Welcome Everyone to Day 9 of the 

Quilt Designer Holiday Blog Hop!  

I can not believe it is already day 9 of the hop!  It is flying by!  A big Thank you to Lynda for the adorable snowman project.  It was so cute!  All the projects have been amazing!  AND - the recipes have already been tested my some blog followers!  I have heard "good feedback" from the recipes ~ so get out those baking pans and whip up a batch just in time for the Holidays!  Also - there will be a "revised" cookie recipe for Lisa's cookies.  One key ingredient got overlooked...  It is missing 1/4 cup dark molasses.  So keep your eye out for the "revised" recipe card shortly!

Our ninth Designer is 

Jan Patek from 

Jan Patek

Hometown * Cameron, MO

Her quilt designs will warm your heart.... as well as your home!

I'm so excited to introduce to you our next designer.  I know you all know her ~ but she still deserves much recognition as she has paved the way for many of us quilt designers!  Her name is Jan Patek and she just "ROCKS"!  
For more than 20 years, Jan Patek has been sharing her talents with each of us. She has also been providing us with the most unique primitive folk art quilt designs in book and pattern form.  And if those quilt designs weren't enough for us - we are so fortunate to be able to purchase those amazing fabrics that she uses through her line of fabric(s) from Moda!!!  Sweet!  Her fabric lines are always stunning!  You sure can tell that her designs & fabric lines are inspired by her country, home and her beautiful family!
 Jan has a passion for creating and loves sharing her creativity with others.  She creates some of the most amazing block of the month quilts and hand appliqued designs around.  Each of quilts she creates are a story of her life, her experiences, and her soul.  Her quilt designs will truly warm your heart and touch your soul!  I remember reading somewhere that she doesn't like to make quilts and put them in a closet.  So ~ for those of you who have made a quilt of hers... You better showcase it up on the wall or even better, snuggle up with it while checking out her fun website! ~ It is overflowing with creative outlets... You could join one of her fantastic quilt clubs, browse through her book collection... snatch up a cool quilt kit (with her line of fabrics) or just simply be inspired by her work!  
Thanks Jan for all that you have done & shared with us over the years!  We can't get enough of it!  We look forward to many more amazing years of your fab*u*lous designs!!!  Off to her blog....!!!!

Welcome Everyone to Day 8 of the 

Quilt Designer Holiday Blog Hop!  

I hope you all are enjoying the last 7 projects and yummy recipes!  Lisa's project is just perfect for giving a special someone on your list a batch of any one (or even better... a mixture) of these 12 recipes!  How clever was that?  I can't wait to see the next four projects!  It's been such a blast!  And - how cool is it that you can sign in from anywhere and create a blog post!  Simply amazing!!!  

Our eighth Designer is 

Lynda Hall from 

www.primitivepiecesbylynda.blogspot.com 

Hometown * Apopka, FL

Lynda is truly a kindred spirit!

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live close to Mickey Mouse's house...  Well, just ask Lynda when you are stopping her blog, as she lives about an hour away from Walt Disney World!  (My girls would sooo love to live there!!!)  Her location is to die for as she also lives about an hour away from both the East and the West coasts of Florida.  Too cool!  It's hard to believe that this gal (who lives in such a warm weather climate) comes up with some of the most amazing primitive, warm & inviting designs.  I feel like she should be a Minnesotan! 
Lynda is A*W*E*S*O*M*E!  She is kind, loving and a bundle of energy & inspiration!  That girl is just exciting to be around!  You can feel her energy & tell she loves what she does!  I have admired her work for years and love having her a part of this blog hop!  
I find it so neat how many of us, including Lynda, come from generations of quilt makers.  Ever since I seen this quite some time ago on her website, I knew we were "kindred spirits"...

How cute is Minnie? Thanks Lynda for the sharing this with us!

