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.

I'm back and ready to get down to business!

Windsor Castle, London UK

Hello Friends. I wrote an entire blog post on the plane so that when I got home I would add photos and hit send. Well, as life would have it, my draft is gone. The computer goblins ate it and it is just not there. That’s how it goes some days I guess. No worries, I will just think of it like laundry, one minute you’re all up to date and the next you’ve got a full basket. LOL

Why we go to England!

I have just returned from our two weeks in London UK visiting our daughter. It is so different from here. I must admit I do love it. The inner city of London not so much, but the country side. We spent our visit in the country side this trip. First, three days in the Cotswolds. Quiet, Quaint and lots of hiking. Pubs, gotta like pubs! Comfort food and interesting folks to talk to. It’s all good. Lauren brought us to Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel. It is cool to think the Queen lives there and the Chapel is where Harry and Meagan got married. Just like on TV!

Back at home now, with a few days to get adjusted to the time again. I’m getting ready for a few of my US Certified Instructors who will be arriving at the end of the month. Now there’s a group of obsessed quilters. Quilt, eat, Quilt, eat, Quilt, eat, Quilt, sleep, repeat. Oh there may be some Cheesies and bevies enjoyed in there, but it is pretty hard core on the quilting side. We have a blast and I can’t wait to see them all again. As always there will be a head full of new projects and techniques, as we all do different kinds of quilting. Stay tuned for stories and pictures.

Mid October is my workshop (click here for more information). Now there is quite a lot of quilting events happening in and around the area so registrations have been slow. If your sitting on the fence I urge you to sign up soon. I am really hoping that I will not have to cancel. I will keep you all up to date and will know by the end of the month. Here is a picture of River Rocks made by Martha Mosher. Martha made her quilt scrappy and it looks so cool and so different from mine. I just love it! Thanks for the picture Martha. Send along your pictures of your quilts either from my classes or my patterns. I post them on the Gallery page of my website. Go have a look, Its a great place for colour ideas as well.

That’s about it for now. I can see a tint of red on the trees across the river and the fog rolls over the water in the mornings when we wake up, a sure sign that fall in here and a new season is upon us. That means it Quilting time, so thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, enjoy our beautiful fall days and check your seam ripper - it may be dull!

My big annoucement!

Hello Friends. I haven’t blogged all summer, on purpose I may add, but more so because for me, summer is a time to be outside, be with friends and family and work on a secret project. Secret Project? Secret because I didn’t want to have a deadline and make it stressful. So A few days ago I posted the opening of “The Loft” on my social media pages (Quiltingbytheriver -Facebook and instagram). Here’s the story: the Hubby and I purchased a new house on the French River last year, a place to eventually retire to. To my overwhelming excitement, it came with an apartment above the garage. So where does my brain go with an asset on the property such as a Loft house, you got it , quaint digs for art folks to come disconnect from daily life and immerse themselves in their hobby with a few close friends. The timing also worked out to my advantage, as the Hubby retired in June. He was then free to do renovations and keep him out of my hair so to speak. Really though if it wasn’t for his knowledge in all types of repairs The Loft would not have happened.

The Loft is not a full sized house, but a quaint space for spend time with a few close friend. I invite all types of hobbyists to come, not only quilters but knitters, stitchers, painters, writers etc.. If it’s quilting your into, the space is small so only 4 comfortably, 5 if you don’t complain. The Loft has three bedrooms: two with a queen bed in each and one with two double beds. I have a new page on my website dedicated to all you need to know, along with pictures so check it out here.

I am writing today using a new app on my IPad ( so pardon any errors and lack of pictures) as I am in the Toronto airport awaiting to board and fly to London UK to visit the youngest and new son-in-law I will be back mid month and ready to get down to business. Speaking of business may I remind everyone that time is flying by to register for my fall workshop in October. Click here for more information I have been made aware of all the things going on that weekend, but hay, what’s a girl to do! I am available by email, while I’m away, to register.

I will have more news about my summer and upcoming events soon, but for now,

Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, grab those last few days of shorts weather and remember to clean your sewing machine for the upcoming quilting season