May Your World

I'm not sure how this happened, but except for two short classes that are repeat classes so don't require any prep work, I have NOTHING scheduled for TWO entire weeks. How the heck did that happen?

Now that doesn't mean that I don't have things to do. What it means is that I actually have loads of time to get those things done. No deadlines, no pressure. Now that's not entirely true as there are deadlines, but nothing super urgent at the moment. The trick is to not fritter that time away and actually get work done!

I did manage to get a quilt quilted last night - it's one of mine destined for a magazine so I can't share it with you. But you'll see it soon enough. I think there are currently four more magazine quilts that are waiting to be assembled. 

In case you're looking to fill your calendar, here's a couple of classes that I'm teaching at The Hobby Horse in September. 

Bench Buddies

These little pillows (done with machine applique embroidery or regular applique) are the cutest things around. I'll be making samples this week and sharing with you. I want to make them ALL. They are small - you'll get one done in class and no UFO. The pattern is by Kimberbell. There are two different sizes of pillows for each month and there are two different books so far. A nice touch to change out each month.

Machine quilting

So if you haven't taken a machine quilting class with me - you should. There are so many factors related to machine quilting and it's NOT just about you and the machine. It's about needles and threads and solving your problems when you quilt at home when there's no one around to ask questions. If you're not sure about machine quilting, then you need to take this class. This is a technique class. NO UFOs to contend with. Matter of fact, this will help you clear up those UFOs.

POSH Santa

I showed you the sample that I made a while back. Here it is again in case you don't remember. It's so cute. And surprisingly, it's easy. YES - even with all those curves. You should have no problem getting this completed in a day. That's what we're looking for - classes you can finish in a day!!! This project uses the Sew Kind of Wonderful Mini Ruler. They have loads of other projects that use this ruler so it's not a one of kind of thing.

My version of POSH Santa

There are other classes, but this is a start. If you've never taken a class with me, you should. I try to make the classes fun, yet everyone goes away learning one little tidbit on pressing, accuracy or whatever.

You need to call the Hobby Horse to sign up.


Mondays are a strange day. First off, it's the BEST day of the week especially when we have Monday sewing. And there are times when I think I come home with more than I take. But the laughter, the conversation, the friendships - it's just the BEST. You cannot get that on-line or through social media. You just can't!

Yesterday, I got the backing for one of the community projects quilts that we worked on earlier this month. Lynn took the yardage home to make the backing for this giant quilt. That one got moved into the "to be quilted" pile.

To be quilted for community projects

Diane was finishing up the quilt that she took home. WHOA!!! That's pretty bright! Actually, the quilt above and this one are the SAME design. Just realized that. I have scraps of the two colors left so I hope to have enough to make the binding. I'll be doing that later today. This is a very fun quilt - I grabbed scrap yardage of several hot pinks and three small yardages of the other fabric. Cut it into strips and it went to Diane for sewing. There's a LOT of work in this one - we won't be doing that too often. The huge one above had been donated to me - it just needed the borders on and then it was done.

One more community projects quilt tops - done!

So what's the progress on the gingerbread quilt? I got the roof stitched in place and the rest of the candies. That leaves the hearts for the windows. I'm so excited  - I'm very close to getting this done.

Gingerbread block is ALMOST done

I very easily found the basket with the Ultrasuede in the stash room. It's amazing what you can find when you have access to everything. However, I've decided that if I persevered with fabric for all the other small bits, that I'm going to make the heart windows out of fabric as well. I'm going to try and get the edges turned under this week and then I'll stitch them next Monday.

Ultrasuede from the stash

Since the applique is almost finished, it's time to find another hand project for Mondays. I do have loads of projects that need prepping, but I also have this embroidery quilt. I think there are three blocks left including this one. A while back, I had traced all the lines onto the fabric. It's time. I can't take this home to my parents as every time, I pull it out, my Mom asks - is that the same embroidery (that I've taken each year for many years!)

Embroidery project 

If there are only three blocks left - then I should get it done in a reasonably short time. It's on my Dirty Dozen list from 2018 and it would be nice to start getting rid of some of those projects. Those quilts on those lists are the focus of my Monday sewing.


I wanted this to be a surprise for M, but I have to share it with you. I sent her a picture yesterday and I had to laugh at her comments. OMG DID I WRITE THAT ON A NOTE? along with a lot of laughing smiley faces. Nope - she didn't write it on a note - she drew a map. A map of our street with labels and colors. I discovered the map when I was cleaning up some of her stuff. I had a good chuckle about it, but when I learned that the challenge for Quilts at the Creek was Map Your World, I thought it would be super fun to convert her map into a quilt.

