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photo by Gregory Case

Remembering Sue Garman

It is a sad time for quilters. Designer and quilter Sue Garman passed away on January 8, 2017. Sue's career with NASA was remarkable. Her passion for quilting was equally so. She was not defined by any particular style. During her 40-year career she made over 300 quilts using a variety of techniques and designs.

Sue was generous with her knowledge. She gave gifts of time and talent. She created several Block of the Month quilts for TheQuiltShow.com and flatly refused compensation for the BOM patterns or for her time spent creating video tutorials stating it was her gift.

I will remember her for her giving spirit and the life lessons she taught me. Sue's final blog post on January 1st was filled with hope and expectation.

A treasure in the quilting industry is gone. Her passion, quilts, and generosity will live on.

The “Thankful” List - And You're On It!
While family, friends, health, and well-being remain on the top of my “thankful” list, I owe a great debt (and will always be eternally grateful) to those of you who have supported, embraced, and shared my passions over the years. I do not take your participation in my life for granted. You mean more to me than you know. You inspire me.

A Short Story about a Journey - Into the Unknown
When I was a college music student, I didn’t want to follow the music education path. I enjoyed performing, composing, and conducting. I enjoyed teaching private piano lessons as that was the career that put me though college and even supported me several years following my university days. It’s odd – I didn’t want to teach, but I was teaching — just in a different way.

When quilting popped into my life in 1991, the passion for it was overwhelmingly strong. It wasn’t long before I was teaching at local quilt shops. As I started winning a few major awards, my quilts were being published and shows, shops, and guilds began sending invitations to teach and lecture.  By 1998 I resigned my musical career and jumped off the cliff with the hope that the quilting net would catch me before I crashed.

That net was a miracle and my life has never been the same. Over the years I have come to learn that teaching may be my biggest gift. Yes, I perform, make quilts, take photos, co-host an online television show — the list goes on — but teaching and encouraging seems to rise to the top. I strive to do it in a way that gives you courage, confidence, and inspiration.

In my quilt retreats we often discuss various attributes to help identify who we are. We explore the obstacles that prohibit one’s full potential and discuss what to do to overcome creative adversity. Those lessons keep me sharp and keep doing my own soul searching.

What I Want? It's Good To Have a Goal
There is nothing I want more than to inspire you — to encourage you. I want to teach and share my passions for creativity in ways that allow you to bring the best you can into your world. Quilting for me is far more than the stitching and making. It’s about the journey. It is telling your story. Music and photography for me do the same. All of our creative efforts are part of a body of work that becomes a biography that will tell our stories when our final chapter has come to an end. Time spent being creative is always time well spent. In addition, I want my creative passions to sustain me — and that’s being honest. I can’t pursue my dreams/visions if I don’t have the sustenance to do so. 

What Do I Fear? Shiver Me Timbers
I have always had self-confidence and I pray that my confidence has never been perceived as arrogance. Still, as I age, I’m starting to experience fears that I never knew would arise. In the quilt world, I’m no longer the new kid on the block. I’m not a novelty.  Still, I want to share my passions for as long as I am able. I fear that because change is inevitable that the change will leave me behind. But I know me, I am the guy who will face those fears and pursue the options to overcome and I believe that all things are possible. “Believe in the impossible and reach for the stars.”

What Do You Want and What Do You Fear? Fess Up!
Coming to the end of a year is like coming to an end. But nothing ends without something else beginning. Take time during this season to evaluate for yourself the things you want, the things you fear. List ways to achieve those goals and ways to overcome any fear or obstacle.  Pursue your passions and realize you are a gift to those around you. Be the light that shines and the smile that brings comfort when others seem lost.

Share the Love - Because Love is Love is Love is Love
No matter what lies ahead, let’s go forward with love in the lead. Embrace our differences and work for a more peaceful world. When I get down in the dumps, I've learned that the quickest way out is to care for others and give to those in need. May you and yours experience love in the most wonderful way during this holiday season. Thank you for your continued support of my passions and my career.

