Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop Blog

Second Saturday Sampler 2008 Finished at Bless My Stitches

2012-01-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Well it has been a few years on the back burner of Janet's sewing room, but here it is put together, quilted and bound!!

I'm so proud of her, she did a wonderful job combining the SSS pieced blocks with the Redwork add-ons of the monthly snowmen. Too cute!

Woodwinds Flannel at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-12-30T05:30:00.000-05:00

If you haven't felt QUILT SHOP QUALITY flannel in a while... you have got to check this out! It is soft and lightweight, perfect for making a cuddle quilt this winter!

This is Woodwinds by Faye Burgos for Marcus Fabrics and includes a "strip it" with 3 1/2" preprinted strips. How cool is that?

Go to the Marcus site for a this free pattern!

Appliqued Hummingbirds at Bless My Stitches

2011-12-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

One of my teachers Margie S. is a not only a great purse making teacher, but she is fabulous quilter as well.

Here is a perfect example,

Cardinals are at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

This fabulous line from Quilted Treasures features a wonderful selection of North American Songbirds. I can't wait to see what some of my friends will make out of this.....any ideas?

First Quilt Finished at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-12-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

I know I've said it a million times but I really mean it... I love sharing my love of quilting with others.

This is Karen C. and her first quilt. She took her first quilting class with Roxanne in our Monday Beginners class. She chose the pattern Yellow Brick Road out of her favorite bright fabrics.

This picture was taken when she picked it up from Russ & Rhonda Adams, our long arm quilters. The Adams own and operate The Back Porch Quilters and are absolutely fabulous!!! Check them out on their website www.thebackporchquilters.com.

I know it is hard to tell because her eyes are closed, but she is very proud of her first quilt!

Beautiful Blessings by Mara Bochart for Moda arrives at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is a wonderful new line from Mara Bochart called Beautiful Blessings for Moda.

Here is how she describes her new line...

Let yourself walk into a heaven on earth gallery... you can see and touch the wings of angels... flower petals... silver accents... and promises from our Father... Nature, found objects and scripture are artistically combined in this Beautiful Blessings collection. My artwork is a testimony of God working through me – and I give all glory and praise to Him! Displaying a rich earth and jewel tone palette, each inspired image has a detailed deepness that prayerfully reaches and blesses His people.

Second Saturday Sampler 2011 Finishes at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-12-19T00:32:00.001-05:00

Ok, this is a perfect example of how true the old saying...."great minds think alike" really is!!!!

You see on Saturday after closing, when the crowds were gone from our last Second Saturday Sampler of 2011 and our Quilts of Valor presentation, I decided to sit down and get at least one of the SSS 2011 colorways gathered up and sewn into a quilt top. I chose to do the Thimbleberry Rose colorway, since I still have a idea brewing in the back of my brain for the Butternut and Brown colorway.

So I went through all my monthly bags and gathered all 12 months worth of blocks, opened up one of my favorite setting patterns and got to sewing. Well in less than 4 hours, I finished.

Fast forward 4 days, now it is Wednesday at the shop and one of my favorite hand quilters, Pat Whipple, walks in with a "sh_ _-eating grin" on her face, she says, "you will be so proud of me Karen, I finished my SSS2011 quilt, before the New Year!! And she whips it out....low and behold...it's the same setting that I did....only she used the other colorway!!!

How funny it that??????? See....I told you...great minds do think alike!

You Tubing Tuesday with Hunters Star at Bless My Stitches

2011-11-29T05:30:00.000-05:00


3 new patterns at the shop

These wonderful new patterns that we have are absolutely gorgeous, but what makes them even better are that they were written by Deb Tucker. We have the special ruler that makes it all so incredibly easy and accurate. Check out the video below.

Quilted Baby Shoes at Bless My Stitches

2011-11-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

These boots were made for walkin'.... and that's just what they'll do.... one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you!!

If you haven't see these adorable quilted baby shoes, you have got to get in and see them for yourself.

We have all 9 patterns and the prequilted fabric from Curby's Closet or if you prefer to quilt the fabric yourself we have everything you need for that too!

Happy Thanksgiving from Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fall is the time of year we think about all the things we are thankful for in our lives.
It is also our anniversary month and it gives me twice as much to be thankful for, my family and ... you!

