Trunk Show with the Red Rock MQG!!!

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to share my Irish Chain Quilts with the Red Rock Modern Quilt Guild in St. George, Utah.   The ladies were so incredibly fun and I just had a ball!!!  What a wonderful evening!!!  (and a huge thank you to Natalia for sharing these pictures with me as I did not take a single one all evening ;)   I started with sharing my own Single, Triple, and Double Irish Chain Quilts.  The Double is the quilt my mother made me for my wedding and my first introduction to quilting, hence my love for Irish Chain quilts ;)

Then I shared the quilts from Irish Chain Quilts.   I have shared these here before so I won't show them all, but I couldn't help but share some of these.  I like to call this the many faces of Melissa.  Ya, I can get a little silly and I totally talk with my hands ;)

  

I think Natalia even caught me picking a thread off of this quilt.  Didn't even realize I was doing that, to funny!!

 And then to end things up . . . I shared a few quilts that have gone to Quilt Con, since I was at a MQG meeting it seemed to be a good fit and finish ;)   Oh, and I might have thrown in a not quite finished quilt (bottom right corner)  that I haven't shared yet on the blog.  I am hoping to get it  quilted soon and write up the pattern for it and then who knows . . . maybe it will get accepted to the next Quilt Con??  So ya, consider this a sneak peak of things to come very soon, and now that I have spilled the beans, hopefully that will get it done even sooner ;)

 It was such a super fun night!!!!  I just loved being able to share my passion for quilting with these amazing ladies.  What a wonderful group of amazingly talented women!!  It was an honor to get to share with them ;)   And after the show, I might have got a few bolts in the End of Bolt absolutely amazing sale at Quilted Works.  Ya, at $2.00 - $2.50 a yard can you blame me???  Now I have lots of Quilt Backs all stocked up :)

Thank you again to the Red Rock Modern Quilt Guild for having me.  It was just fantastic!!!

I hope you have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!! 

Blocked In - I Love Log Cabins!!!

Today is another fun day because I get to share another one of those secret projects from just about a year ago!!!  Remember when I showed these fabrics clear back when . . . .Well here they are all done up in my newest share Blocked In!!!!

Blocked In is featured in Martingale's newest compilation book I Love Log Cabins!!!  And let me just say, this book is packed with amazing ideas of how to transform your basic Log Cabin Block!!!  I was absolutely honored to be a part of this group of amazing quilters putting together stunning Log Cabin quilts!!!

When I designed Blocked In, I really wanted to keep it clean, simple, and streamlined.   I think so often when we think of log cabin we envision hundreds of pieces (which are absolutely stunning) but I really wanted to show that Log Cabin blocks can also be made with just a few pieces and give you a whole new bold look.  And of course, it has the added benefit of coming together rather quickly and easily, so fun!!!!

I used a collection of Basic Grunge prints by Basic Grey for Moda in bold colors for this quilt!!!  I know I have mentioned it before but I love grunge!!!  I just love how the little bit of added texture adds so much depth to the solid color.  And don't you just love those rich colors, so yummy!!!

To finish the quilt I added a little white border and then a grunge black binding.  I just love the way it really sets off the design!!

And for the quilting, I went with a personal favorite.  All over Swirls.  I just love all of that textures, makes me want to curl up with it in front of the fireplace ;)

And that is Blocked In!! I hope you love it simple boldness as much as I do.  It finishes at 61" x 75" so it actually just about the perfect size to snuggle up in front of the fireplace with.  That is sounding better and better, and since I just got a new book, that might be my afternoon plan now ;)

And as I mentioned before . . . I am in some amazing company in this book!!!  Look at all of these amazing quilts made by these amazing quilters!!!!!   I Love Log Cabins is packed with so many variations on a log cabin block and you are just going to love them!!!

