Georgia Bonesteel's Blog

Spring, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:49:00 +0000

Welcome Spring, 2010....What better way to welcome spring than the gift that keeps on giving. Last Mother's Day this bouquet graced our home, now it blooms outside.

Finally, The Real Trip Around the World quilt pattern is available as a pattern. It was a Montreat Retreat project a couple of years ago and quite the success with well over 3000 pieces and 54 different fabrics. Not a problem with rotary cutter pre cut strips. Check it out on the Quilt Store link of the web site.

We were there! In Burnsville, NC (when are they going to change the name to Barnsville, NC?) for the installation of the Sundial. This vertical quilt block sundial was elevated to be completely exposed and not hidden by the newspaper building overhang. How very clever. That is Barbara Webster documenting every step of the installation with her Sundial T shirt on for the special day. The Sundial design is by Bob Hampton and Martin Webster.

Finally, up on the building ready to tell the time of day--any season. Yes, there are guides available at the Quilt Trails Gift Shop at the Chamber of Commerce. You can even see the sundial from the Burnsville Town Square. Make a special trip to the area for viewing and appreciating all of their hard work. Go to www.quiltrailswnc.org for more info.

Closer to home on our own barn (well, not exactly but a shed/carport) I have my very own Rising Moon Over Magic Mountain designed by Barbara Webster and painted especially for me by Jac'line Weisgerber. It hangs behind our red twig dogwood and "Chief Seattle" folk art.

Mark your calendar for a road trip to Burnsville in June when the Montreat Retreat quilters will have their very own Barn wall hanging exhibit. Where else but the the Chevy dealership right downtown. You can find the building with the 65 Vette block.

Winter, 2010 Addendum

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:51:00 +0000

Attention! Addendum, Slip of the computer hand in leaving out two good pictures. The first is taken inside the work hall where the ladies began tracing their saint designs onto Grid Grip on those light filled windows. The perfect light box! Plus Sr Tabitha showing off the progress of her Cranberry Bog wall hanging started in a class with Charlotte Warr Andersen last spring.

Winter 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:36:00 +0000

Winter is here in all of her glory! Have not seen the ground for many days, but with power on it leaves many hours for quilting and stitching time. With Valentine's day coming up I have the perfect quilt gift from your sweetie. Have him go to www.HyersWood.com and order this beautiful hand crafted Sewing Spool Caddy. It sits right next to my quilt frame and so handy for thread and needles.

A November Flash back found me teaching at the JC Campbell Folk School (www.folkschool.org). Another great experience seeing the completion of many Calico Crossover quilt tops. Always fun to show them off at the "bring and brag" final day.
You might recognize this quilt from the cover of Easy Does It Quilts. We especially liked Sandra Wood's top. Of course, she came to class fully intending to use the poinsetta fabric as the cross over strips, but we convinced her to switch it for the background. A success story, for sure.

Another November quilt trip took me to The Community of Jesus on Cape Cod. They have an active quilt group in a beautiful setting in Orleans, MA. Here in their light filled hall they started their project of completing 13 iconic saint wall hangings, 3' x 5' by next spring. I have no doubt they will complete their goal. It was a joy to work with such talented, dedicated students.

Another view of their great hall glistens in the sun and you might think this is snow on the ground. Not so, those are oyster shells! Each student has chosen their own saint to capture in fabric. They started with a full blown sketch and traced that onto Grid Grip for their patterns. Those light filled windows were perfect for that step. The last photos show the inside of their sancturary--the awsome stain glass window and also the marble mosaic floor. Make this a visit next time you are visiting Cape Cod. They have a lovely gift shop with candles, cards, books etc.

Fall, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Another Cape Cod teaching trip (more about that later) prompted me to finish an earlier wall hanging for the BayBerry Quilters Guild. I entitled it "One of 26" knowing how many lighthouses there are on the Cape. Please do not get the idea I contribute quilts to every guild I visit, but that trip was special, even getting to kayak on Swan Lake.

