Hello Friends. Summer is in full swing here in Northern Ontario. I am trying my best to enjoy every lovely day. I has been really hard to get into the studio these days, and I have used weeding the garden as a priority excuse. Today, however is about 28C with a humidex near 39C, so I am inside and in the studio.

I have been doing a fair amount of online research with regards to my new obsession with mini quilts. I stumbled upon this great little timesaving technique for hanging your mini quilts. I wish I would have known this earlier, but you can be sure my mini's will have these corners instead of full hanging sleeves. These are not recommended for larger wall-hangings as there is not enough centre support to prevent the middle from sagging. You know, I have several table toppers that could double as wall hangings and by applying these little folded corners it seems quite doable, and would not add bulk when used as a topper. To watch a video of this technique by Sherri McConnell and Kimberly Jolly of the Fat Quarter Shop click here.

I know that summer has just begun to settle in but I have had a few inquirers as to what this years fall workshop will be and when. There were numerous requests to bring back an old favourite of mine, Storm at Sea. Since I first taught this in 2000, it remains a quilt that keeps on giving. With its endless design possibilities and the ability to strip piece the block, this workshop is an invitation to try it for the first time or revisit an old friend. For more detailed information click here.

In a week or so, the family and I will be going to "Camp" for summer holidays. I will be absent from posting as there is no internet in the bush! LOL I would like to take this time to wish everyone a safe and happy summer season. Enjoy the sunshine, because you know that it wont be long before we are complaining about the cold!

Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, enjoy friends and family, and wear sun screen!

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!

In The Good Old Summertime

Make mine a minnie please!