We’ve Moved

peawink — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:02:51 +0000

In more ways than one .. for all the news ..

PLEASE VISIT US HERE

http://jovitaspatchwork.blogspot.com/

Jovita’s Patchwork Atelier

Vaartstraat 2

B-9270 Kalken

Belgium

Filed under: quilting

Merry May Day!

peawink — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:48:26 +0000

Hmm, today brings back fun childhood memories of leaving a bunch of flowers on my best girlfriend’s door step, ringing the bell and running as fast as I could.

Here’s a little bunch just for you … we’re quite proud of our Spring display … our garden continues to grow and fill with color.

To celebrate this season abundant with color, check out this blog … I’m quite smitten with his work – not sure if it’s because it features my native Northwest, his witty essays, his outstanding photography or all the above.

Regardless, it’s my latest haunt and I hope you’ll enjoy your visit!

More soon, Jovita

Posted in quilting

The Kiss of Spring is a Wonderful Thing!

peawink — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:00:43 +0000

Phew – I am so glad Spring has finally arrived …

First thing you’ll notice is that it’s been ages since I’ve posted … why? Well, there’s been a lot going on and I hope you’ll understand.

I wanted to move my blog – involves finding the right location and the actual move – accomplished yesterday. We hope you like the new look.
In January I had to make the very difficult decision to close our showroom in Everett (Washington). Decisions like this make me want to stick my head in the sand … but made it needed to be and I think (eventually) it will feel as right as it should.
I travelled to the US for 10 weeks – yes, 2-1/2 months – all in one go. That’s just too darn long to be away from home but there was a lot to do. It turned out I bounced around staying with a bunch of friends which was a lot of fun but did cause (just a little bit) of disorganization.
Therefore … many things fell by the wayside – the blog was just one.

Here’s a picture of the container we shipped to Belgium – thank goodness to a number of friends who helped me pack it just two days before I flew out …

I returned back from Seattle last Friday and am becoming reacquainted with my home and garden. Ha – if I thought my “work” list was long … you should so the household list of things to do.

Regardless, I’m going to forage ahead. You’ll see many changes at PEACOCK & periwinkle – yes, we are still around – we still carry ribbons, silk and many other wonderful things that you have always enjoyed from us in the past.

So – rest assured I’m back and eager to show and share everything I’ve been up to … stay tuned!

Posted in quilting

January Challenge Revealed

peawink — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:28 +0000

Wow, I had fun, how about you?

It didn’t take long for my over-active brain to have three different ideas to answer January’s challenge. I did piece all three but as you all know me so well, it will come as no surprise that they join the stack of “to be quilted.”

The great thing about this challenge is that it’s never too late! As well as there being no right or wrong, you can try to new concept at any time. We just suggest that you try it before peaking at the rest of the results. Regardless of when, how or if you do the challenge in fabric (do a sketch if that’s all you have time for) – read below how to send in your submission.

So what’s the challenge all about – it’s simple, easy and intended to expand your horizons. Read the introduction here.

Specific instructions for January are posted here: January’s Quilt Instructions

Or if you were interested in the challenge but wanted a helping hand, then start here - before looking at the challenge results. If you like the idea of the challenge but are just as keen on a Mystery, we can accommodate you too!

Click here for Mystery Instructions.

So . . . now . . . if you’d like to see the results, we have them for you here.

Enjoy the viewing and be sure to check back, I know we are expecting a few more entries,

When your quiltlet is finished, click here to upload a picture of your entry.

Or email it to: peawink-b13v@post.me.com

Be sure to put your full name in the subject line and label your file:

Your Name - Quilt Name.jpg

Submit an idea / description for next month, email Jovita.

Ideas or thoughts? – please leave a comment below.

Posted in quilting

Sewing Machine Survey Results

peawink — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:00:20 +0000

Well, the results are in for P&P’s first customer base survey. It was a very interesting experience for us. So many of you answered and we’ve compiled the results for you below. Many of you added comments, personal messages and suggestions. Thank you so much!

We’ll aim for frequent surveys to reflect your interests so keep your ideas coming. Our next survey will also expand on these results to clarify and add to the results.

We received comments about why and how we have our machines serviced. Things we love and hate about our machines. So many thoughts and ideas – I will be expanding on them in upcoming blog updates, so be sure to check back soon and often.

How many Sewing Machines do you own?

38% of us own 4 or more sewing machines
24% of us own 3 machines
22% of us own 2 machines
16% of us own 1 machine

What Brand of sewing machine do you primarily use to piece your quilt tops?

Baby Lock	3%
Bernina	30%
Elna	3%
Husqvarna	4%
Janome	10%
Kenmore	2%
New Home	2%
Pfaff	24%
Singer	2%
- Featherweight	5%
Viking	11%

How old is your Sewing Machine?

