Books for Quilters!
Number Twenty-Nine* January 1,1999 Classifieds | Table of Contents Please allow entire page to load before clicking links. BOOK REVIEW: Riva Review by Christina Holland RIVA: If ya wanna look good honey, your feet gotta hurt... Available
at a discount from Planet Patchwork
I guess you'd have to categorize Ruth Reynolds' work as art quilts. Yet her Riva quilts are totally different from most art quilts. This book is also very different from most art quilt books, at least the ones I've picked up. Except for the introduction, written in Ms. Reynolds' own voice, the entire text is written from Riva's point of view. She explains her opinions on any subject that pops into her head - from her motorcycle to housework, and from grocery shopping to the age-old question of whether or not to wear panties with pantyhose. As both Ruth and Riva are careful to explain, they are not the same person. Many of the things that happen in Riva's life may have also happened to her quilting friend Ruth, but their reactions to the events may be very different. I suppose I'm biased towards this book. I've always loved cartoons and animation, since long before I was exposed to quilting. The Riva quilts showcased in this collection are essentially cartoons. But while the cartoons of an impatient person like myself consist of quick sketches and caricatures, mostly done while I should be working, Ruth Reynolds' cartoons of Riva are painstakingly committed to fabric. I may not understand that kind of dedication to a project, but I can't help but admire it. The quilts themselves are quite worth seeing. The fabric choices alone are priceless. I guess the best way to describe them is to quote Riva:
If you're like me, you'll spend a fair amount of time with the quilt pictures about one inch from your eye, muttering "how, exactly, did she do this, right here"? Luckily, at least some of those questions are answered by the ever helpful Riva. The attention to detail makes the quilts more fun. For instance, one quilt features a shelf stocked with Campbell's soup. You may not notice, but as Riva points out, every single variety of Campbell's soup currently on the market is present. The other thing I noticed is that the cans don't all face the front. They are rotated to varying degrees so that some of the labels cannot be entirely read, making the whole effect more realistic. The subject matter of the quilts is varied, although all revolve around some aspect of Riva's life. One of my favorites is the "Baltimore Album quilt," although it takes a tongue in cheek approach that may offend some traditionalists. I'm also quite fond of the mammogram quilt, made for the "Yes Ma'm" quilt contest for breast cancer prevention. It won first prize. Riva has plenty to say, and she says it in a humorous and irreverent way. RIVA is an unusual sort of quilt book, but it's loads of fun to read, and I heartily recommend it. Classifieds |
In 'RIVA', Ruth Reynolds brings us a new friend. Riva is outspoken,
has questionable fashion sense, smokes and has a tattoo. She's also a housewife who
laments the chaos of the Campbell's Soup aisle at the grocery store. She doesn't
understand quilting - "who in their right mind would waste so much time cutting up
tiny slips of fabric just to sew them back together"? And yet, Riva lives inside of
quilts, a character devised by a quilter.
"Now between you and me, Ruth was no 'normal' quilter. She didn't make
fou-fou bed quilts, with all sorts of little pieces sewn together like the quilts I've
seen in magazines. Oh, no. She made ART, or at least that is what SHE called it. She used
some of the goofiest fabrics you have ever seen - like leopard skin, and tiger prints, and
lames, and brocades, and vinyls, and altho I too liked these types of fabrics, I was not
sure how they worked as materials in a quilt. And if all these nutty fabrics weren't enuf
- Ruth referred to them as alternative fabrics, I think, because she just wanted to be
'trendy' - she used tons of sequins and beads to further still junk up the quilts. She
remarked that it all just added to the 'tacky factor' she wanted to achieve with her
work."| 8 step color progression- | fat eighth cuts- | 1 yard | $25.00 |
| 12 step color wheel- | 6"x22"cuts | 1 yard | $25.00 |
| 24 step color wheel- | 6"x22" cuts | 2 yards | $45.00 |
| 10" squares | 1.5 yards | $35.00 |
Send a self addressed, stamped envelope for free samples and full price list or to order send check or money order to:
Jay Dee Designs
18640 South Lowrie Loop
Eagle River, Alaska 99577
E-mail: unique@alaska.net
BREAKING TRADITIONS
"Breaking Traditions" Cathedral Windows Quick Method Quilt book
was created to cut the level of difficulty and time required by the traditional method of
making this beloved quilt. Full color cover, clear directions, measurement charts and many
illustrations guide new and seasoned quilters to make a durable masterpiece entirely by
sewing machine. U.S. residents can own this one-of-a-kind quilt book for only $8.95 each
plus postage and handling ($1.95 for one copy, $0.45 for each additional). Send check or
money order to:
Bountiful Press
P.O Box 130197
Tampa, FL 33681-0197
Others write or e-mail BountiPres@aol.com for price.
