CreativFestival Day Three

OK - so this CreativFestival was an anomaly! Usually, the third day is the slowest, yet we had a steady stream of people right up until the show closed! How did that happen??

It was so nice to reconnect with some folks that I haven't seen in a while and I got to meet some blog followers that I've never met before. I wish I could name everyone by name, but then I would miss someone. Whether we had a conversation or just a quick wave - it was great to see you!!!! 

Like I said, we had a steady stream of people into the show and into our booth. I had fun chatting up the various components of machine embroidery and what price points get you what. I stayed in the PFAFF booth for the entire show. Imagine that! Last year, I was so tentative in the PFAFF booth because it was new to me. I'm still learning things, but I think I have the models down pretty well. Guess what that means? They will change them just to keep me on my toes!

I did pop over to the Husqvarna Viking booth so I could make a sample using the new Ribbon Embroidery Attachment that comes with the Designer EPIC 2.

Stitching out the octopus 

I added some ribbon seaweed. WAIT - there's going to be a lot more embellishment added to this piece.

My ribbon octopus

He has an extra piece of ribbon hanging from one of his eyes which I haven't had time to trim. It's a pretty cool attachment and there are very interesting designs. I don't have this attachment yet - I can't wait to get it.

I did the same octopus the previous day but used a green ribbon. Seriously???  Why did I use a green ribbon?? You couldn't see the darn octopus. I only had one piece of this fabric so I ripped out the octopus and used pink ribbon! Much better. I used a satin ribbon about 3/8" wide. This attachment works with organza ribbon (my favorite) and various other types. It will be fun to play with when I get it. We learned a lot over the weekend with the ribbon embroidery attachment.

There are so many NEW things coming and I hope to share them with you just because I'm excited about them and I NEED to tell someone. So watch for some cool technology updates in the next couple of months. This is NOT your grandma's sewing machine. When people asked the price of the top of the line machines, I thought some were going to faint while others were totally fine with the price.

Honestly, the day passed by very quickly. Actually, all three days passed quickly. I did pop out to get one thing - a die for my GO cutter. Sorry - that one is long gone! Then I popped out to get some thread. Oh - wait until you see what I'm going to do with this 12 weight thread from Wonderfil. I can't wait to have a wee bit of downtime or when my sample making days come. It's going to be gorgeous!!!

Tear down wasn't as bad as what you would expect. It took us two hours to pull the booths apart and get everything packed away which isn't bad considering we have all the machines, power cords, booth structure, supplies, etc. Tear down is never my favorite part, but we had a few laughs when trying to pack up some of the machines. The easiest machines to pack up became quite unruly when we tried to fit them back in the boxes. However, the humans conquered and all machines went into their respective boxes.

If you follow the blog, I'm sure you realize that I try very had to keep my attitude glass half full (never half empty). I want to do a follow-up blog about my Ten Reasons you should attend the CreativFestival post. I don't have time to go into it today- but people did come to the show after they read my blog. And they were happy they did.

I did have a brief chat with someone who was working in a vendor booth. Oh boy - this is a half-empty person to say the least. As I chatted with this person, I felt myself getting very frustrated. I tried to acknowledge her point of view and then - well I said something that I think ALL OF US NEED TO SAY. Her attitude made me think about my comments during the Mary Fons presentation the previous night.

Here's the gist of what I said. If you have a negative opinion about anything, especially if you're working an event. If you go home and tell your friends - that was a terrible event, guess what you just did? You just POISONED your friend to ever attend that event again. And the negative nellies don't just tell one friend, they tell ALL THEIR FRIENDS, who in turn tell all their friends. Guess what? The next time that event occurs - all those people will NOT attend.

I'm fed up with the negativity that I hear from people. If you have a complaint about something you're getting for free - STOP COMPLAINING. It's free. You don't like it - don't use it, make it or whatever. If you needlessly complain to me - OH BOY - we're going to have a lesson in searching for the silver lining. I'm tired of all the complaining. We have enough legitimate stuff to complain about.

Here's the other thing about complaining. If you complain, you're only poisoning other people's perception. If you look on the positive side - guess what? There's hope for the future. There's always a silver lining - sometimes we have to look a little deeper to find it, but there's ALWAYS a silver lining. For those of us who live in the silver lining world, our people are MUCH happier!

Oh boy - you didn't expect that did you? But seriously - we really need to think about what we say. I was very polite in how I phrased my words and this person didn't know how to respond. That's good - because by complaining, she's shooting herself in the foot. Instead of complaining, we need to provide constructive feedback so things can get better. Only WE (that's right YOU and I) can make changes. If we wait for the other guy to make them, it isn't going to happen!!!

PHEW!!!! 

