STITCHES IN BLOOM RETREAT VASES OF BEAUTIES

  

    

 “STITCHES IN BLOOM” SPRING RETREAT

April 15, 16, and 17, 2016 –PUNDERSON MANOR AND LODGE – NEWBURY, OHIO

“A WEEKEND OF CREATIVE STITCHING FOR THE QUILTER”

SPONSORED BY Felice Quilt Designs (Felice Troutman)   

                    Wildside Stitching (Ginger mangie) 

REGISTRATION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 1, 2015. OPEN TO ANYONE LOVING HAND STITCHING.

NAME _____________________________________________

STREET ___________________________________________

CITY _____________ STATE ____________  ZIP CODE _________

PHONE _______________  CELL PHONE ______________ 

EMAIL ____________

**** Please mail roommate’s registration in same envelope with your registration and deposit of $150.

**** If you have any special needs such as a special diet or handicapped accessible room, please include this information with your registration form. __________________________________________________________

ROOMMATE’S NAME  ___________________________________________________

Registration includes: two night stay, double room, six meals beginning with Friday night dinner and ending with lunch on Sunday.

COST:  $300 (registration includes a $50 nonrefundable registration fee.)

              $150 deposit is due November 1, 2015,  Final amount of $150 
               is due March 1, 2016

SELECT YOUR CLASS:   

 _______________ 1.  “Vase of Beauties” by Felice Troutman

 _______________ 2.  “ Fun Flower” tote by Ginger Mangie

 _______________ 3.  “Open Studio” for handwork.

MAKE CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO “ STITCHES IN BLOOM”

Mail checks to either:  

Felice Troutman, 34200 McAsee Drive, Solon, Ohio 44139

Ginger Mangie, 3735 Barber Drive, Canfield, Ohio 44406 

ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION:  

Felicequiltdesigns@gmail.com   Phone no. :  330- 931-1184

Gingersnap1444@aol.com          Phone no. :  330-702-0532

STITCHES IN BLOOM SPRING RETREAT TOTE

  

    

 “STITCHES IN BLOOM” SPRING RETREAT

April 15, 16, and 17, 2016 –PUNDERSON MANOR AND LODGE – NEWBURY, OHIO

“A WEEKEND OF CREATIVE STITCHING FOR THE QUILTER”

SPONSORED BY Felice Quilt Designs (Felice Troutman)   

                    Wildside Stitching (Ginger mangie) 

REGISTRATION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 1, 2015. OPEN TO ANYONE LOVING HAND STITCHING.

NAME _____________________________________________

STREET ___________________________________________

CITY _____________ STATE ____________  ZIP CODE _________

PHONE _______________  CELL PHONE ______________ 

EMAIL ____________

**** Please mail roommate’s registration in same envelope with your registration and deposit of $150.

**** If you have any special needs such as a special diet or handicapped accessible room, please include this information with your registration form. __________________________________________________________

ROOMMATE’S NAME  ___________________________________________________

Registration includes: two night stay, double room, six meals beginning with Friday night dinner and ending with lunch on Sunday.

COST:  $300 (registration includes a $50 nonrefundable registration fee.)

              $150 deposit is due November 1, 2015,  Final amount of $150 
               is due March 1, 2016

SELECT YOUR CLASS:   

 _______________ 1.  “Vase of Beauties” by Felice Troutman

 _______________ 2.  “ Fun Flower” tote by Ginger Mangie

 _______________ 3.  “Open Studio” for handwork.

MAKE CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO “ STITCHES IN BLOOM”

Mail checks to either:  

Felice Troutman, 34200 McAsee Drive, Solon, Ohio 44139

Ginger Mangie, 3735 Barber Drive, Canfield, Ohio 44406 

ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION:  

Felicequiltdesigns@gmail.com   Phone no. :  330- 931-1184

Gingersnap1444@aol.com          Phone no. :  330-702-0532

STITCHES IN BLOOM SPRING RETREAT

  

    

 “STITCHES IN BLOOM” SPRING RETREAT

April 15, 16, and 17, 2016 –PUNDERSON MANOR AND LODGE – NEWBURY, OHIO

“A WEEKEND OF CREATIVE STITCHING FOR THE QUILTER”

SPONSORED BY Felice Quilt Designs (Felice Troutman)   

                    Wildside Stitching (Ginger mangie) 

REGISTRATION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 1, 2015. OPEN TO ANYONE LOVING HAND STITCHING.