I have been blessed with a happy and healthy growing family, for which I am extremely grateful. I feel doubly blessed to have a career doing what I adore ... sharing my love of quilting!


Each and every day that I walk through the shop doors and turn on the "open" sign, I have to take a minute. I pause and realize that this is not a dream, this is my life! I really do have a quilt shop, a means to pass my passion of the art of quilt making on to others.


Yes, I do get to be surrounded by thousands of yards of fabric, every inspiring book, hot off the presses and the most innovative notions every day, BUT the things that I look forward to most are the friendships and fellowships I get to have with other quilters, like yourself.

For that bond we share, I am humbly grateful!

Wordless Wednesday at Bless My Stitches

2011-11-23T06:30:00.000-05:00

Doll Making at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

These are just some of the lovely creations in progress from our latest Doll Making Class. The talented teacher, Joann McIntosh is sharing all of her trade secrets for sewing, sculpting and stuffing these one of a kind dolls.

We will be offering this class again in the new year, so keep an eye out for our January Calendar.

Show & Tell Tablerunners at Bless My Stitches

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fabric Dyeing Level 2!!

2011-11-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

I recently had another opportunity to take a dyeing class at Stecoah Cultural Arts Center. This time the class was taught by Barbara Martina. Here are some of the things that I made....


From this...


to this!

From this....

to this and....

and this....

and this...

and this....

Ruby at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

We love Bonnie & Camille (designers for Moda) and we are so happy with their latest line Ruby! Here is how they describe this new line: Ruby is a small town girl with big dreams, and even bigger style. She works at the town ice cream parlor in her favorite red polka dot dress and can be found doing the jitterbug with her best girlfriends at the Country Diner on the weekends. This cheery line is full of Ruby’s favorites, including a smattering of retro flowers, in red, gray (the new neutral), lime pink and aqua, vintage prints and pretty little scallops.

Ruby

Free pattern using Ruby, available on Moda's Bake Shop

Another great quilt using Ruby, this pattern is also on Moda's Bake Shop

Sight Seeing from Bless My Stitches

2011-11-10T06:30:00.000-05:00

On the way to and from my fabric dyeing class at the Stecoah Cultural Arts Center I stopped and took some photos. The beauty of NC in the fall, with an eye for quilts!

Is it 5 o'clock somewhere?

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just in case it's 5 o'clock at your house!

And here's a little inspiration...as if some of you need it!

Second Saturday Sampler part 2 at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-10-19T07:12:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned before in a previous post we are finishing up our SSS 2011 and getting ready for SSS 2012!

Thought I'd share the blocks we have made so far. I showed you the dark colorway which was created from 1800s reproduction fabrics from Marcus. Now it's time to share with you the lighter colorway from RJR using Thimbleberries.

Ricky Tims Seminar Day 2 and 3 from Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-10-17T05:57:00.002-04:00

Ok, we got up bright and early to get to breakfast downstairs and over to the seminar venue on time. We made it....but only barely!

Anyhoo, another fun filled, rigorously scheduled day. We even packed our breaks with outings to more BBQ joints and shopping!

Here are the rest of our photo diary~ hope you enjoy!

A great photo op with the multi-talented teacher and quilter (and just announced Grandma), Alex Anderson with Ann and I

Loved this quilt by Libby Lehman so much I came home and ordered the circular sewing foot from Janome!

One of most awesome quilts I have ever seen in my LIFE! I think the name was Lone Rider, but not sure of the artist

Close up of previous quilt

Another great photo op for Ann and I this time with Ricky Tims and Libby Lehman

Pink Bear Hugs at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-10-15T05:56:00.002-04:00

We have a great new line for the little girl in your life. It is called Bear Hugs by Marcus. We love it because it is bright and cheery but best of all it has brown and pink together!!! We love that combo~ not to mention how cute would that bias printed stripe look on a binding? With out all the muss and fuss of bias cutting! Great, huh?

Second Saturday Sampler at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop 2011

2011-10-13T05:05:00.000-04:00

Just in case you just crawled out from under a rock, I wanted to let you know that our SSS 2011 is going along beautifully!

We have completed 10 of our 12 blocks and are getting ready for our 2012 SSS. So if you are interested, you better sign up quick!

We did a dark colorway using Marcus 1800's reproduction fabric and a lighter colorway using RJR's Thimbleberries.

