Of course, there's Christmas, and I love to decorate, especially with trees! Enjoy the photos!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and see you back here in 2016!
Until next time,
Martha
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Merry Christmas 2015
The past few months have found me doing more writing than sewing. I've been diligently working on writing instructions and making diagrams for my upcoming book, and writing class plans and supply lists for classes.
Of course, there's Christmas, and I love to decorate, especially with trees! Enjoy the photos!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and see you back here in 2016!
Until next time,
Martha
Of course, there's Christmas, and I love to decorate, especially with trees! Enjoy the photos!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and see you back here in 2016!
Until next time,
Martha
Friday, October 30, 2015
International Quilt Market 2015 Houston
I'm back from International Quilt Market in Houston, and finally catching my breath a bit from travel, filling orders, and just plain doing laundry!
Despite all of the media alarmists, the hurricane did not wreak havoc on Houston, but it did bring a lot of rain. Not something I am used to at all, but it only affected our going to and leaving the convention center. In fact, I didn't even know there WAS a hurricane, until there was some mention of it from fellow vendors.
The attendance was low at Quilt Market, so I'm counting on quilters everywhere to let their local quilt shops know about my new fabric line with Henry Glass, "A Prairie Journal". I'm so excited about this line, which was released at Fall Quilt Market in Houston. It will ship in the summer of 2016, so please let your local quilt shops know you would like to see it in their shop! If you click on the image below, you can see the entire line, and the quilts I designed as free pattern downloads.
In my market booth I was also displaying some of the projects that will be included in my new book that will be released in January, 2016, "Betsy's Scrapbag".
I will be working like crazy the rest of the year to finalize the book.
The Quilts, Inc. organizers keep the Special Exhibit portion of the show open for an extra hour so that the vendors can enjoy the exhibits after hours, and not leave their booths unmanned.
An hour won't cover it all, so we had to edit what we could see, and my pick was the antique quilt exhibits. Only one of the exhibits allowed photography, so I'll share some of the photos here. These photos are from the Moda antique quilt exhibit:
The "quilt" above is made from paper postcards, very unique.
We were on our way out, when this beautiful quilt caught my eye. It's newly made and one of the quilts juried into the Quilt Festival.
The quilt titled "Lady Indigo" was made by Carol Coffey Taylor and Martha Vincent of Beaumont, Texas, and is truly a beauty. The photo doesn't do it justice.
Of course, I had to go visit my quilt displayed in the Primitive and Folk Art Special Exhibit!
I hope you've enjoyed the photos!
Until next time,
Martha
Despite all of the media alarmists, the hurricane did not wreak havoc on Houston, but it did bring a lot of rain. Not something I am used to at all, but it only affected our going to and leaving the convention center. In fact, I didn't even know there WAS a hurricane, until there was some mention of it from fellow vendors.
The attendance was low at Quilt Market, so I'm counting on quilters everywhere to let their local quilt shops know about my new fabric line with Henry Glass, "A Prairie Journal". I'm so excited about this line, which was released at Fall Quilt Market in Houston. It will ship in the summer of 2016, so please let your local quilt shops know you would like to see it in their shop! If you click on the image below, you can see the entire line, and the quilts I designed as free pattern downloads.
 |
| A PRAIRIE JOURNAL |
In my market booth I was also displaying some of the projects that will be included in my new book that will be released in January, 2016, "Betsy's Scrapbag".
 |
| BETSY'S SCRAPBAG |
I will be working like crazy the rest of the year to finalize the book.
The Quilts, Inc. organizers keep the Special Exhibit portion of the show open for an extra hour so that the vendors can enjoy the exhibits after hours, and not leave their booths unmanned.
An hour won't cover it all, so we had to edit what we could see, and my pick was the antique quilt exhibits. Only one of the exhibits allowed photography, so I'll share some of the photos here. These photos are from the Moda antique quilt exhibit:
The "quilt" above is made from paper postcards, very unique.
We were on our way out, when this beautiful quilt caught my eye. It's newly made and one of the quilts juried into the Quilt Festival.
The quilt titled "Lady Indigo" was made by Carol Coffey Taylor and Martha Vincent of Beaumont, Texas, and is truly a beauty. The photo doesn't do it justice.
