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!

My Stitchin' Place!

Hello Friends.  When I can, I spend my weekends during the summer months at the cottage or 'camp' if you are from Northern Ontario.

 We are fairly remote which means I do not have electrical power – this means: no television, Internet, the comforts of indoor climate control, infinite power from wall circuits etc.  We do however use solar energy, which gives us the illusion of electricity with flip-switch lighting along with a propane (gas) stove/fridge and, of course, a Sauna. 

 The Sauna is the focal point and often competes with the kitchen as the heart of the home. It provides us with hot water and a warm place to wash, which is rich part of our heritage as the Sauna offers sanctuary to carry out a ritual of cleansing.  Camp is the place that I do hand work.  I usually have several binding that need stitching as well as all those projects that I long to stitch but never seem to have the time. Often, it seems like there is nothing but time at the lake, although it always seems to fly by and I leave wishing I could stay longer.

 A few years ago a very dear friend of mine taught me to do red work and also introduced me to wool felt appliqué.  Now I collect projects all winter to bring to camp to stitch.  It seems fitting as it is quiet, peaceful and, well… let's just say I have yet to lose my temper while doing this type of stitching!

 Camp is also where I feel the most creative.  I suppose it is the proximity to the water, trees and fresh air. It really is the little things like watching the squirrels run up and down the trees or that moment when a loon surfaces a few feet away from the dock for a look around. It's my 'Zen' zone! So, this evening I write to you while sitting in my favourite chair at the table facing the lake at the camp, needle in hand, stitching and listening to Randy Backman on the CBC radio.  I leave you this week with this question: Do you have a special spot that you enjoy stitching or being creative?  Send me your comments and pictures! I would love to see them and share them for all to enjoy and be inspired.

 Well that's all for now, time for sauna!  Until next time, stay safe, eat some rhubarb and get stitching!