What's Black & White & has Dots all over?

McCall's Free Pattern: Kaleidoscope Variation
EQ version: Spiderweb Maltese (with addition of lines between row 4 & corner pieces)

My latest sample block for RSVP! I had to include some polka dots....I heart dots!! 2011 quilt blocks for donation are black and white, if you'd enjoy piecing along with us.

You may find a free download of the Kaleidoscope pattern here.

For readers unfamiliar with RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), they're an amazing group of talented people who give their time generously to local communities in 4 counties in Northeast Indiana. There are other RSVP agencies throughout the US but the Auburn office is particularly close to my heart since they have so many active quilters who share their experience with beginner quilters, regardless of age.


That's not all they do....here's a short list of some of their activities:

Food Pantry: volunteers assist in all aspects of the pantry, benefiting numerous community members

Pack the Backpack: school supplies are collected by seniors, packed & distributed to local schools

Crisis Bears are made for children in need, distributed through local hospital staff & law enforcement officers

Clothes for Preemies  are sewn & sent to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis.

Lap quilts, Cane Bags & Walker Bags are sewn & delivered to Nursing Homes.

Quilts for Campers: RSVP volunteers create quilts for each young camper with a debilitating illness at "Camp Whatcha Wanna Do".

Mentoring: Experienced seniors  assist 4H members interested in sewing

The majority of fundraising for this agency is done through a quilt show, an auction & a quilt raffle. The blocks collected will go towards the raffle and other quilt projects.

The group can certainly use any sewing related items including fabric, notions, templates, patterns, thread, etc. The fabric can be any color, preferably quilter's cottons & flannels (for some preemie items).

How can you help?

If you'd like to donate blocks and/or fabric, please contact me for details at heatherl02 {at sign} yahoo {dot} {com}.

If you have extra sewing supplies that need a new home (it's a good one, I promise!) you can mail your goodies to me for delivery or send them directly to RSVP.

If you are no longer in love with a quilt top (or finished quilt) and would like it to go to someone who will greatly appreciate it, please let me know. It can be mailed directly to RSVP c/o Shirley Johnson.

RSVP/RETRO blog

107 West 5th Street

Auburn, IN 46706-1740

USA

(260) 925-0917

I post a free pattern almost every Friday on Twitter & will be adding some more samples and links on the blog. I hope you'll join in the fun!

Thank you.

HAPPY QUILTING!!

=0) Heather

Speaking of RSVP...

How many blocks look familiar?

Here's a hint or two & links

(plus some free patterns):

RSVP B&W Block Request

It's that time of year again...

RSVP is in search of black and white 12.5 inch (12" finished) blocks in your choice of patterns. This first block is one of the free patterns I recently featured on FREE {quilt} BLOCK FRIDAY on Twitter. It's a Craftsy free project & it's a fun one! Check it out here: Craftsy.com. If you'd like to catch the free patterns of the week, be sure to follow retrogirl02 on twitter.

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is in need of blocks for charity quilts and the annual quilt raffle. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact me for more info at heatherL 02 (zero two) at yahoo dot com or check out some of the previous RSVP posts on this blog here. You'll find links to free patterns, information about the organization and see previous reader donations, too. 

Happy Piecing,

Heather =)

Fall Themed Blocks

RSVP has requested some 'Fall Themed' Blocks

{12.5 inch unfinished} for their annual fundraiser quilt.

Anyone interested in creating pieced or applique blocks 

for the quilt is welcome to join in the fun. 

You can read more about RSVP here.

Please feel free to email for any questions/comments

at heatherL [02] at yahoo dot com

Some of the blocks RF readers 

donated in previous years include:

Kaleidoscope Variation

Indian Trail

Hidden Well

Album

Peace & Plenty

Carrie Nation

Contrary Wife

Shoofly Geese

Wild Goose Chase part 1 & 2

Bear's Paw Variation

Lady of the Lake

Weathervane

A search of RSVP on the blog will bring up 

additional posts, if you'd like to learn more.

All my best,

Heather

Card Tutorial, Selvages & Volunteering

Hello Fabulous Readers!! What a wonderful week of rest and relaxation.

I said no sewing on my blogland vacation, but you know that I can't stay away from the sewing machine for long....so I made a skirt one afternoon, repaired some hexagon blocks and even finished one off---shelved far too long, I'm so glad to be dusting this project off.

Thanks to Stefanie's site, Little Lady Patchwork: Where Modern Meets Traditional, I made the cutest cards ever. I don't know if you missed my twitter update, but her tute is awesome & is featured at the Moda Bakeshop, too. Do check her tutorial out if you haven't already but be prepared---it's hard to part with these supercute notecards!

