Bursting at the seam!!!!

I'm so excited this morning; I'm practically bursting at the seams! Why? Well, there is good in this world! 

I almost hate to tell you this because it means that I have to be on the ball to ensure I can get a booking! What does that mean? We are staying at Retreat at the Farm, a retreat house near Shelbourne, Ontario. I think this is my fourth time or maybe my fifth. I write the numbers in the guest book, so I can remember. All the retreats seem to blend into each other! 

If you haven't been on a quilting retreat, you should find one to go to. While larger retreats are hosted at hotels, the smaller venues are the best (in my humble opinion). The even better news is that they are way cheaper!! There is a set fee for four days (Monday to Thursday) and another for three days (Friday to Sunday), and I rent for the entire week! Then we divvy up the cost amongst the participants, and we have a system to deal with the food. 

While the house could sleep nine, we have discovered that we like smaller groups. The sewing room here really works for five! Each person gets their own table, and there's a large room for pressing. Yes -- we have squeezed 7 into this room, but I like five. It's also the noise and the conversations -- if you have 7 people, there are seven different conversations, and multiple people are asking questions. Let's just say that I like five!

There's so much light in the sewing room that you literally have to wear sunglasses (or use the window shades!). The place is toasty warm even on cold, windy days. There is a wonderfully stocked kitchen, a brand new stove, a microwave that I can cook oatmeal in, and all the other things that one would need. 

The owner always has a little goodie bag for everyone with coupons from the local shops. OH -- with five, we each get our own bedroom!!! That is so worth it!!! And the beds are so comfy, 

We are booking for next year -- we have to as the place is filling up very quickly! It's out in the country but very close to Shelbourne. 

For meals, we divvy it up -- I've been doing this for many years, and we now have an excellent system for making it work. NO mass amounts of goodies are allowed, so we don't overeat, and all the meals were terrific!

If you have not gone on a small retreat, you MUST. Even working those three days, I accomplished so much, and I'm so fired up and inspired that I want to sew forever. That is just the best feeling in the world!!!

The second thing I want to mention is a quilt store that is not local to me, but boy -- they went above and beyond. The store is Stitch by Stitch in Kingston. I know the owner through Zoom classes (she's also a sewing machine dealer), and I met her this past week. 

They were offering a class on the Brother Scan and Cut, and I inadvertently signed up even though the class was in-person. Oops!!! Then I got a notification that someone else would be there via Zoom, so the Zoom option was available. YES -- so I sat for two hours yesterday and watched the class. I wasn't sure how it would work with the instructor in the classroom, but I swear, I had a BETTER seat than those in the classroom. 

Shauntae is a fantastic instructor, and it was her SECOND time teaching. Oh boy --- she is a keeper for sure. She was highly knowledgeable, and her camera work at letting me see was spot on. I was blown away!! I don't know how many people were in the classroom or how that end went, but I could hear her and see everything as if I were in the class. She was excellent, and the course was amazing. I have to write the store a glowing review because it was a fantastic experience. I'm not good a good student, but I was glued to the screen.  

I learned a ton of stuff, and as soon as I get home and check my supplies, I'll be placing an order -- a big one for supplies that I need but don't have. 

I've met a few of Heather's (the owner) other staff members, and I'm not sure where she found them, but she hired fantastic staff, and they are YOUNG!! This is so exciting for the industry -- they are young, enthusiastic, and know their stuff. I'm so impressed. 

It's like Creekbank Sewing; there is a mother/daughter team working the store, and it may have been a son teaching a sewing machine class. But YOUNG people -- the industry will survive!!!

The next time you order something from that large online store -- think about this experience. You would NEVER NEVER NEVER ever get that kind of support from them. Would it be worth it for me to pay a few extra dollars to buy from Heather? I wouldn't even think about it -- I know that when I get my supplies and I might have a question or two -- they would be there to support me. That level of support is critical to MY success. 

The problem in our industry (and probably so many others) is that people want to pay the absolute minimum amount for any product. Then they feel it is their RIGHT to march into a store and demand service or support for that product. And they want it for free. I've noticed that many store owners are standing up and saying NO. They will charge for the advice, or they just say NO. I'm so proud of them, and I'm definitely going to be doing the same thing. 