Sending Christmas cheer and holiday blessings to you and yours,

	QUILT LUMINARIUM I would love for you to experience my brand new Quilt Luminarium. I'm be presenting more passion, teaching, and encouragement than ever before. Treat yourself and come to one in 2017. Bring a friend! The early bird deadline for Houston is just around the corner. Coming to: Houston, Dallas, Tulsa, and La Veta.
	CHRISTMAS SALE I am extending the Christmas Sale for two more days. We have some great items at my best prices ever. We have new fabric bundles and my Christmas CDs, which will make wonderful gifts. Sale runs through December 13th.
	52-WEEK PHOTO CHALLENGE Enrollment only happens once a year for my 52-Week Photo Challenge online class. The early bird deadline for enrollment is December 15th.

 Watch Ricky's Christmas Music Videos

Here We Come a Wassailing

Silent Night

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Christmas in a Small Town

February 2017

• Duluth, GA - Branum's Sewing - February 1-2, More Info
• Ridgeland, MS - BERNINA Sewing Etc - February 4, More Info
• Tampa, FL - Bernina Sewing Center, - February 6, More Info
• Houston, TX - Quilt Luminarium - February 10-11, More Info

March 2017

• Dimmitt, TX - Ogalla Quilt Show - March 31, More Info

April 2017

• Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada - Stitches from the Heart Quilt Guild - April 7-8. More Info
• Victoria, B.C, Canada - Victoria Quilters' Guild - April 11. More Info
• Sequim, WA - Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Club - April 13. More Info
• Paducah, KY - AQS - April 26-29. More Info

May 2017

• Dallas, TX - Quilt Luminarium - May 12-13. More Info

June 2017

• Fürth, Germany  - June 8-11. More Info
• Shipshewana, IN - Shipshewana Quilt Festival - June 21-24. More Info

July 2017

• Romsey, England - Romsey Quilt Festival 2017- July 7-8, More Info
• Pershall, England - Master Class Lectures with P and Q Tours  - July 13. More Info 
• Oldham, England - Master Classes with Patchwork Parade - July 15. More Info

August 2017

• Anchorage, Alaska - August 4-5. More Info
• Jackson, WY - August 18-20. More Info

September 2017

• Madison, WI - Wisconsin Quilt Expo - September 7-9 More Info
• Tulsa, OK Quilt Luminarium - September15-16 More Info

 October 2017

• La Veta, CO Quilt Luminarium - October 13-14 More Info
• Houston, TX - International Quilt Festival,  More Info

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Order online or by phone. If you have questions, call and talk to Heather. M-F, 9am-3pm Mountain Time

MUSIC CDs

Save 41% on Ricky's Christmas CDs

$10.00 (regularly $17.99)

Great stocking stuffer!

Christmastime and Christmas in a Small Town are both heartwarming. Ricky's Christmas CDs are professional recordings that feature original arrangements of timeless Christmas classics. Both CDs are extremely popular! If you already love these - spread that love with friends and family! Click through to see song titles.

Create Your Own Fabric Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Choose from one of the popular bundles shown below, or use this option to pick and choose your own five fabrics. This is the lowest price I've ever offered on the Five Fabric Bundle. 

Chocolate Caramel Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: One yard each of Cinnamon Toast, Sedona Daze, Tangerine Dream, Desert Wind, and Rivendell 

Emerald Isle Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: One yard each of Roasted Bell Pepper, Spanish Moss, Ode to Kermit. Cool Cucumber,  and Key Lime Pie

Feel the Heat Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: One yard each of Red Hot Mama, Holly Berry, Pink Passion, Musk Melon, and Sunflower Power

It's Electric Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: Two yards Caveman Multi-brite and one yard each of Coconut Snow Cone, Bubble Gum, and Dragons Breath.

