Friday, June 14, 2013

You can still follow me on Bloglovin

As some of you know Google Reader is going away as of July 1st, 2013. I am moving to BlogLovin. There is a widget on the right that will take you to my blog there. I will eventually be transitioning to a Word Press blog. I have been taking classes through my local community college on how to do this so I can be more informative and productive with my blog.
I am on Facebook as Janet McNamara Houck. (https://www.facebook.com/JMHouck).

I recently started a Facebook page called A Quilty Pleasure. Please feel free to join me at either Facebook site. I will warn you, my personal page contains posts that are meaningful/personal to me. You may or may not like some of the posts. I am passionate about gun control, my Constitutional rights and dislike extremists of any political party. If you don't like a post, please just pass it by. I like animal posts, cartoons, funny or inspirational posts, They are more prevalent than heavier posts. 

My Facebook page, A Quilty Pleasure, is devoted to all quilty/embroidery things that bring me pleasure. The plan is to corral these types of posts on this page. Personal posts probably won't appear here. This page will evolve over time as I fine tune what I want. I have "liked" numerous professional and commercial quilting pages. I hope you will enjoy the cornucopia that will evolve.

I look forward to seeing you on Bloglovin or Facebook.

Jan

Saturday, May 11, 2013

A little one's birthday

We traveled to Hope Mills, NC this weekend to enjoy family and to celebrate our niece's 1st birthday. It has been a warm and wonderful day. Avery was not sure what to do with the presents but certainly enjoyed all the attention and food.
we have met so many wonderful people today, hope some of us will stay in touch.
When we arrived we had a great surprise, my FIL was already here. It is wonderful to see him, it's been to long. He is down sizing a bit and we were offered a treadle sewing machine! My husband learned to sew on it. It will soon have a new and loving home in NC. Can't wait to get the beauty. It belonged to my FIL's mother. What a great way to have a remembrance of her.
Till next time... happy sewing.
Jan

Sunday, May 5, 2013

It has been a cold, rainy weekend. You would think I would have hunkered down and spent the weekend in my quilting studio but noooooo. I have foolishly spent the weekend playing some new games on facebook (a real time waster) but have also spent quality time on Craftsy.com with classes I bought in the past or recently added. Yesterday I watched part of my class with Jane Dunnewold; The Art of Cloth Dyeing.  I haven't dyed any cloth in quite awhile and thought I would take a class from one of the giants in the field.
I originally learned from Marjie Mc Williams on Quilt University.com. That was a awesome series of classes and learned so much. Unfortunately, Quilt University will be shutting down at the end of the year after Carol Miller died earlier this year. Her husband reported to all of the followers that his heart just wasn't in it and so it would close.
I am now thinking about using my own dyed fabrics to get the colors I want when making quilts from my favorite designer Judy Niemeyer.
I just finished a free mini class by Steffani Lincecum; Sewing Machine Feet from A to Z. It was a great mini class, especially since it was free. It covered basic feet, some quilting feet and speciality feet like roller feet, how to make hems, including rolled hems, couching and gathering feet. Didn't take to long and got some good information.
I started the free mini class on making Pixelated quilts and I think I may try this. 
I have no stock in Craftsy but have found the classes excellent, enjoyable and so informative. You might take a look at what they have, and it's not just for quilting. Craftsy.com.
Jan

Saturday, April 27, 2013

The weekend is in full swing and started off with a great day. I got to spend most of the day on Friday sewing with my quilting buddies Cathy and Kathryn. I started a Judy Niemeyer paper pieced pattern (http://www.quiltworx.com/) as a quilt for my son and DIL. If I can get it down for their 5 yr wedding anniversary it would be great. Have several other Judy patterns in the works as well. I love to have numerous projects going so I can pick and chose whatever strikes my fancy when I want to sew. Can you guess I am hooked on Judy's patterns. Just love them.
Off to sew some more.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

It has been a long and hard week for those in the Boston area and the USA. It's time to be creative and help heal. I am going to work on Judy Niemeyer patterns that make me happy and take my concentration to do so. What you are working on?

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Requests for Quilts in Owego.

