I’m honored to have been selected as part of the 2013 faculty for the National Quilt Museum‘s Workshop Series, and I would like to personally invite YOU to join me for a very special Quilt Retreat at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky!

Please join me for

Modular Quilting Retreat 

Every Trick in the Book for Using Precuts!

September 12 – 14, 2013

Pre-cut fabric packs are the hottest trend in quilt making today and quilters everywhere just can¹t resist these delectable textile treats! But what do you do with them? This fun-filled, technique-packed workshop is the perfect answer to turn all those enticing 2½” strips, 10” squares and charm packs into a fabulous quilt. Let me introduce you to the exciting and wonderful world I call “Modular Quilting, which is “a system of simple, pieced units used to create new blocks, settings or complex-looking designs.” 

Using squares, rectangles, triangles, diamonds and a myriad of basic ‘building block’ units, I will show you how to efficiently piece a wide range of blocks in various sizes. I’ll teach you dozens of tips and tricks for using specialty rulers and traditional methods to their best advantage with no math, no wasted fabric, and best of all, no stress! Featuring fabulous techniques from my newest release, Precut Bonanza, I will share every trick in the book for precision piecing and lovely machine appliqué to create beautiful blocks and help you unlock your inner design diva. I think you’ll enjoy my ever-encouraging, upbeat, energetic (and humorous) teaching style. My personal goal is to give you tons of hands-on, personal attention while providing you with lots of options and ideas to stretch your creative muscles. Please plan to join me for a fun-filled retreat and create your own stunning, unique sampler quilt and leave feeling like a precuts pro!

Tuition is just $375 for Non-Friends and $345 for Friends of the Museum. To enroll in a workshop, you must pay at least a $100 non-refundable deposit. The balance must be paid by the due date of July 12, 2013. After the due date, the balance is also non-refundable. Become a Friend of the Museum for $30 and receive $30 off your tuition!

For more information and to sign up for this fun-and-learning filled retreat, please contact the National Quilt Museum, or Becky Glasby at: rglasby@quiltmuseum.org

And I’d like to personally invite you to come help me celebrate a MILESTONE birthday during the retreat. I’m throwing my own birthday party, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to share it with my quilting friends!  

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What a long week this has been. A really L-O-N-G week. Anyone else out there feel this way?

Well, I’ve got a couple of confessions to share. Nothing too serious, and one of them is even rather humorous. Read on, dear friends…..

Confession #1

Let’s start with these glorious strips of luscious ombre fabric from SewBatik.

Everything went quite well as I assembled the top half with the warm color spectrum strips to create a brand new quilt design for my next book.

But then I began working with the cool color spectrum strips. The first mistake I made was to cut the strips around 11pm at night. Big mistake. HUGE. Let me just recommend from personal experience that no matter how “alert” you may feel at 11pm, you should never, ever, EVER, cut fabric for a quilt at night! Ask me how I know. Well I’ll tell you, when I began constructing the cool color spectrum strips into a strata the next morning, I realized my mistake. Make that plural: MistakeS. So I used my remaining smidgen of each fabric and cut more strips. This time, correctly. Or, what I thought was correct.

Confession #2

It was Tuesday. I was hurrying because I wanted to finish the top to take to my quilt group, the Woolies, that evening for show and tell. So I rushed to hurry and finish by the time I had to leave the house by 5pm. When I finished, I asked the boys to hold up the quilt top so I could see what it looked like:

Not bad, but something wasn’t right. The bottom half just didn’t flow somehow. Certainly not how I had planned it to look. That’s when I realized there were more mistakes in the second round of cutting as I had cut some of the graduated strips from light to dark, instead of from dark to light. And yes, it made a difference! That night, I went to bed feeling frustrated and annoyed at myself. Annoyed because I know better than to make so many silly, preventable errors.

My friend, Birgit, came up with a great name for this quilt. She called it, ”Sunset Over Troubled Waters.” I like the name. The quilt? Not so much. I just couldn’t live with it like this. Not when I knew I could do better.

So, I buckled down and got busy. Rather than try to rip it all apart and start over again, I went back to that first pile of mis-cut strips. I dug tiny pieces out of my trash can. And then I went through the arduous process of matching each one of those bits and pieces with the mis-cut strips. And I put them back together again — all 40 of them – like a puzzle. I stitched all those mis-cut pieces back together into 40 new strips and cut them yet again. This time I took great care to make sure each and every cut was correct.

