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Agatha,
Alberta, Canada
Agatha was in our class when we went to Canada, and I was so pleased then to meet her. She had sent photos of our designs in the past that impressed me, but this is an absolute masterpiece, especially because we understand what she did with it. The quilt is called "Fantasy" and is from our Free Rectrangles Block-Of-The-Month. There are no words to express how beautiful I think this is. It needs to be entered in a show! Thanks Agatha!
Click on the quilt to enlarge the photo. It's worth a closer look!
Agatha Writes:
Hello Everybody - here's the finished product.
These are the blocks offered on your website for free. I halved the
dimensions and added 1/4". The blocks worked out fine and were fun to make. I used "quilter's license" and added some fantasy appliqué.
The machine quilting was done by Val Retzlaf owner of the Chicken Coop in
Mundare, Alberta, Canada.
Keep up the good work. Love your designs. Agatha
Ida Croese,
Krommenie, Nederland
This is really charming. Ida sent the photos with the letter below. Although she made this for her grandson, it would make any room anywhere come to life. The cushions are so bright and cheerful, and the detailed hand work that Ida put into this quilt and the cushions is really impressive. I also love that she embroidered the kitten names below each cat on the quilt, along with the stitches. Her grandson MUST pass this down in the family. It is a real treasure!
Ida Writes:
Hallo Pam
In the attachment you"ll find the photo's of the quilt Cat and Mouse and the cushions that I have made with the help of the pattern wich I received via E-mail from you about two years ago.
You see that I have been playing with batik fabrics, that is why it turned out be very colourful.
After the patchwork I quilted the whole with my own fatasy-lines, stiched by hand, what gave me much pleasure.
Many times I am searching in your on-line sites to find out if there are new"free patterns".
It was great fun for me to make this one for my 11 jear old grandson, who is fond of cats.
I started with making two testcats and I liked them so much that I deceided to make two cushions as a companion with the bedquilt.
I hope that you will show it in your quiltgallerij together with your reaction on it.
Most friendly greetings from.
Ida Croese, Nederland
Jacqui Belus,
Sheridan, Wyoming
Now how CUTE is this? Jacqui took this from "The Big Book Of Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts and only used nine sheep blocks to make a baby quilt. I love it when anyone is creative and uses portions of our designs for other uses. Just adorable Jacqui!
Jacqui Writes:
I live near Sheridan, WY. About 7 years ago my husband and I moved from
Tacoma Washington to a ranch 20 miles outside of town. We are pretty isolated which has taken me some time to get used to. You learn real fast how to make substitutions for things as you can't just run to the store.
Many times during the winter we are snowed in. I am like a chipmunk in the
summer, collecting nuts except I am collecting quilt projects for the winter! I love your web site as it has great pictures and descriptions. It is also fun to be able to download a pattern and have it right away instead of
having to wait for snail mail.
Mallee Country Crafts, McLaren, S. Australia
My friend, Marianne Roberts from Express Publications in Australia set me these photos. Marianne was on a trip to South Australia and stopped in the small town of McLaren at a charming house which is Mallee Country Crafts. When she toured the shop, Virginia, one of the patrons was just finishing up our Remembrance Poppy quilt and proudly displayed it. Marianne also sent a photo of Sue, the owner with her cute dog "Bonnie", who helps with the machine quilting!!
For our friends in Australia, check out their website at: http://www.malleecountrycrafts.com.au
Natishia Chacon,
Vancouver, Washington
These are two beautiful examples of what can be done with a portion of a design to enhance a smaller area in your home. Natishia took our Bouquet In The Cabin pattern and used the center block, (which is an 18" block) to make two stunning table centerpieces. The first is "on point" so that part of the log cabin motif could be used. For everyone who has completed our FREE DOWNLOAD "Rectrangles" Block Of the Month, that technique was used for these lovely centerpieces. For those who live in the Vancouver, Washington area, Natishia teaches classes using our techniques and our patterns. If you care to reach her, this is her contact information:
Tish& Quilting
Natishia Chacon
Vancouver, WA 98664
brighteyestish@q.com
Just For You by Natishia
Tish is a wonderful teacher!
Tish Wrote to me on March 19th:
Pam I want to send you these pics from a Saturday workshop from our quilting guild where I taught a couple classes for your patterns. Bouquet in the Cabin & Bursting Buds Tablerunner from your Banquet Of Quilts book.
We only did the center of the Bouquet in the Cabin quilt to make a table centerpiece. Here are 2 pictures.
Darleen Madsen,
Southaven, Mississippi
Darleen was in our workshop in Southaven, Mississippi (Quilting In The Grove). Their guild is now doing Pushing Up Daisies , and Darleen is the first to finish the fall version - and it is lovely. Her color choices really make the center section "pop" as it was meant to do. The second photo shows more of the quilting, which is also beautifully done. I also like the touch of red that Darleen used in just the right place. I met their quilter, Chantay while we were there and for a young woman just getting started with long arm quilting, she has done a splendid job here.
Darleen Writes:
Attached are some pictures of my first Pushing Up Daisies Quilt. Chantay quilted it and did a great job. I am in the process of completing the blue one. We had our first workshop yesterday after the guild meeting. All went well and we hope to be completed by April.
