It'll all work out

It's Sit n Sew today!!!!  While I wasn't worried, I was overbooked for the number of tables that are currently free. I never worry about this because there are always last-minute cancellations. It never fails. Well - I got FOUR cancellations - even a cancelation from someone who wasn't even on the list! We have loads of room to work today. The same thing happens with Monday Sewing - there's almost always someone who can't come and that leaves rooms for guests! Weird how it all works out!

I parked my car in two different locations yesterday and both times as I approached the parking spot, I second-guessed myself. Did I really park here?

Where's my car?

I swear I parked beside that big black truck.  Oh - I DID park beside the big black truck. It's just that my car is so short that you can't see the darn thing. It happens all the time. At least the car is a different color than most of the other cars in the lot which makes it a bit easier to spot.

Indeed - I parked beside the big black truck

I got back to the sewing machine yesterday, but gosh - I just couldn't keep at it. My back was not used to the strain of sewing? I was tired so I did have a nice nap in the afternoon. I made great progress on the magazine quilt and will get it out the door next week. Because of cancellations for a couple of the sewing days coming up - I'm going to rethink if they get canceled for the month. While I can sew on those days, I have a few things that need to get done this month and time is running out. And some computer jobs need to be done ASAP.

The day that we left Saskatoon, we took a side trip to visit our favorite book store. Robinson McNally. It really has a wide variety of books and often different stuff than what we find here. Since we were introduced to it years ago, it's been a MUST stop every trip we take to Saskatoon. We browsed our respective book sections and I always check out the magazines. Not that I need to buy more (although I did buy one), but I love to look.

As I was standing there, I realized something that I'm thrilled about.

See - these four magazines????? 

Latest issues of Love of Quilting, Quiltmaker, A Needle Pulling Thread and McCalls

I have a project in each of them!!!!  How cool is that?????

My project in each of the issues

That doesn't happen often!  And all of those publications are ones that are going to be sticking around for a while. Yeah!!! Although at the moment, I have the current quilt that I'm working on and after that, there is only one more quilt that needs to be made. I'll have to get to work designing some more.

I have to say that it was really easy to get ready for the sewing day today. It took me maybe five minutes (if that) to clear the tables off. That's the way it's supposed to be and I hope that that will continue in the future. Yes - there's still loads of stuff on the floor and some more boxes that need to be unpacked. After this month is over, there's a bit of breathing room and I hope to tackle more of the tidy up process so when the next Sit n Sew happens, there'll be room for more than 7 people.

It's almost back to school. Thankfully, I don't have anything to get ready! But some dates are coming up that we should be putting into our calendars.

Don't forget to check out my September classes at The Hobby Horse. Look down the list of events. In addition to the classes, there are a couple of demos coming up as well. One on "Know your Sewing Machine" (for beginners) and one on "Color and Value" which will be awesome. Oh - and there's one on "Rotary Cutting".   All are free and there'll be loads of information for you to contemplate.

There are also some classes starting next week at Oh Look Fabric. Check out their classes - we have a  four-part "Learn to quilt" class and another four-part class on making a T-shirt quilt. In those classes, we're going to start at the beginning and at the last class, you'll be putting the binding on. Something that doesn't normally happen with quilt classes.

On that note, I'm out of here!

Have a super day!

Ciao!!!

Mark these dates!!!!

A couple of dates that I forgot to mention or I want to mention again.

Tomorrow is the first class for the modern block quilt called Lilla. The class takes place at Oh Look Fabric in Milton. There are 25 different "modern" blocks in the quilt. We're going to walk through the process of choosing fabrics, lots of sewing, cutting, and pressing tips. And design - we're going to design our own quilts. If you want a fun evening out - sign up for the class by calling the store.

Lilla quilt pattern

If you're in the market to do some organizing, then I've got a great idea for you. The Brampton Quilter's Guild will be hosting the Downsizing Divas at the January guild meeting. I was a wee bit skeptical when I heard about this because almost every organizing guru does NOT understand the quilter's space. They immediately think CRAFT and while quilting is a craft, it's got a whole subcategory of its own. However, I'm happy to report that these ladies have spent considerable time in one of the guild members homes. So - I think they know what we're up against.  It promises to be a super and informative evening.

