Winner: Longarm Quilting Workbook & New Giveaway

Good day from Houston, TX where today we began setup for the World of Susybee Booth (#537) at International Quilt Market. 

International Quilt Market is a wholesale event for shop owners, designers & creators to view "soon to be released" fabric and product lines.  The event is over the top inspiring and gets your creative juices flowing. 

I attended my first quilt market as a pattern designer (May 2015) in Minneapolis. Here are some fun pics from Quilt Markets since then...

Victoria Findlay Wolfe's  Star Power Quilt from Spring Quilt Market 2016.  Isn't it fabulous!! 

This is a quilt by Lisa Bongean and quilted by Linda Hrcka of The Quilted Pineapple.  The pattern is "Antique Flower Garden" by Primitive Gatherings.  It's created on Lisa's Primitive Gatherings Flannel Muslin with Wool Applique.  It's to die for -- this was on display May 2015 in Minneapolis.

This was my first Market "Make and Take" with Eleanor Burns -- the nicest quilter on earth!  

In the "Make and Take" sessions you learn a new tool or technique.  

Eleanor taught me how to piece (see the block lower right?)

LOL!

No straight jacket required.

After class I spent 45 minutes of one on one time with Eleanor -- she's warm, honest, and amazing.  

Here's one of the Instagram posts I did when Tula Pink released her first-ever quilt kit. If you have an Instagram account be sure to follow me there for updates from Houston, 2017.

and here is my first meeting with the very talented Moda Designer Kate Spain.

Kate showed us her Early Bird design carving -- isn't that amazing!

This year at Quilt Market I'll be presenting a Schoolhouse Session with my good friend Terri Butler for The World of Susybee... 

"More Creative Projects for Susybee Panels"
 Room 342A - 11:35 to 12:05 
hosted by Karen Miller of Redbird Quilt Co, and Terri Butler. Both Karen and Terri are full of ideas for creative projects for the nursery.

Do stop by if you're in the area.

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But... what we're here to talk about today is...

We Have a Winner 

of Teresa Silva's Longarm Quilting Workbook!

I'm so excited about Teresa's new book.  

You can read my review here: 

Congratulations to DeAnn

I'll be sending you an email soon!

You're going to love this book...

Finally -- There are 2 Giveaways open to celebrate my brand new Aurifil thread collection!!

Be sure to hop on over to this post for my Giveaway and this post for Aurifil's giveaway.  

They're both open until end of day November 4th.

Don't miss out!

Thanks Everyone !!  Happy Quilting!

**

Follow me on social media:

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

Facebook my FMQ Frenzy Community Group

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 the 2nd half of 2018 & all of 2019

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
Ruler & Template Work
*
Wool & Needle turn Applique
Technique or Project Oriented Workshops available.

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.

The Subtle Sampler - Dreams Really Do Come True

...and I couldn't be more excited. 

I've been using and bragging about my love of Aurifil thread for nearly 5 YEARS!  

One project after another has been successfully pieced, appliqued, and machine quilted using this amazingly strong, colorful and versatile thread.

Remember these sweet little bird pillows? 

They were one of my earliest projects using Aurifil thread. (July, 2013)

On suggestion from my dear quilty mentor Wendy Sheppard, I used Aurifil 50wt to quilt the pillows on my home machine, McTavish style.   

That's all it took -- they turned out wonderfully and I was SOLD on Aurifil.

Learn more by clicking here.

Here we are 5 years and 40 or 50 Aurifil quilts later and I've been given the opportunity to curate my very own Aurifil thread collection!
Thank you Aurifil...

Meet
The Subtle Sampler
 by Karen L. Miller ~ Redbird Quilt Co.
for Aurifil

 The Subtle Sampler is comprised of 4 different weights of luscious Aurifil Mako Cotton thread (50, 40, 28, & 12), PLUS 2 spools of Nylon Monofilament thread.

Oh so YUMMY!

The collection provides a wide variety of color and weight choices for all your quilting pleasures.

The 50Wt thread is perfect for your bobbin; matter of fact, I choose color #2312 because it's a perfect neutral tone, and when used in the bobbin, will complement a number of different top thread colors.

50Wt #2312 is also great for a variety of hand applique techniques.  It blends perfectly with neutral backgrounds and melts right into earthen tone applique pieces.

Simply Spring Fleur by Karen L. Miller Redbird Quilt Co - Fabric by BariJ - Millie Fleur for Art Gallery Fabrics

My other 50Wt color choice was #2000 --- Oh to use this color and weight on muslin colored fabric is like heaven.  It's my go-to color for background quilting many of my wool pieces.

