Black Friday Through Cyber Monday Sale

 

We are having a Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale. Don't miss out. We added new gift sets, quilts and so much more. In order to receive your discount enter 1 of  the following coupon codes when making your purchase.

Holiday12- 10 % off your order

Freeshp12- free shipping

 

You can only use 1 discount offer.

 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheQuiltHandler?ref=si_shop

 

 

Unexpected Quilts

 

 

I was pleasantly surprised by our local mall on Saturday. They have redone their motto to reflect quilting.  According to the information available inside the mall, Moorestown was founded by Quakers and has a rich quilting history.  I must have stood in the entry way for ten minutes on the way in and on the way out. It was so fun to see a wall dedicated to quilting. I think these unexpected encounters with quilts excite me the most. I took pictures of some of the stenciling and sayings painted on the wall of the entry way.



This runs the entire length of the walls on either side of the entry way. I know it is an eight point star. But, does anyone know it’s name?



I never thought of this but how true this statement is! We are creative recyclers and some of the first recyclers.



 



 

 

There was also a beautiful T shirt quilt on display that was bordered with photographs taken in Moorestown through the years. If you live in the south Jersey area I suggest visiting the Moorestown Mall. They also have some nice shops including Sears, Spencer’s Gifts, Hot Topic, Boscov’s and many more.

http://moorestown-mall.com/

 

 

Upcoming Quilt Events

 



Hello friends,

If you are like me, you are always keeping your eyes out for upcoming quilt shows and quilting events. Who doesn't love the chance to spend the day getting inspired by fellow quilters. Also, who can resist the chance to shop at the vendors and merchant malls? I know I can't. There are 2 upcoming quilt events I want to share with you. Some of you have probably heard of them but maybe someone doesn't know about them yet. I have not attended either of them. However, I am hoping I get a chance to go to Quilt Odyssey in 2013 and some Mancuso shows this year.

 

The first event is Quilt Odyssey, which is held  in Hershey PA.  It runs from July 26-29th. This is a quilt show with classes and retreats. There will also be vendors.

 

https://server7.pacecomputing.com/quiltodysseycom/www/Merchants-Mall.php

 

The second  is The Quilt Festival and Antiques Show put on by Mancuso Show Management. They put on 7 shows throughout the year.




August show -will be held in Manchester New Hampshire and run  August 16-19th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=18




September Show- will be held in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and run September 13-16th

http://quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=4




October Show- will be held in Santa Clara California and run October 11-14th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=7




November Show- will be held in West Palm Beach Florida and run November 8-10th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=36




February Show- will be held in Hampton Virginia and run February 21-24th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=8


 

Feb/ March Show- will be held in Somerset New Jersey and run February 28-March 3rd

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=30




May Show- will be held in Denver Colorado and run May 2-5th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=35


 

 

OH BABY!!! ~Your choice of bibs with custom embroidery~

 

I just listed 9 new colors of bibs. I did not want to blow up your Facebook by posting all ten listings. However, I wanted you to know about the new stock. So, here are the 9 new colors of bibs now available. These make great gifts and are a unique way to announce your pregnancy to family and friends.
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OH BABY!!! ~Your choice of bibs with custom embroidery~

I just listed 9 new colors of bibs. I did not want to blow up your Facebook by posting all ten listings. However, I wanted you to know about the new stock. So, here are the 9 new colors of bibs now available. These make great gifts and are a unique way to announce your pregnancy to family and friends.

Happy Fourth of July

As far back as I can remember, I would get excited for the 4th of July. Growing up I have some of the best memories of spending 4th of July with my extended family. Not a year goes by that I do not think about those friends on the 4th. I hope you are making wonderful memories for yourself and your family today. I will be heading to my Dad's to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.   This is a big deal because for the last 4 years I lived 10 hours from him. Now, I can do a day trip to see him.   I pray we don't hit a ton of traffic. Although, if you live in NY or have been there you know there really is no such thing as no traffic.

 

For those of you looking to stay home in the Ac and do something fun ... check out this blog. She has a ton of cute ideas for the Fourth of July. It might be to late for many of us for this year but still  a bunch of super cute ideas for next year.

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/fourth_of_july/

 

 

Whatever you choose to do today may the 4th be with you !( Sorry I could not resist)

 

Have a happy and safe fourth my friends!!!

 

Happy Fourth of July

As far back as I can remember, I would get excited for the 4th of July. Growing up I have some of the best memories of spending 4th of July with my extended family. Not a year goes by that I do not think about those friends on the 4th. I hope you are making wonderful memories for yourself and your family today. I will be heading to my Dad's to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.   This is a big deal because for the last 4 years I lived 10 hours from him. Now, I can do a day trip to see him.   I pray we don't hit a ton of traffic. Although, if you live in NY or have been there you know there really is no such thing as no traffic.