And the result? I LOVE IT!

Now it is finally ready to be sent to Birgit for quilting. And when she gets through with it, it will be BRILLIANT.

Confession #3

This confession has to do with Facebook. And I’m almost embarrassed to share it with you all as it is so silly — so unlike me — because I consider myself to be quite “tech savvy.” But it’s also quite funny too, and I thought you could use a good chuckle for today.

For the past six months or so, I have been posting all sorts of things on Facebook. Photos, status updates, pictures of my quilts, my boys, and our pets. And in all that time, no one left a comment. Not even a “like.” Nope. Not one person. Not one comment. Not one “like.”

I admit, even thought I try really hard not to wear my feelings on my sleeve, I was feeling kind of sorry for myself. I would see other people’s FB postings…… quilts…..photos…….status updates, etc. I would leave many comments or “likes” on other people’s timelines or posts. After about four months of this, I was really getting all worked up about it. I could see my own posts — all of them! They were on my personal page and on my timeline. Hmmmm……. I just couldn’t figure out why I was getting the cold shoulder treatment from, well, everyone.

Finally, last week, I made kind of an offhand remark to my 18 year old son about the fact that even HE never “liked” any of my posts and that I felt kinda dejected. And he said, “well, Mom, you never post anything.” Huh? No way! So I posted a photo of him and the cat and asked him to “like” it on FB. He sent me a text saying that he couldn’t see it. Hmmmmmm again. So I got smart and spent some time poking around in my Facebook settings. It took me all of 30 seconds to figure out the problem. For some inexplicable reason, I had somehow managed to set my privacy settings so the only person who could see my postings was……..are you ready? ME! Oh brother……

Yep — that’s my son laughing at me when he found out what I had done with my FB privacy settings! DAH!!!!

All those weeks (and months) of wondering why I was getting the cold shoulder treatment? My own doing — by accident of course. So once it was fixed and I posted something on FB, to my utter delight I received some “likes” AND some comments from friends. Oh, happy day!

So, I’ll “see” you on Facebook. And this time, you’ll be able to see ME.

(Sheesh.) Yep — it’s been a LONG week I tell ‘ya.

]]> http://www.kimberlyeinmo.com/confessions/feed/ 27 http://www.kimberlyeinmo.com/my-heart-skips-a-beat/ http://www.kimberlyeinmo.com/my-heart-skips-a-beat/#comments Wed, 29 May 2013 19:35:40 +0000 keinmo http://www.kimberlyeinmo.com/?p=6141 ……at the sight of these!

Perfectly trimmed blocks ready to be sewn into a beautiful new quilt!

It is always worth it to take the time to square-up your blocks. In this case, all 42 of them.

Do you true-up your blocks before sewing them into a quilt?

2013 AQS Judges for the AQS Quilt Contest, Paducah

Kimberly Einmo, Libby Lehman, and Velda Newman

I had the great privilege of judging the AQS Quilt Contest in Paducah this year. What an honor it was! I judged the show with Libby Lehman and Velda Newman.  It was a wonderful, exciting, intense few days as we poured over hundreds of outstanding quilts. We made notes, discussed the quilts, reviewed, and talked some more.  I am excited to have been part of this amazing team. And I’d also like to give a big shout out to all the AQS staff and volunteers who worked long, hard hours behind the scenes making sure everything ran smoothly during the judging event. Those folks were just amazing! We certainly couldn’t have accomplished so much without their organization and coordination.

Many of you in the quilting world have already heard the news about Libby. Just a few days after these photos were taken, she suffered a brain aneurysm and underwent emergency surgery. She is now stable, but has been moved to a hospital and rehabilitation center where she can get rest, therapy and excellent care. Her family has rallied around her and she is never without her husband, son, or one of her dear sisters. The family is grateful for your prayers, good wishes, and cards, which they read to her daily. She has a long road of recovery ahead but she has a fighting spirit and we know she’ll work hard to regain her strength in the coming months. If you’d like to send her a card, please send it to:

Libby Lehman
617 Caroline
Houston, TX 77002

One of the many highlights for me was choosing the quilt for my Judge’s Recognition Award. There were so many beautiful quilts that caught my eye! But the moment I saw the stunning quilt, “MY VICTORY GARDEN,” by Janet Knapp of Fergus Falls MN, I knew it would be my choice for the award. I could just feel the love; and there were so many award winning qualities in this quilt — expert stitching, and attention to every tiny detail —  that won my heart!

