January February 2012 Schedule of Classes UP-DATED!

Up-dated.... if you got here from clicking on the Newsletter, Here is your HOT-LINK to the new March -April 2012 schedule..... Click n that and you're good to go!

~Chris

We heard from some customers that they have trouble with the Schedule of Classes. Not able to see it or print it or save it to their hard drive. I hope to address some of this here:

First, if the image below is too small to read, you can increase the view by first making the window a full screen. Tap your mouse on the icon to the right of the percentage sign. That will make your view as large as your monitor. If you need it to be larger still, zoom in by holding your mouse over that blue slide button on the top and move it gently to the right.

When you wish to minimize the window, just hit your ESC button on your keyboard.

Now, for printing purposes, the easiest method is to tap on the small icon to the far left. (It looks somewhat like a printer). That will open a pop-up window that allows you to choose which pages you would like to print without doing all of them. Your individual printer will determine your additional options. Please go now to the bottom of that window below:

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Do you see that line "Download document to PC" ? This is how you can download the entire schedule but it is a bit of a rig-a-ma-role and I don't recommend it.

HOWEVER: If you click on that, you will be linked over to the program, PDF CAST; I use this program to create the embedded PDF. It is cluttered with other information that looks very confusing but if you scroll down, you should find the word in large letters D O W N L O A D.

When you click on that, you will get yet another page that opens. Fear not. That should say something like this:

To continue, complete human verification below.
We are sorry for the
inconvenience, we need to make sure that you are not a malicious bot or
virus.
Complete the puzzle below to download the document, if you got
confused click reload button to change the puzzle.

If you wish to continue, you must enter the words in that small window and you should then receive the PDF to your computer. Once again, I don't recommend this.

If you really need a copy on your harddrive, send me a note here by email, and I'll email it directly to you. brighthopesquilting@gmail.com.

Okay, I hope this has been helpful.

Sprinting to the New Year!

Oh man, I can't believe how quickly this month is passing me by without posting!

Thanksgiving Day usually leaves me breathless as we enter the Holiday Month. This is the case as well at Bright Hopes where packages come pouring in with products that were ordered at Market and items that make good gift-giving.

But that doesn't mean we abandon quilt-making; oh no..... in fact, we have several new samples of patterns and fabrics that are so fresh, they are practically dewy!

Jane Sassaman has her new line out and Georgia was immediately inspired to make this Grand Central pattern. If you look closely, you'll see the center panel is one piece of fabric with spinning pinwheels and solid blocks surrounding the middle

Georgia is making a new one using the panel and softer "baby" yellow for the background so I'll post a follow-up post when I get the shot.

Paula Nadelstern's new kaleidoscope fabric is in and this is the "main feature". While at "Market" the gals found this fabulous ball made with the fabric and many pins and sequins.

Pearl is organizing another Demo Days nest month and Celeste will be demonstrating how this is made. We have so much to show & tell and it's great fun to be able to do a lot in short time-frame.

Here's a new item straight outta the box that arrived Thursday afternoon, Poke A Dots!

You've probably had your own issues with thimbles that don't fit well, or fall off or perhaps your favorite has finally worn it's own hole through. If this sounds familiar, you might want to check these little guys out. 18 to a box and made in the USA, these are sticky grippers that are reusable several times and are placed exactly where your "strike zone" is to give your fingers protection while stitching. And the tin is a great keeper for needles. By Jillily Studios.

As for me, what am I up to? I joined in the Farmer's Wife club here at the shop. I'm making mine out of my scrap-bag(s) of batiks (naturally) and will put a board up today showing some of the blocks from various fabric schemes that others are making.

We will host several free Sit n Sew's each month for anyone interesting in hanging out while making the squares. Our next meeting is Monday afternoon, Dec. 19.

Also, we got in a book by Cozy Quilt Designer, Strip Six, of six blocks using jellyroll strips (2.5" WOF) and background fabrics. I liked it and the information inside so much, I bought one

(I know I know! I swore I was going to finish the one's I started before I go off in another direction! But you know me....)

and am using my fruits and veggies left-over strips to make a sample for the shop.

(I figure like this... as long as I am using the stash, a new book doesn't hurt, right?)

It's fun to make complicated-looking patterns quickly.......

__________________________________________

Pearl put all the Christmas Fabric on SALE!!!

$6.99 a yard.