Here is the information about the meeting location, etc.

Brampton Quilters Guild - January Program –THE ART OF ORGANIZING AND DECLUTTERING YOUR SEWING SPACE!

Downsizing Diva Brampton and Caledon franchise owners, Brenda Alderdice, Maria Lourenco, and Mary DaSilva will be sharing their many years of experience to provide us with suggestions to organize your creative space including the importance of sorting your inventory and labeling, storage options, “easy find” methods and more!  

Check out their web site!  www.downsizingdiva.com    (click on Find your Diva)

The meeting is January 24, 2019, 7:30pm, Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre 292 Conestoga Dr, Brampton, ON L6Z 3M1  Members free, Guests $7.

My friend who used to quilt sent me this photo of her space which she just spent two days cleaning up. She now sews mostly home dec stuff - I've got something else to share with you about her and what she does. I'll save that for another day. 

A very tidy storage space

Let's just say that she doesn't need to come to the decluttering your sewing space lecture. What do you think??  Those are roman blinds that come down and hide her storage space. It's a very neat idea and tidies up the sewing space very quickly. That's just WAY TOO NEAT for me. 

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Doesn't that sound exciting???   I can hardly wait to go!!!  I have made leaps and bounds in my studio, but I'm always up for some new suggestions. 

Here's a couple of other dates to keep in mind. 

If you're interested in my UFO class - it starts on January 27 at 2 PM. I've got space for 3 more people. It might even become a work session - you never know.  Pick a project and we'll meet once a month to help break it down into manageable bits. Send me an e-mail if you're interested. 

Here's the link to all my classes that start in January in case you missed it.  You can get all the details on the two classes mentioned above plus the others and I think there is still room in the Kimberbell classes at Brampton Sew n Serge. Not so sure about those at the Hobby Horse. 

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EQ8  - anyone up for a class on EQ8?  I've got a class scheduled for February 10 at 1 PM (right after our UFO class that day!).  It's a three-hour class, you need to bring your laptop with EQ8. Depending on the participants, we'll go through the basics - setting up the workspace, starting a new quilt, starting a new block. If we have time, we'll go into importing fabrics and a few other fun things. Send me an e-mail if you're interested. If you have EQ7, let me know - if there's enough interest, perhaps we can have a class on EQ7, but seriously - if you have EQ7 - you SHOULD buy the upgrade. The new version is SO much easier!!!!!

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Yesterday was a challenging day. I got stuff done, but not without some challenges. I was working on the embroidery blocks for Jingle all the way and was having an issue. I'm not sure if it's my sewing machine or the embroidery design. The issue happened with ONE particular stitch. Not the stitch per se, but ONE particular spot. It was quite annoying, however by advancing (and bypassing) that one stitch, the thing stitched out perfectly. Now I'm doing research to understand why that ONE stitch caused me so much grief????? 

I did get four more blocks completed. They need to be cleaned up but I had run out of time by then. 

Four more blocks for Jingle all the way

I also had a HUGE customer quilt loaded on the long arm. And things were going great. Of course, there had to be an issue. This time it was a bobbin. The bobbin ran out. No big deal. I put in another bobbin and hit "pattern repair" to go back the couple of inches that the machine ran before I stopped it when the bobbin ran out. Instead of tracing back along the pattern, the machine made a beeline for the edge of the quilt. ACK!!!!!!   This somehow messed up the placement of the pattern and I couldn't get it back in the right spot to continue the row. OH, good grief. I tried several times and nothing.

I was having my issue with the embroidery machine about this same time and well - I went and had dinner. Then back at it where I solved both problems. I figured out how to get out of that row (on the computer) and then back into the row (on the computer). Then reset the registration mark and went back to the end of the stitching and it worked!!!!!   I was jumping up and down. How I learn these things? I've no idea. Thankfully I'm not afraid to try. What did I have to lose? I just remember Angela (my Quilt Path goddess!) say that she can take a quilt off the long arm and if she had to load it back that she can, as long as that registration mark is accessible. If she can do it - so can I!!!!!   It happened a second time. Not sure why - I've got a question into the User's Group to see if someone knows why. At least I know how to fix it - and that's all that's important.