Of course, I had to go visit my quilt displayed in the Primitive and Folk Art Special Exhibit!
 |
| Annie's Scrapbook |
Until next time,
Martha
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Primitive Quilt and Folk Art Exhibit at International Quilt Festival Houston Fall 2015
I had a wonderful surprise in my mailbox this week.
Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine (AKA Homespun Media) are the organizers of a new exhibit to be held next month at International Quilt Festival in Houston - Primitive Quilt and Folk Art Exhibit. They sent me this very thoughtful certificate and pin as a thank you for exhibiting my quilt, Annie's Scrapbook, in the upcoming show. And I LOVE the pin!
I can't wait to see all of the quilts and I will definitely be wearing my pin!
The letter that accompanied the certificate and pin says it all about the beauty and artistic merit of the Primitive and Folk Art style......
My prize for winning 3rd place in the exhibit was a whole roll of Warm Company batting 80/20. I have already used it in my most recent quilt and I LOVE the way it looks! Thank you again, Warm Company and Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine!
Until next time!
Martha
Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine (AKA Homespun Media) are the organizers of a new exhibit to be held next month at International Quilt Festival in Houston - Primitive Quilt and Folk Art Exhibit. They sent me this very thoughtful certificate and pin as a thank you for exhibiting my quilt, Annie's Scrapbook, in the upcoming show. And I LOVE the pin!
I can't wait to see all of the quilts and I will definitely be wearing my pin!
The letter that accompanied the certificate and pin says it all about the beauty and artistic merit of the Primitive and Folk Art style......
My prize for winning 3rd place in the exhibit was a whole roll of Warm Company batting 80/20. I have already used it in my most recent quilt and I LOVE the way it looks! Thank you again, Warm Company and Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine!
Until next time!
Martha
Monday, September 7, 2015
Day 7 Happy Birthday Jaftex 85th Anniversary Blog Hop and Giveaway!
Hello! I'm so glad you joined me today to help me celebrate the 85th Anniversary of Jaftex, the parent company to Henry Glass & Co., Studio e Fabrics, Blank Quilting, A.E. Nathan, and Fabric Editions.
_________________________________________________________________________
I have had the good fortune to design fabric lines for both Studio e Fabrics, and Henry Glass & Co. As a designer for Henry Glass & Co., I was given the task of making a project for the blog hop using the Folio Basics line of fabric. I decided that a birthday celebration wouldn't be complete without a big Happy Birthday banner! So I put my thinking cap on and designed this banner using the yellow and red prints from the Folio Basics line, red rick rack, and Pellon 808 Craft Fuse Iron on interfacing.
A closer look:
For my free pattern for the Happy Birthday Banner CLICK HERE.
________________________________________________________________________
A little bit about Jaftex:
Jaftex Corp. was founded in the 1930’s when Jacob A. Fortunoff started selling fabric on the streets of New York. At that time, the mainstay of the business was women’s sleepwear and lingerie. In the 80’s, Jacob’s grandson, Robert, dramatically changed the business of the company. The business focus was transferred to the over the counter quilt industry when Robert purchased companies like A.E. Nathan, Henry Glass, Stylemaker, Chanteclaire, Fabric Editions/Studioe and more recently The Blank Quilting Corp. Robert is now joined by his two sons, Scott and Greg. Scott currently is the President of Studioe Fabrics, The Blank Quilting Corp. & A.E. Nathan Co., Inc. Greg just joined the business in late 2014 and has successfully spearheaded the company’s foray in to precut fabrics among other contributions.
______________________________________________________
And now for the contest! Look at these great prizes from Jaftex, Janome, Aurifil threads and Schmetz needles! Good luck!
