New Address

You can now find blog posts here at olieevie.com
Come on over and check it out ... lots of new and exciting changes at the new place of abode.

Around the World Blog Hop

Hello there and welcome to my blog!  My name is Rhonda (a/k/a Evie) and I was invited to participate in the "Around The World Blog Hop" by Karen of Laugh Yourself Into Stitches www.chezstitches.blogspot.com.  If you have not done so already, please go and visit her blog and see how amazingly talented she is.  Although we are not related, we share the same last name and I feel like she's a kindred spirit!  

I don't do very well at writing about myself, but I can certainly talk about FABRIC all day (and night).  I LOVE fabric ... I love it so much that I went into the business of fabric in 2013.  I have a website here www.olieevie.com. As for my blog, I try to post a few pictures of projects I am working on, items I carry in my shop, events, and I like to share notions from time-to-time that I run across that make quilting faster, more accurate, and keep me from going bald!  

I have two sons who both serve our country via the Army National Guard and Navy (they are pretty special to me for many reasons), one absolutely beautiful [inside and out] daughter in law, and two of the most adorable grandchildren a grandma could have (#3 will be here in about 8 weeks)!!!  They call me Grandma Ronnie ;o)  

Besides doing long arm quilting, running my online quilt shop, and being a mom and grandma, I also have a full time job as a legal secretary (for the greatest attorneys in the world)!  I stay busy and could really use more hours in a day.  When I'm not at work you will find me at my long arm, sewing machine, or filling orders.  (I don't have a husband, so don't worry there isn't one to neglect)!  ;o)

WHAT I AM WORKING ON

It might be easier to answer this by asking what I am not working on.  When you love fabric and patterns, and you look at all of the beautiful projects out there in the online world, you want to make them all!  I probably have the fabric to do it too!  

I will keep my list of projects to a minimum (I know your time is precious).  First of all, I am participating in the Farmer's Wife Quilt Revival (I grew up on a farm, just another tidbit of information about me).  I am using the fabric line "Persimmon" by Basic Grey for my blocks.  You can find more information about this quilt along at www.chezstitches.blogspot.com

6 blocks shown here, I have 11 done and 100 more to go!

The other day I was driving to work and I had a little brainstorm.  Being there is a new little arrival coming to our family soon, I am trying to design an original pattern specifically for the precious bundle, featuring "Best Day Ever" by April Rosenthal.  Love these bright, cheerful, happy colors.  

I am working on a LeMoyne Star quilt (LOVE this ruler, it's amazing) from Bonnie & Camille's fabric lines. Although not shown in this picture, I have lots of strips and star points cut and sewn ready to be put into blocks. I believe I have various scraps of five of their fabric lines so far ... they all play so well together -- and I am sure you have seen Daysail ... oh my goodness!

I am in the process of writing a pattern for this fun quilt, but am making an additional one using AdornIt Timberland Critters (it takes one layer cake and about 1/4 yard for your inner border) to complete the top. 

This project has been a work in progress for too long ....

I really only have a few more blocks to go, and maybe a border or two,
and this will be a queen size quilt

I should have taken a photo of the stack of quilts that are waiting to be quilted, some for customers, a lot for myself, and I have a couple of awesome quilt tops that once I get them quilted will be photographed for quilt kits!

HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHER OF ITS GENRE

I don't think that anything I do is different.  I look at quilting as a learning experience and I will never know it all. I try to learn as much as I can by taking a class whether in person or online.  Quilting has been around for generations.  In our era, I feel privileged to be able to enjoy an abundance of beautiful fabrics and patterns, not to mention the convenience of modern day technology and amazingly talented woman (and men) who come up with methods that make it painless to quilt.  Where would we be without You Tube, Craftsy, Jenny Doan, Sew Kind of Wonderful .... and the list goes on and on!  