Got new requests today for 5 doubles, 1 queen and 1 twin size quilt. The twin is for a teenage girl who loves bright pink and any shade of blue. if you are willing to adopt a person pls contact me and will see match you up with someone specific. Thanks for considering. Jan

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Art quilt for Owego Disaster Relief

I'm going to let you all in on a project I am planning and have sketched out. I have gotten some of the permissions I need to do what I want. I am creating an Art quilt that will use pictures people have so graciously given me permission to use. I will spell out the word Owego with a collage of pictures. The backing will be narrative timeline created (I hope) with news stories. Photos and backing will be printed on fabric. The top of the quilt will be a photo of flooded Owego. Tioga County Council on Arts has agreed to use the quilt as a raffle or auction item with all monies going to Flooding Disaster Relief. I hope you all will consider a donation for the quilt when it gets there.

Quilters wanted

Starting to get requests from families for quilts: This is for a family whose home will be demolished due to damage from the flooding: " One is for a 13 year old girl, – she’s a little tom boyish so probably not pink. I don’t think the size matters much, but will probably have a twin bed. The second one is for a 7-8 year old boy, Nathaniel – I’m sure he’d like anything. Again no specific size – will probably end up with a twin bed." The Broome Co, NY Linus Project is donating 40-50 baby size quilts. If you would like to help out and adopt an adult/child/family please let me know and I will match you up. Jan

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Working on getting quilts to Owego, NY

Have had a busy day. Am getting more interest from people requesting quilts. Will coordinate quilters adopting a child, adult or family. If you would like to donate for a 1st come 1st serve basis that would be wonderful too. If you live near the Owego, NY area and are interested in meeting up with like minded quilters just let me know. We are planning on some sewing bees.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Quilts for Flood Victims in Owego, NY

I have not posted in over 2 years. Life has gotten in the way. I am posting today because I would like to Call Quilters to ACTION. My hometown of Owego, NY was flooded VERY badly last week. Most of the village was underwater. Areas that never flood, flooded. People have lost everything! The destruction is unbelievable. I am now living in NC but still own property there. I know quilters have huge hearts so I am asking for your help. I am going to coordinate an effort to get quilts to the people of Owego, NY. I ask you to pull out those UFOs or just start quilting. Contact your local quilt guilds to see if they will support us. Post a request to your blog, Facebook or Twitter, even if you don't quilt. People can contact me directly at jan9811quilt@gmail.com. I have a local contact there who will help us distribute quilts. Won't you please help? Any size quilt is welcome.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Going to see the new grandson, the twins and Opportunity Knocking

The day has finally arrived. I am finally going to get my hands on Grady and spend some time with the twins too. The girls are learning how to blow kisses and say "I love you" Have to say it sounds like little lambs bleating but I'm sure it means "I love you Nana and Grandpa". The kisses are thrown using 2 hands and no lip movement. Real kisses will come. If I could figure out how to post the video I would but that will have to wait until I get back. DH will be staying home to take care of the critters.

You never know when opportunity will just slap you upside the head. Yesterday I took some of my quilts in for a couple nurses to see at one of the nursing homes I go to. One person asked if I sold them and I said yes. He asked how much for my red/orange/yellow fracture strip bargello. I named a price and he paid me on the spot! He had just redone his bathroom in a log home in these colors. He has been looking for the "perfect" art for a certain spot and chose my quilt. I am so honored! One of the nurses is now talking to me about making a t-shirt quilt for her college bound daughter.

Today I went to my favorite lunch spot - I treat myself once a week to their food. I just love the Blue Sky Cafe in Fletcher, NC. I digress... I walked in and one of the woman who works there said "...and there is the quilt lady now!" Turns out she had been discussing my quilts (yes, I am shameless and had brought them in for the staff to see one day) with a customer who is looking for someone to do some custom design and quilting/sewing to include bed quilt, coordinating dust ruffle and curtains. She will be in touch when I get back from playing Nana.

Life is good!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

OP Challenge Winners

Thanks to all who stopped by for a visit and left a comment. I have drawn or selected the 3 winners using a random number generator. The winners are Qubie - wins the pictured FQs and peeps. Sandy and Lisalou have won mystery orange FQs and peeps. I have emailed them privately but if for some reason they don't send me their snail mails withing 3 days I will draw other winners. I can also be contacted via my blog.
This was such fun. I am always amazed at how different the same block can look with different fabrics. I have enjoyed looking at all of the wonderful work you all have done.
I hope you will stop back often.

