Julie's Quilt Blog

2012-01-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

As you can see we're having a sales event on Super Sunday. We will not have a workshop this year, but if you would like to spend the day sewing, you can use the Retreat Center. You could even come both Saturday and Sunday. Just give us a call to let us know when and if you are coming. 712-764-7012

2012-01-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

A few customers have been telling me they heard we were closing at the beginning of the year. The rumor is not true!
We are still open and will be for a while. We are still having discussions with potential buyers and I hope I will soon be able to announce that Prairie Star Quilts will stay open under new ownership. Nothing has been finalised, so if you or someone you know might be interested in the shop just get in touch with me.
In the meantime, we are open today, January 2. We still have lots of half price deals on Christmas fabric and kits. Come see us.

2011-12-26T12:22:00.000-08:00

2011-12-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

2011-11-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

There will be two great chances for you to experience Christmas at Prairie Star Quilts in the next few weeks.

Julefest in the Danish Villages is Friday and Saturday November 25 and 26. The Boutique which I started in 1978, Prairie Christmas, will be held at the Immanual Lutheran Church in Kimballton this year. I sold the boutique to Cheryl Rosenbeck in 2000 and she has done a great job maintaining its primitive uniqueness. There is also a boutique at the Elk Horn Town Hall. At Prairie Star Quilts we will have a surprise Julefest Sale and lots of Christmas ideas. Our annual Show and Sale of Samples will begin in the Retreat Center. It's your chance to purchase completed quilts.

For many years we've held a Christmas Open House. This year it will be on Monday December 5. In addition to a sale and refreshments, we'll have a take 'n teach class at 2 pm. We always have a fun project. You must pre register (712-764-7012) so we'll know how many kits to make. Cost for the class is $7 or an in kind donation to the food bank.

2011-11-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

Remember the Shy Little Kitten from Golden Books? Carol just made a sweet baby quilt using the fabric.

Julefest in the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton is less than two weeks away. It starts the day after Thanksgiving and is the kick off of the Christmas Season in our two towns. We'll have craft fairs and great food and shopping. Here at Priaire Star Quilts we have our annual show and sale of samples in the Retreat Center. It will continue until Christmas, but of course the best selection is early.

2011-11-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

One of our newer kits is Square Dance Garden by Jan Patek. I love it for Fall, but it could also be a Christmas quilt - I can see leaving it up all Winter.

The shop is full of new kits just waiting for you to turn them into the perfect gift. Come see them soon.

2011-10-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

The first Triple Play Day Shop Hop is Saturday October 22 9am-6pm

just three shops:

Log Cabin Quilts, Exira

Prairie Star Quilts, Elk Horn

Stitchin' Tree Quilts, Harlan

by visiting all three shops you'll be eligible

for our Grand Prize Drawing

Julie Larsen has designed a Fall Runner

Pick up a free block pattern in each shop and

completion instructions at your final stop.
There will also be special demonstrations in

each shop at 10, 2 and 4.

participate in the hourly Pumpkin Hunt to win

free fat quarters.

This is a truly unique shop hop! How often can you complete a shop hop in a single day and actually have time to spend in each shop? Save money on gas, too - all shops are within 25 miles of each other. Load up your friends for a fun day!

2011-09-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

Are you going to the big show in Des Moines next week? If you are anywhere west of Elk Horn, why not stop by Prairie Star Quilts on your way coming or going? We are only 7 miles off Interstate 80 at exit 54.
We've been working on lots of new samples (and of course they have kits). We'll also havea free pattern for everyone who stops by.
If you plan to be here early or late, let us know ( call us 712-764-7012 during regular business hours) and we'll open up for you.

2011-09-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

I thought you might enjoy seeing how some of the blocks turned out last weekend at Pumpkin Gathering. The quilt we all made was Alternating Four Patch from Five Yard Quilts.

We had a great time. As usual, there was plenty of good food. Irene brought Chocolate Fritos to share. Everyone wanted the recipe, so I promised to share it when she sent it to me.

Chocolate Fritos

1 C white corn syrup 1 regular bag Fritos

1 C sugar 2 C chocolate chips

1 C peanut butter

Boil syrup and sugar rapidly for 2 minutes. Add peanut butter and boil for 1 more minute. Put Fritos in sprayed 9X13 pan. Pour boiling mixture over the top. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and let them melt. Spread to cover Frito misture evenly. Let cool and cut into squares.

2011-09-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

When Moda's new Sock Monkey Christmas fabric came in, Carol and I decided we needed a kid sized quilt. We call this one Sock Monkey Stars. It's not really that Christmasy - just fun. We even put flannel on the back.

