Lindsey's Blog

Free Pattern for a Gadget Case

lindsey.murray — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:20:00 GMT

Right now I have traveling on the brain. For Easter, my fiancé and I are going to Ireland to spend the holiday with his family. I am more than excited— not only am I meeting his family in person for the first time (unless Skype counts as meeting in person) but I am seeing Ireland for the first time as well.

Last night, I was thinking about what I should pack, and realized that I don’t have any clue where my iPod case is (because naturally it wouldn’t be anywhere near the iPod itself…). My Fiancé and I are in the middle of unpacking in our new house, and needless to say there are about a million places that the iPod case could be. I definitely need a case, because without one my iPod will get all scratched up in my bag.

Instead of driving myself crazy and going through boxes, tonight I am going to use the pattern by Lyric Kinard I found in this free eBook to make a new case. I luckily don’t have much packing to do, so this will give me something to distract me from all the excitement of going away tomorrow.

Happy Quilting!

Quilting Arts TV recap

lindsey.murray — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:33:00 GMT

As I mentioned in my last post, I attended the Quilting Arts TV (season 10!) taping in Cleveland, OH last week. I had so much fun meeting with some of my favorite artists, watching the show being taped, and of course getting to see Pokey Bolton again! Although I have been to a taping in the past, this one was different because I actually taped a segment myself (about orgazining your studio - a topic near and dear to my heart since I work on STUDIOS magazine). I can't even tell you how nervous I was, but Pokey as well as the rest of the crew assured me that it would be a piece of cake - and it was! I can't wait for the segments to air in a few months!

Here are some pictures that I took at the taping - enjoy!

Pokey Bolton and Deborah Boschert on set!

Pokey Bolton, me, and Helen Gregory - reunited!

Behind the scenes shot...That is me (in the pink), setting up for my segment.

Pokey and I about to film my segment!

Ana Buzzalino practicing on the Bernina as Jeannine Cook-Delpit looks on!

Quilting Arts TV taping and the winner of the Machine Gloves

lindsey.murray — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:04:00 GMT

First off, congratulations to Cindy Hennes for winning the gloves from last MOnday's giveaway. Cindy, please email at lmurray@interweave.com, with your mailing address so I can ship them out to you.

This week I am in Cleveland, OH at the Quilting Arts TV Taping. So far we have had a lot of fun, and here are a few images of our time so far:

Pokey Bolton our QATV host!

Pokey and Jeannie Palmer Moore on set

Marlene Glickman teaching the next generation to die fabric!

in Stitches vol. 6 Blog Tour Kick off (and a Giveaway!)

lindsey.murray — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:21:00 GMT

I am so excited to share the latest issue of Quilting Arts in Stitches with all of you. Volume 6 is jam-packed with great free-motion tips, unique ways to incorporate stitching into your work (think 3D birds!), and even a bit of history about stitching. Without a doubt, this is the best issue yet, and I would encourage you to download it either from the Quilting Daily Shop or through iTunes on your iPad.

As another bonus, for the In Stitches VI blog tour we are giving away some free-motion tools at each spot. The tools are featured in an article entitled “show of hands” and were all taken out of their packaging for photography reasons, but are brand new!

For this post, I am giving away the nifty “Machingers Quilting Gloves” by Quilters Touch. To win, comment at the end of the blog letting me know what artcle you would like to see in a future In Stitches eMag.

Want to learn more about the in Stitches eMag before you purchase it? Join us on our in Stitches VI blog tour all this week (there will be a prize given away at every stop)! Here is the lineup of blogs:

Monday 2/27 - Lindsey Murray http://quiltingdaily.com

Tues 2/28 - Betty Busby /http://bettybusbyblog.blogspot.com

Wed 2/29 - Barbara Schneider http://www.Barbaraschneider-artist.blogspot.com

Thu 3/1 - Nancy Cook .nancygcook.blogspot.comhttp://www

Fri 3/2 - Tracy Stilwell .tracystilwell.blogspot.comhttp://www

Mon 3/5 - Sandy Donabed http://www.sandeedee.blogspot.com

Tue 3/6 - Jane Davila http://www.janedavila.blogspot.com

Also - here is the image of Barbara Schneder's finished "Leaf Fall, var. 2". Isn't it just stunning?!

Let me know how you enjoy in Stitches!