By that, I mean -- if you are taking a class from me, I have no problems answering questions, but if it's about your sewing machine or even a lesson that I've taught  -- GO and look for that answer BEFORE you come to me. I've had e-mails from people who ask questions, and the answer is in my notes -- I know it is because I send them the page. That just eats up my time, and I don't want to get burned out from admin stuff. And don't even think about asking me about a product you bought from the online store. I'll just laugh!!

My goal in teaching is to make the students self-sufficient. 

After the class, there was some practice on the Scan n Cut to check out the new skills. 

The Scan and Cut is set up

I definitely think there is a place for the Scan and Cut; I'm not sure that it's worth it for every project. If you have physical issues cutting, then I say, yes -- this may be the way to go, but I'd try a different pair of scissors or get the RIGHT pair of scissors for cutting. There are trimming scissors -- those are NOT meant for cutting applique shapes. 

But I'm anxious to try machine embroidery applique using the software. So that is on my plate for this week. I mean with a file that I've created! From scratch!

I"m sure if the job is small, I could have that traced, cut, and finished with a satin stitch before I could even get the fabric cut with the Scan and Cut. But large or repetitive jobs, I think this might be the way to go. But LOTS of steps and lots of technology are required. 

PLaying with the TWO Scan and Cut machines

We had a visitor who brought her Scan and Cut. We had planned to have a Scan and Cut session yesterday, and then that class came along. How timely!!!

But the excitement does end there. I told you I was bursting at the seams. It took way longer to make up the 64 blocks required for my yellow flannel scrappy quilt. But I got all the squares done, and I had to cut 5 squares of solid fabric as I had run out of scraps. 

The squares for the scrappy flannel quilt 

And once I got it together, this is what it looks like. It definitely has a modern vibe to it, and I LOVE it. It's only about 38 inches square but super cute. The backing and the binding are also done, and it's ready to be quilted. 

My scrappy flannel quilt

Once that was done, I thought about what I had brought out to work on and what was in the project bag, and I put the other two projects back in my bag and pulled out this bag of pinwheel units. They have been in the retreat bag for several trips, and it's time to get them together. I could have put sashing between them but instead decided to sew them together. 

Pinwheel blocks laid out for sewing

I have no idea where the little triangles came from, and I don't think they belonged to me. But I got a good laugh as I was laying them out. Look how perfectly it worked out! I'm missing TWO half-square triangles to get a decent-sized top. I don't have any fabric with me, so I'm putting together what I can, and then I'll finish up those two when I get home. I'll likely add a border, or maybe not. 

Missing two half-square triangles

And as I'm working on those, I'm making MORE of those little half square triangles as my enders and leaders. These scraps came from the quilt on the magazine's cover at the top of my blog. One bag is those units that are sewn, and one still needs to be stitched. 

Enders and leaders

I've realized one thing over time. I have way more fun working with scraps and making something from nothing than cutting up yardage and creating a "pretty" quilt. It's just that darn pioneer spirit in me. And even better? I could literally sew from my scrap boxes and NEVER run out of something to sew. 

I have a basket of red flannel scraps that I'll be cutting up for the next retreat, and I'll be making a red flannel quilt! What else will you do with those scraps left over from making clothes with all the weird curves etc.? 

And NO -- I do not and will NOT accept your scraps. They are a treasure, and I think everyone should learn to play with them. OK -- I know they are not for everyone, but honestly, if you don't want to buy new fabric, you need to make scrap quilts!

I used the new PROJECTION system (including laser) on the creative icon last night, and it's fabulous!!! 

But nothing warms my heart like someone learning the sewing machine they have. We do not need to buy a new machine; we just need to know how to use our existing machine. Dede has learned MANY things about her Janome this week. I gave her a couple of topics, and she looked them up in the manual, and she was good!!!

Susan, who also has a Janome, showed her how to make buttonholes, something Dede has never done!!!! 

Practicing the buttonhole

I'm always up earlier than anyone and hate to turn on the lights, although no one would see them. That's another thing I like about the house at Retreat at the Farm, there's lots of room, and the sewing room is situated so if you want to sew late into the night or early in the morning, the rest of the house can't hear or see the lights. I LOVE IT!!!

However, the lighting system on the creative icon is so bright that you don't need an overhead light!

Bright lighting on the creative icon 2

Look at how much it lights up the entire sewing room!!!