_______________________

Build a Block Monday

Our Build a Block class is still going strong and Monday will feature the Flying Geese block. This indispensable block is one of my favorites and Mary Gerardi is the teacher this month.

If you are planning on attending but haven't signed up, give us a call. It's a 2 hour class which gives you time to grab lunch before the Farmer's Wife Sit n Sew which follows directly after.

We will be closed next Wednesday through Friday for Thanksgiving.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving week. Eat lots of pie!

Farmer's Wife Quilt

You may have noticed in the newsletter that we are hosting a Farmer's Wife Quilt Sit Sew one day each month. Our first day is next Monday, Nov. 21 and I wanted to show you four of the blocks done in an assortment of batiks.

The Farmer's Wife Quilt was compiled by Laurie Aaron Hird from letters written by wives of farmers answering a question posed by the editor of a magazine from 1922, "The Farmer's Wife, A Magazine for Farm Women".

Do You Want Your Daughter to Marry A Farmer?

Each block is accompanied with a response from a farm wife and the insights are as down to earth as you can imagine, but it is refreshing none-the-less to read. The book is very popular at the moment with many websites sharing photos of the quilters' progress. It is a super quilt for stash-busting which is what I attempt to do here with my batik collection.

The book has 111 blocks, all 6.5" square and a CD with every pattern included. Now, Marti Michell has acyrlic templates in 6 sets to make the cutting easier and you probably already have some of the sets in your tool-kit. We have used them in several BOMs over the years.

These are fabrics Linda Kay is using in one of her two quilts.

This is going to be an on-going monthly event and everyone is invited to join along and share tips. It is totally informal and free. We look forward to seeing the fabrics you choose along the way.

________________________________

Linda Kay held her two-day Duffle Bag class last week and here is Dixie J showing her small bag.
The pattern has multiple sizes to make and here are 5 more:

They are so professional-looking! I love the fabric selections here....

~They're Back From Market~

and have returned with fun products and a bursting order book.

First off..... we have some complete wool kits from Primitive Gathering like this Hydrangea Table Mat...... I've been watching a friend here work on a wool quilt and am intrigued at the blanket-stitched wool pieces and how they glow against the dark background.

This is only one of the kits we have at the shop and we are expecting more to arrive shortly.

Pearl has chosen 2 new Blocks of the Month for 2012 and this is the Amish with a Twist by Nancy Rink:

Don't be fooled by this small photograph... this a large finished quilt! It's mostly piecing, as you see, with a small amount of applique on the outer border and again, how beautifully the colors glow against the background.

We will also be offering this row quilt, "Glory Garden"

This will feature an even mixture of piecing and applique in soft sweet colors.

The fabrics are all being made available in January so these BOMs will begin in February 2012. I'll post more information as we get closer to the launch but if either one gets you excited, get your name on the list soon.....

If you are anywhere near Picayune, MS with weekend and can't get enough of quilting, do check out the "Elements of Fall" quilt show, sponsored by the Picayune Piecemakers.

9-5 on both Saturday and Sunday... 303 W. Canal Street in Picayune. Drop by our booth on Saturday!

Nov Dec 11 Schedule

Okay..... here is the schedule of classes for November and December...

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As usual, scroll down to see what the Shop has set up for classes for the next two months, a description of each one and a calendar you can print on the last page.

Check out the Duffle Bag Class!

Any new quilters out there? or...... Do you know someone who says, "Oh I wish I could make a quilt!"? Well, let's encourage them to LEARN THE BASICS!!!!! We will get them on the right track to start with to piece a quilt. Why the 1/4" seam allowance is SO important and accurate cutting makes life easier!

"My Runners" is a super new book making table runners...... from a Scandinavian perspective.

Have you been reading about or thinking about the "Farmer's Wife" quilt? This is a very popular new book and quilt-along pattern. You can use your stash to make one or use a current fabric line for a fresh new look. Bright Hopes Quilting will be hosting an afternoon each month for anyone interested in working on this lovely project with a fun group of gals! Come join us and visit, laugh, sew and share tips as we work our way through the book. This is not a class but a "sit and sew".

Okay, that's all for now.... watch your email for the newsletter sometime tomorrow!

Thursday Wrap-Up

We had one heckuva fabulous hour yesterday afternoon when Betty T and Casey B stopped by to show us their final quilt-tops.

