The Big Quilt Bee is on Pat Sloan's Podcast!

Join us Monday March 27th at 4 pm EST as CQA/ACC chats with Pat Sloan about the Big Quilt Bee!

To date 300 finished quilts are made with enough tops and blocks to make an additional 200 quilts!

The quilts are so gorgeous and kids in care at Ronald McDonald Houses are just going to love them!

Quilt Canada 2017- 3D Threadwork

You have to love it when a quilt teacher takes thread to a new level and turns it into 3D art!

That is something you can find only at Quilt Canada 2017 this June in Toronto ON, as Coreen Zerr is coming to teach a multitude of unique classes on threadwork!
This three dimensional workshop is only half a day, so you can still head to the Merchant Mall after and buy more thread!

301M - 3-Dimensional Thread Play for Landscapes (Janome)One Half Day Workshop
Friday, June 16, 2017, 08:30 - 11:30
Cost: $75.00

A workshop designed to further your skills in free motion thread play for landscapes. Design elements will be demystified and techniques explained to create depth.

In the workshop, participants will create and learn 3-D effects with products and thread work, create texture by working with threads in free motion zigzag

This workshop will take your thread work to the next level! For those bored with the same old stitch, learn new ways to make your project stand out!

 The objects on the quilt practically come to life using Coreen's three dimensional thread work.

This is one workshop that will fascinate the students and Coreen will break it down in ways that you will be a three dimensional quilt artist by the time you walk out of the class! See you at Quilt Canada 2017!

Karen Henry comes to Quilt Canada 2017

In 2012, Quilt Canada travelled to Halifax NS for the CQA/ACC conference. The local organizing committee had Karen Henry as their chairperson, aka the quilter responsible for pulling off a national conference. To say things can sometimes go not as planned, there can be stressful times, and a few hiccups along the way would be a fair assessment of any national event.

What is completely off the wall crazy is that Karen Henry, the person in charge of ensuring it all worked, never stopped smiling! Like not even once!

It got to the point that some started looking to see if they could find her solemn or unhappy or even sad. Nope! All this quilter did was smile and laugh 24/7 for the whole conference! Even when she was sleeping! (ok, we may be joking about the sleeping part=) But seriously, laugh and smile and make friends is all Karen Henry did for the duration of the conference.

And now we have her booked to teach at Quilt Canada 2017!  We haven't even started to tell you about her talents in the quilting arena!  She is known for her unique landscape and pictoral quilts. Her embellishments on her quilts will stop you in your tracks for a closer look. You do not want to miss an opportunity to have her teach you. Keep reading to here what she says about her classes!

Parchment Oak Leaves

If you like to experiment with different techniques to enhance your quilts come and play at this workshop!  Bobbin Couching allows one to use a thicker line of thread that is not possible with the small hole in the needle on the sewing machine. It allows definition because it is a thick thread and permits a heavier mark of colour with a raised texture.

This class looks into the advantages of using bobbin couching in appliques and as thread play. In Parchment Oak Leaves the use of bobbin couching is explored on organza as a translucent item to be attached to the quilt. The translucency gives one the advantage of allowing the background to be visible through the stitched items which are easily sewn on with your sewing machine. The use of organza as a stabilizer lets the leaf retain its shape when the water soluble stabilizer is rinsed out; no pinning as in thread play. 

Landscape Quilts - Where Do I Start?

These landscapes are raw edge pieced and held together with the embroidered stitches. Once the fabric is on the bat and the embroidery floss or pearl cotton selected for the wall hanging the project is ready to go. These projects are truly portable and that ease makes them take away projects for the airplane, family visits or vacations; those times when your fingers are twitching, and your thoughts need a rest.

Pictoral Quilts For Beginners

These wall hangings are fun and easy to make. Most of mine reflect places I have lived and visited and they remain keepsakes of those spots. Some students work quite quickly and are able to finish within the class. It is wonderful to see the pattern adapted to the students' desire. The red shack has been purple, green and orange, the hills have been altered to complete green grass and fish nets have been added to the water. Students have made the shack every which way and relished the opportunity to encompass their vision. I feel I am there to guide them along the way.

Trust us when we say, you will never regret taking a class from Karen Henry! Her talents and personality are at the top of the class! Don't wait too long to register, she is a rare quilting gem!

Quilt Canada 2017 workshop on finishing your quilt

There is nothing more frustrating than finishing the most outstanding quilt you have ever made and then do a less than stellar job on the finishing part of it.
Well fear no more, Coreen Zerr is here to take all your troubles away!