For more information visit our website at http://members.aol.com/bountipres
Greenhaven Enterprises
Quilt Retreats on the Olympic Peninsula
Visiting Washington State?? Stay with a quilter and her cat, Oliver.
The Herbolds live just outside of Sunny Sequim. Their home, set in the tall trees, is
warm, pleasant, and affordable.
Norma can direct you to quilt shops in the area, plus the natural wonders located on the
Olympic Peninsula. She can also plan a personal retreat for you and three quilting
friends, or cross stitch buddies, or rubber stampers! You name it.
You are invited to visit the website for Greenhaven Enterprises, Quilt Retreats on the
Olympic Peninsula, where you can check out Norma's quilts, learn more about Sequim, and of
course, see Oliver. The address is: http://www.olypen.com/normah
You may email Norma at normah@olypen.com or call
360-681-0364 for more information.
MY FAVORITE THIMBLE
Combining the best features of metal and leather thimbles, My Favorite Thimble's tough,
colorful, rubbery surface grips the needle for wonderful stitch control, while the metal
base guarantees that you never have to worry about sticking your finger. This thimble is a
breeze to pick up or put down when you need to switch to another task.
My Favorite Thimble comes in two styles. You can choose between the standard royal blue,
and my new embellished version on which I have added colorful free-form designs. Both
styles work equally well, the embellished one just puts a smile on your face.
NEWS FLASH!! My Favorite Thimble now has a new Web Site with more products, answers to
your Frequently Asked Questions, and a monthly newsletter. If you order from our new site
at www.myfavoritethimble.com and mention
Planet Patchwork, we will send you a FREE package of 5 Thread Maid thread organizers.
Questions or comments? - email us at hanner@mindspring.com
. Or, to order by snail mail, send check for $6.00 for the classic Blue or $10.00 for the
Embellished My Favorite Thimble with your choice of size (petite, small, medium, large or
x-large) to:
Chris Hanner & Company
3687 Coldwater Lane
Snellville, GA 30039
email: hanner@mindspring.com
http://www.myfavoritethimble.com
THE CRAFT CONNECTION
The Craft Connection ( http://www.craftconn.com/
)is the place for you if you want to buy, make, or sell handcrafted items on the Internet.
We sell quality cotton fabric at a discount, vintage ties for crazy quilts, and we'll soon
be selling threads at a discount. All fabrics are linked to coordinating fabrics, so you
know your choices will look great together. We try to find fabrics you won't see anywhere
else. And we'll package them into packets of fat eighths, fat quarters, or 5"
squares, so you can get a good variety without a big cash outlay. Among our fabric
categories are florals, almost solids, and guy stuff.
Every month two fabrics are for sale at 20 percent off our already discounted prices. At
our Crafters Mall, you can purchase quilts, vests, paintings, and music box kits, and
we're adding new crafters to our mall all the time. You can use your credit card online on
our secure server to safely purchase our fabrics and also our crafters' products. If
you're a crafter, you can sell here and take credit cards without having your own credit
card vendor account.
Check out our Free Stuff. Each month we offer a new pattern and a new lesson. Come by our
website at http://www.craftconn.com/
THE QUILT BLOCK
We are a cottage industry located just outside of Yosemite National Park. We specialize
in clothing and patterns for quilters and for people who love quilts.
We offer t-shirts and sweatshirts in sizes from medium to xxx-large. All of our quilts are
machine pieced. Most of our patterns are easy enough for beginning quilters. The photo at
right shows our watercolor sweatshirt called "Kristie's Watercolor." There are
361 pieces in the quilt. Come see what else we have to offer at our website at
http://www.sierratel.com/thequiltblock!
Or e-mail for more information to mailto:gastinc@sierratel.com
The Quilt Block
P.O. Box 127
Midpines, CA 95345
(209) 742-5418
Fax: (209) 742-7662
DESERT THREADS
Custom Embroidery and Screenprinting
Want to make a splash at the next guild meeting or quilt show? We embroider Ocean Waves,
Jacob's Ladder, Shoo-fly and three other popular quilt designs on t-shirts, sweatshirts,
and large zippered tote bags. Available in a variety of colors on six different colored
garments, these designs will be the envy of your quilting friends.
We also specialize in custom logos for quilt guilds and businesses. Also available are
quality embroidered custom labels for quilt backs. No minimum quantity is required and
vendor inquiries are welcome.
E-mail us for more information at
mailto:bob@desertthreads.sparks.nv.us
or visit our website at http://www.greatbasin.net/~desertthr
. You can take a look at our designs and order online using our automated form.