Quilting has been in our family for a very long time.  My Gramma, Minnie Jeanette Cameron, shown in this picture, belonged to quilt group known as the Mission Quilters Society.  My Aunt Roma, also a member, has told me of the times they would make quilts to be sent overseas during World War II. It's so rewarding to know that quilts have played a very big part in our heritage ~ Lynda Hall So grab a piece of leftover pumpkin pie and head on over to Lynda's blog.... and be sure to go to her website (it is so prim and vintage) you will need hours to look through it all!!!  From the Homeplace... to the Pantry she has something for everyone!   Ho Ho Ho!!  Santa's on his way....

We would like to wish you all 

a Happy Thanksgiving! 

We hope you all were able to find time to relax 

& enjoy this joyous time with friends & family as we did today!

Welcome Everyone to Day 7 of the 

Quilt Designer Holiday Blog Hop!  

Tracy, Tracy, Tracy... Stinkin' cute project!  Thanks for being so sweet and sharing the awesome project with each of us!  Hope you all are having a great time collecting the recipes (please note ALL of them are available to print out), enjoying the projects and learning a little bit about each of the gals behind the designs you all enjoy so much!!!  Off to more fun.....

Our seventh Designer is 

Lisa Bongean

http://lisabongean.wordpress.com

Hometown * Menasha, WI

OMG!  Today is Lisa's day!!!! 

I don't really know if I need to introduce this gal to any of you or not!  But.... just in case you have not been at any one of the dozen plus shows she has vended at each year or have not had the opportunity to be a student of hers at the numerous quilt shops/guilds she teaches at... our next designer is Lisa Bongean (LB) from Primitive Gatherings.  I personally have not seen any one work harder in this business than her.  Since the moment she quit her job, and started this career, she has never looked back and it has been nothin' but full steam ahead for this girl!

Not only is Lisa a well rounded designer, she is a Top 10 Quilt Shop owner and now a fabric designer for... none other than - Moda!  Sometimes (ok-most of the time) I have no clue how she does it all!  Heck, most days... she has put in about 5 hours before I even start work (but it must count for something that I am a late night owl!!)  Either way, from shop owner to fabric designer, it's been fun to see her achieve much success!

Alright... So I also know that some of you know that we "hang" together... so I thought I would share some "dirt" with you about her since she is always giving me grief!!!!!  Ha! Just kidding!  She is just GREAT, so stinkin' FUN to be around & perfect to share a good dessert with!  And - it would be pretty darn hard for me to say anything bad about her (and Nick) when they take care of me, bring kits to me at shows, save my tush with curtains at the WI show (AND, I would also like to thank all you fans of hers... you were all VERY funny stopping by & mentioning that to me :-)... I'm just hoping there won't be a hanging chicken in my booth next show!!!

Have fun gals! Enjoy the upcoming Holidays with friends and Family and don't forget to head on over and check out her post... AND if you are in her area, be sure to get to her shop's Christmas Open House this weekend!  It's going to be AWESOME!

Welcome Everyone to Day 6 of the 

Quilt Designer Holiday Blog Hop!  

Thanks Renee for your sweet project and cookie recipe!!!!  

Thanks also to all of you who are following the blog hop!  It is amazing to have so many people from all over the world following us!  We are thrilled you are taking the time to join us on our venture!  

Our sixth Designer is 

Tracy from

www.plumcutedesigns.typepad.com

Hometown * Sacramento, California

Tracy and I started designing around the same time.  It has been so fun to see both our companies grow into more than we ever dreamed they would become (thanks to each of you)!  I can't remember the exact show we met at (tooo many years ago!) - but I do remember how stinking sweet this gal was (and still is!!)!  As many of you know, Tracy and I both are stay at home moms...  Not a trade show goes by that she doesn't miss her little ones!  Although there are days it may be hard to find a balance, I know we both wouldn't trade being able to do something we both love while watching our little ones grow up!  Before you know it, they will be helping us out at the shows!!!!

  Tracy is an amazing gal with a big heart.  She is a joy to be around and I always look forward to seeing her big smile and creative energy!  Let's give her a warm welcome as I am sure the project and post was done between many "mommy" interruptions!!!