Here is what we have done so far in the Butternut & Brown and next post I will put all the Thimbleberry Rose blocks....stay tuned~

Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminar Day 1

2011-10-11T23:04:00.000-04:00

I am sooo sorry for not posting more! Life keeps getting in the way! Well, I'm sitting down now and I trying to post a little every few days. So here goes on a little "catch up".

A few weeks back, Ann (one of the friendly staff members at my shop), and I had the opportunity to attend a wonder 3 day seminar in (pretty much) our backyard, Asheville, NC. So we jumped at the opportunity.

Here is a little photo diary of our first day at the Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminar We ate, we laughed, we drooled at the gorgeous quilts, we learned lots of new tricks and techniques from three master quilters, Ricky Tims, Alex Anderson and Libby Lehman

BBQ Lunch

My BBQ Lunch with Diet Cheer Wine!

Alex Anderson's quilt

On the trail by Chalotte War Anderson

Reverie Rhapsody by Ricky Tims

Celtic Fantasy by Sharon Murphy

Heidenroslein by Ricky Tims

Timeless by Ricky Tims

Style!

2011-09-06T05:42:00.002-04:00

I just love this video. One word sums it up STYLE, well maybe two, CLASSIC STYLE. Audrey Hepburn had it!

Wordless Wednesday Home Fires Burning

2011-08-31T05:55:00.001-04:00

Janome 7700 at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-08-30T05:18:00.000-04:00

Gotta get in to take a test drive! You will love the features.....check out our website on the Janome page for details!

Snap Sack Kits @ BMS Quilt Shop

2011-08-26T01:05:00.010-04:00

Cutting and Kitting


Finished Project Sample

We have been kitting up lots of these little cuties. We have lots of different designs with lots of really nice fabrics! Just wanted to show you one of them. Come in to see what else we have whipped up for you. These are fast and easy projects and we have taken out the guesswork by kitting them up for you, just grab and go with one of our Snap Sacks!

Wordless Wednesday Smokin' Cigars and Tellin' Lies

2011-08-24T05:55:00.000-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesday - Fabric Stash Folding Technique

2011-08-23T05:50:00.003-04:00

Lil' Twister Wreath

2011-08-19T05:11:00.000-04:00

I used the "lil' twister" to make this wreath. Very simple but really neat. I forgot to get a picture of it with the bow. It really adds a nice touch. Think we will make one for every season, kits too and we will include our free pattern!

Wordless Wednesday Recycles

2011-08-17T05:55:00.000-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesday - Hiding Your Stash

2011-08-16T00:39:00.002-04:00

I Love Snow Rag Quilt at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-08-14T05:45:00.005-04:00

I Love Snow by Henry Glass Studios

This is probably the softest flannel I have ever felt. We have a small sample in the shop to show you how to make a rag quilt for the season. We are making kits but they are going fast, so stop in and order yours today! They include all the PRECUT and PRERAGGED squares with or without coordinating size batting squares and a FREE pattern to make a 49" x 63" lap quilt. Perfect for snuggling on those chilly NC nights!

Embroidery Club at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop with Wanda's S&T

2011-08-12T05:57:00.004-04:00

This is Wanda with her new project that she made in our Embroidery Club. This is a monthly club where Janome Embroidery Machine owners get together to stitch with no bitchin'. We love it and most of the ladies are working on project from the book, Piece in the Hoop. We love it because as you can see on Wanda's wallhanging, it incorporates piecing and embroidery and it is all done IN THE HOOP! Join us at our next club meeting held on August 16, at 10:30AM. See you there!

Wordless Wednesday in the kitchen

2011-08-10T05:55:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday Art Quilt

2011-08-03T05:55:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday Car Art

2011-07-27T05:55:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday Embroidery Quilt Art

2011-07-20T05:55:00.001-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesday - We Are The People

2011-07-19T05:23:00.001-04:00

We are the people, our parents warned us about.

Listen carefully to the lyrics and you will find out why there are no pennies in my penny loafers!

NUF SAID...ENJOY!

Wordless Wednesday Tattoo

2011-07-13T05:55:00.001-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesdays with AccuQuilt - Lee's Stripper Tips

2011-07-12T05:55:00.004-04:00

I just love all the wonderful hints on this video!! Come in today for a free demo and choose from our Accuquilt Go cutter or our Baby Go cutter. Then go home with your very own and you will love making such useful cuts from your own stash!!!!

