QUILTS: More than a Blanket

With the way the world is today, we all just want to get under the blankets and hide. It is our most comfortable place to be, not only as an baby, but as a child and onwards into old age. We all have some Linus in us. It seems as though our household purchases mirror our stock purchases, short lived and quickly turned over. When something breaks, falls apart, or gets old, we discard it. We do not hold handcrafted items dear to our hearts anymore because they are not the newest thing out. Remember, the hottest article for sale is usually made in a factory by underpaid workers who had no input in its design. Not so with a quilt: it is a comforter.

Quilt making has always made resurgence in the marketplace when economic times were low. The last time quilting revived itself was in the 70's; it shows no evidence of ebbing soon. The rotary cutter, self-healing mat, and fabulous new fabrics in specialty shops have made quilting easier and more accessible then ever. Quilting as an art form is the newest kid on the block. Quilters are freer to make more interesting choices now that the quilt police are gone.

Each quilt starts with an idea and continues with an intricate and purposeful series of steps, resulting in a masterful conclusion. The end use of a quilt is no longer utilitarian. An art quilt can sheathe a wall, a quilted runner can grace a table, or a purse made with fine quilted material can be the ultimate accessory. The quilt a baby receives from a shower can be treasured into adult hood. Likewise, a wedding quilt handmade by a grandmother is cherished long after the maker is gone. A quilt becomes an object of affection rather than a commercial article.

There are a few basic entities necessary for humans to exist. However, to make life enjoyable, we want our investments to grow. What is better than to invest in a quilt. It will bring a larger return over a longer amount of time than most stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Furthermore, what is more satisfying than giving a quilt to someone and watching the thrill on their faces. These pictures tell it all.

CUSTOMIZED TEACHERS GIFTS

Just added these great caricatures of teachers. There are 15 different types, from kindergarten to professor. Teachers can never have too many magnets for their white/black boards, doors, and file cabinets. This blondie is for my daughter, Victoria, who is in her first year of teaching English at Grayslake Central High School. We are so very proud of her!

The "teacher" stands 6" high and is made from Loralie Designs "Roll Call". She is stiffened with timtex interfacing. Her back is covered with white felt and a magnet. I have edged her with bright cording finished with an overcast stitch. The vibrant colors and cute caricature make this a very fun gift to give to your favorite teacher. This one would be great for a kindergarten or art teacher.

They can also be fashioned an ornament with a vintage ribbon added. By by painting the hair, I can change blond or red into brown, or darken up lighter hair. It is really fun to add her name, the student's name, and year for a great remembrance. I also have some great quotes to put on the back; for example: As long as there are tests in school, there will be prayer.

To see all the "teachers" for choices, please check this site: http://www.loraliedesigns.com/FabricShow/Product/CoolSchool.html

BOOTS and STARS... PLAY to LEARN QUILT, the game that grows with your child

Here are the extra pictures of my Boots and Stars...Play to Learn Quilted Playmat listed on quiltingcafe.etsy.com.

As you can imagine, these were so much fun to do, not only picking out the fabric, but fussy cutting the lizard, cowboy,etc. on the boots. The stars are really fun for little fingers to play with because they are three dimensional.

Purchasing Toys for Autistic Children

Yesterday, I asked several special ed educators at an at risk preschool to critique my Play to Learn quilted playmat: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16191248

They were very positive with the following observation. This would be for a learning disabled child that could differentiate between the advanced patterns. These patterns could be overwhelming to some children not yet able to discern the differences between the small patterned circles. But as the child progresses, he or she would be able to play cohesively with the matching game.

As with any child, purchasing a toy must be appropriate to their abilities. Many times, we think that we should challenge them which will make them "smarter". However, frustration leads to abandonment of the game and a sense of failure. Simple, repetitive games give a child a sense of accomplishment with readiness to move on to the next level. This is especially true with the autistic child.

I have been working in the classroom with autistic children for 13 years. These experiences have be the most fruitful of my professional life.

QUILTING: The Queen of Green

Quilting is really the ultimate in green. After all, I don’t throw away a scrap. As you can see, my quilting studio is a testament to that. Not only do I save the tiniest of scraps, I also reuse vintage materials, repurpose my daughter’s jeans , cut off buttons and zippers from worn out clothing, and recycle where I can.

Though the Alchemy site on Etsy.com, I read that a Louisville MOMs Group is having a Recycle, Repurpose, and Reuse theme at their next meeting. I knew my shop would fit the bill. The Louisville Brightside organizer coming to speak to the group on ways to help in Louisville. Someone in the group always prepares a packet to give to each mom.

Since they might be interested in my products with Christmas coming up, and going green being such a hot topic, I am sending them my business cards with vintage ribbon from my Aunt Ruth's stash attached. In order to induce members to come, I donated the following folk art postcard and magnets. I hope they have a great meeting. I look forward to hearing from the members.