Monday with Martingale

I finally managed to open the newest box of books from Martingale/That Patchwork Place and I absolutely love every one of them.  Deciding which one to review for you first was not an easy decision, but for those who know me choosing the one entitled Treasures from the ’30s to mention first would come as no surprise.  This book was authored by Nancy Mahoney and contains eight wonderful ’30s quilt to make. 

8 Great '30s Quilts!

 Deciding which quilt to do first always poses a problem.  I think the one that appealed to me most of all was the appliqued pattern called Bell Flowers.  Next would be the Whirling Fans, a great quilt on which to use up those scraps.  Then there was the Bride’s Quilt which shows an interesting way to make the arch between hearts.  Slick!

12 Great Projects!

Next, there’s House Party by Sue Hunt.  There are six quilts and six coordinating pillows offered in this book.  While I absolutely hate rain I would have to say the one with the umbrellas, shown on the cover, would be the one I would do first.  Why I like umbrellas so much is anyone’s guess.  Then there’s an interesting paper-pieced snowflake quilt that is almost as tempting.  I’ve always wanted to do a basket quilt and there’s even a strip technique for making a basket quilt that is a bit unusual when compared to what you normally think of when someone talks about a basket quilt.

14 Charming Projects!

The third book to tell you about is a very charming offering by Vicki Bellino entitled Bloom Creek Quilts.  It has patterns for a variety of projects ranging from full-sized quilts to table runners and welcome banners.  In fact, the welcome banner included in the book is one for which I had bought the pattern to make last year.  It didn’t get done of course…imagine that.  All of the projects in this book are appealing, at least they are to me, and have that homey, lived-in kind of look.  There’s nothing overly hard about any of them making this book a good one for beginning quilters.

Martingale has made it easy for you to see several of the projects in their books without even having to visit the  shop.  That’s both a good and a bad thing I think.  But, ever wanting to give you the most information about what’s new I encourage you to visit www.martingale-pub.com and look through the gallery photos of any and all of the books in which you might be interested.  If you find other books not mentioned here and would like to have a copy just contact me.  If I don’t already have it I will gladly order it for you.

Month 4 – 1st Trimester Ends!

We’re a third of the way through our Farmer’s Wife Sampler quilt!  YEAH!!!  This month there are only eight blocks to complete, many of which are easy, and one of which is a challenge. 

Once again I ended up making one of the blocks twice because I didn’t like the color combination on the first one.  That’s  OK though as the reject is the Flower Basket which can be turned into a small pillow to use as a decoration.  That’s something that has been on my to-do list for a long time…make six inch pillows to put in a basket to just sit around and look cute.  I’ll get around to it one of these days.  Given the number of extra blocks I have made with the Farmer’s Wife, I already have a good start.

Ellen's Ohio Star

Last month I challenged our ladies to make a unique block since #111 was essentially a repeat of #20 just with different colors.  Ellen sent us a photo of her substitute block which is the Ohio Star.  She chose this block because she likes stars, it dates from the 1700’s, and it was used in the Civil War Sampler quilt that she is also working on.  Needless to say, Miss Ellen’s needle is rarely still.

It’s so exciting to see the blocks our ladies have made and share in their enthusiasm as they realize that they really can make these blocks.  Several have told me that they are enjoying the kits because it allows them to just make the blocks without the hassle of choosing and cutting fabric.  They also like them because they provide a quick fix, or instant gratification as some would call it, and gives them a sense of accomplishment when a block is completed.  Some who were not too confident in their skills are finding that they know more than they thought they did and are enjoying the challenge without being overwhelmed by it.

While cutting 400-500 kits per month is a daunting task, especially when added to breaking down and making the blocks as well as writing directions for each one, we have enjoyed this project as much as our ladies and have to stop ourselves from wishing our lives away each month in our zeal to see what each block will look like.  On the one hand, June 2011 cannot come too soon, but then on the other hand it will be here before we know it, all our blocks will be done and then what.  That’s the question that begs to be answered…but not right now.

Month 4 Images

September – National Coupon Month

Today begins National Coupon Month.   While it’s hard to wrap my brain around the fact that it is now September, the beginning of the last trimester  of the year, it is never difficult to wrap my brain around saving money.  After all, that’s what coupons are all about, saving money. 

We have eleven coupons designed to help you do just that.  Some are good for the entire month while others have specific dates for which they are valid.  I’ve tried to mix it up and be creative so you can save money on just about everything in the store. 

Feel free to print out the coupon sheet and either bring it to the shop on your next visit or call with an order.  I don’t mind shipping items if you don’t mind waiting for them a day or two. 

Share the coupons with as many friends as you like and pass along the savings.  With what you save you could buy more fabric, patterns, books, etc. later.  Don’t forget that the season for gift giving is quickly approaching so make yourself a list, check it twice, and then drop in for a visit.

HOQ-Sept Coupon Sht