IFQ TownCrier

More time for Nathalie's Noel!

Sign up period extended for the IFQ Nahtalie's Noel event

Submitted by: IFQ
Saturday July 12, 2008                    

We've decided that Nathalie's Noel is just too much fun to miss so we're extending the sign up period through the month of July! So there's no excuse not to participate in this special project!
 
Even if you don't need a Christmas Tree skirt, there are still many other wonderful possibilities that you can create with these blocks. Each week there is a new applique pattern to download.
 
So don't miss out on the fun!

The IFQ Spotlight Series is Coming!

An exciting new IFQ series opens soon

Submitted by: Celluloid  Sally
Sunday June 29, 2008                    

Hi ya dolls! Madame BlindHem and I haven't been around much lately. We actually were sent on a little ... "vacation" - well, you can read more about that on my page which you'll find under "EXTRAS -> CELLULOID SALLY" in the menu bar at the top of the page. But we're real glad to be back!
 
And we're going to be working with Nathalie, James, Betty and Donna on the new IFQ Spotlight series. It's really exciting! In this series, we'll examine a specific technique and/or block. Plus, Nathalie and James have created a great small project to use what we've learned.
 
Now, even if it's a technique or block that you know, it's worth signing up for the event. Not only is it good to refresh your skills but also you'll find lots of other little tips in the project.
 
Here's how it works. You sign up for the project and then you can download a super document which will include the techniques and/or blocks and a pattern for the project.
 
Together, we'll make the project and learn lots!
 
We're really excited about this event and hope that everyone signs up. The IFQ Spotlight event opens on July 12th. 

Madame BlindHem is Back!

IFQ Sewing Horoscopes return

Submitted by: IFQ
Sunday June 29, 2008                    

Finally, Madame BlindHem, IFQ's Sightless Sewing Seer (sightless because of the alcohol consumption!), has returned! She, once again, is consulting the stars to find out what is in the sewing futures of IFQ members.
 
Madame has a strong connection to the stars....or is it that she often sees stars (maybe after falling off the barstool again?)? But, whatever, she has helped IFQ members know what is in store for their month of sewing.
 
So, enjoy this while she's back and conscious (neither of which can be relied on!). You'll find the horoscopes under the "EXTRA" menu under Madame BlindHem. 

Chat Room Login

If you have trouble logging into the chat room....

Submitted by: IFQ
Wednesday June 25, 2008                    

Our chat room log in is dependent on the forum log in. When we renovated the IFQ forum, the password system changed a bit. So if you haven't gone into the chat room since the forum changed, you'll need to log into the IFQ forum once before going into the chat room. This will place your login into the new system and you'll be set to go! 
 
We hope to see you soon in the ol' Diamond Lounge (IFQ's chat room!)! 

The Forum has changed!

A new look for the Forum!

Submitted by: IFQ
Sunday April 20, 2008                    

Well, we've upgraded the forum and it's pretty nice! We think you're going to like it!
 
We've lost the "flying fat quarters" that told us when there was an unread topic. Instead, an icon turns red which is the signal that there is an unread post.
 
It now starts with the oldest post first. But if you click on the icon by the name of the person who posted last, you'll come to that post and can scroll up, if there are other posts you haven't yet read.
 
There is also a place to put your birthday in your profile. Please do this so we can all wish you a happy birthday on the day!
 
We'll be posting more articles on the new features in the forum here. 

Food to Fibre

Glad Press 'n Seal.

Submitted by: Jacqui Balaam
Wednesday April 16, 2008                    

 
 Glad Press N Seal is a new product now available in your local supermarket.  Described as a multi-purpose sealing wrap designed for use with food as it's main use, quilters have discovered that Press N Seal is useful for transfering patterns.  This wrap has adhesive on one side and, like freezer paper leaves no residue, which has got to be good.  You simply draw the quilting design or foundation piecing design on the non-sticky side and apply to your fabric.  You can then tear it off with ease.
  
