A wild rose found growing on the shoreline at camp.

Hello Friends. Summer has surly arrived here in Northern Ontario. I know this because along with the many trips to the greenhouses and the weekly hum of the lawnmower, there is a buzz at dusk and dawn that can be no other then the swarms of black-flies and mosquitos that come out to feast. Summer is also the time when the family spends time at "camp" (Northern Ontario speak for cottage). Away from the busy duty filled weekday life, camp is a place to recharge, slowdown and take in ones surroundings. For me, summer gives me some time to quilt a few things off my "want to" list as opposed to my "have to" list. This year I seem to be drawn to all things little.

With the use of the Studio 180 tools, making small units and miniature quilts has never been easier. I feel a class coming on!

Flying geese units squared to 1 1/4" x 2" using the Wing Clipper 11 tool.

Miniature Shaded Four-Patch - a technique sheet by Studio 180 with units squared up with the Tucker Trimmer 1

The undertaking of a small quilt or minnie has its advantages:

it does not need a lot of fabric
It's a perfect opportunity to hone ones skills
does not need the time commitment that a large quilt does

I find I gravitate to small projects after the on-slot of 4 or 5 large quilts. My first try at the twister tool was the minnie by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. It's just sooo cute!

Have you made a minnie? Would you like to try? if so we, would love to see your pictures or leave me a comment or tell us your story in the comments sections.

The studio has a few new items in stock for your quilting needs. Anita Zobens, during her workshop at the Quilting Symposium, demonstrated and referred to these items so they are now available at Quilting by the River.

Appli-Glue - mini bottle with the small tip applicator - used for turn edge applique

Stable Stuff Poly - Soft Stabilizer sheets used in turn edge applique

Breezy - dye trapping cloths for the washing machine

I think that's all for now! Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, apply bug repellant and go make a minnie!

Hello Friends. Today, Brody and I took a time out from quilting and went for a walk. We ventured onto our favourite trail behind the house, where he could be off leash and explore. I must admit I have been a bit lazy in the walking department. Can you ever fall out of routine fast if you let yourself. We have had a few snowy, rainy days lately, which makes me ponder why I got a white dog!!

Enough about the dog, and more about what has been happening in the studio lately. Well, a few weeks ago I showed you a picture of my fabric I bought for my next Hunter’s Star. It is a 4-colour Hunter’s Star as the star points are different (red and white) from the body of the block.

This particular quilt will be a Christmas gift for a very special friend. Ok, so I’m quilting like a crazy person into the night. Why do we leave things like this to the last minute. I thought about it in September. Hey, there was lots of time.

I will take a picture of the finished quilt before I send it off.

On Monday I took a Carla day and went to Cindy Bee’s quilt shop for a class. I mean I was the student. It was so nice to have someone else do all the thinking for a change. I knew I wouldn’t take the time to get the topper done on my own so off I went and Voila! Just a few more spaces to quilt and on the table it goes.

With Christmas in a few weeks, (Yikes) my focus is on getting things ready ahead of time so that I can spend it with family and friends. That means I have lists. I have lists that refer to lists! One of my lists is a gift list. Now I know that everyone has that person on their list that you just do not know what to get them.

If I may suggest that perhaps that person would like to attend one of my workshops. There is the Quilting Symposium coming up in March. Then my spring workshop in April. Give me a shout to register that special someone for a workshop. A weekend away quilting - what a fun gift for that special quilter in your family.

Oh, look at the time. Got to get the supper on the table. Thanks for dropping by.

Until next time, stay safe, make lists and get out for a walk!

Make mine a minnie please!

I'm making lists and checking them twice!