Sunday, April 16, 2017

Sew Blessed To Be a New Quilt Blogger!

The 2017 New Quilt Bloggers hop has begun and I'm part of it! Our generous leaders are: Leanne @ She Can QuiltYvonne @ Quilting Jet GirlBeth @ Cooking Up QuiltsVisit their blogs and enter to win some amazing gifts!

And a big thank you to the two quilters in my critique group: Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts and Liz @ Savor Every Stitch. They gave me so much technical blogging advice. Check out their awesome blogs!

                                   
Now, about Grace and Peace Quilting! I chose that name for my blog and my machine quilting business for the peaceful feeling it gives, as well as it being a blessing--a blessing on the quilt, the quiltmaker, and the quilt receiver. 

I started sewing in elementary school and began quilting right out of college, with a degree in Textiles. Life has taken me to many different places around the world, most noteworthy being Japan, where I was a missionary for 24 years and met DH, who is a pastor!


The quilting world is huge in Japan! I've been influenced by my Japanese quilt friends in fabrics and style. If you want to experience the largest attended quilt show in the world, visit the Tokyo Dome Quilt Show, held yearly in January in a domed baseball stadium. It is phenomenal! 


DH and I have three 20-something children. (Yes, my son's arms can encompass all of us! He is 6'6".) We home schooled them each at different points in their education. Our youngest graduated from home school/high school two years ago, which has opened up my time. 


I have been longarm quilting for 4 years on an APQS hand-guided longarm. I also enjoy working part-time at my LQS, Quilt Cove

You'll find me at the membership table of Minnesota Quilters at the Thursday night meetings. I'm also a member of Dakota County Star Quilters, and a small group of enthusiastic quilters--the Scrapbaggers, plus I continue in the yearly "summer homework" with my Tama Quilters friends in Tokyo. Being around other quilters motivates and inspires me!


My favorite quilt is my Tsukubai quilt. I made it as part of the 100 Modern Quilt Blocks sew-along on the Sew Sweetness blog. I made my blocks from Japanese fabrics--antique indigo and cottons, kimono silks, reproductions and modern Japanese prints.

                 
The blocks are arranged to resemble a famous "Tsukubai", water basin, in Kyoto. The kanji writing on it says "All I have is sufficient for me". As a quilter, this is a reminder to use my stash! 


I let out a whoop when Tula Pink chose my quilt top for 1st place! The prize was to have Angela Walters quilt my top!!! I met Angela in person when she finished quilting it. She quilted each block different! This quilt hangs in our home and when I need quilting inspiration, I look it over and get quilting ideas straight from Angela's hand. 

Another favorite quilt of mine is my Bob and Weave quilt, a design by Gudrun Erla. You can read more about it on my first blog post.


And my third favorite is really a group of favorites--my mini quilt gallery going downstairs to our sewing studio. One side has minis made mainly from Japanese fabrics, including mini kimonos.


And the other side has more modern mini quilts, with a lot of room for more!!!


Blogging tip: for me, the more photos on a blog, the better! Use a white foam board from the dollar store, and a Lightcase #Flatlay for close-up photos of fabric pulls, mini-mini quilts, and notions. 

                           
It makes for beautiful, bright photos and is great for Instagram, too. I got mine when it came out on Kickstarter.

                      
Quilting tip: when drawing lines on squares for half square triangles, instead of a ruler, use a fingernail file. The grippy part makes it stay in place. Keep one just for this purpose in your sewing box. We sell these quilty ones at our quilt shop!

                     
Longarm quilting tip: put Red Snappers on your leaders--it makes loading quilts quicker and neater--no pins to deal with.

Question for you: What comes to mind when you think of Japan?

Now, what do you do with 1,200 1 1/2" squares? Subscribe to my blog (by email, Bloglovin, or Feedly) to see my answer!

Check out the other new "Let's Bee Quiltin'" bloggers being introduced today, 
because every quilter has a story!
Gail @ Quilting Gail
Kathy @ Kathy's Kwilts and More
April @ Janda Bend Quilts

Grace and peace!!!  ~Nancy

Linking up to Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Busy Hands Quilts, Crazy Mom Quilts.

48 comments:

  1. Nancy, thanks so much for sharing your story. What took you to Japan for 24 years? I loved your Tsukubai quilt, it is beautiful. I am part of Beth's Hive, it is great to meet others from the hop.

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  2. I hope I have it fixed now. Thanks!

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  3. One of my closest friends served as a missionary in Japan for two years and returned there to live & work, so when I think of Japan, I think of his time there, and my memories of our long-distance correspondence in the pre-internet era. (So different from now!)

    I love your Tsukubai quilt. The colors are beautiful; it's interesting to hear how many types/groups of fabric came together for it.

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  4. I remember admiring your Tula top when that competition was on. You were a worthy winner!