Coreen is doing a workshop on finishing your quilt to perfection! She will teach you to block your quilt, how to face it, and the ever dreaded joining of the binding!

Here is what Coreen said about her class:

Many of my students like this class. So many quilters do not know how to properly sandwich a quilt, or how to make the quilting stay flat by blocking it. I will teach you all of this and how to put on a proper sleeve and all the different ways to finish edges. I have a really slick foolproof way to join the binding so that you cannot tell where you start and stop!

301A - After The Lovin' (Janome)One Half Day Workshop
Friday, June 16, 2017, 13:00 - 16:00
Cost: $75.00

So now that you have fallen in love with thread painting- what now? This workshop is focused on different techniques for finishing your art -from a fool proof slick way to finish the joins in your binding, how to make a “facing” for your piece instead of binding that shows, create a proper hanging sleeve, and how to block and hang your art so that it lays flat on a wall or in a show!

You know that one workshop you will always look back on and be glad you took it when you had the chance? This is that workshop! It will be there for your for the rest of your life! 

This is the workshop for you!  Never again worry about binding or how to face!  Take it all in Toronto ON this June with Coreen Zerr! 

Big Quilt Bee hit home for one quilter

Since the Big Quilt Bee started we have heard from quilters across Canada, no, that is not correct, we have heard from quilters throughout the world. They jumped on board with enthusiasm in making 1,000 quilts for kids in care at Ronald McDonald Houses, their positive attitude was contagious and soon all their friends were doing the same.

Occasionally a story about a child in care at RMHC reaches a board member or a committee member, that tugs at the heart strings. Sometimes it is the quilter themselves that has had an experience.

One such story came through email and we felt compelled to share it with you. Thank you to Liz Shakell for taking the time to tell us and be so open with such a personal family experience. And thank you to Melody and her family for allowing us to hear the story and for rising up and giving back. You truly are heroes!

This is the story as Liz, the grandmother told us, you better grab a tissue:

When I first heard of this project quilt Canada had taken on for  Canada 150, I was filled with pride and gratitude. To be part of a project that involves quilters from across Canada and now it  seems from around the world warms my heart. I had another reason to hop on board. Ronald McDonald house is very close to my heart and the opportunity to give back was a project I wanted to be part of.

In January 2012, our granddaughter Melody at the age of 2 1/2 ,living in Corbeil ON was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In a moment she and her families lives were turned upside down. She was airlifted from North Bay ON to Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa. Those first days involved a battery of test and procedures including bone marrow biopsy, blood work, X-rays,insertion of a port a Cath for chemotherapy,etc. Her parents wouldn't and didn't leave her bedside.

It was at this time they were offered respite at The Ronald McDonald House right across the street from CHEO. Although they were reluctant to leave Melody even for a few minutes, it meant they could have a place to go that would offer them some comfort. A bed to sleep in was very welcoming. 

They soon found out how special RMH was! They met other families going through difficulties they could talk to, a kitchen to cook in, meals that community organizations offered, laundry facilities, a living room to share, and even exercise equipment. It was home away from home. 

It meant as grandparents we could travel to visit them, bring them food, offer relief at the hospital, and they had a safe place they could go to that was really close to Melody. 

This was even more meaningful, when after six weeks in the hospital Melody was allowed to go "home" and that meant going to RMH. They didn't actually return to their own home in Corbeil until the end of March! 

What was amazing to me, were the friends and support Melody gained during this time. She would return after a long day of chemotherapy and procedures and would ask to see her friends. They would get together and watch movies or play games . Sometimes depending on how her blood counts were she would be isolated and have to stay in her bedroom away from everyone. 

On one occasion her friend Casey, who was 13 at the time and was just finishing her treatment, she knew what it was like to be isolated, so she brought Melody a little kitchen of her own she could play with in her bedroom. There are many stories at friendship and support I could share. 

Melody and her family spent well over 100 nights at RMH over the course of her 2 1/2 year treatment and still spend the occasional night when they travel to CHEO for follow up.

It's really hard to explain exactly how important RMH is and what it means to families who have to be away from home and away from their children. Even though I worked in health care and knew about RMH I really didn't understand, and I really didn't appreciate how very important it becomes in the lives of these families. It really does become their home and gives them one less thing to worry about when their world is falling apart.

Thank you Liz, and we wish you all the best Melody!

Quilt Canada - Coreen Zerr

Nothing beats having a superb line up of teachers for Quilt Canada 2017! Coreen Zerr is one such fabulous teacher, joining the team teaching a whole platter of workshops using thread to its full potential. 

