I hope you will accept all my sincere apologies for the very, very long period of silence from me.  I truly wish I knew where the time went and that I could say NO to anything that took me off my time plan. In the back of my mind I’ve been nagging myself - you haven’t updated your studio notes since May, do it today, do it today, schedule it for Friday.  Just do it!  

After a sleepless night being bothered by all that is on that to do list, I crawled out of bed at 4am (a week ago).  I must say, Axel had the same problem so he came into the office only a half hour after me with a cuppa tea (for him) and a lovely cup of coffee for me.  It’s now 10am.  Unbelievable!  What was I just saying about the time going.

It’s since been a week of work - regrouping, emails, web designing, learning, get off-track and now settling into the next phase and journaling where the days have gone since March!  Yep, I’ve now realized I hadn’t updated since March.  That’s terrible.

So the first thing I did was to add what’s called a RSS feed to my blog.  What will this do for you?  Well, if you click on it, then add it as one of your bookmarks in your internet browser it will automatically tell you every time I’ve updated my notes.  Cool, huh?  Yep, I know - should have done it sooner.  

So, where did our year go??

Spring flew by after the Quilters Anonymous

1. •Quilters Anonymous Show
2. 
   
   •Rubber Ducky Hunt

Show in March - see previous blog entry Back in the Swing.  We had a blast in Elizabeth Erickson’s secret garden behind Gallery Homes in Mukilteo for our annual Rubber Ducky Hunt and I do have pictures, but unfortunately they’re on another computer not available to me right now.

     

1. •Visitors from Germany
2. •Block Party Quilt Show

We welcomed my dear quilting girlfriends back from Germany for a two week visit in April. Their final excursion was to visit the Block Party Quilt Show in 

Issaquah, where we enjoyed seeing so many of our Eastside customers.

May was a busy, busy month!  Full of nothing but cleaning, baking, prepping and partying.  I was in Belgium and invited all of my quilting friends and students to enjoy a Patchwork

Day in my Garden.  We had a lovely time sharing ideas, projects, recipes and laughter.  The weather was incredibly cooperative and I got my first

hint of pink for the season, both my face and this lovely Rhodie - a gift from the girls in Mülheim.

The following weekend we quietly celebrated my darling husband’s 50th birthday.  Giggle, he didn’t know that the following two weekends we were expecting visitors to help us celebrate his rather adventurous life.  He was 

wonderfully surprised

 by the arrival of friends all

the way from Ingolstadt, near Munich.  More friends from Seattle also happened to be passing through Belgium.  Many, many more friends made the drive from Germany as well as his cousins and their children.  My sister and family also

1. •Patchwork in the Garden Party
2. •Axel’s 50th Birthday

flew in from Florida on the last day, then stayed for a two week adventure through our corner of Europe.

By early June I was back across the pond and gearing up for Shop Hop.  As you all know, we’re not allowed to officially participate 

now that we don’t have a brick-and-mortar shop front.  But I wanted to thank you for all the support you’ve shown us over the years so we borrowed our favorite secret garden again.  And I have to say, we had the best shop hop experience ever.  We opened Tuesday and Wednesday and gave away a free block kit (yep, the whole thing) to each customer who spent $5 or more.  By the way - we haven’t sold out and they’re still available on-line (click here).  Then it was off to Moses Lake for a weekend show.

1. •Shop Hop
2. •Basin Guild Quilt Show
3. •Busy Bee Quilt Show

The month was rounded off by a fantastic show put on by Busy Bee Quilters, this year at Craven Farms in Snohomish.  

It was a delightful weekend.

After busy shows in June, we spent July hurriedly restocking, cutting

 and packaging for our booth at the Sunbonnet Sue Quilters Show in Sequim.  This show coincides with the Lavender Festival, so our Lavendula ribbon labels were very popular.  There was also some time spent preparing for the Mukilteo Garden & Quilt Tour, jointly sponsored by Mukilteo Lighthouse Quilters and Mukilteo Way Garden  Club.

1. 
   
