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New Chatterbox Quilts' Blog 18 Mar 2017 9:38 AM (8 years ago)

Hi:

Chatterbox Quilts Chitchat is no longer active.

Follow our new blog to receive notifications of new activity at Chatterbox Quilts.

Join our private Chatterbox Quilts Facebook group for information on quilting, vintage sewing machines and other quilting related topics.

Thank you :)

New Blog and Website for Chatterbox Quilts 27 Mar 2015 2:00 PM (10 years ago)

Hi:

If you're looking for Chatterbox Quilts Chitchat, it has now moved and you can find it here.

Please join us at our new blog and subscribe to receive future blogposts.

Thank you.

New Chatterbox Quilts' Blog and Website 27 Mar 2015 5:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

I told you that I'd been busy working on quilty things and that there were changes coming. Well, they're here!

Chatterbox Quilts now has a new website and blog. It's taken some time, but now our blog and store will all be on one website.

How to Avoid Hand Binding Your Quilts 26 Mar 2015 7:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

This week is spring break for us in Calgary, so I'm enjoying a welcome week off - which means I'm working extra hard at home on quilty things. There are lots of big changes coming up for Chatterbox Quilts, which I'll let you know about soon.

This week on Telecast Thursday, I have another sneak peek at part of my on-line course, Essential Guide to Fusible Web Appliqué. This time I'm showing you how to avoid hand binding your smaller quilt projects and use a pillowcase method to get it all stitched together. I try to avoid binding at all costs as it's not my favourite part of quilting, so if you're like me, I'm sure you'll find this video helpful.*

Especially for my blog readers, Curious is giving you a 20% discount on an annual subscription, allowing you access to thousands of lessons and courses on a wide variety of subjects. Just click here to enrol in Essential Guide to Fusible Web Appliqué and take advantage of this generous discount available until March 31, 2015.

You can view the video below or find it on my Youtube channel.

Book Review - Home Quilt Home by Janet Clare 19 Mar 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Home Quilt Home by Janet Clare

It's another Telecast Thursday and today I'm sticking close to home - well, actually the book is about homes. Home Quilt Home by Janet Clare is full of quilt projects all with the same theme: home. The book is divided into 3 parts: Town, Country and Coast and each section contains multiple projects.

Meet Brandy Maslowski of Canadian Quilt Talk 16 Mar 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

I'm really excited about today's blogpost because I'll be featuring Brandy Maslowski of Canadian Quilt Talk! 

If you don't know about Brandy, she is the creator and host of Canadian Quilt Talk, a weekly fibre arts and quilting podcast. Brandy features guest quilters and fibre artists and talks with them about the Canadian quilting scene. Last week I was delighted to be her featured guest and this week, it's my turn to introduce Brandy to you! Brandy was gracious enough to share stories about her quilting start, her podcast beginnings and her latest endeavour. 

Brandy, how did you first get involved in quilting and what is your favourite technique?

"My first stitches were making Barbie and doll clothes by hand as a child. I was always an avid crafter, but my first quilt was a random request from a friend who said, “You’re kind of crafty…can you make my Gran a little photo quilt for her wall?” So my first quilt was a delicate mix of florals with old black and white photos of her Gran’s life and family with some vintage lace on the sides. I was quite pleased with myself for pulling it off. I was invited to her Gran’s tiny apartment when the gift was given and the look on her face was priceless. That was the early '90s and I’ve been quilting ever since. 

Quilt created by Brandy Maslowski

Like most quilters my favourite technique has varied over the years. I have gone from an addiction to needle turn appliqué, to curved piecing and then raw edge appliqué, but nowadays if I’m not making samples for my patterns, my playtime technique would be working from photo to fibre."

Original Photo by Brandy Maslowski

Quilt created by Brandy Maslowski

I know you have an exciting event coming up. Tell me about the Aloha Cruise and how my readers can sign up for it.

Book Review - Sew & Stitch Embroidery by Alyssa Thomas 12 Mar 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Sew and Stitch Embroidery by Alyssa Thomas

It's time for another Telecast Thursday and this week I'll be reviewing Sew and Stitch Embroidery by Alyssa Thomas. This is a stitchery book with lots of cute patterns. I like the variety of projects in this book - everything from mini pets to a shower curtain. Alyssa always has delightful designs and puts an up-to-date twist on hand embroidery.

Tune in to Canadian Quilt Talk 9 Mar 2015 1:00 PM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Have you heard of Canadian Quilt Talk? Okay, it's not just a bunch of Canadian quilters getting together to stitch and chat! Canadian Quilt Talk is a podcast hosted by Brandy Maslowski. Brandy talks with expert quilting guests about quilts, fibre arts, and other quilt-related items. There's a new show every Thursday and I'm thrilled to let you know that this week's guest is... me!