I've been using most of my extra time the last week helping Charlie get rid of all the large limbs that came down after last Friday night's wind storm. It also did a lot of damage to our roof. Some of the corn around here looks more like it was hit by a tornado. Others in our neihborhood were hit with really large hail the week before.

2011-08-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

Along with all the new Christmas samples we've been making, we've been doing some Fall and halloween, too. This one is called Jolly Jack.

2011-08-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight I sat on the porch and finished the binding on my latest applique project. I used a pattern that was meant for wool but did it in traditional needle turn. What a beautiful day and evening!

Pumpkin Gathering Retreat is just around the corner (Friday evening Sept. 9 and all day Saturday Sept. 10). If you'd like to see the quilt we'll be doing, get more details and find a printable registration form, visit the Events Page of our website www.prairiestarquilts.com

2011-08-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I haven't done much with the blog lately. I've been making a big decision. It's time for me to retire. I'd like to devote more time to Charlie and the farm and also my quilting.

So, as of this past week Prairie Star Quilts is for sale. If you or someone you know has ever wanted to own a quilt shop, here is your chance to own a well established award winning shop. I would be happy to discuss it with anyone who is seriously interested. I want the shop to go on - afterall, I need a place to buy fabric, too.

In the meantime we are going ahead and planning our Fall events. In the next few days I'll be showing you a photo of our Pumpkin Gathering quilt for 2011 (Sept. 9 & 10).

2011-07-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

JustJust after Summer vacation started, Grace came in with her mom. She spent a lot of time choosing just the right flannels for her project. She did all the work herself. Yesterday they came in to show us the results. We think her rag quilt turned out just perfect, and she was really happy with the results, too.

2011-07-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Ragbrai is coming through Elk Horn and Kimballton on Monday. We will open early (at least by nine - earlier if I can get through traffic). There will be about 10,000 bicycles in town at least through the morning. It's so much fun seeing them all.
If you'd like to come to the shop that day, I suggest that you avoid highway 173 (that's exit 54 from theI-80). Instead, from the West take exit 46. Go North on M47 about 5 miles, then east on F58 right into Elk Horn. Park in the Retreat Center lot and use our back door.
From the East take exit 60. Go North about 5 miles then westt on F58 to Elk Horn. You might have to park somewhere on the East side of Main Street and walk to the shop.
You might as well join the party!

2011-07-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have a new favorite notion. It's called Lapel Stick - a funny name for a really useful (and kind of funky) glue stick. I think it was named Lapel Stick becausde people used it to make fabric repairs. The comapany sent me a sample to try and I love it. My favorite use right now is to hold my pieces in place while I do needle turn applique - no more pins. I really like it better than any other applique glue I've tried. We just got in our first shipment. I think you will like it, too. Stop in for a demo.

2011-07-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

I've been changing the shop samples around a little and I just put up these two new pheasant projects. I try to buy any pheasant fabric I see and this line from Wild Wings might be the best we've ever had.

The photo on top is a single panel quilted and bound. It couldn't be easier and looks so great on the wall. We call it Pheasants Forever.

The bottom photo is Pheasant Run. It take a little more piecing, but is equally striking.

We don't often find such great "guy" gifts.

2011-07-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

We had a pretty good turnout for Crazy Dane Day Saturday -especially considering the weather. Thank goodness the days are over when we used to set out all the bargains on the sidewalk. The fabric and us and the cutsomers would have been roasted by noon.

I brought the half price kits that we still have over to the main building from the retreat center. If you didn't get a chance to visit on Saturday, you could still get in on a few bargains.

2011-07-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

I spent the entire day in the Retreat Center yesterday getting ready for our Crazy Dane Day Sale on Saturday (of course most observers think every day Is "Crazy" Dane Day!).

I've been marking down selected fabric to $1,2,3 and 4 per yard. We've got half price kits and our famous $5 scrapbags, $1 magazines and patterns and special deals on notions. You can get some hot deals inside our cool retreat center.

While you're here, you can preview lots of the new Christmas fabric and all the samples we've been making from them.

2011-07-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

I just finished designing and making this small wall quilt Chickadee Winter . I fell in love with the bird fabric and wanted to do something to showcase it. The kits are ready to go.

We've been so wrapped up in making Christmas samples, it's easy to forget that it is the middle of Summer and next Saturday (July 16) is Crazy Dane Day in Elk Horn. We'll hold our big Summer sale in our Retreat Center from 10 am - 4 pm. We always have great bargain fabric along with half price kits and a patterna and book sale. You won't want to miss it.