Double Wedding Ring at Bless My Stitches

2011-07-09T05:55:00.009-04:00

Rhonda & Russ of the Back Porch Quilters with Roxanne

Roxanne's Double Wedding Ring

I knew you would love to see this gorgeous quilt that Roxanne just finished from her Fat Quarter Bundle of Scarborough Fair by Robyn Pandolph.

This is her first attempt at Double Wedding Ring and she did an absolutely beautiful job using Quilt Smart! She truely did 'quilt smarter, not harder!'

Then the icing on the cake was the fabulous custom quilting job that Russ of The Back Porch Quilters did on it....wow!

Now that's one lucky bride who will get this in a few weeks. *0*

Quilted Growth Chart with Petalicious fabric

2011-07-07T05:55:00.001-04:00

Here is a great new project using our new pattern from Olive Ann and our new fabric line Petalicious! Helen has made this cute grow chart for her granddaughter and it is just adorable. We will be offering this class under our Intermediate Quilting Class so call the shop for details.

Sorry that we couldn't get the whole thing in one shot, so you can see where I had to splice the two pictures. It is actually one really large growth chart to hang on the bedroom wall.


Patchwork Giraffe Grow Chart by Helen

Wordless Wednesday 4th of July

2011-07-04T04:50:00.001-04:00

The Perfect Outfit

2011-07-01T04:52:00.001-04:00

It's not to late to make you any your family matching outfits for this weekend's 4th of July celebrations!
Here is an idea....

Wordless Wednesday Summertime Refreshments

2011-06-29T05:11:00.001-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesday with The Day & Night Quilt

2011-06-28T05:18:00.000-04:00

Still one of my favorite books from Eleanor.
Come in and see our sample!

Wordless Wednesday Little Red Riding Hood

2011-06-22T05:32:00.001-04:00

"Come and Follow Me" by Dominique Ehrmann

You Tubin' Tuesday - First Day of Summer

2011-06-21T05:28:00.004-04:00

I thought you would like to officially celebrate the first day of Summer the way us Parrotheads do, singing our national anthem!

So without further ado, everyone please stand.....

Wordless Wednesday In The Good Olde Summertime

2011-06-15T05:22:00.001-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesdays BMS Quilt Shop and the Clover Flower Frill Maker

2011-06-14T05:17:00.000-04:00

This is just one of those Gotta Have Gadgets!

Wordless Wednesday Lone Star

2011-06-08T05:20:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday Miniature Beds

2011-06-01T05:18:00.000-04:00

by Country Originals

You Tubin' Tuesday at BMS Quilt Shop and The Desk Needle Threader

2011-05-31T05:06:00.002-04:00

If by chance you haven't seen one of these, check it out.

We LOVE them!

Wordless Wednesday Endangered

2011-05-25T05:14:00.001-04:00

Endangered Bliss by C. Susan Ferrero

You Tubin' Tuesday - If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me

2011-05-24T05:37:00.001-04:00

Well, if you have known me for more than an hour, you know that I am a die-hard Parrothead. You also probably know that I love to quote Jimmy's lyrics. And if we have had any type of conversation, at some point during that conversation, I have probably said...'hey, Jimmy has a song about that'.

So, for all of my friends and neighbors that have not learned by now, not to take it personally when I don't call (I hate telephones)....this one's for you!!!!!!!!

Sorry about the video quality, but it's all about the music anyway!

Wordless Wednesday Photo

2011-05-18T05:12:00.002-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesday with Eleanor Burns makes a Gambrel Roof Barn

2011-05-17T05:00:00.001-04:00

We are working fast and furious at our American Barns club. I thought you might like to see how easy Eleanor makes it!

Wordless Wednesday Silver Bird Quilt

2011-05-11T05:00:00.002-04:00

Silver Bird by Caryl Bryer Fallert

You Tubin Tuesdays - Here It Goes Again

2011-05-10T05:20:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know this is an old one, over 2 years old (old in techno time).

Nevertheless, it is my ALL TIME FAVORITE YOU TUBE VIDEO!

If you have never seen it, enjoy....and if you have 'here it goes again'.................

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T05:09:00.004-04:00

For all you mother's, grandmothers, godmothers and aunts.......