1. Blaze by Amy Smart  2. Seeing Stars by Kimberly Jolly  3. Scrappy Courthouse Steps by Lissa Alexander  4. Very Berry by Brigitte Heitland  5. Mi Casa by Carrie Nelson   6. Rockin the Rainbow by Jackie White  7. Ice Crystals by Jocelyn Ueng  8. Hourglass Courthouse Steps by Audrie Bidwell  9. Log Cabin Chevron by Penny-Barnes 10. Herringbone by Heather Andrus 11. Framed by Lynne Hagmeier  12. Four Patch Log Cabin by Susan Ache  13. Daybreak by Rebecca Silbaugh 14. Twilight by Amy Ellis   15. Blocked In by Melissa Corry  16. Red Licorice Garden byJill-Finley

   

Yup, that is a lot of Log Cabin Goodness!!!   Each of the links above will take you to that quilters blog where you can read more about their amazing contribution to this amazing Log Cabin Quilts Book!!!

And if you like what you see and want a chance to win a copy of your own . . . Pop on over to Martingale where they are giving away 16 books!!!  Yippee for lots of chances to win!!!

That's all for today ;)  Thanks for popping in today and each day.  I just love being able to share my this passion with each of you on a daily basis ;)

Happy Quilting!!!

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway - Welcome Kimberly's Fabric Stash!!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day and today is a special TTGC because we are also welcoming a new sponsor to Happy Quilting!!!! So let's have some fun :)

First, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!   The winner of the $25.00 Gift Certificate to The Scarlet Thread Quilt  is . . .   Number # 81. . . Congrats Jennyroo!!!   I have emailed you :) 

      

   

  

And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Kimberly's Fabric Stash, a brand new sponsor here at Happy Quilting!!!    I asked Kimberly to send me a little intro to her shop so I could share it with all of you ;)   So here's all about Kimberly's Fabric Stash . . . 

Kimberly’s Fabric Stash located north of Pittsburgh, Pa opened in 2010 to serve a community of quilters and crafty people that wanted a more personalized experience. We encourage our customers to lead us in our products and services, so they can reach higher levels of satisfaction in their quilting and sewing. Fabulous fabrics fill our shelves which supports our customers overall experience. Our Kimberly’s Club offers the unique opportunity for them to decide what fabrics we carry, along with other great monthly benefits. It’s not the products that make our shop successful, it's our focus on our customer’s successes that has helped us grow and support them for over 5 years. 

So pop on over and see all about Kimberly's Fabric Stash!!!  They carry lots of different fabric manufactures and have yardage as well as all the pre-cuts we love to stash!!!   They also carry all of the threads, notions, and patterns to go along with all of that yummy fabric!!!  And of course, you can't miss the awesome Sale Section for even bigger discounts!!!

And before we get to the giveaway . . . Kimberly has something special to share!!!   Use the coupon code HAPPY20 for 20% off your entire order this week!!!!   Yippee, everyone can be a winner now with lots of fun shopping!!!

And now that we know a bit more about Kimberly's Fabric Stash . . . Let's have the Giveaway!!!  Kimberly's Fabric Stash has a beautiful custom Canyon Bundle by Kate Spain for Moda Fabrics.  That is 20 gorgeous fat quarters of quilting goodness for one lucky reader!!!!

You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me what is your favorite fabric if your Stash :)

 ENTRY 2 - Let's welcome Kimberly's Fabric Stash with lots of Love!!!!   You can Sign Up for their Newsletter (which will get your more coupon codes :)  You can follow them on   Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or You Tube.  Or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Kimberly Fabric Stash Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, February 16th when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck, Welcome to Kimberly's Fabric Stash and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Row Along Progress

Well, I managed to finish my first row from the Moda Row Along this weekend.  It is called Row Houses and is designed by Carrie Nelson.  Doesn't it just make you want to go visit this little lane of winter goodness ;)

I also made some good progress on a few other rows.  I got all of the petals for my Bloom row stitched, turned and pressed and then just had to sew one together to see how it would turn out.  I mean how adorable are those little 1 1/2" petals!!!  Can't wait to get this row done!!!