WHY DO I WRITE/CREATE WHAT I DO

This might be the easiest question for me to answer -- PASSION!  I am passionate about fabric -- the look and feel of it, cutting it up and sewing it back together and seeing what transforms!  It's really amazing.  I love sharing my passion with others.  In the small amount of teaching I have done the most important thing I have tried to express is "MAKE IT YOUR OWN"!  Your project doesn't have to be just like the sample, model or picture.  It needs to be you and express you. I am getting into the groove of playing with different background fabrics to create different looks.  I like that you can use a creamy color to create the look of a vintage quilt.   I like to use scraps up and have lots and lots of them.  These quilts were made from bits and pieces of leftovers from previous projects.  I had a lot of fun playing with them!  

A couple of years ago some friends asked me to create some quilts for them for family members for Christmas. They brought me the fabric and my creative juices started flowing.  Although I had dabbled in trying to do some original designs (photos above), it was the winter of 2012 that helped me realize that I wanted to share my passion even more.  I started teaching some classes and have written a pattern or two.  

This is one of the International quilts I designed (another farm project)!

I have created a few designs of my own, some of them have not been shared with others, and some have been put in pattern form.  My mind rarely stops working or thinking about how a block would look this way or that way. 

HOW DOES MY WRITING/CREATING PROCESS WORK

The process is that there is no process.  I can be driving, sewing, reading, or typing and an idea comes to me, I pull a paper aside and doodle and it eventually gets put in the folder with the others waiting for me to open it up and get back to it in the future!  It would be nice to have the time to sort, organize, and spend time creating and writing them all up ... it's kind of my SOME DAY I will get to it pile.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD

I feel very fortunate to have the ability to do what I love.  I donate my time and materials for charity work.  One charity that I quilt and sew for is Quilts of Valor.  You can get more information about that program here.  http://www.qovf.org/  In addition I have donated quilts for auctions or to help raise funds for a charities or organizations I believe in and would encourage each of you to do the same.  You and I both know that there is nothing like having a soft, warm quilt to wrap up in!

Come back next week and I will have a link to at least one blog, hopefully more, that will be sharing their ideas and designs with you and so on and so forth.  Thanks for taking the time to read this post.  I welcome comments and ideas!  

Evie~

Free Spirit/Rowan Fabrics

In the process of trying to expand, it is often difficult to determine which fabric lines/manufacturers/designers to purchase from.  When I spend hours looking at prints, designs, colors, it isn't long before I go into information overload.  However, I have been waiting for these new arrivals for several weeks now and I am pleased to announce (drum roll here ....) I have expanded with the addition of some new fabric lines from Free Spirit/Rowan Fabrics.

Hadley by Denyse Schmidt for Free Spirit Fabrics

Denyse Schmidt draws much of the inspiration for her fabric collections from the nostalgic charm of her native New England, and Hadley – her latest collection for FreeSpirit ­– is no exception. Pastoral Hadley has puritan roots with a streak of independence. Elegant and spirited, Hadley embodies the assured style and ladylike grace of a Seven Sisters college co-ed. Showcasing smart, pretty florals, confident plaids, directional prints, and universally useful calicos, Hadley works well for all quilting and crafting needs. Plenty of “low-volume” prints and vibrant accents make it a cinch to create modern quilts with a vintage scrappy feel. Mix them with DS Modern Solid Pre-cuts (Denyse’s curated selection of FreeSpirit Designer Solids) for more contrast and distinctive flair. Hadley features nine designs in three beautiful color ways – Chinese Lantern, Sunflower, Hydrangea – for a total of 26 quilting cottons. 

Fat Quarter Bundles

Design Roll

Glow by Amy Butler for Rowan Fabrics

Amy Butler's "Glow" collection is an energetic fusion of Japanese inspired modern folk prints with graphic florals and flowing organic forms that come together in a playful combination that is both warm and bright! Nature inspired elements in my designs combined with two rich palettes compliment each other make for loads of inspirations for your quilting needs.  

