Jody Houghton's Sisterhood of Quilters Blog

NEW Fabrics

2012-01-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

I am currently designing a fabric collection for Connecting Threads and have included some of the prints to enhance my Art Panels and other quilting projects.

My Quilter's Candy Collection includes Little Stars, Classic Dots, a shaded Mirage, as well as Solids. The designs are printed on the highest quality super-combed quilting cotton. Fabrics are available for purchase by the half yard at www.sisterhoodofquilters.com.

Connecting Threads sells directly to the quilter, therefore the prices per yard are wonderful!

Please sign up for email notification at www.ConnectingThreads.com/CircleofFamily to view my new Circle of Family Collection available mid-June 2012.

Back to Basics

2011-11-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the time of year, but at The Sisterhood of Quilters, we're getting back to basics. As a thank you for your business, we're including a free gift with every purchase of $20 or more made at www.sisterhoodofquilters.com.

You'll receive a 1/2 yard cut of a Sisterhood of Quilter's basic fabric design chosen for you by Jody Houghton. Perfect for your projects or stash!

Offer Expires December 31, 2011.

We're also now on Facebook!

Umpqua Valley Quilters' Guild Talk & Workshop

2011-10-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Thursday, January 5, 2012, begins my season of talks and workshops at area Quilt Guilds. The first event is with the Umpqua Valley Quilters Guild in Roseburg, Oregon.

As an artist/fabric designer, I explain "How Artwork Becomes Fabric" from my own personal experience. Quilters are always interested in the process and come away with a better understanding and appreciation for fabric designs. When designing my own fabrics, I work to give the quilter a full palette of coordinates and blends with my artwork. The creativity and range of projects from the designs make the collections really fun.

A totebag workshop is scheduled on Friday, the day after the talk. It is a quick and easy project with lots of fabric and artwork choices. My fabric art panels are used for the pocket. Details for the workshop and talk are in the Events section of the Umpqua Valley Quilters Guild website.

Be sure to join us on Facebook.

QUILTOPIA 2011

2011-09-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to celebrate my work at QUILTOPIA 2011 as featured artist! Quiltopia is an annual quilt festival that will inspire you to learn the joys of using textiles in a traditional and/or contemporary art form. It will take place September 30-Oct 2, 2011 at several venues in Salem.

I've made an easy to reference PDF of the scheduled events. You can print or download it here.

As a native of Salem, I am honored to show my artwork and quilted projects made from my own fabric designs and fabric art panels available at sisterhoodofquilters.com.

For more information on QUILTOPIA, contact Sylvia Dorney, at Greenbaum's Quilted Forest, phone: (503) 363-7973 or email: Sylvia@quiltedforest.com.

I have designed a quilted wall banner especially for the show (shown at right) in my watercolor style highlighting Mt. Hood. Quick and easy, the wall banner is made with 2.5" strips in a log cabin style. Finished size is 16.5" x 53." The individual fabric art panels are also available for purchase.

I will also be lecturing on "How Artwork Becomes Fabric" on Friday, September 30, 2011, at the Willamette Heritage Center as a part of QUILTOPIA At the Mill.

If you are in the Salem area, please stop by and say, "HI".

Girlfriends At Sea Fabrics Available Now!

2011-09-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

My new fabric collection, Girlfriends at Sea, is available to quilt shops nationally through the Northcott Fabrics Sales Team, and can be purchased at sisterhoodofquilters.com.

This collection, inspired by last year's Quilt Camp at Sea to Alaska, is perfect for memory quilt projects, totebags, and cabin wallhangings. Kits, patterns, and fabric art panels are all available for purchase NOW.

Celebrate the love of adventure and make something fun to cherish and share!

"Girlfriends At Sea" Fabric Art Panels Are Available Now

2011-08-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

"Girlfriends at Sea" Fabric Art Panels are now available at sisterhoodofquilters.com! The coordinating fabrics by the yard of this new collection will be available on Thursday, Sept. 1.

"Girlfriends at Sea" was inspired by last year's Quilt Camp at Sea to Alaska. Be sure to check out the new patterns and kits using these fun and adventurous designs!

If you'd like to find your own inspiration, join us on a Quilt Camp At Sea fabulous adventure. Sign up now and join me on the Mexico Cruise, March 10-17, 2012.

Let Joy be your compass!

