Late? Moi? It's been known to happen.
But when its something for Monique. Not a chance. Done. Finished. But I'll get back to that by and by.
Nicole finished her project too -- have you seen her version of Memory? That's right, there are two of us today -- me and Nicole ~ Sister's Choice Quilts.
You do know what that means, right? You've got TWO chances to win a copy of Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts!
Or SEVEN... if you remember that it's not too late to see the projects and leave comments for:
- Thelma - who has been making a Simply Abundantly wonderful version of Pyramid -- Cupcakes n' Daisies
- Lisa - who overcame her fear of Spiders by... well, playing with Spider -- Stashmaster
- Denise - who has been playing with Solitaire and she's winning! -- Quilter's Window
- Monique herself! She made... wait, she made them all! -- Open Gate Quilts
- Sherri - who made a beautiful table runner using the blocks from Canasta -- A Quilting Life
Now... about Miss Monique.
I first met her about five years ago on a trip to Rockford, Illinois ~ though I sometimes think we might have met at Market the year before.
On a side note... This picture was taken on that trip and one of the reasons I've saved it is to remember the lovely woman seated next to me - she's the one with the sweet smiling face, wearing the blue jacket on the left. Her name was Pam Wieland and she was the Moda rep in Illinois, she was also one of the nicest people I've met in the quilting business. The proceeds from Collection for a Cause Heritage were donated to Gilda's Club in memory of Pam.
When I met Monique, we hit it off immediately, chattering away about basketball, sports, the Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash, quilts, patterns, dogs and a whole slew of other things. One of the highlights of going to Market for me is always dinner with Monique - and a gaggle of our friends. Because Spring Market is always during the NBA playoff season, everybody has to give us a few minutes to talk about the Suns, the playoffs and our mutual dislike for those teams that are the nemeses of the Suns.
Over the course of those Markets, new friends and faces have made appearances and it has resulted in some amusement at one of my quirks. (That's the wonderful thing about good friends, they show no restraint when it comes to having a good laugh at some of your idiosyncracies.) You see, no matter what you've heard or the impression that I sometimes leave with people, I'm fairly outgoing... as in, I'm not very shy. And because I know some people are a little more reserved, I try to make sure they feel comfortable in a large, boisterous group where most of the folks already know each other by making sure that there are introductions. Since I seem to have a knack for remembering names, I seem to wind up... okay, I take it upon myself to do it.
While you've technically already met Monique, I would like to make sure you know a little more about her... some "did you know's".
Monique is from Canada... but did you know that Monique was the First Runner-Up for Miss Canada? She was Miss Manitoba -- that's near Winnipeg! She won the Talent Competition with a dazzling display of re-arranging blocks on a revolving design wall. While twirling a flaming rotary cutter.
The following year, Monique broke Canadian hearts when she moved to Illinois to become a world-renowned quilter. Por quoi? Monique was a champion curler and it was feared that her departure would be a devastating setback for Team Canada in the Curling competition at the Olympics. In fact, one of her upcoming patterns will be titled Bonspiel.
That's Monique with the ponytail and her back to the camera.
Monique likes to listen to music while she sews, and her preference is for hard rock or Alternative. Her two favorite bands are Avenged Sevenfold and Red. While at retreat, her friends insist on a "compromise" station on the satellite radio, a station best described as "light 80s pop". She also likes Air Supply so whatever you do, don't say anything bad about them. (Even if you're making it up just to tease her.)
Did you know that Monique is a bag lady? Seriously! She's an accomplished, skilled, talented maker of tote bags, handbags and any sort of little zipper bag. While she hasn't really done any as patterns, she's probably made at least one of everybody else's... after changing one or two things to customize it, of course.
While you already know that Monique is a big fan of the Phoenix Suns, did you know that one of her favorite players is/was Raja Bell? Even though he's now with the Utah Jazz.
Her most favorite player is Steve Nash. She's such a big fan that Monique actually came to Phoenix a few years ago just to go to a couple of Suns' games.
