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.

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.