And I had chain stitched my border row during the All Night Sew at the Cedar Quilt Guild retreat and the Super Bowl yesterday was the perfect opportunity to press all of that lovely chain stitching ;)  Now to just sew it into rows ;)

I am just getting so excited for this new Christmas quilt!!!!  Don't you just love it when your project starts to shape and you just can't wait to see it all come together ;)  Here is hoping next Monday I can show you these partial rows finished and some new partial rows in the works ;)

Oh, and if you want Row Along as well, you can find all the details here ;)

I hope you have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

I Love Teaching!!!

So January was a complete whirlwind of quilting goodness!!!   I had the wonderful opportunity to teach at 3 different retreats in January and loved every minute of it!!!  I know I have said it here before, but I absolutely love teaching quilting classes!!!!   There is just such a joy in being able to share my love and passion with others ;)   I had so much fun teaching, and it has been such a whirlwind, that I haven't had time to go through all of my pictures and share with you.  So I finally sat down over the last few days and started editing and grouping and all the like and now you get a full fledged 3 Retreat Teaching Post!!!  Are you ready???  Here we go ;)

Cedar Chest Quilter's Guild Retreat

Last weekend was the Annual Cedar Chest Quilter's Guild Retreat.  This retreat is held in my home town of Cedar City, Utah and it was their 10th Anniversary so it was super special ;) One of my favorite things about this retreat is it always starts off with a meet the teacher night and then a Show and Tell.  Everyone gets to bring finished quilts that they have taken classes on in previous years.  I can't begin to explain how fun it is to see those block starts from classes come back as finished quilts!!!

These were some of the quilts from the Petal Pop Class I taught last year.

Aren't they just so fun!!!  I love how different a quilt can be by just using different fabric ;)

And up next was the Wonky Irish Chain Class I taught last year as well.  I just love how happy and fun these quilts all are ;)  Doesn't that lime green background just make you wish for Spring ;)

The next day was my first class.  I taught The Village Square from my Irish Chain Quilts book.   We had such a great time in class and everyone enjoyed the super easy applique.  I don't think it will be long before these little houses turn into villages ;)

On Friday morning I really treated myself and actually took a class!!!   I don't get to do this very often so I was so looking forward to it!!  Sandra Workman taught us her Improv Quilt as you Go Bag and I so loved it!!!  Talk about fun!!!   And of course, I made mine from all of my purple scraps ;)  Now all I have to do is get it put together ;) 

On Friday night of the Retreat, we all were in for a very special treat!!!  Amanda Herring  and Sandra Workman were the National Teachers of the year and put on an amazing Trunk Show that was also doubling as a fantastic and inspiring presentation on Creativity.   They shared their top 10 aspects for your Creative Journey which were 1- Take Risks 2- Inspiration 3- Patience 4- Dream Big 5- Be Curious 6- Challenge Yourself 7- Creative Source 8- Believe In Yourself 9- Be Generous 10- Live a Creative Life :).   It was absolutely amazing and left me feeling so incredibly blessed to be able to do what I do.  

Following the trunk show we had the All Night Sew!!!  And yes, this is just waht it sounds like.  150-200 women gather together and the sewing machines start humming.  We sew, and sew, and sew, until we can't see anymore ;)  I made it until 3 am but my last class was the next afternoon so I figured I best get some rest ;)  Oh, and did I mention along with sewing, they give out prizes, prizes, and more prizes!!!   So much fun!!!

And that afternoon class I mentioned above was my In Your Neighborhood pattern.  I absolutely love teaching this class.  It is so fun to see when the design clicks for everyone and it has lots of letters in the cutting so I get to play alphabet soup when teaching it.  Love it!!!  All together an absolutely amazing retreat.  I had such wonderful classes filled with wonderful people!!!!  What a joy :)

Winter Quiltfest Retreat

The weekend before was the Annual Winter Quiltfest Retreat held in Logan, Utah!!  This was my first time teaching at Winter Quiltfest and I can say I surly hope it isn't my last.  I loved, loved, loved it!!!!   What an amazing fun retreat :)  The retreat is run my Amy Maxfield and her family and they were just amazingly wonderful people to work with.  What a joy!!!

