Our newest designer is Virginia Cole of Galloping Pony Studios.  While a lot of quilts can be also be art, Virginia goes a step further.  Her patterns give you instructions for a miniature quilt blocks and also for collage art which includes the quilt blocks.  You’ll be able to make very personal art pieces with her help.

Pretty Thing has instructions for a miniature quilt collage with two different size options.  This piece uses Log Cabin and Cracker Box blocks.

Quilt Study definitely is just what it says. Such an interesting piece! There are instructions for ten different miniature blocks and layouts for three different size collages.  After you make the art you can use your talents and the block patterns to make many different miniature quilts… your imagination is your only limitation!

Of course, we need to include something Christmassy… Oh Christmastime! has instructions for several different quilt blocks and for eight mini projects including gifts, cards, and tags.  Make a few gifts that are personal and something to treasure. 

Now, how about a purse? It’s big enough that you can pack up your pattern and supplies for one of the Galloping Pony projects and take it along with you.  The Side Pac Sack has LOTS of detail and will turn into a conversation piece wherever you go!

If you are new to miniature quilts, don’t worry about any mistakes you make… as the saying goes “if you can’t see a mistake in a quilt from a galloping horse, it’s not a mistake.” That’s where Virginia got the name for her studio… change the horse to a pony because she does miniatures.  Virginia says she enjoys the character of imperfections so think of your mistakes as adding character.  If you get hooked on miniatures, Joan Hawley has pictures and notes about a darling, and very detailed miniature sewing room.  You’ll also find many more quilt patterns available for miniatures; just enter “miniatures” in the search box and explore.  So, no more ‘neighs’ – get sewing!

I wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself.  I’ve been writing for Quilters Showcase since the end of June and have been having a great time doing so.  I am Kathleen (Kathy, Kath, whatever) and I’ve been quilting for about five years.  One morning I stumbled on the show “Simply Quilts” on HGTV and watched every show after that. I was hooked. I remember when I walked into Prarieland Quilts for the first time.  So much fabric, so many quilts displayed, so many patterns and books and notions.  The sales person suggested that a log cabin quilt would be a good place to start.  After choosing A Quilt In A Day by Eleanor Burns I was so excited I nearly left the store without paying for the book.  The next day I was back to select fabric… fun, fun, fun.  A quilt in a day was a bit of an exaggeration for me.  More like a quilt in a few months… I learn slowly!  But what fun.  After making all the blocks I laid them out on a bed to decide which layout I liked best.  It amazed me how the same blocks laid out in different ways could change the look of the quilt so much.  After literally hours of playing around, I decided on the “barn raising” layout.  Finally the top was finished and it was time sandwich the quilt, then actually quilt the quilt…. I did a simple stitch-in-the-ditch.  Start to finish my first quilt probably took 6 to 8 months and it’s far from perfect but has been in use in one of our guest bedrooms ever since and I’ve haven’t been without a few works-in-progress at all times since.  Most of my quilts are pieced; only one or two have been appliqued – I want to try more applique and some paper piecing.  I’ve made and given several baby quilts (what a special feeling to be able to make a quilt for a grandchild) and a few lap quilts. I’ve made wallhangings and placemats and queen size quilts. I got tired of cramming my larger quilts in my sewing machine to quilt them, so I purchased a Grace Quilting Frame and another Janome machine to go with it… I LOVE IT!!! When Project Linus day at the shop comes around I make a quilt ahead of time ’cause I never seem to be able to attend.  I’ve been putting tops together for Marine Comfort Quilts, and making blocks to donate to MCQ.  I’ve been buying patterns, and fabric and thread and planning and sewing and quilting and loving it all.  Quilters Showcase has opened a whole new world of patterns to me and I keep seeing more and more projects I want to try!  I’m on the list for the On Point block of the month and we’ll talk more about that in a few days.  Well, that’s enough about me… if you’re reading the blog, feel free to introduce yourself or leave a comment or ask a question (use the “add comment” button at the top of the post)… it would be great to hear from you.  Happy Quilting!  ….Kathleen