Yesterday afternoon I travelled to Queensville ON to present my trunk show to their Quilt Guild.
I had a fabulous time and all of the ladies were very welcoming and attentive during my presentation. I always enjoy meeting new quilters so that we can share stories or project ideas, and have a few laughs.
In the Fall issue of Quilter's Connection magazine, I am featured on the last page, as an advertisement for what will be in the next issue. In the winter issue, there will be a full article about my business and quilting story. It is a fantastic magazine with many good articles and fun pattern ideas, it is also a Canadian magazine, I advise everyone to read it! It is available online or at Chapters.
Well, I have to keep this short due to the many school assignments I have yet to complete.
If anyone is spending their day sewing, remember, "A day patched with quilting, seldom unravels". ....I wish I could sew today!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Fall
Well, I wish it was summer again! There simply is not enough time for sewing when I have so much school work and studying to do. Almost ready for my upcoming craft show, 180 items and counting! For those of you in the area, please come and visit. It is being held at the Durham College gym, in Oshawa Ontario, 2000 Simcoe St. North on Friday October 28th-Sunday October 30th.
On Monday September 26th I will be visiting the Gwillembury Quilt Guild and presenting my trunk show. I'm very excited to meet the guild members.
This upcoming Thursday is my brother's 23rd Birthday, and he is receiving a quilt. It's a double-queen size and is made with browns and various shades of blue and a little bit of green. Unfortunately it is not entirely complete, it still needs to be quilted and bound, so I wrote on the card, "Please return for further assembly!" With school, teaching classes and my extra curriculars it is hard to say when it will be completed.
Sew many quilts, Sew little time.
On Monday September 26th I will be visiting the Gwillembury Quilt Guild and presenting my trunk show. I'm very excited to meet the guild members.
This upcoming Thursday is my brother's 23rd Birthday, and he is receiving a quilt. It's a double-queen size and is made with browns and various shades of blue and a little bit of green. Unfortunately it is not entirely complete, it still needs to be quilted and bound, so I wrote on the card, "Please return for further assembly!" With school, teaching classes and my extra curriculars it is hard to say when it will be completed.
Sew many quilts, Sew little time.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Sun Bonnet Sue Quilt
With a new school year just beginning, I am doing what many teenagers are forced to do at the end of the summer, cleaning up my room and getting rid of old school notes that are no longer needed. (Not nearly as fun as organizing fabrics!) In my travels around my old school essays I came across a short story I wrote in high school for an English class. I read it today and realized how much I enjoyed writing it. I decided to share it, but please note that the story is fictitious and was solely written for school purposes. The title of the story is "The Sun Bonnet Sue Quilt".
" The winter wind was cold on my bare hands as I attempted to create what I had hoped to be, a beautiful flower arrangement for my wife and daughter's grave. My wife, Susan, died of cancer eight years ago. When she died, I thought that would be the end of my life. Little did I know, that is where it truly began.
She left me with our beautiful little girl, Marion. She was nine when her Mom died. Susan was a quilting enthusiast and Marion adored and cherished everything her Mother made for her. I believe that is what hurt her the most, to see her Mom's sewing room unused. Since Marion was very young and had no one to show her how to properly use her Mother's equipment, she accepted that no one would ever finish her Mom's current project, a beautiful Sun Bonnet Sue quilt for Marion. It broke my heart to see her mourn for her Mother and to understand that she would never get to cuddle with her Sun Bonnet Sue quilt; but I just did not have the time to learn to sew as I had so many other responsibilities.
Two years later Marion was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The Doctor said she had one year to live. I never felt so much anger towards life. The world felt so cold. Losing my wife left me feeling alone and angry, at least I had others to comfort me. Losing two family members felt like sitting in the bottom of a dark, cold empty hole with no one to ease my pain. On our drive home from the hospital she said, "Daddy, I want to see my quilt finished before I die". I did not respond to her request, I wanted her to see it completed also. I did not know what to say, her statement had brought tears to my eyes. I had no idea who could finish it for her. I pondered over the situation until the next day, when I suddenly realized how much it would mean to her if she could have the quilt with her to hold at every Doctor's visit and medical procedure. I vowed to finish that quilt.
