This is what it looks like out my window right now…

Thankfully we are warm and safe and haven’t lost power (yet!).  I learned about a wonderful organization from the Sew Mama Sew! blog called Wrap Them in Love.  Their mission is “to collect donated quilts and distribute them to children around the world, so they can be wrapped in love and comfort. As we all know, a quilt is a very special thing. It isn’t just a blanket; it has been lovingly created by a real person. A quilter leaves a part of themselves in every quilt they make. The child who receives it will be able to snuggle up in all the love that comes in that quilt.”

So during this blizzard, my kids and I are boxing up Stash Palettes to send to Wrap Them in Love.  They will be able to combine them with the many donated blocks they have received to send out finished quilts in no time.  How nice to know that some kids will soon find comfort in these quilts.  To learn more about the organization and make a donation, please visit their web site.  Hope you are warm and safe today too.

So I’m going to try to slow down a little over the holidays – enjoy the precious moments that go by so fast like sticky ornaments made by a three year old, snowflake catching contests, endless Uno games and my boys singing, “Angels We Have Heard on High.”  I hope you enjoy yours too and together let’s think of creative ways to capture those moments so they are not forgotten.

During this holiday season, my Mom and I have been reflecting on the year and are so humbled by all the tremendous support we have received from so many quilt lovers across the world.  What started as a simple idea has become a way to connect with so many wonderful people.  We look forward to 2010 and sharing many new things with you.  More pictures, inspiration and ideas are coming your way…

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

And the winner of the Quiltmaker 100 Blocks blog tour is is….Sheila C!  Congratulations!  Sheila will receive a copy of the magazine and a Stash Palette pillow in the color of her choice! Enjoy!  Thank you to all of you who commented – you all had great block ideas!

Welcome to the Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Blog Tour!  We are thrilled to be part of such a special issue.  Our product, the Stash Palette, is included on page 66, “One”derful Ideas: Just What Can You Do With a Single Block?

Stash Palettes are the perfect solution for blocks without a home.  The batting, backing, binding and quilting are already done – the hardest part is choosing which block in the 100 Blocks issue you want to make!  Simply sew in the finished block and ta dah!

Please leave a comment below, tell us what kind of block you would like to put in a Stash Palette, and one lucky winner will receive both a Stash Palette pillow to insert your own favorite block and a copy of the 100 Blocks issue.  Check back on Thursday at noon to see if you are the lucky winner!

The pretty, pretty block that is pictured in the ecru Stash Palette is #51, Sunny Day by Vicki Lynn Oehlke of Willowberry Lane.

Also, don’t forget to continue to check Quiltmaker’s blog, Quilty Pleasures everyday this week.  There you’ll find out which designers’ blog you need to visit to sign up for giveaways, giveaways, and more giveaways including a “Big Bundle Giveaway” at the end of the week that includes more Stash Palettes!! Look for 100 Blocks in your local quilt shop on November 17th or purchase it online.  Have a great week touring!

Love Stash Palettes, but don’t have time to insert your own blocks?  No need to fret – some of our great retailers are there to help!  Check out Webfabrics.net where you can buy Stash Palettes and they will finish it for you – a custom gift done in a flash!“Stash Quilting Company is a new company that makes a wonderful product for the quick sewer or for people with no sewing experience at all. You can buy a pillow, a wall hanging or a Twin size quilt that is almost finished. The quilting is done, the binding is done, everything is done, except the main blocks. The twin size quilt would be perfect for T-shirt quilts. All you have to do is place the 12 T-shirts in the frames and your quilt is ready. You can sew the blocks in or even use Steam-a-seam 2 and iron it in. This would make a very quick Christmas gift. Or instead of T-shirts you can use 12 favorite prints, old dresses of the little girls etc. Anything that creates a memory!

I’m so convinced about these “Stash Palettes”, that we even offer to make the quilt for you. You can send us 12 fabrics or T-shirts in size 13″ x 13″ and we make it for you!” -Webfabrics.net Newsletter

Get ready for the Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks blog tour starting on Monday, Nov 9th!  Here’s how it will work….every day next week, Quiltmaker will make available a list of blogs that you visit.  Learn more about the designers and the personalities behind the blocks.  There will be a giveaway on every blog plus a huge grand finale giveaway!  I’ve seen the issue and the designs are terrific.  This is a keepsake issue that will be on newsstands by Nov 17th.  Stash Palettes are featured in 100 Blocks too so be sure to stop by on Wednesday, Nov 11th to sign up for giveaways.  See you then!

Finally getting a chance to post some pictures of our booth at the International Quilt Market in Houston in October…

Top picture is of Mom and me.  Second and third pictures are “Before and Afters” using 6-Patch Stash Palettes in Apple Green and Orange.  Blocks were designed by Scott Hansen of Blue Nickel Studios and applique was done by Sheri Howard.  I think this is a cute picture of Sheri.  Fabrics used were Kaffe Fassett and Valorie Wells – so different and both beautiful!

Recently we met a mother who had saved all of her children’s bed linens from childhood – almost 30 years ago!  She lovingly wanted her children to enjoy fond memories of their childhood years through a quilt.  Using Four-Patch Stash Palettes, she has set out to have six quilts made with the requirement that all of the final products must contain a piece of each of the sheets.  Take a look at the work in progress – the first block.  Her kids will have fun sharing with their kids all the stories those little pieces of fabric evoke.  I’ll be sure to post photos of the final quilts when they are done.  What foresight this mother had!  What should we be saving now as mothers for our adult children and grandchildren to treasure in 30 years?

Take a look at this t-shirt quilt that was just done using a Stash Palette. This was made for a man who traveled the world golfing and his family wanted to present him with a terrific quilt to remember all of his fantastic trips.  This can easily be done by the holidays with a Stash Palette.

Question: What types of materials do you use?

Answer: Stash Palettes are made with 100% pre-washed cotton fabric and a poly batting.

Question: How do I insert my block into the Stash Palette?

Answer: You slip your block under the lip of the Palette and pin it down before sewing either by hand or by machine.  The edge of the Palette is finished so you don’t need to worry about a raw edge.  Take a look at the “How To” videos to see examples of hand sewing and machine sewing.  Best part – no quilting experience required!!

Question: How big should I make my block to fit into a 12″ square Stash Palette opening?

Answer: One half inch on all four sides (13″ x 13″ total) is usually enough excess to insert into a Stash Palette and secure.  You should measure your Stash Palette for exact measurements to accommodate slight dimension variations.

Question: Why are there flaps on the back of the pillow?

Answer: The pillow was specifically designed to open up in the back to allow someone to sew by machine if they choose before inserting the pillow.  Depending on the thickness of your 20″ x 20″ pillow, you may have to move the snaps for a smooth fit.  Or you can ignore the flaps and use the pillow as a wall hanging!

Please email us with any questions!  info@stashquilting.com