Fat Quarter Bundle

Design Roll

If you are looking for something new to try, want something a little more modern or maybe even with a vintage flair, pick up one of these beautiful bundles today.  Their pictures do not do them justice!

Evie~
P.S.  Tula Pink's fabric line "Moon Shine" will also be arriving soon in fat quarter bundles and design rolls!

Moda Love

Looking for a fun project using mini charms, charm packs or a layer cake?  You may have one you have been hoarding waiting for the perfect project, or you may want to purchase a new one (visit my shop at www.olieevie.com in case you do).  In either event, Moda is sponsoring a Moda Love Blog Tour.  Hop on over to their blog at http://blog.modafabrics.com/ to view the projects from various designers and their beautiful fabric lines.  You can participate and post photos of your own finished quilt as directed here:

Join us in sharing some Moda Love and make your own version of our Moda Love Quilt. Follow the Blog Tour to see how our Moda Designers used their fabric collections with the Moda Love pattern. Share the love and post your finished quilt along with#modablogtour on your favorite social media site. You can also search the #modablogtour hashtag to see all the different color versions for inspiration.

The fabrics and selections are beautiful, I could sit and read these ladies posts forever (I think) and not get a single project of my own done! (wait, I don't anyway).  It makes me want to make one project out of every single item I have in my shop (and I do have a new granddaughter due to arrive in November).  Let me share a few pictures, and hopefully, you will find some time to go and visit a few of these shops on your own.

Into the Woods by Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique
Layer Cake

Into the Woods by Vanesaa Goertzen of Lella Boutique
Mini Charm (so cute for a little night stand cover or small wall hanging)

Modern Neutrals by Amy Ellis
Layer Cake

Persimmon by Basic Grey
Layer Cake

The blog tour goes through September 12th with different designers being featured daily. Oh, and lest I should forget, here is the link to the pattern.  http://www.unitednotions.com/Moda-Love-Layer-Cake-Quilt.pdf

If you do make one (or have exceeded all expectations and have your project done, I will tell you I am already jealous), please send pictures so I can share them on my blog, we would all love to see them. You can email me at olieandevie@gmail.com and put in your subject line "Moda Love".  ;o)

I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Evie~

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along

 

I am participating in a new Quilt Along beginning September 4, 2014 for the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt.  I have had this book for some time, and have not sewn even one block (although I look at the book frequently and see other people post absolutely gorgeous pictures of their finished quilts online).  This will be my first time actually committing to a quilt along.  I am excited to learn new methods for rotary cutting and piecing these blocks -- and I am really, really, going to try to make a large quilt (all 111 blocks)!  I might need some encouragement and I will most surely need a supply Diet Dr. Pepper and chocolate ... 

Here is more information if you would care to join in.  Karen Walker of chezstitches.blogspot.com is my contact for this quilt along.  She says:

This group was created for quilters who would like to tackle Laurie Aaron Hird's book 'The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt'. The book is designed using templates and hand piecing methods....we will NOT be using those methods in this group. We will be using modern rotary cutting and piecing techniques provided by Karen M. Walker of laugh yourself into Stitches*. There are 12 lessons in all and each lesson costs $8.50. Included in Karen's 12 Classes or 'lessons' are time saving quilting techniques and additional quilt patterns to make smaller quilts with your Farmer's Wife blocks if you choose not to make all 111. You do not have to commit to all 12 Classes. For more information about Karen's classes, visit her blog here: www.chezstitches.blogspot.com or join the Facebook group established to make the Farmer's Wife Quilt using Karen's instructions.  The sew-along begins September 4th.  www.facebook.com/groups/modernfarmerswife/

 Karen's modern piecing techniques include The Magic 8, Paper Piecing, Triple Triangles and much more!  The class will strengthen one's piecing techniques; take the intimidation out of making 6 1/2" blocks and enhance one's quilting skills.  Designed for a Strong beginner with competent skills in cutting, stitching a quarter inch seam allowance, competent understanding of quilt terms and the desire to learn.