For those of you looking to stay home in the Ac and do something fun ... check out this blog. She has a ton of cute ideas for the Fourth of July. It might be to late for many of us for this year but still  a bunch of super cute ideas for next year.


http://www.thecraftycrow.net/fourth_of_july/





Whatever you choose to do today may the 4th be with you !( Sorry I could not resist)

Have a happy and safe fourth my friends!!!

Weekend

Another weekend is upon us. I am losing track of time lately. Is it me or does time seem to be flying by? Here in New jersey we will have a heat index of 107 all weekend. I am sure most of the country is under the same heat. Stay cool my friends and remember to do something you enjoy this weekend. I am hoping to spend some time in the sewing room and also connecting with family and friends.

Weekend

Another weekend is upon us. I am losing track of time lately. Is it me or does time seem to be flying by? Here in New jersey we will have a heat index of 107 all weekend. I am sure most of the country is under the same heat. Stay cool my friends and remember to do something you enjoy this weekend. I am hoping to spend some time in the sewing room and also connecting with family and friends.

Week Wide Fourth of July Sale-ebration!

I am so excited about celebrating the birth of our great nation that for 1 week only all items in my shop are 10 % off.  Don't miss out on this  great sale.

 



 

 

“Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice.” - Anon

Week Wide Fourth of July Sale-ebration!

I am so excited about celebrating the birth of our great nation that for 1 week only all items in my shop are 10 % off.  Don't miss out on this  great sale.









“Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice.” - Anon

It breaks my heart to see or hear of a child who is struggling with an illness. Recently, my girlfriend posted on facebook that a  friend of her daughter was going through treatment for Cancer. I decided that Kk needed a quilt to cuddle up with.  I normally would not blog about this but I'd send it and move on. However, I got the cutest picture and wanted to share it. Here is a picture of Kk with her quilt.  It is so nice to see the smile on her face. If you would like to read more about Kk you can follow  her story here  https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katelynceciliasilviano/createorsignin

It breaks my heart to see or hear of a child who is struggling with an illness. Recently, my girlfriend posted on facebook that a  friend of her daughter was going through treatment for Cancer. I decided that Kk needed a quilt to cuddle up with.  I normally would not blog about this but I'd send it and move on. However, I got the cutest picture and wanted to share it. Here is a picture of Kk with her quilt.  It is so nice to see the smile on her face. If you would like to read more about Kk you can follow  her story here  https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katelynceciliasilviano/createorsignin

Quilts Quilts Everywhere. . .

I had a little break from life this week. My husband and I went to Atlantic City for his birthday.  We had an amazing time. When we checked in we got upgraded to a suite because it was hubby's birthday. We enjoyed a romantic dinner and breakfast in bed. However, quilts were never far from my mind. In our hotel room alone I saw quilts in three spots.



Imagine all the colors you could use to do a positive / negative quilt like these chair backs. Also, this painting gave me a great idea for a quilt. If you are afraid of circles like I use to be I suggest checking out this book by Dale Fleming. It was a great help to me http://www.amazon.com/Pieced-Curves-So-Simple-Applique/dp/1571202935

 

In addition to doing the casinos we went down to North Wildwood and had lunch on the boardwalk and stuck our feet in the water.



I truly hope you all had as nice of a week as I did. Have a wonderful weekend. TGIF!!!

Quilts Quilts Everywhere. . .

I had a little break from life this week. My husband and I went to Atlantic City for his birthday.  We had an amazing time. When we checked in we got upgraded to a suite because it was hubby's birthday. We enjoyed a romantic dinner and breakfast in bed. However, quilts were never far from my mind. In our hotel room alone I saw quilts in three spots.





Imagine all the colors you could use to do a positive / negative quilt like these chair backs. Also, this painting gave me a great idea for a quilt. If you are afraid of circles like I use to be I suggest checking out this book by Dale Fleming. It was a great help to me http://www.amazon.com/Pieced-Curves-So-Simple-Applique/dp/1571202935





In addition to doing the casinos we went down to North Wildwood and had lunch on the boardwalk and stuck our feet in the water.





I truly hope you all had as nice of a week as I did. Have a wonderful weekend. TGIF!!!

Summer bags

The thought of summer brings to mind bright fun colors. Lots of colors and carefree summer nights. I just added new bags to my page. You can see all the colors at  https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/TheQuiltHandler

I will no longer be publishing at bits and pieces. You can now catch my blog at QuiltHandler.com. I hope to see you there :)

Dog's Best Friend

If you are anything like me your dog is part of the family. My dog is my baby and we love her like a child. My most recent client clearly feels the same way we do.  Her friend is having a baby boy and so this is the bib she wanted customized. Dutch is the dog !