The original map

I enlarged the original by 200%. Ripped through the fabric baskets to find the big pieces needed. Sewed the background together and then appliqued the houses on. I satin stitched around all the houses and trees and then used my embroidery machine to do all the lettering. I had a lot of fun making this piece. The proportion is a wee bit off from reality, but as I was making this in M's old room (Studio U), I could see the one TWO of the three HOT GUY houses from where I was stitching.

M's neighborhood map recreated in fabric

And one of the "HOT GUYS" still lives at home and he waved to me the other day as he came home from work. I was walking the dog - he didn't see me in the studio! That would be wrong!

And for the record, Murphy goes hysterical whenever I see the Mom walking their dog (Bentley). She just can't control herself. Why is that???


When I did my walkabout at Quilts at the Creek, the ladies thought it would be a great idea to take a picture of them pointing to the hot guys. I LOVE IT. Thanks to all who came for the walkabout. It was a lot of fun and I LOVE this picture.

Ladies pointing out the HOT GUY houses

I'm going to phototransfer her map onto the back of the quilt and add a label. Hope to get that done this week. I do NOT want to have this hanging over my head - get it DONE.

I didn't mention that on one of the sewing days a couple of weeks ago, that we had a visitor. Someone was coming to pick up stuff that I had posted on my blog. So Cathie and Gail stopped by and Cathie brought me a couple of little presents!!!  Thanks so much, Cathie! I love the dish towel and the license plate (from Row by Row) is ADORABLE!!!!

Embroidered dish towel and a row by row license plate

On that note, I'm out of here. I'm super excited. The next quilt is loaded on the long arm. I've got lists of what needs to be done - I just need to focus and I'm going to have a great day! We have a gentle rain happening right now. Hmm - I could still sit outside in the gazebo and read. But then I could stay in the house and listen to the audiobook while I work!!!!

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!

Behind the scenes

What a great day at Quilts at the Creek!!!!  Yes - it was hot. But if you go prepared for that, it's not so bad. Says the person who hasn't yet turned on the air conditioner! If you live in a non-air conditioned environment, being outside is just fine. I'd rather the windows wide open in my house than freeze in one part and be stifled in another (as is the case with most two-story houses). It works for us and I find that the heat is much easier to handle when you're always in the heat.

What does blow me away is when I'm out walking the dogs in the morning and I hear people's air conditioners going and it's 16 degrees outside. That's just wrong and I wonder what their inside temperature is set to? I'd be dressed up in many layers if I lived there.

Matter of fact, at one point last night as we were finishing up, I couldn't wait to get outside to warm up! I absolutely detest air conditioning! But I'm the minority!

It was like an old home week over the last two days. Saw so many familiar faces and met some new ones too. People that I "know" from Instagram and Facebook, but had never put a face to. It was great fun to meet up. I'm going to share those stories later this week because they deserve more time than I have this morning.

I got to see the Prince exhibit from the Cherrywood Challenge. Oh my gosh - I can't believe the pieces of art. They were stunning. So much detail in those pieces. And it's amazing to see how each person represented Prince (the singer). The creativity was well - it was over the top. If you didn't get a chance to see these pieces, the exhibit is traveling for the next few months. Check out the travel schedule - you should really see it. Only half of the quilts were on display as the show is split in two and we got to see half. The winning quilt was among the pieces and it was to die for.

All of the quilts have been published in a book which you can get at The Cotton Harvest Quilt Shop in Seaforth if you're traveling this summer. You can also buy it on-line.

Carol's quilt was amongst those accepted for this show. Yeah, Carol!!!!! Shoot - I didn't get that great of a picture. But this is Carol all the way. That precise piecing!!! I guess you'll have to buy the book to see a better picture of it!

Carol's piece in the Prince challenge

After the show closed, I helped take the quilts down. Not quite as fast as last year. There was a wee issue of rain last year at about 4 PM. The quilts were down and in a building in about 5 minutes. I didn't time it yesterday, but it really didn't take that long before everything was down.

Then the waiting began as the volunteers sorted, bagged, checked and rechecked to make sure that no quilts went missing.

Jane had taken my quilts to the show, but since I was there, I might as well bring them home. But I had to wait for Jane to get all the quilts that she had delivered. In the meantime, we had a great chat about life, cars, teaching kids to quilt and much more!!!