Quilt Camp At Sea Alaska Cruise, part 3

2011-08-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Quilt Camp at Sea to Alaska is fast becoming a memory now that a month has gone by.

The experience was invaluable for me. The networking between teachers Patti Carey, Dodi Poulsen, Eva Holen, Lisa Moore, quilt shop owner, Georgia Gale, from "The Needle and I" in Everett, Washington, and Carol Porter, from Clover Needlecraft, Inc., was fabulous!

Meeting quilters from all around the U.S. was really fun. I have especially enjoyed the emails that have come in since the cruise asking about the custom fabric process I shared for "Art Depicting Life" quilts. Questions are always welcome as we live and learn together - one stitch at a time.

Time to look forward to March 2012 and the Quilt Camp at Sea to Mexico! Grab your girlfriends and come with us!

See you on the pier.

Quilt Camp at Sea Alaska cruise, part 2

2011-08-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

During this year's Quilt Camp at Sea Alaska cruise, onboard instructor Lisa Moore and her husband Dave hosted an open house for us during our stop at Sitka, Alaska. WOW, their home and hospitality were wonderful! Lisa's website, "Quilts with a Twist," features her original pattern designs, as well as her favorite notions and kits and fabrics for sale.

On the way to her home, Lisa suggested that we visit Fortress of the Bear. Please check out their website to learn the wonderful work this nonprofit group is doing as they rescue and care for orphaned bear cubs. It was a heartwarming experience watching the bears play and interact with each other.

More details of our great 2011 cruise experience to come.

Quilt Camp at Sea Alaska 2011 cruise

2011-08-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

The weather was great and the seas were calm on the Quilt Camp at Sea Alaska 2011 cruise that took place last week. The time spent in Glacier Bay is always the most inspirational for me. It is quiet and serene as the ship slowly enters the waters of the glaciers. It is awesome and grand. The first photo is of Margerie Glacier. The mix of colors from white-white to aqua is beautiful and the way the light between and around the ice pillars shades and highlights nature's artwork is just amazing.

This second picture is Patti Carey (right) and I on the back deck of the ship in Glacier Bay. Patti is Northcott Fabrics' Marketing Director. She has a great blog about her own designs, patterns, and events.

Patti and I have enjoyed taking our professional relationship to a girlfriend relationship of sharing our joy of family and quilt and fabric designs. I got points for helping her with a technical quilt design software issue, and she got points for guiding me back to our room, as I apparently lost my sense of direction on the ship! We had lots of fun and good giggles.

More to come.

Cute Charity Jacket

2011-07-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

When I find a free moment and realize that I can just play, creativity happens!

I have been wanting to make Jan Ballagh's "Mismatched Medley" jacket pattern for a long time. The moment finally arrived, and look what I created with my art panels! Fun, huh?

I love it and it was so quick and easy. Jan's design is available online at Indygo Junction. I have enjoyed Indygo Junction's designs for years at Quilt Market and have watched them grow and grow.

Enjoy their website. It's really fun. And don't forget to visit my site: www.sisterhoodofquilters.com.

Go have fun!

Freebies!

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

I've added a page to the sisterhoodofquilters site exclusively for Freebies. I encourage you to check it out.

Currently I have FREE patterns for a wall hanging and quick quilt, as well as for my quilted heart pins. Also, there are free printable files of my "Girlfriend Wisdom" column that I write for the Country Register Newspaper. An example (#49) is shown at right.

I often write my column in the voices of my wise, wonderful, women: Faith, Hope, and Charity. As you will see, I combine my fabric designs in the artwork for the articles. Print them out for yourself or your Quilting Groups. I hope you find them inspirational and uplifting. Check back for the newest publications.

Girlfriends @ Sea, Reserve Now!

2011-06-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Because my newest fabric collection, Girlfriends @ Sea, was inspired on the 2010 Sisterhood of Quilters Alaskan Cruise, this year's Alaskan quilt cruisers will receive the opportunity to purchase the fabric before it is released to the general public.

If you won't be joining us on this year's cruise, you can still "reserve" fabrics for Sept. 1, 2011 delivery. The fabrics are limited in quantity and only available for a short time, so don't miss this opportunity. See the April 17, 2011 blog posting for the designs available and reference numbers to use.

The complete quilt kit, "Girlfriends at Sea" is $55.00. The totebag kits are $28.00 each. Both are shown here.

To reserve the new fabrics, simply email me (jody@jodyhoughton.com). You will receive an email in September and can confirm your order and make payment at that time.