NAME _____________________________________________

STREET ___________________________________________

CITY _____________ STATE ____________  ZIP CODE _________

PHONE _______________  CELL PHONE ______________ 

EMAIL ____________

**** Please mail roommate’s registration in same envelope with your registration and deposit of $150.

**** If you have any special needs such as a special diet or handicapped accessible room, please include this information with your registration form. __________________________________________________________

ROOMMATE’S NAME  ___________________________________________________

Registration includes: two night stay, double room, six meals beginning with Friday night dinner and ending with lunch on Sunday.

COST:  $300 (registration includes a $50 nonrefundable registration fee.)

              $150 deposit is due November 1, 2015,  Final amount of $150 
               is due March 1, 2016

SELECT YOUR CLASS:   

 _______________ 1.  “Vase of Beauties” by Felice Troutman

 _______________ 2.  “ Fun Flower” tote by Ginger Mangie

 _______________ 3.  “Open Studio” for handwork.

MAKE CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO “ STITCHES IN BLOOM”

Mail checks to either:  

Felice Troutman, 34200 McAsee Drive, Solon, Ohio 44139

Ginger Mangie, 3735 Barber Drive, Canfield, Ohio 44406 

ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION:  

Felicequiltdesigns@gmail.com   Phone no. :  330- 931-1184

Gingersnap1444@aol.com          Phone no. :  330-702-0532

Three Simple Rules for Creating Needle Arts

All of us are insecure in our abilities to do things. I have learned over the years that no matter how good you are at something, there is always somebody better, or quicker, or cleverer. And you really become intimidated when dealing with creative ideas. We all know talent when we see it, and more often than not, we always see more in somebody else than ourselves.

So what are we to do when we sit down to do our quilting, or sewing, or make a craft item? I have come to the conclusion that while it is always a good thing to look at people who are more talented than ourselves, we should learn how to measure our own work by the degree of satisfaction it gives to us individually.

I remember when I was in high school, my English teacher taught us to write about what we know. The same thing can go for needle arts. Do what you know, both creatively and technically. Here are two things you have to do whenever you strive to be creative:

1) Work on Technique. I took piano lessons when I was younger. Any of you who took piano lessons did your Schirmer excercises. They made your fingers go up and down the keyboard. You curved your fingers, and if your piano teacher was worth her salt, she had a little ruler she would tap your knuckles with if you didn’t hold your wrists up the proper way. That is learning technique. The same goes for needle arts. Take classes. Read about different techniques. Practice on samples. All of this will come out when you sit down to be creative.

2) Look for Small Successes. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are needle arts skills. If you learn to do something that proves a little difficult, celebrate it. Share it with your friends. All of us have been there as we move towards perfection. No success or skill is to small to tell your friends, look what I learned how to do.

3) Make What You know. Whenever you sit down to create something, you have to put something of yourself into what you are creating. If you garden, do flowers. If you love animals, make a squirrel. If your life centers around your family, bring that into your creation. That extra something that is part of you will show up in your work. If it isn’t perfect, who cares? That is you, too. None of us is perfect, and nothing we create will be perfect either.

These three rules for creative needle arts apply not only to those of us who enjoy quilting or sewing, but to all other areas of life that represent self expression. Whether it is music, or art, or sports, or writing or quilting; technique, celebrating small successes, and creating what you know might not make you a Michaelangelo, but will give you personal satisfaction that will be visible to anyone who looks at your creation.

Quilt Appraisals: Why Do It?

As many of you know who have read my blog regularly, I made a crazy quilt that took me nine years to complete. My heart and soul are stitched into that quilt. I could not begin to replace so many of the fabrics, trims and historical memorabilia that I have collected over the years to complete my quilt. Before I entered the quilt in the NQA show in Columbus, Ohio I decided it was very important to have the quilt appraised. A written appraisal will determine the value for replacement with similar like and kind when shipping your quilt, displaying it in a quilt show or any loss or damage. Rarely, will standard homeowners insurance cover your quilt while it is being exhibited in a quilt show. In order to keep the cost of insurance reasonable for event organizers, quilts are valued at a set limit, (often $500 for large quilts and $250 for small quilts) unless a written appraisal by a recognized expert accompanies the quilt. This is the reason that the American Quilter’s Society in Paducah, KY started the Quilt Appraisal Certification Program This establishes guidelines and criteria for setting realistic replacement values on quilted textiles.

