Calling all Quilters!

If you're anything like me, you can appreciate a good nap or a cozy evening watching a movie on the couch. So, let's talk about the real hero in these situations... warm blankets.

Is it even possible to do either of these things without one? Especially now that fall is here and the nights are starting to get colder. I'll admit, I am a blanket hoarder, but when fall rolls around I always find myself drawn to quilts and soft throws. I have a fake furry one that is so soft (and has now basically been taken captive by my dog), a few Pendleton wool blankets for when things get really cold, and the essential down comforter.

If you're in the mood to get comfortable this fall, I have some suggestions for you.

-Today is Last Day of A Whale of a Quilt Show in Ocean Shores. The Sea-Gals Quilters show features an exhibit of handmade quilts, vendors, a boutique, quilting tips and demonstrations and food in the foyer. Attendees vote and prizes are awarded. Free admission. Convention Center - Ocean Shores. I stopped out there yesterday and there are some really interesting pieces. The raffle quilt is huge! Plus most of them are for sale, so if you want a blanket that doubles as art, this is the place to go.

-Do you have a pile of old t-shirts that you don't wear anymore but can't seem to throw away? Turn them into a quilt with Queen B Quilts! All you have to do is pick out your favorite shirts and send them off. Three weeks later you'll have a cozy, flannel backed quilt for your cuddling pleasure. T-Shirt Quilts also have a lot of attitude, since you can fill them with whatever shirts you want, like the Rock and Roll quilt below. Queen B Quilts is located in Hoquiam and you can find out more online at www.myqueenbquilts.com.

-Speaking of t-shirt quilts, if you want to actually learn how to make your own, you better make your way to Gray's General Store. They have a t-shirt quilt class coming up at the end of October! Plus they have a variety of fabric for all of you DIY mavens out there so you can make something of your own. I'm thinking about making something more modern, myself. Luckily there's even studio space and sewing machines for you to use at the store for just $10 a day so you can work among friends. Check them out at 520 Simpson Ave in Hoquiam.

Friday Five: The T-Shirt Profiles

Since I am a t-shirt quilter, I see an awful lot of t-shirts. Here's what I've learned: there are a lot of t-shirts and I've almost never come across the same t-shirt twice, people love and are proud of their t-shirts, and t-shirt quilts always end up having some theme.

So, I was thinking about what t-shirts I might most commonly find in Grays Harbor and here they are!

The Pirate

This t-shirt is most likely worn by someone living in Westport... possibly a fisherman... or maybe just someone who likes to drink rum and look out over the marina in their spare time.

The Sci-Fi Nerd

They are most often found wearing t-shirts that only their nerdy friends would find funny. Their weekends and evenings might be consumed by Star Trek marathons or hanging out at the Comic Book store on Simpson Ave (you know the one).

The Logger (or The Hipster)

It seems difficult to tell the difference between loggers and hipsters these days... full beards, flannel shirts, axes... wait.

The Performer

The performers often travel in packs... singing and dancing packs (think West Side Story). They loiter around the Bishop Center and 7th Street Theater waiting for their big break. Or you might see them late on Friday night at Billy's... still in full makeup celebrating another successful show.

The Sports Fanatic

Most often sporting their team t-shirt, you'll find them at the baseball fields or the football stadium cheering on their favorite players. The most serious fans, of course, belong to the Bobcats or Grizzlies... (I didn't want to seemed biased so this picture contains both team colors - hah!)

My very first t-shirt quilt was made 8 years ago of t-shirts I picked up during my years at Aberdeen High School. I'm excited to bring this business back to Grays Harbor and I hope you'll be proud to sport your Queen B Quilt at the next pirate festival/movie marathon/logger's playday/musical/soccer game!