Grandmother-to-be

2011-06-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

One of the wonderful benefits of quilting is the ability to create projects to honor events, family or friends.

I have the great privilege and honor of becoming a Grandmother for the first time. My daughter and son-in-law are having a little girl in September!

My design mind immediately started thinking about baby images. My first collection is zoo animals with encouraging blessings (sample panels are shown at right). The individual 10" x 10" art panels and zoo baby fabric collection are available here.

The zoo babies are my current "Art Depicting Life" project. I have designed a quilt pattern that includes the art panels. It is also available at www.sisterhoodofquilters.com.

I will be announcing another "Art Depicting Life" project so check back to learn more!

Totebag Workshop at the Quilted Cottage in Toledo, Oregon

2011-05-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun making totebags with Quilters: Shirley, Jan, and Joyce! From cutting the fabric to applying the rhinestones, we moved along completing the totes.

Quilted Cottage shop owner, Monica Lyons, gave us a special treat by serving High Tea. We giggled with "Pinkies Up" as we sipped our tea from fine china.

The highlight of the class for me was teaching the unique process of making my three-dimensional leaves. I love to use the leaves as embellishments on my totes and quilts.

I will be offering a packet of the leaf patterns and instructions very soon on the sisterhoodofquilters.com website.

Faith, Hope & Charity with Red Checks

2011-04-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was a vendor at the Polk County Fairgrounds. Thank You Mid-Valley Quilters Guild! They did a great job with their show.

At every event, I find a gem in the form of a design idea, a contact, or an opportunity. At this show, I realized the value of my large banners featuring my characters: Faith, Hope, and Charity. I received many, many requests for fabric art panels that matched the banner images and encouraging messages.

Thanks for your comments, Quilters. Your requests are appreciated! Art Panels (5"x10") have been printed, along with a red check strip (3"x42"), and are available on the website NOW! Images are shown here.

NEW Girlfriends At Sea Fabrics

2011-04-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Girlfriends at Sea is a fabric collection that was inspired by last year's Quilt Camp at Sea to Alaska.

These new fabrics are currently being shown to quilt shops nationally by the Northcott Fabrics Sales Team. Now is the time to notify your local quilt shops to bring this fun collection into their shops.

Girlfriends love to go on adventures together and this collection is perfect for memory quilt projects, totebags and cabin wallhangings. More projects and kits will be available in September when the line is released.

Mid Valley Quilt Guild Show

2011-03-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

Come visit me at the Mid Valley Quilt Guild Show at the Polk County Fairgrounds in Rickreall, Oregon, April 21-23, 2011. My booth will be in the main room of the show and I'll have my newest totebag kits on hand.

The Beach Babe collection of totebags has been very popular for this season's Girlfriends trips to the beach. Several groups have purchased the kits to make on their weekend getaways! The newest tote design is made with my Sun Block and Seagulls fabric, very fun and cute with a Girlfriends @ Play message.

Be sure to visit www.sisterhoodofquilters.com to see my fabric art panels for your spring and summer projects.

Speckled Hen Quilts Grand Opening

2011-03-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

If you live near Aurora, Oregon, please join me at the Speckled Hen Quilts Grand Opening on Saturday, April 2, 2011.

I will be showing a preview of my new line of gift pins. The card that comes with the pins features the message, "May this little Block of Joy happily Brighten Your Day".

The pins will be shown at the International Quilt Market this May for national distribution to quilt shops. The artwork for the pins comes from design elements of my fabric collection. The pins make wonderful complimentary gifts for quilting projects.

A new totebag pattern will also be featured at the Grand Opening with my Sunblock & Seagulls fabric for directional prints.

Come by and celebrate Karen's new venture. We all wish her great success in her new location!

SEWEXPO

2011-02-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

Join me this weekend (March 3, 4, 5 & 6, 2011) at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo at the Puyallup Fair & Events Center, 110-9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, WA 98371.

You can find me at booths 165 & 166.

This is the perfect place for both experienced and beginning sewers and quilters (and everyone else!) to indulge their creative passions or explore new ones. With more than 400 booths to shop from, you are sure to find what you are looking for.

See you at the show!

NEW Sisterhood of Quilters Greeting Cards

2011-02-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

I've created a new collection of greeting cards for the Quilting and Sewing Community. Each card features a reproduction of one of my quilt or fabric designs. Cards are 5" x 7" with a glossy finish and are blank inside to allow for your own personal message.

