Happy quilters from the Love Links workshop in Beaconsfield Quebec
Hello Friends. It seems like everyday the world is changing. I don’t want to dwell on the present state of this global pandemic, (we all get enough of that each day) other then expressing my sincere hopes that you all stay healthy and vigilant in self isolation and social distancing. Our new lifestyle (for as long as that will be) find us all with a little bit more time on our hands. For quilters - that’s not a bad thing. I personally, found myself digging in my UFO cupboard. The UFOs are not so much unfinished projects but Kits that I have bought over the years and shelved due to lack of time. it just so seems we have plenty of that at the moment. The snow is melting, so I don’t have to shovel. The grass is not growing yet and I can’t see my flower garden, so I can’t worry about that yet. Well, what’s a quilter to do?
I actually found kits I had purchased with great excitement from a trip with friends from 2000. Oh - did you fall off your chair? That’s right, 20 years ago, and the fabric has not molded yet. Fabric has a great life span.
So I’m just about finished my last two quilts for my new patterns and then I may take a few weeks and sew a quilt for me. That my friends is an opportunity I have not had in some time. But, while surfing one dull evening I came across a quilt designer’s blog. She was introducing her new pattern called “Tulips for Oma”by Christa Smith. Click here to visit her site. It niggled and niggled till I went online and ordered the pattern. Old quilt kits out - new quilt kit in. We have to keep the economy going right? The pattern is all appliqué, and with the help of my appliquick tools I am hoping to do one block and make it a wall hanging. Light and airy with happy fabrics for the River House. Whats on your list for the next little while. Whats your oldest kit or UFO.
The beginning of March, before the pandemic, I was in Beaconsfield Quebec. (A big hug to all of you.) I had the pleasure of presenting my trunk show to both the evening and morning guild groups. What a delightful group of quilters. We had lots of laughs and shared beautiful quilts.
They hosted a small supper gathering where we were able to share stories and tips about all things quilting and the likes. Thursday, I taught Love Links (a pattern by Studio 180 design) and introduction to the Wing Clipper® tool) to a group of 20 enthusiastic quilters. It was a great day with lots of learning and lots of laughs. I hope I will have the opportunity to visit them again some day.
In the studio during the past few weeks the quilters have been busy quilting. It’s that time of year! Anne amazed us once again with her blue work snowman quilt by Crabapple Hill.
She also brought along Abigail’s Freedom Garden by Border Creek Station using the French General line of fabric from Cindy Bee’s quilt shop. The borders need to be appliquéd still, but I thought I would show her top and the finished quilt later. With all this stay at home time it could be as early as next week - knowing Anne. LOL
At this time I would like to mention that due to the current self isolation and distancing my studio and “The Loft” are closed until further notice. I am, however, available for quilting help via email and video calls like FaceTime and messenger. As quilters in Northern Ontario often feel even more isolated. Cindy Bee Quilt Shoppe in Espanola is open for fabric emergencies via phone orders, emails and video shopping. She will also bring it to your car so no fear of contact.
My new quilt is about to be ready for print shortly, however the pattern cover will have to be a digital image until such time that a proper photograph can be taken. I will be posting more frequently as we rely more on our connections to the quilt world via social media so if you have a quilt you would like to share with others, send it along and I would love to post it for all of us enjoy and be inspired by.
Thank you for stopping by. Until next time, stay safe, stay healthy and mind the advice of our medical community and practice self isolation and distancing.