I went to the library. I read many books on the operation of sewing machines and quilting. I even attended a work shop at the local Quilt Guild that Susan had once belonged to. Many of the women had been friendly with Susan and were very helpful and answered all of my questions about how to properly sew the tiny pieces together to form adorable Sun Bonnet dolls. It took me an entire month to complete all twenty quilt blocks, sew them together with the sashing and add the borders, I remembered that my wife usually preferred to hand quilt the top, batting and backing of the quilt together rather than have it machine quilted. So I rummaged through her supplies and found her quilting frame and thimble. I practiced hand quilting until I was pleased with the spacing and length of my delicate stitches. I layered and basted my quilt together and fastened it firmly to the inside of the frame. After kissing Marion good night, I began to quilt around each doll. I thought of Susan while I worked and I imagined her laughing at my attempt to match her highly skilled work. The feeling of her presence made me feel relaxed and before I knew it, I had quilted through the entire night. Sunlight filled the room as I finished my last line of quilting, I expertly tied the knot and snipped the thread. The quilting was complete. After I drove Marion to school, I completed the binding. When Marion came home from school I presented it to her, I had never experienced a feeling of so much accomplishment and pride. Marion shrieked excitedly and jumped into my arms. "Oh, thank you Daddy! It is so beautiful! But who finished it?" I explained to her how I had done a lot of research and hard work to finish it and keep it a surprise for her. "You did a wonderful job Daddy, I absolutely love it!". She kissed my cheek and held her quilt tightly in her arms. She looked up at me, with a big smile and lovely sparkling eyes and said, "Mom would have been so proud of you". I smiled back at her and said, "yes, I think so too".
I still believe that it was the power, warmth and comfort of that quilt that provided my sweet daughter with enough strength to live on much longer than the Doctors had expected. Eventually, the cancer spread and the pain became too much for her small body to fight. I was so impressed with her maturity and her strength; I believe I cried more than she had. Marion inspired me to continue quilting; it brought her much joy to see the progress I made in my quilts. It also helped occupy our worried minds, even up to the last day of her life. We talked about quilt designs and brainstormed different ideas. When she passed away at the age of thirteen, I was determined to help put an end to the horrible disease that had taken the life of my wife and daughter. Finally I came up with a plan, but I needed some help in order to put my plan into action. Immediately I contacted the Quilt Guild.
We formed a program at the guild called "Sewing Against Cancer". Thirty quilters joined our program. Our intentions were to each make a quilt and host an auction to raise money for cancer. Our first auction was a huge success; every quilt raised slightly over six hundred dollars. All together our guild raised twenty thousand dollars for cancer research. We now have auctions every year and each year we raise more money. Our program has grown with time and now quilters from around the world send us quilts for the auction and participate in our battle against cancer.
Sometimes I still feel Susan's presence in my sewing studio. This brings me pleasure while I am designing or working on a quilt. The memories of Susan and Marion continue to touch my heart and bless me with inspiring ideas."
" The winter wind was cold on my bare hands as I attempted to create what I had hoped to be, a beautiful flower arrangement for my wife and daughter's grave. My wife, Susan, died of cancer eight years ago. When she died, I thought that would be the end of my life. Little did I know, that is where it truly began.
She left me with our beautiful little girl, Marion. She was nine when her Mom died. Susan was a quilting enthusiast and Marion adored and cherished everything her Mother made for her. I believe that is what hurt her the most, to see her Mom's sewing room unused. Since Marion was very young and had no one to show her how to properly use her Mother's equipment, she accepted that no one would ever finish her Mom's current project, a beautiful Sun Bonnet Sue quilt for Marion. It broke my heart to see her mourn for her Mother and to understand that she would never get to cuddle with her Sun Bonnet Sue quilt; but I just did not have the time to learn to sew as I had so many other responsibilities.