 

Dog's Best Friend

If you are anything like me your dog is part of the family. My dog is my baby and we love her like a child. My most recent client clearly feels the same way we do.  Her friend is having a baby boy and so this is the bib she wanted customized. Dutch is the dog !

Summer is coming

Summer is coming and the Quilt Handler is ready. I just added a few listings at our etsy shop. I will be adding beach bags and BBQ aprons shortly so keep your eyes open. One thing that goes with summer is weddings.  I recently made these bags up for a bride. She is using them as emergency kits/ gifts for her bridesmaids.  What a great idea! I wish I had thought of it for my wedding.

 

 

 

Summer is coming

Summer is coming and the Quilt Handler is ready. I just added a few listings at our etsy shop. I will be adding beach bags and BBQ aprons shortly so keep your eyes open. One thing that goes with summer is weddings.  I recently made these bags up for a bride. She is using them as emergency kits/ gifts for her bridesmaids.  What a great idea! I wish I had thought of it for my wedding.

Sports Fans

Another creative client asked me to do this bib for her. I thought it was a great idea !

Sports Fans

Another creative client asked me to do this bib for her. I thought it was a great idea !

Who could ask for a better Father's Day Gift.

I recently got an order for 2 bibs .These bibs are being used to announce pregnancy to family members. I was surprised when I started getting these orders. This order is my 5th for announcement bibs. Anyhow, the bibs for this order are going to be given to the new Grandpa's on Father's Day. I think this is such a cool way to let those special people know you are expecting. It is truly an honor for me to be a part of this exiting time in people's lives.



 

 

Who could ask for a better Father's Day Gift.

I recently got an order for 2 bibs .These bibs are being used to announce pregnancy to family members. I was surprised when I started getting these orders. This order is my 5th for announcement bibs. Anyhow, the bibs for this order are going to be given to the new Grandpa's on Father's Day. I think this is such a cool way to let those special people know you are expecting. It is truly an honor for me to be a part of this exiting time in people's lives.

June???

OK is it me, or is time flying by? ? It is hard to believe it is June already. I feel like it was just Christmas. Speaking of Christmas how many of you have started shopping or sewing already? I have begun to brainstorm but can't bring myself to start just yet. Maybe I will be inspired by Christmas in July sales.

June???

OK is it me, or is time flying by? ? It is hard to believe it is June already. I feel like it was just Christmas. Speaking of Christmas how many of you have started shopping or sewing already? I have begun to brainstorm but can't bring myself to start just yet. Maybe I will be inspired by Christmas in July sales.

Happy Saturday

I hope you are all enjoying your Saturday. It is a busy Saturday at the Quilt Handler. I purchased new cotton lined with vinyl in green and yellow today to do some more gender neutral bibs for my Etsy shop. I am also digitizing a logo and working on 3 custom bib orders. For those of you that embroider and use a Bernina machine, I highly recommend getting the designer plus software version 6. It is so easy to alter designs and digitize images. When I bought my software I got a free class with it, It will be awhile before I schedule my class. However, in the meantime there are a ton of video tutorials on the web. I am a very visual person and these tutorials are awesome.  I am truly amazed at what sewing machines or should I say sewing computers( that really is what they are ) can do. When I finish my bib orders for the week I will be posting pics so come back soon. In the meantime, have a Happy Saturday and a relaxing weekend :)

Happy Saturday

I hope you are all enjoying your Saturday. It is a busy Saturday at the Quilt Handler. I purchased new cotton lined with vinyl in green and yellow today to do some more gender neutral bibs for my Etsy shop. I am also digitizing a logo and working on 3 custom bib orders. For those of you that embroider and use a Bernina machine, I highly recommend getting the designer plus software version 6. It is so easy to alter designs and digitize images. When I bought my software I got a free class with it, It will be awhile before I schedule my class. However, in the meantime there are a ton of video tutorials on the web. I am a very visual person and these tutorials are awesome.  I am truly amazed at what sewing machines or should I say sewing computers( that really is what they are ) can do. When I finish my bib orders for the week I will be posting pics so come back soon. In the meantime, have a Happy Saturday and a relaxing weekend :)

Memorial Day

As long as I can remember, Memorial Day meant the beginning of summer. Long days and long nights of carefree fun. It is funny how as children we only know what we are taught. For me, sad to say Memorial day meant BBQ's, sunshine, and pool parties. I wonder how many of you grew up with the same mentality. It is only in the last few  years that the true meaning of Memorial Day has been a part of my world. I guess as we get older and form our own identities we see things in a different light. Whatever your holiday plans may be, please take a moment today and every day to say thank you to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom. Also, a special thank you to their families. I cannot imagine being a wife or mother and being left to worry daily about the safety of my loved one. So today and everyday I say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all the troops and family memebers who make the ultimate sacrifice day in and day out.

