Happy New Year!

Well another year has come and almost gone. A new year is just a few hours away. What! How can this be? Where did 2010 go?

Is it just me, or do the days go by faster as you get older? I start the week with a list of things to do and hit Friday wondering why only a few have been checked off. Okay, my husband would say that I play on the computer too much, but I disagree. Most of my designing is done on my Mac, so by default I am on the computer a good portion of the day. I'm also on Facebook and visit other designers' blogs. I love connecting with other quilters and craftspeople and seeing what they're working on. I enjoy the relationships that I've formed on-line and appreciate the help and advice that I receive from friends I've never met.

While it does take up a lot of time, I don't see time spent on the computer as time wasted or lost, although I do wish the clock would stop while I'm chatting on-line! I see it as time spent discovering new techniques, finding new trends and connecting with like-minded artists. It's opened up another world of ideas and connections for me; I've even made some new friends. How can time spent expanding your art and developing new relationships be time wasted? I don't think it is.

So, although I don't have all of the items on my 2010 to-do list done, I will enter 2011 with new friends, fresh ideas and lots of goals. Looking back on what I did accomplish in 2010 will spur me on to achieve even more in 2011.

I hope you attain all your goals - or at least some of them - in 2011!

And to all a good night - and a FREE pattern!

Hi everyone:

I'm sure that some of you are fast asleep with visions of quilt projects stitching in your heads, but I know that others are still awake putting last minute touches on presents and stockings. I'm heading off to bed soon, but wanted to send this Christmas gift your way. 


I appreciate all your support and comments over this past year and wanted to give you a little present as a token of my thanks. I have truly enjoyed reading your comments and getting to know you all better. 


Attached you'll find "Snow Cool", a quick little fusible web appliqué project. A little something to work on after the Christmas excitement is over.


I hope you have a great Christmas and all the best in 2011!

Merry Quilt Christmas

Well, the countdown is definitely on! The smells of Christmas baking waft from the kitchen; the crinkling of wrapping paper resounds from the basement and the flurry of excitement is evident all over the house. 

Even though I have this entire week off, I am still down to the wire for Christmas, as I am every year. Actually I think this last minute shopping and creating is what Christmas is all about. I'm totally immersed in the season and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the last minute hustle and bustle, the advent calendar countdown and especially the baking. Well, actually I love eating the baking maybe more than making it, but still...

We have several traditions at this time of the year. Each year we spend Christmas with close friends as our families are all in the far east (much like the star in the Nativity story). This year Christmas dinner will be at our house and we will be missing one very special person, but she will be with us in our thoughts and we will be having slightly burnt sausages with the turkey in her honour. 

We also go to the Calgary Zoo, usually a few days after Christmas, to see Zoolights. The entire zoo is covered in lights and displays with ice    carving, firepits and hot chocolate to round out the event. It can be cold, but it's always magical and brings out the child in all of us.


While I was out shopping recently I realized that something was missing and it dawned on me that I hadn't yet done one thing that I do every Christmas. We've all seen them: the red kettles manned (or womanned) by a person usually in a Santa hat. In my younger days, I remember them ringing their bells and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. While they have been silenced in some of the malls (and yes, I do miss the bells), they are still an obvious presence. Yes, I'm talking about the Salvation Army. I remember my parents always putting money in their kettles and started to do this myself when I was old enough to be out shopping for presents on my own. While Christmas sometimes seems to be all about buying, it really is about giving. Finally, this week, I was able to give in my own small way and it suddenly really seemed like Christmas. 


I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and hope that you are blessed to be with family and friends.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Final Book Winner - Week 5

I'm pleased to announce that the winner of "Country Comforts - Quilts for Casual Living" by Cheryl Wall, generously donated by Martingale & Company, is Nancy Sue. Congratulations to Nancy Sue. I'm sure you'll enjoy this book and I'll be sending it out to you as soon as I receive your address information.

This concludes the Chatterbox Quilts book giveaways for 2010. Thanks to everyone who participated in the book giveaways. Congratulations to all five winners; I'm sure that they will enjoy their early Christmas presents! 


I enjoyed reading all your comments and am impressed by the projects that you are all working on for presents this year. I'm definitely going to have to start on my gifts soon!