Then there was the task of getting all the quilts to Jane's car. A wagon train of course! Those collapsible wagons are just the best. I see there is a new style that allows the wagon to fold up even more compact. That's awesome!

This is what Janes' car looked like as she drove away. It was packed front and back with bags of quilts! Not sure if she could see out her back window.

A car of quilts

The back was packed

I do hope that everyone appreciates the work that goes on behind the scenes in any event. What you see on the surface is all the fun stuff, but behind the scenes and Quilts at the Creek was no exception, there are a ton of people who pull it together. I won't even mention all the categories of volunteers because there are many.

Quilts at the Creek is a great event, I had loads of fun (again). Except that I think I got bitten by a horsefly. There was this big thing on my arm which I quickly brushed away, but not before the silly thing bit me. It hurts today and is itchy even though there's no really a mark. But the spot is swollen. Damn bugs. I can deal with the heat, but do NOT give me bugs.

I found pictures of two other things that are up for grabs. Nothing exciting. I found two brand new boxes that would work for boxing up a quilt as a gift. They are folded flat.

Two boxes

And I discovered the grid for basting a quilt using the basting gun. I think I used it once but I used to take it to my classes to show students how it worked. I don't even bother anymore. But if you like to use the basting gun and want it or know of another creative use for it????  Anyway - it's going at some point.

Grid for basting quilts with a basting gun

Someone should make a museum of all these tools and gadgets that have been created over the years. Then we can go back and remember how it was done "in the old days!". What a laugh.

I'm off to Monday sewing. I haven't found my red Ultrasuede yet, but if I can get that white roof stitched on my block, I'll be very happy.

Have a super day!!!!


Ciao!!!!

Quilts at the Creek

Don't forget - today is the LAST day for the Quilts at the Creek show. It's taking place at Black Creek Pioneer Village. I took a quick walkabout yesterday and it was amazing to see all the quilts flapping in the wind. Totally beautiful and totally inspiring. My quick tour spotted some familiar quilts but also lots of new ones. And gorgeous!!!!  I can't wait to have more time today to walk amongst the quilts.

The Prince (Cherrywood challenge) is inside the Visitor's Center. I'm volunteering in that room today so I'll get a good look at the quilts. I know from viewing past Cherrywood challenges, that those quilts will be well worth seeing.

There's also a lecture by Valerie Goodwin (our instructor from yesterday's workshop) and it'll be FABULOUS. She's a wonderful instructor - her work with map quilts is truly amazing. And she's using technology to make that happen. I love it!!!!

I'm doing a walkabout at 3 PM. Meet up at the Town Hall so we can start the tour.


When I got home, it was time to bind some quilts. And someone had asked me about the winding video for the binding.

Here I am installed in my favorite place to sew on the binding. I had the window open and there was a magnificent breeze coming in. M always complained that this room was too hot and while it can be hot, there's a great breeze that comes through when the windows are open.

Set up to do bind a quilt

 After I wind the binding into a figure eight, I place it in front of the sewing machine. Here's the link to the post with the video on how to wind the figure eight. I know that people like to be creative - I really do. And I know how people like to make gadgets and put their brand on them. There are a TON of tools and gadgets on the market related to putting the binding on a quilt. It might be a tool to miter the corners, a tool to finish off the final join or something to wind the binding onto while you sew it onto the quilt.

Not to be the naysayer, but NONE of those gadgets are necessary. Putting a binding on without gadgets and tools is so simple. There are no tools to dig out (if you can remember that you have them), there are no tools to store, no tools to lose, no tools to manage. I'm all about simple.

So - here's the binding set out in front of the sewing machine.

The figure-eight of binding is set up in front of the sewing machine

I use my finger and thumb as a guide as the binding comes out of that figure-eight - remember to pull the binding from the CENTER of the figure-eight or it doesn't work. I was trying to see if I had a tried and true method for my hand position, but both of these hand positions seem to work. I think it just comes naturally to hold it like that. There is no twisting as that binding comes out of the figure-eight which means putting the binding on super easy and FAST!!!

Hand position for adding the binding

A slight variation of hand position

The bottom line - the thumb goes underneath the binding to guide it into the sewing machine.

Anyway - it works for me and I finished off the binding on one of the Quilts of Valour quilts. This is the quilt that our group sewed at the quilt retreat earlier this month. Seems like eons ago now.

Binding on a Quilts of Valour quilt

I was on a roll, so I got the binding completely on one more quilt for Quilts of Valour. 

