Cherry House Quilts

Blog Tour 2010 & my best guys!

After 13 days of zipping back and forth across the country blog tour 2010 is done!  A few of the contests are still open, so hurry and enter if you haven't had a chance yet.  We had 1000's of entries from all over the world!  Thank you so much for taking the time to read the interviews, and hopping from blog to blog. I read each and every entry, and I was so touched by your kind words!  A special thanks also to the tour hosts (aren't they great!), and to C&T Publishing for copies of City Quilts, and to Robert Kaufman for all of that incredible fabric.  I am so excited for all of the prize winners, lucky lucky you! 

It seems that many of you are now seeing what's possible with solids for the first time, and that is awesome!  I still remain astounded by reports that fabric store employees are discouraging about quilts made out of strictly solid fabrics...what is the deal with that?  I can see it not being someone's preference, but to actually discourage someone??? 

On a personal note, my sweet precious son is home from Iraq for his two week break.  I was so happy to be able to go and see his family this past Sunday.  While there I delivered some Castle Peeps goodness in the form a quilt, and some Castle Peeps beanbags.  Here's a peek at my two little grandsons...Alton and Benjamin.

 Alton was kind enough to invite me on a walk with him, and his "dog"...what a doll!

What's next for me?  A new Moda Bake Shop project in the works...a HST trick you are going to flip for, new patterns using my fav solids & some Kaffe, plus lots more. 

xoxo,

Cherri

Screw up, errors, and starting over!

Hi friends,

Are you keeping up with the blog tour?  Two more stops to go!!!  It's gone by so fast, it's been amazing.  I was nervous, you know, that kind of nervous feeling you have, when you think no one will come to your party that you worked so hard to prepare?  Well, I was a little worried no one would come to my traveling party, but you did, and you have, and everyone is still hanging in there together.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!  I'm so excited for the peeps (thank you Lizzy) that win the fabric, and the books!  Are those fat quarters gorgeous or what?

Okay, during the whole interview (x13) process, I had lots of thinking/reflecting time, and one of the things I thought about was my process for making quilts.  Where I make them, how I work, shoes/no shoes...shout out to the no shoe sewers!  Things that are part of the process to all quilters & makers of stuff.  I got to thinking about mistakes - mistakes in judgment, mistakes in work, mistakes in colors; you know mistakes - we all make them. 

So, I wanted to share an experience I had, in making one of the quilts for the book (City Circle I believe) since you have said in your tour comments that you want to know more about the process of it all.  First, you all know that planning anything on paper, can have relatively little to do with the outcome (quilts, marriage, children...you know).  So I planned the quilt, made the blocks, started constructing the quilt, and one of the blocks was wrong...just wrong.  It was a green block, and it stuck out like a sore thumb; unfortunately I didn't realize that it didn't work until I had sewn it to all the other blocks...what to do, what to do?  Of course, I didn't have time to rip it out, make a new block, and sew it all back together...I just didn't have that kind of time.  So, I sat miserably looking at the puke green block, trying to figure out if it was worth it to rip it out, and start over.  I must have wasted 30 freaking minutes trying to make a decision.  The one thing that went through my mind over and over again was, "how bad will I hate myself, and this quilt if I don't change it?"  That was it, that was the deciding factor...I had worked too hard on the whole quilt, to hate it, over one stupid block.  This, of course was not the first time I had this kind of incident; and I knew it wouldn't be the last.  I decided that I was going to time myself, I was going to time how long it took to remove the block, make a new block, replace the block, and sew everything back.  I looked at the clock, and 18 minutes later I was done.  18 minutes - that was all it took to save the quilt, save my sanity, and fix a problem that would have bugged me forever.  It was worth it...it was so worth it...best 18 minutes ever!  I wasted more time debating, then I did fixing...silly, right? 

Moral of the story - if you can't live with it, fix it...just rip it out, get it right, and be happy with the end product. 

My 2 cents on that!

Here's a pic of City Lights - strangely it hasn't been in any (many???) of the tour photos - funny since it is the cover of City Quilts.

 xoxo,

Cherri

Blog Tour 2010 - Day 9

Hi sweetest friends!

Are you enjoying the blog tour?  I am, I really really am!  It has been so nice to be on the receiving end of so much love for City Quilts!  Do you know what I have loved the most?  That so many quilters are stating that they are going to take a look at their surroundings with new eyes. That you are going to try to see the beauty in where you are today!  How great is that?  There have been some questions asked throughout the tour...one that has been asked several times is, "What city is the inspiration for the book?"  The book is about Houston, Texas...where I live, and work.  If you haven't had an opportunity to see the book, or buy a copy yet, this is how each quilt is presented.  Each quilt has a brief description of the inspiration behind the quilt.  The only quilt in the book inspired by another city was City Sweets- which was originally inspired by the amazing pastries at Harrods in London.  Which is one of my favorite cities anywhere! 

I'll try to answer the questions here that you have asked throughout the tour, so just keep checking back.  Today's stop will be here, with Sarah & Josh...Josh is the quilter, and Sarah is the sewer! 

