Kaye Wood's Blog : quilting newsletter, online quilting newsletter, kaye wood

Quilting The Kaye Wood Way Week of 3.30.11 - Let's Go Fly A Kite

Kaye Wood — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Can't read this e-mail? CLICK HERE for the Real Deal!

In This Issue....

Featuring the kites of Gerry!

What's On Sale

New In Our Store

KayeWoodTV.com

Quilting The Kaye Wood Way Teaser

Survey

Show and Tell

Tips

Our Facebook Group

Attention Nevada Quilters

April Contest

List Your Events!

Did You Know

Let's Go Fly A Kite

Quilting the Kaye Wood Way
Like us on Facebook for special offers!

Looks like "Pitter Patches", our Twitter Bird is flying his own kite....Follow us!

Contact Info:
Kaye Wood, Inc
PO Box 456
West Branch, MI
48661
1-800-248-5293

http://www.kayewood.com
http://www.kayewoodtv.com

Hi Quilters!

Go Fly A Kite!

That's right. With the fresh green grass and the warm spring breezes (I'm sure they're there somewhere...), it's kite season. This week we are very proud and honored to feature the creations of March's "Out of the Box" contest, and our winner. Gerry is our winner, and she took Kaye's tips and techniques and created the most amazing kites! Take a peek throughout this newsletter, and then, click on over to our Show and Tell page to get a larger view of her creations, and then, read on to find out how you could maybe be April's winner!

What's On Sale

FREE STANDARD SHIPPING to the US and Canada!

Frustrated by the rising shipping costs? We are also, so we're thumbing our nose to those pesky shipping and handling fees. This week, your entire order ships free (US and Canada only).

What's New In Our Store

Pajama Party Boxers and Pillow Case Pattern	Scrapbook Calendar Quilts
	This is a different brand of Kaye's Books. While spring cleaning, we found a whole box of these. Now the original version has been discontinued, only available in E Version, here, but this one we have a whole box of. Notice - This book is in GERMAN! Go here for this interesting GERMAN version!

A Teaser....(coming soon to a station near you....)

Click on the picture to see what the BuZz is all about

Brand New This week on KayeWoodTV.com!

Twirling Stars!

Watch as Kaye demonstrates her techniques!

Stars twirl clockwise or counter-clockwise around this quilt for a dazzling effect! Easy and fun to make, this pattern features strip sets that are easily cut. Uses the Starmaker 6 Master Template (sold separately).

Kaye's Twirling Stars Pattern

If you can't get there from here, go to www.kayewoodtv.com and click on the Twirling Stars Video

The Survey Says....

There were only a few of you who were interested in seeing mens and boys patterns.

The clear majority seemed to feel that even if you spent the time, money and effort into making your guys wearables, they wouldn't wear them.

Thanks so much for your input, it helps to know what you want when we stock our shop!

And... with that in mind.... What would you like to see in our shop?

Our Reader's Show and Tell....

Kites! The winner of our March "Out of the Box" contest is Gerry, who took Kaye's techniques and turned them into Kites! See the pictures throughout this newsletter for their "Out of the Box" quilting ideas!

do you have a project you'd like showcased? Send me the pictures and a story by clicking HERE!

Reader's Hints, Tips and Techniques....

Eileen says: I save the triangles cut from piecing binding, or when putting a small square on the corner of a larger square or rectangle then sewing diagonally, and any small pieces and inch or so wide. I use these as leaders and enders. It keeps my fabric from being poked down into the hole on the throat plate, AND I end up with pieces for a scrappy quilt. The triangles sewed together make a Friendship Star.

Sue says: Do not be afraid to ask questions from the internet, your local quilt shop, and other quilters on forums all have been a great help to me because I am new to quilting.

Are You A Member of our Facebook Group?

Click HERE to Join for Special Coupons and Deals!

Attention all Nevada Area Quilters: Kaye's Got a New Teacher's Certification Class Scheduled!

Sign up for our QSC Expos e-newsletter and get the latest information about our shows! Workshops, Seminars, Quilt Displays, Quilt Contests and much more!

Brand New Contest For April...

Our "Out of the Box" contest has been so well received that we're continuing it! Take a look at our Show and Tell pages for inspiration, or better yet... come up with your own. Take Kaye's tools, templates and techniques and create an original work of art! This is an "out of the box" event, and we've had actual boxes made out of the View & Do Hexagons and Octagons as well as the kites we are featuring this week, so don't be afraid to venture across the line of traditional quilt designs. Get creative!

The winner will receive the Shape or Starmaker of their choice plus an assortment of patterns to accompany their choice!

Hurry! Mail me the pics and the story HERE

Contest ends 4.30.2011

List your event

Looking for a Quilt Show to attend? Check out our listing. If you have an upcoming event or show you'd like to post on our events page, just click the link!
mailto:terrye@kayewood.com?subject=events

Did You Know??