Even more exciting than choosing this quilt, was being in the audience during the Awards Ceremony when the quilt was announced and Janet and her husband were in attendance! I was absolutely thrilled to see her walk up on the stage and receive her award from Bonnie Browning! And then, the best moment of all was when Janet came to my classroom where I was teaching classes during QuiltWeek to meet me in person. What a privilege to meet this lovely lady! She is so sweet and gracious and I’m just delighted her quilt won the award. It is so well deserved!

Janet was interviewed in Paducah about her quilt and you can watch the video and “meet” Janet by clicking here.

 Janet Knapp’s extraordinary, prize-winning quilt
My Victory Garden

Congratulations, Janet!!! I simply couldn’t be happier that I chose YOUR quilt to be my Judge’s Choice.  And I’m even happier that I got to meet you in person!

I L-O-V-E my new Bernina 820QE!

UPDATE! A random winner was chosen today and I’m happy to say that Sharon M. is the lucky winner!!! Thanks to everyone who registered to win the free class. 

Guess what? I’m hosting a special Craftsy class giveaway! Who’d like to win a FREE class?

All you need to do is click on the link below and enter a few bits of info to be eligible to win Nancy Smith’s BRAND NEW class,

STRIP YOUR STASH!

In this quilting class, you’ll learn the easy and time-saving technique of strip sets. Join quilter Nancy Smith as she shows different ways to use your stash to make beautiful quilt blocks. Starting with color matching techniques, you’ll learn how to work with the fabric you already have in your collection. Break out all that beautiful fabric you’ve been saving for a special occasion and put it to use!

You’ll learn to make so much more than just quilts in this class as Nancy also teaches ways to use every last scrap to make waterproof snack bags, placemats, notebook covers and more. Working from larger pieces of fabric down to the bits and pieces, nothing will go to waste in this class.

In no time at all, you can use up your stash and make small gifts or a beautiful heirloom quilt. Sign up for Strip Your Stash today!

What You’ll Learn

• Color matching
• Cutting and sewing strips
• Making blocks

What You’ll Make

• Six quilt patterns: Carnival Squares (finished size 49″ x 61″), Up and Down (48″ x 60″), Candy Strips (51″ x 63″), Kaleidoscope (50″ x 62″), Paint Box (50″ x 60″), Curved Play (48″ x 62″)
• 16″ pillow
• Placemat, napkin, snack bag or composition notebook cover.

So, if you’d rather not wait to find out if you won, click here to receive a special discount to sign up for Nancy’s class right away!

And for YOUR chance to win, click on the link below:

http://www.craftsy.com/ext/KimberlyEinmo_StripStash_Giveaway

A random winner will be chosen after the contest closes at NOON on Monday, May 20th.

Good luck!

Meet the Jelli-belles!

Last year, I had the privilege to travel to Las Cruces, NM, to present a lecture and workshops to the members of the Las Colcheras Quilt Guild. While there I met many of their members including the very talented, Judy Gillen. I talked about the Jelly Roll Round Robin I had featured in a chapter in my book, Jelly Roll Quilt Magic, and I encouraged them to join in the fun and organize a Round Robin in groups among themselves.  Not long after my visit, Judy gathered a group of five quilting friends and she organized her own Jelly Roll Round Robin challenge!

This group of friends decided on some simple guidelines and chose fabrics. The rules were simple: each participant could make a center block in one of the following sizes: 12 1/2″, 14 1/2″, 16 1/2″ 18 1/2″ or 20 1/2″.  (Keeping the sizes uniform and easily divisible by 2″ would make it easy to add subsequent borders constructed from precut strips or squares.)

