Cherry House Quilts

A little closer to being done

 

Do you ever make assumptions about the quilt you are going to make, and find that what you assumed, and what is reality are two different things?  Before I ever started adding the little log cabin roses I had the quilt planned, and I knew where the roses would be positioned.  Prior to adding the flowers, on the quilt top I added vines with some glittery thread.  In my mind I thought this would work for the greenery of the floral arrangement.  I thought the quilt would be just the roses, and the quilting...that was the plan.  Well I finished sewing down all of the flowers, and machine quilted the entire piece, but it was somehow flat.  What did it need???  Leaves, a bunch of leaves!  It seemed a little backwards, since the quilt was already quilted - but, whatever - I just stitched them on top of everything else.  It looks better!  Tomorrow the binding, it's a purple plaid leftover from another quilt.  It's a good exercise to create something with only what is available, and on hand.  Creativity must take over, and rules and convention have to take a back seat.

I feel like such a rebel!

Cherri

Just for fun!

 

 

Do you ever need to do something just for fun?  Sometimes when I need a break from major projects, or a between thing, I make up these little log cabin-ish blocks, that are sort of like roses!  These litte roses are made from the tiniest scraps that I keep in a bag; that I can't bear to throw away.  Then I applique them to 6" scrap blocks that I always have on hand (another rainy day project that I love). So I baste these flowers with a water soluable thread, then stitch them down, raw edges and all.  I'll machine quilt the entire piece, add a binding, and I have a little quilt; a colorful garden.  As soon as it's finished I'll share it with you.  Aren't scrap quilts the best? 

What are your rainy day quilting projects, or what do you do when you need to remember that quilting is fun, and not a race to perfection?

Cherri

 

Love Letters <3

Have you ever wanted to make someone a quilt, but couldn't?  How about a love letter?  I love making little quilts, more like a quilted greeting card, that is so special to give and to receive.  I made this quilt for my best friends' elderly mother.  This is a great opportunity to work on machine quilting, and use up some scraps.

The finished size is 6.5'' x 8.5'', which fits perfectly into a 7 x 10 manila envelope. 

Start with a 8'' x 10'' piece of fabric, and a piece of batting.

Prepare the fusible applique pieces, and place on the front of the 8'' x 10'' piece

Sew down the raw applique pieces, and machine quilt the remainder of the piece

Cut 1 7'' x 9'' piece of fabric for the back, and trim the quilted front to 7" x 9''.

With right sides facing sewing around the entire piece.

In the center of the back, carefully create a slit in the fabric, and turn the quilt inside out, poke out the corners, and press.

Create a 3 1/2'' x 4 1/2'' light colored piece of fabric with fusible (patch), to cover the opening on the back, and create a greeting.

Cover the opening with the patch, write your greeting, and press the entire little quilt.

Stick it in an envelope, send it in the mail, and make someone's day!!!

All Things Brilliant!

I love things done well, done creatively, done outside of the box...I love to watch an amazing play in a football game, I love to watch Elizabeth (Lizzy) create art beyond what I thought her capable of (and she's capable of soooo much), I love Melissa and Ashlee's song writing ability - to turn thoughts and words into amazing verses...I love all things brilliant!!! 

Years ago when Simply Quilts repeats were on HGTV & DIY; I would DVR them, then watch my favorite ones over and over, trying to learn, and take in techniques that were unfamiliar to me.  One of my all time favorites was the episode with Anita Grossman Soloman where she introduces cool cutting techniques.  I was blown away by the square on point - I thought it absolutely brilliant, and outside of the box.  In my mind, conceptualizing that, and figuring it out required a different kind of thinking - which is the coolest thing in the world...figuring something out that leaves convention far behind.

So, to the present: I had been given an opportunity to create a quilt with some wonderful new Moda fabric by 3 Sisters (which I have a crazy fondness for).  I wanted to create a square on point pattern, and I wanted to share Anita's method with the world.  How to share to the brilliance of Anita's method, and reference it in my pattern? All I could think to do, was to ask her...what would I say, "hey lady, you know that cool thing you discovered, can I share it with everyone?"   What would she think?  How would she react to my request?  I'm happy to say, the encounter was better than I could have ever imagined, she was kind, gracious (she even knew my work!), she said she was happy that I liked the process, and was happy that I wanted to share it!  My first unembarrasing celeb encounter!!!  Life is good!

For any interested in learning how to use her method for cutting square in a square block - here is the link: http://www.hgtv.com/videos/super-fast-rotary-cutting/4431.html

Here's the link to the pattern that Anita is using on the segment: http://www.makeitsimpler.com/square_on_point_pattern_aI9.pdf

The blocks are all cut, and going on the design wall as fast as I can sew them!  Hooray for a long weekend...sewing, sewing, sewing!  This quilt will be done before I know it.

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!