Thread Gourmet is one such fun workshop. Coreen tells us that 'this workshop is perfect for beginners that want to learn all different types of thread play. 

The workshop will start out by covering all different types of threads and needles, and where and when to use them. It covers many tricks to make your creativity easier and help you find more comfortable ways to work.

There are fun ways to make your thread " paint" across the fabrics in both straight free motion and the most fun in free motion zigzag!'

201 - Thread Gourmet- A Menu of Techniques (Janome)One Full Day Workshop
Thursday, June 15, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $145.00

Experiment and refine your palette in all types of Thread Painting- from 3-D thread work to free motion stitches to create shading, dimension and life to your projects. Workshop is technique orientated where you are welcome to bring along projects for guidance.

SUPPLY LIST FOR 201 - THREAD GOURMET- A MENU OF TECHNIQUES

 Look at all that texture and effect from thread!

Coreen will teach you how to bring your thread to life on your quilt! You don't need to be an advanced quilter, this is suitable for beginners!

This workshop just exudes endless possibilities for your quilts and your creativity! Sign up today so you don't miss out!

Julie Plotniko teaches at Quilt Canada 2017

How fun it is to chat with Julie Plotniko and find out a bit more about her and her workshops!

Julie taught at Quilt Canada 2016 and was adored by her students due to her gentle manner and 'no question is silly' attitude. Quilters loved the relaxed atmosphere she provided in the classroom as well as the great teaching she provided.

Julie is back at Quilt Canada 2017 in June in Toronto ON, with another superb selection of classes. Be sure to find your favorite and sign up.

What inspires you?
The beauty and diversity in the world that surrounds us.
History! All things historical, from ancient to recent. From the visual arts, music, textiles and architecture.
The more we differ the more we are the same.

What would I like my students to know?
Come to class unafraid and ready to have fun. I will take you on a journey that will inspire you!


Here are the workshops Julie is offering at Quilt Canada 2017

.

410 - Unlock the Amazing Quilter Within You (Janome)
One Full Day Workshop
Saturday, June 17, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $140.00
KIt Fee: $5.00

“Reach for the Stars Quilt”
Have you ever experienced blocks that seem to grow or shrink? Do your strips ever exhibit the dreaded “V” or “WOW”? Do your points and corners seem to get away from you? Do you know the difference between a measured, generous, scant or “quilters” ¼ inch seam allowance?

In this class we will fine tune your cutting, pressing and sewing techniques to unlock the amazing quilter within you! This as a wonderful class for both new quilters as well as those who would like to refresh their cutting and piecing skills. Class emphasis will be placed on a fun and relaxing learning atmosphere.

Students will concentrate on cutting and piecing the lap size variation in class and can expect to complete (a minimum) of one Block A plus two of Block B as well as have a good working knowledge of how to assemble their project at home. Those who are working on the Twin size quilt will also complete the additional cutting at home.

Consultation will be available after class via email if students require help to complete their project.

310 - Straight Line Strategy (Janome)
One Full Day Workshop
Friday, June 16, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $140.00

Do you know that there are an unlimited number of ways that we can quilt our quilts while using a Walking Foot?
Some straight line stitching techniques can look very traditional while others are decidedly modern. You can be playful or serious, funky or fabulous.
Come on a journey with me as we explore this sometimes forgotten, wonderfully fun method of quilting.
Grid quilting, chevrons, echoing an edge, decorative machine stitches, wonky straighīt lines and matchstick quilting are just a few of the designs we will explore.

210 - Make Mine Modern (Janome)
One Full Day Workshop
Thursday, June 15, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $140.00

Free Motion quilting for the “Modern” quilter.
Modern Quilts often contain bold prints, solid colours and extensive use of heavily quilted negative space.
The quilting really is what sets these quilts apart! Come and learn stitching and design strategy appropriate to these fascinating quilts.
Swirls and Whirls, Wild Hairdo, Square Stippling, Through the Loop, Brick Wall and Matchstick Quilting are just a few of the designs students will learn.

110 - Freeform Botanical Quilting Made Easy (Janome)
One Full Day Workshop
Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $140.00

Let’s go organic with this class on free motion quilting designs from nature. Learn how to stitch a variety of fanciful leaves, vines, ferns and flowers. These designs look wonderful as a background or overall design on batiks, art quilts, children’s quilts and more.

Stitch them small with blending thread for a more traditional look or go big and playful. Designs are also suitable for use with your favorite colouring technique. Thread choice (colour, type and weight) to enhance design will be discussed as students stitch a small sampler.