On that note, I'm out of here. We have Sit n Sew today AND the UFO group. I ran out of Sundays to host both events separately. I think I'm the only one in both so that'll make for interesting parking on my street! I still need to get my homework finished this morning but I had to clean the tables off as well. That's done - I'm ready for the groups to arrive - I just need to get that homework finished. Yikes - I do not want to cough up $10.

Have a super day!!!! Don't forget the Brampton Quilt Show is on today.

Ciao!!!!!

Meeting Mary Fons

Another great day at the CreativFestival. I saw so many people that I know and got to meet many new ones as well. Thanks so stopping by to say HI. And a special HELLO to those that were attending the wine and cheese who follow my blog. I wasn't able to get to a few people because I do have a job to do - fancy that! Today, I must get back to my missed conversations from the previous day and there are four items that I need to check out today since today is the last day.

Each day of the CreativFestival has it's own vibe and I have to say that yesterday was strange. We had customers in our booth up until almost the very end of the day which is very unusual. There are many options in the world of sewing/quilting/embellishing these days and it takes a while to work out exactly what suits each person.

I spent the day babysitting the embroidery machines in our booth. It's hard to handle five machines and chat with customers and those that stop to visit, but I try! Since the machines are on slow-motion mode for the show (thankfully when I'm at home, they're going full speed) and we try for a design with a monochromatic color scheme, they doesn't require a whole lot of attention, but funny how it seems that every machine runs out of bobbin thread at the same time.

I embroidered a couple of postcards for the Canadian Quilter's Association Postcard challenge. Using motifs in the machine and the built-in fonts, I came up with four or was that five different cards for them. Guess what? I forgot to take pictures. I'll see if I can get pictures of the final cards as I know they were making them in their booth. OH - I see there's a theme. Oh well - I didn't follow the theme and that's OK. Seriously - these little pieces are art measure 4" by 6". ANYONE can make one. Try something new. Should I run a postcard making class???

I decided to attend the wine and cheese with Mary Fons at the end of the day. We had to wait a bit as there was a mix-up of the time. So while we waited, we chatted and well - there was an empty sofa there that I couldn't just let an opportunity slip by.

Hanging out

Yep - there is me - hanging out on the sofa at the workroom's booth which is where the event was held. How cool is that!!! I haven't been to this shop in a while. I should get myself there as it's a very neat space. Super creative!

But once things got going, this is what it looked like. That's Mary on the right and on the sofa is Karen Valino, the owner of the workroom. Johanna Masko in the red (I've heard her name EVERYWHERE, but had never met her before - she's a quilt teacher) and Denise Wild on the end. Check out her website - she's done a lot of very interesting things.

I think it was an excellent choice for panel members.

The panel

The top was 20/20 - Where are Quilts headed?  It was a small and intimate group of attendees but you know what? That was just fine with me. We all got a chance to offer up our opinions which is very important. I'm so intrigued by the topic that I want to explore this a little bit more and I'll be using my blog to tell you my findings. If anyone has any thoughts, comments, ideas, or even inside scoop - I'd love to hear from you.

Here are some quick questions that you can think about. Honestly, I think a Master's Thesis on this topic would be amazing.

• How have your spending patterns (in terms of money and what you buy) changed over the years?
• Have your priorities changed?
• Have you become an online shopper?
• If so, what do you buy online and why?
• What about your consumption rate? Are you making as fast as you're buying?
• Are you stockpiling for retirement?
• What do you do with stuff that you no longer like or want?
• What are your thoughts on making quilts by recycling or upcycling?
• What do you think about the modern movement? Is this going to "save" the quilting industry?
• Do modern quilts need to be made with modern fabric?
• Do you want to have access (in the stores) to more or fewer fabrics? 
•  The amount of new stuff coming out each year is obscene - do we need that many options?
• Do you consider the environmental impact of all the cotton/fabrics that you buy?

Well - you get my drift. I could write an essay (blog post) on each one of those questions!!! Getting feedback from you will make it way more interesting than just my rambling on. E-mail me if you have something you'd like to share. I get it that for most of you quilting is a hobby, but it's way more than that for a lot of people who are in the industry. Magazine editors (like Mary, who is the editor of QuiltFolk which is a beautiful publication), pattern designers, fabric designers, store owners, sewing machine companies, etc.) Without those people, you could still have a hobby in quilting, but it wouldn't be nearly as interesting or would it???


At the end of the event, I got a picture with Mary (of course!). She's a lovely person and I was very happy that I attended the event.

Me and Mary Fons

It was late when we left and I didn't get home until almost 9 PM. Now I'm up and ready for the last day at the show. My favorite day! At least tear down is way faster than setting up.

On that note, have a super day. (Don't forget to send me your thoughts on the future of quilting or some insight to your buying habits or thoughts on the industry - I'd love to hear from you).

Ciao!!!!

