Smitten with Summer!

Hello Friends and fellow summer enthusiasts! Can you believe it's already the middle of July? Time sure flies when you're trying to squeeze all the fun out of this sunny season! So, here's the plan: I've been attempting to be a responsible adult (emphasis on "attempting") by focusing on work in the morning and early afternoon. But come 2 pm, it's officially outdoor time! I've declared war on my yard with some "interesting" attempts at yard work. Let's just say that weeds and I are in a constant battle for dominance. I had grand plans for getting around to finishing some appliqué projects this summer, but they might just have to wait until next year. It's like my sewing machine is giving me the cold shoulder, and my projects are saying, "Summer? Nah, we're going on vacation."

Speaking of vacation, my reading mojo seems to have taken one too. I've devoured some Kristen Hannah, Kate Morton, and Mary Lawson gems, but now I'm on a quest for the next page-turner that's worthy of my undivided attention. Recommendations, anyone? I promise not to devour the book; I'll just read it, I swear!

As fall approaches, I'm contemplating some project-based classes. In last months’ blog post I mentioned making a duffel bag. Well, there was a group of quilters in the loft a few weeks ago who I taught the bag to. The class went off without a hitch and now I think we should tackle this in the studio in the fall.

I have a Christmas sock ready as a sample. The pattern is by my dear friend Katrina Thomas. She is a master at miniature piecing, so this fine detailed piece is a wonderful example of her fine work. There are three socks in the repertoire and the next one has a Scandinavian feel with a Nordic star on the front. I promise to post a photo when I get the sample made again! I keep making these wonderful socks for classes and they disappear as I give them away as the grandchildren keep coming. 😊 Don’t be frightened by the small pieces, remember with the Studio 180 tools and techniques of squaring up units, this little beauty will go together like a breeze!

Happenings in the studio this month: I've finally long-arm quilted my Piko quilt. It's a thing of beauty, if I do say so myself! Soon, I'll have a proper photo of it for the pattern cover. And hey, check out my new pattern, Criss-Cross! It's now up for grabs on my website and on Etsy. Get it while it's hot! Anne finished her quilt Marquise while in the loft a week or so ago. I just had to take a picture for you all to see. Love it in the various blues. Anne’s favourite colour can’t you tell!

 I was at the makers North show last month and found this ever so cute sticker by my friend Julieanne. I think in the day and age of all this social media one can easily get lost in the time sucking machine. I know I must be very mindful as to when and how long I scroll around. Time to find a special spot for this gem!

Alright, my creative juices are calling, and I must answer! Thanks for hanging out with me. Until next time, stay safe, soak up the summer sun, and let's all go create something fantastic!

April May and June!

Hello Friends! So, this morning I opened my calendar, and I have to admit, a small scream escaped my lips. Can you believe it's already mid-June? My brain seems to have stopped functioning properly around the end of April when my inner Grandma mode kicked in with the arrival of Lauren and her family from England. I've been completely consumed with family time, soaking up all the cuddles with the grands. It's been such a joy to finally have everyone eating, sleeping, and just being together. My heart is bursting with happiness, and for that, I am incredibly thankful!

Oh, let me catch you up on what's been happening since we last talked. But before we dive in, grab a cup of tea and get ready for some tales. So, my first adventure was a Trunk-show in Elliot Lake. It was my first in-person gig since the pandemic, and boy, oh boy, was I a bundle of nerves during the drive there. It had been years since I did anything in person, so I was a bit out of my groove. And to add to the excitement, I had planned to use an overhead camera and projector setup for demos and showcasing the Studio 180 tools. Well, let me tell you, it was like riding a bike—with a few minor technical blips, of course. The quilters and I ended up having a fabulous and informative afternoon. Thank you, ladies, for making it such a wonderful experience!