In Memory of: Dorothy McAtee, California
In Mach, I received a very interesting letter from Leslie Ann Webster in California. I have put her letters below as this is such a lovely story about her friend, Dorothy McAtee, who made 3 Out Of The Darkness quilts. Dorothy passed away unexpectedly in May of 2008 and Leslie has made it possible for her friends work to be displayed. I was very touched by this story, and think that you will be as well:
Leslie's First Letter:
A dear friend of mine, Dorothy McAtee, has made 3 of the Out of Darkness quilts. The first, I beleive from Keepsake Quilting using their fabrics - on white with the blue birds and ribbon border. The second out of her favorite fabrics, and the 3rd on black with the floral border an butterfly in the center. Dorothy died unexpectedly in May 2008. She'd finished all three but never had them quilted. I had a long-armer do them - they are magnificent. I'll send pictures when they are completely done. And Dorothy will be the featured quilter in the Young Piecemakers Quilt Guild show in Corona CA on March 28th.
Leslie's Second Letter:
Dear Pam: Here are the pictures from the quilt show. I wish you could see the quilting in person – Cathy Kreter (CJ Designs) did a magnificent job on each one. The patterns in the big blocks are all different and appropriate to the design. On the “Out Of Darkness” down in the border Cathy quilted a cat as Dorothy loved cats. On the “In the Beginning” one, there is a heart and fan motif within the ribbons. Dorothy’s piecing is perfection and she so loved the precision of your patterns and your instructions. The third quilt is mine – the first one she made. Cathy says that one of the blocks in put in wrong – but I’m leaving it – Dorothy never claimed to be perfect but she was always perfection in everything she attempted – this ‘little’ mistake makes me smile. Mine is not quilted – Cathy is doing these as a labor of love so she fits them into her other work. Right now she in demand quilting tops for the Home the Brave Project – she takes care of quilts for northern California and the Dakotas as no one has volunteered from those states yet.
I am a quilter, too, but I’m not ‘up’ to your level – but I sure love what you do. Thank you for sharing your talent and giving Dorothy so many hours of joy making the three quilt tops.
John James. Quilted by Barbara Dau. John is from Anacortes, WA, and Barbara is from Everett, WA.
There are very few words to describe this masterpiece. John sent this to me before August I recall. I know I lost the first set of photos with the computer change. John beautifully adapted our Baltimore In Bloom Embroidery Throw Collection masterfully. His color choices just astounded me. John, I would love to see photos of every single block. I also love what he did with the sashing and border, which brings out his color choices and frames everything beautifully. The quilting by Barbara set everything off with her use of feathers and gold metallic thread. John entered this quilt in the Assoc.Of Pacific Northwest Quilters bi-annual show, and he is shown here with his quilt in September. He was a Finalist. John, I have just the right place to hang this..........(just kidding)!
John has written me several times, and I know that I did answer his first email.
John writes:
I mailed you some time ago with pictures of my version of your Baltimore Album machine embroidies design and told you I was entering it it the Association of Pacific Northwest Quilters bi-annual show. 591 quilts were submitted (by photo) and 289 were accepted. Mine was one!!!! I received a ribbon for being a "Finalist", but didn't win one of the major category prizes. Upon seeing the calibre/quality of the quilts that won, I'm pleased just to have been considered. My quilt was submitted in the Group Quilts category. Although I did all the embroideries and piecing, I had it machine quilted by Barbara Dau of Everett, WA. Attached are pictures of the quilt including ones of myself with the quilt. We bumped into Barbara Dau (the machine quilter) at the show and my wife took a picture of both of us with the quilt.
Melanie Russo.
Kurrajong, NSW Australia
Melanie is among the wonderful friends that I have made in Australia. Not only does she make gorgeous quilts for her family and friends, but she makes samples for Fortunes & Fairies shop in NSW who represent our products. Melanie has selected beautiful colors here for our Sherbet pattern, and what a perfect piecing job!
Melanie Writes:
I am turning 60 in February 2008, have been married to the same man for 42 years, have 5 children (the youngest is 31), 15 grandchildren, 1 great nephew(LOL) and 4 dogs. I am an avid animal lover!!
Marie Louise de Boer.
Sittard. The Netherlands
This is absolutely stunning. I love receiving photos from our quilting friends all over the world. Marie Louise shows great creativity here by using designs from our Pieces Of Baltimore Block-Of-The-Month, and our book. She has mirrored the Peacock blocks from the book, used a bud design, also from the book, and used the border from the Block-Of-The-Month. Lovely color choices and beautiful piecing. Thank you so very much Marie Louise!
Marie Louise Writes:
Hereby the picture of a quilt I made for my sister in law. Her last
name is (translated )Peacock.The blocks are chosen from your books.
Marie-Louise de Boer
Sittard The Netherlands
From The Students Of Our Educator In Quebec, Canada, Ms. Edith Choiniere.
By Joanne Beaudry:
What a clever piece of work from Joanne. This shows how creative each individual quilter can be! Taken from our "Safari Path" quilt in our "The Big Book Of Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts ". Great job Joanne!
By Sylvie Chagnon. NEW QUILTER!
When Edith sent me these photos of her students, she mentioned how proud she was of Sylvie. I can certainly see why. This collection of "Friends" from our "The Big Book Of Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts " is adapted so well by this beginning quilter that we should all applaud! Love the wall quilt Sylvie! You should be very proud!
Missy Moo Shop in Croydon, Victoria, Australia.
"Missy Moo" represents us in Victoria, Australia, and the quilt was made by one of the owners. "Bouquet In The Cabin " is probably one of the designs that I am most proud of as I designed the center section, and Robert designed the bud border. It hangs behind our guest room bed. This is a gorgeous rendition of it and I love the colorway that has been chosen. Drop in to see these ladies if you are anywhere near them. They do a great job!
Julie DeMont. Holly Springs, North Carolina
Julie has sent me photos in the past, and everything she does is always unusual. These designs are taken from our "Pieces Of Baltimore, The Ultimate Collection " book. Julie did a beautiful job with an original border on this wall quilt, and although the ship block was on a black background in the book, she certainly made it work well on her muslin background. Thanks for sharing once again Julie!