   
   •Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Show

Unfortunately, I crashed my car the night before so wasn’t able to set up our booth as planned. 

To marry is the ultimate act of trust – 

to take another’s hand and step forward 

into the unknown with hope and courage.

In August, I flew back to Belgium to be with Axel.  I spent quite a bit of time in our garden and looking at gardens with a friend.  On the 18th,  we celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary.    Beyond that, I tried to relax a bit.  I’m not sure I entirely succeeded but the down-time did prepare me a little for what was to come . . . 

Honestly, I’d rather forget September.  I had flown back home all in anticipation of getting ready for our annual quilt show but was blown off course by the realization that we needed to move house and before I was scheduled to fly back to Belgium on the 26th

1. •Moved house
2. •Annual Outdoor Quilt Show
3. •Wenatchee Quilt Show
4. •Laconner Quilt Show

(we had just bought my non-refundable ticket the day before.)  Yikes!  That’s a lot of moving for one gal!  

I’ll hang on to memories of the highlights of course.   

This year PEACOCK &

periwinkle was proud to sponsor three quilting-related events during the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival.  The main show was set up again in the secret garden behind Gallery Homes.  What a lovely setting for these beautiful quilts.  The works of featured artists, Ann Gillihan and Sally LeBoeuf were displayed in the Rosehill Community Center.

Quilts pictured here by Featured Artists:    left Ann Gillihan, right Sally LeBoeuf

Plus, on Sunday we demonstrated hand-quilting on the Lighthouse lawn.  And once again we were given warm welcomes at both the Wenatchee and Laconner Quilt Shows - we’re already looking forward to returning next year!

With much anticipation I greeted my favorite month, October!  What a delight, I was back in Belgium again with my darling husband.  I was absolutely exhausted to the core of every bone and ready to sleep.  Fueled by the added complication of jetlag I did a lot of that for a few weeks.  Then Axel was scheduled to guide through Provence, so he actually ditched me and hit the road for a 12-day tour.  But for

1. •R&R  and a much needed break

once I was ok with that too.  Some solitude, my garden and me all to myself were the best birthday present of all.  Yep, I turned 29 again!  But, boy oh boy, do I feel older this year.  

Sew what now? I’m starting to gear, up and have been working hard on updating the website, creating our first html-newsletter and working on patterns!  Yes!!  Patterns! First things first, I’ve 

nearly finished the finishing patterns for Stars Galore.  So, watch this space!  This girl’s about to set loose on a year of  adventure - I’m starting early.  The heck with waiting for January . . .

I hope you’ll join me for the journey!     Jovita

p.s.  don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a Toybox panel . . .

30 Comments 

JOVITA

Hi!  Thanks for stopping by.  Be sure to leave a comment and you might win a free Toybox panel.  Please include enough of your name that I'll be able to recognize it.  If you'd like to include your email address so I can notify you directly, enter that into the URL space.  Please note, one entry per person . . . drawing will take place on Sunday, November 4th.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 12:41 PM

KATHY WEISNER

I'm glad you're back, Jovita.  My van still wants to turn into your Mukilteo shop each day or so.  You are missed.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 01:30 PM

ANONYMOUS

Hi Jovita
Nice work on the Blog, keep it up so people like me can live vicariously through all your travels.
Take Care  :>)
Susan

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 02:47 PM

LIZ SEVY

Wie gehts? Wonderful to see your updates! I admire anyone who can do a blog at all, but it's a great way to communicate with a lot of people and write just one letter. Okay I'm off to look at the silks.... bye!   Liz

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 03:03 PM

LESLIE ENGELSON

Nice to hear from you and glad all is well.  I'm looking forward to seeing more of your patterns.  I'm also starting to panic because I don't have all the blocks done for the next BOM...