I'd love to see the projects that you create from these books, so please email the photos of your finished projects to me.

Now I'm off to continue with my Christmas baking - and maybe making a gift or two for friends. 

Book Giveaway Final - Week 5

Wow! It's the final week of the Chatterbox Quilts book giveaway for this year. I can't believe that a month has already gone by since the giveaways started. 


Congratulations again to Shelley who won "Country Threads Goes to Charm School" by Mary Ehterington and Connie Tesene this past Saturday.

Again this final week, I will be giving away a book which has been donated by Martingale & Company. Without their support, I wouldn't be able to offer these wonderful books to my readers.

If you didn't participate in the previous week's draw, here are the details for this final giveaway:

One book will be given away this final week; entries will open on Monday. Entries will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday. I will be drawing this final winner on Saturday, December 18, 2010. To enter this week's giveaway, you will need to:

1.  Become a follower on my Chatterbox Quilts Chitchat blog - and advise me by leaving a comment on this post. Please sign up for posts by email on the right-hand side of the blog, not Google reader, to be eligible. (If you are already a subscriber, just advise me of this.)

2.  Sign up for my Quilt Chatter newsletter by clicking on the top right-hand side of this blog and advise me by commenting on this post. (If you are already a subscriber, just advise me of this).

3.  Let me know your favourite holiday recipe in the comments area.

4.  Tell me if you are making any gifts this holiday season, and if so, what they are, in the comments area.

You'll receive one entry for every one of the above things that you do - so that's a possible four entries.

You will need to do each of these separately - do not include all your information in one comment or that will only count as one entry. Be sure to comment on this post only so that you will be eligible for the draw.

This contest is open to residents of Canada and the continental United States only; sorry no international entries. 

This week I am offering "Country Comforts - Quilts for Casual Living" by Cheryl Wall. I reviewed this book in a recent blog post and it has the perfect homey, comfy quilts to decorate your own home for the holiday season (since I'm sure you've already finished making all the gifts you need). Prairie Stars or Autumn Equinox would both be lovely in seasonal fabrics to create that warm, loving atmosphere that we celebrate at this time of year.

Please feel free to tell your friends about this opportunity so they'll have a chance to win this final book as well. Don't forget to check back next Saturday to see if you've won this wonderful book. 

Book Winner - Week 4!

I'm pleased to announce that the winner of "Country Threads Goes to Charm School" by Mary Ehterington and Connie Tesene, generously donated by Martingale & Company, is Shelley. Congratulations to Shelley. I'm sure you'll enjoy this book and I'll be sending it out to you as soon as I receive your address information.

Don't forget to check out my blog post on Monday to see what book I'll be offering as a giveaway this upcoming week. This will be the last book giveaway this year, so you'll want to make sure that you have your entries in.

Book Giveaway - Week 4

We're now into Week 4 of the Chatterbox Quilts book giveaway. Congratulations again to Maureen who won "Pinwheel Party - 12 Fun and Unique Quilts" by Ellen Pahl this past Saturday. I'm thrilled to be able to personally deliver this book to her as she lives close by me in Calgary.


From the comments I received, it appears that many people like the idea of purchasing  both paper and PDF patterns for various reasons. I must admit that I have both kinds, but I like the instant gratification that I receive when I purchase a PDF pattern or e-pattern over the web. I guess I'm just an "I want it now" kind of girl!

This week I will be offering a third book that has been donated by Martingale & Company. Thanks again to Martingale & Company for generously offering this book to me for these giveaways.

If you didn't participate in the previous week's draw, here are the details:

One book will be given away each week for the next five weeks; entries will begin on Monday each week. Entries will close at 11:59 p.m. each Friday. I will be drawing a winner for one book each week on Saturday, starting on November 20, 2010. You will need to enter each week to be eligible for that week's book draw. The entry conditions will vary each week, so be sure to read the details carefully before entering.

You will receive one entry for this week's draw for each of the following that you do:

1.  Become a follower on my Chatterbox Quilts Chitchat blog - and advise me by leaving a comment on this post. Please sign up for posts by email on the right-hand side of the blog, not Google reader, to be eligible. (If you are already a subscriber, just advise me of this.)

2.  Sign up for my Quilt Chatter newsletter by clicking on the top right-hand side of this blog and advise me by commenting on this post. (If you are already a subscriber, just advise me of this).


