Look at all that Ivy growing in the trees!
Hello friends. I’m back! Hubby and I left Mid December to spend time with our daughter and her family in the UK. The visit was long overdue, but such a treat. We got to spend some valuable time with our granddaughter, and I banked all the cuddles I could to help tide me over until the next time. Life in the UK is a bit different in the sense that you can go for long walks and play outside without big boots, scarves mittens etc.. and that is just what you do. We had numerous lovely walks in the English countryside where I treated my eyes and imagination to the landscape and all it had to show. There is no artificial holly there as it grows abundantly most everywhere and the English Ivy! It grows vigorously up the trees and makes them look as if they had never dropped their leaves. It almost made me want to start an appliqué project. Heheheh!
There wasn’t much time for “work” but as the new year rang in I did think about my year ahead and my “Word for the Year”. The horizon looks hopeful, as Covid is becoming more of a thing we live with then a thing we fight. I am getting ready for 2022 to be a year that I get back into the swing of things. So with that thought my word for 2022 is: Perseverance! Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success, continued effort to do or achieve something, even when this is difficult or takes a long time. Thats it in a nut shell. I will Keep On Keepin’ On
So what’s on the horizon for Quilting by the River? I will be opening the studio to in house classes. So if you're feeling like you and a friend or two would like to get back into quilting, have a pattern that seems a bit daunting, or want to do one of my patterns, give me a shout and we can discus the particulars.
I have a few new patterns coming out this spring. The two quilt alongs that I did in 2020 - 2021 will be available for purchase shortly along with small project highlighting a new technique using the Wing Clipper tool™ by Studio 180. All my patterns and specialty notions are available on my Etsy site or the link here on my website.
I have spent some time preparing a quick quilt project using layer cakes (pre-cut 10” squares) adapted from a Deb Tucker technique. This one is what I like to call a “rice crispy square” pattern - you know, looks really hard but is super easy.
Come cruise with me: Royal Caribbean has extended the deadline for booking for the May cruise until Mid April. That means there is still time to book for your quilt and cruise adventure. I will be hosting a zoom info night on March 10th at 7pm. Our cruise co-ordinator will be in attendance to answer questions and concerns for those who may me interested. To attend the zoom, send along your email address to me at quiltingbytheriver@gmail.com and I will send you the link. My friend Sherri Hisey of Border Creek Station just returned from her cruise and they had a blast. So I say, “What could be better than sun, fun and quilting. I’d love to have you along for the adventure so don’t delay call Dawn today at (302)530-6187
In need of a few days quilting with friends and a break from the usual, The Loft is open and waiting for your arrival. Check it out here and book your mini retreat on the shores of the French River.
With the new year comes the revealing of Panatone’s Colour of the Year. “Introducing Very Peri, a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet-red undertone. Its dynamic presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity.” (Direct quote from the Panatone website)
Now I’m not big on the purple side of the colour wheel, but I did stumble upon a blend of colours that go well with the purple side of things. It has sparked my creative brain and I am excited to see what develops.
While I was away I did receive a photo of a runner pieced by one of my students. In her email she graciously explains that the patterns was a bit challenging but perseverance and hearing me in her head, got her to the finish line. Thank you Anne for the kind words, your runner is beautiful. Congratulations! However, I’m not sure hearing me in your head is a good thing or not. If it persists, take two aspirin and call me in the morning! LOL.
That about sums it up for now. I will keep you all informed of more things to come as we navigate the next few months. If your in the neighbourhood, I am clearing some older stock of existing pre-cuts and Batiks which I have reduced to make room for some new fabric. Call before you come to make sure I am around.
Thanks for dropping by, until next time, stay safe, keep warm and clean your sewing machine!
