The Fence Post

JANUARY CLASSES

2012-01-01T07:40:00.000-05:00

Join us January 13 and 14 for our New Year Open House. Meet the teachers; see class samples; enjoy refreshments and demonstrations.

Gift with purchase: Kaffe tote bag with $60 purchase or registration in workshop, Jan 1 - 14, while supplies last.

This Month's Classes

January 10 --Blockheads Do you love pieced blocksand have a ton of scraps you want to use up? Become a Block Head! This monthly evening class explores new blocks each month which can be made into large quilts. January's blocks are Northern Puzzle and Corner Star

January 11-- Friendship Braid A package of 2 1/2" strips and borders, all that is required to make this lovely quilt

January 13 & 27, Six Inch Club with Jackie continues

January 19-- Bali Bag this popular tote uses strips and finishes in a day

January 21-- Rapid Fire Hunter Star--Jackie will show you how to make this old favourite with a great new ruler

January 24 --Quilting in Sections-- Evening tutorial--This step by step tutorial demonstrates how you can quilt your own quilts. You will be amazed at how easy this method of quilting is.

January 26 --Liberated Quiltmaking--Games for Quilters --Spend exploring these interesting techniques and liberate yourself the rules of quilting.

January 28 --River's Edge--Block of the Month--Using Cantik Batiks' Lakeshore and Flavours, this new Block of the Month explores the natural beauty of the River's Edge.

January 31--Spools Part One of Three--Join Faith in this class and use up the scraps you are so found of to make a delightful lap quilt.

Details including fees, supply lists and samples available in shop.

THE LIST

2011-12-27T16:35:00.000-05:00

A new year and a new list of unfinished quilts.

Although these posts are supposed to be about the shop, the unfinished quilts that end up on my list usually start as a shop sample or a new idea for a class. I can't help it--surrounded every day by fabulous colourful fabrics, the temptation to start something new is too great. Usually by the time I finish a sample the fabric in the quilt is no longer available. So I start a new one with new fabric--its a vicious cycle!

I work well to deadline(and sometimes not) and this past year I found myself putting off doing THE LIST quilts because the year end was so far in the future. I have long suspected that procrastination and deadlines were cut from the same cloth. Like night and day, we can't have one without the other. Well, here we are; December is almost over and there is no way, not even with a month of Sundays before me, that I will finish ALL the quilts on the list!

So I have made the decision to divide THE 2012 LIST into 12 months, and I will post a new list every month. (This also saves the embarrassment of posting the whole list all at once.)

So here is the list of the unfinished projects I will complete by the end of January. Drop by the shop to see what gets completed. Or, better yet, send me your list and challenge yourself to complete a few of your own UFO's.

JANUARY'S LIST

1930's Baby Bricks

1930's Beginner Sampler (one of many started while teaching the beginner class)

Turquoise and Brown Florida tote (A Trace and Create bag pattern)

Black and White Florida Tote

Purple Carol's Convertible purse

Bali Bag

Ursula Bag (turquoise)

Black/White/Orange Knotty Basket

Heart wall hanging

Miniature stars quilt

HOLIDAY HOURS AND YEAR END SALE

2011-12-20T07:46:00.000-05:00

The shop will be closing at noon on December 24 and will remain closed until 9:30 a.m on Wednesday, December 28.

We will open regular hours on December 28 – 30, 9:30 - 5:00

Year End SALE on all fabric in the shop. Three days only.

The shop will be closed December 31 until Tuesday, January 3.

Peace and Joy

2011-12-20T07:40:00.000-05:00

This is the time to reflect on the year gone by. Seems like just last week I was doing this, but a year has passed already.

After nine years I still look forward to the happy faces of visitors to Picket Fence Fabrics, and the stories of old and new friends. And of course, I have to mention the deliveries of fabric and quilting supplies—I look forward to those too. And then I go home every day and share my day with my wonderful guys, who politely share my excitement and enthusiasm for the happenings at the shop. And I love them for that!