Cherri

Pay it Forward

In 2008 I signed up for Jennifer Jordan's Pay it Forward, where she had 3 people sign up so she could make something for them, and we in turn would make something for someone else. 

In the mail a few days ago, I received a precious little apron, and matching pot holders.  Do you know what this means?  It means it's my turn, my turn to say "hey, want me to send you a present, made from my own two hands?" 

So that's what I'm saying...sign up, for this cool thing...knowing me, it's going to be a quilty kind of thing, more likely than a wearing kind of thing...but that's okay, cause who doesn't like quilty things. 

So this is the deal: I promise to make something incredible for 3 people in the next 365 days, and you promise in return to make something for 3 people in the 365 days after that. 

Sound like a deal?  A deal you want to be a part of???  I just thought it sounded so fun, kind of a 'make the world a better place kind of thing'; and heaven knows, the world could certainly use a little help in the 'make the world a better place' department.

What if more than three of you want to participate?  Would anyone be interested in a doing this as a group?  If so, leave me a comment, and we will make it happen. 

Check out my sweet action apron and oven mitts!  Thank you Jennifer!!!

Queued up

I love the idea of british queues, everything neatly lined up, and this case fabric patiently waiting in line to be turned into quilts. 

This is what I've been up to...

1. My Red Letter Day quilt for Fons and Porter is in the mail...such a relief! This fabric is so fun, and special (it doesn't hurt that my sweet daughter designed it);  go get some fast if you haven't already!

2. Lizzy was here for two minutes two days, it was too short, but I'm so glad she was here to celebrate her birthday...our day of beauty was grand!  While all the pets were so happy to see our girl, Pinecone would like an explanation as to where Lizzy is, she doesn't understand this coming and going thing. 

3. I'm taking a little detour from my quilts in solids, and I'm going to play with some fabulous Moda prints for a bit.  I'm so excited about creating a quilt with Moda's newest 3 Sisters fabric...I love those florals so much...there is something so romantic about those fabrics.

As soon as that quilt is done, I'm going to create a quilt with Moda's new Authentic line by Sweetwater, I'm just crazy about this fabric.  Any fabric with with type on it catches my eye instantly!

Well I'm off to start on my 3 Sisters quilt, I can't wait to share it with you, and tell you about a special encounter I had with a famous quilter in regards to this quilt.  You know I don't have best track record for dealing with famous people, but I handled myself well, you'd be proud!

Jacquie and Kathleen your anniversary packages have been shipped...hopefully you either have them already, or will have them soon.

Cheers!

Cherri

I didn't forget...I promise!

Yesterday was the 10th, the day of the drawing for the fabulous Anniversary Gifts.  I did have the drawing, we'll get to the names in a minute...I wanted to have a cute picture with Mick holding the names of the winners in his mouth.  He's not a slobbery dog so that would not have been an issue, but he is on the other hand a jumpy, sometimes nervous dog.  There was no getting him to hold still and understand these instructions: 1. Mick hold these pieces of paper in your mouth, no Mick; don't eat them, just hold them. Round two: Okay Mick, just stand still while I hang this little sign from your neck saying who the winners are...wait wait wait; don't run away, don't go outside -

MICK COME BACK! 

So much for that silly exercise, you will be happy to know that Mickey has quietly been allowed to go back to being a dog, without pieces of paper sticking out of his mouth, or a little sign hanging from his neck that says "the winners of our 2nd anniversary contest are Jacquie, and Kathleen"

Thank you to everyone for entering our anniversary contest, and for leaving such lovely, heart felt comments.  In our crazy world today it was so comforting to see how much you have in your lives to love, to be grateful for, to count; your list of two's just went on and on, and that is a wonderful thing!

Well dearest friends, here's to two more years of quilting, of fabric, of patterns, of family; of market, of silliness, of getting lots done!!! 

Here's one of my favorite pictures of Mickey, just chillin' on the couch, posing for Lizzy while she takes his pic...the quilt in the back isn't bad either, right? 

Hey sweet winners, email me your mailing addresses at cherryhousequilts(at)gmail(dot)com.  I'll get your anniversary gifts in the mail to you right away!

 

Come Celebrate with us...2 year anniversary!!!

 

Hi dear friends!!!

It's our anniversary, and we would love for you to join us!  We are celebrating quilting, family, friends, community, sharing, caring...everything good thingy!  As is the tradition in our house, we like to give away something on our special day, as our way of saying "you matter to us, we care about you, and we thank you for being a part of our lives!" 

What's the gift?  Well, like all good gifts, it is a surprise, but I'll tell you this much; it's gonna be grand!  Think patterns, think fabric, and a little something delicious...not bad, right? 

Since we are celebrating our 2 year anniversary, we will give away 2 gift boxes!  One to our domestic friends, and one to our international friends...that way everyone gets to celebrate!

How to join in the good times?  Just leave us a comment about twos...your two favorite hobbies, your two favorite people, your two favorite Cherry House Quilts patterns (haha had to throw that in), your two favorite foods, two things you totally grateful for, two, two, two; you get the picture! 

