Big Doings at Liz B. Quilting

Hello Quilting Friends!!

I just recently realized it has been a very long time since I wrote a blog on here...been VERY busy and going to get busier for the next few months.  However, I really want to get in here and let everyone know what is happening with me and Liz B. Quilting.

As many of you know I am having some medical issues. These are not severe but can be temporarily debilitating.  I can only quilt for 4 - 6 hours at a stretch and being in a commercial building and not in my home makes it hard to keep up with my workload.  If my machines were in my house I would have more opportunity to work and still be home.  So, I have decided to move my business back home in April.  My doctor is pretty sure that most of my maladies are directly related to stress.

I was really convinced for a while that I needed to sell my business, but after much thought and help from my close inner business circle...I have decided just to move it.

We have built a new house and it will have ample room in a brand new studio space, for me to do the quilting and teach classes and everything else I have been doing pretty much from my home.  It is only 3 or 4 miles from where I am now.  The new address will be published soon for all who want to come see the new studio.

A few things will have to change due to the new location.  I will not have a sign our front of my house and quilt drop off will be by appointment only.  I will have much longer spans of time though to quilt uninterrupted, which will allow me to stay current with my workload more easily.

There have also been other developments that have caused me to want to move my business...Aquia Park has decided that I can no longer have my sign on the back of my building and that is most of the reason for being in a commercial space.  My son will be able to ride the bus and play in the neighborhood if I am working from home.  I was unable to find workers that worked for me...I am not such a great manager...lol.  This will significantly lower my overhead, so I can reduce my stress of duplicate bills that need to be paid.

This is such a wonderful opportunity and it came at just the right time, I can't help but think it is a divine as coincidences like this don't usually happen without a reason.   I am so excited to set up my new space and have everyone come and check it out.   So, please keep you eyes peeled on the snail mail and e-mail to look for the new address and other pertinent information.

I am so blessed to have such wonderful customers and such a wonderful business.

Thank You All and Happy Quilting,
Liz Bigger

Epic, Ridiculous and AWESOME

I am so inspired by these ladies right now.  It truly makes me believe that we live in the greatest nation ever, where anything is possible and that we are an industry of YES!!  Check out their website and PLEASE watch the little film about how they started...it is awe-inspiring at the very least!

http://www.cottonandsteelfabrics.com/

http://vimeo.com/76730844 - here is the link to the video...

Check them out on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/cottonandsteel

I cannot wait to see their new line!! Woot Woot!!  Who is with me????

Man Quilters!!!

So, there is something going on in quilting right now...it is not a completely new phenomenon, we have all heard of Ricky Tims -  http://www.rickytims.com/, and Jamie Wallen -  http://www.jamiewallen.com/jamiewallen/Welcome.html etc., but it seems to be going more mainstream!!!!  I discovered it this summer, right after I opened the new studio for Liz B. Quilting, when a man came in and asked me to quilt for him.  He was with his wife and just like a used car sales man, I kept trying to talk to her, so she let me know in no uncertain terms that it was HIS quilt and to talk to HIM!  Cool!  Especially when you see how his quilt looked...

I know right?!!!  It was his first quilt and not only is it crazy hard, but it is a signature quilt as well for one of his nieces...What???

At the Grand Opening of Liz B. Quilting new studio a man came in and said he was a quilter...I said great.  It was/is amazing because he is also a Vietnam Vet...he used to be a mason and now quilts to stay young in the mind!  He has since brought me probably 10 quilts, they are all huge and he donates them all to Wounded Warriors.  They are all his own designs (not that they are not already done, but he doesn't use a pattern, just figures it out).  Here are some of his latest creations...

Next thing you know a guy (who also came to the Grand Opening) comes in and wants to take the beginning quilting class...he takes and does such an AWESOME job!  He started to make a quilt for his Mother-in-Law's church...should have taken a picture of that when he was coming in for open sew.  Here is his beginning quilting class top...

Next thing you know another man shows up for my Spring Bed Runner Class with his wife...he finishes his whole bed runner in one after noon!  He then proceeded to go home and piece a crazy hard chain pattern that I can't seem to get off my phone.  He used strip piecing and chain piecing methods all by himself  What???

And then this morning...this one shows up!  This one was made by a retired Marine who has a mini museum in his basement and is going to put this on the bed down there...then, he is going to make his new grand-baby girl a pink one like this...What???  He designed it himself and even is letting me borrow the pattern (that he designed on Power Point) for my hubby's retirement quilt...(don't read this honey : D). 

As if that isn't impressive enough...he mitered his corners!!!

This is so exciting!  I am loving these Man Quilters!!!

A Thanksgiving Blog...

I wake up in the morning and I cannot believe that this is my life…  I tried to think up the things I am thankful for and it was impossible!  I am thankful for EVERYTHING!  I am first thankful to God and then to my husband who stands with me in the wonderful life that I get live and my family who made me who I am…my Mother especially without whom I would not be strong; determined nor capable as I am today. 