That's a LOT of light

I've made progress on sewing my little pinwheel blocks together, and I NEED to get back at it! I have one more project lined up today. Sadly, today is the day we have to go home. But after an entire week, you are ready to go home. I'm totally recharged and ready to tackle ANYTHING, which is good because I still have some e-mails to answer. And there might be a document or two that still needs to be written. 

PHEW -- I'm glad I got that all out because I was literally sitting here and bursting to tell you all about the good things happening. It's not because I'm lucky -- it's because I make (or allow) them to happen, and I always look at the bright side of everything! 

And on that note, I'm out of here to SEW!!!!!!

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!!

PS --- If you're looking for something to do, get out your sewing machine manual and READ IT. Pick a new technique or a new foot and TRY it. People are so scared of breaking stuff, and you have to try really hard to do that!!!!

Fall Classes

Yes - classes are going to start very soon and I haven't had a chance to tell you what I am doing. So today is the day!   For the moment, I am still teaching at four stores in the area and will continue to do so although the number of classes is severely reduced from previous. Thank goodness I love my day job or I'd be in big trouble. I feel it is really importanat for me to maintain FACE time with "real" quilters for my sanity and to get feedback on trends, etc.  

Without further ado - here are the classes for the Fall of 2015. 

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Ruti's Needlebed
10 Thomas Street - Streetsville (Mississauga)
Phone Number - 905-821-9370


Table Runner (Quilting Inspirations)   
1st Saturday of every month (September to June)
10:30 AM  OR 12:00 NOON
ALL levels welcome

In month one, I'll cover the piecing instructions of a tablerunner. Show n tell is also welcome as are questions about anything quilt related. That's the easy part!  The following month, we'll look at options for quilting the table runner. The focus will be on inspirations for free motion designs, but if straight lines work better - we'll cover that as well. We'll be chatting about all things free motion - thread choices, types of batting, backing, how to finish off the edge of a project, labels, sleeves - you ask the question - I've got the answer. The goal is to make an inspiration book with quilting designs. 

This is a great class because you get to come back every month to see how others have intrepreted the piecing instructions and then to see how different styles of quilting and thread choices can affect the final project. We will be working from ONE BOOKLET "On The Run Again" by Anka's Treasures. In total we will make 5 table runners and finish all 5 of them!

If you cannot make the Saturday class, Ruthi will be teaching the same class on the 4th Tuesday. 

On The Run Again by Anka's Treasures

Garden Quilt
1st Saturday of every month (September to June)
2:00 PM
NO applique experience required!

This fun applique project by Amy Bradley allows you to build a whimsical and beautiful garden without getting your hands dirty!  We are going to focus on fusible applique, but other applique technqiues will be covered. I've got some great embellishment tips, tips on thread choices, fabric choices and loads more. It promised to be a lively class and I can't wait to see how our gardens grow!   We might even work in Applique with the Brother Scan n Cut so if you have one - this might be the class for you!  ( I'm commited now that I wrote that!) Quilt is 52" by 64". 

|Garden quilt by Amy Bradley

Please note the FIRST SATURDAY is September 5  - so think quick!!!!!!   Actually, no thinking required - sign up - you won't be disappointed!!!!!    Please note - that the class for Jan will be held on Jan 9, NOT Jan 2. I think you'll agree with me. 

Call Ruti's at 905-821-9370 to sign up. 



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Brampton Sew n Serge
289 Rutherford Rd S.
Brampton
905-874-1564


STITCHER’S GARDEN QUILT
Wednesday:  Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16, 2015 Jan 20 & Feb17, 2016
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Cost:$130.00 (pattern and supplies extra) Pattern $25.00

 While this looks like a traditional applique quilt, we are going to use some very non-traditional techniques to put it together. The six part (hands-on) class will explore many different techniques using a variety of accessory feet and many decorative stitches from the sewing machine.The applique backgrounds are pre-quilted, yet this is NOT a “Quilt as you go” quilt. Different threads and techniques will be used to embellish the quilt. It is going to be informative and loads of FUN! The finished quilt measures 85”x93”.  

Stitcher's Garden

Oh yes - we had loads of fun when I taught this last year and the show n tell is coming up soon. I wouldn't hesitate as I hear the class is almost full. If you are interested to see the actual quilts from last time - the show n tell is on September 9 at 6 PM.  A great time to get ideas on colour schemes. 