(Here is a little story I snatched from her website ~ Thanks Tracy!)

A Plumcute Story...

What began as a way to stay at home with my kid-lets has blossomed into a ten-plus year adventure.  Plumcute Designs has been offering original stitchery, quilt, & applique patterns since 1999.  And I am humbled as I continue through 2010 by your generosity, support, and friendship.   

I learned to embroider way back when I was a 6th grader and have been doodling for as long as I can remember.  Plumcute Designs has been the natural outgrowth of those two pieces of me. 

At Plumcute Designs I am devoted to inspiring creativity.  I strive to provide quality projects with clear and easy to follow instructions.  Above all else, it is my intention to offer outstanding customer service and a wonderful stitching experience.   

Plumcute Designs patterns are carried throughout the United States and Internationally.  I have had work featured in American Patchwork and Quilting and most recently in Australian Homespun Magazine.  

PS * Don't forget... to print off your complimentary cookie swap recipe!

Debbie Fields Cookie Recipe from the blog hop....

Here is the recipe from Debbie Fields for those of you who are collecting the recipes and printing them out.  For some reason... we could not get her's uploaded for her blog hop day!  

Hope you all are having a great day... 

Heading off to the studio for the open house... 

Come visit us!

Secretariat ~ Gotta See It!

www.secretariat.com

Tonight while my husband was at a dinner/work function...  I declared it a "GIRLS" night with my daughters since they had no homework & I'm at the shop the rest of the week for the Holiday Open House.  So, after supper & shopping, I took the girls to see this new movie!  All I can say is that is was simply AMAZING!  We ALL loved it!  I think it is the best movie ever!!!  

This movie is for both young and old... Even though I knew the outcome, I was on the edge of my seat... and my youngest daughter and I both had our "finger's crossed" to make sure Big Red would come through and win the race(s)!  It is also a tear jerker ~ so be prepared!!!

Penny, Big Red's owner is also just darling and I find her very inspiring!  I would love to have the opportunity to meet her one day!  She is a very strong and courageous woman and one I relate very well too as it seems I am always trying to find the perfect balance (if there is one!) between my family & following my passion!  I hope you all take time to relax and enjoy this delightful movie!  You won't be disappointed!

My thoughts on inspiration from the movie:

*Believe in Yourself*

*Have Faith*

*Follow Your Dreams*

*The Impossible is POSSIBLE*

(Now just to put these words into action! :-)

Welcome Everyone to Day 5 of the 

Quilt Designer Holiday Blog Hop!  

How fun was Kathy's banner project?  I would love to make some of those for teacher gifts!  Too cute!  Wonder what Renee has up her sleeve.... I heard three options so I can't wait to see which one she went for!

Our fifth Designer is 

Renee Plains

www.libertystar.typepad.com

Hometown * Scottsdale, AZ

Renee is a just a doll!  

So where do I start with Renee?  Well, first of all, I don't think you will ever meet a more genuine, kind hearted gal than Renee.  She is such a doll!  She is just the sweetest thing!  I have been inspired by her and treasured her friendship for many years....  I can hardly wait for market to come each spring so we can catch up and chat!  Not to mention her designs are pure, sweet & fabulous! 

The neat thing about Renee is that she is so multi talented.  She is a very diverse artist who loves to explore various mediums.  I know I could sit for hours and venture the day away with her!  She loves taking workshops to learn new techniques or spark new ideas to use in future artwork/designs.  Renee also loves quilting, jewelry making, collecting (don't we all!!), mixed media artwork, taking trips and teaching workshops!  You all need to go and take the time to read her blog, catch a workshop or hers or just enjoy some of her inspiring pieces of work!

Renee's Fav Books:
The Secret Life of Bees
Anything by Mary Higgins Clark

PS * Don't forget... to print off your complimentary cookie swap recipe!

Welcome Everyone to Day 4 of the 

Quilt Designer Holiday Blog Hop!  