Two years later Marion was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The Doctor said she had one year to live. I never felt so much anger towards life. The world felt so cold. Losing my wife left me feeling alone and angry, at least I had others to comfort me. Losing two family members felt like sitting in the bottom of a dark, cold empty hole with no one to ease my pain. On our drive home from the hospital she said, "Daddy, I want to see my quilt finished before I die". I did not respond to her request, I wanted her to see it completed also. I did not know what to say, her statement had brought tears to my eyes. I had no idea who could finish it for her. I pondered over the situation until the next day, when I suddenly realized how much it would mean to her if she could have the quilt with her to hold at every Doctor's visit and medical procedure. I vowed to finish that quilt.
I went to the library. I read many books on the operation of sewing machines and quilting. I even attended a work shop at the local Quilt Guild that Susan had once belonged to. Many of the women had been friendly with Susan and were very helpful and answered all of my questions about how to properly sew the tiny pieces together to form adorable Sun Bonnet dolls. It took me an entire month to complete all twenty quilt blocks, sew them together with the sashing and add the borders, I remembered that my wife usually preferred to hand quilt the top, batting and backing of the quilt together rather than have it machine quilted. So I rummaged through her supplies and found her quilting frame and thimble. I practiced hand quilting until I was pleased with the spacing and length of my delicate stitches. I layered and basted my quilt together and fastened it firmly to the inside of the frame. After kissing Marion good night, I began to quilt around each doll. I thought of Susan while I worked and I imagined her laughing at my attempt to match her highly skilled work. The feeling of her presence made me feel relaxed and before I knew it, I had quilted through the entire night. Sunlight filled the room as I finished my last line of quilting, I expertly tied the knot and snipped the thread. The quilting was complete. After I drove Marion to school, I completed the binding. When Marion came home from school I presented it to her, I had never experienced a feeling of so much accomplishment and pride. Marion shrieked excitedly and jumped into my arms. "Oh, thank you Daddy! It is so beautiful! But who finished it?" I explained to her how I had done a lot of research and hard work to finish it and keep it a surprise for her. "You did a wonderful job Daddy, I absolutely love it!". She kissed my cheek and held her quilt tightly in her arms. She looked up at me, with a big smile and lovely sparkling eyes and said, "Mom would have been so proud of you". I smiled back at her and said, "yes, I think so too".
I still believe that it was the power, warmth and comfort of that quilt that provided my sweet daughter with enough strength to live on much longer than the Doctors had expected. Eventually, the cancer spread and the pain became too much for her small body to fight. I was so impressed with her maturity and her strength; I believe I cried more than she had. Marion inspired me to continue quilting; it brought her much joy to see the progress I made in my quilts. It also helped occupy our worried minds, even up to the last day of her life. We talked about quilt designs and brainstormed different ideas. When she passed away at the age of thirteen, I was determined to help put an end to the horrible disease that had taken the life of my wife and daughter. Finally I came up with a plan, but I needed some help in order to put my plan into action. Immediately I contacted the Quilt Guild.
We formed a program at the guild called "Sewing Against Cancer". Thirty quilters joined our program. Our intentions were to each make a quilt and host an auction to raise money for cancer. Our first auction was a huge success; every quilt raised slightly over six hundred dollars. All together our guild raised twenty thousand dollars for cancer research. We now have auctions every year and each year we raise more money. Our program has grown with time and now quilters from around the world send us quilts for the auction and participate in our battle against cancer.
Sometimes I still feel Susan's presence in my sewing studio. This brings me pleasure while I am designing or working on a quilt. The memories of Susan and Marion continue to touch my heart and bless me with inspiring ideas."
Friday, August 19, 2011
1600P Professional
Hello Everyone
I have recently indulged in the purchase of a new sewing machine, the Janome 1600P Professional. It is a beautiful machine! So quiet and it flies through heavy thicknesses that my other machines seem to slowly drag themselves through. I also bought a small quilting frame that I can use this sewing machine with, looking forward to assembling the frame...I hear it takes about 3 hours to set up....but it will definitely be worth the time and money I spent on the frame and the machine!