I am so excited about this new product line that I am including THREE of my Sisterhood of Quilters Greeting Cards (shown here) FREE with *every order of $20 or more as a gift to you. Offer ends February 28, 2011.

Visit us soon at www.sisterhoodofquilters.com and check out our newest fabrics by the yard and fabric art panels. Also, select patterns are on sale for just $5!

Sign Up Now for the 2012 Quilt Camp At Sea Mexico Cruise

2011-01-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

I have once again been asked to be guest artist on a Quilt Camp At Sea fabulous adventure. Sign up now and join me on the Mexico Cruise, March 10-17, 2012.

Classes will be available with Patti Carey, Lori Hein, Anita Mahoney, Judith Baker Montano, and Jackie Wolff, plus "Make It and Take It" sessions taught by Janet Bottroff!

We will sail out of San Diego, CA and visit Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. What a fantastic opportunity for a Girlfriend Getaway!

See you there.

NEW Beach Babes Quilt and Wall Hanging Patterns

2011-01-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

Feel the need to get away from all the cold weather and get to the beach?

New Beach Babe quilt and wall hanging patterns and kits have been added to The Sisterhood of Quilters and are sure to get you in the mood for warm hearted Girlfriend GetaWays!

New Fabric Art Panels are featured with "Let it Shine," a motto to uplift and encourage fun and play in the planning of a great new year.

FREE Beach Babes Wall Hanging Pattern

2011-01-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

Here come the Beach Babes!

Don't delay in buying the fabric that you need for for your projects. The quantity is limited! If you would like to shop in your neighborhood quilt shops, check out "Find These Fabrics" on www.northcott.com:

Northcott home page: Click on COMING SOON
On the Coming Soon fabric page, click on BEACH BABES - Seagull print
On the full Beach Babes Collection page, click on the right sidebar: Find These Fabrics

I have the new fabrics on www.sisterhoodofquilters.com, but again, shop early. These designs are LIMITED and will be selling out fast!

Also, download the FREE Beach Babes wall hanging pattern (shown here) at the Sisterhood of Quilters. And have fun!

NEW Gifts: 1-inch Square Pins

2010-11-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

I've extended my gift line to include 1" square pins mounted on wooden tiles. Each pin comes with a message card (shown).

These pins are perfect as an addition to a Birthday card or simply as a small gift to brighten the day of a special friend!

There are 13 different designs. Be sure to give them a look at my site.

Puyallup Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival

2010-10-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Come say hello, November 18-20, 2010, Thursday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm, at the Puyallup Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival, Western WA Fairgrounds, 110 - 9th Ave. SW, Puyallup, WA 98371-6811. Show program, map, and coupons are available here.

At the Festival you will find a wide variety of sewing, quilting, needle-art and craft supply exhibits from many quality companies. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in one or more of the many “Make and Take” workshops or FREE educational seminars.

Also, you'll have a chance to see a sneak preview of my Beach Babes fabric collection. The Beach Babes panel will be available for purchase.

Stitches in Bloom Quilt Show

2010-10-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

December 1, 2010 is coming fast now that Fall has arrived. That is the deadline to submit your creation for the Quilt Challenge for the Stitches in Bloom Quilt Show using my Earth Blessings Patchwork print (this fabric has sold out). I've been a vendor at Stitches in Bloom since the very first year and am honored to have had my fabric design chosen.

If you live nearby in Oregon and need any coordinates, visit the Cotton Patch in Keizer, or Quilted Forest in Salem.

Applications and information are found on the Oregon Gardens link for the Stitches in Bloom Show.

Have fun Quilters, I look forward to all of your creations!

NEW 3-Pocket Purse

2010-09-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

I've created a new pattern for a 3-Pocket Purse that I've just added to sisterhoodofquilters.com. The finished size is 8.5" x 9" with three layered pockets inside. It's the perfect size purse for your essentials.

So quick to sew, you will want one made from all of your favorite colors! Visit my site to see my fabric designs that will make this purse extra special.

It's also easy to embellish on the flap edge with fancy stitches, beads, and charms.

As of 3/12/11, this pattern has been discontinued.

Bags for All Seasons

2010-09-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

The Halloween themed totebag pictured at right is the first in the BAG for ALL SEASONS collection.