While she was here, I got to meet Monique's older brother, Mike, his wife, Tina, and their girls, Holly and Blaire. If you thought Monique was the only creative artist in her family, you should see Mike's artwork. He sent me the most amazing drawing of my favorite hockey player.
But did you know that Monique was once pursued by Steve, back when they were very young and still living in Canada?
While Steve still pines for her, Monique is married to the sweetest man in the world, Bill. Any man that will build beautiful bookcases and cabinets for your quilts is a definite keeper!
As a fabric designer, Monique has done two beautiful collections for Maywood. While she will always love Olde World Style because it was the first, I suspect her second collection is her favorite though she won't really tell anyone why...
Well, okay. That answers that.
I think you already know that Monique is the designer/inventor/creator of the best rulers in quilting - the Fit to be Geese, Fit to be Geese Mini, Fit to be Square and Fit to be Quarter. They will change your life. Really. Just ask Nicole. And Sherri. And Lisa. And Thelma. And Denise.
Now. About that book that you really are going to want and need. Your life won't be complete without it... okay, your life might be but your quilt library sure won't be!
This is it. Eleven projects - and each project comes with all the cutting requirements and numbers for making the quilt in four different sizes. Technically, that's forty-four projects. If you're counting... which I did.
I chose Baccarat. This is Monique's quilt.
I don't play Baccarat but I could learn. I chose this quilt because (1) I loved the block and (2) Baccarat always makes me think of James Bond...
Hehehe My blog. My fantasy. And yes, this is a gratuitous picture that has nothing to do with quilts, books or Monique. But are you really going to complain?
Back to Baccarat... this is the block. It measures 16" x 16".
It looks complicated but because of the way Monique has broken down the units, the piecing isn't as challenging as it would be doing things the "old-fashioned" way.
There are Flying Geese that can be made with the Fit to be Geese ruler.
This is my most favorite thing about using the Fit ruler -- scrappy geese! Even if you only need four flying geese units, they can all be completely different. I love that.
There is also a nifty little piecing trick for making another step in the block, it involves a twist on a connector corner.
Yes, there is a little bit of waste but the results are so good that I didn't mind at all.
Because this is what I wound up with...
Ta dah!
Yes, Monique let me do just one big block, which I made into a new pillow. The good news -- the only thing left to do is to stitch down the binding. It's quilted and finished except for that. The bad news? One of the middle-of-the-star half-triangle squares is turned the wrong way and I didn't notice it until now. Ooops.
But I'll fix that next time as I would like to make this again, either as a full quilt or as another pillow. I think this block/quilt lends itself to playing with the color placement to emphasize the stars and create additional secondary patterns. I also think this would be interesting made with two backgrounds -- one lighter and one darker.
As with all of the quilts in the book ~ yes, I read the whole thing ~ the blocks are broken down into easily made units. The best thing is that everything fits the way it is supposed to because, did I mention that Monique is a math major?
So there you have it... a book you need. A book you can win just by leaving a comment... but that's not all. Just by leaving a comment, you could win a Monique-centric goodie bag from moi. It includes a complete set of all four Open Gate rulers, a little sampling of her Memories of Provence fabric (No, Keanu is not included.), a bag of one of her favorite retreat snacks/candies - red licorice, and Monique's favorite pins. Okay, maybe they're not her favorite pins but they're my favorite pins and because she's my friend, that makes them her favorite pins too.
So just leave a comment by midnight on Sunday -- Arizona time. Right now, that means Pacific Time. (Don't ask, just take my word for it.)
Whew.
Before I let you go... just to make sure... I did make a few things up.
But one thing is definitely true -- Monique is a terrific quilter and author, and a really nice lady.
After all, she's known me long enough that she had to have had a pretty good idea that I was going to do something like this. And yet, she still invited me to hop.
Don't forget to leave a comment -- here and at Nicole's ~ Sister's Choice Quilts.
Have a great weekend!
You are just way too funny. It's an adventure reading your post and deciphering what might be remotely true. LOL!
My first set of Monique's rulers were sent as a gift from you! Based on what I hear you love to get people addicted to the darn things! I will have you know that i have paid it forward and got two other people addicted by gifting them their own sets. I'm looking forward to adding her new book to my collection. If its half as wonderful as the first it will be well worth it!