Show n tell

We survived the first day of CreativFestival. While it was busy, it certainly wasn't as busy as I've seen it in the past. But we're not dwelling on the past - we're looking forward. Hopefully, everyone was waiting to come today to see Mary Fons! I see she has a lecture (wine and cheese) at 6 PM tonight about the future of quilting. I might just attend that one since the show closes at 6 PM.

Here's something that's changing. I'm sure that all of you are familiar with Row by Row Experience. Well, it sounds like it's over. And we knew that was going to happen. It just couldn't continue the way it was. So now there's a new thing called Quilters Trek. It looks like a completely different format. I'm not sure even what it all entrails. More details to follow. Row by Row was loads of fun and I guess that's the end of our day road trip to New York! BUT - that's OK. I don't need another kit to add to the UFO pile.

Speaking of adding to the UFO pile, I had to peek at what new stuff Elizabeth Hartman had coming for this Fall Market. OH god - I shouldn't have looked. She has five new patterns. Those koalas and parrots are very tempting. NO - just say NO.

I did get a chance to pop out for a wee bit yesterday. I also got a chance to catch up with some people I haven't seen for a while although I had to leave several conversations hanging! That's for today to go back and finish up those conversations. I have two technical issues and I was able to make headway into getting those repaired as well. Yep - never a down moment when there's stuff to do.

I'm in a very fortunate position. I have access to more technology than I can possibly learn in my lifetime. NO - that's not true. I'm determined to learn it all. I just peeked at my calendar and YIKES - it doesn't really stop until December 1. The days scheduled are not all work, but it's still a commitment. No worries - it's all fun as well. I have now booked a good part of December as sample making days. Days that I cannot change!!! I have a lot of samples to make and a lot of technology to learn.

And my new Samsung galaxy s10 is helping enormously in that. Amazing how dependent we've become on our phones and I don't even play games on mine! Yep - I use mine for sewing if you can believe that! I'll share that with you another day.

Today, I've got some show n tell from our ongoing classes at The Hobby Horse that doesn't fit into either of the two classes.

Here we go.....................


Here's a couple of advent calendars that Sophie was making as gifts. These are darn cute and I've not seen either of these before.

Advent calendar

Another advent calendar

This is Sheila's rabbit quilt. The top is done - at last!!! I'm sure she breathed a huge sigh of relief when she put the last stitches in. It's been a labor of love (for her adult daughter) for about 10 years.

Rabbit applique quilt

Here's another POSH Santa quilt top - done!!! He just needs to be quilted before Christmas. This belongs to Lynne.

POSH Santa

This next one has quite the story attached to it. A friend of Barb's asked if she would make a duvet cover from a panel. JUST SAY NO!!!!!  People who are not sewists have no idea. Anyway, I think Barb did a great job with the Winnie the Pooh panels which she cut apart and appliqued to the blue fabric. Then she made that into a duvet cover. I hope her friend appreciates all the work that was involved.

Duvet cover made by Barb

This finished quilt also belongs to Barb. The pattern was Chic Country by Sew Kind of Wonderful. It was a class we did a while back. Now it's completely finished. I love the colors in the quilt. Nicely done Barb!!!!  I love seeing the finished projects from the classes I teach!!!

Chic Country by Sew Kind of Wonderful

I scurried around this morning to get things prepped to take to the show today. We need ribbons which I scooted out to buy last night. Found matching thread and some background fabrics, needles and stabilizers (we have limited selections in the booth). Since we will probably have some downtime, it's sample making time!!! I'm ready for anything today.

It was great to see so many people yesterday. I did see some people walk by when I was busy chatting - but I saw you! Hopefully, we'll see a whole lot more today since everyone is coming to hear Mary Fons talk - right???

On that note, I'm out of here.

Have a super day!!!!


Ciao!!!

Ten Reasons you should attend the CreativFestival

We had an exciting day yesterday setting up at the CreativFestival. Set up is always exciting and it's hard work! OK - so I use the word exciting with a touch of sarcasm. I don't think that any attendees would ever appreciate what goes into set-up unless they were there to witness it.

At one point, we needed to get some samples in the booth and this is what happened.

Samples galore

The sample suitcases came open. Samples were sorted, they were strewn around the main aisles of the booths, some were discarded and placed back in the suitcases, the lucky ones were hung on the walls or placed on a table.

I chatted with someone last night and they said that they couldn't wait to read my ten reasons why they should go to the CreativFestival. As promised, here they are.

But first I want to set some expectations.

Yes, the show is smaller than it's been in years gone by. Let's face it, shop owners are retiring and since there are no buyers, these shops are now closed. In other instances, the owners are getting too old to do all the schlepping that's required to be in this show. Some businesses (scrapbooking) have seen a sharp decline in the market, conflicting dates and I'm sure there are many other reasons why this show has been reduced in size.