Yes, we really enjoy feeding the birds. This began long ago, perhaps when we lived in Minneapolis when that is just about all one does in the wintertime. But we have had to keep our bird feeders in this fall, even during the daytime due to the following picture!

It is hard to imagine but one day during different times we had 7 healthy frisky black bears in our yard. Just what would our 21 year old cat, PeeWee, have done is they had an encounter. Here he is lounging on the sun deck, right where they ambled.

Just a glimpse of the glorious leaves beneath that bird feeder. Wouldn't that make lovely fabric! Now to go outside and rake all of those leaves.

What am I working on presently? Barns and Blocks. This is the theme and project for my week winter quilt retreat in Black Mountain, NC at the William Black Lodge (Feb.5-12) Inspired by the Burnsville quilt trails (www.quilttrailswnc.org) that feature blocks on barns we will make wall hangings. For more info contact Lee R. Lundahl at lgr4491@aol.com with the subject Quilt Retreat.

Montana 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Bison from Yellowstone National Park. This animal was the design theme in September for our (co-teacher, Charlotte Warr Andersen) quilt retreat at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch. The ranch in the Gallatin Gateway south of Bozeman is close enough for a yearly jaunt to the park. One is always assured of viewing bison-on the road, around Old Faithful and especially in the Hayden Valley.

My project, Montana, became a special quilt poster complete with trout, bison and arrow set in a landscape of mountains. Accents became beads for that extra shimmer and glitz. I donated the original one to the IQA auction in Houston coming up next week. Now, about that bison T shirt! I tried my best to give it away with no takers so I ended up with this "Hairy chested wonder"!

July, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:26:00 +0000

My Quilt Shoppe, owned by Lanna and David Gordich, has moved to 1032C Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
www.myquiltshoppe.com It is located in a mini strip mall on 225 south of town en route to Flat Rock. (Yes, that is my car with the Lapquilt license plate pulled up in front) When in the neighborhood do visit Connemara, a National Historic site, and final home of Carl Sandburg. The Flat Rock Playhouse is right next door where you can see a marvelous play and also check out the newly landscaped gardens by the Master Gardeners of Henderson County

Ah, my Blue Door, "Entering Rest", is now a swinging fixture on the garden path. Plus, the Clematis did very well this year!

This doll needs a home. Here's the story: a friend is moving; downsizing; this Alexander doll comes with it's own antique trunk and hand made vintage doll clothes. Does anyone know the right museum? Do email me at georgia@georgianbonesteel.com
if you can help. Thank you

May, 2009, Touring quilters

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Nothing like a field trip to Burnsville, NC to energize the quilting mind, especially when quilt patterns are bold and center front on buildings in town. Barbara Webster is the moving force behind this wonderful display. Go to www.quilttrailswnc.org to get the full picture and to become inspired for your own home state. Barbara will come and give a presentation on how to do this step by step.

The blocks are classic patterns, but each has a twist which make them unique.

Study this block carefully. Yes, inside is a stocking factory and we sure got some good deals. One has to call ahead for this shopping spree but well worth the stop.

A lovely variation of Bear's Paw or maybe you have another name for this block.

We even had a tour of how this process all begins. Large sections are painted first and the secret is having a fork lift friend for installation!

Back to the garden. My new passion. Yes I have put a swinging blue door on one of my trails. It says "Entering Rest" and on the reverse you know what it says---"Leaving R--t"

New denim quilt we just finished for the Frugal Design Showcase Home tour here in Hendersonville, NC. It is a model home that will be completely decorated with furnishings supplied solely from the retail thrift stores in town affiliated with a non profit agency. The proceeds to view the home will be given back to the thrift stores and items are for sale. The quilt was made by our PTA group. Go to www.frugaldesign-hvl.com for info. The tour is June 19th and 20th.