4% of our machines are “New”

(less than one year old)

17% are 1-2 years old
28% are 3-4 years old
33% are 5-10 years old
35% are 10+ years old

How often do you clean and oil?

12% weekly
30% monthly
14% every three months
14% twice per year
22% once per year
8% answered “Am I supposed to?”

Do you service your machine regularly?

11% answered “No”
17% answered “Yes, I do it myself”
48% answered “I take it to the repair (wo)man annually”
24% answered “I take it to a repair (wo)man only if I have a problem”

Those surveyed were asked to choose 3 criteria which they deemed ‘most important’ when deciding where to take their machine for repair or service?

66% answered “Location / Convenience”
54% answered “Brand Affiliation”
53% answered “Turn-around Time”
47% answered “Accessibility” – ie, the ability to speak to your repair (wo)man directly
32% answered “Cost”

Are you happy with your current machine or would you like to buy a new one?

72% answered “I love my machine and don’t want to change”
26% answered “I’d like to buy a new one but the current economy has me thinking twice.”
2% answered “I’d like to buy a new one and am on the lookout!”

In addition to piecing, what else do you use this machine for?

79% of us use the same machine for various Craft and Sewing Projects
77% of us also use the same sewing machine for Straight Line Quilting
57% of us use the same machine for Free Motion Machine Quilting
66% of us use the same machine for Garment Sewing
63% of us use the same machine for Machine Applique

Do you use a different machine for quilting?

64% answered “No, I primarily hand quilt or send my quilt tops to a Long Arm Quilter.”

36% answered “Yes”

Posted in quilting

Introducing a New Challenge

peawink — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:00:53 +0000

Break out of your box! Try something new! Visualize and Create!

Join us for a great new challenge – the rules are few, the guidelines simple. Anyone can do this.

General Info:

On the first of each month a new set of “instructions” will be posted.
All quilts will finish 12-1/2” square finished.
The instructions will include no pictures or patterns, and instead be a description of a few steps. If you have questions, you are free to email me but the idea is that you should try to visualize and then interpret the instructions.

Click here for January’s Quilt Instructions

Fascinated by our new challenge but not sure where to start . . . how about a helping hand? If you like the idea of the challenge but are just as keen on a Mystery, we can accommodate you too! Click here for Mystery Instructions.

“Rules” – Step by Step:

Upon completing your quilt, take a picture and label the file with your name. ie. JovitaGoldschmidt-January.jpg or similar.
Email this picture to the email address listed for that month. This address will change monthly so that each challenge is automatically sorted into the correct folder. Your name should also be the subject line.
On the first of the next month stop back by and see what everyone did.

Yes – it’s that easy! Trust me – you will learn new things, try new things and expand your horizons.

I hope you will join us,

Ideas or thoughts? – please leave a comment below.

Posted in quilting, Uncategorized

New Year’s Inspiration

peawink — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:00:56 +0000

I know some of you are going to call me crazy . . . but I’ve agreed to do a monthly challenge.

The pattern is pre-determined but we are free to interpret it in our own colors. Each finished quilt is just 12-1/2” square. Doable, manageable and hopefully more than anything something small to give me a sense of achievement, a dash of fun and I imagine some may be out of my box.

This is the first pattern . . . wonky circle on wonky circle on wonky circle on a 3” square. My colors – PEACOCK & periwinkle, of course. Check back at the end of the month to see the finished project!

Until then, peaceful stitching,

Posted in quilting, Uncategorized

Christmas Cheer & Challenge Revealed

peawink — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:31 +0000

This last Tuesday was our annual challenge reveal in Mülheim . . . what a wonderful day. The picture above was a peak through Gila’s studio window as we gathered around a merry table to chat, stitch and share.

We all took home a little pile of fun and festive things. Here’s a peak at what stood

before me on the table. Everyone brings little “goodies” – a few of “us” hadn’t but will make up for it in a new year.

This year many of us did bring yummies to share and we feasted on a gorgeous and very festive beet salad with apples and walnuts, smoked trout, a cheese board and variety of bread plus broccolli salad and pumpkin pie from the Goldschmidt kitchen and of course cake – to celebrate Gila’s December birthday.

Gila also unwrapped her birthday blocks – this year we each gave each other one block following a set of guidelines, I’ll tell you more about those later in January. Our challenge next year is to do actually do something with the blocks . . .

The culmination of the day was to “reveal” our challenges for this year – our theme was “CRAZY.”

Unfortunately, I had a bit of a “where is it” problem. With all my to’ing and fro’ing, I couldn’t the piece I wanted to use. It was a Christmas-themed crazy in Reds, Greens and Golds. I had made tons of progress and wanted to finish it off in an unusual way . . . but lo and behold – I could not find it anywhere.