Lindsey

Quilting Books in my “to read” pile and the Fabric Winner

lindsey.murray — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:03:00 GMT

First off, congratulations to mrsracer, you won the fabric giveaway from last week! Please email me at lmurray@interweave.com with your mailing information so I can send the bundle to you.

I often see a quilting book and KNOW that I am going to be sitting down at some point with a nice cup of tea and going through the book. Actually finding the time to do this is hard, so I usually have a whole pile of books waiting to be looked at. Here is my current list of books that I can't wait to go through!

Make it Sew Modern: Gather, Twist, Pleat, Texture

By Vanessa Christenson of V and Co
Martingale & Company

(ok – I have to confess that I have already read through this book once, and it is still in the pile while I decide which project to start with. LOVE this book).

Quilting Line + Color: Techniques and Designs for Abstract Quilts

By Yoshiko Jinzenji
Interweave

Destination Creativity: The Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat

By Rice Freeman-Zachery
North Light Books

Sunday Morning Quilts: Sort, Store, and Use Every Last Bit of Your Treasured Fabrics

By Amanda Jean Nyberg and Cheryl Arkison
Stash Books

(I am excited about their idea of a scrap rug. Yup – a rug made from your fabric scraps. AWESOME).

Little Bits Quilting Bee: 20 Quilts Using Charm Squares, Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, and Fat Quarters

By Kathereen Ricketson, founder of WhipUp.net
Chronicle Books

What's on your list?

- Lindsey

Happy Valentine's Day! (Want to Win Some Fabric?)

lindsey.murray — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:44:00 GMT

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I am a huge fan of this holiday. Any excuse to celebrate love is good in my book. My wonderful Fiancé somehow slipped a bouquet of roses and a frog stuffed animal (I ADORE frogs) into my bedroom this morning. Talk about a great way to wake up! I am planning on making a nice steak and potato dinner (his favorite) tonight, and hope that it turns out well!

As many of you probably know, one of my great loves is fabric. There is absolutely nothing better than getting new fabric to add to my stash. Today, I would love to give one lucky reader a bundle of fabric all their own. Nothing says romantic to me more than some pretty floral patterns, so I have chosen to give away the pretty Cabbage and Roses fabric from Moda.

Leave me a note telling me your plans for Valentine’s Day and I will pick a winner next Wednesday!

Have a wonderful day,

- Lindsey

PS. Look what we made at the office today!

http://youtu.be/cbjervlqs4k

Want Advice on How to Save Your UFO?

lindsey.murray — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:58:00 GMT

Right now we are gearing up for the next season of Quilting Arts TV. Per usual we are planning on featuring a few UFOs of our readers. Your host, Pokey Bolton, will help you solve the conundrum of how to finish that project that has you scratching your head.

Do you want you quilt to get the star treatment and be on Quilting Arts TV? For a chance to have your quilt on TV, please email me (at lmurray@interweave.com) a photo of your UFO along with a brief description of the project, and what problems you are having with it. If chosen, I will be asking you to send me your quilt early next week and will have it until the end of March (so make sure you are willing to part from your UFO for about a month!).

Let you UFO be a star!!

Lindsey

A Quilt for My Mom (and the Fabric Giveaway Winner)

lindsey.murray — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:31:00 GMT

First off - Congratulations to quiltnc, you won the Moda fabric bundle! Please send me an email at lmurray@interweave.com with your mailing information so I can send the fabric out to you!

In my last post, I had very high hopes about how much I was going to be getting done last weekend. Although I didn’t get everything on my list accomplished, I did finish my main project – a quilt for my mom. I used Kate Spain “Terrain” fabric, which is a favorite of mine, (as well as some Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton in Copen) and wanted to showcase the fabric. The colors really jump out when surrounded by white, and this was a very simple quilt to make. I love simple patchwork projects that show off great fabric. If you are looking for inspiration to do something similar, check out our special magazine called 101 Patchwork Projects (there are a couple of pillows in there that I am going to be making soon… stay tuned!).

This year I am trying to use what I have. With this in mind, I finally took out all that scrap batting I have been holding on to and sewed it together to make a piece large enough to use in this project. Once quilted it was nearly impossible to tell where the batting seams were. This is a great way to save some money this year – especially since batting can be so expensive!

I told my mom that she had to pose with the quilt in order to keep it, and she reluctantly let me snap a few pictures of her with the quilt. I got Fergal involved too and had them hold it up so I could share a few additional pictures -- Thanks you two! (Sorry they are a bit blurry - the camera on my phone is a little lacking!)

