Anita Shackelford
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Planting in Sync with Nature

2/26/2021

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We still have snow on the ground and more to come, I'm sure, but my mind is telling me to get busy and start growing something! Others, in warmer climates, are already ahead of our schedule here in Ohio.

About the first of March, we begin to think about starting herbs and some cold weather plants. We can fool Mother Nature just a little bit by planting inside, on a heated mat, under lights. Some herbs take a long time to germinate, so we like to give them a head start. Leeks, onions, lettuce, spinach, and cole crops can tolerate a Spring chill, so they can have an early start. We also can plant directly or move plants into the greenhouse earlier than we can trust things out in the open garden.

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But today, I want to share with you a natural guide to understanding when it might be safe to plant in your area. For the most part, seeds germinate according to the temperature of the soil. Nature knows when it's the right time. If you watch for signs among the other things growing in your yard or surrounding area, they will signal when it is safe to plant seeds or set out other like-minded plants.
When crocus bloom in your yard, it is safe to plant radishes, spinach, and parsnips.....and so on, down the line.


Crocus =        radish, spinach, parsnips 
Forsythia =        peas, onion sets, lettuce
Daffodils =         beets, carrots, chard
Dandelions           potatoes
Oak Leaves the size of a squirrel's ear = corn
Maple Leaves full =     perennial flowers 
Quince blossoms =      cabbage, broccoli
Apple blossoms =       bush beans
Apple blossoms fall =     cucumbers
Lilac blooms =       squash and flowers
Lily of the Valley =     tomatoes 
Iris =           peppers and eggplant
Peonies =          melons

I hope you find that interesting. I know I'll be watching for our perennials and trees to wake up this spring and be ready to give them some companions in the garden.
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Introducing Young People to Quilting

2/22/2021

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Several years ago, my daughter, Jen and I published a book with projects for young people. We included fresh, trendy materials and manageable projects which are appealing, personalized, and practical for a youthful lifestyle.
 
You can begin to get young children involved by letting them choose the colors and fabrics for their quilts. They can use crayons and paint sticks, cut out simple shapes with scissors and sew on buttons and other embellishments. With guidance from an adult, they may be able to sew straight piecing lines with the sewing machine. Children have a short attention span, but they are eager for any new experience. Chose projects that little ones can complete in one or two sittings. Start with something simple; chances are, after that item is finished, they may be willing to invest time in a longer, more involved project.
 
My granddaughter, Amber, has been sewing/ piecing since she was 4 years old. Even at that young age, she had preferences in colors and fabric choices. She pieced a bed size quilt top with my Featherweight; my job was to watch her fingers and keep them out of harm’s way. Blake was 5 when he made his wall quilt with crayon rubbings from truck and motorcycle tires and steel impressions. He loves his quilt and is very proud of the work he did.
 
Teens and tweens can make more complex decisions about color and layout. They can iron their fabrics, use the rotary cutter with guidance and use the sewing machine with instruction. This age group brings lots of enthusiasm and a creative eye to the work.
 
When you work with young people, look for a variety of styles to keep them interested. We used the art forms of collage, rubbings, and mosaic, along with the traditional quiltmaking techniques of piecing and appliqué. Our collage quilts incorporate a T-shirt logo and carefully chosen embellishments to make wall quilts that are personalized and meaningful to each child.
 
When projects such as the postcards, ornaments, and collage quilts are done as group activities, young quilters can share fabrics, offer design suggestions, inspire each other, and make important memories at the same time.
 
Once young people feel the sense of satisfaction in creating something new, something for themselves or their friends or family, they will enjoy quilting forever. Amber’s large quilt has been entered into several big shows and has won a first place ribbon. Look for quilt shows that include a junior category, or work on adding one to your guild show.

Quilting and other arts are not only a way to create something beautiful, but also to teach math, eye/hand coordination, color and design, critical thinking, problem solving and group dynamics/cooperation. What young person do you have in your life who would love to work with you?
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Applique with the Statler

2/4/2021

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Here's a flashback! 
One of the first things I experimented with on my Statler Stitcher was using it to applique. This was in 2007, Precision Stitch days. The tools we had to work with were sizing a pattern and angle of rotation, but we could still do some amazing work. Linda Taylor invited me to tape a program with her and you can see the video here:
https://youtu.be/kSuFSAdV6AU
Below are some of the samples I had with me that day and some newer pieces I have made with the same techniques.

Fish, shells, Christmas trees, and pumpkin patterns are all available in the free Statler pattern folder in Creative Studio.
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Of course, I'm using Creative Studio software now, which allows me much more freedom in design and quilting, but the techniques are the same. 
Patterns and instructions for the applique wall quilts below are available on my website: 
​ https://www.anitashackelford.net/applique.html​

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    Author

    Anita has a long background rooted in traditional handwork and quiltmaking, which she still enjoys.

    Often, these days, you'll find her digitizing patterns for the Statler Stitcher and other computerized longarm quilting machines. 
     
    Her summer days are spent in the garden and she loves finding new ways to prepare good veggie-based meals.


    She's always in search of a way to balance all of those activities and find time to share with others who are passionate about the same things.

    This page is a sneak peek into what's happening in her world right now.

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