YOUR PLACE.

STITCH IN TIME: Quilting bees have been an American tradition since the pioneer era, providing social life and warm blankets. Often the quilts were a mere patchwork of remnant fabrics, but sometimes the designs became an expression of personal artistry and current events. In the Better Homes and Gardens book ``Grandma's Best Full-Size Quilt Blocks: Pieces of the Past for Today's Quilter'' (Meredith Books; $34.95), editor Carol Field Dahlstrom takes a closer look at quilts through history and explains why certain patterns were popular at different times. For instance, she says, elaborate crazy quilts reflected Queen Victoria's love of embellishment, while the Amish kept the designs simple but used brilliant colors, and by the Great Depression housewives were using mass-marketed quilt patterns in art deco designs but the color scheme was very quiet, often in pastels. The beautifully illustrated spiral-bound book is much like a quilt, with a blend of historical observations, close-up photos of numerous quilts from the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln; and Living History Farms in Des Moines, Iowa. Included are full-size patterns with detailed instructions for favorites such as Crazy Ann, Sunbonnet Girls, Ohio Rose and others.

- Barbara De Witt 

LIKE SLEEPING ON AIR: Going to grandma's house or a slumber party just got more comfy - and convenient. Instead of lugging one of those inflatable mattresses that requires a separate pump, there's ReadyBed, a cozy slumber bag with cool designs and glow-in-the-dark colors. It comes with a headrest, built-in air mattress, battery-powered air pump and carry case. Look for it at Bed Bath & Beyond stores for $59.99. When the party's over, just deflate it and stuff it back in its case.

- B.D.

STATELY AFFAIR: Old Windsor Square, considered one of L.A.'s best addresses, is holding an open house Sept. 22. The 25th annual neighborhood tour is sponsored by the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society and will feature a number of homes built in the early 1900s. In addition to getting a peek inside these architectural treasures, the Society will have an array of vintage automobiles and bicycles, as well as entertainment and refreshments. Tickets are $25 for adults; $12.50 for students. Guests must wear flat, soft-sole shoes. No cameras or baby strollers allowed. No handicapped access. For reservations, call [phone]; deadline is Sept. 18.

- B.D.

STEAM HEAT: Weeds, ants and white-fly infestations can all be killed with pesticides - but Thousand Oaks gardener James Nichols has a safer idea: hot water. He not only has become an expert on environmentally friendly gardening but also has a patented method and apparatus for nontoxic control of insects and weeds. Nichols will discuss chemical-free growing and gardening at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Soka University, 26800 W. Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. Admission is free. For reservations, call [phone].

- B.D.

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Photo:

(1 -- 3) no caption (Book: ``Grandma's Best Full-Size Quilt Blocks: Pieces of the Past for Today's Quilter'')

(4) no caption (ReadyBed slumber bag)

(5) no caption (Old Windsor Square)