Quilts on Parade

 Hello Everyone,

My email inbox has been filled with beautiful pictures from quilters who've made my patterns.  Let me tell you I LOVE getting these pictures!  

First up is A Ribbon Runs Through It by Carol from the Chicago area.  She said she got carried away making pillow shams, throw pillows and a wool applique pillow.  I need to get this carried away and create a beautiful setting like this in one of my bedrooms!  I met Carol when I taught at the Pieceful Gathering Retreat a few years ago, and I hope to meet again.

Next up is a picture of Elena's quilt from Italy.  In her email, Elena said, "What you create makes us dream."  Elena's words were so touching, and I will always think about them while I'm designing patterns and fabric.  I virtually 'met' Elena through my Etsy shop in 2022 and she has been keeping me updated on her progress.  She is now working on my Laurel Ridge quilt through The Quilt Show.  Elena wants to come to the US so we can meet.  I need to learn Italian!

Next up is Teresa's Christmas Ribbons quilt.  Teresa was so kind to include a picture of her quilt in her review in my Etsy shop. This quilt is going to be a gift to a very special person. I look at the reviews and try to keep up responding to them.  I contacted Teresa and asked her if I could include the picture in my social media sites.  She graciously said yes.  I really appreciate her taking the time to make my design and post a review.  Positive reviews make a great deal of difference in Etsy's search algorithm. 

During the week I was contacted by Annette, who did a YouTube video HERE about her experience making her lovely Heritage.  The video is about 10 minutes long, and she even included a boo-boo.  Her boo-boo was one that I made too.  The video is so nicely done, and I really appreciate that she took the time to document her Heritage quilting journey which may help you on your journey.

Here is another gorgeous Heritage in an Autumn colorway, sent to me by Malgorzata from Poland.  We have been corresponding for the past 5 years.  Her words of inspiration inspired me and tugged at my heart. I complimented her on her work, and she said, "....your praise gives me wings and willingness to continue working on more quilts."  In addition to Italian, I need to learn the Polish language.  Thank goodness for Google Translator!

Here's a closeup of her precision.  So well done!

Whenever one of you send me pictures, I always show all of your images to Mr. Joe, and he is very complimentary.  He knows the level of effort that I put into my quilts, and he appreciates your hard work.

Your pictures and emails inspire me. I wish you could see my reaction when I open my email.  I'm gobsmasked! (I do love that word).  It's your kind words that keeps me doing what I do.  When I started designing in 2008, I never in my wildest dreams thought it would take me to this level of fond friendships around the world.  You, my dear quilters and blog readers are the BEST!

Humbly yours,

Lynn

A Ribbon Runs Through It 2.0 version

 Hello Everyone,

I received an email from a quilter wondering what fabric line I would suggest for A Ribbon Runs Through It since the original fabric line is no longer available. I thought about it and went to the Marcus Fabrics website to check out what lines are going to be available soon.

I saw the Elegant Estate Collection by Judie Rothermel and fell in love with it. You can view the line with larger images by clicking HERE.  I downloaded the images into my EQ8 software and played around recoloring my original design.

Then I started playing around with it some more and added a stripe fabric from my Hearthstone line. Here are the center blocks with and without the stripe.

Without the stripe and the posts are teal.

Here's the quilt with a black border or the teal border.

I had a lot of fun after I posted the pictures on my Sew'n Wild Oaks FB page and quilters around the globe started chiming in with suggestions.  This is very much a fluid idea, if ideas can be fluid. My ideas are usually flowing around in my brain night and day.   EQ8 software makes it so easy to audition different fabrics and creates an excellent rendition of the quilt. This is the final version of the quilt in EQ software.

Last week, I received this picture from Shirley who made A Ribbon Runs Through It as a wedding gift for her daughter.  Her daughter must have been thrilled to receive her gift! I love the fact that Shirley added more borders to make it larger.  She put her own spin on the design.  

Now I'm adding this new version of the quilt using Elegant Estate Collection to my TBM (To be made) list which is about as long as my TBR (To be read) list.  I'm an avid reader and have a long list of books I want to read.  Each and every day gives us the opportunity to be creative or have some quiet time to curl up with a good book.  But when I curl up to read, I drop my book and wake myself up snoring!

We had a bit of a scare last week when Mr. Joe passed out and did a face plant at his SIRS picnic.  The paramedics packed him up into the ambulance and took him to the emergency room.  He was so disappointed that he didn't get to hear the sirens.