Call Brampton Sew n Serge directly at 905-874-1564 to sign up!


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Sew Sisters

3961 Chesswood Dr, North York, ON M3J 2R8
Phone (416-633-8800

Introduction to Machine Quilting

Saturday, September 19

Time: 1 PM - 4 PM

This is going to be an amazing opportunity to learn how to machine quilt. Many quilting class focus on "how" to machine quilt. While I teach you how to machine quilt,  I also teach you how to fix all those problems that stop you from quilting. So we'll be looking at thread choices, tension, options for needles, batting, basting and OH yes - we will get to do some machine work. Learn all the tips and tricks that all the pros do and soon you will be quilting like a pro yourself!

Free Motion Quilting

Saturday, October 10

Time: 1:00  PM - 4:00 PM

This is a follow up class to the Introduction class and we're going to put the pedal to the metal!   What exactly is free motion and how does one go about becoming proficient at it?  Learning how to regulate the stitch length, how to take control of your work and much much more will be covered.  Oh yes - it is an itense course, but all you need is to have taken the Introduction to Machine Quilting and you are good to go. Loads of great ideas and tips. 

Improving Techniques

Saturday, November 21

Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

This is a lecture style event. You just need to bring a notebook and a pen. Oh - and your quilting concerns as well. Those common issues that you struggle with - how to get that "perfect" scant 1/4" seam allowance, how to press to get your blocks FLAT, how to properly put on a binding and much much more will be DEMONSTRATED in this class. If you haven't purchased a copy of my Tech Tips book - this will be a good opportunity as I will have them availabe and be using it as a guide. 

Please call Sew Sisters directly to sign up for these classes.  If you want to improve your technical skills - you can't miss out on these classes!   416-633-8800. 

There are some GREAT new Saturday Sampler quilts coming up for 2016.  Watch for those. And I had better get piecing!

Please call Sew Sisters directly to sign up for these classes.  If you want to improve your technical skills - you can't miss out on these classes!   416-633-8800. 

There are some GREAT new Saturday Sampler quilts coming up for 2016.  Watch for those. And I had better get piecing!

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Hobby Horse Quilt Shop

12707 9th Line  - RR #5

Georgetown, Ontario

(905) 877-9292

Machine Quilting   

Saturday, September 26 

12:30 – 3:30 

$30.00 includes kit

 Start quilting the quilts you have made over the summer! Elaine will show you how to achieve excellent results with her advice, tips and techniques.

(this is same class as at Sew Sisters - just shorter description)

Professional Bag 

Sunday, October 4 & 18 

12:30 – 3:30 

$27.00 & pattern 

 This is a bag full of pockets and compartments and it will hold a laptop computer, your sewing supplies, or serve as a diaper bag. Everything inside will be tucked away with a top zipper closure.

 Free Motion Quilting 

Saturday November 28 

12:30 — 3:30 $14

 (pre-req Machine Quilting 

It’s time to learning free motion quilting with a free motion foot! Elaine will share her ideas and tips for your artistic free motion quilting adventures.

(same class as Sew Sisters - just shorter description)

Call the Hobby Horse Quilt Shop (905) 877-9292  to get signed up for these great classes.  That Professional Tote is fabulous and comes in TWO sizes.   

And there are a couple of great $25 quilts in the works for 2016 - watch for those!!!!  One will be pieced and the other will be appliqued. 

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Misty Pines

I will also be teaching this class at my home studio.  I believe I have 21 kits for this quilt. All of them are spoken for, although once I finish cutting, I might be able to eek out another kit or two.  Remember these kits are 99% pre-cut. You just need to sit down and start sewing!    

Misty Pines

Date: September 27 (Sunday)

My home studio

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Cost $30   (plus $100 for the pre-cut kit)

If you have a kit from another source - you are welcome to attend this class, but keep in mind - we will NOT be cutting as the kits I'm providing are already precut. We can chat about the cutting.  If there is enough interest, I will run this class once more later in the fall. 

E-mail me if you are interested in the class or leave a comment on the blog and I'll schedule you in. 

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I will likely have a couple of sit n sews in October and November - just haven't had time to schedule them in yet. 