In addition to establishing replacement value on your quilt, quilt appraisals can also be used to determine Fair Market Value. In other words, if you wanted to sell your quilt in the open market, what would it be worth? My appraisal was strictly based on replacement value. I used two AQS certified appraisers out of Columbus, Ohio. They took many pictures while I was there, made many notes and ask questions about specific old fabrics and trims, etc. They consulted a fabric historian, especially for the piece that my grandmother had made. Stitches and beads were counted to determine how long it would take to make another similar quilt and of course the backing, binding, trims, labels, etc. were included in the final replacement value of the quilt. On my quilt, no appraisal was declared for artistic quality or the fair market value – at the time I had my quilt appraised, I wasn’t aware that I could have this done. I couldn’t begin to replace the quilt and its’ memories, but I am secure in knowing that if something happened to my quilt, there would be some compensation .

Why should you have your quilts appraised?

l. To establish a replacement value for insurance purposes.
2. To purchase a “Fine Arts Floater”
3. To determine a value for donation, gift, or estate purposes for the IRS
4. To provide a value to a venue that requires insurance and/or appraisals
5. To provide adequate coverage during shipping or while in transit.
6. To aid in determining a Fair Market Value.
7. A meaningful addition to a quilt given as a gift.

Three types of quilt appraisals:

a. Insurance Replacement Appraisal
b. Fair Market Appraisal
c. Tax Donation Appraisal

A written quilt appraisal should specify a circa date of when your quilt was made, the maker’s name if known, adequately describe your quilt through pattern, set, materials, construction technique, color and any other pertinent information, accurately assess the quality of workmanship and the overall condition of your textile, note the current economic conditions, describe the type of value being established, the actual value being established, the actual value, and the method and resources used to substantiate value. Any other factual information known that would affect value should also be noted. This might include special exhibits, awards, quilt maker’s established sales record, publications, and any other information relative to the quilt, quilt maker or quilt owner. The qualifications of the Quilt Appraiser should also be provided.

I plan to update my appraisal information now that my quilt has won ribbons in two different shows. A basic appraisal costs approximately $35.00 so it is affordable to have your quilts appraised, especially the ones that are near and dear to you. Check online for additional information on appraisals--- there is a lot of information out there.

http://www.bobbieaug.com/html/appraisal.html
http://www.lequilts.com/html/quilt_appraisal.html
http://deedadik.home.att.net/

NQA Show; Columbus

I remember my first trip to the National Quilting Association show in Columbus and being totally overwhelmed, and to be honest, a little awe struck. “National” is the operative word, with quilts on display from all over the United States, and many foreign countries as well. The talent is beyond belief, both in those who are exhibiting quilts, as well as the folks who put on the event. Just read the resumes of the teachers and judges, and you know that quilting is serious business.

And it is not only the show itself, but the sheer numbers of people sharing similar interests is something to see. Coupled with the exhibit are vendors selling everything your quilting heart could desire, from fabric to patterns to glitz to quilting machines…if they don’t got it, you don’t need it. There are certified appraisers available if you want to see what your quilt is worth. This is a serious issue, especially when trying to insure it.

Finally, the NQA becomes a quilting university, with classes offered all day long all week long, both at the Convention Center and other venues in Columbus. Teachers are brought in from all over the country, and you can hone your skills from technical stitches to artistry. The teachers are true quilt experts, who will wow you with not only their skill, but many interesting stories. Classes are also a good place to meet quilters from all over the country, and see what is going on in other areas of the United States, plus get to know some really nice and interesting people.

This is the second year I have exhibited at the NQA show. It is technically not a juried show, but it is limited to 400 entries with stringent rules that will thin out the crowd. It is a well oiled machine, with some of the ladies having worked there for years. From check in to check out, you follow the protocol. Last year, I brought my display quilt down and had them ship it back… it was back at my house by the Tuesday after the event.