It has been suggested that using a slightly longer stitch will make it easier to tear away from your fabric, and it is recommended that water based felt pens are suitable for marking the design onto the Press N Seal.  A Bic or ballpoint pen is also suitable if a finer line is required.  Black vivid markers used with light thread were not advised.  For full instructions on how to use this product, check out the illustrated tutorials at the following websites:
 http://www.appleblossomquilts.com/tips/GladPressNSeal/page2/index.jsp
Source: New Zealand Quilter. http://www.nzquilter.com
  
Note from IFQ:  Press N Seal has been used for marking quilting designs and placed directly onto the quilt, instead of marking the quilting pattern directly onto the quilt.  It allows very easy removal from the final quilted project.  Recently I have used the Press N Seal to wrap fabrics being sent to IFQ Partners because it doesn't weigh as much as zip lock bags, yet seals the fabric should it become wet during travel.  Have fun ladies.  Thank you Jacqui for a great idea to add to our quilt rooms.
 

The allure of IFQ events

Deadlines to Meet!

Submitted by: Kat Solomon
                    

 HI AGAIN ~
 
It's always fun to look over the new and ongoing projects. I find it to be rather humbling. It is always fun to sign up and get going on a project. Funny thing, or maybe not so funny, is the fact, that sometimes too many projects get the best of us. I have to admit i am notorious for signing up and then not able to meet up with the deadline. SOOOOOO...A WORD TO THE WISE LADIES.... Look over the project, think about and then if pictures are posted give it some thought. I made a pledge to myself, that i will only sign up  for three projects at a time and once they are made and ready to send...then and only then will I sign up for more....
 
These projects are made with alot of  preplanning and discussions. I dont want to ever disappoint any of your ladies. The exchanges are fun filled and the forums are an absolute RIOT of FUN....
 
Ladies please sign up for projects, there has to be some  that are of interest for you!  It's a GREAT way to learn new skills and meet other skilled quilters.!!!  We might even meet up in the chat room, once in a while. That is a real HOOT!
 
Our newbies, dont be afraid to sign up for projects. You will learn so much....
 
Ok...I have filled my weekely desire as a Town Crier Reporter....(Its alot of fun, I have always had the gift of gab...(hahahaha) Just ask Donna A. she can testify to that!!!.
 
Smiles (see ya in the forums and chat room.).
Kat
 

IFQ Chat Etiquette

The finer points of Chatting

Submitted by: IFQ
Friday March 14, 2008                    

We at IFQ all love the chat room. It's a great place to make new quilting friends and catch up with old IFQ friends. The IFQ Ol' Diamond Lounge (as we call our chat area) is open 24/7 so no  matter where you're located on the globe, it's open for you!
 
Some members have never chatted before joining IFQ so we thought it would be helpful to run through some basic Chat Room Etiquette.
 
1. The chat room is a public place and not a private meeting room. Therefore, everyone is welcome! When some one new enters the room, be sure to greet them and include them in the conversation. It's a good idea to catch them up quickly, by saying something like "Mary Lou and I were just talking about roses" so they can join in quickly.
 
2. Did you know that if you type in capital letters, in internet language, that means you're yelling? For people who have been around the internet for a while, it's very disturbing if they are typed at in capitals. So be sure to watch the Caps Lock key!
 
3. There are a lot of abbreviations for chatting like, BRB (be right back) and LOL (laughing out loud). If you are chatting with a newcomer, they might need a little help sometimes with these!
 
4. When leaving the chat room, remember to log out. Otherwise, your name will appear on the list and it will look like you are ignoring everyone! The sign off button is on the left hand side. Don't forget to use it!
 
The most important thing to remember is to INCLUDE EVERYONE in the chat, just as you would in real life.
 
If you haven't tried the chat room yet, be sure to do so soon. We promise you'll find it addictive! 