If there are any questions about this - let me know.  Yes I am teaching machine quilting and free motion at two different stores.  This is a very important class and by offering it in two different areas, I hope to get more people quilting their own quilts!!!!!   

Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ciao!!!!!!!!

Another adventure........................

The quote for today is "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."   Helen Keller

Another one of my favourites - I actually have it on a bracelet (that has a bicycle on it - of course)  and pretty appropriate as I start this summer's bike trip tomorrow. (and already thinking about what to do next year).


Well before one leaves on an adventure - life goes on at home.  In addition to gathering a couple of class samples (one I had to make), one I had to dig out of the TO BE QUILTED boxes, I had some class requirements to make up.  Whew - I think I am done with that.  If not - well - I'm not and that is all there is!

This is the block that I made yesterday.  I am teaching this class at The Hobby Horse in the middle of September.   It is called "If the Hat Fits" by Buggy Barn (From their book called Frightfully Crazy).  There are a couple of other patterns in the book and you can choose which ever one you want - cats, stars and pumpkins plus the witches.  Very cute and a VERY forgiving technique.  

Then it was back to blogging.  I am making good progress and am pretty much right on schedule. I have one more to complete this morning, I want to proof a couple of them and there remains one left - the most fun one. But that will have to wait until I am back.


Like everyday at our house - it is hard to work WITHOUT an interruption. But when the interruption is so cute - how can you say no?

Guess who came to visit AGAIN!!!!!    Yep - I think Milo needs to move in permanently.  He is just the cutest and we love him!!!!

Milo - he just runs around so much and it was a bit humid - he was hot!!!!

Milo and Sammy taking a break

I just love how he lies with his back legs flat out!!!

 While Milo is cute, no one said he was the brightest tack in the box.  Yesterday I am downstairs and all of a sudden I hear GALES of laughter from outside.  Huge - OH MY GOD - I had to see what was going on.  I run up the stairs and all I see is a WET DOG RUNNING and water all over the kitchen floor.

Apparently Milo was checking out the pond. I guess he thought he was a god dog?  and could walk on water. Anyway - he fell in.  At least we know he can swim!!!!   And what did he do???  Oh yes - right into the house - there was water everywhere. The silly kids did not predict that he would run in the house. And let's not forget the time when he attempted to run outside - right into the screen!!!!   Yep - we need to work on him a bit.   Well between running around in the house and out - he was a mess!!!!!   But still cute.

A VERY WET DOG - but he kept his head dry!

Sammy then had to check out what had happened to Milo.   She NEVER goes to the pond - at least never in that spot. Although she tested the waters - she knew better than to step off! 

So there is ONE bad thing about Milo coming over.   Sparky, Sammy and M are all worried that Milo will surpass them in tags on the blog!!!!!!!!!!!!     Oh yes - it is a big deal  - who has the most.   I guess they all get a tag today - just to keep things even.   But come on - you have to do something exciting to get a tag!!!!!!

See how much the green stuff has grown up in and around the pond this year.  I think it is going to be time for a BIG pruning this fall. 

Well tonight I will be sleeping in my tent.  I am actually looking forward to it.  Nice and quiet (hopefully). No storms I hope!

I spent a bit of time yesterday getting everything organized.  Amazing how it all comes back and you know exactly what is missing. The red bag is all the camping/sleeping stuff. Orange bag is clothes. The two small red bags are what I will carry on my bike.  Last year - I only took one and I ended up in the rain several times without a decent coat - so this year I will carry the darn thing every day - I hope I won't need to use it. Of course my helmet and the grey backpack is the entertainment bag! I got everything charged up last night so I think I am good to go. Only thing I am missing is a bike box to ship my bike back home.  I asked earlier this week, but the store got over zealous and cut them up without remembering me!!!!!

Packed and ready to go!

 I also did a bit of checking this morning - cross referenced our route (thanks to the maps that I saved from last year).  Apparently we go past FIVE quilt shops that are on the Row by Row Experience.  Well - actually six, but the first one is on Monday and they are closed. Several we ride right past.  I sure missed them last year - of course - I was following Neil and his focus was on the goodies!!!!!  

None of the five shops have license plates so if I don't get a chance to stop - I'm not going to worry about it. But would be fun to grab one or two patterns at least. It will depend on the weather, the time and how I am feeling.  I may want/need a break!!!!

