The "focus" for everyone at "Seams" is changing... So I felt it was time for a new blog "look". After years of an evolving business structure, I have finally achieved the status of "designer" and "instructor" above all else. Best of all, I have finally achieved my goal of combining my love of antique quilts with my obsession for history and its "stories" in a way that allows me to reproduce the beautiful quilts that were created by the quilters of our past, as well as designing my own unique patterns that incorporate the newest techniques for cutting and piecing.
The business started back in 1999 with retail sales of fabrics, notions, and quilt kits on Ebay, and also with monthly quilt piecing classes for local students that were based on my very first quilt designs (EQ4)! It sometimes seemed like a slow progression to what we are doing now, but as it changed, it seemed to take on a life of its own. As the designs became more popular, and the classes (and I) more experienced, the business grew into something very different. Summer vacation in the studio this year included the removal of retail fabrics, re-organizing of needed classroom space, and preparing for the Fall schedule of local classes and of guild events. I have found that at each step of the way, I had to let something "go" in order to keep with the progression to my ultimate goal for "Seams".
There are so many new designs "in the works" for our Fall events. The "Battle of Shiloh" pattern is close to print-out, and the "doll" size design will be included. Also on the drawing board is the "Irish Brigade" pattern, which still needs the applique design on the finished pieced top. I am finishing up the Mary Lincoln Mourning quilt, and hope to have it ready for a show in October.
I've also finished the design for our Christmas Challenge Project for my pattern piecers in the Advanced Class that meets here at the studio. Its a great little "mini" quilt designed in 4-1/2" blocks! There will soon be a pattern for it, titled "Homestead Geese"c.2015, Seams Sew Sweet Designs. Finished size is 20" X 20".
The business started back in 1999 with retail sales of fabrics, notions, and quilt kits on Ebay, and also with monthly quilt piecing classes for local students that were based on my very first quilt designs (EQ4)! It sometimes seemed like a slow progression to what we are doing now, but as it changed, it seemed to take on a life of its own. As the designs became more popular, and the classes (and I) more experienced, the business grew into something very different. Summer vacation in the studio this year included the removal of retail fabrics, re-organizing of needed classroom space, and preparing for the Fall schedule of local classes and of guild events. I have found that at each step of the way, I had to let something "go" in order to keep with the progression to my ultimate goal for "Seams".
There are so many new designs "in the works" for our Fall events. The "Battle of Shiloh" pattern is close to print-out, and the "doll" size design will be included. Also on the drawing board is the "Irish Brigade" pattern, which still needs the applique design on the finished pieced top. I am finishing up the Mary Lincoln Mourning quilt, and hope to have it ready for a show in October.
I've also finished the design for our Christmas Challenge Project for my pattern piecers in the Advanced Class that meets here at the studio. Its a great little "mini" quilt designed in 4-1/2" blocks! There will soon be a pattern for it, titled "Homestead Geese"c.2015, Seams Sew Sweet Designs. Finished size is 20" X 20".
It was beautifully pieced and quilted by one of my pattern testers, Sharon Bell, of Viburnum, MO. I will let everyone know when the pattern is finished. It will include at least one other version of the design in a slightly larger finished size.
The Fall schedule for local classes will begin in late September, as we are doing guild workshops, and a 3 day retreat in the next few weeks. We have added 2 quilts to the Civil War Trunk Show Presentation, and look forward to presenting it to the ladies of the Mexico, MO Guild in September. These are just two of the quilts in the presentation. Each quilt has a "story" of title dedication which is included in the pattern and in the trunk show.
"Battle of Shiloh, 1862"
"Freedom Stars Over Canaan" Emancipation Quilt
Thank you to all those who have helped us move in the right direction! We so appreciate those of you who made the trip with us! And for our new followers, welcome aboard! We hope to meet you at one of our upcoming events.
Maralie
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