It's time to let you know who the winners are from the Quiltmaker's 100 Block Blog Tour.

First of all, I can't apologize enough for the commenting nightmare!  Those of you who were persistent....thank you!!!!!

So that you can see how I ended up handling the situation, here are some pictures.

Whenever a comment came into my email (and Monday's comments) I wrote the name in a notebook and then ended up cutting all the names apart (did you catch the mention of a nightmare earlier?? )   Certainly not hard...just a pain.

I pulled three names.  The first being the person who won a magazine from Quiltmaker's.  The next two winners were for prizes from me. 

So, drum roll please....

Quiltmaker's 100 Block edition:     Beth Sanders

New Leaf Stitches (Clearly Perfect Angles and 2 patterns):

       Robin

       Janet Rushant

I will need shipping information from all three of you as soon as you can.  Just email me at  kari @newleafstitches.com

Because of the fiasco,  I've decided to extend the special pricing on the Clearly Perfect Angles.  Clicking on the picture below will take you to the website that has not only ordering information, but the videos and testimonials about the product.

And don't forget about the free pattern for Blooming Bias Baskets!  Here's a hint....since all the blocks in the magazine are the same size, use the borders with one of your other favorite blocks!!  Again, clicking on the picture will take you to the free pattern.

I noticed that there were quite a few of you who are bloggers yourselves.  My new book with Martingale, Twice as Nice,  will be coming out later this year.  If you would be interested in being a participant in a blog hop announcing the book's release, please email me.   I know that there's a free book involved!!!

Now, totally changing the topic...I have never, nor do I hope to ever have to do this again, but I need to share with you my total frustration and disappointment with Posterous.  Between Jesse (my website guru) and myself, we contacted them at least 5 times to try to figure out what was going on...to date...we have not heard one  word from them.  Please be warned that if you are thinking about having a  blog with them you will  have issues with no  apparent customer service.  It seems  they have gone to the birds since Twitter acquired them...

Word Press...here I come!!

All my best,

Kari

It was a quick trip to market, but oh so fun!

Of course, it was a business trip, so let's start there...

I had the pleasure to teach a Take and Teach class sponsored by Martingale/That Patchwork Place.  It was a packed room!  Hopefully the shops will use their project for doing technique demonstrations for  the book, "Just around the Corner"!

I should also give a shout-out to Red Rooster who provided the fabric for the kits and Pfaff for providing the sewing machines...Thank you!!

With the class behind me I had the luxury (yes, luxury!) of walking the floor and just looking, and looking, and looking!  Talk about sensory overload.  I felt very good about finding new fabrics for my next book.  I can't wait to get my hands on them!!

The weather was just beautiful.  Karen and I took a little break on the patio outside the convention center. 

Here are a few views of the park across the street from the convention center.

I was horrible about taking pictures this time.  I wish I had a group shot of a very fun and relaxing dinner with friends, Gudrun and Yvonne (GE Designs) and Terri and Tom (Whimsicals).  I'm afraid our laughter got a little loud....sorry fellow diners!

After one long day on our feet, Karen and I enjoyed a glass of wine while oogling an, oh so glorious impulse buy.  Would you believe it if I told you we went back for more the next day???

All in all...I'd say it was one of my best fall markets on many different fronts.  Totally recharged and inspired!

As I was strolling the aisles at market, my son and his wife were running a half-marathon.  This is mile 10...Don't they look fresh and happy?  I'm so in awe you guys did this and proud of your tenacity while training. 

Kari

Market is just a little over a week away and there are things to do!  BUT.... the whole family was home this weekend and it was so wonderful!  And guess what?  This post won't have anything to do with quilting.  I know, kind of unusual considering my business and time of year.  I just wanted to give you a glimpse at the fun we had this weekend and my priorities! 

Of course, it pretty much revolved around our little granddaughter, Kendall.  Grandpa was definetly her favorite and she was his shadow all weekend.

I'm not sure how many books he read this weekend,  but she loooooves to read so there were plenty....Along with a few variations of the same  one.

"Swing. Swing."  "Wheee"  We heard that from the time she got up in the morning until it got dark out.  I like this picture because she had the giggles and I can still hear her.

I think this one is funny because Kendall put her arms around each of us (but notice who she wanted to have hold her).

She is not so sure about her Halloween costume, so Mom & Dad have been "practicing" with her being an elephant.

Here's Mom showing her how it's done (it got a little silly around here...I love it when everyone is laughing).

Grandpa was even having a hard time convincing her....

The boys thought it was a perfect weekend:  they went duck and goose hunting in the mornings, pheasant hunting one afternoon and walleye fishing the next.  Throw in a few football games and they claim it was Minnesota at its best.

Talking about the "best"...I made THE best apple crisp ever!  Sinful I'm tellin' ya!  Enjoy the recipe...

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a saucepan combine:

          1 C sugar

          1 C water

          1/2 tsp cinnamon

          1/2 tsp nutmeg

Boil until makes syrup (don't forget to stir it)

While making syrup, place cut apples in bottom of 9" x 13" pan (use as many as you want, but a pretty thick layer can handle the syrup).

Make topping

          2 C brown sugar

          1 1/2 C flour

          1 C oatmeal

          1 C butter - cut into above

Pour syrup over apples and then add topping.

Bake for about 45 minutes (may be more depending on the size of apples) or until apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

As I am typing this, the name reminded me of a free pattern of mine called "Acorn Crisp".   

If you like it,  go to this link for the instructions.

Whew,  I'm so glad I worked some quilting in here....

I'm hoping you all are enjoying your priorities!!