To everyone who has spent time in the shop this year from near and far, I thank you for your continued support of Picket Fence Fabrics. You are a big part of what makes the shop so much fun. May you have peace and joy in your life.

Shopping local--you can find it right in our own backyard!

2011-09-18T09:04:00.000-04:00

The Brockville Farmers' Market is a great place to find locally produced veggies, fruit, jams and jellies and all things hand-crafted. If you are in the shop on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning, the market is only two blocks away.And you won't want to miss the newest addition to downtown Brockville--Limestone and Ivy. After picking up my samosas and green beans this week in the market before opening the shop, I stopped in to welcome the staff to the downtown, and couldn't help but say hello to the shoes on display. Well, I should have known it would happen--a pair of shoes came home with me!I had a wonderful time at the Lyndhurst Turkey Fair this weekend. For the second year in a row I sat among fabulous quilts, old and new, beautifully displayed in the Anglican Church Hall in Lyndhurst. Lunch was turkey or beef on a bun and a drink. As always, lunch sold out quickly. You could hardly move in downtown Lyndhurst for all the people and cars, tables and tents! For a small community they put together a great little fall fair. The turkey quilt I started after last year's fair is at the top of the pile again so I can finish it before next year's fair!There are many country fairs at this time of year. Strap on a good pair of walking shoes, and take time to savour the season. You won't be disappointed.

Workshops and News

2011-09-12T08:45:00.002-04:00

We will be visiting the Common Thread Quilters' Guild as Shop of the Month this Tuesday and have some fabulous new batiks and fabrics to share with guild members. On Saturday the shop will be at the Lyndhurst Turkey Fair as a vendor. If you have never been to Lyndhurst for the Turkey Fair make the trip. . . it is a fun day for young and old alike.Both of our 8-week beginner series are full and start this Wednesday. We have started a waiting list for a Tuesday evening beginner class starting October 4 . If there is enough interest we will run another beginner series.On Friday, September 14, there is still space in the Bow Tucks bag class. This class is the first in the bag series and is almost full so don't delay in signing up. If you haven't heard, we have a different bag class almost every week until Christmas. These bags and totes make wonderful gifts and great accessories for any wardrobe.We will be posting a picture of the bag class for each week so check back on Monday evenings.Rapid Fire Hunter's Star taught by Donna has been moved back a week.If the first date conflicted with your schedule we may be able to fit you in.Our Block of the Month class, Snow Days starts on September 24. There is still space in this workshop, we have deconstructed this beautiful quilt to make construction fit into this 6-month workshop.Another block of the month is the Pomegranate Sampler with four-patch chain. This Block of the Month is a pick-up class. Drop in for coffee on the first of every month, meet other participants, and pick up your kit which contains two blocks per kit. Part of the chain border isalso included with each kit so you can complete the quilt centre and be quilting the quilt in time for display at a quilt show next summer!

How much is that writer in the window?

2011-08-28T07:50:00.000-04:00

Our shop was one of the participating shops in the Storefront Writing Challenge on Saturday, organized by the Thousand Islands Writers Festival. Wendy seen here, and Melanie, in the other window,(sorry Melanie no photo) spent Saturday in our windows with their laptops writing a story in any genre. Participating writers were given the same prompt and had to include the prompt somewhere in their story. I can't wait to read what these talented local writers came up with. You can read completed works later in September--I'll keep you posted.

Quilters from Italy

2011-08-28T07:33:00.000-04:00

We had a visit from two quilters from Genoa, Italy at the end of the summer, who were delighted to find a quilt shop on their trip to Canada. There are no language barriers when you are a quilter!

Erica's Quilt

2011-08-28T07:08:00.000-04:00

One Saturday this summer Erica made her first quilt top at the shop , with a little help from Mom and I. This colourful quilt was hand-quilted by Erica and completed for a friend's new baby. Congratulations on your first quilt!

