Colourful Stitches, FPI Publications. Hand-Dyed Products, Books, Notecards, Quilting Patterns, Contemporary Quilt Designs

Dyeing To Know...

About Gyleen | Q&A | Book Reviews
Links | Scarf Tying

About Gyleen
I've been quilting since 1981 and began needlework at the very young age of 4. My Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University combined with my love of art provided the foundation for creating instructional lectures, workshops and patterns that encompass: design, quilt making and expression of colour. My quilts blend colour, pattern and texture to provide a contemporary essence to traditional quilting. I've gained support and enthusiasm exhibiting both locally and nationally and was ecstatic at being a "Best of Show" and a repeat blue ribbon winner. My writing life came much later; I started with technical reports, moved to technical instructions and finally got the courage to do creative organized thinking. My written works center around Haiku poems, quilt patterns and magazine articles and of course the crème de la crème, books. I have authored and published two books, The Dream and Poetry and Patchwork. You can see my published work in Quilt Magazine, Patchwork Quilting and Quilter's Almanac magazines.

I opened Colourful Stitches in 1999 and formed its first subsidiary, FPI Publishing in 2005.

Quilting is my passion.

Click here for a PDF version.

Q&A

Q: What is "Haiku"?

A: A Haiku is a Japanese verse form notable for its compression and suggestiveness. It consists of three unrhymed lines of five, seven and five syllables that register or indicate a moment, sensation or impression of a specific point in nature. Each notecard by Colourful Stitches has an original Haiku written from the heart that complements the quilt on the cover.

Q: How to build a stash?

A: If you just started quilting, buy what you need for a specific project AND buy a few “Fat Quarters”. A “Fat Quarter” (FQ) is 22” wide and 18 ” long. Most if not all quilt shops sell them or will cut them when requested. Go for the ones that just make you smile because you like the color or print. I buy these just because with no rhyme or reason. The cost for a FQ is between $2 - $4. If what you need is variety within your stash, buy based on theme. By this I mean, collect a color that you don’t usually buy but is missing from your stash; or if you tend to buy floral focus on geometrics. I would still recommend buying just lots of FQs unless I really, really liked the fabric. If that’s the case I buy ½ to 1 yard. (For me buying 1 yard is rare, I would rather bring home 12 FQ than 3 one yard cuts. Sometimes it’s the variety that’s more important.) I tend to buy based on theme right now, I can’t seem to get enough big gaudy floral prints.

Most of my patterns can handle 20 plus fabrics so the more variety the better. I don’t worry about running out of a particular fabric; I just substitute with another in the same color family. I know this is tough to swallow when you’re doing big quilts that need yardage for borders. The biggest cut I buy is one yard and if the quilt needs more than that, I get creative and design a pieced border or use multiple fabrics for the border (i.e. 4 dark blues).

Book Reviews

1000 Great Quilting Designs (for hand or machine stitching) by Luise Roberts. This is a must have book that’s just fantastic when it comes to ideas to eliminate the stress of “Quilt as desired”. All designs are in public domain so copy and enlarge at will. The book is indexed very well and adds complexity or simplicity to common shapes. For example: several alternatives are provided for quilting designs to fit inside of hexagons.

Pathways to Better Quilting by Sally Terry. Machine quilting is not my forte. At best I can use a walking foot so I have been buying everything I can on machine quilting. The reality is no matter what book you use; to get better will take practice. That being said, this book is great for the beginner that’s using machine quilting to put basic structure to lap size or larger quilts. It is not intimidating to use and breaks the basic concept down into 5 workable pieces. Master this book and you are well on your way to heirloom machine quilting. It is well worth the money.

Setting Solutions by Sharyn Craig. Not the usual offering of sets on point or straight sets. This book goes beyond the common to using pieced or appliquéd blocks INSIDE of blocks or alternating your collection with another pieced block. For me the book is a must just to get ideas on what to do with friendship, exchange or orphan blocks. The examples in the book are inspiring.

Women cannot live by quilt books alone and I’ve tried. This is my offering of “literature” for the listening.