Hot off the sewing machine is my show sample for the Quilt Market in Pittsburgh to be delivered this Saturday. Think cozy, sweet bedroom, inspired by the floral quilts of Marie Webster so the name is "Beddy Byes" and yes you can download the pattern off the internet at www.windhamfabrics.com

Stay tuned for more later. My Bernina is presently resting! Georgia

More of Hurry Up Spring, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:01:00 +0000

The Montreat Quilt Retreat Report, 2009 It was a 5 bobbin class. Yes, we stitched ourselves silly, but the results were astounding. I called this quilt "The Real Trip Around the World". quilt. I just can not show all of them but the ones below are in order made from JoAnne, Lee's (all feed sacks), yours truly (I made it to look old and match an antique model) and Lorna (yes, she is from Florida hence the bright colors). I will save the rest for "The Book'!

Now for my tip of the day. Here is a close up of the ultimate in seam rip out! Yes, the answer is a man's mustache trimmer and a good friend to hold the seams taut. It sure did work here for Sheila and Peggy!

Hurry Up Spring, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:52:00 +0000

Yes, hurry up spring since the blue bird house is all cleaned out and waiting. They insist on a clean house after every family leaves the nest. What fun it is to feed them meal worms. The Advanced Master Gardener (sounds like I know everything outdoors, but not true) has started up again. There is so much to learn and we have been busy enhancing the grounds of the State Theatre, The Flat Rock Playhouse that is right around the corner from our "QuiltBuilt" home. Not all shrubs in our yard are green, however. My bottle bush catches the afternoon light and just glows. Not sure the Biltmore House would approve of the use of that top bottle!

Back to my Bernina and Sunflower quilts. Last years Montrat retreat featured variations of Marie Webster's wonderful quilt. Yes, it took a year for completion but just gaze at some of the results. These will be on exhibit this summer at the Hall of Fame Celebration (www.quiltershallofame.org). The quilts below are made by: Rita, Lynda, Doris, Annette and Mary.

Yes, I did finish my labyrinth and such a nice pleasant walk outside. The grandchildren enjoy it too.

Marie Webster's quilts will be featured and brought back to life in a new line of fabric printed by Baum Textiles. It should be in your quilt stores by July and will be introduced at the Spring Market in Pittsburgh. Go to www.windhamfabrics.com and click on What's New.

To Be Continued....I am too anxious to see if what I have blogged so far is working. I will be back, Georgia

Spring, Summer and Fall 2008 Update

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:56:00 +0000

Hello, My 1100 and 1200 PBS series, Lap Quilting, continues to instruct and inform a new generation of quilters on www.createtv.com. Along with that come questions. My button on bib (called a "breast plate" by my English friend, Sheila Peal) was the wardrobe solution for each show. It was a 8326 Simplicity Craft pattern, but probably only found at resale shops now. Each bib denoted the theme of the show. Of course, I can send you a free pattern if you send me a SASE to PO Box 96, Flat Rock, NC. Also, Check my Quilt Store inventory since there are a few selected VHS from these shows for sale.

Here goes a picture review of my great quilt year:
I had a special visit to the Wilkes County Quilters in Boone, NC for the longest show and tell I have ever done with a car load of my quilts. The big surprise was the Sparta Quilters arriving with their finished Tea Pot Quilt. It got a huge round of applause and I was so proud to be the designer. I hope you get to see it in person sometime soon at a national quilt show. Check out http:/teapotsteapotsteapotsblogspot.com

How lucky can we be than to have a nationally known batting company, The Warm Company, right here in our hometown. Tours are available with advance contact with Barry Brown. We have been very impressed with the efficiency and cleanliness of the plant. Check out all of their selection on their web site at www.warmcompany.com. I especially like their Insul bright for hot pads.

Sunflowers have been growing at my Bernina. Finally, I finished the tribute quilt to Marie Webster. Several variations will be on display next summer at the Hall of Fame July 2009 Celebration. 1206 This was my winter Montrat project so many tackled the quilt in several sizes and styles. This year we paid tribute to Helen Kelley in great style. I will always cherish her special walk around tour of her exhibit in Marion, Indiana. It is still hard to believe she is not with us anymore. Our hearts go out to Bill and family as they go forward. Next year we induct and honor Merikay Wadvogel. Come join us. www.quiltershalloffame.net

Eagles were our wildlife topic for the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch this fall. Inspired by the wonderful graphics of Charlie Harper I designed a more modern eagle, Moon Over Mount Eagle. We had a great two week class in the Gallatin Gateway, complete with the annual hike up Lincoln Mountain and trips to Yellowstone. Next years wildlife topic are bison. www.ninequartercirlce.com Between glorious sunrises and a touch of snow the weather is always exciting in the fall.