Binding on one more quilt for Quilts of Valour 

I got the binding partially on the last Quilts of Valour quilt. I ran out of the binding and have to make some more. I didn't feel like doing that last night. That's a job for tonight.

Then I dug out two quilts that have been sitting here. One of them was designated as a Quilts of Valour quilt. Shoot - it's the one our group made LAST YEAR at the retreat. I kept it back because of how the decorative stitch used to sew the binding on and I was using it as a demo. I need to make a new sample of that stitch. In the meantime, the quilt is going to be delivered this week. I also pulled out a scrap quilt from my quilt stash. I still use the quilt for trunk shows, but I have TWO of them and only use one for the trunk show.

Quilts to be delivered to Quilts of Valour

Now back to Quilts at the Creek. Here's my Mandala quilt hanging up. I LOVE this quilt. It's made with Northcott's Artisan Spirit Shimmer. Very nice to have that large range of color and value. I see on the web page that they have some NEW patterns. Oh dear - I feel a new quilt design coming up. This quilt was on the cover of A Needle Pulling Thread magazine a while back. (Issue 47 from 2018). It was hanging in the aisle as you entered the village. Every time I walked past someone was admiring the quilt and saying how pretty it is. That's all I need - someone to admire my creativity. I'm happy!!!

Mandala quilt

I had to see where my other quilt was hanging. Oh - it's with the other map quilts way at the far end of the village. Of course, it is!!!!  I ran over there and snapped this picture. I know you can't really see my quilt, but it's in the picture. I'll be sharing a better picture later. It's really cute and very funny. I also watched a few people admiring the quilt and when they realized what it was (you MUST read the words on the quilt or it means nothing), you'll get a chuckle!!!  I wonder what M will say when she sees it.

Some of the map quilts on display at Quilts at the Creek

Now let's zip to the workshop. It's very difficult to know what to bring to a workshop. Fabric - lots of fabric. I took my scrap boxes and that was the BEST thing I could have done. We sewed a small collage. This is about 12" by 6".

After several steps in the mapping process

It's totally improv. The background was collaged (I've got some great ideas for future pieces), we painted it (I found a tube of blue acrylic paint before I left, not really my first choice) and there are some sheer fabrics on it (I used light so doesn't really show).

Next up was to cut the piece into several pieces (if you didn't want to you didn't have to). I followed instructions - YES - I was a good student!

Then it was onto handwork and embellishing. I found some dark scraps in the brown bin I had taken. So what is it?? Well, it looks like some cows running on the side of a road or is that a river?? Actually, now that I think about it, there's an illuminated BLUE bicycle path somewhere in Europe (Poland). That's what my piece is - I now need to find a way to represent the bike path.  Oh yes - this is going to be perfect!!!!

It was a super fun workshop. I was glad that I went. This is the kind of thing that I want to do in my free time. I think it's something where you'll get infinitely better the more you do. It's a truly creative process and I like doing that kind of stuff. I just need to schedule that into my day and STOP reading so much!!!  I can read when my hands have given out. For now, I need to get some of this fun stuff out of me!!!!!

Someone popped in to see me in the workshop room yesterday. I won't say her name to protect her identity!! BUT she asked me when I was going to get organized. I think she was talking about Studio B and when it was going to be finished. Not for a long time. However, I beg to differ on her thoughts about me being organized. I am a SUPER organized person. (for the most part). I know where almost every supply and piece of fabric is situated in both Studios. A few projects are AWOL at the moment because of all the shuffling around. So to answer her question - I AM organized. I just have a lot of stuff that still needs to be managed. Two different things!!!!


On that note, that's it for today.

Have a super day!!!!!


Ciao!!!

That was intense!

This weekend is Quilts at the Creek at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Yes - it's going to be humid. Take water and dress accordingly. This is the LAST year for the show so you had better come out. Seeing the quilts ruffling in the wind and in that setting is just amazing. One of the traveling shows of the Cherrywood Challenge (Prince is the theme) will be on display. That is well worth seeing.

Every year they have a sort of theme. This year it's all about maps. The challenge was called Map Your World. I'm taking a map/collage class tomorrow which I haven't prepared a single thing for. But they always ask for quilts that follow that theme. I like to participate if I can.

I found something when I was cleaning that I thought would be fun to recreate for this "challenge". Of course, I left it until the last minute. Actually, I had started it but did not get too far into the process. I WANTED that quilt in the show so I was determined to get it done.