85th Anniversary Giveaway
Please visit another designer on the blog hop today,
Heather @ Trends and Traditions
and tomorrow
Linda @ Linda Lum DeBono
Jaftex 85th Anniversary Blog Hop participants:
September 1 - Kim Diehl guest posting @ American Patchwork & Quilting
_________________________________________________________________________
I have had the good fortune to design fabric lines for both Studio e Fabrics, and Henry Glass & Co. As a designer for Henry Glass & Co., I was given the task of making a project for the blog hop using the Folio Basics line of fabric. I decided that a birthday celebration wouldn't be complete without a big Happy Birthday banner! So I put my thinking cap on and designed this banner using the yellow and red prints from the Folio Basics line, red rick rack, and Pellon 808 Craft Fuse Iron on interfacing.
 | ||
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY BANNER |
A closer look:
For my free pattern for the Happy Birthday Banner CLICK HERE.
________________________________________________________________________
A little bit about Jaftex:
Jaftex Corp. was founded in the 1930’s when Jacob A. Fortunoff started selling fabric on the streets of New York. At that time, the mainstay of the business was women’s sleepwear and lingerie. In the 80’s, Jacob’s grandson, Robert, dramatically changed the business of the company. The business focus was transferred to the over the counter quilt industry when Robert purchased companies like A.E. Nathan, Henry Glass, Stylemaker, Chanteclaire, Fabric Editions/Studioe and more recently The Blank Quilting Corp. Robert is now joined by his two sons, Scott and Greg. Scott currently is the President of Studioe Fabrics, The Blank Quilting Corp. & A.E. Nathan Co., Inc. Greg just joined the business in late 2014 and has successfully spearheaded the company’s foray in to precut fabrics among other contributions.
______________________________________________________
And now for the contest! Look at these great prizes from Jaftex, Janome, Aurifil threads and Schmetz needles! Good luck!
85th Anniversary Giveaway
Please visit another designer on the blog hop today,
Heather @ Trends and Traditions
and tomorrow
Linda @ Linda Lum DeBono
Jaftex 85th Anniversary Blog Hop participants:
September 1 - Kim Diehl guest posting @ American Patchwork & Quilting
September 2
- Pepper @ Pepper
at the Quilt Studio
September 3
- Anjeanette @ Anjeanette
Klinder
September 4
- Leanne @ The Whole Country Caboodle
September 5
- Mark @ Mark Lipinski's Blog
September 6
- Heather @ Heather Kojan Quilts
September 7
- Heather @ Trends and Traditions
September 7
- Martha @ Wagons West Designs
September 8
- Linda @ Linda
Lum DeBono
September 9
- Heidi @ Red Letter Quilts
September 10
- Jill @ Jillily
Studios
September 10
- Dana @ My Lazy Daisy
September 11
- Penny @ Sew Simple Designs
September 12
- Ida @ Cowtown
Quilts
September 13
- Liz and Beth @ Lizzie B Cre8ive
September 14
- Melissa @ Sew Bitter Sweet Designs
September 15
- Yvonne @ Quilting
Jetgirl
September 16
- Amy @ Kati Cupcake
September 16
- Barbara @ QuiltSoup2
September 17
- Erica @ Kitchen Table Quilting
September 18
- Leona @ Leona's Quilting Adventure
September 19
- Margot @ The Pattern Basket
September 20
- Sylvia @ Flying
Parrot Quilts
September 21
- Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts
September 22
- Kim @ Aurifil
Threads
September 23
- Rebekah @ Don't Call Me Becky
September 24
- Julie @ The
Crafty Quilter
September 25
- Mary Ellen @ Little Quilts
September 25
- Mary Jane @ Holly Hill Designs
September 26
- Daisy @ Ants to
Sugar
September 27
- Melissa @ Happy Quilting
September 28
- Janet @ http://www.onesisterdesigns.blogspot.com/
September 29
- Jenny @ Martingale&
Co.
September 30
- Teresa @ Third Floor Quilts
Monday, August 31, 2015
Jaftex 85th Birthday Celebration and blog hop
Jaftex is the parent company of Henry Glass & Co., Studio e Fabrics, and most recently Blank Quilting Corp. An exciting blog hop starts tomorrow to celebrate their 85th birthday! The co-sponsors of some wonderful prizes are Aurifil threads, Janome, and Schmetz Needles!
Please join me on September 7th for the blog hop and all of these wonderful designers working under the Jaftex umbrella!