2011-07-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

We all hope you will have a great Fourth of July

Prairie Star Quilts will be closed Monday July 4th

2011-06-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

Almost evey day new Christmas fabric is coming in. We're all stitching like crazy to get samples done. We have at least three different snowman panels this year - each one cuter than the next. As always, we've added our own special touches so that you can choose from easy, but unique, kits.
While they can be used in many ways, all will fit on a door. Several years ago I heard a great idea for those of you who have someone in a nursing home or assisted living. A customer made a series of small seasonal quilts for her father. Instead of hanging them in his room, she put them on the door - staff and other visitors sould stop in to talk with him about the changing quilts.

2011-06-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

Linda's nephew Luke just completed this Iowa sports quilt. He used Hawkeye and Cyclone fabric and the gold and purple is for the Panthers. He really did a great job. I guess the talent runs in the family. You've see some of Linda's fabulous quilts on this blog before.

2011-06-15T04:31:00.000-07:00

Elaine came to pick up the quilt we quilted for her. She used a pattern froom the cover of American Patchwork and quilting and did a great job. Wouldn't you know the battery was dead on my camera? Thanks for Mary Lou for sending this photo to me.
Fabric for Christmas 2011 is starting to arrive. If you'd like to see it and we haven't gotten it on the floor yet, just ask.

2011-06-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Carol and I decided we needed a new flannel sample and kit. We came up with Rock Star - perfect, we thought, for a dorm room.

When Karen saw it, she decided we also needed something for a girl's dorm and used our pattern for Nest, using mostle Valerie Wells' fabric.

It's alsways fun to see the same pattern in different interpretations.

2011-06-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here's Janets second block for her crazy quilt. I told her we'll want to see them all.

2011-06-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

Because Ragbrai will come through Elk Horn in July, we worked hard to find some bicycle fabrics. These three have recently come in. The aqua one is even flannel - how about pajama bottoms! The others would make good pillow cases or tote bags.

2011-05-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

This year's Tivoli Fest Quilt Show was well attended. Winners are chosen by viewers' choice. Third Place this year went to Marie Meyers (Treynor) for her Scrap/Strippy Sampler. Japanese Fans by Sue Wagner (Oakland) was Second. Eleanor Greenwall (Atlantic) won First Place for her hand embroidered Victorian Ladies. There were 71 entries - some very nice quilts. I'll put more photos on our website's photos of interest page.

2011-05-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

I've been busy the last few days getting ready for the Tivolli Fest Quilt Show to be held in our Retreat Center Saturday May 28. The photo above is from last year, and this year's entries look great, too. The show will be from 10 am - 5pm. In the shop we'll have some half price fabrics so check them out.
Tivoli Fest is our annual celebration of Danish heritage held every Memorial Day Weekend. Here is a link to a complete schedule of events.

2011-05-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

Our friend Janet has become interested in crazy quilts. She has several very nice antique ones in her collections. She's decided she wants to make her own crazy quilt and brought her first block to show us. If this is any indecation, it's going to be some quilt. That's not a piece of bird fabric, it's a bird she embroidered.

2011-05-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Carol's been working hard to get new baby quilt samples done for us. This one, also in flannel, is called Sweet Baby Zoo. People seem to be liking brighter colors.

2011-05-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

We're working hard to get lots of new kits done in time for our Oh Baby, Baby workshop June 11. Carol just finished this African Safari baby quilt in flannel. It's easy but lots of fun in good bright colors.

We had another thought for the workshop. A sewer and non sewer could sign up together and work on one quilt. The non sewer could do the pressing, etc. - and maybe even learn womething along the way.

2011-05-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

If you have someone special in your family who is "expecting" this diaper bag would be the perfect congratulatory gift. It's Mama Mia by Favorite Things and includes a changing pad. I enjoyed making it so much, I think I'll make another for me just to use as a tote.

We've really been busy trying to come up with all kinds of special "baby" ideas for our Oh Baby, Baby workshop June 11. The day in our Retreat Center will be free if you purchase a baby quilt kit. This can be any baby kit we have, or if you sign up early enough, you can even choose the fabric for your kit. We'll give guidance to help get your quilt done. Throughout the day we'll be demonstrating all the ideas for baby we've come up with - some patterns will even be free.

Anyone is invited to the workshop - Moms, Grandmas, sisters or friends. It might be fun for two or three to work together. The workshop will be from 10am to 4pm and you will need to pre register.