Posted by: Sandy M | March 30, 2012 at 03:52 AM
I love reading your posts. I haven't used or seen Monique's rulers but they seem like they would save a lot of time. I have so loved each project that has been shown on the different blogs this week. I am going to have to look for the book. Have a wonderful weekend with Rosie.
Posted by: Brenda | March 30, 2012 at 04:08 AM
What a fun, entertaining post! I love your pillow, even with the oops! Why do we quilters feel obliged to point these things out? Most people wouldn't notice. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Lisa Marie | March 30, 2012 at 04:10 AM
Champion Curler eh! That's so funny! Great post. And the pictures were just icing hee hee.
Posted by: Robyn Brown | March 30, 2012 at 04:16 AM
Oh, what a great way to start the day! Just love reading your blogs and having that great picture of Daniel Craig was the icing on the cake (side note, I happen to believe that he is the best James Bond since Sean!). Thanks for a the great giveaway!
Posted by: Julia P | March 30, 2012 at 04:36 AM
Thanks so much for taking part in the blog hop. Really fun!
Posted by: Kori S | March 30, 2012 at 05:01 AM
Love reading your posts because they're SO entertaining. I would love to win the book, have a huge stash of FQ's and other material that could be used to make multiple quilts, and the rulers must be wonderful. Thanks!
Posted by: Deb A | March 30, 2012 at 05:01 AM
I have been looking forward to reading your contribution all week and you have just made my day! Monique's design is lovely and once again I loved your interpretation. But all that gets bumped for the eye candy which truly made me grin. Have a lovely weekend; I know I will.
Posted by: Colleen Gander | March 30, 2012 at 05:02 AM
Oh... no Keanu...shame. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Sunnybec | March 30, 2012 at 05:07 AM
Well, Monique and I share something too...we're both Canadian:) I would love to win this giveaway especially now after such glowing information about her lol! But Carrie, you really should have put a warning at the top of your post...Here I am reading along, smiling, nodding and all of a sudden I'm choking on my oatmeal at the sight of Keanu on his bike...oh mama mia...then I'm squirting milk out my nose when up comes Daniel ! I tell you girl, if you posted those guys all the time....well, I just want to know how we can get them to come to quilt market lol!
Posted by: Shelley dionne | March 30, 2012 at 05:11 AM
Wow that is a complicated and amazing looking block! I love how different it looks in the primary colours for the pillow. I'm looking foward to buying the new book!
Posted by: Claire | March 30, 2012 at 05:12 AM
I would love to win these goodies! But what I really want to know is, if I send you some basic info, would you write my bio? It would be so fun to read!
Posted by: Amy | March 30, 2012 at 05:17 AM
That is quite a complicated block, but after looking at it I can see how it goes together. Are there two blocks out of place in your pillow? No matter, it is still a great looking project, and as someone mentioned, if you hadn't pointed it out no one would have noticed. Thanks for a sharing the project and the entertaining post.
Posted by: Linda Enneking | March 30, 2012 at 05:21 AM
First of all I love your blog!! Just love it!! I also love your pillow..and must admit I stared at it for a half an hour before spotting the 'mistake'!! Shhhhh...believe me, NO ONE will notice..and I'm not telling! Thanks SEW much for throwing my name into your Give Away hat!! I would love to win this book!! It looks like it would be right up my alley!
Take care and have a wonderful weekend!
Paulette
Posted by: Paulette Doyle | March 30, 2012 at 05:24 AM
Great post! This blog hop is fun and thank you for sharing a little about Monique and the pics! Your pillow is super cool, I have a bunch of American Jane that I just may copy you on :) Lisa in Texas
Posted by: Lisa LeBlanc | March 30, 2012 at 05:26 AM
Scrappy quilts are my thing, and I'd love to win this book. Great pillow!
Posted by: Laura | March 30, 2012 at 05:26 AM
What a wonderful pillow and quilt pattern. I loved that you told us more about Monique...I am also Canadian and am an avid curling fan and love the fact that she is a quilt designer. Thank you for the great stories and eye candy!!
