May 29th - GenQ Magazine!

Tonight we have the brand new magazine Generation Q Magazine!
 Their first print edition is available now! I am so excited, I've loved the online version and Jake, Melissa, Scott and everyone else associated with the magazine are fun, nice, creative and awesome people. It isn't often something new comes along in magazines but this is, and in all the right ways. Because tonight's prizes, including an edition of the mag, fqs, patterns and more, are all of the latest and greatest winners will be getting their prizes in waves!
 It's like winning more than once! Just some of the prizes.

Tonight is the last chance to sign up for the #talknt handmade swap. Details here.

May 22- Angela Walters

This week's Talkin' Tuesday is sponsored by the incredibly talented (and nice!!) Angela Walters of quilting is my therapy.

Angela is the quilter to the stars, a HUGE percentage of quilts in books and patterns over the last few years, especially ones in the modern movement, have been quilted by this virtuoso of the long arm.
Her new book, Free Motion Quilting with Angela Walters, is available for pre-order now and helps explain how to design and quilt modern quilts. The book releases June 2012.

She still does quilting for us "regular" quilters, you can find info on her long arm business here.

Angela will be taking question during the first half of the chat, you can either ask during or leave your questions here in the comments section.
The second half of the chat will be the familiar format, along with Show and Share. Remember you can add you photos to the Talkin Tuesday Flickr group! It makes it easier if we can look in one place rather then opening a hundred new pages during the chat.

I also wanted to remind you all of the swap entry deadline for the #talknt swap. Info is here.

And last on an abnormally long post is my Blogger's Choice bundle is now up on Fat Quarter Shop!

May 15h- Fat Quarter Shop

Tonight's chat is sponsored by Kim and the gang at Fat Quarter Shop!
Make sure to follow their twitter feed and blog, Jolly Jabber, to see all the updates from Spring Market! Get the first looks at what's up and coming and all your quilting superstars!

Also you can check out the details here, for the Talkin Tuesday handmade swap!
 Two of our regular chatters will be running it. They have a dedicated flickr group here. This is a different group then the #talknt show and share flickr group, which you still can use to make sharing every week easier!

#talknt Handmade Swap!

We’re thrilled to announce the #talknt Handmade Swap! If you are interested in being involved, all you need to do is provide your details as listed at the bottom of this post. Please copy and paste the information requested in the form below into an email to talknt.swap “at” gmail . com.  This information will be used both to pair you up, and for your partner to work out what they are going to make for you.

Each person will be assigned a secret swap partner to make something for. Read over your partner's information (and feel free to stalk their blog for ideas if they have one). You are welcome to add in a few little treats (FQ's, fabric scraps, choccies etc) to the package if you wish to - that part's entirely optional.

We encourage you to join our Flickr group and post an inspiration mosaic to give your partner an idea of some of the colours, prints or quilty items you especially love.  Similarly, please post progress photos as you make your handmade item – it really increases the fun and engagement over the intervening weeks. (Note that the swap Flickr group is different from the regular sharing Flickr group so that our sharing photos don't get lost.)

Cut off date to register your interest is the May 29th. After that we'll sort out secret partners and message you who your partner is. You have until end of July (heaps of time!) to make your item and have it posted off to your partner. If you are sending via domestic mail, please choose a method with tracking. Please don't post your items to your partner until July 16th (even though it's tempting!). That way we all get our swaps around the same time and can share pics and brag about our awesome swap partners ;)

Timelines:
Deadline for signups: May 29
Deadline for sending international: July 23
Deadline for sending domestic: July 30
Do not send before: July 16

For the last option of "items you'd love to receive", please list three. Your partner will choose one of these to make for you.  We’ve listed some ideas to pick from – trying to keep everything limited to roughly the same amount of fabric/time invested.