These two ladies have been making "round robin" quilts with member of their guild and we've been watching the progress all year.

For those who don't know, the round robin quilt starts with everyone participating bringing a center already finished and then handing it off with specific requests (like all batiks or no applique, please (no applique???) and then trusting your fellow-quilter to add another "border" or sides that both complements and continues to build on the center. Then the pass the quilt to the third and so on.

The thing is, you don't get to see what is happening to "YOUR" quilt until the last person is finished. So technically, you all get to see the final results at the same time.

Now this in definitely not for everyone. But it can be great fun for those adventurous souls out there and Casey and Betty are firmly in that category. One with the SHOW!

Here's Betty with her finished top...... exquisite work!!!! I am slightly disappointed in my photo because the batiks are more vibrant than shows in both shots..... but I can't wait to see it quilted! You can zoom in by clicking on either photo to see the fantastic workmanship. Casey pieced the intricate border third from the outer edge.

This is Casey's..... check out the outer-most border close-up..... see the diminishing geese?

I was lucky to be working on the days they'd bring in the ones they were adding to and watched the progress but this is the first time I got to see theirs.....

So GREAT!!!!!! Thank you for sharing this adventure with us!

This is "Market" weekend and the Big Houston show next week. All you attending, have a super fun time and tell us all about your trip on the return!

Interview with Carolyn Burga

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?
Senior year at Newcomb College, my mother panicked because I had not made a trousseau quilt. I couldn’t imagine piecing anything, so she set me to making a whole-cloth cross-stitched quilt by hand.

2. Do you still have your first quilt?
No, but I still have the first one I designed. And my mom’s 1938 hand-quilted bubble-gum pink quilt.

3. When did you arrive in St. Tammany Parish, and what brought you here?
We came in 1998 when my husband was transferred from a south shore bank.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?
I’ve worked here about 3 years part-time. I cut fabric on Tuesdays and teach classes once or twice each month.

5. Here is the other “stealth stitcher” in our family….. Carolyn will show up with a new sample and I never knew the pattern existed! How do you find things and from where do you draw your inspiration?
I find things by tripping over stuff, usually in my sketchbooks. (sometimes on the studio floor)

6. Your “art quilts” and canvas are very personal. Do you think of yourself more as a quilter or as a fiber artist? (Or do you even make that distinction at all?)

As I make “originals”, I see myself as a fiber artist. When I tell people that, some think I make art from healthy cereals. It’s easier to just say “quilter”.

7. Do you have a space dedicated to your work? Would you have any tips you’d like to pass on in “organizing your space?”
I am blessed with a studio – AKA spare bedroom, no bed. You just need a table to leave our machine out and a design wall nearby. Put everything else away.
Or see Answer #5.

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?
I’d love floor-to-ceiling shelving so all my fabric could be visible all the time.

So, back to me...... Carolyn's work is intimate and the quality shows in the detail. Here are 2 small close-up shots of "points" in her work.

We have several of her originals on display at the shop and if you take one of her classes, I hope you take time to talk to Carolyn. Her calm and quiet demeanor only masks a sharp and quick humor. She leaves me in stitches!

Stonehenge Revisted

So, did you get a chance to attend the Event with Vic Dadika yesterday?

I sure hope you did..... but in the case of those unable to get here, I'd like to show just a touch of what we got to see first hand.

First, it was explained that Stonehenge, the fabric line from Linda Ludovico and Northcott, is the best-selling fabric in the United States and when you think that there are 81 fabric distributors all vying for our attention and money, that is no easy accomplishment.

However, by now you are probably well aware how beautiful the fabric is and how great it feels to work with and how well it blends with other designs.

But it was very interesting to hear how the designer came up with this concept, how it developed further and how far it's come in just two years.

We have had it in stock only since around the beginning of 2011 and carry a vast selection of bolts, collections, and recently received the 2.5" strips and now the "chips", the 5" squares. A package of these were given to each attendee along with a terrific trunk show of outstanding quilts. Here are just two:

Stoney River

Blueberry Hill

Now, these were my personal favorites and there were many more....

Northcott has a vast website offering pattern ideas for use with Stonehenge, some of which are free PDFs.... the two featured here are in stock now at Bright Hopes Quilting.

