Cherry House Quilts

Book Winner & Island Quilts

Hooray...the winner of the three books is Teresa!  A big thank you to everyone that participated, we had entries from all around the world, and that is so fun!

And without further ado...Introducing Galveston (the quilt not the island)

Featuring Halfway Cafe fabric line by the amazing designers Eric & Julie Comstock of Cosmo Cricket and Andover Fabrics.  The free pattern will soon be available on Andover's website.  Plus, another quilt featuring Halfway Cafe called Tybee Island will be in the next issue of Designer Quilts magazine.  Something about this fabric line reminds me of wind swept islands, and our favorite weathered eateries.

For me it's back to the studio, besides Candy Box being released next week, I'll be introducing two patterns Tuille the Worm (adorable), and Florin (Italian Coin).  These two patterns will feature fabric by Robert Kaufman.

Have a happy Sunday!

Cherri   

To Do List

Getting stuff checked off 'to do' lists has to be one of the best feelings I think...here's mine lately

1. Mailed off the free patterns that I gave away, at least a month ago for City News.  We are going with the better late than never mindset at this point.
2. Found out that my beautiful scraps now have a happy new home, and that they will be shared, and put to good use!
3. The pattern for Candy Box is about complete, and will be available in our pattern store soon

Remember when we had our big book giveaways?  Well, the very last week, had the biggest prize of all, but the winner never contacted us.  These amazing books are still available.  We will try this again, if you are interested in these books, leave a comment, and on Saturday we will have a drawing for a new winner!

Tickled Pink

Today was the photo shoot for Candy Box, and I was tickled pink to be working in a candy shop...it brought all of my Willy Wonka dreams to life.  How I love that movie; I will forever be searching for fizzy lifting drinks!

Here's a little look at Candy Box.  This quilt is for Morgan,  the tiniest member of our family.  She was born a week ago Thursday, and Momma, Dad, and the wee babe are all doing fine. 

As I mentioned here, I was apprehensive about quilting on Minkee, but it turned out so well; much to my surprise.  I definitely wanted the quilt to have some fluff to it, but I also wanted it to have the texture of quilting.  In order to achieve the look I wanted, I used two battings: a traditional loft on the bottom, plus a thin cotton batting under the quilt top, I think it turned out really well.  The quilting has definition (lots of hearts), plus it has the weight that I was looking for.

Here's a look at the back of the quilt:

More sewing with Minkee

Remember here, my experience of sewing with Minkee?  And the solution?  Well, the quilt is just about finished, with only the binding to stitch down.  I couldn't think of a name for this pattern for the longest, but as I was quilting it one evening, I stopped to look at the quilt, and realized that it looked like a box of candy...a cheery, sweet, box of candy!  So the official name of the quilt pattern will be Candy Box.  Lizzy is working on the logo, and I am so excited to see her creation. 

Here's a peek at part of the quilt as it was on the design wall.  The yellow block has a Minkee center...the finished size is the same as the charm square blocks.  This is how it's done...take a 4" square of Minkee (or other fussy fabrics), add 2" sashing to the top & bottom, using a 1/2" seam allowance, press out, trim to 5".  Next, add 2" sashing to the left & right, repeat as above, trim to 5", voila now the block fits in with the rest of the charm squares, but we all know that the Minkee blocks are magical!

Here's a close up:

I was so pleased with this solution, I did the same thing with flannel, as well as chenille. 

Next time...quilting with Minkee!  I have to admit that I was really apprehensive about this, but it turned out so well, what a treat!

The photo shoot for the pattern is scheduled next Saturday at a beautiful Candy Shop in Kingwood, Texas.  The quilt pattern for Candy Box will be available soon.

Remember to leave Lizzy a comment about your best birthday memory to be entered into her Birthday Handmade Book Drawing.