Wooly Wren by Karen L. Miller ~ Redbird Quilt Co

While we're talking about wool applique -- the 12Wt thread in the collection is PERFECT for wool applique and big stitch quilting.  Selecting subtle colors (#6722, #6723) allows them to be used in a variety of projects.   Stay tuned for some fun project shares with these colors.

On the image below I had fun making the flower embellishments by crocheting with Aurifil 12Wt thread:

Simply Spring Fleur by Karen L. Miller Redbird Quilt Co - Fabric by BariJ - Millie Fleur for Art Gallery Fabrics

The remaining colors in 40 and 28Wt threads are fun and I think you'll find them quite versatile!  Several of the colors were used in the whimsical World of Susybee panels that I quilt.  

Zoe the Giraffe uses 40Wt Color #5017 and #5006.
It also uses 28Wt Color #2130 and #2880.

The 40Wt and 28Wt threads are perfect when you want the thread to take center stage.  They're heavy enough machine quilt with them - and soft and pliable so that hand work is fun too!

I couldn't be more excited about this collection.

Stay tuned as I share more information, inspiration and tutorials using The Subtle Sampler.

Below you'll find a helpful reference sheet for The Subtle Sampler.
I've outlined a variety of uses for each weight of thread, needle sizes, bobbin weights and tension adjustments.
I hope you find it handy to have in your Quilty toolkit.
You can download and print the PDF from here.

Would you like to purchase The Subtle Sampler?  

Look for it in your local quilt shop -- ask for it by name, and I'm sure they'll order it for you. 

In the meantime I too can sell the collection.  If you can't find it locally, feel free to email me for more information.

Lastly -- The Giveaway!!

We're giving away The Subtle Sampler Collection and A Quilter's Doodles Coloring/Inspiration book!

To enter:

Leave a comment on this blog post telling me what weights of Aurifil you've used in past projects. 
* 

Entries will be accepted now through 11:59pm Eastern Time on Saturday, November 4! Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Monday, November 6. Good luck!

Also -- be sure to jump over to the Official Aurifil Announcement Post to get in on their giveaway of The Subtle Sampler!

Thank you all so much for the visit and I wish you best of luck in the giveaways!

Happy Quilting!

Karen

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

Facebook my FMQ Frenzy Community Group

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 the 2nd half of 2018 & all of 2019

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
Ruler & Template Work
*
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.

Your Lucky Day ~ Inspiration ~ Review ~ Giveaway

Hey fellow quilters -- welcome!

I'm honored to be sharing a review & giveaway for Teresa Silva's amazing new book: "Longarm Quilting Workbook -- Basic Skills, Techniques & Motifs for Modern Longarming"   

Thanks for joining in the fun!!

Image Courtesy F+W Media

I've followed Teresa's Blog and Instagram, Quilting Is My Bliss, for years and I'm always inspired by Teresa's amazing free motion quilting.    Teresa quilts on a longarm and delivers quilts to satisfied clients faster than I can admire all the beautiful details of her work!  

Modern Wholecloth by Teresa Silva - Image Courtesy Quilting Is My Bliss

Teresa's very successful longarm quilting business is well respected in the industry.  Her creativity and work ethic have enabled her to become a "go-to" quilter for great fabric companies like Free Spirit Fabrics and Moda Fabrics.   

Big Sky - Designed by Lissa Alexander ~ Pieced by Tammy Vonderschmitt
Fabric by Annie Brady for Moda
Quilted by Teresa Silva ~ Image Quilting is My Bliss

Last year I had the opportunity to meet Teresa in person at the Birds of a Feather event in Southern VA.  It was then I realized Teresa is not only an amazing longarm quilter she is a down-to-earth sweetheart.  

I was pretty excited to take Teresa's Modern Quilting Workshop at Birds of a Feather.

Oh the things you learn... thank you, Teresa.  

Now, let's talk a bit about the Workbook.

First, don't be deceived by the title!

It's NOT just about Longarming.  Teresa shares tips, notions, motifs, patterns and amazing free motion quilting information and inspiration for all quilters -- independent of the machine
they're quilting on.  

