Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Cottage blocks and other exciting news

 In 2009 I thought it would be fun to host a seasonal cottage swap among friends and ladies who take quilting classes with me.  I swapped with a group of friends as well. We swapped every 2 months and kept it seasonal to the months.  It ended last December, so then we had a cottage workshop where I offered some tree patterns and people had a chance to work on setting their cottages together. We had a blast and I set a day in March to have a party and everyone brought what they had done. It was so much fun to see all the creative ideas! I put my blocks together with some trees set in here and there and hung it on display in the classroom. Well, it has been there ever since, so I decided it was time to take it down and finish it! I have had many comments from people who didn't participate so I am going to teach a workshop in January as well.
This morning I found out I was a winner in Michelle's Birthday Bash at Quilting Gallery. I won this Central Park fat eighth bundle! What a wonderful surprise! Michelle has taken a great idea (listing quilting blogs) and turned it into a wonderful haven for quilters. You can find quilting blogs listed by state, check out quilting shops, participate in swaps and weekly contests. She has been working on a cookbook as well. She is one busy lady with lots of great ideas. Thanks Michelle!

My sister, Nancy and husband Dale came in from Vancouver Island last night. We are going to spend the day shopping and chatting, then they will head up to Earling, our hometown. I will be going there for Christmas, then will stay over so my mom and sisters and I can have a sew-in on Sunday. I am going to help Nancy get started on her first quilt...should be fun. She picked out a pattern and fabric when I visited there last summer.

11 comments:

Vicki W said...

What a great quilt! It looks like it was a really fun project.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I really like your border on the cottage quilt. Congrats on your winnings! Have fun with family.

GardenOfDaisies said...

Jean, this is wonderful! I LOVE this swapped block cottage quilt! And I really like the way you did the border too.

Vivian said...

It's a great quilt, Jean. Swaps are fun, especially when something so special is the result.
Congrat's on your win. I followed the link and submitted my blog, so there's one more Iowa blogger joining in. Looks like a great site.
Merry Christmas, and enjoy your family time. That's the best part of holidays!

Julianne said...

I love your quilt.

Merry Christmas.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

That cute cottage quilt deserves a finish.
Congratulations on the Central Park win - it's beautiful fabric.

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Darling cottage quilt. Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas.

Carolyn

Maggi said...

Love the quilt. Congratulations on your win.

Micki said...

I love the cottage blocks and congrats on the win!
Merry Christmas!
Micki

beth said...

What a great quilt!! I'm collecting and passing out house blocks this weekend and this is such a GREAT inspiration quilt!

Patty said...

Glad to hear your dad made it back home. Sounds like you've had a lucky streak!!