This year, because of the nature of the quilt that I entered, I drove it down and went back to Columbus the following weekend to pick it up, $4.00 gas notwithstanding!! There is too much of me in my quilt to leave the return trip to Fed Ex!!

There are a number of different categories in which to enter you quilt for individuals as well as quilts made by groups. Some of the categories are Bed Quilts, pieced; Bed quilts, appliquéd; Wall Quilts, pieced; Pictorial Quilts, pieced; and so forth.

My quilt, Remembering Home, was entered in a catch-all category called “Other”, which accepted quilts that didn’t fit neatly into any of the categories. Many of you have seen the quilt which is a history of my family going back to the 1790's. One of the judges called it a “history” quilt, teaching me another “term of art” for a certain type of quilting. I was thrilled to find out I finished 3rd in my category, and in addition received one of 6 special ribbons offered by the NQA. Mine was for embellishment. Pictures of all of the winning quilts will be posted shortly on the NQA website, and will remain there for the year.

This was very special to me, especially since the quilt represented my family and nine years of work putting the quilt together. Although one can always hope, my chances of repeating such an honor again in my lifetime are probably slim to none, making this NQA Quilt show one I will remember the rest of my life. If you haven’t made the effort to attend the NQA show in Columbus, make the effort next year. And if you can, take some of the classes. It is an exceptional experience, and really fun time.

By the way, Martini’s is an Italian restaurant across from the Convention Center on High Street. It is a tad pricey, but the food is great. Also visit the Farmers Market in back of the Hampton Inn, also across the street. Good Eatin’!

National Quilting Association

PO Box 12190

Columbus, Ohio 43212-0190

Tel: 614-488-8521

Searching for Peyote; or When Did My Arms Get So Short?

Yes, there is more to peyote than "day tripping!" The peyote stitch, aka the gourd stitch, is one of the most controversial beading stitches. The stitch was originally developed by Native Americans, as well as appearing in Africa, at some unknown time in the past. Given the distance between the two groups, it isn’t clear how this happened. Established trade routes in ancient times made it possible for beading and stitchery techniques to pass from one group of people to another. As a result, new stitches evolved. Native Americans, as well as Africans, may have discovered this stitch on their own at the same time. If you take beads and thread and needle in hand, it is possible to come up with something someone else discovered on their own. Such is history…. It repeats itself.

As a person who has had long arms all of my life, I’ve had to succumb to the fact that my arms are now “too short”, and getting shorter by the day. After quilt club the other night, several of my friends and I discussed a 40 year old “girl” who makes everything in miniature. We all admire the wonderful work she does, but “tearfully’ reminisced about the good old days when we could do that, too. Mostly we laughed about our collections of glasses that enable us to sew.

At a needle arts guild meeting in April, I definitely decided I don’t like to bead – in particular, the peyote brand of beading. The project was a pin. We were given little bags of tiny beads, fine wire and a pattern with lots of intricate little lines going in various directions. Of course I came prepared with lamps, magnification and various accoutrements that I thought I would need for making this little 1” by 2” pin. As I sat at a table with new acquaintances who were just crazy about peyote beading, I thought this is going to be great; a new little art form to add to my crazy quilt.

Then class started!!!! My wires were never going in the right direction let along my beads. I struggled along with help from everyone at my table and eventually left at the end of the day with a sore neck, a headache and a battered ego. The lady at the end of the table, who had already made her pin, showed us her current project. It was the most darling little peyote beaded purse – it even opened and closed. The most interesting thing about it was it was only 1”square. "It’s so easy—anyone can make this.,” she said. Like that it is going to happen. There isn’t enough aspirin or magnification on God’s good earth that would allow me to do that. So much for my ability to do peyote.

So I guess it is back to the “cheater” glasses – my friend says I can get a four pack at Walmarts. I will continue to bead in my own crazy artistic way that works for me---happy in my own little world. The moral of the story, and there has to be a moral for this one: get used to shorter arms, get some glasses( anything that allows you to see your favorite stitching), admire the younger members who don ‘t need to wear their glasses…and quietly laugh to yourself. Their day is coming, just like us. And above all watch out for peyote…both the stuff that you smoke and those beautiful beads you will never be able to stitch, whether you are smoking it or not.

http://www.beadwrangler.com/samplers/peyote1/peyote_history.htm