Visit Buckboard Quilts to view the hundreds of antique quilts and textiles available for purchase. Many of the items listed on the site come with family history or provenance. Some pieces even have family portraits of the quilt maker and have been published in Howard’s five books (book included with quilt purchase). When you purchase a quilt or textile from Buckboard Quilts Quilt Shop, you decide which charity the proceeds will go to. Use your credit card or make your check payable to your local food bank to keep the donation in your community. Judy ships around the world and is a delight to work with. Just make your selection, then call or contact Judy to check on availability, price, and postage. Once Judy receives the payment, she will ship your selection for a no-obligation approval with a 24-hour return privilege. If you are happy with your purchase, just let Judy know and your donation will be mailed to the charity of your choice. It’s that easy!

Judy Howard with quilt cupboard

Another way to participate and feed the hungry is to enter a 9” x 12” quilted wall piece in the Children–Hope for Tomorrow traveling quilt show. Entry quilts are displayed on tour and sold to raise funds for feeding children. When you enter, you also receive the 1905 Cookbook written by Judy Howard and free advertising on a story label, as well as eligibility for contest ribbons. To learn more about how to enter, see entry form.

Children--Hope for Tomorrow entry

Children--Hope for Tomorrow entry

If your guild or organization is looking for ways to generate revenue, why not plan an exhibit with one of Judy’s traveling quilt tours and book sales? Choose from the beautiful Food for Body and Soul collection of small quilts tour, the inspiring God Bless America small quilts tour or the endearing Children—Hope for Tomorrow small quilt tour. Rent the exhibit for $100 (US) and your organization can keep 10% of the quilt sales and 30% of the book sales. The remaining revenue goes to your local food charity. For more information see Quilt Programs and Exhibit Availability.

Food Bank Fund Raiser

Traveling quilt show

Food for Body and Soul collage

God Bless America collage

1905 Cookbook Food for Body and Soul by Judy Howard

Learn more about quilt care, preservation and history at Buckboard Quilts. Watch a YouTube video interview about Judy on Sewing with Nancy to learn more about this story. Quilting has always brought people together, and here is yet another example of the power of quilts. Own a piece of history and feed hungry children. Thank you Judy for your generosity and kindness!

Judy Howard with antique quilt

Note: The images of the quilts from the International Quilt Festival are not to be used on any goods or ordered for images from items that may be purchased. Please respect the copyrights of these artists.

This post is only a small sample of the quilts at the show and every effort has been made to represent the quilt with the proper maker.

Here is a bird’s eye view of the vendor side of the show

and a partial view of the exhibit side.

Here are some of the quilts from the show, listed in alphabetical order according to the title of the quilt.

Catena by Timna Tarr

Color Quartet by Victoria Findley Wolfe

Convergence by Latifah Saafir

Cutting Edge Conglomerate by Earamichia Brown and the NYC Metro Mod Quilters, quilted by Jackie Kunkel

I love the diagonal crazy pieced strips here, the colors too were striking. I have had an opportunity to work with Jackie Kunkel for Quilt-it…today and was so pleased to see her name as the quilter for this quilt and two other quilts I had admired and photographed. I did not read every entry in the exhibit so she may have been part of even more quilts in the show. If you want to see a truly inspiring blog and find out more about Jackie, see http://www.cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/

Down Pat by Pat Budge

Quilting close-up of Down Pat by Pat Budge

I loved the quilting on this, it added so much texture to all the solid fabrics

Feeling Groovy by Nancy Brooks

This quilt is part of the Cincinnati Modern Quilt Guild’s challenge to design a quilt with a modern spin on the Dresden Plate block. You will see photos of three others I liked with Dresden Plate references.

Gelassenheit by Heather Jones

In the Pink by Cher Cartwright

Inside the Tipe by Terry Aske

One of the several categories in the show was Tactile Architecture (TM) 2012 sponsored by Innova. Representing architecture in quilting is such a natural combination because of all the geometric straight lines and grids found in buildings and cities. This quilt by Terry Aske is a wonderful example with the dynamic diagonal lines.