Julie Writes:
It's always so exciting to see some of the quilts I've made on your web site. I DO love your patterns. Here is a photo of a small quilt I made with four extra blocks I had from the Pieces of Baltimore quilt book.
Marianne Levy, San Bruno, California
Again, this is another photo that should have been online a long time ago, however we finally have it. Marianne has done a gorgeous job of piecing String Of Pearls . Robert actually designed this quilt. He has one of those mechanical type of minds, and how he did this, I will never know! I love Marianne's color choices for this lovely rendition. This one is not for a beginner!"
Marianne Writes:
Sending you a picture of the latest quilt I made, when you think "Oh just strip sets" well some Strip Sets ,''27 of them, it was fun making it, I added some borders since my bed is very big, I love your designs they inspire everyone I know to pick up quilting, even my 15 year old granddaughter just finished a wall hanging, keep on designing , you have lots of admirers, love all your books Marianne
Just Received From Marianne:
This is the first photo I have received from one of our customers of this quilt, and I just love it. Looks like Marianne used some Kaufman Fabrics! Good choice and beautifully done:
Marianne Writes:
First thank you for the free design I just had to do it , it will make a very nice Christmas present, the pieces are large so it did not take to long to make it, I just love your quilts Marianne from San Bruno, Ca
Marilyn Dodds
This quilt is called "Butterflies", and was in our Dear Pam book. There is a small version in the book, which was a funny accident, however Marilyn chose to do the larger version, and what a lovely job she did! This is a great example of what you can allow your imagination to do when you play with colors. Beautifully pieced and her granddaughter should treasure this for life from a great Grandmother!
Marilyn Writes:
Here it is....took me almost a year. My grandaughter picked the pattern and fabric. I think it is beautiful and I got it done in time for her graduation. This quilt was named butterflies. Hope you like it. Marilyn Dodds
Joel Broszat, Colorado Springs, Colorado
This beautiful choice of colors for Colorado Wedding Quilt , and spectacular piecing was sent to me by Joel, however I did lose other correspondence from Joel. Joel, if you fill me in with more information, I will be pleased to add your letter. I lost so many emails that it has made it difficult to remember everyone. Joel, this is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Gail Bartlett, Ontario, Canada
I love the simple palette that Gail has chosen for our Bargello Border, Pieces Of Baltimore entire set with both borders. quilt. Fabulous piecing, and dramatic color choices show that you don't need 20 different fabrics for a design to stand out in a room! Great job Gail!
Gail Writes:
HERE IS A PICTURE OF MY BALTIMORE QUILT MADE FROM YOUR PATTERN. WE JUST LOVE IT ON OUR BED. YOUR PATTERNS ARE JUST GREAT. WHEN I HAVE MY FIELD OF DAISIES QUILTED I WILL SEND IT TO YOU. I LOVE YOUR WAYS OF TEACHING.
I JUDGE AT THE FALL FAIRS HERE IN ONT. CANADA.
THANKS FOR THE DOWNLOADS.
NOT MANY PLACES HERE CAN YOU BUY YOUR PATTERNS.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
THANK YOU, GAIL BARTLETT
Connie Biblis, Andrews, North Carolina
Connie did contact me in August with the desire to enlarge this design, and what a beautiful job she did. This just had to be shared. Connie is a shining example of what can be done by repeating a design motif to enlarge a smaller quilt. Fine workmanship Connie!
Connie Writes:
Dear Pam,
I contacted you back in August about your flower in the cabin quilt and making it into a king size. You forwarded a picture of the quilt you had designed for release in England abnd I went from
there. The attachment is a picture of the King size "Spring flowers in the Cabin" quilt top I made before it went to the Long Arm for quilting. Let me know what you think. Thank you again for all
your help. Sincerely, Connie Biblis Andrews, NC
Patricia Hall, Flagstaff, Arizona
You all must read Patricia's letter below. What a worthy cause, and such a creative quilt made from our designs in our "Banquet Of Quilts " book. The quilting is also beautifully done, so Patricia's quilter deserves some applause too! I hope that all of you get our Newsletter so that you can meet "The Boys" that Patricia mentions below. Check out our new E-Newsletter category under our RESOURCES menu and see past Newsletters to meet them! Patricia, "The Boys" are very appreciative that they are now receiving so much fan mail. I tell them about all of it! Love this quilt!
Patricia Writes From Our Last Newsletter:
The Boys et al. at Pam Bono Designs,
I have attached photos of a quilt I made by adapting two of your patterns from "Banquet of Quilts". I adjusted the size, made paper piecing patterns and made the quilt blocks very scrappy. I made the quilt to raise money for a scholarship that is in my husband's name in the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. We are now selling tickets for a raffle of the quilt. My 2 welsh pembroke corgis, border collie cross and two tiger cats were very helpful in constructing and designing the quilt. I did have it professionally quilted as my machine won't handle a queen-sized quilt, but I chose the quilting design.
Sincerely, Patricia Hall
Betty Vandevort
Betty has sent photos of her work in the past, but this is astounding. Great colors, workmanship and a wonderful variety. Thanks so much Betty!
Agatha, Alberta Canada.
I received a wonderful letter from Agatha, telling me about the outer border she had added to the Bursting Buds centerpiece, which is shown directly above. The arrangement of the flowers for this border is very well done, especially in the corners. Beautiful piecing on this. The top photo is from our Free Download Rectrangles Block-Of-The-Month. It is the "Thistle" block, and was designed by Robert. If you look at the block under Free Downloads, you will see that Agatha gave the center a completely different look by adding a double diagonal corner. It really pops out the center dramatically. The borders are also her own design, and frame the piece beautifully. I especially like what she has done with the quilting, giving it a "sunburst" effect. Beautiful job Agatha!