I was very flattered to be a guest on Canadian Quilt Talk and it was so great to chat with Brandy about quilting and my latest venture: on-line teaching.  I had the opportunity to talk about my on-line course, Essential Guide to Fusible Web Appliqué on Curious.com as well as other works in progress.

If you haven't had a chance to check out my course yet, here's a short video to show you some of the comprehensive content in Essential Guide to Fusible Web Appliqué. To view all the lessons in the course, just click here.

Telecast Thursday - Singer 15-91 Sewing Machine - The Final One 5 Mar 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Welcome to Telecast Thursday. Today I'll be talking about my latest vintage sewing machine, the 15-91. This is another machine that came from Edmonton and was a great deal. I was hoping that this machine would be good for free motion quilting and is it ever! Got to love that large throat space on this machine!

You can watch the video below or on my Youtube channel. 

Book Review: Creative Thursday by Marisa Anne Cummings 26 Feb 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Creative Thursday by Marisa Anne Cummings

On this week's Telecast Thursday I'll be reviewing Creative Thursday by Marisa Anne Cummings. This is one of my favourite books and the one I go to for inspiration sources and just to feel happy. You can't help but smile reading this book as Marisa Anne's designs are so cheerful and upbeat. Take a peek inside Creative Thursday in the video below.

Modern Low Volume Quilts 24 Feb 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Every so often I look for a quilt project to do that is mindless. Not unappealing. Not really fast to make. Just something that is relaxing and easy, where I don't have to think too much. I find this is a good way to recharge my batteries and allow new ideas to flow in.

I found the perfect project in the issue 18 of Love Patchwork and Quilting. 

Kantha Cool by Jo Avery Photo courtesy of lovepatchworkandquilting.com

This layout is Teeka approved

Sneak Peek at Essential Guide to Fusible Web Appliqué 20 Feb 2015 1:00 PM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:
                                       !!!!                                  !!!!

!!!!!!!!

Telecast Thursday - Singer 301a Sewing Machine - Part 3 19 Feb 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

It's Telecast Thursday and time for the final episode on my Singer 301a sewing machine. This week I'll show you how I restored the cabinet for this machine which had been left out in the rain before I rescued it. 

You can watch the video below or on my Youtube channel. 

Exciting Quilting News in 2015 13 Feb 2015 2:00 PM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Now that I've cleared my head, I'm ready to tell you about my good news in 2015. 

You may know that I've been working on a top secret project for the past few months. It's been really hard to keep this quiet as I've been really wrapped up in completing it and am very proud of the result. I'm so excited to announce my first on-line class with Curious! If you're not familiar with Curious, they are an on-line website offering lessons and courses on a wide variety of subjects. Check them out and see why I'm so excited to be working with them.

2015 - A Fresh Start 13 Feb 2015 11:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Note: This is a personal post. Look for an exciting quilting-related post later today.

I've been rather quiet lately and you may've wondered why that is. 

2015 started out with a loss in our family. After a brief and unexpected illness, my father-in-law passed away on January 13. The loss of Reg, who was so active and full of life, is still hard to accept. I expect to hear his voice on the phone telling me about his latest sailing adventure and asking how my quilting is going. He was always a big supporter of my business, telling all his friends about my website and videos. I think of him every day and am so glad that we were able to spend time with him this past summer when he came out to visit us in Calgary.

As soon as we returned from the funeral (a quick 5 day trip), I got sick with a flu virus. This is typical when I fly, so I wasn't surprised. Of course this set my quilting back and I was off work for a few days. Just when I was starting to feel better (finally!), I came home from work to a partially flooded basement. While I had intended to clear out our basement storage area, this wasn't how I wanted to accomplish it!

While we thought that the washing machine was the culprit, it turned out that there was a blockage in the city water line. Initially it was clear water that we cleaned out - after hauling out box after box of stored items - but it eventually turned to more unpleasant sludge material. Fortunately we had cleared out most of the items and only lost our Christmas tree. Of course it was the newest one we had and the old one was okay, but still...

Remnants of the Christmas tree

We had a plumber come out to try to clear the blockage and that's when the smell started to permeate the house, forcing my son and I out for the evening to a local hotel. My hubby stayed to help the plumber and then call the city, as the plumber couldn't clear the blockage, and wait for them. Eventually they cleared the line - at about midnight. 

Back part of flooded storage area

My husband cleaned up the mess and then headed off to bed. Upon rising at 4:00 a.m. he washed down all the affected areas and then applied an anti fungal, anti mildew coating. A few days later when everything was dry, we were able to put back the storage items. Fortunately we use Rubbermaid Rough-Neck boxes to store most of our things, so only had our record albums that had to be dried out. Now everything has been reorganized and put back in place. 

My quilt studio isn't usually this messy!

