Category: Karla’s Corner (Page 3 of 8)

Image of Karla's CornerStep into Karla’s Corner for a peek into her thoughts, her favorite shops, her adventures in fabric, quilt, and merchandise design and more!

This special corner is filled with all kinds of creative thoughts, ideas, family traditions, favorite things, magazine reviews and a whole lot more!

Family Traditions

See the Wild Goose Chase quilt under the Christmas tree and learn about the Geese-a-Layin’ family tradition.

Summer, Winter, and Beach Quilts

See Karla’s favorite quilts for all kinds of occasions, locations, and seasons.

Favorites

Karla’s Corner is where you’ll find her favorite shops, books, quilts, magazine reviews, and more. You’ll also get favorite tool reviews and

The World of Design in Karla’s Corner

Additionally, you’ll learn more about Karla’s adventure into fabric and merchandise designs. See the quilts she designs for Hoffman California Fabrics.

See the process from sketches to fabrics and sketches to quilts. Find fabric collections and different colorways in Karla’s Corner.

Moreover, get a peek into the fabrics designed especially for Karla’s quilt patterns and matching merchandise, too!

Sundry

See quilt show reviews, gifted quilts, guild challenges, quilt retreat memories, inspirational posts,  family memorials and more in the Sundry section.

 

The MORE in “Quilts and More”

Quilters can make more than pretty quilts.

Suddenly, all our normal life activities have halted. But thankfully, as a creator, I’m cool with trying new things. While sometimes we deny it (no, I won’t mend your jeans), quilters can make more than quilts.

The best laid plans aren’t always an option.

Several weeks ago, I was going through our emergency supplies, removing the food that was WAY past it’s prime and making a list of things we could use. We live in an area of the United States that can see seasonal tornadoes, flooding, and a decent chance for a potentially devastating earthquake. I wasn’t even thinking “virus” at this point.

Sadly, here we are. Weeks ago I noticed there were no surgical face masks available (we have the hard, dust masks in our supplies for clean-up after destruction and I thought with the flu going around, surgical masks might be a good idea for the sick) – that was before I was aware of the recent run.

Therefore, my thoughts went towards making some myself. Note that this was before everyone jumped on this bandwagon! But if you are like me, you might be thinking through this whole scenario of a family member being quarantined to a single room for a long period of time. This leaves the well left to provide food, wash clothing, towels – all the things.

Fortunately, I was able to secure some disposable gloves to help with that scenario. I know if I was the person under quarantine, I’d want to be able to take a walk outdoors. We live in the country, so going outdoors wouldn’t expose anyone. Since we have no masks available here, my only shot at the outdoors could be a washable (bleach-able) version I make myself. Note that this was written prior to the run on bleach!

So, I’ve looked into several designs, those with pockets for inserting a HEPA filters, cute ones, simple ones, free ones, patterns to purchase – there are lots of designs out there. If you are interested, click on a link below.

craftpassion.com

mommacandoit.com

fabriccartdiy.com

lisascarolina.com

Above all, I hope to encourage you to remember to play it safe – for you and for those around you. Let’s take time to care of ourselves each day with a bit of creative outlet, sunshine, healthy food and a nice walk!

Bee well, everyone!

Quilting Accountability-for FUN

Have you ever said to a friend: I’m starting a diet – ask me next week if I’m still on it.?

Well, friends, I’m asking you to ask me if I’ve completed this project!

Here is my latest on-the-go, in-the-wings, relax-time project. I may have bitten off more than I can chew! It’s EPP (English Paper Piecing) – to the MAX!

Sometimes I need my friends to keep me accountable, so ask me!

First, this design is from the great Willyne Hammerstein’s book, Millefiori Quilts. The pattern is called La Passacaglia! Willyne’s quilts are just amazing and LARGE EPP projects – this one uses just five shapes to make the book cover quilt you see here.

Image of New Quilt Project

And you can see my start – LOTS to go!

Instead of using papers that have to be removed, I like to use Apliquick fusible – a very light-weight material that you fuse onto the reverse side of your shapes. When it cools, it is just stiff enough to hold its shape as you fold the fabric over it. A touch of a glue stick holds the seam allowances in place as you stitch your shapes together. The fusible is so light, there’s no need to remove anything – a big plus, I think!

Because the pre-cut Appliquick only comes in hexagon shapes, I purchased yardage of it. Then found these wonderful Custom Quilt Set templates by Cabin in the Woods, made specifically for the La Passacaglia.

