Hello Friends.

It wasn’t that long ago that I was sitting on my dock by the river, feet up, sun shining on my face, and saying to Hubby: “We better enjoy this now because it’s going to be December before we know it...”. Well, here we are…

Some say time goes by more quickly as we get older. This past year, I celebrated the big 6-0 and I even took the liberty of parking in the “Over 55” spot at the drug store the other week but the pace at which these milestones are happening is far too quick for comfort. Hopefully Santa will get me a new anti-wrinkle cream this year.

Last month we were able to visit my youngest daughter in the UK for the arrival of her second daughter and our third grandchild. Now that we are back, it’s time to haul out the holly and I’ve been pedal to the metal with “to do” lists. So far, I am proud to report that I have the decorations up, outside lights done and most of the shopping sorted. It is so satisfying striking out pre-holiday jobs and errands and ticking boxes across all the sticky notes I leave for myself. I just LOVE fun stationary because it makes all these seasonal chores slightly less daunting. But, I am genuinely worried that I am going to need a bit more than a glittery notepad to get me through January. Before the new year, I’ve got to tackle year-end stuff and spring workshop prep so I am taking advantage of any free time and making the most of these valuable few weeks before it’s out with the ho, ho, ho’s and in the with GO, GO, GO’s!

Mini Bag class at Cindy Bee’s Quilt Shoppe.

Thankfully, we are beginning to be more comfortable being out and about in this unchartered post-pandemic phase. In the quilting world, guilds have been able to get back to in-person meetings and shops have started to host classes again. I was so happy to be able to welcome students back to my classes and attend a few guild lectures. My first outing was close to home with the French River Quilters. It was so wonderful to meet such a lovely group, see what everyone is working on and connect with my quilting community.

Despite being away for a month, I have had several classes here in the studio throughout the fall. It has been nice to get back in touch with my regular students along with welcoming a few new quilters too! November had me back at Cindy Bee’s Quilt Shoppe for a few days where I taught a fun little bag (a great gift for Christmas or for packing in for holiday season travels) and a tree skirt. Cindy and I are working on some class ideas for 2023 so stay tuned…you wont want to miss out!

The Loft saw a few groups staying with us. A special seasons greetings to all our Lofter groups who returned for another creative get-away and a great big winter welcome to those who have come from far away.

Besides banking baby cuddles and visiting with quilters, I’ve been busy working on a new design. I am pleased to announce the release of my latest quilt pattern, PIKO, is now officially here – just in time for Christmas! I simply can’t tell you how excited I am to finally launch this pattern. I have been working on it for almost a year and I have to admit this is one of my favourite patterns so far. It is simple but stunning and doable in so many fabric colour combinations. I am so blessed to have such great quilter friends and thank you to all those special people who have taken time out to help with samples and pattern edits. Here is Deanna’s rendition of PIKO that she constructed while working through the pattern, checking my maths and construction methods. Well done my friend and thank you for your help – I owe you my weight in gold (post-turkey dinner!).

Either as a present under the tree or a new year project for yourself, you can order the pattern (and all my other patterns too) through my Etsy store or as a PDF download off my website.

Among all the deliveries from my Black Friday sale shopping and Christmas presents bought off Amazon, the fabric for the quilt projects I am teaching on the cruise are starting to come in. Cruise? What Cruise?

Yes quilters, it is official… I am teaching on a Caribbean Cruise this upcoming summer. Not only is the prospect of guaranteed sun getting me through the thought of four months of sub-zero temperatures, but I am also super excited to be teaching on a boat! Not to mention, no long Johns and no cooking. That said, if you are in need of a Christmas gift for that special quilter in your life or perhaps something for yourself, why not join me on a week touring around the Caribbean and quilting! For more information visit QuiltandCruise.com or give our cruise co-ordination Dawn Olmstead a call at: (302)630-6187

Important: The date has changed from a month ago. The cruise is now scheduled for the 21st to 29th July 2023. With everyone keen to finally be able to travel again, this cruise will fill up fast so don’t delay.

Now that the winter quilting season is well and truly upon us, I’m sure, like me, you have seriously ramped up sewing to tackle those special home-made Christmas presents and taking on the challenge of finishing all of your 2022 projects before the new year. Each year, I have marked in my calendar at the start of December to take time to do some much-needed machine maintenance. There’s nothing like a broken machine, mid-stitch, that will get you screaming indecencies that will certainly land you on Santa’s naughty list. So, be sure to clean the bobbin area where all the fuzz hides and change your needle. Also, maybe it’s time for a new seam ripper. They get dull as well and it’s frustrating enough having to take out stitches – you should at least do yourself the favour of doing it with a sharp seam ripper!

As always, thank you so much for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, get outside, and start thinking about your next quilting project. I know I am!