2011-04-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd show you a quilt from last year's Tivoli Fest Quilt Show. We are in charge of the show each year. It's pretty casual with no judging except by viewer's choice. Top three quiltmakers receive aPrairie Star gift certificate. This is a fun show to enter with no pressure. The actual show is in our Retreat Center on Saturday May 28. Just be sure to bring your quilts to us by May 25. We'll keep them for you until you can pick them up sometime after Memorial Day.

2011-04-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some of the embroidery for Snow Days by Crabapple Hill. I'm using a variegated thread so I can use one thread throughout. Not sure if you can tell from the photo, but it is really effective.

We are now carrying Cosmos Seasons Variegated embroidery floss. It is really a quality thread from Lecien of Japan. The photo just shows a few of the available colors.

I can't believe how many quilters are finding that they love embroidery. It's something that many of us learned from our grandmothers (remember the dish towels?) but it's really gone upscale. I find it very relaxing.

2011-04-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

One of the new samples I hung Monday was this new York's Freedom. It is Shar's design but the sample was made by Mardell. I love it's graphic look. I spent most of yesterday outside cleaning flower beds and raking the lawn. Many of my hostas are up, some on the southside of the house are 10 inches tall. But, this evening when I came home from the shop, it suddenly turned cold. There's even a chance for snow this weekend - so much for Spring

2011-04-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Karen has just completed this embroidered sample. It is Friendship Blooms Over Garden Fences from Crabapple Hill. If you like to embroider you'll love this one. Of course we have kits. Speaking of Crabapple Hill, we have also made a few kits for their new Snow Days. We have not made a sample yet (I'm working on it) but itwill be great, too. We made very few kits for it, because it is pricey (the designers required a lot of fabric). At any rate, we will not have them very long as several are already spoken for.

2011-03-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was my Mom's birthday. After lunch with friends my sister and I took her to see the Crazy Quilts at teh Iowa Historical building. They were fantastic. Here are just a few of the closeups I took. Both my Mom and my sister Jan love making crazy quilts so they got lots of ideas.

The first picture is Mom with her newest great grand daughter Kali Mae (Mae is Mom's middle name, too).

2011-03-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun new sample called Decadence. It would make a nice little table topper.

Charlie and I drove out to Blair Nebraska this afternoon. We both graduated from Dana College which closed recently due to financial difficulties. We spent some happy years there (we were married the Summer after my Sophmore year) and wanted to see it again. It makes us both sad that it is closed.

Even though it was cold, the sun shone most of the time and we enjoyed the drive. On the way home we stopped at Desoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge hoping to see some eagles. I've gotten hooked on watching the Eagle Cam at Decorah. The first egg is supposed to hatch on April 1st. You can check it out at www.raptorresource.org/falcon_cams/ .

2011-03-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Mardell finished quilting Becky's quilt made completely from my Prairie Homefront fabric. She found a picture of an old quilt in a book and together we drafted the block. I love her sashing.

I have submitted the designs for my next line - no word yet on when fabric will be available. We're still tweaking the colors.

2011-03-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

I finally got to visit our Danish Imigrant Museum for the Grete Schioler Textile exhibit. It was really impressive and I enjoyed it very much. Her works will be on display through July 10. For more information visit http://www.danishmuseum.org/ . Of course, I was most attracted to the two or three that could be csalled quilts in the exhibit but all were beautiful.

2011-03-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Last week Carol completed this sample for our Box of Chocolate kit. I love a pink and brown quilt. This one is lap sized, but consider it for an heirloom baby quilt. Pink and brown quilts are so popular for nurseries now.

Baby quilts are certainly changing. I'm never surprised anymore at what the young mothers choose. Brown in combination with pink or aqua or green is prevalent and they certainly don't always choose a "baby" print. Just as they seem to want unusual names, they also want one of a kind nurseries.

We try to have kits for babies in many colors and styles, but we're open to helping you choose the fabrics for any nursery project.

2011-03-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Several years ago my Mom designed these herb embroideries for kitchen towels. I always thought they were such nice designs. Feeling Spring like, I redid them and put them into this little wall quilt. They'll really fit into my kitchen. Of course we made kits.

Speaking of Spring, this first day turned out to be pretty nice in the late afternoon. Charlie and I spent a few hours outside and just got started on the yearly task of picking up all the downed branches and sticks. It felt good to be out in the fresh air and sunshine.

We had a fun day yesterday celebrating National Quilt Day with our free stashbuster class.

2011-03-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Carol completed this flannel throw using Moonlight Lodge by Holly Taylor for Moda. It has the lodge look but is very refined.

There's still time for you to join us for our free stashbuster class on Saturday for National Quilt Day. Just give us a call 712-764-7012.