Memorial Day

As long as I can remember, Memorial Day meant the beginning of summer. Long days and long nights of carefree fun. It is funny how as children we only know what we are taught. For me, sad to say Memorial day meant BBQ's, sunshine, and pool parties. I wonder how many of you grew up with the same mentality. It is only in the last few  years that the true meaning of Memorial Day has been a part of my world. I guess as we get older and form our own identities we see things in a different light. Whatever your holiday plans may be, please take a moment today and every day to say thank you to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom. Also, a special thank you to their families. I cannot imagine being a wife or mother and being left to worry daily about the safety of my loved one. So today and everyday I say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all the troops and family memebers who make the ultimate sacrifice day in and day out.

My Machines

When I first started sewing I had a newer Kenmore. I could never get the  bobbin in right or the tension right. I quickly gave up on sewing.  Of course I was using scissors to cut and didn't think a 1/4 inch seam was that important either. In 2007 when I moved in with my then boyfriend his mom lent me her Bernina 180. At first I hate the machine because it was to fancy who needed all these button???? Well, over time I got the hang of the Bernina and bought myself real quilting tools. Rulers, mats, rotary cutters etc. After many hours of practice I loved my ( borrowed)180. I truly never thought I would own a Bernina of my own. This March I headed to Lancaster with my now mil and we both bought the new 580. I love love love this machine.

 



 

I have probably spent 50 hours on this machine since I got it. Tomorrow is our first class at Hinkletown sewing. I know there is so much I still have to learn about this machine. I can't wait to explore this machine in depth.

My Machines

When I first started sewing I had a newer Kenmore. I could never get the  bobbin in right or the tension right. I quickly gave up on sewing.  Of course I was using scissors to cut and didn't think a 1/4 inch seam was that important either. In 2007 when I moved in with my then boyfriend his mom lent me her Bernina 180. At first I hate the machine because it was to fancy who needed all these button???? Well, over time I got the hang of the Bernina and bought myself real quilting tools. Rulers, mats, rotary cutters etc. After many hours of practice I loved my ( borrowed)180. I truly never thought I would own a Bernina of my own. This March I headed to Lancaster with my now mil and we both bought the new 580. I love love love this machine.











I have probably spent 50 hours on this machine since I got it. Tomorrow is our first class at Hinkletown sewing. I know there is so much I still have to learn about this machine. I can't wait to explore this machine in depth.

Calling all Sports Fans

We all know how intense rivalries can be in the world of sports. My husband grew up in Philly and I grew up in NY  talk about having rival teams. He is a Phillies fan and I am a Yankee fan. I really had no choice growing up with my dad and brother being crazy NY fans. Our teams are the Yankees and Giants ( GO NY !) . Anyhow, you are probably wondering why I am going on about sport rivalries on a quilt / embroidery website. Well, I received a request for a customized bib this week. I don't know why I had not thought of doing sports bibs before. Check out this cute bib. The client is a huge Bears fan and so this is completely appropriate.

This is why I love working with clients to do custom work. I never know what ideas will be brought my way.

Calling all Sports Fans

We all know how intense rivalries can be in the world of sports. My husband grew up in Philly and I grew up in NY  talk about having rival teams. He is a Phillies fan and I am a Yankee fan. I really had no choice growing up with my dad and brother being crazy NY fans. Our teams are the Yankees and Giants ( GO NY !) . Anyhow, you are probably wondering why I am going on about sport rivalries on a quilt / embroidery website. Well, I received a request for a customized bib this week. I don't know why I had not thought of doing sports bibs before. Check out this cute bib. The client is a huge Bears fan and so this is completely appropriate.


This is why I love working with clients to do custom work. I never know what ideas will be brought my way.

About Me

Some of you know me and some do not. So,I thought I would take this opportunity early in my blog to tell you a little about myself. I have a life long passion for learning and creating.  I am a teacher and wife to my loving husband who supports me in all my endeavors. I am also mommy to my furbaby Gixxie( Jix - E).

 

 

Over the years, I have dabbled in various crafts and needle works.  I found quilting to be the art I most enjoy. I have been quilting on and off for 10 years. However, only seriously for the last 4 years. When my friends started having babies, I started making quilts. As a teacher, children have a very special place in my heart and I most enjoy creating for them. When I am not quilting for children I know, I am working on quilts for Project Linus.

Recently, I started playing with my embroidery machine and now I am always on the hunt for new items to embroider on.  In fact I am in search of all types of new and interesting projects. I know some people get creative in the winter when they are stuck inside. But, nothing energizes me more than a bright sunny day.