OP Challenge Day 3

Hi all,
Well it's day 3 of the Pat Sloan's OP (Orange Pile) Challenge. There have been great give aways and more to come today. I have also gotten to see/meet others participating either by sewing or "virtually sewing" through others posts and pictures. I am spending the rest of the day working on my OP. My camera is finally charged and I have gotten the pics of colorways. I am sure about the orange with butterfly, teal and green batik. I have been waiting for rest the right idea for it...and this is it.




I am not sure about the orange fabric with the flowers. I may try several blocks using a variety of combinations to see what I like best. What do you think / suggest?

The Quilt Fairy did come to my house and left some goodies. I believe she peeked at what fabric I had put together and chose some extras accordingly. Did you notice the colors?




She also suggested I give away some of my ORANGE STASH. I believe she has a great idea. I will add 2 more sets of 5 FQs to 2 more lucky winners. That will be 3 winners today. I will still randomly select the winners at 8 pm tonight so please be sure I have an email to contact you with if you are one of the winners. I will include everyone that comments on this post or the earlier one today. Those posting on this post will be assigned numbers higher than the numbers from the earlier post. I hope that makes sense. Duplicate posts will not be given additional chances to win.
Well off to the cutting board. Enjoy your visit and sewing.

Pat Sloan's OP Challenge

Welcome everyone to Pat Sloan's OP Challenge. I don't know Pat personally but in some ways I feel I do. I found Pat via YouTube.com. I eventually found her again through various facebook groups we both belong to. So now I also follow her blog. When she proposed the OP Challenge I thought what fun. I have always wanted to go on the quilt retreat, so now I can!

I am using one of my DH's pictures of the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall...do you notice all that orange?

During the challenge I will be working on several lap quilts or crib size quilts for the grandchildren using the block pattern. I will be revealing my progress with them as the day goes on so I hope you will stop back or sign on to follow my blog to see how it all comes together.

Here is my starting pile of oranges. As I started pulling oranges for the challenge I discovered I had a LOT more orange than I thought. This doesn't include the "Fall" colors that are less bright.



I wonder what all this orange says about me? So I googled meaning of colors orange.

Did you know...?

The Meaning of the color Orange during the Elizabethan Era?
"The color and material used in Elizabethan Clothing was extremely important. People who could wear the color Orange was dictated by English Law! These were called the Sumptuary Laws. The colors of Elizabethan clothes, including the color Orange, provided information about the status of the man or woman wearing them. This was not just dictated by the wealth of the person, it also reflected their social standing. The meaning of colors during the Elizabethan era represented many aspects of their life - the social, religious, biblical and Christian symbolism was reflected in the color Orange!"

or

About.com says Orange is "Flamboyant and Energetic : Orange is vibrant. It's a combination of red and yellow so it shares some common attributes with those colors. It denotes energy, warmth, and the sun. But orange has a bit less intensity or aggression than red, calmed by the cheerfulness of yellow."
Follow the link for more info.

or

Emily Gems says
"Orange is a power color. It is one of the healing colors. It is said to increase the craving for food. It also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. Orange means vitality with endurance. People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere. Lady luck's color is orange. I have been told that if a change of any kind is need in life, just burn an orange candle for 7 nights.

Orange Energy
While red is associated with fiery heat, orange is associated with the benign warmth of the sun. A dynamic color to be sure, orange offers a more thoughtful control than explosive red. Curiosity is a driving characteristic of orange, and with it comes exploration of new things.

Put some orange in your life when you want:

* to spice things up when you feel time is dragging
* to become more involved in something
* to increase creativity
* relief from things becoming too serious

Orange gem stone properties
Orange gemstones contain some of the fiery energies of red, but are gentler with a more creative spirit. They are used to promote personal power and are useful for people who could use more self esteem. Carry or place orange gemstones around your home or office to stimulate creativity, mental quickness, ability to adjust to changes.

Wearing Orange
Wearing orange during times of stress, or shock can help to balance your emotions. It can bring about the willingness to embrace new ideas with enjoyment and a sense of exploration and creative play.
Chakra associated with Orange:

Orange is the color associated with the Sacral Hara Chakra (sexuality and reproduction)." Please follow her link for more info on colors and gemstones.

Now back to the important stuff...

I had planned on showing the colorways I chose but the camera decided it was time for the batteries to die a rather quick death. I will have to fore go those pictures.