This is NOT and has NEVER been a show about quilting. It's always been a CREATIVFESTIVAL. It's a show to inspire you to try new things and learn new things.

Compare the cost of attending ($16) to the cost of your gas if you had to drive to all these shops. Remember parking is FREE.



So here are my ten reasons why you should attend CreativFestival in Toronto in 2019. I got carried away - there's more than ten!

1. Lectures with Mary Fons. Mary grew up with quilting in her blood. Her mother is the famous Maryann Fons from Fons and Porter Love of Quilting. That includes magazines and TV shows. Mary had her own foray into quilting with her own magazine (Quilty) and a show. Now she's the editor of QuiltFolk, along with other endeavors. She's doing a series of lectures and trunk shows. I would LOVE to be able to attend, but I won't be able to since I'm in the booth. Here's a list of her lectures and trunk shows. What is the future of quilting? What about Modern Quilts and their deep roots in the traditional world? I see there's a wine and cheese event tomorrow. Hmmm - I might go. This is a huge opportunity to have Mary at the show and well worth the extra cash to get into her lectures. It's way cheaper than going to the US to hear her speak.
2. Shopping for a sewing machine. If you're in the market for a new sewing machine, this is the PLACE to be. All the machine dealers are there. This is the place to test them all as I know that PFAFF and Husqvarna Viking have their entire lineup on display and I would imagine the other brands do as well. Not quite in the market yet, this is a good place to check out what's available. Here's a good tip on buying a sewing machine. Try to buy one level up from where your budget is. You won't regret it as you grow into that sewing machine. Love something, but can't afford it yet? Get a picture of it and put near your computer at home. Start a saving plan for that machine. PS - we have the new DESIGNER EPIC 2 in the booth. 
3. Shopping for a serger. Same thing as above. Now here's the thing - I know loads of people who have a serger and don't use it. Then come and get some inspiration for what you can do with a serger. Don't just walk past those sewing machine booths - stop in, ask questions. How can I use my serger more? What's the coolest new accessory or feature? Ask us about mySewnet! I have a quilt on display (the top only so you can see the back) that's made entirely with my serger. If threading the serger or having to deal with tension is the main reason you don't use your serger, stop by our booths (PFAFF and Husqvarna Viking) to see the NEW air threading sergers. 
4. Check out die-cutters. This is something that's expanding. Yes - even for quilters. You can buy the manual die-cutters like the GO! cutter. The biggest dealer in our province is there so you can check out how to use the machine properly and also buy new dies if you want something new. There's also a shop carrying the digital cutters. Like the Brother Scan n Cut. I've seen applique patterns being published (and sold) with the .svg files in them. The .svg files are used with a digital die cutter and that saves you the hassle of cutting out your applique shapes. Imagine that!!!  I can't wait to play some more when I have a few moments after this show. 
5. Access to information. I don't know for sure about the other vendors but in the PFAFF and Husqvarna Viking booth, you have access to the TOP education team. Between the three of us, we have many, many years of experience in the sewing world. That includes quilting, piecing, garment sewing, serging and a whole lot more. We're not there to teach classes, but we can answer questions and hopefully provide you with a tip to make your sewing life a wee bit easier. 
6. Inspiration. All the booths are filled with inspiration. New ways to make things, ways to use those decorative stitches on your machines. Inspiration to try new things that you've not tried before. We have ideas coming out of the seams. Not only for projects but for colorways and patterns and a whole lot more. Bring your camera, but PLEASE ask if it's OK to take photos in the booths. In most cases, it is, but also if you post a picture to social media - ask if it's OK and then credit where you took the picture. 
7. Support our CANADIAN QUILTING community. The Canadian Quilter's Asociation has a booth at the show. Check this organization out. Let Jane and Heather explain why you should become a member of the association. Let's just say that the organization has changed and has made itself more accessible to the average quilter. Ask them about the upcoming events - events like the 52 blocks in 52 weeks quilt that has been posted on social media this past year. They have kits for the Trendtex challenge for sale - NOTE - you have to be a member to buy the kit. Become a member, buy the kit and then come to a class that I'm going to hold to give ideas on how to make a challenge piece. If you join the CQA at the show, I heard that they have goodies for you to take home. Remember  - it's all about supporting what OUR COUNTRY and OUR LOCAL STORES have to offer. 
8. Make the day a play day with a friend. Don't look at this as a shopping expedition. How many of you lament that you don't need anything else in your studio? So make it a day of acquiring knowledge, inspiration, and education. For the most part that is free at this show. People have no qualms about jumping in the car and driving hundreds of KM for a shop hop where you know you will buy something. You're in the shop for 5 minutes, and then madly drive to the next shop. Here you get to spend the day checking out the stuff in one spot. All you have at the end of that kind of day is a credit card bill and some fabric. Here - you can actually learn something. Be sure to check out everything!  
9. Visit online shops. I know of one shop attending that is online only. They will be at the show. So you get to save gas and save on shipping costs. Sew Fancy and she always has the latest tools and gadgets. 
10. Take a class. There are classes and lectures by some prominent Canadian quilters and garment sewers. Why not take a class and learn something new? Here's the list of classes and it looks like some neat events. Again, I can't go because I'm in the booth. Try something new - I saw one on "how to quilt your quilt". I get asked that question all the time - attend the class - and take your quilt tops with you. Get ideas. Take complete advantage of the situation and learn something!
11. Network. Don't just walk past the booths - network with the owners, editors or the staff. Do you know that the jigs that I've had and currently have are because I stopped to chat with people in their booth at CreativFestival? No one searched me out - I searched them out and things just fell into place.
12. Buying a long arm. I know there are numerous long arm and short arm options at the show. Come and check them out even if you're at the thinking about it stage. This is the place to ask the questions, test the products and figure out whether this is something you want to do or not. It's also the place to get tools, tips, and other advice if you already have a long arm and need some help. NOTE - this does not replace taking a class, but a couple of well-selected questions can make things just peachy!
13. Take a peek at garment sewing. I'm so keen on getting into garment sewing and so are a lot of other people but have no idea where to start. There are classes on garment sewing and there are people selling garment patterns and people selling garment fabric. 
14. Look at the quilts. I believe there will be quilts on display so have a peek at those. Get ideas from the quilts - whether in the quilt display area (I could be wrong about that one) or the quilts hanging in the booths. There is lots of eye candy. Also, this show is a great place to get ideas for quilting your quilts. Take close-ups of the quilting. I do that all the time. 
15. Quilts of Valour. They have a booth at the show. Get out and chat with the ladies who help to run the local chapters. Maybe you don't need a new quilt for yourself and what are you going to do with all your fabric. Talk to these ladies to see how you can start making quilts for this very worthy organization. You still get to sew and you use up your stash, but you don't have to worry about what to do with all those quilts. Your family will love you! Don't want to quilt the quilt? I know there are long arm quilters (myself included) that are quilting quilt tops that have been donated. (We do it for free and as a service to our communities) That's a win-win situation right there!!!
16. Talk to the show owner. I'm sure Nori will be roaming the show floor today. Have a chat with her - tell her what you would like to see in the future. Be courteous. 