Quilting Sister Hope is ready for Happy Halloween fun! An 8" x 12" art panel pocket makes this quick and easy Halloween fabric tote fun for any All Hallows' Eve occasion. The finished size is 15.5" square and it can be carried as either a tote or purse.

Watch for this collection as it grows for each holiday or season. The pattern and complete kit are available for purchase at www.sisterhoodofquilters.com.

Cell Phone Bags Are Here!

2010-08-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Mattie Rhoades of Quiltsmart® and I met as quilt show booth neighbors several years ago. I loved her printed interfacing and quickly saw how fun it was to make complex projects very easily.

I am proud and pleased to include Quiltsmart® products at www.sisterhoodofquilters.com and I have created several Cell Phone Bag kits that are available now. Pictured at right is my Earth Blessings Patchwork Cell Phone Bag. It's quick and fun to make. The Quiltsmart® Cell Phone Kit is included for supplies and instruction, along with Earth Blessings Patchwork fabric.

Be sure to check out my other designs. More will be coming soon!

*As of 2/13/11, Quiltsmart® products have sold out and will not be reordered.

New Fabric Collection Sneak Preview

2010-08-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

My newest fabric collection, BEACH BABES, will be available for purchase December 2010.

Faith, Hope, and Charity are in their beach attire and are ready for Girlfriend Getaways. Samples of the designs are shown here on the right. The fabric will be just the inspiration you need to start making summer totebags and beach quilts.

In addition to the new fabrics, I have designed a large panel wall hanging that is perfect for embellishments. The pattern will be a free download on www.sisterhoodofquilters.com. Yardage and complete kits will also be available as soon as the fabric arrives. Enter your e-mail address in the box that says "Join Our Mailing List" on the right side of this page and we'll let you know when you can begin ordering.

Shop owners contact your Northcott.com sales representative now for pre-ordering of the Beach Babes fabric collection.

Meet Me At The Coast

2010-08-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend, August 6th, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, and August 7th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, I will be sharing a booth with Monica Lyons at the 20th Annual Quilts by the Sea in Newport, Oregon. The booth will feature my current fabric collection EARTH BLESSINGS and new totebag and quilt patterns will be previewed.

Monica, shop owner of Toledo's Quilters Cottage, has entered her Earth Blessings Quilt in the show. I wish her the best of luck. I will also be judging a local quilt guild's All Blue competition; the best of luck to those quilters as well.

If you are on the Oregon Coast this weekend, please come by and say, "HI"!

What a fun trip: Alaska Quilt Camp at Sea!

2010-07-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

About 60 quilters joined the Sisterhood of Quilters Alaska Quilt Camp at Sea. The ladies were from across the US and several from Canada.

At the first gathering of the group, I officially made each attendee a Member of the Sisterhood of Quilters, presenting them with Membership Cards and Certificates. The only qualification was to "pledge and promise to create handmade items with a joy-filled heart." All became enthusiastic members! It was for fun and to honor our coming together as quilters and soon to be friends.

The cruise was a great mix of classes, new sewing tools and techniques, and sight-seeing in awesome Alaska. The week went by very quickly and many signed up to join the Alaska 2011 cruise as well as Mexico 2012 with Quilt Camp at Sea, both of which I have been invited to be the Special Guest on board! Read more about these cruises in my previous blog posting.

I am designing a new fabric collection that will be available for fun, sun, and cruise projects. Keep watching. I'll be posting a sneak peek, very soon.

Two New Quilt Camp at Sea Cruises

2010-06-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Join me as a special guest on these Quilt Camp at Sea Cruises:

Alaska “Stretch Your Imagination” Quilting Cruise, July 31 to August 7, 2011. We sail roundtrip from Seattle, Washington aboard Holland America Line's ms. Oosterdam. Ports of Call: Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, with spectacular Glacier viewing during our visit to Glacier Bay.

Mexican Riviera "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" Quilting Cruise, March 10-17, 2012. We sail roundtrip from San Diego, California aboard a Holland America Line beautiful vista-class ship. Ports of Call: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

These fabulous cruises sell out quickly, so please make your reservations now by clicking the name of whichever destination you're interested in.

