It's been a while...

Hi Everyone!

I realized that it has been a very long time since I have posted anything on my blog! Where on earth has the time gone?

I have a couple of videos to share with you,if you are not subscribed to my YouTube channel, please feel free to do so!

So what's new....

I had a pattern that was featured in the Winter 2016 issue of Quilter's Connection magazine,of a patchwork sleeping bag pattern! I made a YouTube video HERE where you can see a close up of the sample and also find out more information on where to purchase Quilter's Connection magazines.

I was given the opportunity to read a digital copy of the children's book Maya's Blanket.
I did a YouTube video review of the book, which you can view HERE
It was a really great book and I feel like it would make a great addition to any Easter baskets that you may be putting together this spring!

I promise that I will have an Easter themed tutorial video out very soon, so don't forget to hit subscribe on my YouTube channel so you never miss a video!

What spring projects are you working on? I'd love to see them!

Feel free to send me an E-mail at quilters.workshop@gmail.com or follow me on Instagram by searching quilters.workshop

Welcome to 2016!

Happy New Year, everyone! Welcome to 2016!

To start off 2016, I wanted to share a video to advertise my small store! For those of you who don't know, I have been operating this business since 2009. I teach 3-4 group sewing classes a week, travel to quilting guilds and give presentations, sell my items in craft shows and operate a small gift store in downtown Whitby, ON.
All of the products that I sell are handmade by local crafters who I have met through various craft show events.
On top of all things "small business" I also work full time, so I don't often have opportunities to share all aspects of my life with you!

If you are interested in having a sneak-peak to my store and the variety of products made by some talented people, please check out this video

One of the things I would like to accomplish this year, is to be more consistent with the posting of my YouTube videos. So please stay tuned for a Valentine's themed video & many more to come in 2016. As well, don't forget to check out the Winter issue of Quilter's Connection magazine to find my pattern for a patchwork sleeping bag!

In the meantime, please feel free to check out my previous tutorials & product reviews!

You can visit my YouTube Channel, HERE
You can "Like" my Facebook page, HERE
You can follow me on Instagram, HERE

I'm so excited for 2016!

Shop "Small Biz" This Holiday Season!

Hi Everyone!

I thought I would mix things up today and spend a little time sharing a few of my favourite local SMALL businesses.
It's important to support small businesses in your community, and with the holiday season quickly approaching, I thought I would share some businesses and give everyone a nice little guide for gift ideas!

If you do live in Durham Region or surrounding areas, some of these businesses will actually be at a craft show this coming Saturday November 22nd 2014. The entrance and parking for the show is free and there will be fun activities for the kiddos!

Now let's get started with that list!

1. Athena's Diaper Cakes : Don't be fooled by the name! This creative lady does not limit herself to diaper cakes. Although diaper cakes are quite a unique item to bring as a gift to baby showers, she sells a variety of other products including but not limited to: baby and adult headbands, hair bows, unique winter hats, hair clip holders, bottle cap necklaces, and other creative baby gift ideas! She also does custom diaper cakes if you are looking for a particular theme. You can visit her Facebook page by searching "Athena's Diaper Cakes" and check out some awesome photos of her work below!
https://www.facebook.com/athenasdiapercakes

2. Jenna's Cakes: A talented lady who makes stunning fondant covered cookies, cakes, cupcakes and cake pops! She is present at some local bazaars and also accepts custom orders!
You can find her on Facebook by searching "Jenna's Cakes" or by clicking the link below!
https://www.facebook.com/jennamongrawcakes
I've chosen some of my favourite pictures of her work to showcase:

3. Horses on Simcoe: Although this isn't a "homemade" item, it falls under my list of "favourite local services". Horses on Simcoe is a local horse riding school, lessons taught by Joe MacKay. He focuses on teaching his students horsemanship skills, proper grooming techniques and learning how to build a healthy relationship with your horse, before you get in the saddle. Gift certificates are available! Would make a great gift for the horse-lover on your list, or for those wishing to try out riding lessons! You can find his Facebook page by searching "Horses on Simcoe" or by using the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/joe.mackay.779?fref=ts

4. Quilter's Connection Magazine: Need a gift idea for a quilter on your list? How about a subscription to a CANADIAN quilting magazine! 

https://www.facebook.com/QuiltersConnectionMagazine?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

I realize this isn't a "homemade" item, but it is still important to support Canadian magazines, especially when the American ones are so popular already. Heather creates an excellent magazine filled with interesting articles and projects! 