Image of Templates Kit

As you can see, each template has the center cut out, so you can use the inner template to cut your fusible and the outer template for the fabric. These templates are nice and thick, so they are easy to hang on to and you can use them as quilting templates, too.

Image of Templates

This project is one I suspect will take years – or a decade! But I will say it is addicting and, like hand-quilting, goes faster than you might think. But I only plan to work on it while traveling or when I want a bit of evening handwork to do. Stay tuned for updates as this quilt grows. Full disclosure: I’m not totally committed to it being as large as the pattern says, which is 144 x 176 cm (57 x 69 inches), but that would be quite COOL! We’ll just have to see…as time goes by. See the portion I’m working on now for perspective!

Image of Quilt

Stay tuned for updates – follow me on Facebook @ Creative Bee Studios and tell share your next challenging project with us all!

See a small update to this project here!

SHOP Creative Bee Studios #usebothsides patterns and kits! New designs and announcements coming SOON!

Quilt Retreat Checklists

It’s time to dust off those quilt retreat checklists! YAY!

Over the years I’ve compiled lists of items to take on retreats and some are more unusual than others! Compare your retreat checklists to mine and make sure you don’t leave home without a thing!

Image of Tool Holder for retreat checklist

Also, check out these previous blog posts in case you are wondering about some of these items: Quilt Retreat Take-Alongs 2019 AND Quilt Retreat Checklist 2018 AND Quilt Retreat Take-Alongs 2017

First, let’s hit the basics:

To begin, you want your sewing machine! Basic supplies also include your instruction manual, needles, thread, scissors, seam ripper, extra light bulb, and make-up applicator style Q-tips.

Next, double check that you have your foot pedal and electrical cord with your machine!

Now add some fun and creative stuff to make your work space just right!

You might consider extra lighting, electrical strips, and extension cords. Remember to bring charging cords for phones, tablets, fitness trackers, etc.

Don’t forget your design wall or make-do with a fleece blanket or flannel-backed table cloth. You’ll need painter’s tape or push pins to hang the fleece or tablecloth. Throw in your 1/4 inch seam guide and 3M removable tape, rotary mat and blades. Bring your portable iron and ironing surface. Add in cutting and specialty rulers, fabric spray, and various scissors (depending on your projects).

Toss your guild directory in your bag so you can get to know the new members at retreat!

Finally, remember to pack your personal items. These should include comfortable clothing, pajamas, walking shoes, pain reliever, and maybe a back massager. I personally also throw in DVDs, a book and book light, a personal heater, and my yoga workout, so I don’t leave retreat in pain!

Need an easy quilt project? SHOP Creative Bee Studios and use BOTH beautiful sides of your fabric!

Read about Unlikely Quilting Tools and Exploring Quilty Box!

Red and White Quilt Day – Go Chiefs!

I’m declaring it a red and white quilt day! It was still a minute and a half to the end of the Superbowl and the fireworks were going and lasted a while!

The Kansas City Chiefs sport red and white. Apparently, the colorful fireworks after their big Superbowl win were pretty significant, too! Here they are shown on Bob Clubb’s (social media-rologist) weather radar:

Image of Fireworks on Radar

You can find Bob on Facebook at Weather with Bob Clubbs. He’s a weather enthusiast, not a meteorologist, but his “One Gallon Freak-out” or “Two Gallon Freak-out” predictions are usually spot-on!

It’s a great day to wear red and white – and take a look at one beautiful red and white quilt pattern- which happens to remind me of fireworks.

This stunning quilt pattern is by Nancy Rink. Visit her website HERE. She has many beautiful patterns and quilt kits as well as notions, thread, rug hooking, and more.

Image of Pattern by Nancy Rink

This design uses Tri-Recs tools by EZ Quilting by Wrights, making this quilt easier to piece than you might think. I’ve used these tools for Bonnie Hunter mystery quilts before and they are fun to use.

Congrats to the Kansas City Chiefs!

Read Embracing the Journey for a little creative inspiration!

Quilted JOYS of the Twelfth Day

Here’s a little JOY from me to you this Christmas season.

Joy is in the air during this season when families come together, holiday foods are prepared, decorations adorn our homes, special gifts are given to those in need, and everyone is just a little bit nicer to one another. When heaven and nature sing, there is happiness in our world.

One of our holiday favorites is singing Christmas carols. Learn about the tradition of the Twelve Days of Christmas HERE in “Wild Goose Chase Quilt Under the Tree”.