Here's the schedule in case you've missed any of the stops & interviews:

July 12th – Cheryl Arkison

July 13th – Amy Lobsiger

July 14th – Stefanie Roman

July 15th – Pat Sloan

July 16th – Spool

July 17th – Robert Kaufman

July 18th – Fat Quarterly

July 19th – Emily Cier

July 20th – Sewer Sewist

July 21st – Jaybird

July 22nd – Vickie Eapen

July 23rd – Jessica Levitt

July 24th – TrueUp

Remember, you can purchase an autographed copy of City Quilts here in our store. 

xoxo,

Cherri

Blog Tour 2010...day 6

Happy Saturday one and all!  Are you enjoying the blog tour?  I think lots of you enjoyed the dirt Pat scooped on me...maybe she was an investigative journalist before joining the quilting world!  Yesterday, I think there were some challenges leaving comments over at Spool; if you weren't able to leave a comment for day 5, you may want to pop back over there and give it another try.  Today all the fun is over at Robert Kaufman's blog here...be sure and visit for more insights and questions.  Tomorrow's stop will be at Fat Quarterly...join us there!  The other day my Mom called me, and she said, "I'm so tired, I can hardly keep up".  I asked why she was in such a hurry, and she said 'that traveling all over the country for the blog tour was wearing her out!'  She's so funny, that Mom of mine :-)

Your comments and book love have warmed my heart!  Thank you for following along, and for taking time out of your busy schedules to learn more about City Quilts, my love for Kona Cottons Solids, and me!  I am so grateful for your kindness and support!

Did you know that I'm now selling City Quilts in my pattern store?  Copies of City Quilts that can be autographed just for you or a loved one?  If you would like a special inscription, include that information in the purchasing special instructions.  If you would like to purchase a copy, click here.

Here's the rest of the tour schedule...get some rest, eat a granola bar or two, put on your most comfy shoes, and let's get back on the road!

July 17th – Allie/Robert Kaufman
July 18th – John/Fat Quarterly
July 19th – Emily Cier
July 20th – Sarah/Josh Sewer Sewist
July 21st – Julie / Jaybird
July 22nd – Vickie Eapen
July 23rd – Jessica Levitt
July 24th – Kim Kight

While you are resting up, take a minute to look at City Tracks!  I have to tell, this quilt in person glows, like you wouldn't believe...absolutely glows! 

Okay friends...till the next stop!

Cherri

Calling all Castle Peeps Campers!!!

Another Thursday at Castle Peeps Summer Camp, another great activity!

This week we are making Bean Bags...these are quick to make, and fun for the whole family!  Attached is a pdf you can download with all of the instructions.

A quick note about the bean bags that I discovered along the way...

Initially I was going to line them with muslin, and some of the photos show a lined bag, but after making the first one, I found it unnecessary. 

Also, be sure and pick up any little beans that fall on the floor, lest they end up in the nostril of one of your children for three days and start to sprout...ask me how I know!

Here are some ideas of games to play with your bean bags:

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/beanbag_games.htm

http://wayneofthewoods.com/beanbaggame.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_18434_make-beanbag-toss.html

http://www.ivillage.com/how-play-beanbag-games/6-a-128906

http://www.ehow.com/video_4468205_bean-bag-toss_-preschool-games.html

http://health.kaboose.com/active-kids/games.html

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/outreachideas.html

 Download CASTLE PEEPS ROYAL BEAN BAGS 

 

Now go forth, and have fun!!!

Cherri

Day 3 wrap up!

Favorite comment of the day "I love that because a mom took a little time with a young daughter we now have these awesome quilt patterns! Okay, now I need to go hug my mom!" from Shayla Sharp.

Thank you for reminding us of the importance of our Mom's Shayla...and thank you Momma for teaching me how to sew! 

This was just one of the many great comments left on Stefanie's blog for day 3...thank you Stefanie, and thanks to everyone for leaving comments, and making this journey together :-)

Tomorrow's stop is with Pat Sloan, and I'm thinking that lady has some trick up her sleeve.  Not sure what it is, but she said that she was cracking herself up over it, so let's all make our way there tomorrow and see what is up.

Also, be sure and pop back here - I'm the camp counselor in charge tomorrow at Castle Peeps Summer Camp!

See you tomorrow!

Cherri

Day 2 of the blog tour!!!

Okay, I am loving this blog tour!  It has been so wonderful to read all of your kind words and comments about the quilts, the book, and your new found love of solids!  Aren't they the best? 

Some of you have mentioned difficulty in locating solids where you live...where are you?  I think overseas they may be more difficult to come by, and more pricey too.  Let's help each other out, and share your resources! 

Here's a few questions you can answer if you like...I really want this to be a win/win for everybody!

• Where do you shop?
• What are your favorite local and online resources for your solids? 
• US or international
• What are your favorite quality solids? 
• Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids 
• Moda Bella
• Free Spirit
• RJR

Your response to The Tempest options has been excellent!  The orange has been surprisingly well received, the brown, not so much, which was also a surprise.  The question many have asked is WHERE IS THE GREEN ONE?  Well, here it is...in all it's green glory!  Plus a pale blue which I really love, and a gray.  What do you think?  Any favorites?