We spent six hours in the emergency room, and he was given a CT scan of his head and neck, and chest x-rays.  He was hooked up to a heart monitor and received three bags of fluid. When he fell, the brim of his hat covered his face, so he actually looked okay, except for his nose.

It was determined that he was dehydrated, and his blood pressure was extremely low. He has been in recovery mode this past week. Yesterday he was going a little stir crazy and wanted to get out of the cabin and go for a walk.  We headed up to Lake Alpine where it was nice a cool and Mazey went for a dip in the water.

Here's to staying vertical!

Soon,

Lynn

A Ribbon Runs Through It Extra Fabric Pattern

 Hello Everyone,

I think I should call this pattern A Cinch by the Inch.  Except for the setting triangles, you only need 1" strips.  

This was made using the leftover fabrics from the A Ribbon Runs Through It block of the month program.  You can just keep making blocks until you run out of fabric.  Since I wasn't sure how much fabric was leftover, due to cutting and usage, the fabrics requirements are a bit vague.  

To get a copy of this FREE pattern click HERE.  I put the pattern in Google Docs to make it easier for you to download and print the pattern.  I also included the template if you like to paper piece.

You could choose to add a border, or not.  You could make a lap-sized quilt with your leftover fabrics or make it larger by adding additional fabric from your stash to make more blocks.  How about using the pattern to make pillow shams to go with your quilt. The choice is yours.

I'm off to Snowflake Lodge early this morning to get set up for my Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat.  The quilters are coming, the quilters are coming!

Soon,

Lynn

Eye Candy Day

 Hello Everyone,

I love, love, LOVE to see variations of my quilt designs.  This is my Heritage pattern made by my friend Kate.  Her color combination of red, white and blue is spectacular.  The machine quilting just puts this one over the top on the gorgeous scale.

The quilt started like this at a class I taught at Friends Around the Block in Colusa, CA.  Every quilt has a beginning and a beautiful ending.  Kate created an heirloom to enjoy for years and years to come.  Well done YOU!

Then I received this image of my Country Charmer design made by Patricia.  This is a fabulous finish too!  This is what Patricia said about it.

I want to thank you for the Country Charmer pattern. I found a Christmas quilt made with this pattern on Pinterest and fell in love. The pattern was easy to follow, and I am thrilled with the results.

I am thrilled with your result too!  Please send me a picture after it's quilted so I can enjoy looking at it all over again.

Fran, from Village Dry Goods in Brigham City, UT sent me a picture of my A Ribbon Runs Through It on display behind their counter in the shop.  This actually is the quilt I made, and I haven't seen it in months since it's been traveling the country to different shops.  To my understanding, the quilt is back in California and should now be at Cloth and Quilts in Hilmar, CA.  I should take the 2-hour drive down and visit her.

On a personal note, I have now completed my jury duty for the rest of my life!  I was officially excused yesterday from the pool of jurors as the final jury and alternates were selected.  I swear some of the jurors in the "pool" where swimming at the shallow end of the gene pool.  If I hadn't been on camera the entire time, I would have been banging my head on the nearest piece of wood.  I spent four days, 6 hours each day, wading through jury selection, and listened to every personal problem and issue known to man.  I'm done!  I'm so done DONE!  Can you feel my frustration?  

Today I get to return to my normal life and schedule.  Oh, it feels so good!  You have no idea how good it feels to tackle my to-do list that grew while I was doing my civic duty.  

Soon,

Lynn

Playing with Scraps

 Hello Everyone,

I've been playing with the scraps that were left over from A Ribbon Runs Through It block of the month program.  As soon as I get a bit farther along, I will post the directions so everyone can make this quilt whether or not you are in the program.  The directions will be free to all.

I had a pile of cute little blocks when I decided to put a 9-patch in a few of them for added interest.  You know me, I just can't help myself when it comes to adding little special touches to my quilts. Yes, it takes more time, but I think it is worth it when it comes to the "cute" factor.

They are darling!

I'm going to "sprinkle" a few of the blocks into the final mix of the quilt so your eyes can dance around the quilt and do a 9-patch dance.  Maybe that's a good name for the quilt!  So, 9-Patch Dance it is then!

Those of you enrolled in the BOM program will not have a lot of light fabric left each month.  So that is why I'm making just a few of the 9-patch sections.  Feel free to pull from you stash of lights if you want to add more 9-patches.

For the sashing I'm using the R3311 fabric from the Return to Elegance fabric collection by Judie Rothermel for Marcus Fabrics.  You could also use a cream fabric as the sashing, or a light pink or lavender. 