I end this blog with a favorite wall hanging from my PTA "groupies" made a couple of years ago. It is called P is for Pipeline reflecting the Alaskan pipeline where each the group had to use pink and green corded bias (a good deal purchased at an outlet) plus use a pipe in some manner. BTW-It was designed with Grid Grip, available now only on the Quilt Store link. For any bulk orders for teaching or resale contact: georgia@georgiabonesteel.com

spring, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:32:00 +0000

Hi, All, the spring air pulls me outside away from my Bernina. But I am on a mission to complete the labyrinth, Baltic style.
www.labyrinthcompany.com Thought you would like to see it in progress. I tried my best to get sme grandchildren help, but they lost interest after about 20 stones. The garden template is anchored down and then lines indicate where to place the stone. The mulch fills in between. When completed you will get the picture.

We live right around the corner from Connemara, the Carl Sandburg Historic home, and we make a regular hike to the barns when grandchildren visit. This time a new kid had been born. Note what must be a doggy sweater that the yet unnamed kid is wearing to keep warm on a chilly spring morning.

Look what I spotted outside the other day--a rainbow or otherwise known as a Drunkard's Path block. Well, this blog has actually been a BIG test for the Lap Quilter. I will have more post closer together if this works! Doing it myself, like a big girl.
I am anxious to then show you the completed Tea Pot quilt on the next blog. Thanks for clicking onto my blog. Georgia

Winter 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:59:00 +0000

Hi, You All,
A new quilt year ahead, but fond memories of 2007 still linger. It ended with several great trips I am anxious to share with everyone. Two weeks at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana were filled with hikes, sunny days and lots of quilt interaction. Look hard from Lincoln Mountain and you can see our ranch nestled in the valley. That is the view Charlotte Warr Andersen and I had from the mail box on top. Yes, you must sign in to verify you made the climb. My new best friends on the trail are trekking sticks-not a cane!

My project this year was tri-axial weaving western fabric. The results were awesome wall hangings and vests. This pattern is featured in Georgia Bonesteel's Quiltmaking Legacy book.

Cape Cod was another quilt adventure made special by the Bayberry Quilters Guild. Teaching, lecturing and even sharing quilt stories over meals is a quilters pleasure. It is such a picturesque area complete with over 20 light houses. I stayed a few extra days to tour with a friend. We got to kayak on Swan Lake and checked out many coves and beaches even discovering many foxes. A trip to Nantucket topped the trip.

Then my semi annual trip to the JC Campbell Folk School completed my teaching year. The agenda here was Scrap Soup, in various sizes. Since I had made a large one and a medium size it was time to make a doll bed size. Believe it or not, it took me almost as long to stitch the tiny one as a large one--of course, cutting some pieces out wrong did not help the procedure! This scrap quilt is featured on a new booklet, called Quilters Can Cook, available on the Quilt Store link, so check it out.

I have never seen 12 students work so hard. They were a driven group sewing day and night. A short walk to the dinning hall was the only interruption as we completed our quilts. Wouldn't you know that the youngest and most inexperienced student finished first. She was so excited to be learning patchwork I actually saw her running from the sewing machine to the ironing board. Now that is very fine! I do need to brag on her as she stands in front of her almost completed quilt, Johanna Salmon, from Alaska!

Of course, it is always special when repeat students return, especially when they bring a competed project from another year as Eleanor Brazell did with the Star and Mountain quilt.

Please check out my updated Welcome page on the web site as I go out on a limb with my goals for 2008. Stay in touch and I promise to Blog more often!

