Tutorials... A Giveaway and 2022 Happenings

Hello my "quilty" friends - Happy New Year!  I hope all is well with you.   

I'm celebrating Aurifil's monthly Thread Matters blog series by writing the introductory post for Thread Matters 2022 and, because of my excitement of quilting my newly designed Lotus Flower (below) with Aurifil's 2022 Color Builder collections, I've decided to host a Giveaway.  

My Newsletter friends were the first to learn of it but I'd love to have you join in the fun! 

Read all about the January 2022 Subtle Sampler Giveaway on my latest Newsletter: Tutorials... 2022 Happenings and a Giveaway 

Subscribe so you can be among the first to learn of future events and giveaways on my Newsletter here: Redbird Quilt Co Newsletter 

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Thread Matters 2022 Introductory post and tutorials.  Oh - and let me know your thoughts on my newly designed Lotus Flower too!

I'm giving away my "The Subtle Sampler" collection to one random USA entrant.  Learn how enter the giveaway here: Tutorials... 2022 Happenings and a Giveaway 

I know you'll love this collection.   You can read more about it here.

Happy Sunday -- Stay safe and warm and Keep On Quilting!

My best,

Karen

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook 

and be sure to subscribe to my Newsletter  Redbird Quilt Co Newsletter 

One with Nature and Thread... a Giveaway!

Greetings fellow quilters, I hope this post finds you safe and well.

I'm pretty excited to be sharing an Aurifil Thread Matters blog post today.  In these crazy stressful times I'm finding solace in nature...

This months' Amalfi Color Builders threads inspired me to stitch out a native wildflower.

Hop on over to the Thread Matters post and take a minute to be One with Nature.

While you're there -- share the post, leave a feedback comment and be sure to come back here and let me know you did. 

Finger Lakes Sunset... a view from #ourkeukahomestead

One lucky entrant will take home the real Aurifil Color Card!  

Trust me -- it's the most helpful tool to have in your quilty stash!   I have a one that has a slight ding on the edge but I guarantee those wrapped threads are luscious as always.

Will YOU be the lucky winner ?

** TO ENTER **

Leave a comment on the Aurifil blog => Thread Matters post **

Take advantage of multiple entries by sharing with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest. 

Be sure to return here and let me know you commented and/or shared !  

Giveaway closes Thursday, October 15th at  midnight EST

GOOD LUCK!

Finally...  I've been having a blast sharing my love of Free Motion Quilting in the Fall FMQ Lecture Series hosted via ZOOM by my good friends at Hotel Hamilton & Retreat Center. 

Week 3 is just around the corner and it's not too late to join us!! 

Click here to read up on the 3 remaining lectures.

Many thanks for stopping by -- have fun with the Giveaway!

Stay safe and keep on quilting!

All my best,

Karen

Fall Free Motion Quilting Lecture Series

We're back and excited to announce a

Fall Free Motion Quilting Lecture Series 

hosted by our good friends at 

Hotel Hamilton & Event Center 

Join Us -- It's Virtual! 

For details click the image below!

 Don't delay -- Early Bird Bundle pricing 

is in effect NOW through Sept 20th!

I look forward to seeing you there.

Stay safe,

Karen

Thread Matters - Blending: Give it a Try! Plus -- A Giveaway...

Hello Creative Friends -- many thanks for stopping by!

I'm thrilled to be sharing a post on the Aurifil blog as part of the 2020 Thread Matters Aurifilosopher Series.  We write something fun and educational each month - don't miss out on all the great information and inspiration!!

In 2020 the Aurifilosophers are highlighting the luscious Aurifil Color Builders collections.  Use this link to preview the Thread Matters series.

To prep for the post I pulled out a UFO from a fairly recent Workshop with the amazing Lorraine Turner of Calico Horses.    Oh -- you must see the beautiful creations by Lorraine.  Hop on over to her website for more inspiration and available workshops.

Let me introduce you to "Silent Awareness" the Eagle Owl -- one of Lorraine's many beautiful collage workshop subjects.   I'm really excited to get moving on this piece because, you know,  I kinda LOVE birds.