WOOHOO! A goodie bag FULL of selvages arrived in the mail at the end of last week. Special thanks for the awesome selections, Marla!! I love fun mail...don't you?

*While this has been a lengthy post, please indulge me for just a bit longer.*

I've recently recieved a request from a loyal reader & virtual bee friend for children's prints and bright fabrics for quilts given to hospitalized kids in Lawrence, Kansas, U.S. In the past, I've sent completed quilts to QuiltsForKids but as you know, I've been a bit preoccupied with Jane as of late. A fabric donation to a group of enthusiastic quilters on a mission is just the thing when there aren't enough hours in the day to do all the good you'd like.

As some of you are aware, I collect fabric & notions for my favorite senior center: RSVP. Retired Senior Volunteer Program is an incredible place where seniors can hang out, quilt together, develop lasting friendships, take classes, find individualized volunteer opportunities, help run their community food bank & perform all types of outreach...bascially, they make the town better in so many ways I am probably not even aware of everything this organization does.  

RSVP has agencies all over the U.S. but this one is so special to me because the staff and volunteers teach sewing classes for children and inspire newbie quilters regularly (including me, not too long ago!) in addition to all their other good deeds. With more collective experience than I've found anywhere else, these generous quilters share their knowledge all the time. Fabric and notions are always greatly appreciated.

This fall, RSVP will host a block collection of 12" finished (12 1/2" unfinished) fall themed/colored pieced, appliqued, and combination quilt blocks in your choice of patterns. You may donate as many as you wish. Blocks chosen for their annual quilt fundraiser will appear in the 2011 handquilted masterpiece. The remaining blocks will be utilized by volunteers in lap quilts for the elderly.

 If these organizations appeal to you, please email me for details at heatherl02 at yahoo dot com...that's a zero-two.

Thank you.

I hope to have some Jane blocks to post soon, now that I'm on the last sixty-nine!!

All my best & Happy Quilting,

Heather

RSVP Designs

The ladies at RSVP are beginning to turn their blocks in. 

The latest arrivals include several from Nora Braun & Shirley Johnson. 

Great job, ladies! Thank you for supporting RSVP's annual quilt fundraiser.

Indian Trail FREE pattern available here.

 The directions for Hidden Well can be found here. Nora's is an original variation of this block.

piece.

Heather

RSVP Block

It's been a wonderful week with some fun in the sun, photos to follow soon. 

Today, I whipped up a quick block for RSVP using 

Jinny Beyer's Centennial Pattern (FREE). 

The templates are available for a 12 inch block here. 

My block came up a little short since RSVP likes 12.5 inch square unfinished. 

I added a little matching polka dot border to get it to their preferred size. 

I wonder if I was supposed to do scant 1/4 throughout 

or if anyone else runs into the same issue. 

In any case, block number one is done!

Now, if I could just master the photo editing on the apple I'd be set.

PIECE.

Heather

Non-Jane Happenings

I have a few updates for those of you who enjoy a bit of news unrelated to THE quilt. I was hoping to make time to create another few blocks for RSVP but seem a little preoccupied with other *ah-hem* pressing deadlines. We shall see if I can manage to post a few more in the next couple weeks.

Pip's arrived from Australia and they are fantastic!

The volunteers are so excited to have their very first International contribution! In prior years, the farthest quilter participating in the fall fundraiser quilt was located in Alaska, US. There's quite a buzz about blocks all the way from Australia, as you can imagine.

Classes are still available if you are able to make it to Auburn, Indiana, USA. October 8 & 9. Class topics include free motion quilting, knitting, felted wool projects, locker hooking, applique, disappearing 9 patch, and a class just for kids, too. There's a book signing with Carol Loessel. Several vendors will be available for the shoppers among us...that's probably my favorite part!

They've confirmed that they'll be hosting the traveling Hoffman Challenge, a fashion show and have a selection of silent bid baskets in addition to the displays of quilts to enjoy. Hope to see you there!

For more information, please contact RSVP at 260-925-0917 or email rsvp at locl dot net

Speaking of quilt shows, I'm pleased to tell you about Marjorie's upcoming trunk show. For those of us with quilty friends out west, be sure to let them know. Marjorie's site is called Applique Addict. It's a wonderful blog with great projects including a fun states quilt that she's working on in reds & whites.
Details for her trunk show can be found here. Oh, I wished I lived closer!!