Looking ahead to the Twelfth Day of Christmas (also known as Epiphany, Three Kings Day, Little Christmas), we recognize several things (in my understanding): the coming of the Magi (Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar), representing the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles (for all peoples); Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist; and the revelation of God in his Son as human in Jesus Christ.

Since on the Twelfth Day of Christmas we recognize the gifts brought by the Magi, gold (royal standing), frankincense (divine birth), and myrrh (mortality), I thought it appropriate to pass along a little gift of a mini Christmas tree template.

Image of JOY Pattern on Canvas Bag
JOY is fused onto a canvas bag!

Download this FREE pdf pattern by clicking the link above. It’s just a little JOY, a miniature of the larger quilt patterns. You can use it to decorate gift bags or other items using BOTH sides of a scrap of fabric and fusible…and if you have a scanning/cutting machine, you can have all the cutting done for you!

Image of Joy Pattern on Gift Bag
JOY is shown here on a paper gift bag.

You can learn how easy and fun it is to use BOTH beautiful sides of fabric, like with the #usebothsides quilt patterns.

Patterns come with complete detailed instructions, guides for auditioning both sides of fabric, and full-size paper templates.

For a larger Christmas wall hanging, see JOYFUL below!

Use the easy-link blue SHOP buttons HERE to shop patterns, fabric, home-decor and MORE!

Enjoy your quilting journey!

Wild Goose Chase Quilt under the Tree

Simple Tree. Special Quilt. Wild Goose Chase.

To begin our annual Kiefner Christmas gathering (the Sunday before Christmas), we load up in our trucks and head out to a field at the family farm. This year I spotted a Wild Goose Chase at Kiefner Christmas.

After bringing in our food and drink to share, the afternoon begins in the field. Two of my brother-in-laws cut down the chosen tree and we snap precious family photos.

Image of Matt and Pop in Field
My father-in-law, Pop, and husband Matt at the tree cutting.

Next, back at the house, the grandkids decorate the freshly cut tree. When that is finished, we gather around the long dining table to sing carols, boisterously. Afterward we enjoy a gift exchange, hot soup and goodies, and lots of visiting.

In a quiet moment, I noticed my mother-in-law had placed a vintage quilt around the base of the tree. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting for the lovely work, obviously done by hand, long ago.

Image of Wild Goose Chase under the Tree
Wild Goose Chase under the tree

Seeing the quilt made me wonder how many quilters around the world had made quilts as Christmas gifts, wrapped them and placed them under a tree for a loved ones to open.

This blue and white quilt was a Wild Goose Chase pattern, as best I could tell without disturbing it’s placement. It was gifted to my mother-in-law from her brother, having belonged to his wife.

The “Wild Goose Chase” quilt block is said to have been named after families heading west in search of fortune. It is also called “Flying Geese” and “Oddfellows Cross”.

Maybe it was unintentional, but Luanne’s choice of quilt to wrap around the tree had an extra meaning for me.

You see, each year any new-comers to the Kiefner Christmas are required to star in the roles of the “Geese a Layin'” in our “Twelve Days of Christmas” (with motions) carol. There is a year-long quest for new geese and perhaps a bit of exaggerated drama about the role they are to play, just to make them nervous and have a little fun!

When this post was originally published (2019), I didn’t know that this Kiefner “Christmas at the Farm” would be our last with Pop. He absolutely loved the annual gathering and having everyone around. Pop especially loved the caroling led on the piano by his loving wife.

Each year, prior to singing our last of about 10 carols, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, Pop would read to us all the origin of the song and the true meaning of the words. In recent years, he’d choose a different grandchild each year to read the words for him. Read about how the song was used by Roman Catholics as a catechism when they weren’t allowed to freely practice their religion HERE.

Then came the fun. First, Pop would gather the “geese” near him and explain their task to sufficiently perform the role of a “goose-a-layin'”. Even with limited movement, Pop would gleefully take proper goose-squatting position and demonstrate the role. Next, the geese had to show they could perform their role before the singing began. (Pop had been known to stop the song and make the goose squat lower!)

Finally, after we reviewed the rest of the motions, we’d join in singing and laughing through the long carol.

Image of Kiefner Christmas at the Farm Wild Goose Chase
Family Photo by Blake Kiefner of B Connaway Photography

Do you make Christmas quilts for gifts or do you decorate with quilt? Are quilts a part of your Christmas traditions?

Wishing you a wonderful time with family and friends this Christmas season.

See Christmas quilt patterns like “Merry” below at Etsy/CreativeBeeStudios.