3.  Tell me, by leaving a comment below, what you expect in a purchased pattern ie. complete step-by-step instructions or instructions where a general knowledge of quilting is already assumed; full-size templates or ones that you will re-size yourself, issues like this.

4.  Tell me, by leaving a comment below, about your favourite holiday tradition.

You'll receive one entry for every one of the above things that you do - so that's a possible four entries.

You will need to do each of these separately - do not include all your information in one comment or that will only count as one entry. Be sure to comment on this post only so that you will be eligible for the draw. Also, make sure that I have a way to contact you; that your settings are not set to "no reply". I'd hate for you to be the winner, but not able to give the book to you as I can't contact you.

This contest is open to residents of Canada and the continental United States only; sorry no international entries. 

This week I am offering "Country Threads Goes to Charm School" by Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene. I reviewed this book in a previous blog post and was amazed at all the little projects that can be made from a charm pack. Since we're running out of time to make Christmas presents, the little projects in this book will allow you to whip up those last few. Use Christmas or holiday fabrics for any of these projects and you'll soon be done all your holiday creating. Break Your Bread, Don't Cut It or Wipe Your Feet would be especially suitable. 

Please feel free to tell your friends about this opportunity so they'll have a chance to win a book as well. Don't forget to check back on December 11 to see if you've won this charming (sorry, couldn't resist!) book. 

Book Winner - Week 3!

I'm pleased to announce that the winner of "Pinwheel Party - 12 Fun and Unique Quilts" by Ellen Pahl, generously donated by Martingale & Company, is MoeWest. Congratulations!  I'm sure you'll enjoy this book and I'll be sending it out to you as soon as I receive your address information.

Don't forget to check out my blog post on Monday to see what book I'll be offering as a giveaway this upcoming week.


By the way, did you notice that it's snowing on my blog. Guess it's really winter!

PDF or Paper Patterns

Hi everyone:

I've been reading all the comments that I've received so far this week about people's preferences when it comes to quilt patterns. I'm interested in people's opinions since I sell both paper and PDF patterns.


Here are just a few things that people are saying:


Dolores said:


"I like paper copies. I don't always want to have to go to the computer to review the next step or to print out something (what would happen if your computer didn't work or you had a power outage?) I prefer to have the paper copy so that I can use it whenever and wherever I want."


Mary agrees with Dolores and adds:


"I prefer paper patterns because they have better photos and are easier to store."


Moe is happy with both formats. She comments:


"Either paper or pdf is fine with me. Pdf probably gives us access to more variety and immediate delivery."


I must admit that I have both paper and PDF patterns. I do like the paper ones since I can browse through them and there's just something about holding a pattern in your hand and being able to leaf back and forth through it quickly that appeals to me. 

On the other hand, I have so many books, patterns and magazines in my studio, that I am running out of space. Oh yeah, too much fabric might also be a problem! So, PDF patterns appeal to me as I can just store them on my computer, putting them in folders according to type of pattern, and just print out the pattern when I want to make it. It is "greener" and allows me to have more room for fabrics and other quilty things.


I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on paper vs. PDF downloads in quilt patterns. Also, would you expect to pay more or less for a PDF pattern?

Book Giveaway - Week 3

We're now into Week 3 of the Chatterbox Quilts book giveaway. Congratulations again to Irene who won "Fast, Flirty, and Fun" by Sarah M. Bisel last Saturday. 

Apparently I'm not the only quilter who also dabbles in other crafty areas; from the comments I received, it appears that many people are also doing cross stitch, knitting and other crafts. It seems that once you've got a craft habit, it just continues to grow!

This week I am delighted to be offering another book from Martingale & Company. Thanks again to Martingale & Company for providing me with this book to offer in a draw to my readers.

If you didn't participate in the previous week's draw, here are the details:

One book will be given away each week for the next five weeks; entries will begin on Monday each week. Entries will close at 11:59 p.m. each Friday. I will be drawing a winner for one book each week on Saturday, starting on November 20, 2010. You will need to enter each week to be eligible for that week's book draw. The entry conditions will vary each week, so be sure to read the details carefully before entering.