Here are some Farmer's Wife quilt photos to peak your interest that I found on the web ... and believe me there are THOUSANDS of photos of completed quilts and individual blocks.  

Bev Bryan Farmer's Wife Quilt

Camille Roskelley Farmer's Wife Quilt
This makes me want to use Miss Kate fabric and scraps from previous Bonnie and Camille lines

Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life
using Fig Tree fabrics

Vanessa Goertzen's quilt using Bonnie & Camille fabrics

You can make yours as scrappy or as organized as you would like.  I am having a hard time deciding which fabrics to use for my quilt .... any suggestions?

Persimmon by Basic Grey

Atelier by 3 Sisters

Vintage Farmhouse Collection by Kim Diehl
If I used this fabric line, I could get really creative on my finished project and applique
one of Kim's designs on my border, and being the fabric hoarder that I am it won't be a problem
coming up with other prints of Kim's fabrics for more variety. 

Madison Collection by Anna Griffin
(How about this pooled with some magnificent Minick & Simpson reds and blues?)

Or .... maybe I should just make 6 or 7 quilts so I can use all of the fabric lines I have that this would be gorgeous in!  (I know, like I have nothing else to do right)?  Which fabric line would you use?   

Once again, if you are interested in joining this quilt along, view Karen's blog at www.chezstitches.blogspot.com, the facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/modernfarmerswife or email Karen at chezstitches@gmail.com

Evie~

Shop Update

I can't believe a month has passed since I have updated my blog.  The last time I wrote was just prior to my Open House in Idaho.  Congratulations to Vicky Sauer who was the winner of the Hands of Time print that was the big give away.  I must also express many thank to all of you who helped make the Open House a success -- Jasmine and my grandkids, Janeale, Debbie, Barb, Shannon, Diana, Tiffany, and Danielle.  You all played a large part in the success of the Open House and I could not have done it without you. 

I had great intentions for posts following the Open House and new items continue to arrive ... but the past few weeks have provided some health setbacks with surgery and complications ensuing.  I am, however, doing a little better every day and am determined to get that energy back.  I so long to be able to get my customer quilting caught up and do some sewing. 

So, without further adieu, let's get caught up on what's happening at Olie & Evie.

Miss Kate precuts

The precuts arrived just prior to the fabric line which came in this week.  As the fat eighth bundles have already sold out, I am getting ready to do cut a few custom fat quarter and fat eighth bundles.  If you are interested let me know now, this fabric is already flying out the door.

Miss Kate yardage
(I have the coordinating solids too)

In addition, this weekend the kits for Sunday Bows will be finished!

Kits will contain the exact fabric pictured in Bonnie's pattern.

Fat Quarter Style by It's Sew Emma

I'm kind of a fat quarter junkie and decided to order this new book and see what it had to offer.  I'm hooked!  This is a fantastic book to add to your collection.  It contains patterns for 12 different projects using fat quarters.  I think the best part is that it provides Fabric Requirements, Cutting Instructions and Quilt Layouts for 4 different size quilts for each pattern (Crib, Twin Lap and Queen).  How awesome is that!  Great instructions and beautiful photos throughout the book. 

 

 

A few other miscellaneous precuts that have arrived are pictured here.

 

One For You, One For Me Batiks
(Yes, you read that right I ordered these precuts in Batiks and have both Jelly Rolls and Layer Cakes in stock)

Figures Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes and Fat Quarter Bundles

I have more eye candy to share in the next day or two of additional arrivals and a fantastic Quilt Revival Class to share with you. 

Evie

Hands of Time

I promised to post a photo of the fantastic give away for the open house (at least I think it's fantastic).  I first saw this print a few months ago and of course have been in love with it ever since.  The artist is Liz Swindle and it is titled "Hands of Time". 

The photo says it all.  I have posted on facebook and on the blog several ways to be entered to win this beautiful framed print.  There is a story on the back of the framed piece about quilting and love that is just as precious as the photo.