Posted by: Lesley | March 30, 2012 at 05:28 AM
What an interesting post! You make me chuckle :) What great give-aways! Thanks for the chance to win...and your pillow is a great idea for a large block. Love it!
Posted by: Sandy P | March 30, 2012 at 05:30 AM
Your blog is always entertaining! I love the pillowtop you made & am excited about Monique's new book & her rulers. Since the rulers can make the flying geese & half square triangles perfectly, I think they have become a "must have" on my quilting rulers list. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Shirl | March 30, 2012 at 05:40 AM
You're hysterical! I LOVE your pretty little pillow -- what a great selection of fabrics! And I do hope DC will be calling you soon! ;-D
Posted by: Thimbleanna | March 30, 2012 at 05:40 AM
This has truly been fun and seeing the quilts a little differently. When you showed Monique's quilt, I was trying to break it down - then voila', you showed it!! Looks super - as usual, and I still don't see the mistake. I sure hope I'm the lucky number, especially when I don't have a chance at that big lottery!! Thanks for starting my day off with a big chuckle!!
Posted by: Linda P | March 30, 2012 at 05:48 AM
What a delightful before breakfast read this has been! Eye candy in all sorts of delicious categories, too...sigh!
Love the block, the quilt, the fabrics you chose, and your pillow. Well done! Applause, applause!
Please enter me for a chance to win these goodies. Thank you!
Cheers!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | March 30, 2012 at 05:49 AM
I have so enjoyed the blog hop and samples of the book projects. Especially the pillow- it looks antique-ee I would love the book and ruler. I promise to play nice and share with my quilting friends when we get together to sew. They would love to use the rulers too. We could have our own quilt challenge with Monica's book. Keep smiling.
Posted by: Sandy E | March 30, 2012 at 05:50 AM
I really enjoyed your post. Since you're in Arizona, can you say hi to my Canadian Snowbird friends Bill and Evelyn...you know them, right?
Lisa from Ontario
Posted by: Lisa | March 30, 2012 at 05:51 AM
Ok, sweating a minute from the pictures.....I think I am in love with this book, and can't wait to try the patterns in it. Love your pillow - you rock!
Posted by: Dee Johnson | March 30, 2012 at 05:51 AM
What a beautiful pillow! And the fabric choices are great. Would love to see the rest of the patterns in the book! Thank you for being a part of the blog hop.
Posted by: Pam | March 30, 2012 at 05:53 AM
I love your sense of humor, and the pillow is great(even with the small mistake). I enjoy seeing the author's patterns tweeked and made different than the original. I would love to have this book for my library.
Posted by: DebrafromMD | March 30, 2012 at 05:55 AM
I would love to win this book, but you had me at red licorice. That is my very favorite candy of all time. I smuggle it into movie theaters. This book looks great and I love your pillow and all the other projects this week.
Posted by: Audrey | March 30, 2012 at 05:55 AM
Carrie, I don't know why I don't have your blog in my favourites list. I really enjoyed this post and will come back to read some more. Your pillow is lovely - just goes to show that one can do something creative on the small side.
All the patterns in the book look lovely and I've been eying those rulers so I'd love to win your draw.
Posted by: CarlaHR | March 30, 2012 at 05:57 AM
They do say "Laughter is the Best Medicine" right? I know I would love this book and who knows, maybe it will help me learn to play cards.
Posted by: Leota | March 30, 2012 at 05:58 AM
You had me at Daniel. Yum. Oh, wait, we're supposed to post about Monique. Well, I saw him first. OK? Yes I do love her little geese/goose ruler. There's a boo-boo in the pillow? Really?
Posted by: Auntie Pami | March 30, 2012 at 05:58 AM
Carrie, you crack me up. Monique's book is one that I really would like to have. All of the quilts that I've seen are ones that | would make.
Posted by: Inese | March 30, 2012 at 06:00 AM
Love your "Baccarat" pillow, thanks for giving me the idea to make this Baccarat block into a pillow too. It will look great on my porch swing.