You will receive one entry for this week's draw for each of the following that you do:

1.  Sign up for my Quilt Chatter newsletter (not this blog) by clicking on the top right-hand side of this blog and advise me by commenting on this post. (If you are already a subscriber, just advise me of this).

2.  Visit my Etsy store and let me know which is your favourite pattern or appliqué template by commenting on this post.
3.  Let me know if you prefer to purchase paper or PDF patterns and why, and advise me by commenting on this post.

You'll receive one entry for every one of the above things that you do - so that's a possible three entries.

You will need to do each of these separately - do not include all your information in one comment or that will only count as one entry. Be sure to comment on this post only so that you will be eligible for the draw.

This contest is open to residents of Canada and the continental United States only; sorry no international entries. 

This week I am offering "Pinwheel Party - 12 Fun and Unique Quilts" by Ellen Pahl. I reviewed this book in a previous blog post and loved Ellen's fresh take on the classic pinwheel block. With an eye to making small presents for Christmas, I think that Xs and Os, Pinwheel Pirouette or even Whirlwind would all make perfect holiday gifts.

Please feel free to tell your friends about this opportunity so they'll have a chance to win a book as well. Don't forget to check back on December 4 to see if you've won this wonderful book. 

Sale, sale, sale!

Good Monday morning to everyone! I should say Happy Cyber Monday. Yes, this is the day when you can take whatever money you have left over from Black Friday and spend it on-line! 


While you're shopping, be sure to check out the sale at my Etsy shop. There's still plenty of time to make gifts for family and friends for the holidays. Perhaps a tablerunner for grandma or a sweet stuffie for the child in your life - or for your inner child!  

The sale will run for 24 hours only, so be sure you don't miss out. (Sale ends on November 30 at 6:00 a.m. MST).


Happy cyber shopping!

Book Winner - Week 2!

I'm pleased to announce that the winner of "Fast, Flirty, and Fun" by Sarah M. Bisel, generously donated by Martingale & Company, is Hilachas. Congratulations! I'm sure you'll enjoy this book and I'll be sending it out to you as soon as I receive your mailing address information.

Don't forget to check out my blog post on Monday to see what book I'll be offering as a giveaway this upcoming week.


Also, as a bonus this week, I'll be having a sale on my Etsy shop, so be sure to check your email to see what will be on sale on Cyber Monday.

Stay warm out there!

Book Giveaway - Week 2

We're now into Week 2 of the Chatterbox Quilts book giveaway. Congratulations again to Shannon who won "A Critter Christmas" by Brandywine Design this past Saturday.

This week I am delighted to be offering a book that has been donated by Martingale & Company. I am very appreciative of their generosity in providing me with this book to give away. 

If you didn't participate in the previous week's draw, here are the details:


One book will be given away each week for the next five weeks; entries will begin on each Monday. Entries will close at 11:59 p.m. each Friday. I will be drawing a winner for one book each week on Saturday, starting on November 20, 2010. You will need to enter each week to be eligible for that week's book draw. The entry conditions will vary each week, so be sure to read the details carefully before entering.

You will receive one entry for this week's draw for each of the following that you do:

1.  Become a follower on my Chatterbox Quilts Chitchat blog - and advise me by leaving a comment on this post. Please sign up for posts by email on the right-hand side of the blog, not Google reader, to be eligible. (If you are already a subscriber, just advise me of this.)

2.  Become my friend on Facebook - and advise me by leaving a comment on this post. (If you are already a friend, just advise me of this).

3.  Blog about this week's giveaway on your blog - and advise me by leaving a comment on this post.

4.  Let me know what other types of crafts you do and advise me by commenting on this post.

You'll receive one entry for every one of the above things that you do - so that's a possible four entries.

You will need to do each of these separately - do not include all your information in one comment or that will only count as one entry. Be sure to comment on this post only so that you will be eligible for the draw.

This contest is open to residents of Canada and the continental United States only; sorry no international entries. 

This week I am offering "Fast, Flirty, and Fun" by Sarah M. Bisel. I reviewed this book in a previous blog post and was delighted at all the cute little projects it included. Several of these projects would easily lend themselves to Christmas gifts if you substituted holiday fabrics in the pattern. I think that Circle of Friends or Sweet Silhouette would be especially appropriate.