Thanks so much to Cheri for the darling little quilt and for sharing her favorite sugar cookie recipe with us!  We had a mishap with the recipe, so please note it is shown below if you are collecting them to print out!  

Our fourth Designer is 

Kathy Schmitz

http://kathyschmitzstudio.blogspot.com

Hometown * Portland, OR 

For day four of the blog hop, I would like to introduce you to yet another very talented gal & amazing artist, Kathy Schmitz.  Kathy lives in Portland, Oregon with her hubby of 26 years and my two cats, Molly & Zippy. She also has two darling grown boys.  She says... There is something about a blank piece of paper that whispers and taunts, "draw on me".  I have to oblige. 

Kathy started her embroidery pattern business in 2007, but gained nationally recognition as a fabric designer for Moda quite some time ago.  Her fabric lines are just the coolest!  Her latest line just debuted at fall market and is called Full Circle.  She has designed some amazing projects from this line that were inspired by her love for embroidery, monograms & life's blessings.  You can read all about her new line and new patterns on her blog.  And ~ I must mention that she has the coolest "chalkboard doodles" that she posts on her blog on a regular basis! It's time to go see what she has came up with for all of us!  I'm sure it will be just delightful!

Kathy LOVES...

Spring & Fall 

The Oregon Coast

A really good cup of coffee! 

& Good Bristol paper.

PS * Don't forget... to print off your complimentary cookie swap recipe!

Cheri's Sugar Cookie Recipe

Hello!  Here is Cheri's Sugar Cookie Recipe for you to print out!

Up tomorrow is Kathy!  It should be another fun post!

Trunk Show at Gruber's Quilt Shop

Hello Everyone!  Gruber's has Decked the Halls for the Holidays!

I think you all should head on over to Gruber's Quilt Shop for the 

MN Wild West Shop Hop!  

www.grubersquiltshop.com

We are thrilled to be a part of this grand event with our trunk show at their shop!  Whether you are local or not, you should go and visit her shop/website.... This shop is to die for!!!  It has  everything you will ever need and is by far the largest quilt shop I have ever been in.  I am so blessed to have it a little over an hour away from me.  If there is anything you need - Sue and the gals are more than happy to meet your needs!  

So have fun gals and hope you locals get a chance to go and check out the trunk show!  As always, they did a fantastic job with the display!

Welcome Everyone to Day 3 of the 

Quilt Designer Holiday Blog Hop!  

Thanks to Debbie for a great Northwoods project and delicious recipe!  I can't wait to whip up some of those cookies!  Better yet.... I hope they come delivered right to my door!! Hint Hint!!! :-)

Our third Designer is 

Cheri Saffiote-Payne

www.quiltsbycheri.blogspot.com

Hometown * Poway, CA 

This gal is "over the top" talented!  

Back in the day, I remember flying out to CA with my husband (who had to attend a conference for work).  I could hardly wait to get off the plane and drive up North to Cheri's shop. Let me tell you girls ~ even the flat tire on the rental car did not stop me from getting there!!!  Needless to say, I was floored and overwhelmed....  the shop was over the top and filled with the most amazing wood and handwork designs I have ever seen!  She had the most beautiful displays nestled in the most unique vintage props one could find.  AND - if you were lucky you could even spot a cat snuggled up within a display!  Everywhere you looked ~ you were inspired by her work!  It was a shop I was thrilled to visit before she took her company into a new direction and closed her brick and mortar store.

Although the shop is no longer here, Cheri's talent and creativity are as strong as ever.  She continues to offer us some of the most unique primitive designs around!  From stitcheries to quilts, she offers something for everyone.  So gals head on over to her blog and check out some of her NEW designs!  You won't be disappointed!

Cheri's Fav quotes from

 ALBERT EINSTEIN

" Imagination is more important than knowledge" 

"Not everthing that counts can be counted and not everthing that can be counted counts" 

" Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new"  

PS * Don't forget... to print off your complimentary cookie swap recipe!