I finished cutting the appliques by noon. Then I fired up the Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q (my everyday sewing machine) and zipped through the satin stitch. Fast, but not fast enough. It took a long time - there were a lot of pieces to applique and lots of thread changes. The main part of this piece are the words. How to get those words on my quilt????  Why I have an embroidery machine sitting at the ready, so I fired up the Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC and using the super cool technology like Design Positioning, I got the words onto the piece.

I'm not even sure what time it was by then. I took small breaks, but nothing serious. I had a goal. Jane even offered to come and pick up the quilt. Sorry - it's not done yet. I'm sure she just smiled when she read that!

Now back to the Opal 690Q to quilt the piece. Whipped out my brand new ruler foot and quilted part of it with that foot and the rest was done with free motion. I was determined to get the piece trimmed and ready for binding before I went to bed.

Yep - that quilt was trimmed (it's not huge - about 36" by 20") before I went to bed and the binding strips were cut. I was in bed by 10.

Up bright and early this morning and I'm happy to report that the binding is on the quilt. All that remains is to pin the label to the back and then I'm off to deliver it to Jane.

It's not a super spectacular quilt, but it's FUN. And I love it. I'll share the quilt and the inspiration next week. It's so cute. I'm very glad that I persevered and finished it. I hate having these inspirations for a particular show, getting started and then not finishing. I was determined to NOT let that happen.

I have lots of projects that I want to get finished by the end of the month. I haven't taken a single thing off my wireframe of tasks in Studio U. However by the end of the day, I'll have removed several of the tasks so I'm happy about that.

I'll be binding quilts all day. I think there are five that need binding and I promised (to myself) that all three of the Quilts of Valor quilts would be delivered by TODAY. They are quilted, trimmed and the binding is made so that shouldn't take too long. I still have to prep for the workshop tomorrow and I have a class tonight!!  It seems that the treadmill never ends!

But I love this kind of thing. This is what makes me tick and the days when I don't have a deadline, I'm a total slug. I feel lost. What am I going to do when I don't have a serious deadline? I'll be napping and reading full time in the gazebo. I'm not ready for that yet, but a little less intense day would be fine by me. However, I put an audiobook on my phone and I was happy as a clam as I worked. I didn't even see the time pass.

This is the aftermath of yesterday.

Things to put away

As I went along, I tried to keep things more or less tidy, but I still have all this to put away. I'm not sure how many different spools of thread I used, presser feet and other tools. But it feels good to know where everything is. That's why it's so important that all this go back to it's home. OH - and I found the PERFECT backing for this map quilt. I'll show you that next week as well.

You know that I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I love when it works and hate it when it doesn't. Notice I haven't complained about my computer in a long time. Once I got that new hard disk and upgraded the memory, things have been amazing.

Well, here's some technology that I'm LOVING. If you've been reading QUILTsocial this week, you know that I created a small project and promised to share it with the readers. You need to check out how I shared the file. This technology (created by Husqvarna Viking) is so cool. We tested the links so hopefully when you go to get that file, everything will work. If you don't have the app or the account (both are FREE), then you need to get that. Then it's easy to get the project. All the instructions are on the QUILTsocial blog.

Once you have the app and an account, the next project I send will be as easy as clicking SAVE. You need to read all about at QUILTsocial.

On that note, I'm out of here. I've got two labels to pin on and I told Jane I'd leave at 7 AM to get to her house before she leaves to deliver the quilts.

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

Lilla Show and Tell

I've so many pictures to post this week. I transferred a pile from my phone to the computer this morning and was merrily editing them and waiting for the microwave to finish cooking my oatmeal. Oh dear - I must have messed up the timer as that microwave seemed to be going on and on. Sure enough, the oatmeal was like rubber when I checked it. Oops! Must have added one extra digit to the 3:30 minutes. Let's just say that I cooked a new batch and it's just right!!!

I keep a book with the homework mapped out for my ongoing classes. Yesterday, out of curiosity, I counted the number of projects that we've done over the years. Oh boy - it's over 30!!!!!  I also have a list by year, I'll have to dig that out as well!!! These are NOT small projects and many of mine are not finished. They take up a lot of space! I'm working on two of them this year in addition to the current ones I'm teaching. My goal is to get all of them done because they are neat quilts and bring back loads of memories.

I'm starting with the homework from Friday night which was the Lilla class.