It would be a perfect quilting world, if all of our rows were equal in length. But...we live in the real world, where rows may not be the same length and that's fine. Quilting is supposed to be fun and we all know, "ripping out" definitely is not! To help improve your skills, here are some thoughts to consider when you're having problems.
1) Were all the strips cut the same width? If not, maybe you need to practice your rotary cutting.
2) Were all the seam allowances the same? Once again, practice makes perfect when it comes to sewing.
3) Did you press your strips without steam, from the right side of the fabric?
4) If you do have to trim your strips, make sure you trim the top and bottom, equal amounts.
Checking these things can save you a lot of time and maybe a big headache too!

Let's Go Fly A Kite....

With tuppence for paper and strings,you can have your own set of wings.
With your feet on the ground, you're a bird in flight!
With your fist holding tight, to the string of your kite!

Let's go fly a kite Up to the highest height
Let's go fly a kite And send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!

When you send it flying up there, all at once your lighter than air!
You can dance on the breeze, over 'ouses and trees!
With your fist 'olding tight, to the string your kite!

Let's go fly a kite Up to the highest height
Let'' go fly a kite And send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!

Written by Robert B. Sherman for the movie Mary Poppins.

I think that's all for this week. Have a great week, and Go Fly A Kite!

from The staff at Kaye Wood, Inc!

Quilting The Kaye Wood Way - Decorate Your Home As You Learn To Sew! 2.9.11

Kaye Wood — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:40:00 GMT

Can't read this e-mail? CLICK HERE for the Real Deal!

Think about what you want to accomplish.

In This Issue....

What's On Sale

New In Our Store

New on KayeWoodTV.com

Ask Kaye

Show and Tell

Tips

Introducing...Rhapsody!

How Kaye Chooses Fabrics For The Back of Her Quilts

Useful Links

February Project/Contest

Valentine Fun Facts

Quilting the Kaye Wood Way
Like us on Facebook for special offers!

Looks like "Pitter Patches", our Twitter Bird loves all of our readers....Follow us!

Contact Info:

Kaye Wood, Inc
PO Box 456
West Branch, MI
48661
1-800-248-5293
http://www.kayewood.com
http://www.kayewoodtv.com

Hi Quilters,

It's Valentine's season. HEART your home with our extensive Home Dec line!

You can get by with a purchased bed spread and the use your Imagination to decorate your bed for different seasons. Quarter Quilts are relatively inexpensive and quick to make so they are perfect to take for that house gift when you visit with friends. And if you visit a quilting friend, take all the supplies with you and you can work on her gift together.

With products from Donna Babylon of More Splash Than Cash as well as Kaye herself, your home can take on a whole new appearance!

On Sale This Week....
20% off Our Entire More Splash Than Cash Home Dec Line!

and

20% off Kayes Quarter Quilt Line

Hide the Under The Bed clutter with this easy to sew Gathered Dust Ruffle!	This Pointed Valance makes it easy and fast to create a custom window treatment!	Learn to sew as you decorate your house with Decorating Sewlutions!
Pillow Shams! Create your own one of a kind quilt, then top it off with our easy pillow shams pattern.		Be your own designer and create the Window Treatments you've always wanted!

Path of Light

Tumbling Winds

Follow The Squares

Show Me The Sale Items!

New Items In Our Shop....

What's NEW in Our Shop?

Soldier's Pride & More Book

This book includes instructions for seven different projects. The projects are everything from table toppers to wall hangings to lap quilts to samplers. See the table of contents below. The blocks are both pieced and paper pieced, so there is something for everyone. If the history of a block is known, it is stated, and all illustrations are in color.

Decorating Sewlutions Book
Never before has so much practical decorating advice and sewing know-how been assembled in one place. Best of all, you need only three simple sewing techniques to make all the projects in this book. These techniques are described through easy, illustrated, step-by-step instructions to ensure success. Any of the projects will make a powerful decorating statement in your room. So jump right in and kiss that "I don't know how to sew" excuse goodbye!

Window Treatments Book

Tired of staring at naked or unexciting windows? Then it's time for a new approach to window decoration. More Splash than Cash Window Treatments gives you beautiful solutions for every window in your home plus the confidence to make the window treatments yourself.

Tumbling Winds Quarter Quilt and Pillow Pattern
The winds and sagebrush that tumble across the prairie will lull you to sleep as you create your own personal haven in your bedroom. These Quarter Quilts and coordinating pillows are easy enough to make, and fast too, with Kaye's techniques, that you can change them out as often as you change your mind.

Today On KayeWoodTV.com!

Join Diane Weber and Kaye! This unique and lovely envelope quilt is the perfect way to convey how you feel. Whether it be treats, fond memorabilia or your own personal messages, fill the envelopes with your favorites! Fat quarter friendly, Love Letters can be made in 3 different sizes, all included in this pattern with full instructions and supply lists. Use your imagination and choose a fabric to make it your own such as: a baby quilt with cute little baby surprises, racing car fabric with little Hot Wheels in each envelope, sweet treats fabric with little candies as a surprise, or fish fabric with lures in each envelope, the possibilities are endless!