On another note, a couple of weeks ago we ordered Chinese takeout.  Usually, the fortunes in the cookies are pretty generic.  I saved my fortune from the other night as it really struck a chord in my heartstrings. 

At the end of each day, think "what has this day brought me, and what have I given it?"

I greet each day with a grateful heart in anticipation of what I can do to make my small little corner of the world a bit better.  Whether it's a nice meal shared with friends or family, a few beautiful quilt blocks, or creating a nice homey environment for Mr. Joe and Mazey.  Each day we are given 24 hours to give back to others.  It can be a smile, a phone call, or an email to someone going through a rough patch.  I feel quilters are the most giving and caring people of earth.  Let's keep the giving circle growing each and every day of our lives. Give it your all today!

Soon,

Lynn

Welcome to Sew'n Wild Oaks Blog

Update - It's a good thing I have some sharp readers in blogland!  I was notified by Sharon that you will need an additional 3-1/4 yards of the teal fabric to make this into a king-sized quilt. I appreciate the fact that she contacted me.  --Lynn

Hello Everyone,

I've been planning and waiting for an entire year for my A Ribbon Runs Through It block of the month to begin........and we are off and running!  Many of you have received you first month's fabric installment and pattern to start making this heirloom quilt. Some of you are just now reading my blog for the first time.  Welcome to the Sew'n Wild Oaks family.  

I'll be here to answer your questions and walk you through the process.  There are links in your pattern to my free classes on The Quilt Show.com which will also help you.  At the top of my blog, I have an entire section set aside for tutorials.  The first block tutorial is finished, and I will be adding more over the next few months.

I received an email from a BOM participant asking me about adding an additional border to make the quilt fit a king size bed.  I opened my project in EQ software and added an extra 1" pink border, and 6" teal border and achieved this dramatic look.  The fabrics are now available in many online shops or in your local quilt store.  Get your additional fabric now before they're gone.  To keep the orientation of the floral pattern all lined up properly, I would purchase an additional 3-1/4 yards of teal and 1/3 yard of the pink.  I cut my borders lengthwise.  Refer to your pattern for the cutting directions.  I'm very anal, and I have to have my flowers all facing the same direction.   

I think this would enhance the quilt without having to add additional blocks.  I envision beautiful feathers machine quilted in the border.

It's not too late to jump on board and join this BOM program. Many quilt shops are just now starting their programs and other shops will begin in February.

During the great power outage of 2021/2022, Mr. Joe and I finished stuffing all of the patterns, and we are still shipping them out on a weekly basis to shop around the world.  Some shops have re-ordered 3 times!  Mr. Joe is so happy to have job security. I'm happy to keep Mr. Joe occupied during these cold, snowy Winter days.

Soon,

Lynn

Now That's Using Your Noodle

 Hello Everyone,

Fat Quarter Shop has my quilt now, and they posted pictures from their wonderful photoshoot on their website.

You can check out all of the images HERE on their website.  I was so pleased when I saw this.  It is my understanding they are going to make a video about the quilt next, and I can't wait to see it.  I think I will contact them to see if I can use this photo on my pattern cover.

On another note, I had a very interesting encounter with a bear yesterday.  I drove my car down to water aerobics around 8:15am.  As I was walking from the parking lot to the pool, a bear came running down a driveway from across the street, and ran in front of me.  It ended up at the back side of the area by the restaurant.  It was basically blocking my path to the pool, because I didn't know which way he was going to run.  I shook my blue pool noodle at him while hollering at the same time.  He took off in the opposite direction.  Boy, I guess I showed him not to mess with a scantily clad woman on her way to exercise class! I say that I was using my noodle, and I'm sticking to it.

After lunch, Mr. Joe headed out for a trip to the post office.  While driving down our street, just about ten cabins away, there was a bear strolling down our street. I think he was looking for the lady shaking the blue pool noodle at him! 

The day before all of this happened, we had a mama and two cubs in our backyard.  I don't have any pictures to document this as it was too dark at 5:30am.

Use your noodles today.

Soon,

Lynn

Peekers Again

Hello Everyone,

The anticipation is building in me to show you the entire A Ribbon Runs Through It block of the month quilt for Marcus Fabrics.  Here's a refresher picture of the fabrics that are incorporated into the quilt.  This beautiful line, Return to Elegance by Judie Rothermel, is going to sell itself.

 

I just found out yesterday that this quilt is going to get on a plane again and make another trip for a video photoshoot.  This quilt will be quite the seasoned traveler as she will also be going to Houston Quilt Market.

