Drygoods Design is moving

Located in Seattle, WA,  Drygoods Design, pride themselves on fast, affordable shipping and prompt service. Give them a call, send an email or join them on a many social networks.

They are moving their storefront to their new location this month. August 25th will be the last day in the Ballard store.
The opening party is September 5th starting at 6PM. Fun and prices will be involved!
They will reopen on August 29th at: 301 Occidental Avenue S...Seattle, WA 98104Hours at the new location:

Monday to Friday: 10 to 7 and Sat/Sun: 10:30 to 5:30

 (206) 535-6950

shop@drygoodsdesignonline.com

Judging Comments

Today is my day to spend at The Fair. That's The Washington State Fair (also known as the Puyallup Fair). I'll be one of the judges judging the quilts. I thought I would share with you what I will be looking for.
                           
GENERAL APPEARANCE
 FEATURES OF THIS QUILT ARE:  
Excellent visual impact
Stood up well against stiff competition
Edges flat
Colors and fabrics well chosen for quilts style
Innovative use of color
Innovative use of pattern
Well balanced design

AREAS WHICH NEED IMPROVEMENT:
Color impact could be improved
Good effort
Bearding is apparent
Loose threads should be cut (threads shadow)
Remove basting threads and/or pencil marks
Edges wobble or ripple
 
PIECING
FEATURES OF THIS QUILT ARE:   
Piecing well done
Points match
Block size is uniform
Straight lines are straight
Curved seams are smooth

AREAS WHICH NEED IMPROVEMENT:
Piecing needs improvement
Corners and points should meet precisely
Block size should be uniform
Straight lines should be straight
Shadowing-through detracts
Stitches should be secure
Piecing thread should not show
 
APPLIQUÉ
 FEATURES OF THIS QUILT ARE:   
Appliqué well done
Design well centered on block
Curves are smooth
Points are sharp
Stitches are even
Stitches are unobtrusive

AREAS WHICH NEED IMPROVEMENT:
Appliqué needs improvement
Design should be centered on block
Curves should be smooth
Points should be sharp
Stitches should be even
Stitches should be unobtrusive
Background shadows through

 BORDER
 FEATURES OF THIS QUILT ARE:    
Border well done
Border compliment’s central design
Corner miters well done

AREAS WHICH NEED IMPROVEMENT:
Border techniques need improvement
Border should compliment central design
Corner miters should be done carefully
Borders should be straight
Sashing inconsistent (not aligned)

 BINDING
 FEATURES OF THIS QUILT ARE:    
Binding well done

AREAS WHICH NEED IMPROVEMENT:
Binding techniques need improvement
Batting should fill binding completely
Corners should be stitched closed
Width of binding should be consistent
Fabric bias more appropriate than commercial bias

QUILTING
FEATURES OF THIS QUILT ARE: 
Quilting well done
Stitches are even
Stitches on back are even
Straight quilting lines are straight
Curves quilting lines are smooth
Quilting pattern appropriate

AREAS WHICH NEED IMPROVEMENT:
Quilting techniques need improvement
Density of quilting should be consistent over surface
Stitches should be of even length
Stitches should go all the way through
Beginning and ending of quilting threads should be invisible
Quilting design should enhance design
In the ditch quilting should stay in the ditch
Tension on quilting stitch should be even

John's Chair

Yesterday I spent the day looking for a new area rug and end tables. My taste is very eclectic. If I had my way I'd shop in my family's attic, but since that is an imaginary place, I buy from other people's attics. Looking for new furniture usually involves looking at old furniture. I stopped at a flea market in Seattle. You never know what you'll find. I found John, right after I saw his chair. I loved it! I would have bought it in a minute if I could figure out where to put it! He said he has been making them for years, ever since his family decided gifts should be made not bought. What do you think?

John's Belt Chair - want one? Call him at 253-863-6908

Something new, or I should say new to me!

I have this phone, it does some wonderful things. I wish I was fearless when it comes to learning what it will do.

I have been asking everyone "What is your favorite app?". Did you know that BERNINA has an app for keeping track of machine feet? I know it now!

I went from this...

To this!