When you sail with Quilt Camp at Sea, the only "surprises" are the numerous door prizes and gift items guests receive during each cruise! In addition to the fabulous meals, beverages, snacks, entertaining shows, and onboard events provided by the cruise line, our upcoming escorted QUILTING cruises feature:

TOP OF THE LINE BERNINA or JANOME sewing machines with TWO sewing machine vendor representatives sailing on every cruise to provide classroom assistance and support
SMALL quilting classes with nationally recognized instructors (10-15 maximum average in each class instead of 20 or more) so you will have plenty of one on one time with your instructor
Comprehensive and PRE-CUT kits for classes provided at the beginning of your class
Exciting special guests and lecturers

Hope to see you onboard!

New Patterns and a SALE

2010-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Three new totebag patterns have been added to www.sisterhoodofquilters featuring Hope, Faith, & Charity art panels used as big pockets.

Colorful and fun, the designs feature my new Earth Blessings fabric collection. Earth Blessings was inspired by Faith, Hope, and Charity's desire to be Earth-Friendly. Ladybugs, leaves, clouds, and a fun new patchwork all enhance this bright and colorful Art Panel and Fabric Collection.

Also, a selection of Sisterhood of Quilters patterns are on sale for $5 (regularly priced at $10). Please be sure to visit the site and take advantage of the savings.

Quilt Challenge Announced

2010-05-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

My Earth Blessings Patchwork print (pictured at right) has been selected as the Quilt Challenge for next year's Stitches in Bloom Quilt Show, January 28 & 29, 2011. I've been a vendor at Stitches in Bloom since the very first year and am honored to have been chosen.

Besides being available at my website, The Cotton Patch quilt shop at 4475 River Rd. N., Keizer, Oregon is also selling the Earth Blessings fabric collection. In the Portland area it is being shown by The Fabric Depot (found under Northcott Fabric: The Sisterhood of Quilters).

Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting

2010-04-19T14:08:00.001-07:00

Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting EASY QUILTS magazine for Summer 2010 features our GIRLFRIENDS fabric in a fun, cute quilt and pillow! It is designed by Patti Carey. She's the Marketing Coordinator for Northcott Fabrics.

"She enjoys playing with all the new fabrics her company produces. She loves to design quilts when new collections arrive, and hopes to inspire other quilters with her creations."

Thanks Patti for creating a great project with my GIRLFRIENDS fabrics! Kits for the project are available here.

Watch for McCall's Quilting Magazine

2010-04-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

Please watch for McCalls Quilting Magazine issue, June 2010. Northcott Fabrics has placed an ad for the Earth Blessings line on the back cover! Monica Lyons, shop owner of the Quilted Cottage in Toledo, Oregon, designed the quilt featured in the ad shown on the right. It is always exciting and uplifting to see our work in print and this is a big one! Congratulations Monica on your acknowledgement and good design work!

Please see our BLOG post March 1 as a reminder of the upcoming event May 8, 2010, QUILT QUEST XXM in Toledo, Oregon.

Meet My Show Neighbor

2010-03-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

I had a great time in Puyallup at SEWEXPO and getting to know my show neighbor Amy, sharing business ideas and sources. My booth was 10'x20' and hers was 10'x10'. Mine was a little too big and hers a little too small, so next year we are going to divide the space and each have a 10' x 15' booth space! Amy will be able to teach beading classes in her enlarged space and I will be just a little cozier -- a win/win for both of us.

Every time I exhibit at a show, I find a "gem" and this time it was Amy and her husband, Andrew, who brought us warm chocolate chip cookies from their RV oven!

Please check out Amy's website: www.i-bead.com. Her designs are unique and very popular.

SAVE THE DATE: March 3 - 6, 2011 for next years show!

Earth Blessings Fabrics Have Arrived!

2010-03-08T06:53:00.001-08:00

The NEW Earth Blessings fabrics by the yard and complete pattern kits are available now for purchase at sisterhoodofquilters.com!

Earth Blessings was inspired by Faith, Hope, and Charity's desire to be Earth-Friendly. Ladybugs, leaves, clouds, and a fun new patchwork design enhance this bright and colorful Art Panel and Fabric Collection.

You'll find quilt designs like Deborah's Capistrano Lily (shown here) by Quilting Sister Deborah from www.inthedoghousedesigns.com. So fun and bold! The complete Kit includes the fabric, and bonus Earth Blessing Pattern Book rather than an individual pattern. Backing not included.

Come see what's new!

QUILT QUEST MMX

2010-03-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

I know Mother's Day seems to be far off, but I wanted to give you plenty of time to register for High Tea at QUILT QUEST MMX in Toledo, Oregon on Saturday, May 8, 2010.

