Quilts and Thoughts…

Posted By margaret on July 27, 2010

Registration is now open for the next online quilting class
beginning September 4, 2010.

In this class you’ll learn to use software to create your own custom pattern for your portrait or pictorial quilt. Imagine that!
Your very own photo comes to life in fabric.

You don’t need to know how to use the software
because in the very first screen capture video
I’ll show you how to use the tools you’ll utilize to create the patterns.

After completing lesson one, a student currently taking the online class, has allowed me to use her email note:

“Hi, Loved the class. I learned more about Photoshop Elements from this one set of lessons than in the 2 years I have been using it.
Attached are my homework photos for Session One.” Dolores Williams

This is a four-week class complete with screen capture tutorial, handouts, and homework.
You don’t need to be on your computer at any specific time.

You may watch any or all of the videos from three choices of software. You may use Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, or the FREE software, Gimp. Watch the video and pause it to work along, after you’ve completed an area, go back to the video and continue watching, it’s that easy. Or, watch the videos completely and then try it yourself. I’ve covered the same materials in each piece of software and in the videos; however, I may have explained it a little differently, so if you would like to watch any or all of the software videos, go for it. (more…)

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Posted By margaret on July 22, 2010

This might not be considered “fine dining” in some places, but when its summer in Texas… it is fine dining at its best.

There’s just no way to beat fresh green beans, new potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Garden fresh and on the plate. Yum!

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Tags: food, just for fun

Posted By margaret on July 19, 2010

I finally took the plunge and did something with my YouTube Channel. It was started about a year ago and only two videos were uploaded to see if the quality was acceptable. That’s it…until about a week ago. I have videos on my website, but it seemed the right time to get some on YouTube, so about ten or so now reside there as well.

Of course, I want to have it a bit more personal, and because I’m an avid leaf peeper, I just can’t keep myself from putting those leaves into everything. I could tell you more about the channel, but I don’t want to spoil it; so by clicking on the YouTube logo you will be taken directly to my channel!

I didn’t make all the videos myself. Hubby makes some, I make some, and we work on some together. They are all quilt related and I think you’ll like them!

Oh by the way, the newest one in the list is a special thank you to Marguerita McManus. I’m certain those of you in the quilting community will know of Marguerita and all she does to help everyone. Oh, it’s not just about how to make a quilt with her, she’s going to help you with PR, marketing, videography, quilting, making sewing tables, and more!

Check out the thank you video to Marguerita and leave a comment on the channel so she can see you appreciate her too!

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Tags: just for fun, Videos, YouTube

Posted By margaret on July 7, 2010

My block of the month quilt pattern, Beyond the Gate, is ready for release!

The photo of the completed quilt is rather small,
so I thought you might enjoy seeing it a video with a closer view.

Just click the button in the center of the windmill.

If you would like to see more information about the quilt, go to my patterns website at www.patterns2quilt.com and click on the photo of the quilt (it’s the new pattern) and it will link you to the page with all the information. Also, on that page are photos of the quilt from three wonderful quilters that tested the pattern for me.

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Tags: applique patterns, Block of the Month, Patterns, quilt patterns, video, Videos

Posted By margaret on June 20, 2010

The long awaited day has arrived! I’ve put up two movie trailers as a teaser to get you interested in this true story about a journey in search of…Well, I don’t want to spoil the ending.

From the trailers you realize the setting was WWII, at least that’s where it …

Someone in your past or present served in WWII, and if you ever heard the memories come to life by a military man/woman you would understand the depth of love and pride they felt as their comrades and buddies fell, one after another until their very lives took on a new meaning.

This movie has many of those same feelings. How does the past influence the present? How can one explain raw emotions? How does something that happened over sixty years ago impact the psyche? Can one take those experiences of the military GI and glean the essence of a life?
I’ll leave answering those questions up to you.

Below are a few words by the director/producer/ of the movie you are about to see. I hope you will take about 25 minutes out of your day to relish the experiences of …

The Journey to Tassafaronga is not so much about a physical trip
although I did reach my destination
(even if it was only in my mind), but more about a search of understanding of
who I was. I began my journey long before I watched
Lisa Kudrow’s television series entitled
“Who Do You Think You Are?”.
She had this to say about her series:

“ This show personalizes history and turns it into a gripping narrative,” said Kudrow.
“The most striking thing about the show is the realization of
how connected we all are.”

It was the same realization and conclusion that I had discovered on my
“Journey to Tassafaronga”.
I found a deeper understanding and appreciation about
duty, honor, country and the meaning of love.

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

Please share this movie with a military friend, a WWII survivor,
or simply a loved one.

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Tags: video, Videos