JaneN
Posted by: Jane Nadig | March 30, 2012 at 06:01 AM
You do have a way of keeping us on the edge of our seats. And then you go and make your block YOUR own :-) What fun. And this book looks like awesome fun. Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by: Jocelyn | March 30, 2012 at 06:07 AM
love your post and your pillow. it turned out great. thanks for the great give aways..
Posted by: sue bennett | March 30, 2012 at 06:14 AM
Hey, that middle-of-the-star backwards turned half-square triangle just gives the pillow a little character! ;-). I LOVE the patterns in this book and am salivating at a chance to win your grand prize!!! Thanks so much for making me laugh and for a chance to win.
Posted by: Linda | March 30, 2012 at 06:16 AM
Fabulous post...I needed a little fun this morning. I love your pillow..in spite of your "creativity" in the piecing. I am so hopeful about getting my hands on this book and the rulers........here's hoping. Kristy in Ohio
Posted by: Kristy | March 30, 2012 at 06:21 AM
I had fun reading your post today. I really like the quilts that I have seen from this book. Will have to look at rulers too as anything that will make piecing easier is ok with me.
Posted by: kathy h | March 30, 2012 at 06:27 AM
I love the fabrics you chose. What a cheery pillow.
Posted by: Linda Kennedy | March 30, 2012 at 06:41 AM
I would LOVE to win Monique's book. I could never make accurate Flying Geese until I got her ruler. She's a genius!!! And a goodie bag...yay!
Posted by: Sue | March 30, 2012 at 06:41 AM
Your post was a great one to wake up to! I'm having fun looking at all the quilts (or pillows) that everyone has made from Monique's book! I definately NEED a copy of this book.
Posted by: Pati | March 30, 2012 at 06:43 AM
Thank you for all the "inside scoop" on Monique! LOL
I love the way your pillow came out. . .my motto is always "the more fabrics the better" and I can see that this design would make a wonderful scrap quilt.
Posted by: Sherry V. | March 30, 2012 at 06:46 AM
This has been the best blog-hop. I loved seeing the quilts which were super and I loved all the info on the blogs. I don't have access to a quilt shop and I have to order notions, fabric, and books. So, I have to take the convincing words of others about what's new and what works out there. Monique's books and rulers seem like a good addition. Thanks, Carrie.
Posted by: Stephani in TX | March 30, 2012 at 06:50 AM
Just love to read a blog by an author who has a sense of humor. Great job Carrie with the pillow-that made me smile too!
Posted by: Elaine P | March 30, 2012 at 06:51 AM
You crack me up! I'd love to win the book and all the other goodies. Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Ronda | March 30, 2012 at 06:52 AM
Your posts are definitely entertainment! Love the American Jane fabrics. The block looks so different out of them.
Posted by: Janelle J | March 30, 2012 at 06:57 AM
So . . . I was going to pin your pillow (I love it! gotta have one!!! or two or three) I kept getting distracted by those "curves" in the "other pictures". Really, Carrie, you ought to get out more in mixed company.
I don't watch the Suns much anymore . . . not since "Louuuuuuuuuuu" left (not sure where my obsession is with that, but then, when are obsessions understood?).
I'll have to dig my ruler out . . . YES I GOT ONE in Houston last fall! I've been waiting for the inspiration to use it.
We had to put 14 year old Rusty down this week. Might need more "rosie" stories to help with my mourning.
Posted by: a maiden hair fern | March 30, 2012 at 06:59 AM
i soooo need this book please enter me in the draw
I could make such amazing quilts if onlyI had this book
love the post
hugs Beth
Posted by: Beth | March 30, 2012 at 07:05 AM
Your blog is my favorite by far. Your sense of humor is the best. I would love to win Monique's book. I'm amazed I haven't met her since I live in Illinois too. She loves to piece fabrics just like me. So I know I'd make some quilts from her book. I even have her fit to be geese ruler and love it! Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | March 30, 2012 at 07:06 AM
Cool pillow. I have the Monique's flying geese ruler and use all the time.
Posted by: Judy F. | March 30, 2012 at 07:08 AM