2011-03-10T18:17:00.000-08:00

Nadine made this really cute rain cape for her great grand daughter Cassidy using one of our fun vinyl covered fabrics.People are coming up with all sorts of uses for the fabric.

We have a great group from Nebraska enjoying our Retreat Center this weekend. When I went home tonight they were all sdet up and sewing like crazy!

2011-03-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

Carol finished this sample for her grandson, Grant who's in Cub Scouts. We're calling it Scout's Honor.

I worked with Carol today and she and I pulled fabrics for a black and white queen sized quilt. I'll be showing you a photo soon.

Don't forget to sign up for our free Stashbuster Class on National Quilt Day March 20. See the Events page on our website www.prairiestarquilts.com .

2011-03-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

I just added five new kits to our website http://www.prairiestarquilts.com/ . From top to bottom they are Indian Creek, ABC's, Fifi and Fido, A Star is Born and Tara Revisited. We have a policy here that we usually don't make a sample unless we plan to make kits for it. This requires lots of planning and extra work, but we think it is just one more way to provide good service for our customers.

Kits aren't for everyone but there are some real advantages. For instance, I love selecting my own fabric and tweaking patterns. But I also enjoy having a few kits on hand for that odd little bit of sewing time that I might find - I can just grab a kit and get started without sorting through my fabric collection. For those who have a hard time with fabric selection, a kit allows them to know what the finished quilt will look like. Also, we have many travelers stop by and they often do not have the time it takes to choose all the fabrics for a project. Kits can sometimes save you money. Most patterns will have a minimum of 1/4 yard for yardage. If you really don't need that much of a particular fabric, we can put in just the amount you need - this is especially true for quilts like Tara Revisted.

2011-02-23T19:21:00.000-08:00

Linda brought her flannel quilt to show us. In the original pattern there was supposed to be lots of pieced strips (from Jellyrolls) where the striped fabric is - what a timesaver her choice was. The squares are machine appliqued.

We've had a lot of sign ups for the National Quilt Day workshop March 19, but there's still room for a few more. Visit our website www.prairiestarquilts.com for details.

2011-02-11T18:21:00.001-08:00

A picture collage by Smilebox

2011-02-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

Spend part of your Super Sunday with us!

We'll have closeout fabric at $1, $2, $3 and $4 per yard

Selected 1/2 price kits

Other Surprise Bargains
Sunday February 6 10am-5pm

2011-01-30T17:18:00.000-08:00

This is Starway to Heaven our Stashbuster quilt for this year's National Quilt Day March 19. We've been doing this for several years now. It's a free class you just have to purchase three yards of background fabric. The rest comes from your stash! You'll need to reserve your spot if you want to come to the class.

Speaking of "stash" - I've been cleaning my sewing room. It looks so good now I'm going to call it my studio instead. I also do not have a stash anymore - it's now my "fabric collection". When you collect fabric you can just enjoy it. You don't neccessarily have to do anything with it. Ever notice how just admiring your collection can make you feel good?

2011-01-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

Karen has completed a new sample using Tonga Batik Treats-Strips & Squares. It is called Intersections. We have a great selection of Batiks on hand right now. Their bright colors can add zip to your Winter.

2011-01-23T15:35:00.000-08:00

Bear with me as I try to learn new things. I made a small slide show about our laminate fabrics. We're getting quite a collection.Laminated cottons are similar to oilcloth but much lighter weight and more drapable. Last year when we got our first pieces we made lots of cosmetic bags and Karen even made a raincoat. Now, With more to choose from, we're designing an apron and have Amy Butler's patterns for hooded raincoats. I plan to try a raincoat for myself this Spring. They'd also be great for tote bags and diaper bags.

click on the "play" button to see the slide show (it may take a while to load).

2011-01-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

This free slideshow design created with Smilebox

2011-01-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

Elk Horn is the home of the National Danish Immigrant Museum and hosts World class exhibits.
The latest in their Danish -American Artists Series is a retrospective of Danish Immigrant Grete Schioler's work. The exhibit runs from now until July 10. The works on view encompass a wide range of her work, including tapestry, silk painting, quilting, applique and knitting. Special tours for textile interest groups (quilting groups, knitting groups, etc.) can be arranged. For more information visit www.danishmuseum.org or call 712-764-7001.
The quilt shown above is simply called Circles. I'll be viewing the exhibit in the next few days and will show you more of her work. I hope many of you also get the chance to see it.

2011-01-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

Blitz!

I don't usually work Tuesday and today it was a good thing because our driveway kept drifting in. I had plenty to do getting ready for our retreat this weekend. We're really full so it should be fun.

