With school in full swing, the countdown has begun. Eight months to go: Graduation! Senior year has officially started. In less than 300 days, their next chapter
begins.
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal”> Senior
year will be the last of those “childhood memories” created before adulthood emerges
as reality and childhood is transformed into distant memories. The last time the team is together tasting
that sweet victory. The last time the
harmonies ring and soar in concert halls.
The last of the school dances that will end with the Senior Prom. The decisions that will be made of what to do
beyond graduation: go to college, enter the military, go to a trade or
vocational school, or enter the workforce fulltime. Whatever decisions are made in the next nine
months, there will always be the memories we cherish from our childhood.
<o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal”> Not all
kids played sports or have the same family traditions, but we all have memories
that are near and dear to us. There are
memories that bring a smile and brighten our face. Maybe they create a warm, comfortable feeling
that no one can take away from them.
Give those memories or cherished feelings in the warmth of a special
quilt.
<o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”><strong>For
your athlete or sports lover
</strong>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”><strong><o:p></o:p></strong><img src=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/images/thumbnails/150/150/product/12/1d5d045ef2390598fb4f91f546494df9.jpg”>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”>For
the Love of the Sport
<o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”>
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o:title></v:imagedata>
</v:shape><![endif]–>
<!–[if !vml]–>
<a href=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/jenny-foltz-quilt-design/”><img src=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/images/detailed/13/bdf334e0af257db3b9c298f581d8bedc.jpg” width=”270″ height=”272″ alt=”” style=”width: 270px; height: 272px;”></a><o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”>Or to
celebrate your athlete (available in 10 different sport themes)
<o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”><strong>For
your outdoor lovers
<o:p></o:p></strong>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”><a href=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/great-outdoors/”>
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type=”#_x0000_t75″ href=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/great-outdoors/”
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o:button=”t”>
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o:title></v:imagedata>
</v:shape><![endif]–>
<!–[if !vml]–>
<img src=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/images/detailed/12/b5eee5289558552d2696f5fafcaf97a7.jpg” width=”240″ height=”241″ alt=”” style=”width: 240px; height: 241px;”></a><o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”>Pick
one of our many outdoor themes
<o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”><strong>For
your favorite college (colors) or team
</strong><o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”><a href=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/1-fan-quilt-pattern/”>
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type=”#_x0000_t75″
href=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/1-fan-quilt-pattern/” style=’width:154.5pt;
height:154.5pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square’ o:button=”t”>
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</v:shape><![endif]–>
<!–[if !vml]–>
<img src=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/images/detailed/20/3e02a5eb71a2a133c472c116f47edb63.jpg” width=”189″ height=”190″ alt=”” style=”width: 189px; height: 190px;”></a><o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center” rel=”text-align:center”><strong>Embracing
hobbies, passions, or memories
<o:p></o:p></strong>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”><a href=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/memory-quilts/”>
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id=”Picture_x0020_6″ o:spid=”_x0000_i1025″ type=”#_x0000_t75″
href=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/memory-quilts/” style=’width:162pt;
height:238.5pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square’ o:button=”t”>
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<img src=”https://www.quilterswarehouse.com/images/detailed/22/its_a_frame_up.png” width=”181″ height=”266″ alt=”” style=”width: 181px; height: 266px;”></a><o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class=”MsoNormal” align=”center” style=”text-align:center”>Use
one of these panel patterns to make a quilt from those special t-shirts or
garments
<o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p> Each one
of our children are unique. Make them a
quilt that is unique and meaningful as they are.
<

Just Around the Corner

As August has soared by and September is quickly approaching, we prepare for several upcoming events.  Some of us are preparing to start school. Some of us are getting our children ready with new supplies and clothing. Teachers and staff are assembling classrooms, equipping buildings, and other school-related places are getting their final checks.  If you haven’t already started school, it’s just around the corner I’m sure.

Before we know it, the weather will get cooler, and autumn will arrive.  That time of year for picking apples or even pumpkins (or at least in our part of the world).  That is usually a time when crafters prepare for bizarre, holiday trade shows, or whatever you may know them as.  Again, those are just around the corner.

And before you know it, the Christmas season is upon us just like that! Where did the time go?  Yesterday it seems that Christmas was just around the corner and like that, it is here.  Since these seasons will be upon us sooner than we anticipate, I would like to share some great autumn quilt patterns and some thoughts with you about each one that I chose.

Maple Leaf Basket

As a family, we would rake leaves and of course, we kids would jump in that big pile that we worked so hard to make.  I can hear our giggles now and see my dad throw extra leaves on us to help bury us further in that pile.  Rake again in a pile. Jump in and scatter leaves. Giggle. Repeat.

Awesome Autumn

As a child, my mom would take my sister and me to craft shows.  This pattern reminds me of those shows that were at the local orchards near us.  I can smell those fresh donuts and taste that warm   apple cider now.

Witches’ Night Out!

