Sunday, August 28, 2011

Saturday, August 27, 2011






Off the frame, August 27, 2011; Freehand butterflies in motion.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Quilting in America™ 2010 survey shows industry worth $3.6 billion annually

Quilting in America™ 2010 survey shows industry worth $3.6 billion annually

by Debi Rodriguez on Friday, August 26, 2011 at 7:49am

“Dedicated Quilter” spending rises

Quilting in America 2010 survey shows

industry worth $3.6 billion annually

HOUSTON – May 20, 2010 – Quilting enthusiasts spend almost $3.6 billion annually on their passion, proof that the vibrant art of quilting is both alive and thriving in the United States, even in the face of the recent economic challenges all across the country. According to the just-released Quilting in America™2010 survey, enthusiasts’ spending has increased by 9% since the release of the last survey results in 2006.

“I’ll admit, I was concerned that the news might not look good given the economic realities,” says Karey Bresenhan, President of Quilts, Inc., which produces the consumer show International Quilt Festival and trade show International Quilt Market. The company, along with the consumer magazine Quilters Newsletter, published by enthusiast media company Creative Crafts Group, sponsored the independent survey. “But as a fifth-generation quilter myself, I should have known better. Nothing keeps quilters from enjoying something that allows them to explore both their talents and their creativity.”

The survey results showed that numbers were up from 2006 in several other categories as well. The number of U.S. households with a “Dedicated Quilter” (one who spends more than $600 annually on quilting supplies) is a little over one million (up 13%), and the average yearly expenditure is $2442 (up 10%). ...

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Click here for the complete article: http://www.quilts.com/newHome/news/viewer.php?page=../../pressreleases/y2010/quiltingInAmerica

Monday, August 22, 2011

On the Frame

On the frame today: charity quilt. When I received this job I found that the batting was too small to use. The batting and backing should be cut 3 - 5 inches larger all around than the quilt top. I have a roll of batting so I just cut a new piece. The backing is very small, too, with only an inch of play all the way around. That's why I have the grippers aligned with only one row: I'll be quilting only one small row at a time. I won't use a very "heavy" design. Heavy designs tend to pull the quilt in toward the center and because the backing is "small" I'll need to take care that this doesn't happen. In other words, there is little "wiggle room," but I'll make it work!

Quilty hugs!




Sunday, August 21, 2011

I know this is a longarm blog, yet ...









My first post is about an unrelated joy. We drove into town today, 45 miles over the hump from Pahrump and into Las Vegas, to McCarran International Airport, to bring home and care for my Mum's dog until Mum recovers and comes home from the hospital, we hope! In any case, we'll give Holly Dog the love and care she deserves for as long as she graces our lives. She's a Lhasa Apso, and one of the sweetest dogs that I ever met. She loves to lick toes, is escape artist extraordinaire, is a lover of toes, oh wait, I said that! lol I hope she and our other rescue dog, Gizmo, a Papillion, get along well, like sisters can do. Get well soon, Mum!

Welcome

Welcome, everyone, to my Desert Longarm blog. Please, enjoy!