Please take a look at all the amazing classes being offered at Quilt Canada this June 14-17 in Toronto ON.

Hollis Chatelain is coming to Quilt Canada 2017

In planning Quilt Canada 2017, the Board of Directors knew that it had to be an extra special conference as it was also a celebration of Canada's 150th. 

With a show packed in Canadian concurrent quilt shows and Canadian teachers, they wanted to bring in a special treat for those wonderful Canadian quilters that continue to support CQA/ACC. They looked to our supportive American friends and asked one of the esteemed quilters in the United States to join us as we celebrated Quilt Canada. It is a thrill to have Hollis Chatelain come to teach and lecture at Quilt Canada 2017 this June in Toronto ON!

Hollis is known for her gentle manner in the classroom and of course her award winning quilts! 

We had a lovely chat with Hollis to learn a bit more about her and are excited to share that with you, so grab a cup of your favourite beverage and read on!

When do you quilt?

My most creative time is first thing in the morning...really early... between 3-7 AM. This is before anyone else is awake in the household, when the house is quiet and the energy is calm.

Tell us about one of your workshops.

The reason I love teaching "Upcycle Your Jeans into Art" is because this is a technique that can be carried forward into sooooooo many different designs, and it is so easy and fun to do! My students are always a bit intimidated when they come into class and within 30 minutes they realize that they are simply doing a zig zag stitch on raw edge fabrics and you CAN'T make a mistake. This is also a class that is all about value. 

We start out the class by going around and looking at everyone's fabrics and sharing so everyone has a big variety of values. We learn from each other and share with each other.

Through making a small simple quilt, we learn a technique that can be incorporated into any design. I've attached a photo of a blue jean bag that was made with the simple design we make in class.

Blue Jean Purse

Tell us something you are most proud of.

This is hard...I think I am proud that I have been able to speak out about issues that I feel strongly about through my art. Since I was a young teen I have been speaking out about issues on justice, the environment, human rights and equality. Without quite realizing I was doing it, my artwork started becoming my statement, speaking out and bringing attention to the same topics through my art.

Precious Water

2004 Best of Show at Houston IQF

What is your favourite food?

I love so many different foods that it would be hard to choose. Usually it is the people I am eating with that makes me love the food the most, so maybe it is the experience and the company that make the food wonderful.

Three Crows

Thank you Hollis for letting us take a glimpse into your life!

If you want to learn from Hollis, sign up for her classes, but be warned, they are filling very fast! She is also one of our evening entertainers along with Kathy K. Wylie, both of whom will wow you with their incredible talents! 

Hope for our World

2007 Best of Show at Houston IQF

Here are the classes that Hollis is teaching at Quilt Canada 2017:

104 - Upcycle your Jeans into Art (Janome) 
One Full Day Workshop (6 hrs)
Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $170.00
Kit Fee: $7.00

Get ready to think outside the box. Learn a new raw edge technique and "upcycle" your old blue jeans or bring any heavy fabric you would like to use, ie upholstery, suede, corduroy, etc.! We will be combining hand dyed/batik fabric with blue jeans to create a small wall hanging that is avant-garde and beautiful. Come join the fun.

SUPPLY LIST FOR 104 - UPCYCLE YOUR JEANS INTO ART

2041 - Studio Secrets: Hollis Reveals her Creative Process
One Half Day Seminar (3 hrs)
Thursday, June 15, 2017, 08:30 - 11:30
Cost: $80.00

Come to a "private view" of how Hollis demonstrates her unique techniques in painting and quilting. As you watch on a large screen, she will dye-paint and quilt a small piece while discussing design, composition, colour and how to bring across emotion. You don't need to bring any supplies, just participate with your eyes. Hollis will be answering your questions through demonstration.

Supply List: Note book and pencil

2042 - An Artist's Journey Lecture
One Hour Lecture
Thursday, June 15, 2017, 14:00 - 15:00
Cost: $55.00

The journey of an artist is full of twists and turns. Techniques and styles change through inspiration, influence, and experience. I will be speaking about this process and showing images portraying the evolution of various artists careers.

No supply list but bring notebook & pen. 

304 - Understanding Value to Enhance Colour
One Full Day Workshop (6 hrs)
Friday, June 16, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $170.00
Kit Fee: $5.00

Understanding value is the beginning to understanding colour. We will be doing exercises that are designed to get you to look at value instead of colour so you can learn to differentiate between the two. We will be working with Prismacolor pencils to learn to break down colour into high, medium and low values.