I don't know how long it'll take you to go through the show. It depends on how many booths you pass because you're NOT interested. Why not be interested? Why be stuck in the same old rut all the time? Yep - if you're going to look at the show like that, then stay home. But if you want to explore, be inspired, and open your mind to something new - I bet you would enjoy the show a whole lot more.

Here are some tips to enjoy the show more.

• Take pictures, but be mindful if you're posting them on Social Media - ask permission. It's always the . 
• Stop to talk to people. Why are we so afraid to speak to others? Ask them questions. Ask them about their products or patterns or designs or whatever. You'd be amazed at how much they will share if someone is interested in their work. 
• Cast aside all visions of the previous shows. This is a different show - each year is a different show. Look at it differently and you won't be disappointed. 
• Make it a fun day. Attend with friends. I like to walk the show on my own and then meet up for lunch. 
• It's a day of entertainment, not a day of shopping. Besides who needs more stuff - save your money to buy a new serger or sewing machine instead of piddling your cash away on buying fabrics. 
• Bring your lunch (I've no idea what's available for food) so bring you lunch to help cut costs.
• Don't look at the entrance fee as an annoyance. Look at it as your cost of entertainment for the day. Do you go to a movie and begrudge paying the price? Get the most of your entrance fee, by really, really exploring what's there. Remember this is NOT and NEVER was a strictly quilter related show. 
• Be kind and courteous to others. Don't stop in the aisles to chat without looking to see if someone like me is barreling down behind you! 
• Bring a friend! It's a great introduction to the sewing world for someone who is new to sewing.
• We should consider ourselves very lucky that we even have this opportunity for a show like this in our neighborhood. 

OK - I think I've rambled on enough about the show and why you should attend.

If you do come by, stop and say HELLO. I might be busy with a customer, but wave - I'm the one with the orange flowers in my hair! Come back later to say hi if I'm busy. I'd love to chat and provide some inspiration to you!

The show runs Thursday (9-6), Friday (9-6), and Saturday (9-5).  It's located in Hall FIVE at the International Center on Airport Road. Hope to see you all there.


If you want to attend a local quilt show, the Brampton Quilter's Guild is hosting their quilt show on Saturday (10 -5) and Sunday (10 - 4) at the Brampton Fairgrounds. Be sure to check that out as well.

We NEED to be supporting our local organizations and guilds. If we don't, they will wither up and die. Then we'll be complaining that there's nothing in Canada. Well, if people go with the wrong expectations or we don't support, then yep - those shows will close. Support local and by support, it doesn't always have to be with your wallet!