Powder Puff Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: One yard each of Cotton Candy, Musk Melon, Wisteria Blossom, Lemon Tart, and Caveman Multi-Tweeny

Seaside Serenade Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: One yard each of Cool Cucumber, Caribbean Queen, Blue Suede, Shoes, Coconut Snow Cone, and Sea Maiden

Spell Bound Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: One yard each of Blackberry Cobbler, Red Currant, Wisteria Blossom, Periwinkiedink, and Fire Dragon

Sugar and Spice Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: One yard each of Bordeaux, Mocha Magic, Mocha Mouse, Mocha Chiffon, and Vanilla Bean

The Great Hall Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: One yard each of Anchors Away, Turkey Barn, Desert Wind, Cool Cucumber, and Mystic Morning

Wisdom and Courage Bundle (five yards)

Save 32% on Hand-dyed Fabric

It's an additional 15% savings on the regular Five Fabric Bundle (FIVE YARDS).

$85.00 (regularly $100.00)

Includes: One yard each of Good Gray-cious, Lichen It a Lot, Bronze Age, Spanish Moss, and Mocha Chiffon

Complete Fat Quarter Collection
(11.75 yards)

Save 32% off regular Hand-dyed Fabric price.

$199.00 (regularly $249.00) The regular price is already an 18% savings. This offer saves you even more!

The complete Fat Quarter Collection is an overdose of beautiful color. It represents all of our current colors. It's a great library reference, and also perfect for those hand-dyed scrap quilt projects. 

Synthrapol (4 0z. bottle)

Synthrapol is recommended for washing hand dyed fabrics.

$4.99 Don't forget to add this to your fabric order. 

Synthrapol is a special detergent used in pre-scouring fibers before dyeing, and in washing out fiber reactive dyes after dyeing. It removes dye molecules that did not bond and helps prevent bleeding. We have washed all our fabric in Synthrapol, but it is always recommended to wash them again in your water — the hottest wash possible.

Corey Ralph from Edmonton, AB, Canada has been chosen as the recipient of the 2016 Ponnie Brinkmann Retreat Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to a newbie quilter who has exhibited enthusiasm and great progress.

Nominees may not have been quilting for more than three years. Additionally, they must have completed a minimum of six quilts and should exhibit confidence, enthusiasm, and originality. Their style of quilting (traditional, contemporary, or art quilts) does not make a difference in the selection process.

All nominations for the scholarship are submitted by a quilt guild's board of directors and signed by the nominating board's representative.

About Corey Ralph
Corey is originally from Newfoundland, Canada. Being a family of all boys, his mother recently expressed her disappointment that she had no one to whom she could pass down her love of quiltmaking. Never one to pass up an opportunity, Corey told his mom...“show me… I’m interested!”.

As noted by the board of the Edmonton Modern Quilt Guild, Corey “has become much more than a hobby quilter, a student, or customer. He has jumped in to all aspects of the quilting world with vigor and passion. In less than two years he has completed 29 full sized quilts, including hand-guided longarm quilting on most of them.”

Corey volunteers in many organizations and has raised thousands of dollars for worthy causes. His passion and support for AIDS Lifecycle is remarkable. Not only has he ridden in this epic 500+ mile road-journey charity event, but he also designed and made three full-sized quilts for raffle in support of this great cause.

CLICK ON QUILTS FOR LARGER VIEW

He also produced an entertaining and successful fundraiser called Fight Song. Corey wrote, directed, played piano, and sang in this full-scale stage show production which included local entertainers and a beautiful backdrop of nearly 100 quilts.

Corey will receive full tuition and $500 toward his expenses to attend an upcoming Ricky Tims La Veta Quilt Retreat in La Veta, Colorado.

Corey's Bears Paw Quilt

The Fight Song Quilt, by Corey Ralph

Detail of Elizabeth quilt, by Corey Ralph

Kool Kaleidoscope Quilt, by Corey Ralph