See Introducing Merry HERE

Image of Diplay at Shop
Use BOTH Sides of one focus fabric for Merry! Shop Etsy CLICK HERE.

Traditional Christmas Colors or NOT for Quilting

Christmas traditions abound. It is a season filled with activities we do over and over. Traditional Christmas colors are a big part of that tradition. It’s the things you do every year, without fail. Like rules, you don’t mess with tradition!

But families change. Kids grow up. Christmas traditions (including colors) do change.

What do traditional Christmas colors have to do with quilting?

I always took pride in our Christmas traditions from decorations to cookies. We listened to certain music and watched specific Christmas movies. We always baked the same cookie recipes. I actually used to think I had to use every decoration we owned each year.

Well, a few years back, aqua became the new Christmas color…wait, what? That’s not even one of the traditional Christmas colors!

It took me a moment…but only a moment, to embrace that idea. I threw that red and green tradition (rule) out the window!

(To be fair, aqua happens to be my favorite color.)

Therefore, I stopped using my quilts of traditional Christmas colors of red and green anymore. As quilters, you’ll understand, I had to make new ones with all the pretty blues!

I think a lot of people embraced the blue Christmas – for one or two seasons. However, for me it was a NEW tradition!

In other words, I found that my comforting traditions were holding me back. Similarly, the rules I’d embraced as a quilter were doing the same.

For example, last year I realized that the beloved tradition I’d started at our old house of making St. Lucia Bread, hadn’t risen properly one time at our new house – ten years in a row! (I’d tried all the yeast tricks, too.)

I made the original “JOY” quilt pattern using a vintage ornament fabric that was very classic Christmas colors. Therefore, in a need to show how a variety of fabrics could be used for this pattern, I stitched this new JOY – using both beautiful sides of a digital aqua Hoffman panel!

Image of JOY Quilt Hanging not using Christmas tradition colors
JOY Quilt Pattern

Fast forward to grown kids, job schedules, tight budgets, and limited time together. We changed Christmas traditions this year. We are brainstorming about how to make our time fun and meaningful. What’s interesting is that the more we talk about setting aside our old traditions (rules), the more creative we have become in our brainstorming. A weight was lifted.

Seriously, how is this post about quilting?

Now, when I first started quilting, I was all about the rules (traditions). I wanted to learn every single one of them. Some were paramount to good technique and skill-building and very important. Others were just plain silly. I heard a quilter say one day, “Rules are meant to be broken”.

It was then I realized I had ingested each one of those rules. I realized that some rules (traditions) were limiting my joy for quilting and my creativity for fear of breaking them.

Therefore, I’ve noticed now that I watch for the rule-breakers in quilting. Their work excites and inspires me, regardless if the technique is traditional or contemporary.

If you know me personally, you know I embrace tradition. If you are familiar with Lutherans, I am a “page 5 of the old, OLD hymnal” kind of gal!

So, don’t let your need for traditions RULE your world…whether it’s Christmas or quilting.

Image of Christmas Tradition JOY Quilt
Shop JOY Quilt Pattern

In conclusion: This 2020 Christmas Traditions update shows that I still love aqua – but now I include red! Here is the NEW pattern, JOYFUL! See how her borders sparkle? #usebothsides

Image of Joyful Quilt Pattern
www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeBeeStudioswww.etsy.com/shop/creativebeestudios

See Merry, the red truck Christmas quilt, and more at Old Barns, Red Trucks, Mercantile and More.

Enjoy more Christmas cheer at Quilted JOYS of the Twelfth Day.

Step Inside the Yellow Door Quilt Store

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

In the heart of Indiana is a bright yellow door. Inside is a quilt store.

Enter the Yellow Door Quilt Store to find a cute little quilt shop filled with fun, beautiful fabric (and some cool patterns)!

Image of front of Yellow Door Quilt Store

Take a peek inside the Yellow Door Quilt Store!

Located south of Indianapolis, in Nashville, IN, the Yellow Door Quilt Store carries unique and bright fabrics. They might have a modern flare, but there’s definitely something for everyone!

Initially, I met the owner, Mary Beth, when I popped in to her booth at the Paducah quilt show. I think she noticed I was looking at both sides of her fabrics. As usually happens when I’m auditioning both sides, a lively conversation ensued. I knew right away her fabrics would work beautifully with my patterns.

We hit it off and Mary Beth now offers a number of my designs in her booth and shop!