I am thankful for my home, the good food I can afford, the nice clothes I can wear, the ability to buy whatever I want (and the blessing that I do not want too much to be happy).  I am thankful for my health.  I am thankful I am an American and that I have The Bill of Rights and freedom.  I am thankful for all the men and women who defend freedom for me. 

I am thankful for my son. I love that I was allowed to be a Mother and that my son is happy and healthy.  I am thankful for all that he teaches me daily and that I am allowed to teach him too. 

I am thankful for my business that allows me to make people happy; be creative; to be in charge of my own destiny (to a degree) and to make money. It is everything that I have always wanted in a “job/career”.

I am thankful for my maturity, my inner contentment, peace and happiness.  I am happy for the most part all of the time. 

 

Love This Musical Paper Pieced Quilt in the Studio Today at Liz B. Quilting!

Cool Music Paper Piece Quilt in the studio today : D

Freezer Paper Applique Class at Liz B. Quilting!

 

Hi Everyone!

I am excited about our class this weekend on Sat Oct 19 from 10am – 4pm.  We are going to learn how to do Applique Quilting using the Freezer Paper Method.  This is a great way to make your applique come out great. 

If you are interested in learning how to Applique or you have tried this method before, but found it hard…I urge you to come to Liz B. Quilting at 2757 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Ste 117, Stafford VA 22554 for this class!  Ann Littleton is teaching this class and is a well-known quilting instructor here in Northern Virginia…here is some more information.

This is handwork, so no need to bring your sewing machine...see the supply list below.

About Ann Littleton -

 Ann is a graduate of James Madison University, with a BS in Elementary Education and Speech Pathology.  She’s been married since 1972, to Joe, a former Navy Pilot.  They have 4 grown children.

 Because of Joe’s ever mobile military career, and her commitment to raise “somewhat well adjusted” children,  Ann’s had many interesting part time jobs, including teaching preschool music for 6 years.  They made their final move to Stafford, VA in 2003.

 Ann began quilt design in 1986.  Articles and photographs of her quilts have appeared in various publications. Several quilts have appeared in national exhibits/ shows. As an experienced quilt teacher and speaker, Ann enjoys combining embellishments and vintage design, along with stories of the friendships of women in her quilts, trunk shows/programs, workshops and patterns.

 Ann’s memberships include Quilter’s Unlimited, Virginia Quilt Museum, Quilters Hall of Fame, Old Dominion Appliqué Society, and Baltimore Appliqué Society.  Other interests include premarital counseling, power boating, along with various volunteer activities.

  These are the supplies that you will need:

Beginning Hand Appliqué

Freezer Paper(Inside) Method

Taught by Ann Littleton

SUPPLY LIST

Template plastic (large sheet-at least 11 inches square)

Mini iron--1 inch x 7/8th  inch sole plate(Clover Needlecraft brand)

Fine line Sharpie marker

Mechanical pencil

Water soluble glue stick (Staples brand is good)

Reynolds Wrap brand freezer paper for crafting(at least 18 inches from a roll)

Fabrics: 100% cotton, pre-washed and ironed (make sure the dyes don’t run)

½ yd. background fabric

1 fat quarter(18in X 20in) fabric for circle(vine)

Assorted scraps of fabric for leaves and flower petals

Fine cotton thread to match leaf and petal fabrics, or silk thread (I like YLI #100 silk thread)

Appliqué needles--# 10 straw, milliner’s, or Jean Lyle needles(10A)

Needle threader if needed

Small sharp scissors for cutting fabric

Paper cutting scissors 

Straight pins

Blue painter’s tape

Bring a bag lunch 

Bring all your supplies and come prepared to have fun!

 

 

More Modern Quilting at Liz B Quilting in Stafford - Pattern Available!

 Here is some more modern quilting at Liz B. Quilting...

Modern Quilting can be recognized by the modular pattern of the blocks, the non traditional placement of the pattern of the blocks and the use of solid or modern print fabric with geometric quilting. 

I am selling this pattern if you are interested...just let me know.

What do you all think about Modern Quilting?

Modern Quilting at Liz B. Quilting!

And the back stitching!!!

This is the back...can you believe it? at Liz B. Quilting!

And the back!!!

Crazy AWESOME Modern Quilting at Liz B. Quilting!

Here is the stitching!!!!

So Cool, Modern Quilting at Liz B. Quilting in Stafford, VA!!!

Modern quilting at Liz B Quilting!!!

Innova at Fredericksburg Expo Center!!!

Come out to see us at the Quilting & Sewing Expo at the Fredericksburg Expo Center, VA : D

A Day of Rest

I taught a Custom Longarming Class on Sat., which was AWESOME and have a tendency to work all the time in order to accommodate the schedules of my customers...however,

I am feeling so GREAT this morning after a day of rest.  When you are starting your own business you have a tendency to work 7 days a week and 24 hours a day...(not literally, but you just never set your stress down). 

I did a puzzle with my son, went shopping with my family and took a nap : D...

I read an amazing article in my e-mail this morning from my wonderful Aunt about stress and relieving stress.  A woman stands with a glass in the front of a group and asks how heavy do you think this glass is?  Some said 8oz, some said 10oz etc.  She says - the actual weight doesn't matter, it is how long I hold it!  If I hold it for a few minutes that is ok, if I hold it for several days there is likely to be damage to my arms, nerves etc. 