Agatha Writes:
I just finished the table centerpiece of Bursting Buds. I added one more outer row to the square making it larger and a perfect wallhanging/large center piece. I freehand machine quilted it with varigated burgundy thread. Thank you for the lovely, easy to follow patterns. Keep up the good work.
Quilting In The Grove, Southaven, Mississippi.
I have been so fortunate to meet such wonderful people in my travels. This group was very special to both Robert and I as they treated us like Royalty, and what quick learners they were. We did the "Snowmen Are Just A Bunch Of Flakes " door hanging class as you can see, and they all worked very hard to have their pieces quilted by their December 4th meeting. Click on the photo to see a larger view. Keep up the great work ladies and thanks again for a wonderful time. Keep in touch! Love you all!
Pam and Robert
Fritz Stephenson and Carol Pickering, Silver City, New Mexico.
Fritz was working on this table runner when we taught our Pushing Up Daisies class in Silver City. If I recall, her daughter-in-law loves purple, and the table runner was being made for her. I think the finished results here are great. Very dramatic and will certainly draw attention on any table! Great job Fritz!
Carol, I must tell you that Robert designed this On The Road Again quilt and takes great pride in it. He is now designing more large trucks as the response to this design has been great. Love the colors you used on the trucks, and also on the road. Bright, cheerful and should make anyone who receives it very happy! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Rochester Minnesota Quilters' Sew-ciety
Our wonderful quilter, Mary Nordeng sent this photo of the Christmas Tree for The Festival of Trees which is a benefit for Hiawatha Homes group home in Rochester, MN. The tree was purchased at the tree auction by Mayo Clinic. Mary said that there was also a stocking which is not show in the photo. The tree was completely decorated with our Susan Clark's Heavenly Host designs. Thanks Mary!
Paulette Bruglemans, Ft. Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada.
Paulette owns a shop called "Kountry Knit & Sewing Center" in Ft. Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada. I had the opportunity to display this beautiful piece of work in my trunk show on April 24th. Paulette sent me photos of each block, but with space limited I am not able to show all of them. When I created the Out Of The Darkness/A New Beginning Complete Set Block-Of-The-Month, I did not have a wedding quilt in mind with "A New Beginning". This gives the quilt an entirely new meaning, and I just love what Paulette did with the center panel for her daughter. The piecing is superb, the color choices are wonderful, and the overall look is breath taking!
Paulette Writes:
Dear Pam
Happy New Year to you all. I hope you receive these pics of my daughter Melissa's Wedding Quilt.
The Story is:
Melissa had just started dating Robert November 2003. When I saw A New Beginning I thought it would be the perfect wedding quilt the bluebirds in the centre and the Alberta rose framing it.
I selected all the fabrics Just enough No Extra for error.
Sew up the center Panel took ever sew long measure it too short on Length and width what did I do wrong?? I called your company the lady told me I had cut off the seam allowance on each section.I would have to redo it, I couldn't (remember just enough fabric no extra for error) so set it aside until 2006 when they got engaged.
I have this centre panel done and nothing else. In 2007 they announce the date and place of their wedding Maui November 10 2008.
March 2008 I decided I had better get working on this quilt I still hadn't decided how to fix my problem but started sewing the blocks I did the same thing all over again cutting off the seam allowance on Block#1
I managed to selvage the Block surprise how well everything fits when you do it right!
I never dreamed it would take me so long to complete this quilt I worked all summer on this quilt, Finished quilting it Nov 5 2008 decided I wasn't taking it to Maui so I still had to binde it. Would do that when I came back from Maui and take it to their place before Christmas,that never happened got busy at the store doing other peoples sewing and repairs. We have to eat you know. So now it is Christmas Eve and you know the rest of the story I finished stitching the binding on at 4am Christmas morning.
To fix my problem with the centre panel I put a little border of blue around the panel and it was fine I do not know why I do this to myself going through all the stress. But that is me.
I enjoyed doing the quilt and I feel I am the Angler 2 queen now after doing A New Beginning.
My next project is going to be a baby quilt any suggestions? Hopefully it won't be a 5 year project!
Love your designs. Thanks
Paulette
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Dora Smith,
New Zealand
Although this is not our design, I found Dora's story so interesting I wanted to share it. Dora wrote to me and asked if the ladies in her group could make some of our designs and sell them in their Botanical Garden. Not only did I feel her work was beautiful, but I loved hearing about their garden.
Dora Writes:
Good evening Pam,
Thank you very much for getting back to me so quickly. I know the other
ladies in the group will be thrilled. One of the challenges we have is no one prints fabric with rhododendrons on
it and we need to either appliqué or print onto fabric sheets.
Pukeiti is a world class garden of 900 acres, 50 of which are in garden.
The rest is natural bush. It is home to the largest collection of large leaf
rhodos in the world as well as hundreds of other species. My husband was the
curator, director, gardener, botanist, for 39 years and has only recently
semi retired so you will understand our passion for it. The garden is home
to a continuous chorus of bird song and any quilts with these birds included
sell very well. I have not been to Colorado where you are but have been down the west coast of California through the redwood forests. Fantastic. We have many friends in America from the plant collections and gardens with the Mendocino gardens being one. I'm really looking forward to making some of your quilts as it is a new
technique for me. I will download some table wear first I think. I have attached photos of a recent stain glass wall hanging I did using my
own design. I was quite thrilled with the end result. I love doing stained
glass quilts. Not perfect but I'm learning as I have only been quilting for about 5 years.