So when does all the fun begin?  Now, right this very second!  When will the drawing be for the gifts?  On June 10th...so enter away my friends, leave us a comment, tell us two sweet things, and join the fun. 

We love you, we thank you for being a part of our lives, and we thank you for allowing us to be a part of yours!

Cherri

Elizabeth is done

log cabin 02
Originally uploaded by cherry house quilts

Remember my log cabin quilt, the one I had a naming contest for? The one I finally named Elizabeth in honor of my girl! It's finished, it's finally all done. This isn't the best photo, I do plan to take a better shot for the pattern cover, but I wanted to share this, and say 'it is done!' That such a good feeling to be able to say that, isn't it?

Come see a couple of other shots of the quilt, I am so pleased with the results!

Don't forget our Happy Anniversary contest will start in a day or two...lots prizes...lots of fun!

Cherri

P.S. I heard from Lizzy, her first class went really well, and she's lovin' it up in NH.

I am a detective now

For the last several days I've been receiving so many orders for my pattern City Park, and all of the orders have been coming out of Ontario Canada...one was from Australia, but there was definitely a trend coming out of Ontario.  What was going on?  I'm always happy and honored when someone orders patterns, but when a bunch of them are coming out of the same place for the same pattern, I get so curious!  Well the puzzle was solved today...a lovely woman from Ontario called to order City Park, and I thought, "another one!"  The lady had been to a large quilt show over the weekend, and apparently a quilt store had made up City Park, and they must have done a wonderful job, because the orders keep coming in.  The lady gave me the nicest compliment, she said that it looked like a modern Amish quilt; you can't get better than that!  So to all of the quilt stores that make up our quilts for samples, and kits THANK YOU!!!  You are representing us well, and we really appreciate you! 

For anyone not familiar with City Park here it is...double click to see it full size

 

My EQ6 Interview!!!

If you were ever curious about me, or Lizzy, or Cherry House Quilts you are in luck!  The delightful Penny @ Electric Quilt recently interviewed me, and I'm honored to be in her newsletter.  You can check it out here...I'm the June girl :-)

FYI - I added a pic of City Blocks, no particular reason, just a little eye candy!

Cheers,

Cherri

Free Quilt Pattern for Red Letter Day!

  

It's here...it is finally here!  Lizzy's very own quilt pattern, with her very own fabric, that she made with her very own hands!!!  Pop over to Lizzy's blog for the 6 minute circle version...our personal favorite method for "applique".  The pictures alone are worth the trip!

Download Marble Champ Quilt Pattern

Anniversary Time! 2 years baby!!!

Our little baby Cherry House Quilts is almost 2 years old...I guess that means we will be going into our terrible terrific two's!!!  You won't believe what's coming up this year...exciting stuff!  This was our first logo, Lizzy said we needed more polish, so it didn't last long. 

Some of you have been with us from the very beginning, and we thank you so much...we <3 you! 

Our first quilt pattern was City Scapes, which has been selling like hotcakes lately, which is always grand.  You've been with us from my first grandbaby - Alton, and now another little one is on the way.  You've also been with us through Melissa going to college, Ashlee's first CD, our first Market :-), Lizzy's first line of fabric Lizzy Dish, to her college graduation, and BFA, through Red Letter Day, and her big move to Portland.  Ashlee's working on her second album, Melissa's on her way to Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, and I'm knocking out quilts faster than I thought possible.  

Lizzy and I most humbly, and kindly thank you for your friendship, support, and kindness.  This journey has been more wonderful than we could have imagined because of all of you!  We have come along way, and the best is yet to come. 

Check back soon, we will be having a super terrific drawing for our actual anniversary on June 9th.

Cheers,

Cherri 

Big OOOOPS

I had made some minor changes to the I DO Quilt Pattern, and some of the patterns that have been distributed through Brewers and Hancock's of Paducah are missing the 4'' circle diagram.

In case you purchased the pattern, and are missing the circle...here it is Download I do stand alone circle

I am so sorry for any confusion; I'll get everything corrected, and the universe will be right again :-)

Got a new toy!

 

I splurged, and purchased a new camera...it's a Canon SD 990 IS...i'm so excited about my new toy!  I always feel a little unworthy in the blogging world because I'm not a great photographer, but I'm trying, and that has to count for something.  Lizzy (who is a great photographer), say's you're a designer, designer your shots; good point!  Ashlee has always been into filming making, and she has tried numerous times to get the rule of 1/3's in my head; she too is a good photographer.  Well, I have the equipment now, so I'm going to try harder.  This is downtown Houston this morning, as I've said before I love downtown Houston!  I don't know if it's because I missed Spring Market, but I'm already getting excited for Fall Market, which thankfully, is downtown.

Here's another photo...I really like the gradation of color between the buildings.