Lark Crafts

Some of my more tech-savvy friends have long since bought an e-ink reader or a Nook Color. But this year, it seems like even my mom is interested in something to tote around that can do it all. I never thought we’d be talking about things like the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet as gifts for her.

But I’m a fan of these hybrid devices. There’s something that just feels right about the 8-inch size. Unlike a smart phone, the regions on the screen are easy for me to tap. No more trying to click a link and feeling like I have lobster claws instead of hands. But as a lifetime paperback reader, the 8-inch size is in some ways preferable to the larger 10-inch tablet screens too. It feels more manageable to hold in different ways and read for a couple hours. I just can’t imagine doing that with a bigger screen.

That brings me to the case. There’s more and more options out there every day for this unique size (I

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In December there’s usually a lot of talk about making presents and things to give away. But the truth is, this is also a fine time of year to make some new stuff for yourself.

Ok, so maybe that’s not the traditional holiday spirit. But just one thing here or there doesn’t hurt. Especially when it’s something that makes your house or apartment even more welcoming for guests during the holidays.

Today’s free project is just such a thing. It’s a nice, festive holiday treat that you can justify making for yourself–just think of all the guests who will enjoy it too! And you can always give it away after a party if someone just “has to have it.”

The Felt Blooms Wreath comes from Jennifer Fitzsimmons (you may already know about her store, Itz Fitz).

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Have you noticed the sneaky holiday-time invader on the blog this week? He jumps out just after Thanksgiving and then he doesn’t leave until…well, until you eat him!

You may have spotted him on Monday when Linda posted the gingerbread house and gingerbread men tree ornament giveaway. And there was a whole feature about the various gingerbread houses where he lives as well. Today he’s back, taunting you with his famous saying right there on the apron.

“Run, run, as fast as you can!”

If you hadn’t already guessed from the cute factor, this apron project comes from the one and only Cathy Gaubert. You can find it in (and also on the cover of)

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The crowds, the traffic, the cost…shopping around the holidays can always use little things to make the day better.

Of course, around these parts we’re all about making things by hand for gifts (have you noticed that fancy blog header?). But the reality is we all have lots to buy in the next few weeks too. I know even though I’m busy making things, I’ve already been to the grocery store twice this week and it’s not over yet!

Whether you’re headed to grab (yet more) food or downtown, today’s free project is a nice shopping companion. It holds not only your precious lists, but also other important paper scraps: coupons, business cards, sticky notes, etc.

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Quilt Festival special exhibits, interviews, classes, recaps…our blog this month has been a flurry of quilt event coverage. We hope all those that didn’t make it to Texas this year enjoyed our view from the blog! If you’re just clicking over for the first time in a while, our needlearts tab has all the Quilt Festival posts you might have missed.

But before we wrap up our quilt crazy month, we do have one last goody to share: quilt books of course!

We’re giving away a bundle of three Lark quilting books: Twelve by Twelve; Pretty in Patchwork: Doll Quilts; and Masters: Art Quilts, Vol. 2.

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Quilt Festival 2011 is nearly upon us! Join us as we talk with some of the authors of Twelve by Twelve about their upcoming trip…

Today’s guest: Kristin La Flamme 

What Festival is this for you?
This will be my second time coming to Festival. Last year was completely overwhelming, so I’m looking forward to being less discombobulated this time.

Where will you be and when?
I will be at the Twelve by Twelve exhibit Thursday the 3rd and Friday the 5th from 12 until 2, plus Friday from 2 until 4. We’ll end the day in our booth at 6:30 Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. I’ll probably also call our area Home Base and come and go throughout each day. I’ll be volunteering at the SAQA table as well on Thursday from 3 until 5 and on Friday from 12 until 2.

What are you most excited about this year?
I am most excited to meet all the Twelves I have not yet met in person. I’m a little sad that three of our four international members won’t be in attendance, but that still leaves four Twelves to meet for the first time, and four that I get to hang out with again and get to know better!

My favorite moments last year were the ones socializing in person with online friends. Finding out that most people are just as interesting and friendly in person as they appear on their blogs is wonderful.

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Quilt Festival 2011 is nearly upon us! Join us as we talk with some of the authors of Twelve by Twelve about their upcoming trip…

Today’s guest: Brenda Gael Smith

What Festival is this for you?
This will be my very first International Quilt Festival. Gulp.  I’m starting to think I should have done some proper training for the event.  Perhaps fellow Twelve Nikki, who recently completed her first half marathon, had the right idea!

Where will you be and when?
After 24+ hours in transit from Australia, I hope to make it to the tail end of preview night on Wednesday 2 November.  Then I will be at Festival every day, mostly at the Twelve by Twelve exhibit (look out for the roster on the Twelve by Twelve blog) but also a stint on the SAQA Booth from 3-5pm on Saturday.

What are you most excited about this year?
After collaborating online in the Twelve by Twelve International Art Quilt Challenge for over four years, I am most excited to be joining so many of the Twelves in person.  I’ve met Diane before a couple of times but this will be my first meeting the other American Twelves.  It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

On a related note, just how excited are you to see all the quilts together?
Seeing the Theme series quilts for the first time, when the exhibit toured to Australia and New Zealand in 2010, was an extremely moving experience.  I thought my heart would burst.  To be able to share all the quilts from the book along with the new Colorplay series, a total of 288 quilts, with so many people at Festival is a great thrill and honour. I extend a huge thank you to Del Thomas for her kind sponsorship of the Twelve by Twelve exhibit through the Thomas Contemporary Quilt Collection.

Is there one piece that you’re really excited to see in person?
I want to see everything! I am looking forward to studying each and every quilt from the Colorplay series and renewing my acquaintance with the Theme series.  It is wonderful to be able to view the quilts online but real life presents a whole new dimension in color, texture and detail. I’m also keen to see the exhibits of my Australian compatriots – Destination Texas by Sue Dennis and Textured Treasures presented by Jewel Pearce Patterson Scholarship for Quilting Teachers Award Winner Lisa Walton.

What’s your one must-take item for Festival?
For me, the most important items in my hand luggage will be my camera and iPad combo. That, plus wifi, will set me up for recording and blogging about my first Festival; the people and the quilts.

Read more about Brenda at http://serendipitypatchwork.com.au/blog/. And be sure to enter the giveaway happening over on the Twelve by Twelve blog! http://serendipitypatchwork.com.au/blog/2011/10/17/twelve-by-twelve-book-giveaway/

That’s right–we’re doing it again! We’ve got another book giveaway that comes with a bunch of felt! Our friends at National Nonwovens were kind enough to ship us a couple big felt bundles and we matched them up with a couple of the projects in Stash Happy: Felt!

For this second and final giveaway, we’re giving away all the wool felt you need (and more) to create the whale pincushion you see there on the back cover. Who can resist such a cute sewing-room companion!? Of course, without the custom pins, he also makes a charming softie for any room of the house.

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