Lilla pattern

There are 25 modern blocks in the quilt. You wouldn't recognize many of the patterns from anywhere, yet some of them are familiar. Some are improv, some are made with specific sized pieces. Most of the blocks have been easy to do, but there are have been a couple of blocks that are - well, let's just say the instructions were a challenge. I didn't even go back to the designer for the second nightmare block based on the response I got the first time. Why aren't pattern designers more responsive when someone points out an issue?? I get it that the pattern is already out there. Better yet - why don't they have a pattern tester??? And not someone who is "excited" to be testing for a big name person and doesn't question anything. Get pattern testers that will actually TEST the pattern.

Oh well - that's why we have classes like this to help the students along!! By no means am I perfect - I've made mistakes in pattern writing. Writing patterns is not easy! The most challenging thing is writing instructions so that everyone can interpret them.

Anyway - enough of that. It's time to get to the show and tell.

The quilt on the pattern cover is HUGE. There are 25 different blocks and the idea is to make 4 of each. The blocks are 9" finished. If you do the math, that makes a quilt that's 90" by 90".  I don't want one huge quilt so I'll be making two lap size from my blocks. More on that tomorrow.

I noticed for some of the class that the number of homework blocks coming back each month is getting less and less. Blocks too difficult? Hopefully, the posts over the next couple of days (yes - there is at least one more, if not two more Lilla posts this week) that the class will get excited and get their blocks up to date.

Let's start with Sara. She likes this blue fabric and made four identical blocks. I love this block and you could take that bottom strip and put it on the top and get a totally different look. Looks hard but it's not.

Sara's first set of blocks

This is the second block by Sara. She has four different focus fabrics that she's using and in this block set, she used all of the fabrics - one per block. Notice that the block above and this next one are easy to piece as the pieces are cut to a specific size. Although there was a little bit of trimming needed on both before the block was completely finished. Yes - there are angles which can be tricky, but not too bad.

Sara's second set of blocks

Then we got to the improv blocks. These are FREEHAND cut curves. The two sides are NOT symmetrical. They are NOT supposed to be symmetrical. You could make them symmetrical if you want, but it's an improv block. Free cut and sew back together, then trim. I have to admit that this one was a bit tricky in order to get a seam allowance at each end but if there was no seam allowance? Who cares? It's improv.

Sara's third set of blocks

Rita was up next. Rita is the rebel in the class. She goes with whatever she feels at that moment and I suspect by what scraps are on her cutting table. Rita is also a FABULOUS knitter and she paints so we know that doing things outside the box? Well - that's Rita!

This set of blocks is her curved improv block. Notice that she has very asymmetrical blocks, no seam allowance provided on some of them and an extra piece has been inserted. It's improv - anything goes!

Rita's first set of blocks

This is Rita's second set of blocks. I love how she changes up the colors within the block. Makes it much more interesting. And if the block wasn't quite the right size? No worries, she added bits to the sides. Why not? It's improv.

Rita's second set of blocks

This is Rita's third set of blocks. One of them is like the pattern. It looks like she had loads of fun using up scraps to make some very neat blocks. Way to go Rita!!!

Rita's third set of blocks

Kathy wasn't at our last session. She brought in one set of blocks from the last time. This is going to look so amazing when it's done. I love the three fabrics together.

Kathy's blocks from one of the previous sessions

Genny didn't have any homework with her, but it was great to see her back at class. She's a teacher and had a "minor" incident and ended up with a concussion. Holy - I know nothing about concussions, but it's serious. She wasn't able to do ANYTHING for almost three months!!!  ACK!!! Welcome back Genny!!!

Cathy made a huge challenge for herself by choosing a directional background and wanting to keep that background print going in the same direction. She deserves a medal as that's a HUGE task. Here is her first set of blocks.

Cathy's first set of blocks

Doesn't that look amazing to mix up the fabrics within the block? Notice those lines - all going in the same direction!!!!  Awesome job Cathy!!!!

Cathy's second set of blocks

Here are Cathy's improv blocks. I love them. For a beginner quilter, I think she did a great job, although I don't think she can call herself a beginner any longer!!

Cathy's third set of blocks

These are Gisele's blocks. These are the improv blocks. I had suggested that they make the pieces larger to have more flexibility which is what Gisele did.

Gisele's first set of blocks

Here is her second set of blocks. Love that blue fabric with the white cross!!

Gisele's second set of blocks

Gisele is rethinking the size of the quilt and only made two of these blocks.