The city of Toledo is located 5 miles east of Newport on US 20 and is a wonderful gateway at the Oregon Coast. More than 100 quilts will be on display in the city's historic Main Street district from 10 AM - 4 PM. The event includes vendors offering patterns, designs, long-arm quilters and more.

I'll be there as a special guest signing my new pattern and gift book, "Earth Blessings."

For more information or High Tea reservations contact: Monica Lyons at 541-336-2877 or oregonquilterscottage@gmail.com.

I'll be at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo this weekend

2010-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

If you're in the Puyallup, Washington area this coming weekend, Feb. 25-28, stop by the Sewing & Stichery Expo and say hello!

SEWEXPO is the largest, most comprehensive consumer education and trade event for the sewing industry in the United States. It's the perfect place for both experienced and beginning sewers and quilters (and everyone else!) to indulge their creative passions or explore new ones.

I will be introducing my NEW Floral Art Panel collection. These patterns that include Specialty Art panels and kits will be available for the FIRST time! I'm including an image here of a detail of my inspirational Hydrangea Quilt design as quilted by Linda Perry from Dallas, Oregon.

Linda is extremely talented as she intreprets her long arm quilting skills with the design of the quilt. I highly recommend Linda's talented designs.

Hope to see you this weekend!

Earth Blessings

2010-02-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce my newest art panel and fabric collection, Earth Blessings. My idea for Earth Blessings came to me while reflecting on the feelings and attitudes of people today due to the current economic situation, coupled with the awareness to be "Earth-Friendly."

My wise women: FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY are featured in this collection as the visual representatives of all who honor nature and are striving to be good stewards of the earth's resources.

Ladybugs, leaves, clouds, and a fun new patchwork all enhance this bright and colorful Art Panel and Fabric Collection. Fabric will be available for purchase in March.

I hope you enjoy my newest collection and visit www.sisterhoodofquilters.com often.

Quilting at Sea!

2010-02-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

I am excited to be the special guest on the Alaska "Sisterhood of Quilters" cruise with Quilt Camp at Sea. Their mission "is to create friendships at sea, one quilter at a time, by providing those who share a love of quilting with the opportunity to experience...locations where the scenery is breathtaking..."

The Alaska cruise is in July and registration is closed, but I hope you will visit their website and consider a quilting cruise in the future. Mattie Rhoades of Quiltsmart and quilting instructors Joyce Becker, Janet Bottroff, Patti Carey, and Jo Anne Gordon will also be onboard. View some of the class project photos from these great instructors.

Girlfriends Collection

2010-02-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce that my Girlfriend collection is available at sisterhoodofquilters.com.

The collection is all about honoring the special relationships we have with our Girlfriends. The fabric designs include images of teacups and pink flowers. And my character, Hope, has a special panel in support of all our girlfriends who have been challenged by breast cancer.

This collection is inspirational, whimsical and uplifting. I've even created a 56-page full color pattern and gift book to go with the collection. The book includes fabric requirements, instructions, hot tips for embellishments and quilting, full size applique patterns, and scrapbooking ideas and artwork.

I'm excited to share it with you.

I wish you Joy in your day!

SISTERHOOD of QUILTERS Fabric Has Arrived!

2009-02-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

In the picture above, are the accessory fabrics folded in flag shape fat quarters. The full artwork panel, with 20 pieces of mini-panels can be viewed on the main Sisterhood website. In mid January the fabric collection was sent to quilt shops. It was a very exciting day because the process of artwork to fabric is a complex but rewarding journey. I have decided to call it a "birthing"!

Now that we can actually get our hands on the yardage; projects, patterns, and kits, are really popping!

The Sisterhood of Quilters Clubs are being birthed across the nation and our neighbors to the north - Canada. I will report soon on a Club in Michigan that I believe will be a great model for quilt shops that want to start with own Sisterhood Clubs. Remember this is a self-appointed club, free certificates and membership cards are available upon request and free download. It's fun and inspiring lots of Sisterhood ideas.

Please check out the website: www.sisterhoodofquilters.com to see the new projects and download your freebies - a Sisterhood Gratitude Quilt or our famous Quilted Heart Pin pattern.

If you can't find the fabric at the local store; let me know, and we will make sure you can join in the fun.