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  5. You certainly have a lot of experience and the quilts are beautiful. I especially like the walls you have to display them.

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  6. Wow! How lucky are you to have your quilting done by Angela! Love all your quilts! Is that you by the long arm? You don't look old enough to have those kids! When I think of Japan I think of masses of people and very fast trains. I know they quilt there and they produce some great and very different work as well. Look forward to seeing more of your work!

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  7. It is lovely to read about you and your quilts are fantastic! I love that tip, it makes perfect sense, and I am off to add one to my notion drawer. Japan is a place I have always wanted to visit.

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  8. Wow, what a beautiful quilt and how awesome to have won quilting by Angela. I would look at it constantly for inspiration, too! When I think of Japan, I think of duality and contrast: between the high paced, packed city life to the large arching architecture and wabi-sabi philosophy. Thank you so much for participating in the hop!

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  9. Great post!!! I love all the photos! When I think of Japan, I think of cherry blossoms and ebi fry! ~Susanna

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  10. Nancy, all I can say is wow. I was going to say when I got to the comments how much I love your Tsbukubai quilt, then I read how you won quilting by Angela! It's a masterpiece. I can't say enough about how wonderful it is! Love your photo tip. Gotta go check out that light box for sure. So glad you're part of the hop and I look forward to following you on this journey!

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  11. There is just *so* much quilty goodness in this post!! The quilts are wonderful, and your passion just shines through your writing. I love the tip on taking photo's, but the nail file tip is the best! I can't wait to share that with my students. Thanks for sharing your story!

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  12. Thanks for all the tips! Really great info that you were generous to share. Your Tsukubai quilt is amazing. When I think of Japan, I think of Japanese taupe fabrics--I have a large collection I've saved (hoarded?) over the years, just waiting for the perfect project. This must might be it!

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  13. Ty for the great read...I love the bob and weave quilt.. happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  14. Ty for the great read...I love the bob and weave quilt.. happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  15. Ty for the great read...I love the bob and weave quilt.. happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  16. Thank you for sharing your story! And I love the variety of quilts you have made! When I think of Japan, I think of my stay in Narita (airport) and how thrilled I was to see Mt Fuji as we flew towards India. I also think of Japanese fabrics and the vibrant colours and exotic designs.

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  17. Hi: I am here via the blog hop. I love this post - your Tsukubai quilt is stunning. I can see how you won 1st place. It has such pretty details and the quilting is wonderful - what a treat to have Angela quilt something for you. :-)
    Japan makes me think of my nephew and his wife. They have been living outside of Tokyo for several years - both work for the US State Dept. They are just finishing their assignment and will be moving to Vienna this summer. Last June they adopted a gorgeous Japanese baby boy and I love hearing about their sweet family. I am so looking forward to seeing them when they come to CA for a visit in June.

    Love your blog!!

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  18. Nancy, great to meet you! How awsome that Angela quilted your quilt! No wonder Tula picked yours, what a great story behind it! It's fabulous!

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  19. Beautiful blog. When I think of Japan I think of the fun times shared with you and your family on visits there!
    Bonnie

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  20. I really enjoyed getting to know you and your family and your quilting journey. You have had a very rich and fulfilling life, it sounds like. Thank you for your quilt tip. I had never even thought of doing something like that, but I am ready to give it a try on my next quilt.

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  21. Hi Nancy, What a fun post! So much interesting information about you and your quilting. GREAT quilt tip on photographing small items. Is it ok to covet a quilt quilted by Angela Walters? WOW! Congrats on that win and what a wonderful prize!

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  22. Ah I loved your post. I love modern quilts and I love quilts made with Japanese traditional fabrics. WEehave a great shop int he next town that sells these fabrics. Your 100 blocks quilt is awesome and what a wonderful prize to have Angela Walters quilt it! Thanks for the photo types.

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  23. Love your arrangement of the 100 Modern quilt blocks. And to win quilting from Angela... what a treat. When I think of Japan I think of crowds and water. I hope to add Japan to my international travels one day.

    1,200 1.5" squares. I love postage stamp quilts so I can think of plenty of things to do with them. Try 10,000 1.5" squares. What would you do with those? A quilt of course.

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  24. Great to meet you, Nancy! I love hearing about you and your quilts. That Tula/Angela Walters/Tsukubai quilt is fabulous! Your photo tips are great, and I have never heard the nail file tip before! :)

    When I think of Japan, I think of cherry blossoms and sushi.

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  25. Love your fingernail file tip Nancy and your quilts are just magnificent! Lovely to meet you.