We lucky ladies sitting in got to see what was coming up in 2012 and I can't show n tell you. Yet. But there were plenty of excitable wimmen-folk and I only hope Pearl is able to order and receive enough of it to satisfy the masses.

Along with the pack I received, I purchased another and yardage of "Salt" Stonehenge and can't wait to get busy with it. I already know what I'm going to do... check back in a few weeks!

Interview with Jayne Harrell

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

A very dear friend had started paper piecing . For a very long time, she had been encouraging me to learn. I was not interested at all. Then one morning, flipping through TV channels, I spotted a paper piecing demo on Simply Quilts. I can do this!!! That was about 15 years ago and it has changed my life. I am proud of my new found creativity and thankful for the many wonderful friendships I’ve made.

2. Do you still have your first quilt?

Yes, it’s awful and hidden in the closet. My second quilt, however, was made for my husband and is proudly displayed in the den. It’s a beautiful Log Cabin from my first quilting class with Alice Levet. Thanks Alice for starting me on the right road!

3. When did you arrive in the local area and what brought you here?

I was born in New Orleans and raised in Metairie. In 2003 my husband was transferred to Hammond. We rented a house and started building our dream house in Robert, where we now live. We absolutely LOVE living in the country.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

I started at Bright Hopes 3 years ago. Let me just say, this is the best job I’ve ever had! Everyday is like a party and we actually get a little work done!! And the UPS deliveries are like Christmas morning! My job is to do whatever needs to be done, from cleaning to sewing samples to making bows. My favorite part is helping brand new quilters. They bring so much excitement to the shop.

5. Jayne is a fan of “retreats”. Can you give the reader who isn’t aware of these things an idea of what you do on a retreat and how it promotes your “work”?

I ‘retreat’ twice a year with a wonderful group of friends. The one thing we do most is laugh!!! And, we get lots of sewing done too. It’s amazing how much you can get done with no interruptions from phones, husbands, kids, work, etc. We have workshops, raffles, gifties, and lots of show n tell. The grounds of the retreat center are beautiful and many take long walks in the woods. When we return home we are relaxed, inspired and very ready to do it again!!!!

6. Do you belong to a guild? attend large quilt shows? travel far afield to take classes?

I belong to Queen Bee Quilters, Stitchin’ Sistas, and Happy Hearts. I love going to Houston Quilt Festival and GSQA Seminar. In Houston, I meet with my dear friend and quilter Barbara (from Buffalo NY). This is usually the only time we see each other which makes the event extra special.

I also try to see as many quilts shows as I can. When we vacation, I’m always on the lookout for quilt shops.

7. Since I have known you, you have branched out in new directions concerning fabrics. How has your work changed in the past 8 years? Where do you see yourself headed?

My heart lies with traditional patterns and fabrics. BUT, I find being exposed to so many different styles, I’m being drawn out of my comfort zone. Namely, batiks. (thank you Pearl!!!) I’ve done a few shop samples in batiks and have fallen in love with them.

Lately, I’ve been working on several table runners. There are so many adorable patterns available. And now with a new grandbaby on the way (a girl!!!) I’m buying lots and lots of pink fabrics!!!

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

My wish is to be able to quilt for a very long time. I have so much fabric and so many patterns, it will take a life time to complete it all!!!

Back to me..... I LOVED to hear Jayne describe what it's like to work at Bright Hopes..... like a party and Christmas when the UPS man walks in with boxes. That is exactly spot-on.

Her retreats sound like another party... and one I'd attend in a heartbeat. Laughter. Friends. Food. Fabric. There's a real recipe for success.

The Tote Club - October 25

Jayne is teaching the Tote Club class this month..... Rag Bag.

This roomy tote is fast and fun... perfect for a grab and go project.
The class is Thursday, October 25 from 10-2pm.

And Georgia got the last border on that "stained glass" Stonehenge quilt:

I have reached the age where any assistance in seeing is greatly appreciated so when I spied this new Sewline Quick-thru needle-threader, I had to try it out.
I used a No. 8 needle and voila!

It threaded like a champ.