GREEN

SKY BLUE

GRAY

 
  
 Ready for day three of tour?  Let's go!

July 14th – Stefanie Roman
July 15th – Pat Sloan
July 16th – Spool
July 17th – Allie/Robert Kaufman
July 18th – John/Fat Quarterly
July 19th – Emily Cier
July 20th – Sarah/Josh Sewer Sewist
July 21st – Julie / Jaybird
July 22nd – Vickie Eapen
July 23rd – Jessica Levitt
July 24th – Kim Kight
 
 Thank you again for coming along on this journey!!!

Cherri

If you really want know, I'll tell you!

The City Quilts blog tour is underway, and I couldn't be more excited!  It has been a good exercise for me to go through all of the interview questions, and really ponder the answers.  Going through the process of being interviewed over and over again has given me an opportunity to really examine what I know (and don't know), what my strengths and weaknesses are.  For myself I'm always going 100 miles an hour, doing my own thing, learning new things, deciding somethings are not of any interest to me.  For the most part I'm always going, but not frequently looking internally.  If I do any internal looking, it's generally unkind to myself, and pretty critical.  I find it so painfully hard to say - 'I am good at this', 'I know how to do this', 'I have worked hard to excel at this' - is it just me, am I the only who has trouble forming those sentences?  I asked my mom the other day if it was a cultural thing, or a family thing - this painful, almost gut wrenching action of acknowledging having done something well.  I'll be interested in what you all think...so please tell me.

One of the questions that I am most frequently asked is, what is my favorite quilt I have ever made.  I'll tell you - it's this quilt - City News!  I love it, I worked very hard on it, I think it is beautiful, and when I made it, it was my best work to date.  I talk about it more in my interview with Cheryl here. 

Reading everyone's comments has been great. One person said "i read cherri's blog, but i don't feel that i know too much about her-- other than the important fact that she loves her daughters*!"  I'm not sure if anyone else feels the same about 'not knowing too much about me', but if you are interested, I have to tell you, these interviews are the real me...the really, real me, not the fake me, but the real me.  I have a tendency to be completely passionate about something, or not care at all.  I am passionate about quilting, I am passionate about color, I am passionate about my book City Quilts...all of that and more is shared throughout the next 13 days.

Thank you for joining me on this tour - I'm so happy to have you with me!

July 13th – Amy Lobsiger

July 14th – Stefanie Roman

July 15th – Pat Sloan

July 16th – Spool

July 17th – Robert Kaufman

July 18th – Fat Quarterly

July 19th – Emily Cier

July 20th – Sewer Sewist

July 21st – Jaybird

July 22nd – Vickie Eapen

July 23rd – Jessica Levitt

July 24th – TrueUp

A special thanks to Robert Kaufman for the beautiful Kona Cotton Solids, and to C&T for copies of City Quilts for this blog tour.  * A special note - even though I don't mention him as much...I really really really love my son, who is currently serving in Iraq.

xoxo,

Cherri

Options on The Tempest

Thank you again for your warm reception to The Tempest!  We hope the very specific color guidelines will enable you to create the dramatic, contemporary quilt you desire to make.

What if you like the quilt, but are not a "purple person"...what to do?  How would you feel if we gave you the same guidelines, but with different color options?  What color options would you be interested in?

Here are some colors that I've been playing around with...what do you think?

BLUE

 

BROWN

PINK

ORANGE

 

Same exact quilt, same number of fabrics - completely different looks. 

What would work best in your world?  Can't wait to hear what you think!

Cherri  

E is for Elephant, and Blog Tour News!

Exciting stuff in the works at Cherry House Quilts!  Check out E is for Elephant, a new quilt pattern coming out in Fons and Porter's new baby issue. 

Sweet new fabric from Robert Kaufman.

The back is a Minkee fabric - so soft! 

Mark your calendars for the blog tour - 13 stops, and 13 opportunities to win. 

Ready for the tour dates?

• July 12th – Cheryl Arkison
• July 13th – Amy Lobsiger
• July 14th – Stefanie Roman
• July 15th – Pat Sloan
• July 16th – Spool
• July 17th – Robert Kaufman
• July 18th – Fat Quarterly
• July 19th – Emily Cier
• July 20th – Sewer Sewist
• July 21st – Jaybird
• July 22nd – Vickie Eapen
• July 23rd – Jessica Levitt
• July 24th – TrueUp

Remember to visit each location, each day!  At every stop your host will have two giveaway's.  One winner will receive a copy of City Quilts from C&T, and one winner will receive a fat quarter bundle of Kona Cotton Solids from Robert Kaufman...plus there just may be some extra prizes from the hosts along the way.

Thank you for your warm reception of The Sand Pebbles and The Tempest.  So many patterns are making their way around the world, especially to our friends in Europe!  We are, as always grateful for your continued love and support.

xoxo,

Cherri