Gisele's third set of blocks

That's it for the Lilla homework for this month. I gave them a pile of homework for the summer. I'll be sharing some of that with you tomorrow so bear with me as I go through some of the homework with you all. Trust me, you're going to learn some things even if you're not taking the class.

I can't help it - I'm getting excited about new classes for the fall. I shouldn't be, but I am. I've got some great things lined up. If you have something in particular that you'd like to see in the list of classes, NOW is the time to let me know.

I had a super relaxing day yesterday. Is that what it feels like to sew in a relaxed mode? How civilized! I took pictures and will share with you later this week.

I've got a wee bit of paperwork that has to be done today and then I'll be back at the sewing machine working on a deadline quilt.

Before I close today, I've got a couple of dates for you to put on your calendar.

The Quilted Portrait - Faces of Hamilton. This exhibit is done by Fuzzy Mall. Here's an article about him. I just love his work. Remember the bicycle from Quilt Canada??? He looks so different without his hat!!!!   Anyway - he has a show of work at the Queen Elizabeth Cultural Centre in Oakville.

JUNE 15TH-OCTOBER 18

#FACESOFHAMILTON

QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK CULTURAL CENTRE  OAKVILLE, ON

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Quilts at the Creek - this takes place at the end of July. July 27 and 28th. You NEED to come to this show. Unless someone steps up to take over the show, this will be the LAST one. That's a shame because it's such a fun event, but that's just the way it is. There will be loads of interesting quilts to see. Some of the Cherrywood Challenge quilts will be on display, there will be map quilts and a whole lot more. Be sure to check it out. I'll be doing a walkabout tour on Sunday. It's at Black Creek Pioneer Village. 

Oh, shoot - you have to enter quilts as well!!!!  I always forget that I have to fill out the application form to enter my quilts. I'll have several quilts in the show - possibly for sale!!!

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CreativFestival. Yes - I know there have been issues with CreativFestival. Things are not going well. It's a catch 22 situation.  BUT we have a great celebrity coming to the Fall show. Mary Fons. The dates are October 17-19. BE sure to put it on your calendar and more information will be coming. 

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On that note, I'm out of here for today. 

Have a super day!!!!!!

Ciao!!!!!

It's in the bag

Yesterday wasn't quite as productive as I would have liked it to be, but it was still great work!

I got myself down to the long arm and I finished quilting that lap quilt by lunch. I do need to trim it, get the binding, label, and sleeve on today. My plan is to deliver it tomorrow, but not before I make one more quilt also scheduled for delivery tomorrow. That quilt is cut out. It's small and very simple, but very cute. The quilting will be simple and thank goodness for machine binding. I'd be in big trouble if that wasn't happening at my house. 

It took a while to get that quilt cut out as there were a lot of fabrics (40) involved, but once I got going, it didn't take long. I confess that I had a chill out session in the afternoon - I was tired and I just wanted to veg out a bit. Don't ever worry about me burning both ends of the candle - I rarely stay up late, I rarely get up early (well earlier than my scheduled time) and I have no problems to take a nap if needed. 

My alarm went off at 4 AM this morning. Oh, shoot - I had forgotten to remove that alarm after we had to get Bear to the airport last week. Gosh - it seems like forever since he flew home. I miss that little muffin. He's so cute. But he is well loved and cared for at home and he's WHITE. Imagine that! He was white for only one day at our house. 

I had some books that had to be returned to the library so, after my nap, I took a brisk walk to the library to return them. As I was walking, I remembered a comment made recently by someone. They said that they found it hard to walk without a destination. Hm - that's interesting. I like to walk but I have to confess that most times, I do have a destination. So here's the thing - if you can't walk without a destination, then make one up. Decide that you're going to walk to the corner of X and Y streets. Or you're going to walk to the grocery store  - doesn't mean you have to buy anything - just create a destination and walk there. Then walk back. 

We do get set in our ways and one of those is what we eat. While we were at the retreat, we had a discussion on desserts. I'll be sending out a note to all the attendees for the next one. We had so many rich desserts - it was totally insane. Yes - I ate them, but I didn't really enjoy them. No - that's not right - I enjoyed them, I just didn't enjoy how I felt afterward. I had brought the lemon and coconut flavored yogurt pots for the dessert for my meal. They are light, they have 100 calories and it was a nice way to finish off chili for dinner. As we were having our dessert discussion, one of the ladies said that she didn't consider yogurt as a dessert. Hm - why not? We are so set in our ways that we can't have pancakes for lunch or dinner or we can't have eggs other than for breakfast. NO - we have to think outside the box and eat whatever we feel like when we feel like it. Switch things up - try foods at different times. I sometimes have oatmeal for dinner if I'm alone. Why not???