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 03:09 PM

ANONYMOUS

Be sure to add 'the cat with the mouse on its tongue' to your pattern list. I enjoy reading about your adventures. But...Sleep is good!
Fondly, Linda

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 04:23 PM

DONI

Hi Jovita,  it is sooooo great to hear your cheerful voice.  Happy Hallowe'en from Wenatchee!!! Hope all is well with you in your newish life.
Hugs, Doni

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 04:27 PM

CATHY

I know how it goes when time is flying by!  I can't believe it is November already.  I enjoy your blog and love the star quilt!  Have a great November.  I'm thankful for your creativity that sparks mine!  Cathy

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 07:37 PM

ANONYMOUS

Hi Jovita,  Remember the  pretty  fabric that I bought at your Sunday sale and I was sure my granddaughter would love it- greens blues and that cute little print.--NOT.  She changed her mind of colors--now wants browns, pinks and dull reds!!!!!!!!!! And a different pattern as well. Oh well-we went to the fabric store in Petersburg, Ak and she picked out her favorites.  So I have this nice stash to use another time.  Enjoy some down time--you deserve it. Bev Wohlhueter

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 09:35 PM

ANONYMOUS

Hallo, Jovita
Time flies, schade dass es im Oktober nicht geklappt hat, aber nach dem Lesen Deines Blogs ist mir alles klar...
Hoffentlich gibt es im Januar ein Wiedersehen. Ich freue mich schon.
LG Heike

DOTTIE MC

Jovita,
Your shop is sorely missed. Ria and I don't have a destination -- a reason to jump on the ferry for quilting any longer. Are you going to be at the show in Puyallup this year?

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 06:37 AM

NANCY

Hi,
Great to hear from you.  I know about time flying.  Can't wait to hear what is new.

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 06:43 AM

ANONYMOUS

Jovita,
Your world dounds as crazy as mine...between two trips to Virginia...fixing the house to sell and move there...seeing two of my kids and three of my grandkids leave here and move to Virginia...and now deciding to not sell the house (it really looks good) and stay...and trying to get the kids back home...But, the site looks wonderful.  I envy the jet lag to Belgium...and will watch for further updates.
Marie in marysville

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 07:11 AM

ANONYMOUS

Rhonda105
You lead such an interesting life!  I certainly understand 'time just flies by', but I enjoy reading your blog no matter how long the space is in between.

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 07:17 AM

ANONYMOUS

Thanks for this cool blog!  I'm new to your shop and am excieted to see more.  I'm interested in a class on crazy quilting or just a very simple 9 square that takes me from patch, to batting, to finished quilt.
Thanks again.
Peggy

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 07:35 AM

JOYCE

Great Blog!.....whatever that word means!!
I was wondering how your move worked out. Sounds like you landed on your feet....eventually!
Who should I contact here about books? You mentioned a contact person and I've lost it.
Wish I was visiting. I so hope to visit castles in Germany again one day......Quilting in a castle?!!.......HUmm..Now there's a thought.

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 08:20 AM

GEORGIA GONZALES

Wonderful site Jovita!  I'm so glad to hear all that you have been doing.  I hope to see you while you are states-side!  I finished my RED Quilt and my Dipped Chicks Charity Quilt.  I have 4 quilt tops ready to quilt and am in the midst of several more projects but I'm always up for another!
See you sewn!
Blessings.
Georgia

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 08:28 AM

C KIND

Hi Jovita,
Time flies when you're having fun, unless your a frog. Then time's fun when you're having flies. The blog was a fun read and just what I needed to get inspired to sew on a wedding gift.

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 09:12 AM

ANNIE K.

It was great to hear from you again.  When you come back to the states, you are invited for dinner so that I can have you give me instructions for my BOM and teach me the button necklace.

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 10:17 AM

WANDA

Hi, Jovita! Miss you!  What happened to getting together the end of Sept.?  We'll have to do better next go around.  Melania adds her greetings, too.  Wanda

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 01:38 PM

ANONYMOUS

Hi Jovita,
It was so nice to hear from you.  I was wondering and worrying (as were others) how the move went.  It sounds like you and Axel are doing just great. Enjoyed hearing about your musing in the garden.   As you see,  we are all missing you and looking forward to seeing you again.  God bless you both.  Diane

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 04:17 PM

SCOTT HANSEN

Hey Jovita....
good to hear from you ......Sounds like you have been so very busy!!!!   I am in the middle of life changes so my blog has been neglected as well, I know the feeling...and now I feel slightly more motivated to get to updating there too..
yours truly,
Scott

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 04:23 PM

NANCY, B. C. QUILTER

It's really interesting to read all about what you have been up to and see all the new products you're bringing in. Thanks for keeping us all in the loop.