Wordless Wednesday Elephant

2011-05-04T05:03:00.001-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesday Pre-fusing fabric before cutting with the AccuQuilt GO!™

2011-05-03T05:13:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday Dragonfly Quilt

2011-04-27T04:55:00.001-04:00

Dragon Flying by Patt Blair

You Tubin' Tuesday You Can Quilt That Out

2011-04-26T04:59:00.003-04:00

This is a little ditty that I think you will like. I got a real kick out of it because I actually hear people say that to Russ and Rhonda all the time.

(If you are a long arm quilter, I think you will especially like it. So R & R of The Back Porch Quilters, this one is for you!)

Happy Easter from Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop

2011-04-23T13:33:00.000-04:00

He has risen!

Happy Easter!

Wordless Wednesday Wool Flowers

2011-04-20T05:34:00.001-04:00

Add caption

You Tubin' Tuesday Fons & Porter Bias Binding

2011-04-19T05:35:00.006-04:00

This a great little tutorial on one of the ways to cut bias binding. Remember that there are few reasons that you may want to cut your binding on the bias as opposed to straight of grain. The most common is strength and the another is if you use a stripe you can get a 'barber pole' effect (that's my favorite).

Wordless Wednesday Miniature Doll

2011-04-13T05:27:00.000-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesday - How to use a Clover Quick Yo Yo Maker

2011-04-12T05:46:00.002-04:00

If you have never tried making Yo Yo's or if you have but have never tried this little gadget, take a look! We use them at the shop and I love them, because them come out the same perfectly round size...every time. FUN!

Andrews High School Quilt

2011-04-09T05:53:00.001-04:00

This is a wonderful quilt that I just had to share with you. Elaine is a recently retired teacher from Cherokee County and now she does some volunteer work with one of our local high schools.
She has been working with Andrews High School students to make this quilt which combines American History and American Literature. Each student made a block from one of the subjects they have learned about, they range from 'the whig party to equal rights'.
Then Russ & Rhonda from The Back Porch Quilters did the quilting on it.
It will soon be auctioned off at the school, contact Andrews High School for more information.

Andrew High School Quilt

close up of block

Elaine makes a quilt from More Nickel Quilts

2011-04-07T06:18:00.002-04:00

Elaine has done it again! She just purchased a wonderful book, More Nickel Quilts by Pat Speth and she already has made a quilt from it, WOW what a beauty.

Love these wonderful colors, makes me ready for Summer! ☀

This one is for her sister (or sister in law), sorry I forgot, but anyway she is a very lucky woman. Elaine usually quilts her own, on her Janome 2010, but has decide that this one is a little bit too big at 105 x 105. So she is going to have Russ and Rhonda of The Back Porch Quilters do it.

I can't wait to see this one quilted. ☺

Elaine with her king size quilt

Wordless Wednesday paper mosaic

2011-04-06T05:22:00.003-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesdays with Jeanne Robertson

2011-04-05T05:35:00.016-04:00

I have loved this lady for years and am glad that I could share this with you! She is a great Christian motivational speaker and has a fantastic sense of humor. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T05:23:00.000-04:00

Quilted Fabric Brooch by Donna Layton

You Tubin' Tuesday - How to Square Your Quilting Fabric

2011-03-29T05:12:00.009-04:00

I have explained and demo-ed this a million times, but for those of you that I haven't taught... this is a great little tutorial.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T05:13:00.001-04:00

Becky from Bethlehem, PA

You Tubin' Tuesdays with Chonda Pierce

2011-03-22T05:22:00.004-04:00

If you have never heard of Chonda Pierce you have to watch this video. She is wonderful inspirational speaker AND stand up comedian. Enjoy!

Marlene meets the BMS Quilt Shop Quilts of Valor Challenge

2011-03-21T05:29:00.000-04:00

Marlene is up for the challenge!

12 ladies took the challenge that Russ (of The Back Porch Quilters) gave at our February SSS. Make an extra block using this month's pattern and our patriotic fabric to kick off our Quilts Of Valor Project for 2011.

Russ will put them together and quilt it!!!! Whataguy! Keep checking back as we see who else was up for the challenge ❤

St. Patrick Day Quilted Wallhanging

2011-03-17T05:31:00.002-04:00

Happy St Patrick's Day!

