Sherri is an amazing quilter, and the author of Layer, Baste, Quilt in McCall’s Quilting magazine. Her column always has great tips on machine quilting. Don’t miss it!

We put the ribbon for her quilt next to her name tag. You will note that she has a guard flamino. The flamingo was a recent addition that she brought in for the pictures for Coral Beach Christmas in the current issue of McCall’s Quick Quilts. Somehow, they’ve become a permanent addition to her cube!

Sherri and Sonoran Stars

Sonoran Stars

Three little hourglass blocks!

The beginnings of a sweet border.

The quilt is slated for our May issue and I’ve already started on the small hourglass blocks (above) for one of the borders. I can’t wait to see the entire quilt done!

It was a strange day last week when the staff of Quick Quilts gathered in our heavy coats and scarves, draped ourselves in winter quilts and stomped out in the 85 degree sunshine to get our holiday picture taken.  Yes, that’s right – 85 degrees!

That is one of the strange things about working 4 – 6 months ahead of time.  Sometimes, you just aren’t dressed right for the weather!

I won’t spoil your fun and show you any of the pictures (you’ll have to take a look at the January issue for that), but I wanted to share another picture with you.  In this picture, photographer, Melissa is behind the camera, and art director, Ellie, is helping her with the shot.  Editor-in-chief, Beth Hayes, is just on the left side of the frame.  Now, when you see the picture in the magazine, you’ll know what it’s like from the other side!

Catch you later,

Kathy

How the other half lives!

My name is Kathy Hannah and you’ll no doubt see my name around on the website, answering questions and posting information to the blogs.  I’ve been quilting now for over ten years and sewing for more than twenty.  My 18-year-old daughter claims responsibility for starting my quilting career because she wanted a quilt for her bed when she was 8-years-old.  It makes no difference that I remember it differently, she would still claim responsibility for it!  At this point, it doesn’t matter because I started with that simple quilt of squares and rectangles and never looked back!  Since then, my extended family jokes that you aren’t a member of the family until you’ve received a Kathy Hannah original because of my habit of giving quilts for Christmas, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, (well, you get the idea…. basically, I just need an excuse to make a quilt!)

This position at Quick Quilts is something of a dream job since quilting has been my one of my passions for the last decade.  Up until July, I had a much less fascinating career as a medical office manager and specialist in electronic medical records.  I will really miss the patients, but you can only imagine how much fun it was with all of the recent upheaval in healthcare and the general joy to be found in middle management.  However, I was pretty much convinced that I had to work here as soon as I walked through the door.  How could I not!  There were quilts hanging everywhere!  It was hard to talk to the people because I couldn’t tear my eyes away from all of the quilts!

Although it may have been a little hard to focus on the people the first time I met them, I have since learned that they are all warm and kind, and amazingly knowledgeable about quilting.  From the latest fabric line to a question about machine quilting, there is always somebody with the answer.  I feel like a child who is soaking up knowledge like a sponge!  (And loving every minute of it!)

The other members of my family include my husband of twenty years, my 18-year-old daughter, my 15-year-old son, and my 24-year-old horse (see picture below).  You will note that the only picture I am sharing is of my horse.  You are welcome to read meaning into that.  But really, when I asked my son for a picture, he said, “Dude, no way!”  When I asked my daughter, she said, “You’ve got to be kidding, right?”  When I asked my husband, he said, “Is this really necessary?”  But when I asked my horse, he was blissfully silent.  Now you know why I have a horse 

Catch you later,

Kathy

Pride and Kathy

Current Issue: McCall's Quick Quilts August/September 2009

Stock up on your favorite magazines, books, patterns, and special issues, now! And don’t forget about any recent issues you may have missed . . . (click on the images in this blog for a peek at magazine’s content) . . .

McCall's Quick Quilts June/July 2009

McCall's Quick Quilts April/May 2009

McCall's Quick Quilts February/March 2009

In addition to recent issues, take advantage of our past issues for projects you can make now for the upcoming holidays!

You will receive free shipping on your order. This offer applies to domestic online orders, only, when using the offer code: FREE-SHIP-OFFR.  Offer ends August 19, 2009.

Gran's Cherry Pie quilt, by Lynn Lister

We added Lynn’s design as a queen size Web Bonus.  Click on the photo to get the pattern, now!

Nature's Bounty Potholder, July 2004 Quick Quilts Web Bonus Pattern

Do you have family visiting soon? Update your guest room with new pillowcases, using our Sand & Sun Pillowcase pattern! Using a solid and two accent fabrics, this pattern is sure to freshen up your guest bedding. Instead of the stripe, use a polkadot or mini-print with a coordinating solid and novelty fabric. Your options are endless!

Sand & Sun Pillowcase Pattern, July 2008 Quick Quilts Web Bonus Pattern

Are you working on a fast summer project, using one of our quick patterns? Please tell us about it here!

Gran's Cherry Pie, designed by Lynn Lister, McCall's Quick Quilts, August/September 2009 Issue

Whatever type of shopper you are, you’ll always find great patterns, lessons, and articles in our magazine.  McCall’s Quick Quilts is packed with projects for quilters of every skill level who want to create something fast, that is attractive and fun to make!

Hush Little Baby Quilt

This quilt was designed by Kelly Corbridge for McCall’s Quick Quilts. Click on the photo for the link to this pattern on Quick Quilts’ site!

I’m going to make this quilt using blues, greens, and a neutral from my stash.  Have you used this pattern before?  If you, too, have a baby on the way and would like to join me in making this quilt, please do so!  Be sure to send us a picture of your finished quilt and I’ll gladly post it here on our blog!