I will be riding out tomorrow morning with the rest of the Tour du Canada group.  I am a bit nervous since they have been riding since the middle of June and I have been messing around with everything else but cycling. Slow and easy is going to be my motto for the first week.  OK - for the entire trip!

Although I should be able to keep the blog up to date, if you don't hear from me - don't be alarmed.  We are at the mercy of internet connections in the camp grounds which are not always the best.  I have visions of sitting in many laundry rooms blogging.  That is usually where the connections are located.   If you don't see my blog - check out Craig's blog.  I have been following him since they left Vancouver. They seem to be having a LOT of tail winds and I want those!!!!   I'll be updating Facebook when I get into camp (provided I have cell service which is pretty good from here to the east coast)

On that note - I am out of here to get my last day of blogging done.      So don't forget to check out QUILTsocial.com this week.  I am the guest blogging and you get to see why I am so excited about this new sewing machine from Husqvarna Viking. PS - it is the Opal 690Q.

Have a great day!!!!


Ciao!

Circle of Life

Had a class at my studio on Sunday and we were working on an AWESOME project. Do you want to see what it was????

Here are the blocks .....................

Linda

Jackie

Katheleen

Lynn

Elaine (me!)

Doesn't look like a typical quilt block. What the heck were we working on?????   Have a look - here is the pattern....................

Circle of Life by Jacqueline de Jong

We started with the center which is made up of EIGHT diamonds. The colouring in each one is different and we paper pieced it. It took a bit to get ourselves organized with the colours. But I think everyone will be very happy with the end result.


Stay tuned - we will be meeting in a couple of weeks to continue with the next step. I know Jackie was busy working on her diamonds yesterday and no doubt that she will have her homework done for the next class.


And that is the good news. The bad news - I went to take a picture with my big camera this morning and NOTHING. The battery is fine, but the shutter just won't click. I tried turning it off, then back on and still nothing. Guess I better call Canon today and see what can be done. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. So back to the little camera. I have to take better care of things.

Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's all about the NUMBERS!

Do you remember that picture from my One Block Wonder class a couple of days ago????

No - well here it is again.

Well - I am currently getting my next article ready for A Needle Pulling Thread. Guess what the topic is????

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE!!!!!!!


I had prepared this article a number of years ago and handed it out to some of my students - (here is an interesting tidbit -  if I do a rough calculation - I have taught HUNDREDS of classes and THOUSANDS of students over the last 11 years that I have been teaching quilting. I never thought about it that way - that is HUGE!!!!!!)


Anyway as I was going through this article to see if I should make any changes - well - I think I have FAILED!!!!   There are a few references to noise levels!!!!   Ooops - I think we totally ignored that one at this class. But here is the difference - EVERYONE was having fun - EVERYONE was participating - EVERYONE was getting work done and EVERYONE went home feeling great.

I am worried because today is CHRISTMAS CLUB at Cockadoodle Quilts and that class is VERY ROWDY. I am going to read them some of my Etiquette suggestions!!!!!   Oh dear - my sides are hurting already!

But the last point I make in the article is to HAVE FUN in a class - oh yes - I really try to make every class fun or as entertaining as possible!!!!

Watch for the article in A Needle Pulling Thread - Summer 2011 issue - hits newsstands at the end of May.


Yesterday was a bit of a whirlwind day - I was sitting in the A Needle Pulling Thread booth at The CreativFestival. I was binding one of the tie quilts (got to get it ready for the Brampton Quilt Show - April 30 - May1). I did NOT get much binding done as I was chatting (OK - I take after my father!!!!!) to everyone about the quilt, how to use ties in quilts and then catching up with everyone who stopped by.

I did manage to get out and spend a bit of cash - sorry no pictures, but I DID NOT use any plastic. Yeah!!!! Oh yes - I was tempted, but I restrained myself.

Then onto Cockadoodle quilts for sit n sew evening. Linda as usual was in fine form and working on a quilt that I want to make. She is always ahead of me on these projects. Hmmmmm - what does she want to make next so I can start now!!!

Anyway here is one of her current projects.

Linda - Christmas tree quilt

Linda - lights for Christmas tree quilt border

 Is this not the CUTEST thing around??   It is a pattern by Alex Anderson from many many years ago. I can't even remember the name of the darn thing right now. But very cute - I think Alex did it with a black background originally and then did one with black/white.