Here's the customer quilt.  This is NOT even half of the quilt!!!!   It was HUGE.

Customer quilt  - DONE

It's all trimmed and ready for delivery. The next one is already loaded on the long arm. It's small - probably less than ¼ the size of this one. That should be easy to do today!!!

I was cleaning up the few Christmas things that I had put out. I threw my Christmas table runner in the wash and thought I'd share the label with you. This is a label that I printed on my inkjet printer. The table runner has been washed several times and the label is still very legible. No fading from the original washing. Remember to use BLACK ink only on the inkjet printers. Mine is an HP.

Inkjet printed labeled after it's been washed several times

Remember that love/hate relationship I used to have with my printer? Well, this new one (ell - it's not new anymore) is a keeper. With the software installed on my computer, I've had no issues since. I can print and scan and I've no issues. Oh - I love technology!!!!!  Most times!!!!

I'm chugging back my third glass of water right now and my super thick shake. I may have to add a wee bit of water to it or get a spoon. All is good on the eating/drinking front. They were chatting on the radio this morning about mindful eating. In other words - think about what your goals are and think about what you're eating/drinking. Do they match??? I do believe in that. I've got new health/fitness goals for this year and so far, I'm right on track. Now I need to get that foam roller out and do my exercises!!  Despite the wind yesterday, I walked to the library to drop off some books. Yep - if you dress for it - the weather is NOT an issue. 

On that note, have a great day!!!!

Ciao!!!

Classes for 2019 - Sign up now!!!!

It's time to get the word out. Today it's all about the ongoing classes that I'll be teaching in 2019. There's quite a variety and even one to help you finish your UFOs.



Kimberbell Quilt  -
Choose from THREE different quilt patterns.

Store: Brampton Sew n Serge
Phone number: 905-874-1564


If you're into Christmas, then choose Jingle all the way

Jingle all the Way - Sewing Version

Jingle all the Way - Machine Embroidery Version

How about Halloween? Then choose Broomhilda's Bakery

Broomhilda's Bakery! - The Machine Embroidery Version

Broomhilda's Bakery! - The Sewing Version

If you're not into holidays, there's a fun generic summer quilt called Hello Sunshine.

hello Sunshine! - The sewing version

hello Sunshine - The Machine Embroidery version

There is a fourth option, but the pattern won't be available until February. It's called Make Yourself at Home. You could do one, two, three, or even all four of them. That's for the ambitious out there.

This is a hands-on class (3 hours per session) where you'll bring your sewing machine. The patterns are available as traditional applique patterns or if you have an embroidery machine, you can make them with Machine Embroidery Applique which is very fun to do.

Some blocks require the use of unusual materials like vinyl and glitter. And all kinds of embellishments. It's going to be a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon once a month.

The quilts aren't huge - approximately 52" by 65". We'll also try and have a peek at cutting our applique shapes with a cutting machine.

There's still space in the class, but it'll go quick.  Note that Brampton Sew n Serge is having their open house on Jan 4 and 5th (that's TODAY and tomorrow). I'm still working on the samples so they won't be there for you to look at, but check out all the deals in their newsletter at this link. Check out the newsletter to see what other classes they offer as well.

I look forward to a fun show n tell at the end of this class. Be sure to reserve a spot - they won't last long.

I snipped the information from their newsletter here. I believe the class is 6 sessions long - just the first four are listed here.

Lilla

Store: Oh Look Fabric
Location: Milton
Phone: (905) 691-7765


This is a large quilt (90" by 90"), but you can make it any size you want. There's a total of 25 unique, modern blocks to sew up.