J Rock Star by Victoria Findley Wolfe, quilted by Jackie Kunkel

Close-up of J Rock Star by Victoria Findley Wolfe, quilted by Jackie Kunkel

It is fun to go to a show and find your one or two “favorite” quilts of the exhibit. Well, J Rock Star by Victoria Findley Wolfe is my fave of the show! Most definitely because of the graphic quality of this quilt, the colors and the great prints and quirkiness often found in good old utility type quilts. This feels very traditional to me which I love but is so fresh and modern–perfection! It feels obtainable, an art quilt yes, but one you wouldn’t be afraid to actually use and enjoy!

Lazy Afternoon by Michelle Jackson

Mod Polka Party by Barbara Chenault, quilted by Kathy Doench

Purple by Anna Maria Schipper-Vermeiren

Another category for the show was Celebrate Spring, I think some of these quilts did an exceptional job with it.

Rambler Rose by Yoshiko Kobayshi

Reds-den Plate by Hanine Keeton

Sky High by Kate Stiassni, quilted by Jackie Kunkel

Summer Morning by Akiko Kawata

Close-up of Summer Morning by Akiko Kawata

Summer Morning was another of my faves. Sublime use of line, form and materials. I had photographed Akiko Kawata’s work last year as well and the organic quality of the fiber art is delicious. I love the large scale prints used and the quilting is wonderful.

Viva Quilt by Noriko Nozawa

Wall Markings #2 by Valerie Maser-Flanagan

Are you inspired? I am! Sort of a different selection of quilts this year then I had posted the last two years. You can look back at the old posts, 2011 and 2012 to compare. Again, with these postings, the pictures are my preferences in quilts–usually ones based more in traditional quilting since that is the type of quilts I make rather than the true art quilts. I am sure I have not represented the full scope of the show even remotely. There are so many wonderful pieces on exhibit I hope you are able to go to the International Quilt Festival if it is close to your area and see it all for yourself.

Well, it is not spring yet, there are still many weeks till the calendar or weather comes around and still plenty of time to do some sewing projects before the outdoors calls us away from the sewing machine. Quilt shows are starting to pop up around the country, I have a couple I plan to attend over the next month and a half. Going to the shows will be a great chance to get out and see new fabrics and notions to start planning new projects.

I just finished my daughters wedding quilt, which I will be featuring in the magazine, so you will have to wait till then to see it! It is done in 60 various blue prints and white. Traditional and modern all at once. I will post some pictures once it is print.

Working on my daughters quilt was a great way to dig into my stash of fabrics. Using some precious scraps saved from special people and times in our lives. It is a good feeling using what you have and incorporating those fabrics into a quilt that will be used and love.

I have a new project posted called Square in Square that is a great quilt for using your stash. You can go as scrappy as you want with this project but I have made it easy to start with requiring (14) different quarter yard prints.

Square in Square block

The Square in Square block is the same configuration as my “H”-Block Baby Quilt project except a different sized block and the fabric arrangement turns it into a square-in-square.

The addition of sashing sets the blocks apart and frames the variety of prints.

Square in Square Throw

This would be a nice little quilt (62” square) for spring picnics or a baby play quilt. Add more blocks and sashing to make a larger quilt, this is a fast and fun block, it is hard to know when to stop! So, use up some of your stash and when you are at your next quilt show you will have no excuses not to restock!

Happy Sewing,

Sharon

Working on the Quilt-it… today and Sew-it… today magazines has been fun and challenging. We currently have two issues of each magazine out and the third of each in the works. I measure my time by issues now.

Quilt-it... today Covers

Sew-it... today Covers

I haven’t had a chance to design any new projects for my site since I have taken on my new position with the magazine. Not that I haven’t been making things, you will find plenty of my projects in the issues. I do want to share an on-line projects we have posted on our website. This project is called Single Wedding Ring. I had made this quilt for my daughter Anna when she was a baby and now have the instructions for the project in a free PDF download on the Quilt-it… today website.

Single Wedding Ring Quilt Project

Some of you may remember my daughter, Anna from my Wildwood Throw project. Her and her boyfriend Ben were my models when I photographed that quilt project.

And I used them again as models for my Weekend Picnic quilt seen in the premier issue of Quilt-it… today.

Aren’t they adorable!?! Well, over Thanksgiving, the two of them got engaged! So, 2013 will be an extra special year for my family because there will be a wedding this coming spring!