Kari

When I was in grade school each year we had to take the Iowa Basics test.  Anyone else remember those?  Well, I have been to Iowa several times in the last couple weeks and there was nothing basic about it.  At least to me.

I was so honored to be the speaker at the Pella Guild's 25th anniversary banquet.  The theme was "Name that Tune". 

Aren't the table decorations so very clever?

These are just a few of the many quilts that were entered in their challenge.  Wow!  Some very talented ladies belong to this guild.

There were many laughs and even some interesting, fun songs that were sung. 

The next morning a group met at a beautiful church to work on my mystery class, "Our Town".

Once again, I was impressed with their abilities and how very welcoming and gracious they all were.  And the food...excellent.   Thank you Pella, for a wonderful time!!!

The next week was sooooo very far from normal. I flew into Des Moines to be a guest host on the PBS TV show, "Love of Quilting" with Mary Fons.

The first day I got to hang out at the studio.  Not only was I with Mary, but I got to visit with her mom, Marianne, the publisher and editors of Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting magazine and all the talented people working on the show.

Here is a peek behind the scenes...

This is one of the first things you see on the set...the famous "tips table".

Look at all the cameras.  There were a total of 5...talk about intimidating.

Here sweetheart Nancy Mahoney was working on her segment with the stag manager, Cindy, and camera operators.

I found the control room really fascinating!

Here are just a couple shots from different angles.

You can see what is on the teleprompter if you look at the screen on the left side.

And look closely at this monitor!  My quilt, Fall's Finery, was a cover quilt a few years ago AND it has been on a poster on the set for quite awhile.  How fun!!

The next day it was my turn to tape a segment (you will just have to wait to see what it was about...stay tuned).  I was shown into a dressing room...just made me giggle....and no, there was no star on the door.

Peg is a wonderfully kind makeup lady.  She was always right there to make sure you didn't have any broccoli in your teeth or hair out of place.

I couldn't help but ask Marianne to take a picture on the set by the Fall's Finery poster.  She is so nice and...funny!  It was because of her stopping by my booth at market many years ago and encouraging me to submit a quilt to the magazine that New Leaf Stitches got off the ground.  Although I have never asked anyone for an autograph, I did ask her to sign the cover of the magazine.  Thank you Marianne for all you have done for the quilting industry!

Each night we were treated to a wonderful dinner.  As we were getting ready to leave the last night I realized I didn't have a picture with Mary so we quickly had this one snapped.  If you haven't seen Mary's show "Quilty", you need to.  I loved the energy of this beautiful, talented young woman.  Keep your eye on her!!

I was in Iowa so much you would think I was running for a political office... you can be sure that will never happen!

Now this is totally random, and has nothing to do with Iowa...

It was fun to look thru the new issue of "Quilt Sampler" and find a picture with my pillow, "Winter Blooms" in it.  I love it made up in the nautical colors!   Quilt Lover's Hangout is a fabulous quilt shop that has been so very good to me.  If you are ever in the Ft. Myers area it is a must-see shop.

Well, I better get back to work...the first project is due at the end of the week for my new book.

Thanks for stopping by.  Kari

 Sorry about the picture sizes...I saved them at 5" & for some reason they got tiny...me and technology...ugh!

I thought Sherri's little project was adorable. Thanks for sharing how you would incorporate the technique. It would also be cute using the two-colored scallop.  Lot's of options....

Today is the last day for the guest bloggers, but check in with me tomorrow as I have a few more things to share with you before the winners are announced on Monday!

Last, but certainly not least, is a spunky lady who has quickly become a dear friend.  Roseann, from Rosebud's Cottage.  She is a shop owner, designer, magazine writer, paper crafter, etc. etc.  You don't have to look very far to see her infuence and creativity...she seems to be everywhere lately!

Roseann is talking a little more about specific projects in the book. Make sure to visit her site to see what her take is.

AND don't forget to leave comments on all of our sites for your chance to win the book, "Just around the Corner" and a "Clearly Perfect Angles"!!

Until tomorrow, I'm wishing you joy in whatever may be "just around the corner"!  Kari

Welcome to day 4 of the book blog hop for "Just around the Corner". 

I thought Heidi did an excellent job yesterday showing you how the mitering technique that is featured in the book works.  Really...it does turn out perfect everytime! And Really...thank you Heidi!! 

We are scooting back to the west today for a visit with Sherri from "A Quilting Life".  Besides quilting, I've discovered that we have something else in common...boys and football!  Although mine are already done with college ball, I still remember those "big" games and all the joy that came with sports.  Sherri...it goes waaayyyy too fast!

Now that you know the basic technique for the mitered border, Sherri is going to tell you about all the varieties that can be done with the technique.  Use your imagination, mix and match...it's up to you!

Just a little reminder...leave comments each day if you want to be eligible for the drawings ("Just around the Corner" & "Clearly Perfect Angles)!!!!  The winners will be announced on Monday so you still have time to enter.

                So far we have heard from:

·         Sunday, Sept. 4: Kari Carr New Leaf Stitches

Monday, Sept. 5: Darlene Simmons SewCalGal

Tuesday, Sept. 6: Pat Sloan PatSloan

Wednesday, Sept. 7: Heidi Kaisand Hen and Chicks

Thursday, Sept. 8: Sherri McConnell A Quilting Life

Only one guest blogger left.....

Friday, Sept. 9: Roseann Meehan Kermes Rosebud’s Cottage

Saturday, Sept 10: Kari

Monday, Sept 12: Winners Announced!

Wishing you joy in whatever may be "just around the corner".  Kari