Spring Blog 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:28:00 +0000

Busy, Busy, Busy... Let's see. by 10:00 this morning I had quilted,

finished a 6" block for The Alliance for American Quilts, www.centerforthequilt.org

and made a Rhubarb Cream Cheese pie from Jane Quinn's Daily Desserts cook book. www.QuiltingInTheCountry.com

Sorry no picture as my bridge group ate every last bite! Doesn't it amaze you at the check out counter of a grocery store how the clerks just stare at rhubarb and also rutabaga? Is there an age when it clicks in? I imagine it is family kitchen related. If your Mother cooked either of these properly then you grew up enjoying these distinct tastes. Both are great!

Anyway, back to quilts. My 2006 year ended with a wonderful trip to Steckborn, Switzerland, home of Bernina of America.

What do 75 professional quilters do on such a trip? Why we learned--ate--shopped--ate and bought chocolate. We were enthused to know how international our passion has become. We had presentations from German and Swiss quilters, an exhibit of Russian quilts plus lessons from Mariana Fruhauf, www.fruehauf.it

My annual winter quilt retreat re-located this year to Montreat, NC, near Black Mountain. Now we can call it Quilt Retreat in Montreat. www.williamblacklodge.org

Check out my 2008 calendar to learn the dates. Every year a new quilt to make. This year we focused on stripes with a pattern from Spinning Spools I have always wanted to complete named Cane Cousin.

After viewing it with the not quite complete border you might think the name should be Lollipop. The results from two classes were varied and outstanding.

The Mid Atlantic quilt fest by the Mancuso brothers was another big event. So much fabric, so much to learn and stitch. I taught a smaller rendition of the Scrap Soup quilt---think Album Block turned into strip piecing.

A teacher trio drove over to Hampton, VA with plenty of "stuff" tucked in my pick up truck. That was the good news. The bad news was trying to retrieve it out of the trucks back. The legs will remain anonymous!

In Albany, NY they quilt in the wintertime and garden in the summertime. No wonder-it was -3 degrees when I went to class at the Quilt North Guild. People seem to linger longer and enjoy the inside before braving the elements. Here I taught lap quilting and such a rewarding class. Many people are closet quilters so it was fun to share ideas, frustrations and techniques with a needle in hand. I learn so much when I watch someone else quilt. At noon time we watched the DVD, The Great American Quilt Revival,www.quiltrevival.com

Does your Guild own a copy yet? Sure hope so.

Looking ahead--I plan to go back in time. The significance of our closing picture speaks of sewing back around 1880. And just how does that have significance for today? Next week at my Winterthur presentation in Delaware I will be doing a "Then and Now" demonstration. For the first time they will have a fine historic quilt display of their private collection with a book to accompany this exhibit. I will show how we would make the quilts today with all of our fine tools.

Then, even more fun, this summer at the Hall of Fame event in July, www.quiltershalloffame.net, we will have Dueling Machines with a timer set to see what works faster--this 1880 pedal machine or my 630 Artista Bernina. Come join the fun as we make autograph blocks as a fund raiser for the Hall of Fame. Check my travel, On The Road, link for dates. By the way. the lady at the sewing machine is my grandmother, Pearl Sayler at age 15 and the lady with the tape measure is my great grandmother, Lottie Sayler, taken in Portage,Ohio. This was her sewing room and she earned egg money for the family with her skills. So glad I have inherited those genes!

Summer Blog Update

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:18:00 +0000

Remember Anna Bonesteel's entry in the Asheville Quilt show? Well, she won an Honorable Mention. Congrats, Anna.

Come along and travel with the Lap Quilter.

Marion, Indiana was the place to be this July, 2006.

The Quilters Hall of Fame honored Virginia (Jinny) Avery with a great celebration.

She was in her glory with eloquent words and jazzy garments on display. Those of you who have studied under her would have been very proud. There were toasts, exhibitions, lunches, vendors, rewarding panels about the Art Quilt world, a jazz concert with Jinny at the keys and most impressive of all--19 members of Jinny's family.

