Happy New Year!

Hello Friends. It’s the last day of 2018, and the Hubby and I are at the River House just chillin! Christmas was quiet, and I am truly thankful that the family was able to be together for the holidays. The girls got us framed photos of their wedding pictures and of course I cried. (like that’s a surprise) and to be honest, those are the kinds of gifts that really matter. The newlyweds have made it back to the UK and our oldest is enjoying some quiet time in her new house. My, how the holidays just flew by. All the prep and fussing and whoosh here we are at the eve of another year.

I am fighting a bit of a cold, but I must say, the timing for something like that is OK, as I am in hibernation mode for the next few weeks. I de-decorated this morning and anxious for things to be normal, including the menu. Too much cheese and chocolate and the like. I swear every time I turned around there was something jumping into my mouth.

January is shaping up to be catch up time with quilts to be quilted on the long arm and time set aside to write my next pattern. Somehow, I am a master of procrastination when it comes to writing patterns. Then of course with the new year comes year end and inventory so there goes January. With all the expenditures this past year we have decided to pass on our February Caribbean holiday. That is just fine with me, as I am always in for some extra sewing time. There is an exciting event/adventure taking place in January, but I can’t share just yet so stay tuned and I will bring you up to date mid-January.

2018 was an exciting year for me as I was able to release two more patterns. For the shops out there, my patterns are now available through Erie Quilt Art in Canada and Checker Distributors in the U.S. All quilters and shop can always buy them directly from me as well so have a look at the store on my website. All in all, 2018 was a whirlwind year, and I am looking forward to 2019 having a calmer and more focused feel. Like that is going to happen. Haha

I recently received an email from my friend Leianne McCallum who teaches all things Studio 180 at Quilters Cupboard in Uxbridge Ontario. She so kindly sent me photos of some of her students work in the Studio 180 Club class. Leianne writes, “All the blocks look so different, yet equally lovely, and everyone has really enjoyed your pattern.” What a lovely treat to see students creative take on patterns. They are lovely and different. Thank you Leianne and your students for using Quilting by the River patterns. I look forward to more pictures as you finish your projects.

Another quilty friend so kindly sent along a photo of her finished “Quarry” quilt which she did in the November workshop. Danielle is new to our workshop group, but I get the feeling I will see her again and share some fun quilting time as always.

Quarry, pieced by Danielle Vincent

One thing I promised the Quarry workshop group, is the continuous quilting grid that I used when I was quilting the squares in my green sample. Here you are, and I am available if you have any questions.

Well Hubby wants to go for a walk before the snow starts and the temperature drops. So from my family to yours we wish you a safe happy and healthy 2019

Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, Happy New Year and make time for a nap!

Hello to the quilters in Western Canada

Hello Friends.  With the Quiltmaker Magazine now in full circulation, I’d like to send out a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their kind words of support and encouragement.  A particularly warm ‘hello’ to everyone out west, and Auntie Rose especially. 

My mother-in-law’s family settled near North Battleford, Saskatchewan from the Ukraine 100 years ago this past July. Every 5 years, the big family gets together at the original farmstead. My first trip to North Battleford for a reunion was some 20+ years ago now. Countless pans of cabbage rolls, more perogies than I’d ever seen in my life, and so many kisses and hugs from strangers I got chapped lips! One of my favourite memories of the family reunion was the accordion music played at night by the local band. As the accordion band played polka music, the Finnish girl in me got excited and wanted to dance. But, my husband didn’t know how to polka (and still doesn’t, but he tries hard!). I don’t quite remember how, I was whisked onto the dance floor by Auntie Rose. I remember Auntie Rose,she is like a glass of champagne –  sparkly, bubbly, and when when she’s around you feel all warm inside. I remember swirling around the dance floor and feeling like one of the family. I will always treasure that dance with Auntie Rose. 

Click Here for more information on this book 

To raise money to offset the cost of the reunion, there was a silent auction. With 11 siblings, their children, and their children’s children, these events were substantial undertakings! Each sibling’s family was responsible for donating something to the auction table. I had just bought a new stained glass book by Brenda Henning with a wheat motif pattern I wanted to try, so I volunteered to make a table runner. The wheat motif was outlined in gold lamé and I couldn’t help but    think it a perfect piece to bring to the family wheat fields in Saskatchewan.

Wouldn't you know it, Auntie Rose was the highest bidder on my table runner. I remember her strutting around with it for the rest of the afternoon. It was such a hit that I had to make another one for my mother-in-law, and that’s the runner in the photo above.

A few weeks ago, I received a Facebook message from Auntie Rose’s daughter, Janice. Kindred quilter spirits had found each other again – Auntie Rose had stumbled upon my Di-RECT-tional pattern in QuiltMaker Magazine. Janice sent a picture with Auntie Rose holding up the magazine article and her message read, “Mom was overjoyed to receive a copy of the magazine featuring your beautiful handiwork. She even dressed to match the burgundy border!”. Although we don’t get to see them very often, it sure would be nice to have a quilting day out west – and maybe perhaps enjoy some champagne while we’re at it!  

This post is for Auntie Rose, sending love and kisses from out east - xo.

I hope you enjoyed this little story of my past and present.  Until next time, stay safe, watch the leaves change colour and call your Auntie!

I'm leav'en on a jet plane!

Hello Friends.  What a fun day I had last Saturday in Dowling, with the ladies from the Dowling Quilters Guild.  There were machines humming and rotary cutters cutting, all making Hunter’s Star blocks.  Spending the day with friends old and new is a perfect way to spend a wintery Saturday. 

There was even homemade soup for lunch – Mmmm – all gone!

Thanks for an awesome day, everyone.

Tomorrow, Jim and I leave for the Toronto airport and a long awaited holiday to a beach in the south.  Now I do not do well sitting on a plane, so in preparation of the flight I like to bring something that will amuse me for the duration.  A good friend of mine, Dorothy, planted a seed a few weeks ago at our guild meeting.   You see, she came over and showed me a small bag (about 4” x 6”) with the outside made from ½” hexies.  Now I’ve been fighting the temptation as I really do not have time for an abundant amount of handwork.  But it didn’t take much for me to give in and get some ready to stitch on the plane. 

We’ll see how many I get done. 

Now speaking of my good friend, Dorothy.  Some people have such a giving heart, and this lady is no exception.  She is a bag making Diva and surprised me with this beautiful Travel bag.  There are tones of pockets, a place for my laptop, it’s padded and has a strap to fit over the handle of my suitcase.  Well need I say it is packed full and will be coming with me on our trip.  It will see many more destinations, as this one is my favourite.  Thank you friend!

I'm glad to announce that the Thread and Applique workshops for March 12 & 13, are now full.    I’m so happy that we can take full advantage of having someone like Anita Zobens in our midst.  It will certainly be a day of learning and laughs.  I can’t wait!

I didn’t get a change to get the second sample table runner finished before we leave but here is a picture of the block. It is made from a light, medium and dark of 4 different colours . Just for those who may want an added challenge.  I will post the completed runner when I get back so stay tuned. 

I’m hoping that the weather stays fair and I will certainly be thinking of you all while I’m away.  We will see if there are any quilters on the beach.  If you yourself are heading south, look for the lady stitching hexies and com’on over and say Hello!

Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, practice shovel safety, and happy quilting.