Kathy was busy working on one of my FAVOURITE quilts. A SCRAPPY PINEAPPLE. I was hoping she wouldn't notice if the blocks somehow came home with me - but she was holding onto them pretty tight. I don't blame her - they are GORGEOUS. So remember all those scraps I have been cutting - I just found a project for them. The pattern was printed onto flannel (I have LOADS of flannel) using a transfer pen and then foundation pieced. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this.

Kathy - pineapple TIDBITS

I did not get pictures of what the others were working on. Too many DAMN secrets if you ask me. I was NOT allowed to take pictures of what I was working on. It is the current Border Creek Mystery that Cockadoodle is running. I am a tad behind (they just handed out Clue 7) and I was working on Clue 1 - when I arrived last night. I managed to ALMOST get through Clue 3. But the first couple of Clues are always the worst in a mystery - they usually have the most cutting and sewing. I hope it will go faster as I work my way through the clues.

CAN'T take a picture of what Flo was working on because she was working on Mary's round robin which is also a secret.

See - everyone wants pictures, but there are restrictions!!!!!!!   I didn't get pictures of what the others on the other side of the room were working on - at least they were NOT secret!!!


And I should really run because I have a customer coming at 9 to drop off a quilt (they were just so happy with the last one - all trimmed up and ready to sew on the binding) that they are dropping another one off - she just picked up the last one a couple of days ago!!!!   I have to finish my homework for my class this morning (do NOT tell the Christmas Club students - I'll never hear the end of it and I had better READ that etiquette article myself!!!!!) and I have to get ready for a teacher who is coming at 1 to discuss making a memory quilt for a seniors home in the neighbourhood. More on that later as we work out the details. Caroline (M's friend) is going to be the lead on that project. It should be fun!!!!

Oh yes - almost forgot the progress report

Red/white: nothing new - no time
Patchwork Sampler block - no new ones done - no time
Number of Tim's hot chocolates drunk yesterday - ZERO - no desire!!!!!

Here is an interesting note about those hot chocolates. According to the nutrition guide on Tim Horton's web site a 10 OZ Hot chocolate (is that the large?????) has TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY calories. OK - I cringe when I write that. And some days I would have TWO or THREE. It's a wonder I don't weigh twice as much as I do.

Now to get rid of ONE POUND of weight - you have to burn 3,500 calories. So imagine if I  go COLD TURKEY and no more hot chocolates and I do nothing else. 240 calories per day times 365 days is 87,600 CALORIES in a year from hot chocolates. And that is just ONE a day - I am sure it works out to more. If I divide that number by 3,500 - there is TWENTY FIVE pounds in ONE YEAR from just eliminating this from my diet and I don't have to do anything different - no additional exercise - nothing. Oh yes - I am PUMPED to make this happen. Matter of fact - I think I might try to go cold turkey. Honestly it is very much a social habit and heck - I can drink water and not feel left out.

Wow - that was an eye opener. See I told you - you HAVE to write it out before it makes sense.

On that note.........

Have a GREAT day!!!!


Ciao!!!!!!!!

I told you!!!!!

Yes - multitasking works for some things, but NOT when trying to play Scrabble and talking on the phone. Carol and I were playing a VERY TIGHT game and she played her turn and THEN CALLED ME. She was just slightly ahead of me and I think that she was trying to get me to play while talking to her on the phone!!!!   NO - I NEED TIME to think especially when the stakes are so high!!!   After I got off the phone, I managed to play an EXCELLENT  word - "defect" (on a double word space) and that was the clincher although I was worried because she came back with "fumy" also on a double word space. I plunked down my U (last letter) to spell UM on a double word space and eeked past her with a ONE POINT lead. Fortunately I went out first and I then gained TWO more points from what she had on her tray. OH BOY - talk about stress!!!!   I love those close games (of course I love them more if I win!!!!), but I prefer the close ones to the run away score ones.

Yesterday - well what can I say. I was teaching Braid Quilts at Cockadoodle. It was a BARREL of laughs the entire day.

First - here is my progress report.

Patchwork Sampler - Block 25 - Double Cross

There are EIGHT blocks left!!!!!   I am getting excited - the end is in sight.