Then, in the first week of April, I found myself in my trusty car, driving all the way to Bainbridge, NY. There, I met up with my besties from all over the Eastern US for a week of sharing new techniques, things we had learned, and, of course, quilting our hearts out. This time, we decided all of us should make the same project—a duffel bag. Now, let me tell you, the muttering that filled the air as we attempted to "sew" zippers, handle and other things was nothing short of hilarious. It just goes to show our unwavering dedication to quilting. Trust me, it’s so much easier!

Towards the end of April, the hubby and I loaded up the car and set off for Point Pelee and the Kingsville area. There, I had the pleasure of sharing my passion with the quilters of the Erie Shores Quilters Guild. Can I just say that quilting has taken me to places I probably would never have visited if not for this wonderful craft? I want to express my gratitude to all of you for taking me on these adventures to your neck of the woods. The trunk show was a hit, and the next day, we had a workshop where we worked on the project "Colour My Quilt." The quilters and I had an absolute blast spending the day together. It's always a joy to see my vision come to life through someone else's fabric choices and colour-ways.

We arrived back home on a Thursday evening, and you won't believe it—I had to repack my clothes and quilts the very next morning. This time, I was off to Thessalon, heading west. I spent the weekend there with quilters from near and far, hosted by the lovely Patty at The Creative Basket. We delved into the world of flying geese the Studio 180 way, exploring two projects and learning three different flying geese techniques. I had a fantastic time and made some wonderful new friends. I even got to catch up with some old acquaintances whom I hadn't seen since the start of the pandemic. (Well, I guess that goes for just about everyone on my friend list, LOL.) By the way, if you happen to be in the area, make sure to stop in at The Creative Basket quilt shop. It is quite a gem with lots of fabric, with some yarn as well. Also, Patty’s classroom and building is something you have to see and be part of. Oh and just if your wondering, Yes I did buy fabric, and maybe more then a little. wink wink

May was family month! Then Woosh its June. Quilters are back at regular classes here in the studio. I have had a few pictures come in of finished projects.  

First is Colour my Quilt by Sheila. Her rendition is in yellows and she has graciously donated it to the brain tumour society.  

Colour my quilt by Sheila Domonsky

Colour my quilt by Mary.

This next picture is from Mary. Mary was in my workshop “Colour my Quilt” in Kingsville in April. It is beautiful and so well done. Shortly after sending me the photo I received another email that said “STOP, I’ve discovered an Oops!”

 Well Mary, Oopses happen even to the best of us, myself included. May I say, I think your quilt is wonderful and should be shown even with the oops! Way to go! For all of us that have little mistakes that go unnoticed till its to late to fix, think of them as winkles! They are the life lines of our quilts. They reflect our passion and not always precision, our love and deserve to be loved and our dedication to the art of quilt making.   

As hard as I try, my mind swirls with new ideas for the fall. I am trying to get caught up with some of my projects that got set aside from the last few months. Do you find it hard to work when the sun is shining and the weather is warm? For me, the dock calls my name in the late afternoon and I can’t resist. There’s a part of me that panics when I look at the calendar and think, 12 more weeks and summer is gone! Yikes I wrote that and now you know too!   

During the summer I will be working on some new exciting projects that I can not share right now, but stay tuned as I muddle through my pile of “have to”, “should do” and “have to” list of things that get me out of bed in the morning. 

If you would like to book some time with me learning a new technique, getting some help on an existing project or just need some inspiration, feel free to give me a shout and book some time.

The Loft is also an option. If you’re from out of town and would like retreat space, and possibly book a class during your stay as well.   

Well I hear the dock calling, Thank you for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, stay cool and visit a quilt shop.

Yahoo! Its so nice to see you again!

Hello Friends. Overlooking the few snowstorms that we have had lately, spring is in the air. Easter is around the corner, and if you’re like me, you’re already starting to think about sunny days on the dock and checking Pinterest for new summer salad recipes. I for one am ready to say goodbye to winter and look forward to outside chores like raking and playing in the dirt.