5. Paper Kreations by Jackie: A small business operated by a very talented woman with expertise in paper crafting! Homemade cards? check! Cute ready-to-fill scrapbooks? check! Custom invitations? check check check! Below are some awesome photos of her work! Check her out on Facebook too to find out what shows she will be participating in next!

https://www.facebook.com/paperkreations/info?tab=overview

6. Stuttering John's Smokehouse: Local restaurant that also provides catering services! A variety of delicious foods to try out on their menu! A great place to meet up with friends for a holiday get-together to try something new! A cozy atmosphere, excellent service and delicious food...what more could you ask for? Located on Highway 2 in Courtice! 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stuttering-Johns-Smokehouse/179373392153737

7. More Than Materials: A lovely local business that creates a variety of home decor items! Perfect for Christmas gifts or for adding to your own collection of Christmas decorations. Here are a few of my favourite things from their Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/MoreThanMaterials?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

8. Coeur De L'Hiver: I hear people raving all the time about how wonderful and cozy her mittens are! Check out her facebook page to find out where she will be next, so you can purchase a pair for yourself! Going to a holiday party? Her handmade soy wax candles would also make excellent hostess gift! 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coeur-De-LHiver/132616610144417?sk=photos_stream&ref=page_internal

9. The Pink Squirrel: A variety of creative and unique gift ideas! Including earrings, coasters, necklaces and more! She is present at several shows year-round! Follow her on Facebook to see where she will be next!

https://www.facebook.com/PinkSquirrelAccessories/photos_stream

10. Lastly, I'd like to spread the word about a couple independent consultants that I know of! I'd like to specifically mention Jennifer's Pampered Kitchen (The Pampered Chef). If you are interested in hosting a party or taking part in any of the special events, please visit her Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/ChefLabaj?fref=ts

Second, for the beauty lover on your list, Jamberry Nails make great products. To see more designs of nail wraps or for information on hosting a party, please visit her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/jamberryprettylittledigits?fref=ts

These are a few of my favourite wraps!

I know there are many many more wonderful small businesses growing out there. If you have a few favourites please feel free to leave links to their websites or Facebook pages in the comments below! Please remember to shop local this holiday season and share this blog post so others can read it too!

Happy Shopping! ;)
Love,
Tiffany xo

Batik Belt

I recently created this fun belt using scraps of batik materials leftover from a quilt I made previously.

The pattern is inspired by one I saw in an issue of Quilter's Connection magazine, however I did not use or follow the instructions.

Quilter's Connection Magazine

I received my copy of the Winter issue of Quilter's Connection Magazine. My three page article is featured on page 16. There are also two photos of my students' work! I'm so excited!

There are also some great patterns in this issue! The magazine is available at Chapters and select quilt stores.

My cheerleading team placed 4th at our PCA Nationals competition last weekend! Now I just need to tackle my final exams before I can finish all my Christmas gifts!

I'm so excited for the holidays!

Happy Sewing Everyone!

Holiday Distractions

Is anyone feeling very easily distracted lately? I AM!

I have studying and assignments to do, with finals coming up, but it is SO hard to stay focused when it seems like the people around you are having so much more fun, preparing for the holidays!
I spent some time baking cookies on the weekend, it was a nice break from school work! (What on earth is a quilter doing in a kitchen? I have no idea!)


Also, the Winter edition of Quilter's Connection magazine, that I am being featured in, is now out and available to purchase either online or in store. (mine is in the mail and on it's way from BC. so I have not yet seen it!) It is available at Chapter's or at select quilt shops including Evelyn's in Newmarket and Sew Sister's in Toronto.



I'd much rather be sewing Christmas gifts or shopping or doing more holiday baking, but I am stuck doing school work for another few weeks until the end of finals on December 20th.


The craft show I did on Tuesday night went well too!

I am off to Brampton this weekend for a cheerleading competition, PCA Nationals! Our team is a varsity team, consisting of both Durham College and UOIT students. Very excited!

I wish everyone good luck with avoiding distraction in order to accomplish everything on their to-do list!