Hello Friends. I woke up this morning to a blanket of snow. I guess there is no escaping it living here in Northern Ontario. I was able to get my greenery into their pots and decorated for Christmas before that white stuff came and my fingers froze! Brody and I have been enjoying some lovely walks along the tractor trail. The bush looks so different without the leaves. Not the colourful palate of fall, just many shades of brown! Somehow, it always makes me feel like snuggling in a quilt made from flannel. Hummmm!
Back at the house, it has been a productive few weeks here at the studio. I have made a good start at my gift list and I have gotten to some neglected chores around the house. Importantly, I finished a table runner that has been added to the “In Studio Sessions” one-day workshop repertoire.
This runner is by Doug Leko called “Star Light”, found in his book Town Square. Doug constructs his creations using Studio 180 tools. If you have time, check out the many other patterns that he has on his website here.
If this runner is something that you are interested in making here with me, just give me a shout and we can arrange a day that is convenient for you to came to the studio. For more information about this runner click here.
Just in time for this runner - look what arrived at the studio this week!
I have been able to carve out some precious piecing time for my own quilting. Remember that list I made of things to have done for Christmas? Well, I am happy to report that I am well on my way to completing the quilt that will be a gift for one of the girls at my husband’s office.
Almost finished is a new wall hanging inspired by my friend Leianne Monro McCallum (a quilting teacher in Uxbridge, Ontario). She recently posted a picture of these pieced tree blocks from a book by Kim Diehl, called Simple Christmas. I loved the tree, but wanted only one tree and for it to be a little larger. So, I made it bigger and used my Tucker tools to construct the units. I will repost when I have it finished but right now it is on the design wall. I am very excited about it and think it will look wonderful on the kitchen wall. Gosh, now I have to finish it for sure…
Despite all this planning, I have not yet pulled out my unfinished Christmas projects from last year – I guess the new ones are more exciting. How is your “To make for Christmas” list coming?
The Storm at Sea workshop held on November 5th & 6th was a big success. We were in a new venue (which always has me a bit nervous) but I did not blow any fuses and the room worked really well. The quilters out did themselves with all their brilliant different colour combinations! By the end of the weekend they were well on their way to finishing their projects. A weekend of fun and learning with friends is just what is needed before the busy holiday season sets in.
I am now back in the studio full time again, available if there is a project you are having problems with or need help starting. Every day I try to get one thing off my list for Christmas, with my goal being a few days before the family arrives to just chill and quilt maybe! I’ll let you know how that works out for me.
Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, find that snow shovel and pull out a UFO!