Please feel free to tell your friends about this opportunity so they'll have a chance to win a book as well. Don't forget to check back next Saturday to see if you've won this wonderful book. 

Book giveaways

Hi everyone:


Well, week 1 of the Chatterbox Quilts book giveaway has passed and we will soon be opening up the contest for week 2. I just wanted to remind you that you need to enter each week to be eligible for a prize.


The contest opens on Monday each week and closes on that week's Friday night at 11:59 a.m. I will be announcing the winner each Saturday. In order to be eligible to win that week's book, you must enter between Monday, after the book giveaway blogpost is published, and Friday; please don't enter on the week-end or you won't be entered in the draw - and that would make me and you sad!


Watch for the blogpost tomorrow to see what I'll be giving away this week.


Good luck!

Book winner - Week 1!

The winner this week's book giveaway,"A Critter Christmas" by Brandywine Design, is Shannon. Congratulations to Shannon; I'm sure you'll enjoy this book and I'll be sending it out to you as soon as I have your address information.

Don't forget to check out my blog post on Monday to see what book I'll be offering as a giveaway next week.


Enjoy a quilty week-end!

Book Giveaway - Week 1

I've been going through some of the things in my quilt studio and I ran across a mysterious bag. What was in the bag? Well, some books that I had put away to be used in a giveaway, that's what! I had completely forgotten about them - things tend to disappear in my studio only to resurface a few weeks later.


So, this means that I have a book or two to give away. Well, actually, I have 5 books to give away. Yup, 5 different books for you to win. With the exception of the first book that I will be giving away, these books have been kindly donated by Martingale & Company. I love their books and am very appreciative of their generosity in providing these books for me to give away. 


One book will be given away each week for the next five weeks; entries will open on Monday each week. Entries will close at 11:59 p.m. each Friday. I will be drawing a winner for one book each week on Saturday, starting on November 20, 2010. 


You will need to enter each week to be eligible for that week's book draw. The entry conditions will vary each week, so be sure to read the details carefully before entering.


You will receive one entry for this week's draw for each of the following that you do:

1.  Become a follower on my Chatterbox Quilts Chitchat blog - and advise me by leaving a comment on this post. Please sign up for posts by email on the right-hand side of the blog, not Google reader, to be eligible. (If you are already a subscriber, just advise me of this.)

2.  Become a fan of Chatterbox Quilts on Facebook - and advise me by leaving a comment on this post. (If you are already a fan, just advise me of this).

3.  Sign up for my Quilt Chatter newsletter by clicking on the top right-hand side of this blog and advise me by commenting on this post. (If you are already a subscriber, just advise me of this).

4.  Let me know what types of quilt patterns that you like to buy - technique and size (ie. pieced quilt or appliqué wall hanging) and advise me by commenting on this post.

You'll receive one entry for every one of the above things that you do - so that's a possible four entries.

You will need to do each of these separately - do not include all your information in one comment or that will only count as one entry. Be sure to comment on this post only so that you will be eligible for the draw.

This contest is open to residents of Canada and the continental United States only; sorry no international entries. 


Now that all of the details are out of the way, let me tell you about this week's book that you'll have a chance to win!

"A Critter Christmas" by Brandywine Design includes several wall hangings, mini quilts, stockings and other projects - 11 in all. I have a copy of this book for myself and think it is so adorable. As the title implies, the projects are full of cute little animals, including mice, bears, and squirrels with a winter/holiday theme. There are several small projects in this book which would be perfect as gifts for special friends.


Please feel free to tell your friends about this opportunity so they'll have a chance to win a book as well. Don't forget to check back next Saturday to see if you've won this wonderful book. 

Lest we forget

No quilting news today - just a time to remember, reflect and be thankful.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

My daughter, Sarah, brought the following video to my attention last year on Remembrance Day. The story of how the song came to be written is as follows:

On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a drug store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the stores PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.

Terry was impressed with the stores leadership role in adopting the Legions two minutes of silence initiative. He felt that the stores contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.

When eleven oclock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the two minutes of silence to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.

Terrys anger towards the father for trying to engage the stores clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, A Pittance of Time. Terry later recorded A Pittance of Time and included it on his full-length music CD, The Power of the Dream.

Thank You to the Royal Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch #10 and Woodbine Height Branch #2 for their participation in the Video.