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.

I'm Back! Even though I never really left.

Hello Friends. I’m Back! If you’ve been watching my Facebook posts or Instagram, you’ll know that Hubby and I have successfully moved to the new house on the French River. What a way to spend the first 3 months of a global pandemic. I did not touch my long arm or sewing machine from March to June, other than for making a few face masks for family. A few being less than 15, and hats off to those of you who did make and are still making masks by the hundreds.

While I’ve been busy packing and unpacking boxes, my Quilty friends have been piecing up a storm. As a catch up let me share with you a few of the quilts that have been made during the first few months of Covid.

Photos from left to right: Love Links by Andrea Lanthier Beaconsfield Quilters Guild, Love Links by Lillian Fisher Sudbury, Owl Panel by Val Letford Sudbury, Quilt by Val Letford, Love Links by Noreen Lavallee Beaconsfield Quilters Guild. Beautiful work ladies.

Just as a warm up and attempt to get back into routine, I custom quilted the cover quilt for my newest pattern “Harmony’. I started Harmony last fall in honour of the arrival of the grand babies. One in the UK and one here in town who were born 2 weeks apart. Both Moms and babies are doing fine. Growing like weeds, and with each video call they change and become more beautiful. My Harmony pattern will be available in a week or so.

Things are certainly different here in the studio. I miss the quilters that I saw weekly for class. They have expressed a lack of inspiration and I am sure as winter sets in, regular group meetings will be missed even more. I am hoping to be able to help a little, as I am trying out my internet strength and viability to do some Facebook live get-togethers. I will let you all know have this works as I figure it out. I was hoping that the French River area would have me Singing the songs of unlimited internet but I am sadly disappointed. Stay tuned for updates on that front. Speaking of updates, have you signed up for email notification to these monthly newsletter/blog posts. If not, click here and fill out the form. You will be notified via email as to when I post my monthly news. That way you won’t miss a thing. Also if you have been digging into that UFO pile during this time of isolation and have completed a quilt from one of my patterns, workshops or classes, send along those pictures. I will post them not only on the gallery page of my website but also here in the newsletter and my Facebook and instagram page.. We can all use a bit of show and tell to get those creative juices flowing.

Anything happening in the months ahead? Well you may have heard we have a new quilt shop in Sudbury. Gem Sewing has opened a on Lasalle Blvd. They have asked if I would teach a weekend workshop in November. Now before you go all crazy with covid concerns let me just say that I like preparing and if things look bad we cancel. I am a true believer in taking all precautions and am quite willing to wear a mask all day if I have to and self distance and so on. You get the picture.So fingers crossed and we will see how it all plays out in the next few months. I will be teaching my newest pattern (in the works) so no pictures yet but soon. To sign up, stop in at Gem Sewing and make sure to say Hi to Sylvie.

Balboa

Let’s not forget Cindy Bee’s in Espanola. Cindy has a Block of the Month starting soon. I will be teaching a few blocks via Facebook live for those who sign up. Oh that should be a hoot - What could possibly go wrong there. I would sign up just to see the bloopers. LOL If you need inspiration, she has new lines of fabric coming in and I for one will be there for my shopping extravaganza. I sort of made her buy them so I know they are drull worthy.

The Loft is open and ready for you and friends. If you have creative friends in your bubble and need a break just give me a shout. Book a few days to create and get away from the house and husband. (wink wink).

Well my Husband is clanging dishes in the kitchen so I’d better go see what’s up. Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, Stay safe, be creative and clean your sewing machine!