Here's a picture of the backing.  

Now that we have been vaccinated, we are getting together more and more with friends.  We've enjoyed so many meals out on the deck under the stars, and the pine trees.  The other night I made Langostino Alfredo.  I could also call this Cardiac on a Plate.....but I won't.  It isn't something you would whip up on a regular basis, but just once in awhile a good pasta dish just hits the spot.  It was so good, the recipe made the cut, and is now in the Wilder Family Cookbook.  Enjoy!  

Soon,

Lynn

P.S. I purchased a 2 pound bag of Langostino at Costco.

Langostino Alfredo

8 ounces pasta, cooked according to box (save 1 cup pasta water)

12 ounces langostino tails, thawed and drained

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1½ cups half and half, room temperature

½ cup whole milk, room temperature

3 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (from a block is best), divided

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

 INSTRUCTIONS

©      -In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Whisk in flour and cook for 3-4 minutes.

©      -Add garlic and whisk to combine.  Season with half of the salt and pepper.

©      -Slowly whisk in milk and half & half. (Start slowly to allow milk/half & half to blend in as you are whisking.  Do not dump it in all at once)

©     - Whisk frequently over medium/medium low heat until sauce has thickened.

©     - When sauce has reached desired consistency, remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups of grated Parmesan.  Add additional salt and pepper to taste.

©      -If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it.  Add a label or two of sauce to cooked pasta and toss to coat noodles with sauce.

©     - Gently fold thawed and drained langostino tails into the remaining sauce and ladle sauce over pasta.

©      -Top with fresh parsley and remaining Parmesan cheese.

BOM Sneak Peeks

Hello Everyone,

Just a couple of sneak peeks of my new block of the month for Marcus Fabrics.  The program will roll out in January of 2022. I spent about 60 hours machine quilting her. Either I'm really slow, or the quilting is intense.

I LOVE this border fabric!  The fabric is called Return to Elegance by Judie Rothermel for Marcus Fabrics.  Lucky me, to have the opportunity to work with this fabric line.

The quilt measure 99" x 99" and will be a 10-month program.  I named my quilt, A Ribbon Runs Through It.  So you know there's going to be a ribbon somewhere in the quilt.

More sneaks peaks to come.

Soon,

Lynn
 

Busy Days Past and Future

 Hello Everyone,

This post is totally rated family friendly.....all good times spent with family over the past week. This is our grandson Jess, a great kid, and baseball player.  He didn't know we were coming to town to watch him play.  It was so heartwarming to have him run out of the dugout to give us hugs.

We went to Livermore for the weekend and watched Jess' team play in the TOC finals.  They won the whole sheebang! He played catcher, and 3rd base.  The coach put him in as pitcher in the last inning of the first game.  Three up three down, and we were on our way to the finals.

Jess is in his red catchers gear, and our son, the assistant coach, is standing behind him.

That same weekend was senior prom for our two granddaughters.....the ladies in red.  I spent an hour and a half repairing one of the dresses.  One of the straps was falling off and the other was hanging by a thread.  The girls are pictured here with their friends from FFA.  (Future Farmers of America).

One of the FFA moms surprised the kids with their names on the marquee at the cinema downtown.  The FFA kids really do aspire to inspire.

And yes, we had another bear on our deck.  We were just getting ready to sit down for breakfast when this one came right up the stairs and left the same way.  The bird feeders have been gone for weeks, but they still have to check and see.  The neighbors had a big bear get into their garbage last week.  They soon learned their non-bear-proof receptacle is unacceptable. I never go out for a walk without the air horn in my pocket.  Over the weekend, we heard the siren go off at the lake to clear the bears, and warn the swimmers, and picnikers.  Several years ago during the drought, bears moved into our area and never left.  They multiplied like rabbits, and now we see have an over abundance of them. We are in a drought situation again this year.  Will this never end?

We have a busy week ahead with Jess' 8th grade graduation, and Emily and Kinsey's high school graduation.  The party is at our house in the Bay Area.  At least there, we don't have to worry about a bear crashing the party!

A Ribbon Runs Through It is on her way for a photoshoot at Marcus Fabric headquarters in New York City.  The label was the last thing that needed to be done.  I felt like I was sending my first born child off to summer camp.  I'm sure she will have a wonderful time at headquarters.  Maybe she can attend a Broadway show, see the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty in her travels.  I won't see her again for months, as she will most likely be in the Marcus booth at Quilt Market in Houston in October.

Soon,

Lynn