Inspired By You

Where does our quilting inspiration come from? 
At a meeting this past spring, Nancy asked us where we find inspiration for our quilts, and many of us named designers or web sites or books.
After thinking about it for a while, I realized I am inspired by YOU, Ties that Bind members.

I'm inspired by members who volunteer to help sew each month at Sew Many Pieces and chair our booth at the Winter Quilt Show.

I'm inspired by leaders who manage our charity fabric collection (and make great bourbon fudge!)

I'm inspired by people who go the extra mile time after time, and still are cheerful and fun!

I'm also inspired by people who are too shy to let me take their picture (!), or who had not yet arrived when my grandson decided we should leave, or who let us sew together in her shop (thanks, Mickey!), or who couldn't make it that particular day.

As you probably guessed, these photos were taken at the June charity sew at Sew Many Pieces.
We can be very proud of all the work Ties That Bind does for local charities.  We are not a huge group, and yet we make quilts for those in need, and make items to sell to raise money to donate.  Everyone contributes in her own way, in accordance with our circumstances.  Take a bow, ladies!

Inspired By Nancy
At the May meeting, Nancy sent two quilts by Colleen that she had made for charity, using a pattern that intrigued many of us.  I talked to Nancy about it at a chance meeting in the park, and mentioned that I might share it here.
Note:  This is NOT the block of the month.  I'm providing the pattern here just in case you are interested.

Here's what the block looked like. 
To make one block, you will need two fabrics, one light and one dark.
From each fabric, cut 4 rectangles, 2.5 in. x 4.5 in.

Ok, easy cutting.  Now for the sewing.

Arrange the rectangles like this, with four in the center, alternating colors.  Sew the four center rectangles together on their long edges, as shown above.

Now sew the side rectangles together on their short edges, as shown above.

Add the side rectangle sets to the center set, matching the center seam.
And that's it!  The block should measure 8 in. finished (8.5 in. unfinished).

You can also turn it this way for a different look.

If you'd like to make a 12 in. finished block, cut the rectangles 3.5 in. x 6.5 in.

Ideas for quilts are all around us.  But I find the best ideas and inspiration at our monthly meetings, when our members share what they've been working on.

Thanks for sharing!  See you at the July 18th meeting!

March Pillowcase Madness

Last Friday and Saturday (March 16th and 17th), the sewing machines were humming away at Sew Many Pieces in Richfield.  You will definitely recognize most of these hard working ladies.  They are making pillowcases to donate for kids, for the APQ 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge.

Ironing and cutting have to happen before any sewing can begin.

Then there's the rolling and pinning to get the hem done right.

On to the machines!

These ladies put the pedal to the metal.

Not a great photo (sorry), sort of an action shot of the serger crew.  BTW, aren't these nice T shirts?
This was only the morning of the first day, so I'm sure there are many other volunteers not pictured.

Great job, one and all, generously donating space in the store (thanks, Mickey), organization, fabric, time and energy to help kids in need.  Quilters make it happen!