STONEHENGE..... Come Join Us For An Event

Bright Hopes Quilting is very excited to announce that we have been chosen to host an up-coming seminar........ Stonehenge Event. ________________ On Tuesday, October 11, Vic Dadika will be bringing new samples from the Northcott Trunk Show using this fabulous line to add to our samples, which you may have already seen in the shop. Like this! (Georgia is about to finish the last border) Stonehenge is the best-selling fabric in the country and Mr. Dadika is going to give us an insider's view of the design team, how the fabric is produced and explain about the Buying Process. Participants will even get a vote on some of the newest Northcott lines in the works! We will offer two times on Tuesday, October 11; 2:00pm and again at 6:00pm. The presentation should last 90 minutes and we will have refreshments and door prizes! Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The cost is $5.00 which you will get back in the form of a gift certificate to be used after the talk. We have in stock a vast selection of this terrific fabric and pre-cuts in various color collections. We will also have the new Stonehenge "Chips" (5" charms squares) in 3 color ranges.

Come be part of the excitement! Be sure to reserve your seat! 985-845-9554

It's Our 8th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

YEA!!!!!!!!

It's been a fast eight, too, I can tell you!

And to celebrate, we have some special stuff happening today, Friday and Saturday!

First, everyone who checks out at the counter gets to draw one of our "Pieces of Eight" (can I hear an "arrrrrrh!") which entitles you to a discount of anywhere from 15 to 50% off the highest-priced item in your stack.

Second, every $10 you spend entitles you to a chance at one of 8 prize drawings (all of equal value). So, spend $40 and you get 4 chances. That's pretty good!

Third, every shopper checking out has a special something behind the counter waiting for them.

____________________________

Pearl has 4 tables of marked-down fabrics so this is a good time to get those backings you've been looking for.

Now, if you've been eyeing that BabyGO system, here's an opportunity to get it for $99.99 (while supplies last). They retail at $139.00 so that's a good deal!

As you are aware, our fabulous Batik 8-Point Star Challenge is almost over.... and as of this hour we have 20 blocks entered. SOoooo, if you were planning on getting in on this, you have til 2pm Saturday to get them in; that's when we draw the name of the winner(s).

And finally, don't miss out on a "chance" at that beautiful Queen-size turquoise quilt made with the Blank Fabrics ovarian cancer line. It's huge, gorgeous and all proceeds go directly to Ovarian Cancer research. $1.00 each or 6 chances for $5.00.

We'll have refreshments on hand to keep your energy up. We look forward to seeing you.

Let's Hear It For Another Year!!!!!

Interview with Georgia

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

I had always wanted to quilt. I grew up using quilts on my that my Great Aunt and fraternal Grandmother had made and loved looking at all of the fabrics they had used. I had made a couple small table toppers on my own, but really didn’t know the correct way to do them. I saw an advertisement for a new quilt guild in Slidell that had meetings in the evening, so I went and discovered the wonderful world of quilting. Think this was in the early 90’s I guess.

2. Do you still have your first quilt? No.

3. When did you arrive in St. Tammany Parish, and what brought you here?

I came to Louisiana in 1980 from Ohio/Pennsylvania. My Dad was from South Carolina and I had always hated the cold weather and wanted to live in the south. I had thought of Atlanta, Houston, or New Orleans, and decided on New Orleans because of the music, the wildlife, the water, and the small town atmosphere New Orleans has. Love it here!!

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

I think I’m starting my 4th year at Bright Hopes. I work with the customers, make some samples, help with the BOM’s.

5. You have been active in GSQA for many years…… what “hats have you worn” with them? For those who are unaware, can you tell the area readers a little about GSQA and what it does?

I have served as Circuit Teacher Chairperson and Seminar Director and been a member on the Teacher Selection Committee for GSQA. GSQA is a great organization. Promoting quilting is the main objective of the organization. We do this by offering quality teachers, informative programs, quilt shows and, of course, our Seminars. GSQA allows you to meet other quilters and learn from them. Because of GSQA I have taken classes from many national teachers that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do otherwise, and met hundreds of interesting people, some who have become great friends.

6. When thinking “SEMINAR”, do you have any tips or suggestions you’d like to pass on to students attending classes in Baton Rouge / and/or circuit classes?

Take as many classes that you can. Try something out of your comfort range, you just may find that you like that new technique. Every class you take you will learn something new, guaranteed.

7. Do you have a favorite fabric? Is there a technique in piecing that you won’t do? Do you have on your bed right now a quilt YOU made?