Although I have a little more fabric selection and placement to do before finishing this piece I was thrilled when the April Color Builder color #2375, Antique Blush was announced.

Antique Blush looked like it would blend perfectly with the background and feathers of my little red friend.  As a bonus -- it works well with Burgundy too -- I'm hopeful it will give the feathers a little cast of glitter.

I outfitted my 221 Featherweight with all my favorite FMQ notions including this nifty replica Feed Cover Plate from The Featherweight Shop.   Here's my "real-life" image of the feed dog cover (dust and all).

Here's the shined up version that the Featherweight Shop shares:

Isn't it sweet ? 

It's simple to install too !! 

I learned about the Featherweight Shop feed dog cover this winter -- just after I shared my first experience with Free Motion Quilting on my Featherweight.  

If you missed that documentary {wink-wink} be sure to checkout Thread Matters from January 2020 -- 28wt and a Featherweight.   I wrote about the awesome Horizontal Thread Post there too !! 

I began using the Feed Dog Cover in March while preparing Springtime Hearts on my 221 - a mystery challenge between two Quilty friends. 

Wendy Sheppard and I each quilted 2 hearts with 2 different weights of Aurifil thread.  I just had to try the 80 weight -- see the 80wt heart and learn more of our adventure in this Auribuzz post.  

FMQ on A Featherweight - With 28Wt Aurifil

Now let's get back to blending...   Oh -- and that Giveaway !!

Jump on over to the Auribuzz April Thread Matters post for all the details and images of HOW and why I blended two shades of thread for my Eagle Owl work-in-progress.

While you're there -- be sure to leave a comment on the post -- just one of the steps necessary to make you eligible to win a 12 Large Spool Collection of Aurifil thread -- The Subtle Sampler.

The Giveaway!!

That's right -- I'm giving away The Subtle Sampler to one lucky winner in the USA.   If you're from outside of the country I'd be happy to send you a digital version of one of my patterns for free!  I'll look to find a USA winner for my favorite thread collection. 

To Enter The Giveaway:

Before Midnight EST Saturday April 18th...  

1. Leave a comment on The Auribuzz April Thread Matters post ==> click here

2. Leave a comment below on this  blog post  ==>  scroll down

Be sure that I have a way of reaching you -- leave me an email address or a blogger profile that includes an email address.   

I'll choose and notify a winner early next week !!    

I so look forward to reading your feedback!

Tell me...   what you love about the project(s) or share what you need to know to get free motion quilting on your home machine.   Have a Featherweight ?  Follow the Featherweight Shop?   Tell me what you LOVE about your Featherweight !! 

That will do it -- remember -- comment on The Aurifil Blog and My Blog to be eligible to win.

Thanks for following me too!    

Redbird Quilt Co is on Facebook, Instagram, Blogger, & YouTube !! 

PS -- The FTC requires me to tell you that some of my links are Affiliate Links.   Rest assured that I only share products that I use and love myself.   If you purchase through my affiliate link I get a small kickback.   It helps me pay the bills ;)  

FMQ on a Featherweight with 28wt Aurifil

I'm psyched about Free Motion Quilting

on a Featherweight 221!
Have you tried it?
***
I used two of my favorite Aurifil
threads --  28wt and 50wt !

I'm sharing details on a
guest post for Aurifil's
Thread Matters 2020 - The Aurifilosopher Series

Stay tuned for my post
to be published on Friday Jan 10th.

I detail my learning adventure, tips, tricks and tools.
***
There's a Giveaway too!!
It's open through end of day
Monday January 13th, 2020

You'll want to click on the Rafflecopter
link at the end of the blog post and follow
the outlined steps to enter !!

***

For my mini whole-cloth stitched on the
Featherweight

I used a red Moda Linen

layered with Quilters Dream Wool.
I did a little pin basting and made
some "improvements" to my Featherweight
(thanks Featherweight Shop)
and I was ready to go!.

I stitched the curled feather and one round of echo quilting with Aurifil 28wt on top

with 50wt in the bobbin.
(with the January Milan yummy Color Builder colors... )

I switched to lovely February Pompeii red Color Builder colors in 50wt top and bobbin for subsequent echo quilting.