September 1 - Kim
Diehl guest posting @ American Patchwork & Quilting
September 2
- Pepper @ Pepper
at the Quilt Studio
September 3
- Anjeanette @ Anjeanette
Klinder
September 4
- Leanne @ The Whole Country Caboodle
September 5
- Mark @ Mark Lipinski's Blog
September 6
- Heather @ Heather Kojan Quilts
September 7
- Heather @ Trends and Traditions
September 7
- Martha @ Wagons West Designs
September 8
- Linda @ Linda
Lum DeBono
September 9
- Heidi @ Red Letter Quilts
September 10
- Jill @ Jillily
Studios
September 10
- Dana @ My Lazy Daisy
September 11
- Penny @ Sew Simple Designs
September 12
- Ida @ Cowtown
Quilts
September 13
- Liz and Beth @ Lizzie B Cre8ive
September 14
- Melissa @ Sew Bitter Sweet Designs
September 15
- Yvonne @ Quilting
Jetgirl
September 16
- Amy @ Kati Cupcake
September 16
- Barbara @ QuiltSoup2
September 17
- Erica @ Kitchen Table Quilting
September 18
- Leona @ Leona's Quilting Adventure
September 19
- Margot @ The Pattern Basket
September 20
- Sylvia @ Flying
Parrot Quilts
September 21
- Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts
September 22
- Kim @ Aurifil
Threads
September 23
- Rebekah @ Don't Call Me Becky
September 24
- Julie @ The
Crafty Quilter
September 25
- Mary Ellen @ Little Quilts
September 25
- Mary Jane @ Holly Hill Designs
September 26
- Daisy @ Ants to
Sugar
September 27
- Melissa @ Happy Quilting
September 28 - Janet @ One S1ster Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Applique and Quarter Triangle Squares
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with fabrics from some upcoming fall Moda fabric collections, such as Alice's Scrapbag, Eliza's Indigo, Hawthorne Ridge, and more, some of which I incorporated into my new quilt. I can't unveil the entire quilt yet, but here is a portion of the pretty swag border:
Blocks made with "Quarter of a square" triangles, or quarter square triangles, for short, are also incorporated into the quilt, and here are a few blocks that didn't make their way into the quilt:
I think these blocks are so much fun to make (much more so than triangle squares, in my humble opinion), so I thought I would add this little tutorial on 2 different ways to make a 4 inch finished quarter square triangle block, just in case you haven't made one yourself yet.
The first method will yield two finished 4 inch blocks. You will need 1 - 5 1/4" square in a light fabric, and 1 - 5 1/4" square in a darker fabric. On the lighter fabric, mark a diagonal line from corner to corner with a contrasting marking tool (in this case I used a pencil), and again from the opposite corner.
Place the squares right sides together, with the marked square on top. Stitch 1/4" away on both sides of ONE marked diagonal line as shown:
Next, cut apart on BOTH marked diagonal lines.
Open each unit and press seams towards darker triangle. You will now have four units. Arrange two units so that light and dark are opposite and place right sides together. Stitch a 1/4" seam along the long edge of triangles.
Press seam to one side. Pressing the seam open works, too.
You will need to cut 2 - 3 3/4" squares, one light and one darker (or to contrast). Place right sides together, and stitch a 1/4" seam on opposite sides of the square.
The gray 2610 Aurifil thread that I used to blend with scrap patchwork worked all too well for this photograph. Sorry!
Next, cut the sewn squares in half ONCE diagonally as shown:
There will be a small amount of thread on one end of each unit, but when you open the unit up, the thread will pull out very easily.
Just as a reminder, the edges on the square using this method, will all be on the bias, so carefully press the seams to one side. Place each unit right sides together, and sew a 1/4" seam along the long edge of triangle. Open, and press seam.
The block will be slightly larger than 4 1/2" unfinished, so using a ruler with a 45 degree angle marked as shown, match the 45 degree angle to the diagonal seams, and trim the block to 4 1/2".
More beautiful blocks to add to my orphan block drawer!
Until next time!
Martha
Blocks made with "Quarter of a square" triangles, or quarter square triangles, for short, are also incorporated into the quilt, and here are a few blocks that didn't make their way into the quilt:
I think these blocks are so much fun to make (much more so than triangle squares, in my humble opinion), so I thought I would add this little tutorial on 2 different ways to make a 4 inch finished quarter square triangle block, just in case you haven't made one yourself yet.
