeing faces from past retreats.
Sewing Machines Everywhere!
Quick Break then back to work!
Finished Project – Job Well Done Ladies!
The next event was in Nebraska, at the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. I attended this event with Mary Ourecky, another Hancock Fabrics Demonstrator. This was our fourth year at this event, and we had a great time with the participants there.
We had several great models on display. The first photo shows several quilts: (starting at the left) is the quilt from the book Turning Twenty Around the Block (Hancock’s has a fabric kit for this quilt), next is Turning Twenty made from fat quarters, the next quilt was made using the fancy frame ruler from June Tailor to make the scalloped edge (see closeup of this quilt further down) and the 4th quilt was from the book “7-day Quilts” the name of the quilt is “Let’s Play Ball” I made it with space fabric instead. The next photo is a quilt made from fat quarters from the store’s Fat Quarter Singles program. The quilt pattern is called Rose Trellis.
We took some great new fabrics with us such as this 60 inch fabric called “Angel Micro Solid”. It’s soft and fun to touch – would make a great backing for a baby quilt (I suggest using a tiny bit of quilt basting spray to hold it together while quilting).
We had a great day demonstrating some tools – this is Mary with the Clover Yo-Yo Maker.
We also taught about some of the different types of quilts and how you could use something like the June Tailor scallop ruler to dress up a quilt edging and make it unique to you.
All in all, it was a lot of fun to help with planning these events. But of course it’s even more fun to attend, and I’ve always loved being able to teach – so the Museum trip was a lot of fun for me. If you’re interested in some of the other upcoming events I’ll be involved in, check out my events calendar at the top of the blog.
Sheila Reinke, Heart of Sewing
Sheila
Sheila Reinke 