Watch Diane!

Love Letters

Ask Kaye...

Sally asks: Is there a rule of thumb for using topped and topless triangles?

Kaye answers: Let's look at why we use topless triangles. They are used when 2 or more strips are sewn together into a strip set. The strip set is used to cut triangles. In this case, topless triangles will give you a triangle that, when sewn to other triangles, has equal finished width pieces within the triangle. In other words, a seam allowance is built into the triangle so the small piece at the top of each triangle does not finish to a narrower width.
There is no reason to cut a topless triangle if the strip being cut is a single strip of fabric. In this case, cut a full triangle with
top.

	Show & Tell... This was a true quilt-as-you-go quilt. I wanted to do something with pictures, so I used my 3 grand children and made it out of 12 blocks. At this point I wasn't sure if it would be a wall hanging or a quilt. I sewed the picture on the batting with the backing then sewed a black border also. Next I decided to do something with decorative stitching. I liked it so much I attached it together with the centre. From there I laid it on the bed and created the rest. I was really proud of this quilt seeing that I was only a beginner. My mother-in--aw was the lucky one that got it for Christmas in 2006 and it looks really rich on her bed; so rich that she sleeps in another room so she can keep it clean for when she has company over. My specialty was garment sewing but to this day I do mostly quilts and enjoying it....Nancy
Send us pictures of your finished projects along with your story. We'll publish it HERE!! To see the rest of our Show & Tell Entries, go to our Community Tab at the top of our page and then click on the Show & Tell box!

Tips From Our Readers....

Binding my quilts hint: I use a needle holder box that is magnetic inside, I thread 5-6 needles put them in the box so I don't drop any of them and close the lid. This helps so much because you already have a lot of needles threaded ready to go for the binding. To me it's faster and it seems I'm not always stopping to thread needles all the time. This helps me so much because my fingers on my left hand are numb and this helps get me started. Love hints!!....Shirley

We want your tips....

Do you have a special little tip that has worked for you, that you'd like to share? We are always open to new things and would love to hear about them! Just e-mail your tip to me at the address below, and it will find a place in our newsletter! terrye@kayewood.com?subject=sharewithus

Rhapsody....

Is the name of Kaye's newest quilt. Congratulations, Ginger for coming up with the Perfect Name. As soon as this pattern is ready, you'll get a free copy! Kaye used her View & Do Circle Shapes for this one.

How Kaye Chooses Fabrics For The Back Of Her Quilts....

If you want your wonderful quilting stitches to really show up, use a solid all-cotton fabric.

They now manufacture 120 inch wide fabrics for the back of quilts that is great if you want a seamless back.

If you want your less than perfect quilting stitches to be hidden, use a patterned fabric.

The back does not have to be all the same fabric. Some quilters like to use extra blocks to piece into squares and rectangles for a decorative back. Or several large pieces (the width of the quilt) can be sewn together to fit the quilt.

I like a patterned or a batik fabric for the back of my quilts. Then when the quilting is done to accent the front, a secondary quilting pattern is formed on the back. It makes the quilt reversible.

For a lap robe for the sick, consider flannel for the back (with or without batting). It won't slip as easily and will be warmer.

So, now that the quilt top is finished, it is your choice what you do with the back.

Useful Links....

List your event
If you have an upcoming event or show you'd like to post on our events page, just click the link!
mailto:terrye@kayewood.com?subject=events
Our Home Page
Access to all the goodies on our Kaye Wood website!
http://www.kayewood.com

February's Project/Contest...

Send in pictures of your quilts, wallhangings, pillows, placemats, tablerunners... whatever you've made using Kaye's Shapes, Tools and Templates. Get creative! Just because it's a quilt pattern doesn't mean it has to end up as a quilt! This contest will end on Feb 28, so hurry! Don't think you can make the deadline? That's ok, keep sewing because we'll offer this again during the year!

Email me the pictures, and the story behind your project and you could win your choice of one of Kaye's Tools, Templates or Shapes along with a selection of patterns specially designed for that item.

Valentine's Day Fun Facts...

15% of US women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day.
73% of people who buy flowers on this day are men, while 27% are women.
About 1 billion cards are exchanged on Valentine's Day topped only by Christmas.
About 3% of pet owners will give a gift to their pet on this day.
Hallmark has over 1330 different cards especially for Valentine's Day.
Approximately 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered with a three day time period.
Only the US, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Mexico and France, celebrate Valentine's Day.
Teachers will receive the most Valentine's, followed by kids, mothers, wives and then sweethearts.
Children ages 6 to 10 exchange more than 650 million cards with teachers, classmates and family members.
Consumers will spend an average of $77 on V-Day gifts this year.
E-commerce retailers expect to have about $650 million in sales of food, candy, flowers and other V-Day gifts!

I think that's all for this week!

Have a great week, remember, Phil saw his shadow....

from The staff at Kaye Wood, Inc!