FLATIRON QUILT SHOW

Featured Quilter

Submitted by: Donna Abrams
Wednesday May 07, 2008                     View Pictures

This time last year I was asked to be "Featured Quilter" in our annual quilt show.  This is such an honor.  Wow, a year from now, I thought I had all the time in the world.  I played all summer and in the fall decided I better get busy. 
 
First I called all my quilts in from my kids, then started working on my big quilt at my retreats and in the evenings. I almost didn't get it done in time.  Had my DH pull paper off the back of all my arrow sections while I started putting it all together. 
 
Our quilt show theme was Quilts: Past, Present and Future.  It worked out well as I showed a quilt my Great Aunt made in the early 1900s as "PAST", entered my quilts I made as "PRESENT" and my UFO blocks were presented as "FUTURE".
 
I entered 4 of my quilts in the show to be judged and received 4 blue ribbons on them, a Best of Class Ribbon on my IFQ Block of the Month, and Critics Choice Ribbon on my large paper pieced quilt.  The attendance was down from last year but it was a wonderful show and I was made to feel very special. I also did a scrap book of all my quilts and events I have attended.  I have attached some pictures of the show.  Enjoy.  I DID!

Angel Thank You

Thank You

Submitted by: Mary Lou Poteat
Monday April 14, 2008                    

Hi Angels,
 
I just want to say a Thank You to the angel that sent me the beautiful wall quilt. Also to thank all of IFQ for the good thoughts and prayers.
 
I doubt if James ever thought that IFQ would touch so many in such special ways when she created IFQ.
 
So to you James a big Thank You and a special "Quilty Hug".
 
May your stitches be tiny and your seams be straight. Love to all my IFQ Friends! 

Fat Quarter

Food for thought

Submitted by: Kat Solomon
Sunday July 13, 2008                    

 Hi Quilters!
 
How are all of you? Well, I am doing ok....thanks for asking...
 
I was wondering something....Well, actually i was in the chat room when the thought ocurred to  me.  I  was chatting with  Nancy  R. and  Val D  in the Diamond Room".
 
Anyhow...
 
How did the Fat Quarter get its name?  I mean think about it? Its not a quarter yard  of fabric? Its more like  half a yard....Am I right?
 
I got to thinking about that  and amongst all my free time, i tried to look up the answer...Well, I cannt find  the answer anywhere! So is there a fancy name for  half a yard of fabric? What  about  a quarter of a yard?   I  think i am beginning to loose it girls.....I cannt keep up with the new trends....  maybe i need to get out more and start shopping  more of the fabric stores....Somewhere there has to be a reference book  for all the terminology....
 
 I am trying to think of some new excuses for buying fabric, as well....
 
" But, Honey I  had plenty of  blank checks...."
"  Just think of all the money I saved.....It was all half price".
" But, Dear I wanted to make sure I had plenty of this color"....
" I want sure if i had this design"........
"My sewing machine needs a work out dear...."
"They might quit  making this shade, dear"......
" I thought you would be pleased  :) twinkle twinkle...."
 
 
Well, ok thats it for now...I just had to get my  article in the  town crier....Hope it made a few of you   quilters smile.....
 
Smiles,
Katbrat

Mary Lou P. Visits Florida

IFQ Members meet up!

Submitted by: Pamela Moulton
Friday March 21, 2008                     View Pictures

Well here we are in Florida and I just had the nicest visit with Mary Lou Poteat. Thanks to IFQ we got the chance to know each other and become friends. We have been planning for her visit for almost a year and she finally got the chance to come so I drove over to her daughters’ house and visited with them for about four hours.
 
We laughed and talked about a lot of different things.  Mary Lou and I went out to have lunch at a small Italian Restaurant then went shopping; of course you know we had to shop for fabric. HA, HA. We have to get ready for the next IFQ project. We were going to meet again before they went back home but it didn’t work out. They are planning another visit at the end of May. Maybe we will get a chance to meet again then. What fun….