One of my favorite pattern designers is Amy Bradley. I am so excited that she has decided to bring back my all time favorite....The Seasoned Quilter!

The Complete Set includes the Seasoned Quilter lady pattern, (see below) the pattern for the Welcome banner she is holding, as well as eight holiday banner patterns to switch out. Thought you would like to see the one for St Patty's Day!

close up of the St Patty banner

The pattern includes the lady wallhanging and 9 banners

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T05:54:00.003-04:00

You Tubin' Tuesdays - Rag Quilting With Accuquilt GO!

2011-03-15T05:56:00.004-04:00

If you have ever cut and 'ragged' your own rag quilt you are going to flip with how fast and easy it is to cut them on the Accuquilt GO cutter and sew them together. Just watch these great videos, then come on in to get rent time on ours or get one of your own and get your next rag quilt done in a FRACTION of the time!!

If you don't want to make a quilt, try a floor pillow, check out this video:

Judy's Giraffic Park Quilt

2011-03-14T05:40:00.005-04:00

I know I have said it before, but it bears repeating. One of the best 'perks' about owning a quilt shop is getting to meet so many talented quilters!!!
Let me introduce you to Judy, she is a fabulous lady. She is one of those great ladies that can brighten any room.
You see Judy and I both started making this quilt when I special ordered her the McKenna Ryan pattern almost 2 years ago. I decided to ordered one for myself too. As you can see Judy is finished, and what a spectacular quilt (Russ of The Back Porch Quilters custom quilted it for her) and mine is in a drawer with the steam a seam applied to the applique fabric and some of the animals cut out ☹.
KUDOS TO JUDY!

Judy and her Giraffic Park Quilt

Esther's Double Wedding Ring Quilts

2011-03-12T05:20:00.020-05:00

I would like to introduce you to Esther. I met Esther a few years ago when she signed up for a Machine Embroidery Class. We had lots of fun together and since then she has made many quilts, some of them with embroidery!
Well, back in the fall of last year she brought in some baggies full of precut pieces that her grandmother or grandmother in law (I don't know remember which) left laying in a trunk, that her sister found. Since Esther is the quilter in the family, they asked her if she could do something with them.
That's is where BMS comes in, she brought these baggies in the shop and showed me. I told her that they were all cut for making a double wedding ring. Some were pink and some were green. So I gave her a few fabric options for setting them and she chose white on white for the green colorway and muslin for the pink.
She spent the next few months machine piecing them and then she HAND quilted both of them!!!!

AND HERE THEY ARE.......SO AMAZING I HAD TO SHARE THEM WITH YOU!

Esther with pink double wedding ring


Close up to show her beautiful hand quilting

Esther with green double wedding ring

close up to show hand quilting

Awesome label with "journaling"

Mary meets the BMS Quilt Shop Quilts of Valor Challenge

2011-03-11T05:18:00.001-05:00

Mary is up for the challenge!

12 ladies took the challenge that Russ (of The Back Porch Quilters) gave at our February SSS. Make an extra block using this month's pattern and our patriotic fabric to kick off our Quilts Of Valor Project for 2011.

Russ will put them together and quilt it!!!! Whataguy! Keep checking back as we see who else was up for the challenge ❤

Ellen meets the BMS Quilt Shop Quilts of Valor Challenge

2011-03-10T05:06:00.002-05:00

Ellen is up for the challenge!

12 ladies took the challenge that Russ (of The Back Porch Quilters) gave at our February SSS. Make an extra block using this month's pattern and our patriotic fabric to kick off our Quilts Of Valor Project for 2011.

Russ will put them together and quilt it!!!! Whataguy! Keep checking back as we see who else was up for the challenge ❤

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T05:19:00.000-05:00

You Tubin' Tuesdays - Memories

2011-03-08T05:39:00.002-05:00

I absolutely think this is so funny!

Not that any of this has ever happened to me. You see I have never walked into the back of the shop after a customer asked me to get something and get back there...stood there for a few minutes trying to remember what it was, then just give up, swallow my pride and have to come back and ask her what I went back there for...no that NEVER happens to me!

Just sit back and see if any of this sounds familiar.

Alana meets the BMS Quilt Shop Quilts of Valor Challenge

2011-03-07T05:12:00.002-05:00

Alana is up for the challenge!