The October Horse by Colleen McCullough. She also wrote “The Thorn Birds”. I have it on cassette unabridged. The book is about Caesar and Cleopatra per the jacket and that is a stretch; it’s really about Caesar. Not too much blood and guts but the story of the man and how he ruled. I would say it’s somewhat historic, somewhat speculation but all around entertaining. If you don’t think you’ll like it get it from the library.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. I’m not sure who recommended this book to me but I owe her some “Fat Quarters”. I was quick to judge the book negatively by title alone and then received the book as a gift. It is one of the best books to listen to while quilting. The southern accents and the innocence of yesteryear combined with a great story line make this book worth every penny. You can listen to this with your middle schoolers or mother without wishing you could fast forward. I would say its PG-13. I have it unabridged on CD and it’s a 11 CDs long epic. (Send me an email if you were the one who recommended the book to me. It was during one of my workshops last year.)

The Crocodile, the Dog and the Snake by Elizabeth Peters. I purchased this book unabridged on cassette used via the Internet. It was the beginning of my love for the writing style of Ms. Peters. The book takes you to Egypt during the British occupancy with tomb robbers and archeologist. Neither was of particular interest to me but I couldn’t pass by the title. This book is the beginning of a series and I should admit now that I have them all. I could listen to these over and over again. The connection between the croc, dog and snake is a great way to entertain the brain while quilting.

The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas. This is a classic book about quilting and quilting bees. As I write this, my mouth is parched by the description of drought in the book. It will make you laugh out loud and cry. If you quilt you must have this book and on audio it’s such a treat. Like having time to take a bubble bath. My copy is unabridged on cassette. By the way even non-quilters love this story. Sandra Dallas also wrote “Alice’s Tulips” another quilt related book.

Links

Thunder Bay Resort
Thunder Bay Resort provides spacious and comfortable accommodations. The new Quilt Barn offers a charming location for uninterrupted group sewing and gathering for events. The retreat also includes the Resort's signature event - a Horse-Drawn Carriage/Sleigh Ride to view elk, enjoy the memorable Gourmet Dinner & the Wine Tasting Event. It is Fabulous!!

Please click here to learn more detailed information about our Quilting Retreats

Electric Quilt
Do you EQ endorsement ad is the link. EQ6 is the best software for quilt design and its quilter friendly. The EQ site is full of quilting and design ideas. They offer lots of free downloads. http://www.electricquilt.com/Media/Artist/current.asp

Quilting Magazine
For latest quilting ideas and copies of my published articles: http://www.quiltmag.com

Notable African American Quilters: http://www.quiltethnic.com/contemporary.html

Fly Lady
http://www.flylady.net Are you living in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) like Franny in the pink sweats? Do you feel overwhelmed, overextended, and overdrawn? Hopeless and you don't know where to start? Don't worry friend, we've been there, too.

The Haiku Society of America
http://www.hsa-haiku.org/ is composed of haiku poets, editors, critics, publishers, and enthusiasts dedicated to promoting the creation and appreciation of haiku and related forms among its members and the public.

Napkin Folding
Napkin Folding Arrangements are a simple way to add just that extra little something to your dinner time celebrations. Below are eleven napkin folds and instructions on how to create them.
http://www.weddingdetails.com/planning/
napkins.cfm

Flying Geese Quilt Guild
http://www.geocities.com/flyinggeesequiltguild/ , dedicated to the preservation of the art of quilt making, and sharing their knowledge of quilting with the public.

Fab Shop Hop
http://www.fabshophop.com/listofshops.asp , The concept behind our virtual shop hop is exactly the same as taking a fabric shopping trip by car. On our "virtual" shop hop, however, you'll leave the car in the garage and can even shop in your jammies! Hops are happening all the time and you can win prizes. Great shopping when your stuck at home.

Sadie's Quilting Treasures - Quilting Fabrics - Links

Looking for first quality fabric to compliment my patterns? Relax and shop at Sadie's Quilting Treasures ( http://sadiesquiltingtreasures.com/ ). They have everything and intend to give you personal care and pampering. Take a peep and treat yourself.

The Quilter's Companion

The Quilter's Companion, York County's newest quilt shop, is a full service quilt shop offering fabric, quilting supplies, classes, the latest books & patterns, notions, and kits. They also have many exciting events planned!
http://www.quilterscompanion.com

Uhuru Quilters Guild

We are a community of kindred souls who enjoy, rather than judge, each other's fiber art. Here is a home for creative spirit and we hope that you will find a circle of friends who treasure each other as a precious gift and provide support and encouragement in whatever life brings.
www.uhuruquiltersguild.org