If you know me you know how passionate I am about quilting.  I love being able to share this hobby with friends and family and meeting new people along the way.  No matter what curve ball life can throw at me, I can always pick up a piece of fabric and sew and the world just seems a better place. 

Come to the Open House, meet old friends and make new ones.  Everyone is welcome.  I hope to see you on Saturday.

Bloc Loc Rulers

Time for another update.  I wasn't sure if these new rulers were going to arrive or not, but it appears they have shipped and will make it just in time.  So let me introduce to you Bloc Loc Rulers!

I was introduced to these rulers at the Small Town Quilt Show in a class by Melissa Corry of Happy Quilting.  Recently I taught a class on half square triangles at  Quilt Therapy Day and how important it is to square them up.  I know it's a pain, tedious, time consuming, etc., etc., but your projects turn out so much more accurate if your blocks are squared up -- right????  (I am just going to pretend that you are reading this, nodding your head and agreeing with me)  Well -- the new Bloc Loc Ruler makes this task fun, quick, easy, accurate and I could go on and on, but I will wait to show you at the demonstration and you can try it for yourself! 

This is a picture of one of the many sizes of half square triangle rulers Bloc Loc puts out.  The ruler locks on to that diagonal seam and makes it so simple to square up.  Your ruler won't rock and slip .... and oh I just want to jump through the computer with the fabric and ruler in hand and just show you in person.  Come out and try one of these, they really will change your life and the way you view half square triangles forever. 

Bloc Loc also puts out other rulers, for instance have you tried making half rectangles?  I haven't tried them, but these will also be making a personal appearance at the Open House with me and we can play with them together!  Doesn't this quilt look so cool and look at how accurate those points are!

 

 This is a fun pinwheel quilt I found online which uses their half rectangle ruler.  A very fun and different twist. 

 

 

And they also have a kite in a square ruler. This quilt is AMAZING and uses the Bloc Loc ruler. Woo hoo!  I might even feel like I could attempt this project. 

 

Kite in a square I found this picture online

Flying Geese and Half Square Triangles
Bloc Loc makes both rulers

Come out and learn more about Bloc Loc.  I will have rulers and a limited number of their patterns available. You can try these for yourself, no purchase required (that's my disclaimer because I know you'll want one or more ...)

This demonstration will be Saturday morning at 11:00 ... so just to recap ... here's the information.

Tiny Seamstress trunk show - 10:00 a.m.
Bloc Loc ruler demo - 11:00 a.m.
Quick Curve ruler demo and small trunk show - 1:00 p.m.
Missouri Star tutorials - 3:00 p.m.  (I will be demonstrating a quick and easy way to do a table runner or quilt)

There will be small demos throughout the day for other items.  Projects or blocks are made up for your viewing pleasure using Five and Dime, Spare Change, Lemoyne Star, and Missouri Star demos. 

In addition, Antique Recreation will be there with some fantastic items.  How about some random give aways throughout the day, new fabric, clearance items, refreshments, fun, friends, laughter .... 

What else can I do to get you out?  Oh yes, there will be one fantastic drawing at the end of the Open House.  You can get a ticket for the drawing for this by 1) bringing a copy of a flyer from one of the stores in Shelley, Rexburg, Rigby or Idaho Falls; 2) bringing the ad from the Jefferson Star; 3) sharing this post on facebook with your friends; or 4) any purchase of $30.00 or more at the Open House will get you additional tickets (i.e. $30.00 1 ticket, $60.00 2 tickets, $90.00 3 tickets .... and so forth).  A photo of the grand prize will be posted soon ... so check back. 

That's about it for today ... off to finish quilting, organize, pack ... and try not to forget anything!

Evie~

Open House News!

I am still busy sewing and quilting in preparation of the Open House July 26th!  I don't think my space looks quite this neat though ;o) 

I promised to share, so here is more information.  In addition to the demonstrations and trunk show, I will have items for purchase.  Here is just a sampling of the items I will have available.