Desert Threads
195 Regier Springs Drive
Sparks, NV 89436
(702) 425-2726
HICKORY HILL QUILTS
The Feedsack Club is delighted to announce that it will once again hold a conference
concurrently with the Quilters Heritage Celebration in Lancaster PA on April 8 - 10 1999.
The conference continues to grow in size each year and has moved to the Holiday Inn at 521
Greenfield Rd, Lancaster PA, just down the street from the Quilters Heritage Celebration
and across from the Tourist Bureau. The additional room at the new location means even
MORE exhibits, lectures and demonstrations.
Lectures and classes are planned, including new products demonstrations - come and learn
about Gridded Geese & Thangles. Events include the Show & Share, Raffles, a quilt
contest, an auction, and, of course, vendors! Throughout the convention, look for buying,
selling and trading of feedsacks and other fun stuff as well as door prizes. For more
information, E-mail baglady111@aol.com.
SILVER DOLLAR SHEEP STATION
The MINI DUST-IT. Genuine sheepskin duster on a 6" stick that is perfect for
picking up dust and lint from your sewing machine and serger. Soft, beautiful sheepskin
won't scratch polished surfaces. Picks up the lint and tiny threads; doesn't spread them
around. Prevents lint build-up. Inexpensive way to protect expensive sewing machines and
sergers. Fun and handy to use. Also works great on the computer.
Price: $3.50 each including mailing.
To order send check to
Silver Dollar Sheep Station
5020 Winding Way
Sacramento, CA 95841.
800-887-8742.
E-mail: :Sheep50@aol.com.
SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER: Because we manufacture the Mini Dust-it to a very high
standard, we currently have a small supply of imperfects. They may be a little thinner and
not as pretty or have some other defect, but they still work great!
And best of all we offer these to you for just $1, INCLUDING postage. You can order them
at the address above and enjoy this wonderful product at a bargain price!
THE QUILTBROKER
Look forward to this year's 12 new original patterns!
Sign up for our 1999 - QuiltBroker Block of the Month Program. This year will continue in
the fine tradition of half-square triangle patterns that you enjoyed last year. See
details at our web site:
http://www.quiltbroker.com
Heidi Wurst, owner
mailto:lv2quilt@frii.com
PINETREE QUILTWORKS
Quilt Shop Service -- Discount Prices 20% off retail on most items When you visit
PineTree Quiltworks' website catalog, don't forget to check out the Virtual Fabric store,
where fabric is discounted! With more than 2500 bolts on the floor, more fabric goes on
the website catalog each week, at prices 20% off retail.
Check out Showcase fabrics for some of the latest collections, and the other categories
for great fabric bargains.
Don't miss PineTree's **New** Stash Stockers(tm), the exciting selections of six fat
quarters from top manufacturers!
PineTree now carries the complete line of EQ software, including New SEW PRECISE
stand-alone software for foundation piecing, and SEW PRECISE 3 -- Shirley Liby Designs.
You'll find it with EQ 3 software and the books, TOO MUCH FUN, EQ3 SIMPLIFIED The Basics,
and the EQ3 BLOCK BOOK.
PineTree is proud to offer Quilter's Cotton fine cotton batts as well as the full lines of
Hobbs' and Fairfield's cottons, blends, and polys. Look for tools to make applique easier
and more fun; fabric and hand care products; pencils and markers; templates and template
plastic; needlecraft gloves; rotary cutters and related supplies; rippers, clippers,
snippers, and scissors; machine sewing needles; seven (!) brands of hand sewing needles --
including Jeana Kimball's renowned Foxglove Cottage needles; basting systems; thread,
including Mettler and Gutermann cotton sewing and quilting, Tire silk sewing, and Sulky
rayon, metallic, and sliver, and *new* Roxy 100% cotton thread on economical 1200-yard
spools; patterns ... and
There are many more books at PineTree than you'll find in the books listing online, so if
you don't see what you want, e-mail and ask. All books are discounted 20%.
Just scope out the website catalog at http://quilt.com/pinetree
and place your credit card order from the ***new*** secure website order form. Visa,
MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are welcome.
Free with each order a hard copy of the catalog and a Mettler thread color card!
PineTree is online to answer questions about quilting products at mailto:pinetree@quiltworks.com
SCHOOLHOUSE ENTERPRISES
Gridded Geese(c) is a unique paper foundation method for mass-producing Flying Geese
units up to 24 at once (no kidding!). Schoolhouse Enterprises, inventors and manufacturers
of this revolutionary product, offers both a printed version of their catalog, and an
on-line (http://www.planetpatchwork.com/store/index.cfm?DID=21 ) shopping cart service in
conjunction with Planet Patchwork. You can safely order online through Planet Patchwork's
secure server with your credit card!