Lilla pattern by Lotta Jansdorrer and Cheryl Arkison

We're going to cover some interesting sewing techniques as we work through the 25 blocks. Choose one background for all the blocks and then use up a FQ collection for the blocks. Or make those backgrounds scrappy and all the block fabric the same or a combination of both.

The class goes for 9 months - Jan - June, no class in July and August, then back in Sept - November. It's on a Friday night so it's a perfect time to have dinner with a friend and then come to class. The first class is on January 11 at 7 PM - so get signed up NOW.  It's going to be loads of fun!!!!

• This 9-part class is great for new quilters or those looking for a new experience. We’ll meet once a month for a one-hour lesson where you get to share your homework and get tips on improving your piecing, cutting and pressing. The blocks for the next assignment will be discussed and many tips and shortcuts will be passed along. A great way to make new friends, regroup with old ones and learn something new at the same time. If you’re not into making the large quilt, there’ll be loads of discussion on design so you can make your quilt custom to you.

Ultimate Quilt Block Collection

Store: Hobby Horse
Phone: 905-877-9292

Each month, one or more blocks will be reviewed covering techniques specific to those block styles. You’ll learn how to dissect a block pattern to find alternate ways to put it together. We’re going to spend time exploring different settings for the blocks, matching up one or more blocks, and color/value options to make your own original quilt designs. Quilting designs and styles of quilt assembly will be squeezed into the classes as well. The class is a one-hour lecture per month for a total of 9 months.

Dates of this $25 Club are: January 26th, February 16th, March 23rd, April 20th, May 25th, June 22nd, September 28th, October 19th & November 23rd

Class Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Club Fee: $ 25  Book Required: $ 28.00 (Ultimate Quilt Block Collection by Lynn Goldsworthy)

North Stars

Store: Hobby Horse
Phone: 905-877-9292

North Stars is another great pattern by Elizabeth Hartman. Join us for a year-long project where you’ll learn how to read (and modify) patterns, get a better understanding of color and value as you choose the fabrics for each of the adorable nine animal blocks. We’ve got lots of tips and tricks for accurate piecing, pressing, and cutting. Mix and match the blocks to make your own quilt(s) and/or pillows. The class is a one-hour lecture per month for a total of 9 months.
The full-size quilt measures 82″ x 82″.

Dates for this Club
January 26th, February 16th, March 23rd, April 20th, May 25th, June 22nd, September 28th, October 19th & November 23rd

Class Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Club Fee: $ 25    Pattern Required

UFO - Finishing class

Location: My studio 

Cost: $125 - $25 is the class fee and $100 is your banked funds! Each month that you complete your goal, you'll get $10 back. 

This is a 10 part session, starting in January and ending up in November (we don't meet in July/August)

You'll pick one UFO or multiple UFOs if you're ambitious. In the one hour class, we're going to break up your project into doable segments. You'll decide your goal for the month based on your work schedule. When you return the following month AND you've achieved your goal for that month, you'll receive $10 back from your banked funds!

This is the perfect opportunity to dig out that project that has been hanging around for years. Don't know where you left off? Need to learn a new technique? Or you just need to get motivated? This is the class for you. 

The dates are:

• January 27 at 2 PM
• February 10 at 11 AM
• March 17 at 2 PM
• April 14 at 11 AM
• May 19 at 11 AM
• June 16 at 11 AM
• September 29 at 11 AM
• October 13 at 11 AM (Thanksgiving weekend - this date may change)
• November 17 at 11 AM

To sign up for this class, send me an e-mail. 

So there you have it! Those are the long-term projects for 2019. When signing up, please put those dates in your calendar. It would be great if you can attend all the classes, but I know that's not always possible. Remember, there's an incentive to attend the UFO class as that's the only way to get your money back - well, as long as your homework is complete. I'll put together an e-mail list for each class so if you miss, then you'll get the homework. I will NOT be putting my tips and suggestions in the e-mail. You need to attend class for that. 

If you're at all interested in any of the classes, I'd call/sign up today. I know that some of those classes have only a couple of spots left. Then you're on a waiting list. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Way up north!

It's amazing what one can do when you put your mind to it.