The Grand Adventure and the Perfect Bag

2011-07-31T07:46:00.003-04:00

In the last post I mentioned our oldest son was going off on a grand adventure across three continents. If you wish to follow his adventure go to Overland to Australia.

Finding the perfect bag is our latest adventure at the shop, whether it is a carry all for travel around the world, or a shopping tote to go to the market. This week a few new shop samples were completed. The Smoosh Bag is exclusive to Picket Fence Fabrics shown here. Drop in to see other new bags, all of which, will be offered as workshops this Fall.

Jenn

Summer Blues

2011-07-28T08:32:00.004-04:00

I am nostalgic for summers past. . . Every August growing up, we would take a city bus to the CNE to enjoy the rides and junk food, arriving home well after dark carrying a giant stuffed animal and sporting a sunburn. I can no longer stomach the rides or the food but the smell of fried donuts and cotton candy always take me back to those simpler times.

The Ex, as it was affectionately called, was also the signal that school was just around the corner. A visit to the Ex when it opened was always better, because you still had about two weeks of summer to savour. If ever someone could feel blue in summer though, this was the time. And, if you missed the Ex completely because you were sick or the parents decided to visit family in Northern Ontario, the summer blues were really bad! As the first day of school approached we could usually be found lolly gagging around a swing set or on the top of a picnic table in the park, remembering the cool things we did earlier in the summer. Talk of school would surface briefly, rumours about a teacher or a back to school shopping trip, but reminiscing about the summer took precedence, as if bringing up school and the future would break the happy spell of summer.

This year the Summer Blues have hit early . With the oldest heading off for his grand adventure across three continents, the second son back at university and the youngest heading off for his first year at university, this month will be a time for reminiscing, not just about summer, but about the past 25 years - about their childhood and also ours.

Do you have a favourite summer memory? Share it with us in the comment section.

For the month of August, all blue fabric will be 10% off the regular retail price when you mention the Summer Blues blog entry.

Shopping Downtown

2011-07-17T08:51:00.002-04:00

Are you a downtown shopper? On Saturday we demonstrated the Accuquilt GO! for the "Shop Outside the Box" downtown promotion. What a busy day! Customers were given a "Shop Outside the Box" reusable shopping bag with purchase. The blue bag is great for grocery shopping, or carrying your quilt to guild for Show and Tell. A number of bags are still available to be given away with purchase Why not drop in and pick up yours.

The prepared fusible leaves we cut during the Accuquilt GO! demonstrations are now available for purchase in packages of 7 leaves. Drop in to see the fall runners we made using the leaves. What a quick and easy runner to make for fall!

You can still purchase the Accuquilt GO! dies and accessories until the end of July for 15% off the regular retail price.

Our Shore Birds window topper is next on the GO! project list.

A Beginner with an eye for design

2011-06-13T08:54:00.005-04:00

Gisela, who was visiting her daughter from Germany in May, took our beginner class and finished her quilt for new granddaughter Hanna. She completed everything in the short time she was here including stitching down the binding! The quilt was left here in Canada for Hanna and Gisela went home with a few projects to do.

Although the blocks are simple, her layout and choice of fabrics made this quilt exceptional! Well done Gisela!

And the Winner is. . .

2011-06-12T08:24:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Jody Allum! Jody won the shop hop quilt top, pictured in the previous post, on the recent Brockville/Kingston/Harrowsmith Shop Hop. Jody was already sorting through her stash to use the green kit she purchased at the shop.

The complete list of gift certificate winners will be posted here when the committee meets at the end of the month. It was so nice to see quilters from near and far visit the shop and show their enthusiasm for the new patterns and fabrics. Thanks to everyone who participated.

We will be posting images of the construction process for Jewel Window. Please send us images of your completed Jewel Window quilt and we will post them here.