Wow, this made perfect sense to me!  I have got to learn to set my stress down for a while now and then.  (My stress doesn't feel like stress most of the time, but I think it wears on me after a while...I love what I do and get so excited about it that sometimes I forget to take a break.) 

I took yesterday off and the sense of peace and readiness to accomplish is AMAZING!  I am ready to tackle it all again.  I have a renewed sense of ability and am making the lists of things that need to be done and putting them on the calendar to make sure they get done! 

I am so blessed that this is my life and I would hate to mess it up with stress!!!  I hope to get lots done today and can't wait to ride this wave as far as it will take me!!! 

Quilts of Last Week!!

Wow, I had a wonderful busy week last week!  Here are some great pics of the GREAT quilts I was privileged to work on the last few weeks!!

What a Difference the Quilting Makes...

1st quilt...

A customer of mine who was renting time a few weeks ago quilted this quilt...

Then, she quilted this quilt...


The crazy cool thing is that the first one the quilting is smaller and it makes the blocks look smaller...BUT they are both exactly the same!!! 



Can you see the difference????

Shout Out to My Supporters!!

I am so blessed!  There is no way that I could do what I do at Liz B. Quilting without my supporters! 

My biggest supporter is my husband...he picks up all the slack at home while I am starting my business.  He understands that in the beginning you really have to give it all you have to be successful.  This weekend, he did the laundry, took my son to a birthday party and had dinner on the table for me Sunday night when I got home from work.  How awesome is that!!! 

My second biggest supporter is my Mom...she is always there for me to advise me, listen when I need to vent and help me with money stuff! I talk to her almost every morning and because she is an avid quilter and a longarmer her advise is priceless!!!

Then there are my friends...they come by and help out whenever they can, they come to my events, they participate in my charity endeavors, they teach classes for me and send me business whenever possible! 

I cannot believe how fortunate I am and I cannot wait to see what happens next!  I'll keep you posted!

A Touch of the Irish at Liz B. Quilting...

A custom job that I am working on...it won't do to post pics before it is done...so more to follow...here is your tease...

Irish Eyes are Shining... or is it Smiling???

So, here it is !  I think it came out fabulous!!! What do you think???

 

 

 

Hail, Hail - The Small Business Owner!

It seems like everywhere we look someone is talking about the "Small Business".  They are usually talking about businesses that have 10 or so employees and do only a few $100,000 a year...well that is not the only type of small business owner...There are some that are even smaller...

I am a one man shop!  I have lots of people who help here and there (usually for free)...but no employees and I will be lucky to make 10's of 1000's this year. 

If the floor is clean, I vacuumed it; if there are paper towels I the bathroom, I put them there; if there is coffee and water, I bought that and brought it in. 

Our profit margins are small and usually we don't even get a paycheck in that we are putting everything back into the business. 

Why do we do it?  When you work 7 days a week and miss family dinners etc. you ask yourself the same question...I can't speak for everyone, but I do it because...

I love what I do

I love to see the look on my customer's face when they get their quilts back
I love to share longarming with others

I love to teach and I love to quilt
I love meeting new people and I love learning new things
I am hoping to be a "bigger" small business someday
I like the thought of creating a business and paying taxes instead of taking a Gov't job that could support someone else that can't start their own business.

I also want to take a moment to praise "big" business too.  I am a huge free market advocate and think that there should be some rules to keep people honest, but think that if you get "big" - good for you!

So, Hail, Hail the Small Business!!!

Christmas in August - A Different Take on an Old Fav!

Christmas in August...

I did this quilt the other day, and I just loved it!  This quilt is for a friend/customer that is for charity, but I am hoping that everyone gets their quilts in for Christmas early : D.

This is a different take on the Double Irish Chain, traditionally the middle blocks are the solid/blenders and the chains are prints, but in this one the middle blocks are a great large print and chains are the blenders/solids. 

I am thinking that I will do a drawing for those who get their Christmas Quilts in early!  You get to put your name in the drawing one time for each quilt that you turn in before Oct 31, 2013.  The winner gets 50% off the quilting on one of their quilts...what do you think?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

A new Era of Heirloom Quilt

A new Era of Heirloom Quilt...in the last decades, a new era of "Heirloom Quilts" has arisen.  One of these is the "T-Shirt" quilt.  A quilt that has t-shirts from someone or somewhere that make up the blocks to commemorate a trip, a time in someone's life or to have something to do with t-shirts that are too dear with which to part. 

I am also finding that when these new heirloom quilts are made and used (as in the days of yore) they soon need to be repaired.  This is a labor of love that I am finding quilt fulfilling!  I love to pull apart the totally loved stitches and replacing them with new stitches ready to be loved again. 

The above is a wonderful t-shirt quilt that I am totally enjoying at the moment.  I usually don't do this sort of thing, but the owner touched my heart with her story of this t-shirt quilt and I couldn't refuse.  Today, I got the first row re-done and hope to get to work on it again soon!