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.

A Valentine to Welcome Lofters

Hello Friends. Sunday mornings are for drinking coffee and enjoying the sun coming through the window. This morning was all about that. The Hubby got me flowers for Valentines day and they are making me miss the abundant blooms of spring. This morning with the sun, I feel like spring is knocking at the door and I am ready.

What a great weekend to welcome our first group of Lofters. What is a Lofter you ask? It is a group of like minded creative makers who gather to spend time together sharing and making that, that calls the creative soul. There is no better time to welcome a group of quilters than on “Galentines”weekend. There was piecing, and cross-stitching, binding and hand quilting. I have a front row seat to the creativity, as I peeked in once or twice to check that all was in good working order,(wink wink) and got to see everyones projects. Their suppers smelt pretty good as well!

I had the pleasure of teaching the newest tool in the Studio 180 repertoire at Cindy Bee’s quilt shoppe last week. The new “Wedge Star” tool makes kaleidoscope blocks with no fuss, no muss. As with all the tools, the Wedges are squared up, along with the finished block to ensure the finished product has pointy points and things all in the right places. The two groups of quilters did amazing and I can’t wait to see everyones creations.

My newest pattern is in print and available. You can get your copy of “September Morn” right here in the store or ask for it at your local quilt shop.

The registration deadline is fast approaching for the Spring Workshop. There is still lots of spaces left so give me a shout and lets get quilting together. For more information click here.

The first week of March finds me spending time with the quilters of the Beaconsfield Quilters Guild in Quebec. I am super excited to get to know quilters to the east. I will be teaching “Love Links” and introducing them to the Wing Clipper tool. I look forward sharing some valuable quilting time with them. My samples are ready and next week has me packing up my quilts for the trunk shows.

That’s all for now, thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, stay creative and get some sun shine.

I've been here, there and everywhere!

Hello Friends. I’m thinking about all that has happened since I touched base with you with my last blog post. Although it has only been a few weeks, it’s been packed with workshops, trunk shows and best of all great quilters.  

The first weekend in May, was spent with the quilters of the Sudbury and District Quilting and Stitchery Guild.  The group spent two days learning about turned edge applique and all the extra stuff that we need to know to make our projects easy and beautiful.  I was so delighted to be asked to present a Trunk Show to the guild members on the following Monday at their annual Year end Banquet.  It is customary that I ask the quilters to give a big Hello wave to all of my other quilters who follow my blog. So from these quilters to all of you, “Hello and Happy Quilting”.

On May 15th and 16th I was in North Bay.  First, I was invited to share my quilts and stories with the afternoon group. Over the years I have had the pleasure of getting to know many quilters here in the North, and when I go to places like North Bay, it’s nice to touch base with those who I have had the privilege of teaching and now calling my friend.  One such lady is Deanna, who so graciously invited me to stay at her house.  I’m sure the reason was mainly because we have so much to get caught up on that chatting on the phone does not do us justice. 

Thanks friend I owe you one! The next day the ladies came together to learn the tips and tricks to making the River Rocks block.  I am hoping that soon I will have pictures of their finished projects to share.  

This past Thursday it was back in the car.  This time I was heading north to the Cobalt area, where I joined a lively group of quilters on a 5-day retreat.  The event was hosted by Gem Sewing, and in attendance were 20 some quilters waiting to learn all things related to flying geese and the Wing Clipper tool by Studio 180 Design.  As you can see from the following pictures, these ladies were into some serious quilting. 

A big Thank You to everyone who attended the workshops.  The organizers, local shops and most of all, the quilters.  Without you I would just be talking to the bears in the back bushes of Northern Ontario.  

Right now, I am busy getting my sample done for the fall workshop.  I will post the info as soon as I am done the quilt top.  Which may be sooner than later as today my house is getting covered by those gross tent caterpillars.  No real gardening for this lady.  EWWWW!!!  So mark your calendar as the date is set for November 10th and 11th. I had booked it for earlier but there’s a child’s wedding in October. 

I hear the mower going so I’d better check Hubby doesn’t mow the Lupins down. Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, were bug repellant and eat some asparagus.