Plenty to do between now and then as you can imagine. I am sure this new year will fly by even faster than 2012 had!

My best to all for a wonderful 2013 filled with love, happiness and lots of quilting and sewing projects!

Cheers,

Sharon

Sew-it... today Premier Issue

This issue has mostly sewing projects with a few quilts. With a price point of $3.99 and 22 projects it is a great value. Don’t worry, if you cannot find it at the big box  or sewing/craft stores near you go to www.sewittoday.com and get your issue or subscribe online.

Here is a peak at some of the projects you will find inside.

Sew-it... today Wrap It Up reusable gift bags

Sew-it... today Holly Lane table runner

Sew-it... today Family Ties - cell phone case

Sew-it... today Full Circle infinity scarf

Sew-it... today Square Dance throw quilt

In 1992, when my oldest boy was five years old, he spent a week at my parents house all by himself. My parents have always been very crafty and constantly making and fixing things. The original do-it-yourselfers. Well, my Dad wanted to involve my son in a project while he was visiting so he came up with the idea to make a sewing bird based on a sewing bird he had made for his mother when he was an adolescent. It was going to be my son’s present to me when he returned back home.

I was thrilled with my sewing bird present, the whole back story of the sewing caddy and the fact that my son and parents all took part in creating it makes this sewing bird the prize of my small collection.

Dad's Sewing Bird

I had never seen sewing caddy’s like this before but instantly fell in love with the charming, folksy sewing bird my Dad made for me.

After that, anytime I went to garage sales or antique shops I was always on the look out for other examples of sewing birds. Over the years I have found more sewing birds, each one just a little different from the next. Most look hand-made and hand-painted. I know I could find more on-line to add to my collection but I would rather just find them in my travels and hunts then go about acquiring them the easy way. This way each one has a story and I usually find them at a very reasonable price. I have a small collection of just eight birds but love them all, even with their flaws. There is just something about an item used for utility but designed beyond necessity with charm that makes these sewing birds so dear to me. I think of the other women who owned these before me and possibly had a son make or give it to her as a gift.

Blue Sewing Bird

My newest sewing bird to my collection was given to me by a friend for my birthday. Isn’t this the sweetest thing?!? I love it!

Painted Red Sewing Birds

These red sewing birds, although not in the greatest condition are a cute pair. One has a drawer and one is just on a block base. The small one would have had a fabric pincushion on the tail and a peg for a thimble at the front.

Natural Wood Sewing Birds

These are neat, the wood is left natural. The small sewing bird is a souvenir from Mercer, Wisc. (“Loon Capital of the World”) and the large one seems homemade with a hand-carved bird or duck, not sure where or when it may have been made.

White Painted Sewing Birds

These two white painted sewing birds are the last of my small collection. They are very similar but do vary slightly, more then likely of the same era – my guess is 20-’s-30′s vintage.

It is fun to collect vintage sewing items that can be used as well as admired.

Your comments made me realize I never gave the information about subscriptions for the magazines. To answer your questions, yes, there are subscriptions available. To subscribe to Quilt-it… today, you’ll get 6 issues for $12.95 (Canada is $18.95). These prices have the S/H already included.

Go online or mail subscription with name and address to:

Quilt-it Today
PO Box 3000
Denville, NJ 07834-9730

We are still working on the web site, it is very, very rough right now but should be up and running and looking pretty in a week, you can visit www.quiltittoday.com for more information.

Thanks for your wonderful support!

This is what you will want to look for:

Quilt-it... today premier issue

You will find the magazine in many different places

• Walmart
• Kmart
• Barnes & Noble
• Jo-Ann Fabrics
• Hancock Fabrics
• Walgreens
• Shopco
• Hobby Lobby
• Fred Myer’s
• Sam’s Club
• Books-a-Millon
• Dollar General

Even though I have the advanced copies already you bet I am going to go into the stores just to see it on the shelves! You will want to check it out too, there are lots of nice projects for beginners and intermediate sewers. The Quilt-it… today issue is mostly quilts with a few sewing projects. In there I have designed a quilt–Weekend Picnic, a sewing project– On-the-Go Tote, and a quick notions project–Sugar & Spice that I know you will love. The magazine has 16 projects and is a wonderful value for just $3.99! Take a look and let me know what you think of it.