I have never met a Batik that I haven’t loved!! I don’t like curved piecing or Y seams, but have done them at least once. I’ll try anything. Yes, I have a scrappy New York Beauty quilt on my bed right now, and, once I get it quilted, will have the Washington Medallion quilt we had as a BOM a year ago on my bed. (After I enter it in the GSQA quilt show next June)

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

For everyone to have the chance to be exposed to quilting - for them to see all the different techniques that make up the quilting world and for them to find one that speaks to them. Quilting gives me peace and keeps me sane.

Back to me ( I love getting the last word, don't you?) Georgia and I work together on Thursdays. (I always know it's going to be a great day) and I love to hear her laugh! It's like music! She and Mona worked together on the beautiful Rose of Sharon applique BOM

and recently completed this:

Interview with Carolyn Burga

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?
Senior year at Newcomb College, my mother panicked because I had not made a trousseau quilt. I couldn’t imagine piecing anything, so she set me to making a whole-cloth cross-stitched quilt by hand.

2. Do you still have your first quilt?
No, but I still have the first one I designed. And my mom’s 1938 hand-quilted bubble-gum pink quilt.

3. When did you arrive in St. Tammany Parish, and what brought you here?
We came in 1998 when my husband was transferred from a south shore bank.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?
I’ve worked here about 3 years part-time. I cut fabric on Tuesdays and teach classes once or twice each month.

5. Here is the other “stealth stitcher” in our family….. Carolyn will show up with a new sample and I never knew the pattern existed! How do you find things and from where do you draw your inspiration?
I find things by tripping over stuff, usually in my sketchbooks. (sometimes on the studio floor)

6. Your “art quilts” and canvas are very personal. Do you think of yourself more as a quilter or as a fiber artist? (Or do you even make that distinction at all?)

As I make “originals”, I see myself as a fiber artist. When I tell people that, some think I make art from healthy cereals. It’s easier to just say “quilter”.

7. Do you have a space dedicated to your work? Would you have any tips you’d like to pass on in “organizing your space?”
I am blessed with a studio – AKA spare bedroom, no bed. You just need a table to leave our machine out and a design wall nearby. Put everything else away.
Or see Answer #5.

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?
I’d love floor-to-ceiling shelving so all my fabric could be visible all the time.

So, back to me...... Carolyn's work is intimate and the quality shows in the detail. Here are 2 small close-up shots of "points" in her work.

We have several of her originals on display at the shop and if you take one of her classes, I hope you take time to talk to Carolyn. Her calm and quiet demeanor only masks a sharp and quick humor. She leaves me in stitches!

Interview with Mary G.

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

I started quilting in the Spring of 2004. I live across the street from Celeste and she had invited me to join Birds of a Feather. I had been interested in learning to quilt but had never had time or knew anyone who could teach me.

2. Do you still have your first quilt?

Yes, I do! My first quilt was raw-edge appliqué that the group had already begun when I joined. The pattern was funky chickens, eggs, nests, and barns. I was the last to start but the first to finish, including the quilting! It is on the back of a sofa in my living room area and I call it my happy quilt because it makes me smile when I look at it.

3. When did you arrive in St. Tammany Parish, and what brought you here?

In 2002, my husband and I were looking for property to retire to on the Northshore. We bought in a spot and started building in 2003 as we were selling our house in Harvey and getting ready to retire. We retired in January 2004 and moved into our new home on Valentine’s Day 2004.

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

I started working for Pearl in May 2007. I have really enjoyed working with Pearl, the customers and co-workers and learning as much as possible. I like to encourage customers to try different techniques, tools, and the various classes that are offered.

5. You keep the lowest profile in the shop. We know that hides a swift mind and tremendous sense of humor. What did you do before you “retired” and went to work here? Did that prepare you in any way for working in this environment?

My background is in adult/pediatric/neonatal critical care nursing. I received my AD in nursing in 1975 and worked in the critical care arena all but 2 yrs of my entire career, most of which has been at Ochsner Hospital main campus. I guess that’s why I double check almost everything and can get really focused on a task or project.

6. I can’t believe how quickly you knock out a quilt, and it’s usually complicated. Do you sew every waking moment? Do you gravitate towards any specific technique?

I usually have several irons in the fire at one time in order to take a mental break in a different direction. That is why I do some of the shop samples as well as to learn a different technique. I pretty much enjoy all the steps of the quilting process from the fabric selection to the binding.

