The river still has lots of ice. Come on sunshine!
Hello Friends. Since I have returned from our visit to England, I have been spending a lot of time in the studio, but not quilting! (insert sad face here) There has been too many hours catching up on things like computer work, long overdue long-arm business and general preparing for a new season of quilting. I haven’t done much piecing and that part of me is busting to get at my machine and create. I have a few new quilts sketched on paper and now its time to start getting them onto the design wall and play! The snow is falling here today so I still feel likes it safe not to rush as I think spring will be a few weeks away yet. I am, however, so ready for spring and the warm sun.
Here it is April! Usually, this is the season when I’m out and about teaching workshops. This, I must admit, is my happy time where I feel energized by other quilters. Missing all of that has had me thinking long and hard as to “what’s next,” I have decided to open up the studio (with restrictions) to small classes of 2 to 3 quilters. Now that I am in my new neighbourhood, and with restrictions easing, I am also hoping to get to know the nearby quilters. I am beginning to restock the studio with essentials like new backings for our quilts, thread and needles along with those things you didn’t know you need but now that you mention it! So with the snow disappearing and spring around the corner, I’m here whether it’s classes, general quilting supplies or just a healthy dose of creativity and inspiration.
Due to the uncertainty that still looms over travel, my Quilt and Cruise workshop has been cancelled. I am disappointed but I understand. Looking into the future, I have already started to have ideas whirl around for the next quilt to teach at sea. Wonder where we will be going next? But wait, what about the cruise kits and all that wonderful fabric. Now’s your chance quilters, book your small group for the day and learn the tips and tricks to making the cruise quilt “Colour my quilt” or small “Flying Geese Fun” project. Better still, book into “The Loft” with your quilty friends and spend a few days away from home quilting up some April Showers. Just a reminder that The Loft is not only for quilters. There are many creative friends out there that enjoy knitting, sketching, painting, writing…. you get the idea. I welcome all creative types to take a few days to recharge and take advantage of the beautiful surroundings the French River has to offer.
Since the last newsletter, I have been able to quilt “Pathway to spring”. I have been slowly stitching (that’s what Deanna calls it!) my binding on while watching the curling. Thank goodness for curling! Then I received this email from one of my bestest quilting friends Marjorie. I just love her colours. I think early on, that is why I fell in love with teaching quilting. I can not make all the different creative possibilities that I think of when I design a pattern, and by teaching, I get to witness all the different layout and colour options that you all create. It’s like magic! Thank you Marjorie for sending along the photo of Pathway to Spring. Love it! Love it! Love it!
Another example of a creative change to one of my patterns is from Val. Her artistic addition to Colour my Quilt by adding a fussy cut motif changed the whole feel of the quilt. I wish I would have thought about something like that. Its a good thing I had a big 6 1/2” square for you to play with in the pattern. LOL
Stay tuned to the website and my social media pages for upcoming classes and studio news. I invite you to sign up for my newsletter on the website so you don’t miss out on my what, where and when news.
Now I had better get out for my walk before the feeling leaves me. Hehe! Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, don’t shovel any more snow and lets do a sunshine dance!