You’ll likely find bright, bold, and interesting fabrics at the Yellow Door Quilt Store which might include Kaffe Fassett Collective, Marcia Derse, Kathy Doughty, Jane Sasseman, and Alexander Henry. Regardless of your favorite quilting and fabric style, I’m certain everyone will enjoy a visit to the Yellow Door!

Additionally, it was Mary Beth’s who suggest I make a sugar skull pattern using both sides of one focus fabric.

It was certainly a milestone to send the first printing of the Flora Quilt Pattern (sugar skull) to Mary Beth, even though she already carried a number of my titles. It’s fun when a shop owner is excited about using both beautiful sides!

Basically, Flora is a fast, easy pattern made with fusible applique and broderie perse. First, trace and cut the skull shape from a full-size paper template. Next, press the fusible template onto the RIGHT side of the floral fabric. Finally, cut Flora’s flower garland from the floral motif itself, arranged on the quilt and fused. Learn more about broderie perse HERE.

Flora is made with BOTH beautiful sides of a floral fabric. Click HERE for link to Flora Focus Fabric Kit.

Image of Mary Beth
Give Mary Beth a shout-out on her Facebook Live!

Furthermore, you simply MUST experience Mary Beth’s “Hootie Hoo” Facebook Live sessions!

Grab a hot cup of coffee and stay in your jammies to shop!

Visit Mary Beth online HERE or in her quilt store!

SHOP more than 50 unique quilt patterns that use both beautiful sides of fabric!

Read about The Quilt Shop in Chamberlain, South Dakota!

Creative Bee Studios #usebothsides

Margie’s Sew Much Fun

Clearly this is a shout-out to Margie’s Sew Much Fun Quilt Shop owner, Margie!

Margie’s Sew Much Fun quilt shop is loaded with fabric, machine, patterns and more!

Image from Margie's Sew Much Fun Quilt Shop Online

Located in the Florida panhandle, in Crestview, Margie’s quilt shop has been serving her community since 1971.

Image of Margie's Sew Much Fun Quilt Shop

Clearly, Margie will show you a fun time in her quilt shop. She stocks over 3500 bolts of fabulous fabric and both Bernina and Janome machines. Additionally, she carries patterns that use BOTH beautiful sides of fabric!

Also, find Bernina and Bernette products, including a Studio Frame long arm machine.

Moreover, I am happy to say that Margie is a repeat customer of #usebothsides patterns. You can tell from the name of her quilt shop and our delightful phone conversations, she’s got a fun shop YOU really need to visit!

As you might guess, Margie chooses coastal theme patterns for her shop.

Here are two such patterns, made with both beautiful sides of fabric: Sally and Fiona.

Sally is made with both beautiful sides of a seashell focus fabric on a scrappy background. The sea horse body is cut from a paper template. The seashell coral is made by cutting the sea shells from the fabric motif. Both the seashell coral and the floating bubbles are the REVERSE side. Even the binding is made with the focus fabric.

So take a trip to Margie’s or visit her online at www.margiessewmuchfun.com

Tell her Karla sent you!

Enjoy your quilting journey, Karla

South Dakota Quilt Shop

Do your adventures include visiting a quilt shop?

When our daughter landed her first job out of college, we had no idea that her new adventure would become one for us, too. I didn’t expect it to influence the quilt patterns I’d design or what quilt shop my carry them!

Because she’d landed the lead role and we’d never been to South Dakota before, we took a road trip summer to The Black HIlls of South Dakota. Of course, along the way we stopped at quilt shops. That’s how I met the owner of the Quilt Shop in Chamberlain, SD. It was just on our list and close to the highway! See And…dance by the light of the moon, South Dakota Quilts & More and OKLAHOMA Backroads in South Dakota .

OKLAHOMA! at the Black Hills Playhouse

The owner, Sonya, and I brainstormed pattern ideas for her clientele and soon I was designing bison and other wildlife patterns. She carries LOTS of fun fabric with beautiful reverses!

The following summer Jacq landed Sophie in Mamma Mia and off we went again! If you get a chance, stop in Chamberlain, SD – its simply loaded with fabric and has wonderful local art and craft as well.

These are some pics of patterns and fabrics she carries.

Sophie and Donna in Mamma Mia at the Black Hills Playhouse, Custer, SD

We were able to visit Chamberlain again and drop off some new designs!

Here’s a big shout-out to Sonja in Chamberlain…and many thanks!

Step inside the Yellow Door Quilt Store in Nashville, Indiana.

Shop Creative Bee Studios Etsy Shop for more than 50 quilt patterns that use BOTH beautiful sides!

Enjoy your quilting journey!

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