Crossed Canoes by Sharon Holland with Dilly Day fabrics

Quilt Magazine Oct/Nov 2012

Looking at the Quilt magazine cover, it is hard to believe but we are now starting to think about fall, back-to-school and hopefully some cooler temperatures! This has been a hot summer, I am really looking forward to the cooler temperatures! I am a bit blue because my son will leave next week to go back to college and it brings my summer to a close a little early. It was nice having him home, but I know he is ready to get back and I have plenty to keep me busy.

The new magazine, Quilt-it Today is rolling right along. The first issue was turned in on the 3rd and will head to the printers in a week. After that, the first issue will be out the end of September! I can’t wait to see it in print. Things have been very exciting learning all about publishing, layout, photography and the behind the scenes of putting together a magazine. We have started working on the next issue that follows, Sew-it Today and that title will be out the end of October. From there, the two titles will alternate each month, each packed with projects that are geared for beginning to intermediate quilters and sewers.

I hope your summer can linger on a bit longer before the hustle and bustle of fall and school activities start back up. Enjoy your time and savor the days. I am sure there will be days this winter that I will wish for one of these hot days again.

In late April I was approached about being part of a new quilting and sewing magazine. Well, it was an opportunity I could not turn down. I accepted an Assistant Editor position with a new company Valu-Publishing (part of All-American Crafts) to work on a new, start-up magazine. Two publications will be produced, called Quilt-it Today and Sew-it Today. Deborah Hearn, the former Editor of Quilt Magazine is our Editor and I have to say it is such a pleasure to be working with Deb, we are kindred spirits and both enjoy quilting and sewing and bringing the craft to beginning quilters. I am having a lot of fun in my new career!

The first issue of Quilt-it Today will not be out till the end of September but I am busy, busy working on getting it ready right now. I will be sure to let you know when it is out and available, a lot can happen between now and then, each day is a new adventure for me, so let me keep you posted on this as we progress.

Other magazine doings: The Easy Quilts issue by Fons & Porter has my Daydreams quilt featured as a bonus quilt. This quilt features my Dilly Day collection fabrics and can be seen at: www.fonsandporter.com/daydreams.

Daydreams F&P Easy Quilts Fall 2012

Easy Quilts Fall 2012

I am pleased to be able to share with you a quilt made by one of my readers. Ana Maria Perna of Spain has been following my blog and made her own version of my Wildwood Quilt I posted in December 2011. It was so interesting to hear from Ana and about her quilt. I love how hers turned out! Very summery, fresh and fun.

Quilt by Ana Maria Perna

Close-up of quilt by Ana Maria Perna

Here is what Ana has to say about choosing her fabrics;

“Regarding the fabric, it’s just scraps, plus some I bought, but normally we don’t pay much attention to the brand here. They are known as “American Fabrics” (meaning they come from America, but I wouldn’t say people know if they are Hoffman, or Kaffe Fasset, or the like) , and they are usually quite expensive so we try to make do with whatever we have at hand. We get jelly rolls, charm packs and kits, but they are usually expensive. There’s still a long way to go in this aspect!”

You can see some of the other projects Ana has made using this link: http://quiltwithus.connectingthreads.com/profile/AnaMariaPerna

It is a wonderful feeling to have been able to inspire another quilter and to see the outcome. Thank you Ana for sharing your quilt with me (us)! I may not be able to make as many posts in the coming months, but I do hope to continue providing inspiration and fun projects through the new magazines. I am looking forward to all the new things I will be learning, the new projects I will be laying out in the pages and the people and designers I will meet along the way.

I would like to use the forum of my blog to extend an invitation to any quilters, sewers and/or designers who would like to submit easy to intermediate quilts or sewing projects to these new publications. We are looking for original designs geared towards beginning sewers. We are also looking for any groups or organizations that work together to create quilts for charity or personal fulfillment for a regular feature “Sharing Your Stash” that will run in our Quilt-it Today magazine.

If you are interested, please email me at Contact@sharonhollanddesigns.com and I will get you more information on how to submit your project for consideration.