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2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop Week 2!

4/16/2017

64 Comments

 
World without End Quilt


My first quilt was World without End from A Quilter's Companion ​by Deloris Hinson.

​Welcome to Week 2 of the 2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop! It is my turn to introduce myself.

​I have been quilting as a hobby on and off for about 38 years. My first quilt was a baby quilt for my younger son. I hand-pieced and hand-quilted it. Unfortunately, I did not finish it until he was 12 years-old. So I made it a wall hanging instead. The pattern is  a classic entitled World without End. I found the pattern in my first  quilting book A Quilter's Companion by Delores Hinson.

​I enjoyed making that quilt, but it took so much time. I tried machine piecing, but I was dissatisfied with results. Then, I happen to see one of Eleanor Burns' quilting television programs. It changed my quilting life.  She showed me how to machine piece accurately. Soon I was completing quilts in a timely manner, and I was pleased with the results. Over time, quilting became more and more a part of my life. Some people might say I am obsessed, but I think that is a matter of opinion.

My New Adventure

I live in Oklahoma on a farm called JANDA Bend. It is the home of  JANDA Bend Christmas Trees. We have been raising and selling Christmas trees for many years. My husband started the business when we moved to Oklahoma so that I could take a faculty position at a nearby university. In May 2016 after 17 years of service, I retired as a Professor Emeritus and decided to start JANDA Bend Quilts. I think that this opportunity is a prefect blend of my love of quilting, love of teaching, and my desire to help make the world  better place. We named our farm JANDA Bend by using the first letters our first names. Jerry and April. The Bend came from the bend in the meadow that our log home overlooks.

​At JANDA Bend Quilts, I am dedicated to helping others enjoy the art of quilting.  I hope to do this by teaching quilting skills, designing quilt patterns, and supporting a community of quilters. I provide workshops and presentations for quilting guilds, quilt shops, and other groups and venues. The workshops feature Quilt in a Day patterns and techniques.  I am a Quilt in a Day certified teacher. As I design quilt patterns, workshops will be available to teach those patterns as well. The designs will be available as pdf downloads initially. If you happen to live in Northeastern Oklahoma, I will be selling quilts and quilted items during the Christmas season in our shop at JANDA Bend.

I prefer modern/traditional quilting. I enjoy making traditional quilts, but I also enjoy looking at traditional blocks and quilts in new ways and in new fabric choices. To give you some idea of my style, I have included some photos of quilts that I have made. I want to thank my family for allowing me to borrow the quilts that I gave them so that I could take pictures of them. I had to pinky swear that I would return them.

Quilts provide more than warmth. I was finishing this quilt when my husband entered the hospital for major surgery. While he was in the hospital, I was able to complete it at night. He recuperated under that quilt. Even today, when one of us is ill we sleep under that quilt. It is our official healing quilt and provides both a feeling of warmth and a feeling of being loved. That is the power of quilts.​​

Pioneer Sample Quilt Picture
Pioneer Sampler by Eleanor Burns, Quilt in a Day kit.
Having grandchildren changed my quilting life! We have a wonderful nine year-old granddaughter, and a marvelous six year-old grandson. Here are a few of the quilts that I have made for them.
Let's Go Bananas Quilt Picture
Going Bananas, Gadabout Quilt pattern  from Still Stripping after 25 Years by Eleanor Burns, Quilt in a Day.
Let It Snow Quilt Picture
Let It Snow, Candy Cane Lane pattern from Christmas at Bear's Paw Ranch, Eleanor Burns and Staff, Quilt in a Day, fabrics by Connecting Threads
Angry Birds Quilt Picture
Angry Birds, adapted from a pattern entitled, Simple Six by Sue Harvey and Sandy Boobar in Quilting for Baby edited by Jeanne Stauffer and Sandra L. Hatch
I hope you will come back later in the week. I have some surprises planned. In the meantime, please be sure to visit the other 2017 New Quilt Bloggers in the Let's be Quilt'n hive, who will be introducing themselves starting the week of April 17:

April  at​ JANDABendQuilts  (That's me!)
Gail at Quilting Gail
Kathy  at Kathys Kwilts and More
Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting

​The other members of our hive are

Amy at AmyScrapSpot
Andrea at Goofin' Off Around the Block
Barbara at Crazy Red Quilts
Becca at Pretty Piney
Emily at The Darling Dogwood
Gina at​ Quilts and Cakes
Gwen at Tillalili
​Kara at Sunshine Kwilts
Nicole at Handwrought Quilts
Rita at Posterity Quilt Company
Samantha  at Aqua Paisley Studio
Sharon at Yellow Cat Quilt Designs
Vivian at Quilting with Vivian
Wendy at Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life

For more information concerning blog giveaways from our sponsors, please see our hosts:

Yvonne at Quilting Jet Girl
Leanne at She Can Quilt
Beth at Cooking Up Quilts

They have a complete list of participants in each hive and a list of the sponsors for the 2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop on their blogs. In addition, there are instructions concerning how to register for giveaways. There is a new giveaway each week. So if you did not win last week, you can try again!
Blogging Tip

​As a new blogger, I think it is important to realize that blogging is a learn-as-you-go process. Technology is a moving target. Be persistent and choose what you want to include based on your purpose. It is very easy to get side-tracked by the latest and greatest blogging tool. If you need it, use it. Otherwise let it go, there will be something else new very soon.

