Hello Friends. For the most part, my January and now early February have remained mostly the same. We have been in a Stay at Home order since early January, resulting in the Hubby and I becoming besties. Our days seem to all be the same. Our routine tends not to change much and we have even implemented, totally by accident, 3:00pm tea time!! I spend most of my time in the studio, leaving himself to his own devices in the workshop.

This week our area will be lifting the Stay at Home order but that doesn’t change our day to day very much. I don’t need anything, and other then groceries and since we cant travel, its here at the river I stay with my “bestie”. Lol. Really feels like the Ground Hog day movie. Will someone change the channel already! You’d think I would be getting loads of quilting done. NOT! My quilting life is so multifaceted, that I go from computer work to long-arm quilting to piecing. Well, I’m not bored!

There have been a few new developments here at the studio. I purchased a scissor arm to hold my phone and a new web-cam. After a full day of videoing a “how to” for Cindy Bee’s Quilt Shoppe (which was almost a total disaster) I felt it time to invest in a proper camera holding device. Hubby on the other hand, wanted to construct an apparatus that would mount to the ceiling… There was mention of C-clamps and wood on hand.

I decided I better get him something to do to feel like he was contributing to Quilting by the River, so I have him making wall mounted quilt hangers. He is very talented at woodworking so as there are now 5 in the works (photos to come in a few weeks) with different colour and design variations. I no longer see him for hours at a time. (Insert happy face here)

My Spring Quilt Along starts on Wednesday with the first set of instructions. If you are interested, there is unlimited space, with full details of how to join up on my Quilting by the River Facebook page. As quilts need names, something I detest doing, I decided to have a Give-away to name the Spring Quilt Along quilt. So far I have had suggestions from about 25 quilters, all giving there ideas for naming this quilt. The chosen quilter will receive one of the two technique sheets used in making this Springs quilt. Thank you ladies, I can’t wait to see who wins.

I recently posted a photo of “Summer Blooms”, a quilt pattern that I released last spring. It’s a perfect time to jump in and get a summer quilt made for a bed at the cottage or trailer. Summer Blooms has instruction for two sizes of quilts a Twin: 72” x 90 or Queen: 90” x 90”.

It is one of my favourite quilts and uses the Split Rects® tool by Studio 180 Design. If you would like a pattern of your own they are available on my website.

Which brings me to my next bit of new news. I have decided to open an Etsy shop. With Covid, and the lock down, quilters haven’t been able to go shopping at their favourite quilt store. Having introduced a few favourite notions and now demonstrating more of the Studio 180 tools and techniques, there has been an increase in demand for online shopping. I do not have all the items listed as of late but slowly add two or three every few days. If you would like to see my Etsy shop you can visit Quilting by the River on Etsy or go to shopping here on my website.

I have received a few new pictures of completed projects in the last few weeks. Thank you to Monica Gates who sent along her photo of “Posh Santa”. Monica and a few friends came to the studio last November and took part in this curved piecing class. It turned out beautifully and is even quilted. Bravo Monica!

Now my newest pattern Marquise hasn’t had its day in the limelight due to covid and the lack of workshops but it has been trickling off the shelf. This photo was sent in by Lise Brown. Thank you Lise and what a difference colour makes. I do believe that Lise said “this was made for a little guy who loves the colours.” It is so nice when we can get inspired by the children in our lives.

My clock informs me that my computer time is up. There are 4-patches that need ironing before Wednesday so I’d better get at it. Thank you for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe,quilt lots, and Implement a tea time with biscuits.

Hello Friends. Fall has arrived and so has the cooler weather. This year, more than most, I dreaded pulling out the sweaters, long pants and Yes I have socks on now everyday. My pants I must admit are a bit snug, another covid pitfall. On a brighter note, the colours are beautiful and I have more time to quilt.

I am ahead of the game this year, as I started my Christmas sewing early. I have just completed two quilted Christmas stocking for the new grand babies. The patterns are by a very good friend and fellow Studio 180 Certified Instructor Katrina Thomas of The Hope Chest. Her patterns and now online mystery quilts are sure to please so have a look at her website. I can take orders for her patterns if there is something there that you would like to quilt up. Just send me an email with your list.

I had the pleasure of hosting a group of super fun quilters in the loft a few weeks ago. They had a birthday party for Vals companion “Tippy”, with cake and party hats. It warms my heart to know that The Loft can be a place to enjoy special moments with friends as well. They quilted up a storm, so I am anxious to get photos of their finished projects soon. The Loft is open for reservations for your small group of 4 and we observe all Covid rules and regulations during your stay.

My pattern “Harmony” is now available for purchase and can be found in the store section of my website. It is also available through Erie Quilt Art for shop owners, or ask for it at your local quilt shop.

I have some wonderful quilty friends testing my newest pattern “Marquise”. Here is a photo of Marquise made by Deanna and very speedily I might add. Big Thank you to Deanna and all the friends that help me with proofing and edits.

I will be teaching at Gem Sewing in Sudbury. It will be a two day workshop, and due to the class size limitations, two weekend have been put aside to accommodate the quilters. The workshop will take place November 14,15 and 21,22. Drop by the shop or call for more information. (705) 525-4449

So what’s new in the studio you ask. First off, I received a photo from Joan Shortsleeve. Joan has been busy making “September Morn”. It is so fitting for this time of year and beautiful. May I add, perfect timing! Thank you for sharing Joan, your quilt is wonderful.

Well, you know the old saying, “If you can’t beat’em, join’em”! So I will be joining the growing number of professional quilters doing something online. I will not be hosting online workshops as I do not have the internet capacity for such a large undertaking. However, I will be online twice a month (for now anyway) keeping in-touch, talking about tips and tricks for quilting and starting Wednesday, A Sew Along. This will all be available on my Quilting by the River Facebook page. The Sew along will be a quilt that I designed using the Redwork Gatherings line by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings.

In conjunction with my sew-along, Cindy Bee’s Quilt Shoppe will have Kits available for your quilting pleasure. You can use your own fabrics if you like and I will not be charging for the sew along. I will be giving you a brief “how to” during my Facebook Live online chats as I know that personally explaining instructions can be so useful. I will be starting the Sew-along this Wednesday so watch my Facebook page for more information.

My online presence is unrehearsed and meant just to keep us all in touch, add a little humour to our day (what I do best lol) and hopefully inspire you to create beautiful quilts.

To add a bit of excitement, I will be giving away a fat quarter pack to someone who gives a name to my Online chat time. Chat with Carla just sounds Blah!! You can send me your suggestions either here in the comments, Facebook messenger or email them to me (quiltingbytheriver@gmail.com). Your name and suggestion will go into a hat and I will let Hubby pull the winner all random so please not to silly a name. I will draw for the Fat Quarter pack Friday October 16th at 12:00 (noon).

That was a lot and now it time for lunch. Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, wear your masks and think of a really cool name.

I am stuck in the Ground Hog Day movie!!

What have I gotten myself into now?