Fat Quarters.  Loose fat quarters will be available for $2.00 each!  You can purchase as many as you want.  There will be a large variety to choose from.  It's a great way to build your stash ;o) or to find just the right piece of fabric to finish a project. 

Precuts.  I am a precut junkie and love the projects you can make with them.  There will be samples made up for display and lots of patterns that are precut friendly.  Boxes are packed full of fat quarter bundles, fat eighth bundles, layer cakes, jelly rolls, charm packs and mini charms for the trip.  Many of these are new fabrics released at International Quilt Market in May which will not be in stores until September and October. 

Notions.  There will be a variety of quilting rulers for purchase to make your projects so much easier.  These are rulers that have been featured in my monthly Nifty Notions posts on the blog in addition to some new items. 

Pattern/Books.  You can never have enough patterns and books.  I will be bringing some from new designers and you won't want to miss Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Company's magazine which will be available.  I am definitely a fan!  There will also be some great stitchery patterns if that's your thing.  If you have questions about precuts and projects I will be available to help answer them. 

Clearance fabric:   I need to do some housekeeping and will have a few bolts of fabric on clearance for $6.00 a yard.  These are not from years ago, they are fairly current and include Moda, Riley Blake, and AdornIt fabrics.  Now that's something to sing about! 

Quilt kits:  I have been busy cutting quilt kits in case that's your thing, and I have some really fun ones from these fabric lines:  Rocket Age, Sidewalks, Sasparilla, Down to Earth, Vintage Farmhouse, Witch Hazel, Splendor, Social Club, Chamberry, Grant Park .... and a few more. 

Don't forget there will be drawings throughout the day for fun things like patterns, notions, and fabric!  I have decided to give away a fantastic prize at the end of the Open House.  Bring the ad from the Jefferson Star coming out on Wednesday, July 23rd, or the local shop where you might have picked one up and you will receive an extra ticket to be entered for a spectacular drawing at the end of the day!  Bring a friend and receive one more!  Make a purchase and receive another one! 

Come check us out ... you just might find what you are looking for and now is the best time to start working on those holiday projects or anything else you might have a hankering to sew ;o)

So, I am off to finishing up, organizing and packing so I can head out for the drive to Idaho.  Wish me luck!

Evie

Quick Curve Ruler Demonstration

Wondering what some of the demos and ideas are going to be at the Open House on July 26th?  Well -- how about I share a few sneak peeks here and there over the next couple of weeks! ;o)

I will be demonstrating the AMAZING Quick Curve Ruler by Sew Kind of Wonderful.  I have played with this ruler for the past year or so and recently had the opportunity to take a class from Jenny Pedigo and Helen Robinson at the Small Town Quilt Show in Midway, Utah.  Their ruler and patterns are amazing.  They have taken a tedious job of sewing with curves and made it quick and simple.  Their quilts are fabulous! 

This ruler does it all!  Imagine a ruler that you cut curves with and square up your blocks all in one.   (Trust me every quilter needs one).

Photo taken from Sew Kind of Wonderful blog, picture of their booth at Small Town Quilt Show

 

Urban Chained

Metro Rings

Metro Rings from Bonnie & Camille fabric



Poinsettia runner

Metro Lattice

Urban Holiday

Urban Birthday

 

Metro Hoops

Hope you don't mind the picture overload.  I could seriously look at these quilts for hours on end.  Love the design and the quilting!  Visit their blog at http://sewkindofwonderful.blogspot.com/ for more inspiration.  Jenny and Helen have opened up a whole new world with the Quick Curve Ruler.  Whether your are a modern, contemporary or traditional quilter, the possibilities are endless. 

The demonstration for the Quick Curve Ruler will take place at 1:00 p.m. on July 26th.  There will also be a small trunk show as Jenny and Helen have graciously agreed to send some of their quilts for me to share with you.  You are going to be wowed!!! 

Evie~

P.S.  Rulers and patterns will be available for purchase ;o)