I'm really hoping that the rest of 2015 is more positive. I do have some very exciting news to tell you, but wanted to let you know what's been happening in my world this past month. I don't like to dwell on the negative: I deal with it and move on, always looking for the next good thing. And I'm looking forward to sharing some really good news later today.

I hope you're having a great 2015 and that your basement is dry and warm :)

Telecast Thursday - Singer 301a Sewing Machine - Part 2 12 Feb 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:


Welcome to Telecast Thursday! Today I'll be continuing my series on my Singer 301a sewing machine. In part 2 you'll learn how I resurrected this machine and if it ran when I plugged it in. 

You can watch the video below or on my Youtube channel. 

Telecast Thursday - Singer 301a Sewing Machine - Part 1 5 Feb 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

It's Thursday already and another video on the series on vintage Singer sewing machines  is ready for you to watch. This week I'm starting a 3-part series on my Singer 301a sewing machine. If you've been following this video series, you'll know that I already have a Singer 301 sewing machine, but you'll want to watch to see how this new acquisition differs from my other machine. 

You can watch the video below or on my Youtube channel.

Book Review - Doodle Stitching: The Holiday Motif Collection by Aimee Ray 29 Jan 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Welcome to Telecast Thursday! This week I'm reviewing Doodle Stitching: The Holiday Motif Collection by Aimee Ray.  

Doodle Stitching: The Holiday Motif Collection by Aimee Ray

I'm a bit prejudiced with this review as I have all of Aimee's other books and love, love, love them. I'm a sucker for cute and whimsical and Aimee's books are always full of those type of designs. This book is no exception and is chockfull of great designs for holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween and Valentine's Day. The best part - well, you'll have to watch the video to find out.

Book Review - Necktie Quilts Reinvented by Christine Copenhaver 22 Jan 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Necktie Quilts Reinvented by Christine Copenhaver

This week I'm reviewing one of the quilt books that I recently acquired. I love to source out fabric from old clothing, so Necktie Quilts Reinvented by Christine Copenhaver is a perfect addition to my library. Christine has lots of information about how to deconstruct neckties and prepare them for inclusion in quilt, pillow and other projects. 

You can watch my review in the video below or on my Youtube channel. 

Telecast Thursday - Vintage Singer Sewing Machine 201-3 15 Jan 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Welcome back to Telecast Thursday where I'm continuing my series on my vintage sewing machine collection. Today I'm sharing my Singer 201-3 purchase and how I made a new friend/fellow addict (and neither of us are going into rehab!). Check out Archaic Arcane's website and Youtube channel for more information on vintage sewing machines.

You can watch the video below or on my Youtube channel. 

Helpful Singer Sewing Machine Videos 12 Jan 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

I hope 2015 is off to a great start for you. I've been busy with some family issues, so this is why you haven't heard much from me yet this year. Now I'm trying to get back on track and am looking at making some changes at Chatterbox Quilts. I'll keep you posted on the direction that we'll be heading in 2015. 

Of course I'm still head over heels for vintage Singer sewing machines and you'll be seeing more Youtube videos on my channel about these this year. If you're crazy about these machines too, you may find this playlist helpful. It's an amalgamation of videos that I've found helpful in learning how to fix up and use these vintage beauties. 

My newest sewing machine

My first vintage sewing machine acquisition - a Singer 222K Featherweight

Telecast Thursday - New Year, New Vintage Sewing Machine Video 8 Jan 2015 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Happy New Year and welcome to 2015! The first video this year is about my Singer 401J sewing machine. I know this one isn't as pretty as my previous purchases, but it has a secret - it has extra features that allow it to do more than my previous machines. I was glad to add this machine to my stable even if she isn't a beauty because her extra features more than make up for her plain looks. 

You can watch the video below or on my Youtube channel.

Telecast Thursday on a Wednesday 24 Dec 2014 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Christmas Kitty by Jamie Hirst for Chatterbox Quilts

Craftsy Best of 2014 class sale 19 Dec 2014 10:01 PM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone:

Image courtesy of www.thegraphicsfairy.com

Okay, you've been a good girl - you've made all the gifts for your favourite people, you've got 12 different kinds of Christmas goodies in your freezer and your house is decorated from top to bottom - you deserve a treat! How about a Craftsy class at $19.99 or less? Sounds like a great deal to me!








From December 20th all the way through Christmas, Craftsy is having the Best of 2014 Sale! ALL classes are on sale for only $19.99 or less. Shop now to stock up and save.

Once you enroll you'll own your Craftsy classes forever, so you can watch them at your pace in the comfort of your home, anytime. Hurry, offer expires 12/25/14 at 11:59 PM MT. 

Now you can put your feet up with a cup of tea and learn something new. You deserve it!

Note: I am a Craftsy affiliate and will be compensated if you purchase an item through the above links. Thank you!

Telecast Thursday - Singer 301 Sewing Machine 18 Dec 2014 4:00 AM (10 years ago)

Hi everyone: