I’ve had a chance to look at this magazine and it is chock full of great designers! No, they haven’t been around as long as us probably but our business has been scaled back about 95%! We are still here thanks to the blog but those hectic days with the quilt shop, retreats, traveling and teaching are in the past.
Here is the last page of the magazine:
And I am currently using this quilt on the table where Ernie lays and watches the birds. It’s getting very faded but I believe quilts are to be used and enjoyed in our lifetime.
Later today I plan to start the rug along. Are you joining me? If not at this time please save these rug posts in a separate folder – I refuse to repost them. You can’t imagine how many emails I get from people who don’t want to bother to look back for the information they’re seeking. I don’t have time either.
Time for chores.
Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe it. I made that exact quilt back in the early 90s. I remember showing it at our quilt guild meeting and I was so proud of it. I had not been quilting very long at that time. I did know my way around a sewing machine, having made lots of clothing items for myself and my two girls. Even, on occasion, our son. Wow. Mine is faded, too. It now lives on the back of our sofa. I must have tried to make it as much like yours as possible, because the two are so similar. Lots of plaids, which I still love. I remember it was very hard for me, but I persevered. I will send you a photo of it.
I love that quilt! I haven’t received my issue yet but am really looking forward to it ❤️
Oh Mary the quilt that Ernie lays on I made that quilt and just love it! So hard to believe that it has been 30 years! Thank you and Connie for all the wonderful quilts over all these years. ❤ Take care!
What a career the two of you are still having! I remember coming down to Garner from western MN so many years ago to shop at Country threads. It was heaven!
I’ve always loved that pattern. After seeing yours, I need to make a small one as that’s all I and my space can handle at this point in my life! I will surely pick up that magazine. I used to have a subscription to it but after moving and winding up with no sewing space or fabric storage to speak of, I have not quilted in years. Thank you for the inspiration!!
That is a beautiful quilt and I agree, they should be used:) I love that that is Ernie’s quilt. I do hang some of mine, but I know after I’m gone, the kids will use them and that makes me happy. I am about 1/4 the way through my flannel rug so I will “rug along” with you:)
Cold again here–23*. It is supposed to warm up next week–hope so.
Still interested in the Rug Along. I have my frame all ready. Have always loved Country Threads quilts. Living in Indiana, I thought I’d never get to the Country Threads store in person, but then our daughter decided to go to Oregon State University, so guess where we were September 13, 2001? Driving cross-country, wondering about the fallout from the September 11 attacks, and (happily) getting to visit Country Threads in person on our way home. I’ll never forget it, and am so glad we got to visit before you closed altogether. And, so glad you have this blog, so we can still follow along with all that happens on the farm.
Love that quilt! I agree, quilts should be used & loved! I encourage my grandchildren to use the quilts I have made for them, & they do use them!!
Yes, I will be making a rug with you.
I encouraged a friend who had just had a baby boy to use the quilt I made for him.
He was wrapped in it, covered with it, and years later I happened to see it again and it was almost a rag. He loved it so much that he dragged it with him everywhere.
I was so happy that it was so loved.
They saved the best for last, Mary! 😉
Marsha – I laughed when I read your comment and now I’m still smiling. That’s a very sweet sentiment. Thanks so much!
You know that we all love to see the new things happening in the quilt world. But the designers we’ve known for years are dear to out hearts. I came to your shop a couple times, loved seeing the animals a lot. My friend knew that would be a slam dunk for me, so we came. I love the blog, the goats are a favorite. Thanks for being a friend
I am very grateful you and Connie have still maintained this connection to your devoted fans. The blog keeps us all in touch without the opening and closing hours of a business and you get to pick the topic you want to share that day with us. I hope we all get to stick around together for another 30 years chatting about fabrics, quilts, pets, and life.
I agree, Wash the quilts! Use the quilts! Enjoy the fruits of our labor!
Thanks for all your good work, Mary! I want to get that magazine when I get out
and about. M
Count me in for the Rug Along – Thon! I’m looking forward to it.
I love hearing from you every day and hearing what you and all the other readers are up to.
My copy of this magazine will arrive in my US post office box in about 14 days. I’m sad it takes so long. This makes me curious… I think I have kept every issue of American Patchwork and quilting. I am going to search the filing cabinets and see if I do have that first issue.
Congrats, Mary and Connie. So many years of quilting goodness.
Mary, take care doing chores in this cold spell.
I can’t wait to get my copy of the magazine. How special that you’re on the last page. My boys have always laughed at me as I usually read a magazine from back to front. So I always see the last page first – the back of a quilt magazine is where all the quilts are!
I recently got my copy of Fresh Start Quilts. I’m going to use blocks from the cover quilt on a project I’m working on currently. It’s a row quilt with a mountain panel. I’ll post pictures when the top is finished.