Hello Friends. It’s the last day of 2018, and the Hubby and I are at the River House just chillin! Christmas was quiet, and I am truly thankful that the family was able to be together for the holidays. The girls got us framed photos of their wedding pictures and of course I cried. (like that’s a surprise) and to be honest, those are the kinds of gifts that really matter. The newlyweds have made it back to the UK and our oldest is enjoying some quiet time in her new house. My, how the holidays just flew by. All the prep and fussing and whoosh here we are at the eve of another year.

I am fighting a bit of a cold, but I must say, the timing for something like that is OK, as I am in hibernation mode for the next few weeks. I de-decorated this morning and anxious for things to be normal, including the menu. Too much cheese and chocolate and the like. I swear every time I turned around there was something jumping into my mouth.

January is shaping up to be catch up time with quilts to be quilted on the long arm and time set aside to write my next pattern. Somehow, I am a master of procrastination when it comes to writing patterns. Then of course with the new year comes year end and inventory so there goes January. With all the expenditures this past year we have decided to pass on our February Caribbean holiday. That is just fine with me, as I am always in for some extra sewing time. There is an exciting event/adventure taking place in January, but I can’t share just yet so stay tuned and I will bring you up to date mid-January.

2018 was an exciting year for me as I was able to release two more patterns. For the shops out there, my patterns are now available through Erie Quilt Art in Canada and Checker Distributors in the U.S. All quilters and shop can always buy them directly from me as well so have a look at the store on my website. All in all, 2018 was a whirlwind year, and I am looking forward to 2019 having a calmer and more focused feel. Like that is going to happen. Haha

I recently received an email from my friend Leianne McCallum who teaches all things Studio 180 at Quilters Cupboard in Uxbridge Ontario. She so kindly sent me photos of some of her students work in the Studio 180 Club class. Leianne writes, “All the blocks look so different, yet equally lovely, and everyone has really enjoyed your pattern.” What a lovely treat to see students creative take on patterns. They are lovely and different. Thank you Leianne and your students for using Quilting by the River patterns. I look forward to more pictures as you finish your projects.

Another quilty friend so kindly sent along a photo of her finished “Quarry” quilt which she did in the November workshop. Danielle is new to our workshop group, but I get the feeling I will see her again and share some fun quilting time as always.

One thing I promised the Quarry workshop group, is the continuous quilting grid that I used when I was quilting the squares in my green sample. Here you are, and I am available if you have any questions.

Well Hubby wants to go for a walk before the snow starts and the temperature drops. So from my family to yours we wish you a safe happy and healthy 2019

Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, Happy New Year and make time for a nap!