I can show you what one lucky winner will get in my give away. 5 ORANGE Fat quarters. The are more "orangey" than shows in the picture. If there are lots of comments the quilt fairy may arrive during the day and bring more surprises. So...please leave a comment. I will chose the lucky recipient using a random number generator around 8 pm EST Sunday evening. I will notify you via email and will also post about the winner. If you post anonymously please leave me a way to contact you. Good luck to all and happy sewing! You are doing wonderful work.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

One World, One Heart Gypsy Caravan Winners

All good things must come to pass and the One World, One Heart Gypsy caravan has completed the journey. I used a random number generator to pic the winning numbers. The winners are "Pea" who's number was chosen 1st - she will get the largest quilt, Angela was chosen 2nd and will receive the Peace Quilt, Tami Roth was chosen third and will receive the fish-Longevity quilt.
Congratulations to all.
This has been so much fun. I have found numerous new blogs to revisit. I hope some of you will come back and visit often.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

More baby Pics






A photo is worth 1,000 words!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Baby Mac is Here !





My wonderful DIL is very detail oriented. I can't believe she pulled this off but Grady Stephen was born on his due date. Just teasing you T. Grady is beautiful, everyone is doing great but tired, it was a long labor. He is 6 lbs 12 ounces, 20 inches long. He has so much hair! The top pic is Grady looking up at his other grandmother, just love that expression! The next is my son, he doesn't look to proud does he? The last is also DS and Grady, the baby looks so little compared to DS. I promised not to post the pic of the new family, will wait for different pics of DIL.
I just keep looking at the pictures and smiling. What an awesome feeling.
I am grateful all went well. Love you guys!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Orange Pile Challenge



I have been challenged by Pat Sloan who loves the color orange. I have joined the OP (orange pile) Challenge. Click on the logo on the right side bar. She is also hosting a virtual quilt retreat on Feb 20th through the 22nd. I haven't ever been to a quilt retreat although that is one of the things on my "bucket list". I have participated in a mystery quilt that was fun so I thought I'd join and see what fun I can have. Pat has started a group on facebook for this and she is blogging on it as well.
The first pic you see is my give away for this challenge - 5 orange fat quarters. These will be unwashed since not everyone launders their fabrics before using. I always wash my fabrics.
The second pic is my Orange Pile. I had a lot more orange than I realized. Wonder what that says about me?

If you like orange or are willing to work outside your comfort zone why don't you come join us?

Monday, February 2, 2009

Blogging - Are You Addicted?

Apparently I am. One of the blogs I follow, Zquilts, had this quiz, so I had to take it. I scored a 75%. That is really bad...or perhaps really good. I learn a lot and got lots of inspiration but I am not creating as I want to. What do you think, are you addicted?

Sunday, February 1, 2009

ONE World ONE Heart

I found this wonderful concept and site while doing some blog surfing. A woman by the name of Lisa Swifka, a whimsical bohemian, created and hosts the One World-ONE Heart. Bloggers from all over the world join together. This is a once a year event. There is a list of participating bloggers who are doing give aways during the event. You have a chance to win prizes from every blog you visit. The blog addresses will stay available for 6 months at the close of the give away so you can go back again and again to check out all the blogs and bloggers. What a great way to visit and meet new friends from all over the world! Currently there are close to 800 bloggers participating.

I am participating for the 1st time this year.

How does it work? All you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this post, and only this post, by midnight EST on Feb 11th. I will chose 3 winners via a random number generator on Feb 12th. I will notify the winners via email so please make sure I have a valid email address to contact you if you are a lucky winner. You do not need to have a blog to participate, just a valid email address.
I look forward to meeting all of you and hope to start friendships with fellow artists, or those interested in art or my blog.

To see the rest of the participants please click on the logo in the right sidebar.
I have a option on the right sidebar that allows you to follow my blog. If you follow me, visitors may click on your icon as a follower and it will take them to your blog - another way to keep connecting with new friends. You can also subscribe. This allows you to be anonymous, no one else knows you are following my blog. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed your stay and come back again.

All of the prizes are hand made little quilts. They are created with Shiva sticks (an oil based paint) on muslin, stenciling and light quilting. The decorative design was created with my specialty stitches on my machine. Each has a sleeve on the back so they can be hung with a small dowel. They will be given away by size and drawing number.

First Place This piece is approximately 18x7 inches











Second place is approximately 6.5x 9.75 inches
























Third place is approximately 5x6 inches