7. Is there a technique in piecing that you won’t do? Do you have on your bed right now a quilt YOU made?

I sometimes have to talk myself into trying a technique, but there is probably no piecing technique I won’t do at least once. I did my first block-of-the-month last year with the Washington Star Medallion and have that on my bed right now. It was quilted by a longarm quilter and is gorgeous! Most of the 50+ quilts I’ve done have been quilted on my Bernina 440. The attached picture is a recently finished project done entirely on my Bernina, which is being donated, to the local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for a fundraiser in October.

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

I would love a bigger quilting room in order to have a long- or mid-arm machine. I still have several grandchildren awaiting quilts. There is a plan for later down the road and I can hardly wait!

Okay, Chris here.... Mary really does knock out samples. She'll come in to the shop for fabric and 3 days later, there's another quilt-top hanging!

I am having an issue with images at the moment but hope to include some shots of Mary's work shortly. In the meantime, if you pop in, we can show you around and say, "That's Mary's, that's Mary's, Oh that's Mary's, and that one....". While you're there, look at the footballs she quilted on the Saint's quilt. Freehand.

Things To Show, Things To Tell

Let's start with our 8 Anniversary Challenge: Here are three of the entries so far.

Bring in ANY 12.5" unfinished 8-Point star made entirely out of Batiks and be entered to win all. If we receive more than 12, we'll make another winner. The drawing will be held during our Anniversary Celebration at the end of September.

Friday, August 26, (that's Tomorrow!) Carolyn B is holding a class in this Color Work table runner. Look closely to see the waves..... break out of a rut of straight lines!

And Meliss made this stunning variation of Storm at Sea using those bold animal prints.

Very Nice!!!

September October Schedule of Classes

Sept Oct2011 Newsletter

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Interview with Linda Kay

1.When did you start quilting and how did it come to happen?

I had been interested in Quilting for several years and finally, in 1990 when we moved to the Dallas/Ft.Worth area, I was able to have the time to take a class…and the rest is history!

2. Do you still have your first quilt? Do you have on your bed right now a quilt YOU made?

I have my first quilt on a bed in my house. In fact every bed in my house has a quilt I have made on them.

3. When did you arrive in St Tammany, and what brought you here?

We lived in Slidell from 1985 – 1990, then traveled with my DH’s job until we both retired. We are both golfers and when we found Money Hill golf course we decided to move to Money Hill and play lots of golf!

4. How long have you worked for Bright Hopes Quilting and what do you do there?

I worked in the store for several years, but now mainly teach classes and do the Newsletter Class Schedule, which are my most fun things to do.

String Quilt Sample

5. You teach many of the “beginner” quilts & classes and initiated the “Build A Block” monthly. From where do you get your ideas and inspirations?

I wake-up in the middle of the night with many Bright Ideas!! It is soooo much fun to be able to share some of them with other Quilters or Wannabe Quilters! I love it when we have a “Beginning Class”. It is so exciting to me when we can start someone on the road to Quilting and some of our ‘Beginners’ become some of our best Quilters!

6. You have a tremendous quilt room; very organized and work-friendly. Is there a trick or tip or guideline you would like to share on how one gets there and stays that way?

My room is intentionally upstairs, if I am working on 1 or 10 projects I don’t have to pick-up if I am having company, although I find that anytime I do have company they want to go upstairs and see what I am doing, and that’s OK!

As far as being organized, for many years I worked for big Company’s where your desk had to be clean every day before you left the office, so I suppose I have carried that over into my Quilting. I am also a list maker…a TO DO list is one of my favorites! It helps to keep me focused!

7. You make a point of traveling to quilt shows yearly. What is your favorite out-of-state city to go for quilting? What do you do while there?

I love to go to the Dallas Quilt Show in March. We see some of our Old Friends and the Shopping is fantastic. We also try and get to the Houston Show every couple of years!

8. If your fairy quiltmother could grant you one wish, what would it be?

More time to do everything I enjoy doing …quilting, golf, bridge, reading,…you get the picture!

Chris again.....I have the pleasure of joining Linda Kay to team-teach some of the beginner classes. (I end up learning something new each time! ) She is affectionately referred to as our "bag lady" because she makes and teaches most of the tote bags/classes. Linda Kay scopes out new gadgets and patterns constantly and pops out samples faster than humanly possible and is a big fan of "pre-cuts" like layer cakes and charms.

Here is one of her "Twister" quilts.