I used these vintage thread spools in a photo shoot on my front porch today. The spools weren’t the subject of the shoot just crafty filler, but I did spend a few minutes arranging them just so for a few photos. I have several deadlines to meet this week, so the pressure is full on. [...]

Finally updated with video Oh my word, I’m so tired! I’ve been stitching like mad lately and wanted to give you folks an update on the ArtPrize charity quilt project I’ve been working on. Check back here in a bit for today’s “Take Five” TV segment for an update on how things are progressing. And all [...]

On this episode of CraftSanity you’ll meet West Michigan fiber artist Beth Ann Williams, an accomplished quilter, teacher and author who never ceases to inspire the people around her. Tune in to hear the story of how Beth Ann turned to quilting after serious health problems forced her to edit her life plan. Beth Ann, [...]

It’s official. I entered ArtPrize 2010, the international art competition based here in Grand Rapids. I’m working on a hexagon quilt called “Power Ties in Bloom” made out of neckties that will be displayed at the David D. Huntington YMCA in Grand Rapids Sept. 22 – Oct. 10.  The ties were collected by Safe Haven [...]

Hello! I have a little catching up to do this week. I’m going to start off by participating in Kathreen Ricketson’s blog tour for her new book: “Whip Up Mini Quilts: Patterns and How-to for More Than 20 Contemporary Small Quilts.” Read on for a sneak peek of the piped binding tutorial from p. 44 [...]

I can’t believe it’s Saturday already. This week has been a complete blur. Here’s a recap: * I sold more looms this week than I expected to, so I’ve been busy making more. (A special thank you to my lovely customers. You folks rock!) This uptick in sales comes at a good time because layoff [...]

MHC If you like happy endings be sure to check out my art & craft column in today’s Grand Rapids Press. I wrote an update about the smashing success of the Margaret’s Hope Chest “Hope Squared” Quilt drive. Carol Peters (left) and her daughter, Carin Vogelzang, mobilized quilters around the globe (with help from the Crazy Mom [...]

This is my contribution to the Margaret’s Hope Chest Hope Squared quilt drive to benefit homeless children living in the Grand Rapids Public School District this holiday season. I interviewed the charity organizers, Carin Vogelzang, and her mother, Carol Peters, for the podcast and my column and wanted to do more than encourage everyone else [...]

Get the <a href=”http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/mp3″ mce_href=”http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/mp3″>Google Audio Widget</a> widget and many other <a href=”http://www.widgetbox.com/” mce_href=”http://www.widgetbox.com/”>great free widgets</a> at <a href=”http://www.widgetbox.com” mce_href=”http://www.widgetbox.com”>Widgetbox</a>! Not seeing a widget? (<a href=”http://docs.widgetbox.com/using-widgets/installing-widgets/why-cant-i-see-my-widget/” mce_href=”http://docs.widgetbox.com/using-widgets/installing-widgets/why-cant-i-see-my-widget/”>More info</a>) This episode is about spreading hope one quilt at a time. Tune in to meet Carin Vogelzang, and her mother, Carol Peters, two women who turned a [...]

Calling all quilters! Margaret’s Hope Chest, a Grand Rapids-based quilt charity, needs your help to make 400 quilts to give homeless children living in shelters over the Christmas holiday. Today my art & craft column is about Carin Vogelzang, and her mother, Carol Peters, the women who turned a family tragedy into an inspiring cause. [...]

It was a real kick to meet Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably, at Kaffe’s lecture and slide show this evening here in West Michigan. The lecture, given as part of the 25th year shop anniversary for the Wyoming, Mich. – based Threadbender Inc., was both entertaining and inspiring. I even got a free scarf because [...]

Hi folks. I’m headed out for a run, but first I want to give you all a heads up about a book giveaway I’m hosting on my newspaper blog. Last week I wrote a column about a talented quilter, Edyta Sitar, owner of Laundry Basket Quilts, and I’m giving away two copies of new her [...]

The girls and I made a quick stop at the grocery store this afternoon. As I drove out of the parking lot, Abby said: “Mom, look! Somebody’s not taking care of the Earth.” “What do you mean, Abby?” “Somebody littered,” she said, pointing at a piece of trash blowing across the concrete. This wasn’t an [...]

I’ve had a great time working with Jennifer Paganelli’s Flower Power prints this week. English paper piecing is a fantastic vacation craft. I’ll be stitching some more on the plane ride home today. I think it will take 12,000 more vacations to get enough flowers to make a whole quilt. I don’t really have time [...]

We spent a lot of time traveling in the car today and I happily used that time to do some paper piecing. My nephew was sitting next to me and asked if he could stitch, too. I wasted no time hooking him up with a needle and thread. He stitched quietly for a while after [...]