Halloween was my mom’s favorite holiday.  She loved decorating outside: we had ghosts, headstones, a coffin, and bats that you would see as you approached our house.  She would dress up as a witch every year with her greasy hair wig, a fake pointy nose, and however she would fix her makeup that year and stand next to her cauldron full of Halloween candy.  The older kids always looked forward to coming to our house.  (Please keep in mind that the decorations and costume were all homemade; this was way before Hobby Lobby and JoAnn’s are what we know it to be today.)

For those of us that are ahead of the game, super organized, or whatever you may call yourself (or get called), here are some Christmas gift ideas that I would make for my friends, family, and the special people or co-workers in my life.

Wine Totes

We have those on our lists that enjoy a drink during this season.  Festive material may be used for this personal gift.  To make it more personal for that special someone, pick a fabric print that is a reflection of them: cats, dogs, favorite sports team, tractors, or characters from their favorite movie or show.  Red or white wine is a splendid choice, but sparkling grape juice will also fit in this gift tote.

Ornaments

These are ornaments that I would make for my nieces and nephews.  If I had grandchildren or godchildren, I would include them in this list.  You can even make these into a personalized gift tag that was made with extra love.

And the Stockings Were Hung

These are a great size for stuffing their favorite treats in something that is not a gift bag or box.  Favorite treats may include things like a gift card (which we offer), scratch-off tickets, candies, and sweets, and those who don’t enjoy receiving cash as a gift.

Come and check out our website: Quilterswarehouse.com.  See what inspires you or provokes a memory from your past, which was just around the corner.

What says Christmas like a beautiful personally made stocking stuffed with goodies?!  Here’s a few of the stocking patterns available.

The 3 Christmas Stockings Pattern by Bonnie Sullivan of All Through The Night gives you a choice of snowmen, holly, or branches with ornaments.  Better yet, make all three.  Optional hanging “fringe” adds a little pizzazz.

Winter Star Stocking Pattern features a beautiful pieced star with lots of color options as the focal point.  The rest of the stocking is also pieced so this is a great pattern for scraps.  The top section is just a bit larger than the rest of the stocking so you can get that really stuffed look!

The Stockings Were Hung pattern (another by Bonnie Sullivan) has a pieced body, and applique on the cuff.  A little hand embroidery is also part of the pattern.  These old fashioned looking stockings are a bit long – lots of room for goodies.

Snowman Stocking is hanging out at night with his cardinal friend.  This adorable stocking is also available as a kit, with the pattern and all the fabric you’ll need to complete the project.

Make these Stocking Ornaments to hang on the tree, or sew up the window and hang them there. Cute either way!

Whether it’s the seasons changing or the prospect of Thanksgiving company, it’s satisfying to add some style and personality to your rooms.  Table runners and table toppers are an easy way to do that.  They are usually quick projects and you can make a second one to use as a hostess gift.

Dining Delight by D. Hall Designs comes with instructions for different sizes so you can choose the length you want.  The design is fairly simple, with just a few pieces, but the on-point setting and the pointed ends add interest.

Table Dressings by Nelly of Artela Quilts is made of just a few large pieces. Nelly’s directions are clear and easy to follow. This pattern is perfect for showcasing a favorite medium to large scale print. And, bonus, it’s reversible! Two table runners in one! Two gifts in one!

This one, Swing It!, looks a little complicated, but it’s not as hard as you might think!  Designs to Share With You has an easy quilt-as-you-go method for curves.  So, sew one up, and learn a new technique.

Table Talk is a fun little table runner with lots of visual interest.  You could rotate that center block a quarter turn and it would look like the dark blocks are tumbling down, back and forth, from top to bottom.

The Roulette table topper uses off center log cabin blocks to create the illusion of curves. Designer Genii Lehmann says it looks great if you use 4 color gradations in one color family. I agree!

There are many more table runner patterns.  Choose one or two and start stitching.  You’ll be dressing up your tables before you know it!

Paper piecing takes just a little getting used to, but it is worth the effort to learn.  Like anything else, the more you do it, the more comfortable you will become with the process.  And the results will amaze you.  Sometimes you just can’t get the same results any other way.

If you are new to paper piecing, Love Grows is a great pattern for learning.  The flower, its greenery, and the flowerpot are paper pieced and easy enough for a beginner.  The rest of the pattern is traditional piecing.  When you are finished you will have a 14″ x 26″ wall hanging to gift or to hang onto so you can celebrate your new found passion for paper piecing!

Not into bright? Although Coneflowers has a little more paper piecing than the previous pattern, it’s still easy enough, but looks complicated.  Impress your friends…. and yourself!

Ready to really jump in?  Go big!  Sunset on Ellis Island measures 43″ x 43″ and has a big WOW factor.  Nelly Vileikis of Artelas Quilts writes clear, easy to follow instructions.  Have fun with color on this one and create a beautiful wall hanging that you’ll be proud to show off.

Want something on the small side?  MH Designs has dozens of paper piecing patterns in small to medium sizes.  Mary’s themes are varied and she usually packs a lot of detail into her designs.  Chickadee Treat is a 12″ x 13″ wall hanging.  She certainly captured the essence of Chickadees, didn’t she?!

Check out all the paper pieced patterns (also called foundation piecing). You’ll probably see several that you want to try!