In Stitches,
Jenn

Shop Hop Quilt The New Nines--Jewel Window

2011-06-08T20:15:00.004-04:00

So this is what we made with the of the Shop Hop kits this year. We are calling it the the New Nines--Jewel Window. Thanks to Lore for helping with construction. It was great fun to make, like a big puzzle. The pattern was included with the kit, and following the Shop Hop we will post the step-by-step process in pictures.

We will also demonstrating the constructions of these blocks during the Shop Hop so you can see how easy and fun this quilt is to make.

See you at the Shop

J

The Lindsay Show and other news

2011-05-31T06:48:00.003-04:00

I just finished the last of our Spring quilt shows, the Lindsay Creative Quilters Guild Show. Although I love travelling I am looking forward to spending the summer in the shop in Brockville.

Our "away" friends have started their annual trek to summer homes on the St. Lawrence and we are delighted to see each and every one of them when they visit the shop. The last few weeks were especially busy, covering both Canadian and American long weekends and the weather cooperated in fits and starts.

We will be spending the next few weeks finishing the kits for a weekly summer applique project . Pick up one block for a pillow or all 10(one a week) and receive the bonus setting instructions and border applique pattern for free. Kits are limited and sign up starts on the Shop Hop weekend. First Kit is available June18.

The Annual Shop Hop is June 9, 10 and 11. The quilt offered this year is both colourful and simple to make--right up my alley!
Drop in to pick up you passport/map and see our version of the quilt. A very happy quilt!

Summer is finally here!

Catching up

2011-05-05T06:36:00.002-04:00

This winter has been a whirlwind of activity and happenings in and around the shop and regretfully, I have neglected this blog. I will be catching up over the next few weeks and posting images from the past few months. Some old news is worth sharing so stayed tuned!!

J

Spring Show Season is here

2011-05-05T06:27:00.003-04:00

My favourite spring flower, bloodroot (Sanguinaria Canadensis), has revealed itself a week early this year. It’s a sure sign of spring and my cue to start working in the garden.

Of course, this time of year is also quilt show season so I will have to squeeze in an hour here and there in the yard until the shows are over in the middle of June. I had a great time at the Peterborough and Belleville quilt shows in the last few weeks and collected a few more ‘30s prints for my latest project. Yes, it is true. I buy fabric from the other vendors for my stash! The quilts at these shows are so amazing and inspiring too!

While packing for the upcoming OVQG show at the RA Centre in Ottawa, a new line came in called Byzantium. We are madly cutting this fabric for the show. It is fabulous! Inspired by the artwork of Klimt it is a gotta have stash fabric.

Colour Spectrum

2011-01-19T07:26:00.003-05:00

Colour colour colour! Color Spectrum is here! Amish quilts, 1930's quilts or Gee's Bend quilts-- these solids work everywhere.

Colour Spectrum and Bear Essentials

2011-01-16T08:10:00.007-05:00

If you have ever had difficulty finding the perfect colour for your project we have the solution. Just arrived at the shop is the complete collection of Bear Essentials from P & B Textiles, and expected this week the complete line of Colour Spectrum by P&B.

Bear Essentials includes 64 rich tone-on-tone colours. For those quilters who search out whole collections, we have packaged the whole line as fat eights (8 metres), perfect for applique enthusiasts. Supply of this gift-boxed collection is limited, although we will be carrying the whole line as one of our basics.

I cannot wait to work with the Colour Spectrum fabrics. These solids will work into traditional Amish Style quilts or more contemporary Gee's Bend quilts. This stained glass window from Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria is my inspiration for a new quilt using these two lines of fabric. The pattern is drafted. . . .

Morning Madness--Its coming!

2011-01-15T16:20:00.000-05:00

Psst . . . Pass it on. Picket Fence Fabrics is making room for lots of new fabrics in 2011! To accomplish this we are holding our Morning Madness Sale on Saturday, January 29 (last year it was in February). Sale starts at 8:00 a.m. Every fabric, book,pattern and notion will be on sale. Early Bird Specials include 40% on total purchase (some restrictions apply) and the best selection of the "Buy One getTwo free" bolts.