Another great site I've been meaning to tell you about is Marla's new blog. I mentioned Marla's work with hospitalized children not too long ago.  A couple followers were kind enough to send fat quarters her way. Thank you so much for your generosity. If you'd like to talk with Marla directly or check in on her angel work, please do so at All These Things.

As with any post, you're always free to contact me regarding any of the above sites & activities.

Best Wishes & Happy Quilting,
Heather
=)

A Change of Pace

EQ's Merry Kite Pattern

My first RSVP fall-themed block is complete. After working exclusively with 4.5 inch blocks for over 6 months, 12.5 looks gigantic.

Since my stash revolves around brights and pastels (mostly 30s, as you already know)...I had to go shopping for autumn bits. I made the mistake of purchasing such small pieces that I'll have to go back.

I know, right? Poor me, having to return to my favorite quilt shop.

 When working with DJ blocks, you can make a block completely from scraps so a fat quarter seems like a lot of fabric. In making gigantic (standard size) blocks, not so much. Luckily, I save just about everything and found the maroon batik folded nicely in the back of my organizer pocket after wishing I had just a tiny bit more from a block I sent 2 years ago.

Thank you fabric fairy!

A little bird told me that Pip is sending RSVP a couple of blocks...if you'd like to check out her progress, please click PIP for the Rest is Not Idleness blog. While you're there, be sure to check out all the other gorgeous goodies she's been busy with. Pip's making cheese, sweets, working on her Dear Jane....she's one busy lady and a great person to know!

If you'd like to get in on the fun, be sure to send me an email at heatherl02 at yahoo dot com so we can watch your progress, too. 

Happy Quilting,

Heather 

P.S. In case you missed it, I guest blogged for Stash Manicure again. Pictures of my vintage grandmothers flower garden blocks are available HERE.

RSVP Block 2

EQ Block: Weathervane

As you can imagine, the final week of summer break has left me with very little time. I completed another RSVP block and cut most of an applique block out. However, the applique background fabric doesn't work for me and I haven't found the time to get over to the quilt shop yet. I probably won't get to it this week, but will have to make time soon so I can back to my Baby Jane.

Speaking of Jane, 30s goodies arrived this week! I heart fun mail!! Thank you so much!

Why is it when you're pressed for time, you have machine issues? It's been a while since I've had it in for maintenance and I have been overdoing it a bit lately...if I can just hold off until I get the main blocks done, I'll be happy. Thank goodness the old White is here on standby.
We've been getting reacquainted today.
Happy Quilting,
Heather

PS I just saw a post about a lovely (I'm guessing 30s) quilt on Cumberland Island Quilt Chick with printed linen in it. I just received some this past weekend from my great grandmother's stash via mom. Thought you might like to take a little peek at vintage printed linen. GORGEOUS!----and, they're in pink and green, so you know I'm thrilled.

Bonnie's RSVP Blocks

Bonnie Brodmerkle was kind enough to create the following 3 blocks for RSVP:

Album: free pattern available here.



Peace & Plenty: free pattern available here.



Carrie Nation: free pattern available here.

Beautiful blocks and great pattern ideas!

Thank you so much, Bonnie!!

Happy Piecing,

Heather

Applique Daffodils & Fun Mail

Using Barbara Brackman's vintage applique daffodil block pattern, available

at BarbaraBrackman.blogspot.com,

I whipped up a table runner for a birthday gift in 30s, reproductions.

The flowers in the yard must have been an inspiration.

The backing is the same print as the center block.

 I just knew I was hanging on to that Judie Rothermel Aunt Grace

ties one on fabric for a reason!

The applique fabric pieces were from the Dear Jane stash.

Speaking of stash...

Special thanks to the sender of this beautiful fabric.

My mind is racing with possibilities.

I had no idea the line included a pink version!!

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit with Shirley Johnson at RSVP. She's thrilled with the goodies and blocks from the RETRO-Fabulous readers and was kind enough to share a quick embroidery lesson. Next on my list: a detailed embroidery block for another RSVP project in the works.

Happy Stitching,
Heather

RSVP Block 3

*8 pointed star*

Today's block for RSVP went quicker than expected. I like this one so much I may do a whole top of stars!

When I find nice tonal batiks I love to add them to the stash in small amounts....a fat quarter here, a half yard there and I mix them with traditional prints when I feel like it.

No rules. Quilt Fearlessly!

Happy Quilting,
Heather

RSVP Embroidery

Slow progress on the RSVP car quilt block, but it's been a while 

since I did any embroidery.

The fill should go quickly in red...

it's the chrome I'm a little worried about.