April is the month of out and about quilting workshops for me. It is evident that we're starting to see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, with quilters thinking about getting back to some good old-fashioned in-person workshops. I don't know about you, but I miss the sound of the sewing machines humming, the smell of fresh fabric, and the taste of baking during our mid-morning break.

I leave tomorrow, March 31st, for a much awaited in person get together with a few of my buddies. I will be away for a week, and I am ready for some me retreat time. I have packed 5 projects! Oh, you laugh, but how many do you pack when you go away on a quilting retreat.

I will be back just intime for Easter, and a weekend of unpacking. Only to repack in preparation of my next out and about to Chatham Kent. April 18, & 19, I will be spending time with the quilters of the Erie Shores Quilters Guild. Dazzling them with a trunk show featuring quilts using the Studio 180 innovative piecing tools and techniques. The next day is the workshop. Here the quilters will be making my pattern “Colour my Quilt”. They will get an in depth look at some of the specialty tool by Studio 180 Design and a unique approach to piecing and squaring up your units to create stunning, intricate designs with ease. No more struggling with wonky seams or uneven blocks - with Studio 180 piecing, you'll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create truly impressive quilts. If you are in the area, the workshop is open to non-guild members. For more information or to register give Lydia Miljan a shout by email: lydiamiljan@gmail.com

I return home on Thursday, only to unpack to repack and off to Thessalon. The quilters in the Algoma region will be joining me for a fun filled day of adventure as we dive into the world of “all things flying geese.” Saturday April 22, has us making Flying geese by 4 using the Wing Clipper tool, and non-mirror image Flying Geese. There are two projects to choose from: Flying Geese Fun and Atlantic Flyway. If you have a Wing Clipper tool by Studio 180 Designs and it is sitting in a drawer somewhere, it's time to dust it off and join us. Also, that day, we will tackle the precision piecing technique of making Migrating Geese. Class will continue Sunday as we become more confident with these new techniques. All this is hosted by The Creative Basket. If you would like to join in the fun call: The Creative Basket (705)842-2018 

This all sound overwhelming but it’s just fabulous. Coming together, sharing our stories and our skills, and creating something beautiful and meaningful together. I can't wait to see your smiling faces, hear your laughter and your stories, and marvel at the stunning quilts you'll create using the amazing Studio 180 piecing technique. Quilting may have been on pause for a while, but now it's time to get back to doing what we love best - creating beauty, warmth, and love, one stitch at a time.
The excitement doesn’t end there. My daughter and family will be arriving from England at the beginning of May for three weeks. That’s right friends, granddaughters are coming. What is most exciting is this will be the first time I will have both girls and their families in the house for food, fun and YaYa cuddles. (That’s my grandma name!)

It seems everyone has been busy quilting, as you have kindly sent along photos of your new creations. I have had the pleasure of long arm quilting some of the completed Fair Isle Block of the Month quilts. This one by Lorraine Cwethko. Stunning!

Fair Isle by Lorraine Cwethko

Mary Bowmeester put on her creative hat and after taking the Wedge Star class (way back before the pandemic) turned the table topper into a full size quilt. Outstanding!

Mary Bowmeester - her own creation.

This beauty is pieced by my good friend Daintry Chitaroni. Scrappy is her way and she did not disappoint.

Daintry Chitaroni - All those little pieces!

Monique Welton sent along this picture of Colour my Quilt. I love to see the quilts on a bed, beautiful!

Monique Welton - Colour my Quilt

The Loft has seen a few groups brave the roads and weather over the winter. I remembered to take photos of these quilters visiting from Espanola. Their machines were busy buzzing for days and all the finished quilts tell the tale.

I am so excited to get back to in-person workshops. For me, I imagine a room filled with fabric, threads, and sewing machines. The hum of the machines blend with the chatter of the quilters, as they share stories and tips. There's a sense of community, of belonging, that's hard to describe. It's a space where everyone is welcome, regardless of their skill level or background.

Thank you for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, and change your needle on your machine.