   Mary Lou brought some of the wallhangings and other projects that she made with her for her daughter and her family so, we looked at all those. Of course she had some that she had won ribbons for which were still pinned onto them. She really does lovely work. I hope one day to do as fine work as Mary Lou. Her daughter also showed me all her creations which were very nice too.  I guess you could say she had a great teacher having a quilter for a mother.
Take a look at the pictures I am the one in the Blue striped shirt.
 

IFQ Holiday Bottle Bib

Christmas in July

Submitted by: Barbara Srivastava
Monday July 14, 2008                    

             IFQ is offering another very cute Holiday Bottle Bib pattern that will “quickly add a bit of fun” to your sewing repertoire and we are sure you will want to keep this pattern handy for future gift giving and home decorating needs.  “This event is an exchange event.  You will make an IFQ Holiday Bottle Bib from the provided pattern and decorate it with a holiday theme.  This little bib slips over the neck of a bottle and ties in the back. Presto, you've got a smashing decoration.  We have made one in red velvet and it was stunning!”  This precious little bib pattern is very easy to make, does not take much time, and it may be used year around for any occasion!  All you have to do is ‘select the fabric of choice from your STASH’ for that particular gifting
 opportunity:  Mother’s Day, Birthday, Showers, Seasonal, etc. 
 
 
             This event features the Holiday Bottle Bib as a Christmas Hostess gift presentation.  However, this little pattern is perfect for use within your home decorating schemes and what a perfect way to use all those wonderful embellishments (beads, ribbons, buttons, metallic threads) we have collected over the years.  Plan to make several of these to coordinate with your personal décor and dress up the bottles of hand lotion (or any other bottles) located throughout the home (a great way to cover up all the writing  ).  Perhaps you could make some of these handy little bibs to represent the seasons and brighten up your dish detergent bottle for the current season.  This bib may serve as a beautiful homemade gift-wrap  presentation on a perfume bottle given to a family member or a dear friend (quite special for a non-sewer to receive).  People always seem to enjoy receiving such beautifully personalized gifts!  This would be the perfect medium for embroidering someone’s initials (machine or hand embroidery) on the bib using their favorite color of fabric.  Along with the gift it adorned, the Bib would surely become a treasured keepsake, as well.
 
 
             We are sure this little Bottle Bib pattern will become a convenient item to have on standby when you are too tired to work on other projects.  We always need some quiet time at our sewing machines for relaxation purposes, do we not, ladies?  All you have to do is have some fabric cut out ahead of time and ready to go (as many of you have done on your Jar Blocks).  It is so peaceful and relaxing after a long day of working, to just sit down at our beloved sewing machine and listen to it hum along with no thought nor preparation needed, as the evening draws to an end, right fellow quilters?
 
 
             The ideas and uses for this terrific little pattern are endless!  Val and I invite you to join in on all the fun we will have together, while making this cute little Holiday Bottle Bib.  Please feel free to visit the event forum and tell us about any other ideas you have for using this great little pattern.  We can hardly wait to hear from each of you and to see  all your creations in the Holiday Bottle Bib Photo Gallery!
 
 
 
Sign Ups will be open until July 28, 2008.

IFQ Electric Christmas

An Electric Quilt holiday challenge!

Submitted by: IFQ
Monday July 14, 2008                    

We've been asked to hold more Electric Quilt events and we're happy to please! In this new EQ event, participants download an EQ file with 10 blocks in the sketchbook. The challenge is to create a project using only those blocks in the sketchbook (you don't have to use all of them - but at least one).
 
After posting the EQ file, the next part of the challenge is making your project! It's a great way to remind us when designing to always think of the sewing!
 
Sign ups close July 22nd. 

IFQ Snazzy Stocking event

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Submitted by: IFQ
Monday July 14, 2008                    

In this event, members create and embellish stockings to exchange with their IFQ friends. There is a sample pattern of a stocking available for participants or you can use the pattern of your choice!
 
Stockings are a lovely holiday decoration and what could be better than to have a stocking beautifully embellished from across the globe!
 
Sign ups close on July 24th.