QUILTS OF THE NORTHWOODS, Fish to Water

It does not matter what part of the country you live, or what country you live for that matter, everyone has their own Northwoods. It is that area where we go for nature. We look for our trees, wildlife, fresh air, and, many times, water. My northwoods is Boulder Junction.

Boulder Junction is located in Wisconsin’s Northern Highland State Forest. It is the official Musky Capital of the world. These muskies are swimming in one of the 194 lakes within a 9-mile drive of downtown. Our little slice of heaven is on Oswego Lake, a 60 acre no motor lake located minutes from town. The area has scenic paved and rugged trail systems for hiking and biking. Being in the Lake Superior Snowbelt, snowmobilers enjoy the 130 miles of trails across the area. This forest and lakes helped Vilas County to be number one in the cleanest air in the state. The scent of pine in the air is palpable.

The town of Boulder Junction is at once charming and functional. We have noteworthy restaurants, shops, and accommodations. However, none of this would be as appealing without the people that live, work, and vacation in Boulder Junction. Going into town becomes more than errands, but a visit to catch up with news and happenings.

It is this breath of sweet pine air of the woods, fresh sauerkraut rye from the local bakery, bluest skies and darkest nights, and friendly community that settle my soul and becomes my muse for my northwoods quilts. After all, quilts and the northwoods go together. Whether it is a small postcard quilt to frame or say thanks for the weekend; and lap quilt to keep warm or a landscape wallhanging, these are all for sale on etsy site, quiltingcafe.etsy.com. Come take a look at these and the HOLIDAY primitive folk art quilted items presently for sale at Quilting Cafe.

PUMPKIN GUTS: Inside the Etsy Pumpkins

Just wanted to share my latest treasury...if you have time, visit and click each pic to make hot, hot, hot
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=30835

QUILTSY TEAM featured on Etsy Storque and Etsy Finds

Quilting Cafe, where something is always brewing

How exciting...my quilting group, Quiltsy, is featured today http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-warming-up-piece-by-piece-2660/check out all my friends here and on etsy!

CHRISTMAS CARDS: Lessen the Hassle with Quilted Postcards

Time was, sending out Christmas cards was a time-honored tradition. One not to be messed with. Lists were made. Names were checked off as cards were sent as well as received. Every precaution was made so that no one was left out.The cards were displayed in inventive ways with pride. It was always a part of the decorating scheme. So many were usually sent out that printing the signature line became de rigueur. Businesses also sent them out. Even address books came with a separate line for each name to keep track of Christmas cards sent and received.

However, soon flocked Christmas cards with elaborate designs gave way to cheap photo cards made at the local drug store. Time to show off pictures of the kids, grandkids, dogs, cats, and vacation shots. Ho hum.

With today’s busy schedules and the general cost of postage, we think twice about to whom we send cards. This may be the one time of the year that our high school friend or college roommate hears from us. Maybe there is a lonely aunt who whose day would be brightened with a special card. Certain in-laws get them, others, do not. However, who wants to spend money on something that will eventually be thrown away? Enter the quilted fabric postcard.

Fabric postcards have long been the rage in the quilting world. It started as a way to experiment with new techniques and exchange with other quilters. Usually a stiffener is added as the batting layer for easier mailing. The 4 X 6 inch cards cost only 27 cents to mail.

Today it is a booming business on etsy.com. Therefore, I have just added 5 new holiday cards to my Postcards and Quotations series for the Holidays. The cards use old photographs, raw edge applique, and landscape techniques.I will be adding more cards up until the holidays, so stop back often if only for a giggle for the day at quiltingcafe.etsy.com.

Don't forget, you can always request a magnet to your order...these make great refridgerator magnets!

NEW ADDITIONS TO AUNT RUTH'S STASH

I have just listed 8 new collections of vintage ribbon from my Aunt Ruth's Stash. Instead of just offering 5 shades of one color, I have collection of trios of matching and complimentary colors. quiltingcafe.etsy.com

For those of you who do not know the story of these vintage supplies, here it is:

My aunt is very special to me. She took care of me when I was young, listened to me when I was growing up, and gave me advice as an adult. “Auntie Ruthie” makes the best fried chicken and doll clothes. With a lovable smile and delightful laugh, I am lucky to have her as a hands-on aunt.

My 85-year-old Aunt Ruth is an incredible seamstress and quilter. She sewed the most incredible Barbie clothes for me as a child, great Dresden Plate quilt for my wedding, and a baby quilt for each of my 4 children.

Her daughters, my dear cousins, recently gave me her wonderful stash of fabrics and embellishments. I thought what better way to pass on her wonderful stash than by selling them in my etsy shop and donating the proceeds to Alzheimer's Research. The response has been incredible. Not only are the prices reasonable, but the quality of vintage fabrics can be far above today's offerings. And it is a great way to recycle, reuse, or repurpose her treasures. Those who buy appreciate her lifelong enthusiasm.

I have named here collection: Aunt Ruth's Stash. On the vintage ribbon cards is a picture of her taken in 1955 by my father. It is lit only by the light from the campfire. at the family farm. Proceeds from this sale have already benefitted the 2008 Memory Walk in Chicago. http://www.alz.org/memorywalk/ Ruth's grandaughter, Martha put together team to walk to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, as well as for care and support for people already affected by the disease. Future proceeds will benefit The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI)Raising Awareness & Funding Research Through Art www.AlzQuilts.org. The last picture is of her in the summer of 2007, at 85.