As soon as I arrived I got to say Hi to my wonderful friend Amy Smart and also got to meet a brand new and incredibly amazing friend, Jen Kingwell.  They were both the Featured Teachers of the retreat and I just loved being able to sit and chat with them.  I got to catch up with Amy as we normally only get to see each other at Market, and I got to learn all kinds of wonderful and amazing things about Jen.  So fun!!!

The next morning was my first class.  I taught my Braided Irish Chain pattern and what a fun class it was!!!  Everyone picked up on the pattern so quickly and the machines were just humming away.  I love that this design is put together with three different blocks because it is so fun to see how excited everyone gets when their little blocks turn into a giant block and they see the design come together.   What an awesome class this was and I just loved getting to know all of these amazing ladies!!!

In the afternoon that day, I taught my Petal Pop class.  And once again, it was full of just some amazing ladies!!!  So much fun!!!  This class is always a little worrying at first, because the block seems like it goes together backwards, but everyone picked it up quickly and was turning out blocks in no time.   I even got an email from a class member this week who finished her quilt top already!!  See it in the bottom corner.  So fun!!!

The evening finished with an amazing trunk show by Jen Kingwell!!!  And oh my, can you say jaw dropping!!!  This gal blows me away!!!  She hand pieces her quilts, yes I said hand pieces her quilts!!!  And I absolutely love how full of color all of her quilts are.  She uses 200 plus different fabrics in her quilts.  Just amazing!!!  My only regret of the retreat was that due to my schedule, I wasn't able to take a class.  I know I am a horrible hand stitcher but I sure would have loved to learn from the master.  

I was only there for a day, but oh my goodness, I just loved it!!!  The classes were amazing, the food was absolutely delicious (seriously, I was tempted to take a picture of my plate and share it ;)  and everyone was so nice and friendly!!!  I am so looking forward to making this an annual trip ;)  What a wonderful retreat!!

Quilt St. George Retreat

And last but not least, in the first week of January (yes, a month ago) I was able to teach at the Quilt St. George Retreat in St. George Utah.   This retreat was a little smaller and I have to say, there is something really fun about having a small class every once and a while.  I really got a chance to sit and get to know these ladies more.  What a treat ;)

I taught two classes at the retreat both from my Irish Chain Quilts book.  I had the Two Paths Crossed class and had so much fun.  These ladies were great and got their blocks put together with beautiful precision.   And we all enjoyed a lot of good laughs in the process ;)

And I also taught my String of Pearls class.  And even though these gals were a little camera shy to be in their pictures, they were absolutely lovely to teach and get to know.  We had such a wonderful time in class.

And I finished the evening out with a Trunk Show from my Irish Chain Quilts book.  I got to share the quilts from the book and a bit about the designing, inspiration, and joy in writting the book.  And of course, I didn't think to give my camera to anyone to take any pictures.  But it was fun, just trust me on that one ;)  It was a wonderful finish to a wonderful day!!!!

Oh, and on a side note . . .  I will be sharing my Irish Chain Quilts Trunk Show next Thursday at the Red Rock Modern Quilt Guild once again in St. George.  So if you are in the area, come check it out ;)  Hopefully this time I will remember to take some pictures ;)

And I think that just about wraps up my Teaching in January 2016!!!  Did you stay with me to the very end.  Wow, that turned out to be quite a post ;)  But honestly, what a treat it has been.  I just can not say enough how much I absolutely love to teach quilting!!!  I love sharing my passion and I love that I always come away learning new things as well.  Quilters are just the most amazing people and I love getting to meet and share with them at these incredible functions ;)

I hope you all have an amazing weekend filled with lots of Happy Quilting!!!!