- Lindsey

What Are You Up to This Weekend?

lindsey.murray — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:48:00 GMT

My fiancé, Fergal, is working on Saturday so I am going to “work” too. We are closing on our first house in a little less than 2 weeks (!!!!!) and there are a few things that I want to make before we move in.

My mom was the recipient of the first quilt that I made, one that I am a bit embarrassed about now. I have been meaning to make her a new and improved quilt for some time. I am finally getting around to it, and will be sewing up a lap quilt for her (and maybe a matching one for my new house!). I am making it with Kate Spain's Terrain line. I got started on it this week, and am really pleased with how it is turning out! I will be sure to share the finished quilt(s) with you next week.

After that project is done, I might start making a few pillows to go on the living room couch. I love the pillows that I have now, but am thinking that it might be nice to try some new color schemes. I am having SOOO much fun with this new house already!

What are you doing this weekend? Leave a comment letting me know and I will send one lucky reader a Jelly roll of Moda's Little Apples by Aneela Hoey.

Happy Sewing!!

- Lindsey

The Crafter’s Guide to Taking Great Photos blog tour

lindsey.murray — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:21:00 GMT

THE CRAFTER’S GUIDE TO TAKING GREAT PHOTOS BLOG TOUR

We’re kicking off a fun new blog tour today to celebrate the international launch of Heidi Adnum’s book, The Crafter’s Guide to Taking Great Photos, which is now available in North America from Interweave, in the UK from Search Press, and in Australia from Murdoch Books. Throughout the tour you’ll learn the keys to taking great photos of your work, hear from some of the successful designer-photographers featured in the book, see some before-and-after photos from bloggers who have read the book and used Heidi’s advice, and hear a lot from Heidi herself! Oh yes, and there will be prize drawings at some of the stops! Follow along, and enjoy the tour!

1/23 Crescendoh - Jenny's Blog

1/24 papernstitch

1/25 Mark Lipinski’s Creative Mojo Podcast

live interview with Heidi at 3:50 pm EST

1/26 Rena Tom

1/27 CraftBuds

1/28 SweatShopofLove

co-creator of @HandmadeRyanGosling

1/30 Artist Success with Lesley Riley

2/1 Jenny N Design – featured designer in the book

2/2 Rifle Paper Co. – featured designer in the book

2/3 See How We Sew

2/4 Imagination Kids Toys - featured designer in the book

2/6 Canadian Living Crafts’ Blog

2/7 Feeling Stitchy

2/8 UK Handmade

AUSTRALIA

2/9 WhipUp.net

More tba… stay tuned!

Making a Journal Cover... and the Winners of Last Weeks post

lindsey.murray — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:25:00 GMT

First off, congratulations to Cheryl Goyer and hollywolly for winning the Riley Blake fabric giveaway from last week! Ladies, please email me your mailing information at lmurray@interweave.com by February 1^st so that I can mail the fabric bundles out to you!

Making a Journal Cover

One of my favorite parts about a new year is that I start a new journal. There is simply nothing better than opening a journal, full of blank pages just waiting to be written on. I love to carry a journal around so that I can write any ideas that pop into my head, observations made while people watching, or just notions that I might have at any given time.

My journal of choice is the Moleskine® brand, the ones that have black covers and off white paper. The company boasts they are the “heir” of the notebooks used by famous people of the past including Earnest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso. I think that is very cool, and feel like I am in good, inspirational company when I purchase my Moleskine notebooks (I never claimed not to be a victim of advertising).

But the truth is I am bored of the plain black cover. I once found it charming and minimalist. I thought that it was professional looking. Now when I see the notebook I see boring. Not willing to give up my perfectly sized, 1/4" college ruled, easy to write on notebook, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I searched around the Quilting Daily site, looking for a good notebook cover pattern. There is, to say the least, a LOT of notebook covers to choose from. But ultimately I found this Free eBook and decided that this project by Lucie Summers was just perfect for my purposes. I would recommend using it next time you want to make a notebook cover – it is easy, fast, and the results are great! (you can also check out our entire selection of free eBooks here.)

I used some of my coveted Ink & Spindle fabric (you can read more about them in Quilt Scene). This fabric it is all screened by hand in Australia, and can be a bit tricky to find in the US. I have been waiting for that perfect project to come along, one that lets me showcase this fabric, and decided this was the one.

Now I have an inspiring, unique, and fun notebook to start writing in!