12 ladies took the challenge that Russ (of The Back Porch Quilters) gave at our February SSS. Make an extra block using this month's pattern and our patriotic fabric to kick off our Quilts Of Valor Project for 2011.

Russ will put them together and quilt it!!!! Whataguy! Keep checking back as we see who else was up for the challenge ❤

Jennifer meets the BMS Quilt Shop Quilts of Valor Challenge

2011-03-05T05:43:00.006-05:00

Jennifer is up for the challenge!

12 ladies took the challenge that Russ (of The Back Porch Quilters) gave at our February SSS. Make an extra block using this month's pattern and our patriotic fabric to kick off our Quilts Of Valor Project for 2011.

Russ will put them together and quilt it!!!! Whataguy! Keep checking back as we see who else was up for the challenge ❤

Elaine meets the BMS Quilt Shop Quilts of Valor Challenge

2011-03-04T05:37:00.004-05:00

Elaine is up for the challenge!

12 ladies took the challenge that Russ (of The Back Porch Quilters) gave at our February SSS. Make an extra block using this month's pattern and our patriotic fabric to kick off our Quilts Of Valor Project for 2011.

Russ will put them together and quilt it!!!! Whataguy! Keep checking back as we see who else was up for the challenge ❤

New Fabric Line from Blue Hill Fabrics

2011-03-03T05:39:00.002-05:00

This is just the cutest fabric. Every time I look at it I can just imagine a little girls dress. So I guess they thought so too, because it is called 'Party Dress'!

Such a sweet color palate, and we have it in 2 colorways. Plus one of the fabrics is in extra large hexagons, perfect for the center of a quilt, used like a panel. Hmmm......

Just image what you can make from it!!!

Party Dress in the Fiesta colorway & Shindig colorway

Large hexagon print in Fiesta Colorway

Large hexagon print in Shindig Colorway

Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T05:41:00.003-05:00

You Tubin' Tuesday - The Back Porch Quilters

2011-03-01T05:13:00.003-05:00

I am so proud to share this video with you. Our very own Russ and Rhonda of The Back Porch Quilters were recently filmed on Carolina Crafting. Enjoy!

Our First Quilts Of Valor Under Our Wings Workshop

2011-02-28T00:41:00.004-05:00

We had our first Quilts Of Valor 'Under Our Wings' Workshop.

Here are some of the events that have lead up to our Saturday's Workshop -

I was so lucky because soon after we announced we were hosting this event, Catherine Roberts, the president and founder of Quilts of Valor contacted me and was so encouraging.

A few days after that, Marianne Fons, of Fons & Porter called me. She spent over an hour with me giving me all kinds of helpful hints and by the end of our phone call she told me that I actually got her so excited that it gave her encouragement to "cold call" other shops around the country to try to get them involved. Hmm, imagine that me encouraging a great quilting goddess like Marianne!!!!

Then Alex Veronelli, Project Manager for Aurifil Threads, emailed me that he would donate thread for our Workshop! And they arrived in time!!!!

We worked together for weeks and held our last planning meeting a local restaurant. See Russ and Betsy (co-chairs of this event) came prepared with their notebooks and pencils in hand!

Russ is half of The Back Porch Quilters (our long arm quilters) and is a veteran, Betsy is an avid quilter, member of our Second Saturday Sampler and is also a veteran. I am so honored that they have decide to take on this wonderful adventure with me!

We spent days cutting all the precut kits for the quilts and the pillowcases. Then there was the shopping to do, because you know quilters have to have sustenance...aka donuts, veggie platters, cupcakes (that my lovely daughter Rebecca made for us), cookies, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cider, water, pizza and wings! Little did I know that these wonderful ladies would also bring food, so needless to say we ATE as much as we sewed!

Then Saturday rolled around and it was time for our first Workshop!
We had 7 lovely ladies ready to sew.

A friendly game of Thimble Toss

Sewing blocks


Connie taking Nancy 'Under Her Wing'

Jennifer carefully pieces her blocks

Everyone helps in the layout

Connie shares Nancy's joy with her first block EVER!

All in all 2 quilts were finished and 3 are still in progress!!!

I couldn't have wished for better, more motivated and giving ladies.

THANK YOU, Janet, Sandy, Connie B, Nancy, Pam, Jennifer and Connie S!!!!

Pam's finished Take 5 Patchwork Quilt

Connie's finished Take 5 Patchwork Quilt

These are just a few of the photos.