As you make your projects, Please post them for all to see - Showing and Sharing is what the Sisterhood is all about! If anybody needs samples of the fabric just email me and ask: jody@jodyhoughton.com.

2010 SISTERHOOD OF QUILTERS ALASKAN CRUISE

2008-08-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Save the date and get registered: June 26 to July 3, 2010. You have plenty of time to save your pennies! Good time for planning, call a few Quilting Sisters and come join the fun! My new fabric line, The Sisterhood of Quilters, has been selected as the featured fabrics by the wonderful people at www.QuiltCampAtSea.com. Pat and Len Tobin gather great teachers and quilters to make their cruises a desired annual event for quilt camp enthusiasts.

This is a 7-day cruise from Seattle aboard Holland America's ms Zuiderdam. It includes all on-board meals, 2 private cocktail parties, presentation by me (Jody Houghton), a group photo, and all taxes and government fees. Contact information and to register contact: Rosemary Strand, rosemary@travelcenter4u.com, 1.800.683,0593, or 360,464.2472.

Let your creativity be inspired by incredible Alaskan scenery while your skills are sharpened by top quilting instructors!

There is a copy of the flyer attached to this post, print it and post it, pass it out! Please join us, we will have so much fun!

COUNTRY REGISTER NEWSPAPER

2008-07-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Country Register Newspaper www.countryregister.com is published every two months. It is published by editors in your own area. Check them out! The HOT STUFF news flash is that The Sisterhood of Quilters fabric and Faith, Hope, and Charity are on the cover of the Arizona, Oregon, and Washington publications for August/September. It is being delivered as we e-speak! I also write a column in the paper entitled "Girlfriend Wisdom". I keep it fun, heart-warming, and I offer a color file for readers to download for sharing with girlfriends. If you don't subscribe personally - and you might like too, you can ask your local antique shop, tea room, quilt shop, or gift shop if they carry it - it's free! Let me know how you like it!

INTENTION

2008-07-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Sisterhood Newsletter! My intention for this blog is to keep you informed of all the exciting development of new ideas, fabric collection, plans and projects for The Sisterhood of Quilters. The creation of a framework for quilters to gather together and share their time and talents. Show & Tell their own sewing projects and share their joint-efforts by supporting heart-felt needs in their own neighborhoods, churches, and communities. When we give a gift made by hand, the love that goes into that project is felt by the receiver. The motto is: BBB - Be a Bigger Blessing!

My whimsical, wise ladies, Faith, Hope, and Charity are your founding members of this "gathering framework". I have called it a "membership" for the simple reason that a membership is an expression that we believe and support the same principles ~ acts of kindness, generosity of spirit, what we give we receive, and wish to express these characteristics through quilting projects. These actions contribute to the greater good of our world - in our own hearts, in others, and it makes the world a better place to shine a brighter light.

Start your own "chapter" of the Sisterhood of Quilters. Name it "The Sisterhood of Quilters _________Chapter". Make up your own chapter names. I have Membership Certificates for you to download to make it official. You can check out www.sisterhoodofquilters.com for more details and official attire like the Membership T-shirts. Ask your local quilt shop owners if they would like to host your Sisterhood Chapter, or Quilting Church group, you're creative - you'll know what is best for your group.

Take care of yourselves first. It was actually Dr. Phil who reminded us, "You can't give away what you don't have", or the airlines instructing us to put on our own oxygen masks first before we can help others. The gathering of like-minded women is one of the best ways to get inspired, be stronger and more joy-filled in our own hearts and minds. Gather your girlfriends and talk about it, then post your plans and ideas here on the blog. We will all look forward to an exciting adventure and uplifting stories.

It's all about BBB ~ Be A Bigger Blessing! Quilting Sister FAITH has appointed herself as V.P. of Projects. She believes in all projects seen and not seen, Faith can visualize great things! Quilting Sister HOPE has appointed herself as V.P. of Perseverance. She will hang in there until the job is done. Hope always sees the brighter side of life. Sister Hope is perfect for the call of perseverance. Quilting Sister CHARITY has appointed herself as V.P. of Heart-felt Service. Charity carries the heart and soul of every project. We simply couldn't survive without Charity's abiding love.

OK, it's your turn now. Let me know if you have questions, if I don't have the answers I know our Founders (or Board of Directors - give yourselves an empowering title too) FAITH, HOPE, or CHARITY will have all the answers we need.

Joy In Your Day,

JODY