Those of us former members, yours truly, Bets Ramsey, Jinny Avery, Yvonne Porcella and Donna Wilder all agreed Jinny had the most fun extravaganza of all. She has always made it right to dress with flair, color and dash-at any age! Put that July weekend on your weekend travel calendar. www.quiltershallofame.net

A PS to this trip: I was proud to note a brick from the Western North Carolina Quilters Guild and my Freedom Escape quilters supporting the Marie Webster home and garden.

All year we look forward to our Nine Quarter Ranch quilt retreat. This year was special for two reasons-we drove to Montana and twenty six students awaited Charlotte Warr Andersen and I to teach.
America, the beautiful certainly rings true as we wandered across the plaines. We visited friends and family with a favorite stop of mine in Nashua, Iowa at The Little Brown Church in the Vale which is a reminder of my church days with my grand parents.
Once at the ranch, climbing Lincoln Mountain is always a challenge.Fortunately there is a side trail which is better on the 'ol knees. My new favorite friend on the trail is a walking stick. Yes, we were in class each morning with extended stints at our work stations between fly fishing, horse back rides and hikes. This year moose was our project with mine being Moose Over the Mountain and Charlotte's Moose In the Mist.See her wall hanging on her web site at www.charlottewarrandersen.com
You can see these on display in the silent auction in Houston this November at the IQA show.

Some other favorite album shots at the ranch are:

Special Recognition of completed Moose's:

A stop over in Boulder, Colorado area found me at the Columbine Quilt Guild. It was only fitting to repeat the Moose project in an all day class. Everyone there had their own moose story. Why, one sort of pet moose just wanders the Boulder neighborhoods. But we were warned about moose encounters on the road. Not a good thing with an animal with such long legs.

Back home and a trip down Atlanta way. Three cheers for the hard working Southern Crescent Quilt Guild in Fayeteville, GA. I taught my strip picture piecing workshop with great results that included great landscape colors and a few "out of the box" fabrics too. I am awaiting the emails of finished designs.

What's Next? Future calendar posting includes the Sparta Teapot Museum for the year 2008. Yes, I am designing the quilt for the museum opening and the Alleghany Quilters Guild members will be stitching towards completion. www.spartateapotmuseum.org

Freedom Escape Quilt Retreat continues on for the 23rd year at a new location in Black Mountain, The William Black Lodge. www.williamblacklodge.com
The first week is full, but the second week, Friday, February 2 to February 16th has openings. Email or write Lee Roskamp Lundahl at 2278 Kings Pointe Dr. Largo, FL 33774 or 20lgr4491@aol.com Our project this week is a redesigned quilt from Spinning Spools, Volume #3 called Cane Cousin using the many exciting strip fabric now available. We leave the lodge one day for a special tour of Hendersonville, Flat Rock, my QuiltBuilt studio and much more!

March 31st, 2007 will be a very special first time One Day Quilt Conference at Winterthur in Delaware. Come see their historic collection and learn at the same time. www.winterthur.org
There is so much to see in the area--Longwood Gardens, Andrew Wyeth Museum and you can even kyak on the Brandywine River.

If you are touring in the area, put Burnsville, NC on the itinerary. Barbara Webster has completed and installed an amazing wall hanging in the city hall. Well worth a viewing! www.starforestquilts.com

A reminder---Every 4th Monday I conduct a Quilt Coffee Clatch at My Quilt Shoppe. It is a fun bring and brag session where we share and I get to teach a bit. Do come visit--open to all and it is free!

Check at www.myquiltshoppe.com
for any changes.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more info on my blog,

Georgia.

Home Again…Best class, Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 20:46:00 +0000

The signs ups were mandatory, the hours were dependant on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the concentration was sporadic, but intense, and the pay was not in dollars, but more in personal gratification. Yes, it was my pleasure to spend about a week with three granddaughters for a stitch and quilt class.