- Lindsey

Get Inspired to Keep Your Crafting Resolution (and a fabric giveaway to get the new year started off right!)

lindsey.murray — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:12:00 GMT

This is going to be a big year for me, and although I am not one to wish my life away, I cannot wait for the exciting stuff to get here! I am meeting my fiancés family (in Ireland) for the first time over Easter, buying a home with said (amazing) fiancé, and tying the knot in August. Needless to say there are a lot of things to be focusing on in my spare time. Over the holidays, I found that I didn’t have time to craft (wedding planning, visiting with family, Christmas shopping, and all of that got in the way!) like I thought I would, and I made a resolution to get back into the habit of making something at least once a month. Creating is a very calming, almost meditative activity for me, and who doesn’t need a little Zen in their life?

That resolution is a wonderful one, but I was looking for that perfect project to get back into the swing of things. I have a few UFOs, but they simply were not doing the trick in the inspiring department. When the book Sew up a Home MAKEOVER by Lexi Barnes (ISBN: 978-1-60342-797-5) made its way to my desk, I knew that I had found my inspiration. I usually stick to quilts when crafting, but something about knowing that Fergal and I will be moving into our own home soon has me wanting to try my hand at home décor.

The book, as its title implies, focuses on how to update your house using fabric. The ideas are cute and simple, well within reach for the beginner sewist (but still creative enough to entice the more experienced crowd). I particularly like the Roman shade project, I have always wanted to make curtains, and this looks like the perfect starting point. The headboard project also has hit my fancy, and I plan to make one just as soon as we move into a new place.

I am sure some of you have a New Year resolution similar to mine, and want to clock more hours in the studio. In order to help you along your way, I will be sending two lucky readers A Riley Blake fabric bundle. In order to qualify as one of the winners, please leave a comment at the end of the post with a craft related New Year resolution that you plan to keep this year! Make sure to check my blog next Wednesday to see if you won!

- Lindsey

Affirmative Quilt Challenge – Finalists

lindsey.murray — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:52:00 GMT

Hello!

First off, the winner of the Birch Fabric giveaway is NicoleNR. Nicole, please email me at lmurray@interweave.com with your mailing information.

I want to congratulate our "Affirmative Quilt Challenge" finalists. They did an amazing job using Theresa May's technique to make some great feel good quilts. You can find her article in vol. 5 of Quilting Arts in Stitches.

1. Lisa Binkley

2. Kathy Kerstetter

3. Carol Kolf - Enjoy #2

4. Michelle McLean

5. Margaret O'Brien

6. Teri Stromberg

If you are a winner, please mail your quilt to:

ATTN: Lindsey Murray
Interweave
490 Boston Post road, Suite 15
Sudbury, MA 01776

Quilt by Carol Kolf, "Enjoy #2"

If you submitted more than one quilt, and I did not specify which quilt was selected, please send all of your entries. All artwork must be in the office by January 5th in order to be considered.

Thanks!

An Interview with Birch Fabric's Cynthia Mann -- and a Fabric Giveaway!

lindsey.murray — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:02:00 GMT

I always love to discover new fabric. There is something wonderful about seeing a new line or pattern. My head starts to kick into high gear and I think about all the different ways that I could use this new found fabric.

I have fallen in love with the fabric put out by Birch fabric - especially since I saw the quilt (that graced the cover of International Quilt Festival: Quilt Scene) by Elizabeth Hartman. What makes me love this fabric even more is that it is organic! Cynthia Mann took a bit of time out of her busy day to talk to me about the Birch Fabric company. Read on to learn more!

(oh! and because they are so generous, one lucky winner who leaves a comment explaining what they would use Birch fabric for will win some Birch fabric! leave a comment at the end of this post for your chance to win!)

Lindsey: How long has Birch Fabrics been around?

Cynthia: We started Birch Fabrics in April of 2009 and our first collection shipped in May of 2010

L: A quilt featured on Quilt Scene’s cover was made with Birch fabrics; can you tell us what line?

C: Avalon by Jay-Cyn Designs

L: Why is Birch Fabrics different from other fabric companies?

C: From our very first collection, we have only used organic cotton. Our cotton is certified by the GOTS

L: You are a “green” company. How did you make the decision to go green?

C: Birch Fabrics began as a green company. I was sewing baby clothes for my two little boys, and I was searching for organic prints, I really loved all the modern designs from the big manufacturers, but none of them were organic. This is when I decided to start Birch Fabrics, I figured if I was looking for great modern prints on organic, other Moms were too!