Again many thanks
Kind regards
Dora
Sophia Brown,
Okinawa, Japan
I love receiving photos like this from foreign countries, and this one from Sophia is so bright and colorful. I am pleased that she chose our Free Download "Cats In The Attic" to begin with, and what a success she had! Thanks Sophia!
Sophia Writes:
Thank you for this beautiful pattern. I've been quilting for about a year and a half and I must say that your instructions were very easy to follow. A friend asked me to make her something with cats on it for her table and this was perfect.
Pat Richards
Pat used scrap fabrics on this for her daughter-in-laws first baby. So cute and quick to make. I Love You Beary Much is one of our favorite patterns and kits. Pat did a great job on this. Thanks for sharing Pat. I love what you have said about your Mother in Law! How wonderful!
Pat Writes:
HI,
I just wanted you to know that with your help I did finish the , I Love you Beary Much quilt. When I saw the picture on your site, it reminded me of a Circle of Life design. My daughter in law picked your pattern for me to make for there first baby. Due in late June or early July. She picked the colors for the quilt. I hope you like them. My Mother in law hand quilted it. This will most likely be the last thing she quilts. Her eyes and health are giving out on her. She turns 90 in July. I have attached a photo for you to see it.. I just wanted to thank your for your pattern and your instructions when I asked for help..
Thank you very much..
Pat
Darleen Madsen, Mississippi.
Darleen Madsen from Southaven, MS sent this photo of "BEAR". Now this is a very cute, fluffy "Bear"! Darleen made the dog bed from our It's Not Just Another Cover-Up book. Her piecing is superb and even "The Boys" would love this bed Darleen! Thanks so much for sharing this one! LOVE IT!
Darleen Writes:
I finally finished Bear's pillow and he just loves it. I thought the boys would enjoy having a new friend.
Jude Casco, Silver City, New Mexico.
This photo of Jude Casco's Pushing Up Daisies quilt was sent to me by Nancy Miller from the Southwest New Mexico Quilt Guild. We taught a workshop there on this design, and our students are completing their quilts. Really nice job Jude! You should be very proud of that!
Donna Olson, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Everyone who has made this quilt has done something spectacular with it, and color choices have been amazing. Donna did a beautiful job here, and if you look at the photo of the quilting, and read her letter below, it is even more impressive. Great job Donna, and thanks so much for sharing this!
Donna Writes:
Here are two pictures of my finished quilt that I call "Cabins of Autumn"
The colour is actually richer than the picture shows and I'm sorry that I
couldn't get a picture of the quilt full on. I'm also including a small
snap of one of the elements that I quilted into the border. The whole quilt
is basically feather quilted on my Brother PS1500 and I do free motion
quilting that I call "Donna Doodling" - I don't use patterns but just quilt
as the spirit moves me.
Linda Doll, Minot, North Dakota
Linda was in our Woodlands workshop in Minot, North Dakota. She was kind enough to send me her completed table runner and it was a wonderful surprise. Love the fabric choices and the finished product should bring raves from anyone who sees it! From our Banquet Of Quilts book. Thanks Linda!
Linda Writes:
Hi Pam and Robert
Am emailing you a copy of my finished Woodlands Table Runner which was started at the Minot Quilt Festival.
Tho't you would like to see the end result! Have had lots of compliments.
Shannon Kratochvil, Canyon, Texas
I wanted to include three photos of this quilt top as Shannon's piecing is letter perfect, and I love her color choices. Shannon, let me know how this does at Houston! It needs a ribbon! By the way, it looks like Shannon is a long arm quilter, so all of you gals & guys in her area need to contact her!
Shannon Writes:
Please find attached a picture of Daisies in the Cabin. I have pieced this and am getting ready to quilt it to enter it into the Houston Quilt Show. Just thought I would send a photo. I will send another when I get it quilted. I really enjoyed making this one. The next one is the Saddle quilt, can't wait to get started.
Shannon
Toni Schneidt, Lafayette, Indiana
Toni sent these photos in April, and I loved how she tailor made (or redesigned) this quilt especially for her mother-in-law. Not only does it show that she is pretty experienced and knows what she is doing, but here color choices are really nice. Thanks so much for sharing these photos Toni!
Toni Writes:
I had wanted to make a quilt for my moter-in-law, but could never find one that fit her until I saw Pushing Up Daisies . Not only was the pattern perfect, but the colors were, too. I wanted to size it so she could use it in the living room, so I modified it by taking the final round of blocks off, and reworking the scond round as well as the sashing. I just did simple stitch-in-the-ditch quilting. She never expected it, and she loved it. My father-in-law jokes and says she has to give it back, because every time she is under it, she dozes off, LOL. I hope you like my version, and I will definately be making another one, unmodified, as soon as I have recovered, LOL, as it was the most complicated quilt I have done in a long time. Thanks for all you do!
Theresa Morrissette, Omaha, Nebraska and her sister Denise Asbell from Riverside, California:
I received these photos from Theresa in Omaha, Nebraska. I had heard from her sister Denise around the holidays and both were setting out to find fabric for the Flying Home quilt from our "The Big Book Of Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts for Theresa's new guest room. Not only are color choices well executed here, but the thing that was most impressive is that Denise, in making this to be the focal point of the guest room reduced the size of the quilt. She did a beautiful job. Theresa's letter meant a great deal to me as the project brought the sisters a great deal of joy.
Theresa Writes:
I wanted to share with you pictures of the finished quilt my sister- in- law made me for my guest room. You may or may not recall talking to us briefly in Dec/Jan. She was here at my home in Nebraska, from California, and I was telling her how I wanted to do my guest room (in our new home) with geese. She is the quilter, I am not. She told me of the "flying geese" pattern and as we web searched, we came across your pattern and just screamed.....it was exactly what we wanted.