I'm done! Phew!!!!

Time to finish breakfast and then get in the car to be at the show one hour before it opens for you all to come and visit!!!

Have a super day!!!!!


Ciao!!!!

North Star Show n Tell - The Narwhale

AH -- I'm back. I had a great night's sleep even though I had a wee nap around dinner time. Let's hope that I'm back in my time zone.

I thought I had better get some of those edited pictures up for you to have a peek at.

I'm going to start with the homework from the North Star quilt by Elizabeth Hartman.

This is one of our ongoing classes at The Hobby Horse. There are nine blocks in total and the last block will be assigned at the next class at the end of this month! I put my blocks up on the design wall this morning. Going to be chatting about that in the next class. Hmm - something weird was going on when I put them on the wall. But all is good now.

We had three blocks to do over the summer, but some people needed to catch up on a couple or perhaps some of these are duplicates from what you've already seen, but you'll never know.

Today, it's all about the narwhale. This is Neville Narwhal.

Jana's Neville Narwhal

I remember hers because every fabric has DOTS in it. Well, not quite all. Do you see the block in the bottom right corner, she has narwhale fabric in the center of it!  I love how everyone got super creative with their fabric choices. Just wait for the show n tell over the next couple of days. It's amazing what the students came up with.

I don't remember the owner of this one. Trust me, there were tons of blocks in our show n tell. The aqua colors in this are gorgeous and I love that argyle fabric! The tusk disappears a wee bit so we discussed different ways to make that show up.

Another Neville Narwhal

There'll be more of the homework over the next couple of days so watch for that.

So what did I do yesterday? I started off by zipping down to Ottawa Street in Hamilton. I was looking for two shops in particular. I'm totally blind because I parked practically beside one of them and I didn't see it. I had to look up the address and then realized my mistake. It was closed for the holiday weekend and I mean closed. There were big metal shutters on all the windows. But then it's a sewing machine dealer - big bucks in that store. I don't blame him.

I'll have to go back another time, but that wasn't the main reason I went so I wasn't too upset. Then I had to find the other store that I needed. I walked up and down that block several times. If anyone had seen me, I'm sure they would have thought I was a crazy person. I found the store - there are not many great shopping stores on that street. Anyway, they no longer carried the vinyl that I was looking for.

Back up the street to the first store I went in. Yep - they had marine vinyl and I got a lesson. The vinyl that I thought was marine vinyl was NOT marine vinyl. Now I know what marine vinyl is but I'm not sure I could identify it on its own. It can withstand extreme cold without cracking (I'm not sure what the crack point is on marine vinyl as I didn't ask). Anyway, I came home with a nice selection of different colors of vinyl. I've got some samples to prep and the vinyl looks really nice. I don't think I've ever shared my samples with you. I'll do that someday.

Then I went back to the sister shop (European Textiles) which was back down the block. I told you, I walked up and down that block several times. They had some nice remnants of silk, chiffon, and other oddities. I know - what's got into me?  They also had a lot of quilting fabrics. I glanced at them, got excited about one which I left in the store. When you see it, you'll faint that I left it.

Orange bike fabric

Seriously???  I left that in the store??  Well - it was flannel. I guess I could have purchased enough for a quilt backing, but I don't need more backings!!!!  So I walked away but only after I took a photo!

In total, I spent less than $200 and it was all for work-related stuff. Not bad! The more that I get involved in this education business, the more I want to get back to garment sewing. Fit is a big issue with garment sewing. One of the shop staff provided me with an information card for some amazing classes - basically a certificate at a local college in dressmaking. Hey - why not!!!!  I'm going to check it out. Anyone else interested??? It's at Mohawk College in Hamilton. 

Then I spent the remainder of the day puttering. Studio U and Studio B were in quite a bit of disarray. That was the result of NOT unpacking the suitcase and putting things away properly so the cutting tables were a jumble of stuff. Now all the presser feet and thread are back where they are supposed to reside. Bobbins and stuffing tools are back in their homes as well as the samples. Well, most of the samples. I've unpacked part of the suitcase and I need to finish that today and get it repacked in time to go to the CreativFestival later this coming week.

I don't know what to say about the CreativFestival. It's not what it used to be. I can only hope that this fall is different? I know I'll be there and we'll be showing everyone the NEW Husqvarna Viking DESIGNER EPIC 2 with all its cool new stuff. There are some great classes and I'd love to attend one of the Mary Fons events, but I'm not going to have time for that.

I would encourage you to come. If you don't want to come because of past experiences, then I would encourage you to contact the show owner and explain why you are NOT coming this year. While not attending is essentially feedback, I think it's important to verbalize why you're not coming. An actual voice with a reason says way more than total absence. Here is the link to the contact box. Be polite, be constructive, and be honest! This is the ONLY way, we can get this show back to its total glory.