Those who were with us last year 

may remember my less than stellar use of the super thin 

(and incredibly slippery)

silver thread.

Have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

We're going to celebrate in our jammies and get plenty of rest while we can.

Looks like our dog has a head start.

Best Wishes & Happy Stitches,

Heather

RSVP BLOCK REQUEST 2013

If you feel like digging out some black and white fabrics, RSVP is requesting 12" finished blocks of your choice in B&W. Please send an email for details if you'd like to participate. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. For links to free patterns used in the past, be sure to check out the fall color post and to view previous blocks donated, check out this post & the final raffle quilt photo here.

Piece.

Heather

SHIPPING SALE!

Good things come to those who wait....

It's that time of year again: ERICA'S SALE DAYS!

Free US Shipping & 1/2 Price INTERNATIONAL Shipping on orders $75 or more (excluding tax)!!! It's good through 3/25/13, so get your shop on.

To find the 30's reproductions fabrics, be sure to click on the fabrics link at the left side of their first page and go to Old Fashioned. I had a very difficult time finding these my first visit but knew they carried a great selection of 30's prints, having shopped at a vendor site during a local quilt show. Going to the shop is definitely best, but when I can't get over to South Bend, having them online is helpful. 

A little plug for my 'local' shop-----it's a wonderful spot. Needle & Thread in Valparaiso, IN has some amazing flannels, GORGEOUS floss, wool, tons of patterns & a nice selection of 30s fabrics as well. It's the perfect spot for gifting civil war reproduction prints and for the material I use for RSVP charity blocks most of the time, too. Friends who love batiks are amazed when they step into the separate room of jewel toned goodness.  Have some themed fabric you're on the hunt for? You'll probably be able to find it here. This is my go-to shop for just about everything. Best of all, the owner & staff have always been FANTASTIC! 

If you can't find what you're looking for, just give them a call. 

Happy Shopping,

Heather

Berries & Blocks

Strawberries are coming in daily & the neighborhood kids find picking them quite entertaining. We've plenty to share {a Pyrex bowl a day now}...though some crepe eating family members may not agree.

A good part of our free time is spent outside these days. As a result, updates have not been posted as often as usual. Not to worry, RF readers...it won't be long and I'll have a few more black and white blocks to post for RSVP's charity block drive. The most recent 12" finished blocks have been slow going simply because the sunshine has been too tempting to miss. I'll be sure to post some free links with the latest blocks, assuming I see the sewing room this week.

Enjoy your weekend.

Best Wishes,

Heather

Embroidery

Sorting through my embroidery floss the other day,

I came across some beautiful colors that have me thinking it's about time

to start up a little hand work project.

 RSVP has such good timing! This is the car I'll be working on the next few weeks 

{when I'm not piecing a Farmer's Wife block, that is}.

Happy Sewing,

Heather

=)

Catching Up

Lancaster County III by Judie Rothermel for Marcus Brothers

 It's been a long couple of weeks.

I won a stack of fabrics from the Wandering Stars Blog and a great pattern, too. Selina & Lizze of W.S. host a great cyber gathering on Friday evenings. You can catch the conversation on Twitter, hashtag #gdas. Hope you'll join in the fun discussions about favorite music, links and sewing related topics.

They're not just bloggers, but Etsy Shop owners, too. Find them at http://thewanderingstars.etsy.com/, on Twitter @ws_on_etsy and Facebook as Wandering Stars. Thanks again, girls for the goodies & Friday sewing parties!!

 So....here's my latest distraction. It's for RSVP's biggest fundraiser and I'm hoping an awesome car collector or sweet gear head bids on it.

What a fantastic gift it will make!

This is just one of the designs.

Each block is hand embroidered. Yes, HAND embroidered.

My block took 88.75 hours to complete. whew.

Don't laugh. I haven't embroidered since I was 10..I tried!

1967 Toyota 2000GT

Woo HOO! Fun mail included selvages this week!!!

Special thanks to the senders.

Happy Stitching,

Heather

=)

A Contrary Wife

McCall's Quilting Bear's Paw Variation or my personal favorite,
EQ's Contrary Wife Variation

RSVP Block 2: Contrary Wife Variation

McCall's Free Pattern {Bear's Paw Variation} can be found here.

I hope you're piecing up a storm and keeping warm this weekend.

If you haven't checked out the BLOCK-A-PALOOZA button, be sure to take a little tour. Quilt Dad is coordinating a blog tour with free patterns for a fun Waiting for Spring quilt along.

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

piece.

Heather =)