The other day I sent off all the ideas for my next line of fabric. It's taken me quite a while to get these ready, but now I am excited to see what the people at Fabri-Quilt think.

We're also working on the plans for Super Sunday February 6. Besides a big sale on closeout fabric we'll have our annual workshop. This year's quilt is Blitz! Visit the events page on prairiestarquilts.com for details.

2011-01-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

Just before the New Year's break we got in several pieces of Amy Butler's new Soul Blossoms

and also the complete fat quarter packs. Sewing with these could make you feel like Spring is right around the corner.

I always like to start a new project on New Year's Day. This year I started the sample for our annual Super Sunday workshop. We design something quick and easy for this. I worked on it most of yesterday afternoon and was able to complete the top in a few hours today. Watch this blog and your email for details on how to sign up.

2010-12-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

We'll be open regular hours on New Year's Eve. We still have lots of good half price fabric left. Don't be caught without something to work on this holiday weekend. We'll be closed Saturday, New Year's Day. Happy New Year.

2010-12-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

All of us at Prairie Star Quilts wish you a

Very Merry Christmas

Be sure to visit us on Monday December 27 for our

After Christmas Sale (starts at 10 am)

2010-12-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who attended our Christmas Open House and so generously contributed items for the food pantry. We didn't deliver them until yesterday so all of the staff could add to them.
Our local pantry will be making boxes for 27 families and the things you brought will go a long way to helping fill them.

2010-12-19T17:48:00.000-08:00

2010-12-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

We've been waiting for these new Case IH fabrics for quite a while. You could still have time to make a little something for your favorite collector before Christmas.

2010-12-07T16:18:00.001-08:00

We had two well attended sessions for our Christmas Open House workshops yesterday. Everyone did a great job on their projects. If you didn't get to come we had a few kits left. They are available for $7 each (plus tax and shipping). you'll get both little pillows in the kit.

We also put all our Christmas Fabric and kits on sale at 25% off and will continue the sale until Christmas.

2010-11-27T17:12:00.000-08:00

These are the projects for our annual Christmas Open House which will be Monday December 6. We'll have a sale and lots of demos for easy gift ideas.
The workshop will be held two times (2 pm and 5:30pm) in the Retreat Center. Cost is $7 or a donation for the Food Pantry. You will need to register for the workshop (712-764-7012) so that we will know how many kits to cut.

2010-11-27T04:16:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting for this fabric from Alexander Henry to arrive. I know how hard it is to find fabric for guys. This would make a fun throw or even pillowcases.

We had a busy day yesterday with all the people attending Julefest in Elk Horn and Kimballton. Our "surprise" (not a surprise any longer) Julefest Sale this year is 25% off red or green fabric - I'm amazed at how many fabrics have red or green. Julefest conotinues today in both towns.

2010-11-25T04:40:00.000-08:00

2010-11-21T07:04:00.000-08:00

Shar, Karen and Sarah (Jackie's daughter) braved the cold yesterday to put up some outside lights in preparation for Julefest in the Danish Village next Friday and Saturday. It's our opening of the Christmas shopping season. After taking time to celebrate and savor Thanksgiving on Thursday, why not come here for fun shopping, easy parking and good food instead of braving the Black Friday hassle?

There are two great boutiques at the town halls in both Elk Horn and Kimballton. I started the Prairie Christmas Boutique in Kimballton 32 years ago. In 2000 I sold it to Cheryl Rosenbeck one of my folk artists. She has done a great job of carrying on the tradition. One of her current artists is my sister, Jan Speed. Many of you are familiar with her patterns for wool, wool felt and embroidery at Prairie Star Quilts.

At the shop (we will open early both days at 9am) we'll have a surprise sale. We'll also be doing ongoing demos of fast and easy gift ideas for you to make. All of the staff at Prairie Star Quilts make our great samples. When we are done displaying them the staff members don't always want to keep all of them. Once a year we display and sell the excess samples in our Retreat Center. Opening day for this is the first day of Julefest (Friday after Thanksgiving) at 9am.
the show and sale will continue until Christmas.

Click here for a schedule of events.

2010-11-15T04:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday i put the binding on one of our latest samples. This photo is for the kit Moda puts out. Mine looks like it except I cnanged the diamonds to easily pieced half squares. The fabric is the new Collection for a Cause, Hope. We used layer cakes for all the stars and will have a kit available soon.