Last fall, Anna, 10 years old, attended the Asheville Quilt Show, www.main.nc.us/AQG
and was impressed with the youth category. By the time we got to the car, she had her design in mind and once we got to the “Quiltbuilt: studio she was asking for pattern material and fabric. She was on a roll with her violin cut out and was working on the strings when she left for New Jersey. Her project remained on hold until gram gram put the pressure on with the due date for this years show. Once I arrived she had even cut out notches on the convex curves of the violin in preparation for basting and hand appliqué. She was intrigued with the inverting method of sewing the batting, backing and front together.

She left about a 7” opening to turn inside out. The batting was pretty dense but she was able to hand set the edges. It was her idea to make musical notes to use as a quilting motif, which she cut out of felt. A zig-zag stitch secured these in place. Without a walking foot, I suggested random 3” to 4” straight lines of quilting following the stanzas. She is very proud to finish and so excited to enter her first quilt show.

Now her sisters, Claire, age 9, and Jane, age 5, were not to be outdone! Claire liked the old fashioned Grandmother’s Fan pattern and decided to hand piece the wedges together after selecting her own fabrics. One block was not enough, she wanted two on her small quilt. This time, after eyeing her sister on the Bernina, she wanted to machine stitch.
With a pencil line drawn for the ¼” seam allowance and her foot control raised on a box she was off and running. I guided her to the presser foot lever and how to cut off her threads at the end. She will never hand piece again!

Last, but not least, Jane, favored house designs. I told her a triangle for a roof and a rectangle for a door could make small houses in a hurry. She hand pieced many sections together, but became jealous of the swiftness of the sewing machine. So, she had a turn and mastered it very well. Their two quilts are destined for baby quilts for new family members. They learned the important thing about quiltmaking—it takes time and patience. I trust their achievements will go down as the first thing they did on their summer vacation.

England or Bust!

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 20:41:00 +0000

This was the slogan for my Kyak/Rambler journey with three friends. We savored the green countryside from Norwich to South Devon near Exeter. My quilt brain travels everywhere even though I did not visit one quilt shop, but I cound not pass up Liberty of London. It has changed since the last visit. Not so much fabric, except Kaffe Fassett’s line of woven stripes and the V & A collection, but more fashion, home decorating and even stationary. My one meter of sale table fabric (13 pounds or $26.00) will be a measly division between two quilt groupies. One day we rambled 10 miles through the Exeter National Park along the Bristol Channel, through sheep fields next to the Lyn River. “I’m so glad I’m Back, I’m happy I went”!

Quilt Satisfaction and Patchwork “Perks”

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 14:25:00 +0000

Recently I drove home from the Foothills Piecemakers Quilt Guild (encompasses Taylors, Spartanburg, Landrum and Greenville, SC) with a great deal of contentment. It was the night before their semi-annual quilt show and there I was giving a lecture on creativity. Hopefully, I was the kick off for their show. They had been hanging quilts all day and knew they had two full days ahead of them, but there they were. How great to see familiar faces and renew friendships. Our quilt community spans the years. Many told me of quilts they had finished from my TV shows and books. One member now joins my very private club of people who actually completed The Ultimate Postage Stamp Quilt. That quilt is on the cover of my Bright Ideas book. Check it out on my Quilt Store link on the web site. How wonderful it is to finish! Of course, having a quilt show is a great impetus, also.

“Perks” Webster dictionary claims is to make or become vigorous or lively again. That is how all quilters feel when show and tell happens at guild meetings. It is my favorite time when members take center stage with their handiwork. That night there was an amazing quilt from the Salvation Army, a wedding quilt with some awesome quilting lines and then a snappy Art quilt among the offering.