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 05:27 PM

CARLA N.

Jovita,
Glad your settling in.  We miss your shop and look forward to your show this summer. We had a great time at your Shop Hop. Take Care.

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 05:36 PM

ANONYMOUS

Reading everyone's comments, I realized how much I miss you already!  We met so briefly and bonded instantly.  You are a true and kind spirit.  I wish we were sitting on the couch feasting on baked apples and chatting together again.  Thanks for your friendship!   Don't forget to stop and smell the fabric~  :o)  Evalynn Barrett

Sunday, November 4, 2007 - 10:12 PM

SUESTONENP@COMCAST.NET

Don't feel bad about the long silence, it happens to the best of us. What is a toy box panel? I love house quilts and I am looking forward to your patterns. Where will they be available and when?

Monday, November 5, 2007 - 09:30 AM

SUE GOLDSWORTHY

Thanks for catching us up on all that you have been up to!  Love hearing all about your travels whenever you have time to update!  I'm sure the rest of this year will be just as busy for you, I look forward to you next update.

Monday, November 5, 2007 - 09:36 AM

CHERYL MCLEOD

Jovita:
Thanks so much for the update - yes I tried to leave a comment last week but figured it was just operator error (me!).  Wow!  You have been one busy lady, but you always have been every since we met at Busy Bee's.  I really enjoy reading about your travels and adventures.  Again thanks much for sharing.
Kindly,
Cheryl McLeod

Monday, November 5, 2007 - 11:30 AM

BARBARA ROSS

Wow, now that's a couch!  I need to replace mine too but I really hate shopping for that sort of thing.  Plus, I have to worry about whether the cats will decide to abuse it or not.  I have to do something soon.  Glad to hear that you are doing well but please know that you are truly missed.   I really enjoy your input on the Skills Builder class and the Christmas Block of the Month.

Monday, November 5, 2007 - 12:54 PM

ANONYMOUS

Here there slowing down is always good even if we are sick!  Things look good!  Let us know about your patterns!
Gpods Blessing to you,
Sue

Monday, November 5, 2007 - 04:22 PM

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Is it a Willow or a Wallow?

As promised here are more details about the new pillow I had on display for the QA show.  

I started in the middle and log-cabined outwards, but instead of working “in the round” – adding rows in a spiral – top, right, bottom, left, top, right bottom left.  I worked from side to side.  Adding left and right, then top and bottom, left and right, etc.  If I had added corner stones to each row it would have been more of a Courthouse Steps which you might want to try as well.

The top of my pillow is made entirely from our Jacquard ribbons and Westfalenstoffe, all imported from Germany.   (You’ll find a supply list below.)

The first step was to make a sandwich of muslin, batting and muslin.  This allowed me to quilt as I went, giving my pillow a nice firm feel.  All fabric strips were cut 2” wide.

I started with my initial in the middle and slid a strip under each side, pinning it so that 1/4 inch of the tan stripe was under the ribbon and 1-3/4” was still showing then top-stitched along the sides of my ribbon.

My next strip was added along the top and bottom by placing the cut strip right-sides together with the tan stripes – J – tan stripes and sewing an even 1/4” seam.  The next strips were added vertically in the same manner.  Ribbon came next, both top and bottom, so I pinned these in place, leaving 1-1/2” finished width showing from my previous horizontal row and top-stitched in place.  Then came another horizontal row tan on top   

and red/white stripes below.  These were again slid under the ribbon, leaving 1-3/4” unfinished width showing.  

After the next next vertical row of red/white stripe I got a little creative as not every row was symmetrical and the vine ribbon was mitered in the top left corner.  But this is where your imagination and individuality comes into play.  