The folks at Schoolhouse Enterprises and Planet Patchwork search for items for quilters
(and friends of quilters) which are unique and often overlooked by other catalogs you
might connect with. Check out their on-line catalog, which offers such interesting items
as Photos-to-Fabric(tm) photo transfer paper, Ott Lights, beautiful embossed note cards,
kaleidoscope pendants, and much more! And while you're visiting, be sure to check out the
current Monthly $pecial!!
Schoolhouse has recently begun carrying the complete line of Electric Quilt products,
including EQ3 design software, and Sew Precise! and Sew Precise with Shirley Liby.
Schoolhouse is offering free shipping on these items now through Christmas!
If you're not able to access the web page, just e-mail Schoolhouse Enterprises (mailto:gridgees@algorithms.com ) with
your "snail mail" (post office) address for your FREE CATALOG and Sample of
Gridded Geese(c)! (Sorry, but Samples are only available in the printed catalogs.)
PERFECT SQUARE
Perfect Square's mother is pregnant and about to have a new product. Perfect Triangle
is due any day now. Perfect Triangle is also a REUSABLE iron-on design but it will make
quarter square triangles instead of half-square triangles.
Perfect Square is growing up now and has gotten a job at a creative quilt pattern company
and is doing quite well. In fact, patterns are being written exclusively for Perfect
Square. See the Perfect Square web site at http://www.webworldinc.com/perfectsquare
for details.
PCQuilt for Windows
PCQuilt for Windows is easy to learn and easy to use quilting software. The block and
the quilt are on the same screen so you can see your quilt emerge as you design and color
your blocks. Combine blocks in a variety of ways to see endless new designs. The program
includes all the features that have always made PCQuilt easy and fun to use. Now with the
new Windows version, PCQuilt will help you estimate your yardage, print templates, quilts
and blocks, and has a friendly Windows interface with easy to use toolbars. PCQuilt comes
with a extensive library of blocks, border, quilts, palettes and fabric patterns. PCQuilt
is also available for the Macintosh. Look for PCQuilt at your local Husqvarna VIKING
Dealer or visit our website at http://www.pcquilt.com
.
Nina Antze
7061 Lynch Road
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707- 823-8494
1-800-731-8886
ADVERTISING WITH TVQ.
Our advertisers, both here in the newsletter and at the Planet Patchwork website, have found TVQ to be an effective and economical way to reach thousands of online quilters. Ads in the newsletter are only $5 each (up to 100 words, inquire about longer ads) or 3 for $10, and there are also attractive packages available which combine newsletter and website ads. For more information e-mail rholland@planetpatchwork.com or visit http://www.planetpatchwork.com/adcard.htm. We specialize in helping small quilting-related businesses gain exposure on the internet.
In This Issue:
Following is a list of the rest of the stories in this issue of TVQ. In order to read
them, you must be a subscriber. Subscribing online here and following
up with the small subscription fee will entitle you to eight issues of TVQ, including this
one. You will receive TVQ every six weeks by e-mail, and will be issued a password to
access it here at Planet Patchwork.
Subscribers: Please report any password problems to Rob Holland. Be sure to include your name &
e-mail address. We will try to resolve all password problems within 24 hours. Thank you!
And here's what's inside!
Reviewed by Carol Miller. Respect for quilting as an art form is alive even in small towns, as Martinsville, Virginia proves in its support of this local invitational show.
The organizers of an oceanography camp for girls in St. Petersburg, Florida,
had no idea the role that quilting would come to play in their activities.
Meeting one of quilting's longest-standing and most entertaining web queens, who also finds costumes are interesting to her visitors!
COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, NEWS, IDEAS, BRICKBATS?
Like any news publication, TVQ is always hungry for information about new
developments in the area we are trying to cover. If you have an idea for a story, or want
to tell the world about something you are doing which relates to computers and quilting,
we'd like to hear about it.
We'd like news of new classes starting up to teach quilt design on computers, or new
approaches to that teaching. New products, maillists, World Wide Web pages, etc., are all
fair game, and we'd appreciate any tips you can provide. Send your tips by e-mail to
rholland@planetpatchwork.com.
If you have a comment about an article, a complaint or a correction, we're glad to hear
that, too, and may publish some comments as letters to the editor. Again, these may be
sent to rholland@planetpatchwork.com.
Editor and Publisher: Robert Holland, Decatur, GA
© 1998 by Robert Holland. All rights reserved. This file may not be reproduced in any form except to be printed out for the personal use of its owner without the expressed, written consent of the copyright holder.
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