Quilting Tip

There is no one best way of doing anything, especially quilting. Do what works for you and follow your heart. After all, quilting is supposed to be fun. That is one of the reasons I do it. I also quilt because it relieves stress; it is creative; and I think that it makes the world a better place.

​Why do you quilt? You can type your answer as a comment at the end of the blog. Other comments are welcome as well. Hope to hear from you! I tend to reply on my blog instead of by email. You can also send me an email, and  I will reply directly to you. I would love to hear from you.

​Happy Quilting!
64 Comments
Nancy @ GraceAndPeaceQuilting link
4/16/2017 11:31:37 pm

Love your log cabin!!! What a perfect place to make and photograph quilts. And love your idea of the "healing quilt". Perfect.

Reply
April link
4/16/2017 11:59:33 pm

Thank you, Nancy, for your kind comments. I do find the log cabin and the farm itself inspirational for quilting. It is very peaceful here. I believe that quilts can be a physical representation of love and caring. The quilters that I know tend to be especially loving and nurturing people. I do not think that this is an accident.

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Jan Altomare link
4/17/2017 12:09:36 am

April, I enjoyed learning how you came up with your name and that you use it for both trees and quilts. Both of those things make me happy. I quilt for the fun, if it isn't fun I move on.

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April link
4/18/2017 10:42:46 am

Hi Jan, I agree! I need quilting to be fun as well. I do like a challenge, but I do not want it to be frustrating.

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Sandra link
4/17/2017 02:14:46 am

I enjoy reading your introduction. So fun to live on a farm. Why I quilt? It is my de-stressor. I am a teacher by day and a quilter by night. Teaching can be stressful. So I quilt to keep me sane and it brings be joy. LOL.

Reply
April link
4/18/2017 10:48:54 am

Hi Sandra, I used to be a teacher by day and a quilter by night as well. When I quilted, it was impossible to let my day control my thoughts. I had I to think about quilting! I do miss teaching. It is a rewarding profession. That is why I want to teach others to quilt. I need to teach.

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Beth T.
4/17/2017 02:43:30 am

I quilt, in part, because it is an artistic outlet, but mostly because quilting allows me to make my love a tangible thing. Your story about making a quilt during a time of recuperation that is still the quilt of choice when anyone in your family is feeling ill perfectly illustrates that. Quilts are so much more than blankets.

Reply
April link
4/18/2017 10:56:02 am

Hi Beth, we seem to have a lot in common. I think that my grandmother is the one who taught me this. She lived far away, but she made me dresses. Wearing those dresses reminded me of how much she loved me even though we were far apart.

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Peggy link
4/17/2017 07:29:23 am

Loved reading about your quilting story and looking at your beautiful quilts. Thanks for sharing.

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April link
4/18/2017 10:58:20 am

Hi Peggy, thanks for stopping by! I hope you will be back.

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Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl link
4/17/2017 09:27:22 am

I agree that quilts hold a lot of powerful love in them. I really love that you have a healing quilt, that resonates deeply with me. I quilt to be both a creative outlet and to put positive energy back out into the world. Thank you so much for being a part of this blog hop!

Reply
April link
4/18/2017 11:07:59 am

Hi Yvonne, thank you for leading the blog hop! I have learned so much from everyone. I highly recommend it to other new bloggers. I liked what you said about "putting positive energy" in the world. There is plenty of negative energy out there already. I think that the world needs more kindness and caring. Quilting communities can help provide that.

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Leanne link
4/17/2017 09:36:19 am

Lovely post, and I love your quilts, thank you for sharing them in the blog hop.

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April link
4/18/2017 11:11:40 am

Hi Leanne, thank you for your kind words and for leading the Let's Bee Quilt'n hive for the blog hop. I have learned so much from you and the hive members. It is a great experience for new quilt bloggers.

Reply
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts link
4/17/2017 10:37:46 am

Your quilts are beautiful, and I *love* that you have a healing quilt. I have a favorite I cuddle under, and now you have me thinking I need to make everyone in my family a healing quilt! :) It was so nice to learn more about you April. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

Reply
April link
4/18/2017 01:25:28 pm

Thanks, Beth! I am really enjoying the blog hop. Thank you for being one of our three leaders. I can see that it must be a big job. Good luck on the healing quilts project!