I feel so fortunate to live in a real “hot bed” of quilt activity. Being in two groupies and a member of three guilds keeps me busy. This time of the year with the yard and garden work calling makes it especially challenging. What’s ahead this spring? Teaching soon at Randy’s Quilt Shop in Greensboro. Then there is the quilt exhibit at the Folk Art Center in Asheville. www.craftguild.org
My pineapple quilt will be featured there. Actually, it is the quilt from New Ideas from Lap Quilting. My sister had done the quilt in that book so I never had my own. Well, it took me several years to complete so I named it “Finally”. It is based on paper piecing, but sewn on the front side and not a reverse situation. I will be teaching that pattern in Houston this fall. www.quilts.com

Next week at our local Arts Council of Henderson County on Main Street we install a “Teapots” exhibit and yes, a small piece of mine was accepted. I call it “Three for Tea” It will hang from April 28th until June 30th along with all of the unique and one of a kind teapots. (828-693-8504)

Certainly do not forget that I conduct a free “Coffee Clatch” every 4th Monday at My Quilt Shoppe. The topics vary, but it is a great sharing time, with instruction on many related quilt topics. Just check their web site for any changes and notification at www.MyQuiltShoppe.com

Time is getting close for the induction of Virginia Avery in July at the Hall of Fame. www.quiltershalloffame.net
I look forward to that drive up through the mountains and into farm country with arrival in Marion, Indiana. Mark your calendars and come join us.

Next blog update after a European trip. You better be sure I will be checking out quilt shops.

A new frontier for Georgia, a blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Georgia Bonesteel) — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:48:00 +0000

Quilts from my friend Luda in Kazakhstan

For almost 20 years we owned and operated Bonesteel Hardware & Quilt Corner. My, that was a busy time. How did I do it?---TV, books, travel, teaching, lectures, designing and family. Well, I had lots of help and a supportive family. Also, I had Norma, my trusted secretary. Now, all I have is the computer, my Bernina's, a retired husband, seven grandchildren and a good stash of fabric. Well, that is just about any upstanding quilter needs!

I am still designing and making quilts even though my beds and cupboards are full. What I can never give up is the people interaction. Once a month at My Quilt Shoppe (not mine, owned by Lanna Gordich) I do a Coffee Clatch get together where we exchange ideas and just have a mini quilt meeting. There is always so much to share. Everything from techniques, problem quilting lines, new tools and of course, "show and tell". Come visit if you are in the area. The store calendar is at www.myquiltshoppe.com Check out my Quilt Corner in the fabric room of the store. We have all just heard that In The Beginning, that wonderful quilt shop in Seattle, WA is closing their doors. New opportunities await Sharon and Jason Yenter. Things change!

We often question--why aren't more of our friends experiencing the joy of quilting? I contend there is no pride in saying, like I often hear on some of the decorating shows, "and you don't even have to sew it". Velcro and a glue gun are not the answer. We want to say, get with it and learn to sew. It is a joy and such a fulfillment and will open so many doors in your life. Please do not forget buttons and buttonholes. My new machine makes perfect, repeat button holes and can even determine the proper opening by the button size.

News Flash for Quilters! Great news with The Alliance for American Quilts moving to Asheville, NC. They are joining forces with HandMade in America www.handmadeinamerica.org Check this organization out on line and then join. Take a few minutes and read some of their accomplishments as they document, preserve and share our great quilt heritage. www.centerforthequilt.org/qsos/qsos/html

Another favorite long standing organization is the AQSG, which stands for the American Quilt Study Group. My goal this year is to visit Lincoln, Nebraska and see their headquarters. Blanket Statements, their newsletter, is always full of good history, ideas and notable names in our field.

The internet has become the new daily diary for quilt connections. People from my past have found me--a classmate from Oak Hall at Iowa State College and a pen-pal-well, an email-pal from Kazakhstan. A quilter recently from a western state emailed me to say that one of her quilts from my design was bought by Robin Williams (ala Hollywood!) Just look what quilt connections do for the soul. Every day a new experience related to fiber happens. My advice for those just starting with their quilt career is to keep a diary. One never knows when you will have to call upon the past!

I am proud to be participating in the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative, a program to raise awareness and fund research for Alzheimer's disease. It has two parts: a traveling art quilt exhibit interpreting Alzheimer's in fiber art that will tour the US for three years, and an on-going sale of small art quilts. All proceeds will go to Alzheimer's research.

So long for now, but look for updates with whatever crosses my needle.
Georgia