Items you might consider :
doll quilt (up to 24" square)
table runner
2 x placemats
2 x mug rugs
pouch
bag
cushion cover (up to 16" square)
sewing caddy
needlekeep and pincushion (as a set)

Here are some links with tutorials for some of these things :)
Doll Quilts
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2009/02/sewmamasew-doll-quilt-sew-along-part-1/

Table runners and placemats
http://yarn-or-fabric.weebly.com/placemat-runners-and-toppers-tutorial-links.html

Mug Rugs
http://www.sameliasmum.com/2011/01/mug-rug-tutorial.html

Bags & Pouches
http://everythingyourmamamade.com/2009/12/01/167-bags-purses-pouches-backpack-tutorials/

Cushion Covers
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/02/how-to-make-a-basic-pillow-how-to-finish-a-pillow-with-binding/

Sewing caddy
http://tipnut.com/sewing-caddy-patterns/

Pincushions and needlekeeps/needle books
http://www.tipjunkie.com/pincushion/ http://tipnut.com/26-free-tutorials-for-needle-books-cases/

Also have a look at Sew Mama Sew - tutorials on lots of things
http://www.sewmamasew.com/tutorials.php

Entry form – copy and paste this with your details below into an email to talknt.swap @ gmail . com (but no spaces).

Name:
Twitter name:
Flickr name:
Blog:
Email:
Mailing address:
Will send international:   yes/no
Favourite colour/s:
Quilty likes:
Quilty dislikes:
Handmade items you'd love to receive (please pick three):
Any allergies in case of food items:
One “fun fact” about yourself:
Any other info you want your swap partner to know:

May 8th- I heart Linen, Rashida

Today we have the super talented Rashida Coleman-Hale from I <3 Linen! An author and fabric designer she's full of talent and creating a new niche in the modern quilting world.  You can see some of her published works, including the new Zakka Style here.

Washi by Rashida Coleman-Hale for Timeless Treasures

Available online or your local quilt shop! 

"Japanese Washi tape has always been a staple in my craft room for all types of projects.   However, I've never been able to incorporate it into my sewing projects.  Then a thought occurred, why not design a collection inspired solely on one of my favorite crafty sundries?  My newest collection Washi is a Japanese masking tape lovers dream come true!   Pretty florals, triangles, star motifs, and fun strips of tape with bold colorful goodness make this collection sing!"

Zakka Style by Rashida Coleman-Hale published by Stash Books

Rashida Coleman-Hale has gathered talented designers from around the world to bring you 24 delightful Zakka projects. Zakka, a Japanese term meaning “many things,” is all about all the little things that improve your home and appearance. Create a one-of-a-kind picture frame, a stylish bread bag, a whimsical bookmark, a chic tote, and so much more. You’ll love these bright, imaginative designs—make them for yourself and everyone you know!

May 1st - Fat Quarter Shop

Thanks to Kim et al at Fat Quarter Shop for their continued support of us!

April 24th- Drygoods Design Online

This week we're being sponsored by Keli from Drygoods Design Online! Keli specializes in modern fabrics, as well as having several lines of handmade goods.

In Spring 2012, Drygoods Design will be opening its doors for select retail hours in a sweet little space in the Historic Landmark District along Old Ballard Ave in Seattle, Wash. Open on the weekends (don't miss the farmers market) and by appointment during the week, come on in to select some of the most beautiful and fun fabrics around, locally handmade goods, sweet packaging and a few surprises. Whether you've never touched a sewing machine or are a pro, Drygoods Design hopes to be a place where you feel inspired and welcomed.

After the success of last week's "big" question, we decided to try it again this week and see if it works as well again.
This week I want to talk about the complex question of value and authenticity.
 How much are we self-editing? Why?

 What is the obsession with perfection and why aren't we living in the moment and enjoying the process?
Is quilting not our hobby? Should it not be something we enjoy and use as a time for self-reflection and relaxation?

The reality is very few of us, even those who are professionals are prefect. We make mistakes. Our work has bits that aren't 100%. That is one of the things that distinguishes handmade items. And is that not why we value quilts, because they are made by real people?

Keli has also given all chatters a 20% off code for the fabric store! TALKNT20 good until April 28th 11:59PM