You can NEVER have enough color options!!
This is exactly why the new Color Builder subscription program is the best.
Learn more here - and be sure to check with your favorite quilt shop to get started!!

I love, love, love working on the Featherweight

with Aurifil thread and

all those amazing tools from The Featherweight Shop!
(read all about them in the Auribuzz Blog Post).

Stay tuned though as I have a new idea planned for my next project on the Featherweight.

I can't wait for this new learning adventure to begin !!

If you loved what I shared on the Aurifil Thread Matters post be sure to leave a comment there or on my blog to let me know.

Also -- I'd love for you to share the posts with your Featherweight Friends - they'll thank you!

I appreciate the feedback.

All my best,

Karen

***

NOTE:  The FTC requires me to tell you...
I occasionally use affliciate links on by blog and website.
Rest assured I will only share and promote products that I use and LOVE myself.
Many thanks for your support of my very small business.

You're Invited to a 2019 Free Motion Quilting Retreat!

Welcome!

Wendy Sheppard and I are joining forces

 to bring you a fun filled 

Free Motion Quilting Retreat!

This September we're motoring off to 

Quilt Town, USA

also known as

Hamilton, Missouri...

***

The hometown of JC Penny

and the celebrated location of

Missouri Star Quilting Company

and its founder,

everyone's favorite quilting friend,

Jenny Doan.

Karen w/ Jenny -- Missouri Star Academy 2019

My first opportunity to visit MSQC was the Summer of '18.

 
I was honored to share my passion for FMQ and Aurifil thread during the 2nd Annual Missouri Star Academy.

SO MUCH FUN!

Visiting this little town - with 12+ Quilt Shops, all the amazing people, Jenny and her team was like "going home".   It's really a special trip.  I hope you can join us.

Let's Talk RETREAT! 

The 2.5 day event is hosted by

the amazing folks from 

Home-Inn and Hotel-Hamilton

You know these folks, the Redford Family!

***

They're the brilliant minds,

calloused hands, and loving hearts behind

The World's Largest Spool of Thread

established in the Fall of 2018

on the site of the future

Missouri Quilt Museum.

Karen w/ the Redford Family -- Owners of The World's Largest Spool

Wendy and I couldn't be 

more excited about this

2.5 days of Free Motion Fun!   

Our retreat adventure begins with a 

Monday Evening Meet & Greet Dinner, 

Lecture & Dual Trunk Show

Our topic will be:

***

Aurifilosophy

It's all about the thread!

***

We'll be sharing tips, tricks and samples from our trunks that will highlight how YOU can achieve brilliant results with all the luscious weights of Aurifil thread.

You may just find a sweet collection of Aurifil swag at the Meet and Greet too!

We'll round-out our first evening chatting about our adventures and spending a little time getting to know you.

Monday late night -- you're welcome to setup shop and begin stitching your own projects in the beautifully outfitted 7200 square foot event center.

2019 Missouri Star Academy FMQ Workshop w/ Karen Miller at the Hotel Hamilton Event Center

Or -- just kick back and relax in the Event Center lounge.

Image courtesy Hotel Hamilton Event Center

Or -- get comfy in the beautifully adorned retreat style rooms to
rest up for the next 2 days of fun!

See More Hotel Hamilton Images Here

Tuesday will bring a FULL DAY of

Free Motion Quilting 

Basics

Wendy and I share the stage and get you stitching on a  home machine with your own 6' of dedicated table space. 

Bring your own machine or reserve an Event Center machine for $25.00.

The Eversewn Sparrow 20 rental comes complete with a free motion foot and a few of your favorite notions -- no need to lug your own.

The rental fee covers 2.5 days of use.

Sparrow 20 Rental - Read More 

Our goal for Day 1 --  help you become familiar with domestic machine quilting basics.  

We'll talk tension, needles, batting, thread and other tips and tricks that will aid in a successful home machine quilting experience. 

  

We'll get the basics out of the way early-on so we can jump into stitching a wide variety of fun motif in the afternoon.

Lunch will be served mid-day Tuesday (and Wednesday) in the Event Center.

We'll take a break, relax and enjoy a simple meal.