METHOD 1
The first method will yield two finished 4 inch blocks. You will need 1 - 5 1/4" square in a light fabric, and 1 - 5 1/4" square in a darker fabric. On the lighter fabric, mark a diagonal line from corner to corner with a contrasting marking tool (in this case I used a pencil), and again from the opposite corner.
Place the squares right sides together, with the marked square on top. Stitch 1/4" away on both sides of ONE marked diagonal line as shown:
Next, cut apart on BOTH marked diagonal lines.
Open each unit and press seams towards darker triangle. You will now have four units. Arrange two units so that light and dark are opposite and place right sides together. Stitch a 1/4" seam along the long edge of triangles.
Press seam to one side. Pressing the seam open works, too.
METHOD 2
Here is a second way to make 4 inch finished quarter triangle squares. This method yields one block. I like this method for using 5 1/2" charm squares. The only drawback to this method is that the four sides of the finished block are on the bias. I wouldn't make a whole quilt using only blocks with bias edges, but incorporating a few here and there is fine, especially when those bias edges match up to an edge on the straight of grain.
You will need to cut 2 - 3 3/4" squares, one light and one darker (or to contrast). Place right sides together, and stitch a 1/4" seam on opposite sides of the square.
The gray 2610 Aurifil thread that I used to blend with scrap patchwork worked all too well for this photograph. Sorry!
Next, cut the sewn squares in half ONCE diagonally as shown:
There will be a small amount of thread on one end of each unit, but when you open the unit up, the thread will pull out very easily.
Just as a reminder, the edges on the square using this method, will all be on the bias, so carefully press the seams to one side. Place each unit right sides together, and sew a 1/4" seam along the long edge of triangle. Open, and press seam.
The block will be slightly larger than 4 1/2" unfinished, so using a ruler with a 45 degree angle marked as shown, match the 45 degree angle to the diagonal seams, and trim the block to 4 1/2".
 | ||
| Trim one corner |
 |
| Flip square around and trim the other corner |
More beautiful blocks to add to my orphan block drawer!
Until next time!
Martha
Saturday, June 27, 2015
My exciting news
Yes, I have been away from my blog for too long! I was sick with a virus for most of April and then it was followed with a head cold for the first two weeks of May! Needless to say, once I started feeling human again, I had a lot to do! I was also glad to be feeling better as we had a very special graduation to attend in May - our youngest son graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors degree in Linguistics. It was a very busy but fun weekend!
Now, for my good news - I was over-the-moon excited to find out last week that I was selected as one of the 23 finalists for a new exhibit to be held at International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas this coming October, curated by Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine. The quilts in the Primitive and Folk Art exhibit are meant to represent and promote the primitive and folk art style.
And, not only that, but my quilt "Annie's Scrapbook" was awarded third place in the Original Pattern Design category. Whoo hoo!
I can't wait to see all of the the other quilts hanging - it's sure to be a great exhibit.
Hopefully, I will be back to blog soon about some of the projects I've been working on - and maybe a new fabric line, too!
Until next time!
Martha
Now, for my good news - I was over-the-moon excited to find out last week that I was selected as one of the 23 finalists for a new exhibit to be held at International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas this coming October, curated by Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine. The quilts in the Primitive and Folk Art exhibit are meant to represent and promote the primitive and folk art style.
And, not only that, but my quilt "Annie's Scrapbook" was awarded third place in the Original Pattern Design category. Whoo hoo!
 |
| Annie's Scrapbook |
I can't wait to see all of the the other quilts hanging - it's sure to be a great exhibit.
Hopefully, I will be back to blog soon about some of the projects I've been working on - and maybe a new fabric line, too!
Until next time!
Martha
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
My friend Ingrid was over yesterday, giving me some feedback on a new fabric line I'm working on. She asked me if I was on Pinterest, and I told her I had opened an account, but had never done anything more. I didn't really know how it all worked, or how to get started.
