Hello Friends. Shortly after Christmas, I had braced myself for the long cold dark months of January and February. I wasn’t sure how we were going to pass the time especially with the Hubby now as my new and only best friend. Now, all of a sudden, it’s the middle of March, and I wonder where the time has gone. I had big plans to get some UFO’s completed, and have time to do some slow stitching hand work. Nope, I have done none of that. It seems that slowing down is not a me thing to do. The hubby and I have however tried to make a conscious attempt to get out and walk. Mother Nature must have known that Covid itself brought on its own extraordinary challenges and gave us a gift of “an easy winter.”

The temperatures are beginning to warm up and I still have hopes of “pausing” daily. I just do not seem to be able to just sit and watch the ice melt on the river.

With the Vaccine roll out underway there is a palpable feeling of hope in the air. I have even started a Fall class list of projects I’d like to teach. I was supposed to have the samples done already but I found more fun things to do with my time, like start a Facebook Quilt Along group.

I am so looking forward to having students in the studio for classes, going out and about for workshops and meeting new quilters. Then there is the pleasure of hearing the chatter and laughter coming from The Loft as quilters and like minded friends gather to share and make and enjoy their time together. It seems like every time someone books The Loft we head into a grey zone. So The Loft is waiting and so am I for the return to gatherings.

Here are a few quilt pictures of “Colour me red” I’d like to share from the fall Quilt Along group. If you are still working on your quilt that is fine. When your ready share a picture of your project on the group page as we would all love to see your beautiful creations.

Just when I try to convince myself that I am content with my daily routine, something pops into my world and has my mind racing with quilts and possibilities. So what has me in a frenzy?

I am excited to announce that I have accepted an offer to teach on a Caribbean Quilt Cruise in 2022. (I had better be vaccinated by then!)

So now starts the work! I would love for you to join me, so if you or someone you know is a cruiser I have added information here on my website, or you can check out Quilt and Cruise.

Please feel free to pass on the invitation and information on to your friends, guilds and groups. To print this poster click here.

On the home front, my bestie these days, Hubby, has found his own creative outlet. He has started doing some woodworking (which now that he is retired has time for). I had him make some quilt hangers for the wall as I lack floor space. Beautiful handcrafted out of oak with either a wooden or metal bracket. The quilt hangers are approximately 24” long with the arm 26” in length and swings 180° left to right. Prices are listed beneath the pictures and custom order are accepted. Send me an email of you would like further information or to purchase.

The second on Hubby’s list of creative endeavours are the Tucker tool racks. These boards hold up to 28 tools and sit in a file like fashion. Perfect for our Tucker Tools to keep in reach for all our quilting needs.

In the studio this week - I just received the quilt in the new colour way for Marquise. I had my special sample fairies quilting up a storm. The original Marquise was not drawing your attention so perhaps a change of fabric may help you visualize all the different potential fabrics and colours that can be used when making this quilt.

I have received several pictures from quilters as they finish up some of their projects.

Sharon Myles and Ellie Charette sent along pictures of their completed “Harmony” quilts.

It just is so wonderful to see quilts emerge with someone else’s choices of fabrics and colours.

Love the quilts ladies and Thank you for choosing my pattern.

Anne Hubert sent along a picture of Carolina Lilly that she recently finished. It is beautiful in the greys and purples. All the pictures I receive are posted on my Gallery page of the website so check them out.

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Well the sun is shining and I guess I should go take 5 and watch the ice melt. :) Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, quilt something and go watch the ice melt!