Red/white - yes I know you are getting tired of seeing it - well it is ALMOST completely together. Yeah and then just put that border on and it will be done!!!!

OK - so you have to realize who was in the braid class. Karen (THE Karen who gave me the damn - I mean "MAGIC" apron), her Mom - Railli, and two of their friends - Tony (yes a man!!) and his wife Linda. Beth (ooops - she was "sick" - should I even mention her name??????  Well she had a fever of AT LEAST 104!!!!) and Sandra - who was our calm among the crazies!!!!

What were they supposed to be working on?????

Autumn Braid by Cozy Strip Club

Tony - hard at work cutting his strips. 

Tony has been quilting for TWENTY years!!!!!   I know and he is good at what he does. He has MANY sewing and quilting machines. He brought in some of his handiwork to show me.

Bears - embroidered quilt

Disney - embroidered quilt

Completely embroidered wall hanging

Completely embroidered wall hanging

 Pretty impressive - FOR A GUY!!!!!   Just kidding Tony - your work was amazing.

Close of Tony and Linda quilt

And ladies - wouldn't you like to have a Tony in your life. He CUTS ALL the fabric for his wife!!!!  Tony and Linda were using the same colours, but making TWO different quilts.

Show n tell at the end of the day (from left to right)
Tony and Linda (they got tons more done, but it didn't make it on the wall)
Karen really went to town and got a LOT of different lengths done
Railli got a few pieces together (she spent a LOT of time cutting)
Beth - got framing around two pieces and joined them with the background
Sandra got an entire row pieced.

Great job everyone - they look AWESOME. This is a GREAT scrap user. 

Karen blowing candles out
It was her birthday - she is 29!!!   AGAIN!!!!

 And well - there were times when it was pretty noisy in the room, so Karen demonstrated what one teacher (crap - I can't remember who now) used her hands to get the attention of the class for a "teaching moment".
Here is my class - hamming it up for one of their "teaching moments".

A teaching moment!!!!!

 All in all - it was an AWESOME DAY - thanks to all the students - it was FUN!!!!

Then home and that took TWO HOURS. I was pretty inspired when I left but by the time I got home - I was just glad to be home. Some accident (car on fire) on the stupid highway.


Got a few extra minutes to catch up some of the other pictures in the editor. These are pictures from the Sit N Sew day last Sunday.

Alberta - choosing fabrics for a 30s theme quilt. 

Linda - getting her quilt ready to load on the long arm. This is Patchwork Sampler and because of HER - I dug mine out.
Thanks Linda!!!

Here she is - ALMOST finished. 

Linda and her COMPLETED quilt. I hear she already has the binding on!!!!  

Mary completed a Miranda Bag (my favourite!!!)

Mary's show n tell - a VERY SIMPLE quilt, but it looks so beachy!!!!   Lots of great quilting will make this look awesome. 

Ronda with an audience. And why you ask?????   Well she brought the girls a TREAT from Tim's!!!

Ronda's miniature. It is so cute and she did the entire thing in one day. Didn't get a chance to get the last two border pieces on. 

Sharon was working on her nutcracker quilt and she also has TWO border pieces left to put on. 

Here is everyone hard at work. It was a crazy day with NINE people here. Hmmmm - do you notice that big WHITE spot in the background. Do you want to know why it is there????   Well Lynn was working on Carol's round robin and as I was preparing the pictures to post - I realized it was there. So I ERASED it!!!!

Oooops - I left just a smidgen of her center to tease her!!!!   Don't worry - that is the part that she did so she has seen that part.

Sparky (AKA the big black dog) did NOT like the thunder and ADORES Mary so Sparky was hiding beside and behind  Mary for most of the day. 

Sparky - zoned out. 

Sammy (AKA the fuzzy dog) was also zoned out but beside me.

 And where was Kaylee in all this????   Well after she got her Tim's treat and caused some chaos - it was time for a nap. She is NOT allowed on the sofa or chairs (at my house) so she took the next best thing - the ottoman. Right in the front window where she could lift her head if she choose to see what was happening.

Kaylee - zoned out on the ottoman. Notice that she has MY SLIPPER with her. 

 That about wraps it up for today.


Have a great day - I've got loads to do today - AS USUAL.


Ciao!!!!!!