After adding all my rows, I trimmed the top to 19” square.  I also quilted my back flaps, then added buttonholes before pinning the flaps over each other and trimming the back to 19” square.  Then I placed my top and back wrong sides together and zig-zag these layers together around the perimeter.  I was using my Featherweight and don’t have a walking foot but would recommend the use of one as my fabric want to pile up and ripple more than I would have liked.  

Rather than putting cording in my pillow I bound it.  The two layers of batting and 5 layers of fabric were thick enough that when I added a bias-cut double binding, my pillow has a weighty finish that really topped it off.  I cut my binding 2-1/2” wide and sewed it with a 3/8” seam.  My pillow form was 18” giving it a lovely filled out look.

I’m really pleased with the result and can’t wait to try more.  If you make a pillow, I’d love to see pictures.  I know some of you chose different color combinations and it will be fun to see how they all turn out.

                                                Enjoy!     Jovita

Oh – my question about it being a Willow or a Wallow?  Whenever I make a wall-hanging for a friend I aim for a standard pillow insert size . . . then add a pillow flap to the back, a hanging sleeve and I bind it as I would a quilt.  My friend then has the option of hanging her gift on the wall or using it on her sofa as a pillow.

What will you need to complete your pillow?

Pillow Front

   1 packet of Five Westfalenstoffe Fat Quarters (Red-Tan)
    Two 21” squares muslin
    One 21” square thin batting 
    Thread - I used Beige for everything so I could top-stitch without having to change.

Ribbon 

    One Alphabet
    9” Spring (Red)
    9” Poetry
    26” Vine
    16” Spring (Beige)
    18” Itsy Bitsy Vine (Tan)

Pillow Back

    Two 21” x 12” batting
    Two 21” x 24” backing fabric
    Three fun buttons

 

 

©  Jovita Goldschmidt

All images, text, and content on this site are the sole property of Jovita Goldschmidt and may not be used, copied or transmitted without her express consent.  All patterns and resulting product are for personal non-commercial use only.  You are welcome to  to link this site or a post from this site but please give appropriate credit for content. Any other inquiries please email me at jovita@peawink.com.

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Back in the Swing

Wow, I’m really sorry it’s taken me so long to post again.  I returned to the states nearly five weeks ago – on Valentine’s Day and I can’t believe that St. Patrick’s day has already gone by and we’re flying toward Easter.

I got sick the very first weekend I came home and it hung on . . . from that into more work on the website, another hip surgery for my mom and prep for our expanded booth at the Quilters Anonymous Show last weekend at the Monroe Fairgrounds kept Patti and I both very busy.  Through the rain, more illness and truck break-downs we packed, repacked, unpacked, set up and celebrated the weekend with many many quilters who visited the show. 

It was a fantastic weekend and I can’t describe what a great time I had.  Setting up our booth was bittersweet as I’ve missed the shop so very much, but how lovely to hug and be hugged by so many customers and friends that we’ve missed seeing

I managed to finish a new sample for the show – a pillow that will go in my living room here . . . using some of our Jacquard ribbons and Westfalenstoffe imported from Germany.  Read my next post for more info about making your own!

My mom also whipped out two samples for us using the “Flower of the Month” collection from Northcott.  Here – January Carnations & February Violets which we’ve already kitted up. She’s anxious to get started on  March Daffodils and April Daisies.  I’ll post pictures and kit info as soon as they’re ready. 

This coming weekend, I’ll be in Renton at the Evergreen Piecemakers Spring Break.  Their guild puts on three days of classes and luncheons, including speakers Gwen Marston and Maggie Ball – during breaks and evenings they shop us vendors right in our hotel rooms, so while they’re in their classes I’m planning on sewing up more samples to show soon.

And get back in the swing of things, writing you a weekly update on all of our comings, goings and doings.  Watch this space for more about upcoming gatherings, our annual rubber duck hunt, visitors from Germany, shows and get-togethers.

                                                             Jovita

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