We'll be back to stitching in the afternoon and end the day around 4:00pm so you'll be free to wander into town, visit Missouri Star Quilt Co, do some shopping, sightseeing, or whatever!

You'll be on your own for dinner Tuesday but don't fear -- there are a few local choices to grab a great meal. 

You're welcome to sit and stitch the evenings away in the Event Center - a few short steps from your cozy room.  

There's no stitching curfew - no rules.

Wednesday will bring a FULL DAY of

Free Motion Quilting

Basics & Beyond 

with a bit about Feathers!

Wendy and I can't let the time get away without sharing a few more advanced designs and a bit about feathers.  

We both LOVE stitching feathers so we'll share a few feather motif, some continuous curve stitching and maybe a bit of McTavishing too! 

Retreat Summary:

$325 - Now that's a bargain in any state! 

A great thing about the 

timing of the Retreat is...  

You're already in town for the start of the Missouri Star Quilt Co Birthday Bash!!    

If you've not experienced Birthday Bash now is your chance.

MSQC will be hosting Dinner with the Doan's on Wednesday night (ticket required) 

and the Hotel-Hamilton (Dakota) is offering additional nights of Lodging for an exceptional price! 

To see all the Retreat details be sure to jump on over to the ticketing site:

Here's the link:

2019 Free Motion Quilting Retreat 

We're excited to have you join us for our first ever FMQ Retreat!

Enrollments are open now

and availability is limited.

Jump on over, learn more and please let us know if you have any questions.

Happy Stitching..

Karen & Wendy

2019 FMQ Along: Celebration and Winners!

Many thanks to those that participated in the 2019 Mystery Free Motion Quilt Along! 

Wendy and I had a blast watching you learn and grow throughout the process.

It's fun AND so very rewarding to observe while you choose your threads and motif's and show marked improvement throughout the quilting process.

By the deadline we'd received 26 entries for the Giveaway.   The random drawing of entries has been completed and we're excited to announce the winners.

But first  -- we would like to thank each and every one of you for joining us. 
Your work and progress was amazing.   

Here's an image or 2 of each entry (in no particular order). 

These put a BIG SMILE on our faces -- thank you all !

Kathleen R. -- quilted on her new longarm.

Deb B.

Judy F

Mary G.

Margie H.

Heather S.

Janice K -- delayed due to new twin grandbabies!

Jane S.

Judy C.

MaryJean B.

Donna C.

Lori R.

Jocelyn (on a newly made table runner)

Colleen L.

Joan V.

Andrea R.

Judy S.

Julie F.

Julie L.

MaryJane C.

Deb W.

Patti H.

Nancy K.

Lori M.

Denise P.

Bert G.

Thank you all again for your amazing quilting and so much creativity. 

Everyone did fantastic.  

We hope you enjoyed the event.

AND NOW FOR The Winners!!

Jump here to review our sponsors, see the prizes 

and uncover THE WINNERS!!

Many thanks to all our sponsors for supporting the QAL.

Winners -- please email me your full name and non PO box mailing address so we can get  your prize shipped out right away!

Thanks again.

Karen & Wendy

********

Learn more about how to use various thread weights in these Facebook Live Sessions

hosted by Aurifil at International Quilt Market: 

Redbird Quilt Co Mini Trunk Show

Redbird Quilt Co Fast Feather Demonstration

***

Follow me on social media:

Redbird Quilt Co. on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube

Join my FMQ Frenzy Community Group on Facebook.

See my other Moda Bake Shop Recipes

Click here to see my upcoming events.

*

***  Guilds, Groups and Shops ***

I'm booking Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops
for late 2020 and beyond!

If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.

Free Motion Quilting on Home Machines
Basics ~ A Quilters Doodles ~ McTavishing
A Full Day of Feathers
*
Aurifilosophy
*
Wool & Needle turn Applique
Technique or Project Oriented Workshops available.

Click here to see my upcoming events.
*

Send email inquiries to karen at redbirdquiltco dot com

or redbirdquiltco at gmail dot com

Note:  The FTC requires that I tell you.... I occasionally use affiliate links on my blog and website.  I may be compensated for purchases made using the links.  Rest assured I will only share sales and promotions for products I know and love myself.  Many thanks for your support of my very small business.