I've Got Tickets for San Antonio and Raleigh NC

October 10, 11 &12,  I'll be at the Greater San Antonio Quilt Guild in San Antonio Texas. Saturday morning, I'll present the lecture Quilt Toppings, talking all about embellishments! Friday the workshop is Decorative Thread: Thread is no longer a ‘Plain Jane’ necessity. And Saturday after the lecture we will be making Eye Candies: If instant gratification appeals, this is the class for you!


October 16, 17 & 18 I'll be in Raleigh NC at the Capital Quilters Guild. Thursday evening the 16th I'll be presenting A Fine Line - Creating the Quilting Design: You’ve made a beautiful quilt top – now what? Friday it's Decorative Thread and Saturday, Simple Surfaces: Learn all about paint sticks and foil.

Charity Quilts

Guilds are very generous when sharing their handy work. As far as I can figure most guilds donate at least one quilt per year per member, and often many more. The receiving organizations are many. Everything from local tragedy's to everyday needs.

This month I am donating two baby quilts made from donated fabric.

Quilt!Knit!Stitch!

New to the Northwest is Quilt!Knit!Stitch! from the producers of the International Quilt Festival.

My friends and I decided to make a day trip of the 155 miles and saunter down to Portland to see this debut show. I loved the opportunity to see fabric and fiber, thread and yarn all in one place.

Many Special Exhibits including quilts by Kaffe Fassett, Quilts: A World of Beauty, Creative Embroidery and lots more!

August 14-16, 2014
Oregon Convention Center
Portland, Oregon

Scarlett's Crimson by Philippa Naylor

Swiss European Children's Wear Through the Years

Look for Quilt! Knit! Stitch!™/Portland, next year!
August 13-15, 2015
Classes begin August 13
Oregon Convention Center
Portland, Oregon

A Short Visit to China

If you read my blog very much you know how much I love China. Everything, food, the people, the sights and even the smells...well most of them. Chinatown in Seattle is almost the same as a short trip. Minus the expense and hassle of a long, long flight!

As one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, Seattle's Chinatown-International District is rich with history and culture. For many years the Chinatown-International District has served as the cultural hub for Asian Americans in the area. The draw of the area is undeniable-from delectable Asian restaurants to unique specialty shops to the diverse heritage sites-there is truly something for everyone! Best of all the grocery stores.

An don.t forget the MSG!

A Hillside Garden

Summer comes and I find myself obsessed with the out doors. I am not a gardener, in fact my friends joke about sending me out to weed, I wouldn't know a weed from a flower. While not totally true, it's close. But I enjoy other peoples gardens a lot. My neighbor is a gardener. And what a garden! Built on the hillside in front of their house, it is a wonder.

Shoes

A shoe is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot while doing various activities. Shoes are also used as an item of decoration. The design of shoes has varied enormously through time and from culture to culture, with appearance originally being tied to function. Additionally, fashion has often dictated many design elements, such as whether shoes have very high heels or flat ones. Contemporary footwear varies widely in style, complexity and cost. Basic sandals may consist of only a thin sole and simple strap. High fashion shoes may be made of very expensive materials in complex construction and sell for thousands of dollars a pair.

What's up at my house

Trimming the forest

I love living in a space between the city and the country. Maintenance is a necessary on going process. Recently it was outside stuff.

Fixing the drive.

The American Art Company’s Twelfth Northwest Contemporary Quilt - Invitational

Cloud Forest

I am excited to announce I'll have 2 pieces in The American Art Company’s Twelfth Northwest Contemporary Quilt - Invitational. August 16 – October 4, 2014

The Reception for the Artists is Saturday, August 16, 2 - 4 PM.

American Art Company
1126 Broadway Plaza
Tacoma WA 98402
253-272-4327

Waiting for the Sun

A Vintage Fashion Show

Note the slip detail.

 There were lots of garments from the 1880's to about 1950's. I took hundreds of pictures, and I'll post all the good ones eventually. But I thought I would start with a dress from the 1930's. Not the most impressive dress from the distance, but wait until you get a look at the details. It is really true, the details make the difference!

The scalloped edge.

I know I love the beading, but really?

More beading..

Check out this beaded purse.

Women's love of shoes certainly didn't start with our generation.