We had such a great time, going to look for fabric and planning that room. She left with the fabric and took it home to Calif to sew. She was so excited about it, it only took her a month and it arrived in the mail for me. I've painted the room and still have "details" to do but had saved your email and wanted to show you how nicely it turned out. You played a big part in a very special, very fun time for Denise and I and you didn't even know it.
Now you do. Thank you..
Sincerely,
Theresa Morrissette
Omaha, Nebraska
Evelyn Boyd,
Corpus Christi, Texas
I have to say that Texas is turning out some fantastic quilters! I first heard from Evelyn in a Contact Form from our website. She told me that she had entered our Primrose quilt on the cover of The Big Book Of Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts in the Corpus Christi, Texas quilt show and that the judges comment was "WOW". Well now I know why. I asked her to send photos. I never in a million years expected this! My first reaction was "WOW! Orange!" I am showing three shots of this quilt as the center photo shows the quilting and I do hope that you can see it as photos for the internet need to be smaller. You can click on the photo to enlarge it. The last photo shows what Evelyn did with the shams, and I think they are stunning. This is really creative. Knowing fabric as I do, and what is available, the gentleman she mentions in her letter did a wonderful job selecting the oranges in this masterpiece.
Evelyn Writes:
Ruben Bosquez commissioned this quilt for his daughter Carissa. He picks the pattern, then he picks all the fabrics himself. He is from Robstown, Tx. I pieced the quilt in 2005 & it was custom quilted by Vicki West who now is in Austin, Tx. I adapted her quilting design for the center of the pillow shams & added pieced borders & a pieced throw pillow.
Amy Davis
Cedar Park, Texas
I am now receiving wonderful animal photos, and I wasn't sure where to put this one. Until I establish a new category for them, most are going under "What Our Customers Are Saying". Amy sent this photo, and I love her story about it. The Flying Home quilt in The Big Book Of Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts is so appropriate with this great dog, that it just had to be shared!
Amy Writes:
Hi Pam!
Love your quilting techniques, love your designs and love your website! My husband is a hunter, and so I have been attempting to make him a “manly quilt” that he can be proud of. Your “Flying Home” is the perfect manly quilt for him. He hunts waterfowl, migratory and upland game birds with Labradors. Usually during hunting season, my weekends are “dog free” and husbandless so I have oodles of time to play with fabric. However this past weekend, he left one of the “boys” home with me… and the photo shows my Jäger, dreaming of the flight… the flight of Geese. So while this picture is of my work in progress, not a completed quilt, and not the perfect scenario of a beautiful sewing area, I think other quilters out there can relate to my upset “design board”. I think he can almost smell those geese!
Your friend, Amy Davis
Edna Whitely and Claudia Toenies of Silver City, New Mexico
This is Edna, who was in our class in Silver City. What a delightful lady. She did a wonderful job on Holiday Boot Stockings You sure learned how to do those Rectrangles didn't you Edna?
This is Claudia's Lily Pond quilt. I was so impressed by her piecing when I was there and her color choices are wonderful. Look at how the center of that quilt just pops! Great job Claudia!
Agatha, Alberta, Canada
Once again I have received a great photo from my quilting friend in Alberta, Canada of our Pennsylvania Dutch Table Runner . The colors are warm and inviting, and the piecing, as usual is exquisite! Agatha, you have to tackle our new pattern Pennsylvania Dutch Tablecloth/Lap Quilt . Two colorways in that pattern for any season! Great Job!
Agatha Writes:
Good morning - here is the photo of the Pennsylvania Dutch Runner. The
runner went together lickity-split. I did the machine quilting on my Janome
9000 and tried to follow the quilting that Mary did as best as I could.
I am eyeing the 'Rambling Rose' for my next project and in order to follow
set rules of new resolution I may have to get into the stashes of my
friends. All the best on this very important day in the history of the U.S.A. - the inauguration day of Mr. Obama. Agatha
Jamie Pinkerton, Texas
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy every single photo and story that is sent to me. Robert, Susan and I share all of them. I received this recently from Jamie, and it absolutely blew my mind! When I read her letter and immediately understood what she had done with this design, I could not believe it. Robert even got on his computer to examine the cutting instructions on this pattern to figure out the size of the pieces that she worked with. I encourage all of you to read Jamie's letter below. What a masterpiece!!!
Jamie Writes:
Dear Pam,
I thought I would share with you my adaptation of your "My Carousel " quilt. My family has a history in the Amusement/Carnival business and so your quilt caught my eye as a Christmas gift idea for my Dad. I divided all the measurements in half and added 1/4" to each to come up with this quilt that is about 1/4 of the size of the original double bed quilt. I also widened the background and added a little background strip to the top of the canopy before putting on the border so the quilt ended up about 3'x4', perfect for a wall hanging. With all the modifications I made I was unsure of how it would turn out, but I am very pleased. I'm looking forward to hearing my Dad's reaction when he receives it this Christmas, although unfortunately I won't be there to give it in person. It is going to Vancouver, British Columbia where I grew up and where my parents still live.
Thank you for your fun and creative patterns. I'm already trying to figure out which one I want to do next!
Sincerely,
Jamie Pinkerton
Denise Johnson, Minnesota
Denise, my apologies. Took me a while to locate these wonderful photos. Both quilts are from our The Big Book Of Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts , and Denise did a great job, both with fabric selections and piecing. Love her color choices for "Intersection", which was one of Robert's first quilt designs. And Denise, what a great idea incorporating the checkered flags into this design. The "Old Bones" quilt is fun and happy, but the cutest thing about it are the two little boys holding it! What cuties!