More details here and in the shop in the coming weeks.

Start making a list!

2011 My List of Lists

2011-01-10T11:01:00.010-05:00

For me, a new year always begins with a day (or three) of sorting through my stash and planning a few quilts for gift-giving throughout the year. I do this to take stock of what I have and make a shopping list of fabrics and supplies I should be on the lookout for. This year was no exception.

This nesting/cleaning frenzy ends with lists of the quilts I want to finish last week, lists of fabrics and supplies I need, lists of quilts not finished last year that were supposed to be gifts. . . This year I organized the lists by month. I like lists—I could save my lists to make an art quilt! I usually lose the lists within hours of their creation! This year I made these lists on my new phone—there is an app for that you know! Still figuring that out. Heaven help me if I lose the phone!

So, from all the sorting and lists I plan to make, or at least start, a few scrap quilts. More on these quilts when I get through cutting but for now they are sorted and resting comfortably in their new stackable storage boxes. Scrap quilts aside, a few smaller things I wanted to finish got done .I did finish a few little things in the first week of this new year and thought it might provide some momentum to continue working through my lists. Wish me luck. I will post a list or two when I figure out how to get if from my phone.

So here are pics of a few projects completed! Only one was on a list.For now back to the machine on my day off!

Calendar Blocks from the new book Count on It from Art to Heart are a great small project. My numbers are a work in progress. For the Pumpkin I used a pattern by Happy Hollow Designs but instead of using men's neckties as they suggested I strip-pieced the fabrics.

Jennifer

Fantasy Flowers Instructions

2010-06-15T19:55:00.000-04:00

Margaret Patty Angie and Mary can't wait to get started on their quilt so here is a jpeg of the pattern

A pdf of this, along with pictures will be posted shortly on the website and linked to the blog

A New Mystery Quilt from my Cupboard

2010-06-15T06:44:00.002-04:00

While cleaning out my stash cupboard for the new mystery quilt I have been working on, I was reflecting on recent visits from my sons.

Whenever my oldest son came home from university he would point out the dated salad dressings and condiments in the refrigerator. We had to point out that we don't use these things as much now that the boys are all away from home.
Now, before my oldest comes home to visit, I check the "best before" dates on everything in the refrigerator and cupboards so as not to get him thinking his parents are losing it and he should be making plans for them.

I was determined to use up fabric from my stash for a new mystery quilt and realized that fabric probably has a "best before" date too, although it probably won't do as much damage as the old food in the refrigerator. This is a common theme we hear at the shop--"I have more fabric than I will ever use" This quilt is a great way to use some of those wonderful "mature" fat quarters taking up space in the cupboard that have passed the "best before" date.

Watch this space for details about this quilt. It is big and easy and a bit like a seven layer dip but without the calories! Now to come up with a name.

Fantasy Flowers Shop Hop Kit Quilt

2010-06-11T18:50:00.008-04:00

The lucky winner of the June Shop Hop quilt top is Kelly Dillabough. Congratulations to Kelly. Thanks to everyone who purchased a kit from Picket Fence Fabrics. We look forward to seeing your finished quilts from the Freckles fabric at next year's Shop Hop.

Fantasy Flowers are what I saw when I started making the quilt for the annual June Shop Hop.
Simple instructions are available here. A picture of the Fantasy Flowers quilt is available here. The KaleidoRuler by Marti Michell makes easy work of the cutting for this quilt. If you use the paper pattern, check your printer settings are NOT set for print to fit. This setting may reduce the size of the template.

Start by following the cutting instructions. On a design wall or flannel sheet layout the fabric wedges in a pleasing layout.or follow the layout of the completed quilt. This is a quilt you can play with colour placement. I want to try it again in batiks just for the challenge of placing colours. The techniques I used to make the kaleidoscope flowers are in the attached images. Refer to these before construction of your blocks and you should have no problem with the blocks fitting together.