L: What has changed in the company since making this move (going green).

C: Well, it wasn’t really a move to “go green” since we started out green. We chose to only offer fabrics that were organic, not only for our environment, but for the health of workers and our own children. My husband Jason had asthma as a child and is allergic to so many things, we were nervous our boys would also have strong allergies, and wanted to reduce there chances of allergic reactions with organic clothes and bedding.

L: Your fabric is now certified by the GOTS. Can you tell me what that is, and what it means for your fabric?

C: Our fabric has always been GOTS certified, since our first collection. This means that we are standardized against the highest level of certification in organic textiles. Guidelines are set by GOTS that must be adhered to from seed to finished product, in a not only environmentally responsible way, but also a socially responsible way. To put it simply, this means that not only do they make sure that no pesticides are used on the cotton during farming, but that the dyes used to print the fabric do not contain heavy metals or other harmful chemicals, and workers are treated fairly and have safe working conditions

L: Can you tell me a little about the five new collections that are debuting this fall?

Circa 52 by Monaluna will begin shipping at the end of November. This collection is a follow up to our very successful, debut collection by Monaluna Circa 50. We took the best sellers and added a new print, the “Woodland Party” and changed the palette to a softer color story. The result is a very sweet collection, perfect for babies and toddlers.

Commute by Jay-Cyn Designs will begin shipping in early February of 2012. This collection is inspired by city life and how we get from home to work. It’s a transportation theme that we love because it works for boys and girls of all ages! We picture messenger bags for dads, and crib bedding for babies! It’s a very universal collection.

Mod Basics by Jay-Cyn Designs will also begin shipping in early February 2012. Mod Basics takes the same palette used in Commute and encompasses several basic designs that will make great blenders for Quilters. The idea was to give several single color options to use along with our other collections to create great coordinates. Mod Basics will also color coordinate with our Spring collections, Next Stop… by Monaluna in March and Mod Squad by Dan Stiles in April.

Next Stop… by Monaluna will deliver in March 2012. This small collection consisting of 6 prints, is all about cross country travel. It includes a luggage tag print, a suitcase print, a camera print, a map print, and a couple other cuties!

Mod Squad by Dan Stiles will deliver in April 2012. This collection will consist of 6 prints in a coral color-way for girls, and 6 prints in a green color-way for boys. The theme is British Invasion, a sort of nod to the sixties music scene.

L: Can you explain what Green sewing is?

C: Green sewing can mean a lot of different things. It can mean that you sew with recycled materials, such as t-shirts that you find at a thrift store, or it can mean sewing with only organic fabrics. There are lots of ways to sew in an eco conscious manner that don’t have to include buying organic fabrics, which can be very expensive. One of our customers in our brick and mortar store makes tote bags out of used Capri Sun juice containers!

L: Where do you gain most of your inspiration from? Is it all from one place, or from many different aspects of your life?

C: My inspiration comes from many different places and times in my life. Often the palettes that I use are from things from my childhood; especially wallpaper, favorite dresses, and toys that I played with. Jason and I both get a lot inspiration from Japanese designers such as Shinzi Katoh, Etsuko Furuya, and the animations of all Hayao Miyazaki movies

Thank you Cynthia!

And readers - don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win some Birch Fabric!!

Our new eMag and the giveaway winner!

lindsey.murray — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:19:00 GMT

First off, thank you all for your great patchwork ideas...They were all wonderful and I had a blast reading them! Congratulations to yarnlady@6 for winning the fabric bundle! yarnlady@6, Please email me at lmurray@interweave.com with your mailing information so I can send you the fabric.

As you may know, Pokey LOVES surface design. Get her some PFD fabric, paints, stencils, and a few screens and she will be all set for the day!

We know that many of our readers are in the same boat – they love to play with their fabric (and other materials!) to create fabric that is a unique work of art in itself. We are thrilled to announce that we will be putting out a new eMag called Surface Explorations that will be all about surface design!

Quilting Arts In Stitches editor, Jane Davila will be the editor of this new publication as well! We are so excited to see what unique surface design techniques are out there! Do you have a particular technique that is original? Please submit all of your ideas! For more information, you can visit our submissions page!

AND, while you are thinking about submitting, don’t forget about Quilting Arts In Stitches! We would still love for you to submit your stitch ideas to us. For more information on what we are looking for, visit our submissions page.

Please send all submissions to: submissions@quiltingarts.com.