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Tami Von Zalez link
4/17/2017 10:38:20 am

I quilt because it is "painting" with fabric without all of the paint mess.
I love the personality of each one of your quilts.
Popped by from the New Quilters Blog Hop.
http://thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

Reply
April link
4/18/2017 01:30:05 pm

Thanks, Tami! I like what you said about quilting is like painting with fabrics. I had not thought about it that way before. I do get pretty messy with fabrics, but I would imagine that paint mess is worse.

Reply
Kathleen McCormick link
4/17/2017 11:20:06 am

I quilt because I love to create and work with fabric. I agree about holding your breath and not always jumping on the newest fad right away; I like to breathe and see if it lasts.

Reply
April Adams link
4/18/2017 01:33:15 pm

Hi Kathleen, looks like we are on the same page concerning technology. I do like to try new ideas though.

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Gail Sheppard link
4/17/2017 02:57:53 pm

Thanks for sharing your journey with us! And for being part of the blog hop! I quilt because it is a huge stress-reliever, allows me to express creatively and I enjoy seeing the finished products!

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April link
4/18/2017 01:37:07 pm

Hi Gail, I enjoyed my visit to your blog today. I have learned so much from participating in the blog hop. I think that quilting is a great stress reliever as well.

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Emily link
4/17/2017 03:47:54 pm

Nice to meet you, April! I enjoyed seeing your completed quilts, and I think I spent as much time on the tree farm website as I did on yours!

I quilt for stress relief, being able to do something creative, and to make something lovely, comforting, and functional. I've dabbled in lots of crafts since I was a teenager and quilting is the one that has stuck, and I knew I was in love pretty much from the very beginning.

Reply
April link
4/18/2017 01:47:27 pm

Hi Emily, I read your post to my husband. He was very pleased that you spent time on the JANDA Bend Christmas Trees web site. He works very hard to grow our Christmas trees in Oklahoma. It is not easy!

Reply
Andrea Hokanson link
4/17/2017 04:33:17 pm

It was great getting to know you in this post. Why do I quilt? I quilt for many reasons, but mostly hoping to provide a quilt that can provide comfort to someone--whether it be family, friend, or through charity. There are never enough quilts to go around.

Reply
April link
4/18/2017 01:51:46 pm

Hi Andrea, thanks for stopping by. You mentioned that you like to make charity quilts. They are such a natural for quilters, but sometimes it is hard to find a group that makes them. Do you have suggestions for online charity quilt groups?

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Lisa
4/17/2017 05:25:54 pm

I'm happy to meet you and see your wonderful quilts. Welcome to the world of quilt blogging.

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April link
4/18/2017 01:54:22 pm

Thanks for the welcome, Lisa! I am learning. Any suggestions?

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Wendy link
4/18/2017 12:37:41 am

Hi April, it's so much fun to meet you through your blog. I'm part of the blog hop, so I'm enjoying reading the posts. I don't post until the last week. Your farm sounds like a lovely place to live and create! I think I need to make a healing quilt; what a neat quilt to have!

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April link
4/18/2017 01:57:57 pm

Thanks for stopping by, Wendy! I look forward to your week. Everyone in the group has been so supportive. I really appreciate that.

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Fi link
4/18/2017 03:43:42 am

Hi April, so wonderful to meet you! Living in a log cabin on a christmas tree farm!!!!! Amazing and on top of that an incredible quilter and teacher. I love your healing quilt, I might just have to make one of those for my home. Once again lovely to meet you and I will be back.

Reply
April link
4/18/2017 02:02:03 pm

Thanks, Fi! It is a good life. I lived in Houston, TX for 25 years, so I really appreciate the peacefulness of the farm. I look forward to your return! Is there anything in particular that you would like to see here?

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Vanda
4/18/2017 07:19:59 am

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I love the surroundings you live in, so peaceful. Your quilts are beautiful.

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April link
4/18/2017 02:16:50 pm

Hi Vanda, thank you for visiting and for your kind comments! This is a peaceful place to live and to quilt.

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Laura Piland link
4/18/2017 10:20:58 am

It was great to meet you, April! I loved reading your story and can relate to the transition from teaching to quilting. You make beautiful quilts!

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April link
4/18/2017 02:20:41 pm

Thanks, Laura! So you were a teacher as well. It is an important and satisfying profession.

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Abigail @cut&alter link
4/18/2017 11:22:55 am

Hi April - it was lovely to get to know you better in this post. I love the idea of a healing quilt - and yours is beautiful. I look forward to following you on your journey.

Reply
April link
4/18/2017 02:23:42 pm

Thanks, Abigail! I look forward to your return. Is there anything in particular that you would like to see?