Oh yes - if you want to get a fabulous piece of artwork, then check this auction out. It's part of the annual fundraising from SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates). All the pieces on this link are now $100 to buy. Some of the pieces are amazing. I believe they are 12" square.

On that note, I've got some computer work to do with the morning and then I"ll be back to work for the rest of the day.

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

__________________________________________________________________

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!!!

________________________________________________________________________

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. 

_________________________________________________________________________

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

Have a super day!!!!!!

Ciao!!!!!

Show n tell

I'm making this a wee bit short n sweet this morning. I'm off to a training course for most of the week. It's in town so I'm not away which is good because I've got a wee bit of work to get done in the evenings. It means that my paperwork is going to sit for the week. Too bad because I was starting to feel like I was making headway. Hopefully, nothing piles up while I'm occupied this week.

Ah - so you want to know about the magazine quilt? It has a binding and a sleeve on. I just need to hand sew the sleeve on this morning before I leave. On my way, I hope to stop at the UPS store and have it out of the house. If not, then on my way home I'll drop it off. As I mentioned, it's unusual, but I like it. And it was custom quilted - it's not big. Just shy of 60" square.

Now to do a bit of tidy up in that studio and move onto the next urgent thing. I will get ahead - I know I will. But I have no idea why I wait until the very last minute to do these things. I knew this quilt was due on June 6th. I've known that for SIX months. And I've had all the material for it for SIX months. Oh well - that's just me.

And I finished that book last night. That's why I have to sew the sleeve on this morning - because I had to finish that book. Not quite the ending that I envisioned, but it was a thriller, to say the least. It's called Find you in the Dark by Nathan Ripley.

Now for Show n Tell. I moved half of the pictures to my computer to edit, but I don't have time this morning to put them up. I hope that tomorrow I can get them up. Those are the ones for the class homework. The show and tell today is the non-homework quilts that students brought to show.

I think you've seen this first quilt before. This is Lynne's quilt. Lynne is part of our UFO group. She started off with a pattern and then realized that she didn't like the pattern. So she changed it around. The only thing she kept from the pattern is the outline of the cat. She did an amazing job on this quilt adding a machine embroidery face to the cats and some butterflies to the background of each cat. That was the easy part. She struggled with the quilting. But she persevered and now the quilt is done including the mice that are embroidered as part of the quilting. You can see a detail of the block on this blog post. You have to scroll down to see it.

Lynne's cat and mouse quilt

I believe this next one was Barb's. It's a panel, but she's done a lot of hand embroidery on the panel to make those pansies pop. I really should take close up pictures so you can see some of the detail. It's hard to see from the picture all the work that she had done. And sometimes very hard (we're pressed for time usually) to take a lot of pictures in the class.

Panel embellished with hand embroidery

She wanted to make the panel into a quilt and it's out of proportion. That's one thing that drives me crazy. Panels that measure 24" by 42" are out of proportion for a quilt. So you need to add something to the panel.  Here are a couple of articles that I wrote about panels. One of them is how to trim a panel.  This one is how to use coping strips on a panel. And this one presents several border options for a panel. 

I have several other panel articles that I want to write. Shoot - I've written them, but they appeared in a trade magazine. I guess I should rejig the articles and write for my blog. OK - add that to the list of things to write.

This next quilt is Diane's. Diane has become obsessed (NO - Diane is just super focused) and she made this paper pieced pattern from the new Northcott Stonehenge Celtic Solstice collection. The pattern is Solstice by Tamarinis. It's a very current pattern so you should be able to find it in the local quilt shops.

Solstice pieced by Diane

Speaking of local quilt shops, I'm thrilled to see a Canadian quilt shop in The Spring/Summer issue of Quilt Sampler. The shop is called The Cotton Harvest Quilt Shop in Seaforth, Ontario. I've never been to this shop, but it's Shelly's "go to" shop and she keeps raving about it. I guess I'm going to have to make a trip one day. They sell Cherrywood Fabrics and have hosted the Cherrywood Challenge. 

Canadian shop highlighted in the current issue of Quilt Sampler

Here's one last thing for you to contemplate today. The fall 2019 Creative Festival is October 17 - 19. I heard that Mary Fons is going to be in attendance. Seriously?? I'd love to hear her speak. I'm not sure what she's going to be chatting about, but she does some great lectures on quilt making and yes her mother is Mary Fons of Fons and Porter fame. That would be very interesting. How to get out of booth duty????

AHA --- there's the information.


On that note, I'm out of here to sew that sleeve on. I sure miss those bright lights in Studio B, especially in the early morning and late night (OK - never a late night), but you can't beat working up there in the daytime. I LOVE Studio U and it's the warmest room in the house on these crazy days.

Have a super day!!!!


Ciao!!!!