I finished the binding on that quilt that needed to be sent. Unfortunately as I was binding it, I realized that it needed a quilt sleeve as well. Oh shoot - I've got to perfect the technique of putting a sleeve on with the sewing machine. I've done it before - I MUST learn how to do it better. It takes time to hand stitch a sleeve on. I ended up pinning it - there was literally no time for anything else.

I ended up grabbing bags and winging stuff in so I could get ready and leave by noon. I left at 12:04 which was pretty good considering all that had to be done before I left. I even had lunch!

While I had a long drive ahead of me, it was going to take even longer as I had a few errands to do along the way. It was pretty funny actually how that worked out.

First stop - I dropped a book at the library. That was easy. Then to the UPS store to ship the quilt. Then I dropped a quilt off at Brampton Sew n Serge for a customer to pick up. Had a chat with the owner about an upcoming class. I believe it's in the newsletter that just came out yesterday. I'll be teaching a Kimberbell quilt at Brampton Sew n Serge in the new year. It'll be a multi-part class but there's a difference. You'll bring your sewing machine and we're going to work on the quilt in class. There are three quilts to choose from - Halloween, Christmas or a general one. There are two different versions of patterns - An embroidery version and and a regular sewing version.  This is going to be a super fun class. I'll be making the sample next week. In the meantime, you can check out the quilts at Kimberbell Designs. Hello Sunshine,  Christmas, Halloween    After you see how much fun the embroidery version is - you may just want to treat yourself to a new sewing/embroidery machine!

Then I hit the real highway. I had to stop in Orillia at the Book Re-View to pick up a couple of books that they had found for me. A quick stop at Thimbles and Things to get some bag hardware that I needed and couldn't find at home. OK - any excuse to stop by and say HI!

Back on the road where the next stop was the quilt store in Bracebridge - Quilting in Muskoka. I was there to use the gift certificate that a friend had won at the big shop hop a couple of months ago. She had attempted to get there a couple of weeks ago, but bad weather held her back. I offered to spend her money for her. That worked out great, except that I spent money as well! That wasn't so great!! I hadn't been to that shop in a while - not since the Quilter's MisBeehaven retreat closed several years ago.

That was the last of my errands and then I hit the road for real this time and headed towards North Bay. The roads were in perfect condition. Clean and dry - just the way I like them. It's very pretty up here - the trees are loaded with snow and there's ice on the rocks along the side of the road. I would have stopped for pictures but no time! I wanted to get to my destination.

It was dark by the time I arrived in North Bay where I filled up the gas tank and bought some munchies for the road. I haven't been on this highway in years! Traffic was good and I was able to make great time all the way. Then I passed through New Liskeard, but I was going even further north. I had thought about staying in New Liskeard last night, but decided to push the next 25 km and get to my destination - Earlton - the home of The Quilting Barn.  There is a massive sign about 5 km outside of town alerting the quilters in the car of a quilt store! I love it!!!!  At least I know I'm in the right place.

There is one small motel here in Earlton. We're not talking the Ritz, but it's clean and was quite comfortable. I unpacked most of the stuff from the car as I need to reorganize for today and then repack it all again. Better to do that here in the room than outside or at the store.

It was 7:30 when I arrived at the motel and after I unpacked the car, I just chilled and read until it was time to go to bed.

And fancy this - even this small hotel in the middle of nowhere has WiFi!!!!  WiFi is everywhere!

I would have been sunk otherwise as yesterday was the deadline to enter quilts into Quiltcon and of course, the link has been open since July, but I wait until the last possible moment when I'm 600 KM north of home to get that little detail done. I took pictures and edited them before I left but I had forgotten to take the measurements of the quilts. A quick text back home and I was able to get what I needed. While I struggle with technology sometimes, you gotta love how connected we all are!!!

I kept meaning to download an audiobook to my phone so I could listen on the way up. But I listened to CBC which came in loud and clear way up here. That was entertaining and kept me awake the entire way! I must remember to download the audiobook for the way home!

And so I'm getting ready for my presentations today and just hanging out in my room.

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!