The Longarm Quilting Workbook has 143 illustrated pages and includes these 5 chapters:

1. First Steps -- Things to consider before and after you purchase your first machine.  I Love that this chapter also covers materials, supplies, and troubleshooting ideas.  
2. Motifs -- More than 20 freehand quilting motifs with beautifully detailed stitching diagrams -- Wow!  You'll find a few of my favorites including feathers and bead board quilting.   This chapter makes the whole book worth its weight in GOLD.   
3. Doodling & Drawing -- This is so fun -- YOU KNOW I encourage folks to doodle and draw their motifs before stitching them.  This chapter made me smile!  Teresa discusses the importance of doodling on paper, describes how to transition from paper to fabric, and shares a couple of fun whole-cloth designs for you to stitch out.    Maybe we're really a lot alike right --  Teresa and me?  That means someday I too can have a great business like hers!  HA HA HA!!
4. Pieced Projects --  Need a fun, new quilt to try out a few of Teresa's favorite motifs?  Teresa's book includes 3 pieced patterns with detail descriptions and images suggesting how to quilt them.   I Loved this Chapter!!  Here's a fun (and simple) design Teresa shares -- I won't even need a straight jacket to piece this one.  And look at those feathers -- WOW!

Go with the Flow by T. Silva - Image Courtesy F+W Media

  
    5.  Gallery of Quilts -- 36 pages of completed quilt images including the Gravity Quilt (pattern by  Julie Herman - Fabric by Tula Pink) -- Inspiration abounds in Chapter 5!!  

Gravity Quilt pieced and quilted by T. Silva - Pattern by Jaybird Quilts

There are several really special touches about this book.   

• It's spiral bound.  This means you can have it wide open beside you when you're trying out one of the motifs or making one of the patterns.  This is a nice touch.
• It contains clear and concise stitching paths -- I LOVE diagrams!  Visual clues always enhance my learning adventure.
• The photography is a AmaZing!  Really -- who doesn't love looking at details of completed quilts -- you'll love this too.
• Each Chapter includes tips and tricks -- Those little things that Teresa relies on to make amazing quilts... summarized and at your finger tips.

In summary, Teresa's new book is a great way to learn new motifs, get a little background about longarm quilting, get inspired AND create several new quilts to practice free motion quilting.

It's a must have book in your Quilting Library!!

Before we get talk about the giveaway -- be sure to get inspired by these other blog hoppers.  You won't want to miss out on their reviews and giveaway chances:

• Monday October 2nd – Teresa Silva of Quilting is My Bliss
• Tuesday, October 3rd  – Nancy Jewell of Free Spirit Fabric
• Wednesday, October 4th – Leslie Meltzer of 50 sq. ft. studios
• Thursday, October 5th – Carrie Nelson of Moda Fabrics
• Friday, October 6th - Jane Kinzie of Quilter’s Dream Batting
• Monday, October 9th – Kristen McVane of Stashquilts on Instagram
• Tuesday, October 10th – Carl Hentsch of 3 Dog Design
• Wednesday, October 11th – Helen Ernst Longarm Quilting
• Thursday, October 12th  – Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts
• Friday, October 13th  – Karen Miller of Redbird Quilt Co. -- Thats ME!
• Monday, October 16th – Linda and Carl Sullivan of Colorwerx
• Tuesday, October 17th – Teresa Silva of Quilting is My Bliss

Also -- I know you want to buy this book!!  You're guaranteed to get a copy at any one of these sites:
For an autographed copy... http://www.quiltingismybliss.com 
http://www.shopfonsandporter.com/
https://www.amazon.com/
http://www.quiltandsewshop.com/

Now for the Giveaway!  

F+W Media and Teresa are providing me one hardcopy book to giveaway - YAY!  

 To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this blog post letting me know how many quilt tops are in YOUR stash waiting to be quilted.
Also -- tell me why they're not quilted? 
What is holding you back?

Be sure to leave an email address for me to reach you -- especially if you're a guest to Blogger.  

The giveaway will be open through end of day October 20th.

Remember to visit Teresa's Blog by 4pm Pacific time Friday, October 20th to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway -- there's some great products going to 2 lucky winners!

Oh -- and there's another fun announcement and giveaway scheduled for the 21st of October so do stop back by then.

Happy Quilting!

Karen

***

Follow me on social media:

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

Facebook my FMQ Frenzy Community Group

See my other Moda Bake Shop Recipes

See my Upcoming Events

***  Guilds, Groups and Shops ***

I'm booking Lectures, Trunk Shows and Workshops for late 2018 & 2019

If your Shop, Group or Guild is looking for programs or workshops I would love to hear from you.
You can see my current schedule of events here => Upcoming Events