In the nick of time.................

Last night brought to a close the fourth of five major events that were happening in the last month. One more to go! I think I might make it! But before that last event is over, I've got a ton of class prep to do for next weekend and I've got to finish my UFO for 11 AM this morning!

I honestly didn't get a chance to get outside the PFAFF booth during the show. Lots of people stopped by to say hello and I must say it was great to meet some new blog followers and of course to say hi to those that I know. Thanks so much for stopping by - it was great fun to see you all.

My main focus, of course, was to talk about and demonstrate the fabulous PFAFF sewing/embroidery machines. After those two days, I feel like I know the PFAFF line fairly well.

One of my booth duty jobs at the show was to keep the four embroidery machines going. A small feat to say the least. Thankfully, Emily loaded up a lace design that kept the Creative Icon busy all day, but I had three other machines that I was trying to keep going. On one of them, I was stitching out some designs that I needed for me. I have some embroidery to put into a magazine quilt. I thought I might as well get it done there as have to do it today. Of course, we put the machines in slow motion for the show and my design had about 23,000 stitches in it.

There were only five color changes in my design but it seemed like it was always time to change the thread. And the morning started out gloriously when the bobbin ran out in all three machines practically at the same time. So it's getting close to the end of the show and I'm still doing the last stitch out. I had sped the machine up by this point as I knew it would never get done otherwise. Thank goodness that the embroidery machine provides a time estimate on the screen for how long it'll take to finish stitching out a design. I was using the Creative 4.5.  have to get used to all the names so that's why I'm writing them in the blog - it helps me to remember. 

And then someone stops to chat just as I need to change the thread! But I talked and changed thread at the same time! I finished the design at 4:58! The show closed at 5 PM. That was close.

And then there's the fun part of packing up! It's a wee bit complicated because as we pack, we are prepping for the next events. And there's always another event! I left at 8 PM - we were almost completely done at that point and nothing else that I could help with.

I did manage to make one purchase while I was at the show and it was only because the booth was right across the aisle from us! Here's what I bought and I know from the pictures that it looks boring, but bear with me.

I'm always on the lookout for samples. I need samples and as long as I'm in this business, I'm going to need new samples. Clothing is a great way to showcase some of the amazing features of the sewing/embroidery machines.

I love linen and fell in love with this piece. Now the weight is a tad heavy for a shirt, but I've got other ideas for it. And it's going to be embroidered!!

Gorgeous piece of linen

This next piece is perfect for making a shirt. Don't worry - the embroideries will be very subtle, but they are going to look gorgeous on this. One of the owners of the store had made a pair of pants out of this fabric. They looked beautiful.

Shirt weight fabric

But the best piece of fabric? Well - it was this one. Kind of a travel/adventure theme and I LOVE IT. It's canvas so it'll work for a tote bag. Or some kind of travel bag and there are loads of patterns out there. Now to choose one.

Adventure theme canvas

And where did I buy these fabrics? From The Sewing Cafe in Georgetown. I've known the owners for a while and Anna and I used to ride our bikes together. Now that seems so distant! But I vow to make time to ride my bike this summer. Check out their website for more info as they do a lot in their space.

They sell Jalie patterns. The designers are Canadian - YES - I love to support Canadian. I found a shirt pattern that I love and I'm going to make it from the shirt weight fabric. Even better, I'm going to make that thing fit me perfectly. So I'm going to book a class - either group or private at The Sewing Cafe. If anyone else is interested in shirt fitting, let me know and we could have them do a class just for us. That would be loads of fun!

Now the bad news - when I look at those Jalie patterns, I see other things that I want to make! OK - so I'm going to have to become more skilled at the serger as some of the items I want are knits. No big deal - it can all happen! Seriously though - wouldn't it be more fun to make your own clothes than buy them? Then you know they are going to be what you want. It's the darn fit thing that's the issue so I resolve to learn how to do that.

I did a good thing yesterday. One of my colleagues very graciously lent me some samples so that means that today, I can focus on my homework prep. But I need to get the whip out and get my own samples made. I need to make a list of the required samples and prioritize them. The list will be endless of course, but that's OK. A HUGE thank you to Emily for getting me out of that bind!

We won't go into how the house looks. There are quilts everywhere. There are sewing samples everywhere. Suitcases are everywhere - filled or not with samples or quilts. Bits and pieces of samples and sewing machine parts are strewn all over Studio U. There's paperwork all over the office and some of it needs to get done, but it has to wait for one more week. Bottom line - I'm in my glory!!! Thankfully DH just turns his head! But I do need to get things back in order. Next week! Let's just say that I make pretty good use of the ENTIRE house while he's pretty much contained to a room or two!!! Hey - if you have space, you might as well use it!

On that note, I'm out of here! I've got a UFO block to finish!

Have a super day!!!!


Ciao!