Denise Writes:
Dear Pam,
I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how much I have enjoyed your book Rotary Cutter Quilts. I live in Minnesota where the winters are long so have lots of indoor time to quilt. I just printed off your pattern Daisies in the Cabin and this will be my next quilt project. I can’t wait to start. I started quilting in 2003 and my first quilt was the hot air balloons. I did this quilt for my granddaughter. Unfortunately I don’t have a real good picture of it. I used a lot of beads for embellishment. I have 5 grandchildren and I was making them each a quilt. The next quilt was for a grandson who is into motocross racing. So I used the pattern intersections using dirt bike fabric and incorporated the checkered flag etc. As you can see in the picture it was very colorful and bold. I made him a checkered flag bed skirt and curtains. He loved it. Finally it was Hunter’s turn to get a quilt and he picked out the dinosaur pattern from your book. He is the little guy on the right. The one with the big smile. He was so proud of his quilt. This little guy would sit on a bar stool right next to me while I was sewing. He was so anxious for it to be done. I have to tell you that your patterns are so easy to follow even a beginner can tackle one. I look forward to making my next Bono design. Thanks for all the great patterns.
Sincerely, Denise Johnson
Joy Woods, Australia
WOW! Is this ever striking! Absolutely gorgeous, and so different from our "Moonlight and Roses " quilt. I love what Joy did with this design. Great colors and very imaginative. Joy, this needs to be entered in a contest! Great Job!
Joy Writes:
Pam
I have finished the Moonlight & Roses Quilt and have attached the picture.
When I saw the Moonlight & Roses Quilt in Patchwork and Quilting, my first thought was of my sister as she loves roses. I wanted it to look more like a rose garden so decided to make each rose a different colour. I make this quilt for my sister for Christmas 07.
Joy
Sabina Leach, Middle, Tennessee.
Now this is just plain clever! The design is called "That's My Baby! and we will be adding it to our patterns very soon. Sabina showed so much creativity here as our design had a completely different border. Sabina, I love what you have done with is design. It's a wonderful size as well for a wall quilt, or small quilt for that cute little great granddaughter to have for her very own. I especially love this design and Sabina's adaptation as saving the Polar Bears is way at the top of my list!!!
Sabina Writes:
Hello Pam,
Well, I finally got my version of TMB baby quilt done. My granddaughter loves it and says her daughter will love it also. Samantha is only 1 month old.
I am origanaly from FL. but reside in middle TN. now. Have been sewing since I can remember. I am a member of the Sparta Stitch Sew and Share guild. (say that fast!)
I like to make what I call story and art quilts.
Sabina T. Leach , Mom, Gma, etc.
Julie Alexander, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
I am tickled pink to show such beautiful creative versions of Moonlight and Roses . Again, Julie used a lighter background and the colorful roses just burst forth! Her piecing is well executed and she has put her own personal stamp on this design. I love her creativity with the additional border. Another great photo from a quilting friend "Down Under".
Julie Writes:
Hello Pam, I am just sending you a picture of a quilt top I have just finished piecing of your Moonlight and Roses pattern that appeared in the Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine.I have added extra borders as it is for my sister and she likes her quilts to go the the floor. The finished size is 106" x 106". I also made cat mats out of the leftover material and used three cats in the attic blocks for this. I don't suppose you have some pieced dog patterns as they also have a labrador retriever and if the cats get quilts it is only fair that Taffy gets one too. I like the pattern so much that I am going to make it again for myself with a cream background and different coloured roses (but only the original size). I really like your patterns and am going to make several others as I have the Big Book and the one in the last two issues of the Quilter. I have also seen a picture of the poppies quilt due to come out in APQ soon. Thank you for designing such lovely patterns that go together so easily.
Yours sincerely, Julie Alexander
Sunshine Coast Qld Australia
Susan Riggs, Rpert, West Virginia.
Susan, aside from this child being so adorable, what you have done with this design is so creative it is amazing. My husband just walked into the office, saw the photo and said: "Now who would have thought of something that cute?"
And you say I am imaginative! WOW! You deserve first place here for creativity! This should inspire everyone who sees it!
Susan Writes:
Hi Pam, I've had so much fun making gifts from your Banquet Of Quilts book, I just had to send you these cute pics of my niece with her new wall hanging commemorating her flower girl moment last year. I called it "Flower Girl Maddie" and she seemed truly delighted with it. Thank you for your lovely, imaginative designs!
Sincerely, Susan Riggs
Laurel Stevens, Broadview Hts., Ohio.
Every time someone is kind enough to send me a photo of their "Out Of The Darkness/A New Beginning Complete Set " quilt, it's like seeing it in a completely different way. Laurel has certainly put her own special personality on this beauty. The piecing is fabulous, and I love how it looks with "A New Beginning" center panel and border. Beautiful job Laurel! Nice meeting you in Paducah. Quilters are the greatest people in the world in my book!
Laurel Writes:
Here is the very first Pam Bono quilt I ever made, I enjoyed every minute of time I spent working on it. You have such wonderful patterns and books. I hope to see that panda quilt in a pattern soon (in the quilt gallery). I met you in Paducah this year and that was the highlight of my trip. Thank You for being such a nice person.
Laurel Stevens, Broadview Hts, Ohio
Lana Dean, Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Lana, you can not imagine the joy that the 18 Wheeler truck quilts bring to us, - and especially to Robert as he designed this quilt called On The Road Again . It is so much fun. How colorful and happy your trucks are for an obviously special little boy. This is just adorable. Thanks for sharing!