I look forward to seeing your completed quilts. If you did not participate in the shop hop and would like to order a fabric kit for this quilt please contact the shop by phone, or by email.

Thanks

Jennifer

Spring Day Trippers --BoM BoM BoM

2010-04-25T13:46:00.001-04:00

Along with the great weather we have been experiencing we have been catching up with favourite quilting friends, lured out by the sunny skies for a day trip to Brockville. The visits started with annual Poker Run Shop Hop, which brought everyone out from winter hibernation. We love seeing the projects you have been working on this winter! This weekend a visit from the season's first cottager returning to their island cottages was a sure sign that summer is on its way!

We have new samples, kits and fabric to share with our summer friends. Our American Beauty Block of the Month still has a few spaces left.

Another Block of the Month, this one appliqued, is now kitted and ready to go. This angelic block is just one of the twelve in a series. Try just one, or all twelve in a lap quilt. This a perfect BoM for a summer of applique at the cottage.

Green and Purple scrap quilt

2010-04-18T13:44:00.005-04:00

This green and purple scrap quilt is making a dent in my scrap pile. I cut a few rectangles every time I am in the sewing room, even taking a few minutes to cut while I am waiting for the iron to heat up to press my husband's shirts!

For each block you need 8 rectangles measuring 2 1/2" X 4 1/2". Sew together in pairs and then sew pairs into a four patch. Press seams in clockwise direction on the back , then all seams will nest together when sewing rows. This makes a great woven quilt.

When I have a few minutes to sew I make a block or two. Here are the results. The block in the bottom centre of the image shows the layout of the block.

I will post an image of the rows as they are assembled.

American Beauty Block of the Month

2010-04-18T08:05:00.010-04:00

We are using Set L of Marti Michell's acrylic templates for our Block of the Month, American Beauty. Two blocks are shown here. The templates cut away any excess fabric and if you follow the pressing directions given in the instructions, little or no bulk is left at the seams.

When complete we will have a fabulous queen-sized quilt.

Every month I have been cutting additional blocks from my scraps for a future scrappy sampler quilt. This is a great way to chip away at the scrap pile, which seems to reproduce in the dark. This is a blue block using one of the block patterns. Changing the colour placement changes the look of the blocks. What Fun!

Congratulations to Barb (last month) and Kristie (this month) who won the draw. Remember to bring in your completed American Beauty Block for a chance to win the draw. Next month in keeping with the block name we will be have strawberry treats with our morning coffee.

There are still a few spaces left is you would like to join in the fun. Call the shop for details.

Block of the Month--American Beauty

2010-02-25T21:16:00.003-05:00

We are launching a new Block of the Month on March 13. The blocks kits are ready and we are busy completing the sashing and border kits this week. The quilt, designed by Marti Michell, uses her Wild Roses fabric line from Maywood Studios and is available with black or white borders.

To keep the price low we are offering a tutorial (demonstration) of the block construction every month instead of a class . There is no need to bring your machine, tools, cutting mat, rulers, etc. Come for the demo, pick up your block, and if you bring your completed block from the previous month your name will go into a draw for free stuff!

Block kits will be $15 plus taxes. Shipping is extra.

Prepayment of the first and last months' kit fees plus a start up fee of $25.00 is due when registering. The start up fee is applied to the finishing kit at the end of the program if all 12 months are purchased at Picket Fence Fabrics. For those of you eager to get a start on the sashing and borders, you also have the option of purchasing the finishing kit when you register. anyone choosing this option receives a Maywood Studios totebag, while quantities last.

The quilt top will be in the shop March 1.

Mardi Gras Sale Winner

2010-02-14T11:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.

A line started forming just before 8:00 a.m for our Mardi Gras Sale yesterday. Customers braved the cold and the early hour to take advantage of 40 percent off their purchases. Congratulations to Dianne Alberry, the winner of the gift basket, pictured here.