Also, I have successfully completed my first youtube video. (With the help of a very special friend!) It is a quick 'how-to' on making a basic pillowcase. I am hoping to create a small series of videos to promote what I do and sewing as an art in general. The link is below!
I have recently indulged in the purchase of a new sewing machine, the Janome 1600P Professional. It is a beautiful machine! So quiet and it flies through heavy thicknesses that my other machines seem to slowly drag themselves through. I also bought a small quilting frame that I can use this sewing machine with, looking forward to assembling the frame...I hear it takes about 3 hours to set up....but it will definitely be worth the time and money I spent on the frame and the machine!
Also, I have successfully completed my first youtube video. (With the help of a very special friend!) It is a quick 'how-to' on making a basic pillowcase. I am hoping to create a small series of videos to promote what I do and sewing as an art in general. The link is below!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The Notorious Advent Calendar
I have never in my life sewn over my finger. One time, after making a trunk show presentation for the guild in Markham ON, I was answering questions while the ladies had a break and socialized. One lady approached me and said have you ever sewn your finger? I replied, no, and I hope I never do. Her response was, "You're not a TRUE quilter until you have experienced that." And I thought to myself, well...I know a few people who have either sewn their finger or cut their hand with the rotary cutter, but I don't think that makes you a 'TRUE' quilter I think it just makes you a careless one. But instead I smiled and said, "I'll let you know if I ever do".
BUT....
Today after teaching my sewing classes, I began feverishly working away at all the items I need for my upcoming craft show. I was going through my "stash" and I excitedly came across some Christmas panels. One of them was for a beautiful Advent Calendar. I suddenly remembered purchasing it, several years ago, but it probably worked it's way down to the bottom of my priority list. I decided to make it today.
I glanced briefly at the instructions that came with it, (I usually don't follow them, because I hate following instructions that come with panels) and I began to cut out the pieces. The strips of numbered squares, that are to act as the pockets to put your treats in, are to be hemmed and then stitched onto the main piece of the wall hanging. I disagree with this part of the instructions. I like to line my pockets, it makes it look so much more complete. So I cut out all the strips of the pockets, with a coordinating solid to be the backing (or the lining of the pockets.)
Then, to give the pockets a little "puff" in order to be able to fit a nice bulgy piece of chocolate, the bottoms of the pockets are to be sewn on with little pleats, which make the opening of the pockets puff out, so that you can ideally fit more into the pocket. This sounds like a brilliant idea to me, what quilter doesn't love a nice bulgy piece of chocolate during the Holiday season?
While sewing on the longest of the strips, which has 6 tiny pockets all attached, one of the pleats was absolutely not agreeing with the rest. I took out the pin I was using to hold it together, and decided just to pinch it together with my fingers, while lowering the pressure foot with the other hand. But then, I started to sew, not realizing that my fingers were still practically under the needle.... Don't worry, I snatched my hand out of the way very quickly, so the needle only got a chance to make a tiny hole in my nail.
Today was the day I ALMOST sewed over my finger....and I will never, EVER forget it.
E-mail me if you've ever had a sewing related accident, I'm looking forward to some stories!
quilters.workshop@gmail.com
BUT....
Today after teaching my sewing classes, I began feverishly working away at all the items I need for my upcoming craft show. I was going through my "stash" and I excitedly came across some Christmas panels. One of them was for a beautiful Advent Calendar. I suddenly remembered purchasing it, several years ago, but it probably worked it's way down to the bottom of my priority list. I decided to make it today.
I glanced briefly at the instructions that came with it, (I usually don't follow them, because I hate following instructions that come with panels) and I began to cut out the pieces. The strips of numbered squares, that are to act as the pockets to put your treats in, are to be hemmed and then stitched onto the main piece of the wall hanging. I disagree with this part of the instructions. I like to line my pockets, it makes it look so much more complete. So I cut out all the strips of the pockets, with a coordinating solid to be the backing (or the lining of the pockets.)