I hope these inspire you to attend our next Workshop in March.

There will be more photos to come in future posts, so be sure to RSS feed us!

Purse Show & Tells at Bless My Stitches

2011-02-26T05:34:00.001-05:00

These are some of the very talented pursemakers we have at the shop. I wanted to share their talent with you...are they not the cutest???

Hmmm, using those bright, cheery fabrics makes me feel like Spring really is just around the corner.

Have you seen our two fun lines in this month? Check them out!

The pattern that inspired these ladies!

Wow, I can't believe I forgot her name! Oh well she's still cute and so is her bag!

Rochelle has a great new bag for taking all her supplies to class, super cute!

The new fabric line that inspired Rochelle's purse, Dab of Jazz from Maywood Studios

Another new fabric line this one from Blue Hill, it's called Party Dress!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T05:56:00.000-05:00

Star of Bethlehem. This barn is owned by Ronnie Cooper of Fleetwood, NC. Quilt square artist Lyn Soeder Textures by darkwood67 and Delany Dean.

You Tubin' Tuesdays - The Blind Quilter

2011-02-22T05:16:00.001-05:00

I am on a new adventure. I am trying to find new and exciting things to post about that reflect some of the wonderful people, things and places that I come across in the cyber world.

As a shop owner I have a lot of things and ideas thrown at me and I do most of my research on the computer. Hence, I come across alot of really cool stuff! I thought that I would share some of them with you.

So to start...this week I will be starting what I call 'You-Tubing-Tuesday' and 'Wordless Wednesday'. On Tuesdays (duh) I will share a different You Tube video that I think you would enjoy. And on Wednesdays I will share a picture that speaks a thousand words (without saying a single word). There is only one little problem with the "Wordless Wednesday', if I can not link the picture, with a right click, to it's original site to give the artist credit, I will have to add that information on the post. I know it's words on a 'Wordless Wednesday' but I have to give credit where credit is due! So sit back and enjoy the adventure!!!!

Here is my first YOU TUBIN' TUESDAY---

This is a most amazing video of an MOST AMAZING woman. If you ever start feeling sorry for yourself or down because your points don't exactly match up, sit down and watch this video...it will snap you right out of it!

for more information about Diana Rose go to her website at www.theamazingquilter.com

Show & Tell Time at Bless My Stitches

2011-02-19T05:40:00.000-05:00

I would like to introduce you to Betty.

I just love when she comes in the shop. You see she makes the most beautiful quilts and all by hand....not just quilts by hand, but PIECES them by hand. Her work is fabulous! So now you can see what a kick I get out of hearing her say, "OK, Karen, I need your help" when she walks through the door. I can't believe she asks me, sometimes I have to turn around to see if she is talking to someone else. Did I tell you how much I love owning my quilt shop? Working with ladies like Betty, make me remember that!

So without further adoooooo....here is her latest quilt.

Second Saturday Sampler February 2011 at BMS Quilt Shop

2011-02-17T05:06:00.000-05:00

Another Second Saturday Sampler 2011 is in the history books! What a great time we had!

I love sharing the shops new and exciting items available at the shop, introducing new events, demonstrating the construction of a new block and SHOW AND TELL TIME.

Alana with her "seasons" wallhanging.

Rhonda shares her SSS2010 'funky fresh' colorway quilt.

Carol shares her 'country Christmas' colorway from SSS 2010.

Sandra show us her antique quilt top from her husbands family.

Joyce shows off her Sampler.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T05:18:00.003-05:00

     As I sat down to blog of course the "Valentine" theme came to mind. Well when you think of Valentines Day, you think of love. Of course we all know that there are many types or forms of love and how we express that love. For instance, we show our love for our spouses differently than we show our love for our children or our parents. We show our love for our earth by recycling and our love of grandchildren by spending time with them.
     Then I thought of how I show my love for my country. As the owner of a quilt shop I have a unique opportunity to gather others who desire to show that love for country and assist them in creating something meaningful!
     Did you know that as a quilter you can show your love for your country by being a part of Bless My Stitches "Quilts of Valor, Under Our Wings Workshop". Click on this link to learn more about it. Our first workshop will be held on Saturday, February 26th. This is an event that can make a difference to someone that has served our country and is great for us as quilters because it is about people NOT politics.