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  26. Hello, Nancy! Thank you for sharing your story. I am interested to know why you left the field in Japan. That must have been a very difficult decision to make!
    I absolutely love your Tsukuba quilt!!!! It is just perfect.
    When I think of Japan, I think of Mt. Fuji, and of the Tokyo quilt show. It is a dream to be able to go there some day. I have been blessed to have lived near Houston, have attended the show there many times, and have always been amazed at the quilts by Japanese quilters displayed there. Their workmanship is beyond description!!!
    Thanks for your blog. I think I will learn a lot from you! (lynnstck[at]yahoo.com)

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  27. Hi Nancy! I absolutely love your Introduction! What a great opportunity it was to live in Japan. I retired from higher ed. so I was able to meet colleagues from many countries. I really enjoy learning about other cultures. Your Tsukubai quilt is amazing!

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  28. Great to learn more about you, Nancy! What a story about your Tsukuba quilt!! The Red Snappers is a great tip! I got those for my mom for her longarm right when when she bought it - she just thanked me again the other day - 2 years later! Another favorite tool of hers is the self-threading needles to help bury threads.

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  29. Hi Nancy how lovely to meet you through the NQB group. What a great post. I just love your Tsukubai quilt .... and to have it quilted by Angela no less - wow!!! No wonder you go to it when you need inspiration for your longarm quilting!! I love the gallery of quilts you have on your staircase - it really looks wonderful.

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  30. Hi Nancy, glad to meet you and reading your post, what an inspiration you are. I also made some Tula Pink blocks, only 41, with some Japanese prints; I love combining it with Civil War Prints. How lucky for your Tsukubai quilt to be done by Angela Walters. Grace and Peace can definitely be found in your quilting. When I think of Japan, I think of their quilters and how much they do with so little space and fabric.

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  31. WoW!! What beautiful quilts and quilting! I see lots of amazing quilts, bags and different items being made from Japan. So much amazing work! I would love to go to a big quilt show and the Japan one is on the bucket list. From your 1 1/2" squares I would guess a "kitchen sink" quilt? I'm making one but mine is with 1" hexies. I'm a new follower and looking forward to checking out your blog.


    usairdoll (at) gmail (dot) com

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  32. Nice to meet another longarmer! Your quilts are gorgeous. Japan brings to mind beautiful gardens, respect and manners, honoring others especially elders, fabulous fabrics. Visiting from the hop.

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  33. How amazing that you've had this much quilting adventures. Your quilts are all so beautiful and your tips are very useful especially the one on photography. When I think of Japan I think diversity. Very nice to read about you.

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  34. When I think of Japan I think of martial arts (I'm a karate instructor), crowded cities, and a mix of modernity and tradition. The quilt show is on my bucket list too! I love your Mini Quilt wall, I'm currently working on one too!

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  35. I guess those little shoes and a kimono?. It looks really neat there and looks like you've had some wonderful life experiences. 1200 1 1/2" squares - is it the lovely spool on your wall? I would like to sew one of those!

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  36. Enjoyed your great tips and gorgeous quilts! Japan makes me think cherry blossoms and kimonos...and incredible quilt fabric and quilts that are made by Japanese women.

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  37. This post was really inspiring for me! Your quilts are beautiful but I think I was inspired most by the quote, "All I have is sufficient for me." Wow. So true! When I think of Japan, I think of cherry blossoms.

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  38. Oh my, I just LOVE that Tsukubai quilt! I'm a Japan nut, as you know ;) What an honor to have Angela quilt it for you! I love reading your blog and you're an inspiration. You're also always so sweet and kind when you comment on mine! When I think of Japan ... I think of so many things! Anime, sushi, cherry blossoms, Tokyo fashion, I can go on and on ...

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  39. wow you are one busy lady. love your projects. when I think of Japan I think of flowers.

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  40. What an amazing quilting journey you have had so far Nancy! I think I read the entire post saying to myself 'wow' at the end of every paragraph. Your quilting looks gorgeous!!

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  41. reading other comments the one word that stands out is ‘wow’ and I have to say that just sums up your post. Thank you for sharing. I particularly like the tip about the nail file, I have never seen this before but can see how it would be useful, I must try it. I am also drawn to your Tsukubai quilt, the colours and fabrics are amazing, even the story behind the quilt is informative and maybe should become every quilters moto! Lovely to meet you :)

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  42. Your Tsukubai quilt is amazing. I'm in awe.
    1200 1 1/2" squares would get lined up on my design wall to make me crazy arranging a color gradient.

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  43. Great post Nancy. I can only echo the sentiments of others, you are very talented and well deserved your win. I look forward to reading more of your posts.

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  44. Love your motto...all I have is sufficient for me. When I think of Japan, I think of the gorgeous hand work that people do, silk, indigo and sushi!

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  45. I was hooked with your Tsukubai quilt - it's one of the best ways I've seen the those blocks used. I also love your Japanese wall - brilliant! When I think of Japan, I think of their appreciation of detailed workmanship. I also love that they strive to keep ancient artistic traditions alive.

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  46. Great tips! I'll try that emery board one.
    When I think of Japan, I think of my son who was stationed there in the Navy.
    Popped by as one of the hoppers ~

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