Well, she spent the next 2 hours helping me get set up, and showed me a lot about how it all worked. And I'm pretty sure I spent another 2 hours adding even more stuff. I'm still a little unsure of myself, but I was able to get a few boards started. All thanks to my Pinterest guru, Ingrid. She also said that now I have to get followers. Oh no, how do I do that? So, if you're reading this, Please help! I would love to have you follow my Pinterest boards! https://www.pinterest.com/w9639/
I also figured out I need a few more things to pin, so I thought I would post a few photos of quilts I haven't posted here on my blog before.
So... here we go. This is one of my favorite quilts, "Celebrate Christmas", from Be Merry:
And here is a close up of Candy Cane Nine Patch, from Vintage Christmas:
Well, she spent the next 2 hours helping me get set up, and showed me a lot about how it all worked. And I'm pretty sure I spent another 2 hours adding even more stuff. I'm still a little unsure of myself, but I was able to get a few boards started. All thanks to my Pinterest guru, Ingrid. She also said that now I have to get followers. Oh no, how do I do that? So, if you're reading this, Please help! I would love to have you follow my Pinterest boards! https://www.pinterest.com/w9639/
I also figured out I need a few more things to pin, so I thought I would post a few photos of quilts I haven't posted here on my blog before.
So... here we go. This is one of my favorite quilts, "Celebrate Christmas", from Be Merry:
 |
| Celebrate Christmas |
And here is a close up of Candy Cane Nine Patch, from Vintage Christmas:
 |
| detail, Candy Cane Nine Patch |
Monday, March 30, 2015
Enjoying Spring
For most of this month I worked on the first quilt for a future book. Here are some tester Blazing Star blocks and some final blocks for the quilt:
I came up with an unorthodox way to assemble this block with stress free results. The fun part (not) will be writing the instructions for it! Ha! The quilt is done, and I love the way it turned out.
I love to sit inside and stitch away, but I also need to get outside and enjoy a little sunshine. I've been trying to take advantage of the weather before it gets up to 1000 degrees here.
A little hiking.....
And a little spring training baseball....
And also this month, lucky me, for a special occasion, my husband bought me something I've always wanted - an antique thread cabinet.
Right now, I have the thread cabinet setting on top of my Grandma's treadle sewing machine cabinet. The quilt hanging is an 1840 crib quilt I purchased, and folded on top of the cabinet is "Practice", a four patch crib quit from my book, Be Merry.
Until next time,
Martha
I came up with an unorthodox way to assemble this block with stress free results. The fun part (not) will be writing the instructions for it! Ha! The quilt is done, and I love the way it turned out.
I love to sit inside and stitch away, but I also need to get outside and enjoy a little sunshine. I've been trying to take advantage of the weather before it gets up to 1000 degrees here.
A little hiking.....
 |
| The so-called Lost Ranch Mine ruins |
 |
| On the steep trail past the ruins |
And a little spring training baseball....
 |
| Dodgers vs. Angels program |
And also this month, lucky me, for a special occasion, my husband bought me something I've always wanted - an antique thread cabinet.
Right now, I have the thread cabinet setting on top of my Grandma's treadle sewing machine cabinet. The quilt hanging is an 1840 crib quilt I purchased, and folded on top of the cabinet is "Practice", a four patch crib quit from my book, Be Merry.
Until next time,
Martha
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Bits and Pieces
The new year rolled in, and found me hunched over my drawing table working on a proposal for a new fabric line. In between drafting, drawing and painting, I would squeeze in a little time for hiking .....
and stitching a variety of works in progress......
Now that some of the bits and pieces are put together I can finally finish a few projects!
Valentine's Day is just a few days away, so I'll leave you with this adorable vintage card as my greeting to you - Happy Valentine's Day!
Until next time,
Martha
 |
| Picacho Peak |
 |
| Sycamore Canyon Wilderness |
 |
| Old building on route to the trailhead |
and stitching a variety of works in progress......
 |
| All nine wheels finished piecing! Ugh, now to press! |
 |
| Several hours later, they are all nice and flat |
 |
| Four appliqued corner squares finished! |
Valentine's Day is just a few days away, so I'll leave you with this adorable vintage card as my greeting to you - Happy Valentine's Day!
 |
| Happy Valentine's Day! |
Martha