Reply
Rose Mikulski
4/18/2017 04:04:43 pm

Hi April, The World Without End Quilt caught my eye immediately and I know why, I have the book also and always wanted to make one. Good to meet you on the Blog Hop. Thanks for sharing. I make quilts because I love fabric.

Reply
April link
4/19/2017 10:37:58 am

Hi Rose, I love the Quilter's Companion book! I think it is because I really like the old patterns that have a history. It seems like I'm connecting to the past. That is why when I design patterns, I want to use elements from the past in new ways. It extends the connection. I am enjoying the blog hop as well.

Reply
Olusola link
4/19/2017 06:58:11 am

It's so wonderful to read all about you and your quilting Journey. How nice that you live on a farm and grow Christmas trees! Your quilts are very lovely. I quilt because I love playing with fabric and because it helps me do something meaningful. I could use your healing quilt right now!

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April link
4/19/2017 10:42:11 am

Thanks, Olusola. I am sorry to hear that you need the healing quilt. My thoughts are with you. Take care.

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Rita Wahn link
4/19/2017 10:22:09 am

April, I am drooling over your Pioneer Sampler, I love those colors! I quilt for kids. I make baby blankets for every baby I know, and this summer I'm planning on teaching my soon-to-be 5 year old how to quilt (she grew up way too fast!)

I am loving the blog hop and getting to know so many people!

Reply
April link
4/19/2017 10:47:49 am

Thanks, Rita! I have to admit that Pioneer Sampler is one of my favorites. How fun to teach your Granddaughter to quilt! I wish that my grandchildren lived closer so that I could see them more often. I have enjoyed meeting new people through the blog hop as well!

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Danette Stankovich link
4/19/2017 11:50:45 am

Quilting keeps me busy and always something new to enjoy. I would like to have my own handmade quilts and table toppers, etc throughout my house, possibly even seasonal if I can manage.

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April link
4/21/2017 12:37:12 am

Hi Danette, that sounds great!

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Sarah@123quilt
4/19/2017 12:55:43 pm

I was wondering what JANDA Bend meant and now I know! Lol. Great intro post. I really enjoyed learning more about you and seeing some of your quilts. I couldn't agree more that there is no one best way to quilting. I always tell people to do what works best for them!

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April link
4/21/2017 12:35:06 am

Thanks, Sarah! That is great advice.

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Lori Smanski
4/19/2017 08:26:44 pm

lovely quilts. I love your quilty tip. such a great reminder. thanks

Reply
April link
4/21/2017 12:38:49 am

Thanks, Lori! Glad that you stopped by.

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Samantha D link
4/20/2017 05:32:23 am

April, I love your tips - they are both perfect, and your quilting philosophy is one I can truly appreciate. I think every home should have its own healing quilt ;)

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April link
4/21/2017 12:41:08 am

Thanks, Samantha! I appreciate you stopping by.

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Jennifer Strauser link
4/20/2017 09:14:56 am

Your world without end quilt is beautiful! So many of us bite off more than we can chew with our first projects.

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April link
4/21/2017 12:44:04 am

Thanks, Jennifer. Knowing what I know now, I would have picked a less challenging pattern. However, I was young and foolish.

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helen link
4/20/2017 03:31:49 pm

I enjoyed reading your blog and getting to know you. I love the photos and styling of your quilts, blogging gives you a great record of your quilts. As a former new quilt blogger I found it very useful, my one tip would be, people rarely return to read a reply to their comment, a direct email comment generally works well.

Reply
Paige link
4/20/2017 06:29:39 pm

April, love how you named your blog! It's beautiful where you live and so are your quilts!

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April link
4/21/2017 12:46:52 am

Thanks, Paige! I am glad that you stopped by.

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Angela Short
4/20/2017 07:17:00 pm

I quilt because it is so much fun to do! Have a nice day!!

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April link
4/21/2017 12:49:18 am

Hi Angela, I think that quilting is fun too. Have a great day!

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Diane Lomax link
4/21/2017 12:05:43 pm

Hi April, thank you for this lovely post. I love your World without End quilt and can’t quite believe this is your first quilt, its beautiful!

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April link
4/27/2017 09:46:50 am

Thanks, Diane! Well World without End did take 12 years to complete. It is not perfect. I would not dare put it through the washing machine. However, l really like the pattern.

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Kate link
4/28/2017 03:16:33 pm

A late hello, and welcome to the world of blogging. You have made a great start, now it's time to relax and enjoy the journey.

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Phillip James link
7/15/2022 04:01:35 pm

Then, I happen to see one of Eleanor Burns' quilting television programs. It changed my quilting life. She showed me how to machine piece accurately. Thank you, amazing post!

Reply
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    April adams

    I am a quilter who is starting a new adventure. After retiring in May 2016, I became a certified Quilt in a Day Instructor. I am certified to teach workshops using Quilt in a Day patterns and techniques. In addition, I am designing my own quilt patterns.

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