Searching through my studio I was berating myself out loud and at one point mumbled “this is just plain crazy, there’s no way I have time for *another* project.” Well, that thought led to another and the phrase “Just Plain Crazy” stuck in my head big time. So . . . yes, I started another project. Of course this is as far as I got. Of course, there was quite a chuckle as I pulled piece by piece out of my basket.

Click here to see all of our Challenge entries from 2008 plus a few from previous years as well.

Posted in quilting

Christmas is Coming

peawink — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:15 +0000

. . . and the goose is getting fat!

It would help if the silly goose didn’t keep tasting all the yummies she’s busy baking. But, it’s so hard. It’s at this time of year that I get all those yummy flavors that I miss from home . . .

Molasses & Gingerbread
Anise – I put extra into my Pfefferneuse
Cornbread – for my stuffing of course
Pumpkin Pie and all kinds of spices

and mmmmm, yummy moist Fruit Cake that I can hardly waiting to slice into. Color me weird if you want to but I LOVE FRUIT CAKE.

However, I am picky, it can’t be too sweet and absolutely must be very moist. What can I say – my mom made the best! Actually she made two recipes – a “Light one” and an “Inexpensive One.” The latter being darker and moister, gooier and full of raisins and candied fruit.

The recipe is below – give it a try, you never know. You might like it – or love it like I do.

I also thought I’d update you on my Festival of Trees that we’ve been doing as a block of the month. It’s been fun, very and so popular that it will be back next year!

Reserve your space now – then choose to pick up your fabric kit or have it shipped to you in January. Just $60 for all twelve months, including the fabric for the top, binding and the pattern.

Quilt finishes approximately 40” x 48”. Designed by Barbara Brackman & Karla Menaugh,

And here’s a sneak peak at my challenge entry for the group of friends in Mülheim (Germany). The theme these year is “Crazy.” We’ll see how far I get on this. “Sew little time” right now with Christmas preparation and patterns-writing for the shop. Our group reveal is this coming Tuesday . . . wish me luck!

Click here to see 2007 challenge results.

Mom’s inexpensive Fruitcake

2 Cups raisins or mix of raisins and dates
2 Cups Sugar
2 Cups Water
5 Tablespoons Butter or Margarine
2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Cloves

Mix above ingredients together in a medium saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.

Allow to cool, then add:

3 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Walnut Pieces (optional)
and Candied Fruit to taste – if you don’t like candied fruit, increase amount of raisins, dates or consider chopped dried apricots.

Mix thoroughly and pour into paper lined bread pans. Bake at 325 F for 1 hour.

For maximum “moist-ness” pour one tablespoon of rum, cream cherry or other sweet liquor over baked cakes. Repeated weekly until Christmas your cakes will stay fresh throughout the New Year season too.

print PRETTY card – Fruitcake.pdf

print BORING card – Fruitcake.pdf

Posted in quilting

Harvest Fest Donut Recipe

peawink — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:00:59 +0000

Phwew! You can tell it’s fall again. It’s always this time of year that I

finally gather steam again and try to get back on top of things. I’m not sure where October went but it was packed full of wonderful things!

I celebrated another birthday, visited, dined, chatted and shared wine with many friends in the Northwest and finally returned “home” to Schellebelle (Belgium) on the 15th. The last two weeks have been filled with numerous trips to purchase furniture for my studio and I’m nearly set. There are still boxes to filter and put away . . . somewhere . . . it’s amazing how quickly these new spaces fill up. But it’s fantastic and I can’t wait to pull out my sewing machine. It’s been away in lieu of catching up some of my computer work.

But today is Halloween – honestly, it never has been one of my favorite holidays. I prefer to celebrate the harvest season – pumpkins, golden colors, reds, rust and candles.

To celebrate just a bit though I made drop donuts – yummmm! Many of you will remember these from various autumn and winter events in the garden at our previous location.

Nothing conjures the taste more than a mouthful of pumpkin pie or these orange-flavoured drop donuts!

DROP DONUT RECIPE

2 Tablespoons Shortening
1/2 C Sugar
2 Eggs
1 Tablespoon (or more) Grated Orange Rind
2 Cups Flour
2-1/2 Teaspoons baking powder
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup Orange Juice – fresh is best!

Mix all ingredients until a thick batter. Drop by spoonfuls into hot oil. Cook at 300F for about 6 minutes until golden brown. Test temperature first with one donut. Break open to see that it is cooked through. If it is seems dark enough on the outside but not cooked thoroughly lower the temperature to ensure they will cook all the way through. Drain on paper towels then roll in granulated sugar.

Print PRETTY Recipe Card.pdf

Print boring Recipe Card.pdf

Posted in quilting