Lana Writes:
HI Pam,
I finally got a picture of the quilt that I did for my five year old grandson. I spoke with you back in November about one of the blocks that was not in the book. I was glad that I got a chance to speak with you. I finished the quilt and I gave it to Bryce on Christmas. I'm happy to report that he still has it on his bed.
Thank you, for a rewarding challenge I did embroider some of Bryce's family history of the trucks. I call the quilt Nana's quilt Cargo.
Many Thanks, Lana Dean
Pat Strait
What a beautiful job, and great colors on our Saddles quilt. Pat, this is just wonderful! I have to admit that I did lose your emails, except for the one with this photo. I would love to tell more about this quilt, and also where you are from. The applique is exquisite and so is the piecing. This certainly deserved a prize! What I have from you is below:
Pat Writes:
Hi Pam,
My saddle quilt has been been accepted for the Des Moines, Ia. AQS
show!!! Patricia
Carolyn Hess, Sacramento, California
Carolyn is proof of what can be done with our Pieces Of Baltimore Quilt Kit 83'' x 103'' . Isn't this fine workmanship and a beautiful, creative job? Love what you did with the corners Carolyn. Yes, there are a lot of pieces in some of them, but WOW! Look at the reward! Great Job!
Carolyn Writes:
I took a Block of the Month class a few years ago from Quilters' Corner in Sacramento, CA and will begin to quilt it as soon as I have time. I have attached a picture of it. I can't remember the name of it but I think it is Baltimore Album. I redrew the red flowers that are on the border and put one in each corner stone. It looks nice in person. I will send you another picture when I finish quilting it. Some one in the class counted all the pieces. I told them I added more pieces with my corner stones and they thought I was crazy but I like the piecing and it adds to the quilt.
I have most of your books. I don't like paper piecing so with your method I can make pretty flowers. Is there a Baskets with Flowers quilt in the Future ? ? ?
Carolyn Hess "Quilt On"
Claudia Toenies & Edna Whitley, Silver City, New Mexico.
Claudia's Quilt:
Edna's Quilt:
These beautiful quilts are from members of our class in Silver City, New Mexico. Everyone made "Pushing Up Daisies ", and it was such a great group, and so much fun to see the beautiful colorways that everyone chose, as each was different, and all beautifully pieced. Thanks to all of your guild members for a very memorable time!
Laurel Glisky, St. Cloud, Minnesota.
I love what Laurel did with the colors on "These Boots ". I feel that quilts need to be balanced, just like life or any work of art. Colors that are used in the center should be pulling into the outer parts of the quilt as well. I'm not a big fan of an odd color coming in on a border from nowhere. Laurel did a great piecing job here and also color balance. Good example of what I am trying to explain.
Laurel Writes:
I modified a bit, but the quilter just finished it for me! I’d started this quilt last year, and am so thrilled to have it completed. I’m starting on Saddles next!
Chris Baker and Marolyn White. Hernando, Mississippi and Southaven, Mississippi.
Chris Baker's Place Mats.
Three weeks ago we did a workshop and trunk show at the Quilting In The Grove Guild in Olive Branch/Southaven, Mississipi. I met Chris at the trunk show, and she had brought these gorgeous place mats. I just fell in love with them and asked her to send me a photo. There are several reasons that I loved this set. First of all, Susan and I have "discussions" about stripes. I happen to like stripes a great deal if they are used in the right place to enhance a design, and this is the perfect example. The place mats are from our Bursting Buds design which was done in rose, pink and burgundy with greens on a white background. The design looks so different the way that Chris did them, and her dramatic use of the greens mixed with the stripes was beautiful. She also used a "lacy" looking fabric as I recall. The striped binding on the napkins, and the fold - well fellow quilters, I would sit down at Chris' table with these place mats any time!
Ginny George, Lapeer, Michigan.
Ginny's daughter Lorraine sent photos of her mothers quilt. Lorraine, my Mac Tech just found the photos and your emails. How they survived, I will neve know. This is a real work of love, which you will understand when you read Lorraine's letter. Besides the great piecing, this truly makes you feel as though you are back at the Carnival on the Carousel! Ginny's use of just the right fabrics and embellishments really creates the right feeling! I LOVE the label she created for her daughter. Wonderful work and a real treasure for Lorraine for the rest of her life.
Lorraine Writes:
Hi, I have always been fascinated by carousel horses and have many figurines and musicals. My Mom made me a quilt from your pattern My Carousel . Her name is Ginny George and she lives in Lapeer, Michigan. I was up there a few weeks ago and took some pictures. I will not get the quilt until the fall as she had kept it to enter in a show. The show had 138 quilts in it and only awarded the top 3 Peoples Choice. The quilt took 3rd place among some stiff competition.
Lorraine Zorvan, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Anita Ekman, Huntsville, Alabama
I received this from Anita in the mail and scanned her photo. This was Anita's first attempt at one of our designs, and she did a wonderful job. Diamonds In The Rough was a good design to begin with. I think that purples are very effective used with greens and yellows, and this shows it. This is an interesting design as every one I see is so different because of the placement of colors. Very nice Anita!
Anita Writes:
I first saw your designs at the 2007 Nashville Quilt show and stood there for at least an hour trying to figure out how you get the effects. Unfortunately I had spent all of my money, but remembered your quilts because my daughter had just moved to Pagosa Springs (she can barely thread a needle), so this spring I went on your website and after finding out you were not going to be in Nashville I downloaded several patterns and ordered the Rectrangle. I just love this project, my first using your methods and my first machine quilted piece, using my friend's new medium arm quilting set-up. It took us 1 day to figure out what to do, or so we thought, one day to leterally rip out our first rows of quilting, and one day to get it right! I wish I could afford to buy all of your designs, cut on a fixed income, will limit myself to 3 more in 2009! |
