Hello Friends. Its that time of year again when groups and guilds are holding year end workshops and get togethers. I am so lucky to be part of all the "quilty" goings on here in Northern Ontario.
Spring brings out the quilters, as the driving becomes more favourable and we are in need of some quilting therapy! But it's not just quilters that are out. This week, we have had a surge in the animal sightings, with deer in the back yard and bears in the front. The quilters who frequent the studio have had quite a show these past few weeks. That's enough now - "get back in the bush."
My "out and about's" started April 22nd with a visit to the Rayside Balfour Quilt Show. There were venders booths, with so many nice things that we need. :) A beautiful boutique of ready made items to purchase, made by the guild members, and lets not forget the quilts. Here is just a few highlights of some of the quilts that were on display.
Quilts from top to bottom:
My Mothers Garden - Paulette Prevost, 63 Sampler - Diane Blais, Log Cabin - Gail Levesque, Pop Stars - Pauline Soucy, Christmas at the lake - Yollande H. Nepssy, Close up of machine applique on Christmas at the lake, Carolina Lily - Debbie Serafini.
A few days later the SUV was packed with supplies and off to Trout Creek and South River to spend time with the Almaquin Quilters Guild. Wednesday the quilters embarked in a one day workshop where they learnt to make the beautiful leaf in the "Northern Neighbours" quilt. Three Studio 180 tools, alot of laughs, great food, old friends and new acquaintances.
All in all it made for a great day and I had a blast. That evening, the remainder of the guild joined in as I was asked to show some of my other quilts in a Trunk Show. I hope that I will be able to spend more time with this wonderful group of quilters in the future. Thank you so much my new friends.
Zoom Zoom, home for a quick repack and change, then off to Englehart for Quilt Day 9. This is a yearly event that takes place in rotating towns in the northern communities. The show in Englehart this year saw quilters from all over the north, Timmins, Kirkland Lake, New Liskard and all points in between. I was asked to present my Trunk Show "What have I learned from quilting" Saturday afternoon. When I got on stage to begin, I looked out to see a sea of faces. Oh My Goodness! There were a lot of quilters staring back at me!
We were able to share some laughs, quilting tales and life stories. With so many in attendance - Quilt Day 9 was a huge success. A special Thank you to Lori Jordan, who's organizational skills made the day run smoothly and all the volunteers who were there both Friday and Saturday fussing about. The ladies who made lunch. More Food! You should have seen the food! It's not like quilting is an aerobic sport.
Well, It's not over yet. This weekend I am hosting Kathy Wylie at the 2nd Annual Northern Ontario Quilting Symposium I will have more stories and photos to share with you next time. Right now, I had better get into the studio to pack those boxes again. Until next time, stay safe, quilt with a friend, and don't let the deer eat your tulips!