Another Morning Mayhem Sale will be held in late March. Dates, times and specifics will be posted in the shop the week leading up to the sale and on this blog.

Fusibles

2010-01-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

Working in a series can be quite liberating. While working on one piece using a simple motif, numerous alternatives were presenting themselves on how the motif, in this case fish, could be used. Rather than choosing just one layout and colourway and stopping there, I started drafting, cutting, fusing (yes, I fuse sometimes!) and layering and came up with a number of interesting pieces.

Fusing was a exploration in itself. I have often referred to anything fused as lick-and-stick, or cut-and-paste. These products speed up the process of construction, if you know which product to use.

All of these products are available at Picket Fence Fabrics.

Start with a good teflon sheet when using your iron with these products. As an inexpensive alternative, use parchment paper found in the baking section of your grocery store.

1. The powder bonding agent by BoNash can be used to hold down small pieces until you sew them in place. A little of this product goes a long way. Great for landscapes, snippets technique.

2. Misty Fuse in black or white, is excellent for fine silk or sheers. Unusual textures can be accomplished with this product.

3. Wonder Under is great for general fusing of appliqué pieces. It is inexpensive compared to other products.

4. Steam-a-Seam is thicker and gummed up my needle but probably works better on pieces that you will be buttonhole stitching by hand or machine along the edges, not stitching in definition with threadon the piece itself.

5. Peltex, a great two-sided fusible product is used for postcards, boxes, book covers and anything you want some stiffness. Use this instead of batting.

6. A water-based glue stick (kids use these in school) is inexpensive and provides a temporary hold for appliqué pieces.

7. Glue Pens are used to hold down finer details.

8. Glue Baste provides a temporary bond where pins would be awkward such as Celtic appliqué, stems, letters.

9. Spray baste products are great for adhering a quilt backing, batting, top together but the airborne particles can pose a health issue for some.

Log Cabin Crazy

2010-01-24T04:57:00.009-05:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of leading a Log Cabin Workshop for the Heritage Quilters Guild of Napanee. The 25 participants worked on a variety of log cabin block designs. Here are the results of some of their blocks.

The log cabin quilt block is one of my favourites and I usually have one or two log cabin quilts in progress. I try to include a variation so

that no two quilts look alike. I designed this blue/green/yellow combination for our guild to make as part of Community Quilts. With the right colour placement these blocks appear 3-D.

More pics to come.

Winter Workshops Start this week

2010-01-10T08:40:00.008-05:00

I am excited to be teaching another group of new quilters in the eight-week beginner workshop starting this Wednesday evening. What a kick it is to see their enthusiasm for quilting grow as they master techniques! Although the evening workshop is full, we will an afternoon session if there is enough interest.

Jane will be hosting our first rug hookers Hook-In on Friday. Bring a work-in-progress and a lunch and spend the day with fellow rug hooking enthusiasts. Jane will also be teaching Beginner rug-hooking on Saturday. If you are interested in learning this traditional craft there is still space. We have made it easy for you by kitting your first project. All you need is a hoop and a hook(which we stock).

A reminder that next week's classes are also filling. Faith will be teaching embroidery stitches on a wool Eyeglass case. No need to buy lots of supplies--we have kitted this project too! A needle, thimble and scissors are all the tools required.

Jackie's group of Sylvia's Bridal Sampler enthusiasts is growing--the morning session has one spot left but there is still space in the afternoon session. This workshop is a great way to use up your stash--the blocks are only 6" finished!

Another sampler class being offered is the Biblical BlockSampler from Rosemary Makhan's book More Biblical Blocks. This is a great next steps workshop for anyone who has successfully completed the beginner workshop or mastered basic techniques.

We have added two workshops in March. Shamrocks and Shillelaghs will be held on March 1. Come to class with your green scraps cut and we will spend the day turning them into a small quilt to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Drop in to see workshop samples and sign up.

New fabrics are arriving every week. The latest is this line

just in time for Valentine's Day.