Then, to give the pockets a little "puff" in order to be able to fit a nice bulgy piece of chocolate, the bottoms of the pockets are to be sewn on with little pleats, which make the opening of the pockets puff out, so that you can ideally fit more into the pocket. This sounds like a brilliant idea to me, what quilter doesn't love a nice bulgy piece of chocolate during the Holiday season?
While sewing on the longest of the strips, which has 6 tiny pockets all attached, one of the pleats was absolutely not agreeing with the rest. I took out the pin I was using to hold it together, and decided just to pinch it together with my fingers, while lowering the pressure foot with the other hand. But then, I started to sew, not realizing that my fingers were still practically under the needle.... Don't worry, I snatched my hand out of the way very quickly, so the needle only got a chance to make a tiny hole in my nail.
Today was the day I ALMOST sewed over my finger....and I will never, EVER forget it.
E-mail me if you've ever had a sewing related accident, I'm looking forward to some stories!
quilters.workshop@gmail.com
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Summertime
I just realized how long it had been since I last updated my blog. I have been caught up in teaching my summer lessons, making samples for my fall classes, organizing my upcoming trunk shows and of course working on a few things for my own enjoyment.
I recently completed two full sized quilt tops, waiting to be quilted and bound. One is made with various shades of blue and brown and the other is made with batiks, in lots of bright colours! It is the first entire quilt that I have made using batiks, I was thrilled with the final look. I received my first shipment of batiks in June and as soon as they came in my mind began to spin with all of the ideas that I had to use them for. I began with a table runner and then a bag and finally the full size quilt. Once both of my quilts are completed I will be posting the pictures.
Today I booked a booth for an upcoming craft show, which will be held in October at Durham College (2000 Simcoe St. N, Oshawa ON). I am very excited as this is the first craft show that I will be in. I also have two trunk shows coming up, one in September and the other in October, I can't wait for the fall!
One of my new projects that I will be teaching in the fall is a Christmas Tree wall hanging made with fabric yo-yos and buttons, it is a perfect way to use up 6" squares of various greens or Christmas fabrics and odd buttons!
I recently completed two full sized quilt tops, waiting to be quilted and bound. One is made with various shades of blue and brown and the other is made with batiks, in lots of bright colours! It is the first entire quilt that I have made using batiks, I was thrilled with the final look. I received my first shipment of batiks in June and as soon as they came in my mind began to spin with all of the ideas that I had to use them for. I began with a table runner and then a bag and finally the full size quilt. Once both of my quilts are completed I will be posting the pictures.
Today I booked a booth for an upcoming craft show, which will be held in October at Durham College (2000 Simcoe St. N, Oshawa ON). I am very excited as this is the first craft show that I will be in. I also have two trunk shows coming up, one in September and the other in October, I can't wait for the fall!
One of my new projects that I will be teaching in the fall is a Christmas Tree wall hanging made with fabric yo-yos and buttons, it is a perfect way to use up 6" squares of various greens or Christmas fabrics and odd buttons!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Happy Summer Sewing
With school officially out of the way for the summer, I am absolutely thrilled to get started on my summer sewing list, which has grown immensely over the winter. The only trouble is deciding where to start!
I recently presented my Trunk Show for the Prince Edward County Quilter's Guild. I had a fabulous time displaying my work and answering many questions from my attentive audience. I have two more shows lined up for the fall, and am already eager for those days to arrive!
I'll be continuing my spring lessons until Saturday June 25th and my summer lessons will commence on Monday July 4th. Summer lessons will be available Monday through Thursday, 9-11AM and 12-2 PM.
I recently presented my Trunk Show for the Prince Edward County Quilter's Guild. I had a fabulous time displaying my work and answering many questions from my attentive audience. I have two more shows lined up for the fall, and am already eager for those days to arrive!
I'll be continuing my spring lessons until Saturday June 25th and my summer lessons will commence on Monday July 4th. Summer lessons will be available Monday through Thursday, 9-11AM and 12-2 PM.
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