2010-11-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

PSQ sponsored a couple of categories at the Nebraska State Fair. Ann brought her winning entry in the miniature star division to show us. She tells me her inspiration was an antique Texas star quilt. This little quilt represents one corner of the quilt (oautside the large Texas star). there were four of these in the original.
We also sponsor the Traditional Star Bed Quilt.

2010-11-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

I just finished quilting this "convenience fabric" runner from Jo Morton. I know I've said it before, but I like hand quilting "cheaters" - no marking, no seams to quilt through, no hassle. I call it a stress buster. Sometimes in the evening I just want to sit in a quiet place and quilt by hand.

2010-11-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Mary brought in her latest project. It was fascinating. It's made almost entirely from the striped fabric in my Prairie Homefront collection. There are certainly a lot of striped fabrics that would work for this.

I'm starting work on a project for our annual Christmas Open House which will be Monday December 6 this year. We'll have two workshops at 2:00 or 5:30 pm. You'll need to pre register if you'd like to attend because we'll need to know how many kits to make.

2010-10-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Mardell finished this new sample, Union Blue. It's really a striking design. Of course we are making kits.

2010-10-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

Carol just finished these two new Criss Cross quilts. The'll make great table toppers or small wall quilts and take very little time to make. The pattern is a good one when you just don't want to cut up a spectacular fabric.

Shar is starting work on our quilt for Runaway Quilter's Retreat. This is our twentieth retreat and will be on January 14 and 15 2011.

2010-10-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

Halloween is almost here. Just in time we're having a 50% off sale on Halloween fabric, patterns and kits. This cute little fusible with handmade button is easy enough to finish for this Halloween, but you can always put some things away for next year.
Shar Pam and I planned new samples and kits today in between customers. We strive to keep all the walls full of great samples and we're almost out of kits for several samples.
I'm really proud of all the new samples we have right now for baby and kids quilts.

2010-10-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Carol's fun new throw is made from flannel and chenille - nice to cuddle up in this Winter or plan ahead for a graduation gift. It's fun to mix textures in a quilt. Think about adding Minkie or Cuddle to flannel.

2010-10-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Karen just finished this flannel throw using Moda's new Moonlight Lodge collection. It has to be the softest flannel ever - just like velvet. I'll bet the men on your list would love it.

2010-10-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

I just finished the last doll quilt in our fourth series. It's been fun.

We've had a fun few days with lots of quilters stopping by on their way to or from the AQS Show in Des Moines. There are still some good bargains left in the Retreat Center.

2010-10-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sue stopped by to choose borders for her sampler. It's going to be a real keeper. I love making quilts with lots of different fabrics and blocks.The piecing never really gets boring and it's certainly not boring when you're finished either.

We spent yesterday getting everything ready in the shop and retreat center for our big sale the rest of this week. We have $1, $2, $3 and $4 a yard fabric and half price kits, jelly rolls and charm packs in the center. In the shop, selected kits are 25% off.

Remember, you don't have to be attending the show in Des Moines to get in on the sale.

2010-09-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

This Jolly Jungle quilt is perfect for baby and later makes a great play mat.

My Mom had knee replacement surgery last week, so I've been back and forth to Des Moines. She's really doing quite well.

We're getting ready for the AQS show next week. We usually have lots of quilters visit us on the way to or from the show. We have lots of new samples and we'll be having a big sale in the Retreat Center. We hope you'll stop by, too - you can come for the sale (Wenesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) even if you're not attending the show.

2010-09-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

Many of the quilts I picture on this blog are available as kits. I don't always get them on the website right away, but you can always call the shop 712-764-7012 to order.

2010-09-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here's that doll quilt that I started the other day (the next to the last in our current series). It's been fun coming up with the designs for these, but with the four series that's over forty quilts!

Little quilts are so versatile. I doubt very many are actually used for dolls. I hang mine, use them as table toppers and put them on the backs of chairs. Because they are small and don't take very long to finish you can try out fabrics and patterns that you might not usually think of.

2010-09-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

This is the newest version of our popular Wedding Quilt made in Moda's Lumiere De Noel by French General. It's such an elegant fabric line - sure to be an heirloom quilt.

I just went out to feed my cats. It's almost cold this morning. Fall is certainly in the air. I'm home today and will probably work on the design for the next Doll Quilt. There are only two more in this series.

2010-09-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! They did it. Everyone at the retreat finished a quilt top and we actually found time to have fun, too.

2010-09-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

2010 Pumpkin Gathering started last evening. After dinner we went back to the shop to "harvest" fabric for the quilts we're going to make today. This was a change as usually everyone chooses fabric earlier and has it cut before they come to the retreat. We just selected a focal fabric (like the pumpkin fabric in Pam's sample) and went from there. It's so much fun to see the thought process. Then we took it all to the retreat center and began cutting - it took no more than an hour. This morning they'll start sewing and I bet there'll be some tops finished by the end of the day.