A Birthday Story

When the children were small, shortly after my divorce, and right after finding a job, my birthday arrived.  My tender hearted children felt so sad because it was my birthday, and they had no presents for me.     I remember Lizzy being the most upset; birthdays are sacred at our house, and she didn't know what to do.  I knew that I couldn't let them be sad, or feel as if they had let me down.  I told them not to worry, that there would be presents, and we would have a wonderful time!  I went to the store, and bought books for everyone...books are sacred at our house too.  I bought books, and had them wrapped.  When I got home, we had a little party, and I gave out the presents.  I told my children that they were my presents, and I wanted to give gifts to them. 

This event, so many years ago has started a tradition in our family, of giving gifts to those that we love, on our birthdays.  June 17th is Lizzy's birthday, and she wants to share her gifts with all of you!  What's your favorite birthday memory?  Click here to leave Lizzy a comment, and on June 16th she will have a drawing to give away 3 of her beautiful handmade books.

P.S.  Check out this blog, an amazing artist has done a little profile on my amazing artist!

 

Problem Solved...hooray!

Remember here, my problem with having all that fabric, and knowing that I'll never ever get it all sewn?  Well, today I'm guilt free!  A lovely woman named Paula came and rescued me, and took 3 big bags of fabric strips, strings, and more to a new home.  Not only that, but she will be sharing them with her quilty friends, and her church group.  They make quilts for children in need...hooray for them and their good works!

Thanks to everyone who inquired about the fabric, and offered to come pick it up, and in one case, even offered to have it shipped.  No doubt there will be more fabric give aways down the road...I still have way too much, I'm parting with it in baby steps.

Here's a fabric shop I'd like to visit...as I write this Melissa in en route to Paris; lucky girl!  She's loves fabric as much as I do.

Check out what's new at Robert Kaufman

Robert Kaufman is making shopping for fabric so much easier!  You can now go to their website, and download the fabric requirements for some of our quilt patterns.  Check out the project sheets for City News, and Sliced Fruit.  You can order your pattern from us through the Pattern Store, or request it through your local quilt shop, get your fabrics from your favorite shop, and before you know it, you will be working on a wonderful new quilt!  When you take a look at City News, check the bottom of the page to the right, it shows two alternate color options...blue or green.  I'm just like a little kid, rolling the mouse back & forth just to see the colors change.  Give us a few days, and we will have the fabric requirements listed for these also. 

I know I've said it a million times, but I love quilts, and I love fabric so much...and these Kona Cottons are the best!

Here's our cool logo for Sliced Fruit that Lizzy designed...that girl is amazing!!!

Obstacles & Inspiration

The definition of obstacle is...an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented)

For about a year now I've been trying to get a quilt pattern published, with what seemed unbelievable obstacles.  It's been so frustrating...I just want to say bad words, and throw things.  It's only a quilt pattern; I know, a very small deal in terms of obstacles and frustration.

Separately, I've been trying to find an amazing way to use more of the Imperial Fusion fabric by Robert Kaufman.  I finally figured it out...use the new pattern with this fabric...using them together is the answer.  Inspiration is a interesting topic.  I had two distinct problems - and I couldn't find a suitable solution for either, but by combining the two I will resolve both issues.  The wonderful part is, is that the quilt is going to be better than ever!   It is so strange how our minds work, at what point after going through so many options did I say, "combining A & B will be the best solution".  I don't know...but I'm grateful for the resolution, and I can't wait to do the quilt.  I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Time to sew!

The Creation Station Shop Hop

Hi Friends...do you know about this?

SUPER Action-Packed
Central Coast Quilt Shop Tour is THIS Weekend!
June 6, 7, 8 -- 2008

Dawn & Patrick, owners of the The Creation Station are participating in the Central Coast Quilt Shop Tour this weekend. I wish I was going, but since I can't City News and City Park will be on hand.  Do you know that all of their fabric is only $5.00 a yard...how sweet is that?  They sell fabric from previous seasons - so it's a great bargain for everyone.  They have lots of Kona Cotton, and everyone knows how much I love that fabric.  Click here for the shop hop flyer.   Amy Bradley of Amy Bradley Designs will be on hand for all three days.  I'll always remember her episode on Simply Quilts, those adorable cats and dogs.

Here's a look at City Park...