Here are the books that I bought at the used bookstore in Orillia. It's called the Book Re-View. It truly is the best bookstore around. No - it's not huge by any means, but the books are well organized. What makes this bookstore shine is the people. Carol is the friendliest person around. She cares about her clientele and will provide book lists of authors (if you need one), recommendations are very forthcoming if you ask, the staff is excellent and well - you just get a warm and cozy feeling when you're in the store. 

Now, what happens when you get a warm and cozy feeling in a used bookstore? You buy - that's what!!! Here are the books that I bought this past trip. Yikes - way too many!!!!  There's one more book that I forgot to ask about so I'm going to send them an e-mail today. I didn't take my list with me. 

Books I bought at the used bookstore

Here are the books that Mary dropped off for me at Monday sewing. One of those books was on my list and one was not. One more book off the list!!!!   I have to find the list - it's on my desk somewhere and then I'll post the last couple of missing books. I may have to break down and buy them online. That book list was a super fun summer activity.

Books from Mary

 I've put all the new acquisitions on my bookshelf which is now a tad full. NO MORE BOOKS!!!  When I was at the library, I did NOT even look at any other books. I just returned the books, paid my fine and then I was out of there. I have a "few" on loan from the library that I need to get read.

My "to read" bookshelf

 Last night, I was teaching a class on zippered pouches at Oh Look Fabric. (Check the link for the workshops for the rest of the year.) The class was full and it was a busy class. All the girls are fairly new to the sewing world and of course have basic sewing machines. They all did an amazing job despite the couple of machine difficulties we had. I'm very spoiled when it comes to sewing machines but I don't judge! We all have to learn. The frustrating thing is that you don't want to spend a lot of money on that first machine. But that very basic machine doesn't have great features which would make learning to sew so much easier. And who wants to lay out a lot of money for a machine if you're not sure you're going to sew? It's funny how the machines that the clientele bring to that shop are very basic (just learning to sew) while at other places I teach, we have a very different scenario with the machines.

Three of the five people finished their pouches and the other two were very close but we were already over our time.

Zippered pouch from class

Another zippered pouch from the class

The third pouch with a metal zipper

I don't think that any of them had ever put in a zipper so getting the pouch cut (and some had never used a rotary cutter before), zipper in and finished was a huge task given the size of the class and their skill level. Job well-done ladies!!!!!

It was late when I got home so I "slept" in after that 4 AM alarm. No spin class this morning. I so wanted to go, but I was tired. Next week or maybe I'll go on Friday. It's a different instructor on Friday, but I could still go!  Don't get set in your ways!!!

Hopefully, you've got the dates marked in your calendar for Quilts at the Creek. Don't forget those workshops. They're going to be loads of fun. Check out the link again and get signed up! There's a trunk show on the Sunday of the show. Why not come out, learn something new, see the quilts in all their glory in an outdoor setting, check out the Prince Cherrywood Challenge in person, and maybe even volunteer for a two-hour stint. It's all about supporting our local quilting activities. We need to build an AWESOME quilting community in Canada. We have the talent - let's build the community so we don't have to look elsewhere to get our fix. 

Speaking of Canadian Quilting communities, don't forget to check out the Canadian Quilter's Association. The big show is in June 2019 in Ottawa. There are lots of great shows scheduled at that event. There's the Trendtex challenge that you can take part in (a great way to stretch yourself), there's a guild challenge involving the color purple, great resources on their webpage and other social media pages. It's easy to find things on the website - just click on the appropriate button. 

Why not enter a quilt into one of the shows??? The Quilts at the Creek is easy. You just enter the quilt. There is no judging, there is no jury. You just enter your quilt. Drop it off at one of the drop-off spots near the show date and you're good to go. It's easy and who doesn't want to see their quilt hanging in all its glory?  

Pick ONE major thing that you'd like to do next year. Take a workshop, do a challenge, enter a quilt show. Set the date in your calendar and work backward with your schedule so you know when you have to do what. I love challenges, so I'm going to do the purple challenge and I'm going to do the TrendTex challenge. 

But first, I need to get four more urgent quilts out the door. That snuck up on me very fast and I wasn't mindful of the dates. I've got to watch that in future!

On that note, I'd better get the day started. 

Have a super day!!!!!

Ciao!