2010-09-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

We just recorded the last in our series of twelve local access TV shows. This is the setting I've chosen to use for my blocks. It's been a fun experience. For those of you who were not able to follow along, if you come to the shop I'll give you the block patterns. Instructions for this setting are available on the TV Show Page of our website www.prairiestarquilts.com

2010-09-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a modern baby quilt kit, this one really fits the bill. It's made from Moda's Wee Woodland flannel in the Baby I Do pattern. It could also be a great Kindergarten nap quilt.

We will be closed Monday for Labor Day, so come see us today for your weekend sewing needs. I like to use Labor Day to kick off my Fall quilting projects. This year I've designed a new needleturn applique that I will start on Monday.

2010-09-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

Mary just completed this top using Sandy Gervais' Awesome fabric for Moda (there are a few other pieces added in). This pattern is the one we will use at our Pumpkin Gathering next weekend. We'll have fun because on Friday night everyone will choose a fabric for the interior sash and then search for the perfect fabrics to go with it. There is still time for you to sign up and join us.

2010-08-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

We're busy making baby quilt kits again. I designed this easy pattern for a quick quilt that "shows off" the main print. These two happen to be flannel, but it works equally well in cotton.

We really have lots of new baby and child prints right now.

I've been working on quilts for three of my nieces who are expecting this Fall. I'll post photos as I finish them.

When I have time, I like to make extra baby quilts to have on hand. They don't take much time and it's an unbeatable gift or donation.

2010-08-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

I just finished Doll Quilt #10 in our fourth series. I'm really starting to like blue again. It used to be my favorite for quilts and then I sort of got tired of it. I especially like it with brown.

2010-08-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the latest issue of Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting? That's my Prairie Star Baskets on the cover. Earlier this Summer, I "hot needled" the sample to make the deadline. The photography that they do for publications is amazing. Our kits for this should be available next week. Let us know if you'd like us to save one for you.

Registrations are coming in for this year's Pumpkin Gathering Sept. 10 and 11. See the events page on our website for details.

2010-08-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

I just finished the binding on this fun convenience quilt aka. "cheater". The colors really say Fall. I can see lots of uses for this fabric - a "pieced" border without the piecing? an easy runner? How about cutting it into sixteen patch blocks and sashing them?
"Cheaters" might seem like a new invention to us, but really they go way back. Antique quilts from the Civil War era have been found that use pre printed quilt fabric as backing.

2010-08-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

Pat brought her quilt to show us. It's her version of our Christmas Star which I showed you a couple of weeks ago. I love the half-square

units she added and her color choice is great. Blue has really become popular again.

2010-08-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

Purple for Halloween! Carol came up with this cute little quilt that's been getting lots of comments. It's called Haunted House.

Today I made a presentation at the Danish Immigrant Museum. I chose to talk about quilts made by groups - album quilts, friendship quilts, fundraising quilts, etc. I enjoyed doing some research for it.

2010-08-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

We recently received this fun fabric. It would make a great bag. We have at least thirty bag pattens and lots of the "good stuff" to go with them - trims, handle webbing, the right interfacings, rings, snaps, magnet closings, handles, zippers and buttons, buttons, buttons.

2010-08-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

I've been showing you lots of Christmas samples and have almost skipped Fall and Halloween. That's kind of because for the most part the Christmas fabric arrives at the shop before the other two. I've never been able to figure out why. Any way, this year there are some particularly beautiful Fall prints.
We've had a nice group from Nebraska sewing in the Retreat Center this weekend. It looked like they were getting a lot done and also having a good time. I'll say it agsain, quilters are the nicest people.

2010-08-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

We have realy been working on Christmas samples. Nadine made this one using a really nice panel, Noel from Benartex.

2010-08-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready to mail out registration forms for this year's Pumpkin Gathering. Here are photos of Shar and Pam's samples of Pumpkin Bar.

Please visit the EVENTS page of our website for details and a printable registration form.

2010-08-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

Gisselle is a new fabric line and we've made a new runner using it. These Modern projects are a fun way to try working with the new fabric in small amounts.

2010-08-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

One of the newest things at Quilt Market this Spring was cotton knit. I bought a few pieces from Michael Miller. It was being shown for garments, mostly for kids. It really is nice quality, but because it is 100% cotton it must be pre washed ( supposed to shrink almost 20%). It is extra wide. We'll be trying to make some up soon.