Judy set up a very “do-able” schedule that made it easy for each member to complete her round of adding a border, but not so much time that the group would lose momentum. For fabrics, they each chose a Jelly Roll, background fabric and a charm pack. However, after their first meeting together they decided it might be a good idea to include a matching Layer Cake as well — to make sure there was plenty of fabric for everyone when it was their turn to add a border. It was just that easy. Then, they jumped in and got busy!

Judy kept a very detailed journal of the process during the Round Robin Challenge, including notes, plans, drawings, and photos, which she very kindly sent to me to peruse after-the-fact. I loved reading each and every entry in her journal — all the notes, drawings, and words of good wishes! All the quilters wrote encouraging and engaging entries. It was fun to read about the inspiration and challenges each designer faced when it was her turn to add a border. But mostly, I was especially excited to see the extraordinary creativity of each quilt — and just how differently they all ended up becoming!

Judy peeking from behind her center block (which was an original design.) Judy bought her fabrics in Colorado, so she designed the center star block and added an appliqued Columbine blossom — even adding some surface painting to add detail and texture. Gorgeous!

And now, for the big reveal — all the completed quilt tops!

Jeannie Robinson’s Quilt

Emma Giron’s Quilt

Stevie Halliwell’s Quilt

Elizabeth Haubold’s Quilt

Sherri Manios’ Quilt

….and the organizer of the Jelly Roll Round Robin,
Judy Gillen’s Quilt

Thank you, THANK YOU, ladies for taking inspiration and running with the idea and to make it your own! I’m just thrilled that we can all see and share in the end results of your extraordinarily beautiful quilts!! I’m sure they will be treasured heirlooms for each of you and your families; sewn by your talented friends to be cherished for years to come!

To listen to the podcast, click HERE. Or you can listen to it through iTunes by clicking HERE.

Thank you so much, Sandy, for inviting me to be a guest on your podcast. I was so glad to have the opportunity to get to know you; and I can’t wait until our paths cross again so we enjoy another laugh-filled chat!

One week ago today, I lost my oldest and dearest friend, Beth Bowman Russell, after a long battle with cancer.
This is the second dear friend I’ve lost in less than two years to this dreaded disease. I’m heartbroken.
I know she is in a better place; free from pain and suffering. But the world has lost a brilliant
light because for anyone who knew her, they knew her spirit lit up the room. She was gracious,
compassionate, loving, and had the biggest heart of gold. She was funny and fun to be with.
We met in college more than 30 years ago and were college roommates. I have such wonderful
memories of all the things we shared during those times. And after college, we remained close –
while not in global  proximity, through letters, phone calls and emails. We were bridesmaids in each
others’ weddings, we each had two sons, and both became authors. The only thing we didn’t
share was a love and passion for quilting! She left the fabric and thread to me…..

There will never be a day I don’t think of her and send a smile and prayers to the heavens above for
her and the gift of friendship she shared with me for so many years. I admit (a bit selfishly) I will miss her
even more when I have a  milestone birthday later this year and she won’t be here to go
through the challenges and celebrations of the next phase of life with me. Fortunately, I had the
privilege of sharing her 50th birthday with her earlier this year. I sent her a quilt stitched with love.

Beth authored the Women’s Bible Study Guide, Woman in the Mirror, which can be found online
or through the bookstore at Perimeter Church in Atlanta. I was so proud of her and happy for her to see
this dream of hers become a reality a few years ago! If you or someone you know is struggling with eating
disorders, this is a wonderful study which I highly recommend.

So, if there’s one fact that has become abundantly clear recently, it is this:

LIFE IS FRAGILE PRECIOUS!

For many of us in the quilting industry, the sad news about Libby Lehman came as a shock that she suffered
a brain aneurysm a little over a week ago, right after AQS QuiltWeek in Paducah.
I had just spent so much time with Libby while judging the quilts at the show.
We went out to lunch and dinner quite a few times and had the best time together.
She is truly a lovely, generous, warm and wonderful woman. I’m still in shock that this has happened.
She has undergone several surgeries and is currently sedated to allow her brain time to heal and the swelling to go down.
Please send prayers and healing thoughts to her and her family.
If you’d like to send a card, here is the address:

Libby Lehman
617 Caroline
Houston, TX 77002

I think it would be wonderful to flood her mailbox with cards, letters and good wishes for a speedy recovery and to let
her know so many people are thinking of her daily!

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