SUPPLY LIST FOR 304 - UNDERSTANDING VALUE TO ENHANCE COLOUR

3043 - The Emotion of Colour in Art
Sponsored by: Bernina
One Hour Lecture
Friday, June 16, 2017, 18:30
Cost: $45.00

Since 2000, my work has progressed into monochromatic. Working with just one colour has been an interesting and exciting adventure. Art can carry strong emotion and specific colours reinforce these emotions. I will be speaking about the evolution of colour and how we can use different colours to emphasize what we want to say in our art.

Supply List: Note book and pencil

Door Giveaways sponsored by Superior Threads

Appetizers and beverages at 18:30 followed by lecture at 19:15

404 - Quilt Line as the Third Design Element
One Full Day Workshop (6 hrs)
Saturday, June 17, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $170.00

Do you need to find new ideas on how to use quilting to enhance the look of your quilts? In this class we will look at using quilting lines to create depth, texture, tension and shadows and to give new dimensions to your quilts. You will work with your own quilt tops which can be traditional patchwork, contemporary or modern design or art quilts. You will also participate in the application of this knowledge to all the participants' quilt tops. You will look at quilting lines as the third element of design after this workshop!

SUPPLY LIST FOR 404 - QUILT LINE AS THE THIRD DESIGN ELEMENT

2017 National Juried Show Finalists

Congratulations to the 2017 National Juried Show Finalists!
Look forward to seeing their quilts at Quilt Canada in Toronto ON, June 14-17, 2017

Judy	Leslie
Marianne	Haak
Colette	Dumont
Cindi	Plant
Laura	Koch
Colette	Dumont
Paula	Jolly
Paula	Jolly
Linda	Schmidt
Katie	Stein Sather
Jaynie	Himsl
Susan	Purney Mark
Brigitte	Villeneuve
Lynne	McCulloch
Helen	Fujiki
Krista	Hennebury
Lorna	Shapiro
Maggie	Vanderweit
Ana	Buzzalino
Carol	Seeley
Elizabeth	McDowell Heagy
Mary K	Hopkins
Mary K	Hopkins
Sandra	Wald
Lorette	Dickson
R. Leslie	Forbes
Terry	Rowland
Karen	Thatcher
Rennie	Hickey
Tracie L	Maryne
Susan	Selby
Fran	Holland
Jan	Hall
Hennie	Aikman
Terry	Aske
Nancy	Winn
Maggie	Vanderweit
Nicole	Tull
Valerie	Wilson
Lisa	St Marie
Kathy	Tidswell
Vanecea	Greene
Karen	Thatcher
Janet	Reader Day
Coreen	Zerr
Galyna	Grotto
Helen	Fujiki
Paula	Jolly
Dianne	Chretien
Paula	Jolly
Yvette	Sullivan
Donna	Krane
Heddys	Stevenson
Debora	Barlow
Nancy	Sachro
Lise	Belanger
Timmy-Jeanne	Tack
Michèle-Renée	Charbonneau
Titia	MacKay
Tannis	Fahlman
Tannis	Fahlman
Jackie	White
Patricia	Dance
Evelyne	Power
Paula	Jolly
Terry	Aske
Carole	Tullis
Jennifer	Watson
Stacey	O'Malley
Jennifer	Dyck
Dorothy	Holdenmeyer
Margaret	Notar
Krista	Hennebury
Elizabeth	Dillinger
Lorna	Shapiro
Laura	Piggott
Cheryl	Arkison
Joan	Dorsay
Helena	Taylor
Clint	Taylor
Cathy	Vickers
Terry	Rowland
Cheryl	Czaplinski
Kathy	MacKie
Anne	Hall
Marilyn	Cleven
Kelly	Corfe
Wendy	Anderson
Faiza	Elmayergi
Lynn	McEachern
Louise	Blais
Nancy	Rahn
Elizabeth	Kwadrans
Nicole	Tull
Marg	O'Bradovic
Elfrieda	Snow
Cheryl	Czaplinski
Mary	Waugh
Evelyne	Power
Natasha	de Souza Bugarin
Nancy	Wells
Helen	Doyle
Sixian	Wu
Myra	Tallman
Faiza	Elmayergi
Kerry	Burke
Dorothy	Sittler
Brigitte	Villeneuve
Diane	Carson
Sarah	Yetman
Lorna	Shapiro
Marcia	Baraldi
Leslie	Rutledge
Evelyn	Jago
Lorraine	Johnson Brotsky
Maggie	Butterfield Dickinson
Pat	Borecky
Christina	Savoie
Nicole	Tull
Lynne	McCulloch